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Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of COVID funds

A Dunkirk man has pleaded to the theft of government funds. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jesus Ramos, aka Manny, 42, entered the plea to U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. It carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-defendant Lamont Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for which they were not entitled. In July 2020, Ramos ...

County awarded $250,000 grant to accelerate housing development

Chautauqua County has been awarded a $250,000 grant through the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (NYS HCR) “Technical Assistance to Grow Pro-Housing Communities” program. The funding will be used to advance the Chautauqua County Housing Market Analysis and Development Strategy developed in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth in 2024. “Affordable housing supports our workforce, helps businesses attract employees, and ensures that people of varying income levels can locate to or continue to live and thrive in Chautauqua County,” ...

CBA To Host Dining In The Dark April 17

CELORON - CBA Vision Rehabilitation Services invites the community to its 14th annual Dining in the Dark on Friday, April 17, at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. The event gives guests the chance to enjoy a three-course meal completely without sight, guided by trained ...

Love INC. To Host March Mania Game Saturday

Love INC. will host its annual pastors versus pastors basketball game at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Falconer High School gym. “This our 9th Annual Ministers March Mania and we are so excited!” said Susan Justham, executive director of Love In the Name of Christ. Ministers from area churches will play basketball to benefit the less fortunate served through Love INC of Southern Chautauqua County. Love INC's mission is to mobilize local churches to help those in need. As a 501c3 organization, Love INC provide non-emergency assistance that includes household furnishings, toiletries, ...

Two Charged After Puppy Dies, Pets Found In Squalor

Two Jamestown residents are facing charges after a search warrant led to the discovery of malnourished pets and a deceased puppy. Jamestown police reported that Kristen A. McCauley, 42, and Darian A. McCauley, 18, were charged with eight counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; ...

Legislator wants county clerk’s salary reduced

At least one Chautauqua County legislator thinks the clerk is overpaid. Legislator Bob Bankoski of Dunkirk, the Democratic leader in the County Legislature, is proposing a $10,000 reduction in the county clerk’s salary. “In 2024 I voted against a huge $17,800 salary increase for the county clerk,” he said. “That increase was larger than the increase for the county executive or sheriff. With that $17,800 increase, the clerk is now costing county taxpayers $89,300 plus generous benefits.” Bankoski stated that in 2018 the Republican majority in the Legislature decided that ...