Fire damages mainly contents in blaze at former Jamestown commercial building...
The investigation is continuing into a "suspicious" fire inside a long-vacant, three-story commercial building on Jamestown's eastside early Thursday afternoon. City Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Rousch says crews were intially called to the former Westburgh Electric Company at 16 Scott St. -- near Winsor -- at 12:30 p.m. While it was earlier reported that there were a couple of fires involved... Rosch says it was one -- with extension to the top floor. Rousch says a second-alarm for an off-duty shift was called in a short time after initial responders arrived on scene. He says there is a lot of debris inside the building... and, that made for a smokey blaze that was hard to find. Rousch says the smoke condition in parts of the building made it hard to bring under control. He says crews were at the scene a couple of hours... and, the investigation into the cause is continuing. He says damage was mostly to the contents... and, adds there was minor structural damage. No injuries were reported.
Rolison pleads guilty to federal gun charge...
The Jamestown man who recently pled guilty in two cases of vehicular manslaughter has now pleaded guilty to being a Felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced that 60 year-old Randall Rolison entered the plea before U.S. District Court Judge John Sinatra, Junior Wednesday to being in possession of both firearms and ammunition. Prosecutors say Jamestown Police and the FBI began investigating Rolison in January of 2022... after he struck and killed 15 year-old Lexy Hughan just days before with his car carrier... for allegedly buying firearms outside of New York state... and, selling several through-out the Southern Tier Region. Rolison was accused of being in possession of a firearm at the time of the fatal crash. However... prosecutors say he was prohibited from buying guns and ammunition after he was convicted of a Felony in Michigan in 1997. Ross says the charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced next Dec. 19.
Council Republicans response to Sundquist on crime figures, claims statements are "wrong..."
Majority Republicans on the Jamestown City Council are disputing Mayor Eddie Sundquist's pronouncements of violent crime being reduced in the past year... and, the three years he's been mayor. During a press event to announce a new, five-part Public Safety initiative... Sundquist said that arguments that crime has been on the rise in the city this year are wrong. Sundquist said JPD stats showed that crimes against persons were down in 2023 by 1.2%... gun-related incidents were down by 45%... and shootings were down by four incidents. However... Council Republicans say there were actually 24 confirmed shooting incidents last year alone. During the year prior to Sundquist taking office... they say JPD records showed only 11 shooting incidents recorded. Sundquist also stated that domestic violence cases have decreased by 9%. However... Republicans say -- since he took office -- those numbers have increased by 12%. In addition... they say violent crime on the mayor's watch has increased by 28% since he took office. GOP lawmakers say city residents "recognize that laws without consequences simply result in criminals continuing to victimize and destabilize our community." They question why the mayor is now taking a more proactive stance on public safety."
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We did reach out to Republican Mayoral Candidate, City Councilwoman Kim Ecklund for comment... but, have not heard back. Late Wednesday... Sundquist responded to GOP lawmakers... noting that "the Safer Jamestown N.O.W. initiative highlighted the verified statistics from our police department in 2023, as compared to 2022." He adds "we are halfway through the year and there is positive momentum to keep our community safe. It is sad my Republican colleagues would undercut the incredible work our police department has done to employ community driven policing and reduce crime. Politics should not be put before public safety."
Small residential fire in Dunkirk ruled accidental...
A homeowner and Dunkirk firefighters made quick work of an outdoor fire that spread to a house about mid-afternoon Wednesday in the north county city. However... there was reportedly very little damage to the house. Chautauqua County Fire Dispatchers say Dunkirk crews were called to 110 Lincoln Ave. just before 2:30 p.m., and, got the flames out fairly quickly with the help of East Dunkirk firefighters. Officials say no injuries were reported.
Prendergast Library to dedicate new patio Saturday in honor of Jim Roselle...
The Prendergast Library will officially open its new front door patio this Saturday morning. Executive Director Anne Green says it will be dedicated in honor the late Jim Roselle, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Green says Jim would always say the "most important card in his wallet was his library card." Jim Roselle announced on WJTN radio for more than six decades, right up to the time of his death in 2016. He would frequently mention the importance of the library to his listeners. Following the dedication, the library’s 2nd annual block party will unfold... with lawn games... summer reading signups... and music. The block party will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Green says they’ll move everything inside if the weather is rainy.
