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Hotel responds, plans suit against Fredonia

A hotel owner is responding to comments made recently by Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson while planning a lawsuit regarding the situation. In a news release issued Tuesday, Dunkirk Hospitality, LLC, owner of the former EconoLodge in Fredonia, now America’s Best Value Inn, countered statements by the village leader and served an Amended Notice of Claim on the municipality. Ferguson told the OBSERVER, “Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me,” but that worry rests on informal conversations. The parties never signed a contract or put any obligation in writing. ...

Fredonia boils water, needed purchase from city

FREDONIA - The village of Fredonia water system is now under a boil water order and, over the weekend, had to purchase water from Dunkirk. Fredonia had to buy 966,000 gallons of water from the city of Dunkirk over the weekend, Mayor Michael Ferguson said Monday at a regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting. The boil order was announced by the village Office of Emergency Management at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday morning. The stated reason for the order was “High turbidity levels and treatment deficiencies.” Fredonia water customers should bring water to a rolling boil for at least one ...

Ripley honors retirees, addresses AI

RIPLEY - At their meeting this month, Ripley Central School Board of Education members honored two employees who retired in June. Ripley Superintendent William Caldwell presented plaques of appreciation to bus driver Heil Haskins and art teacher Alberta Parker. Haskins had been a bus driver ...

Chamber accepting nominations for Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2026 Pam Lydic Coalition Builder Award, recognizing an individual or organization making a meaningful difference in the region by bringing people together, building partnerships, and working toward common goals. Nominations must be submitted by October 31. Established in 2012, the award honors the legacy of Pam Lydic, the chamber’s first executive director, who played a role in bringing together the Northern Chautauqua Chamber of Commerce and the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce to form the Chautauqua County ...

Dunkirk Chipotle targets Dec. 1 completion

DUNKIRK - The Town of Dunkirk has processed several building permits in the past month, including the remodeling of Dunkin’ Donuts for added food options and updated bathrooms at The Home Depot, but the most significant update came regarding the Chipotle restaurant on Vineyard Drive. Code ...

First Lutheran makes donation to Toys for Tots

The First Lutheran Community Outreach Store recently presented a $500 check to Toys for Tots. In 2024, 5336 children were served through Toys for Tots, and in 2025, 7,590 children were served. From left are Brenda Donato, First Lutheran Community Outreach Store worker;Terri Johnson, Toys for ...