21 WFMJ archives / March 1985 | The Rev. Michael Swierz conducted the traditional blessing of Easter baskets 39 years ago at St. Rose Church in Girard. Parishioners were, from left, Kim Nemkovich, Jessica Brocious, and Marilyn Brocious, all of Girard; the Palen family of Niles, Marge, Ray, Denise, and Bryan; and Julia Bigowsky, foreground, also of Girard.

March 31

1999: The Pennsylvania Constitution bars using tax dollars to support "any sectarian school," but Gov. Tom Ridge says the state can give grants directly to parents, who could use the money to pay parochial tuition.

Fans of William Holmes McGuffey, a Youngstown native and author of the McGuffey Readers, which have sold 122 million copies, are lobbying the postal service for a stamp to honor the pioneer educator. If they can put out an Elvis Presley stamp, they can certainly put out a McGuffey stamp, says one fan. 

Jacor Radio Youngstown, which owns WKBN AM and FM and three other stations, is moving all of its local stations into the former "Magic Twanger" restaurant building on South Avenue in Boardman. 

1984: The Ohio Supreme Court lets stand a lower court ruling that the City of Youngstown erred when it reduced the work week for city employees from 40 hours to 32 hours for eight weeks to avoid layoffs. The city could have to pay as much as $400,000 to affected employees. 

Douglas T. Hiscox is promoted from acting principal to principal of East Palestine Middle School. 

Rosemary Durkin, Youngstown's clerk of courts, is honored as the 1984 Boss of the Year by the Yo-Mah-O chapter of Professional Secretaries International. 

1974: Chet Hunt, a Poland councilman and vice president of the Poland Historical Society, says many of the village's finest homes have been razed in the last five years, and others are endangered, including the 130-year-old Kirtland House at 113 W. McKinley. 

The Warren Junior Women's League is in rehearsal for its "Paint the Township Pink Follies," a cabaret show, buffet, and dance at the Packard Music Hall. 

The Mahoning County Cancer Society opens its drive for $110,000.

1949: The East Ohio Gas Co. asks the Ohio Public Utilities Commission for permission to add 20,000 home heating customers to its system after signing a contract to buy gas from the Texas Eastern Pipeline Co. 

One of Mahoning County's new cruisers, a $2,666 Chrysler sedan, is wrecked in Edwardsburg, Mich., by Sheriff Paul Langley, who was visiting relatives. 

Telephone, electricity and transportation companies warn area politicians that any signs posted on utility poles will be torn down.