Coggins double-murder trial to begin next Tuesday...
Testimony in the trial of an Elmira-area man accused of being the ringleader in the double-murder of a town of Carroll couple is set to begin next Tuesday. That from Chautauqua County District Attorney David Foley... who says the final juror and four alternates were seated late Thursday in County Court. Foley says 34 year-old Davide Coggins is one of four men accused of stabbing 66 year-old Gordon... and, 59 year-old Joyce Skinner in their Wheeler Hill Road home. After just over two-weeks of jury selection... Foley says he's ready to go. He says opening statements will be made beginning at 9:30 a.m., and, his first witnesses take the stand once those are complete. Foley estimates it'll take just over two weeks for him to present the people's case. He says Coggins faces an 11-count indictment... which includes one count of first-degree murder... and, several second-degree murder counts.
_____
Foley also confirms that the last of the three co-defendants -- Joshua McCormick -- has accepted a plea deal in the case. McCormick will plead guilty to two counts of first-degree manslaughter. Foley declined comment on the plea agreement... but, McCormick is also expected to testify in the trial.
Cuomo says no reason to be alarmed, NYS ready to respond to any cases of Ebola...
New York's governor says there's no reason for residents to be alarmed about Ebola and that the state is ready to respond to any cases of the deadly virus. Speaking on public radio's ``Capitol Pressroom,'' Cuomo said Friday that the state has worked ``diligently'' to understand and prepare for Ebola. Cuomo noted New York's status as an international destination and transportation hub... but, je says there's ``no reason whatsoever'' that New Yorkers should be alarmed. Texas authorities announced this week that a man who had traveled from Liberia was being treated for Ebola. The case has raised questions about whether a disease that has killed 3,300 people in West Africa could spread in the United States. U.S. health officials say they remain confident they can keep it in check.
Reed, Goodell, urge County residents to remain resolute in standing behind PSC decision to approved NRG Repowering Project, with legal action if necessary...
Local Congressman Tom Reed visited Dunkirk's waterfront on Thursday afternoon to send a strong message that the NRG Repowering project needs to go forward. Reed is responding to a lawsuit that was filed by two environmental groups against the Public Service Commission for it's decision favoring the project that would convert the plant from coal to natural gas. Reed believes it will be necessary for the area to show its support once again for the project... just like it has done over the past two years. He says we can't let "these outsiders dictate what's best for us in Chautauqua County." The Sierra Club and Ratepayer and Community Intervenors filed the lawsuit last Friday. Assemblyman Andy Goodell, who joined Reed for yesterday afternoon's news conference, says besides public support, there may another way to send a message... by legal means. Goodell says such a move would be to support the PSC's decision. Reed and Goodell pointed out the importance of the project to Chautauqua County and the city of Dunkirk as the area's largest taxpayer. Earlier Thursday... Reed visited Cummins Engine near Lakewood where he talked about the just passed "Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation" -- or "RAMI" Act which he co-sponsored.
Robertson takes Reed to task for calling her endorsement by the Sierra Club as a stand against NRG Repowering; reiterates her support of project...
During his comments... Congressman Reed took another swipe at Democratic opponent Martha Robertson. Reed says the Sierra Club... one of the groups involved in the lawsuit... has endorsed her and her "liberal agenda." However... Robertson... in a printed statement... says Reed is continuing to make "false, negative attacks" on her record. Robertson says she is "an independent leader" who backed the plan to convert the NRG Plant from coal to natural gas. She adds the Sierra Club endorsed her because they know she will -- quote -- "fight to protect our drinking water, and, that she is not paid for by the oil and gas special interests that fund Congressman Reed's campaign."
NYS Tourism Website getting new page for hunters...
The ``I Love New York'' tourism website is getting a new page dedicated to hunting. Empire State Development and the state Department of Environmental Conservation created the page as part of a statewide effort to promote outdoor recreation and make hunting information easily accessible. In addition to hunting locations, the site provides information on big and small game hunting and has links to DEC's website so visitors can get all the information they need in one place.
