Wednesday, March 19

Author: Grace Thompson

Breaking News

Missing Person Alert: Search For Joshua Vanhouten Begins

(WNY News Now) – Joshua Vanhouten, a 36-year old male from Gerry, has been reported missing after leaving his residence on the morning of Saturday, October 26th, 2024.Gerry, N.Y. – Joshua Vanhouten, a 36-year old Gerry man, has been reported missing. He was last seen leaving his residence on the 1000 block of old Chautauqua Road in Gerry, N.Y. on Saturday morning, October 26th, 2024.Joshua Vanhouten is 5 ft. 10 in. in height and weighs approximately 160 pounds. He has hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair. He was reported to have left his residence on a black mini bike, and he was wearing grey flannel, light blue jeans, and a small black backpack.The Western New York Missing and Unidentified Persons Network will be putting together a search party this afternoon to attempt to locate Joshua Vanho...
Election 2024

Bipartisan Call for Peace: 50 Attorneys General Urge Peaceful Election and Transfer of Power

(WNY News Now) – In a unified front, New York Attorney General Letitia James and 49 other attorneys general from across the political spectrum have called for a peaceful election and committed to safeguarding democracy and public safety.NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general issued a statement calling for a peaceful election and transfer of power and condemning any potential political violence:“Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, we condemn any and all acts of violence related to its results. A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democra...
JPS 2024-25 Delayed Opening/Closing Information
Community

JPS 2024-25 Delayed Opening/Closing Information

(WNY News Now) – JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – As the weather begins to change, Jamestown Public Schools may need to delay or close schools due to weather conditions. If schools are closed or have a delayed opening, JPS will make an announcement on area radio and television stations, and post on the JPS Facebook Page (@JamestownPublicSchools) and JPS Twitter/X feed (@JamestownSchool). The district will also communicate with families and staff using its direct messaging system. Parents and students can expect to receive telephone, email and text messages on delayed openings or school closings, as long as their contact information is up-to-date in the district’s system. The district encourages families to contact their child’s main office to update their contact information. School closing decisions are...
Arrests

Kennedy Woman Faces Grand Larceny and Forgery Charges in Alleged Youth Club Embezzlement

(WNY News Now) – Town of Ellicott Police allege that a local woman illegally withdrew over $3,000 from a youth club’s account, issuing herself a forged check.A 35-year-old woman from Kennedy, New York, has been charged with grand larceny in the third degree and forgery in the second degree following an investigation by the Town of Ellicott Police Department. Cassandra L. Dickerson is accused of taking more than $3,000 from a local youth organization’s account and forging a check to herself.According to the police report, the investigation began when a complaint of suspected fraud involving the youth club’s finances was filed. Authorities claim Dickerson used her access to the club’s funds to withdraw a substantial sum, allegedly creating and endorsing a fraudulent check in her name.Followi...
Arrests

Falconer Man Arrested on Criminal Mischief and Coercion Charges in Domestic Dispute

(WNY News Now) – A Falconer resident faces criminal mischief and coercion charges following a domestic incident that prompted a swift response from Town of Ellicott Police.Falconer, N.Y. – On October 20, 2024, Michael J. Thompson, 35, of Falconer, was arrested by the Town of Ellicott Police after a domestic disturbance led to accusations of criminal mischief in the fourth degree and coercion in the third degree. Authorities responded to the reported incident in Falconer, where it is alleged that Thompson engaged in actions that met the criteria for both charges.Following his arrest, Thompson was transported to the county jail for arraignment under the Centralized Arraignment Program (CAP). According to the police, he will appear in Town of Ellicott Court at a later date to answer to these ...
Arrests

Jamestown Man Charged with Grand Larceny in Fourth Degree After Warrant Arrest

(WNY News Now) – A Jamestown resident, Jacob A. Trippy, 31, faces a grand larceny charge following a recent arrest on an active warrant by the Town of Ellicott Police.On October 29, Town of Ellicott Police Department charged Jacob A. Trippy, 31, with grand larceny in the fourth degree after he was apprehended on an outstanding warrant. According to the Ellicott Police, the incident began when officers from the Jamestown Police Department conducted a routine street check on Trippy in Jamestown. During this check, authorities confirmed that Trippy had an active warrant issued by the Town of Ellicott Police Department.Following his identification, Trippy was taken into custody and subsequently turned over to Ellicott Police. At the scene, Trippy was issued an appearance ticket and released. H...
Arrests

New Hampshire Woman Arrested in Falconer Following Domestic Dispute and Alleged Threats

(WNY News Now) – A New Hampshire resident faces charges after a domestic dispute in Falconer led to alleged threats and a resistance during arrest.Falconer, N.Y. – In the early hours of November 3, 2024, officers from the Town of Ellicott Police Department responded to a reported domestic dispute in Falconer, New York, involving 34-year-old Lea C. Talbot of Dover, New Hampshire. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m., when police were called to a residence in response to a disturbance allegedly involving threats of violence.According to the police report, Talbot is accused of threatening a resident of the home with violence, despite having no personal connection to the individual. When officers attempted to take her into custody, Talbot allegedly resisted, leading to additional charges.Fol...
Arrests

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Charges and License Violation for Jamestown Man

(WNY News Now) – A routine traffic stop escalated when police discovered drugs and suspended driving privileges for a Jamestown resident.Ellicott, N.Y. – On October 19, a routine traffic stop by the Town of Ellicott Police Department resulted in multiple charges against Dustin A. McChesney, 27, of Jamestown. Officers responded to reports of a speeding vehicle on Allen Street Extension and alleged McChesney was driving above the speed limit while consuming cannabis inside his vehicle.Upon investigation, officers found McChesney’s New York State driving privileges were suspended. A further search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of methamphetamine, leading to a charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. McChesney was also charged with speed in zone, ...
Breaking News

Tragedy on I-90: Thruway Worker Fatally Struck in Silver Creek Incident

(WNY News Now) – Silver Creek, N.Y. – Earlier today, a New York Thruway maintenance worker was fatally struck by a vehicle while he was working on I-90. Governor Kathy Hochul has released the following statement in the wake of his death:“Earlier today, a Thruway Authority Maintenance employee tragically lost his life when he was struck by a vehicle while working on I-90 in Silver Creek. We are heartbroken over the devastating death of a dedicated public servant, and my prayers go out to his family, friends and fellow co-workers during this difficult time. Roadside workers risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road and they deserve our utmost attention at all times. This is the second fatality involving a Thruway maintenance worker this year and it is a serio...
Arrests

Jamestown Man Arrested for Violating Order of Protection in Domestic Dispute

(WNY News Now) – A domestic dispute led to the arrest of a Jamestown man on charges of criminal contempt after officers discovered a violation of a court-issued order of protection.Jamestown, N.Y. – On the evening of November 1, 2024, Jamestown Police Department officers responded to a reported domestic dispute at a South Side residence. Upon arrival at approximately 7:05 p.m., officers made contact with a female victim who was involved in the incident. During their assessment of the situation, officers observed 59-year-old Paul D. Martinez sitting in the living room of the residence.Martinez, a Jamestown resident, was known by officers to have a valid Stay Away Order of Protection in place, barring him from contact with the victim. Recognizing the violation of the protection order, office...