NYS under State of Emergency in anticipation of huge Winter storm coming...
All of New York state has been put under a State of Emergency in anticpation of the massive winter storm that's moving into the northeast.... including the Jamestown area.  Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement late this morning.  The system known as Winter Storm "Fern" is expected to bring bitterly cold temperatures... as we go through the weekend... and, plenty of snowfall.  Forecaster Jim Mitchell with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says we're getting a significant shot of cold air today from an arctic boundary that will sweep through.  The local temperature fell to about 0 by 4 p.m... and here at our Media One studios... it was -2 at 5 p.m., and, wind chills will drop to -20 to -25 into Saturday morning.  Overnight tonight and into tomorrow morning... the air temperature is expected to be -4 or -5.  With that... a Cold Weather Advisory is now in effect for the western Southern Tier from 1 p.m. today until 10 a.m. Monday... and, gnerally wind chills are expected to reach -20.  Meanwhile, Mitchell says the chances of significant snow continue to go up for Western New York... since it's going to be a more generalized and widespread snow which has a heavier water content.  The increased likelihood of heavy snow has led to the National Weather Service issuing a Winter Storm Warning from 1 a.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday.

JPS issues early dismissal, cancellation of afterschool activities...
Due to those bitterly cold temperatures... the Jamestown Public Schools dismissed at 12:15 this afternoon in anticipation of those single-digit temperatures and dangerous wind-chill.  Officials say "grab and go" lunches will be available for students who are assigned lunch after noon.  There will be no afternoon BOCES... and no afterschool activities.  The majority of students in the district walk to their school.

City woman arrested after three children found living in deplorable conditions...
A woman from Jamestown has been arrested for allegedly allowing her children to live in deplorable conditions at a home on the city's northside.  Jamestown police say they responded to a report of three children... under the age of 17... living in those conditions shortly after 5 p.m.  Thursday.  Officers say they conducted a well-being check on the home... and, found feces, trash and other rubbish strewn about the residence.  Police arrested the mother... 35 year-old Serina Penhollow... without incident.  She was jailed pending arraignment on three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Molitor says Hochul's proposed, 2026-27 budget spends too much, and doesn't deal with "out-year" deficit projections of more than $27-billion dollars...
New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli says... while her budget proposals are "commendable..." Governor Kathy Hochul's new spending plan ignores long-term fiscal challenges.  DiNapoli adds that the $260-billion budget includes spending growth that remains above inflation... and, the state's economy, and finances continue to be disrupted by Washington.  DiNapoli says the state's out-year budget gaps are estimated to be $27.5-billion dollars... and, State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor says he's concerned future generations will be saddled with that.  Molitor says he believes a lot of the additional spending is being driven by "certain socialist programs" in New York City... which will hurt people here.  The Westfield Republican is a member of the Assembly's Ways and Means Committee... and, says he wants to get a closer look at the governor's proposal to boost school aid to $39.3-billion... which he believes is only second to Medicaid spending.  State legislative committees will begin budget hearings next week.

CHQ Chamber to host 22nd "Doors Open: Jamestown" tomorrow...
For the 22nd year... "Doors Open" Jamestown will take place in and around the city tomorrow... providing the opportunity for people from the area to see and experience what tourists see.  The CHQ Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event... which will feature nearly 20 venues with free admission all day.  However... some of them do require tickets through advanced registration... and, may have some additional restrictions.  Among the organizations taking part are:  The Audubon Community Nature Center on Riverside Road... the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame on West Third Street... the Chautauqua Youth Symphony... the CHQ Chamber and Visitor Information Center on North Main Street... the Fenton History Center... Infinity Visual and Performing Arts... the James Prendergast Library... Lucile M. Wright Air Museum on West Third Street... the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum... the Martz-Kohl Observatory near Frewsburg... Marvin Community House... the National Comedy Center... Northwest Arena... the Partridge-Sheldon House by Jamestown DAR... Pearl City Clay House... Reg Lenna Center for The Arts... the Robert H. Jackson Center... Roger Tory Peterson Institute... and, Sukanya Burman Dance studio on East Second Street.  See their their websites for details. The chamber will also hold it's on-line scavenger hunt... and, participating attractions are donating merchandise which will be assembled into three prize baskets... and everyone attending Doors Open are encouraged to play.  You can pre-register at the chamber's website... or at participating businesses on Saturday morning.  A number of local businesses are also participating in the online Doors Open pass including the Chautauqua Art Gallery... DoubleTree by Hilton... and, Wicked Warren’s.