Several Warren County fire departments responded to a fully-involved structure fire at a long-time business early this morning... 

 

The Warren Times-Observer reports the Warren Tire Center was completely engulfed in flames around 1:00. The newspaper say there was also a report of possible injury to a responder.  The Warren County Sheriff's Dispatch center confirmed crews continued battling the blaze at the Pennsylvania Avenue property at 8 a.m., additional information will be released when available. 

 

 

A DeWittville man faces robbery and menacing charges after allegedly threatening multiple people with a cross-bow, and stealing property from one of the victims...  

 

Sheriff's officers say they were called to the scene on Beech Hill Road in the town of Chautauqua about 6 p.m. Tuesday, and found that 25 year-old Jerome Rogerson had threatened the victims, and damaged a vehicle.  Deputies also accuse Rogerson of grabbing one person by the neck-- hurting them, and interferring with others trying to call 9-1-1.  He's also allegedly took the property from one victim before fleeing the scene.  Rogerson was later found and arrested.  He was arraigned in Chautauqua Town Court and, sent to the county jail without bail.

 

 

Chautauqua County Democrats finally had a chance to say formally say farewell and, thank-you to former State Assemblyman Bill Parment...  

 

The long-time Chautauqua County Democrat returned to the area for the first time in eight years to address the party faithful at their annual Dinner at Chautauqua Institution last night.   Parment headlined the event, telling stories of past campaigns and the people he worked with.  Parment was conservative on some issues and liberal on others.  However, when people tried to label him, he said he was just "a Chautauqua County Democrat."

 

Parment, who served in the state Assembly for 28 years, touted many things that Democrats have been able to accomplish nationally and, in the county.  He says it's up to a new generation of Democrats to grab the reins from Republicans who have had a strong-hold on the 23rd Congressional District.  While there are five candidates running in the upcoming primary, he urged local party members to unite behind the winner, whoever that person is.  All five candidates were on hand and spoke to the gathering.

 

 

Lakeview Cemetery will have its first ever 'flag retirement ceremony' tonight at 6 p.m. at the new Veterans' Grove section...  

 

Cemetery General Manager Hugh Golden says the formal program has been organized by the United Veterans Council. Old U-S flags are being accepted at the Lakewview Cemetery office anytime during the day today, or at the ceremony itself shortly before it starts.  Well over a hundred flags had been presented as of Wednesday.  Anyone who wants to observe the event should gather near the 'big flag' off Marvin Parkway by 6:00 tonight.  Hugh Golden says they hope to have the 'flag retirement ceremony' every year.  

 

 

Chautauqua County officials are getting ready for the annual Best Tasting Drinking Water contest this Saturday...  

 

In the meantime, the county's Department of Health and Human Services is getting the word about a state program that offers free lead testing.  Water Specialist Bill Boria with the department says home owners should get their water tested.

 

Boria says copper pipes with soldered joints installed before 1987 is likely to contain lead.  You can get more information at health.ny.gov for more information about the free lead testing pilot program.  The drinking water contest will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chautauqua Mall in Lakewood.

 

 

Lawmakers in New York have little time left if they hope to quickly follow New Jersey in authorizing sports betting...  

 

The state Legislature plans to adjourn for the year next week, giving supporters a short window to pass legislation allowing bets at casinos and on mobile devices.  While the state Senate's Republican leaders are supportive, Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has signaled reluctance, saying he isn't a "big fan" of gambling.  Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo has expressed doubts about a bill passing this year. 

 

 

A Pennsylvania man is accused of driving with revoked driving privileges and possessing two weapons during a traffic stop in Cattaraugus County on Monday...  

 

State Police pulled over 34 year-old Martin Miller-- of Rixford-- on State Route 16 in the city of Olean.  As Miller stepped out of the vehicle for further interview... Troopers allegedly saw illegal metal knuckles inside.  Additional search revealed a loaded 45-calibur semi-automatic pistol, which he was not allowed to possess in New York state and, a small amount of cannabis.  Miller faces several charges including second and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  He was arraigned and released pending a future court appearance.

 

 

A Chautauqua County Sheriff's substation has been opened in the Pine Valley Central School District...  

 

Sheriff Joe Gerace says the substation will be "utilized by deputies for completion of reports, interviews and other law enforcement related duties..." Gerace thanked Pine Valley Superintendent Scott Payne and the Board of Education, saying this is a "win-win" for the district and Sheriff's Office.  Having the substation will provide deputies a strategic location to work from, as well as law enforcement presence for the school.

 

 

Gasoline prices have jumped nearly 60-cents nationwide over last year at this time and, with that, U-S Senator Charles Schumer says rolling back fuel mileage standards for new vehicles is a big "mistake."  The New York Democrat says he has sent a letter as Senate Minority Leader to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt urging him to reinstate mileage standards set six years ago.....

 

However, Schumer admits it'll be a tough "road to hoe" because Pruitt has shown during his time in public service that he's more of a "friend" to big oil than the consumer who has to pay more for that gas.  He says the standards for moving towards more fuel-efficient vehicles included new cars, sports utility vehicles and, light trucks.  For the short-term, he says the only other way to bring down gas prices is for President Trump to "jaw-bone" big oil producing nations like Saudi Arabia and Russia.