21 WFMJ archives  / February  15, 1985 | Even police cruisers weren't immune to slip-sliding away during a snowstorm 40 years ago in the Mahoning Valley. This Austintown cruiser slid into the median of I-80 near the Route 46 off-ramp to avoid hitting a line of traffic.

February 17

2000: A group opposing U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. says the amount of federal funding received by the area shows Traficant isn't "bringing home the bacon,"  but Traficant says the numbers are deceptive.

In a 4-3 decision, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Warren's assistance in building streets and utilities for the upscale Country Club Estates development was an unlawful use of taxpayer money to benefit a private corporation. The city paid $569,000 for the improvements and expected to receive $498,000 if all 32 lots were sold.

Responding to a shortage of substitute teachers, the Brookfield Board of Education approves paying teachers $15 an hour during their dedicated planning time to cover unattended classes.

1985: Youngstown officials are appealing to U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. and U.S. Sens. John Glenn and Howard Metzenbaum for $6 million in federal funds needed to repair Lake Milton dam.

Ohio has experienced its worst winter in decades, and some school districts have already used the five "calamity days" in their calendars. Therefore, the State Board of Education has proposed eliminating those "free" days and requiring districts to add classroom days at the end of the school year.

Mayor Patrick Ungaro and  Police Chief Randall Wellington are working on a policy restricting the jobs that off-duty police officers can take following the city's being sued for $20 million over a shooting in a bar involving a city officer working private security.

1975: A two-alarm fire causes extensive damage to stock and machinery at the Stephens Shoe Store building in Canfield, where orthopedic shoes are manufactured.

Postmaster Benjamin F. Bailar says a first-class stamp will go from a dime to 12 or 13 cents by the year's end.

1950: Five motorists who plead not guilty to traffic charges are acquitted in Youngstown Municipal Court by Judge John W. Powers when the prosecutor fails to appear.

Kaiser-Frazer unveils a new two-door sedan that will get 35 miles to the gallon and sell for about $1,300.

Dick Holway, former All-City football player at Ursuline High School and three-year letterman at Kentucky, joins the coaching staff of Paul Bryant at the University of Kentucky.