City firefighters quickly extinguish fire inside vacant, condemned home on Jamestown's northside...
Fire has damaged a vacant, condemned building in the 800-block of North Main Street in the city of Jamestown. City fire officials say crews were called to the scene at 810 North Main... next to the former M&M Sports Den building... shortly before 1 p.m. Officials say there were reports initially of smoke and flames showing. When crews arrived... they said there was smoke showing from the rear of the building... and, the fire was knocked down quickly. North Main in that area was closed while firefighters snuffed out the flames. No one was inside... and, there were no injuries were reported. The cause is under investigation. The building is slated for demolition in the future.
North County man arrested for allegedly not providing shelter for his horse...
A Silver Creek area man has been arrested after he was found to not have provided adequate shelter to a horse in his possession. Sheriff's officers say they were called to a report of animal cruelty this past Wednesday on Angell Road in the town of Hanover. Deputies say their investigation showed that 40 year-old Ryan Smith had not protected the horse from the elements... and, he was cited for overdriving... torturing and injuring animals. The horse was relocated to a local animal rescue. Smith was issued an appearance ticket for Hanover Town Court.
Legislature approves changes to Government Reduction Initiative to help with mergers, consolidations and sharing services in Chautauqua County...
County lawmakers in Mayville have approved establishing an up to $500,000 fund to help support local communities with "up-front" monies to pursue mergers, consolidations or shared services. The legislature Wednesday night unanimously approved changing the 2017 program to allow for providing up to $100,000 for those communities through a "Government Reduction Initiative." Sheridan Republican Terry Neibel says there has been some recently history behind the program... including $50,000 for the village of Forestville's dissolution in the town of Hanover... and, the town of Cherry Creek received just over $36,000 for dissolution of the village of Cherry Creek. Jamestown Democrat Fred Larson, though, questioned where the money would come from for County Executive P.J. Wendel's proposed "Government Efficiency Fund." Larson says he asked if it was in the 2026 budget proposal during the Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting because he thought it would be in the spending plan. However... he says he found out there would be no money for it in the budget. He asked Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon if money for it was in the budget. Chagnon said "no." Wendel told lawmakers during his budget presentation that the fund would "not be part" of the spending plan... with some money coming from the undesignated fund balance. Specifics still have to be worked out.
Schumer joined by NYS residents in calling on GOP to continue ACA tax credits...
Time is ticking for Americans who get their health care insurance through the Afforable Care Act to decide on their plan for 2026... and, the options aren't looking good. That from U.S. Senator Charles Schumer of New York... who says -- unless ACA subsidies are continued -- enrollees will see premiums increase by 40% or more. In his latest effort to get Congressional Republicans to discuss the matter... the Democrat Minority Leader noted that many of the people impacted are those just below retirement age. He says the typical couple in their mid-50s, who make $85,000 a year will see an increase of $25,000 in one year. He says "horrible choices" have to be made at that point. Schumer was joined Thursday by members of families who rely on the ACA tax credits to afford healthcare to demand New York House Republicans stop their vacation and extend the program. One is Jeremy Koulish of the Hudson Valley... who lost his job of six years as a Senior Software contractor with the Census Bureau last May. With that... Koulish resorted to the ACA for coverage... and, called it a "critical lifeline" to him. Unless the credits are extended... Kulisch says he and his wife face a nearly $950 a month increase in their current plan.
Langworthy blasts Senate Democrats for blocking pay for essential workers...
Local Congressman Nick Langworthy is blasting Senate Democrats for blocking pay for essential federal employees during the current government shutdown -- a bill that needed 60 votes to move forward. Langworthy says quote -- "Chuck Schumer and his allies have admitted it — they think “suffering” is their leverage. That’s not leadership, that’s cruelty. Because of their political games, our troops and air traffic controllers won’t get paid, and SNAP and WIC programs are on the verge of running out of money. All while Democrats hold the government hostage to protect illegal immigrants. It’s shameful."
City man arrested for alleged effort to steal E-Bike...
A man from Jamestown has been arrested after allegedly damaging property at a location on the city's westside while trying to steal an e-Bike. Jamestown police say they were called to the scene for a "suspicious situation" shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday... and, investigated. Officers say they found that 42 year-old Christopher Smith had tried to take the bike... and, he was located a short distance away. Police arrested Smith for attempted petit larceny... fourth-degree criminal mischief... third-degree criminal tampering... and, possession of burglar's tools. He was also sought on an outstanding city court warrant.... and, was jailed pending arraignment.
