Twenty years ago — 1999

First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton recently made a visit to Dunkirk. Braving wind, rain, lightning and a late arrival, a large and enthusiastic crowd turned out to welcome her to the city. The first lady made a lunch stop at Demetri’s On the Lake with about 200 people gathered behind barricades in the area of the restaurant. On her way into the restaurant, she stopped to accept a plaque from the Rev. Roger Eimers Sr. of Faith Baptist Church of Fredonia.

Thirty years ago — 1989

The Lakeview Correctional Facility in Brocton, a new medium-security state prison built to handle the overflow of criminals entering the prison system, opened Aug. 7. In addition to its 750 felons, the prison is bringing the first major new construction in the community in 20 years and some of the highest-paying jobs in Chautauqua County. In addition, new businesses are springing up in former empty storefronts in the village of Brocton. The project is expected to add 1,500 people to the village and surrounding town of Portland, with property values increasing 10 to 15 percent in recent weeks.

Forty years ago — 1979

Funeral services were held recently for the Rt. Rev. Valerion Bernardo, VF, pastor emeritus of Holy Trinity Church. Msgr. Bernardo, 85, was dean of the Catholic clergy in Chautauqua County. He was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity in 1945 and served in that position until his retirement in 1974. He oversaw the opening of the parish school in September 1960 and the construction of a new church and rectory in 1972.

Fifty years ago — 1969

“Divided We Stand” is the slogan which will greet persons driving into the town of Dunkirk on Bennett Road and the east and west entrances by way of Route 5. A map showing the division of the town by the city of Dunkirk will be displayed beneath the words, “Town of Dunkirk, Divided We Stand.” The new signs were approved by the Dunkirk Town Board.