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News Headlines for Friday, June 24, 2016

Two city men arrested following vehicle chase on Jamestown's eastside Thursday...

Two Jamestown men... one wanted on numerous Felony warrants... have been arrested following a vehicle on the city's eastside late yesterday afternoon.  City police say patrol officers spotted 38 year-old Cesar Soto as he drove past them about 4:40 p.m. at the intesection of King and Hebner Streets.  Officers then began the pursuit... and, Soto is accused of nearly hitting an on-coming patrol car at a high rate of speed.  Police say the pursuit traveled down Maltby Street to Pleasant Avenue before Soto's car left the road... and, struck a tree.  Soto then tried to flee on foot... but, was caught after a brief chase.  A passenger in the car... 24 year-old Mark McKay... was also arrested after being found in possession of drug paraphernalia.  Soto faces several charges... including first-degree reckless endangerment... and those Felony warrants.  Three local K-9 units assisted at the scene.


Local head of Mental Health Association reacts to Opioid Legislation approval...

The four measures to curb the problems with Heroin and opioid addiction signed Wednesday by Governor Cuomo is not likely enough... but, is "a good start."  Those are the feelings of Chief Executive Officer Rick Huber with the Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County.  Huber recently responded to the legislation... passed in both the state Senate and Assembly before the end of the 2016 session.  He agrees there needs to be state help -- especially in dealing with health insurance issues -- but, he adds that they have all the resources needed right now in Chautauqua County.  Huber is pleased to see the number of days that an opioid pain-killer is prescribed reduced from 30 to 7 days.  He says if a person has the "right type" of brain-receptors... they can become addicted very quickly.  There are also other side effects.  Local leaders have also complained about the fact that health insurance companies would not cover certain types of addiction issues because the person wasn't considered "sick enough."  Huber agrees it's been frustrating.  The new measure regarding insurance would require them to cover initial inpatient drug treatment without prior approval... and, extend from 48 to 72 hours the time someone can be held for emergency treatment.


Major illegal Fireworks seizure reported in Buffalo...

Law enforcement officials say they've confiscated $75,000 worth of illegal fireworks during a raid of a Buffalo self-storage unit.  Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard says members of the bomb squad and Buffalo police were acting on a tip when they searched the unit Wednesday.  They found dozens of boxes of fireworks and aerial display devices in two units, more than they've ever seized at one time.  Authorities say several of the boxes were opened or empty, indicating that some of the illegal explosives have been sold.  Buffalo resident Fred Punturiero is now charged with felony illegal storage of explosives and a misdemeanor count of unlawfully selling fireworks.  He didn't immediately return a telephone message left at his home Thursday.


Class of 2016 Graduates from Falconer Central Schools...

The first HIgh School graduation in the immediate Jamestown-area was held last night... as 93 members of the Falconer Class of 2016 got their diplomas during a ceremony at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.  That from School Superintendent Steven Penhollow... who says graduation is always an exciting time for the students... their parents... and, school officials.  Penhollow says the Class of 2016 accomplished a lot... but, he says the biggest part of this group that stand-out is their philanthropic work.  He says they were a "charitable" group of kids... who were involved in the Honor Society being able to raise nearly $8,000 for Relay for Life.  Penhollow adds that this group has also stood-out in their efforts to futher their educations.  He says -- as a group -- the Class of 2016 amassed more than 500 credit hours of college work... due mainly to their relationship with Jamestown Community College.  The Falconer Class of 2016 Valedictorian is Zachery Smith... and, the Salutatorian is Walker Black.


Chautauqua Amphitheater ready for start of 2016 season...

This is the last season for the old Amphitheater at Chautauqua Institution.  A new one is to be built starting this fall.  As part of the preparation, most of the back of the old Amp has already been torn off.  Amphitheater Manager Keith Schmitt says the 2016 events will go on as scheduled... even without the 'back of the house.'  Schmitt says it's going to "very much be like camping -- and harken back to the ancestors of Chautauqua when they did a 'tent circle.'"  A number of trailers have been set up as dressing rooms, and a replacement 'back porch' has been created for the public to 'meet and greet' the artists and speakers.  Schmitt thinks his staff and the performers will adapt to the temporary accommodations, but some things aren't known yet.  He says the biggest concern is over a downpour rain storm.  Schmitt's in his 33rd summer as the Amp Manager.  He adds crews have worked this week to clean all of the benches for the first Amphitheater events of the summer... the JHS graduation tonight... and a sold-out concert by the Temptations and the Four Tops on Saturday. 


Cherry Creek woman gone missing found Wednesday night...

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's office has located a 72 year-old woman who went missing in the town of Cherry Creek late Wednesday.  Deputies were called to the scene on Route 83 just after 6:30 p.m., and, found the woman after a brief search.  She was not identified... but, officers say she was stuck in a wet muddy area... and, stayed with her until assistance arrived.  Cherry Creek Fire Rescue crews also responded to the scene and assisted deputies.