Opening half-day in Jamestown Public Schools goes well, with first full day today...
Opening day in the Jamestown Public Schools went relatively smooth during their traditional, half-day start to the new school year Wednesday morning, following an open house held Tuesday.  The half-days concluded just after 11 a.m., and, there will be a full-day of instruction Thursday for all grade levels.  That from School Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker... who says -- inspite of a lot of project work being done this Summer -- all the buildings were ready.  Whitaker says it was a very busy Summer with capital projects continuing... mainly at the high school.  But, he says everything was set to go for the opening.  There was a lot of work at the high school this Summer, with new HVAC units being installed on the roof, and, more work being done on the cafeteria during it's renovation.  He says the cafeteria renovation is also continuing.  Dr. Whitaker spent his morning welcoming students and parents at Lincoln Elementary School this morning.  He made his comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" on the six Media One Radio Group stations.  

Dunkirk and Fredonia also report smooth openings for their districts...
The new school year is underway in the north county as well... and, there was plenty of positive energy throughout both the Dunkirk and Fredonia school districts on their opening days.  That's the word from the superintendents of both those districts.  Dunkirk Superintendent Brian Swatland says he stopped by every school in his district throughout the day and noticed "a lot of smiles" among the children there.  Swatland says he was at School #5... where he watched some of their newest students coming to school for the first time.  He says there was also some understandable apprehension among parents.  Swatland adds that there were some normal opening day "glitches," but says overall, his district had a "really positive vibe." Meanwhile... Fredonia Superintendent Brad Zilliox says his district's senior class took part in a tradition called "Chalk the Walk..." where seniors gather in the parking lot to walk in together after writing some messages on the sidewalk with the chalk.  Zilliox says it was a "productive and positive" first day of school for Fredonia, adding that the day went smoothly.

School Boards Assoc. Director talks about efforts to stem teacher shortages...
There is a shortage of teachers to begin the new school year in some places... but, mainly in more specialized curriculum.  However... there is also a troubling sign with 20% of teachers having five or more years experience leaving the profession.  That from New York State School Boards Association Executive Director Bob Schneider... who says those include: special education, and language education among others.  Schneider adds there are some other issues that need to be addressed.  As for shortages, he says the State University of New York... and, teachers unions are developing new teacher residencies... and, apprenticeship programs.  He says the residencies would extend student teaching internships, where they can be in the classroom for maybe 12 weeks during their senior year.  He says that would give them "a much richer experience."  Schneider says they are also working on developing teacher apprenticeships that would last 1 to 2 years... that works with a co-teacher or mentor where they can learn how to put a curriculum together... and lesson plans.  There would also be more direct teaching experiences.  

North county man resentenced for assault and burglary...
A Silver Creek man has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison in connection with two incidents... one in 2023... and, another in 2024.  Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt has announced that 35 year-old David Payne received the sentence Tuesday from County Court Judge David Foley.  Schmidt says... in July of 2024... Payne pled guilty to second-degree assault for a domestic incident that occurred in June 2023... and, also pled guilty to second-degree burglary another domestic incident that occurred in July of 2023.  He was sentenced in July of last year to one-year of Interim Probation and was to comply with the terms of his probation.  But... he violated those terms when he was arrested in Erie County, New York last April.  Payne was resentenced on both convictions... receiving 10 years for the burglary count... and, a 5-year prison term for the assault count.  Schmidt says both sentences will be served concurrently.

Pair of Silver Creek residents arrested on Animal Cruelty charges...
Two Silver Creek residents were recently arrested for allegedly neglecting care of a 2-year-old labrador-mix dog.  Sheriff's officers say they were called to a report of animal abuse in the north county village back on Aug. 6.  Deputies say they found that 22 year-old Damian Molinaruiz... and, 19 year-old Paige Wilmore had neglected the lab mix... which was taken to the Eden Veterinary Clinic where it received medical care.  Both Molinaruiz... and Wilmore were issued appearance tickets for Hanover Town Court for one count each of aggravated cruelty to animals.