WFMJ archives / March 1, 1953 | Seventy years ago, Youngstown was beefing up its Civil Defense. Here three workmen are installing a CD siren atop a downtown building. Identifications of only two were available, Sid Friedman and Bucky O’Connor.
 
March 1
 
1998: Longtime businessman, philanthropist, and community activist Clarence R. Smith are named chairman of the Mahoning County Republican Party, replacing Atty. Warren Pritchard, who resigned. 
 
Carol Novosel of Sharon and David and Frances Colabine of Youngstown are among a group of American volunteers with New York-based Citihope International visit to Belarus, where they delivered gifts to hospitals, nursing homes, and orphanages where children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident are being treated. The trip was chronicled by a Vindicator photographer, Aimee Obidzinski.
 
Youngstown State University women defeat Chicago State 76-57 in the first-round game of the Mid-Continent Conference tournament. 
 
1983: Judge Martin Joyce warns Mahoning County commissioners that he will ask the appellate court to order them to give him more money if they don't do so voluntarily. Joyce and the commissioners are about $200,000 apart on what the court should receive. 
 
Keller's Department Store on Lawrence Avenue in Ellwood City, Pa., is heavily damaged by a fire that was reported at 4 a.m.  Damage is estimated at $200,000.
 
Five Warren residents are being held in Montgomery, Ala., on charges of kidnapping, robbery, and attempted murder stemming from the savage beating of two Montgomery police officers. 
 
1973: Youngstown City Council adopts a noise abatement ordinance for motor vehicles, including motorcycles and snowmobiles. 
 
Ohio colleges are trying to stiffen their dormitory policies to keep the multimillion-dollar structures operating. Ohio State was forced to close one 1,380-room dorm. 
 
United Steelworkers of America locals reach agreements with four Youngstown area aluminum firms, ending a month-long strike that idled 1,000.
 
1948: Early birds among Mahoning County's estimated 35,000 veterans of World War II lineup at the Mahoning County Soldier and Sailors relief office for application forms for their Ohio bonuses. 
 
Dr. Earl M. Stewart, chiropodist, and William J. Gutnecht, president of Youngstown Arc Engraving Co., are honored for their service in the field of race relations during 1947.
 
Parents are to blame for most juvenile delinquency, Youngstown Detective Ted O'Conner tells 100 people at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Girard.