Twenty years ago — 1999

After being rejected three times by the Dunkirk Planning Board, United Refining Co. of Warren, Pa., is taking the city of Dunkirk to court in an attempt to obtain a demolition permit for a house at 765 Central Ave. Papers were filed April 26 in State Supreme Court in Mayville and the case is scheduled to be heard May 24. The house in question is located next to the Kwik Fill gas station at the corner of Lucas and Central avenues. United Refining, which owns Kwik Fill, is seeking permission to raze the structure as part of a future expansion project.

Thirty years ago — 1989

A request by Murray Hose Co. No. 4 for the city to lift the ban on alcohol in the city’s fire halls for one day was denied by Mayor Madylon Kubera. The fire company wanted the ban lifted so it could serve refreshments following its traditional Memorial Day Mass to honor its deceased members. Mayor Kubera said she will not lift the ban because she does not feel the city can afford to open itself up to any more alcohol-related lawsuits.

Forty years ago — 1979

Civil Defense authorities have ordered an evacuation of Lake Shore Hospital and the Sunset Bay colony and prepared to close state highways 5 and 20 because of danger within a half mile radius from chemical tank cars involved in a Conrail train wreck. County Defense Director Wanda Gustafson and Hanover Town CD Director and Police Chief John Kohler directed the precautionary step because of concern about what may happen when wrecking crews begin to remove two tank cars filled with the explosive and carcinogenic chemical vinyl choride. They are among 21 cars that derailed on the railroad bridge in Sunset Bay crossing Dead Creek.

Fifty years ago — 1969

The Town of Dunkirk is planning to erect signs at three locations to inform the motoring public that they are entering the Town of Dunkirk. Plans are in place to erect signs at the east and west entrances on Route 5 and Bennett Road. Along with the welcome to the town, a slogan will be placed on the signs, with a $10 prize being awarded to the person who comes up with the winning slogan. A possible start may be to remember that Dunkirk is believed to be the only town in New York state that is divided by a city. Entries must not exceed eight words.