City police make arrest in arson fire that destroys home at 105 Weeks Street...
An arson fire has destroyed a second home in the city of Jamestown within two-days... and, one person is being treated for serious burns at a regional hospital. City Fire Battalion Chief Andrew Finson says crews were called to a two-family home at 105 Weeks St. about 11:30 p.m. Friday... and, found a lot of fire, and that someone was inside. Finson says there was heavy fire in the front part of the two-story structure, and they also learned a person was trapped in in the second-floor of the house. He says the unidentified man was able to get himself out of the house... and, he was initially taken to UPMC Chautauqua Hospital for treatment... then sent to the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. He says crews then battled the flames... along with wind and bitter frigid temperatures. Finson says it took a while to bring the blaze under control... and one crew was left at the scene until about 6 a.m. to watch for hot spots before the Department of Development was able to have the structure torn down. No other injuries were reported... but, a dog perished in the fire. The man accused of setting the fire... 49 year-old Danny Phanco... lived at the 105 Weeks Street address. City Police Captain Bob Samuelson says Phanco is charged with second-degree arson, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment... and is jailed without bail.
Firefighters battle flames earlier in the day at Willard Street home...
Jamestown fire officials say a blaze that destroyed a single-family home on Jamestown's eastside... which left one person hurt... was caused accidently. Deputy City Fire Chief Sam Salemme says crews were called to the scene at 281 Willard St. -- near Johnson and Ensign Streets -- about 2:15 p.m. Friday. Salemme says crews found a lot of smoke and flame coming from the structure on arrival. He says an off-duty shift was called in due to the heavy smoke and fire. He adds the cold temperatures and strong winds made fighting the flames difficult. Fire Battalion Chief Andrew Finson later told us that an occupant inside the building got out before firefighters arrived, and she was treated for minor burns. Salemme adds it took some time to bring the flames under control... and, the back roof of the building collapsed. Finson says cause is combustables too close to a space heater.
Quattrone says more consideration needs to be given before lawmakers vote on legalizing recreational marijuana. He remains totally opposed to it...
Sheriffs around the state are voicing their opposition to making recreational marijuana legal in the Empire State. Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone says he supports the New York State Sheriff's Association position opposing the legalization. Quattrone cited several reasons, including an increased in costs to police agencies. Among the concerns...a need for more drug recognition officers. He says there are only four that are certified in Chautauqua County. However... police agencies are also facing the question of whether K-9s trained to search for pot would have to be retired because they are trained to detect cannibus. Another concern deals with the testing of employees at the Sheriff's Office itself... whether they are patrol officers, or work in the jail. He says pot can remain in a person's system for up to 30 days. Quattrone says stats from a study on the legalization of marijuana in Colorado shows an increase in drugged driving, traffic deaths and crime rates.
Schumer announces National Comedy Center will soon have federal designation as the United State's "center of comedy..."
The National Comedy Center in Jamestown is just steps away from being designated as the nation's "center of comedy." That from U-S Senator Charles Schumer of New York... who stopped at the Comedy Center Friday morning to announce those final steps. He says the measure should pass in both the House and Senate should take place the next two weeks... and, then it goes to the President's desk, and should be signed by Mr. Trump. Schumer was joined by several local officials in making the announcement. He says the designation is part of Congress's Lands Bill that was approved in a procedural vote in the Senate Thursday night. The comedy center was part of an 8-year effort involving Schumer... but, Mayor Sam Teresi recalled how Schumer helped save the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad Station... where much of the center is now housed. Schumer helped secure $1.7-million in funding for the project... along with $5-million more in federal tax credits. His office worked with Local Congressman Tom Reed to obtain the funding.
Dahlstrom Roll Form celebrates 115th Anniversary in Jamestown...
A local maker of steel and metalic doors used in places like the Empire State Building in New York City celebrated another milestone Friday as it was Dahlstrom Roll Form's 115th anniversary. The specialized company in Jamestown's industrial corridor was started by Charles Dahlstrom in 1904. Current Company President Rob White says they're excited to be commemorating the anniversary at a time where the expertise of their Metallic Door division is well-known. White say much of their operation now is automated... and, skilled workers are needed to run those. White adds that their architectural side of the business -- Dahlstrom Metal Mouldings -- is growing steadily. He says they are looking for new hires to add to their current compliment of 35 employees. For more information... go to their website at dahlstromrollform.com.
