Three city residents arrested following drug raid on Jamestown's westside...
Three Jamestown residents have been arrested on multiple drug-related charges following a raid on an apartment late last week on the city's westside. Jamestown police say members of the Metro Drug Task Force... and, Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Investigators executed a search warrant at 17 West 7th St. shortly after Noon last Thursday... and, located the three: 49 year-old Wendy Merrill... 43 year-old Tiffany Mahoney... along with five other people. They add that 32 year-old David Burkhart III was found on the front porch of the residence, actively trying to be let into the apartment as officers approached. Once the apartment was secured... detectives searched and found 10.4 grams of methamphetamine... 7.3-grams of fentanyl... a small amount of crack cocaine... digital scales... packaging materials... hypodermic needles and a small amount of cash. Police say Merrill and Mahoney were both charged with two counts each of third-and fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... and, three counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... along with two counts of second-degree criminally using drug paraphenalia. Burkhart is charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a contrlled substance... and, on an outstanding city court arrest warrant. The other five subjects were released without charges. Police say all three suspects were held pending arraignment.
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In addition... police say the city's Department of Development was later called in... and, condemned the apartment, which was in deplorable condition. Anyone with information about drug or other criminal activity is asked to call the JPD Tip line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477. For the Sheriff's Office tip line... call either 1-800-344-8702 or 664-2420.
Ripley Water District remains under State of Emergency... but, water levels holding at necessary levels...
The lack of rainfall in recent weeks has Chautauqua County, and Ripley town officials to now declare a State of Emergency with "critically low" water levels in the town's reservoir. Last week... officials issued a "Mandatory Water Conservation Order..." which remains in effect for all customers of the Ripley Water District. County Health Department officials say, despite efforts to reduce water use, a lack of rainfall since early last week has caused reservoir levels to continue to decline. A further review Tuesday found that stronger measures are necessary to safeguard public health and safety. Water supplied to district customers remains safe to drink... but, bottled water donations are being requested from local retailers... and, the first will be held this coming Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon at the Town Highway Building. Details about distribution will be shared once they become available. Water is also being trucked to the reservoir increase supply to the treatment plant. Residents should expect increased fire truck activity along Routes 20 and 76 during this period.
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Ripley officials are calling on conserving a number of ways... including turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes; Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Take short showers... use disposable plates, cups, and utensils. Do not wash vehicles... hose down sidewalks, decks, or driveways — use a broom instead. For more information... call the Ripley Water District at 413-8010... or the County Health Department at 753-4481.
Fredonia water users now being called on to conserve water as it's reservoir levels drop...
The village of Fredonia... which also has a water system that depend's on a reservoir for it's water... has also begun urging users to also reduce water usage. Village officials add the ongoing lack of rainfall has significantly impacted the reservoir, which is now in
extreme danger of reaching a critically low point. Fredonia's Emergency Manager, Josh Myers, says if the current trends continue, the Village’s ability to produce and supply adequate drinking water will be severely compromised. County Environmental Health Services Director, Jessica Wuerstle says there are three reservoirs in the county... including Westfield, Ripley and Fredonia... and residents should be aware, and "reduce the amount of water they're using in their daily lives." Fredonia officials are asking all village residents, businesses, and institutions to take the steps to help mitigate the situation following immediate conservation measures.
Two city residents arrested for animal cruelty...
Two Jamestown residents were arrested Tuesday afternoon for alleged animal cruelty at a home on the city's northside. city police say they were called to the location about 3:30 p.m., and, found two malnourished dogs who were in poor health. Officers arrested the owners... 56 year-old Robert Santiago, and 29 year-old Melissa Santiago... and both dogs were seized. Police say both Santiagos are charged with two counts each of overdriving... torturing... and, injuring animals -- failure to provide sustenance. Both were issued appearance tickets for city court.
