JPD, city firefighters, respond to multiple incidents early Thursday morning; search for person of interest is underway in connection with homicide...
It's been a busy day for Jamestown police and firefighters. Media One News has learned that JPD officers were called to the scene of an apparent shooting involving a female victim on Williams Street. A source has told Media One around 4 a.m... and found a deceased female. This noon... police issued a release saying they were looking to interview a person -- identified as 34 year-old Michael Burham -- whose reportedly "armed and dangerous" in connection with the incident. Police late today also said they were looking for Burham's truck, a 2018 model, red truck with a flatbed on the back he apparently uses for business.
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Just before that... city police responded to a burglar alarm at Danielson Oil Company at 258 Crescent St., and, found much of the building on fire. City Fire Battlion Chief Shawn Shilling says he was among the first crew to respond on scene... says there were flames and smoke showing from both the first and second-floors. Shilling says they pulled a handline for an exterior attack... and, were eventually able to get water from two hydrants. He says they had that under control in about an hour. Shilling says he then sent a crew inside to douse flames inside the building. He says they called an off-duty shift to assist at the scene. Shilling says they are still trying to piece together what happened... specifically if the alarm was tripped by someone breaking in, or if the fire may have triggered the alarm. Shilling says the brick building is still structurally intact... but, will require interior work to be put back into operation. Shilling says no one was was hurt... the cause late today was announced as a malfunction in an appliance, and accidental in nature.
Fredonia man arrested on Child Porn charges...
A man from northern Chautauqua County man has been arrested for allegedly being in possession of child pornography following a local and federal investigation. Sheriff's officers say the FBI conducted a preliminary investigation last month into 49 year-old Robert Norris, Jr. of Fredonia. Deputies say the case was turned over to the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division back on April 26. Their investigation found that Norris was in possession of the child porn... and, he was was charged with possessing a sexual performance by a child. He was issued appearance tickets for Pomfret Town Court.
Cassadaga man arrested for violating terms of Sex Offender Registry...
A Cassadaga man who is a Level-3 sex offender, has been arrested for allegedly failing to verify his address with local law enforcement. Sheriff's officers say they arrested 65 year-old William Strong was arrested Wednesday for violating the sex offender registry... which he's required to do every 90 days. Due to a previous violation... deputies say Strong was charged with a class D felony. He was taken into custody and take to the county jail pending arraignment.
Wendel looks back on COVID pandemic as federal health emergency ends tonight...
The federal health emergency for the COVID-19 Pandemic comes to an end at Midnight tonight with little in the way of fanfare. Chautauqua County government faced some major challenges during the pandemic that lasted just over three years. County Executive P.J. Wendel was three-months into his new job when the virus reached New York State in March of 2020. Wendel says it consumed the energies of nearly every county department and agency... and, was certainly historic in nature. While COVID is no longer grabbing the daily headlines, Wendel says the virus is still around and the county's new chief medical officer -- Dr. Michael Faulk -- will continue to follow developments. He adds that... starting on June 1... they will have a new Media Information Officer to help get clear and timely information out.
Ellicott Democrats announce Fall town election endorsements...
The town of Ellicott Democratic Committee has endorsed a full-slate of candidates for the first time in many years. Meeting Wednesday night... party members backed Todd Beckerink to run for Town Supervisor... and, Adrian Swanson for Town Clerk. For town council... past Falconer Mayor Jim Rensel is running for the First-Ward seat... while Dave Lamantia is seeking the Second-Ward seat. Democrats are also supporting two independents... Steve Cybart in Ward-Three and Daniel McNeill in Ward-Four. Long-time Town Justice Marilyn Gerace is also again seeking re-election.
City to hold tree "re-planting" ceremony on Saturday for new West Third St. trees...
The Jamestown Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the public to join them this Saturday morning to begin planting about three-dozen new trees on West Third Street. The new trees will replace the Cathedral Oaks that had to be taken down 3 to 4 years ago due to age and disease. Parks Manager Dan Stone adds they'll also be celebrating Jamestown being again named a "Tree City USA." Stone made the announcement at this week's City Council work session... noting that the ceremony will begin at 9 a.m., and people should make sure to bring a shovel with them. The trees will be planted between Hall Avenue and to Hallock Street. For the past couple of years... that stretch of West Third has been void of trees... in part to let soils there settle while new trees were decided on. Stone says they'll start at the intersection with Cook Avenue where Healing Word Ministries Church is located... where there will be a brief ceremony. Mayor Eddie Sundquist also encouraged city residents and people from the surrounding area to come and help. Stone says they'll be planting four different kinds of trees... including: Cherry trees... Oaks... American Elms and Red Maples.
