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WJTN News Headlines for Fri., Apr. 21, 2023

CCB opens up new Lakewood branch near Mall...
The ribbon has been cut on Cattaraugus County Bank's newest location on Fairmount Avenue in the village of Lakewood.  The grand opening was held at the location -- at the intersection with Mall Boulevard -- Thursday afternoon.  Several CCB officials... and, local dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting.  The bank's Chief Executive Officer -- Mike Weimer -- says they're "excited" to open their new location... and, appreciate the warm welcome.  Wimer says the new location shows they are in for "the long-haul" and "making this a community bank."  The new location replaces CCB's  -- primarily drive-thru location -- on Fairmount Avenue in West Ellicott.  Among those on hand to help cut the ribbon was Lakewood Mayor Randy Holcomb.  The event was co-hosted by the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce... and, President Dan Heitzenrater loved the bullding's new look... that is the first location with CCB's new branding.  Officials say the new location will have five employees... and, five others who will be there on a rotating basis.  Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel... and, a representative of State Senator George Borrello.


City woman arrested on warrant, also found with Fentanly in her possession...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested on a drug possession charge following a street check by police on the city's eastside this past Tuesday night.  Jamestown police say they were patrolling the area about 8 p.m., and, spotted 40 year-old Amy Robbins, who was known to have a warrant out for her arrest.  Officers took Robbins into custody without incident.  However... she was found with just under a gram of Fentanyl in her possession.  Robbins was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... in addition to the warrant.  Robbins was jailed pending arraignment.


North County man arrested in Sheridan for allegedly selling stolen AR-15 rifle...
A Forestville man has been arrested for allegedly stealing an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle last month in the town of Sheridan... and, selling it to another person.  Sheriff's officers say 24 year-old Franklin Silvagnia is accused of knowing the rifle was stolen... and, sold it anyway.  Deputies say the AR-15 was recovered at a later date during a narcotics warrant investigation by the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force.  Officers say Silvagnia was arrested for criminal sale of a semiautomatic rifle... and, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property.  He was issued appearance tickets for Sheridan Town Court.


Jamestown School Board approves $101-million, 2023-24 budget that includes no tax increase...
Jamestown School District voters will cast ballots on a $101-million, 2023-24 budget that includes no tax increase next month.  School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker says the school board Wednesday night approved the spending plan 5-to-0 with two board members absent.  Whitaker told our Dennis Webster that the district is slated to receive an additional $9-million in state aid... and, says the bulk of that money will be used to create "student learning centers" in each school... adding the focus will be on helping elementary grades with reading and math.  Dr. Whitaker says the secondary grades will focus on English Language Arts... and math.  He adds that there will also be two new staff members brought on at Fletcher Elementary School because it's population has grown to the second largest in the district.  Dr. Whitaker says the budget hearing will be held on Tues., May 9 at Jefferson Middle School at 6 p.m.


JPS voters will also decide on establishing a $5-million capital reserve fund...
In addition to the budget vote... Jamestown school district voters will also decide on establishing a $5-million reserve fund to help pay the district's matching funds for state aid on projects.  Superintendent Kevin Whitaker says no matter what size a capital project is... the state will pick up 98% of the cost.  However... he says the district must pay that 2% that's not covered.  Dr. Whitaker recently indicated there may be another, smaller capital project to be proposed for the district apart from the current, $86.5-million project that's underway.  The budget vote will be on Tues., May 16 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the three "presidents" schools... Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington Middle Schools. 


Dunkirk pair arrested on drug and weapons charges...
Two Dunkirk men face charges after police seized a quantity of crack cocaine and fentanyl from a vehicle along with a loaded .380 calibur pistol during a traffic stop on Central Avenue Wednesday night.  Dunkirk Police have charged the driver, 30 year old Gabriel Soto, with two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... along with vehicle and traffic violations.  The passenger, 23-year-old Angel Ramos, is facing second-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, criminal possession of a firearm charges.  He was taken into custody and is being held for arraignment in Dunkirk City Court.


Woman arrested for allegedly trying to steal basketball hoop...
A 50 year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to steal a portable basketball hoop from a home in the village of Celoron.  Ellicott Town Police were called to the location... and, found that Melissa Sweeney had loaded the hoop and stand into her vehicle... and, was trying to drive off when she was confronted by the homeowner.  Upon arrival... officers took Sweeney into custody on a larceny charge... and, she was later issued an appearance ticket for Ellicott Town Court on a later date.