Congress approves WARN Act, sponsored by Langworthy, to modernize emergency alert systems...
Congress has unanimously approved the bi-partisan Weather Alert Response and Notification -- or WARN Act -- to modernize emergency alert systems nationwide.  Local representative Nick Langworthy was a sponsor of the measure... which comes following the communication failures during Winter Storm Elliott two years ago... which claimed more than 40 lives in Western New York and the Southern Tier.  Langworthy says the WARN Act will direct the Government Accountability Office to look into how effective emergency alert systems are... and, how they can be improved.  He says it "will examine cutting edge technology, such as mobile alerts, satelite communications, and next generation platforms to see how we can improve these systems."  Langworthy says during Winter Storm Elliott -- "people were trapped in their cars for days, many were trapped in their homes without power, and rescue crews struggled to get to those in need.  Some of these deaths could’ve been prevented, but local warning systems failed to adequately communicate the risks to the public.  We can’t let this happen again.”  He says the legislation aims to improve the clarity and reliability of alerts, providing critical support for emergency managers.

Langworthy announces Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club to receive $143,000 grant...
One of Chautauqua County's snowmobile clubs is receiving more than $140,000 in federal funding to purchase a snowplow to maintain local trails.  Local Congressman Nick Langworthy has announced that the Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club is receiving the just over $143,000, Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Langworthy says the money will help the club obtain a Sno-Cat 2000 Trail Groomer to help maintain about 200 of the more than 400 miles of local snowmobile trails. Langworthy says the county's "Winter weather creates unique challenges, and maintaining safe and accessible snowmobile trails is critical for both recreation and tourism."  The investment is expected to create six jobs... and, support 30 existing ones at 12 rural small businesses.  The club has just over 1,100 members.

Jamestown woman arrested for allegedly threatening another woman during incident on southside...
A city woman is accused of threatening another woman last weekend during an incident on Jamestown's southside... and, was also arrested on three active bench warrants.  City police say they were called to the scene shortly after 8 p.m. last Saturday for an "unwanted person."  Officers say they found 34 year-old Amra Cuhel sitting in her car in front of the home... and, knew she was wanted on those warrants.  Police add that... while at the scene... Cuhel allegedly threatened the other woman who had a valid order of protection against her.  She was arrested for first-degree criminal contempt.... second-degree harassment... and on the three warrants.  Cuhel was held pending arraignment.

City woman arrested on warrants and resisting arrest...
Jamestown police arrested a city woman early Sunday morning on Jamestown's eastside for resisting arrest... and, for allegedly being found in possession of drugs.  City police say a patrol in the area of Stowe and Falconer Streets spotted 32 year-old Jessie Anderson walking on the roadway when she allegedly ran off into the backyard of a nearby home.  Officers located Anderson... but, she attempted to flee... but, was caught and taken into custody after a brief struggle.  She was charged with resisting arrest... seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and on the warrants.  Anderson was jailed pending arraignment.

Wendel says county has the money to pay it's share of new, JCC/YMCA athletic complex...
Chautauqua County has a few options for covering the $6-million it's commiting to A new, combined Jamestown Community College/YMCA athletic complex.  JCC and Y officials recently outlined their $43-million proposal to the full legislature.  Lawmakers later approved a resolution of support for the project... as officials push to have $12-million in state funding included in next year's State University of New York budget.  With $40-million in it's undesignated fund balance... County Executive P.J. Wendel says the county has enough to cover it's share... but, adds they could also fund part of it through bonding.  JCC President Daniel DeMarte says having SUNY chip in it's share of $12-million will be critical to the project going forward... and, says it's still early in the process.  JCC would also have to contribute $6-million to the effort.  However... Wendel believes it'll work because JCC has already done this in Cattaraugus County.  He made his comments for last weekend's Community Spotlight program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.

County Jail inmate violates order of protection...
An inmate at the Chautauqua County Jail has been arrested after allegedly making contact with a person that had an order of protection for him to stay away from.  Sheriff's officers say their investigation showed that 25 year-old Tarice Echevarria of Jamestown had contacted the victim "numerous times" prior to Dec. 3.  Echevarria was charged with second-degree criminal contempt and was held pending arraignment.

Ramped up police presence at Dunkirk schools following social media threat...
The Dunkirk City School District has ramped up police presence at the schools this week out of an abundance of caution following a threat that was made targeting Dunkirk High School.  Dunkirk School Superintendent Mike Mansfield announced early Sunday evening that the district was made aware of the threat circulating on social media.  According to Mansfield, the Dunkirk Police Department investigated the threat, and it was found to not be credible.