YEARS AGO

Today is Friday, Oct. 21, the 295th day of 2016. There are 71 days left in the year.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

On this date in:

1797: The U.S. Navy frigate Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,” is christened in Boston’s harbor.

1917: Members of the 1st Division of the U.S. Army training in Luneville, France, become the first Americans to see action on the front lines of World War I.

1941: Superheroine Wonder Woman debuts in All-Star Comics issue No. 8, published by All-American Comics Inc. of New York.

1960: Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican Richard M. Nixon clash in their fourth and final presidential debate in New York.

1986: Pro-Iranian kidnappers in Lebanon abduct American Edward Tracy (he was released in Auguat 1991).

1991: American hostage Jesse Turner is freed by his kidnappers in Lebanon after nearly five years in captivity.

2011: President Barack Obama declared that America’s long and deeply unpopular war in Iraq will be over by the end of 2011 and that all U.S. troops “will definitely be home for the holidays.”

VINDICATOR FILES

1991: Weathersfield Township Trustee Joseph Takacs said the township will seek an injunction to close the South Main Sand and Gravel Co. after a smoldering fire breaks out.

Niles city officials choose not to accept an offer by Route 422 merchants of free space for a police substation on the “strip.”

Quarterback Bernie Kosar executes the quick offense on two drives to bring the Cleveland Browns from a 17-3 deficit to a 24-24 tie with the San Diego Chargers. The Browns win 30-24 in overtime.

1976: After a conference with Youngstown city school officials, Juvenile Court Judge Martin P. Joyce issues a warning to parents that they will be held responsible for the rowdyism of their children at or after city football games.

U.S. Rep. Charles J. Carney says he will consider debating mayor Jack C. Hunter, his opponent for the 19th Congressional District if he receives a written challenge to do so.

A black building contractor warns city council that it could lose federal funds if more minority workers are not used in local government construction.

1966: Following the dedication of the $20 million West Branch Dam and Reservoir, U.S. Interior Secretary Morris Udall speaks to 1,000 at a $15-a-plate dinner at Idora Park and praises U.S. Rep. Michael J. Kirwan as a great congressman.

The East Palestine Community Medical Assistance Program promoted by the Chamber of Commerce and Town & Country Garden Club is launched.

Flood waters that poured through a large hole in the dam at Lake Latonka, Mercer, Pa., lapped onto the first floors of homes and police evacuate families from 30 homes in the residential development.

1941: Youngstown District folks having trouble getting new cars are also experiencing trouble in getting parts to keep their old cars running. Defense demands and lack of raw materials eat into supplies of local dealers.

City Council passes, over the disapproval of the planning commission, a change in zoning of property at the southeast corner of Manhattan and Belle Vista avenues from Residence A to Commercial A so that a beer parlor may be shifted from an adjoining property on Manhattan.

A 20-year franchise for the Youngstown & Suburban Railway under which the railway agrees to open three barricaded South Side grade crossings is approved by city council on a 5-1 vote. Councilman Anthony Kryzan objected.