Twenty years ago — 1999

Katie Smith, Chautauqua County Meals on Wheels executive director, has been named as the new director of the county’s Office for the Aging. Ms. Smith is a licensed practical nurse and has served as MOW executive director for the past six years. For 10 years, she served as the focal point coordinator for Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. The program offered counseling and advocacy to senior citizens and their families. She also worked as an Aging Services Aide for the Office for the Aging in 1997.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Fredonia Mayor Louis C. Mancuso officially announced that he will be running for re-election in the March 13 village elections for a sixth consecutive two-year term. He has served as president of both the Chautauqua County Mayors Association and the Western New York Mayors Conference. A lifelong village resident, he is employed as a school administrator with the Lake Shore Central School District.

Forty years ago — 1979

Paul Soper, 17, has been selected Student of the Week. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Soper Sr. of 81 East Seventh St., Dunkirk. Paul is a senior in the masonry program at BOCES in Fredonia and will receive a diploma from Dunkirk High School in June. His interest in masonry was sparked when he worked as a mason’s helper between his sophomore and junior years, developing skills in residential block foundations, brick exteriors, steps, stone and wood fireplaces and ceramic tile.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Ellis Gander was guest of honor at a retirement party held by employees of the OBSERVER at the Lakeside Restaurant in Dunkirk. Mr. Gander, press room foreman, retired last Dec. 31 after 50 years of working for the newspaper. He was succeeded by Henry Hube, who has 27 years of service. Also present was Henry Lindquist, former foreman who retired in 1957 after 47 years of employment.