Hochul issues executive order for Nat. Guard to help deal with expected surge in asylum seekers...
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order late Tuesday ahead of an expected increase in asylum seekers that she said will allow the state to mobilize more National Guard members and to quickly react to food and supply needs. The Democratic governor's order came two days before the U.S. government will end pandemic-related restrictions on people requesting asylum at the border, known as Title 42, under which migrants have been expelled from the country. New York City has already been straining to handle about 60,000 asylum seekers since last spring.
Dunkirk man arrested in Fredonia, on DWAI, illegal firearms possession...
A north county man has been arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence of drugs... and, being in possession of two firearms. Sheriff's officers say they conducted a traffic stop on Bennett Rd. in Fredonia shortly before 11 p.m. last Saturday. Deputies say they found the driver... 25 year-old Dakota Cordell of Dunkirk... was driving while impaired. Officers say they also found Cordell in possession of a disassembled shotgun... and, an AR-15 Rifle. He also had a loaded, high-capacity ammunition feeding device. Further investigation also found that he was also driving without a license... and, with an unregistered motor vehicle. Cordell was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment on charges of third-degree criminal possession of a firearm... DWAI... unlicensed operation and unregistered motor vehicle.
Wendel says it's unclear what may benefit Chautauqua Co. in new state budget...
Chautauqua County's top-elected official says he's disappointed by much of New York state's final, 2023-24 budget... especially how it favors the downstate region. County Executive P.J. Wendel says they did have a couple of requests in for funding for Chautauqua Lake... carried by State Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Andy Goodell... who pushed to have that put in. However... Wendel says they haven't heard anything specific yet on what's in the $229-billion spending plan. He says there were two funding requests, totaling about $4-million. Wendel says it's difficult not knowing what's going on with that funding... and, New York City is receiving about one-billion dollars to deal with the overflow of migrants that have been brought to the city. The Lakewood Republican also feels upstate isn't getting it's fair share of money for road and bridge projects... especially when the NYC Theater District is receiving $1-billion alone. Wendel made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.
Tranum says new state budget does include modifications to Climate Action Plan...
The new state budget approved last week by lawmakers in Albany is pushing New York toward electrification. But... there are exemptions for commercial and industrial buildings. That from Todd Tranum, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier. Under the new law... all-electric heating and cooking is required in new buildings shorter than seven stories by end of 2025, and in new buildings taller than seven stories by the end of 2028. Howver... Tranum points out there are exceptions in place for commercial and industrial buildings such as restaurants and stores. He believes there is a "readlity that came into play" for people in Albany because the state doesn't have the power available on the grid for massive changes, and transporting that power also needed to be upgraded. MAST has been working with other groups across the state who feel that natural gas is a "bridge fuel" as the state implements the Climate Act. Tranum feels manufacturers will play an important role in the transition because they're on the front-lines of technology.
Two people arrested for trespassing in former Arcade Bldg...
Two Jamestown residents face trespassing and drug-related charges after they were found inside the former Arcade Building -- which is condemned -- last week. City police were called to the scene at 26 North Main St. about 4 p.m. last Wednesday on a report of trespassers. Officers say they found 52 year-old Heather Babyak... and, 46 year-old Jeremy Morris on the top floor of the building. Police charged both with trespassing... and, after a brief struggle... Babyak was charged with resisting arrest and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Babyak was taken to the city jail pending arraignment... while Morris was released with an appearance ticket.
Members of public rally for additional firefighters, while one cautions about grant expiring in three-years...
Several supporters of the Jamestown Fire Department were on hand last Monday night's City Council meeting... as well as an earlier rally on Tracy Plaza... to show their support for hiring the eight new firefighters. Among them was Alyssa Porter... who was one of four people at the meeting who told lawmakers they should accept a $1.8-million federal SAFER Grant and hire the firefighters. Porter also thanked three councilmembers for stopping by to talk with those at the rally to "Support a Safer Jamestown." Those members were Council President Tony Dolce, Regina Brackman, and Bill Reynolds. However... while he has supported boosting both the Fire and Police Departments... resident Doug Champ cautioned that City Council has both a public safety and fiduciary responsibility to the city. He asked... if and when the funding runs out -- and there aren't enough revenues coming in -- what would you cut? A recent financial analysis by the City Comptoller's Office found that the city would have to kick-in about $300,000 to cover the entire cost of hiring the firefighters.
