Dave Kron recently addressed the Dunkirk Harbor Commission about possible building exterior changes at the Lake Shore Drive location. OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek.

It’s hard to believe that the Tim Horton’s facility located on Lake Shore Drive Dunkirk has been around for 12 years already. Dave Kron the owner addressed the Dunkirk Harbor Commission at the Wednesday evening meeting with proposals for potential changes for his buildings exterior. He would like to keep with the current theme with other structures in the area like the City Board Walk and the new dining area on the east side of the pier entrance. The ideas were met with enthusiasm by the Commission and those in attendance.

Also addressed at the meeting was a concern for additional handi-cap parking areas at the city boat launch. This will be addressed with a possible answer at the next meeting in April. A proposal for additional fisherman access was brought up by Zen Olow. The area is the dockage behind the old Stefan’s building, that is currently in terrible condition. The proposal is in the talking stage, for now, as current ownership of the area has to be established, but the possibility has a lot of merit.

Ice fishing on Chautauqua Lake has started to pick up again according to Skip Bianco at Hogan’s Hut/Stow. Walleye fishing has been productive north of Long Point. Anglers fishing the weedline and at the deeper pools are hooking up with a lot of male walleye lately. Low light continues to be the most productive time frame. Pan fishing has been good at any of the bay areas on Chautauqua Lake that have weeds. Yellow perch in a variety of sizes have been active across the entire lake. Crappie action was reported out of Mayville and blue gill activity out of Bemus. As of Wednesday the ice cover was 4 to 7 inches thick. The long range weather forecast for the weekend calls for a warming trend so use caution.

Locally Rick Miller reports that the stream fishing for trout changes daily with run-off, ice and dirty water impacting stream conditions. Think Spring! Congratulations to the Dunkirk High School Girls bowling and basketball teams!

Calendar: The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will host an in-club rabbit hunting contest on Saturday Feb. 22. Members can sign up at the club prior to the event. After the weigh-in which will be on the same day, there will be awards and food. Check it out. The Con Club will also host their annual chicken barbecue on Sunday Feb. 23. Proceeds from this event help finance the annual Take-A-Kid-Fishing Day event which is held on the first Saturday in June, which is June 6 this year.

On Monday evenings the “Con Club”is looking for people interested in learning “how to tie their own fishing flies.” Several advanced fly-tiers will be on hand to give individual attention to persons who would like to learn this hobby. All materials and equipment are provided free. The learning area is secure and a controlled environment from 6 until 8 p.m. You get to keep what you make. Refreshments are usually provided and always free. No experience necessary, no sign up required. Just show up and have fun. This would be a great opportunity for scout leaders to bring their young charges in for a great learning experience. Call 366-1772 days if you need more information or a contact number.

There will be a Pistol Permit Course at the Con Club on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 2:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. There is an $80 fee for this course. Contact Gary Dudek at 366-3397 for information.

Upcoming Gun Shows: March 7-8 at the Hickory Post VFW, located at 5550 East State Street (US Route 62, East of PA 18, West of Mercer on 62) Hermitage, PA, 16148. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

March 21-22, 2020 at the Harborcreek Fire Dept. Social Hall, located 7275 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA, 16421 (Located US Route 20 between North East, PA and Harborcreek, PA). Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

April 18-19 at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. The show is located at the Ashtabula County Expo Center Building at 127 North Elm Street, Jefferson, OH, 44047. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information on any upcoming show listed call Larry Spicer at (716) 792-9972.

The 2020 Friends of the NRA banquet will be held on Saturday, Feb. 29 at the American Legion Samuel Derby Post 556 located at 9 Meadow Lane Frewsburg. Door open at 4:30 p.m. Live auction. dinner, huge raffle. Call Jennifer Schmitt at 487-2487 or go to chautauquacountyfriendsofnra@yahoo.com.

The Northern Chautauqua Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet and Live Auction will be held on Saturday, March 7 at the Blessed Mary Angela Parish Social Center located at 324 Townsend St., Dunkirk. Doors opens at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. There will be a raffle and live auction. For tickets and information call Ronald Romance at 969-5166 or visit www.ducks.org/new.york/events.

There will be an Outdoor Show at the Salamanca Casino on Feb. 29 and March 1. For your convenience, a pistol clerk will be on hand during the event if you decide to purchase any firearms.

Children in the Stream will present weekly free fly-tying classes every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Costello Room in the Rockefeller Art Center at the State University of New York Fredonia, The group has resumed activities on Jan. 27 after a short recess over the Christmas Holidays. Children ages 12 and up, including adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. All tools and material will be provided for free. Contact Alberto Rey for more information at 410-7003 or go to Alberto@albertorey.com

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.