Thirty years ago — 1994 The city of Dunkirk has been notified that it will be awarded a state grant for improvements which it hopes will lead to Amtrak making Dunkirk an official stop for its passenger trains. John C. Egan, commissioner of the state Department of Transportation, notified the city by letter that it would be receiving $62,500, which the city hopes to use to refurbish the former depot at the foot of Main Street near the railroad tracks. The funding is part of the state’s $30 million Special Rail Transportation Program. Forty years ago — 1984 The largest Tops Friendly Market ever built in Western New York opened this month in the town of Dunkirk on Vineyard Drive. The 50,000 square foot store has a 36,000 square foot shopping area, parking for about 450 cars and will employ about 300 workers. The store is privately owned by Jane Eagan and Jerry Trindel of Fredonia. It includes 17 checkout stations, a floral boutique, bulk food section, huge salad bar and in-house bakery. The store is open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.