MID-SOUTH MEMORIES
25 years ago — 1996
Arkansas voters could have their choice of three casino proposals on the November ballot, including one that would put a gambling resort six miles from downtown Memphis. The ballot issues are similar to those that were headed to Arkansas voters two years ago. But two weeks before the 1994 November election, the state Supreme Court ruled the ballot language was misleading and struck down the proposed constitutional amendments. The LOCAL Amendment (Local Option Casino and Arkansas Lottery) would permit a state lottery and allow 11 casino permits. Three casino sites are designated, in Boone, Garland and Chicot counties, with six permits to be decided by local option. The proposal also would allow casinos at the state's two tracks, Oaklawn in Hot Springs and Southland in West Memphis.
50 years ago — 1971
Shelby County Court Chairman Charles W. Baker said yesterday the county's property tax rate would jump from $2.60 to $3.43 per $100 of assessed value beginning in July 1972, if the county takes over all of City of Memphis Hospital financing. The totals were immediately challenged by City Councilman Lewis R. Donelson III, the council's fiscal expert, who said the figures had not taken into account $2 million cut already by the city from the hospital's 1972 budget request.
75 years ago — 1946
CHICAGO – A national survey disclosed Saturday night that the country's meat famine is so grave that approximately 134,500 retail butcher markets may be forced to close, or curtail operations drastically, within a matter of days. This represents about half of all stores selling meat in the land.
100 years ago — 1921
The plant of the E.L. Bruce Company, on Thomas Street, will begin operations this morning with a crew of 100 men, according to an announcement made yesterday. This is one of the largest hardwood flooring mills in the world and was completed only a few weeks ago. It is equipped with modern machinery and will specialize in the manufacture of hardwood floorings.