Jamestown police are asking for the public's help in solving a shooting incident early Sunday morning on the city's westside in which a man allegedly fired at least three shots towards a group of people outside the "The Q" Sports Bar. Jamestown police were called to the scene on West Second Street about 12:30 AM on a report of "several gunshots" being fired. Police Captain Bob Samuelson says the shooting stemmed from an argument inside the bar that continued outside the night spot. Samuelson says they don't know what triggered the incident.
Samuelson says they do have video tape surveillance from the incident in which the black male, who was reportedly in his early to mid-20s, fired on the group of people. He says the man is about 6-foot tall, and weighs about 180-pounds. Samuelson adds he was wearing a green overcoat on with a hooded sweat-shirt underneath. He was last seen running north towards Third Street. However... he says police -- otherwise -- have few leads right now. Samuelson again urges residents who know anything about the incident to call their Confidential Tip-Line at 483-TIPS... that's 483-8477.
The city of Jamestown is taking a serious look at asking the state's newly-established Financial Restructuring Board to look for ways to improve the city's financial picture... and, delivery of services. Mayor Sam Teresi threw out the proposal to the City Council at last night's work session. Teresi says the panel came out of discussions he and other municipal leaders had earlier this year with Governor Cuomo. Teresi says the voluntary board would be a good way for the city to find other ways to restructure... and, cut costs in the wake of costly mandates. He adds the city does NOT have to accept any of the board's recommendations. Teresi emphasized that this is NOT a state-control board. He says the 10-member state board was just recently named... and, is being chaired by state Budget Director Robert Megna. He adds, though, that there's no guarantee the city will be accepted into the program. He says you have to meet one of two-criteria... which the city does. Teresi adds the city could get 5-million dollars if it accepts the state recommendations.
A retired U-S Air Force Colonel who has toured the world as an aviation administrator and instructor has been named as Chautauqua County's new Veteran's Service Agency Director. Acting County Executive Steve Abdella announced Monday morning in Jamestown that Buffalo-area native Gary Chilcott began his new position yesterday. He replaces Doug Diers... who left for another position last August. Abdella says Chilcott was one of three finalists named by a bi-partisan commission for former Executive Greg Edwards to interview. He says Edwards then decided Chilcott had the best qualifications. Abdella adds that Chilcott has also been involved with the ROTC in public high schools in the region. Chilcott and his wife -- who is a native of Mayville -- live in Bemus Point. Chilcott thanked Edwards, and County Executive-Elect Vince Horrigan -- who was on the commission -- for their support. He says he's "very excited" and looking forward to working with Horrigan. Chilcott says his big goal is to continue the fine, customer service the Veteran's Service Agency has provided under Edwards... and, he wants to "refine" that. Former Veteran's Service Agency Director Troy Smith... who now works for the state's Veteran's organization... was also part of the commission... and, was on hand for Monday's announcement.
U-S Senator Charles Schumer says cutting the excise tax on small breweries will help them grow their businesses, hire new employees and revitalize communities. Schumer was in Watkins Glen Monday afternoon to visit Rooster Fish Brewing.... and, talk about the Small BREW Act of 2013. The legislation would cut the excise tax on small breweries in half, from 7-dollars to 3-dollars-50 cents per barrel for the first 60,000 barrels they brew per year.
The largest class of inductees to the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame will be installed next February 17th during the hall's annual induction banquet. That from Hall of Fame President Randy Anderson... who says eight is the largest number they've ever installed in one year. But... Anderson says they're all very deserving. He adds they represent a wide-range of sports. Major League Baseball will be represented by Jamestown native Dan Lunetta... who is now the Detroit Tigers director of Minor League Operations. Women's professional golfer is represented by Dunkirk native Cindy Miller. Other inductees include: retired Southwestern Central School Cross-Country and Track and Field Coach Tom Priester... who is a national track and field official since 1985... the late Jack Wigley... who stood out in several sports at the former Lakewood High School. There's also Westfield's Vincent Calarco... who was a 50-year basketball official. Anderson says the Late Geza Farkus was U-S National Coach of the Year with the Lakewood YMCA gymnastics team in 1996. Two other inductees are from the north county. They are former three-sport stand-out Al Muck... and, the late Tom Prechtl -- who lettered in four sports. For more information on the Hall of Fame's February 17th dinner... call Chairman Chip Johnson at 485-6991.
Local High School Basketball:
Boys:
Southwestern defeated Ellicottville 70-30. Mike Sandbloom led the Trojans with 11 points and 6 rebounds.
Frewsburg/Falconer beat Cassadaga Valley 63-52. Mitch Carter led Frewsburg/Falconer with 19 points.
Girls:
The Lady Red Raiders pounded Clarence 68-39. Chrisanna Green led Jamestown with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
Pine Valley was a 55-41 winner over Frewsburg. Kayla Manfred led Pine Valley with 7 points. Mackenzie Swartzman scored 11 for the Bears.
