Other days

100 YEARS AGO

Sept. 19, 1917

PARAGOULD— Osmer Herron, 22, was arrested by Sheriff Elmer, charged with attempting to evade the draft law. It is alleged Herron left Beech Grove shortly before registration day. He disclaimed any intention to escape military duty, saying he had not been advised it would be necessary for him to register. The U.S. commissioner at Jonesboro, over long distance phone, advised local officials to hold Herron for a thorough investigation. This is the first arrest of an alleged slacker in Greene county.

50 YEARS AGO

Sept. 19, 1967

■ The Urban League of Greater Little Rock has urged the City Manager Board to appoint a Negro to the Board and to other city commissions. The request was made in a letter from Herman C. Ewing, director of the Urban League to Mayor Borchert. “We believe that many problems now faced by the city can be eliminated by naming a person truly representative of the Negro community to fill the vacancy. We further recommend that this action become the first in a series of steps in providing adequate Negro representation on all public board and commissions,” Ewing said. 25 YEARS AGO

Sept. 19, 1992

■ A new billboard near the state Capitol calls for President-elect Clinton to support liberalizing laws related to marijuana’s use for medical purposes. The billboard was purchased by Sam Smith of Mayflower. The left half of the billboard includes a letter from Smith. It reads: “Dear Bill, ‘Marijuana, in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.’ — DEA Judge, Francis Young. Our friends are dying! Please help. Sincerely, Sam.”

10 YEARS AGO

Sept. 19, 2007

■ A new institute at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville aims to feed the intellectual appetites of Arkansans age 50 and older. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute will offer courses on a variety of subjects including digital photography, Ozark history and the opera Madame Butterfly. “Today’s retirees aren’t just sitting in their rocking chair on their porch waiting for the end,” said Kim Jones, a program coordinator at UA’s School of Continuing Education and Academic Outreach. “They’re out there, and they’re active. The whole idea of lifelong learning is important to them.”