Twenty years ago — 1997

Crossroads Business Association is honoring two gentlemen this year: Hyman Zeplowitz of Dunkirk and Joseph J. Trusso of Fredonia. These men were chosen because of how they gave themselves to the community for more than 50 years in accordance with one of the most helpful organizations in the region — the Lions Club. Mr. Zeplowitz has been with the Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club for longer than 50 years. He joined in 1942 and was the Lion of the Year in 1978. He had perfect attendance for 24 years and served as Loan Closet chairman for 24 years. Mr. Trusso has been heavily involved with Fredonia Central Schools. The life member of the FCS PTA, he also was supervisor of “The Hub” which was the teen center during the 1960s. He joined the Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club in 1979 and was Lion of the Year in 1982.

Thirty years ago — 1987

If there are no unexpected major expenses in the next few weeks, the city of Dunkirk should end its budget year in the black. That was the prediction from City Treasurer Norman Woloszyn. He attributed the lack of red ink mainly to a properly funded budget for this year. It has been several years since the city ended its budget year on Dec. 31 without a deficit and the primary cause of that problem — according to the city’s independent auditors — has been the budgets have been underfunded from the start. That changed for 1987, however, when the council last year approved a $9.3 million spending plan that was 14 percent higher than the city’s 1986 budget. While the increase necessitated a major tax hike, it did allow the city to maintain all services and will apparently result in the city avoiding another budget deficit.

Forty years ago — 1977

Mayor Gilbert Snyder of Dunkirk, recently re-elected for another term, will be appointing several department heads, including the newly created position of fiscal affairs officer. The new city charter has made these appointments possible. However, they must be approved by the Common Council.

Fifty years ago — 1967

The Silver Creek Central School Board recently discussed at length the request of the Silver Creek Business and Professional Women’s Club that a Nike Club for junior and senior girls be organized at the high school.