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Think Twice Before Embracing Battery Storage Systems

You may have read that a 250-MW, 1,000 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) is proposed for Dunkirk. The glowing coverage neglects a few key issues. It is reported that the project will make no demands on municipal services. What about firefighting? The most troubling aspect of hosting a BESS facility is the potential for fires, release of toxic gases, and explosions. Four incidents have already occurred in NYS since 2023. These projects have become controversial—some communities have banned all BESS installations. The Dunkirk location would be close to ...

The Stars Were Brightly Shining

Today’s Christmas column first ran in 2020: ♦♦♦ The course of history can change through what initially seems like ordinary events. Chapter 2 of the Gospel of Luke tells the story of the birth of a child two millennia ago. The birth of any child is wondrous. Yet this was an extraordinarily special birth of an extraordinarily special child. It occurred in a region of the world with many wealthy, powerful families. Yet this birth didn’t occur in a wealthy or powerful family. It occurred in a region where humanity had built grand structures. Yet this birth occurred in ...

The Twelve Days Of Christmas

Most of you are familiar with the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. People have tried to calculate what it would cost to give these gifts today, but have had little success since some of them are no longer possible to give. Years ago, I heard a radio announcer talk about the origin of this song. I contacted them and asked for their information. They sent it along with a note. It is said to be an urban legend. Now I have a book that I purchased with information about Christmas songs. In that book it talks about the origin. I am so glad I happened upon this. In ...

County Legislature To Receive Airport Study

Let’s pick up where we left off three weeks ago. With an eye toward restarting good commercial-air service at the Chautauqua County Airport, Chautauqua County government conducted a study to support taking part in the federal government’s Essential Air Services program. Chautauqua County airport-commission members heard at their Dec. 4 meeting that on Dec. 18, the Chautauqua County legislature will receive the study and hear a presentation that will walk legislators—and by extension, the public—through the study. Commission members also heard that although taking part in ...

The Story Of Nativity Sets

First, let me say we did not have a nativity scene in our home when I was growing up. The only thing I had was a small plastic version to hang on the tree. When I was teaching Sunday school, I bought those ornaments for my students. I still have the one that was left over. I always purchased more than I needed because there could be a visitor on that Sunday before Christmas. My mother found the figures for the Nativity in a small gift shop inside of the bakery on Central Avenue in Dunkirk. It was a beautifully carved wooden set. She purchased it for her new home. She remarried the year ...

What Can I Do If I’m Too Late To Change My Drug Plan?

Question: Is it too late to change my drug plan? I know the date is December 7th, and that is Saturday, but is it too late? What do I do if I missed that? Answer: The media coverage for the Annual Open Enrollment Period (AEP) of October 15th to December 7th is intensive. It is hard to imagine missing all the ads and the mail that you get from the companies, wanting you to take their product over the others available. I know that some of you have not done anything yet. I know that because the phones are still ringing. You have until midnight 12-7-24 to make your insurance change! ...