Twenty years ago — 1998

Back by popular demand is the Buffalo Bills Community Luncheon sponsored by the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce. Community members are invited to join other Bills fans for a delicious buffet luncheon with members of the Buffalo Bills organization at the Williams Center, SUNY College at Fredonia. The ticket price includes free gifts, including a Buffalo Bills media guide and door prizes of Buffalo Bills memorabilia, including an autographed football. There also will be guest speakers and a video of the 1997 Buffalo Bills season highlights. A special option is watching the afternoon practice from the VIP area.

Thirty years ago — 1988

Dan McKinnon of Forestville recently won Hot Rod Pick-of-Show by Big Boy’s Toys Rod Shop of Syracuse during the 15th Annual Eastern Street Rod Nationals held by the National Street Rod Association. This show is the association’s biggest event. It was held in York, Pa., and had 2,761 cars from the United States and Canada registered in nine categories. A street rod is a 1948 or below modified car. Mr. McKinnon of Route 39 feels lucky to win this award because of the stiff competition. His car is a black 1942 Willys Coupe, with silver ghost flames on the fenders.

Forty years ago — 1978

Gov. Hugh Carey said casino gambling would give New York State a competitive lease on life. He stressed that casino gambling is needed as soon as possible. New York is losing its competitive position because New Jersey has casino gambling and Connecticut has jai alai. Carey said the income from casino gambling would be used to fight crime and the state would not be required to lower its standards of decency.

Fifty years ago — 1968

The Dunkirk Public Housing Authority recently became the owner of the first parcel of land to be used for the future construction of the 11-story building for the elderly. Edward M. Orcutt, chairman of the PHA, presented a check to Samuel J. Ippolito, 100 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk for his property. Other property owners involved in the acquisition are Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bankoski, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cellino and Robert Doino. The only property that will be placed under condemnation is a private home with land owned by Henry and Florence Lipka.