Campus news written by Maisie Strader

Fredonia dance concert to feature works choreographed by alumni

​The Fredonia Dance Ensemble 2025 will showcase a diverse array of contemporary dance works, featuring over 30 student performers. The concert, directed by Professor Sam Kenney, will be held at the Robert W. Marvel Theatre on May 1, 2, and 3 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online or through the Fredonia Ticket Office.​

Doug Osborne-Coy wrote,“More than 30 students will perform in the program of contemporary concert dance that includes works by Fredonia alumni Abigail Donegan, Charles Fuller, and Briana Kelly; guest artist Jenna Del Monte Zavrel; and a restaging of José Limón’s 1964 masterwork, ‘A Choreographic Offering.’ Donegan is the founder of the Buffalo-based Donegan Dance Exploration, a contemporary concert dance company and she has presented various work across Western and Central New York.”

The concert also features “Seasons” by guest artist Jenna Del Monte Zavrel, an educator and artist specializing in concert dance, screen dance, and sound score compilation.

This year’s performance promises a rich tapestry of movement and emotion, reflecting the dynamic talent nurtured at Fredonia

Marion Art Gallery exhibition features works by 27 Fredonia students

​The Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery at SUNY Fredonia is hosting its spring senior exhibition, titled “(Un)Limited Space,” featuring works by 27 graduating students from the Department of Visual Arts and New Media. The exhibition opens with a reception on Friday, May 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. and runs through Sunday, May 11. It is free and open to the public.

The title reflects the students’ boundless creativity and the limited physical space available to showcase their diverse talents. The exhibition includes a wide range of media: digital illustrations, animated short films, photographs, sculpture, and graphic design.

Notable works include:​

-Nathaniel Dennis’ surreal animated short film, Bang Bang Fish Tank, which follows a nameless punk with a living goldfish in his stomach.​

-Matthew Beattie’s seven-minute animatic, The Microwave, depicts three suburban boys encountering magical creatures in a forest.​

-Cheryl Caballero’s Social Solitude, an animatic about a young adult neglecting self-care due to work pressures.​

Local News written by Maisie Strader

Fishing Contests Surge in Chautauqua County

Chautauqua County is experiencing a significant uptick in fishing tournaments this spring, reflecting a broader trend of increased participation in freshwater competitions. This resurgence is attributed to several factors, including advancements in fishing technology, a focus on sustainability, and the inclusivity of events.​

The Jamestown Post Journal says, “Add to that the growing focus on sustainable fishing practices within some tournaments. One such practice is “catch, photograph and release (CPR),” where anglers catch a fish, take a photo, transmit it via the internet to tournament HQ, and then release it back into the water. This helps fish populations remain healthy.”

Looking ahead, several notable tournaments are scheduled in Chautauqua County:​

May 3: Perch Derby on Lake Erie, organized by the Southtowns Walleye Association.

May 10: Chautauqua Lake Bassmasters Walleye Open from 6 p.m. to midnight.

May 25: Crappie Open Tournament at Lakewood Dog Park Boat Launch.

June 6–8: WNY Walleye Classic/Dunkirk Walleye Festival.

June 7–15: 41st Annual Southtowns Walleye Tournament with $100K in prizes

Legal Challenge to NY Wetlands Regulations

Chautauqua Lake property owners have filed a lawsuit against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), challenging new wetlands regulations set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The lawsuit, led by the Chautauqua Lake Property Owners Association (CPOA), argues that the expanded rules unlawfully classify significant portions of the lake as wetlands, potentially restricting property owners’ rights and complicating lake management efforts.​

The DEC’s updated regulations aim to protect an estimated one million additional acres of wetland habitat across the state. 

Channel 2 WGRZ says that property owner activities that may be restricted consist of, the use of herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers, but may also include certain building and road construction, septic system installation, grading, excavation, and drainage work.

The lawsuit is scheduled for late summer 2025, channel 2 says, “A spokesperson for the DEC declined to comment, citing the agency’s policy of not addressing ongoing litigations. Attorneys on both sides will file their initial arguments through July 11 and August 15 of this summer. A return date for the hybrid proceeding is scheduled for August 22 in Albany Supreme Court.”