Today in history

Today is Saturday, June 6, the 157th day of 2009. There are 208 days left in the year. On this date in 1944, the “D-Day” invasion of Europe takes place during World War II as Allied forces storm the beaches of Normandy, France.

In 1809, Sweden adopts a new constitution. In 1918, American Marines suffer heavy casualties as they launch their eventually successful counteroffensive against German troops in the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood in France. In 1925, Walter Percy Chrysler founds the Chrysler Corp. In 1934, the Securities and Exchange Commission is established. In 1966, black activist James Meredith is shot and wounded as he walked along a Mississippi highway to encourage black voter registration. In 1968, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy dies at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, a day after he was shot by Sirhan Bishara Sirhan. In 1978, California voters overwhelmingly approve Proposition 13, a primary ballot initiative calling for major cuts in property taxes.

June 6, 1984: Mahoning County must find more than $15 million over the next 11 years to match $12 million in federal funds to repair or replace 70 bridges.

Mayor Patrick J. Ungaro orders police to step up patrols aimed at stopping illegal dumping of trash in vacant lots and asks the law department to come up with stiffer penalties for violators.

Coming to Frank Kenley’s “Theater of the Stars” in Warren, Robert Goulet and Rosemary Clooney in “An evening to Remember.”

The Hiram Board of Trustees approves a three-year plan to provide continuity for the school’s presidency as Elmer Jagow, dean of presidents among Ohio colleges and universities, announces his intention to retire. He became president in 1966.

June 6, 1969: Dr. Robert P. Shreve is named superintendent of Mahoning County Schools, replacing Dr. C. William Smith, who served for 18 years.

The Youngstown Area Community Action Council will receive a $257,000 grant from the U.S. Labor Department for a summer Neighborhood Youth Corps project.

The Rev. George VanWingerden, pastor of Girard First Christian Church, will be guest speaker at the annual father-son banquet at First Christian Church in Newton Falls.

June 6, 1959: Louis Ballenger, 34, of Lake Milton and his two sons escape injury when their outboard-driven boat was struck by another in the middle of Lake Milton.

The Rev. C. W. Hahn, Ohio district superintendent of Assemblies of God, gives the dedicatory address at the new $60,000 Calvary Assembly of God Church at 412 Boardman Canfield Road.

Bill Callahan of Youngstown, staff photographer for the Catholic Exponent, wins honorable mention at the 18th annual Kent State University Short Course in Photojournalism contest, for a dramatic photo of St. Columba Cathedral.

June 6, 1934: Dr. Fred L. Smith, head of Ohio’s Aeronautics Department, says there must have been a misunderstanding because there is no money available to help develop a Youngstown airport.

Eleanor May, the valedictorian of Chaney High School who is blind, will receive a riding horse and saddle as a gift from her father. Eleanor rides near the family farm in West Austintown, but only when accompanied. She will play a xylophone solo at Chaney’s commencement exercises.

The Youngstown Board of Education rehires 1,032 school teachers, principals and other employees, subject to a salary schedule yet to be set.