WFMJ archives / February 25, 1985 | Motorists tried- and some failed- to drive through bumper-high water on Andrews Avenue in Youngstown 40 years ago. Although there was flooding in some low-lying areas, the Mahoning River crested six inches above flood level without significant damage. 

February 25

2000: Eight-year-old Rafael Samaniego, wounded in a drive-by shooting as he sat in a van with his mother outside their Lucius Avenue home, is in critical condition in St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Due to surplus inventory, General Motors idles four North American plants, including Saturn's lead assembly plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., which produces the Saturn S-series small cars and the SC coupe.

Coach Don Bucci is retiring after 34 years and more than 300 wins with the Cardinal Mooney Cardinals football team. 

 

1985: U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. has asked Speaker of the House Thomas "Tip" O'Neill for a letter of introduction to the prime minister of Japan. Traficant is preparing to visit Japan to pitch a Mitsubishi Motors plant in the Mahoning Valley. 

Former Youngstown State University and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Cliff Stoudt leads the Birmingham Stallions to a 38-28 victory over Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie and the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League season opener. 

Democratic and Republican governors agree that President Reagan's proposed budget does not cut federal spending enough. They call for a one-year freeze on all spending except for the Department of Defense and aid for the poor.

 

1975: Campbell police and firemen threaten to begin calling off with the blue flu in a dispute over wages and fringe benefits. 

A massive search is underway for two New Castle boys who disappeared in swollen Neshannock Creek after their rubber raft overturned. 

The Mahoning County Welfare Department is seeking state approval to rent an additional 2,500 square feet of space at 236 West Federal Street from the Higbee Co. to accommodate a large influx of applicants. 

 

1950: William E. Johnson, Warren's police chief since 1946, is suspended by Mayor Harold Smith after Safety Director Walter Pestrak accuses Johnson of being unfit for duty. 

The Dana School of Music at Youngstown College was voted into full membership in the National Association of Schools of Music at the association's annual meeting in Cleveland. 

Six state agents crash through the barred doors of the East Niles Vets Canteen at 301 E. Park Ave., Niles, popularly known as "Banana's Place," confiscate half a pint of whiskey, four slot machines, and other gambling devices.