Breaking News
Switzer confirmed as new Dunkirk police chief

Capt. Douglas Switzer was appointed chief of the Dunkirk Police Department Monday. Switzer was serving as interim chief after Christopher Witkowski retired in February. The Common Council ratified his elevation to full-time chief at its…

Drops of scrutiny

HANOVER — After putting the work back out to bid, the Town of Hanover has once again received two bids…

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Local/Region

Coming up …

TUESDAY, AUG. 4 Cattaraugus County Fair 501 Erie St., Little Valley. Vendors, food, family entertainment, animals, midway games, rides. Dylan Scott concert. Chautauqua Institution Lecture Series: Ken Burns, Jeffrey Rosen Route 394, 10:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Discussing Burns’ PBS documentary “The American Revolution,” Rosen’s book “The Pursuit of Liberty, How Hamilton and Jefferson Ignited…

Local Sports

Calph, Weaver claim 'Cousin Eddie Invitational'

The Wednesday Travel League held its 12th annual Ohio trip on July 28-29. ——— COLUMBIANA, Ohio — On Tuesday, the 9th annual “Cousin Eddie Invitational” was held at The Links at Firestone Farms. The winning two-man team (low net) was Robert Calph and Pat Weaver. In second place was the team of Jeff Nelson…

Latest news

This week's poll question: Should there be free parking in area downtowns?

The OBSERVER’s View

County’s latest goal tough to measure

After weeks of debate and discussion, points and counterpoints, the Chautauqua County Legislature has decided that the number one economic development goal for county government is sustainable disposable income growth. It sounds like a good goal. No one is against the idea of increasing disposable income for county residents. Certainly no one would say…

Obituaries

Jonpaul Long

Jonpaul Long, 47, of Arkwright, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 2, 2026. He was the loving husband of Monica (Nalepa) Long and son of Laureen J. (Antolini) Kingsley and Edward W. Long III. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and…

Commentary

On the matter of people who are homeless

There have been several news articles recently about the problems faced by people who are homeless in Chautauqua County. Much of the news has been about where they are being housed...usually in older and underused hotels. Whether we like it or not, the provider of last resort is the county ... that means county…

Sunday Lifestyles

Power can be dangerous in wrong hands

The information here comes from books written by legitimate historians along with reputable news media and/or internet sources. The first amendment of our Constitution allows me to express these facts and opinions. Adolf Hitler was born to a relatively poor family in Austria-Hungary. After moving to Germany, he enlisted in the Bavarian Army at…