Breaking News

Opinion

Project transforms Silver Creek

The OBSERVER’s View

It is an amazing transformation taking place in Silver Creek. More than a year ago, a decrepit eyesore of the old school on Main Street loomed over the neighborhood. Fast forward to today. An impressive senior housing community is wrapping up. Silver Creek Senior Housing is a senior community that features 54 one- and two-bedroom apartment homes for individuals and families aged 62 and older. "Since 1977, I have pushed to have something like this done, and I am thrilled about it," Hanover Supervisor Lou Pelletter said. "We absolutely need that. I'm very excited about it. It couldn't ...

The matter of population decline

Commentary

The facts are clear and not much in dispute that Chautauqua County has over the past few decades been experiencing population decline. Some of this is related to government policies (or lack thereof,) and some of it by the fact that we are not in a growth area of the country. Since World War II, the air conditioner has made living and working in the South a viable option. Southern states also tend to have lower regulatory standards, and, as “right to work” states, employers in these states do not have as many labor issues to deal with. The result has been a shift in population ...

A transition brings ‘meaningful’ moments

Commentary

Sept. 6 marked a significant and emotional change for many local Catholics. For the first time in more than a century, there was no Sunday Mass at St. Anthony's in Fredonia. Like many others from St. Anthony's, I attended Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Dunkirk. What struck me immediately was how many familiar faces were there. People who had worshipped together for years were genuinely happy to see one another again. Just as meaningful was the welcome we received. The people of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton went out of their way to make those arriving from St. Anthony's feel at home. ...

People's Column

Peoples column

Editor, OBSERVER: Greetings from the Empire State Passengers Association (ESPA)! We work across New York State for more and better passenger rail — and we have a great plan to accomplish this goal. More and better passenger rail across our state will have profound economic, environmental, and social/equity benefits for every kind of New Yorker. Each year we host a statewide passenger rail education and policy conference -- this year, the event will be in downtown Rochester on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Here's more information about the event, and a connection to our full-info ...

Teacher shortage remains a struggle

The OBSERVER’s View

Over the past few years we've seen Jamestown and other school districts around the county struggle to fill positions. Clymer, as recently as August, was struggling to find a science teacher while examining dual enrollment opportunities for chemistry students. The district was also looking at digital learning opportunities for art classes and electives as well since the school didn't have an art teacher for all grades. Jamestown was advertising for positions as late as August and has made no secret over the past couple of years about the struggle to fill open positions and the district's ...

Positive efforts at water plant prove a point

Commentary

It may seem odd to some people that I am complimenting Fredonia Trustee Paul Wandel on his efforts in overseeing operations at the village’s water treatment plant. I have been critical in this column of Wandel’s support of the village’s current plan to join the North County Water District. I have also been critical of the inaccurate statements and misinformation that Wandel often spreads about this ill-advised water project. But credit should be given where credit is due. In THE OBSERVER’S VIEW of Sept. 1, water plant upgrades made a difference in the village, the editor ...