BPU announces $29.9-million state grant to install new, open access fiber network in electric territory...
The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities is receiving a nearly $30-million state grant to construct and install a municipal open-access fiber network in BPU electric territory. The board has announced it's receiving the $29.9-million from the New York State Opportunity/ConnectAll agency to undertake the project with two partners... Quanta Telecom Solutions... and, the EntryPoints Network. BPU General Manager Dave Leathers expressed his gratitute for the ConnectAll grant, which will allow the BPU... and its partners to create public fiber infrastructure to be made available to customers in the utility’s
electric territory of Jamestown, Celoron, Falconer and parts of the Town of Ellicott. Leathers says the system will be open-access to minimize infrastructure while ensuring consumers have competitive choices over their internet providers and other related services. He says they're also excited that the BPU will own and operate the fiber optic infrastructure, while internet providers will provide services on that shared infrastructure. Officials say the first phase of the effort will involve the BPU launching make-ready work and pole replacements... with the total project completed within 2 years. Rates are expected to be around $50.20/month for 300 Mbps and $65.20/month for 2Gbps. Customers will be contacted to sign up for service later next year. There will be no cost to sign up and install this new service during the two-year grant period, so interested customers should sign up as soon as it's made available.
Teen arrested after being allegedly found with Airsoft pellet gun near Falconer school...
A teenager has been arrested for allegedly being found in possession of an "airsoft gun" on the grounds of Falconer Central School Tuesday. Ellicott Town Police were called to the Main Street location for a "suspicious situation..." with the 17 year-old juvenile being seen with the weapon on school grounds. Officers say the teen turned over the gun to police after they arrived. Police add that "at no time was the airsoft gun used... and, the airsoft gun was not taken inside the school building. The juvenile was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon on school grounds. The teen was issued an appearance ticket for Ellicott Town Court.
Suspect sought in connectino with attempted robbery at Fredonia business...
The Fredonia Police Department is seeking information regarding an attempted robbery Wednesday afternoon on West Main Street in the village. Village police received a 911 call describing the incident that occurred at Great Lakes Gold & Silver. The owner of the business told officers that he was met by a dark-skinned male who was wearing dark clothing and a dark mask, approximately 5'3" tall with a thin build entering his business counter. A struggle ensued, and the male may have displayed a weapon. He then ran out the front door of the store and ran east on Main Street. Dunkirk Police, the Sheriff's Office and State Police all responded to assist. No suspect was located. Anyone who may have witnessed the event is asked to contact the Fredonia Police Department at (716) 679-1531.
Jamestown man arrested on Pa. warrant during Street Check...
A man sought on a burglary charge in Warren, Pa. has been arrested after being spotted riding a bicycle on a sidewalk on Jamestown's southside. City police say a patrol spotted 39 year-old Aaron Nazario riding the bike in the area of Cole Avenue and South Main Street about 3 a.m. Wednesday. Nazario saw that police had spotted him... and, he allegedly tried to flee officers on foot. However... he was caught after a brief pursuit. Nazario is charged with being a fugitive from justice... resisting arrest... and, riding a bicycle on a sidewalk/and not having a bell on the bike. He was jailed pending arraignment.
Wendel says Army Corps should not have problems doing it's work with new DEC Wetland Regulations set to begin on Jan. 1...
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun it's work on Chautauqua Lake to start development of a plan to restore the lake's original ecosystems and deal with the invasive weed and algal bloom issues. That from County Executive P.J. Wendel... who says the Army Corps will be able to continue it's work into the new year... even with the state's new Freshwater Wetland regulations set to begin next Jan. 1. Wendel says the Army Corp isn't going to be focusing on surface water-type issues... but, more sub-aquatic issues. He says he's excited to see the outcome of the research... and, what it may lead to. The county and other local officials have been pushing for the state Department of Environmental Conservation to delay implimentation of the new wetland regulations due to their potential impact on what property owners on the lake would be allowed to do... or keep doing. Wendel made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.
