North County man killed in Wyoming County crash...
A Silver Creek man lost his life in a two-vehicle crash in Wyoming County on Tuesday. The Wyoming County Sheriff's Office reports the accident occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. in the Town of Wethersfield, where a car driven by 80-year-old Richard Milazzo, Jr., failed to yield the right of way to a tow truck at the intersection of Wethersfield... and Hermitage Roads. Milazzo was found unresponsive at the wheel and pronounced dead at the scene by a Wyoming County coroner.
Wendel proposes $301.9-million, 2025 county budget that includes fifth-straignt tax rate cut...
There will be another tax rate decrease in Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel's 2025 executive budget proposal... which totals $301.9-million. Wendel unveiled the new spending plan during last night's county legislature meeting in Mayville. The Lakewood Republican says -- it's the fifth time in his five-years in office -- he's been able to do that. Wendel says the spending plan "reflects my strategy and vision..." that will maintain "our strong financial position..." while maintaining essential services. While the tax rate goes down another 19-cents $1,000 assessed value... Wendel did acknowledge that the tax levy is increased in the budget by $1.9-million. However... he says total assessments in the county are up about 5.6%. Wendel says there are still more than three-dozen mandated state programs they must provide. But... there are no new state mandates. He says there are a number of capital projects included in the spending plan... led by the final phase of the Westside Expansion of the South and Center Chautauqua Lake Sewer District Expansion Project. The new budget is due by Dec. 1, and, the legislature will begin hearings on the $301.9-million budget shortly.
Legislature gets new member, recognizes retired, long-time WJTN morning man, Dennis Webster...
Also during last night's legislature meeting... lawmakers unanimously approved the appointment of Tamara Dickey to replace David Wilfong on the panel. Wilfong resigned last month... after deciding to move to Florida. Dickey -- a Republican -- will fill out the remainder of his term at District 11 legislature representative.
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There was also special recognition for retired WJTN Morning Man Dennis Webster... who was presented with a commendation from County Executive Wendel at the beginning of last night's meeting. Wendel noted the many programs Dennis was on that contributed to the community, and expressed appreciation for his 47 years as an early morning show host. Dennis thanked his family, and co-workers for their support through the years. He retired this past Aug. 2 after wrapping up 54 years on the air here. Congratulations on this latest honor, Dennis!
JPD seeking information on four-door truck spotted at scene of Sept. 10 homicide...
Jamestown police are looking for the owner and operator of a dark-colored, newer model pick-up truck in connection with their Sept. 10 homicide investigation. Police investigators say they have posted a couple of pictures on-line of the four-door truck... that was seen in the Newland Avenue-area where 68 year-old Doug Howie was shot by an unknown assailant. Officers were called to the scene... near the Pronto Mart at the corner with Forest Avenue... shortly before 9 p.m. First-responders provided first aid... and, Howie was initially rushed to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital... and, later transferred to UPMC Hamot in Erie, Pa.... where he later died of his wounds. Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to call the Jamestown Police Command Desk at 483-7537... or their confidential tip line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
Lawson pleads guilty to drug charges in Beardsley conspiracy case...
Another Jamestown resident who was involved in the local drug ring headed up by Rocco Beardsley has now pleaded guilty to trafficking heroin... methamphetamine and Fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross has announced that 34 year-old Charles Lawson... also known as Charley Marley... entered the plea in U.S. District Court in Buffalo to one count of intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. Prosecutors say that between January and March 2020... Lawson conspired with Beardsley and others to sell the drugs in the area. Lawson is accused of being a "close associate" of Beardsley and actively assisted Beardsley’s drug trafficking activities. He used Facebook to advertise and sell Beardsley’s drugs... and, received narcotics for his own use as compensation for his services. In late January of 2020... investigators conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Beardsley and Lawson participated in the purchase. Beardsley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Lawson faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a $1-million fine.
Gillibrand and two other Senators introduce Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act...
A major surge in illegal migrants crossing the northern border from Canada into the United States has prompted three U.S. Senators to proposed new legislation to deal with the issue. One of them... New York Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand... says there's been three main problems at the northern border: illegal migrant crossings... human trafficking that's had tragic consequences... and, the smuggling of drugs and weapons. Gillibrand says the human smuggling industry "flourishing" along the northern border... and, guns and drugs are being trafficked into Canada. Over the past year... Gillibrand says the number of migrant crossings has doubled to 190-thousand encounters in 2023. With that... she and two other Senators have introduced the bi-parisan, Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act. Local Congressman Nick Langworthy is sponsoring the legislation... which is now going before committees... in the House of Representatives.
