Jamestown fire officials cite working smoke detectors for preventing serious damage or injury in weekend house fire...
Working smoke detectors are being credited for helping to prevent serious damage -- or injury -- at an apartment house on Jamestown's southside last weekend.  City fire officials say crews were called to 367 1/2 Foote Ave. about 1 a.m. Saturday... and, found heavy smoke coming from the first and second-floor windows on the front side of the home.  They were met by a resident who said everyone had gotten out safely.  Officials say an off-duty shift of 15 was also called to the scene... and, firefighters were able to contain the flames to the kitchen area of the apartment... and, extinguish the fire quickly.  Crews were at the scene just over an hour.  City fire investigators determined that unattended cooking ignited the blaze.

Garage in town of Arkwright damaged by Monday night fire...
A problem with an unmaintained propane heater exhaust pipe is blamed for a garage fire last (Monday) night in the town of Sheridan.  Chautauqua County fire dispatchers say Forestville firefighters were called to the sene on Meyers Road about 10 PM... and, found the blaze well underway.  However... with mutual aid... they were able to get the flames extinguished... and, they called in the county's Fire Investigation Team... which determined the cause.  No injuries were reported.

Lake Effect Snow Warning to end tonight... and, Winter Storm Watch takes effect Wednesday night...
The heavy lake effect snow in parts of Chautauqua County is winding down, but the break we'll be getting from the winter weather will be short-lived.  A Lake Effect Snow Warning continues for Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties until 7 o'lock tonight.  Forecaster Jon Hitchcock with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says we'll see an additional 4 to 8 inches of the white stuff in the most persistent lake snows through the early evening before the band moves off to our north.  Hitchcock says the snow moves north and out of the area later tonight... and, we'll see calmer conditions for most of tomorrow.  Meanwhile, a Winter Storm Watch has now been issued for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and southern Erie counties from 7 p.m. Wednesday until 4 a.m. Friday.  Hitchcock says we'll get additional snowfall during that time, but on top of that, it will turn very windy because low pressure will move in to our north.  He says there'll be some general snowfall during that time.  Winds could gust as high as 45 to 50 miles an hour... producing considerable blowing and drifting snow.  At least seven more inches of snow is possible in the most persistent lake snows during the watch.

Weight of four-foot deep snow causes Arkwright barn collapse...
Our heavy lake-effect snow caused a barn collapse Monday on Tarbox Road in the town of Arkwright which tragically killed five cows... and, trapped about 100 others.  Chautauqua County Emergency Services reports that Cassadaga fire crews were first called to the scene at 2841 Tarbox Rd. shortly before 9 a.m. Monday.  Emergency crews worked tirelessly in deep snow to rescue the livestock.  They adds that one firefighter was injured but is recovering with non-life-threatening injuries.  Emergency officials are urging farmers and other residents to check their barns and buildings for stress as heavy snowfall continues. 

Safety at the forefront of concerns with Lake Effect Snow... and, more snow later in the week...
With more Wintery weather on the way through the end of the week... local officials are urging residents to keep safety in mind.  One is to make sure that you are properly dressed for the cold, and snowy conditions.  During Monday's Winter Prepardness press conference in Mayville... County Office for Aging Services Director Dana Corwin says this is true for everyone... but, especially the elderly.  If you have to be outside... Corwin says wear several layers of loose fitting clothes.  She adds using waterproof materials -- especially your coat -- can also be a big help.  In addition... Emergency Services Director Noel Guttman says... with snow piling up... if you have a fire hydrant nearby... please clean if off so fire crews can find in the event of a fire.  Guttman says that's one less thing fire crews have to think about.  He adds make sure you have functioning CO detectors in your home.  Guttman says firefighers had to respond to a house that had blocked vents... and, their CO readings were in the "high triple-digits."  He says the occupants had to be treated at a local hospital for CO poisoning.  Guttman adds use proper heating elements to keep your home or apartment warm. 

City man arrested on weapon's charges as two-time convicted felon following domestic incident...
A Jamestown man wanted on domestic related charges was arrested last night on the city's westside after he was found with a handgun and rifle in his possession.  Jamestown police were called to the scene about 10 p.m. to locate 51 year-old Johnny Winn, Senior.  He was located at the home... and, taken into custody without incident.  Officers says they found the two firearms during their investigation.  They say Wynn is not allowed to possess any weapons due to being a two-time convicted felon.  Wynn is charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.... and, third and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.  He was also charged with second-degree strangulation... and, jailed pending arraignment.