Observer · Chautauqua, NY
Last month, the Dunkirk High School Student Council hosted a Pink Out event to raise money for Partners In Kind. By offering pink item like hair spray, face paint/glitter and pink hair tinsel, the student council was able to raise $900.Staff and students were encouraged to wear pink and participate by paying $2 for students and $5 for staff to receive all the pink they would like. Partners In Kind is a local foundation with the purpose to “keep love local” by giving back to Chautauqua county for families who need it and recognizing local individuals just for doing their jobs.
Lockport Union-Sun & Journal · Chautauqua, NY
AMHERST — Barker/Roy-Hart had a chance to take an early lead in the first quarter when it got into Chautauqua Lake/Westfield/Brocton territory as the team looked to win its first ever Section VI title.
Chicago Sun-Times · Jamestown, NY
Nearby: Jamestown, NYMuslims have never been strangers to this country, contrary to the skewed perception of many Americans. In 1528 — nearly a century before English colonists arrived in Jamestown and the Mayflower dropped anchor in Cape Cod — Mustafa Zemmouri, a Muslim Moroccan, also known as Estebanico or Estevanico, set foot on what is now the United States. The enslaved, Arabic-speaking explorer, whose last name is also written Azemmouri, walked across the American South, Southwest and into Mexico, serving as a translator and cultural mediator between the Indigenous communities and the Spaniards he traveled with. Zemmouri, who may have been killed by the Zuni tribe or faked his death to escape bondage, wasn't an anomaly. Scholars estimate that as many as 30% of the thousands of other Africans brought to our shores against their will shared Zemmouri’s Islamic faith, which they were forced to practice in secret or abandon.
Post Journal · Jamestown, NY
Nearby: Jamestown, NYTop stories Dawson closes bridge due to deterioration By Gregory Bacon November 14, 2026 3 min read Dawson recently closed the Allen Street bridge to all traffic, due to its deteriorating condition. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon Trending A private bridge in Jamestown that had been used by the company as well as the general public has been shut down to all traffic due to its deteriorating state. The bridge which connects Allen Street to Dawson and Emco is now barricaded. Chris Parks, the executive assistant at Dawson Metal Company, stated in an email the company was forced to shut it down. "Dawson had to close it after the last big rain, which caused some of the bridge to wash away. It left a big hole that was deemed unsafe for the heavy weight vehicles to cross," he wrote. Before barricading it, the bridge had been restricted to vehicles weighing more than 16 tons. For several years, Dawson has been trying to get a new bridge installed.
The State Journal · Jamestown, NY
Nearby: Jamestown, NYof Frankfort died peacefully Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born and raised in Jamestown, New York, and Carol’s parents Milton and May Johnson both descended from Swedish immigrants, a point of pride that Carol carried throughout her life. She graduated from the Rochester New York School of Nursing in 1951 where she met her husband, Dr. John T. Rawlings, during his internship. After their marriage, Carol and John lived briefly in Arlington, Virginia, and later Maysville, Kentucky. In 1968, they settled with their young children, Cindy and Thomas, in Frankfort. Carol is the beloved grandmother to Meredith Rawlings Woods (Nathan), John Rawlings, Jonathan Irons (Stephanie Kohler) and Andrew Irons and is also survived by her children, Cindy (Ken) Irons and Thomas Rawlings. She was one of the founding members of Frankfort’s Hope Lutheran Church and remained an active member of the congregation until her passing.
Observer Today · Fredonia, NY
Nearby: Fredonia, NYTrending A document signed by village residents nearly 200 years ago, an early Fredonia Academy course catalog and the experiences of students who attended the institution in the 1800s are among the subjects of a new student-produced podcast series exploring the history of higher education in Fredonia. The series, "A Cabinet of Curiosities: 200 Years of Higher Education in Fredonia, N.Y.," is part of SUNY Fredonia’s yearlong Bicentennial celebration, “Celebrating Two Centuries of Impact.” The project brings together students and faculty from the Department of History and Sound Recording Technology program and Reed Library’s Special Collections and Archives to explore historical documents and artifacts that tell the story of Fredonia since 1826. The podcasts grew from research conducted by students in History courses between 2022 and 2025.
Observer · Fredonia, NY
Nearby: Fredonia, NYThree Fredonia trustees devoted their board meeting reports this week to the water system saga. Most notably, Trustee Tim Mulholland said the village is eyeing a bond anticipation note to help fund its North County Water District connection project. Mulholland described a meeting about financing options for the project. Financial consultant Rick Ganci, Trustee LeeAnn Lazarony, and Treasurer Erlyssa LeBsau joined him in the meeting. The Fredonia officials gave Ganci a “financial snapshot of our village. One of the immediate priorities is reimbursing our village’s water fund for approximately $500,000 in engineering and related project expenses already incurred before our recent pause.” Mulholland continued, “We discussed whether it would make more sense to pursue financing for the entire project, or focus initially on reimbursing the water fund.
Cleveland Jewish News · Fredonia, NY
Nearby: Fredonia, NYIt is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leonard J. Star on Oct. 16, 2026. Leonard, of Hudson, Ohio, was born in New York City on Feb. 15, 1933, and moved to Fredonia as a child. He spent most of his life there. After graduating from Fredonia High School, he earned a business degree from the University of Rochester and a mechanical engineering degree from Michigan State University. He returned home and began his career at Alcoa in Dunkirk. He later joined the family business, Fredonia Products, which became Cliffstar Corporation. Cliffstar grew into one of the largest juice processing companies in the United States and one of the largest employers in Western New York. In 1985, Leonard retired from Cliffstar and founded L.J. Star, Inc. with his son, David in 1991. The business later moved to Twinsburg and grew successfully under his and David’s leadership. Leonard continued to work in the office well into his 90s, offering thoughtful expertise to his colleagues.
Observer · Frewsburg, NY
Nearby: Frewsburg, NYPlaying high-level college basketball has always been a dream for Jadyn Trocki. When the closest Division I program to her Frewsburg home came calling a couple of years ago, it felt like the perfect situation. The Bears senior guard completed her celebratory signing letter Thursday afternoon to attend St. Bonaventure University and play basketball for the Bonnies beginning next fall. “Division I has always been the dream, but some DIIs were also in the equation as well,” Trocki said Wednesday afternoon. “I wasn’t always set on DI. I was always going to choose where I fit best.” Trocki has put together the best individual career in Frewsburg history and with it the Bears have also experienced high levels of success as a team. She is already Frewsburg’s all-time leading scorer with 1,796 points and has been named the New York State Sportswriters Association’s Class C Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons.
EEW Magazine · Dunkirk, NY
Nearby: Dunkirk, NYUSDA estimates its Nov. 10 proposal would end food assistance for 6.3 million people by 2029. The public has until Dec. 10 to weigh in. By EEW Magazine Online Editors Bridget Majka runs a food pantry and a soup kitchen in Dunkirk, New York, and this fall she watched the pantry shelves go nearly bare. The Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, where Majka is executive director, told its neighbors in a Facebook post that it was "facing a critical food shortage," the Post-Journal of Jamestown reported Nov. 2. On one day during the surge, the ministry fed 40 families from its pantry, served 120 lunches and sent out 100 takeout dinners. Twenty of the people at lunch had never come before. As pantries like hers work to keep up, a federal proposal could reach the families in their lines. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Nov. 10 proposed a rule that would narrow who qualifies for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.
Observer · Dunkirk, NY
Nearby: Dunkirk, NYThe North County Water District has its eyes on more of Fredonia’s water customers. Eric Wies of CPL, the district’s engineers, first told their November board meeting that a recent switchover of customers east and south of the Routes 20 and 60 roundabout to NCWD water is “looking good so far.” He then discussed preliminaries regarding a switchover north of the roundabout. Wies spoke of running a line north of the roundabout to eventually connect with the town of Dunkirk water infrastructure near the Thruway. The town of Dunkirk is a member of the NCWD, which is solely supplied by the city of Dunkirk. CPL is conducting “early explorations” of getting customers north of the roundabout onto the line, Wies said. That area is currently served by Fredonia water — though the village is planning a project to connect with the NCWD and shut its own water treatment plant and reservoir.
Observer · Dunkirk, NY
Nearby: Dunkirk, NYWithin the next month, elected leaders in the city of Dunkirk are going to have a choice to make when deciding on Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s $32.2 million spending plan for 2027 that includes a 12% tax increase. It simply comes down to this: Does the council represent the citizens of the city — its constituents — or will it support the government on life support. Our guess? Council will not think twice about passing on that hike to city residents. Why? It is the easy way out. We totally understand the reasons. No one wants to tell dedicated and long-term employees that enough is enough. Likewise, no elected official wants to have to lay off or cut positions. Payroll costs in 2026 in the city budget were about $9.5 million for 152 workers. That figure, however, does not include the costs for benefits. What we know is health costs are rising and salaries are increasing, which ups the expenses in those categories. All told, salaries and benefits total nearly $13 million.
Observer · Dunkirk, NY
Nearby: Dunkirk, NYof Orchard Park, NY passed away on Nov7, 2026. She was born in Dunkirk, NY on 15 Apr 1948 to Matilda (Martin) and Peter Lukasik. She was the sister of four brothers, Thomas, David, James and Daniel Lukasik. She graduated from Cardinal Mindszenty High School in 1965. She then moved to Buffalo to further her education by taking administrative courses at Bryant & Stratton. She went on to attend Trocaire College, where she earned a diploma as a Registered Professional Nurse in 1984. She then entered into a rewarding 25-year employment with BryLin Hospital in Buffalo while earning additional Trocaire diplomas in Administrative Nursing. She finished her career with BryLin as a Vice President of Clinical Inpatient Operations. She married David A. Woolley at the Buffalo Unitarian/Universalist Church in 1966. She then gave birth to a son Jason Woolley and a daughter Cara Woolley (Braun).
Observer · Dunkirk, NY
Nearby: Dunkirk, NYIt is with heavy heartsthat we share that Samuel L. Drayo, Jr. peacefully passed away on November 11, 2026 at age 85. Sam was a proud life-long resident of the Village of Fredonia. He was born December 27, 1940 in Dunkirk, NY. He graduated from the Fredonia Normal School (campus school at Old Main-kindergarten thru 8th grade) and Fredonia High School in 1958. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1962, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science. He completed courses at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He was a 1965 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law earning a Juris Doctor degree. Sam served two years in the U.S. Army from 1966-1968, attaining the rank of Captain. He was awarded the U.S. Army Certificate of Achievement and National Defense Service Medal. He received an honorable discharge in 1968. In 1968, Sam joined his Dad, Samuel L. Drayo Sr., and twin brother, David C. Drayo, in his family’s Fredonia law practice. Sam’s son, John D.
Observer · Dunkirk, NY
Nearby: Dunkirk, NYBills Boosters ready for Jets game The Southern Tier Bills Booster Club will watch the Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets game on Sunday at the First Ward Falcon Club in Dunkirk.Game time is 1 p.m. Roast beef sandwiches will be provided at halftime. Members may bring a dish to pass. Fredonia Ukulele gathers Saturday evening Join Fredonia Ukulele on Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Domus Fare Restaurant, 41 W. Main St., Fredonia. Never played before? No problem! We welcome all ability levels, and you can jump right in and start playing immediately. No experience necessary! Our goal is simple: have fun, make music, and enjoy being part of a musical community! Ukuleles provided, or bring your own. Play, sing, or just sit back and enjoy listening. Come and go as you please. All are welcome! Swiss steak dinner set for Nov. 21 A Swiss steak dinner will be offered Saturday, Nov. 21 at St John’s Church, 733 Central Ave., Dunkirk. It will be served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Cost is $15. Eat in or take out.
Army.mil · Dunkirk, NY
Nearby: Dunkirk, NYThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, completed rehabilitation of approximately 2,300 linear feet of the outer breakwater at Dunkirk Harbor in Dunkirk, New York, on Oct. 19, 2026. The federally funded project strengthens the breakwater against wave and ice damage, improves structural stability, and ensures safe navigation and long-term reliability of the harbor.(U.S. Army Photo) ... READ MORE The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, completed rehabilitation of approximately 2,300 linear feet of the outer breakwater at Dunkirk Harbor in Dunkirk, New York, on Oct. 19, 2026. The federally funded project strengthens the breakwater against wave and ice damage, improves structural stability, and ensures safe navigation and long-term reliability of the harbor.(U.S. Army Photo) ... READ MORE Originally constructed in 1931, the outer breakwater serves as a protective barrier between the open waters of Lake Erie and Dunkirk Harbor.