Vndicator file photo /  December  16, 1920 | Six ROTC cadets were sworn in as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army 51 years ago at Youngstown State University. Lt. Col. Richard J. Connolly, professor of military science, administered the oath to Edward Brill Jr., Gary Crumbacher, Eugene Faith, Charles Kennedy, Terry Miksic, and Roy Retzlaff.   Robert Pegues Jr., assistant superintendent of Youngstown schools and a former ROTC cadet, addressed the group.
 
December 18
 
1996: Judge Thomas A. Campbell of Trumbull County Central District Court, who describes himself as a heavy smoker, admits that he was miffed when county commissioners imposed a no-smoking ban in all county-owned or leased buildings but says he will abide by the order. 
 
Superintendents of five Ohio school districts and 20 other school administrators apply for the job of superintendent of the Youngstown City School District. Board President Sarah Brown-Clark said 17 other candidates withdrew when The Vindicator filed a public records request for the applications. 
 
Local toy stores say there are no Tickle Me Elmo dolls to be had before Christmas. When Hills in Boardman advertised the doll, a line formed at 4:30 a.m. for the 8 a.m. store opening. A classified ad in The Vindicator offered one of the dolls for $500.
 
1981: Salem police investigate a burglary at Schwartz Inc. at 146 Broadway Ave., which is believed to be one of the city's largest burglaries in recent years. 
 
Amerijet Aircraft Corp. must prove itself first to the city of Youngstown before the federal government will look over the company's plans for an airplane manufacturing plant at the Youngstown Municipal Airport. 
 
The Ohio Turnpike is raising tolls for the first time since 1958 to finance repairs that must be made if the turnpike is ever to become a free road.  The cost for an auto going the length of the pike will increase from $3.50 to $4.90.
 
1971: A compromise on holiday pay is reached with service workers at the Youngstown Hospital Association, ending a one-week strike of 1,000 employees. 
 
The Ohio Legislature bans the use of state funds to pay for sabbatical leave for professors in state-sponsored universities, sparking an angry reaction in the academic community. 
 
Ohio's tax on cigarettes goes up three cents, to 15 cents per pack. 
 
1946: A 46-year-old Youngstown Fire Department engineer is fired after 19 years on the force for conduct unbecoming an officer. It was revealed during a divorce action that he entertained a woman other than his wife at the Brownlee Woods fire station.
 
Dr. George M. McKelvey advances to the presidency of the Mahoning County Medical Society. 
 
Orville Wright, 75, observes the 43rd anniversary of a successful flight by pitching in and helping clean up his laboratory in Dayton. He's retired by continues to invent for pleasure.