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The OBSERVER’s View

DUNKIRK: Proud banners are a bright spot

Dunkirk’s troubles over the last 15 months have been well documented. Its financial problems have created tension inside City Hall and all the way to Albany. Debate over whether there should be a control board or a $13 million loan will continue to play out in the coming weeks. But there is one thing that Dunkirk has done well — and continues to be celebrated. Without a doubt, the hero banners are a hit. They are all well done and placed in prominent locations around the city. If you missed the weekend edition, a lineup of the flags were included at ...

Agriculture: Big dairy farm ban is bad policy

Since the state legislative session is scheduled to end this week, we’re not sure legislation that would prohibit the state DEC from authorizing any permits to large farms should concern farmers this year. That’s likely a temporary reprieve for farmers who have plans to house more than 700 cows, which would require a Large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permit from the state. Legislation (A.6928/S.6530) introduced earlier this session by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, R-New York City, and Sen. Jabari Brisport, D-Brooklyn, could hurt dairy farms that are relying more and ...

Fredonia: Keep pushing for fire district

A municipality facing a more than 60% property tax increase cannot maintain the status quo. Fredonia homeowners will soon be feeling the pain when the bills from the village arrive. After that, then what? Does Fredonia follow in Dunkirk’s footsteps and make nary a change while expenses keep rising? Already, there is some vision for changing the way the entity is run. Last month at a Village Board meeting, Fire Chief Josh Myers stepped forward and proposed a regional fire district — something that is long overdue. “The Fredonia Fire Department already collaborates closely ...

Westfield: First Fridays are reasons to celebrate

A village of Westfield celebration kicks off again this week. First Fridays will begin its third summer. The CHQ Chamber made the announcement for the traditional street party after it secured a permit from the New York state Department of Transportation to close Route 20 in the village during the event. The closure allows for additional vendor participation and makes the experience safer and more walkable for all guests. First Friday events run from 5 to 8 p.m. with the closure in effect from 4 to 8:30 p.m. on June 6, July 11 (second Friday for Reunion Weekend), Aug. 1, and Sept. ...

Prisons: Another incident points to dangers

Strikes by correctional officers in the winter were meant to bring about a change for safer conditions for those who work in the facilities overseen by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Judging from an incident late last month, dangers remain prevalent. On May 27, an unknown substance was found at the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Facility in Brocton. It impacted a pair of inmates as well as staff members at the location this week. Officials with the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision reported that two incarcerated individuals fell ill and ...

COUNTY: Helping Hospice through butterflies

This weekend marks a special event for Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care. The agency’s annual Service of Remembrance and Memorial Butterfly Release will take place on Saturday. “In many cultures, butterflies symbolize the remarkable transformation between worlds,” said Jamie Probst, Director of Family Support Services at Hospice. “As butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, they signify both an end and a beginning–a profound representation of the journey of grief. It is through this journey that we discover new ways to cherish and preserve the bonds we ...