Twenty years ago – 1999

An OBSERVER Letter to the Editor by Brenda Butler of Dunkirk recommends that, as a safety issue, the city should continue its efforts to get all trains in the city on the elevated tracks that run along Third Street. She notes that attempts to have these trains rerouted have been on-going for nearly 45 years and the little bit of tax money received for the tracks in the 4th Ward doesn’t come close to covering the aggravation and peril those tracks pose to city and area residents.

Thirty years ago — 1989

Bronislaus Kaus, Republican, Conservative and Right to Life parties candidate for Dunkirk First Ward councilman, said crime and drug and alcohol abuse are the greatest challenges facing the city. He called for the organization of a city-wide neighborhood watch program, the establishment of a narcotics squad within the city police department and for the application of federal funds to fight drugs.

Forty years ago – 1979

The American Broadcasting Co. (ABC-TV-Radio) has promoted Dunkirk’s Norman Hitzges to the newly created position of executive sports director at KABC-TV, the number one rated network in Los Angeles. The son of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Hitzges of 220 Franklin Ave., Dunkirk the sports executive is a former OBSERVER summer employee. He is a graduate of Cardinal Mindszenty High School and Canisius College, where he received a degree in sports journalism.

Fifty years ago — 1969

A walkout of employees at the Dunkirk Lingerie Plant on Wright Street Extension is in its 60th day with no end in sight. The plant’s entire work force of 125, mostly women, has been picketing at the plant since Aug. 21. The company has stated firmly that it is closing the plant for good and the workers are picketing at a plant that may never reopen.