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Gowanda projects $27.4M in State Aid

GOWANDA — The Gowanda Central School District appears to be in a very good position with its 2026-27 school budget thanks to roughly $27.4 million in State Aid projected for the upcoming year. The Board of Education approved its basic operating budget for the 2026-27 school year in the amount of $40,655,630. That is an increase of 4.14% from 2025-26, amounting to over $1.6 million. The total tax levy will increase by 1.2% to a total amount of $5,488,398 in 2026-27. The tax levy increase of 1.2%, which is the same increase as the previous budget, is well below the tax cap of ...

Sales include $1M+ homes in Portland, Ellery

Two private homes were sold for more than $1 million each. The Post-Journal and OBSERVER have been analyzing real estate sales in Chautauqua County and recently looked at the transactions from March 2-6. The county does not provide transaction information, but real estate documents are available for review at the clerk’s office. During this time period, 4519 Sunset Bay Drive, Ellery was sold for $1,585,000. It is described on line as a four bedroom, three and one-half bathroom, 4,000 square foot private residence that was built in 2000. In a separate sale, 5500 Tastor Lane, ...

Search on for Jamestown man

Efforts to find Christopher Allenson, 58, of Jamestown who has been missing since May 12 are continuing. In multiple Facebook posts, he was last seen on Shady Lane, and he was also seen on video on Harrison Street walking past the Crescent Inn at 7:11 a.m. He is 6 feet 1 inches tall, ...

Area Police Reports

JAMESTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT - Deborah M. Rowland, 46, of Jamestown was charged May 13 with being a fugitive from justice. According to police, at about 4:49 p.m., officers, and Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Deputies were conducting a joint search on the Southside when they observed Rowland, who was known to be wanted by the Rio Rancho Police Department in New Mexico. Rowland was placed into custody without incident, and taken to Jamestown City Jail. Pending extradition, she will be in Jamestown City Court. - Peter S. Samuelson, 51, was charged May 13 with first-degree criminal ...

Senior Center celebrates birthdays

Dunkirk Senior Center celebrated April Birthdays on April 29 with a spaghetti lunch enjoyed by all. In the first picture, from left, row one, are Donna Heister, Christine Bertrando, Nancy Flitt, Grace Amino, Princess Case, Josie Christopher. In row two, Rob Zolnoske, Lennie Ellis, Carol Smith, Tom Esperson, Myrtle Bishoff and Barb Mizwa. In the second photo, from left, are Barb Joy, Marsha Miller, Cheryl Gawronski, Mary Messere, Lorraine Sutherland. In row two are Betty Anderson, Carol Greenough, Kenny Koch, Steve Anderson, Sal Culmi.

Mayor declares National Safe Boating Week

Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz has proclaimed the week of May 16 to 22 as National Safe Boating Week in the city. “The city of Dunkirk serves as a vital hub for recreational boating, fishing, and Lake Erie tourism, acting as a gateway to some of the most beautiful and productive waters in Western New York,” Wdowiasz declared. “The launch of the 2026 boating season brings increased activity to our harbor and waterfront, making it an essential time to reinforce the safety habits that protect our citizens and visitors.” The mayor fired off a few statistics from the U.S. Coast ...