YEARS AGO

Today is Saturday, April 4, the 94th day of 2015. There are 271 days left in the year.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

On this date in:

1818: Congress decides the flag of the United States will consist of 13 red and white stripes and 20 stars, with a new star to be added for every new state of the Union.

1841: President William Henry Harrison succumbs to pneumonia one month after his inaugural, becoming the first U.S. chief executive to die in office.

1859: “Dixie” is performed publicly for the first time by Bryant’s Minstrels at Mechanics’ Hall in New York.

1865: The Crossness Pumping Station, a key component of London’s new and improved sewage system, is officially opened by Edward, Prince of Wales.

VINDICATOR FILES

1990: Several hospitals in the Mahoning Valley shared $3.1 million in losses in 1988-89 because Medicaid reimbursements from the state and federal government didn’t cover the cost of treatment, an Ohio Hospital Association survey shows.

Some parents in the Poland Local School District launch a letter-writing campaign against a proposed four-tier diploma system that would go into effect in Ohio in 1994. The four diplomas would be: diploma of commendation, diploma of distinction, diploma of basic competence and certificate of attendance.

Geauga County leads Ohio in per capita income at $13,594. The lowest is Adams County at $7,128. Columbiana County is $9,012; Mahoning, $9,965 and Trumbull, $10,841.

1975: Bruce Zoldan of Boardman, organizer of the Mahoning County Emergency Committee to Save the Babies from Vietnam, says more than 100 Youngstown families have responded to efforts to raise money and arrange foster homes for Vietnamese orphans being evacuated from the war-torn country.

Youngstown city officials are pushing for the June 2 opening of the Boardman Expressway from South Avenue to Midlothian Blvd., although it is unlikely that deadline will be met.

1965: Harry E. Figgie Jr., chairman of “Automatic” Sprinkler Corp. of Youngstown, announces the purchase of Badger Fire Extinguisher Co. of Ranson, W. Va.

Negotiators representing The Youngstown Vindicator and the American Newspaper Guild are in their fourth long session, including one that went 25 hours, aimed at settling a strike that began Aug. 18, 1964.

1940: A severe lightning storm sweeps through the Mahoning Valley, turning day into night and leaving considerable damage and minor injuries to at least three people.

Youngstown Municipal Judge Robert B. Nevin fines nine bugmen for Youngstown’s “Big House” $25 each after they plead guilty to possessing lottery slips, but warns them that if they appear before him again the consequences will be severe.

Youngstown Mayor William B. Spagnola issues a proclamation declaring “Pinocchio Week” in Youngstown, a tribute to Walt Disney and “the joy and happiness his characters brought untold millions.”