City resident arrested for DWI after car jumps curb and strikes porch...
A resident of Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk when their vehicle went over a curb... and, struck the porch of a southside home. City police were called to the scene shortly after 10 p.m. Monday for a motor vehicle accident. Their investigation found that the driver, 28 year-old Limerka Diaz, had crossed over the roadway... drove over the curb... and, then struck the porch. Officers say they found Diaz had been driving while intoxicated... and, was taken to the city jail without incident. Diaz was charged with DWI... and, failure to keep right.
Current north county legislator confirms run for County Executive this Fall...
A man from Fredonia who has spent his career managing and turning around businesses says he wants to help turn Chautauqua County around by running for County Executive. Democrat Tom Carle became the newest member of the county legislature at the beginning of the year... replacing Susan Parker... who stepped down from her District 4 seat late last year. By stepping up now to run... Carle hopes to also produce some "down-ballot" success for other Democrats. He says he feels there's too much one-party rule in the county... with the executive... and, 14 of the 19 legislature seats being held by Republicans... and, that hasn't led to good problem solving. Carle was careful not to criticize the current administration... mainly because the county is doing well from a financial stand-point. However... with uncertainty on the horizon at the state and federal levels... he believes there needs to be good management in Mayville. He says county government may have to move on the fly to deal with potential changes in the offing. Carle adds that in recent years county government has grown, while the local population has continued to decline. He says he has two main objectives in bringing in "one or two" companies -- like Cummin's Engine -- to provide more "family-sustaining jobs." Carle ran unsuccessfully last year against incumbant 23rd District Congressman Nick Langworthy. Current County Executive P.J. Wendel of Lakewood announced is intention to run again earlier this year.
New murder charges place on Buffalo man accused of murdering two women whose bodies were found in Chautauqua County...
A Buffalo man who has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the discovery of human remains in the Town of Portland in 2021... has now been identified as a person of interest in a separate case involving a set of remains that was discovered in Niagara Falls. The city of Niagara Falls released a statement on Tuesday, saying 62-year-old Richard Fox resided at a property on Orleans Avenue in the city, where police found remains boarded up under the basement stairs on March 28th. The identity of the remains and the cause of death are still under investigation. Fox is currently being held in the Erie County Holding Center for the deaths of Marquita Mull and Cassandra Watson, whose remains were discovered in a wooded area off Woleben Road near the Chautauqua County Rails to Trails. Anyone with information on Fox or any of his acquaintances is asked to contact the Niagara Falls Police Department at (716) 286-4553 or (716) 286-4711.
Wendel marks Mental Health Awareness Month...
Chautauqua County is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month with special proclamations by County Executive P.J. Wendel... and, other community activities. Wendel is issuing official proclamations declaring May as Mental Health Awareness Month... this week as Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week... and, Thursday as Wear Green Day in Chautauqua County. He says it's a time where people should take stock of their own mental health. The proclamations will be made during the Children’s Single Point of Access meeting, which is not open to the public. However, the messages of acceptance, awareness, and action will be celebrated communitywide through a series of initiatives and activities throughout May. Wendel says they are continuing to push for more acute Mental Health treatment beds in the north county. Wendel says... each May... Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations about mental health and wellness. This year’s theme is "Small Steps. Big Impact" to emphasize how everyday actions — big or small — can make a lasting difference in building a supportive and inclusive community.
No one hurt in Westfield house fire...
A fire that severely damaged the rear portion of a house in the Village of Westfield is under investigation. Westfield fire crews received mutual aid from Portland, North Lake, Ripley and Sherman in battling the fire at 38 Washington St., which was called in shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday. County Emergency Services and Westfield Police were also on scene. No injuries were reported.
