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The OBSERVER’s View

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 ...

ELECTION DAY Big bucks part of the process

Today is Election Day, the culmination of what feels like two years of campaigning by presidential candidates. More than $1 billion will have been spent by Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump in an effort to secure your vote. Another $250,000 has been raised by the two candidates seeking to replace the retiring Andy Goodell in the state Assembly. So let’s make sure this is money well spent by heading out to the polls today. Early voting, so often a disappointing exercise, has been packed this year. As of Wednesday, more than 8,800 ...

DUNKIRK Events feed at lunch, benefit organizations

A city church is giving back by way of hot dog sales. As noted in an article last week, St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dunkirk held its final lunch event last month. Sale proceeds help many of the nonprofits that help those in need around the north county. Those include: Rural Ministry, Hospice care, the RO Foundation, Save a Christmas, New Directions, Meals on Wheels, and the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County. “It’s a lot of fun. We meet a lot of people,” said Bobbi Deering, one of the members of the Church volunteering on Friday. “We enjoy ourselves, ...