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City clerk, treasurer closed for week

The city of Dunkirk’s new Clerk/Treasurer’s Office has closed for the remainder of the week due to “temporary staffing constraints,” according to a press release from Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s administration. “Although the front counter will be closed, staff will remain in the office ...

Village water project starts flowing

Field work is flowing fast in Fredonia’s project to connect with the North County Water District. Matt Higgins of project engineers LaBella, joined by a couple co-workers, offered an update at the Fredonia Board of Trustees workshop Monday. He quickly reviewed the scope of the plan to connect with the water district through the town of Pomfret, and split the village into two pressure zones. Higgins noted that pressure reducing valve vaults and interconnection structures will need to be built. The vaults and the zones are necessary because the village is at a higher elevation than ...

Feeding a need: Rock for Hunger set for Saturday at Vibe on Five

A new community music event is set to bring energy - and urgency - to downtown Dunkirk, as organizers shine a spotlight on the growing need for food assistance across the region. Rock for Hunger Music Fest will take place Saturday at Vibe On Five on Lake Shore Drive. The event begins at ...

Sheriff’s Office Releases New Information On Ellery Jane Doe Case

In January, The OBSERVER retold the story of Ellery Jane Doe, a cold case that has been under investigation since December 6, 1983. On Monday, there was a bit of movement on the case. The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said Monday it has received information of a possible sighting of ...

Jamestown man charged in child porn distribution

A Jamestown man is facing federal child pornography charges. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Monday that Connor J. Higgs, 20, of Jamestown, was charged by criminal complaint with possession and distribution of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and a maximum of 20 years. In August, the New York State Police received a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), regarding a Discord account, which contained suspected child pornography. Subsequent investigation traced the account to Higgs. In ...

Dunkirk, Fredonia split rivalry doubleheader

GOWANDA — After an ugly 10-4 loss to rival Dunkirk in Game 1 of a Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association Division 1 baseball doubleheader Saturday, Fredonia had about 15 minutes to regroup and earn a split. It took them a little longer than that, but the Hillbillies found a ...