NEW YORK STATE Here we go again with affordability

January 17, 2026

Both political parties continue to tout affordability when it comes to living in New York. Gov. Kathy Hochul did it on Tuesday during her State of the State address while members of the Republican party discussed it in their “Save New York” plan on Monday. While we’re all ears — and hopeful — we find it hard to believe this state can be affordable if costs to run public entities continue to rise. Upstate is struggling. Cities, including Buffalo and Dunkirk, are running multi-million dollar deficits. All the while, government and education spending keeps going up. How is ...

HOLIDAY Region remembers legacy of Dr. King

January 17, 2026

On Monday, our region and the nation will take time to remember the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In northern Chautauqua County, the Juneteenth Celebration Committee will hold the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon at the State University of New York at Fredonia Williams Center at 11:45 a.m. Monday. This year’s theme is “Different Roads, Shared Dreams.” Keeping with tradition, the committee will be presenting the Janice D. Slaton, Esq. scholarship and will continue the “See Me” Literacy Drive that began in 2021 due to COVID-19. The “See Me” Literacy Drive ...

WINTER: Snows, cold take toll on vehicles

January 15, 2026

We are already tiring of the nearly one month pattern of winter. Heavy snows, winds, then melting followed by more lake-effect snows return. As of today, the region is under a winter weather advisory that could bring 10 inches of snow to the north county. With the alert, AAA is reminding drivers to use caution when driving in snowy conditions. “First, slow down, it’s important to control your speed in wintry weather, and also keep a donut of space around your vehicle – don’t crowd other cars or plows,” said AAA Dispatch Manager Dan Fisher. “If you need to stop, don’t ...

DUNKIRK: Eyesore hotel reflects city’s woes

January 14, 2026

There is no denying the abundant number of decaying structures and homes within the city of Dunkirk. Yet, within the last month, officials are seeking court permission for emergency demolition of a dilapidated former motel just off Route 5. The city filed a petition with state Supreme Court Dec. 29 to demolish a building on Point Drive West behind the Dunkirk Motel. The structure belongs to Dunkirk Motel owners Mahalaxmi Enterprise LLC. City officials have sought its removal for years. The building has 18 motel units and was constructed in 1956, “but based on property records, the ...

SPORTS: Spotlighting strong hoop starts in area

January 13, 2026

Many in the area have their attention in the sports world on the Buffalo Bills after the exciting win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the wildcard round. But there is reason to be excited when it comes to boys high school basketball in the north county. Both Fredonia and Dunkirk are off to fantastic starts — and have brought renewed energy to a rivalry that played out more than a week ago. For the first time in eight years, the Marauders were victorious over the Hillbillies. Sixto Rosario, longtime advocate and youth basketball enthusiast, is the Dunkirk coach. His emotions came ...

New York State Affordability is a perfect focus

January 12, 2026

We appreciate Gov. Kathy Hochul’s stated focus on affordability. We know, as do most New Yorkers, that it isn’t as easy to make ends meet these days as it was 20 years ago. Hochul has focused her affordability agenda on things like wage increases, tax cuts or tax credit expansions, including her most recent push to eliminate state income taxes on up to $25,000 of tipped income in tax year 2026, which follows federal guidance. A recent World Population Review study showed New York's cost of living index is 148.2, the second highest in the country, with housing costs that are the ...