Agritourism Destination in Bemus Point

The Elysian Center will be celebrating a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony as an Agritourism Destination on November 17 at 9am. Located at 4578 Johnson Road in Bemus Point, The Elysian Center is creating a welcoming, sustainable destination that brings together equestrian experiences, agriculture, wellness, recreation, lodging, events, and tourism to strengthen individuals, enrich the community, and support the local economy. Join the community in celebrating this exciting new endeavor.

Tractor trailer crash halts traffic on Interstate 79, 90 interchange

Traffic was backed up along the I-79 and I-90 interchange Thursday afternoon after a tractor-trailer rollover. That accident happened just before 2 pm Thursday afternoon. The accident reportedly led to a diesel spill after the rig went off the roadway along the I-79 northbound ramp after exiting I-90 eastbound. No word on whether or not […]

State Announces $2.3 Million Resurfacing Project for Route 39 in Chautauqua County

The New York State Department of Transportation will undertake a $2.3 million project to resurface the entirety of Route 39 within Chautauqua County. Governor Kathy Hochul this week announced the project as part of $100 million in funding awarded for repaving projects in 68 locations across the state to help rejuvenate roadways impacted by the state's harsh winter weather. The local project will resurface Route 39 from U.S. Route 20 in the Town of Sheridan to the Cattaraugus County line in the Town of Hanover. This will also include the hamlet of Forestville. The project will begin next spring.

His Erie-based biofuels empire is being sold. His debt keeps growing

Erie entrepreneur Samuel P. "Pat" Black III broke ground in 2006 for the Hero BX plant on East Lake Road, which became the center of his biofuels empire . The phrase "fuel for humanity" was incorporated into the Hero BX logo. Twenty years later, Black is selling his biofuels facilities to fuel a court-approved financial plan to help pay off a personally guaranteed loan of about $13.5 million. But even as Black's Lake Erie Biofuels, which does business as Hero BX, unloads more of the facilities, the debt has continued to grow, according to the latest court filing related to the collapse of the 84-year-old Black's financial holdings. A failure to satisfy the $13.5 million debt would put Black's personal assets at risk. Black has blamed much of his financial decline on his daughter, Sumi James-Black, 51, whom he adopted in 2019, when he was 77 and she was 44 . But Black's $200 million federal lawsuit against her has stalled as he awaits a ruling from a federal appeals court. Black's forced sale of his Hero BX facilities is the result of another federal lawsuit. Connecticut-based Siena Lending Group sued in federal court in Erie in May 2025 after

Jamestown School District Appoints New Assistant Principal for Tech Academy

The Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education this week approved the appointment of Moira Foley to serve as the next Assistant Principal of the Raymond J. Fashano Technical Academy. Foley will begin her service to the district on November 30th. Foley joins Jamestown Public Schools after serving Broome-Tioga BOCES as...

This Pennsylvania Tavern Serves Goat Balls Inside a Former Bank

A Pennsylvania tavern has a taxidermy skunk on display, an old bank vault used for private dining, and an appetizer called Goat Balls. The Skunk and Goat Tavern sits on Main Street in North East, a small Erie County town near Lake Erie. Its unusual name is only part of the story.

Two Sites Being Considered for Development of County-Run Homeless Facilities

Discussions are underway in an effort to develop facilities that Chautauqua County can use to house the homeless as part of a transitional housing program. That from County Executive P.J. Wendel, who recently provided an update on the situation as a way to move away from depending on local hotels and motels to provide that shelter. Wendel says he and others are talking about a possible site at the southern end of the county...

Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union Opens Sixth Location

Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union has celebrated the opening of its sixth location. The Credit Union purchased the former Rite-Aid on North Main and East 8th Streets in Jamestown from the county auction. Credit Union CEO John Felton said the $3.2 million project involved the renovation of the former pharmacy to include banking space, a training center, and a warehouse that will be used to store re-possessed vehicles.

WJTN News Headlines for Wed., Nov. 11, 2026

Veteran's Day observance held at Third and Main in Jamestown... A decades-old tradition again took place on this Veteran's Day 2026 in downtown Jamestown. A trumpet ensemble from Jamestown High School began the observance by playing the National Anthem. The Ira Lou Spring Post's traditional 21-gun Salute -- Rifle Volley was held at the "11th Hour of the 11th Day" -- marking the end of World War-One -- to commemorate the day at the corner of Third and Main Streets in the city. The ceremony concluded with a buglar playing Taps. Those who participated then walked to St. Luke's Church at Fourth and Main for the traditional Veteran's Day Service and program... and, again thanks to all who served.

City Looking to Replace Damaged Trees

First Snowflakes of the Season Likely for Erie, Coudersport, Wellsboro, and the Laurel Highlands Friday and Saturday as Colder Air Follows Rainy Storm

ERIE, Pa. — Many parts of Pennsylvania are set to see the first snowflakes of the season later this week. A low-pressure system will bring widespread rain on Thursday, followed by colder air on its back side. That cold air could turn rain into snow or a rain-snow mix on Friday and Saturday. Forecasters stress that no major snowstorm is expected, despite some exaggerated snow totals circulating online.

PIAA State Playoff Soccer Action

On the ladies' side, Cathedral Prep took down South Park 4-1 while McDowell fell 8-0 to North Allegheny. And on the boys' side, Fairview beat Avonworth 4-1.

United Way of Chautauqua County

The United Way of Chautauqua County is inviting the community to enjoy fun events this while supporting its 2026 fundraising campaign!. Friday, November 13, head to Northwest Arena for “Come Curling with Us!” from 5-8pm. This annual Curling Night fundraiser features a fun, beginner-friendly “total points” competition. The evening includes an opportunity to learn how to curl before the matches begin, making it a great event for first-timers and experienced participants alike.

Scott Mitchell retires after four decades with Erie Zoo

After 40 years at the Erie Zoo , former CEO and recent Director of Development Scott Mitchell has retired. Erie Zoo officials said in a Facebook post Nov. 10 that, "Forty years of service to one organization is an extraordinary accomplishment, and we are sincerely grateful to Scott for the time, energy, and commitment he has given to the Zoo. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him the very best in the future." Mitchell confirmed in a phone call with the Times-News that Nov. 10 would be his last day on the job. .oembed-frame { width: 100%; height: 100%; margin: 0; border: 0; } How Scott Mitchell has helped the Erie Zoo During those 40 years at the zoo, Mitchell has played roles in advancing the zoo's mission while building relationships with donors, businesses, community partners and supporters. Mitchell served as the zoo's CEO from 2007 until 2022. He then served as the director of development, with Melissa "Roo" Kojancie as the current CEO. In his most recent role, Mitchell was tasked with raising money for the zoo, interacting with donors and stakeholders, and meeting with political leaders. Zoo officials said, "His work and longstanding presence in

City Assessor Proposing A City-Wide Property Tax Reassessment

Jamestown’s City Assessor is proposing a city-wide reassessment project that she says could potentially lower the tax rate. Assessor Heather Young-Deyell, during budget presentations to Jamestown City Council, said according to the New York State Office of Real Property Tax the City is only assessing property at 61% of market value at this time. The state recommends municipalities do a revaluation every 5 years. It has been 20 years since Jamestown last did one.

Women's Basketball Battles St. Bonaventure in 73-64 Loss

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — Mercyhurst (1-3) lost to St. Bonaventure (2-0) with a final score of 73-64 on Wednesday at Reilly Center. The Lakers finished with a 32-26 rebounding edge and 14 second-chance points, but St. Bonaventure held a 46-32 advantage in points in the paint. The Lakers forced...

Lake Erie Regional Grape Program Announce Survey Of Unsold Grapes

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Lake Erie Regional Grape Program has announced the 2026 Survey of Unsold Grapes. The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program surveyed growers in 2025 to find out how many grapes were not sold after harvest. This data was used to show the economic impact of the current market conditions on grape growers in Pennsylvania and New York. Data was collected, analyzed, and can be found in this article: 2025 Unsold Grapes Survey Results.

Seneca Nation history made with Tina Abrams

Abrams' family helped let Seneca women vote and now she leads the region's largest Indian nation

Rural Minds Founder Monitoring Developments Surrounding Farm Bill

The head of a national nonprofit organization based in Chautauqua County has been keeping tabs on developments surrounding the advancement of the Farm Bill. The measure, which has been stalled in Washington for the past three years, has cleared the Senate Agriculture Committee, but is yet to be taken up by the full Senate. Jeff Winton, founder and chair of Rural Minds, says there are two provisions in particular that are important to the organization. He says one of them deals with expanding broadband...

National Grid providing more than $2 million in economic development grant funding to bolster projects, foster growth across Western New York

Through its various economic development grant programs, National Grid supports the transformation of commercial districts, and long-underused properties in cities and towns across its service areas. And in recent months, the company awarded economic development grants totaling more than $2 million to six projects in Erie, Niagara and Chautauqua counties.