HALT Act inaction invites dangers

March 19, 2026

Common-sense choices in upstate are often not embraced by downstate Democrats with ties to New York City. It is a chief reason the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Committee to reform the severely flawed act and help address the ongoing staffing crisis in New York’s prisons has not happened. Republicans, however, are attempting to keep the pressure on due to safety concerns and understaffed positions. “After years of policies that have driven correction officers out of the workforce and made our prisons more dangerous for both staff and inmates, it’s ...

Ten years later, a finish line appears

March 18, 2026

A long journey appears to be reaching an end. On Monday, Kaleida Health announced that initial site work on the new $224 million state-of-the-art new hospital will begin on East Main Street in Fredonia. This month marks 10 years since the project was first announced. It has been a long time coming. “It’s exciting to be underway. We are deeply grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her continued support of this project,” said Don Boyd, president and chief executive officer of Kaleida Health. “This investment in our new hospital will ensure that individuals and families in ...

New York State Do not expand Raise the Age law

March 17, 2026

A 24-year-old Jamestown man has been indicted by a Chautauqua County Grand Jury in relation to a shooting on East Second Street in July 2025. The other person charged in relation to the same shooting is also 24. Imagine a future in which both of those are tried in Family Court. It’s entirely possible if some Democrats have their way. Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, D-Brooklyn, is proposing the creation of a new “New Young Adult Offender” status that would cover individuals between the ages of 19 and 25 under the states’ Raise the Age program. Raise the Age went into effect in ...

Still working for fix to homeless problem

March 16, 2026

Only in New York state is coming up with an acceptable letter to send to state officials about an unacceptable situation considered progress. But that’s the situation we’re in when it comes to housing the homeless in hotels. Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor put together a roundtable discussion with about 20 local elected officials, police officials and county officials to discuss alternatives to housing the homeless in hotels like the Quality Inn in Falconer or the Comfort Inn in Ellicott on the outskirts of Jamestown. Borrello said during the meeting he ...

Higher city costs even with a cut

March 14, 2026

Over the last two years, the city of Dunkirk has seen some of the largest tax increases in the region. Following the financial crisis of 2024, rates skyrocketed 84% in 2025. This year, another minimal hike was passed on to residents. Despite these higher costs, some services to city residents have been eliminated. Last month, a discussion was held on the closure of the Lucas Avenue brush drop-off site. “I know there’s negativity on that from certain people. But we should at least try” to find a brush drop-off option for Dunkirk residents, said Natalie Luczkowiak, councilwoman ...

County benefits from large impact of SUNY

March 12, 2026

Chautauqua County relies heavily on the State University of New York when it comes to education and employment. Both the campuses at Fredonia and Jamestown Community College not only turnout top level graduates, they also help drive the workforce. That much is apparent after a study this week by the Rockefeller Institute of Government and its findings that the SUNY system generates $35.5 billion in economic impact annually statewide. “A thriving and successful SUNY system helps ensure a strong and prosperous New York, and this report further demonstrates that fact,” said SUNY ...