WFMJ archives  / February 23, 1962 | The Mahoning Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association presented the first Co. L.E. Boals Award to First Lt. James Basista, second from left, 63 years ago to mark National Defense Week. From left, Capt. Kenneth Yarian, Col. Richard Bestor, and Capt. William Lindsay. 

February 27 

2000: U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. says he'll not apologize for being rated the Democrats' No. 1 defector in 1998, siding with Republicans 70 percent of the time. Since 1995, Newt Gingrich was elected House speaker, Traficant hasn't voted more than 52 percent of the time with Democrats, which he says gives him bargaining power with both parties.

The Youngstown State University women beat Missouri-Kansas City 68-49 in the final home game of the season. Still, Oakland's defeat of Oral Roberts, announced at half-time, ended the Penguins' five-year streak as Mid-Continent Conference champions. Coach Ed DiGregorio said Oakland deserved the championship, noting that the Penguins gave up two games they shouldn't have.

Two education professors at Youngstown State University receive $650,000 in state and federal grants. Dr. Robert J. Beebe is the co-recipient of a $350,000 grant to design testing protocols for the licensure of school principals. Dr. Robert A. Levin received a $300,000 grant for staff development in Pittsburgh city schools. 

1985: Miami Industries of Piqua has agreed to buy the roll-formed shapes department of Van Huffel Tube Corp. in Warren for an undisclosed price.

About 200 hourly Van Huffel employees voted to accept a proposed contract with the new division by 154-42.

State Auditor Thomas Ferguson recommends that Niles hire a central purchasing agent and buy a computer system for utility billing and other record keeping. The Boardman Rotary Club opens its four-day maple syrup festival at Boardman Township Park. 

1975: Ohio Edison Co. files an application with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to increase the price of electricity for industrial customers, residential and commercial customers in rural areas, and communities with fewer than 1,000 residents.

The Youngstown Area Community Action Council applies for a $160,000 state grant that would allow it to hire 16 welfare mothers and 36 youths who would conduct anti-rape patrols in city neighborhoods. They would wear uniforms and carry walkie-talkies.

Youngstown shopping plaza tycoon Edward J. DeBartolo envisions a great season for his Thistledown racetrack that opens in a few days. Still, rising construction costs may delay a decision on a new track near Akron. 

1950: Virgil Eugene Vickers, a shy Berlin Center high school senior who hopes to be a college professor someday, places first among 10,042 high school seniors who took Ohio's general scholastic tests.

New Castle's second major fire in 30 hours guts the Clendennon Block at Washington and Mercer streets. Damage is estimated at $200,000 to $300,000 and would have been higher if firemen hadn't have saved Peoples Bank.