Breaking News

Ex-city worker slams workplace ‘culture’

Former city of Dunkirk employee Samantha Tofil offered scathing criticism of City Hall on her way out. Tofil, who worked in the Clerk/Treasurer Office, alleged a grim workplace atmosphere in her resignation letter. Tofil shared the letter, and an email that acted as a cover letter for the resignation document, with the OBSERVER. Tofil was on leave but “decided not to return from my leave,” according to the Aug. 4 resignation letter. “I had hoped that during my absence the city would take meaningful steps to address the workplace issues that led to my absence. Instead, I have ...

Area Police Reports

ELLICOTT POLICE - Joseph A Ferino, 58, of Falconer was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree criminal mischief on Aug. 3 after Ellicott police responded to a domestic dispute where it is alleged Ferino physically fought with a person and damaged property. Ferino was charged and taken to the Chautauqua County Jail for a centralized arraignment. Ferino will be in Ellicott Town Court later. - Crystal A. Finstad, 23, and Christina M. Finstad, 59, both of Jamestown, were charged with petit larceny July 29 after officers responded to an local business where it is ...

Historian to speak on poor farm

Research Historian Michelle Henry will present a program on “Chautauqua County’s Poor Farm,” on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 pm, in the Chautauqua Town Hall meeting room, 2 Academy St, Mayville. Chautauqua County’s poor farm was opened in 1832 as an improved solution for providing support ...

Field of dreams

SILVER CREEK — There is plenty of change going on at Silver Creek schools, none more so than to the campus itself. The new school playground is complete, but it is far from the only major part of Silver Creek’s capital project that has seen substantial progress. Superintendent Dr. ...

Coming up …

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12 Tops NY 890 meeting First United Presbyterian Church, 35 Park Place, Silver Creek. Weigh-ins begin at 8:45 a.m., meeting starts at 9:35 a.m. All are welcome. Use the Main Street entrance. For details, call 716 680-0313. Dunkirk Farmers’ Market Dunkirk Senior Center Pavilion, 45 Cliffstar Court, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vegetables, fruit, herbs, preserves, honey, baked goods, meat, eggs, dairy, more. EBT/SNAP, WIC benefits accepted. Lake Erie Regional Grape Program Sprayer Technology Field Day Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory, 6592 W. Lake ...

Cannabis retail dispensary proposed in Fredonia

A marijuana retail store is being proposed in the northern end of Chautauqua County, which, if approved, would be the first one in the Dunkirk/Fredonia area. The Chautauqua County Planning Board was notified that Empire Smoke Shop 9 is seeking a Special Use Permit for an adult-use cannabis ...