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County Receives Money For Stream Corridor Projects

Chautauqua County is receiving a share of $2 million of state funding for water quality projects. Richard A. Ball, state agriculture commissioner, recently announced the funding to county Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state through the Ecosystem Based Management – Stream Corridor Management Pilot Program. Awarded projects will help to protect water quality and the long-term health of the State’s waterways. Funding for the program was included in the state’s 2026 budget. “The Ecosystem Based Management program is focused on water quality protections ...

Audubon Bird Banding Open To Public May 9, 16

Two opportunities remain this spring to observe the amazing process of banding birds to discover details about their behaviors. Weather permitting, those interested can join ornithologists at Audubon Community Nature Center any time from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, May 9 and 16, to watch how the ...

Ripley reading event is ‘Island’ adventure

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be stranded on a tropical island, just ask any student from Ripley Central School, and they will tell you. The entire school, from pre-K to Grade 6, as well as faculty members were given copies of the book “Nim's Island” by Wendy Orr, who ...

WACS budget proposal includes tax levy hike

At their meeting this month, Westfield Academy and Central School Board of Education members approved a resolution to be placed before voters on May 19, regarding a proposed budget of $21,359,328 for the 2026-27 school year. The budget includes a total tax levy increase of 10.12%. However, only 1% is an increase for operational costs. The remaining 9.12% is to support the Capital Improvement Project, which voters approved in September 2024. WACS superintendent Ryan Sikorski noted that the Capital Improvement project will only result in an increase in the coming year. “This amount ...

JCC Announces Student Speakers For Graduation

Jamestown Community College has named student speakers for its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies. Alexandria Goodyear will address fellow graduates during the Cattaraugus County Campus ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the Olean YMCA, and Miguel Cocerez will speak during the ...

Judges Announced for 2026 Audubon Nature Photography Contest

The Audubon Community Nature Center has announced the judges for its 2026 Nature Photography Contest that will award a total of $1,600 in prizes. Judging this year’s competition are Sandra Rothenberg and Mark Evans. In addition to decades of experience in photography and multiple ...