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WJTN Headlines for Friday Dec. 29, 2017

The lake effect snow machine has died down for the moment but, more is on the way. 
 
In addition don't expect any break from the frigid temperatures until into the early part of 2018.  That's the word from Meteorologist Dave Thomas of the National Weather Service in Buffalo. 
 
Thomas says temperatures will remain below normal for the next several days.
 
In addition, Thomas says we are not done dealing with lake effect snow.  A Winter Storm Watch has been issued from this afternoon through Sunday morning. 
 
Thomas says the next round of lake effect should be mainly along the Lake Erie shoreline and will start up during the daylight hours today.  The affected areas will include Ripley, Westfield and Dunkirk.  Storm totals of 12 to 20 inches are expected from this afternoon through much of Saturday.
 
 
The Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club and several other clubs in Chautauqua County opened their trails for the season yesterday.
 
That from Membership Coordinator Matthew Terrill, who says that despite a great lake effect snowfall in Mayville, groomers are out clearing trails.
 
Terrill says snow banks at road crossings are a major concern because some are 6-feet high, or taller making for a dangerous drop off for snowmobilers.  With current conditions, he recommends that more advanced snowmobilers come out to visit the area through the weekend.  Otherwise, he says ride with caution. 
 
Snow may be hiding branches or fallen trees some spots.  The trail to Busti is the only one not open.  For the latest information on the over 400 miles of trails in the county,  Terrill says to visit ChautauquaSnow.com
 
 
A city man accused of stangling and punching his girlfriend during a domestic violence incident on Jamestown's southside late Thursday morning. 
 
Jamestown Police were called to the area of Barrows and King Streets about 10 a.m. on a report of a domestic incident.  When they arrived, officers say they spoke with the unidenfied victim, who told them that her boyfriend had choked and punched her several times during an argument. 
 
The boyfriend, identified as 34 year-old William Bean was found by police a short time later and arrested for third-degree assault and criminal obstruction of breathing. 
 
Officers also ran a background check on Bean and, found he had been convicted in a previous domestic violence incident within the past five years and, he was also charged with aggravated criminal contempt.  He was jailed pending arraignment.
 
 
There is just a narrow window to pre-pay your January property taxes in Chautauqua County so they can be written off on your federal tax return for 2017. 
 
However, acting County Executive and Attorney Steve Abdella, who says the county late Wednesday issued 2018 tax warrants to local tax collectors, says check with your local tax tax collector first.  Abdella says you can also mail in your payment, but he says check the county's website first.
 
Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an emergency order last Friday, which allows local tax warrants to be issued so property owners can pre-pay their town, city and county taxes that come due in January. 
 
However, Abdella says you can't pre-pay your village or school taxes, which come later in the year.  Again, to find your tax liability go online to Chautauqua.NY.US/349/RealPropertyTax
 
Abdella adds that property tax payers should also consult with a taxing professional regarding the deductability of property taxes and, what method you should use to pay.
 
 
State officials say enrollment in health plans through New York's official marketplace has reached more than 4-million people.  That exceeds last year's enrollment by 700,000. 
 
The deadline for 2018 enrollment in a Qualified Health Plan is January 31st.  After that, individuals can enroll only if they have a life event such as loss of coverage, marriage or birth of a child that qualifies them for a special enrollment period. 
 
Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan continues throughout the year.  For information or to enroll in a health plan, visit the New York State of Health Marketplace online.
 
 
A special "New Year's" fundraiser for the Chautauqua County Humane Society will be held this coming Sunday night at La Familia Restaurant on the ground's of Chautauqua Institution. 
 
Chef Berk Lindquist says they'll be hosting the first-ever "Tucks and Tails" New Year's Eve "black-tie" event.  Lindquist says he got together with Humane Society Director of Communications Brian Papalia and others to create the event, half the proceeds of which will go to the Humane Society.
 
Lindquist says they'll serve hors 'deuvres from 8 to 9 p.m. Sunday, then begin serving from several food stations.  He says there will be a Beef Wellington carving station, along with seafood and Salmon.  Lindquist says there's also going to be desert, with a Chocolate Fountain, along with a cash bar and live music with space for dancing. 
 
There will also be a Midnighttoast included in the price.  The cost is $75 a person and $150 per couple.  There are also accomodations available for people not wanting the drive following the event.  For more information, call Berk Lindquist at La Familia at 357-2002.
 
 
The Chautauqua County Legislature last January unanimously approved a new chairman during it's organizational meeting. 
 
Republican David Himelein of Findley Lake succeeded "Jay" Gould who held the position for the last five years.  Himelein served as majority leader before taking over his new duties.  He outlined his goals in his acceptance speech.
 
Himelein also says he will strive to keep property taxes as low as possible.  Republican members of the legislature chose Paul "PJ" Wendel of Lakewood as majority leader and, Democrats selected Jamestown's Chuck Nazzaro as minority leader.  More on this weekend's "Year-end" Community Spotlight program.