Twenty years ago – 1999

Chautauqua County officially has a whooping cough outbreak with 250 cases confirmed. That number is increasing by 20 new cases a day, prompting the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to visit the county. Before this outbreak, there were only 19 cases reported in the county this year. In 1998, New York State had 357 cases total. The current outbreak is mainly in the north county, with few cases in the southern end.

Thirty years ago — 1989

From Ad News ….. It’s first anniversary time for Computer Tutor in the Russo Building in Fredonia. They specialize in helping students from the very young to senior citizens by motivating with computers. ….. Also celebrating their first anniversary is the Jamestown Mattress Factory Outlet at 48 West Main St. in Fredonia. The firm is well-known for offering quality mattresses, box springs and water beds at low prices.

Forty years ago – 1979

Dunkirk Republican Mayor Gilbert Snyder released his proposed 1980 city operating budget which carries the same tax rate as the past five years. The mayor stated the city is in “excellent” financial condition, adding there is no need for a tax increase as the city is being run as efficiently as possible. He said the low tax rate, which is believed to be among the lowest in the state for cities, “is one of Dunkirk’s greatest assets.”

Fifty years ago — 1969

Cassadaga residents are mourning the death of Albin Fredrickson, who died Oct. 4 at the age of 79. He served as the second mayor of the village of Cassadaga and had been a partner in the Fredrickson Brothers Lumber Co. He then became president of Cassadaga Wood Products Co. until his retirement. Mr. Fredrickson was a member and trustee of the Cassadaga Community Baptist Church.