News

Mayor cites law over in not naming officer

Local News October 21, 2026

FREDONIA - Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson cited state law Monday in defending the anonymity of a police officer facing misconduct charges. “This board, and my office, as well as the police department, has been accused of covering things up and everything over the investigation of a police officer,” Ferguson said Monday at a Fredonia Board of Trustees workshop. “If you know anything about government, if you know anything about law, you understand that many of our employees are civil servants, as are police officers,” Ferguson continued. “Article 75 of the (New York state) ...

County Dems push Nazzaro to replace DeJoy in District 9

Local News October 21, 2026

The Jamestown and Chautauqua County Democratic Party committees are asking Charles Nazzaro, a former Chautauqua County legislator who retired in 2021, to replace Vince DeJoy as the county legislator representing District 9 residents in Jamestown. DeJoy, who submitted his resignation as the District 9 legislator on Thursday, Oct. 15, is moving to North Carolina where he has a new job. DeJoy’s name will remain on the ballot. Nazzaro will serve if DeJoy wins the election. “We were surprised by Vince DeJoy’s announcement,” said Marcia Westling Johnson, county Democratic Party ...

Area Police Reports

Police Reports October 21, 2026

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE - Madison A. Valvo, 21, of Forestville was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operator, uninspected motor vehicle, no front plate, DWI, and DWI per se. Officers conducted a traffic stop in the village of Fredonia on Sunday around 3 a.m. Valvo was taken into custody and later released with an appearance ticket. - Cody A. Wood, 27, of Ripley was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief and second-degree harassment. Police responded to reports of an altercation on Monday evening where it was found that Wood allegedly damaged ...

Three north county libraries receive funding for caregiver programs

Local News October 21, 2026

CELORON - Three north county libraries will share a $40,000 state grant to implement the Capable and Connected Caregivers program. The announcement was made during the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library Association’s annual meeting held recently. More than 100 librarians, library staff ...

Cash For Camp: Camp Onyahsa fundraiser helps with costs, honors camp supporters

Local News October 20, 2026

DEWITTVILLE - Two county residents were honored recently during a fundraiser for Camp Onyahsa day camps. Across the breadth of Chautauqua County, residential camps and nonprofits often pursue various fundraising efforts to keep their programs and services affordable for consumers and ...

Area Police Reports

Police Reports October 20, 2026

JAMESTOWN POLICE - Alexander E. Schultz, 34, of Jamestown was charged with second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. On 11:30 Friday evening, police responded to an address in the city's northside for a reported assault. Police determined upon arrival that Schultz had allegedly assaulted a victim with a baseball bat. He was later placed into custody, where he was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance. Schultz is being held in Jamestown City Jail pending ...