Birding challenge takes flight again

March 3, 2026

Warming temperatures are one sign that spring is marching closer. Another indication is an event that was announced this month by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Starting this week, the 2026 I BIRD NY Challenge for birders of all ages and abilities is underway. The challenge encourages New Yorkers and visitors to identify birds and learn about birdlife, and finishers are awarded a commemorative I BIRD NY Challenge patch and certificate — plus the opportunity to win birding-related prizes. “New York State’s globally significant habitat supports a wide range of ...

Job Corps Saved program needs reform

March 2, 2026

Our long mid-county nightmare has come to an end. Federal funding has been secured to keep Job Corps centers across the country open, including the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy. Let it be a reminder to anyone who is concerned about federal spending that the idea of cutting the federal budget is something everyone can get behind until someone tries to cut their particular slice of the federal budget. Nobody likes pork until someone tries to take their Christmas ham. We don’t think saving the Job Corps should be the end of this particular story. We’re merely starting a new chapter ...

SUNY FREDONIA: Keeping impact on positive note

February 28, 2026

There are two ways to take the State University of New York report released this week regarding future financial viability for the Fredonia campus. Besides noting the positive aspect of an apparent $11 million deficit that is expected to be whittled away by the 2028-29 year, there is the unknown that is not spelled out regarding how that will happen. “The campus has focused on growth opportunities, discontinuing programs that are no longer in demand, aligning their workforce to current needs, and pursuing creative use of shared services and operational efficiencies,” the report ...

Having some sway on storage delay

February 26, 2026

A highly charged topic regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems is likely to bring plenty of feedback for the town of Dunkirk. A public hearing on the moratorium for the projects will be discussed at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The Town is considering extending the moratorium — set to expire later next month — for another six months. The extension is sought to allow for more time to draft a law regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems. The Town recently held a workshop on the matter, and another workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. to continue crafting a local ...

COUNTY: Staying generous with your money

February 25, 2026

Deb Makowski, county human resources director, said several times during last week's Audit and Control Committee meeting that increasing salary ranges for management employees doesn't automatically give the affected employees salary increases. She's technically right, of course. Salaries for 2026 were set in the 2026 Chautauqua County budget. But there would be no need to change the salary ranges in the first place if there weren't raises coming soon for those employees. Makowski told county legislators there are 128 employees who are getting close to the maximum salary in their ...

OLYMPICS: Added results to hockey wins

February 24, 2026

It was not the miracle many of us witnessed in 1980 when the United States men’s hockey team knocked off the Soviet Union in stunning fashion before winning gold at Lake Placid during the Olympics. But there was no doubting the magic. Backed by a superb performance by goalie Connor Hallebuyck, the U.S. team defeated Canada, 2-1, in overtime on Sunday morning. It was an event that captivated both countries, which held watch parties across their respective nations during the early hours. “This is all about our country right now,” said Jack Hughes, who lost at least one and maybe ...