COUNTY: Video captures peril of police work

August 7, 2025

Video released last month by state Attorney General Letitia James of an officer-involved shooting in Mina earlier this year is graphic, disturbing and not for the faint of heart. It’s also an unfortunately real depiction of police work here in Chautauqua County, particularly when officers are responding to domestic incidents that are all too prevalent here. James released footage July 25 from two body-worn cameras that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of 66-year-old Mark Bemis, who died on June 18 following an encounter with members of the ...

FISHING: Walleye keeping region in spotlight

August 6, 2025

Walleye continue to be a great catch for Dunkirk and the Lake Erie region. Last week, the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club held an exciting and eventful Walleye Derby. This week, the stakes are even higher. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour, presented by Progressive, is making its return Thursday and Friday bringing elite anglers, national attention, and a boost to the local economy. This two-day tournament will feature elite competition in one of the country’s most productive walleye fisheries. Anglers will launch at 7 each morning from the Chadwick Bay ...

DUNKIRK Habitat creating new beginnings

August 5, 2025

Habitat for Humanity continues to grow the community while making a difference for local families. This week, the organization announced that after 12 months of waiting for their house to be completed, a family of three was able to move into their brand-new home at 11 Genet St., Dunkirk. “Habitat houses truly benefit the communities, the neighborhoods, and most of all the families that inhabit them,” said Dave Kurzawa, volunteer executive director. “The stability that owning a house brings families great comfort after having to rent and oftentimes lose their home. The children ...

County: Unimpressive list lacks urgency

August 3, 2025

Debate over goals and objectives and performance measures for the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development.during last week’s Chautauqua County Legislature should have been pretty mundane. For the record, the goals are: - to improve the quality of life for all county residents by completing more than 10 plans and studies; - implement state-mandated programs to ensure state compliance and effective governance; - support smart growth principles, complete streets and placemaking initiatives in downtown corridors to attract residents, address population decline ...

FREDONIA: No slowing raging village expenses

August 2, 2025

One of the magnifying glasses missing in the Fredonia financial crisis will be making an impact on residents when the next quarterly bills go out. While much of the focus was on the 54% property tax increase, homeowners will not get off easy when it comes to other fees. When it comes to water rates, the increase will be from $7 per 1,000 gallons of water used to $7.60 per 1,000 — an 8% hike. Sewer rates are even steeper going from $7 to $8 per 1,000 gallons used — another 14% increase. An article last month regarding a complaint over a $4,000 water bill did not sit well with ...

New York: Leaders ignore budget warnings

July 31, 2025

On the surface, one would think state officials would be justified in their consternation over state budget cuts blowing a $750 million hole in New York’s 2025-26 state budget. They’re not. Everyone knew the 2025-26 state budget wasn’t worth the paper it was printed on. Between DOGE-driven cuts and what most reasonable people knew was coming in the federal budget bill crafted by President Trump and approved by Congressional Republicans, there was no way prior levels of federal funding for state programs was going to remain in place. New York’s leadership knew this. There were ...