Community Spotlight, the area's longest running local public affairs radio program, airs on all six Media One Radio Group stations each weekend and is also available to hear in our Podcast Section.  Each week we sit down with a community leader or another special guest to talk about issues within our community.  


Weather Forecasts are available across our radio stations each day and also as your fingertips! 

Connect with The National Weather Service's Buffalo Office or with WGRZ-TV for accurate weather information!

 

 

 


 

WJTN News Headlines for Fri., Mar. 24, 2023

Falconer man indicted in cold case kidnap and murder investigation...
A Falconer man has been arrested after being indicted by a federal grand jury for a nine-year-old kidnap and murder case.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced that 36 year-old Anthony Neubauer is accused of kidnapping an individual identified as "J.A." on May 27, 2014 in the Jamestown area... and, then taking that person to Pennsylvana... where they later died.  Ross says Neubauer faces one count of kidnapping resulting in death.  He was arraigned this afternoon by U-S Magistrate Judge Jeremiah McCarthy and is being held pending a detention hearing next Tuesday.  Neubauer faces a manditory minimum of life in prison if convicted.


County Legislature rejects increasing Bed Tax to 8%... approves remaining at 5%...
There will be no change in Chautauqua County's occupancy -- or bed tax -- under a measure approved by the County Legislature.  Lawmakers in Mayville Wednesday night approved keeping the tax at 5% after a number of overnight accomodation facilty owners voiced their disapproval.  One of them... Peter Weimer of We-Wan-Chu cottages...  says his taxes nearly doubled after the town of Chautauqua went to 100% of assessed valuation last year.  Weimer says his taxes went from about $16,000 in 2021 to nearly $30,000 in 2022.  Bed-and-Breakfast Owner Rosemary Stage of Bemus Point noted that an increase to 8-percent... as proposed by County Executive P.J. Wendel... would cause some of her patrons to reconsider coming here... because their tourists do look at their bills.  Members of the legislature heard the message loud and clear... and, Jamestown Democrat Tom Nelson noted that... echoing what one hotel owner pointed out, saying "this tax will not go unnoticed by hotel guests."  It was pointed out that the higher tax -- if given state approval -- would not go into effect until next year.  The final vote to stay at the 5% tax was approved, 14-0.


Wendel touts more mental and physical health help in 2023 State of the County...
Chautauqua County's Health Department will be taking it's show on the road this year... with a new "mobile clinic" that'll be providing mental and physical health services.  That from County Executive P.J. Wendel... who announced that as one of his administration's new initiatives during 2023 during Wednesday night's State of the County Address.  Wendel says Public Health Director Dr. Michael Faulk has been working on the program... which will include lead testing for children, and augmented vaccination clinics, and partnering with other agencies to help people with addiction issues.  Wendel's 18-minute long speech touched on a number of other areas... including the need for sewer service along the western shoreline of Chautauqua Lake.  He says the West Lake Sewer Project will enter Phase-Two this year.  He also touted the start of work on expanding broadband and Internet access in the county.


Florida man arrested for shooting incident in Pa. that led to emergency call at Dunkirk Thruway exit...
A man from Ocala, Florida man has been arrested in connection with Tuesday night's shooting incident that occured on Interstate 90 in Pennsylvania.  New York State Police have announced that 34-year-old Ervin Stubbs was charged with one Felony count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  Stubbs was also charged by Pennsylvania State Police as a fugitive from justice.  Troopers from State Police Troop 'T' in Dunkirk were called to Exit 59 at about 9 p.m. Tuesday... and met up with EMS and the victim, identified as a 42-year-old man from Detroit, Mich.  He was taken to the Erie County Medical Center for treatment of a non-life threatening wound to the knee.  Police say Stubbs was driving his truck when he allegedly shot the victim... and he was later found at a Genesee County truck stop -- with a 9-mm handgun.  He'll be taken to Pennsylvania where is sought on an extradition warrant. 


Gillibrand urges use of Maternity Mortality Hotline in the wake of increased deaths between 2020 and 2021...
A major increase in the number of maternal deaths in the United States from 2020 to 2021 has led U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to call for fully implementing the new, National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.  The New York Democrat was able to get legislation to begin the program in this year's budget.  Gillibrand says the Centers for Disease Control recently reported a 40-percent rise in the maternal mortality cases... most of which she says are preventable.  She adds 4 out of 5 of those were triggered by mental health issues... including substance abuse disorders, suicide, and depression or PTSD.  Gillibrand adds that most of those are among black women... and, says the most prominent case involved legenday tennis star, Serena Williams.  Gillibrand says the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available free to the public... 24-hours a day... seven days a week.  She says that number is 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS... that's 1-833-943-5746.     


Langworthy co-sponsors Dairy Pricing Act in Congress...
Chautauqua County's representative in Congress has introduced the bi-partisan Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act of 2023 in the House of Representatives.  Buffalo-area Republican Nick Langworthy introduced the measure... with New York Democrat Joe Morelle... Thursday as part of National Agriculture Week.  Langworthy says the measure aims to ensure that dairy farmers have the ability to price their products to reflect today’s market environment.  He says the bill will help "bring transparency and modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order system so our farmers have confidence in their product pricing that are reflective of today’s standards."  The Senate bill is sponsored by New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand and Maine Republican Susan Collins.