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Building tab disturbing in Pomfret

The OBSERVER’s View

We must admit our lack of surprise regarding rising government costs. In this case, the top story in last weekend’s OBSERVER focused on the growing expense for Pomfret of its new town hall. During its meeting last month, Supervisor Dan Pacos told the town board the estimated price tag now stands at $3.46 million. That’s more than double the last reported estimate, and more than eight times the original $400,000 estimate that Pacos said was made “years ago.” And just how did Pomfret get the funds to acquire the former church on Chestnut Road? American Rescue Plan Act funds that ...

Public, private sector rift keeps escalating

Editor's corner

Chautauqua County is well known for its north-south divide that has been evident for more than a century. It is a tiresome and defeatist attitude that residents in Dunkirk-Fredonia and Jamestown cannot work as one more often. In recent decades, efforts by the CHQ Chamber, the Chautauqua ...

Rounding Third: Deceit flooding inbox slicker, slimier

Commentary

Wow! I’ve been spammed and scammed. And this time they made it hurt … whoever “they” are. I’ll probably never know. I shop online from three clothing companies that I have enjoyed for years. I know my sizes, what will fit, and what won’t. Their return policies are accommodating, ...

Music Fest helps in hunger fight

The OBSERVER’s View

Through the years, Chautauqua County Rural Ministry has assisted thousands of residents who are in need. This weekend, the organization is looking for community support. To raise funds, a Rock for Hunger Music Fest will take place Saturday at Vibe On Five on Lake Shore Drive. The event begins at noon with lon Sky and will run throughout the day, concluding at approximately 11 p.m., uniting local and regional talent for a full day of live performances aimed at supporting the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. Event organizer Lorie Mets said the festival was created not only to celebrate ...

Met mascots still a hit with this fan

Commentary

Regular readers of this column may know that I am a fan of the New York Mets. I watched their first game back in 1963 in living black and white on WOR via my hometown’s brand new cable system. The Mets lost to the St Louis Cardinals beginning a losing streak that extend to 9 loses before Jay Hook threw a five hitter on April 23 to beat the Pirates 9 – 1. They would go on to win 39 more games that season while setting a record for the most losses by a team in the 20th Century. This season, despite high expectations, the Mets have managed an eleven game losing streak. Being a Mets fan ...

Our view: Closure hits county hard

The OBSERVER’s View

More than 200 people woke up last Thursday to find their services were no longer needed at Bush Industries. It’s a gut punch to longtime employees, some of whom have worked decades for the Jamestown manufacturer, and for those who thought they had shepherded Bush through lean years in the 2010s prior to the company’s purchase that led to the formation of the eSolutions Furniture Group in 2020. For decades Bush Industries had been one of the south county’s major employers and, despite prior tough times, had always found a way to bounce back. Post-pandemic business has been tough, ...