Breaking News

Opinion

State ignores wind, storage warnings

Commentary

County legislators are questioning the logic of the state energy policy that has been careening toward higher utility rates, higher taxes and the use of vast areas of agricultural land, wetlands and woodlands that are cleared for projects that make very little power. “Why does the state continue to push these things when there is so much scientific documentation that says there are harmful long term effects? There are so many related health concerns and public safety issues regarding new 600 foot wind turbines and battery energy storage installations. Don’t they negate each ...

The best way to support the troops

Commentary

My father Edward was quite the paradox. A self proclaimed pacifist, he could be quite scrappy when it came to issues of importance to him. When Gulf War I broke out in 1990, Ed saw the conflict for what it was. One larger more corrupt country trying to take over a smaller corrupt county and ...

A life in a collection of mugs

Commentary

I don’t know about you, but I have a collection of assorted mugs that, in their own quiet way, mark the moments of my life. They sit on a shelf like an unassuming timeline. To anyone else, they’re just ceramic. To me, they are chapters. Jim and I crewed for many years in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. Every year, a converted tugboat entered the race as a schooner—the Norfolk Rebel—with its grumpy but lovable captain. It was salty and exhilarating and just a little bit ridiculous. And yes, I have the mug. Every time I see it, I can almost feel the wind and hear the ...

Energy policies insure affordability problems

Commentary

By now, people should understand the severe consequences of Net-Zero energy policies. By now, people should know that Net-Zero policies have destroyed the economies of England and Germany, while other countries are smartly turning away from Net-Zero policies. By now, people should understand that no “climate catastrophe” exists to justify Net-Zero mandates (see below). However, given the number of recent approvals for Wind/Solar/BESS installations across New York and in CHQ, it seems many of our legislators and board members are ignoring reality. Practically, Net-Zero ...

Bring on a regional control board

Commentary

Do we need a regional control board? Yes — and for good reason. The level of greed, deceit, and outright tomfoolery that took place during the COVID lockdown still turns my stomach. While everyday people were trying to survive, some of our so‑called representatives seemed more focused on insider deals, kickbacks, bonus checks, and personal gain. In January 2025, the Dunkirk OBSERVER reported on the New York state audit of Sheridan and announced an upcoming town meeting. Many of us attended, hoping for answers about the questionable dealings involving Sheridan and the North County ...

Higher city costs even with a cut

The OBSERVER’s View

Over the last two years, the city of Dunkirk has seen some of the largest tax increases in the region. Following the financial crisis of 2024, rates skyrocketed 84% in 2025. This year, another minimal hike was passed on to residents. Despite these higher costs, some services to city residents have been eliminated. Last month, a discussion was held on the closure of the Lucas Avenue brush drop-off site. “I know there’s negativity on that from certain people. But we should at least try” to find a brush drop-off option for Dunkirk residents, said Natalie Luczkowiak, councilwoman ...