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No easy road to U.S. independence

As the year grows closer to July of 2026 and we recognize that we have remained a country of democracy and freedom from the oppression of an intolerant king, we can reflect on the events that led to our declaring independence from England in 1776. For several years prior to our signed affidavit that was taken to England demanding our freedom from the British Empire, the fires grew brighter, and the heat from that flame started a collective anger amongst many in the American colonies. The overtaxation, the seizing of property by the crown and even the enslavement of men on the high ...

Boat Cruise Under The Bridge

They say that about 90% of an iceberg you don’t see - it is underwater. The same thing might be said for a bridge. Most of it is underneath the bridge surface. What you drive on which is visible to the eye, is just its surface...a lot is going on underneath to support the pavement you are driving on. Thus, it was with some interest the other day, that we took a boat ride with some friends under the Chautauqua Lake Bridge to see what was going on. What we found is that you couldn’t see much of the reconstruction work because a huge shroud is now draped over much of the ...

What made the USA great

I loved the Fourth. I mean, as an 11-year-old back in those halcyon days of the ‘50’s, who wouldn’t have? Up in the morn, gobbling down Corn Flakes, running down Skinner to the park, joining the guys and excitedly heading up the street to take in the parade. We settled down on the corner of Main and Mary, reveling at the beauty of the drum majorettes leading the high school band resplendent in purple and white uniforms. Then came amarchin the Military Band in its gray wool “unies” in the 90-degree heat, followed by floats, fire trucks, other marching groups and, our ...

Lack of transparency, honesty in crisis

At the June 17 meeting of the Dunkirk Common Council, City Attorney Elliot Raimondo was quoted in the OBSERVER as saying, “Obviously, this city does not have money for the $13.6 million.” He was referring to the Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN) taken out by the city in 2024 that is due on July 24 of this year. What is troubling about Mr. Raimondo’s statement — that it’s “obvious” the city cannot meet the obligation — is that it conflicts with what he and Mayor Kate Wdowiasz had relayed to me and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor just a couple of weeks earlier, on May 30. The ...

Thirst for power is putting lives in peril

Two million people are slowly starving to death in Gaza. There are 500,000 in immediate danger of death. The Israelis are not allowing enough food in. They have cut off the water supply. They are shooting at people looking for food. Before the war 500 trucks a day were delivering food to Gaza. Now it’s less than 100. As people die their relatives in other parts of the world are becoming increasingly desperate. Lone wolf attacks will become more frequent. There is no way to prepare for someone losing their mind with grief. All of our interests all over the world are at risk. Bombing ...

County history this week

June 29 — 1930 – The Goodyear Blimp Defender landed at Celoron Park and Jamestown, offering rides to the public. — 2001 – Empire Specialty Steel in Dunkirk closed. — 2003 – The first performance was held on Bemus Point’s floating stage. June 30 — 1802 – The Senecas sold their Canadaway Reservation, a strip along Lake Erie from Canadaway Creek to Cattaraugus Creek. — 1825 – The Dewittsville (now Dewittville) post office was established. — 1841 – The first photograph in Chautauqua County was taken in Fredonia. — 1887 – An elephant escaped at ...