Post sentenced to 125 years to life in child sex assault cases...
The Silver Creek man convicted of six counts of Felony sexual assault of a child earlier this year will spend the rest of his life in prison. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says the sentence against 27 year-old Dustin Post was handed up by County Court Judge David Foley Monday... and, will be served consecutively with a federal sentence Post is currently serving. Schmidt says the total number of years would amount to 125 years to life in prison. In a printed statement issued late Monday... Schmidt said "today's sentencing of Mr. Post ensures that he will spend the rest of his life behind bars... and, will never be free to harm another child ever again..." adding that "it is the only good that comes from this case." The D.A. also called Post's child victims "the real heroes here."
Ellicott residents, attorneys and justice blast town board's move to eliminate one justice...
Ellicott Town Justice Marilyn Gerace went before the town board Monday night with a forceful request... not to cut her job. Gerace told them their recent decision to eliminate one of the two justice positions was made without providing an "adequate opportunity for public input -- you failed your constituents." The decision to eliminate one justice was made unanimously and without fanfare in March. Since Gerace is up for re-election this year, it’s her position that would go, leaving Sally Jaroszynski as the remaining justice. Among the many people who addressed the board were two local attorneys. They praised the work of the Ellicott Court as one of the most efficient and effective in the county. One of attorneys, Mike Goldman, questioned the legality of the move because the town code has a mandate to have two justices in a town the size of Ellicott. Each justice earns around $14,000 a year. The Ellicott board could reverse its decision, but took no steps in that direction Monday night. No one on the board commented on the March decision. Marilyn Gerace says she’s already gotten enough signatures to force a referendum on the matter, if needed.
Coon outlines plans for new, second ambulance to City Council...
City lawmakers in Jamestown hope to have more information next week on the financial impacts of purchasing a second ambulance... and, hiring eight new firefighters. The City Council's Finance Committee has delayed action on a resolution at last night's work session to purchase a new ambulance for the fire department. Finance Committee Chairwoman Kim Ecklund says they want more information on both anticipated revenues... and expenses. Deputy Fire Chief Matt Coon says the basic vehicle will cost between $150,000 to $160,000. Coon adds that patient loading and extrication equipment will cost another $65,000. Radio equipment would cost about $15,000. The total cost would be about $247,000. There was also no action taken on the federal SAFER Grant that would cover the cost of hiring eight new firefighters -- mainly to staff the new ambulance.
Borrello blasts Democratic majority in state legislature after another budget extender is approved...
There's still no agreement on a new New York state budget... and, with that... the legislature has approved another one week extention of the current budget. State Senator George Borrello says... though... policy remains the sticking point with Governor Kathy Hochul standing her ground on changes he says are "critically needed to the disastrous bail reform law." Borrello says the Democrat-led legislature is still resisting those. The Sunset Bay Republican says "this fiasco underscores my point that policy should not be in the budget, which is supposed to be a financial document." Instead... he says the budget has become a vehicle for "controversial policy changes that could never survive a stand-alone vote." Borrello adds that everyone who relies on state funding for programs and services are hurt by these "political maneuvers."
City man accused of threatening workers at CVS, and being in possession of fentanyl...
A Jamestown man is accused of being in possession of Fentanyl while he threatened staff at the CVS Pharmacy in Brooklyn Square last Saturday afternoon. City police were called to the store at 19 South Main St. shortly before 1 PM on a report of a disorderly man threatening employees. After investigation... officers learned that 38 year-old Richard Neal had left the property following the incident... and, he was later found in the area. Neal was taken into custody... and during a search... police found him in possession of a quantity of fentanyl and packaging material. He's charged with second-degree harassment... seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia. Neal was jailed pending arraignment.
Ribbon is cut on new Studio 'D' Restaurant/716 Boutique at Jamestown Airport...
A well-know catering business in downtown Jamestown has now opened up a new restaurant and gift boutique at the Chautauqua County Airport near Jamestown. The ribbon was cut Monday afternoon for "Studio D and 716 Boutigue... owned by Diana Scott... in the airport's restaurant space. Scott says her business was approved for the space late last year by the county legislature after their lease was up at their location in the city... and, says they approached the county about the space late last year. Scott says they're opening the new location today... will will be open during the week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and, will also be doing catering out of the restaurant location, which will also include an event venue. The ribbon cutting was hosted by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.
