JAMESTOWN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER RESIGNS FOLLOWING ARREST
JAMETOWN – A member of the Jamestown School Board has resigned after she was arrested Friday on a felony grand larceny charge. A month-long investigation by Jamestown Police revealed that Barbara Piazza had illegally taken over $19,000 from her employer, Jamestown Area Medical Associates, since 2007. The 42-year-old Piazza turned herself in after a warrant had been issued for her arrest. She was arraigned, then released on $5,000 bail. Piazza began serving on the city’s school board since July 2010.
JAMESTOWN POLICE RECOVER VEHICLE CONNECTED TO WEDNESDAY NIGHT SHOOTING
JAMESTOWN – Jamestown Police have recovered the vehicle driven by the person who fired a gun shot outside a bar early Thursday morning. Officers say the silver 2007 Nissan Murano was found parked on Hallock Street in the city around 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
Police are still seeking information on the shooter, who is described as a black male, 6’2″, 300 pounds, and in his early 30s. He allegedly shot a pistol into a crowd outside The Q around midnight Thursday. Anyone with information is asked to call Jamestown Police at 483-7531 or 498-7537. All calls and tips will be kept confidential.
BEMUS POINT RESIDENT CHARGED WITH FELONY DWI, CHILD ENDANGERMENT AFTER ACCIDENT
JAMESTOWN – A Bemus Point man faces several charges after being arrested for Felony DWI and child endangerment following a weekend accident. Jamestown Police say 39 year old Ben Lutgen was involved in a head-on accident with another vehicle early Saturday evening on South Main Street. Two of the three occupants in the other vehicle were taken to WCA for non-life threatening injuries. A seven year old child in Lutgen’s vehicle was also sent to WCA for treatment. Lutgen – who BAC was reported as nearly three times the legal limit – was charges related to DWI, Child Endangerment and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was sent to the city jail until arraignment.
COUNTY LEGISLATURE TO ACT ON MOTION CALLING FOR MEDICAID RELIEF
MAYVILLE – Lawmakers in Mayville will be meeting later this week for their final voting session of 2011. Among the many items on the agenda is a resolution sponsored by Republican Fred Crosscut and Democrat Rudy Mueller, calling on state lawmakers to begin an eight-year state takeover of the local share of Medicaid. The resolution points out that when State lawmakers enacted a property tax cap, they pledged to also enact mandate relief that would enable and empower local leaders to implement that tax cap.
If Chautauqua County were to receive relief, County property taxes could be reduced by over 48-percent. Medicaid is the number one mandate facing counties, costing the entire state $7.3 billion and $32.6 million in Chautauqua County next year.
If approved by county lawmakers, the motion would be sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senator Catharine Young, Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, plus all New York State Counties and several other local and state-wide agencies.
EDWARDS URGES RESIDENTS TO HELP RURAL MINISTRIES
DUNKRIK – County Executive Greg Edwards is calling on residents to help Chautauqua County Rural Ministry in Dunkirk. Last weekend the charity experienced a severe sewage leak that caused damage to the offices, Friendly Kitchen, and Garment Gallery located on its lower floor. As a result, many of the items collected for the organizations’ Christmas programs were contaminated and destroyed. The agency also faces a repair project that will cost over $15,000.
Edwards is urging county residents to help out the organization, either by donating to its 2011 toy drive and/or Food drive. Monetary donations to help support the the organization’s Christmas program,
Friendly Kitchen, or help with costs associated with fixing the sewer line are also being accepted. Checks can be made out to Chautauqua County Rural Ministry or Friendly Kitchen and can be mailed to:
Chautauqua County Rural Ministry
127 Central Avenue
P.O. Box 362
Dunkirk, NY 14048
For more information on ways you can help Rural Ministry call (716) 366-1787. Also, anyone who would like to make a donation but is unable to reach the Dunkirk area should call the County Executive’s Office at (716) 753-4211.
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