Final Local Election Night totals now certified; some races tighten up; but Democrats hold onto big wins in Jamestown and on county legislature...
There was little if any change in the final -- certified -- vote totals reported this week by the Chautauqua County Board of Elections following the Nov. 4 Local Election. There were some tight races in the city of Jamestown... where Republican Russ Bonfliglio was the top vote-getter among the At-large City Council candidates. Democrat challengers Jeremy Enquist and Dan Gonzales were also elected to At-large seats for next year. In the Ward Races... the Ward-4 contest was officially won by Democrat Doug Scotchmer over incumbant Republican, Joe Paterniti, 529-515... and, in the Fifth-Ward... Democrat Hannah Jaroszynski won over Republican Dan Hickman, 352-289. The City Council... come Jan. 1... will have a 5-4 Democrat majority.
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In the county legislature races... Democrat challenger Vince DeJoy held off Republican incumbant Phil Landy in District 9... 466-449. In District 10... former Democrat legislator Bob Whitney edged out Republican Tamara Dickey, 490-472. In District 12... incumbant Democrat Fred Larson held on to win over GOP challenger, Jeff Russell, 537-509. In District 13... incumbant Democrat Tom Nelson held off Republican Joseph Tickle, 333-299. Republicans hold onto their majority... but it will be 12-to-7 next year.
Quattrone says there was "sense of justice" in sentencing for Buffalo man convicted of murdering two women found in north county...
A Buffalo man who murdered two women and left their bodies in northern Chautauqua County will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. On Thursday morning... 62-year-old Richard Fox received two consecutive sentences of 20 years to life in state prison for the killing of Cassandra Watson... and Marquita Mull. Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone was on hand for Fox's sentencing in Erie County Court... and, says Watson's remains had been placed there several years prior to them being found.. while Mull's body was found a few months before both sets of remains were found. The remains of both victims were located in September 2021 in a wooded area off Woleben Road in the Town of Portland. Fox was eventually charged with two counts of second-degree murder and pleaded guilty to both counts in September.
City man arrested for trespassing at business, and being in possession of drugs...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly trespassing inside a city business early Thursday morning. Jamestown police were called to the scene about 4:30 a.m., and, located the suspect -- identified as 19 year-old Noah D.A. Smith. Officers say they knew Smith was wanted on an arrest warrant... and, he was taken into custody without incident. Police later found him in possession of a quantity of liquid Methadone... and, a small quantity of cocaine. Smith was taken to the city jail on the warrant... and, two additional counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was held pending arraignment.
JPS mourning passing of former teacher, coach, and school board member Joe DiMaio...
The Jamestown Public Schools are mourning another loss this week... the passing of retired long-time teacher... coach and school board member Joe DiMaio. DiMaio was also president of the school board for a time... and, was beloved by students, colleagues, and former players alike. "Coach DiMaio" passed away earlier this week at the age of 78. School Superintendent Kevin Whitkaer says "Joe DiMaio was one of the first people I met when I began here at Jamestown. His impact on students, parents and the community has been both powerful and meaningful." Dr. Whitaker says he was able to speak with DiMaio last week as he continued his commitment to kids by participating in a Veterans Day event at Jefferson Middle School.
Schnars installed as new president of the New York State School Boards Association...
Longtime Jamestown school board member Christine Schnars has been officially installed as President of the New York State School Boards Association. Schnars was officially installed at the association’s annual convention and education expo in New York City Oct. 24. Schnars, who has served on the city School Board for 33 years, called the moment an honor, adding that she looks forward to working closely with NYSSBA leadership to support... and, prepare school boards across the state for the future. In addition to her long-term service to Jamestown, Schnars has held leadership roles statewide and regionally, including NYSSBA First Vice President, Area 3 Director, President of the Chautauqua County School Boards Association, and member of the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES board. Her dedication to public education spans decades and generations — her four children are JHS graduates, and she has five grandchildren currently attending JPS.
Legislature hears from Social Navigator for "11-15" Waiver Program put on by TRC to help lower-income individuals and families...
Members of the Chautauqua County Legislature had the chance to learn more about a pilot program that helps low-income residents with everything from food to furniture. Following the legislature's recent meeting over the temporary halt in SNAP and HEAP benefits... Dunkirk Legislator Marcus Buchanon says he had the chance to meet a Social Navigator with the "11-15 Waiver" program at The Resource Center. Shayla Colon laid out their free, non-medical services during Wednesday night's legislature meeting. She says it can help people with food insecurity... with utility assistance or rental assistance among others. Colon noted that this is a program through New York state that will be in place... on a trial basis... through May of 2027. She says even people who may not qualify for services through the county's Department of Social Services... or SNAP... may qualify for a weekly food box for up to six-months to help through a difficult period.
