From The Aegis June 19, 1986:

Harford residents who had never heard of thrip certainly did this week in Harford County 25 years ago.

The small, tan insect was invading the county, from Aberdeen Proving Ground to Bel Air, by the tens of thousands. The bugs were being found on lawn furniture, clothes hung outside, swimming pools and even on people.

The bugs, which were only 1/16 of an inch, would sting people when they landed on them, though the creatures preferred eating juices from leaves or grasses.

Harford County's extension agent said the thrips were blown in with a storm that hit Harford County, and may have come from as far away as the Ohio Valley or as close asBaltimore County.

A former Baltimore police detective from Abingdon was suspected of stealing at least $300,000 from an armored car he was driving on a delivery run inTowson 25 years ago this week.

When the former officer and another man, both armed with handguns, stopped to make a delivery, the Abingdon man drove off with the truck, the second guard told police.

He allegedly stole about $300,000 from the truck, which police said contained "millions" of dollars.

When Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School opened in the fall of 1986, no sixth-graders would be going there. School officials decided this week 25 years ago about 21 Fallston-area sixth-graders, as well as 144 other students in kindergarten through fifth grade, would be transferred to Youth's Benefit Elementary in Fallston.

Neighborhoods affected included those in the Summit Road, Millwood Road and Atkisson Road areas.

Most parents, it seemed, were happy with the move.

"We were all concerned for academic reasons and the schools finally realized that it was the right thing to do [send students to Youth's Benefit]," Frances MacIndoe said.

Yet another water ban was imposed this week 25 years ago. Greenridge Utilities told its 550 or so customers in the Fountain Green area outdoor water use was prohibited, effective immediately. A letter to residents indicated the wellfields were low and the ban was essential.

Harford County and the Town ofAberdeen had already imposed similar bans.

Lt. Dominick Mele was on the campaign trail 25 year ago this week, announcing his platform to his supporters at a press conference. He was running against Sheriff Theodore S. Moyer.

Mele said he wanted to work on the increase in crime, turnover, morale problems and the agency's non-competitive pay scale, if he were elected.

Seatbelt use was becoming mandatory beginning July 1 25 years ago, making Maryland the 18th state to enact a mandatory seatbelt law.

On sale at Montgomery Ward 25 years ago for the "STORE WIDE SUMMER SALE" were men's short sleeve knit shirts for $5.99, boys Dune Road T-shirts for $2.99, a compact microwave for $199.99 and a 19-inch portable color television for $219.99.

Frank's Nursery & Crafts was having a patio sale 25 years ago ,with one-third off chairs, tables, umbrellas and furniture. Also on sale were inflatable boats and floodlight kits.