MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1995
When the prosecutor found out why Maria Sofia Barajas stole two avocados from a grocery store, she not only dropped the charges — she helped Barajas raise money to pay off a debt. Barajas and her husband, Juan, both migrant workers, have been struggling to pay for the funeral of their son, who died in July of heart disease at age 42, and to raise his 6-year-old boy. The funeral bill left the Barajases with almost no money for food, and when the grandson begged Barajas for avocados at the store Oct. 4, she shoplifted them. Daina Vitolins, Polk County (Tenn.) deputy district attorney, learned of the problem when Barajas appeared in court Dec. 4. Vitolins dismissed the theft charges and started a trust fund 10 days ago to raise the $2,097 still owed for the funeral. On Wednesday, Vitolins delivered a ”paidin-full” receipt to Barajas with $1,638 still left in the trust account.
50 years ago — 1970
Winter slipped into town yesterday wearing a disguise that could have fooled the best of gumshoes. A layer of gray clouds provided a spring-like rain. A high temperature record that had stood since 1895 finally died of old age and was topped by a degree as the mercury rose to 69.
75 years ago — 1945 WASHINGTON – President Truman Saturday night ordered the admission of displaced persons and refugees into this country at a maximum rate of 3,900 a month under existing immigration laws. With specific orders to the head of each, the President directed the State, War and Justice Departments, War Shipping Administration, Public Health Service and United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration to co-operate in the program. Explaining that he hoped the majority of those admitted would be orphaned children, President Truman said the United States shares responsibility for relieving the suffering of displaced persons and refugees in Europe.
100 years ago — 1920
Wholesale raids on alleged bootleggers were made by the police last night. A score or more of soft drink stands, restaurants, bath houses and residences were searched up to midnight. Four arrests were made, in three of which whiskey and gin were taken, and in the other a large quantity of home brew beer. During one of the raids was the smashing of two doors when the occupants refused to submit to the search. The raids were made in a systematic fashion and in co-operation with Prohibition officers.