21 WFMJ archives  / December  19, 1986 | South Range High School students converted Room 211 into a gift-wrapping department 38 years ago. They wrapped clothing and other presents for 20 needy families in Green and Beaver townships, using items donated by students and the general public. 

December 23

1999: The South Range School District is the first in this area to reach the top rating on Ohio's latest school report card. Only 30 districts in the state reached that goal. Youngstown, Warren, and Southern Local are in the bottom tier.

Youngstown Mayor George McKelvey wears a blue Southern Georgia jersey to a City Council meeting, making good on a bet he and the mayor of Statesboro, Ga., made about the NCAA Division 1-AA national championship game, which the YSU Penguins lost.

The Southington Board of Education approves the senior class's request for a trip to New York City, but with a provision that at least 51 percent of the class must sign up for the $300 excursion.


1984: Mahoning Valley service stations have slashed prices to well below national and even state averages, with regular fuel ranging from 91.9 cents per gallon to $1.09.

Workers at the General Motors van plant in Lordstown collected $18,000 for food that social service agencies will distribute to needy families.

Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman Don L. Hanni Jr. has challenged his political rival, U.S. Rep.-elect James A Traficant Jr., to "a public debate, duel or good old-fashioned fistfight." Traficant had promised a "purge" of party leadership if he won the election. 


1974: The Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce urges the city to use private contractors to collect refuse in the city and perform janitorial services at City Hall

President Ford says he will not tolerate illegal domestic spying by the Central Intelligence Agency and has been assured the CIA is not involved in such activities. 


1949: A Gallup poll shows that most Americans believe trains and airplanes will run on atomic power and that a cure for cancer will be found by the end of the century. Only one in seven believes man will go to the moon. 

Mahoning County Probate Judge Clifford M. Woodside says that while the rest of the courthouse will be closed on Christmas Eve, a Saturday, he will be on duty until noon so couples can get marriage licenses. 

When the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the California Bears in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2, Coach Wes Fesler expects Columbiana's Bill Newell to play a key defensive role.