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Move Over Bemus! Lakewood has “The Ave” and live summer concerts

Bemus, you know we love you, but here’s a vote to start calling Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood “The Ave.” It’s a natural shortening that catches on when one avenue becomes the cultural heart of a community. I’ve been truly enamored with the transformation of storefronts, new businesses, and the diversity of services. If you haven’t walked The Ave lately, I highly recommend you do—on a Saturday, say, around lunchtime. And if you haven’t sat on our hill at one of the Rock the Lake concerts in Hartley Park, well, you can’t really call it summer anymore. Take a walk with ...

From full house to echo chamber

There came a time when, one by one, our kids grew up and left the nest to make their own way and begin their futures in whatever fields and endeavors they chose. Some people may be facing the same situation soon, as their graduates head to college, or the military, or a trade school, or to begin their lives, after High School/College/Training, and the homes they leave will seem/feel a bit (a lot?) emptier. Growing up, before leaving the nest, Chasy and Chrissy had to listen to my cautions of the outside world. They had to put up with the sugarless breakfast cereals, my reservations ...

Affidavits detail fraud allegations in Pa. home care death case

Charges filed against four home care workers this week also include charges focused on the misuse of state funding for the care of a care-dependent resident who passed away in putrid conditions at Hickory Creek Home Care. The facility is located at 315 2nd Ave #302, Warren, but the early ...

Southwestern welcomes new teachers

The Southwestern Central School District recently welcomed new staff during new teacher orientation ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. During the two-day orientation, new staff met their mentors, received their school devices, reviewed district data and heard from students. Among those ...

Taking on a crisis is lonely, unpopular at top

At the conclusion of Dunkirk’s Common Council meeting, department heads and elected officials gathered around to congratulate newly approved Police Chief Doug Switzer. Since the retirement of Chris Witkowski in February, Switzer had been handling the duties before being officially approved for the promotion on Monday evening. To his credit, he has been tremendous through the transition. He’s taken the lead with staff while also handling the major cases — including two deaths in recent months — in the city. Without question, he earned the top spot. With the well wishes taking ...

Ellicott approves site plan for equipment dealer

A gravel lot for construction equipment has been approved for East Main Street, Falconer, by Ellicott’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Board. Taylor Property Development Group LLC proposed a site plan for its East Main Street Extension property recently. Jay Taylor told board members he has a contract to purchase two lots contingent on site plan approval and a variance approval for a sign. Taylor plans to put in a gravel lot with construction equipment, with the possibility of installing a building in the next five to 10 years depending on how well the business performs. The ...