Two Canadian men identified as victims of small plane crash near County Airport...
Officials believe that some kind of "catastrophic failure" led to a fatal, small plane crash just north of the Chautauqua County Airport near Jamestown Tuesday. During a press conference late Tuesday at the airport... Sheriff Jim Quattrone said the tragic accident occured shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday just minutes after the plane took off for Waterloo, Ontario Canada. Quattrone at the time confirmed there were two people on board who were killed. Late last night, the men were identified as 52-year-old Roger Ryall of Toronto, Canada -- who was the pilot -- and, his passenger was 52 year-old David Hughes of British Columbia. Officials say the plane had arrived in Jamestown shortly after Noon... and, refueled. He says the plane was cleared for take-off and crashed and caught fire moments later. Quattrone says there's nothing left intact on the plane... just pieces and parts in the field. He noted the plane likely had a full fuel-load of 92-gallons. He says the plane was fully-engulfed in flames when fire crews arrived... and, it took about half-an-hour to bring the fire under control. He praised the several local fire departments and police agencies that responded to the scene. The Jamestown Airport was closed about 2-and-a-half hours... and, reopened at 6 p.m. last night. Quattrone says both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are expected to be at the scene today.
Canadian wilfires sending smoke into northeastern U.S....
Intense Canadian wildfires are blanketing the northeastern United States with a dystopian haze, turning the air acrid, the sky yellowish gray and prompting warnings for vulnerable populations to stay inside. The effects of hundreds of wildfires burning across the western provinces to Quebec could be felt as far away as New York City and New England... blotting out skylines and irritating throats. U.S. authorities issued air quality alerts. Much of New York state... including Western New York... is under Air Quality Alerts through Midnight tonight. Hazy conditions and smoke from the wildfires were reported across the Great Lakes region from Cleveland to Buffalo.
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Meanwhile... here's a closer look at what's happening and some suggested precautions for dealing with the haze: Smoke from Canada's wildfires has been moving into the United States since last month. The most recent fires near Quebec have been burning for at least several days. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said hazy skies, reduced visibility and the odor of burning wood are likely, and that the smoke will linger for a few days in northern states.
Air quality alerts are triggered by a number of factors, including the detection of fine-particle pollution — known as “PM 2.5” — which can irritate the lungs. “We have defenses in our upper airway to trap larger particles and prevent them from getting down into the lungs. These are sort of the right size to get past those defenses,” said Dr. David Hill, a pulmonologist in Waterbury, Connecticut, and a member of the American Lung Association's National Board of Directors.
Exposure to elevated fine particle pollution levels can affect the lungs and heart. Officials says it's a good time to put off that yard work and outdoor exercise. If you go out, consider wearing an N95 mask to reduce your exposure to pollutants.
City of Jamestown now overbudget on new Fleet Maintenance building...
The new Jamestown Public Works Fleet Management building on Washington Street will cost significantly more than expected when the project first began. That from City Council Public Works Committee Chairman Randy Daversa... who told fellow lawmakers Monday night that the matter was discussed by the committee. However... there was no firm figure given for the amount originally budgeted for the new facility. Daversa said it was his understanding that the original price was $2.8-million... and, the cost to date has been $3.9-million. However... Mayor Eddie Sundquist says that $2.8-million figure was actually the amount borrowed for the project... and, they were being conservative at that time. Sundquist said he would get that originally budgeted cost for lawmakers. Daversa says retired DPW Director Jeff Lehman... who is still helping with the project... will hopefully be able to come before the committee next week. At least one lawmaker... Marie Carrubba... was criticial of planning for the project and whether American Rescue Plan monies should have been used. Sundquist pointed out there is $1.7-million in ARPA funding left that could be used.
Falconer man sentenced to three-years in prison for drug possession...
A Falconer man convicted of being in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine one year ago will spend three-years in state prison. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt says 41 year-old Justin Meacham received the sentence Monday... plus three years post-release supervision from County Court Judge David Foley. Meacham had been previously convicted of Felony fourth-dgree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Schmidt says Meacham was arrested in Jamestown in May of 2022 when he was found in possession of a quantity of meth. He led guilty to the charge back in March.
Hanover man arrested for menacing...
A man from the town of Hanover is accused of theatening another person in the presence of children during an incident Monday night. Sheriff's deputies say they were called to a report of an unwanted person at a home in the town just before 7 p.m. Officers say their investigation showed that 25 year-old Jacob Altweis had menaced the other person with children present. He was arrested for second-degree menacing... and, endangering the welfare of a child.
