Breaking News

Peoples column

‘Good people’ can be wrong

Editor, OBSERVER: I rely on your newspaper so much to inform me of the day’s and community ‘s happenings. But some news gets beyond my comprehension. This is especially true considering former President Donald Trump. When it was reported that he said that both sides of the Charlottesville demonstration contained “good people,” I was sort of stunned. How could outright supremists be considered “good people?” One of the foundational principles of my faith is to confirm the basic integrity and worth of every individual. But these people, just like the mob who attacked ...

People’s column

Not everyone is masking up Editor, OBSERVER: I walked into an appointment recently and walked up to the reception desk, which prompted two of the three clerks to put on their masks. I awaited another worker, who had not yet arrived by the appointed time only to observe another employee walk in the front door maskless, walk behind reception and proceed to talk to the other workers without a mask on. I walked out the door. I’m not playing with my life and I cannot understand how an office in the city could possibly conduct business in this pandemic by so carelessly ignoring ...

People’s column

Support keeps society going Editor, OBSERVER: The Dayton Historical Society would like to take this time to wish all a much better New Year. At this time we would also like to thank all who donated to our roof fund over the last couple of years. We received enough donations to replace all the roofs on our building and it is much dried and warmer. Hopefully next spring we will be able to congregate to clean and put things back in order so we can open our doors. Thanks again for you support and happy holidays. PERCY HOBBS, society president, Dayton

Another take on Arizona sheriff

Editor, OBSERVER: I only had to read the first paragraph in Susan Bigler’s commentary “There’s still time for more time for damage” (Jan. 2) to realize this writer is filled with lies and hatred. What she wrote about Sheriff Joe Arpaio from Arizona, abusing immigrants, is a total lie. If she meant illegal immigrants you would still be a liar! Yes, he would take them into custody, as he should. But abuse them? No! I know Sheriff Joe. He is tough but compassionate. He is a son of immigrant parents who traveled from Italy, in search of a new life in America. I first met Joe at ...

As cases climb, we know less

Editor, OBSERVER: As Chautauqua County is seeing an increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the Chautauqua County Health Department has been less and less forthcoming with information. When someone dies, it is now simply noted as a new death on the dashboard. The only way to know the age of the person is to compare the previous day’s dashboard. Gone are the condolences to the family. We need to remember this is a person who died, and not just another statistic. I also find it curious that the reporting of ages ceased the moment children returned to school. When Jamestown suddenly ...

Poet is example for others

Editor, OBSERVER: “The Hound of Heaven” is a poem by Francis,Thompson (1859-1907), a man in search of answers. Throughout his early existence there is a discomfort, an unease of mind and soul. Our poet was born with many opportunities that could give him a life style through family and friends and have a prosperous future. But he had an uncompromising, rebellious nature warring against good sense. He traveled down a road and way of life wasted and abused mostly by drugs. Unsurprisingly he ended up in rags, sleeping in the alleys and streets, sinking in troubled waters, living among ...