Lake Effect Snows impacting northern Chautauqua County, but, not south today... 
A major lake effect snow storm continues to affect portions of Western New York today... including the general area between Dunkirk and Buffalo.  A Lake Effect Snow Warning continues until 1 a.m. Saturday.  Meteorologist Kirk Apffel with the National Weather Service says he doesn't see any major movement in the band of lake effect snow between Dunkirk and Buffalo through tonight.  Apffel says th lake effect snow is expected to move north of the Buffalo area by early Saturday.  But the snow band will be on the move again Saturday night... into Buffalo and south -- including the Dunkirk area and maybe Jamestown.  Because of today's snowfall, The I-90 remains closed from exits 53 to 59.  Dunkirk Police are continuing a travel advisory in the city. 

Hochul issues State of Emergency for 11 counties -- including Chautauqua -- through end of storm...
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has now formally declared a State of Emergency in parts of western New York ahead of a potentially dangerous bout of lake-effect snow.  The National Weather Service is forecasting up to 4 feet of snow or more through Sunday that ``may paralyze'' the hardest-hit communities, including Buffalo, with periods of near-zero visibility.  Hochul's state of emergency covers 11 counties, with commercial truck traffic banned from a stretch of Interstate 90 southwest of Buffalo beginning to Rochester.  While the bulk of the snow is being forecasted for the Buffalo and Watertown areas, Commissioner Jackie Bray with the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, says several nearby counties are considered at risk.  In addition to Chautauqua... Cattaraugus and Wyoming Counties are included.  The National Weather Services says the snowfall was expected to be at its greatest intensity now through 7 p.m. Friday. 

Despite lack of new snow in Jamestown-area, schools in entire county closed due to State of Emergency...
Public schools across all of Western New York are closed today.  Jamestown Public School Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Whitaker, says the state's Emergeny Declaration -- on account of weather -- dictates the decision.  Whitaker says the fact the State of Emergency has been declared opens up too much liability for schools -- if they were to open today.  He says he understands why people may scratch their heads over a closing on a day when little if any snow is falling.  He says they "certainly would be in school" without the State of Emergency.  In addition to all the public schools being closed... SUNY Fredonia cancelled classes today, and Jamestown Community College went 'remote' for the day. 

Outgoing Chautauqua Co. HH Director Schuyler recognized at legislature meeting...
Chautauqua County officials recognized outgoing Health and Human Services Director Christine Schuyler at this week's legislature meeting for her 14 years of service to the county.  Executive P.J. Wendel read a proclamation lauding Schulyer for her work initially as public health director... and, then leading Health and Human Services.  Wendel noted Schuyler's ability to find issues that need to be addressed in the county... including mental and infant health, and, lead poisioning.  Democratic Legislator Susan Parker of Fredonia... who is a registered nurse herself... thanked Schuyler herself.  She praised her for her efforts during the H1N1 and COVID Pandemics... which she called "a very difficult time."  Schuyler spoke to the legislature... and, thanked the department heads and staff members who she worked with for many years.  She thanked the directors, and her assistant, Sheri Rater in particular along with former Health Director Dr. Robert Berke and County Executive Greg Edward, who got her involved in county government.  Earlier in the week... Wendel said that he wants to wants to move in a different direction with the structure of the county's delivery of human services.  Schuyler's last day with the county will be Nov. 29.  DHHS Physician Michael Faulk will become Interim Public Health Director after that.

Upper floors of Countys' HRC Building to remain closed through Thanksgiving holiday...
The upper floors of Chautauqua County's Hall Clothier Building in Mayville will remain closed another week due to the water damage caused by a water leak earlier this month.  County Executive P.J. Wendel says the building's second-through-fourth floors will be closed now through November 25th... a week from today.  Wendel says "we are still working on recovering from the water damage that occurred when a water line broke in the building on Nov. 2.  We appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding and cooperation as we work to repair office areas so our clients and impacted workers can safely return to the building.”  He says the closure only impacts the Public Health, Environmental Health and Social Services Divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services. 

City man arrested on drug and stolen property charges...
A Jamestown man has been arrested following a early morning noise complaint on the city's southside that led to him being found with multiple stolen credit cards.  City police were called to the location around 2:30 Thursday morning... and, found 31 year-old Matthew Buck at the scene.  Officers say they found that Buck had multiple warrants for his arrest... and, found him in possession of a quantity of cocaine... and, the credit cards.  Police say the credit card had been reported stolen this past Tuesday.  Buck was taken to the city jail... and, jailed on three counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property... and one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.  He's being held pending arraignment.