Breaking News

The OBSERVER’s View

Accountability matters when commenting

We wholeheartedly agree with Fredonia Trustee Paul Wandel when it comes to reading letters during the public comment portion of a government meeting. If someone wishes to offer an opinion, they need to have their name attached to it. Why would it be any other way? Wandel’s resolution, which was not voted on this week, was spurred by comments read at a recent meeting with the writer requesting anonymity. That individual’s thoughts then included name calling of Mayor Michael Ferguson while bashing his behavior. Talk about not having courage in your convictions. That letter is ...

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

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 ...

Water controversies always spill over here

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

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 ...

Teacher shortage remains a struggle

Over the past few years we've seen Jamestown and other school districts around the county struggle to fill positions. Clymer, as recently as August, was struggling to find a science teacher while examining dual enrollment opportunities for chemistry students. The district was also looking at digital learning opportunities for art classes and electives as well since the school didn't have an art teacher for all grades. Jamestown was advertising for positions as late as August and has made no secret over the past couple of years about the struggle to fill open positions and the district's ...

Rate hike one more pain for city residents

It appears more hurt is coming for city of Dunkirk residents. A public hearing will take place Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. on changes to water rates. Proposals would raise the minimum usage fee from $20 to $30 and boost the price of water used over a gallon benchmark to $5 per 1,000 gallons, from the current $4.33 — a 17% increase. While the hike will not go over well with users, Comptroller Tracy Smith-Dengler points out that the new rates will “still be substantially lower than neighboring communities." That does nothing to ease the burden on taxpayers, who continue paying a high price ...