Overnight house-garage fire in Falconer destroys the Waldemeer Ave. residence...
An early morning fire in the village of Falconer has destroyed a home and garage on Waldemeer Ave., but, firefighters saved two other neighboring homes. Falconer fire officials say crews were called to the scene at 2 Waldemeer just before 3:30 a.m., and, they found the garage fully-engulfed in flames. They say it had already begun spreading to the house. Officials say it took about two-hours to get the fire out... and, crews remained for a while after to douse hot spots. Falconer was joined at the scene by Kennedy, Kiantone, Gerry, Lakewood, Busti... and, Jamestown fire crews at the scene. County fire investigators say that the blaze originated inside the garage due to an overheated electric multi-strip. No injuries were reported.
School Budget, and school votes being held today...
Residents of the Jamestown Public School District head for the polls this afternoon to vote on a new, $104-million, 2024-25 budget... and, three school board seats. School Superintendent Kevin Whitaker says the spending plan includes no tax increase... but, continues several programs to contine addressing lingering impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Three people are running for three school board seats. They are Frank Galeazzo, Nina Karbacka, and Joe Calimeri. Voting runs from Noon to 9 p.m. at the Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington Schools.
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In the Southwestern Central School District... residents are voting on a $35.7-million budget that increases spending by about 7.9%... but, only increases the tax levy by 1.54%. There's also a bus proposition... and five people are on the ballot running for three school board seats. There are also two others reportedly running write-in campaigns. Voting ran for two hours this morning... and, resumes from 2 to 8 p.m. in the High School Multi-purpose Room.
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In the Falconer school district... residents are voting on a $30.8-million budget that includes no increase in the tax levy. Voters will also consider a $100,000 capital project for new fire doors at the Middle and High School. Two people are running unopposed for the school board. Voting runs from 2 to 8 p.m. in the High School Gym Lobby.
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At Frewsburg... residents are deciding on a $23.8-million budget for 2024-25 that increases the tax levy by 2.28%. There's also a $370,000 bus proposition. Two people are running unopposed for the school board. Voting runs from 2-to-8 p.m. in the High School Gym Lobby.
City Council approves settlement of Dow St. Substation annexation case...
The seven-year long court battle by the city of Jamestown and it's Board of Public Utilities to annex the BPU's Dow Street Substation is over. The City Council last night unanimously approved a settlement in the court case... started under the Teresi administration in 2017. Mayor Kim Ecklund was pleased to have the matter resolved... adding that "it was time." Under the agreement... the BPU's tax equivalent payments to the village of Falconer... the Falconer Central School District... and town of Ellicott... will be reduced by 20%. She says there's no major tax change... but, there will be a savings to the BPU. Ecklund says there will be no change in the city's status. City Council President Tony Dolce agrees that the long, litigation battle had been a long and "disappointing" process. Dolce was glad to see the other entities approve the settlement, as well.
Cattaraugus County fatal treetrimming accident remains under investigation...
A man from Franklinville died from injuries suffered when the boom lift he was on to trim trees tipped over last Saturday morning in the Cattaraugus County village. State Police in Machias were called to the scene on Elm Street about 10:30 a.m., and, their investigation showed that 43 year-old Justin Howard was in the boom lift... but, was conscious and alert while troopers were on scene. However... Howard was taken to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo where he succumbed to serious injuries.
City man arrested for alleged bike theft...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly stealing another person's bicycle that had been left for repairs at the Jamestown Cycle Shop in Brooklyn Square. City police were called to the scene on Harrison Street about 7 a.m. Monday on a report of the bike missing. The victim told police they saw that the cable lock had been cut off... and, the bicycle was stolen. Officers say they identified the man in video from the store as 23 year-old Joseph Trippe... who took the bike during the early morning hours. Police later located Trippe... and, he told them where the bike was. The bicycle was recovered... and, turned over undamaged to the victim. Trippe was arrested for petty larceny... and, fourth-degree criminal mischief. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Chautauqua County Special Olympics moved to Thursday due to forecast...
The Special Olympics returns to Jamestown’s Strider Field this Thursday... and, local coordinator, Bob Goold, is very excited about this year’s event. Last year... he says the fire at Danielson Oil Co. on Crescent Street in Jamestown put them behind because they stored their equipment there, and most of it was lost in the fire. Goold says they went with a "bare-bones" operation last year, but are fully equipped for 2024. A total of 460 Special Olympic athletes will compete in this year’s games... and, some 80 high school athletes and student council members will help run the games at Strider. The opening ceremony is set for Thursday at 9:45 a.m.
