PORTLAND -- A Lakewood man is facing rape charges, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department reported on Tuesday. On July 18, an investigation was conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. Through investigation,…
Fredonia has water district pact proposal
Fredonia’s trustees have a contract proposal from the North County Water District, Mayor Michael Ferguson said Monday. One trustee called…
Bumpy response
SILVER CREEK — Driving in the village of Silver Creek has not been easy in recent weeks. A New York…
Jamestown man, sex offender charged in child porn case
Eric A. Brown, 42, of Jamestown was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with distribution and possession of child pornography,…
Finance panel ditches another meeting
The Dunkirk Common Council’s Finance Committee canceled a second straight meeting Monday. The OBSERVER didn’t find out until it went…
Krystofiak earns tenure as Silver Creek Principal
SILVER CREEK — Over her tenure at Silver Creek Schools, from her time as Elementary Principal to her role now…
TRENDING
Local/Region
Gies seeks additional Congressional debates
Aaron Gies, Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 23rd Congressional District, is challenging incumbent Congressman Nicholas Langworthy to participate in additional live, in-person debates with voters across the district. Gies made the challenge directly to Langworthy in a public encounter Sunday. A video of the encounter, recorded and posted by the Gies campaign,…
Survey seeks public input on cormorants
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is deepening its commitment to improving quality of life in…
Wilson Foundation helps fund area library projects
BROCTON — With the expiration of a sewer service contract between the Village of Brocton and…
Brocton to bill Lakeview Shock for sewer service
Local Sports
Seasonal celebration
OBSERVER Photos by Scott Kindberg Nearly 400 people attended the Chautauqua Sports Hall of…
Latest news
Man charged with rape, forcible touching in Portland
PORTLAND -- A Lakewood man is facing rape charges, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department…
The OBSERVER’s View
The OBSERVER’s View: Bottom line closes another church
Another incredibly important parish in the history of northern Chautauqua County learned of its fate this weekend. During the 9:30 a.m. Mass, it was announced that St. Anthony’s Church in Fredonia would be closing. Members of the church’s finance committee made the announcement, citing declining attendance and donation rates. The closure will leave Fredonia…
The OBSERVER’s View: Important addition to county business
Merger progress stays quiet, even after funding
Busy weekend a draw for county
Obituaries
Manuel Padua Jr.
Manuel Pauda Jr., 72, of Dunkirk, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home; 736 Central Avenue, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m.…
Manuel Padua, Jr.
Harry C. West
Lee Richardson
Commentary
A challenging year in grape country
Alarm bells went off earlier this year, when Refresco Company announced that it was cancelling grape contracts in this area. It had been a large purchaser of Concord grapes here in Chautauqua County. I have not been privy to the decision of Refresco but am assuming that at least part of its decision was…
Understanding our U.S. Constitution
Large egos ultimately decide fate of world
The more things change, the more they stay the same
Sunday Lifestyles