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Dunkirk assessor sues city over buyout dispute

Dunkirk’s assessor has sued the city over its April 1 denial of a cash buyout on her health insurance. Erica Munson filed an Article 78 proceeding in state Supreme Court on July 24. Under state law, Article 78 cases allow citizens to sue governments over decisions that were allegedly made improperly. The court filing by Munson alleges that “the determination should be annulled because it was made in violation of lawful procedure, is affected by an error of law, and is arbitrary and capricious.” Munson alleges she took a payout every year since starting as city assessor in ...

Dunkirk development director downplays man’s nuclear concerns

Dunkirk’s planning and development director recently brushed off a city resident’s concerns about a possible nuclear repowering of the former NRG plant. Paul Somerfeldt stated the concerns at an Economic Development Committee meeting this week. However, Vince DeJoy said that Dunkirk ought to be proud it is even getting considered for a nuclear project. “The technology is not as good as their people want you to think,” Somerfeldt said of the nuclear industry, citing safety issues. “Dunkirk should not be a beta tester for this kind of technology.” Somerfeldt, who lives ...

Taste of the town: Dunkirk influencer highlights, boosts area restaurants

Word travels fast in a small town, and Michael Matos found a way to use that to his advantage to benefit restaurants all throughout the region. When Matos moved back to Dunkirk roughly a decade ago, he noticed plenty of new restaurants in town. He initially thought it would be great to try ...

Dedicated Leadership

The WCA Foundation recently held its 44th annual meeting at UPMC Chautauqua. During the meeting, board members and staff reflected on the foundation’s accomplishments, celebrated key milestones and recognized two leaders whose service helped guide a period of growth and ...

Volunteers needed for United Way’s second annual Day of Caring

Registration is now open for United Way of Chautauqua County’s second annual Day of Caring, a local day of service which brings together individuals, community groups, families and businesses to complete volunteer projects at sites throughout the county. All projects are two and a half ...

Challengers need to spice up insipid races

As the month of July melts into the sunset, August begins to turn up the heat when it comes to this campaign season. In both Pennsylvania and New York, it appears incumbents are in complete control with the election 95 days away. Republican gubernatorial challenger Bruce Blakeman is hoping ...