Lake Effect Snows arrived in western New York early last evening... and, the immediate Jamestown-area by late last night. Forecaster Kirk Apfell with the National Weather Service's Buffalo office says the snow was right on time... and, says we remain under a Lake Effect Snow Warning until 10 PM tonight. In addition to the 8 to 13 inches of snow in the heaviest snow areas... there'll be some blowing and drifting snow with wind gusts up to 40 MPH. Apfell says that'll produce blowing and drifting snow. Apfell says we'll see a mostly Sunny day on Sunday with highs near 40. By Monday... we'll see a little rain, and highs about 48.
Snow plow drivers for the Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities was at the ready when the heavy lake snows began. However... County Executive Vince Horrigan also urged drivers to be smart... and, slow down. Horrigan also says "be prepared" when driving in Winter-time conditions. Horrigan says the County's DPF has about 30 plow trucks all together to handle the snow. He adds that, with the slow start to Winter, they've actually been kind of "eager" to get out and plow some snow.
A Fredonia man is being treated for serious injuries after his car crossed the center line late Thursday night... and, struck a double-tandem tractor trailer on Route 60 in the town of Pomfret. Sheriff's officers say 41 year-old Jeffrey Camp was southbound shortly before 11 PM... and, crossed into the northbound lane. Deputies say the car then struck the tractor-trailer, operated by 35 year-old Scott Dewey of Jamestown. Camp was flown by Starflight Helicopter to UPMC Hamot for treatment. Officers say Dewey declined treatment for minor injuries. Route 60 was closed for several hours. Charges are pending.
Chautauqua County's Congressman says he championed a number of local priorities in the lead up and final passage of the 1.1-trillion dollar, 2016 omnibus bill. Corning Republican Tom Reed says the bill passed in a "bi-partisan manner" by the House and Senate. Reed says he wanted to make sure "local taxpayers get their fair share of funding for the programs and services that benefit our region." He adds that it's "only right that our taxpayers see a strong return on their tax dollars and that we do our best to prioritize well so we can keep taxes lower and keep federal spending in check." He says the bill funds anti-terrorism programs... programs for local veterans... and, affordable housing initiatives. Reed adds his "Revitalizing American Manufacturing and Innovation act..." which is bringing jobs and a high-tech manufacturing hub to Western New York... is part of the bill.
Frewsburg Central School District voters this week approved a 4.9-million dollar capital project by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. District Clerk Lona Carlberg tells us the project was approved by a 116 to 63 vote. District officials say the project will NOT increase taxes to residents of the district because of the use of 500-thousand dollars from reserve funds. The project includes several upgrades and repairs... including ceiling reconstruction and flooring replacement on the first floor of the elementary school.
A generous donation by a Houston, Texas couple has brought "Christmas early" to the Prendergast Library in Jamestown. The Library Board Thursday approved an agreement with Jesse and Kathy Marion to delay sale of the artwork being considered for sale. In return... Library Director Tina Scott says the Marions have agreed to make a significant contribution to help next year's bottom line. Scott says a lot of people are breathing a sigh of relief at the library... which was looking at laying off a full-time librarian next year to help close the budget gap. She says the library has already taken some extraordinary steps to close the current year's gap... including not replacing a full-time maintenance person. Others include not filling two part-time positions... and, closing on Sundays. With the projected budget gap filled for next year... Scott says the library will continue working with the Marion's to create a 2-million dollar endowment to help keep the library's art collection here, and pay for it's maintenance.
The three-day "Holiday Haul" had a decent start in Jamestown's Brooklyn Square... but, donations need to pick up if it's going to equal last year's haul. That from Jamestown Community College Athletic Director Keith Martin... who started the program a few years ago to help raise awareness, and bring in donations for the St. Susan's Center. Martin has been camped out in front of the Jamestown Cycle Shop since Thursday morning... trying to fill a truck provided by Jamestown Mattress Company. Last year... the Holiday Haul raised about 10-thousand dollars in monitary donations... and, 4-and-a-half tons of non-perishable food items for St. Susans. He says there is an increase demand for the soup kitchen's services this year, because they are projecting that they will again feed a record-number of meals to the needy in the community. Officials at St. Susan's say they're on target to serve 120-thousand meals this year. The Holiday Haul continues until 3 PM Saturday.
