County leaders host press conference to inform residents on ways to stay safe during extreme heat...
The heat is on in Chautauqua County through late week... with temperatures around 90-degrees each day... and, increased humidity levels.  The region is now under a Heat Advisory until 8 p.m. Thursday... with heat indexes rising to just under 100 tomorrow.  Heat and humidity are nothing new to Chautauqua County.  However... there will be little relief -- if any -- at night.  That from County Executive P.J. Wendel... who held a press conference about the advisory.  Wendel says there was some relief Monday night when the lows backed into the 60s... but, they'll be about 70 the next couple of nights.  That's a concern for vulnerable people who don't have air conditioning in their home.  However... County Physican Dr. Michael Faulk says there is one simple way that you can cool down that person... and, that's to use a little spray bottle or a wet, cool washcloth, and a basic room fan.  Faulk says they often use that in a hospital setting when it's needed, and he says it's "very effective."  A number of cooling shelters or centers will be open through the end of the week to give people places to get cooled down.  Deputy Director John Anderson with the county's Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services says those are available across the county... and include most libraries... and, county office locations.  Wendel adds that the Chautauqua Mall has also been brought on board as a possible cooling location.  County officials add that... if you have to work outside... make sure to take frequent breaks out of the sun... and, drink plenty of water. 

Eckund outlines ways to beat the heat, along with locations for "cooling shelters" in the city...
Steps have also been taken by the city of Jamestown to help people... especially those who are most vulnerable to extreme heat... deal with the current heat wave.  At last night's City Council Work Session... Mayor Kim Ecklund issued some recommendations to help residents cope with the extreme heat.  They include: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day... stay indoors as much as possible... and, remain in air conditioned spaces.  Ecklund says they are working with the county on providing "cooling shelters" and other steps to be taken.  He says there will be updates from County Executive P.J. Wendel's office on-line at their chq.gov/heat.  Ecklund says the "cooling shelters" in the city include: Chautauqua Opportunities, Incorporated on Chandler Street... the county's Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services on Fourth Street... the Prendergast Library... the Joy Fellowship on Seventh Street... and, the St. Susan's Center on Water Street. 

Jamestown man arraigned on second-degree murder in connection with 8-month-old's death...
A city man accused of strangling and shaking an infant girl this past April -- and, who died about a month later from her injuries -- has now been indicted on connection with her death.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced late Monday that 26 year-old Sean Thomas was arraigned on eight charges -- including second-degree murder -- in connection with the death of 8-month-old Aniyah Turk. Schmidt says Thomas is accused of seriously injuring the infant on April 22... as well as prior to that... causing "catastrophic and unrecoverable" injuries requiring her to be hospitalized.  He says she was on life support until succumbing to her injuries last month.  Schmidt says -- "this is the second indictment arising from two baby deaths occurring in the City of Jamestown in April.  It comes as the result of a comprehensive investigation conducted by investigators and juvenile detectives of Jamestown Police Department."  At his arraignment Monday... Thomas was ordered held on $1-million cash bail... or $2-million property bond.  He is due back in court in July for further pre-trial proceedings.
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Schmidt adds that Aniyah Turk's death -- "is actually one of three occurring here in Chautauqua County during the month of April.  The previous indictment charged Matthew Nuttall with first-degree manslaughter and related charges arising from the death of a 16-month-old."  He says if you see something that leads you to suspect child abuse or neglect, say something.  Schmidt says you can report your suspicions by contacting your local police or calling the statewide child abuse hotline at 1-800-342-3720. 

City man sentenced to 4 years in prison for Felony assault...
A city man has been sentenced to four-years in state prison after being convicted of assaulting another person and injuring three others during a fight in July of 2022.  D-A Schmidt says 24 year-old Codie Swartz received the sentence... which also includes three-years post-release supervision... from Judge David Foley Monday.  Swartz was convicted of second-degree assault for the attack... which occured at the Wine Cellar on North Main Street.  Schmidt says Swartz fled the scene... and, was later found and arrested on three counts of second-degree assault... and, one of first-degree attempted assault.  Last October... Swartz pled guilty to the one count of second-degree assault... and, the other charges were covered by the plea.

Lightning strike apparent cause of utility pole being taken down on Hunt Road in Lakewood...
A lightning strike on a utility pole during Monday's late afternoon thunderstorm knocked down the pole on Hunt Road in the village of Lakewood.  Sheriff's Department dispatchers say Lakewood and Ashville fire crews were called to the scene... along with National Grid... about 5:30 p.m. to an area between Shadyside and Winch Roads.  Hunt Road was closed along that stretch until just after 7:30 p.m.  No one was hurt.  The pole was replaced.