Wilson confirmed as new Chief Judge; first black to hold position...
The New York State Senate has confirmed Rowan Wilson as the state’s first Black chief judge... two months after lawmakers dealt Governor Kathy Hochul a political defeat by rejecting her initial nominee for the top court post. Wilson has been an associate judge of the Court of Appeals, New York's highest court, since 2017. Hochul tapped him earlier this month to lead the seven-member high court and oversee the state’s judicial system. The confirmation vote caps months of conflict between Hochul and her fellow Democrats in control of the Senate over the direction of the court.
City of Jamestown looking to bring back ombudsman position...
With human resource needs growing in Jamestown city government... the city council is considering bringing back the ombudsman's position handle those duties. Lawmakers will consider next week lifting the hiring freeze to bring in an HR specialist for the rest of the year to do that work. Mayor Eddie Sundquist says that person would replace the part-time, Associate Corporation Counsel's position, recently vacated by Ben Haskins. Sundquist says they are seeing more mental health issues... and, employee disputes that have been seen in a long time. The city eliminated the city ombudsman's position more than 20 years ago due to department restructuring and to save money. City Council President Tony Dolce and Finance Committee Chairwoman Kim Ecklund say they have no problems doing this for the rest of 2023. However... Dolce says this creates the likelyhood of having two full-time people in the Corporation Counsel's office... and that could double the cost in that department. Sundquist says the cost for the Associate Corporation Counsel in the 2023 budget was $57,000... and, filling it for the rest of the year would cost in the neighborhood of $40,000.
Cause of late Monday night fire in Sherman still under investigation...
A late night fire Monday at a home in the town of Chautauqua remains under investigation. Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say Sherman fire crews were called to the scene at 4649 Route 430 about 11:20 p.m. Monday... and, several mutual aid companies were called in to assist. After extinguishing the blaze... members of the county's Fire Investigation Team were called into to look for the cause. They determinied the fire originated in the second story of the home... but, the cause has not been determined at this time. No injuries were reported. The local Red Cross is assisting the family.
Fredonia Village Board approves $11.3-million budget...
Fredonia village lawmakers have approved a 2023-24 budget that totals just over $11.3-million dollars. During Monday evening's meeting... board members approved the proposed spending plan by a 4-to-0 vote. Trustee Jim Lynden did voice concerns during the vote... noting that an employee was slated to receive a $17,000 raise. Still, he voted for the budget. The Fredonia budget will raise the village's tax rate to $36.95 per $1,000, up from $36.18 per $1,000. The budget will also increase the water rate by 15-cents to $4.95 per 1,000 gallons... and, the sewer rate by 15-cents to $6.32 per 1,000 gallons.
Investigation continuing into 750 pounds of marijuana being found in big rig involved in Thruway accident...
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the discovery of nearly 750 pounds of processed marijuana inside a tractor-trailer that was damaged after hitting an overpass on the State Thruway Monday. Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone says investigators working with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force were surprised by the quantity of marijuana involved... but, adds there are still a number of unanswered questions... including where the pot came from, and where it was going. The tractor-trailer was found in the Wal-Mart Parking lot in Fredonia. Quattrone says the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is also involved in the investigation. He says he's never seen that much marijuana in one place ever.
Wayne Co. man arrested following DWI crash in Cattaraugus County...
A Western New York man has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk after he was involved in a single-car accident in the Cattaraugus County town of South Valley early Monday. Sheriff's deputies in Little Valley were called to the scene on West Perimeter Rd. about 12:30 a.m., and, found the car had struck a guard rail and overturned on the road. Officers say 41 year-old Ronald Bishop of Marian in Wayne County, appeared to be drunk... and, they found open containers of alcohol inside the vehicle. Officers say Bishop apparently drove into a creek and hit a bank before hitting the guard rail. He was issued appearance tickets for South Valley Town Court.
Erie, Pa. man arrested for DWAI in town of Portland...
A man from Erie, Pennsylvania man faces several charges... including driving while under the influence of drugs... following a traffic stop late last week in the town of Portland. Sheriff's deputies say they stopped a vehicle... driven by 42 year-old Michael Buckner... on Webster Rd. on multiple traffic violations. Officers say they conducted field sobriety tests... and, found that Buckner was operating the vehicle while impaired by drugs. He was taken into custody on charges including: DWAI-Drugs... failure to stop at stop sign... improper or unsafe turn without signal... and, moving from lane unsafely. Buckner was issued appearance tickets for Portland Town Court.
