Twenty years ago — 1998

Zachary Haas, a second grader at Brocton Central School, received a piece of mail recently that carried an exclusive return address — The White House. The letter came from President Clinton in response to a note 7-year-old Zachary had sent to the president in October last year, after learning the chief executive would need hearing aids. In his note, Zachary told the president that he has had to wear hearing aids for three years and wished him good luck. President Clinton, in turn, thanked Zachary for taking the time to write and told him he was touched by Zachary’s concern for his well-being. The letter will be framed and placed in the family’s West Main Street, Fredonia home.

Thirty years ago — 1988

From City Shorts ….. The New York State Department of Transportation has decided to go ahead with plans to widen and reconstruct portions of Route 60 in Dunkirk from just south of School 3 to the intersection of Main and East Fifth streets. Information was not immediately available on whether the project will include closing off a portion of Main Street from Sixth Street to the intersection of Main Street and Maple Avenue. The state-funded project is expected to get under way next spring and take 18 months to complete.

Forty years ago — 1978

Michael Sullivan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Sullivan, 295 West Main St., Fredonia, was chosen the 1977-78 Outstanding Teen-Age Young Person during final competition in November 1977 at Fredonia High School. Criteria for the winner included scholastic ability, extracurricular activities, honors and awards, and community accomplishments.

Fifty years ago — 1968

Fifteen 4-H members took part in the Cherry Dessert contest held at Cassadaga Valley Central School. Jean Centner, 15, of Dunkirk earned the highest score in the senior division. Her cherry creation was Jean’s Cherry Supreme. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Centner.