Scattered power outages reported in Jamestown-area overnight due to thunderstorms and heavy downpours...
Less than five power outages remain in the National Grid territory in Chautauqua County this morning after late night and overnight thunderstorms rocked the area.  A number of outages were reported in the immediate Jamestown-area... beginning late to mid-evening.  More rain and thunderstorms are in the offing for today... with a high temperature of about 70.  There was also high water... and, some lower level flooding caused by the torrential downpours.  We have more storms in the forecast this afternoon and evening... and, a Flood Watch remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Forester appointed, and approved as new JPD Chief...
The city of Jamestown now has a new Police Chief... and, an Acting Fire Chief following swift action by the City Council last night.  Lawmakers first approved the local law eliminating the title of Public Safety Director that previously went with the chief's position.  They then approved making Acting Chief Scott Forester the new chief... and, he was sworn-in by Deputy City Clerk Leigh Ann Jordan... who also swore-in Acting Fire Chief Ryan Rouch.  Mayor Kim Ecklund says Forester brings a weath of experience to the position having been deputy chief... and, Captain previously.  Ecklund says it was a process to get to again having separate fire and police chiefs.  She says the likelyhood opened up when former Chief Tim Jackson retired.  Ecklund adds there was only one other applicant for the position... and, given his experience... she felt going internally for the new chief was the best way to go.  Forester's appointment runs through the end of 2030... and, Adam McKinley will be the Deputy Chief.  Rouch has been interim Fire Chief since Matt Coon retired a short time ago.

Geise says 2025 was a "good year" for IDA in annual report...
It was a "good year" in 2025 for the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency... which assisted with 10 projects totaling about $85-million in investments.  Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise reported on those projects recently to the county legislature's Planning and Economic Development Committee... noting that more than 600 -- mainly construction jobs -- were created.  Geise says 639 jobs are being create... but, most will be construction jobs... with 40 being full-time permanent jobs with the employers.  He adds though, that the actions will retain some 243 jobs.  Many of those jobs will be with Maplevale Farms at their new location in the town of Mina.  He says the nearly $42-million dollar project will keep Maplevale in the county... as well as New York State.  Maplevale had been looking for a new location with more space than the current one just outside of Falconer.  Another big project that was completed in 2025 was the reopening of the White Inn in Fredonia.  Two other projects in the north county included the Welch's Building... and, helping Tri-County Golf Club rebuild it's clubhouse after a fire.

Man from Dunkirk arrested for animal cruelty for discovery of neglected dog...
A Dunkirk man faces an animal cruelty charge after an extremely malnourished dog was found at a local residence.  Dunkirk Police responded to the scene shortly before 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Mar. 21... and, found the dog chained inside with no water.  Officers add that there were feces and urine surrounding the dog, and the house was also deemed unsafe and later condemned.  Police seized the dog so it could be provided care.  Officers arrested 45-year-old Edwin Pereira for failure to provide sustenance under New York Ag and Markets Law and was issued an appearance ticket.

Borrello and Blakeman call for audit of NYS CDL Licensing...
The region's State Senator is among those calling on a full audit of how commercial drivers are tested... licensed... and monitored in New York.  Sunset Bay Republican George Borrello joined Nassau County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman late last week to call for the audit... arguing that last year's deadly bus crash in Pembroke -- along with a series of other recent cases -- has raised serious questions about the integrity of the state’s commercial driver licensing system and whether critical safety standards are being properly enforced.  The pair... along with others... spoke near the site of the Aug. 22, 2025 tour bus crash on the State Thruway near Pembroke, which killed five people and injured more than 40 others.  The driver was later indicted on five counts each of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.  At a court hearing... Borrello says the man required a Mandarin interpreter, raising questions about his English proficiency... and, whether New York properly enforced federal CDL standards.

CHQ Chamber promotes two employees to new positions with retirement...
A couple of familiar faces have taken on new responsibilities at the CHQ Chamber of Commerce... beginning this week.  Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Heitzenrater says... effective Apr. 1... Director of Membership Development Bob Lingle will move into the role of Director of Marketing and Communications.  He replaces the retiring Sheila Webster.  In addition... Heitzenrater says current Nichole Eckman will become Director of Membership Development.  She is currently Office Administrator for the chamber.  Lingle came to the chamber 15 months ago to fill a vacancy as Director of Membership Development.  Eckman has been Office Administrator at the chamber since last fall, managing the ShopLocalCHQ Gift Card program... and, is also the owner of Country Charm Boutique in Frewsburg.