WJTN's Community Spotlight

This program features our WJTN News Staff asking the questions of Government and Community officials that you want the answers to.  The program airs on WJTN Saturday's at 8:40 A.M., 12:15 P.M. and again on Sunday morning at 8:45 A.M..  You can listen to past shows in our Podcasting Section.  The Chautauqua County Executive appears the first week of each month, and the Mayor of The City of Jamestown appears the second week of each month.  Future guests will be posted the week prior to their scheduled interview.  If you have a question for an upcoming guest fill out this form

WJTN News headlines for Thurs., Sept. 2, 2010 @ 2:45 p.m. - by Terry Frank

Sheen spreads from rig...

The Coast Guard says that a mile-long oil sheen is spreading from the site off an offshore petroleum platform that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana. The site of the explosion is west of where BP's massive spill occurred.The Coast Guard said no one was killed in the explosion. All 13 people aboard the rig were found floating in the water in survival gear.

State Appellate Court orders stopping to cigarette tax collection on Indian reservations...

The latest in a tangled series of state and federal court decisions has halted the state's plan to collect taxes on cigarettes sold by Native American retailers to non-Indian customers.  Gov. David Paterson's office says a state appellate court judge in western New York issued an order Wednesday afternoon stopping the collections.  An earlier order had been lifted Monday by a state judge, a decision appealed by the Seneca and Cayuga nations.  Those tribes won a federal court order Tuesday temporarily barring collections against them.  But... the state said it would start imposing the $4.35 per pack levy on cigarettes shipped by wholesalers to other reservation retailers starting Wednesday.

Seneca Tribal Council member says restraining order... Appellate order... gives them time to inform people on the issue...

For now... the state isn't able to collect taxes on cigarette sales on the Seneca and Cayuga Indian reservations.  That's good news for Seneca officials... as they try to make their case against imposing that law.  Federal Court Judge Richard Arcara issued a restraining order... and, will hold a court hearing Thursday.  The Co-Chair of the Seneca Nation's Tribal Council... J-C Seneca... says the ruling will help the Seneca Nation state it's position... and further educate people why there needs to be an injunction.  Meanwhile... Seneca says the Tribal Council has decided to withhold future exclusivity payments from Indian-run casinos to the state.  He says the state has violated terms of the 2001 Casino Gaming Compact.  Seneca says the New York has "continually" moved it's gaming establishments closer to it's casino -- which are supposed to have "exclusive" rights.  He believes the opening of a casino in Hamburg may have violated... or breached their compact with the state.

GOP Gubernatorial candidates says they'll stand by state law regarding cigarette taxes...

Both GOP candidates for governor say the state should be allowed to tax cigarette sales on the reservations. Rick Lazio says if he's elected governor.... New York will collect the tax.  Lazio says it's "legally" the property of the state's taxpayers.  He adds that he's concerned about the "black market" sale of untaxed smokes in New York and elsewhere.  Carl Paladino says... the "rule of law is the rule of law" here.  Paladino says there should be no class of citizen in New York state that is "immune from the law."

School starts in several Jamestown-area school districts; police urge driving caution...

No serious problems were reported Thursday morning on the first day of school in the Jamestown-area.  Police are out in force on the first official day of the 2010-2011 school year in the region.  Here in Jamestown... Police Chief Harry Snellings is urging motorists to be extra cautious... and, to give yourself extra time traveling during the morning and afternoon commutes.    Snellings says they'll have marked... and, unmarked patrol cars in all school zones to ensure the kid's safety... and, make sure motorists are following the law.  He urges driver to especially be mindful that children will be excited... and, not always crossing the street properly.  Snellings says traffic congestion tends to be the biggest problem at the high school... which is in a busy part of the downtown.  There aren't many school buses that run in the city... but, Snellings says the rule in the city is the same as anywhere else in the state.  He says anytime a school bus stops... and, turns on it's flashing red lights... all traffic in both directions must stop.  That includes if you're driving on a four-lane highway. 

Lazio says he and Edwards are the one's who will reform state government...

The endorsed Republican candidate for governor says he and his running mate have the answers for turning around the state.  Former Long Island Congressman Rick Lazio says he and Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards will bring "honor" and trust back to Albany.  On WJTN's "The Town Square..." Lazio says he and Edwards are the one's who will reform the way state government operates.  He says the state is spending, and taxing too much... and, New York is regulating too many businesses out of business.  Lazio and Edwards have made numerous appearances across the state... and, talked with many residents.  Lazio says residents are tired of "The Jerry Springer Show" in Albany... as well as out-of-control spending.  Lazio says people want a property tax cap... a governor who will stop unfunded mandates... and "align" spending with revenues.  Edwards -- who is the Lieutenant Governor candidate -- said on the program that people he's talked to are tired of "celebrity" politicans.

Final preparations underway for annual "Light the Lakes" on Labor Day eve...

The third-annual "Light the Lakes" festival is set to go this coming Sunday night.  Six different communities are taking part this year... as Chautauqua Lake... Findley Lake... and, Lake Erie all will bask under a colorful, coordinated fireworks show Sunday night.  That from Bemus Bay Pops Founder Dan Dalpra... who began "Light the Lakes" in 2008.  Dalpra says the event has grown through the collaboration of several communities across the county.  He says the fireworks show begins Sunday night at exactly 9:31 p.m.  He's says it'll be a spectacular fireworks show will fill the skies over Chautauqua County.  "Rings of Fire" will also be lit around the local lakes.  Dalpra adds that Steve Tasker will be the "special guest" to flip the switch... kicking off the show.  Dalpra says Bemus Point, Findley Lake, Lakewood, Mayville, Westfield, and Jamestown are all taking part in "Light the Lakes" this Sunday.  The floating stage in Bemus will be the focal point for the big show.... that starts with live music at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Teenager arrested for alleged burglary in Stockton...

A Sinclairville teenager has been arrested for allegedly breaking into a home in the town of Stockton last weekend.  Sheriff's Officers say 18 year-old Nathan Mosier of East Avenue is accused of breaking into a Bear Lake Rd. home just after 2:30 p.m. last Sunday.  Deputies say the homeowner was inside when Mosier entered the home unlawfully.  Officers say the homeower confronted the suspect... and, was able to detain him until police arrived.  Mosier was arrested... and, arraigned in Stockton Town Court on a charge of second-degree burglary.  He was sent to the county jail with bail yet to be set.