Man Charged In N. Collins Burglary Incident

A Cattaraugus County man has been charged in connection with a burglary at the North Collins Community Bank on Christmas. Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard on Tuesday reported the arrest of Versailles resident James Meehan Jr. following an investigation. On Dec. 25 at approximately 4:50 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a break-in at the bank on Main Street in the village. Deputies observed the glass on two entrance doors smashed and lights on in the lobby. The incident was turned over to detectives, and a social media campaign to identify the suspect was initiated on Dec. 29. Detectives identified the suspect after receiving multiple tips from the public. Following the posts and media release, the New York State Police located Meehan and interviewed him at the Collins barracks. The Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged the 24-year-old with felony counts of third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief as well as a misdemeanor count of petit larceny. Meehan faces separate charges from the state police from an incident in the village of Gowanda. The Sheriff’s Office released Meehan with appearance tickets.

New Year’s Day Fire Started In Garage Ceiling

A fire that broke out New Year’s Day at a town of Ellicott home appears to have started in the ceiling of the garage. Capt. Rich Telford of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said investigators were able to narrow the origin to the ceiling. However, he said the exact cause could not be pinpointed. Firefighters from several departments were summoned to the blaze, reported around 2:25 p.m. on Tompkins Road, off Route 60 and east of the Jamestown airport. Fluvanna fire officials arrived and stated that the property was “fully engulfed” by flames. The county FAST team, Tech Rescue, fire police and Chautauqua County EMS were also called to the scene, and other departments were summoned to help fill in at other fire stations.

Community Blood Bank To Host Blood Drive

The Community Blood Bank will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Chautauqua Medical Service — GLPP, 504 Central Ave., Dunkirk. Community Blood Bank partners with hospitals in Northwest Pennsylvania and Western New York to provide blood for patients in need. Individuals are eligible to give blood if it has been 56 days since their last donation; they are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental consent); weigh at least 110 pounds; have not received a tattoo or body piercing in the past three months; are in good general health and do not have a cold or the flu. Donors must have a valid photo ID in order to donate. Prior to donating, those giving blood should eat a good, solid meal and drink at least 18 ounces of water. For more information, visit www.fourhearts.org or call 877-842-0631.

Bemus Point School Board To Meet Monday

BEMUS POINT — The Bemus Point Central School Board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday in the STEAM room at Maple Grove High School on Dutch Hollow Road. An executive session will take place at 5:45 p.m. Face masks will be required to attend the meeting, which will also be streamed live.