Twenty years ago — 1998

The newest McDonald’s restaurant began construction on the morning of April 6 following a 10 o’clock ground-breaking in Westfield. The restaurant is owned by Jerry and LaVerne Meyers, owners of 14 McDonald’s in Western New York and Pennsylvania. The new fast-food establishment is slated to open in June and will employ 40 to 50 people — almost all of them new hires from the area. It will feature a clamshell grill that cooks the meat simultaneously on both sides and McDonald’s new service driven production system. The decor will be of a Victorian motif in blue and plum, with seating for 70 people.

Thirty years ago — 1988

The Lake Shore Savings and Loan Association has embarked on a major renovation and expansion program at its East Fourth Street office in Dunkirk. The project is expected to take six months to complete. A one-story addition, which will provide about 1,400 square feet of new space, will be built on the east side of the building and extend around to the north side. It will house two new offices, an equipment room and a full-sized vault. The company also plans extensive renovations to the inside of the office. Meister Construction of Dunkirk is the contractor for the project.

Forty years ago — 1978

April 8 has been proclaimed “Van Miller Appreciation Day” in Dunkirk to honor a native son who will be recognized at halftime of the Buffalo Braves-New York Knicks pro basketball game at Buffalo Memorial Auditorium. Mr. Miller, a sportscaster on Buffalo television station WIVB (Ch. 4) and WBEN radio and play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Braves, is being honored for his many years of outstanding contributions to charity, the community and the sports world. Dunkirk Mayor Gilbert Snyder presented a plaque to Mr. Miller on behalf of the city. Mr. Miller also is the “Voice of the Buffalo Bills.”

Fifty years ago — 1968

Petty Officer First Class Richard Sweetman, U.S. Navy, has been selected as the Outstanding Enlisted Man serving in the Third Naval district area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. He received a citation of meritorious achievement and a silver trophy on March 26. He joined the Navy in August 1958 and graduated from radarman school in June 1959. Petty Officer Sweetman and his wife Lorraine reside with their two children at 541 South Roberts Road, Dunkirk.