Body of apparent drowning victim found in Dunkirk Harbor...
A body has been discovered in the area of Dunkirk Harbor on Lake Erie. Dunkirk Police responded to the report of the discovery of the body on the breakwall walkway... just off of Lakefront Boulevard and North Main Street shortly after 8:15 p.m. Wednesday. City Police Chief Dave Ortolano says an investigation found that the death was not suspicious. Ortolano says his department's patrol, detective, and crime scene divisions were assisted at the scene by the county coroner and district attorneys office. He says no additional information is being released out of respect for the family. Dunkirk Fire and Chautauqua County Emergency Services assisted at the scene.
No one hurt in tractor-trailer fire on I-90 Thursday morning...
An eastbound lane of I-90 in Dunkirk was shut down for about an hour Thursday morning after a tractor-trailer carrying pallets of watermelons caught fire. Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say a passerby called in the fire in the area of milepost 469.6 at about 9:30 a.m., and the New York State Thruway Authority reported traffic returning to normal at about 10:45 a.m. There were no injuries reported. Firefighters from Fredonia and East Dunkirk were called to the scene. As of mid-afternoon, the eastbound shoulder of I-90 was closed while crews continued cleanup efforts.
City of Jamestown unveils new Suicide Prevention Lifeline signs on Third St. Bridge...
The city of Jamestown has taken the latest step in suicide prevention by unveiling the first of several signs on it's major bridges located in the city. Mayor Kim Ecklund hosted the somber, yet hopeful program on the West Third Street Bridge that will include the local "988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24/7 call -- text -- chat." Ecklund noted that suicide has touched several families in the region... including her own. Her nephew, Ryan, committed suicide just over four years ago. She calls the signs "profound" because it's hoped that a person in crisis will call that number, and get help. Ecklund calls them "beacons of hope, and lifelines for those in need and crisis." While that's the national hotline number... the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is staff locally by the county's Mobile Crisis program... headed up by Kari Raynor. Raynor says they received a national award for their efforts locally. Mayor Ecklund thanked a number of people who helped make the program possible... including Councilman Jeff Russell... who proposed the idea a few months ago during a council work session. She also noted city Public Works Employee Pedro Melendez... who designed the new signs.
Four arrested for alleged gang assault in Brooklyn Square...
A Jamestown teenager... along with two younger juveniles... and, an unknown man are accused of a gang assault behind the former Oriental Star restaurant in Brooklyn Square. City police were called to the location -- on the Riverwalk -- shortly before 3 a.m. Wednesday for an "in-progress assault. As they arrived... officers say three suspects ran west across South Main Street... and, after a brief foot chase... they nabbed 18 year-old Julio Arizmendi and the two juveniles. Their investigation also determined that an unknown black male was also involved. The four allegedly attack the man with a knife, stick, immitation pistol... and a glass bottle that was smashed over the victim's head. Police say the victim was taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment of a serious injury. Arizmendi is charged with first-degree gang assault... second-degree assault... two counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, resisting arrest. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Legislature approves funding, and moving ahead with creating new "Shovel Ready" development site in Mason Industrial Park...
County lawmakers have unanimously approved having the county pay half the cost of upgrades to a portion of the Mason Industrial Park in the town of Ellicott to create a new, "shovel ready" development site. Jamestown Democratic Legislator Fred Larson outlined his effort to get that 33-acre location... which has been owned by the county since 2016... ready for new development. Larson says he spoke with Industrial Development Agency Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise... and, says a report was done on what was needed to get the site ready. Larson says he was encouraged by Chairman Pierre Chagnon to discuss it with the IDA's board, and says they worked out the IDA paying half the cost, with the county legislature agreeing to pay the other half. Larson says the property was formerly owned by Bush Industries as part of it's original move into the Mason Park in the 1980s. He says the work should be completed around October... and, hopefully it will sometime soon have a local manufacturing plant on it... adding dozens of jobs locally. Larson says much of what's needed to attract a new business to that location is already in place... noting the Board of Public Utilities has connections for electricity, water and sewer services already close to the location. The resolution was approved unanimously.
Police arrest north county woman after missing child is found in Sheridan...
An 11 year-old child has been found safe and sound... and a town of Sheridan woman has been arrested for endangering the welfare of a child. Sheriff's officers were called to a Sheridan home shortly before Noon Wednesday... along with State Police... on a report the child was missing. After a lengthy search, the child was found safe. The resulting investigation led to the arrest of 36 year-old Ashley Jo Carlson. She was issued an appearance ticket for Sheridan Town Court.
