Conservation order for Fredonia water users lifted

November 6, 2026

The village of Fredonia, in coordination with the Chautauqua County Health Department, has lifted the conserve water order for all Village of Fredonia water customers, including customers in the Town of Pomfret. The conserve water order was issued on Friday, Oct. 23 to reduce demand on Fredonia's water treatment plant. However, water usage did not decrease significantly following the order, and the plant continues to experience challenges due to high levels of organic material in the Fredonia Reservoir and the old media in the filter beds. The water treatment plant has consistently ...

Fredonia woman charged in larceny, impersonation

November 5, 2026

WESTFIELD --- An August incident at a Felton Road address has led to charges against a Fredonia woman. On Aug. 2, deputies responded to a reported larceny and criminal mischief. As the incident developed Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigators became active in the case. Over the course of the ...

GOP keeps County Legislature control

November 4, 2026

It appears Republicans will once again hold the majority of the Chautauqua County Legislature and have a shot of getting a super majority. Currently Republicans hold a 12-7 advantage in the legislature. Following Tuesday’s unofficial election results, it appears Republicans have at least ...

Hochul wins re-election as state governor, AP declares

November 3, 2026

Democrat Kathy C. Hochul won election Tuesday as governor of New York, defeating Republican Bruce A. Blakeman. This is Hochul's second time being elected governor. She was serving as lieutenant governor when Andrew Cuomo resigned in 2021, and she ascended to take his place. She won her first ...

Election updates throughout the night

November 3, 2026

Follow election coverage on our X account: Polls are open for another two hours. Once they close, we'll update coverage on all the local elections. #Vote2026— OBSERVER (@TheObserverNY) November 4, 2026 One hour to go. We're focusing on the races for Chautauqua County Legislature, ...

Polls open across region through 9 p.m.

November 3, 2026

There's still time to cast your ballot. Polls are open across Chautauqua County and New York state until 9 p.m. According to the Chautauqua County Board of Elections website, a total of 11,135 people cast an early ballot for the 2026 election. Typically the gubernatorial race is the ...