County Legislature approves appointments to be GOP, Democratic Elections Commissioners...
The Chautauqua County Legislature has unanimously approved a new Republican elections commissioner... and, confirmed the reappointment of the current Democratic commissioner. The confirmation of Nacole Ellis to replace long-time GOP Commissioner Brian Abram was 10-0 with four Republicans absent... while Democrat Luz Torres was approved by the full legislature, 13-0. Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon began last night's special meeting with an apology because both should have been acted on at last week's regular meeting. Chagnon says they needed to act on the Republican nomination by their October meeting, and the Democrat by Election Day. With today being the last day of October, he says they needed to act last night. Chagnon says the legislature had been previously informed that both could be acted on at the November meeting. A handful of lawmakers spoke prior to both being confirmed. Ellicott Republican Lisa Vanstrom says Ellis has proven her worth at the board... and, Democrats said the same of Torres. She is concluding her first term... and, Minority Leader, Bob Bankowski of Dunkirk, says she's done a great job. Both Ellis and Torres were at the meeting... and, thanked lawmakers for their full-throated support.
Man from Dunkirk arrested on drug charges following July arrest for domestic dispute...
A Dunkirk man faces a felony drug charge resulting from a previous arrest from a July domestic dispute. Dunkirk Police were called to an address on St. Hedwigs Ave. on July 24, when 35-year-old Jetchuan Reyes allegedly prevented the victim from calling 911 and pushed the victim through a porch railing. Officers arrested Reyes at the scene and took him to police headquarters... where they found him in possession of eight individual baggies containing a significant amount of an unknown powder substance. The State Police Crime Lab analyzed the substance, which was found to be cocaine. That led to a warrant for an additional charge of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Reyes was taken into custody on the warrant after officers conducted a traffic stop in the 600-block of Main Street earlier this month. He was arraigned on the additional charge and released on his own recognizance.
City Council approves $150,000 JLDC Loan to Monroe for growing contractor business...
A local contractor that does excavation and demolition work in the city has been approved for a $150,000, Jamestown Local Development Corporation loan, to buy new equipment. The JLDC Loan to Monroe-&-More will allow Owner Dylan Monroe to purchase an excavator... and, a skid steer. The loan was approved by the City Council this week because lawmakers have to approve any JLDC loan that's for more than $100,000. Monroe says he's trying to expand his general contracting business... which has been entirely local. He says they have moved into providing home improvement services, and want to move into the development sector to help "rebuild" Jamestown's housing market. Monroe says his business is currently being run out of 15 Cross St. in Falconer... and, it's mostly a family-run operation. He says they've been looking for a bigger location for a while. He says he was operating out of his garage for the first couple of years they were open. Monroe... who is a Jamestown native... says he want's to be part of the community... and, the effort to build new, and better housing for the community. Councilman Jeff Russell... who is the panel's representative on the JLDC Board... spoke in support of Monroe and his business, prior to the vote.
Langworthy announces city of Jamestown to receive $187,000 federal EMS grant...
The city of Jamestown is receiving just over $185,000 in federal funding to increase outreach and engagement activities involving the city's fire department. Local Congressman Nick Langworthy has announced the department has been awarded the $187,672 in funding hrough the Rural EMS Training and Equipment Assistance program. Langworthy says it's administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration -- otherwise known as SAMHSA. The funding will be used to enhance EMS training and provide essential equipment to first responders serving the rural areas of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. Langworthy says "our first responders in Jamestown are on the front lines of the public health challenges we face, like substance abuse disorders, often providing life-saving care. I’ve always been a strong advocate for the men and women who serve our community, and this grant is a direct investment in their ability to do their jobs safely and effectively." He says the grant will fund a project led by the Jamestown Fire Department to increase outreach and other activities in the city... Chautauqua County... and, Cattaraugus County.
