We open a new decade this week, yet we still encounter some turbulence of the '60s that has carried over into 1970.

        The Vietnam War continues to be the focal point of many heated debates and dissidents persevere in their efforts to demonstrate to the government, and all who will listen, their frustration and disgust with the situation overseas. One incident at Kent State University, in particular, results in tragedy and death for four students as the Ohio National Guard cuts them down in their prime during a Vietnam War protest. Through the shock of it all, as the scene is played across the country, it seems as if civil war is walking up the pathway and preparing to knock on America's door, begging to be let in.

        Ohio is not exclusive as an arena of unrest. At Jackson State University, two black students are slain by Mississippi police. The United States Postal Workers hold their first strike. In Crystal City, TX, Chicano activists gather to found La Raza Unida Party. The United Farm Workers also demonstrate their solidarity and begin a lettuce boycott. In a trial that got underway the previous year, the Chicago Seven are found not guilty. However, five of the individuals are convicted of crossing state lines with the intent to incite riots.

        Not all activity is negative, though. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is established, and the first Earth Day is celebrated. Congress passes the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and President Richard Nixon names the first two U.S. women generals. IBM develops the computer floppy disk, and Monarch Marking of the U.S. and Plessey Telecommunication of England develop the bar code system.

        In sports, the Baltimore Orioles win the World Series, the New York Knickerbockers are NBA champs, the Kansas City Chiefs are the pigskin pros over the Minnesota Vikings, Billy Casper is links Master, the Boston Bruins bring home the Stanley Cup, Dust Commander wins the Kentucky Derby and Al Unser leads the field at the Indy 500.

        A bit of the unrest pervading the country does make an appearance at the Academy Awards this year, however. George C. Scott, who receives the best actor nod for his role in "Patton" refuses the award.

        Like a breath of fresh air, we turn our attention to quiet, country life and local events.

        Patrick James Murphy is the first baby of 1970, born on Jan. 2 to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Murphy of Cattaraugus. Art Washburn, of Collins Center, wins an RCA color TV from Gabel Bros. Furniture. Donald Milks, of Cottage, is appointed to fill the Board of Education vacancy created by Ralph Smith's resignation. LaVerne Buckley, of Collins, repeats her culinary capabilities as a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest. New York State Trooper Leonard Kwilos is promoted to investigator in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and assigned to Troop "A" in Batavia. Trooper Dan Harrington is also promoted to sergeant in the uniform force. He is as- signed to Troop "F" in Middletown.

        Marcia Hager is named the Gowanda Central School 1970 Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow. Cynthia Timmel, of Collins, competes in the Cherry Dessert Contest in Rochester. Later in the week, she is on "Meet the Millers" on WBEN-TV. Roxanne Clabeaux is crowned junior prom queen. Three Gowanda Junior Grange members win in the state talent contest at Cazenovia. Marjorie Taft and Linda Bliss earn second place in the duet division. Judy Allen takes second in monologue. The grange takes third in group singing.

        This year's valedictorian at GCS is Deborah Degenfelder; Paul Mesches is salutatorian. Annette Parish, of Collins, is chosen queen of the Erie County Parks and Recreation Department at the Erie County Fair. Playground tournament event winners for 1970 include: Chris Quiter, Justin Regan, Susie Lennertz, Jim Nolan, Polly Howard, Lance Gurney, Tony Hunt, Ralph Nagle, Mark Watson, Rob Wilber, Debbie Brown, Janet Dispenza, Jeff Davis, Matt Davis, John Neporadny, Donna Orth, Rhonda Wilber, Peg Goodemote, Cheryl Leisner, Marge Walgus, Paula Palcic, Chris Davis, Philip Utley, Kevin Regan, Mike Urbank, Murray Davis, Tim Burek, John Peglowski, Mark Hatfield and John Hollenbeck.

        This year's Punt, Pass and Kick pros are: Clayton Christ, Matt Davis, Pat Gurney, Robert Peglowski, Chris Davis, Elwyn Silverheels, Clifton Wheeler, Peter Clabeaux, Kevin Maybee, Ronald Rote, Mike Clabeaux, Eugene John, Jeffrey Denea, Justin Reagan, Scott Harvey, Nicholas Comstock, Dan Urbank and Thomas Cocca. Zone winners are: Clayton Chris, Matt Davis, Robert Peglowski and Chris Davis.

        In the fall, Gowanda Fire Department Halloween parade winners are announced. They are: Billy Fedor, the Comstock group, Dave Wilson, Amy Wilson, Winette Granger, Lavern Hill, Jill Fedor, Kevin Hill, Kristine Herrington, Veronica Stelley, Sandra Holcomb, Michael Paine, Tom O'Brian, Bob O'Brian, Daron Broyles, Brian and Steven Dosa, Warren and Wayne Dickinson, Amy Lesefske and Daniel Broyles.

        In business news, Sipple's Store is robbed of a sizeable amount of cash - between $500 and $700 is taken. The Gowanda News and Observer office moves to 26 Jamestown St. Orrin Mesch is named manager of Peter Pan Florists, Inc. on 25 West Main St. Burglars get $30 and a typewriter from Gowanda Builders. Gordon Woodcock, food service manager of Gowanda State Hospital, retires after 46 years with the Department of Mental Hygiene. At Becky's, the "Wet Look" is in (crushed patent leather). The store also stocks heather ribbed pantyhose in various colors for $4, another "in" look. Body stocking jumpsuits are $10. At the other end of the spectrum, Mani-hose, men's pantyhose, are now on the market. Daring men may choose from brown or black for $5.95 a pair at Wallace's Men's Wear. For a total cover-up, snowmobile suits are available at Gowanda Sports Shop for $30. Valley Discount opens at the bridge. Nagle's Store celebrates 50 years of business.

        A break-in at Gowanda Country Club results in thieves making off with $800 in merchandise and $300 in liquor. Joseph Valentine sells his restaurant to Ernest Quandt. A grand opening is held at the new Cheplo Oldsmobile-Cadillac showroom. Hogle's has a new location - 43 West Main St. Kodak introduces "Magicubes" flashcubes, which are available at Hogle's. The store also features these back-to-school specials: 64 Crayola crayons - 73 cents; 500 sheets of filler paper - 99 cents; 500 sheets of type- writer paper - $1.09; 33-count pencil pack - 88 cents; and blue canvas three- ring binder - 88 cents. Other sale items include Pampers diapers, 30-count pack- age -$1.43; and book matches, 50 packs per box - 9 cents. Gibbs' Decorating Center moves to 31 West Main St. Purdy Ford, Inc. advertises the Pinto - "The Little Carefree Car." A youth recreation center, "The Gap," opens at 22 Jamestown St. The Gowanda Gardens Restaurant at 38 South Water St. opens under new management - Albert Provorse. Western Auto announces it is quitting business.

        One of the biggest news stories of the year focuses on the Peter Cooper Corpo- ration (PCC).

        In January, the company announces it intends to modify its present power-producing facilities. They will convert their coal-burning equipment that is used in the manufacturing process to fuel oil. This will reduce fly ash and eventually eliminate it. Approximately a month later, it is reported that the New York State Health Department plans to take legal action against PCC for allegedly violating orders to stop emitting soot and fly ash. PCC is subsequently fined $3,000 for air pollution; the company must cease polluting by June 15; they comply with the soot order.

        Again, in August, it is reported in the local paper that PCC faces another pollution charge. The glue factory is cited for water pollution.

        Attorney General Louis Lefkowitz accuses PCC of "Failing to abate its discharges of untreated industrial wastes, including the residues and wash water from animal hide particles, hair, grease and chromium compounds from its plant into the waters of Cattaraugus Creek."

        Some other events of 1970 are: Paul Costa and Joe O'Donnell, of the Buffalo Bills, are guest speakers at the Gowanda Little League Football Banquet; it is announced the 1969 GCS Valley Bugle yearbook wins second place in the Class C Division of the Western New York Interscholastic Press Association Competition; Congressman Richard "Max" McCarthy is the keynote speaker at the Chamber of Commerce banquet; Gowanda Armes basketball team takes the Western New York Basketball Association Tournament title - Dave Mendofik, Bob Johnson, Glenn Schultz, Fred McIn- tosh, Frank Howard, Mike Fazzalaro, Jerry Skurcenski, Dave Robbins and Vic Armes. Chester Tepper is appointed district principal of Gowanda schools, to replace retiring Lawrence Skura. Stem's Gems, winners of the Hi-Lo Ladies League at K & L Lanes appear on Channel 4's "Strikes, Spares and Misses." Team members are: Ginger Erickson, Marilyn Utley, Ruth Youngberg, Nancy Thomas and Pat Hinkley. They win over the Circlettes of Buffalo. The Gems go on to place fourth out of 553 entries in the 44th annual Buffalo Women's Bowling Association City Tournament.

        As I begin this ending paragraph, I see 1971 looming and begging for attention of its own. Of course, I still have more unwritten news from 1970, but my column inches shrink more rapidly with each passing week. So, I bid 1970 adieu and prepare for the events in 1971. Until then...