Dunkirk Mayor's brother arrested for stealing festival, hurricane relief funds...
The brother of Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas has been indicted for allegedly stealing hurricane relief donations and Festival Funds while he was the city's Festivals Coordinator.  State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt today announced the indictment of 63 year-old Hector Rosas... for using his public position to steal more than $50,000 through several schemes.  DiNapoli says "Rosas allegedly used his position to steal donations meant to help Hurricane Maria victims and divert funds meant to benefit his community into his own pockets."  He added that "public service is a privilege and a duty that he is charged with betraying."  D-A Schmidt adds that "these types of crimes are not victimless."  Rosas is accused of transferring nearly $15,000 in donations to Hurricane Maria relief into his own bank account... and, another more than $42,000 in cash sales for summer festivals between 2016 and 2019 that was not reported or deposited.  He was arraigned in county court... and is due back in court next month.

Borrello fires off letter to Hochul; blasts her and NYC officials for plan to ship migrants to SUNY Campuses...
New York State Senator George Borrello has written to Governor Kathy Hochul... opposing her plan to house undocumented immigrants at SUNY Fredonia... and, other SUNY campuses around the state.  In a printed release Thursday afternoon... Borrello says "this is a reckless idea born out of desperation caused by a self-created crisis of the Governor’s own making.  Words have consequences."  The Sunset Bay Republican says he doesn't believe Hochul when she says housing migrants at SUNY campuses is "a temporary solution."  He says migrants processed as asylum seekers earlier this week were reportedly given immigration court dates more than a decade away.  Borrello adds that "due to the Biden Administration’s unwillingness to control the border, these migrants are not properly vetted or investigated."

Wendel also issues State of Emergency regarding migrants that may be bussed to county...
Late Thursday... Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel declared a State of Emergency in response to New York City's stated intentions of sending migrants and asylum seekers to other counties.  Wendel says -- "in December 2016, New York City declared itself a 'Sanctuary City' dedicated to supporting undocumented individuals.  Over the past several months, thousands of asylum seekers have been arriving in the City, which is now so overwhelmed that it is trying to move these individuals to other counties that do not have the infrastructure to care for them... especially since social services funding is not available to undocumented individuals."  Wendel adds that "while we support the families who have already migrated to our county... we lack the services and funding required to assist additional individuals.” He says the order "prohibits other municipalities from bringing and housing people in the county, prohibits hotels and motels from housing immigrants without a license, and requires any municipalities that might bring migrating or asylum-seeking people here to ensure they will be fully cared for... and paid for."

Whitaker thanks community for budget, and capital reserve fund support...
Jamestown School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker says he "appreciates" everyone from the public who came out... and, overwhelmingly approved the new district budget.  Dr. Whitaker says Tuesday's votes for both the $101-million budget... and, establishing a $5-million capital reserve fund... gave school officials the affirmation they were seeking... but, adds they would like to see more people vote.  The 2023-24 budget includes no tax increase for the new school year.  With the budget now approved... he says it's time to put the emphasis on getting students -- and the district -- back to normal after COVID.  In addition to the academic side... he says the socio-emotional issues that have arose will also take time to deal with.  In Tuesday's vote... the budget plan was approved, 555-127.  Voters also approved creation of the Capital Reserve Fund, 575-106. 

Blue Star Mothers aiming to help people better understand patriotic holidays this year...
Leaders of the local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers are promoting a better understanding of the patriotic holidays that are about to unfold.  New York Chapter 4 President, Susan Rowley says the first one is this weekend on Sat. May 20, which is Armed Forces day where all currently serving military are honored.  Veterans Day on Nov. 11 is set aside to honor all veterans for their service.  Rowley says Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, has a different purpose.  She says it's a day set aside for "those who never came home" from the battlefield and made "the ultimate sacrifice for our country."  Blue Star Mothers First Vice-President, Kathy Collver, says Memorial Day is often looked at from a receational perspective, and that's not all bad because that's part of what freedom is all about.  The local Blue Star Mothers are taking on a bigger role in this year's Memorial Day celebration, in addition to their traditional program at Veterans Park in Jamestown on Saturday, May 27.  They will also coordinate the post-parade ceremony at Soldier's Circle at Lakeview Cemetery on Memorial Day. 

GoFundMe page set up for children of recently deceased Jamestown woman...
A GoFundMe page has been established for the three children of the Jamestown woman killed a week ago yesterday morning in the city.  The page... called "Justice for Kala..." is dedicated to 34 year-old Kala Hodgkin... who was killed during what the page describes as "a domestic violence" altercation.  Those who have set up the page say Hodgkin left behind children ages 8, 11, and 14 who are currently living with family members.  They add that "this devastating loss of life has made life very grim and difficult for not only them but also the family members."  The page was set up because "funds are getting scarce.  If you could donate money to help her three childern during this time of need."  So far... about $2,800 has been donated... with a goal of $10,000.