Trio from Jamestown sentenced on drug trafficking charges in connection with pair of Fentanyl deaths...
Three people from Jamestown have been sentenced to significant time in federal prison following their convictions for selling fentanyl that led to the deaths of two people. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced that 31 year-old Garson Butcher... and, 29 year-old Alisha Centi were sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Court Judge John Sinatra, Jr., with Butcher to serve 20 years... and, Centi 7 years. In a separate case... Ross says Sinatra sentenced 37 year-old Ryan Bloom to 20 years in federal prison. All three had been convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Butcher and Centi were accused of selling the drugs from March of 2020 through June of 2021. They sold fentanyl that killed a person identified as "T.R." in late March of 2020. Bloom and co-defendant Rachelle Allison were accused of selling fentanyl to a person identified as "D.R." who died of an overdose in Ashville in April of 2020. Ross says Allison has been convicted... but, is awaiting sentencing in the case.
Whitaker says JPS schools pretty much set for start of classes next Tuesday...
Final preparations are well underway in the Jamestown Public Schools for the start of classes right after Labor Day. School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker says teachers are back... and, Freshman Orientation has been taking place at the high school. Dr. Whitaker says they'll have a half-day of classes next Tuesday... and, school fully begins on Wed., Sept. 6 in all schools. He says be careful of children walking to school, or riding the buses on the roadways." Whitaker adds that parents, grandparents and guardians also need to be ready to get your student -- or students -- to the bus stop... or school... on time because there are different start times for each. The superintendent adds that Jamestown is like any other district in the region... and, still in need of hiring more people in a number of areas -- not just teachers.
County Chamber of Commerce holds Grand Opening at newly-renovated building...
Around 100 people gathered on a street corner in downtown Jamestown Thursday evening for a major event... as the ribbon was cut on their own building at Third and Main Streets. Jamestown’s Gebbie Foundation invested $250,000 for a full interior and exterior renovation of the chamber's headquarters. Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Greg Edwards, said it turned out great, considering where they started. Edwards said -- somewhat jokingly -- it was "one of the ugliest structures" in downtown Jamestown. However... he says the final product is outstanding. Mayor Eddie Sundquist believes the new office will help the chamber in its important work with small businesses. He says they are important to keeping a vibrant city and county going. The new office at Third and Main will also serve as a tourist information location in conjunction with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau.
Labor Day Festival to be held in Jamestown for 42nd year Sunday...
Everything is set for Jamestown's 42nd annual Labor Day Festival Sunday at Bergman Park, except for one late cancellation. Patrick Smeraldo, owner of Children's Collaborative Solutions, says the Southern Wrestling Show will not take place due to scheduling conflicts that have arisen with some of those involved. Otherwise, Smeraldo believes it'll be a great festival, with great weather, at a great place -- Bergman Park. The Dan Feather Memorial 5K starts the day Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The 20 or so craft vendors open at 11. Live music on two stages starts at noon, ending with fireworks at dusk. Parking is $5... but, the festival itself is free. Food will be available for purchase. Smeraldo extends his continuing gratitude to the city, local unions, and everyone who has a hand in making the festival happen. Children's Collaborative Solutions has become the principal organizer of the Labor Day event in the post-pandemic era. Long-time local labor leader, Robert Whitney, will receive the George Ritzer Labor Award at 4:30 p.m.
North county man arrested on drug and weapons possession charges following drug raid in Forestville...
A man from Forestville remains jailed on several drug and weapons-related charges after multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a raid on his home. Sheriff's deputies say they executed a search warrant at 11139 Mixer Rd. shortly before 6 p.m. last Wednesday... and, arrested 34 year-old Timothy Will. Officers say they seized about 10 grams of fentanyl... prescription pills... drug paraphernalia... several large capacity ammunition devices... a switchblade knife... and, $1,891 in cash. Will was arraigned at the county jail and is being held on bail. Sheriff's Department criminal and narcotics investigators were assisted by the Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, Dunkirk Police, Jamestown Police, the FBI Safe Streets division, Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Officers and Chautauqua County EMS. Will is charged with third... fourth... and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia... and third and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
City Council barely approves new, one-year leased vehicle for mayor...
The Jamestown City Council has narrowly approved a resolution allowing Mayor Eddie Sundquist to renew a vehicle lease for the next year for just over $12,000. Lawmakers approved the measure Monday night, 5-to-4 with Democrat Marie Carrubba, and Republicans Andrew Faulkner, Kim Ecklund and Randy Daversa voting "no." Ecklund... who is Finance Committee Chairwoman... and, the Republican candidate for mayor this Fall... says that was just one of the concerns she has. She calls it a "tough time to lease a vehicle..." noting that lawmakers will need to look at all leased vehicles come budget time. As it is... the lease with Shults Chevrolet will run for one year from this Thurs., Aug. 31, which is when the current lease expires.
