Years Ago
Today is Saturday, Feb. 20, the 51st day of 2010. There are 314 days left in the year. On this date in 1962, astronaut John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth as he flies aboard the Mercury spacecraft Friendship 7.
In 1790, Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II dies. In 1792, President George Washington signs an act creating the U.S. Post Office. In 1809, the Supreme Court rules that no state legislature can annul the judgments or determine the jurisdictions of federal courts. In 1839, Congress prohibits dueling in the District of Columbia. In 1934, a blizzard inundates the northeastern United States. In 1938, Anthony Eden resigns as British foreign secretary following Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s decision to negotiate with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. In 1944, during World War II, U.S. bombers begin raiding German aircraft manufacturing centers in a series of attacks that become known as “Big Week.”
February 20, 1985: Mahoning County commissioners urge Gov. Richard F. Celeste to build a state prison in the county, but their lobbying efforts may be too late.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation wants Congress to overturn Reagan administration farm proposals that are already starting to dry up loan money that farmers need for spring planting.
Poland Supt. Robert L. Zorn recommends that school buildings be reorganized in an effort that will avert the need for a 4.5-mill additional levy.
February 20, 1970: Genevieve Wittenauer, a general practice physician, safely delivers her own twins daughters while en route to Community Hospital East in East Palestine. Her aunt was driving the mother of three other children and two foster children, along Route 14-A to the hospital when Dr. Wittenauer went into labor.
Fred Shutrump Sr., 74, a leading Valley contractor, dies of an aneurysm in North Side Hospital, three months after suffering a broken hip.
Youngstown police arrest a 32-year-old man and two women, 54 and 72, at a South Side home that was being used as a numbers bank. Sgt. Randall Wellington, chief of the vice squad, says police had been watching the operation, one of four bug houses operating in the city.
February 20, 1960: Some 40 employees of Commercial Shearing & Stamping Co. conduct a wildcat strike in a dispute over incentive pay raises.
Robert Lee Lyons, 33-year-old convicted killer of a Cleveland police officer, goes calmly to his death in the Ohio Penitentiary electric chair.
Three bandits make off with $59 and a case of beer after robbing the manager of the McAllister Farm Market at 501 Albert St.
February 20, 1935: Charles E. Schmutz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schmutz of 2216 Fifth Ave., is one of two Washington and Jefferson College students who walked a one-foot ledge for 30 feet to a ladder to escape death in a fire that trapped them on the third floor of their fraternity house.
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