Years Ago

Today is Wednesday, Jan. 19, the 19th day of 2011. There are 346 days left in the year.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

On this date in:

1861: Georgia becomes the fifth state to secede from the Union as delegates to a special convention in Milledgeville (then the capital) vote 208-89 for separation.

1944: The federal government relinquishes control of the nation’s railroads following settlement of a wage dispute.

1981: The United States and Iran sign an accord paving the way for the release of 52 Americans held hostage for more than 14 months.

VINDICATOR FILES

1986: The Youngstown Human Relations Committee asks City Council to increase the penalties for employee and housing discrimination.

1971: The Vega 2300, which is being made at the General Motors Lordstown plant, is named Motor Trend magazine’s car of the year.

Mahoning County’s share of the cost of programs administered by the Mahoning County Welfare Department will increase from $378,000 in 1960 to $454,000 in 1961.

1961: A 32-year-old Akron man sought in a series of local robberies escapes following a shoot out after FBI agents and Youngstown police converge on an apartment building at 395 Park Ave. on the city’s North Side.

Underworld unrest, a poor economy and reports of police indifference during 1960 contributed to Youngstown’s having one of its worst crime records in history. There were increases in all major crime areas except criminal assault on women.

Youngstown City Council approves a general fund budget of $15.5 million, a cut of $1 million from the 1960 budget.

1936: More than a dozen leaders in steel and related industries from Youngstown, Pittsburgh and Cleveland attend a game dinner at the Youngstown Country Club given by Henry A. Roemer, a big game hunter and president of Sharon Steel Hoop Co.

Martha Neag is chosen queen of the East High Winter Prom by students of the senior class.