Breaking News

The OBSERVER’s View

DUNKIRK: City scores again with softball event

Dunkirk’s connection to softball proved itself again as 58 teams converged on the city and completed 109 individual games, crowning champions in four age groups: 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U. The Chadwick Bay Softball Bash brought thousands of attendees to the city for plenty of action, activity and a thrilling finale. “What a way to end a weekend, with one of the most exciting youth softball games I’ve ever seen,” said Kory Ahlstrom, tournament director. “Home runs, diving defensive plays, great pitching, neither team quit; Game 109 was the best softball of the weekend. I have to ...

WATERS: Latest PFA report positive for area

It was disturbing, though not surprising, when members of the Chautauqua-Conewango Watershed Consortium reported finding PFAS in the Chadakoin River and areas of the river near Chautauqua Lake. The PFAS are less than the limits allowed by EPA rules, but their presence is still troubling because drinking water with too much PFAS can decrease fertility or lead to increased high blood pressure in pregnant women; lead to developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes; increase the risk of some cancers, ...

DUNKIRK Plant’s commitment a treat for region

For a little less than 12 months in 2022, there were some questions about Wells Enterprises and its commitment to Dunkirk. In July of that year, the company began reducing its workforce before it was acquired by the Ferraro Group. Fast-forward two years later and those worries have vanished. In an announcement that included state Gov. Kathy Hochul, Wells made the announcement it was moving forward with a $425 million expansion. “I’ve never been more excited about our future in Dunkirk,” said Liam Killeen, CEO of Wells. “Our journey is just beginning.” Besides major ...

COUNTY: Grape freeze impacts economy

Chautauqua County is known across the nation — and world — for its prized grape crop. On April 25, however, a spring freeze created havoc for many vineyards near Lake Erie. That event will have tremendous consequences on the region. First, it hits the hard-working farmers hard. Vineyards require a great deal of work and time throughout all season. Second, it impacts the area economy. With crop damage, this means some of the help used annually will not be working when the annual harvest takes place. Cornell Cooperative Extensions numbers offer a tale of the devastation. According ...

MEDICARE: Careless spending needs explanation

At the time when Congress launched the Medicare Advantage program concept several decades ago, the theory in place was insurers would make Medicare more efficient, have an incentive to keep patients healthier and probably save money for the government in the process. Those at the forefront of promoting the concept at that time probably never in their wildest dreams anticipated that one day a major, well-respected national newspaper would have on its front page the headline “Medicare paid $50 billion to insurers for untreated ills.” Yet that was the headline in the July 9 edition ...

THEFTS: Considering added prevention measures

Stolen equipment is becoming a trend in the region — and it is something that has contacted the attention of one former Hanover official. Last month, Tim Crino called on the Hanover Town Board to be proactive in regard to the recent string of thefts that included equipment in Sheridan. Crino contacted the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office to inform them of his belief that the issue is “much broader than that.” Nearly two years ago, there was a resolution by the town to consider the purchase of security cameras. Crino received quotes from two providers and submitted the ...