City Council learns the city still has just over $2-million in ARPA funding left unallocated for projects...
The city of Jamestown has just over $2-million American Rescue Plan Act funding that has not been allocated... or has been clawed back after it went unused. That from City Comptroller Ericka Thomas... who reported to the City Council's Finance Committee last night that the $2.082-million left was after an adjustment in what was paid out for the city's new two new splash pads. Thomas says $385,000 was reallocated to retrofit the Jamestown Police Department's firing range... which has been in disrepair for many years. She says the city has been unable to fill three police positions... and, that funding is being reallocated. Thomas says about $40,000 of the original ARPA allotment of $28-million was left prior to the "give-backs" of funding. Council President Tony Dolce says the entire ARPA grant has to be alloted... with contracts signed... by the end of the year. Dolce says those decisions will have to be made fairly soon. Mayor Kim Ecklund says the funds not allocated would not have to go back to the federal government because the city still has costs from the COVID Pandemic that could be covered by leftover ARPA funds. Council committees last night did approve contracting with a Provo, Utah company to retrofit the JPD Firing Range.
City man arrested for DWI after vehicle crashes into car on Jamestown's southside...
A man from Jamestown is accused of driving drunk early Sunday morning... and, crashing his vehicle into a parked car on the city's southside. Jamestown police were called to the scene just before 3:30 a.m., and, when they arrived... they found 41 year-old Eric Decker in the driver's seat of the suspect car. Officers say Decker showed signs of impairment... and, he was given field sobriety tests... which he failed. Police say both cars had "significant damage" done to them. Decker was arrested... and, given a breath test... which showed his BAC was twice the legal limit. He was issued appearance tickets for DWI... Aggravated DWI... and, a traffic violation.
Altercation in Silver Creek leads to Felony DWI arrest...
A report of an altercation at a Silver Creek address early last weekend led to the arrest of a north county woman for Felony drunk driving. Sheriff's officers say they were called to an Angell Road location about 11:30 p.m. last Saturday night... and, when deputies arrived... they were told that an intoxicated woman was at the scene... and, trying to drive a motor vehicle. Officers got a description of the vehicle... and, a deputy saw the car in the roadway travelling on Angell Road... and, a stop was conducted. They identified the woman as 34 year old Samantha Coy of Silver Creek... and, further investigation led to her arrest for Felony DWI, and first-degree Aggravated unlicensed operation. Coy is to appear in Hanover Town Court at a later date.
CCHS staff "blown away" by $1.5-million grant from Golisano Foundation...
"We were blown away!" That was the reaction of staff at the Chautauqua County Humane Society after hearing they were being awarded a $1.5-million dollar grant from the Golisano Foundation in Rochester. The Humane Society was one of 82 non-profit organizations in Western and Central New York who were announced as receiving significant monitary awards from the foundation. Humane Society Spokesman Brian Papalia says they were made aware they were receiving something early last week... and, they really weren't sure how much they were going to get. Papalia says the amount they're receiving will be "game-changing" for the organization. The announcement was made later in the week by the head of the Golisano organization... Tom Golisano... a long time regional entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader. Papalia says they definately have some needs in the coming months and years the funding will be used for... including current care for the animals... and, preparing for new state Shelter Standards in late 2025. If you would like to check out the animals... the Strunk Road shelter is open 1 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays... and, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. You can also go on-line to chqhumane.org.
Langworthy announces $600,000 federal grant for The Chautauqua Center...
The Chautauqua Center in Jamestown has been awarded a $600,000 federal grant to expand behavior health services in the Jamestown-area. Local Congressman Nick Langworthy says the grant from the U-S Department of Health and Human Services will help The Chautauqua Center continue to "play a critical role in ensuring that the Southern Tier has access to affordable quality care. This grant will strengthen their ability to provide vital mental health services, supporting individuals and families facing mental health challenges. I am proud to support their mission and this significant investment in the well-being of our community.” The Department of Health and Human Services says the program aims to improve access to mental health care by funding treatment services at Community Health Centers in underserved areas. Langworthy adds that the grant "enables health centers to increase their staff, broaden their service offerings, and enhance care for individuals struggling with mental health issues, including substance abuse disorders."
