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The OBSERVER’s View

FREDONIA Time for questions on project is now

Residents in the Fredonia Central School have time to ask questions and offer opinions before a December vote that could change the look of the district, its music program and athletic fields. As documented last week by OBSERVER reporter Braden Carmen, the district is considering taking on a three-stage project that is “probably the highest that I have ever seen in my years of doing this. That is definitely a big ask.” That comment came from Alyssa Catlin, associate of Young and Wright, the architectural firm that is helping the district. As of last week, the district is planning ...

COUNTY Have thorough review of CPS

A review of the way Chautauqua County’s Child Protective Services unit works should be undertaken. But we’re not sure the review that should be undertaken is the one that is being proposed by legislator Susan Parker, D-Fredonia. During the June Human Services Committee meeting, Parker referenced specifically complaints made by CPS employees. Often times, the workers say they don’t feel safe when going into some of the homes of children they’re trying to help. They have asked for more hours each week and they have said case backlogs are too high. Those are important issues, ...

TOWN OF DUNKIRK: Meeting needs dose of reality

Dunkirk Town Board is ready to hear from its residents regarding future decisions later this month. A Town Hall meeting has been set for Monday, July 29 at 6 p.m., at the Town Hall and Courthouse located off Route 5 on Willow Road. Some of the discussion will likely center on consolidation, zoning book updates, the cost of water systems in the town, and police protection costs. A tour of facilities and areas of concern will also be on the agenda. While the town has always been run properly, there has been an incorrect assumption lately by some who have been vocal that it is doing ...

HONOR FLIGHTS Always a special trip for veterans

For the past few years, The Post-Journal and Dunkirk OBSERVER have highlighted Honor Flights - an opportunity to give veterans an opportunity to visit the nation’s war memorials in Washington, D.C. In fact, we ran the latest story in our July 3-4 holiday edition featuring six area veterans who took the trip to our nation’s capital. For all the times we’ve told this story, though, the thing that never seems to change is the reaction of the veterans we speak with after they return. Often, the veterans speak of seeing monuments they haven’t seen before, of being able to pay ...

FOURTH OF JULY: Show some pride for great nation

Today, people of the United States, as they celebrate the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, ought to be neck-deep in patriotic pride for having the opportunity to live in this nation of freedom and abundance, despite its imperfections. The divisions on many political and non-political fronts — national, state and local — will not be eroded by the meaning, history and significance of today’s observance, nor by the efforts of communities, politicians and other leaders to emphasize the positives about the good things around them. However, people of this country ...

HOLIDAY Enjoy the Fourth while being safe

Just in time for the Fourth of July holiday, the summer weather will return. Judging by the article in today’s edition, there will be plenty to see and do over the extended four-day weekend. But the warning to stay safe is just as significant. David Ortolano, Dunkirk police chief, reminds residents to enjoy while not overdoing it. “During this holiday and as always if you have celebrated too much and can’t safely and responsibly operate your vehicle please don’t,” he said. “Have a designated driver, find a designated driver or walk. Real friends won’t let their friends ...