Darrell Lynn Ambrosier, 71, of Almena, KS passed away on September 8, 2021, surrounded by family. Darrell was born on August 18, 1950 in Hill City, KS to Alva and Doris Ambrosier.&nbsp; Darrell was drafted into the army to serve a peacekeeping mission in South Korea. After serving in the army, Darrell worked as a lifetime farmer. Darrell is survived by his children Rick (Denise) Ambrosier, of Abilene, KS, Shelly (Mickey) Davis, of Salina, KS, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.&nbsp; Darrell is preceded in death by his wife, Pat Ambrosier, parents, Alva and Doris (Hendershot) Ambrosier, five brothers and two sisters. When Darrell wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He touched many lives with his generosity. Private family services with Military Honors will be held at the Kansas State Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the Columbarium Wall at the Cemetery. No memorials or flowers are requested. A celebration of life will be determined at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631301553821.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Darrell Lynn Ambrosier, 71, of Almena, KS passed away on September 8, 2021, surrounded by family. Darrell was born on August 18, 1950 in Hill City, KS to Alva and Doris Ambrosier.&nbsp; Darrell was drafted into the army to serve a peacekeeping mission in South Korea. After serving in the army, Darrell worked as a lifetime farmer. Darrell is survived by his children Rick (Denise) Ambrosier, of Abilene, KS, Shelly (Mickey) Davis, of Salina, KS, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.&nbsp; Darrell is preceded in death by his wife, Pat Ambrosier, parents, Alva and Doris (Hendershot) Ambrosier, five brothers and two sisters. When Darrell wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He touched many lives with his generosity. Private family services with Military Honors will be held at the Kansas State Veterans' Cemetery at WaKeeney.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the Columbarium Wall at the Cemetery. No memorials or flowers are requested. A celebration of life will be determined at a later date. Arrangements in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Darrell Lynn Ambrosier

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal drive-by shooting have made an arrest.

Just after 12a.m. Friday, police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064105">booked 21-year-old Jesus Antonio Manzano-Legarda</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges first degree murder in connection with the&nbsp; fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita.

Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury accident at Harry and Washington regarding a vehicle that hit a pole, according to Office Trevor Macy.

Upon arrival, officers located a white Chevy Monte Carlo that was wrecked and occupied by Carter who had been shot.

First responders removed Carter from the vehicle, performed life-saving measures were but he was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Investigators learned Carter was driving eastbound on Harry Street stopped at Topeka Street in the inside lane at the red light. While stopped, a white SUV pulled into the oncoming lanes beside Carter and a passenger believed to be&nbsp;Manzano-Legarda fired multiple times at Carter, striking him and his vehicle.

The white SUV then fled the scene. Carter began driving eastbound on Harry and lost control of the vehicle at Harry and Meade, struck a light pole and a utility pole at Harry and Washington.

This is not believed to be a random incident, according to Macy. No bond has been set for&nbsp;Manzano-Legarda, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064105">online booking</a> records early Friday.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita.

Investigators learned Carter was driving eastbound on Harry Street stopped at Topeka Street in the inside lane at the red light. While stopped, a white SUV pulled into the oncoming lanes beside Carter and a passenger fired multiple times at Carter, striking him and his vehicle.

This is not believed to be a random incident, according to Macy. Police have not identified a suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631276457685.png" alt="MANZANO-LEGARDA-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>MANZANO-LEGARDA-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a fatal drive-by shooting have made an arrest.Just after 12a.m. Friday, police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064105">booked 21-year-old Jesus Antonio Manzano-Legarda</a> into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges first degree murder in connection with the&nbsp; fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita.Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury accident at Harry and Washington regarding a vehicle that hit a pole, according to Office Trevor Macy.Upon arrival, officers located a white Chevy Monte Carlo that was wrecked and occupied by Carter who had been shot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631150186772.png" alt="Police at the scene of the fatal shooting investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the fatal shooting investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders removed Carter from the vehicle, performed life-saving measures were but he was pronounced deceased on the scene.Investigators learned Carter was driving eastbound on Harry Street stopped at Topeka Street in the inside lane at the red light. While stopped, a white SUV pulled into the oncoming lanes beside Carter and a passenger believed to be&nbsp;Manzano-Legarda fired multiple times at Carter, striking him and his vehicle.The white SUV then fled the scene. Carter began driving eastbound on Harry and lost control of the vehicle at Harry and Meade, struck a light pole and a utility pole at Harry and Washington.This is not believed to be a random incident, according to Macy. No bond has been set for&nbsp;Manzano-Legarda, according to <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20064105">online booking</a> records early Friday.----------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured 23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita.Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to an injury accident at Harry and Washington regarding a vehicle that hit a pole, according to Office Trevor Macy.Upon arrival, officers located a white Chevy Monte Carlo that was wrecked and occupied by Carter who had been shot.First responders removed Carter from the vehicle, performed life-saving measures were but he was pronounced deceased on the scene.Investigators learned Carter was driving eastbound on Harry Street stopped at Topeka Street in the inside lane at the red light. While stopped, a white SUV pulled into the oncoming lanes beside Carter and a passenger fired multiple times at Carter, striking him and his vehicle.The white SUV then fled the scene. Carter began driving eastbound on Harry and lost control of the vehicle at Harry and Meade, struck a light pole and a utility pole at Harry and Washington.This is not believed to be a random incident, according to Macy. Police have not identified a suspect.

Arrest made: Kan. man killed from gunfire in passing SUV

Today is Friday, Sept. 10, the 253rd day of 2021. There are 112 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 10, 1963, 20 Black students entered Alabama public schools following a standoff between federal authorities and Gov. George C. Wallace. 

In 1608, John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia. 

In 1813, an American naval force commanded by Oliver H. Perry defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. (Afterward, Perry sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours.") 

In 1919, New York City welcomed home Gen. John J. Pershing and 25,000 soldiers who'd served in the U.S. First Division during World War I. 

In 1935, Sen. Huey P. Long died in Baton Rouge two days after being shot in the Louisiana state Capitol, allegedly by Dr. Carl Weiss. 

In 1960, Hurricane Donna, a dangerous Category 4 storm eventually blamed for 364 deaths, struck the Florida Keys. 

In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the University of Mississippi to admit James Meredith, a Black student. 

In 1984, a revival of the TV game show "Jeopardy!" hosted by Alex Trebek premiered in syndication.

In 1987, Pope John Paul II arrived in Miami, where he was welcomed by President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan as he began a 10-day tour of the United States. 

In 1991, the Senate Judiciary Committee opened hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

In 1998, President Clinton met with members of his Cabinet to apologize, ask forgiveness and promise to improve as a person in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. 

In 2005, cadaver dogs and boatloads of forensic workers fanned out across New Orleans to collect the corpses left behind by Hurricane Katrina; cleanup crews towed away abandoned cars and even began readying a hotel for reopening. 

In 2015, New York State approved gradually raising the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $15 an hour — the first time any state had set the minimum that high. 

Ten years ago: On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton paid tribute to the 40 passengers and crew who fought back against their hijackers aboard Flight 93 during a ceremony dedicating the first phase of a memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A pair of NASA probes — named Grail-A and Grail-B — rocketed toward the moon on the first mission dedicated to measuring lunar gravity and determining what was inside Earth's orbiting companion. Oscar- and Emmy-winning actor Cliff Robertson died in Stony Brook, New York, a day after turning 88.

Five years ago: John Hinckley Jr., the man who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was released from a Washington mental hospital for good. Angelique Kerber won her first U.S. Open title and the second Grand Slam trophy of her breakthrough season, beating Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

One year ago: Authorities in Oregon said more than 500,000 people statewide had been forced to leave their homes because of wildfires; the number represented more than 10% of the state's population. Houston's police chief said four officers had been terminated after an internal investigation determined they did not use reasonable force when they fired their weapons 21 times at a man who had been experiencing a mental health crisis, killing him in April after he was already injured and on the ground. Twitter said it would start labeling or removing misleading claims that were aimed at undermining public confidence in elections. Diana Rigg, a British actor whose career included roles in the 1960s spy series "The Avengers" and the fantasy juggernaut "Game of Thrones," died at the age of 82.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Philip Baker Hall is 90. Actor Greg Mullavey is 88. Jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers is 81. Actor Tom Ligon is 81. Singer Danny Hutton (Three Dog Night) is 79. Singer Jose Feliciano is 76. Actor Judy Geeson is 73. Former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau is 73. Political commentator Bill O'Reilly is 72. Rock musician Joe Perry (Aerosmith) is 71. Country singer Rosie Flores is 71. Actor Amy Irving is 68. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., is 67. Actor-director Clark Johnson is 67. Actor Kate Burton is 64. Movie director Chris Columbus is 63. Actor Colin Firth is 61. Rock singer-musician David Lowery (Cracker) is 61. Actor Sean O'Bryan is 58. Baseball Hall of Famer Randy Johnson is 58. Actor Raymond Cruz is 57. Rock musician Stevie D. (Buckcherry) is 55. Rock singer-musician Miles Zuniga (Fastball) is 55. Actor Nina Repeta is 54. Rapper Big Daddy Kane is 53. Movie director Guy Ritchie is 53. Actor Johnathon Schaech is 52. Contemporary Christian singer Sara Groves is 49. Actor Ryan Phillippe is 47. Actor Kyle Bornheimer is 46. Actor Jacob Young is 42. Rock musician Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance) is 41. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Timothy Goebel is 41. Ballerina Misty Copeland is 39. MLB All-Star first-baseman Joey Votto is 38. Rock musician Matthew Followill (Kings of Leon) is 37. Singer Ashley Monroe (Pistol Annies) is 35. MLB All-Star first-baseman Paul Goldschmidt is 34. Singer Sanjaya Malakar ("American Idol") is 32. Actor Chandler Massey is 31. Actor Hannah Hodson is 30. Actor Gabriel Bateman is 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Friday, Sept. 10, the 253rd day of 2021. There are 112 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 10, 1963, 20 Black students entered Alabama public schools following a standoff between federal authorities and Gov. George C. Wallace. On this date: In 1608, John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council in Virginia. In 1813, an American naval force commanded by Oliver H. Perry defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. (Afterward, Perry sent the message, "We have met the enemy and they are ours.") In 1919, New York City welcomed home Gen. John J. Pershing and 25,000 soldiers who'd served in the U.S. First Division during World War I. In 1935, Sen. Huey P. Long died in Baton Rouge two days after being shot in the Louisiana state Capitol, allegedly by Dr. Carl Weiss. In 1960, Hurricane Donna, a dangerous Category 4 storm eventually blamed for 364 deaths, struck the Florida Keys. In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the University of Mississippi to admit James Meredith, a Black student. In 1984, a revival of the TV game show "Jeopardy!" hosted by Alex Trebek premiered in syndication.In 1987, Pope John Paul II arrived in Miami, where he was welcomed by President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan as he began a 10-day tour of the United States. In 1991, the Senate Judiciary Committee opened hearings on the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1998, President Clinton met with members of his Cabinet to apologize, ask forgiveness and promise to improve as a person in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. In 2005, cadaver dogs and boatloads of forensic workers fanned out across New Orleans to collect the corpses left behind by Hurricane Katrina; cleanup crews towed away abandoned cars and even began readying a hotel for reopening. In 2015, New York State approved gradually raising the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $15 an hour — the first time any state had set the minimum that high. Ten years ago: On the eve of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton paid tribute to the 40 passengers and crew who fought back against their hijackers aboard Flight 93 during a ceremony dedicating the first phase of a memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. A pair of NASA probes — named Grail-A and Grail-B — rocketed toward the moon on the first mission dedicated to measuring lunar gravity and determining what was inside Earth's orbiting companion. Oscar- and Emmy-winning actor Cliff Robertson died in Stony Brook, New York, a day after turning 88.Five years ago: John Hinckley Jr., the man who tried to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was released from a Washington mental hospital for good. Angelique Kerber won her first U.S. Open title and the second Grand Slam trophy of her breakthrough season, beating Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.One year ago: Authorities in Oregon said more than 500,000 people statewide had been forced to leave their homes because of wildfires; the number represented more than 10% of the state's population. Houston's police chief said four officers had been terminated after an internal investigation determined they did not use reasonable force when they fired their weapons 21 times at a man who had been experiencing a mental health crisis, killing him in April after he was already injured and on the ground. Twitter said it would start labeling or removing misleading claims that were aimed at undermining public confidence in elections. Diana Rigg, a British actor whose career included roles in the 1960s spy series "The Avengers" and the fantasy juggernaut "Game of Thrones," died at the age of 82.Today's Birthdays: Actor Philip Baker Hall is 90. Actor Greg Mullavey is 88. Jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers is 81. Actor Tom Ligon is 81. Singer Danny Hutton (Three Dog Night) is 79. Singer Jose Feliciano is 76. Actor Judy Geeson is 73. Former Canadian first lady Margaret Trudeau is 73. Political commentator Bill O'Reilly is 72. Rock musician Joe Perry (Aerosmith) is 71. Country singer Rosie Flores is 71. Actor Amy Irving is 68. Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., is 67. Actor-director Clark Johnson is 67. Actor Kate Burton is 64. Movie director Chris Columbus is 63. Actor Colin Firth is 61. Rock singer-musician David Lowery (Cracker) is 61. Actor Sean O'Bryan is 58. Baseball Hall of Famer Randy Johnson is 58. Actor Raymond Cruz is 57. Rock musician Stevie D. (Buckcherry) is 55. Rock singer-musician Miles Zuniga (Fastball) is 55. Actor Nina Repeta is 54. Rapper Big Daddy Kane is 53. Movie director Guy Ritchie is 53. Actor Johnathon Schaech is 52. Contemporary Christian singer Sara Groves is 49. Actor Ryan Phillippe is 47. Actor Kyle Bornheimer is 46. Actor Jacob Young is 42. Rock musician Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance) is 41. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Timothy Goebel is 41. Ballerina Misty Copeland is 39. MLB All-Star first-baseman Joey Votto is 38. Rock musician Matthew Followill (Kings of Leon) is 37. Singer Ashley Monroe (Pistol Annies) is 35. MLB All-Star first-baseman Paul Goldschmidt is 34. Singer Sanjaya Malakar ("American Idol") is 32. Actor Chandler Massey is 31. Actor Hannah Hodson is 30. Actor Gabriel Bateman is 17.

Today in History - Sept. 10

<a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituary/FlorenceFlo-Gieber">Obituary for Florence "Flo" A. (Mathewson) Gieber | Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home (tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com)</a>

August 2, 1947 ~ September 6, 2021 (age 74)

Florence Aldine Gieber was born on August 2, 1947, in Sabetha, the daughter of Jack &amp; Aldine (Howard) Mathewson. Florence grew up in Hiawatha, and graduated from Hiawatha High School class of 1965. Following high school, she attended and graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield, with her master’s degree in elementary education. During her senior year at Southwestern, Flo was selected as the Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year.

Flo taught in Olsburg and Chanute schools, before she moved to Topeka to work as a librarian for USD 501. During this time, she also attended Emporia State University, where she earned her master’s degree in library science. She then went on to attend East Tennessee State, where she earned another master’s degree, in story telling. All told, Florence accumulated enough college credits that she could have obtained her doctorate degree in library science.&nbsp;

Florence was a very accomplished librarian at USD 501, working first at Highland Park North Elementary school, and then transferring to State Street Elementary School, where she retired in 2001. When Flo retired, her library contained over 10,000 books, and on the day of her retirement, Flo had placed every book in its correct place and in order in her library. 

Flo looked forward to attending the National Storytelling Festival for many years in Jonesborough, Tennessee. She also enjoyed attending various conferences throughout her career to obtain autographed copies of the children’s books for her schoo's library. Florence was also able to spend one summer in Europe on the 40 days and 40 nights tour. Their tour group visited different locations each day where famous children’s books and tales were written.

Florence was united in marriage to Nick R. Gieber on August 2, 1985, in Miami, Oklahoma.

Her grandkids were the love of her life, and she enjoyed babysitting them and watching them grow. She also enjoyed attending their extracurricular activities and events. Flo was a proud K-State fan, and especially loved watching her grandson in the KSU Marching Band. She and Nick very much enjoyed traveling to various KSU bowl games throughout the years.

When the Grandpa and Me Honey Company was founded, Flo was the money keeper. The proceeds of the honey sales went towards her three grandkids’ education funds. Flo and Nick generously gave away honey to many people on their travels and adventures.

Florence passed away on September 6, 2021, in Topeka, at the age of 74 years, 1 month and 4 days.

She is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Aldine and her brother Tom Mathewson.

Left to forever cherish their memories of Flo is her husband of 36 years Nick, stepdaughters Christine Sims and Holly Wainwright, along with her husband Jason, all of St. Geor, Kansas.

She is also survived by her grandson Blake Moris and his wife Carly (Tracz) of Overland Park, grandson Evan Moris of Manhattan, and granddaughter Isabella Wilkey of Phoenix.

She is also survived by her brother David Mathewson and his wife Connie of Hiawatha, nephew Stuart Mathewson and his wife Nicki of Hiawatha and their children Gavin and Rozlyn, niece Whitney Oswald and her husband Colton of Horton and their daughter Adalynn. She is also survived by Nick’s brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Ann Sandefer of Wichita, Patricia Pearson of Clyde, Mary Duey of Cuba, Karen Henke and her husband Glenn of Cuba, Butch Gieber and his wife Linda of Cuba, Deb Figarelle and her husband Tony of Great Falls, Montana.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Rosary/vigil services will be held at 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church in Belleville, with burial following at St. Isidore Catholic Cemetery in Cuba.

Following the cemetery services, family and friends are invited to a reception and luncheon at the Cuba Community Center.

Memorials are requested to the Cuba Booster Club, St. Isidore Church or Hope Brown County, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Florence "Flo" A. (Mathewson) Gieber, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituary/FlorenceFlo-Gieber/sympathy">floral store.</a>

<h2>Florence Aldine Gieber, St. George</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631219800072.jpeg" alt="Florence Aldine Gieber" />
 <figcaption>Florence Aldine Gieber</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituary/FlorenceFlo-Gieber">Obituary for Florence "Flo" A. (Mathewson) Gieber | Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home (tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com)</a>August 2, 1947 ~ September 6, 2021 (age 74)Florence Aldine Gieber was born on August 2, 1947, in Sabetha, the daughter of Jack &amp; Aldine (Howard) Mathewson. Florence grew up in Hiawatha, and graduated from Hiawatha High School class of 1965. Following high school, she attended and graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield, with her master’s degree in elementary education. During her senior year at Southwestern, Flo was selected as the Outstanding Student Teacher of the Year.Flo taught in Olsburg and Chanute schools, before she moved to Topeka to work as a librarian for USD 501. During this time, she also attended Emporia State University, where she earned her master’s degree in library science. She then went on to attend East Tennessee State, where she earned another master’s degree, in story telling. All told, Florence accumulated enough college credits that she could have obtained her doctorate degree in library science.&nbsp;Florence was a very accomplished librarian at USD 501, working first at Highland Park North Elementary school, and then transferring to State Street Elementary School, where she retired in 2001. When Flo retired, her library contained over 10,000 books, and on the day of her retirement, Flo had placed every book in its correct place and in order in her library. Flo looked forward to attending the National Storytelling Festival for many years in Jonesborough, Tennessee. She also enjoyed attending various conferences throughout her career to obtain autographed copies of the children’s books for her schoo's library. Florence was also able to spend one summer in Europe on the 40 days and 40 nights tour. Their tour group visited different locations each day where famous children’s books and tales were written.Florence was united in marriage to Nick R. Gieber on August 2, 1985, in Miami, Oklahoma.Her grandkids were the love of her life, and she enjoyed babysitting them and watching them grow. She also enjoyed attending their extracurricular activities and events. Flo was a proud K-State fan, and especially loved watching her grandson in the KSU Marching Band. She and Nick very much enjoyed traveling to various KSU bowl games throughout the years.When the Grandpa and Me Honey Company was founded, Flo was the money keeper. The proceeds of the honey sales went towards her three grandkids’ education funds. Flo and Nick generously gave away honey to many people on their travels and adventures.Florence passed away on September 6, 2021, in Topeka, at the age of 74 years, 1 month and 4 days.She is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Aldine and her brother Tom Mathewson.Left to forever cherish their memories of Flo is her husband of 36 years Nick, stepdaughters Christine Sims and Holly Wainwright, along with her husband Jason, all of St. Geor, Kansas.She is also survived by her grandson Blake Moris and his wife Carly (Tracz) of Overland Park, grandson Evan Moris of Manhattan, and granddaughter Isabella Wilkey of Phoenix.She is also survived by her brother David Mathewson and his wife Connie of Hiawatha, nephew Stuart Mathewson and his wife Nicki of Hiawatha and their children Gavin and Rozlyn, niece Whitney Oswald and her husband Colton of Horton and their daughter Adalynn. She is also survived by Nick’s brothers and sisters, Elizabeth Ann Sandefer of Wichita, Patricia Pearson of Clyde, Mary Duey of Cuba, Karen Henke and her husband Glenn of Cuba, Butch Gieber and his wife Linda of Cuba, Deb Figarelle and her husband Tony of Great Falls, Montana.Visitation will be Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, where the family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Rosary/vigil services will be held at 6:00 p.m., at the funeral home.Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church in Belleville, with burial following at St. Isidore Catholic Cemetery in Cuba.Following the cemetery services, family and friends are invited to a reception and luncheon at the Cuba Community Center.Memorials are requested to the Cuba Booster Club, St. Isidore Church or Hope Brown County, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Florence "Flo" A. (Mathewson) Gieber, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com/obituary/FlorenceFlo-Gieber/sympathy">floral store.</a>

Florence Aldine Gieber

<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Norma-Beneda">Obituary for Norma Beneda | Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home</a>

September 10, 1932 ~ September 8, 2021 (age 88)

Norma E. Beneda, the daughter of Bert L. Pack and M. Berniece (Elliott) Pack was born September 10, 1932 in rural Munden, KS and passed away on September 8, 2021 at Republic County Hospital, Belleville, KS at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 28 days.

Norma grew up in rural Republic County, attending the Rose Creek Center School and later Munden High School. On August 11, 1949, she was united in marriage to Glen F. Peters and to this union were born&nbsp; Pamela and Peggy.

The couple made their home in the rural Munden, KS area and he preceded her in death in 1965. In 1967, she was united in marriage to Willis R. “Bud” Beneda.&nbsp; The couple lived in Belleville, KS and he preceded her in death in 2013.

Norma worked at the Munden State Bank for 16 years where she assisted in the operation of the bank. She then worked for Holiday Floral in Belleville, KS for 20 years as a book keeper until her retirement. Norma also worked on the local election board for many years.&nbsp;

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Matt Saip; and four brothers,&nbsp; Harold (Lois), Doyle (Erma), Donald, and Paul Pack.

She is survived by two daughters, Pamela Peters (Linton Johnson) of Belleville, KS; and Peg (Doug) Hinson of Kansas City, MO; five grandchildren,&nbsp;Jori (Shelly) Hinson, Kirsten Hinson, Landon (Swathi Tella) Hinson, Marissa (Scott)&nbsp; Winfield, and Jessica (Adam) Strawn; seven great-grandchildren, Pryor &amp; Madalyn Hinson, Kenedi, Jailyn &amp; Asher Winfield and&nbsp; Ethan &amp; Trinity Strawn; brother Ray (Sharon) Pack of Salina, KS; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Ida Cemetery, rural Munden, KS with Pastor Jacob Rice, officiating.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.&nbsp; The family will greet friends from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Friday.

Memorials are suggested to the NCK Health Care Foundation Physician Recruitment Fund.

Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com.

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norma Beneda, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Norma-Beneda/sympathy">floral store.</a>

<h2>Norma Beneda, Belleville</h2><a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Norma-Beneda">Obituary for Norma Beneda | Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home</a>September 10, 1932 ~ September 8, 2021 (age 88)Norma E. Beneda, the daughter of Bert L. Pack and M. Berniece (Elliott) Pack was born September 10, 1932 in rural Munden, KS and passed away on September 8, 2021 at Republic County Hospital, Belleville, KS at the age of 88 years, 11 months, and 28 days.Norma grew up in rural Republic County, attending the Rose Creek Center School and later Munden High School. On August 11, 1949, she was united in marriage to Glen F. Peters and to this union were born&nbsp; Pamela and Peggy.The couple made their home in the rural Munden, KS area and he preceded her in death in 1965. In 1967, she was united in marriage to Willis R. “Bud” Beneda.&nbsp; The couple lived in Belleville, KS and he preceded her in death in 2013.Norma worked at the Munden State Bank for 16 years where she assisted in the operation of the bank. She then worked for Holiday Floral in Belleville, KS for 20 years as a book keeper until her retirement. Norma also worked on the local election board for many years.&nbsp;Norma was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Matt Saip; and four brothers,&nbsp; Harold (Lois), Doyle (Erma), Donald, and Paul Pack.She is survived by two daughters, Pamela Peters (Linton Johnson) of Belleville, KS; and Peg (Doug) Hinson of Kansas City, MO; five grandchildren,&nbsp;Jori (Shelly) Hinson, Kirsten Hinson, Landon (Swathi Tella) Hinson, Marissa (Scott)&nbsp; Winfield, and Jessica (Adam) Strawn; seven great-grandchildren, Pryor &amp; Madalyn Hinson, Kenedi, Jailyn &amp; Asher Winfield and&nbsp; Ethan &amp; Trinity Strawn; brother Ray (Sharon) Pack of Salina, KS; nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Ida Cemetery, rural Munden, KS with Pastor Jacob Rice, officiating.Interment will follow the services.Friends may call from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS.&nbsp; The family will greet friends from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Friday.Memorials are suggested to the NCK Health Care Foundation Physician Recruitment Fund.Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com.Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is in charge of the arrangements.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Norma Beneda, please visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bachelor-surber.com/obituary/Norma-Beneda/sympathy">floral store.</a>

Norma Beneda

Today is Thursday, Sept. 9, the 252nd day of 2021. There are 113 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 9, 1850, California became the 31st state of the union. 

In 1776, the second Continental Congress made the term "United States" official, replacing "United Colonies."

In 1893, Frances Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland, gave birth to a daughter, Esther, in the White House; it was the first (and, to date, only) time a president's child was born in the executive mansion.

In 1919, some 1,100 members of Boston's 1,500-man police force went on strike. (The strike was broken by Massachusetts Gov. Calvin Coolidge with replacement officers.)

In 1932, the steamboat Observation exploded in New York's East River, killing 72 people.

In 1948, the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was declared. 

In 1956, Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction, a measure primarily concerned with protecting voting rights and which also established a Civil Rights Division in the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 1960, in the first regular-season American Football League game, the Denver Broncos defeated the Boston Patriots, 13-10. 

In 1971, prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, beginning a siege that ended up claiming 43 lives. 

In 1991, boxer Mike Tyson was indicted in Indianapolis on a charge of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant. (Tyson was convicted and ended up serving three years of a six-year prison sentence.) 

In 2005, Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown, the principal target of harsh criticism of the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, was relieved of his onsite command. 

In 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in British history, serving as sovereign for 23,226 days (about 63 years and 7 months), according to Buckingham Palace, surpassing Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother. New York became the first U.S. city to require salt warnings on chain-restaurant menus. 

Ten years ago: New Yorkers and Washingtonians shrugged off talk of a new terror threat as intelligence officials scrambled to nail down information on a possible al-Qaida strike timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Five years ago: Defying the White House, Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation giving the families of victims of the September 11 attacks the right to sue Saudi Arabia. (Obama vetoed the bill, but Congress overrode his veto.) Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, speaking at an LGBT fundraiser in New York City, described half of Republican Donald Trump's supporters as "a basket of deplorables," a characterization for which she ended up expressing regret. Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson were among those inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

One year ago: The top U.S. general for the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, said the Trump administration would pull thousands of troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan by November. President Donald Trump acknowledged that he had downplayed the coronavirus in the weeks after it emerged, saying he was trying to be a "cheerleader" for the country and avoid causing panic. Officials said the wildfires burning in Oregon's forested valleys and along the coast had destroyed hundreds of homes; in Washington state, flames devoured buildings and huge tracts of land. A federal report said vaping by U.S. teenagers had fallen dramatically, especially among middle schoolers.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Topol is 86. Singer Inez Foxx is 79. Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 76. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Joe Theismann is 72. Rock musician John McFee (The Doobie Brothers) is 71. Actor Tom Wopat is 70. Actor Angela Cartwright is 69. Musician-producer Dave Stewart is 69. Actor Hugh Grant is 61. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is 58. Actor-comedian Charles Esten (formerly Chip) is 56. Actor Constance Marie is 56. Actor David Bennent is 55. Actor Adam Sandler is 55. Rock singer Paul Durham (Black Lab) is 53. Actor Julia Sawalha is 53. Model Rachel Hunter is 52. Actor Eric Stonestreet is 50. Actor Henry Thomas is 50. Actor Goran Visnjic is 49. Pop-jazz singer Michael Buble' is 46. Latin singer Maria Rita is 44. Actor Michelle Williams is 41. Actor Julie Gonzalo is 40. Neo-soul singer Paul Janeway (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 38. Actor Zoe Kazan is 38. Author-motivational speaker-businessman Farrah Gray is 37. Actor Kelsey Asbille is 30. Contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle is 30. Country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Sept. 9, the 252nd day of 2021. There are 113 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 9, 1850, California became the 31st state of the union. On this date: In 1776, the second Continental Congress made the term "United States" official, replacing "United Colonies."In 1893, Frances Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland, gave birth to a daughter, Esther, in the White House; it was the first (and, to date, only) time a president's child was born in the executive mansion.In 1919, some 1,100 members of Boston's 1,500-man police force went on strike. (The strike was broken by Massachusetts Gov. Calvin Coolidge with replacement officers.)In 1932, the steamboat Observation exploded in New York's East River, killing 72 people.In 1948, the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea) was declared. In 1956, Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."In 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the first civil rights bill to pass Congress since Reconstruction, a measure primarily concerned with protecting voting rights and which also established a Civil Rights Division in the U.S. Department of Justice.In 1960, in the first regular-season American Football League game, the Denver Broncos defeated the Boston Patriots, 13-10. In 1971, prisoners seized control of the maximum-security Attica Correctional Facility near Buffalo, New York, beginning a siege that ended up claiming 43 lives. In 1991, boxer Mike Tyson was indicted in Indianapolis on a charge of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty pageant contestant. (Tyson was convicted and ended up serving three years of a six-year prison sentence.) In 2005, Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Michael Brown, the principal target of harsh criticism of the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, was relieved of his onsite command. In 2015, Queen Elizabeth II became the longest reigning monarch in British history, serving as sovereign for 23,226 days (about 63 years and 7 months), according to Buckingham Palace, surpassing Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother. New York became the first U.S. city to require salt warnings on chain-restaurant menus. Ten years ago: New Yorkers and Washingtonians shrugged off talk of a new terror threat as intelligence officials scrambled to nail down information on a possible al-Qaida strike timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Five years ago: Defying the White House, Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation giving the families of victims of the September 11 attacks the right to sue Saudi Arabia. (Obama vetoed the bill, but Congress overrode his veto.) Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, speaking at an LGBT fundraiser in New York City, described half of Republican Donald Trump's supporters as "a basket of deplorables," a characterization for which she ended up expressing regret. Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson were among those inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.One year ago: The top U.S. general for the Middle East, Gen. Frank McKenzie, said the Trump administration would pull thousands of troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan by November. President Donald Trump acknowledged that he had downplayed the coronavirus in the weeks after it emerged, saying he was trying to be a "cheerleader" for the country and avoid causing panic. Officials said the wildfires burning in Oregon's forested valleys and along the coast had destroyed hundreds of homes; in Washington state, flames devoured buildings and huge tracts of land. A federal report said vaping by U.S. teenagers had fallen dramatically, especially among middle schoolers. Today's Birthdays: Actor Topol is 86. Singer Inez Foxx is 79. Singer Dee Dee Sharp is 76. College Football Hall of Famer and former NFL player Joe Theismann is 72. Rock musician John McFee (The Doobie Brothers) is 71. Actor Tom Wopat is 70. Actor Angela Cartwright is 69. Musician-producer Dave Stewart is 69. Actor Hugh Grant is 61. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., is 58. Actor-comedian Charles Esten (formerly Chip) is 56. Actor Constance Marie is 56. Actor David Bennent is 55. Actor Adam Sandler is 55. Rock singer Paul Durham (Black Lab) is 53. Actor Julia Sawalha is 53. Model Rachel Hunter is 52. Actor Eric Stonestreet is 50. Actor Henry Thomas is 50. Actor Goran Visnjic is 49. Pop-jazz singer Michael Buble' is 46. Latin singer Maria Rita is 44. Actor Michelle Williams is 41. Actor Julie Gonzalo is 40. Neo-soul singer Paul Janeway (St. Paul &amp; the Broken Bones) is 38. Actor Zoe Kazan is 38. Author-motivational speaker-businessman Farrah Gray is 37. Actor Kelsey Asbille is 30. Contemporary Christian singer Lauren Daigle is 30. Country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes is 30.

Today in History - Sept. 9

A children's literacy program promoted by the Salina Area United Way is the recipient of a national award.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is one of three winners of the 2021 Literacy Awards, the Library of Congress announced this morning.

“Literacy develops the mind and the heart, engages the intellect and imagination, and builds wide-ranging knowledge of the world,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “Through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress is proud to honor and celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary organizations in their efforts to advance literacy and enable people to survive and thrive in the world.”

Following is information about the three award recipients as provided by the Library of Congress.

2021 David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000): Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee The Imagination Library, also known as Dolly’s Library, is an initiative of the Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton in 1988. Dedicated to improving the lives of children by inspiring a love of reading, the Imagination Library provides books free of charge to families through local community partnerships. It first launched in 1995, with 1,760 children enrolled from birth to age 5 in one community; each child in that community received one free book mailed to their home monthly for 60 months. As of March 2021, 1,828,800 books are now mailed every month to children in the U.K., Australia, U.S., Canada, Republic of Ireland, and dozens of indigenous communities, in multiple countries and territories.

Since 2014 when the Imagination Library received “best practice” recognition from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, the Dollywood Foundation has strategically positioned the Imagination Library for aggressive growth. In 2018, it achieved a staggering milestone of 100 million books mailed to children, and two years later, at the end of 2020, it surpassed 150 million books. Although mailing the books to each child’s home is only one aspect of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, it is a remarkable feat that helps improve literacy on an international scale and creates special moments for children and families.

American Prize ($50,000): The Parents as Teachers National Center, St. Louis, Missouri Parents as Teachers builds strong communities, thriving families, and children who are healthy, safe and ready to learn by matching parents and caregivers with trained professionals who make regular personal home visits during a child’s earliest years in life, from prenatal through kindergarten. Parents as Teachers (PAT) began in the 1980s and is now the most replicated home visiting model in the United States. The center has trained thousands of early childhood family support professionals through its curricula and programs, which prepare home visitors and supervisors to implement effective parent education in literacy, health and human services. Other groups, such as Head Start, school districts and hospitals, incorporate the PAT curricula into their work. Parents as Teachers boasts almost 1,000 affiliates in the U.S. and six other countries, all comprised of people trained to coach, guide and reinforce parents as early teachers.

International Prize ($50,000): The Luminos Fund, Boston, Massachusetts The Luminos Fund provides transformative education programs to thousands of out-of-school children, helping them to catch up to grade level, reintegrate into local schools and prepare for lifelong learning. It delivers a joyful-learning approach in classrooms in Ethiopia, Liberia and Lebanon to help children cover three school grades of learning in 10 months. Supported by a number of foundations, the Luminos Fund provides a toolkit for other governments and nongovernmental organizations to adopt its core program, Second Chance. Second Chance students increase their reading ability while gaining confidence and a positive view toward their future. To date, the Luminos Fund has reached more than 152,000 children across the globe.

Additional information on the awards and previous winners, as well as an interactive program map are available at <a href="http://read.gov/literacyawards">read.gov/literacyawards</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631117917240.jpeg" alt="Top prizes of the 2021 Literacy Awards are being awarded to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the Parents as Teachers National Center, and the Luminos Fund. Photos courtesy Library of Congress" />
 <figcaption>Top prizes of the 2021 Literacy Awards are being awarded to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, the Parents as Teachers National Center, and the Luminos Fund. Photos courtesy Library of Congress</figcaption>
 </figure>By SALINA POSTA children's literacy program promoted by the Salina Area United Way is the recipient of a national award.Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is one of three winners of the 2021 Literacy Awards, the Library of Congress announced this morning.“Literacy develops the mind and the heart, engages the intellect and imagination, and builds wide-ranging knowledge of the world,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “Through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress is proud to honor and celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary organizations in their efforts to advance literacy and enable people to survive and thrive in the world.”Following is information about the three award recipients as provided by the Library of Congress.2021 David M. Rubenstein Prize ($150,000): Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee The Imagination Library, also known as Dolly’s Library, is an initiative of the Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton in 1988. Dedicated to improving the lives of children by inspiring a love of reading, the Imagination Library provides books free of charge to families through local community partnerships. It first launched in 1995, with 1,760 children enrolled from birth to age 5 in one community; each child in that community received one free book mailed to their home monthly for 60 months. As of March 2021, 1,828,800 books are now mailed every month to children in the U.K., Australia, U.S., Canada, Republic of Ireland, and dozens of indigenous communities, in multiple countries and territories.Since 2014 when the Imagination Library received “best practice” recognition from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, the Dollywood Foundation has strategically positioned the Imagination Library for aggressive growth. In 2018, it achieved a staggering milestone of 100 million books mailed to children, and two years later, at the end of 2020, it surpassed 150 million books. Although mailing the books to each child’s home is only one aspect of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, it is a remarkable feat that helps improve literacy on an international scale and creates special moments for children and families.American Prize ($50,000): The Parents as Teachers National Center, St. Louis, Missouri Parents as Teachers builds strong communities, thriving families, and children who are healthy, safe and ready to learn by matching parents and caregivers with trained professionals who make regular personal home visits during a child’s earliest years in life, from prenatal through kindergarten. Parents as Teachers (PAT) began in the 1980s and is now the most replicated home visiting model in the United States. The center has trained thousands of early childhood family support professionals through its curricula and programs, which prepare home visitors and supervisors to implement effective parent education in literacy, health and human services. Other groups, such as Head Start, school districts and hospitals, incorporate the PAT curricula into their work. Parents as Teachers boasts almost 1,000 affiliates in the U.S. and six other countries, all comprised of people trained to coach, guide and reinforce parents as early teachers.International Prize ($50,000): The Luminos Fund, Boston, Massachusetts The Luminos Fund provides transformative education programs to thousands of out-of-school children, helping them to catch up to grade level, reintegrate into local schools and prepare for lifelong learning. It delivers a joyful-learning approach in classrooms in Ethiopia, Liberia and Lebanon to help children cover three school grades of learning in 10 months. Supported by a number of foundations, the Luminos Fund provides a toolkit for other governments and nongovernmental organizations to adopt its core program, Second Chance. Second Chance students increase their reading ability while gaining confidence and a positive view toward their future. To date, the Luminos Fund has reached more than 152,000 children across the globe.Additional information on the awards and previous winners, as well as an interactive program map are available at <a href="http://read.gov/literacyawards">read.gov/literacyawards</a>.

Imagination Library receives Library of Congress '21 Literacy Award

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 8, the 251st day of 2021. There are 114 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 8, 1565, a Spanish expedition established the first permanent European settlement in North America at present-day St. Augustine, Florida. 

In 1504, Michelangelo's towering marble statue of David was unveiled to the public in Florence, Italy.

In 1664, the Dutch surrendered New Amsterdam to the British, who renamed it New York. 

In 1761, Britain's King George III married Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz a few hours after meeting her for the first time. 

In 1892, an early version of "The Pledge of Allegiance," written by Francis Bellamy, appeared in "The Youth's Companion." It went: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 

In 1900, Galveston, Texas, was struck by a hurricane that killed an estimated 8,000 people. 

In 1935, Sen. Huey P. Long, a Louisiana Democrat, was shot and mortally wounded inside the Louisiana State Capitol; he died two days later. (The assailant was identified as Dr. Carl Weiss, who was gunned down by Long's bodyguards.) 

In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared a "limited national emergency" in response to the outbreak of war in Europe.

In 1941, the 900-day Siege of Leningrad by German forces began during World War II. 

In 1943, during World War II, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower announced Italy's surrender; Nazi Germany denounced Italy's decision as a cowardly act. 

In 1964, public schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia, reopened after being closed for five years by officials attempting to prevent court-ordered racial desegregation. 

In 1974, President Gerald R. Ford granted a "full, free, and absolute pardon" to former President Richard Nixon covering his entire term in office. 

In 2019, Rafael Nadal held off a strong comeback bid to win his 19th Grand Slam title in a five-set U.S. Open final against Daniil Medvedev.

Ten years ago: Addressing a joint session of Congress, President Barack Obama challenged a reluctant Congress to urgently pass a larger-than-expected $450 billion jobs plan to "jolt an economy that has stalled." Ten oil workers were forced to abandon a crippled 94-foot research vessel in the Gulf of Mexico and pile into a life raft during Tropical Storm Nate; by the time rescuers arrived three days after, three of the men had died, and a fourth died later at a hospital.

Five years ago: California and federal regulators fined Wells Fargo a combined $185 million, alleging the bank's employees illegally opened millions of unauthorized accounts for their customers in order to meet aggressive sales goals. U.S. aviation safety officials took the extraordinary step of warning airline passengers not to turn on or charge a new-model Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7, during flights following numerous reports of the devices catching fire. Greta Zimmer Friedman, identified as the woman in an iconic photo seen kissing an ecstatic sailor in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II, died in Richmond, Virginia, at age 92.

One year ago: The Northern California foothill hamlet of Berry Creek was largely destroyed in what would be the deadliest of the wildfires burning through much of the state; it left 16 people dead. More than a dozen California firefighters trying to protect a fire station in rugged mountains were overrun by flames; several were hurt as they deployed emergency shelters. Students across the nation ran into computer glitches as they began the school year with online instruction at home because of the coronavirus. Britain's government banned gatherings of more than six people in England, as officials tried to keep a lid on daily new coronavirus infections.

Today's Birthdays: Ventriloquist Willie Tyler is 81. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is 80. Actor Alan Feinstein is 80. Pop singer Sal Valentino (The Beau Brummels) is 79. Author Ann Beattie is 74. Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is 71. Cajun singer Zachary Richard is 71. Musician Will Lee is 69. Actor Heather Thomas is 64. Singer Aimee Mann is 61. Pop musician David Steele (Fine Young Cannibals) is 61. Actor Thomas Kretschmann is 59. Gospel singer Darlene Zschech is 56. Alternative country singer Neko Case is 51. TV personality Brooke Burke is 50. Actor Martin Freeman is 50. Actor David Arquette is 50. TV-radio personality Kennedy is 49. Rock musician Richard Hughes (Keane) is 46. Actor Larenz Tate is 46. Actor Nathan Corddry is 44. R&amp;B singer Pink is 42. Singer-songwriter Eric Hutchinson is 41. Actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas is 40. Rapper Wiz Khalifa is 34. Actor Gaten Matarazzo (TV: "Stranger Things") is 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Sept. 8, the 251st day of 2021. There are 114 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 8, 1565, a Spanish expedition established the first permanent European settlement in North America at present-day St. Augustine, Florida. On this date: In 1504, Michelangelo's towering marble statue of David was unveiled to the public in Florence, Italy.In 1664, the Dutch surrendered New Amsterdam to the British, who renamed it New York. In 1761, Britain's King George III married Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz a few hours after meeting her for the first time. In 1892, an early version of "The Pledge of Allegiance," written by Francis Bellamy, appeared in "The Youth's Companion." It went: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." In 1900, Galveston, Texas, was struck by a hurricane that killed an estimated 8,000 people. In 1935, Sen. Huey P. Long, a Louisiana Democrat, was shot and mortally wounded inside the Louisiana State Capitol; he died two days later. (The assailant was identified as Dr. Carl Weiss, who was gunned down by Long's bodyguards.) In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared a "limited national emergency" in response to the outbreak of war in Europe.In 1941, the 900-day Siege of Leningrad by German forces began during World War II. In 1943, during World War II, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower announced Italy's surrender; Nazi Germany denounced Italy's decision as a cowardly act. In 1964, public schools in Prince Edward County, Virginia, reopened after being closed for five years by officials attempting to prevent court-ordered racial desegregation. In 1974, President Gerald R. Ford granted a "full, free, and absolute pardon" to former President Richard Nixon covering his entire term in office. In 2019, Rafael Nadal held off a strong comeback bid to win his 19th Grand Slam title in a five-set U.S. Open final against Daniil Medvedev.Ten years ago: Addressing a joint session of Congress, President Barack Obama challenged a reluctant Congress to urgently pass a larger-than-expected $450 billion jobs plan to "jolt an economy that has stalled." Ten oil workers were forced to abandon a crippled 94-foot research vessel in the Gulf of Mexico and pile into a life raft during Tropical Storm Nate; by the time rescuers arrived three days after, three of the men had died, and a fourth died later at a hospital.Five years ago: California and federal regulators fined Wells Fargo a combined $185 million, alleging the bank's employees illegally opened millions of unauthorized accounts for their customers in order to meet aggressive sales goals. U.S. aviation safety officials took the extraordinary step of warning airline passengers not to turn on or charge a new-model Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7, during flights following numerous reports of the devices catching fire. Greta Zimmer Friedman, identified as the woman in an iconic photo seen kissing an ecstatic sailor in Times Square celebrating the end of World War II, died in Richmond, Virginia, at age 92.One year ago: The Northern California foothill hamlet of Berry Creek was largely destroyed in what would be the deadliest of the wildfires burning through much of the state; it left 16 people dead. More than a dozen California firefighters trying to protect a fire station in rugged mountains were overrun by flames; several were hurt as they deployed emergency shelters. Students across the nation ran into computer glitches as they began the school year with online instruction at home because of the coronavirus. Britain's government banned gatherings of more than six people in England, as officials tried to keep a lid on daily new coronavirus infections.Today's Birthdays: Ventriloquist Willie Tyler is 81. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., is 80. Actor Alan Feinstein is 80. Pop singer Sal Valentino (The Beau Brummels) is 79. Author Ann Beattie is 74. Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis is 71. Cajun singer Zachary Richard is 71. Musician Will Lee is 69. Actor Heather Thomas is 64. Singer Aimee Mann is 61. Pop musician David Steele (Fine Young Cannibals) is 61. Actor Thomas Kretschmann is 59. Gospel singer Darlene Zschech is 56. Alternative country singer Neko Case is 51. TV personality Brooke Burke is 50. Actor Martin Freeman is 50. Actor David Arquette is 50. TV-radio personality Kennedy is 49. Rock musician Richard Hughes (Keane) is 46. Actor Larenz Tate is 46. Actor Nathan Corddry is 44. R&amp;B singer Pink is 42. Singer-songwriter Eric Hutchinson is 41. Actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas is 40. Rapper Wiz Khalifa is 34. Actor Gaten Matarazzo (TV: "Stranger Things") is 19.

Today in History - Sept. 8

Today is Tuesday, Sept. 7, the 250th day of 2021. There are 115 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 7, 1977, the Panama Canal treaties, calling for the U.S. to eventually turn over control of the waterway to Panama, were signed in Washington by President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos. 

In 1812, the Battle of Borodino took place as French troops clashed with Russian forces outside Moscow. (The battle, ultimately won by Russia, was commemorated by composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky with his "1812 Overture.")

In 1936, rock-and-roll legend Buddy Holly was born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, Texas.

In 1940, Nazi Germany began its eight-month blitz of Britain during World War II with the first air attack on London.

In 1972, the International Olympic Committee banned Vince Matthews and Wayne Collett of the U.S. from further competition for talking to each other on the victory stand in Munich during the playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" after winning the gold and silver medals in the 400-meter run. 

In 1986, Desmond Tutu was installed as the first Black clergyman to lead the Anglican Church in southern Africa. 

In 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and mortally wounded on the Las Vegas Strip; he died six days later. 

In 2005, police and soldiers went house to house in New Orleans to try to coax the last stubborn holdouts into leaving the city shattered by Hurricane Katrina. 

In 2007, Osama bin Laden appeared in a video for the first time in three years, telling Americans they should convert to Islam if they wanted the war in Iraq to end. 

In 2008, troubled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed in government conservatorship. 

In 2015, Hillary Clinton, interviewed by The Associated Press during a campaign swing through Iowa, said she did not need to apologize for using a private email account and server while at the State Department because "what I did was allowed."

In 2017, one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Mexico struck off the country's southern coast, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing at least 90 people. (A deadlier quake would strike central Mexico nearly two weeks later.)

In 2019, President Donald Trump said he had canceled a secret weekend meeting at Camp David with Taliban and Afghan leaders, just days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, after a bombing in Kabul that killed 12 people, including an American soldier. 

Ten years ago: The latest in a series of Republican presidential debates brought together Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, and Rick Santorum in Simi Valley, California. A private Russian jet carrying a top ice hockey team slammed into a riverbank moments after takeoff from the airport near the western city of Yaroslavl, killing 44 people. (Investigators blamed pilot error.)

Five years ago: In back-to-back appearances, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton confronted their perceived weaknesses during a national security forum in New York, with Clinton, who went first, arguing that her email practices did not expose questionable judgment while Trump defended his preparedness to be commander in chief. President Barack Obama, during a visit to Laos, pledged to help to clear away the 80 million unexploded bombs the U.S. dropped on the Southeast Asian country decades earlier.

One year ago: Many big Labor Day gatherings were canceled across the U.S. as health authorities pleaded with people to keep their distance from others so as not to cause another surge in coronavirus cases like the one that followed Memorial Day. The mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, announced that Yvette Gentry would serve as interim police chief; she was the first Black woman to lead the department, which had been heavily criticized since officers fatally shot Breonna Taylor in March. India's increasing coronavirus caseload made the Asian giant the world's second-worst-hit country behind the United States. About 80% of the small eastern Washington farming town of Malden was leveled by flames from a fast-moving wildfire.

Today's Birthdays: Jazz musician Sonny Rollins is 91. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 78. Singer Alfa Anderson (Chic) is 75. Actor Susan Blakely is 73. Rock musician Dennis Thompson (MC5) is 73. Actor Julie Kavner is 71. Rock singer Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) is 70. Rock musician Benmont Tench (Tom Petty &amp; the Heartbreakers) is 68. Actor Corbin Bernsen is 67. Actor Michael Emerson is 67. Pianist Michael Feinstein is 65. Singer/songwriter Diane Warren is 65. Singer Margot Chapman is 64. Actor J. Smith-Cameron is 64. Actor W. Earl Brown is 58. Actor Toby Jones is 55. Actor-comedian Leslie Jones (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 54. Model-actor Angie Everhart is 52. Actor Diane Farr is 52. Country singer Butter (Trailer Choir) is 51. Actor Monique Gabriela Curnen is 51. Actor Tom Everett Scott is 51. Rock musician Chad Sexton (311) is 51. Actor Shannon Elizabeth is 48. Actor Oliver Hudson is 45. Actor Devon Sawa is 43. Actor JD Pardo is 42. Actor Benjamin Hollingsworth (TV: "Code Black") is 37. Actor Alyssa Diaz (TV: "Ray Donovan"; "Zoo") is 36. Singer-musician Wes Willis (Rush of Fools) is 35. Actor Evan Rachel Wood is 34. Actor Jonathan Majors is 32. Actor Ian Chen (TV: "Fresh Off the Boat") is 15.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Tuesday, Sept. 7, the 250th day of 2021. There are 115 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Sept. 7, 1977, the Panama Canal treaties, calling for the U.S. to eventually turn over control of the waterway to Panama, were signed in Washington by President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos. On this date: In 1812, the Battle of Borodino took place as French troops clashed with Russian forces outside Moscow. (The battle, ultimately won by Russia, was commemorated by composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky with his "1812 Overture.")In 1936, rock-and-roll legend Buddy Holly was born Charles Hardin Holley in Lubbock, Texas.In 1940, Nazi Germany began its eight-month blitz of Britain during World War II with the first air attack on London.In 1972, the International Olympic Committee banned Vince Matthews and Wayne Collett of the U.S. from further competition for talking to each other on the victory stand in Munich during the playing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" after winning the gold and silver medals in the 400-meter run. In 1986, Desmond Tutu was installed as the first Black clergyman to lead the Anglican Church in southern Africa. In 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur was shot and mortally wounded on the Las Vegas Strip; he died six days later. In 2005, police and soldiers went house to house in New Orleans to try to coax the last stubborn holdouts into leaving the city shattered by Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, Osama bin Laden appeared in a video for the first time in three years, telling Americans they should convert to Islam if they wanted the war in Iraq to end. In 2008, troubled mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed in government conservatorship. In 2015, Hillary Clinton, interviewed by The Associated Press during a campaign swing through Iowa, said she did not need to apologize for using a private email account and server while at the State Department because "what I did was allowed."In 2017, one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in Mexico struck off the country's southern coast, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing at least 90 people. (A deadlier quake would strike central Mexico nearly two weeks later.)In 2019, President Donald Trump said he had canceled a secret weekend meeting at Camp David with Taliban and Afghan leaders, just days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, after a bombing in Kabul that killed 12 people, including an American soldier. Ten years ago: The latest in a series of Republican presidential debates brought together Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman, Ron Paul, and Rick Santorum in Simi Valley, California. A private Russian jet carrying a top ice hockey team slammed into a riverbank moments after takeoff from the airport near the western city of Yaroslavl, killing 44 people. (Investigators blamed pilot error.) Five years ago: In back-to-back appearances, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton confronted their perceived weaknesses during a national security forum in New York, with Clinton, who went first, arguing that her email practices did not expose questionable judgment while Trump defended his preparedness to be commander in chief. President Barack Obama, during a visit to Laos, pledged to help to clear away the 80 million unexploded bombs the U.S. dropped on the Southeast Asian country decades earlier. One year ago: Many big Labor Day gatherings were canceled across the U.S. as health authorities pleaded with people to keep their distance from others so as not to cause another surge in coronavirus cases like the one that followed Memorial Day. The mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, announced that Yvette Gentry would serve as interim police chief; she was the first Black woman to lead the department, which had been heavily criticized since officers fatally shot Breonna Taylor in March. India's increasing coronavirus caseload made the Asian giant the world's second-worst-hit country behind the United States. About 80% of the small eastern Washington farming town of Malden was leveled by flames from a fast-moving wildfire. Today's Birthdays: Jazz musician Sonny Rollins is 91. Singer Gloria Gaynor is 78. Singer Alfa Anderson (Chic) is 75. Actor Susan Blakely is 73. Rock musician Dennis Thompson (MC5) is 73. Actor Julie Kavner is 71. Rock singer Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders) is 70. Rock musician Benmont Tench (Tom Petty &amp; the Heartbreakers) is 68. Actor Corbin Bernsen is 67. Actor Michael Emerson is 67. Pianist Michael Feinstein is 65. Singer/songwriter Diane Warren is 65. Singer Margot Chapman is 64. Actor J. Smith-Cameron is 64. Actor W. Earl Brown is 58. Actor Toby Jones is 55. Actor-comedian Leslie Jones (TV: "Saturday Night Live") is 54. Model-actor Angie Everhart is 52. Actor Diane Farr is 52. Country singer Butter (Trailer Choir) is 51. Actor Monique Gabriela Curnen is 51. Actor Tom Everett Scott is 51. Rock musician Chad Sexton (311) is 51. Actor Shannon Elizabeth is 48. Actor Oliver Hudson is 45. Actor Devon Sawa is 43. Actor JD Pardo is 42. Actor Benjamin Hollingsworth (TV: "Code Black") is 37. Actor Alyssa Diaz (TV: "Ray Donovan"; "Zoo") is 36. Singer-musician Wes Willis (Rush of Fools) is 35. Actor Evan Rachel Wood is 34. Actor Jonathan Majors is 32. Actor Ian Chen (TV: "Fresh Off the Boat") is 15.

Today in History - Sept. 7

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a weekend standoff.

Just before 10:00 p.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call from 14081 Q. Road in rural Jackson, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The caller reported that the man at the residence allegedly was intoxicated and fired a weapon a number of times from the residence. 

A woman at the home was able to escape the residence without serious injury.&nbsp; The heavily armed suspect later identified as&nbsp;Daniel Charles Carlow, 63, of Hoyt  fled the residence into an adjacent wooded area. 

Deputies encountered Carlow and a standoff ensued.  After law enforcement negotiated with him for a period of time, Carlow surrendered to law enforcement.

Deputies booked Carlow into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of aggravated assault, aggravated assault on law enforcement, battery of law enforcement, criminal threat, felony interference with law enforcement, domestic battery, disorderly conduct and possession of a stolen firearm, according to Morse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630851283231.png" alt="Carlow photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Carlow photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a weekend standoff.Just before 10:00 p.m. Friday, sheriff's deputies responded to a 911 call from 14081 Q. Road in rural Jackson, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The caller reported that the man at the residence allegedly was intoxicated and fired a weapon a number of times from the residence. A woman at the home was able to escape the residence without serious injury.&nbsp; The heavily armed suspect later identified as&nbsp;Daniel Charles Carlow, 63, of Hoyt fled the residence into an adjacent wooded area. Deputies encountered Carlow and a standoff ensued. After law enforcement negotiated with him for a period of time, Carlow surrendered to law enforcement.Deputies booked Carlow into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of aggravated assault, aggravated assault on law enforcement, battery of law enforcement, criminal threat, felony interference with law enforcement, domestic battery, disorderly conduct and possession of a stolen firearm, according to Morse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas man jailed after standoff with deputies

The unclassified summary of our five U.S. intelligence agencies (IC) view of the coronavirus origin was released. While this is a science question, not a political one, the report included much that should have ended the political claims that this was a bioweapon.

One function of our consulates is to maintain surveillance on other governments’ communications. This provides the background for the report statement “...the IC assesses China’s officials did not have foreknowledge of the virus before the initial outbreak of COVID-19 emerged.”

“The IC assesses that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019.”

In addition, “...the IC was able to reach broad agreement on several other key issues. We judge the virus was not developed as a biological weapon.” That sinks the biowarfare gain-in-function argument.

This is not surprising to people throughout Asia who remember that China suffered more casualties from biological warfare atrocities committed by Japan during World War II than all other world countries in history combined. This history, detailed in school books and on China television, makes such biowarfare less likely than Japan developing nuclear bombs today. &nbsp;

Four of the IC elements along with the National Intelligence Council concluded “...that the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection was most likely caused by natural exposure to an animal infected with it or a close progenitor virus—a virus that probably would be more than 99 percent similar to SARS-CoV-2.”

Only one IC element felt “...that the first human infection with SARS-CoV-2 most likely was the result of a laboratory-associated incident, probably involving experimentation, animal handling, or sampling by the Wuhan Institute of Virology.” The rationale for this counter opinion is not given, but it speaks of it as a lab accident. That one intelligence agency concurred that it was not a bioweapon.

The August 17, 2021 Bloomberg Businessweek goes back to describe how the Huanan market was closed down back in January 1, 2020 immediately after the recognition of this new disease. Beijing specialists “...ordered environmental samples to be collected from drains and other surfaces at the market. Some 585 specimens were tested, of which 33 turned out to be positive for SARS-CoV-2.... All but two of the positive specimens came from a cavernous and poorly-ventilated section of the market’s western wing, where many shops sold animals.” But which animals were in these sections?

Now a critical study was just published in the June 7, 2021 Scientific Reports that may provide evidence of which animals at the Wuhan animal market could have harbored the wild virus years earlier. It documented “...47,381 individuals from 38 species, including 31 protected species sold between May 2017 and November 2019 in Wuhan’s markets.” This was a study to identify sources of the tick-borne Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) disease. As a result, this submitted scientific paper was ignored and not published for over a year since editors did not recognize its importance in correlating the market animals with likely location of the disease transmission.

Research such as this, as well as backtracking of DNA changes in the evolving virus, may eventually answer how this virus jumped from animals to humans.

Meanwhile, many politicians have apparently failed to read the intelligence report and continue to spout conspiracy theories falsely claiming this coronavirus could only be manmade due to unique DNA sequences: “Well that was what Nobel Laureate Dr. Richard Baltimore called the smoking gun that shows this virus came from a lab, not from nature.”

But various politician's screeds indicate they have not read the latest from Dr. David (not Richard) Baltimore: “When I first saw the sequence of the furin cleavage site—as I've said, other beta coronaviruses don't have that site—it seemed to me a reasonable hypothesis that somebody had put it in there. Now, I don't know if that's true or not....”

Earlier assertions that other coronaviruses lack genetic code for certain chemicals (such as the furin cleavage sites) have now been disproved, with several wild coronaviruses having it. 

Scientists adjust to new evidence. Politicians do not.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The short unclassified IC report can be found <a href="https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/Unclassified-Summary-of-Assessment-on-COVID-19-Origins.pdf?et_rid=17130443&amp;et_cid=3903383">here</a>.

The text of this short IC report is below.

Key Takeaways &nbsp; The IC assesses that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019.&nbsp; In addition, the IC was able to reach broad agreement on several other key issues.&nbsp; We judge the virus was not developed as a biological weapon.&nbsp; Most agencies also assess with low confidence that SARS-CoV-2 probably was not genetically engineered; however, two agencies believe there was not sufficient evidence to make an assessment either way.&nbsp; Finally, the IC assesses China’s officials did not have foreknowledge of the virus before the initial outbreak of COVID-19 emerged.

After examining all available intelligence reporting and other information, though, the IC remains divided on the most likely origin of COVID-19.&nbsp; All agencies assess that two hypotheses are plausible: natural exposure to an infected animal and a laboratory-associated incident.

Four IC elements and the National Intelligence Council assess with low confidence that the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection was most likely caused by natural exposure to an animal infected with it or a close progenitor virus—a virus that probably would be more than 99 percent similar to SARS-CoV-2.&nbsp; These analysts give weight to China’s officials’ lack of foreknowledge, the numerous vectors for natural exposure, and other factors.

One IC element assesses with moderate confidence that the first human infection with SARS-CoV-2 most likely was the result of a laboratory-associated incident, probably involving experimentation, animal handling, or sampling by the Wuhan Institute of Virology.&nbsp; These analysts give weight to the inherently risky nature of work on coronaviruses.

Analysts at three IC elements remain unable to coalesce around either explanation without additional information, with some analysts favoring natural origin, others a laboratory origin, and some seeing the hypotheses as equally likely.

Variations in analytic views largely stem from differences in how agencies weigh intelligence reporting and scientific publications, and intelligence and scientific gaps. &nbsp;

The IC judges they will be unable to provide a more definitive explanation for the origin of COVID-19 unless new information allows them to determine the specific pathway for initial natural contact with an animal or to determine that a laboratory in Wuhan was handling SARS-CoV-2 or a close progenitor virus before COVID-19 emerged.

The IC—and the global scientific community—lacks clinical samples or a complete understanding of epidemiological data from the earliest COVID-19 cases.&nbsp; If we obtain information on the earliest cases that identified a location of interest or occupational exposure, it may alter our evaluation of hypotheses.

China’s cooperation most likely would be needed to reach a conclusive assessment of the origins of COVID-19.&nbsp; Beijing, however, continues to hinder the global investigation, resist sharing information and blame other countries, including the United States.&nbsp; These actions reflect, in part, China’s government’s own uncertainty about where an investigation could lead as well as its frustration the international community is using the issue to exert political pressure on China.&nbsp;&nbsp;

John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKThe unclassified summary of our five U.S. intelligence agencies (IC) view of the coronavirus origin was released. While this is a science question, not a political one, the report included much that should have ended the political claims that this was a bioweapon. One function of our consulates is to maintain surveillance on other governments’ communications. This provides the background for the report statement “...the IC assesses China’s officials did not have foreknowledge of the virus before the initial outbreak of COVID-19 emerged.” “The IC assesses that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019.” In addition, “...the IC was able to reach broad agreement on several other key issues. We judge the virus was not developed as a biological weapon.” That sinks the biowarfare gain-in-function argument. This is not surprising to people throughout Asia who remember that China suffered more casualties from biological warfare atrocities committed by Japan during World War II than all other world countries in history combined. This history, detailed in school books and on China television, makes such biowarfare less likely than Japan developing nuclear bombs today. &nbsp; Four of the IC elements along with the National Intelligence Council concluded “...that the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection was most likely caused by natural exposure to an animal infected with it or a close progenitor virus—a virus that probably would be more than 99 percent similar to SARS-CoV-2.” Only one IC element felt “...that the first human infection with SARS-CoV-2 most likely was the result of a laboratory-associated incident, probably involving experimentation, animal handling, or sampling by the Wuhan Institute of Virology.” The rationale for this counter opinion is not given, but it speaks of it as a lab accident. That one intelligence agency concurred that it was not a bioweapon. The August 17, 2021 Bloomberg Businessweek goes back to describe how the Huanan market was closed down back in January 1, 2020 immediately after the recognition of this new disease. Beijing specialists “...ordered environmental samples to be collected from drains and other surfaces at the market. Some 585 specimens were tested, of which 33 turned out to be positive for SARS-CoV-2.... All but two of the positive specimens came from a cavernous and poorly-ventilated section of the market’s western wing, where many shops sold animals.” But which animals were in these sections? Now a critical study was just published in the June 7, 2021 Scientific Reports that may provide evidence of which animals at the Wuhan animal market could have harbored the wild virus years earlier. It documented “...47,381 individuals from 38 species, including 31 protected species sold between May 2017 and November 2019 in Wuhan’s markets.” This was a study to identify sources of the tick-borne Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) disease. As a result, this submitted scientific paper was ignored and not published for over a year since editors did not recognize its importance in correlating the market animals with likely location of the disease transmission. Research such as this, as well as backtracking of DNA changes in the evolving virus, may eventually answer how this virus jumped from animals to humans. Meanwhile, many politicians have apparently failed to read the intelligence report and continue to spout conspiracy theories falsely claiming this coronavirus could only be manmade due to unique DNA sequences: “Well that was what Nobel Laureate Dr. Richard Baltimore called the smoking gun that shows this virus came from a lab, not from nature.” But various politician's screeds indicate they have not read the latest from Dr. David (not Richard) Baltimore: “When I first saw the sequence of the furin cleavage site—as I've said, other beta coronaviruses don't have that site—it seemed to me a reasonable hypothesis that somebody had put it in there. Now, I don't know if that's true or not....” Earlier assertions that other coronaviruses lack genetic code for certain chemicals (such as the furin cleavage sites) have now been disproved, with several wild coronaviruses having it. Scientists adjust to new evidence. Politicians do not.&nbsp;&nbsp;The short unclassified IC report can be found <a href="https://www.dni.gov/files/ODNI/documents/assessments/Unclassified-Summary-of-Assessment-on-COVID-19-Origins.pdf?et_rid=17130443&amp;et_cid=3903383">here</a>.The text of this short IC report is below.Key Takeaways &nbsp; The IC assesses that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, probably emerged and infected humans through an initial small-scale exposure that occurred no later than November 2019 with the first known cluster of COVID-19 cases arising in Wuhan, China in December 2019.&nbsp; In addition, the IC was able to reach broad agreement on several other key issues.&nbsp; We judge the virus was not developed as a biological weapon.&nbsp; Most agencies also assess with low confidence that SARS-CoV-2 probably was not genetically engineered; however, two agencies believe there was not sufficient evidence to make an assessment either way.&nbsp; Finally, the IC assesses China’s officials did not have foreknowledge of the virus before the initial outbreak of COVID-19 emerged.After examining all available intelligence reporting and other information, though, the IC remains divided on the most likely origin of COVID-19.&nbsp; All agencies assess that two hypotheses are plausible: natural exposure to an infected animal and a laboratory-associated incident. Four IC elements and the National Intelligence Council assess with low confidence that the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection was most likely caused by natural exposure to an animal infected with it or a close progenitor virus—a virus that probably would be more than 99 percent similar to SARS-CoV-2.&nbsp; These analysts give weight to China’s officials’ lack of foreknowledge, the numerous vectors for natural exposure, and other factors. One IC element assesses with moderate confidence that the first human infection with SARS-CoV-2 most likely was the result of a laboratory-associated incident, probably involving experimentation, animal handling, or sampling by the Wuhan Institute of Virology.&nbsp; These analysts give weight to the inherently risky nature of work on coronaviruses. Analysts at three IC elements remain unable to coalesce around either explanation without additional information, with some analysts favoring natural origin, others a laboratory origin, and some seeing the hypotheses as equally likely. Variations in analytic views largely stem from differences in how agencies weigh intelligence reporting and scientific publications, and intelligence and scientific gaps. &nbsp; The IC judges they will be unable to provide a more definitive explanation for the origin of COVID-19 unless new information allows them to determine the specific pathway for initial natural contact with an animal or to determine that a laboratory in Wuhan was handling SARS-CoV-2 or a close progenitor virus before COVID-19 emerged. The IC—and the global scientific community—lacks clinical samples or a complete understanding of epidemiological data from the earliest COVID-19 cases.&nbsp; If we obtain information on the earliest cases that identified a location of interest or occupational exposure, it may alter our evaluation of hypotheses. China’s cooperation most likely would be needed to reach a conclusive assessment of the origins of COVID-19.&nbsp; Beijing, however, continues to hinder the global investigation, resist sharing information and blame other countries, including the United States.&nbsp; These actions reflect, in part, China’s government’s own uncertainty about where an investigation could lead as well as its frustration the international community is using the issue to exert political pressure on China.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

ED FRONTLINES: U.S. intelligence report says COVID-19 not a bioweapon

Today is Monday, Sept. 6, the 249th day of 2021. There are 116 days left in the year. 

On Sept. 6, 2006, President George W. Bush acknowledged for the first time that the CIA was running secret prisons overseas and said tough interrogation had forced terrorist leaders to reveal plots to attack the United States and its allies. 

In 1901, President William McKinley was shot and mortally wounded by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. (McKinley died eight days later; Czolgosz was executed on Oct. 29.) 

In 1909, American explorer Robert Peary sent a telegram from Indian Harbor, Labrador, announcing that he had reached the North Pole five months earlier. 

In 1943, 79 people were killed when a New York-bound Pennsylvania Railroad train derailed and crashed in Philadelphia. 

In 1972, the Summer Olympics resumed in Munich, West Germany, a day after the deadly hostage crisis that claimed the lives of eleven Israelis and five Arab abductors. 

In 1975, 18-year-old tennis star Martina Navratilova of Czechoslovakia, in New York for the U.S. Open, requested political asylum in the United States.

In 1991, the Soviet Union recognized the independence of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

In 1995, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record by playing his two-thousand-131st consecutive game. 

In 1997, a public funeral was held for Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey in London, six days after her death in a car crash in Paris. In Calcutta, India, weeping masses gathered to pay homage to Mother Teresa, who had died the day before at age 87. 

In 2002, meeting outside Washington, D.C. for only the second time since 1800, Congress convened in New York to pay homage to the victims and heroes of September 11. 

In 2007, opera star Luciano Pavarotti died in Modena, Italy, at the age of 71. 

In 2017, Hurricane Irma, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, pounded Puerto Rico with heavy rain and powerful winds; authorities said more than 900,000 people were without power. (Hurricane Maria, which would destroy the island's power grid, arrived two weeks later.)

In 2019, Zimbabwe's president announced that Robert Mugabe, the country's former leader who was forced to resign after a 37-year rule, had died at the age of 95; he had taken power after white minority rule ended in 1980. 

Ten years ago: A man with a rifle opened fire in an IHOP restaurant in Carson City, Nevada, killing three uniformed National Guard members and a woman having breakfast with her husband; gunman Eduardo Sencion also shot himself and died in the parking lot. Convoys of Moammar Gadhafi loyalists, including his security chief, fled Libya, crossing the Sahara into Niger.

Five years ago: On the campaign trail, Democrat Hillary Clinton accused Republican Donald Trump of insulting America's veterans and pressing dangerous military plans, while Trump declared "our country is going to hell" because of policies he said Clinton would make even worse.

One year ago: Rescuers in military helicopters finished airlifting 207 people to safety after an explosive wildfire trapped them in a popular camping area in California's Sierra National Forest. Temperatures reached 111 degrees in downtown Los Angeles and a record-shattering 121 degrees in the nearby Woodland Hills neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, the highest temperature ever recorded in Los Angeles County. San Francisco set a record for the date with a high of 100 degrees, smashing the previous mark by 5 degrees. Top-seeded Novak Djokovic was defaulted from his fourth-round match at the U.S. Open after he accidentally hit a line judge with a tennis ball; he had smacked the ball behind him after falling behind in the first set.

Today's Birthdays: Comedian JoAnne Worley is 85. Country singer David Allan Coe is 82. Rock singer-musician Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) is 78. Actor Swoosie Kurtz is 77. Comedian-actor Jane Curtin is 74. Rock musician Mick Mashbir is 73. Country singer-songwriter Buddy Miller is 69. Actor James Martin Kelly is 67. Country musician Joe Smyth (Sawyer Brown) is 64. Actor-comedian Jeff Foxworthy is 63. Actor-comedian Michael Winslow is 63. Rock musician Perry Bamonte is 61. Actor Steven Eckholdt is 60. Rock musician Scott Travis (Judas Priest) is 60. Pop musician Pal Waaktaar (a-ha) is 60. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is 59. Television journalist Elizabeth Vargas is 59. Country singer Mark Chesnutt is 58. Actor Betsy Russell is 58. Actor Rosie Perez is 57. R&amp;B singer Macy Gray is 54. Country songwriter Lee Thomas Miller (Songs: "The Impossible" "You're Gonna Miss This") is 53. Singer CeCe Peniston is 52. Actor Daniele Gaither is 51. Actor Dylan Bruno is 49. Actor Idris Elba is 49. Actor Justina Machado is 49. Actor Anika Noni Rose is 49. Rock singer Nina Persson (The Cardigans) is 47. Actor Justin Whalin is 47. Actor Naomie Harris is 45. Rapper Noreaga is 44. Actor Natalia Cigliuti is 43. Rapper Foxy Brown is 43. Actor Howard Charles is 38. Actor/singer Deborah Joy Winans is 38. Actor Lauren Lapkus is 36. Rock singer Max George (The Wanted) is 33.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Monday, Sept. 6, the 249th day of 2021. There are 116 days left in the year. Today's Highlights in History: On Sept. 6, 2006, President George W. Bush acknowledged for the first time that the CIA was running secret prisons overseas and said tough interrogation had forced terrorist leaders to reveal plots to attack the United States and its allies. On this date: In 1901, President William McKinley was shot and mortally wounded by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. (McKinley died eight days later; Czolgosz was executed on Oct. 29.) In 1909, American explorer Robert Peary sent a telegram from Indian Harbor, Labrador, announcing that he had reached the North Pole five months earlier. In 1943, 79 people were killed when a New York-bound Pennsylvania Railroad train derailed and crashed in Philadelphia. In 1972, the Summer Olympics resumed in Munich, West Germany, a day after the deadly hostage crisis that claimed the lives of eleven Israelis and five Arab abductors. In 1975, 18-year-old tennis star Martina Navratilova of Czechoslovakia, in New York for the U.S. Open, requested political asylum in the United States.In 1991, the Soviet Union recognized the independence of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.In 1995, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig's record by playing his two-thousand-131st consecutive game. In 1997, a public funeral was held for Princess Diana at Westminster Abbey in London, six days after her death in a car crash in Paris. In Calcutta, India, weeping masses gathered to pay homage to Mother Teresa, who had died the day before at age 87. In 2002, meeting outside Washington, D.C. for only the second time since 1800, Congress convened in New York to pay homage to the victims and heroes of September 11. In 2007, opera star Luciano Pavarotti died in Modena, Italy, at the age of 71. In 2017, Hurricane Irma, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, pounded Puerto Rico with heavy rain and powerful winds; authorities said more than 900,000 people were without power. (Hurricane Maria, which would destroy the island's power grid, arrived two weeks later.)In 2019, Zimbabwe's president announced that Robert Mugabe, the country's former leader who was forced to resign after a 37-year rule, had died at the age of 95; he had taken power after white minority rule ended in 1980. Ten years ago: A man with a rifle opened fire in an IHOP restaurant in Carson City, Nevada, killing three uniformed National Guard members and a woman having breakfast with her husband; gunman Eduardo Sencion also shot himself and died in the parking lot. Convoys of Moammar Gadhafi loyalists, including his security chief, fled Libya, crossing the Sahara into Niger.Five years ago: On the campaign trail, Democrat Hillary Clinton accused Republican Donald Trump of insulting America's veterans and pressing dangerous military plans, while Trump declared "our country is going to hell" because of policies he said Clinton would make even worse. One year ago: Rescuers in military helicopters finished airlifting 207 people to safety after an explosive wildfire trapped them in a popular camping area in California's Sierra National Forest. Temperatures reached 111 degrees in downtown Los Angeles and a record-shattering 121 degrees in the nearby Woodland Hills neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley, the highest temperature ever recorded in Los Angeles County. San Francisco set a record for the date with a high of 100 degrees, smashing the previous mark by 5 degrees. Top-seeded Novak Djokovic was defaulted from his fourth-round match at the U.S. Open after he accidentally hit a line judge with a tennis ball; he had smacked the ball behind him after falling behind in the first set.Today's Birthdays: Comedian JoAnne Worley is 85. Country singer David Allan Coe is 82. Rock singer-musician Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) is 78. Actor Swoosie Kurtz is 77. Comedian-actor Jane Curtin is 74. Rock musician Mick Mashbir is 73. Country singer-songwriter Buddy Miller is 69. Actor James Martin Kelly is 67. Country musician Joe Smyth (Sawyer Brown) is 64. Actor-comedian Jeff Foxworthy is 63. Actor-comedian Michael Winslow is 63. Rock musician Perry Bamonte is 61. Actor Steven Eckholdt is 60. Rock musician Scott Travis (Judas Priest) is 60. Pop musician Pal Waaktaar (a-ha) is 60. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is 59. Television journalist Elizabeth Vargas is 59. Country singer Mark Chesnutt is 58. Actor Betsy Russell is 58. Actor Rosie Perez is 57. R&amp;B singer Macy Gray is 54. Country songwriter Lee Thomas Miller (Songs: "The Impossible" "You're Gonna Miss This") is 53. Singer CeCe Peniston is 52. Actor Daniele Gaither is 51. Actor Dylan Bruno is 49. Actor Idris Elba is 49. Actor Justina Machado is 49. Actor Anika Noni Rose is 49. Rock singer Nina Persson (The Cardigans) is 47. Actor Justin Whalin is 47. Actor Naomie Harris is 45. Rapper Noreaga is 44. Actor Natalia Cigliuti is 43. Rapper Foxy Brown is 43. Actor Howard Charles is 38. Actor/singer Deborah Joy Winans is 38. Actor Lauren Lapkus is 36. Rock singer Max George (The Wanted) is 33.