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Council OKs fire contract extension

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The Dunkirk Common Council unanimously ratified a fire department contract that one council member called “a little complicated to us,” while the city attorney said it was just a matter of “switching the dates.” The pact calls for 4% raises for city fire department employees in 2027, and 2% raises in 2028, according to a copy of the council agenda provided to the OBSERVER by City Hall. An emergency medical services training officer position is also added. The assistant chief position is removed from the agreement. The agenda mentions the “switching of dates” that Elliot ...

County may run its own homeless facilities

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It appears Chautauqua County is looking to run its own homeless shelters, although it probably won’t happen before winter. Carmelo Hernandez, the county’s director of mental hygiene and commissioner of social services, met recently with the county legislature’s Human Services ...

Built in the trenches

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GOWANDA — For five members of the Gowanda/Pine Valley Panthers football team, success begins with doing the work that often goes unnoticed. As offensive linemen, seniors Dalen Stevens, Isaiah Washington, Porter Lemke, and Cameron Howard, along with sophomore Elliott Graham, play a critical ...

Jamestown man tied to fentanyl, methamphetamine distribution

Local/Region

A Jamestown man has been indicted in drug distribution. U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced Friday that a federal grand jury charged Dasai Bradberry, 24, with distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, using and maintaining a drug involved premises, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life. According to the indictment and a previously filed criminal complaint, on Aug. 4, 2025, the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force and ...

County OKs proposal regarding e-bike education

Local/Region

MAYVILLE – All 17 high schools in the county, as well as the three BOCES sites are being directed by county officials to hold one hour this spring to educate students about the laws and rules surrounding electric bicycles and electric scooters. During the recent Chautauqua County Legislature meeting, lawmakers unanimously approved a resolution requesting a law enforcement education program for high school students. The resolution was modified at the legislature meeting to include BOCES’ three locations in Ashville, Fredonia and Cassadaga. The resolution notes there are many ...

Area Police Reports

Area police

LAKEWOOD-BUSTI POLICE DEPARTMENT — BUSTI — A 35-year-old Lakewood man was arrested on felony driving while intoxicated charges following an early-morning incident Nov. 5 on Route 394 in the Town of Busti. According to the Lakewood-Busti Police Department, officers responded at approximately 5:46 a.m. to a report of a vehicle in a ditch. An investigation allegedly determined that the driver, Scott A. Heffner, was operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Police said Heffner allegedly had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit. He was charged with felony DWI ...