Nearly every American has suffered financially from the COVID-19 epidemic. At least 36 million of us were laid off from our workplaces. Even those still on the job have seen their retirement savings decimated. But a few people — those who had some forewarning of the economic havoc to come ...

If there is one area Gov. Andrew Cuomo is flunking right now in his handling of COVID-19, it is the uncertainty of state aid to schools. Schools had been told that an analysis at the end of April would dictate how much state aid to schools would be cut this year. That analysis by Robert ...

We hardly got to know outgoing Fredonia Central School Superintendent Jeffrey Sortisio. During his tenure at the high-profile institution, Sortisio like many other school chiefs, was visible at athletic events, major happenings and graduation. He did, however, never set down roots ...

Thanks to a surprising bit of good fortune with COVID-19 hospitalizations in the Buffalo area and the identification of just enough contact tracers, Western New York is finally able to reopen today. For now, construction, wholesale trade and manufacturing can begin opening back up with ...

The news that one of the people to test positive recently for COVID-19 works for a Chautauqua County nursing home brings two things to mind that everyone in our area must keep in mind for the next several months. First, everyone needs to act cautiously, but especially anyone who deals with ...

About 1,200 students graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia in one of the quietest ceremonies ever held by the institution. There were no cheers, tears or hats thrown in the air. But the event was held -- as we have become accustomed to in the past months due to the ...

There is not much time for Boards of Education — and the public — to soak in the coming school budget votes that take place in June. It’s a changing situation, but one thing is certain: districts are desperate. Just like every other aspect of our community, lifestyle and economy, school ...

During three and one-half years, Americans converted a peacetime economy to become the arsenal of democracy and win World War II. The “greatest generation” accomplished that because it had to be done, for the good of all humankind. Now we as a nation face another challenge, of far less ...

Tuesday afternoon brought some much needed anticipation. Roaring from above, the F-35s were part of a salute to health-care workers, first responders and high school seniors. “It gave (people) something to do today,” said Randy Gleason, Ashville fire chief. “It is an amazing thing — ...

It is becoming unsettling for some in Chautauqua County in regard to the cash crisis that is looming. Brad Bentley, public facilities director, says the virus has made working conditions tougher on supervisors and the bottom line. “It’s been a monumental task to deal with this chaos,” ...

Often when dealing with the coronavirus, we report on the numbers and the impact the disease is having on our region, its governments and schools. Just as important are the successes. One of those happened at the Gowanda Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. In early April, an 81-year-old was ...

On Thursday, Chautauqua County Sheriff Jim Quattrone was a guest on WDOE. He touched on a number of topics including the new app and the false allegations that his department was going to collect guns from residents. During the conversation, Quattrone was asked about social distancing. He ...

Our Weekend Life section was filled with wonderful photos with the superstar and guest of honor for every day: moms. We celebrate Mother's Day in strange fashion today -- either close to home or via Zoom or at a distance. Our moms deserve the best and all our love. Take a look at the photos ...

It was a pleasant sight in the city of Dunkirk on Tuesday evening. Council members and Mayor Wilfred Rosas were working in harmony, understanding and applauding the excellent work that has been accomplished by Rebecca Wurster, the city’s director of planning and development. During ...

High school seniors are one segment of the population who have been greatly impacted by the coronavirus. This talented group across our region left classes in March. They will not be returning. It is a bitter pill for each one of them and their families. Going forward, there are many ...

It is a major dilemma when it comes to reopening the economy no matter if it is here or there. As of Monday, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, no state region is ready to take that on yet. That means we are in a situation some elected officials were concerned about. We are being grouped with ...

Appointed Fredonia Trustee EvaDawn Bashaw had some puzzling remarks for fellow Village Board members Roger Britz and Roger Pacos during last week’s vote on a $10.3 million budget. Both Britz and Pacos had questions on the plan before both noting their opposition. By a 3-2 vote, however, the ...

No decision is coming easy, no matter how obvious it appears in regard to the COVID-19 outbreak. Last week, two municipalities decided to cancel Memorial Day parades. First it was Dunkirk and then Forestville followed. Once those items occurred, other dominoes began to fall. The city’s ...

There is plenty of appreciation for those on the front lines. From the firefighters, police officers, emergency response crews and health-care professionals, residents are offering thanks in many ways. Some have done it with messages in chalk while others have sent meals and treats to many who ...

Forestville Central School board members did not waste any time seeking community support when it comes to a possible major reduction in state aid. Board members went to social media platform Facebook to plead with district residents to make their voices heard to federal lawmakers, including ...