Twenty years ago — 1999

An exhibition by Dunkirk native artist Nancy Hutchinson at the Adams Art Gallery opened with a public reception today. More than 15 portraits comprise the exhibition on display through July 31. Ms. Hutchinson paints people that she knows, often using a photograph as a starting point. Her most frequently painted subjects have been landscapes and still life. Ms. Hutchinson’s paintings may be found in local institutions such as Lake Shore Savings and Loan.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Dunkirk Mayor Madylon Kubera handed out the first small business loan processed through the city’s new Dunkirk Local Development Corp. loan program. Receiving the $45,000 loan check is Steven Ribbing, who recently purchased, renovated and opened Ribbing’s Restaurant at the Dunkirk-Fredonia Plaza. All city residents and businesses are eligible for the loans, which presently offer a 5.5 percent interest rate.

Forty years ago — 1979

Parking is a plus at the new location of U.S. News at the corner of Park and East Fourth streets in Dunkirk. The new climatized store was opened in March upon the completion of the move from the former East Fifth Street store which had been its business location for three years. The new location has 3,000 square feet of a well-lighted interior, providing an abundant display area.

Fifty years ago — 1969

The historic bell that used to be located in the tower of the Dunkirk Junior High building (the 1896 section, along with some other sections were razed this year) is now in its new location. It has a special place next to the gate leading into the football field on West Sixth Street. The clapper is locked and the bell will be rung only on special occasions as in the past — such as football victories, commencement exercises etc.).