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Local Commentaries

Most of the occupied regions in our world are stolen land

At the 2026 Grammy Awards, the very dour Billie Eilish shamed Americans for living on stolen land. What a wonderful way to signal her humanitarian virtue. Then reality struck: Somebody noted that Eilish’s multi-million dollar mansion sits on the same stolen land as the mansions of all ...

Forgetting everything? Well, join the club

My mother had a saying that I heard all too often during my childhood: “You’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached.” Sadly, she was right. I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of my whole life looking for what I have lost, misplaced, or simply forgotten. No, it’s not just ordinary ...

Who’s to blame for lack of growth?

For more than 20 years Warren County has seen little meaningful industry or economic development. At the same time, residents and small businesses face growing taxes, fees, and regulations that make it harder to start or expand something here. Voting is important, but voting alone does not ...

Anchors Aweigh — and all that jazz

When the Fredonia Opera House announced this concert, I closed my laptop and picked up the phone. The U.S. Navy Band’s Sea Chanters were at the Opera House for an evening concert last Friday and I wasn’t going to miss it. It seemed a shame for just Richard and me to enjoy it, so we ...

Maintaining transparency through newspapers, websites

Life is hectic. Keeping track of work, home, and family commitments is challenging enough. Now imagine adding another task to your daily routine: checking multiple government websites just to find out what your local and state officials are planning to do. You would have to monitor the ...

Postmaster offers stamp of approval for neighbors

I am heartened to read your newest feature, “Meet Your Neighbor Monday.” It is a wonderful example of the spirit and engagement that makes this community so special. As the Postmaster, seeing that kind of local pride is exactly why I am so excited to serve the residents here. In rural ...