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The OBSERVER’s View

COUNTY: Chilling concerns over homeless

Over the past few years, one of the constant issues expressed by both the homeless and by advocates is the lack of street outreach to the homeless. That complaint came up again in November during the county Homeless Coalition meeting. Amanda Straight, Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. housing and community development director, said it had been brought to the coalition’s attention that street outreach is a problem, again, throughout the county. While the county does have some street outreach funding through the Safe Point Lighthouse Outpatient Clinic in Dunkirk, there is no Continuum of ...

FREDONIA Village too quiet on new fire pact

Fredonia Village Board was far too quiet about the recent contract approved with its Fire Department staff. In a meeting earlier this month, the board — with Mayor Michael Ferguson’s tie-breaking vote — passed the deal. But, unfortunately, no one on the board offered specifics regarding the plan. We do know the contract contains pay raises for the firefighters, but dollar figures were not explicitly specified — except in comments by Trustee Ben Brauchler, who suggested they would lead to property tax hikes. The new contract is to expire May 31, 2029. Those “no” votes are ...

Dunkirk: Chintzy rate hikes don’t fix expenses

Dunkirk’s spending problems will not go away, no matter how many fees are increased. This week, during a council meeting, members approved rate hikes associated with parks and services. Those who are city taxpayers will still be hit with the rising costs while non-residents will be paying additionally. Some examples, as noted in the OBSERVER article Thursday included: — Pavilion rentals at Point Gratiot are going up by $25 for city residents and $50 for non-residents. Picnic table rental fees are going from $2.50 to $5 per day, and bandstand rentals are up to $10 per 8-by-8 section ...

BUFFALO SABRES: Will another change at top bring results?

Ever since Darcy Regier was terminated in 2013, the Buffalo Sabres have been on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. So dismal has the team’s record been during the drought, Coach Lindy Ruff — also fired in previously — was brought back. Through it all, that is a lot of faces and names who have failed in bringing a winning team to the ice. Welcome to the musical chairs of an inept hockey. New General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen is hoping to change that. He succeeds Kevyn Adams, who was let go on Monday. Kekalainen believes there is a strong core in Buffalo — ...

BUFFALO SABRES: Will another change at top bring results?

Ever since Darcy Regier was terminated in 2013, the Buffalo Sabres have been on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. So dismal has the team’s record been during the drought, Coach Lindy Ruff — also fired in previously — was brought back. Through it all, that is a lot of faces and names who have failed in bringing a winning team to the ice. Welcome to the musical chairs of an inept hockey. New General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen is hoping to change that. He succeeds Kevyn Adams, who was let go on Monday. Kekalainen believes there is a strong core in Buffalo — ...

NFL: Bills, Chiefs share common ending

Over the last six years, the Kansas City Chiefs have been the major nemesis of the Buffalo Bills. They always stood in their way in taking the next step — whether it be to the AFC Championship game or Super Bowl. But the Chiefs, who had been to the last three Super Bowls, winning two, looked a lot like the Bills of 1994. That Buffalo team was coming off of being at four straight Super Bowls, losing each one. That Drive for Five season was about as disappointing for the Bills as this year’s Chiefs campaign has been for that team and its fans. Adding insult was the injury to ...