Saturday, December 25, 2021
DiNAPOLI: FORMER VILLAGE OF BEMUS POINT CLERK-TREASURER PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZELING VILLAGE FUNDS
Former Official Pays Restitution of Over $58K
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt and Chautauqua County Sheriff James B. Quattrone today announced that former clerk-treasurer of the village of Bemus Point, Jennifer Jaegar, pleaded guilty to the theft of more than $58,000 in village funds.
Jaeger, 39, of Bemus Point, admitted that from 2015 to 2020 she wrote village checks to herself using forged signatures of officials and had village officials sign blank checks, which she then cashed.
“Former Clerk-Treasurer Jaeger disregarded the distinction between public funds and her own pocketbook,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to our partnership with Chautauqua County District Attorney Schmidt and Sheriff Quattrone, we have held her accountable for her violation of the public’s trust and recovered the stolen funds.”
“This is not a victimless crime,” said District Attorney Jason Schmidt. “The Village of Bemus Point, like many of our local municipalities here in Chautauqua County, is engaged in an every-day battle to service its residents with precious little money. Every dollar stolen is a dollar not spent on the community. Here, we secured full restitution to the Village for the money which was stolen. The plea resolution was conditioned on full repayment up front, and this is the only reason why a reduction in the charge was put on the table, to guarantee that Bemus Point gets all its money back now, and in one shot, rather than face the uncertainty of pursuing repayment through the civil judgment enforcement mechanisms available under the law. This was our number one concern.”
Jaeger pleaded guilty to petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, today in Town of Ellery Court and was sentenced to pay back $58,100 in restitution to the village.
The arrest was a result of a joint investigation between the State Comptroller’s Office, the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office, and the Chautauqua County Sherriff’s Office.
DEC ENCOURAGES ANGLERS TO SAFELY ENJOY ICE FISHING THIS WINTER
Review Ice Safety Guidelines before Heading Out
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to consider ice fishing this winter season.
“Winter in New York provides outdoor adventurers with some of the very best opportunities to get outdoors, like ice fishing, when conditions are right,” Commissioner Seggos said. “With proper preparedness and safe ice, anyone can enjoy the state’s abundant ice fishing opportunities. Many fish species are still quite active during the hard water season, including perch, sunfish, lake trout, and northern pike, leaving something for every type of angler to get out on the ice.”
Safety is essential during ice fishing season and anglers should make sure the ice is thick enough before venturing out. Four inches of solid clear ice is usually safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. Ice thickness can vary on waterbodies and even within the same waterbody. Anglers should be particularly cautious of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice formation. Ice can easily be tested with an auger or spud bar at various spots. DEC also encourages anglers to fish with a family member or a friend for safety. In addition, local bait and tackle shops are great resources for learning where ice is safe and what other anglers are catching.
Anglers interested in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the Feb. 19-20, 2022, weekend on their calendars. DEC has designated this weekend as a Free Fishing Weekend, which means the requirement for a fishing license is waived. Free fishing weekends are great opportunities to try fishing for the first time and for experienced anglers to introduce friends to the sport.
Beginning ice anglers are encouraged to download the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC's I FISH NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing for information on how to get started ice fishing. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can be found on DEC’s ice fishing webpage. A new video for beginners interested in ice fishing are now available on DEC’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The use of fish for bait is popular when ice fishing. Baitfish may be used in most, but not all, waters open to ice fishing. Anglers are encouraged to follow these steps when using baitfish while ice fishing:
- Review and follow the DEC baitfish regulations on page 79 of DEC’s Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide;
- Make sure the use of baitfish is permitted in the waterbody by checking the special regulations by county section of the guide;
- Use only certified disease-free baitfish purchased from a local tackle store (buyers should retain the receipt provided while in possession of the baitfish);
- Use only personally collected baitfish from the same waterbody they were caught; and
- Dump unused baitfish and water in an appropriate location on dry land.
DEC reminds anglers to have a valid fishing license before heading out on the ice. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase.
WILLIAMS' STATEMENT IN CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS
"Merry Christmas! Today I join Christians across the city and world in marking the birth of Jesus Christ, may peace be unto his name.
"His story of humble birth in challenging times, his teachings of justice, of standing with the oppressed and against the oppressor, are as resonant today as they were thousands of years ago. It has sustained and inspired across millennia, and I have learned from his model of revolutionary agitation for transformational change.
"Christmas is a moment of joy and peace as we celebrate time-honored traditions and enjoy the company of our family and friends. Amid the current surge in COVID-19 cases, I want to caution New Yorkers to celebrate safely, adapting traditions where necessary but carrying the same spirit of love and kindness. No matter where and how we are celebrating, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season."
8 Day and Counting
I got this shirt from my favorite Basketball team, since I gave them millions of dollars in tax breaks. Now that I have time t watch the games in person the games are cancelled because more than half the team is out with COVID. I wanted to play, but the team says I have to wait until I am out of office.
Governor David Patterson, I mean Kathy Hochul, my doctor explained to me why I say that. Since I will be running for Governor of New York State Kathy Hochul can not say re-elect me, because just like David Patterson were never elected governor of New York State. Back to COVID and the Omicron variant. Kathy Hochul is counting every positive COVID test as if they are all the Omicron variant. That is what former Governor Andrew Cuomo did when people died. All death were Covid related, no matter what the person died of. Get it straight Kathy, you are making me as mayor look foolish.
Permits Filed For 2829 Valentine Avenue In Jerome Park, The Bronx
Permits have been filed for a 13-story residential building at 2829 Valentine Avenue in Jerome Park, The Bronx. Located between East 197th and East 198th Streets, the interior lot is three blocks north of the Kingsbridge Road subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Boris Babakhanov of Bolex GC Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.
The proposed 115-foot-tall development will yield 54,767 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 81 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 676 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a basement and a 31-foot-long rear yard.
Issac & Stern Architects is listed as the architect of record.
Demolition permits were filed in October for a three-story residential building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.
Friday, December 24, 2021
NYC Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez - Happy Holidays to You and Yours / Felices Fiestas a Usted y Su Familia
Office of Council Member
Ydanis Rodriguez
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I want to wish you all and your families a happy holiday weekend! With Christmas and Kwanzaa all beginning this weekend, I hope you all can spend time with family and friends, enjoying the generous spirit of these holidays even if that means over zoom calls.
As we look forward to the coming year, I want to thank you for all of your continued support as we work to build a stronger, more welcoming community and a more resilient city for all who choose to live here. I continue to draw strength from the love and diversity emanating from our communities uptown.
Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Ydanis Rodriguez
Querido Amig@ y Vecin@,
Quiero desearle a usted ya su familia unas felices fiestas este fin de semana. Espero que pasen tiempo con familiares y amigos, disfrutando del generoso espíritu de estas dias de celebracion.
Mientras esperamos el próximo año, quiero darle las gracias por todo su apoyo continuo mientras trabajamos para construir una comunidad más fuerte, más acogedora y una ciudad más resistente para todos los que decidan vivir aquí. Aunque podamos afrontar tiempos inciertos, continúo sacando fuerza del amor y la diversidad que emanan de nuestras comunidades en la parte alta de Manhattan.
Les deseo un hoilday muy feliz a usted y el su familia,
Sinceramente,
Ydanis Rodríguez
Office Of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez
618 West 177th street, NY, NY, 10033 - 917-521-2616