Sun, but, bitter cold temperatures in Jamestown-area Tuesday, lake effect snow and blowing snow in north county area.  
Bitterly cold temperatures -- and even colder wind chills -- greeted Jamestown-area residents this morning.  In fact... the sub-zero wind chills led several school districts to cancel classes today... giving students a fourth-day off in a row after Monday's Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  Most, though, were in the north county... which is being hit by bitter cold, lake effect snow... and, blowing and drifting snow.  There are travel advisories in both the Dunkirk and Fredonia areas.  Jamestown... which has a significant number of walkers... called off classes about mid-evening Monday.  There's expected to be more in the way of snow and blowing snow along the Chautauqua Ridge area.  That from Forecaster John Rozbicki with the National Weather Service in Buffalo... who says wind chills today will be about 15-degrees below zero.  Driving caution is advised.  We'll still see some snow on Wednesday... but, temperatures are expected to moderate more... and, get back close to the freezing mark. 

JPD Chief, Dir. of Public Safety -- Tim Jackson -- to retire in early February...
The man who has served as the city of Jamestown's Police Chief and Public Safety Director will be retiring early next month.  Mayor Kim Ecklund late this morning... announced that Chief Timothy Jackson will conclude his more than 25 years of "dedicated service" to the department on Wed., Feb. 4.  Ecklund says Jackson began his career with the Jamestown Police Department on May 1st of 2000... when he was appointed as a patrolman.  She adds that Jackson advanced through the ranks.. becoming a sergeant in January of 2008... a lieutenant in 2010... and, ultimately Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety on Nov. 30 of 2020.  Ecklund says throughout his time with JPD... "Chief Jackson served the city of Jamestown with integrity, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.  Prior to becoming Chief, he made significant contributions to the Kendall Club, where he served as President, and distinguished himself as an exceptional member of the SWAT Team."  Ecklund adds that -- "Chief Jackson dedicated his life to serving this community with integrity, humility, and compassion.  His leadership strengthened the Jamestown Police Department and built trust throughout our city.  We are deeply grateful for his years of service and wish him a well-earned and fulfilling retirement."

County's Office for Aging Services urges precautions for seniors and caregivers during high respiratory illness activity...
Chautauqua County officials are warning seniors and caregivers to take extra precautions as respiratoy illnesses -- like the flu -- remain "highly active."  County Office for Aging Services Director Dana Corwin urges people to stay up to date on vaccinations... practicing frequent handwashing... ensuring good indoor air circulation... and, stay home when you're sick.  If you have symptoms... she says contact your healthcare provider for guidance -- unless those symptoms are severe or life threatening.  Corwin says -- "the flu is more than a seasonal inconvenience -- it can pose serious risks, especially for older adults.  Being aware of symptoms, monitoring your health, and reporting concerns early are key steps to preventing complications and protecting our community."  During the period from January 1st through 14th... she says there were 159 cases of Influenza A... 4 cases of Influenza B... 42 cases of COVID-19... and, 11 of RSV, and pneumonia.
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Corwin adds that her office is offering free wellness kits to help older adults and caregivers monitor key health measures... like temperature and blood pressure.  Each kit includes a thermometer, a wrist blood pressure cuff, and a pulse oximeter.  They're available at the OFAS offices on a "first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last."  Corwin adds these are especially helpful for people with underlying health conditions.

City man arrested for shoplifting two steaks from northside business...
A city man has been arrested for allegedly stealing two steaks from a business on Jamestown's northside Tuesday morning.  City police were called to the unidentified location shortly before 8 a.m. on a report of a shoplifting.  Officers say store employees told them that a man -- later identified as 37-year-old Joshua Ross -- had taken the steaks without paying for them.  Police found him a short distance away... and, he was arrested for petty larceny.  Ross was arraigned and released on his own recognizance with an appearance ticket for city court.

Ecklund hopeful for more state aid, and updating of antiquated laws in NYS budget plan...
Jamestown's mayor is hopeful that Governor Kathy Hochul will include more aid to municipalities when her state budget proposal is presented this afternoon.  Kim Ecklund says it's been many years since there's been any increase in New York's "Aid and Incentives to Municipalities."  As costs go up... Ecklund says state aid has not kept up for several years now.  She says there was one area in Hochul's State of the State Address that caught her ear, though.  She says that was the need to update antiquated laws... and, regulations... including ethics regarding violations for something as basic as accepting a $15-plus lunch.    Ecklund made her comments for last weekend's "Community Spotlight" program on the six Media One Radio Group stations.