Breaking News

Opinion

The OBSERVER’s View: Positive developments with city positions

The OBSERVER’s View

There is a bright spot to Dunkirk’s recent fiscal failures since 2024 that have begun to appear. It is simply this: those connected to the city, want to come back and help out. That was the case more than a month ago when the neighboring town by the same name. Jennifer Jakubowski resigned as deputy clerk there and is compelled to rebuild the struggling municipality.. “I have witnessed what it takes to run a municipality effectively, and the positive impact it has on the residents who are fortunate to call this town home,” Jakubowski said in her letter to the town, noting she ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Support flows for vote on Fredonia water

The OBSERVER’s View

With 10 boil orders in the last 39 months, there are no doubts the village of Fredonia is notoriously known for its water. The situation, which has worsened in the last decade, has chased business out of the village, led to decreased enrollment at the State University of New York campus and frustrations for residents. Over the last three years, there has been an effort by the current administration to have the North County Water District as a supplier to the village. That would come at a cost while eliminating the revenues that come from the current village system. How to move forward? ...

Separation for media, state keeps blurring

Commentary

As an aspiring journalist, it’s important to know which news stations are owned by who. It’s reasonable to not want to work for a station that doesn’t tie into your beliefs. While personal opinions should have no real role in fact-based journalism, that’s just the world we live in. Every news station has its own agenda, usually determined by who owns it, which is then reflected in their reporting and coverage.   Last semester, in my Critical Analysis of Journalism class, Professor Mark Kiyak showed us a chart of roughly five individuals who own different media ...

People’s column

Peoples column

Primary voting begins Saturday Editor, OBSERVER: Primary Elections are upon us. Early Voting starts soon on Saturday and runs until June 21. The times vary. The two polling places are the Chautauqua County Fair Grounds 4-H Building Ag. and Expo Center, 1089 Central Ave., Dunkirk, New York 14048; and the Robert H. Jackson Ctr. On 305 East Fourth Street, Jamestown, New York, 14701. Enter on the Pendergast Ave. entrance. You can go to either polling place for the primary early voting. Important. If you live in Pomfret 1,2,3,4,6 you will vote at Harvest Chapel FMC, 39 Matteson St. ...

Chautauqua Institution picks a new president

Commentary

I must admit, upfront, that I am a bit biased in this matter... but I was delighted with the decision of Chautauqua Institution to hire Mark Johnson as its new President. He will be undertaking these new duties in the coming year. I first knew Mark as a kid growing up in Jamestown when we lived on Chestnut Street...he lived right down the street from us. We were good friends with his parents and, one summer, went with their family on a canoe trip to the Adirondacks. And, aside from that, how can you be against a “Johnson” from Jamestown...especially, this one? His grandfather was ...

Donating to Rural Ministry helps your neighbors

Commentary

Across Chautauqua County, more families are struggling to make ends meet. Rising food prices, increased housing costs, utility bills, and other financial pressures have created a growing need for food assistance throughout our community. At Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, that need is visible every day. Through its soup kitchen and emergency food pantry, Rural Ministry provides food and support to hundreds of local residents each week. The organization serves more than 600 meals weekly and assists families, seniors, veterans, and individuals facing difficult circumstances. As the ...