Twenty years ago — 1999

On Aug. 16, Dr. Stephen Pericak joined Dr. John R. Vona in the practice of dentistry at 228 Central Ave., Silver Creek. Dr. Pericak is a 1996 graduate of the University of Buffalo and interned at Millard Fillmore Hospital. Dr. Pericak noted that with the addition of Dr. Vona, the practice will be able to offer expanded hours, welcome new patients, and accept most insurances.

Thirty years ago — 1989

The grand opening of Bradigan’s Sport Shop, 222 Central Ave., Dunkirk is being celebrated this week. Owners Jerry and Mary Bradigan report that the store is family-owned and operated. It is a complete sporting goods store with traditional hunting and fishing items. It will also offer a new line of beach equipment to the area. Amber Bradigan, the owners’ daughter, cut the ribbon during the ceremony.

Forty years ago — 1979

Fredonia firemen had a guest for two days at the fire hall — a dog plucked from Canadaway Creek during the peak of the recent storm. The dog was rescued by fireman Butch Bell and given temporary shelter at the fire hall. The beagle/basset mix was sleeping at a house on Norton Street when the flood waters hit. Had it not been rescued, the animal most likely would have drowned. Its owner has been located.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Looters, black marketers and monumental sanitation problems plagued the ravaged Gulf Coast today and the remnants of Hurricane Camille regained strength in the Atlantic after wreaking new death in Virginia. The strongest hurricane ever to strike the U.S. mainland killed at least 270 persons in its thousand-mile overland trek from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Damage is expected to exceed $1 billion.