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Opinion

Marijuana decisions are ‘unwise policy choices’

Commentary

I write as a former marijuana user and a concerned member of our community to strongly oppose the legalization of marijuana and the proposed opening of a retail store here. These steps are not merely unwise policy choices — they are dangerous, both practically and spiritually. From personal experience I know that marijuana dulls the mind, weakens judgment, and opens the door to habits and influences that are difficult to reverse. What begins as recreation often erodes clarity, motivation, and spiritual discernment. Introducing a commercial outlet that normalizes and profits from this ...

Hernandez understands rough waters, rip currents

Commentary

SUNSET BAY—It’s a gorgeous late summer day on the shore of Lake Erie. As a Buffalo Bills’ game is on television, the sun is bright, the air is warm, and wispy clouds fill the blue sky. This is the kind of day that postcards are made of. It’s that much fun. It’s a bit windy ...

Lavish, placid Republican legislators may be on hot seat

Editor's corner

Right as the controversial data center issue began to ramp up in the spring, our newspaper received a communication from a fired-up individual. As part of the impassioned discussion, the caller made it clear what she was going to say would be important to the Brocton-Portland community. Why ...

9/11 vivid to many, but becoming more distant

Commentary

As I watched the ceremonies marking the anniversary of 9/11, I found it hard to believe that it has been 25 years since our nation was attacked by the forces of radicalized Islam. That Tuesday was a beautiful end of summer day in New York City as it was in Silver Creek with clear blue skies ...

The OBSERVER’s View: Another Buffalo premiere after 30 years

The OBSERVER’s View

Not since Oct. 12, 1996 has there been a moment like tonight in Western New York. For those who can think back to nearly 30 years ago, that date marked the opening of the Marine Midland Arena — now the KeyBank Center. On that evening, the Buffalo Sabres lost to the Detroit Red Wings, 6-1. As bleak as things appeared early on, the young team went on to win the division while being led by one of the greatest goalies ever in Dominik Hasek. Tonight marks the opening of Highmark Stadium. Interestingly it is the Bills battling another Detroit team in the Lions. While many got a taste of ...

Seniors and speed – a guilty combination

Commentary

On Tuesday morning, I was tootling along Route 62, heading north to Jamestown. I had an 11 a.m. appointment and was actually running on time, thinking I would arrive with 10 to 15 minutes to spare. And then I saw him. The cruiser passed by me heading southbound. I hadn’t noticed him ...