City woman receives 8-year federal sentence for drug trafficking...
A Jamestown woman has been sentenced to seven-years in federal prison for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 53 year-old Anabell Santiago received the 84 month sentence Thursday in U.S. District Court in Buffalo.  Santiago had been convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine... maintaining a drug involved premises... and being a user of a controlled substance in possession of firearms.  Prosecutors say in March of 2024... investigators made a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Anabell Santiago.... and, the following month... they raided the home of Santiago and her husband, Santo on Whitley Avenue.  Police seized fentanyl, crack cocaine, oxycodone, two loaded pistols, ammunition... more than $30,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.  DiGiacomo says Santos Santiago was convicted, and sentenced to serve 11 years in prison.

Dunkirk man accused of shooting, and injuring a police officer, now facing federal charges...
The Dunkirk man accused of attempted murder of a police officer following last week's nearly seven-hour stand-off... now faces federal charges in the case.  U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo has announced that 39 year-old Christopher Marcinowski has been charged by criminal complaint of maintaining a drug involved premises... and, being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Prosecutors say this past February... the Sheriff's Department's Narcotics Unit began assisting with an investigation into Marcinowski's drug trafficking activities.  During the past two months... they say investigators found numerous plastic baggies which tested positive for cocaine in two garbage "pulls" at Marcinkowski's residence on Franklin Avenue.  On Mar. 24... police executed a search warrant on the home... but, as the raid began... Marcinowski fired two rounds from a firearm, one of which struck an officer.  The stand-off took place after that... and, ended when a police negotiator got Marcinowski to surrender without incident.
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Once the home was cleared... officers say they seized about 197-grams of suspected psychedelic mushrooms... about 11 pounds of suspected marijuana... three guns... about $30,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia.  Marcinowski has three prior federal convictions... and, if convicted this time... he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Wendel says subject of potential countywide policing services during consolidation and merger talks in north county... 
Two recent meetings about shaping the future of northern Chautauqua County included a concept that the county has previously explored -- countywide policing. It was part of talks about consolidations, mergers and shared services in the county that date back as far as the 1960s, according to Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel. He says the logistics of operating a law enforcement agency can be done quickly... because a lot of things are already being done jointly.  Wendel says an idea that was brought up during the meetings of north county leaders was having all the north county police departments working together as a "North Metro," and the south county departments together as a "South Metro."  He says it's one way to start the process.  Wendel cited Nassau and Suffolk counties as two examples of countywide police departments in New York. 

Borrello says legislature approved one budget bill before leaving Albany...
Local State Senator George Borrello says only one of New York's nearly dozen budget bills has been passed.  But... how soon the others will be dealt with remains up in the air.  Borrello says the budget extender approved Tuesday gets lawmakers until Apr. 8 to resolve the matter.  The Sunset Bay Republican says neither the Senate nor Assembly have even agreed on the budget numbers yet... and, only the debt service budget has been approved so far.  He says there are at least nine other budget bills that need to be approved.  Borrello says the main sticking point remains Governor Kathy Hochul's desire to push back climate legislation goals until 2040.  However... he says energy costs are still rising... and, two agencies... the Public Service Commission, and the state's Energy Research and Development Agency are already warning of potential, rolling black-outs -- especially in New York City.  Hochul has delayed implimentation of part of the "Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act..." for this year after a court delayed it's taking effect.  Borrello says it's merely an "Election Year" ploy to avoid the issue until after November.

Man from Lakewood arrested for stealing scrap metal from behind car dealership...
A Lakewood man has been arrested for allegedly stealing scrap metal from behind a Fairmount Avenue car dealership this past Monday night.  Lakewood-Busti Police say they were called to the scene at Shults Hyundai at 181 East Fairmount Ave. shortly before 11 p.m., and, caught Tyler Manelick in the act.  Officers say Manelick was arrested for petty larceny... and, was issued an appearance ticket for Busti Town Court at a later date.

Stateline Speedway race car show underway...
The annual Stateline Speedway car show is underway at the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood though Saturday night.  Dozens of race cars from the track's Super Late Model... Crate Late Model... Outlaw E-Mods... and others are on the floor.  Opening Night for Stateline... which is celebrating it's 70th season... will be on Saturday, Apr. 25.