×

Opinion

FIRE DISTRICT: Change never comes easy here

The OBSERVER’s View

No matter where you get fire protection, there will be a high price. With a vote looming on Tuesday regarding the commissioners of the Bay Creek Fire District, there is a sentiment — as usual — that change is not good. Last week, Hanover Center Fire Department sent a letter to residents ...

Strong neighbors grow communities

Commentary

In Westfield, we are surrounded by quiet beauty — vineyards rolling toward the lake, a Main Street steeped in history, and neighbors who still wave from their porches. Yet beneath this familiar charm, many of us sense something missing. We live near one another, but not always with one ...

DONATION: Volunteer efforts keep area moving

The OBSERVER’s View

In a region that relies heavily on local governments to provide answers and assistance, those who are not elected to serve often get more done. That was the case last month with The Citizens for a Better Cassadaga community organization. It received a grant from the Northern Chautauqua ...

Holiday and deer season part of heritage

Commentary

It is just past Thanksgiving and another deer season is upon us. Many around here will likely spend some time at deer camp that day. In reflecting back, though I have no historical proof of it, I have always thought that the pilgrims likely ate venison along with turkey on that first ...

COUNTY: SNAP numbers here are eye-opening

The OBSERVER’s View

It was important to resolve the federal budget knowing that there are hundreds of families who rely on the SNAP program to put food on their table every night. But it should be a challenge to everyone we elect at the local, state and national levels to double our efforts to decrease poverty ...

Rural hospital funding far from restored

Commentary

You have to hand it to U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy. Not everyone would be willing to go out in the rain and stand in front of a microphone to tell us temporary funding for rural hospitals that offsets only one-third of permanent funding cuts is a win. Langworthy called the $50 Billion Rural ...