Today is Thursday, Aug. 14, the 227th day of 2008. There are 139 days left in the year. On this date

Today is Thursday, Aug. 14, the 227th day of 2008. There are 139 days left in the year. On this date in 1908, rioting erupts in Springfield, Ill., as a white mob, enraged that two black criminal suspects (one later convicted of murder, the other exonerated of rape) had been spirited away from the city jail by authorities, begin setting black-owned homes and businesses on fire. At least two blacks and five whites are killed in the violence. (The riot helps inspire the creation of the NAACP the following year.) In 1848, the Oregon Territory is created. In 1900, international forces, including U.S. Marines, enter Beijing to put down the Boxer Rebellion, which is aimed at purging China of foreign influence.

August 14, 1983: Youngstown Finance Director Dominic Conti says the city’s switch to a private contractor for collection of garbage in the city is saving about $300,000 a year.

Youngstown Mayor George Vukovich sharply criticizes CSX Beckett Aviation Corp. for reducing its operations at the Youngstown Municipal Airport, which he says breaks a promise to build up the airport.

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President Reagan, trying to lure Hispanic voters to the Republican fold, forms a new government group to help Southwest border states cope with server economic problems caused by the sharp devaluation of the Mexican peso.

August 14, 1968: A hand grenade thrown through the window at the Union 76 station at Shawbutte Street and Route 224 in Poland Township breaks out 26 windows and does extensive damage to the interior. Neither police nor the station’s owners, Tom Ahmer, have an explanation for the bombing.

New Castle Fire Chief John Oberleitner and seven of his men are hospitalized for smoke inhalation after a six-hour battle with a fire that caused more than $50,000 damage to the Thrift Drug Store, 133 E. Washington St.

The Youngstown Building Inspection Department issues a permit for a $70,000 remodeling project at the old Grant’s department store, 207 W. Federal St., where offices of the Social Security Administration will be located.

August 14, 1958: Police investigating a burglary at the New Deal Inn, 1666 Poland Ave., arrest two men hiding in the building. A third man and a woman employee of the tavern are arrested later.

Youngstown area residents report getting a good glimpse of Sputnik III as it passes over the area, starting in the northwest horizon and disappearing in the southwest.

The City and County Affairs Committee of the Youngstown Area Chamber of Commerce recommends that the chamber oppose incorporation of Boardman Township.

U.S. Rep. Michael J. Kirwan of Youngstown pledges to flood-stricken Sharon, Pa., that Congress will allocate funds for construction of a new dam on the Shenango River near Sharpsville.

August 14, 1933: Clothing estimated at $5,000 is taken from the M.J. Rosenbaum Son store at 412 E. Federal St. by burglars who gained entrance though a vacant store next door.

Mahoning County officials are urging taxpayers to take advantage of the recent decision of Judge J.H.C. Lyon that permits the county treasurer to receive taxes for the last half of 1932 without penalty until Sept. 1, pointing out that more people are going to work and action will soon begin against delinquent taxpayers.

An argument over dancing with a girl at a party in Youngstown results in the fatal shooting of Robert Mason, 30, by the host, Edward Kimbrough, his brother-in-law.