Twenty years ago — 1999

The Dunkirk Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously granted permission for Mary K. Ruge and Jean R. Ruge to operate a gift shop and cafe known as Books & Co. Gift Shop at 318 Lake Shore Drive East. The building was previously owned by Mary Ruge’s father who operated a bar at that location. Plans call for relocating Books & Co., which was formerly located on East Main Street in Fredonia, to the building. There will be seating for six to eight customers.

Thirty years ago — 1989

At a recent dinner meeting in Buffalo, James T. Strychalski, D.D.S., of Dunkirk was installed as president of the Eighth District Dental Society. Established in 1886, the district encompasses Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming and Allegany counties. A graduate of Cardinal Mindszenty High School, Dr. Strychalski served with the U.S. Army Dental Corps from 1964 to 1970. He returned to Dunkirk in 1973 to open a private practice.

Forty years ago — 1979

An ice storm has caused dozens of power lines to snap in the last five days. Faced with electric power blackouts in about 10 percent of the county’s 47,000 homes, County Executive Joseph Gerace has declared a state of emergency. The immediate effects of the declaration will be to begin a house by house check in all affected areas of the county to see if the residents need food, heat or other help. Niagara Mohawk has begun a “repair blitz,” since lack of power also means of lack of heat in most instances.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Four men in the Republican ranks in Dunkirk have made known their interest in the Dunkirk postmaster position. The position, which became fair game for Republicans when President Nixon took office, is presently being held by Democrat Thomas P. Nowicki. The four city Republicans are Seth Johnson, Claude C. Sharpet, Byron R. Woodin and Hobart Ames. The position of postmaster in Dunkirk has been held by Mr. Nowicki since April 1968 when he succeeded to the post upon the death of Ignatius Fafinski.