JAMESTOWN, NY -- Kristin Mekjean Acker, Program Manager for Gustavus Adolphus Family Services Therapeutic Foster Care Program in West Seneca and Brandi Myers, Certified Nursing Assistant in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center (LHRC) were honored as the 2011 Employees of the Year at Lutheran Social Services. “Because our senior and youth ... Read More

MAYVILLE, NY — NYS Medicaid Director. A number of pundits have criticized me for calling for change in the State's Medicaid program and putting pressure on Albany leaders to do so since we at the County level must deliver their services and pay almost $600,000 per week for the privilege of doing the State's work. Well this past week, the ... Read More

DUNKIRK, NY — Heroes don’t need to wear capes or spandex to help people. Heroes can be everyday people doing small things to help whoever they can. The Chautauqua County Rural Ministry (CCRM) is the Justice League in this sense; it is an interfaith, not-for-profit organization which is made to help people pick themselves up and dust themselves ... Read More

JAMESTOWN, NY — June 10, 2011 — Chautauqua County Executive Gregory J. Edwards announced today that Chautauqua County Department of Health Director Christine Schuyler has been appointed as the new Commissioner for the Department of Social Services. Chautauqua County Executive, Gregory J. Edwards ... Read More

Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C–Chautauqua County) was recently appointed by Assembly Republican Leader Brian M. Kolb as the ranking Minority member of the Committee on Social Services. He will also be a member of the committees on Health, Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Governmental Operations, and Housing. “Assemblyman Goodell has a proven ... Read More

Town Hall Meeting Like many folks around the Northern part of our County, I review the articles in the Dunkirk Observer most days, whether online or in my office. Over the last few months a series of articles have been written relating to the Department of Social Services (DSS) and the delivery of services to our clients in Dunkirk and the ... Read More

United Way of Northern Chautauqua County (UWNCC) is accepting applications for Community Investment Grants. Community Investment Grants provide funding to organizations in support of projects that address priority human service needs in Northern Chautauqua County. Indicators given consideration are Education, Income and Health. 501(c)(3) agencies ... Read More

According to Chautauqua County Executive Greg Edwards, the county's prescription card program has saved residents over $300,000 since it began in December of 2009.  In his Monday morning memo, Edwards stated that over 5,600 cards have been used at participating pharmacies.  Last month, users of the card saved over $60,000, ... Read More

New homeowner Jason Yonkers (left) holds his daughter Lily, as Chautauqua Opportunities Housing and Energy Conservation Director Bill Vogt hands him the keys to his new home at 404 Lincoln Avenue in Jamestown. Standing next to Jason is his wife Shannon. In back are COI Asset Development Specialist Mary Beth Calzone, Northside PRIDE and COI Board ... Read More

Those with EBT benefits are now able to use their food stamp (EBT) card at the Fredonia Farmers Market. This electronic transaction is made possible through wireless technology which is set up at the market manager’s booth. Upon arrival to the market, eligible customers can use their card to purchase $1 wooden tokens. These tokens then ... Read More