Fire destroys Amish Shop in town of Mina...
Flames have destroyed a small Amish shop on Bailey Hill Road in the town of Mina overnight.  The Stanley Hose Company in Sherman reported on it's Facebook page that they provided mutual aid to Findley Lake fire crews at the scene shortly after 9 p.m., and, found heavy fire coming from the structure on arrival.  Officials say cres battled not just the fire... but, windy and frigid conditions as well.  They were able to keep the blaze from spreaing to other nearby structures.  In addition to Findley Lake and Sherman... mutual aid was also provided by Clymer, South Ripley, North Lake, and, Greenfield, Pennsylvania fire companies.  One person was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.  Crews were at the scene for several hours.  The cause is under investigation.

Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and So. Erie Counties under Lake Effect Snow Warning through early Friday...
Lake effect snow has been increasing in coverage across Chautauqua County today... and, some places inland from Lake Erie could see an additional 10 inches of the white stuff.  A lake effect snow warning is now in effect until 4 a.m. for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and southern Erie counties.  Meteorologist Jon Hitchcock with the National Weather Service in Buffalo says most of the accumulation will occur through the early to mid-evening hours... and, reach 7 to 10 inches of new snow in the higher elevation areas away from Lake Erie.  Hitchcock adds that gusty winds will also be an issue... with gusts up to 35 mph... and, with the lighter snow, there will be some blowing and drifting of snow in open areas.  He says travel will be difficult with snow-covered roads and poor visibility.  The hazardous conditions will impact this evening's commute, as well.

Wendel says be careful driving now that Winter is fully underway...
Roadways across Chautauqua Count slicked back up last night as the mercury dropped below freezing... and, will likely be that way in many areas during the day today.  Local law enforcement is urging motorists to slow down after several vehicles were reported off the road during the day Wednesday.  County Executive P.J. Wendel also urges caution... and, says their road crews are "ready and prepared.  But, he adds be ready for changes in the amount of snow... and, type of snow that's falling because the dry lighter snow can be very slippery, and the heavier, wet snow can push vehicles around.  Wendel says the county is pretty well set with salt... but, adds they only have so much until their next shipment... which is also shared with other localities in the county.  The long-time EMT and firefighter... says be aware that not everyone is driving at the same speed... and, slow down for conditions. 

Gillibrand calls on moderate Republicans to support Dems proposed, 3-year extention of ACA subsidies...
New York's junior U.S. Senator is pushing for some moderate Republicans in the Senate vote in favor today on extending Affordable Care Act subsides  Democrat Kisten Gillibrand admits to being a bit like a "broken record" on the subject... but, adds she's not giving up the fight because of the huge, projected increase in costs that'll occur if nothing is done.  Gillibrand says some 1.7-million New Yorkers will face huge price spikes in their health insurance costs.  In fact... Gillibrand says one resident she spoke with noted that her family was looking at a monly increase from $309... to just over $1,500.  She says this should be a "common sense vote."  Despite a bipartisan desire to continue the credits, Republicans and Democrats have never engaged in meaningful or high-level negotiations on a solution.  Instead, the Senate is expected to vote on two partisan bills and defeat them both — essentially guaranteeing that many who buy their health insurance on the ACA marketplaces could see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year.

City couple arrested for letting kids live in "unsafe and unsanitary conditions..."
A man and woman from Jamestown face contempt and child endangerment charges following an alleged domestic incident at a home on the city's southside Tuesday afternoon.  Jamestown police were called to the address shortly after 4 PM to check on the well-being of the children after local school officials voiced concerns regarding their welfare.  Officers say they investigated... and, found "severely unsafe and unsanitary conditions."  During the investigation... police say they also found that both parents had orders of protection against them on behalf of the youngest child.  Officers arrested 31 year-old Devin... and, 34 year-old Christine Perez on two counts each of endangering the welfare of a child... and, one count of second-degree criminal contempt.  Police say the children were immediately removed from the residence with the help of county Child Protective Services.  Both Devin and Christine Perez were taken to the city jail pending arraignment.

Silver Creek woman arrested for allegedly trying to bring contraband into county jail...
A Silver Creek woman has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle contraband into the Chautauqua County Jail following a court appearance.  Sheriff's officers say 35 year-old Klarisa Foster was being returned to the Mayville lock-up when she was searched... and found to have secreted drug paraphernalia on her body.  Deputies say the item was secured and Foster was charged with promoting prison contraband.  She was held pending arraignment.