City man indicted on federal drug trafficking, and weapon's charges...
A Jamestown man has been indicted by a federal Grand Jury for narcotics conspiracy... and, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 49 year-old Blake Smith... also known as "Sweets..." faces a manditory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life if convicted. Prosecutors say that between February 2017, and February 2025, Smith conspired with Joseph Zaso, and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area. In addition, between February 2017, and May 2022... they say Smith possessed a firearm during his drug trafficking activities. Zaso was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. DiGiacomo says Smith was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Buffalo... and, is being held pending a detention hearing.
Man from Jamestown arrested after allegedly threatening others with bat, then exposing himself...
A Jamestown man is accused of trying to hit another person with a baseball bat... and, then exposing himself to the victims he was threatening. City police were called to a westside home about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on a report of a person with a weapon. Their investigation found that 65 year-old Arnold Williams had threatened multiple victims with the bat... and, tried to hit one of them before flashing the victims. Officers say Williams was arrested on one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon... second-degree menacing... three counts of public lewdness... and two counts of second-degree harssment. He was jailed pending arraignment.
City woman arrested on numerous charges following theft, and car chase...
A Jamestown woman faces several charges after allegedly stealing from a Lakewood business... and, then leading police on a car chase. Lakewood-Busti Police say they were dispatched to look for a suspect vehicle on Fairmount Avenue... in the area of Southwestern Drive, about 6 p.m. last Tuesday night. Officers say they spotted the vehicle... but, the driver... later identified as 40 year-old Ashley Gorton of Prendergast Avenue... tried to drive away. Police say they eventually got Gorton to pull over... and, she was arrested. She is charged with third-degree unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle... second-degree reckless endangerment... reckless driving... unlicensed operation... speed in zone... speeding... improper or unsafe turn without signal... passing a red light... improper passing and others. Gorton was issued appearance tickets for Busti Town Court. A passenger in the car... Robert McCloud... was also arrested on warrants issued by Jamestown Police. He was later turned over to JPD.
Moore named as new Southwestern Central School Superintendent, beginning July 1...
The Southwestern Central School District has gone internally to find it's new superintendent... and, she'll begin her new position this coming July 1. On the district's Facebook page...they congratulated Molly Moore on her appointment during Tuesday night's school board meeting. She replaces Maureen Donahue, who announced her retirement last year, after several years of heading up the district. Moore... who has been employed by the district for 24 years... said in a statement that -- "I am honored and thrilled to be the next Superintendent of SWCS. I firmly believe Southwestern provides excellent education opportunities for our students. Our community and staff provide a supportive yet challenging environment for our students to thrive." She also thanked the school board and hiring committees "for trusting me to be the next leader of our fantastic district." Her career at Southwestern began as a school psychologist in 2001... and, most recently... she's been the director of instructional services.
Schumer won't block CR, Gillibrand pushes for bi-partisan, 30-day CR...
The Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate announced late Thursday that he's ready to start the process of considering a Republican-led spending bill to prevent a midnight Friday government shutdown. New York's Charles Schumer said he's worried a shutdown would give President Donald Trump and Elon Musk "carte blanche" to gut government even further. The Democrats wanted to slap limits on Trump and Musk -- but they have few options. New York's Junior U-S Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, says she's aware of several GOP Senators who are not happy with the bill approve in the House earlier this week. Gillibrand says the cuts and or reductions are even too much for some of them. However... she was only aware that Alaska's Lisa Mirkowski was a no vote on the longer CR. Democrats were pushing a 30-day funding bill as an alternative... but, Schumer said Republicans rejected it outright. Senate Republicans need 60 votes to be able to pass the CR. With only 53 Republicans in the Senate... they need at least 7 or possibly 8 Democrats to pass the current proposal... which would run through next September.
Langworthy votes yes on House GOP continuing resolution...
Local Congressman Nick Langworthy was among the House members who voted in favor of the controversial, continuing resolution that was approved Tuesday. Langworthy's vote was critical... as Republican's could only lose one vote to get the CR approved... and, try to avert a government shut-down. The Buffalo-area representative says "despite Democrats’ attempt to shut down the government, nothing they do will impede on President Trump’s incredible and quick work fixing our country."
