Twenty years ago — 1999

The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency has approved a $15 million loan for WCA Hospital, clearing the way for a $20 million plan to refinance hospital debt and undertake a major improvement project. The loan utilizes tax-exempt bonds and does not involve any public monies. WCA president Mark Celmer was very pleased with the support of the IDA, noting that “we have no intentions of going into default on the loans. WCA Hospital plans on being here for the next 100 years.”

Thirty years ago — 1989

Gretchen Van Den Vouver, a 1988 graduate of Dunkirk High School, is one of the starting forwards for the Erie Community College’s women’s basketball team. She is team’s leading rebounder, averaging just over 11 per game and is also the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 13 a game with her season high coming against Monroe Community College of Rochester, when she had 28 points. Gretchen is majoring in General Studies at ECC North. She is the daughter of Edmund and Virginia Van Den Vouver of Dunkirk.

Forty years ago — 1979

The Rev. David Broad, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Fredonia, is this year’s recipient of “The Prophet’s Hoe,” awarded by the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry Inc. in recognition of Rev. Broad’s advocacy for the disenfranchised members of the Chautauqua County community. The Rev. Bruce A. Buchanan presented the award.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Calendar Girl for the Month of February is Miss Joanne Sciarrino, 17, of 86 East Main St., Brocton. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Sciarrino. A Brocton Central School senior, Joanne is majoring in mathematics and science and has been accepted for admission next fall to Fredonia State University College. She is a member of the National Honor Society, school band, junior literary staff and yearbook editor.