Celoron man pleads guilty to federal Meth trafficking charges...
A Celoron man has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge in U.S. District Court in Buffalo following an investigaion last year about this time.  U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced that 31 year-old Darin Butts, Jr. entered the plea before Magistrate Judge Michael Roemer Thursday to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10-million fine.  Prosecutors say that in July and August of 2023... undercover drug agents conducted seven controlled purchases of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Butts.  A year ago today... search warrants were executed at Butts’ home and his two vehicles.  Law enforcement officials say they seized approximately 610 grams of methamphetamine, some of it packaged in smaller, individual-sized quantities... along with drug paraphernalia, and about $14,829 in cash from trafficking meth.  This past May... another raid took place at Butts’ residence... with police seizing multiple quantities of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia.  Sentencing will be held at a later date.

Six from Fredonia and Dunkirk arrested during raid in village Thursday...
Six north county residents have been arrested during an early morning raid Thursday in the village of Fredonia that uncovered a large amount of Fentanyl... and, firearms.  Sheriff's officers say their department... along with Fredonia, Dunkirk and Jamestown Police... executed a search warrant at 166 Newton St. just before 5:30 a.m.  The six people inside were 26 year-old Faith Grisanti of Dunkirk... along with 27 year-old Dakota Cordell... 34 year-old Brett Plucinski... 36 year-old Joseph Culmo... and 31 year-old Nicholas Culmo and 63 year-old Richard Culmo -- all of Fredonia.  During the search... investigators say they also found 81.8-grams of fentanyl... six handguns, one rifle...  50 suboxone strips, a quantity of Oxycodone, scales and packaging material for the sale and distribution of narcotics.  They also found $6,170 in cash.  Police say Cordell, Grisanti, Plucinski, Joseph Culmo and Nicholas Culmo were all charged with two counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, second-degree criminally using drug paraphernalia.  Cordell is also charged with fourth-degree criminal Possession of a Weapon... and, on three arrest warrants.  Joseph Culmo also had an arrest warrant from Fredonia Village Court... and, Richard Culmo was charged with first-degree criminal nuisance.  He was released with an appearance ticket... the others were all taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment. Anyone with information on suspicious criminal or illegal drug activity is asked to call the Sheriff's Department tip line at 1-800-344-8702 or 716-664-2420.  For the JPD Tip line call 483-8477.

City man arrested for burglary and assault... 
A Jamestown man faces assault and burglary charges after allegedly forcing his way into a northside home... and, injuring a person living there.  City police say they were called to the unidentified scene shortly before 8 PM last night... and, their investigation showed that 57 year-old Delbert Clark had broken into the home... and, he assaulted an individual there... before fleeing the scene.  Officers say they located Clark in the area of East 8th St. and Prendergast Ave., and, he was taken into custody on one count of first-degree burglary and third-degree assault.  Clark was jailed pending arraignment.

City Council considering ways to pay final $100,000 for Splash Pads...
The Jamestown City Council is considering using additional, left-over American Rescue Plan funding to fill a $100,000 gap to pay for the city's two new splash pads.  The Council's Finance Committee discussed the matter this week... but, tabled a measure to use those funds because a $100,000 state grant had not yet come in.  Committee Chairman Brent Sheldon says State Assemblyman Andy Goodell was working to obtain that... and Mayor Kim Ecklund says they are in contact with Goodell about the matter... but, adds they have not heard anything definative yet, and may not until next year.  However... if the city has to pay for it... she would rather see the money come out of contingency instead of the General Fund.  Council President Tony Dolce said he had no problem using ARPA funds to fill the gap. 

Annual Jamestown Regional Celtic Festival & Gathering of the Clans begins Friday night...
The weather should be perfect for the 17th annual Jamestown Regional Celtic Festival & Gathering of the Clans... which begins tonight at Lakeside Park in Mayville.  Festival Director Doug Clark tells us the gates open at 5 p.m., and, the first performance by one of the Celtic bands begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by one of the festival favorites... "The Mudmen..." a Celtic rock band from Canada for their "kick-off party."  Tonight's events run until 9:30 p.m.  Clark says the festival kicks into high-gear tomorrow... with activities beginning at 10 AM with music, food, heavy athletic competition... and, help for people interested in geneology.  He says some 30 heavy athletes will take part in several competitions during the day.  Clark says they have seven celtic bands... and, seven more pipe bands taking part in the Celtic Festival.  Admission is a $10 donation.  The event helps to fund a scholarship program at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation... which Clark says has given out 24 scholarships to date.  The event is put on by the 96th Highlanders Pipes and Drums organization... and the Media One Radio Group is a sponsor of the event.  For more information.. go to their social media pages.