Vindicator file photo / December, mid-1980s | Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted young and old after their arrival in downtown Youngstown in this Vindicator photo from about 35 years ago.
 
December 4
 
1997: Three Youngstown city school buildings will be closed, eliminating the jobs of 35 teachers, 10 custodians, six administrators, and four secretaries. 
 
Sharon Mayor Robert T. Price calls the Vocal Group Hall of Fame downtown "a milestone for the community." On hand for the hall's opening were all three of The Lettermen, Tony Butala, Darren Dowler, and Donovan Tea, who sang "O Come All Ye Faithful" and two other songs. 
 
A 26-year-old Mercer, Pa., high school teacher resigns her position on the same day that criminal charges are filed alleging she had sexual contact 10 times with a male student under the age of 18.
 
1982: Dr. Terrence Block, a Youngstown-born cardiologist who got his medical degree from Ohio State University, referred retired Seattle dentist Barney Clark to the University of Utah, where he received an artificial heart. Dr. Block, who has been practicing in Seattle, said he was skeptical at first, but as his patient continues to improve, he has come to think that artificial hearts will become more common within 10 years. 
 
Rabbi Samuel Meyer, spiritual leader of Temple El Emeth in Liberty, will speak on the "Advent Promise of the Messiah" during services at First Presbyterian Church, part of a continuing dialogue between the area's Christians and Jews. 
 
A record 830 people sign up for Youngstown City Civil Service tests for firefighters. There are currently four openings in the fire department. 
 
1972: East Liverpool city police officers enter the fourth day of calling off sick in large numbers as part of a labor dispute. 
 
Alfred M. Paxson, 70, of Volant, director of the Economic and Business Foundation at New Wilmington and a Freedoms Foundation Award winner, dies of a heart attack at his home. 
 
Youngstown Fireman Edward Sulik, 27, is treated at St. Elizabeth Hospital for burns of the face and hands suffered while fighting a fire that did $15,000 in damage to the Richard Richardson home on Gladstone Street. 
 
1947: The Ohio Liquor Board revokes the beer, wine, and liquor permits of Steve Paparodis, permit holder at the Jungle Inn on Applegate Road. 
November's election of a mayor, president of council, and seven councilmen in Youngstown cost the Democrats $36,643 and Republicans $31,378.
 
The Youngstown College basketeers drop a hard-fought 54-52 decision to the New Brighton American Legion before 1,700 fans in New Brighton.