Breaking News

Mortgage tax revenue up, especially in cities

It appears home sales are not slowing down in Chautauqua County. During the county legislature meeting, lawmakers approved $860,447 be sent to various towns, villages and cities which was collected from the county’s 1.25% mortgage tax. The tax is collected on any new or refinanced mortgage. During a committee meeting beforehand, Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, R-Ellery, said the amount collected was up from its report from 2025. “I compared this resolution from one year ago covering the same period. This resolution in total reflects an increase in the mortgage tax of ...

Revitalize Dunkirk still seeking volunteers for Point project

Revitalize Dunkirk is the midst of Discovery Way at the Point Build Week and is sending out another call for volunteers. On Wednesday, there were Dunkirk High School students working the trail. The students were "focused and their energy and young muscles are greatly needed and appreciated," ...

Dunkirk man facing rape charges with juvenile

A 44-year-old Dunkirk man is facing four counts of second-degree rape after a reported crime in progress early Wednesday. Around 3:30 a.m., Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an address in Forestville. Upon arrival, deputies located a vehicle of interest and identified the ...

Cassadaga will review zoning law

CASSADAGA — The Village of Cassadaga will reopen discussion on its zoning law, as the 2025 update was never officially filed with the State. As a result, the old zoning laws are currently in effect, and instead of re-submitting the new laws as the Zoning Rewrite Committee submitted last year, the new administration wants to take a closer look. Mayor Rudy Abersold, Trustee Dave Rowley and Trustee Jeff Frick - who were all not on the Village Board when the law was approved - expressed a desire to look over the laws and tweak portions where they see fit before it is submitted to the ...

On right track

RIPLEY — The world’s largest operating steam locomotive will visit Tuesday. The Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, built in 1941, is on a 14-state round-trip tour as part of celebrations for the United States’ 250th anniversary. Union Pacific is collaborating with Norfolk Southern on ...