Dealing with illegal pot shops helping to slow down state budget process...
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders are looking at ways to crack down on illicit pot shops threatening the state's fledgling legal market for recreational marijuana as part of negotiations on the overdue budget.  Hochul, a Democrat, told reporters Tuesday at the state Capitol that she expected the budget negotiations to wrap up soon.  It was due April 1st.  She says it's been a "long process..." but, adds “I do see a path to ramp up the state budget, perhaps as early as the end of this week.”  Hundreds of unauthorized pot shops have opened in New York City — competing with legal dispensaries whose products are heavily taxed.  The illicit stores and trucks have been multiplying even as New York slowly works to get its legal market established.  Hochul said she wants to give state tax officials and the Office of Cannabis Management enforcement tools to shut down or fine illegal pot shops, a proposal outlined in a bill she unveiled last month. 

Jametown settles final Tracy Plaza renovation lawsuit...
The city of Jamestown has resolved a nearly decade-long lawsuit involving one of the contractors for the Tracy Plaza renovation project.  The City Council Monday night approved the final agreement with Patterson Stevens for $155,000.  However... to settle Patterson Stevens countersuit against the city... the contractor's financial trust will pay the city $75,000.  Corporation Counsel Eliot Raimando says the city has now settled lawsuits involved roof leaks and flooding in the police and fire departments.  Raimondo says the one involving damage to the fire department was resolved in 2021.  He says he and the city's outside counsel on the matter worked to settle the claim regarding the police department... which impacted the reception area, and some offices.  He says current Councilman Jeff Russell was still a JPD officer at the time.  Patterson Stevens was one of the contractors involved in reconstruction of the deck on Tracy Plaza several years ago. 

Domestic inside moving vehicle leads to arrest in Jamestown...
A domestic incident inside a moving car last weekend has led to charges against a Jamestown man who was with two people who had orders of protection against him.  City police say officers were called to a location on the city's northside about 7 PM last Saturday night... and, finally located the vehicle near Advanced Auto Parts at 707 E. Second St.  Police say they found 27 year-old Samuel Williams inside the vehicle with the two victims.  Williams was taken into custody on two counts of first-degree criminal contempt...  and, one each of Aggravated Family Offense and resisting arrest.  He was jailed pending arraignment.

Overheated lithium-ion battery cause of fire at Bargain Monkey store in Dunkirk...
East Dunkirk firefighters... with the help of several nearby departments... responded to a structure fire Monday night on Bennett Road Extension in the town of Dunkirk.  The fire at the Bargain Monkey was first reported just after 7 p.m., and, the Chautauqua County Emergency Dispatch Center reports that East Dunkirk received assistance from city of Dunkirk, Fredonia, Sheridan and West Dunkirk fire crews... along with County fire coordinators.  The Chautauqua County Fire Investigation Team was called in a determined the blaze was accidental... and, caused by an overheated lithium-ion battery.

Sherman man arrested for allegedly stealing generator...
A Sherman man has been arrested for allegedly stealing a generator from a West Main Street address in the village earlier this month.  Sheriff's officers were initially called to the scene about 5 p.m. on Tues., Apr. 18 on a report of a larceny.  Deputies say their investigation showed that 24 year-old John Lutgen stole the generator from the property.  Lutgen was taken into custoday Tuesday and issued an appearance ticket for Sherman Town Court for petty larceny.

Prendergast Library begins new "Reader's Advisory" service...
The Prendergast Library is offering a service to help people find books they will 'really like.'  It's called 'Reader's Advisory' and is supervised by librarian Hannah Dewey.  She says the process starts with library patrons filling out a form on the Prendergast's website regarding their preferences... including genres, and what most recent books the person read.  Dewey says a lot of research has gone into helping readers find that 'next good book' instead of one that's not interesting.  She says getting people to read is the idea behind it.  The Reader's Advisory form can be found on the homepage at prendergastlibrary.org.

BPU to being Spring Flushing this Friday afternoon...
The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities has announced Spring flushing dates... beginning this Friday -- weather permitting.  BPU Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins says the annual pre-flush in Falconer will begin at 1 p.m. this Friday... in the areas of Aldren, Mapleshade, Ralph and Valmeere.  Robbins says the entire village will be flushed beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 29, and overnight into Sunday the 30th, until flushing there is completed.  She says flushing for the rest of the BPU Water Division system will take place... beginning next Monday, May 1 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The lone exception will be on Wednesday, May 3, when flushing will begin for downtown and Fairmount Avenue businesses and restaurants at 4:30 a.m.  Regular flushing will resume on Thurs. May 4 and continue weekdays through the following Wednesday, May 10 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  For more information... go on-line to jamestownbpu.com.