Opinion

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

The OBSERVER’s View September 17, 2026

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 September 17, 2026

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 ...

People's Column

Peoples column September 16, 2026

Editor, OBSERVER: Are we being spoon-fed information about Big Tech's grab at north county's rich resources? Artificial intelligence requires massive power for data computing. Big Tech targets abundant land and water. It prefers a community that doesn’t ask inconvenient questions. First battery storage, then data centers — now a nuclear reactor proposed right here in Dunkirk. These things certainly appear to align with Big Tech. Is it fair or ethical to conceal the big picture from us, in hopes of avoiding protest? Several weeks ago, Vince DeJoy, Dunkirk’s Planning and ...

After 9/11, innocence lost for too many

Commentary September 16, 2026

Last week, we remembered the 25th anniversary of one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in human history, which occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, that basically made the world upside down in every respect. I strongly believe that one of the most affected areas of 9/11 is the ongoing distrust among people and decaying mutual respect. Specifically, the international and intercultural relationship between the West and East and perceptions about Islam and Muslim people/culture in the Western societies have dramatically shifted with the barbaric terrorist attacks on 9/11. Every time I fly ...

Water controversies always spill over here

The OBSERVER’s View September 16, 2026

Even though northern Chautauqua County borders a Great Lake, there is no denying the water problems that surround us. In Fredonia, there are boil-water orders occurring nearly every four months. Last week, the North County Water District disclosed its operation is running at a deficit while Cassadaga heard concerns regarding water quality last month. Additionally, in Dunkirk, there’s a proposal to increase the rates for the first time since 2017. Randy Woodbury, Department of Public Works supervisor, says inflation has driven costs up 31% since that last increase, noting he and ...

Project transforms Silver Creek

The OBSERVER’s View September 15, 2026

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 ...