Twenty years ago — 1999

The Buffalo Bills are heading back to Ralph Wilson Stadium to continue their preparations for the 1999 season. The one question on everyone’s mind following the last practice at Fredonia State was whether the Bills will be heading back to Fredonia for their 20th consecutive training camp in 2000. While nothing is official, there is speculation the Bills will move their training camp to St. John Fisher College in Rochester in a further attempt to regionalize the franchise.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Dunkirk native Toby Halicki, producer of the cult classic “Gone in 60 Seconds,” was fatally injured in a tragic accident in Tonawanda today while on the set of his latest movie, “Gone in 60 Seconds II.” The freak accident occurred when a water tower came down prematurely, snapping a wire which then knocked down a pole, hitting Mr. Halicki as he and others ran from the set. The entire city of Dunkirk is in mourning for Mr. Halicki, who left Dunkirk at the age of 15 and made it big in the movie industry in California. He had planned to feature his hometown prominently in his current movie.

Forty years ago — 1979

The Dunkirk Board of Education has found a novel way to save money and hire teachers at the same time. The board filled 13 teaching positions with persons who, because of their lack of experience, command $89,266 less in salary than their predecessors. By having less experienced teachers, the school district stands to save a considerable sum.

Fifty years ago — 1969

One hundred and twenty-five garment workers went on strike this morning at the Dunkirk Lingerie Co. plant located in the former Van Raalte building at the foot of Wright Street. Management explained they had not been contacted by anyone and could not comment on the particular reasons for the walkout. A spokesman for the workers said one of the complaints is the lack of a unionized labor force.