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The OBSERVER’s View

ENVIRONMENT: Another way to reduce waste

Landfills across the nation are growing too fast. Americans have a habit of buying stuff — and then discarding it. That’s why the state Department of Environmental Conservation is noting Compost Awareness Week through May 10. It encourages local communities to explore the benefits of composting. The 2025 New York State Compost Awareness Week is “Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost,” which highlights composting opportunities, including backyard home composting, local composting programs, and large-scale commercial facilities. “Composting is something all New Yorkers ...

SPORTS: Buffalo team has winning ways

For five decades, Buffalo’s major league sports teams — the Bills and Sabres — have never been able to win the big one. Unfortunately, there has been no Super Bowl or Stanley Cup championship parade though both have come close. One team that does have a winning DNA plays at KeyBank Center and qualified for the finals this weekend for a fifth straight year: the Buffalo Bandits. On Sunday evening, Buffalo’s indoor pro lacrosse team knocked off Vancouver, 11-9. It will host the first game of the best-of-three finals starting the weekend of May 18. Buffalo has won the title the ...

Silver Creek Village, county have finish line in sight

We know seeing is believing but we have a lot of faith in those who have worked tirelessly for years to take down a decades-old eyesore in the village of Silver Creek. While demolition could begin as early as this month on the site, it is the final result that matters most. Last month, Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise told IDA board members that the property title of 60 Main St., the former Silver Creek School, was transferred last week. He noted it was a long process. “There were probably 25 different entities involved,” Geise ...

NORTH COUNTY: Control expenses with hiring freeze

It is far beyond time for two troubled north county governments to implement a consideration that was definitely needed long before now: a hiring freeze. Both governments in putting forth devastating tax hikes have offered no other possible solutions in planning for the future, so why not this? Realistically speaking, if something were to happen — just like the Non Fred Fest occurrence — village or city officials can take the steps needed to handle the situation by using mutual aid. When it comes to fire departments in Dunkirk and Fredonia, there are two. When it comes to law ...

NEW YORK STATE: Homeless item has uncertainty

Included in an agreement Monday night to resolve the state’s late budget includes a change in state law to allow hospitals to involuntarily commit mentally ill New Yorkers to their care if patients cannot meet their basic needs. It’s a change from the previous standard, which allowed involuntary commitment only when a patient posed a physical threat to themselves or others. Could the new standard help with some of Jamestown’s most persistent homeless residents? It’s entirely possible. County officials have stepped up in recent months to do more to help those who find ...

County: Fight has begun against intruder

It was only a matter of time before the spotted lanternfly was found in Chautauqua County. For years, this region has heard warnings about the devastation this creature can bring to agriculture, especially grape vineyards. The Chautauqua County Master Gardeners shared a Facebook post on Saturday showing a spotted lanternfly at Hogan’s Hut in Stow. Those who find a spotted lanternfly are asked to collect the insect, put it in a plastic bag and freeze it, or place it in a jar with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Email a picture and location to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov or ...