Buffalo Tops Market shooter pleads guilty to murder, hate-motivated charges...
The white gunman who massacred 10 Black shoppers and workers at a Buffalo supermarket has pleaded guilty to murder and hate-motivated terrorism charges. Payton Gendron entered the plea Monday in an Erie County courtroom. The charges carry an automatic sentence of life in prison. The 19-year-old used a legally-purchased semi-automatic rifle to gun down victims at the Tops Friendly Market in May. He said in writings posted online that his goal was to terrify Black people and preserve white power. Gendron has pleaded not guilty to separate federal hate crime charges that could carry the death penalty.
House fire in Sinclairville ruled accidental...
A malfunctioning power strip that triggered flames in nearby debris is listed as the cause of a late morning fire Sunday that's damaged a home in the village of Sinclarville. County Fire Investigators say Sinclairville firefighters were called to 2200 Old Chautauqua Rd. shortly after 11 a.m. They were joined by Gerry fire crews and other mutual aid companies at the scene. After stopping the fire... investigators were called in to look for the cause. They found that the power strip had faulted... and, caused combustion in a wire and surrounding debris. No injuries were reported.
City man arrested for threatening woman with a knife in Big Lots store...
A Jamestown man has been arrested for allegedly pulling a knife on a woman... and, then stealing merchandise from the Big Lots store in Brooklyn Square. City police were called to the scene on Harrison Street shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday on a report of a person with a weapon. Officers say their investigation showed that 29 year-old Zachary Wilson displayed the knife to the victim causing her to fear for her safety. They also found that he had the stolen store items. Wilson was found, and taken into custody without incident. He was issued an appearance ticket for second-degree menacing... and, petty larceny and released.
Buffalo man arrested for alleged fight in Ellery...
A fight between two people inside a vehicle last Friday night in the town of Ellery has led to Felony charges against the Buffalo man accused of being the aggressor. Sheriff's officers say they were called to a report of a disorderly person inside a car on Slide Joslyn Road about 10 p.m., and, investigated. Deputies say they found that 45 year-old Dorian Kelly had gotten into the phyisical altercation with the other person... and, damaged property belonging to that individual. Kelly was arrested and charged with second-degree reckless endangerment... fourth-degree criminal mischief... and second-degree harassment. Officers say Kelly was taken to the county jail pending centralized arraignment.
City Council to vote on 2023 Budget, other measures at tonight's voting session...
City lawmakers in Jamestown will vote on several important agenda items during tonight's voting session... including a 2023 budget. The City Council has discussed the $38.6-million spending plan with department heads in recent weeks. Mayor Eddie Sundquist's budget includes no tax rate increase... but, does include some fee increases. Finance Committee Chairwoman Kim Ecklund says she wants to see more justification for a 100% increase in parking meter fees. The total tax levy in the proposed 2023 budget is $16.17-million.
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Council tonight will also vote on two local laws. One sets new ward district boundary lines in the city... and, lawmakers will also consider a local law that authorizes the use of video conferencing for council, and other city government meetings. Tonight's meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.
Dunkirk man arrested in alleged "road rage" incident in town of Sheridan...
A Dunkirk man has been arrested for allegedly threatening the driver of another vehicle during a road rage incident on Route 20 in the town of Sheridan. Sheriff's Officers say they received a complaint just before 5 p.m. Friday about the incident. Their investigation determined that 54 year-old Allan Barreca put the other person in fear of death or physical injury by displaying what appeared to be a deadly weapon. Deputies say Barreca was arrested on one count of second-degree menacing... and was issued an appearance ticket for Sheridan Town Court at a later date.
City woman arrested after child gets into prescription pills, and overdoses...
A Jamestown woman is accused of having prescription pills in an area that a child was able to get into... and, suffered an apparent overdose. City police were called to assist Jamestown fire rescuers at an eastside address shortly before 9 p.m. last Friday. Officers say they arrested 44 year-old Tina Keeler for endangering the welfare of a child... and, she was held pending arraignment in city court.
Electrovaya seeking local incentives, and expects to begin operations in 2023...
A producer of Lithium-ion batteries and cells is expected to begin opening it's new, $75-million gigafactory near Jamestown in 2023. In addition... Electrovaya is seeking local incentives from Chautauqua County... and, it's Industrial Development Agency to locate it's first U.S. facility in the Mason Industrial Park. Earlier this Fall... New York state announced a hydropower deal to have the Canadian-based company move into the former Heidenhain facility in the Mason Industrial Park. IDA Director Mark Geise is 'excited' about the project... which will include another structure being built at the site, and employ 250 people. The state incentives include Empire State Development providing up to $4-million in tax credits through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program... along with $2.5-million of funding through the Regional Council Capital Fund Program.
