Wendel urges county residents to support local food pantries, soup kitchens and charities helping peope during delay in SNAP benefits as part of government shut-down...
With many local families facing uncertainty over November SNAP benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown... Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel is highlighting the importance of supporting local food pantries, soup kitchens, and charitable partners that provide vital assistance.  Wendel says "across Chautauqua County, our food pantries and soup kitchens are the backbone of compassion.  While federal assistance programs like SNAP may be delayed in November, these local organizations continue to step up -- feeding families, children, and seniors who are in need.  I’m encouraging everyone who can to lend a hand to donate food or volunteer your time to help your neighbors through this difficult period."  The Lakewood Republican says the community -- working together -- helps create a support system for those in need.  County Social Services Commissioner Carmelo Hernandez says -- "we understand that the uncertainty caused by this situation is deeply concerning for families who depend on SNAP to meet their basic food needs.  We want residents to know that we are doing everything we can to keep cases up to date and to make sure families are ready to receive benefits as soon as federal funding is restored."

Rowland says St. Susan's Center hopes to have built up 90-day supply of food donations with SNAP benefits ending...
The St. Susan's Center in Jamestown is in decent shape for the next 90 days or so to help low-income families in need with SNAP benefits running out due to the federal government shut-down.  The Jamestown-area's largest soup kitchen is continuing to gear up in anticipation of more need in the community.  That from St. Susan's Center Executive Director Cheri Rowland... who says they've been working to get more non-perishable and other food items in place in anticipation of many more people coming to their Water Street location.  They often get help from FeedMore Western New York... but, Rowland says they've taken a hit as well.  She says FeedMore is taking a 15% cut in funding support in the president's "Big Beautiful Bill."  Rowland adds they are still looking for mainly non-perishable food items... such as canned goods... which can last for a signficant period of time.  She says the one area they still need help in for volunteers to help get food items... and, to help with their distribution.  Rowland says you can call (716) 664-2253 for more information about donating food, money or time.  You can also donate by going to their website at stsusanscenter.org.

Deputy County Executive says findings in "Blueprint for New York" report confirms taxing and regulations make the state unattractive to business... 
A new report by the Public Policy Institute of New York State reaffirms the stance of Chautauqua County leaders that a number of outside factors are hindering economic development not just in the county... but, the entire state.  More than 550 economic development officials and business leaders were surveyed as part of the report called -- "Blueprint for New York -- Creating a Roadmap for Change."  County Industrial Development Agency Chief Executive Officer, Mark Geise, says the responses show the cost of doing business is a primary barrier to growth... along with regulations.  Geise says the state has more than 300,000 regulations on the books -- which is second only to California.  He adds that in 2023-24 there were over 24,000 new bills introduced dealing with regulations.  Geise says the county is supporting the Business Council of New York State and the state Economic Development Council in calling on lawmakers to make "immediate" improvements in order to make New York more business friendly because so much is "out of our control."  The report also indicates that jobs in New York have grown by 7.3% from 2014-2024, which is lower than the national average of 12%. 

West Ellicott man arrested for allegedly threatening to stab person with "large dangerous knife..."
A man from West Ellicott has been arrested for allegedly threatening and then trying to stab another person during an incident last weekend in the town.  Ellicott Police say they were called to the scene for a person with a weapon last Friday... and, found that 37 year-old Dustin Pickett had menaced... and, then tried to stab the victim with the "large dangerous knife" several times.  Officers arrested Pickett without further incident for second-degree menacing... second-degree assault... and, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  He was taken to the county jail pending Centralized Arraignment... and, will appear in Ellicott Town Court at a later date.

Western Pa. man arrested after handgun is found in bathroom at Ellicott business...
A man from Western Pennsylvania is accused of possessing a gun illegally after the firearm was found in the bathroom of a town of Ellicott Business.  Town police were called to a property complaint about a week ago... and found that 34 year-old Nathan Kowatch of Latrobe, Pa., had left the handgun in the rest room.  However... officers say they found that Kowatch did not have a State Pistol Permit... and, he was arrested for criminal possession of a firearm.  He was issued an appearance ticket for town court.