Twenty years ago — 1998

A Chautauqua County resident, sponsored by Rep. Amo Houghton, has won coveted appointments to two national service academies. Matthew Baideme, son of Philip and Carol Baideme of Westfield, has won appointments to both the Naval Academy and West Point. He may attend either school at his discretion. Rep. Houghton offered words of praise for the Westfield Academy and Central School senior. “Students like Matthew who earn these academy appointments have my highest respect,” he said. “They represent the cream of the crop of our high schools.”

Thirty years ago — 1988

From City Shorts ….. At 8 a.m. today, the fire department’s Engine 2, stationed at fire headquarters on Eagle Street, was put on reserve status. As a result, a paid firefighter will no longer be assigned to the truck on a regular basis, although the truck will be kept ready for service on an as-needed basis. Mayor Madylon Kubera ordered the move earlier this month to cut down on departmental personnel costs. As a result of the change, three full-time positions will be eliminated through attrition.

Forty years ago — 1978

An OBSERVER feature story focuses on the career of C. Norman Albrecht of Perrysburg, who is a beekeeper. Mr. Albrecht plans to teach a basic beekeeping course at BOCES in Fredonia. He estimated that there are about 1,500-2,000 beekeepers of some sort in the county.

Fifty years ago — 1968

From out of Canada has come the snowmobile and it has opened a completely new world to the outdoor enthusiast. Prices start at near the $700 mark and go as high as $1,300 for the standard stock machine. One of the most popular spots for snowmobiling is the Cassadaga Country Club on Frisbee Road. Drivers come from as far away as Cleveland, Erie and Buffalo. Recent meets at Cassadaga have attracted as many as 50 and 60 snowmobiles. Snowmobiles have also been used in Chautauqua County for mud racing.