Breaking News

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

Man charged with rape, forcible touching in Portland

PORTLAND -- A Lakewood man is facing rape charges, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department reported on Tuesday. On July 18, an investigation was conducted by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. Through investigation, it was found that Alex Rosage, 29, ...

Fredonia has water district pact proposal

Fredonia’s trustees have a contract proposal from the North County Water District, Mayor Michael Ferguson said Monday. One trustee called it “very vague.” “The draft, I believe, has been sent to you,” Ferguson told the five trustees at their Monday workshop. “Now we need to set ...

Bumpy response

SILVER CREEK — Driving in the village of Silver Creek has not been easy in recent weeks. A New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) project has led to the village’s main roads and sidewalks being torn up for reconstruction, and many residents are not happy about it. The public ...