Nearly $302-million County Budget up for a vote tonight in Mayville...
Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel's amended 2025 county budget is on the agenda for tonight's county legislature meeting... and indications are that the $301.9-million spending plan will pass. Silver Creek Republican Tom Harmon says he doesn't expect that any huge issues will be brought up when it comes time to discuss the budget, which has few changes from Wendel's original proposal. Harmon says some additional reductions were found during committee discussions that will slightly lower the tax rate further. Legislature Minority Leader Robert Bankoski says he is "not knocking" Wendel's proposed budget, but he does plan to ask to lower the county's unassigned fund balance by $2 million. The Dunkirk Democrat says that would provide tax relief to municipalities that are looking at significant tax hikes... like Dunkirk and Jamestown. The amended budget includes a property tax rate of $6.70 per $1,000, which is 21 cents lower from this year.
City man under federal Sex Trafficking indictment...
A Jamestown man has been indicted by a federal grand jury to conspiring to kidnap two people... and, use force and coercion to get them involved in sex trafficking. U.S. Attorney Trini Ross says the incidments were handed up Tuesday for 29 year-old Duane Lowery -- also known as "Chi Chi" -- for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force and coercion, sex trafficking by force and coercion, kidnapping, narcotics conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and using and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Prosecutors say the indictment states that between October and December of 2022... Lowery conspired with others to coerce individuals to engage in commercial sex acts. Specifically... he's accused of forcing a person to engage in a commercial sex act. In addition, between October and November 2023, Lowery kidnapped two individuals. Ross says the indictment also accuses Lowery of conspiring with others to sell and selling fentanyl, using a West Cowden Place home in Jamestown for his drug trafficking activities. He faces a minimum penalty of 15 years to life in federal prison, if convicted.
Borrello hosts Town Hall meeting in Fredonia Tuesday...
A large number of constituents were on hand for the latest town hall meeting hosted by the region's New York State Senator... this one in his hometown of Fredonia last night. Sunset Bay Republican George Borrello spent just over an hour discussing issues, and listening to concerns from local residents about matters Albany. However... Borrello says one of the best parts of the town halls is hearing their concerns, and helping them get through the red tape in Albany. He says constituent cases make up a lot of what they work on in the district's local office, and follow-ups are necessary. While discussing partisan issues in Albany... Borrello talked about working with Democratic Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz of Queens to develop the "Nourish New York" program. Even if you weren't able to be at last night's town hall... he say his office is ready to provide constituent service with state issues, and adds they have great allies in State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, and Congressman Nick Langworthy's offices. Borrello made his comments for next weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.
Jaroszynski charged with two Election Law violations, and she responds, saying the petitions in question were certified by county BOE...
One of the two candidates running for Chautauqua County Family Court Judge has been charged with violating election law regarding petitions. Sheriff's officers say 57 year-old Sally Jaroszynski of Ellicott was officially charged on Oct. 8th after a complaint was received by the department's Criminal Investigation Division. Jaroszynski was charged with two counts of Misconduct in Relation to Petitions... a violation of state Election Law. She was issued appearance tickets and will answer the charges at a later time.
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In response... Jaroszynski said in a Facebook post -- "I have been made aware that I have been served with an appearance ticket from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office regarding allegations of violating a section of state Election Law. I have NOT been made aware of the specific allegations as my counsel and I have been denied our requests for any copies of the allegations, supporting statements or copy of the alleged complaint received on October 8th. I do know that the allegations involve two alleged Notary Public violations on Conservative Party nominating petitions that were filed in April 2024... and, were certified by the Chautauqua County Board of Elections also in April 2024. The statutory time to oppose or challenge my petitions has long passed. The timing of this appearance ticket is highly suspicious and I would pray that the public ask the right questions." She added she's staying in the race.
City woman arrested on warrant, drug possession charges...
A Jamestown woman has been arrested on a warrant... and, for being found in possession of two different kinds of illegal drugs on the city's eastside. Jamestown police say officers were called to the area of East Sixth and Pine Streets shortly before 3 a.m. today, and, located Teresa Rooney. Police took her into custody without incident. In addition... officers found her in possesion of a quantity of methamphetamines... and pills which a both controlled substances. Rooney was jailed pending arraignment on the warrant... and, two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
