Twenty years ago — 1999

Work is progressing on the new Best Western Hotel behind the existing Vineyard Inn and Restaurant. Construction should be completed by August. Located adjacent to the state Thruway, the 61-unit hotel will feature an indoor pool and health spa. The Best Western joins five other new businesses developed by Jayesh and Pravin Patel between Route 60 and Vineyard Drive in the Town of Dunkirk: Cellular One, Cracker Barrel, Aldi’s, Mighty Taco and Applebee’s.

Thirty years ago — 1989

The Firehouse Five deli and pizzeria, 629 Brigham Road, Dunkirk recently held its official grand opening. Among the items on the menu are pizza, subs, wings, onion chips, mozzarella sticks and other favorites. The decor at Firehouse Five, which opened its doors for business on Feb. 1, sports authentic firefighting equipment. Greg and Debbie Skubis are the owners of Dunkirk’s newest establishment.

Forty years ago — 1979

The Dunkirk Urban Renewal Agency has agreed to sell the Walt’s Sporting Goods building at 310 Central Ave. for $53,500 — $6,500 under the asking price of $60,000. The building is expected to be purchased by Dalton Burgett, who owns several Dunkirk businesses, including Walt’s. The price was lowered because the store is faced with the expense of waterproofing the basement. The building is the fourth on Central Avenue to be sold for renovation rather than demolished as originally planned.

Fifty years ago — 1969

The OBSERVER Student of the Week is Carl VandeVelde, a member of the graduating class of Westfield High School. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell H. VandeVelde, 36 Holt St., Westfield. Carl is president of the senior class, has been a delegate to Boys State, and is a three-letter man in varsity track, football and basketball. Following his graduation, he plans to attend the University of Dayton.