Edwards says he's not seeking re-election to a third term... but, says seeking state-wide office is not what he's looking at right now...
The man who has served as Chautauqua County's top-elected official for just over seven years will not be seeking another term in office. County Executive Greg Edwards made the stunning announcement from his office in Mayville Friday afternoon. He says he made the decision after spending the past month talking about the matter with family... friends and political allies. Edwards adds that he received a "tremendous amount of encouragement" to run again... but, says to "everything there is a season." He says he's been "deeply humbled by this outpouring of support and encouragement." But, he says after much reflection and discussion with his family... he won't be running again. Edwards says there were several factors that played into his decision... but, says most of all... he never intented to make politics - quote -- "my career." About three years ago... Edwards ran on GOP Gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino's ticket for Lieutenant Governor. While that was unsuccessful... it got Edwards' name recognition around the state. However... he does NOT intent to run for state office. Edwards also emphasized that while there was nothing holding him back from running for a third-term... the timing is right for him to move on.. He said he wanted to make the announcement now to allow time for members of his leadership team to look for work outside county government if they wish... and, for the county's Republican Committee to find a candidate for the upcoming election.
Suspects in town of Carroll homicide arraigned on murder charges, plead not guilty...
The four men accused of killing a town of Carroll couple earlier this month were arraigned yesterday on multiple-charges in Chautauqua County Court. District Attorney David Foley says the defendants... 34 year-old David Coggins... 21-year-old Joshua McCormick, and 18 year-olds Rickey Knickerbocker, and Steven Todd... were brought before Judge John Ward separately. Foley says they were arraigned on an 11-count indictment. However... he adds that only Coggins and McCormick were indicted for first-degree murder. Foley says most of the other charges were also "very serious." They include two counts of second-degree Murder... and, second-degree Intentional Murder... and one-count of first-degree Arson. Bail for Coggins was set at $2.5-million... $2-million for McCormick... and, $1.5-million for both Knickerbocker and Todd. All four are accused of murdering 66 year-old Gordon... and, 59 year-old Joyce Skinner at their Wheeler Hill Road home the morning of April 17.
One person hospitalized... another sought... in connection with stabbing in Jamestown...
Jamestown police are asking for the public's help in finding whoever stabbed a city man during a disturbance on the city's eastside which led to an altercation. City officers were called to 627 East Second St. just before 1 p.m. Friday on the report of a stabbing... and, found it was not a random act. Police say the victim was rushed to WCA Hospital for emergency surgery. They add the man is apparently not in a life-threatening situation at this point. However... they are still looking for the suspect. They're asking any witnesses to come forward. If you have any information on the incident... you're asked to call city police at 483-7537... or the JPD Anonymous Tip-line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
Dunkirk man jailed for allegedly dealing "Crack" Cocaine in north county city...
A Dunkirk man is jailed for allegedly selling "crack" cocaine to undercover police officers in the north county city over the past month. Agents with the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force say 43 year-old Aaron Davis of 34 West Fourth St. was taken into custody in Buffalo after a warrant had been issued for his arrest. Task Force agents say Davis had been indicted by the Chautauqua Grand Jury on multiple charges in the case. He's being held... pending arraignment on several counts of third-degree criminal possession... and, sale of a controlled substance. Task Force officials say Davis was turned over to Dunkirk Police... and, taken to the county jail pending arraignment. Anyone with information on any narcotics-related activity in their community is asked to call local police... or the Task Force at 1-800-344-8702.
