Area teenager arrested for allegedly setting fire that destroys Ellery home...
A 14-year-old Chautauqua County girl has been accused of setting a fire that destroyed a town of Ellery home... and, injured a firefighter. Sheriff's Department investigators says the teen is charged with second-degree arson. Her name's being withheld because of her age. Deputies say the girl started the fire inside the house at 3688 Sager Road about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officers say the residents were able to get out unharmed, but a firefighter suffered a minor head injury. Sinclairville firefighters were assisted at the scene by Cassadaga, Ellery Center, Ellington, Fluvanna, Gerry and Stockton fire crews. The house was a total loss.
Cuomo outlined details of his "Start Up NY" business initiative at JCC...
It used to be that education was never thought of in the same light as economic development. However... with new technologies... that perception is changing. That from Governor Cuomo... who was in Jamestown yesterday afternoon to outline details of his new "Start Up New York" business program. Cuomo says the main mission of his administration has been to create jobs... but, he admits it's been against a back-drop of a state that's had high taxes... and, isn't business friendly. He says they started Regional Economic Development Councils to compete for money to start up training programs... and, bring in new business. Now... they're creating tax free zones in and around college communities. He says they're taking a "triangle" of enterprenuerialism, education, and regional economies, and making those "tax free zones." Cuomo adds that just lowering state taxes isn't going to keep businesses or people in New York... but, eliminating taxes will. He says the "Start Up" program would eliminate income taxes for start-up businesses, and their workers... who locate on or near SUNY or other private college campuses. He says the idea is to keep New York's youngest and brightest from going to states where there is no income tax.
NYS Court of Appeals to rule soon on allow public access to information on retired teacher benefits...
The New York state Court of Appeals is expected to issue a decision soon on whether to make public the names and benefits of teacher retirees in public pension plans. The conservative Empire Center has sought the information, while teacher pension systems claim a recent court decision should protect retirees' names.
Dolce says he'll seek 10th term on city council...
Long-time Jamestown City Councilman Tony Dolce will be seeking a tenth, two-year term this November. Dolce recently made his run official... saying representing the people of the Second-Ward "doesn't get old" for him. The Republican says that working to help his constituents is one part of the bigger picture when it comes to serving on a local council. Dolce says the other is dealing with issues such as the city budget... which has been a major focus in recent years. He calls those "macro" items that are done for "all the citizens." Dolce says serving on the City Council is a perfect "blend" with his career. He's been a long-time Government and Economics teacher at Jamestown High School. Dolce and Kim Ecklund are the only two Republicans on council right now. He adds they expect to have a couple more people running, as well.
Silver Creek man arrested on warrant also found with bag full of pot...
A north county man is jailed without bail after allegedly being found with a ziplock bag full of marijuana in his possession when he was being taken into custody on an outstanding warrant. Sheriff's Deputies were on patrol about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday when they spotted 20 year-old D'Marcus Tallchief walking on Central Avenue in the village. Officers stopped Tallchief because they had an arrest warrant for third-degree assault. Officers then searched the Silver Creek man... and, found the ziplock bag containing the pot. Tallchief was taken into custody without incident... and, taken to the County Jail on the warrant. He'll later be arraigned on a charge of unlawful possession of marijuana.
Ellicott meeting time change working well so far...
A change in start time of Ellicott Town Board meetings -- so far -- has been a big success in getting more members of the public to attend and take part. The town board agreed in late May to change the time after Supervisor Cecil Miller suggested they hold their first meeting in June at 6 p.m. Miller had a conflict... but, further discussion led to a measure being approved to permanently change the time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. He says there were six people at their first 6 p.m. meeting... and, more residents have attended since. Miller says interaction is one of the things that makes "local government special." Town officials say subsequent meetings have been attended by 4... and, 3 members of the public. Miller says... while there aren't always "major issues" to be addressed at each meeting... there are many constituent issues. He says they hope that moving the start time will help eliminate the "apathy" that seems to be out there among people.
