Twenty years ago — 1999

A proposal to have an outside firm manage the city wastewater treatment plant is still under consideration, according to Dunkirk Mayor Robert Kesicki. Chris Surma, an operator at the plant, inquired about the status of talks with American/Anglian Environmental Technologies, the firm interested in taking over the operation of the plant. The proposal is part of the negotiations with AFL-CIO Local 912, the union representing the majority of employees at the wastewater facility. The city would pay the company a fee for its services, which includes taking over the day-to-day operation of the plant. The fee would be about $500,000 less a year than what it currently takes the city to operate it.

Thirty years ago — 1989

After years of waiting, teens from the Fredonia-Pomfret area will soon occupy the new community center on the ground floor of Fredonia Village Hall. Two $500 donations have enabled the community center committee to purchase a sound system, television and two sofas. Donations were made in memory of Alfred Goodman and William Penfold “for the children of Fredonia.” Teens will be able to listen to music, visit with friends, watch TV, or play ping pong. In the next few weeks, the center will add video arcade games, foosball, cable TV and a snack bar.

Forty years ago — 1979

A sheltered workshop which provides jobs for the mentally disabled and physically handicapped adults in northern Chautauqua County, will be relocated to the former Loblaws supermarket building on Lake Shore Drive East in Dunkirk. The workshop is expected to be moved to its new site later this month. It is currently housed in the Holy Cross Apostolic Center which is up for sale.

Fifty years ago — 1969

The Chautauqua County Cow Belles sponsored a beef cook-off recently at the Fredonia Central High School home economics department. High-school age cooks competed for the title of county beef cook-off champion. The winner, Miss Judith Nocek of East Main Road, Fredonia, will represent Chautauqua County at the statewide contest held during the New York State Fair in Syracuse in September. Miss Nocek’s prize-winning dish was her original recipe for creamed Swiss steak.