News

Fall Fireside Lecture Series Schedule set for Westfield

Local/Region August 18, 2026

WESTFIELD — The Chautauqua County Historical Society (CCHS) and Patterson Library have announced the schedule for the second half of their 2026 Fireside Lecture Series, a free public program that highlights the rich history of Chautauqua County and Western New York. Launched earlier this year, the Fireside Lecture Series was developed through a partnership between the two organizations to provide engaging presentations on local and regional history. The inaugural season has already featured lectures on Chautauqua County's role in America's 250th anniversary, the history of the Grange ...

Area Police

Area police August 18, 2026

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE - BROCTON - Major D. Stearns, 34, of Kennedy was charged with second-degree criminal contempt at 12:52 p.m. Sunday after deputies responded to an address in Brocton for a reported in progress order of protection violation. Stearns was taken to the county jail for centralized arraignment. - BEMUS POINT - Joseph K. Kirkpatrick, 43, of Bradford Woods, Pa., was charged with DWI, speed in zone and unlicensed operator at 12:55 a.m. Sunday after a traffic stop on Bemus Point-Ellery Road in the village of Bemus Point. Kirkpatrick will be in Ellery Town ...

Nominations being accepted for Ability Awareness Awards

Local/Region August 18, 2026

Every year, people with disabilities in Chautauqua County make tremendous strides in their quest to lead productive, meaningful lives. And every day, they are supported in their efforts by a wide segment of the community that appreciates and values the contributions those with disabilities can make. To recognize the efforts of people with disabilities and those who support them, The Resource Center holds a celebration to pay tribute to this deserving group by presenting the Ability Awareness Awards. The public is invited to nominate people with disabilities whom they know, or people ...

Property complaints shared at Chautauqua Town Board

Community Notebook

Community Notebook August 18, 2026

Ripley school board meets RIPLEY — A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Ripley Central School District will be held on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Room 119 for any and all other items that come before the Board. VFW Auxiliary holds meeting SHERIDAN — The Sheridan Post 6390 VFW Auxiliary met Aug. 10 at a member's home to conduct business. Sales of hot dogs at the recent concert were discussed. Next year, at the concert, the group will be selling baked goods. Candy bar sales at the club are going well and more candy bars are being ordered. These sales allow the ...

Bright ideas for teamwork

Local/Region August 18, 2026

BECC Electric teamed up with 11 apprentices from the IBEW Local 106 to install LED light fixtures at the East Town of Dunkirk Fire Department. Phil Binkiwitz, representing BECC Electric, Jim Ganey, 3rd assistant chief, and Dean Roe, president of local 106, helped make the effort happen.