Twenty years ago – 1999

In the OBSERVER’s Cheers and Jeers editorial column today, Cheers go to the regular-season return of the National Football League’s Cleveland Browns and to U.S. Open tennis champions Serena Williams and Andre Agassi for their inspiring victories. Jeers to those wasting precious time bemoaning the opening day loss of the Buffalo Bills to the Indianapolis Colts; and to the embarrassing political campaign for county executive in Erie County that has been waged on the TV airways.

Thirty years ago — 1989

From Just Between Us ….. At the Dunkirk Historical Society’s recent railroad display dedication, Dunkirk Mayor Madylon Kubera acknowledged as a celebrity Betty Speziale of Dunkirk, the first woman umpire assigned to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Her acknowledgement drew hearty applause from the more than 200 people gathered, all agreeing that Mrs. Speziale was a class representative of the city and all of Western New York.

Forty years ago – 1979

Frank Pagano, the owner of SUNY’s Place at 43 Water St., Fredonia confirmed today that he has filed a $250,000 claim with the State of New York for flood damages sustained in the Aug. 7 flood. The suit claims that the state was negligent in the construction of the Water Street bridge. It also says the state is responsible for Mr. Pagano’s flood damage because of the design and construction of the bridge. Mr. Pagano is being represented by Buffalo lawyer Paul Cambria.

Fifty years ago — 1969

Walter F. Sedlmayer of Fredonia, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sedlmayer of Mayville, was recently presented the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against North Vietnamese forces. The citation is signed by former President Lyndon B. Johnson and was presented to Mr. Sedlmayer at ceremonies held recently at the U.S. Naval Reserve Training Facility in Dunkirk.