Veteran's Day observances held on Tuesday...
On Veteran's Day Tuesday -- 2025 -- there were are observances across Chautauqua County... and, the nation with 21-gun salutes and the playing of Taps. Elected officials from the region and New York state are honoring the "brave men and women" who have worn the nation's unifrom. Local Congressman Nick Langworthy says they are -- "Americans who put everything on the line to defend our freedoms and way of life. Their courage and sacrifice inspire us all, and I am eternally grateful for their service." He adds what he and his office do is a "year around effort." U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is a member of the panel's Armed Services Committee and the Senate Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee. The New York Democrat says she and all Americans should think about the roughly 18-million veterans in America "who put their lives on the line to defend our nation." She added that during the current government shut-down... the more than 1-million of them have had their Veteran's Administration services impacted." She added that "I am reminded by their bravery and sacrifice that the fight cannot stop to ensure their full access to the benefits that they have earned."
Langworthy ready to voter to end government shut-down later today...
Local Congressman Nick Langworthy says he's ready to vote to reopen the government... but, a final vote is not likely until late Wednesday. House Speaker Mike Johnson has called back lawmakers to consider the bill approved in the Senate... but, first it has to go through the House Rules Committee... which Langworthy is a member of. The Buffalo-area Republican called the 40-plus day shutdown "totally avoidable." He adds that he voted for continuing resolutions during the Biden Administation, though he disagreed with policy. Langworthy says he believes the first responsibility is to keep the government open and then settle policy differences. He said he expects some "theatrics" during debate in the Rules Committee... but, believes the measure would be -- and was -- approved. He praised those federal employees who worked during the shut-down.
Langworthy not assuring any kind of vote on extending ACA COVID subsidies in House...
Eight Senate Demcrats who voted with the slim, Republican majority, to approve the continuing resolution and open the government... did so with the understanding there would be a vote on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies another year. However... that may not take place in the House. Speaker Johnson is not assuring a vote... and, neither is Congressman Langworthy. However... he does agree that health care costs "need to be addressed." Langworthy says the initial subsidies are not going away. However... he says there are some receiving the benefit who should not be... claiming one instance where a person making $300,000 to $400,000 was getting free health care coverage. Senate Democrats had pushed for a one-year extension of the credits... but, that was rejected by the Republican majority. Langworthy made his comments on a Video press conference with regional media.
Jamestown man arrested for drug possession following domestic incident...
A city man has been arrested on multiple counts of violating an order of protection following a domestic dispute on Jamestown's westside early Monday morning. City police say they were called to the scene just after 2 a.m., and, found that 37 year-old Kedrin Murphy had violated four stay-away orders of protection. Officers also found that Murphy had outstanding warrants for previous violations of those orders. Police say Murphy was also in possession of cocaine... and, he was arrested without incident on four counts of second-degree criminal contempt... second-degree criminal trespass... and seventh-degree criminal possession of controlled substance. He was jailed pending arraignment.
City woman arrested for third time in recent days for alleged shoplifting...
A woman from Jamestown who has been arrested at least twice in recent days has been arrested again for allegedly shoplifting at the Tops Market store on the city's northside. Jamestown police say they were called to the 2000 Washington St. location shortly before 6 p.m. Monday for a "shoplifting in progress." Officers say they found that 68 year-old Donna Torres had damaged store merchandise to get it out of it's original container to hide it on her person. They also allegedly found that Torres was trying to conceal other merchandise in an effort to avoid paying for it. She was arrested without incident for attempted petty larceny... and, fourth-degree criminal mischief... and, jailed pending arraignment.
Jamestown to again hold "City Light's Contest" in lead up to holidays...
The city of Jamestown will again hold it's annual Holiday Light's Contest for local residents to see who has the most holiday spirit. Mayor Kim Ecklund's office has announced the contest will take place with a chance to win a $100 ShopLocalCHQ gift card. There will be one winner per each ward in the city. Ecklund says the contest is open to all residents in the city... and, is sponsored by the Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union. This is for residential homes only. Single-family and multi-family homes are eligible to submit only one entry per property. Nominations must include a high-quality photo of the festive home... the home's address... and, can be submitted via email to lights@jamestownny.gov or mailed to City Hall at 200 East Third St., Attn: Holiday Lights, Jamestown, NY 14701. The Submission period opens on Nov. 17 and closes on Dec. 12, 2025.
