Thirty years ago — 1994

In her last article as OBSERVER Living Pages editor, M. Louise Ratkoski reminisces about her 29 years of employment with the newspaper. She moved up the ranks from typist/switchboard operator to head of one of the busiest departments in the newsroom. Mrs. Ratkoski points with pride to the People in Profile column, which debuted on Nov. 2, 1974, the first of more than 1,000 such articles on community members and their numerous contributions and talents. She fondly recalls her first feature story with her first byline that focused on a visitor from Japan. And she was sure to thank everyone who made her cherished career possible.

Forty years ago — 1984

The young women of Dunkirk High School’s Marauder 3R Club will be accompanied by their mothers at the fourth annual “I Love Mother” banquet to be held May 10 at Shorewood Country Club. The club’s major event is expected to be attended by more than 100 persons. Guest speaker is Cindy Abbott, co-host and co-producer of “A.M. Buffalo,” a morning show on Channel 7. A fashion show is also planned.

Fifty years ago — 1974

Dunkirk Police Chief Edward Mulville issued a warning to residents regarding a telephone scam involving a caller claiming to be a bank official who would ask a person to close out their account and have it delivered to his home in an effort to catch a “crooked teller.”