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The OBSERVER’s View

TOWNS: Location makes sharing possible

We would rather there not be a town of 14,000 residents and another town of 1,100 residents, but duplication of services is something we continue to do far too well in Chautauqua County. That being said, we are pleased to see that two entities — Dunkirk and Pomfret – are keeping an open mind to work together regarding a new town hall location on Chestnut Road. Although the town of Dunkirk government still hasn’t confirmed it will join Pomfret in the space, it appears as though there is interest. Dunkirk town Supervisor Priscilla Penfold attended the Pomfret Town Board meeting ...

FREDONIA: Retirement offers chance for change

If Fredonia is serious about sharing services, Scott Marsh’s retirement is a perfect opportunity to look at sharing a Department of Public Works supervisor. Marsh announced his decision during last week’s meeting. “It has truly been rewarding to contribute to the growth and success of Fredonia,” Marsh said in his letter after thanking the village and his government for being allowed to serve. “Thank you again for the opportunity to serve this great community. Fredonia will always hold a special place in my heart.” Village Mayor Michael Ferguson in recent months continues ...

Fredonia: Water again plagues village

Wednesday was a trip back in time for Fredonia water customers. What was usually a once-a-year occurrence happened for the first time in about a decade: a conservation order was issued for users. “This is a serious situation,” said Josh Myers, Emergency Manager for the village of Fredonia. “Our reservoir levels are dropping faster than we’ve seen in recent years, and without immediate action from the entire community, we risk not being able to meet the village’s water demands.” In this case, the order is due to a drought that has impacted most of upstate New York. Besides ...

DUNKIRK: Mayoral salary below threshold

One of the most debated pieces of the 2026 city of Dunkirk budget proposal, announced this week by Mayor Kate Wdowiasz, revolves around the salary of its top elected official. Currently the position pays $54,500. For next year, the mayor plugged in a major increase of $20,500 to $75,000 — or 37.6%. In defending the hike, Wdowiasz said it was a “similar adjustment” to the base pay increase for employees caused by the end of the insurance buyout program. She called it “equivalent to only a fraction of the value of the full-time elected officials’ insurance buyout benefit, which ...

Westfield: Small hospital fills major need

It’s been 20 years since the Commission on Health Care Facilities in the 21st century, or the Berger Commission, said Westfield Memorial Hospital should be turned into a diagnostic treatment center. The community rallied on the hospital’s behalf, with the state choosing to reverse the Berger Commission’s recommendation, giving Westfield Memorial Hospital five years as an Article 28 licensed hospital. Those five years gave hospital officials time to look at its health care system and find ways to make improvements and provide services more effectively to the community. Fast ...

Dunkirk: Schools shining on rays of success

It is often easy to criticize struggles when it comes to city school districts across New York state. New Dunkirk Superintendent Brian Swatland, however, is finding the silver linings when it comes to recent test results. Swatland, took the position in July, spoke with the OBSERVER last week regarding improving standardized test scores in grades three to eight. “We saw growth in this district that we never saw before this year, in terms of proficiency,” he said. Swatland noted eighth grade math went up 21% for 2024, so that 44% of the class was deemed proficient. That’s the ...