Coldest air temperatures of the Winter reported in Chautauqua County overnight; AAA reports nearly twice the volume of service calls during cold snap and Winter storms...
It was another bitterly cold overnight period across Chautauqua County... with minus-double-digit air temperature readings in some locations. We have reports of -12 at the Dunkirk Airport... and, in Cassadaga. The County Airport near Jamestown registered a -4 reading... and, -15 wind chill overnight. We have another couple of days with highs only in the single numbers and teens before we get back above 20 early next week.
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On a related note... East Central AAA is reporting nearly twice the volume of service calls as usual for this time of year in the wake of last weekend's snowstorms. AAA says their emergency roadside assistance service has seen a surge in requests related to dead batteries, stuck vehicles, and stranded motorists. Altogether, officials say they have fielded more than 37,000 service calls across its territory between Saturday and Thursday, which is about 80-percent higher than typical for winter. AAA Public Affairs Director Jim Garrity says "we implore the public to take precautions in the face of continued bitter cold to avoid an unnecessary roadside breakdown."
Schmidt announces Jamestown man gets five-years in state prison on drug and weapons possession convictions...
A city man will spend the next five-years in state prison... and, five-years post-release supervision... for criminally possessing drugs and weapons. Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt has announced that 24 year-old Nylix Thomas of Jamestown, received the determinate sentence Thursday from County Court Judge David Foley. Thomas pled guilty last November to two counts each of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance... second-degree criminal possession of a weapon... and, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. All sentences for each charge are to run concurrently. Thomas was arrested during a raid at his home just over a year ago by local drug agents... where he was found with cocaine and a loaded pistol.
Niagara Falls man convicted of killing two women whose bodies were found in the town of Portland, now admits to a fourth murder...
A convicted serial killer with ties to northern Chautauqua County has admitted to a fourth homicide in Western New York. Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman has announced that 62 year-old Richard Fox pleaded guilty Thursday morning to a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the January 2023 killing of a 32-year-old woman in Niagara Falls. Fox is currently serving 40 years to life behind bars for the murder of two women whose remains were found in the town of Portland in September 2021. Earlier this month, the Brant Police Department announced that Fox admitted to killing his grandmother in 1976.
Olean man arrested for sexual offenses in southern Chautauqua County...
A Cattaraugus County man has been arrested for allegedly paying a minor in southern Chautauqua County for sexually explicit pictures... and, trying to meet the minor several times to engage in sex acts. Sheriff's officers in Mayville say 25 year-old Kyle Higley of Olean is also accused of doing this... even after being told the person was a minor. Deputies say their Criminal Investigation Division looked into the matter... and, Wednesday afternoon... Higley turned himself in. Officers say he's charged with use of a child in a sexual performance -- a Class C Felony. He was arraigned, and released pending a State Supreme Court appearance.
Wendel hopeful that pending closing of Heritage Village will keep other Heritage nursing homes viable...
Chautauqua County's top-elected official says the decision by Heritage to soon-close it's skilled nursing and rehabilition center in Gerry is an "intelligent, business decision" that will hopefully keep it's overall operations viable. County Executive P.J. Wendel made his comments Thursday... adding that he hopes this will preserve the entities' two other locations -- Heritage Green in Greenhurst... and, Heritage Park in Jamestown. Wendel says the county has been working with Heritage Chief Executive Officer Lisa Haglund the past year to make their operation more responsive to what's going on in the industry. He says Haglund wanted to have the board more reflect what was best for people in the county, and that would be more responsive. Long-term... Wendel says getting New York state to boost Medicaid reimbursement rates is the answer. He says he, and other members of the state Association of Counties have pushed the state to improve those reimbursement numbers. He says it appears that Heritage has the capacity at it's two other locations to absorb residents and staff.
Gillibrand calls on Trump to stop tariff threats against allies...
New York's junior U.S. Senator is demanding that President Trump stop illegally threatening tariffs against American allies... including 100% on Canadian goods. Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand made her comments during a virtual press conference with state-wide media... noting that Mr. Trump would also levy a 25% tariff on South Korean goods... and, earlier this month... threatened a 10% tariff on NATO countries unless the U.S. is given Greenland. Gillibrand says... since taking office... Mr. Trump has slapped tariffs on some 90 countries doing business with the United States, and that's increased the costs to New Yorkers by $4,200 in 2025 alone. Gillibrand says the president's threats are "reckless and haphazard..." and, "working New Yorkers and small businesses are paying the price." She says... not only will New Yorkers pay more for goods and services from Canada... but, reciprocating tariffs could threaten U.S. exports.
