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The OBSERVER’s View

WINTER: Staying safe inside in the cold

After today, the temperatures begin to show a warming trend — all the way to the mid 20s for the weekend. That’s not balmy yet, but it's an improvement from the teens. In any event, National Fuel issued some safety reminders worth noting during a deep freeze. In a news release issued Tuesday the company noted that natural gas furnace exhaust vents can become easily clogged by debris, ice or snow, causing the furnace to shut off or operate inefficiently. Blocked vents also can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) gas inside a residence. “CO is a colorless, odorless and ...

HANOVER: Demand is key with hotel hopes

Hanover officials are moving in a positive direction when it comes to the prospect of a new hotel operation moving into the town. With the proximity to the lake and the Sunset Bay attractions, many would think the proposal makes sense. Of course, there already has been a significant upgrade in the region’s accommodations with the opening of the Hideaway Bay resort, which is located in Silver Creek on the waterfront. That construction came from a private and public partnership. That same type of agreement will be needed if Hanover is seeking for a location closer to Thruway exit 58 ...

DUNKIRK System can’t fix porous decisions

Dunkirk appears willing to move out of the dark ages when it comes to handling the heavy load of more than $28 million in city finances. During a meeting earlier this week, Fiscal Affairs Officer Ellen Luczkowiak said she is ready to contract with GovSense to keep better track of city funds. Luczkowiak told the Finance Committee the new program will allow the city government “come into what I call the 21st century. While it will be costly, it will save us money in the long run.” Though the $300,000 start-up cost is an issue, it can be a step in the right direction. Previously, ...

HEALTH Acknowledging dangers in alcohol

The word “transparency” is now big among Americans. Especially on the governmental front — local, state as well as national — anger pours forth when the public learns about secrecy having prevailed, especially regarding an important, controversial issue that impacts them directly, such as one that causes an increase in certain fees or their taxes. Sometimes the lowest levels of government end up sparking the biggest, noisiest outcrys and furors, as a result of people not having been accorded an early heads-up regarding relevant goings-on about which they deserved expeditious ...

GOWANDA: District incorrect with taxpayer funds

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office is correct to call out the Gowanda Central School district for not properly managing its fund balance and reserves. Gowanda, like so many other districts, builds up those savings for a rainy day. In the process of doing so, they continue to place an unnecessary burden on residents who help fund the district. DiNapoli’s report spans July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023. The audit claims the district consistently overestimated general fund appropriations from 2020-21 through 2022-23 by a total of $13.1 million and appropriated nearly $6.7 ...

COUNTY Quick action revives winter fest

Reaction was swift last week when the CHQ Chamber canceled the annual Mayville Winter Festival. Concerns over costs for insurance and lack of volunteers made hosting the festival too difficult - until the cancellation sparked a community reaction and renewed community involvement. A full schedule will be released this week, but for now it’s known the festival will take place Feb. 14-16 with a castle and food vendors in Lakeside Park. It’s good to see the festival come back. It’s a long-cherished event that helps break up the midwinter monotony with something fun for families. ...