Langworthy presents "America 250 Community Hero" awards at Cassadaga Valley CS to more than three-dozen recipients...
More than three-dozen people from Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties have been honored with "America 250 Community Hero" awards. During a ceremony hosted by local Congressman Nick Langworthy at Cassadaga Valley Central School Friday afternoon... presentees from several different walks of life were honored. However... Langworthy says they all have something in common: going above and beyond to serve their communities. He says it's also in recognition of America's 250th anniversary... and, the kind of people who "helped to shape America's story." This was the fourth award ceremony that Langworthy has hosted across the 23rd District... and, he says each one's special -- not just to the honorees, but, for their families, friends and communities. Presenters -- in addition to Langworthy -- included County Executive P.J. Wendel... State Senator George Borrello... and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor... and, Sheriff Jim Quattrone.
Four Fredonia-Pomfret residents -- and elected officials -- protest installation of Flock surveillance cameras in the village...
A handful of north county residents -- including a couple of elected officials -- are calling for an end to the use of Flock surveillance cameras in the village of Fredonia. Four people spoke during this week's Chauauqua County Legislature meeting about their concerns over District Attorney Jason Schmidt's office having 10 cameras installed in various placed in the village. One was Pomfret Town Councilman Mike Lee... who says the DA did not consult with any municipal leadership, and is claiming to be caught off-guard by the controversy. Lee expressed concern over already documented cases of a couple of officers using Flock technology to stalk someone. Since Flock is a private company... resident Mitchell Cummings questioned whether facial recognition may be used... especially with a camera overlooking Barker Commons... where protests are sometimes held. Cummings say that was used during protests against China in Hong Kong, where protestors wore masks to avoid being caught through facial recognition. Another resident... Patrick Carls... noted that there have been several instances of Flock misreading license plates or producing incorrect information. No one from the DA's office was at the meeting... and, no legislators spoke in response to the comments.
Ribbon is cut on Phase-2 of Wells Enterprises $425-million expansion at it's Dunkirk plant...
Wells Enterprises is celebrating a major milestone in the $425-million expansion of its facility in Dunkirk. On Thursday... representatives from Wells, New York State, Chautauqua County, and the city gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new employee center and production expansion... marking the end of Phase 2 of the four-phase project. Wells Chief Operating Officer Nicolas Neykov says the ongoing transformation of the facility, which began in 2024, is more than just an investment in equipment... it's also an investment in their workforce. The President and Chief Executive Officer at Empire State Development, Hope Knight, says it's "incredible" seeing the expansion of the facility. County Executive P.J. Wendel called the expansion project a "tremendous vote of confidence" in Dunkirk, the county, and the local residents and employees. He praised the hard-working employees in attendance at the ceremony, saying they have been helpful in sustaining the plant. Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz says the completion of Phase 2 is more than just celebrating a building -- it celebrates momentum towards a bright economic future for the city and northern Chautauqua County. She praised the partnerships involved. Governor Kathy Hochul issued a statement, saying, "We have built incredible momentum in Chautauqua County's manufacturing sector, and the progress of this massive expansion is a historic win for Dunkirk and the entire region."
Jamestown man arrested for false personation following investigation...
A city man has been arrested for lying about his identity to police following a "suspicious person" investigation last weekend. Jamestown police say they were called to an address on the southeast corner of the city shortly after 10 a.m. last Saturday. Officers say they made contact with 40 year-old Jonathan Yates. However... Yates allegedly lied because he had a Felony warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody for false personation... and, taken to the city jail and held pending arraignment.
Besse talks about becoming new owner of Lafayette Corners furniture in Jamestown...
An interest in manufacturing -- including Jamestown's furniture-making past -- has led a businessman in downtown Jamestown to venture into that arena. Frank Besse officially took ownership of Lafayette Corners at 215 West Fourth St. on June 8. Besse... who was former head of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation... says it started with a conversation with then-owners Dave and Pam Pilo about their business -- and they indicated that they were looking to retire at some point soon. It was then that talks began in earnest about him buying the company. Besse says he likes history... and, is well aware of Jamestown's manufacturing history. He says that was piqued even more by reading the book "The Factory Man..." which mentions Jamestown in passing -- in particular one line they carry -- Vaughn-Bassett. Besse says they still carry many of the lines Lafayette Corners has had through the years with original owner Tim Carlson... and, the Pilos. He adds their staff has also stayed the same. Lafayette Corners is open Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m., and, close at 5 p.m. each day -- except Friday. Besse says they stay open until 7 p.m. on Fridays. Their phone number is (716) 664-3333.
