Water controversies always spill over here

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

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 ...

Teacher shortage remains a struggle

September 14, 2026

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

September 12, 2026

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 ...

25 years later, we cannot forget

September 11, 2026

Do you remember where you were exactly six months ago at 8:47 a.m.? Probably not. But if we ask where you were 25 years ago at 8:47 a.m., chances are you will remember the moment as if it were yesterday. Sept. 11, 2001, was, without question, one of the most horrific in the history of the United States of America. At 8:47 a.m., the lives of all Americans changed when American Flight 11 crashed into the World Trade Center. Fifteen minutes later, United Flight 175 hit the second tower. An hour later, American Flight 77 hit the Pentagon in Washington. And, in a heroic twist, passengers ...

History comes alive in Sinclairville

September 10, 2026

America is still in the midst of its 250th birthday celebration. In Chautauqua County, one community always remembers its history during the early weeks of September. On Saturday, the 27th annual Sinclairville History Fair takes place starting at 7 a.m. with a breakfast prepared by the Sinclairville 76ers. In the later hours is a grand parade, chicken barbecue, street dance, fireworks, craft show, farmers' market, music, horse drawn wagon rides, bounce houses, and more. One of the more fascinating pieces to the event is the 200th anniversary of the Sinclairville Baptist Church. ...