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The OBSERVER’s View

NATION Seek togetherness, not violence

For as much as our culture likes to hold itself as above political violence, people historically sure do a lot of it. The horrendous attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump, as he campaigned in Butler, Pa. is another wretched entry to an equally wretched list. Political violence extends beyond presidents and candidates, of course — consider the shooting of Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and the assault of Paul Pelosi, both among recent examples. In 2022, a man paused and called the police on himself during an attempted assassination of conservative Supreme Court ...

UNITED WAYS: Will others follow agency’s lead?

There is now only one United Way in Chautauqua County. Kudos to the boards of the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County and the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County in approving the merger of the two organizations and setting the dates for one countywide United Way campaign this fall. It was a difficult step, we’re sure, for board members who care about the agencies they have helped support over the years and, more importantly, the people those organizations have helped. Change is never easy. While last Tuesday was a momentous day for members of the now-combined United Way ...

DUNKIRK: City scores again with softball event

Dunkirk’s connection to softball proved itself again as 58 teams converged on the city and completed 109 individual games, crowning champions in four age groups: 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U. The Chadwick Bay Softball Bash brought thousands of attendees to the city for plenty of action, activity and a thrilling finale. “What a way to end a weekend, with one of the most exciting youth softball games I’ve ever seen,” said Kory Ahlstrom, tournament director. “Home runs, diving defensive plays, great pitching, neither team quit; Game 109 was the best softball of the weekend. I have to ...

WATERS: Latest PFA report positive for area

It was disturbing, though not surprising, when members of the Chautauqua-Conewango Watershed Consortium reported finding PFAS in the Chadakoin River and areas of the river near Chautauqua Lake. The PFAS are less than the limits allowed by EPA rules, but their presence is still troubling because drinking water with too much PFAS can decrease fertility or lead to increased high blood pressure in pregnant women; lead to developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes; increase the risk of some cancers, ...

DUNKIRK Plant’s commitment a treat for region

For a little less than 12 months in 2022, there were some questions about Wells Enterprises and its commitment to Dunkirk. In July of that year, the company began reducing its workforce before it was acquired by the Ferraro Group. Fast-forward two years later and those worries have vanished. In an announcement that included state Gov. Kathy Hochul, Wells made the announcement it was moving forward with a $425 million expansion. “I’ve never been more excited about our future in Dunkirk,” said Liam Killeen, CEO of Wells. “Our journey is just beginning.” Besides major ...

COUNTY: Grape freeze impacts economy

Chautauqua County is known across the nation — and world — for its prized grape crop. On April 25, however, a spring freeze created havoc for many vineyards near Lake Erie. That event will have tremendous consequences on the region. First, it hits the hard-working farmers hard. Vineyards require a great deal of work and time throughout all season. Second, it impacts the area economy. With crop damage, this means some of the help used annually will not be working when the annual harvest takes place. Cornell Cooperative Extensions numbers offer a tale of the devastation. According ...