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Opinion

New YORK STATE Take out red tape for sharing services

The OBSERVER’s View

We have no doubt that the state Legislature will pass legislation that is needed to free up more than $600,000 the former Mayville Fire Department has in reserve funds for equipment and a new ambulance. Mayville Mayor Rick Syper said the state does not permit the village to give that money to ...

U.S. ‘lukewarm’ to Thanksgiving, God

Commentary

On the cusp of our nation’s 250th birthday, the Pilgrims can’t be ignored. Not only did our nation have its roots embedded in the Mayflower Compact written “in the name of God,” but their enduring legacy is evident in our country’s recognition of thanksgiving to God. The first ...

Elections Those engaged went at the polls

The OBSERVER’s View

Roughly a quarter of registered voters took part in the Nov. 4 election. It’s disappointing, of course, to see so few participate in the election of local leaders who will decide the future of Chautauqua County and its cities, towns and villages. We’ve made it easier than ever to vote, but ...

Peoples column

Peoples column

Use of plastics is hazardous Editor, OBSERVER: I would like to thank the OBSERVER for publicizing the recent lunch and learn at the college, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The discussion alerted us to the various types of plastics and the dangers they pose to humans. This ...

Thanksgiving always more than a meal

Commentary

To begin with, we all should give thanks to Sarah Joseph Hale. If not for her, there’d be no Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November. The New England native defied the popular stereotype that a woman’s place was in the kitchen, cranking out babies and keeping her yap shut. ...

Changing face of warfare

Commentary

Sadly, new technologies are often tested first in warfare, on the battlefield—not in commerce or for civilian use. For example, a new technology made its debut in World War I—the airplane. Initially thought of as a remarkable new invention to transport people and goods at speeds and ...