Today is Saturday, Nov. 18, the 322nd day of 2006. There are 43 days left in the year. On this date in 1928, Walt Disney's first sound-synchronized animated cartoon, "Steamboat Willie" starring Mickey

Today is Saturday, Nov. 18, the 322nd day of 2006. There are 43 days left in the year. On this date in 1928, Walt Disney's first sound-synchronized animated cartoon, "Steamboat Willie" starring Mickey Mouse, premieres in New York.
In 1883, the United States and Canada adopt a system of Standard Time zones. In 1886, the 21st president of the United States, Chester A. Arthur, dies in New York at age 56. In 1903, the United States and Panama sign a treaty granting the U.S. rights to build the Panama Canal. In 1936, Germany and Italy recognize the Spanish government of Francisco Franco. In 1966, U.S. Roman Catholic bishops do away with the rule against eating meat on Fridays. In 1978, California Congressman Leo J. Ryan and four other people are killed in Jonestown, Guyana, by members of the Peoples Temple; the killings are followed by a night of mass murder and suicide by more than 900 cult members. In 1987, the congressional Iran-Contra committees issue their final report, saying President Reagan bore "ultimate responsibility" for wrongdoing by his aides. In 1991, Shiite Muslim kidnappers in Lebanon free Anglican Church envoy Terry Waite and Thomas Sutherland, the American dean of agriculture at the American University of Beirut. In 1996, one-time CIA station chief Harold J. Nicholson is charged with selling top secrets to the Russians for more than 120,000. (Nicholson later pleads guilty to espionage and was sentenced to 231/2 years in prison; he is spared a life sentence for cooperating with investigators.) In 1999, 12 people are killed when a bonfire under construction at Texas A & amp;M University collapsed. In 2001, Phillips Petroleum Co. and Conoco Inc. announce they are merging in a deal to create the third largest U.S. oil and gas company.
November 18, 1981: The Youngstown Fire Department chalks up a first when a woman joined 14 male cadet firefighters to take the oath before beginning a 240-hour training course. The cadet is Sheryl Frasier, 23, who was a medical specialist and ambulance driver in the Army.
Trumbull County commissioners say an 8.25 million grant from the U.S. EPA for sewer lines in Liberty and Hubbard townships won't be available unless Youngstown updates its sewage treatment plant. Commissioners will meet with Youngstown Mayor George Vukovich.
Washington Township supervisors warn owners of the Pennsylvania Fireworks Manufacturing Co. that the Volant, Pa., plant is illegal. Production is scheduled to begin in the spring.
November 18, 1966: The Ohio Board of Regents recommends 1.2 million in federal funds for Youngstown University to construct a new health and physical education building and a new music and fine arts building.
Steps to establish a citizens planning commission for hospital and health services in Mahoning and Trumbull counties are taken by some 100 leaders from industry, labor, churches, hospital and health agencies meeting at the Cotillion Room in Youngstown.
Burglars lower themselves by rope into Komara's Jewelers, 8 State St., in Struthers, making off with money and the store's stock of diamonds and timepieces.
November 18, 1956: Construction crews begin work on the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District's new pipeline between the Berlin and Meander Reservoirs.
Three teen-age boys found in the woods near Austintown Airport are to appear in juvenile court to face questioning about shots that have been fired at private planes taking off or landing at the airport. The boys had two rifles, one with a telescopic sight, when they were spotted by pilots who directed deputies on where to find them. A plane piloted by D.A. Williams of Canfield was hit in the wing about a week earlier.
The Iowa Hawkeyes gain a bid to the Rose Bowl by defeating Ohio State, 6-0, in Iowa. After the game, Ohio Coach Woody Hayes scuffled with a TV photographer who refused to turn over film he shot of Hayes' players.
November 18, 1931: Fifi D'Orsay, the "It" girl in Will Rogers pictures, who is headlining at the Keith theater in Youngstown, buys tickets to the Unemployment Benefit midnight shows that will be featured at 13 Youngstown theaters. A goal of 12,000 is set.
A rum runner is believed to have gone to his death over Niagara Falls after his beer-laden craft was caught in the fast moving water of the Niagara River.
Thomas W. Crogan is elected president of the Particular Council of St. Vincent de Paul Conferences in Youngstown during a meeting at St. Patrick's Church to plan charity work in the Valley.