10 YEARS AGO

Feb. 20, 2002 — The average Alaskan would pay about 3 percent of his or her gross income to the state under Gov. Tony Knowles’ proposed income tax measure, an economist told a House committee on Tuesday.

While the tax would take less of a bite from Alaskans than would a statewide sales tax, it also could result in about 3,500 lost jobs, said Scott Goldsmith, an economist with the University of Alaska Anchorage.

25 YEARS AGO

Feb. 20, 1987 — Continuing to burn coal to produce electricity and buying two new oil-fired boilers for steam and hot water heat production appear to be the most favorable future options for the Municipal Utilities System powerplant.

The long-awaited master plan report was delivered to city officials Wednesday. Besides examining production options, the report details numerous problems, deficiencies and needed actions for powerplant operations.

50 YEARS AGO

Feb. 20, 1962 — Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. rocketed three times around the world today, gave a masterful demonstration of man’s ability to operate a spaceship and was recovered safely after landing in the Atlantic Ocean.

The spaceship parachuted to within six miles of a recovery vessel, the destroyer USS Noa, landing in the water at 2:43 p.m. EST and was picked up at 3:01 p.m. His flight took four hours, 56 minutes.

75 YEARS AGO

Feb. 20, 1937 — Every student in the University of Alaska has one vote in the nomination of the college’s fairest coed, who will be “Miss University” at the Ice Carnival March 11 to 14 it was announced today by John O’Shea, president of the Associated Students.

Nominations will close next week. Miss University will enter the competition for territorial honors.