Oct. 31, 1934, in The Star: Back on Sunday, Oct. 21, The Star published a routine list of court actions — convictions and jail sentences for an assortment of mostly minor offenses. However, the conviction of one particular man on a crime of "distilling" and his subsequent sentence to jail was wrong. The mistake has only just now came to light, and a "for the record" article explaining the reporter's mistake concludes, "As stated above, Mr. Turner was acquitted by the jury and the report in this paper that he was convicted was absolutely erroneous. The Star hastens to publish this retraction and tenders to Mr. Turner its sincere apologies for the erroneous publication." Also this date: The hostess for the semi-monthly meeting of the Anniston Book Club was Mrs. Edwin P. Cooper, who entertained yesterday at her home at 1701 Leighton Avenue. The subject of the program was "The Negro's Contribution to Invention, Education, Literature and Music" and the leader was Mrs. George Leyden.

Oct. 31, 1984, in The Star: The Calhoun County Board of Education's announcement yesterday that Jim Winn would be the system's next superintendent ends a four-month search for a successor to Dan Henderson, who is due to leave the job at the end of the year. Winn, who will earn $48,500 yearly plus insurance benefits, has been assistant superintendent for 10 years, having begun his employment in 1965 as a science teacher at Ohatchee. Calhoun County's is the ninth-largest school system in the state. Also this date: On today's editorial page The Star's editorial board endorses the Democratic presidential ticket of Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro.

This is Halloween. A reminder: Turn your clocks back an hour tonight for the seasonal time change. On October 31 in
1517 — Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace church, marking the start of the Protestant Reformation in Germany.

Saturday's birthdays: Former astronaut Michael Collins is 79. Former CBS anchorman Dan Rather is 78. Folk singer Tom Paxton is 72. Actor Ron Rifkin is 70. Actress Sally Kirkland is 68. Actor David Ogden Stiers is 67. Olympic gold medal distance runner Frank Shorter is 62. Talk show host Jane Pauley is 59. Movie director Peter Jackson is 48. Rock musician Larry Mullen is 48. Actor Dermot Mulroney is 46. Actor Rob Schneider is 45. Country singer Darryl Worley is 45. Actor-comedian Mike O'Malley is 44. Rap performer Vanilla Ice (aka Rob Van Winkle) is 41. Rock singer Linn Berggren (Ace of Base) is 39. Actress Piper Perabo is 33. Actor Brian Hallisay is 31. Rock musician Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance) is 28.