Looking Backward

The north

10 years ago

Nov. 4, 1999:Cindy F. Intschert won't have to wait until January to become Jefferson County's first female district attorney. Her term begins Jan. 1, but Gov. George E. Pataki appointed her to an interim term that runs through Dec. 31.

25 years ago

Nov. 4, 1984:Canadian scientists believe an invisible circular river is carrying pollution along the Lake Ontario shoreline, tainting public beaches and water supplies. The Canadian findings would discredit the theory that the lake is quickly flushed by water flowing more or less directly from the Niagara River to the St. Lawrence, according to a biologist at the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Great Lakes Research Center, Cape Vincent.

50 years ago

Nov. 4, 1959:The Jefferson County community college proposal was defeated by an unofficial margin of 16 votes at the polls Tuesday, but there is one factor that may change the outcome: the counting of 55 military ballots yet to be received.

75 years ago

Nov. 4, 1934:The story of a bear chasing a man was reversed Saturday near Forestport, when J. Carleton Stockwell, Watertown, chased a bear a quarter of a mile, and after firing several shots brought him down from a spruce tree that the surprised beast had finally climbed.

100 years ago

Nov. 4, 1909:A. Bushnell & Co. has purchased the first delivery automobile made by the H.H. Babcock Co. of this city. The car is now receiving the finishing touches and will be placed in commission tomorrow. The auto will be used by the Bushnell department store people for city delivery.

125 years ago

Nov. 4, 1884:Cape Vincent howled last night with campaign music. Republicans and Democrats both celebrated, and the town was brilliantly painted. Quite a crowd from this city was present, and Clark's glee club sang a number of stirring campaign songs.

The world

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 4,the 308th day of 2009. There are 57 days left in the year.

Today's Highlight in History:

One year ago, on Nov. 4, 2008, Democrat Barack Obama was elected the first black president of the United States, defeating Republican John McCain; Democrats gained seats in the Senate and House.

Thought for Today:"There is no such thing as a little freedom. Either you are all free, or you are not free." — Walter Cronkite, American news anchorman (born this date in 1916, died 2009).