A recent Facebook post highlighted a need in the Dunkirk community that stretches far beyond just the city itself. The Chautauqua County Rural Ministry shared that it is “facing a critical food shortage”. The shelves…
Local GOP benefits from state campaign financing
Republicans running for state office in Chautauqua County have benefited more than Democrats from the state's public campaign finance system.…
Boil order lifted in Fredonia; users still need to conserve water
A boil order has been lifted for village of Fredonia users, but conservation of water is still being urged. On…
Grape farm woes worry AgriAmerica chief
AgriAmerica’s managing partner sees lower demand and rising costs as two big reasons some local grape growers are hurting. “It…
Former treasurer’s case still in pre-trial phase
The fraud case against former Dunkirk Treasurer Mark Woods is still in its pre-trial phase. Woods was charged in January…
Teen dies, another injured in Cassadaga accident
CASSADAGA --- An early morning one-vehicle accident has led to the death of a teenager and has a community in…
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TRENDING
Local/Region
Welch’s, grape industry featured at Fireside Lecture Thursday
WESTFIELD --- The Chautauqua County Historical Society and Patterson Library continue their 2026 Fireside Lecture Series on Thursday with a presentation exploring how and why Thomas Welch and his son, Charles, helped develop an industry based on grape juice. The program begins at 6 p.m. at Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage Street in Westfield…
SATURDAY, OCT. 31 Al Tech/Dunkirk Specialty Steel Retirees meeting Central Station Restaurant, 332 Central Ave., Dunkirk,…
Coming up ...
Domestic violence case handling changes in imperfect system
The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation has updated a proposal to the United Public Service Employees…
Jamestown OTB to remain open through Dec. 31
Local Sports
Runners heading to states
ELMA — Led by second-place individual finisher Grace Gilevski, the Frewsburg girls are heading…
Latest news
Boil order lifted in Fredonia; users still need to conserve water
A boil order has been lifted for village of Fredonia users, but conservation of water is still being urged. On Saturday morning, the Chautauqua County Health Department said two consecutive days of testing indicate that the water in the distribution system is safe for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and making coffee. The…
The OBSERVER’s View
Proposal again proves council’s lack of power
Over the last two weeks, there has been plenty of banter regarding the city of Dunkirk budget proposal — both on social media and during the most recent Common Council session. Overall, the plan calls for a 11% tax increase with spending totaling more than $32.2 million. Is that fair or responsible? That’s not…
Lots of treats in seasonal happenings
Attorney general needs to stick to law
Our selections for state Supreme Court
Obituaries
Judy Ann Bailey
Judy Ann Bailey, 85, of Pearl Street IRA, Forestville, formerly of Southside Ave IRA, Cherry Creek, died Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Williamsville, NY. She was born in White, PA on March 18, 1941, the daughter of the late Robert and Orabel (Plyler) Bailey. Judy attended the Fredonia Day Hab…
Deborah A. Fisher
Leonard J. Star
Michael W. Gorts
Commentary
Procrastination is not sound county budgeting
As promised, and as accurately reported on your front page some weeks ago, I voted this week against Chautauqua County’s proposed budget for 2027. Why? First: it is not because I believe that county employees or management are less than dedicated or diligent. They are, by and large, both of these things. It is…
Quippies
Regional politics choking water independence
Bruce Blakeman Needs More Than A Victory
Sunday Lifestyles
