City police investigating shooting incident near Winter Garden Plaza...
Jamestown police are still investigating a reported shooting incident overnight on the city's northside. Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department dispatchers say the call came in from the area of the Winter Garden Plaza shortly after 2 a.m. There have been no reports of injuries or arrests. More when it becomes available.
Jamestown man indicted by federal grand jury on drug charges...
A city man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on drug-related charges following a traffic stop in Jamestown in September of last year. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced that the grand jury has returned an indictment charging 43 year-old Willie Graham with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Prosecutors say Jamestown police conducted a traffic stop on Graham last September as his car pulled out of the driveway of a known drug house. Police searched the vehilcle... and, found what appeared to be methamphetamine... along with several items of drug paraphernalia. Officers also recovered a glass bubble pipe from Graham’s waist. He and the other two occupants were then taken to the city jail, at which time Graham said he was having chest pains and could not breathe. Before Graham was taken for medical attention, officers discovered suspected fentanyl in his possession. This past March... Graham was a passenger in a vehicle that fled from police who were trying to initiate a traffic stop. A search of the vehicle recovered 11.6 grams of suspected meth, other drug paraphernalia, and $1,134.00 cash. Graham and the other two occupants were taken to the city jail, where Graham informed officers that he had eaten “dope” prior to being arrested and was overdosing. He was given a dose of NARCAN and taken for medical attention. Graham faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison... and, a $1-million fine.
Borrello hosts press conference in Sunset Bay calling for suspension of "full contact" visitations in wake of incidents in state prisons in the region...
Several New York state legislators and law enforcement officials are calling for the suspension of full-contact visitation in state prisons. The demand comes in the wake of three incidents this month in Western New York prisons, including two in Collins, where several corrections officers were hospitalized due to exposure to fentanyl and other unknown drugs. Senator George Borrello addressed a large contingent of corrections officers and their families at a Thursday afternoon press conference in Sunset Bay. Borrello says they've sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul demanding that she suspend such visitations. That drew loud cheers from the audience. The most recent incident cited in the letter occurred on Tuesday in Collins, where two officers experienced life-threatening symptoms after entering the cell of an inmate who was "behaving irrationally" on Tuesday. Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone spoke about the importance of taking care of corrections staff by making sure they have enough time off. Quattrone says that's being done at the county level, and he's urging New York State to do the same. Other speakers at Thursday's press conference included Assemblyman Joe Giglio, and, First Assistant Chautauqua County District Attorney Andrew Molitor/
Langworthy announces nearly $670,000 in federal fire fighting grants for local departments...
Four local fire departments -- including Jamestown -- have been awarded nearly 670-thousand dollars in federal grants to help them staff and equip their departments. Local Congressman Nick Langworthy has announced that those departments are getting the grants through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant... and, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs. He says the Jamestown Fire Department will receive the largest AFG grant... totaling just over $330,000. The Falconer Fire Department will receive a just over $78,000 AFG grant... along with a $50,000 SAFER Grant. Langworthy says the Cassadaga Fire Department will be getting a nearly $177,000 AFG Grant... and, Randolph in Cattaraugus County will receive nearly $35,000 in AFG monies. Langworthy says the funds will support the acquisition of new equipment, implementation of safety measures, and recruitment and retention initiatives that are critical for the region’s emergency response teams.
Kroon retiring from WCB&GClub of Jamestown...
The long-time head of the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown will retire at the end of the year after 40 years with the organization. In a press release late this week... the club says Executive Director Jeffrey Kroon is stepping down after 16 years in that position. Kroon says -- "I’m 65 and started my 40th year with the Club in May. The job is as challenging and satisfying as it has always been. The club’s focus continues to be to serve the young people and families who need us most, providing a safe, supervised environment with enriching and fun activities for all ages." Club Board President Rhonda Johnson says "over the past two decades, it has been a pleasure to collaborate with Jeff. His steadfast commitment to the Club and its young members is both genuine and inspirational." Local attorney Charles DeAngelo is chairman of the Personnel Committee for the club's board... and, adds that "to say that Jeff Kroon has been the heart and soul of “The Club” is an understatement. Jeff has made “The Club” a successful operation the old-fashioned way -- by doing his job brilliantly." Kroon's retirement will take effect next Dec. 31.
