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The OBSERVER’s View

Sheridan: Town’s albatross takes new turn

Another roadblock has hit the town of Sheridan. During the most recent board meeting, elected officials learned the eyesore Pawn Starz site on Route 20 had been sold. It does not make a lot of sense, considering its current condition that stems from a fire in the summer of 2022. The former Pawn Starz property in the Town of Sheridan along Route 20 was recently sold, but so far, there has not been any noticeable improvements made to the site. The Town Board retained attorney Joe Calimeri to file a complaint against James L. Langendorfer, the apparent former owner, in New York State ...

Football Major matchup for Bills Sunday

Has there been a more anticipated regular-season home game than the one the Buffalo Bills will be hosting on Sunday? Undefeated and Super Bowl champion Kansas City comes to town for the marquee matchup at 4:25 p.m. at Highmark Stadium. Buffalo is riding a five-game winning streak, which is nowhere near as impressive as what the Chiefs have done. Their last loss was Christmas day to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. Since then, the champions have won 15 straight — many by one score. Sunday’s game obviously has a significance to both teams. Buffalo has never toppled Kansas City in its ...

ELECTIONS Can we boost turnout for the local races?

Voter turnout was through the roof a week ago, both in Chautauqua County, New York state and the country at large. It wasn’t unexpected. Voters always turn out when it’s time to vote for a president, and the 2024 race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was something we’ve never seen before. A sitting president bowed out of a campaign for the first time since 1968. We saw our first public assassination attempt of a president or presidential candidate since 1981 - and then saw a second attempt on a candidate’s life. There was plenty of mudslinging and name-calling, too. ...

Drivers must heed ‘Move Over Law’

New York state’s “Move Over Law” has been on the books for nearly 15 years. It requires drivers to be extra cautious when approaching an emergency or hazard vehicle that is stopped on the side of the road with its emergency lights on. Drivers are expected to move one full lane away from the stopped vehicle. If it is not possible to do so safely, then the driver must reduce speed as it approaches the stopped vehicle. Specifically, the Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and move over for police and emergency vehicles — including ambulance workers and firefighters, ...

Sheridan: Another effort assists area veteran

Sheridan has a strong history of supporting its veteran community. Once a month in the fall and winter months, the Veterans of Foreign Wars post holds a flea market with some of the proceeds benefiting those who served. This weekend, another effort will take place — the Warrior Relief Fund. It is the second annual benefit of its type at the VFW site on Route 20 with doors opening at 3 p.m. There will be a raffle ticket sale and drawing with more than $4,000 in prizes, a large basket raffle, 50-50 tickets, and music provided by the Friends. There will be food available. The Warrior ...

Dunkirk: Fundraiser drives school spirit

For more than a week, the Dunkirk school community has been rallying for a city family impacted by a fire that heavily damaged their home last month on King Street. Today, those efforts become a bit competitive. Today and Thursday, athletes from across sports will be playing against each other in volleyball matches to raise money to support the Pacheco family. There will also be a bake sale sponsored by the modified volleyball team, a basket raffle and a 50-50 drawing. Spanish food will be sold during the game, as well. All proceeds from the event go directly to supporting the Pacheco ...