Today is Saturday, Jan. 2, the second day of 2021. There are 363 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 2, 1974, President Richard Nixon signed legislation requiring states to limit highway speeds to 55 miles an hour as a way of conserving gasoline in the face of an OPEC oil embargo. (The 55 mph limit was effectively phased out in 1987; federal speed limits were abolished in 1995.) 

In 1788, Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. 

In 1811, Sen. Timothy Pickering, a Federalist from Massachusetts, became the first member of the U.S. Senate to be censured after he'd improperly revealed the contents of an executive document.

In 1921, religious services were broadcast on radio for the first time as KDKA in Pittsburgh aired the regular Sunday service of the city's Calvary Episcopal Church.

In 1959, the Soviet Union launched its space probe Luna 1, the first manmade object to fly past the moon, its apparent intended target. 

In 1960, Sen. John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts launched his successful bid for the presidency. 

In 1967, Republican Ronald Reagan took the oath of office as the new governor of California in a ceremony that took place in Sacramento shortly just after midnight. 

In 1971, 66 people were killed in a pileup of spectators leaving a soccer match at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland.

In 1981, police in Sheffield, England, arrested Peter Sutcliffe, who confessed to being the "Yorkshire Ripper," the serial killer of 13 women. 

In 1983, the original Broadway production of the musical "Annie" closed after a run of 2,377 performances. 

In 2007, the state funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford began with an elaborate service at Washington National Cathedral, then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

In 2015, California began issuing driver's licenses to immigrants who were in the country illegally. Little Jimmy Dickens, a diminutive singer-songwriter who was the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry, died at age 94. 

In 2018, Sen. Al Franken formally resigned from the Senate a month after the Minnesota Democrat announced his plan to leave Congress amid a series of sexual misconduct allegations. NBC News announced that Hoda Kotb would be the co-anchor of the first two hours of the "Today" show, replacing Matt Lauer following his firing due to sexual misconduct allegations. 

Ten years ago: The U.S. Navy said it would investigate raunchy videos broadcast to the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. (Capt. Owen P. Honors, who'd produced the videos as the ship's executive officer, was removed as the Enterprise's commander but was later allowed to remain in the Navy.) A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook southern Chile, sending tens of thousands of people fearing a tsunami to higher ground. Maj. Richard "Dick" Winters, who'd fought in several major battles in World War II and whose quiet leadership was chronicled in the book and television miniseries "Band of Brothers," died in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, at age 92. Actor Anne Francis, 80, died in Santa Barbara, California.

Five years ago: A heavily armed group led by Ammon and Ryan Bundy seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, beginning a 41-day standoff to protest the imprisonment of two ranchers convicted of setting fires on public land and to demand the federal government turn over public lands to local control. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' campaign said it had raised more than $33 million during the previous three months in his bid to win the Democratic nomination, just short of the amount brought in by rival Hillary Clinton during the same period. The mayor of Temixco, Mexico, Gisela Mota, was assassinated a day after being sworn into office; two suspects were killed in a clash with police and three others arrested. Saudi Arabia executed 47 prisoners, including a prominent Shiite cleric; Shiite leaders in Iran and elsewhere across the Middle East swiftly condemned Riyadh and warned of a sectarian backlash.

One year ago: Former Obama housing secretary Julian Castro, the only Latino candidate in the 2020 Democratic presidential race, announced that he was ending his bid, saying he had determined "that it simply isn't our time." The Trump administration announced that it would begin cracking down on most flavored e-cigarettes that were popular with underage teenagers; the plan included exceptions benefitting vaping manufacturers, retailers and adults who used the nicotine-delivery devices.

Today's Birthdays: Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert is 79. TV host Jack Hanna is 74. Actor Wendy Phillips is 69. Actor Cynthia Sikes is 67. Actor Gabrielle Carteris is 60. Movie director Todd Haynes is 60. Retired MLB All-Star pitcher David Cone is 58. Baseball Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez is 58. Actor Tia Carrere is 54. Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. is 53. Model Christy Turlington is 52. Actor Taye Diggs is 50. Actor Renée Elise Goldsberry is 50. Rock singer Doug Robb (Hoobastank) is 46. Actor Dax Shepard is 46. Actor Paz Vega is 45. Ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff (TV: "Dancing with the Stars") is 43. Rock musician Jerry DePizzo Jr. (O.A.R.) is 42. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kelton Kessee (IMX) is 40. Pop singer-musician Ryan Merchant (Capital Cities) is 40. Actor Kate Bosworth is 38. Actor Anthony Carrigan is 38. Actor Peter Gadiot is 36. Jazz singer-musician Trombone Shorty is 35. Singer-songwriter Mandy Harvey (TV: "America's Got Talent") is 33. Rhythm-and-blues singer-rapper Bryson Tiller is 28.

<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 Saturday, Jan. 2, the second day of 2021. There are 363 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 2, 1974, President Richard Nixon signed legislation requiring states to limit highway speeds to 55 miles an hour as a way of conserving gasoline in the face of an OPEC oil embargo. (The 55 mph limit was effectively phased out in 1987; federal speed limits were abolished in 1995.) On this date: In 1788, Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. In 1811, Sen. Timothy Pickering, a Federalist from Massachusetts, became the first member of the U.S. Senate to be censured after he'd improperly revealed the contents of an executive document.In 1921, religious services were broadcast on radio for the first time as KDKA in Pittsburgh aired the regular Sunday service of the city's Calvary Episcopal Church.In 1959, the Soviet Union launched its space probe Luna 1, the first manmade object to fly past the moon, its apparent intended target. In 1960, Sen. John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts launched his successful bid for the presidency. In 1967, Republican Ronald Reagan took the oath of office as the new governor of California in a ceremony that took place in Sacramento shortly just after midnight. In 1971, 66 people were killed in a pileup of spectators leaving a soccer match at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland.In 1981, police in Sheffield, England, arrested Peter Sutcliffe, who confessed to being the "Yorkshire Ripper," the serial killer of 13 women. In 1983, the original Broadway production of the musical "Annie" closed after a run of 2,377 performances. In 2007, the state funeral for former President Gerald R. Ford began with an elaborate service at Washington National Cathedral, then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2015, California began issuing driver's licenses to immigrants who were in the country illegally. Little Jimmy Dickens, a diminutive singer-songwriter who was the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry, died at age 94. In 2018, Sen. Al Franken formally resigned from the Senate a month after the Minnesota Democrat announced his plan to leave Congress amid a series of sexual misconduct allegations. NBC News announced that Hoda Kotb would be the co-anchor of the first two hours of the "Today" show, replacing Matt Lauer following his firing due to sexual misconduct allegations. Ten years ago: The U.S. Navy said it would investigate raunchy videos broadcast to the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. (Capt. Owen P. Honors, who'd produced the videos as the ship's executive officer, was removed as the Enterprise's commander but was later allowed to remain in the Navy.) A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook southern Chile, sending tens of thousands of people fearing a tsunami to higher ground. Maj. Richard "Dick" Winters, who'd fought in several major battles in World War II and whose quiet leadership was chronicled in the book and television miniseries "Band of Brothers," died in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, at age 92. Actor Anne Francis, 80, died in Santa Barbara, California.Five years ago: A heavily armed group led by Ammon and Ryan Bundy seized the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, beginning a 41-day standoff to protest the imprisonment of two ranchers convicted of setting fires on public land and to demand the federal government turn over public lands to local control. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders' campaign said it had raised more than $33 million during the previous three months in his bid to win the Democratic nomination, just short of the amount brought in by rival Hillary Clinton during the same period. The mayor of Temixco, Mexico, Gisela Mota, was assassinated a day after being sworn into office; two suspects were killed in a clash with police and three others arrested. Saudi Arabia executed 47 prisoners, including a prominent Shiite cleric; Shiite leaders in Iran and elsewhere across the Middle East swiftly condemned Riyadh and warned of a sectarian backlash.One year ago: Former Obama housing secretary Julian Castro, the only Latino candidate in the 2020 Democratic presidential race, announced that he was ending his bid, saying he had determined "that it simply isn't our time." The Trump administration announced that it would begin cracking down on most flavored e-cigarettes that were popular with underage teenagers; the plan included exceptions benefitting vaping manufacturers, retailers and adults who used the nicotine-delivery devices. Today's Birthdays: Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert is 79. TV host Jack Hanna is 74. Actor Wendy Phillips is 69. Actor Cynthia Sikes is 67. Actor Gabrielle Carteris is 60. Movie director Todd Haynes is 60. Retired MLB All-Star pitcher David Cone is 58. Baseball Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez is 58. Actor Tia Carrere is 54. Actor Cuba Gooding Jr. is 53. Model Christy Turlington is 52. Actor Taye Diggs is 50. Actor Renée Elise Goldsberry is 50. Rock singer Doug Robb (Hoobastank) is 46. Actor Dax Shepard is 46. Actor Paz Vega is 45. Ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff (TV: "Dancing with the Stars") is 43. Rock musician Jerry DePizzo Jr. (O.A.R.) is 42. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kelton Kessee (IMX) is 40. Pop singer-musician Ryan Merchant (Capital Cities) is 40. Actor Kate Bosworth is 38. Actor Anthony Carrigan is 38. Actor Peter Gadiot is 36. Jazz singer-musician Trombone Shorty is 35. Singer-songwriter Mandy Harvey (TV: "America's Got Talent") is 33. Rhythm-and-blues singer-rapper Bryson Tiller is 28.

Today in History -- Jan. 2

February 16, 1948~December 29, 2020(age 72)

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from RaeLene during her 72 years, among them: Family is everything, tell those you love them every chance you get, hug and kiss goodbye, talk to Jesus every day and if you have the opportunity to help someone or make their day better, do it. 

RaeLene's beautiful life began on February 16, 1948 in Concordia. She was the daughter of Max and Nelda (Anderson) Begnoche. 

She was known to have her father’s quick wit and her mother’s kind and caring heart. 

RaeLene was a graduate of Miltonvale High School. After graduation, she attended cosmotology school. 

RaeLene was united in marriage to her loving husband Paul Hajek on November 13, 1971 in Miltonvale, KS. 

RaeLene worked as a beautician, and later as the manager at Ag Ads in Lost Springs. She also kept the books for her  husband Paul’s trucking business–a job she said she was given but never really applied for. 

RaeLene was a parishioner at St. John's Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen and St. Anne's Altar Society. 

She loved watching her grandchildren's sporting events and going to all their activities. They were the light of her world and she was theirs. She also enjoyed the occasional outing with her husband to the casinos. Whenever her children couldn’t get ahold of her, they knew where she was. 

Her loving family includes her husband Paul of Lost Springs; children Lynette (Jon) McLean of Hutchison, and Jason (Carla) Hajek of Seneca; grandchildren Cade McLean, Maggie McLean, Cooper Hajek, Josie McLean, Carter Hajek and Cormik Hajek; siblings Pam Buxman of Valley Center, Brad (Denise) Begnoche of Wichita and Kim (Matt) Hesting of Glen Elder and several nieces and nephews. She loved her family with all her heart. 

RaeLene passed away on December 29, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. 

She is preceded in death by her parents. 

Her family will gather with friends to celebrate her life on Friday January 8th from 4-7 p.m. at St. John's Nepomucene Catholic Church where her Rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday January 9th at 11 a.m. by Father Brian Bebak. RaeLene will be laid to rest in Pilsen Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Father Kapaun Legacy Fund. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of RaeLene at www.ymzfh.com. What a life well lived.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609548789227.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>RaeLene (Begnoche) Hajek</h2>February 16, 1948~December 29, 2020(age 72)We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from RaeLene during her 72 years, among them: Family is everything, tell those you love them every chance you get, hug and kiss goodbye, talk to Jesus every day and if you have the opportunity to help someone or make their day better, do it. RaeLene's beautiful life began on February 16, 1948 in Concordia. She was the daughter of Max and Nelda (Anderson) Begnoche. She was known to have her father’s quick wit and her mother’s kind and caring heart. RaeLene was a graduate of Miltonvale High School. After graduation, she attended cosmotology school. RaeLene was united in marriage to her loving husband Paul Hajek on November 13, 1971 in Miltonvale, KS. RaeLene worked as a beautician, and later as the manager at Ag Ads in Lost Springs. She also kept the books for her husband Paul’s trucking business–a job she said she was given but never really applied for. RaeLene was a parishioner at St. John's Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen and St. Anne's Altar Society. She loved watching her grandchildren's sporting events and going to all their activities. They were the light of her world and she was theirs. She also enjoyed the occasional outing with her husband to the casinos. Whenever her children couldn’t get ahold of her, they knew where she was. Her loving family includes her husband Paul of Lost Springs; children Lynette (Jon) McLean of Hutchison, and Jason (Carla) Hajek of Seneca; grandchildren Cade McLean, Maggie McLean, Cooper Hajek, Josie McLean, Carter Hajek and Cormik Hajek; siblings Pam Buxman of Valley Center, Brad (Denise) Begnoche of Wichita and Kim (Matt) Hesting of Glen Elder and several nieces and nephews. She loved her family with all her heart. RaeLene passed away on December 29, 2020 at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. She is preceded in death by her parents. Her family will gather with friends to celebrate her life on Friday January 8th from 4-7 p.m. at St. John's Nepomucene Catholic Church where her Rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday January 9th at 11 a.m. by Father Brian Bebak. RaeLene will be laid to rest in Pilsen Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Father Kapaun Legacy Fund. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of RaeLene at www.ymzfh.com. What a life well lived.

RaeLene (Begnoche) Hajek

Today is Friday, Jan. 1, the first day of 2021. There are 364 days left in the year. 

On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that slaves in rebel states shall be "forever free." 

In 1660, Englishman Samuel Pepys began keeping his famous diary.

In 1892, the Ellis Island Immigrant Station in New York formally opened. 

In 1953, country singer Hank Williams Sr., 29, was discovered dead in the back seat of his car during a stop in Oak Hill, West Virginia, while he was being driven to a concert date in Canton, Ohio. 

In 1954, NBC broadcast the first coast-to-coast color TV program as it presented live coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. 

In 1959, Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries overthrew Cuban leader Fulgencio Batista, who fled to the Dominican Republic. 

In 1975, a jury in Washington found Nixon administration officials John N. Mitchell, H.R. Haldeman, John D. Ehrlichman and Robert C. Mardian guilty of charges related to the Watergate cover-up (Mardian's conviction for conspiracy was later overturned on appeal). 

In 1979, the United States and China held celebrations in Washington and Beijing to mark the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

In 1984, the breakup of AT&amp;T took place as the telecommunications giant was divested of its 22 Bell System companies under terms of an antitrust agreement. 

In 1992, Boutros Boutros-Ghali succeeded Javier Perez de Cuellar as secretary-general of the United Nations.

In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two new countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. 

In 2005, desperate, homeless villagers on the tsunami-ravaged island of Sumatra mobbed American helicopters carrying aid as the U.S. military launched its largest operation in the region since the Vietnam War. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, died near Daytona Beach, Florida, at age 80. 

In 2014, the nation's first legal recreational pot shops opened in Colorado at 8 a.m. Mountain time. 

Ten years ago: A suicide bomber killed 21 people outside a church in Alexandria, Egypt, in one of the country's worst attacks targeting Coptic Christians. Third-ranked TCU finished a perfect season by beating No. 4 Wisconsin 21-19 in the Rose Bowl. Oprah Winfrey launched her OWN cable network.

Five years ago: Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign said it had raised $37 million in the previous three months and more than $112 million in all of 2015 to support her bid for the Democratic nomination. Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 44-28 in the Fiesta Bowl; Stanford beat Iowa 45-16 in the Rose Bowl; Mississippi toppled Oklahoma State 48-20 in the Sugar Bowl. Death claimed former Arkansas governor and U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers at age 90; former U.S. Rep. Mike Oxley at age 71; and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond at age 85.

One year ago: Militiamen backed by Iran withdrew from the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad after two days of clashes with American security forces. David Stern, who spent 30 years as the NBA's commissioner as it grew into a global power, died at the age of 77, three weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage. A fire at the Krefeld Zoo in western Germany killed more than 30 primates, including five orangutans and two gorillas.

Today's Birthdays: Documentary maker Frederick Wiseman is 91. Actor Frank Langella is 83. Rock singer-musician Country Joe McDonald is 79. Writer-comedian Don Novello is 78. Actor Rick Hurst is 75. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., is 67. The former head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, is 65. Rapper Grandmaster Flash is 63. Actor Renn Woods is 63. Actor Dedee Pfeiffer is 57. Country singer Brian Flynn (Flynnville Train) is 55. Actor Morris Chestnut is 52. Rhythm and blues singer Tank is 45. Model Elin Nordegren is 41. Actor Jonas Armstrong is 40. Actor Eden Riegel is 40. Olympic gold medal ice dancer Meryl Davis is 34. Rock musician Noah Sierota (Echosmith) is 25.

<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, Jan. 1, the first day of 2021. There are 364 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 1, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that slaves in rebel states shall be "forever free." On this date: In 1660, Englishman Samuel Pepys began keeping his famous diary.In 1892, the Ellis Island Immigrant Station in New York formally opened. In 1953, country singer Hank Williams Sr., 29, was discovered dead in the back seat of his car during a stop in Oak Hill, West Virginia, while he was being driven to a concert date in Canton, Ohio. In 1954, NBC broadcast the first coast-to-coast color TV program as it presented live coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. In 1959, Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries overthrew Cuban leader Fulgencio Batista, who fled to the Dominican Republic. In 1975, a jury in Washington found Nixon administration officials John N. Mitchell, H.R. Haldeman, John D. Ehrlichman and Robert C. Mardian guilty of charges related to the Watergate cover-up (Mardian's conviction for conspiracy was later overturned on appeal). In 1979, the United States and China held celebrations in Washington and Beijing to mark the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In 1984, the breakup of AT&amp;T took place as the telecommunications giant was divested of its 22 Bell System companies under terms of an antitrust agreement. In 1992, Boutros Boutros-Ghali succeeded Javier Perez de Cuellar as secretary-general of the United Nations.In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two new countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 2005, desperate, homeless villagers on the tsunami-ravaged island of Sumatra mobbed American helicopters carrying aid as the U.S. military launched its largest operation in the region since the Vietnam War. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, died near Daytona Beach, Florida, at age 80. In 2014, the nation's first legal recreational pot shops opened in Colorado at 8 a.m. Mountain time. Ten years ago: A suicide bomber killed 21 people outside a church in Alexandria, Egypt, in one of the country's worst attacks targeting Coptic Christians. Third-ranked TCU finished a perfect season by beating No. 4 Wisconsin 21-19 in the Rose Bowl. Oprah Winfrey launched her OWN cable network.Five years ago: Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign said it had raised $37 million in the previous three months and more than $112 million in all of 2015 to support her bid for the Democratic nomination. Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 44-28 in the Fiesta Bowl; Stanford beat Iowa 45-16 in the Rose Bowl; Mississippi toppled Oklahoma State 48-20 in the Sugar Bowl. Death claimed former Arkansas governor and U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers at age 90; former U.S. Rep. Mike Oxley at age 71; and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond at age 85.One year ago: Militiamen backed by Iran withdrew from the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad after two days of clashes with American security forces. David Stern, who spent 30 years as the NBA's commissioner as it grew into a global power, died at the age of 77, three weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage. A fire at the Krefeld Zoo in western Germany killed more than 30 primates, including five orangutans and two gorillas. Today's Birthdays: Documentary maker Frederick Wiseman is 91. Actor Frank Langella is 83. Rock singer-musician Country Joe McDonald is 79. Writer-comedian Don Novello is 78. Actor Rick Hurst is 75. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., is 67. The former head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, is 65. Rapper Grandmaster Flash is 63. Actor Renn Woods is 63. Actor Dedee Pfeiffer is 57. Country singer Brian Flynn (Flynnville Train) is 55. Actor Morris Chestnut is 52. Rhythm and blues singer Tank is 45. Model Elin Nordegren is 41. Actor Jonas Armstrong is 40. Actor Eden Riegel is 40. Olympic gold medal ice dancer Meryl Davis is 34. Rock musician Noah Sierota (Echosmith) is 25.

Today in History -- Jan. 1

January 12, 1925~December 29, 2020(age 95)

Beulah’s life began on January 12, 1925, the daughter of Alva Abraham and Myrtle Agnes (Bahr) Roberts in Denton, Kansas. She attended schools in Denton and married Fred Mason Vanderslice on March 28, 1942, in Horton, Kansas. She was a homemaker, wife and mother. Beulah was a member of the United Methodist Church in Denton and a longtime member of the Eastern Star.

Her loving family includes her son, Brian Vanderslice and his partner, Shane Van Rossun both of Herington; daughter-in-law, Lindy Vanderslice of Aurora; grandchildren, Jessica Chapman of Aurora, Colorado, Mindy DeLone (Robert) of Edmond, Oklahoma, Matthew Vanderslice of Aurora; great-grandchildren, Audrey Chapman, Gage Chapman both of Aurora, Courtney DeLone, Rob DeLone, Sofie Vanderslice and Scarlet Vanderslice.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred in 1977; son, Norman Mason Vanderslice in 2015. Beulah passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at the age of 95 years old.

Her family will gather with friends on Sunday, January 10, from 3-5 p.m. at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Please sign her online guest book and leave a memory of Beulah at www.ymzfh.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609465103849.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Beulah Alberta (Roberts) Vanderslice</h2>January 12, 1925~December 29, 2020(age 95)Beulah’s life began on January 12, 1925, the daughter of Alva Abraham and Myrtle Agnes (Bahr) Roberts in Denton, Kansas. She attended schools in Denton and married Fred Mason Vanderslice on March 28, 1942, in Horton, Kansas. She was a homemaker, wife and mother. Beulah was a member of the United Methodist Church in Denton and a longtime member of the Eastern Star.Her loving family includes her son, Brian Vanderslice and his partner, Shane Van Rossun both of Herington; daughter-in-law, Lindy Vanderslice of Aurora; grandchildren, Jessica Chapman of Aurora, Colorado, Mindy DeLone (Robert) of Edmond, Oklahoma, Matthew Vanderslice of Aurora; great-grandchildren, Audrey Chapman, Gage Chapman both of Aurora, Courtney DeLone, Rob DeLone, Sofie Vanderslice and Scarlet Vanderslice.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred in 1977; son, Norman Mason Vanderslice in 2015. Beulah passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at the age of 95 years old.Her family will gather with friends on Sunday, January 10, from 3-5 p.m. at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS 67449. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Please sign her online guest book and leave a memory of Beulah at www.ymzfh.com.

Beulah Alberta (Roberts) Vanderslice

August 27, 1937~December 29, 2020(age 83)

Penny’s life began on August 27, 1937, to Cornelius “Tony” and Vera (Bengston) Kreamer in Wadena, Minnesota. She graduated from Wadena High Class of 1955. She graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Morehead Teaching College and started her career at Denver General. Penny also worked at the Lutheran Home and retired from Enterprise Estates in Enterprise, Kansas. She married Albert Brown in 1980 in Denver. She was an avid bird watcher, swimmer, loved music, singing and dancing.

Her loving family includes her daughters, Rebecca (Chris) Bielawski of Denver, Colorado, Bonnie Lyons of Herington and Terri (Robbi) Travelute of Abilene, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Jesse and Calvin Potts, Katie Jones and Alex Bielawski; 5 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert in 1995; grandson, Arlen Potts; brother, Ted Kramer. Penny passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at the age of 83 years old.

Private family services will be held this spring. Please sign her online guest book and leave a memory of Penny at www.ymzfh.com.

<h2>Penelope "Penny" Ruth (Kreamer) Brown</h2>August 27, 1937~December 29, 2020(age 83)Penny’s life began on August 27, 1937, to Cornelius “Tony” and Vera (Bengston) Kreamer in Wadena, Minnesota. She graduated from Wadena High Class of 1955. She graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse from Morehead Teaching College and started her career at Denver General. Penny also worked at the Lutheran Home and retired from Enterprise Estates in Enterprise, Kansas. She married Albert Brown in 1980 in Denver. She was an avid bird watcher, swimmer, loved music, singing and dancing.Her loving family includes her daughters, Rebecca (Chris) Bielawski of Denver, Colorado, Bonnie Lyons of Herington and Terri (Robbi) Travelute of Abilene, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, Ryan, Jesse and Calvin Potts, Katie Jones and Alex Bielawski; 5 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert in 1995; grandson, Arlen Potts; brother, Ted Kramer. Penny passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at the age of 83 years old.Private family services will be held this spring. Please sign her online guest book and leave a memory of Penny at www.ymzfh.com.

Penelope "Penny" Ruth (Kreamer) Brown

RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a high-speed chase through Reno and McPherson counties.

&nbsp;Justin Walker, 31, of Basehor fled from authorities after being stopped at 108th and K-61 Highway, according to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.

Walker fled from the stop into McPherson County at speeds of over 100 miles per hour.

McPherson police officers attempted to stop the Walker's vehicle by using stop sticks to deflate the tires just outside the McPherson city limits.&nbsp;

Walker eventually drove through a dead end where the vehicle became stuck in a field. He was captured without incident after a short foot chase and booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility on requested charges of felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a firearm, along with drug possession and drug distribution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609429473526.jpeg" alt="Walker was on parole after 15 convictions that include theft, aggravated assault, driving while suspended, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, obstruction, criminal possession of a firearm and for drugs, according the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Walker was on parole after 15 convictions that include theft, aggravated assault, driving while suspended, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, obstruction, criminal possession of a firearm and for drugs, according the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a high-speed chase through Reno and McPherson counties.&nbsp;Justin Walker, 31, of Basehor fled from authorities after being stopped at 108th and K-61 Highway, according to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.Walker fled from the stop into McPherson County at speeds of over 100 miles per hour.McPherson police officers attempted to stop the Walker's vehicle by using stop sticks to deflate the tires just outside the McPherson city limits.&nbsp;Walker eventually drove through a dead end where the vehicle became stuck in a field. He was captured without incident after a short foot chase and booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility on requested charges of felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a firearm, along with drug possession and drug distribution.

Sheriff: Kan. man's car gets stuck during 100 mph chase

Today is Thursday, Dec. 31, the 366th and final day of 2020. 

On Dec. 31, 2019, the health commission in the central Chinese city of Wuhan announced that experts were investigating an outbreak of respiratory illness and that most of the victims had visited a seafood market in the city; the statement said 27 people had become ill with a strain of viral pneumonia and that seven were in serious condition.

In 1775, during the Revolutionary War, the British repulsed an attack by Continental Army generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec; Montgomery was killed. 

In 1857, Britain's Queen Victoria decided to make Ottawa the capital of Canada.

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an enabling act paving the way for Virginia's western counties to become the state of West Virginia, which took place in June 1863.

In 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrated his electric incandescent light by illuminating some 40 bulbs at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. 

In 1904, New York's Times Square saw its first New Year's Eve celebration, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance. 

In 1951, the Marshall Plan expired after distributing more than $12 billion in foreign aid. 

In 1972, Major League baseball player Roberto Clemente, 38, was killed when a plane he chartered and was traveling on to bring relief supplies to earthquake-devastated Nicaragua crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Rico. 

In 1974, private U.S. citizens were allowed to buy and own gold for the first time in more than 40 years. 

In 1978, Taiwanese diplomats struck their colors for the final time from the embassy flagpole in Washington, D.C., marking the end of diplomatic relations with the United States.

In 1986, 97 people were killed when fire broke out in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Three hotel workers later pleaded guilty in connection with the blaze.)

In 1999, Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation (he was succeeded by Vladimir Putin). 

In 2001, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani spent his final day in office praising police, firefighters, and other city employees in the wake of 9/11, and said he had no regrets about returning to private life. 

Ten years ago: Tornadoes fueled by unusually warm air pummeled the South and Midwest, killing a total of eight people in Arkansas and Missouri.

Five years ago: Belgian authorities announced the arrest of a 10th person in connection with the Nov. 2015 bloodbath in Paris. A towering inferno engulfed a 63-story luxury hotel in Dubai as officials went ahead with a massive New Year's fireworks display (there were no serious injuries reported). Death claimed singer Natalie Cole at age 65; actor Wayne Rogers at age 82; and actor Beth Howland at age 74.

One year ago: Dozens of Iraqi Shiite militiamen and their supporters broke into the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad and set fire to a reception area; the mob had been angered over deadly U.S. airstrikes targeting the Iranian-backed militia. Pope Francis slapped the hand of a well-wisher who had grabbed him and yanked him toward her as he strolled in St. Peter's Square to admire the Vatican's Nativity scene; the pontiff apologized a day later for his "bad example." Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, who had skipped bail while awaiting trial in Japan on allegations of financial misconduct, surfaced in Lebanon, saying that he had fled to avoid "political persecution." Wall Street finished its best year since 2013; the S&amp;P 500 soared 28.9 percent during 2019, with technology stocks leading the gains.

Today's Birthdays: TV producer George Schlatter is 91. Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is 83. Actor Tim Considine (TV: "My Three Sons") is 80. Actor Sarah Miles is 79. Actor Barbara Carrera is 79. Rock musician Andy Summers is 78. Actor Sir Ben Kingsley is 77. Producer-director Taylor Hackford is 76. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is 74. Actor Tim Matheson is 73. Pop singer Burton Cummings is 73. Actor Joe Dallesandro is 72. Rock musician Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) is 69. Actor James Remar is 67. Actor Bebe Neuwirth is 62. Actor Val Kilmer is 61. Singer Paul Westerberg is 61. Actor Don Diamont is 58. Rock musician Ric Ivanisevich (Oleander) is 58. Rock musician Scott Ian (Anthrax) is 57. Actor Gong Li is 55. Author Nicholas Sparks is 55. Actor Lance Reddick is 51. Pop singer Joe McIntyre is 48. Rock musician Mikko Siren (Apocalyptica) is 45. Donald Trump Jr. is 43. Rapper PSY (Park Jae-sang) is 43. Rock musician Bob Bryar is 41. Rock musician Jason Sechrist (Portugal. The Man) is 41. Actor Ricky Whittle is 41. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is 41. Actor/singer Erich Bergen is 35. DJ/vocalist Drew Taggart (The Chainsmokers) is 31. Olympic gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas is 25.

<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, Dec. 31, the 366th and final day of 2020. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 31, 2019, the health commission in the central Chinese city of Wuhan announced that experts were investigating an outbreak of respiratory illness and that most of the victims had visited a seafood market in the city; the statement said 27 people had become ill with a strain of viral pneumonia and that seven were in serious condition.On this date: In 1775, during the Revolutionary War, the British repulsed an attack by Continental Army generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec; Montgomery was killed. In 1857, Britain's Queen Victoria decided to make Ottawa the capital of Canada.In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed an enabling act paving the way for Virginia's western counties to become the state of West Virginia, which took place in June 1863.In 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrated his electric incandescent light by illuminating some 40 bulbs at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. In 1904, New York's Times Square saw its first New Year's Eve celebration, with an estimated 200,000 people in attendance. In 1951, the Marshall Plan expired after distributing more than $12 billion in foreign aid. In 1972, Major League baseball player Roberto Clemente, 38, was killed when a plane he chartered and was traveling on to bring relief supplies to earthquake-devastated Nicaragua crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Rico. In 1974, private U.S. citizens were allowed to buy and own gold for the first time in more than 40 years. In 1978, Taiwanese diplomats struck their colors for the final time from the embassy flagpole in Washington, D.C., marking the end of diplomatic relations with the United States.In 1986, 97 people were killed when fire broke out in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Three hotel workers later pleaded guilty in connection with the blaze.)In 1999, Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation (he was succeeded by Vladimir Putin). In 2001, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani spent his final day in office praising police, firefighters, and other city employees in the wake of 9/11, and said he had no regrets about returning to private life. Ten years ago: Tornadoes fueled by unusually warm air pummeled the South and Midwest, killing a total of eight people in Arkansas and Missouri. Five years ago: Belgian authorities announced the arrest of a 10th person in connection with the Nov. 2015 bloodbath in Paris. A towering inferno engulfed a 63-story luxury hotel in Dubai as officials went ahead with a massive New Year's fireworks display (there were no serious injuries reported). Death claimed singer Natalie Cole at age 65; actor Wayne Rogers at age 82; and actor Beth Howland at age 74.One year ago: Dozens of Iraqi Shiite militiamen and their supporters broke into the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad and set fire to a reception area; the mob had been angered over deadly U.S. airstrikes targeting the Iranian-backed militia. Pope Francis slapped the hand of a well-wisher who had grabbed him and yanked him toward her as he strolled in St. Peter's Square to admire the Vatican's Nativity scene; the pontiff apologized a day later for his "bad example." Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, who had skipped bail while awaiting trial in Japan on allegations of financial misconduct, surfaced in Lebanon, saying that he had fled to avoid "political persecution." Wall Street finished its best year since 2013; the S&amp;P 500 soared 28.9 percent during 2019, with technology stocks leading the gains. Today's Birthdays: TV producer George Schlatter is 91. Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is 83. Actor Tim Considine (TV: "My Three Sons") is 80. Actor Sarah Miles is 79. Actor Barbara Carrera is 79. Rock musician Andy Summers is 78. Actor Sir Ben Kingsley is 77. Producer-director Taylor Hackford is 76. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg is 74. Actor Tim Matheson is 73. Pop singer Burton Cummings is 73. Actor Joe Dallesandro is 72. Rock musician Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) is 69. Actor James Remar is 67. Actor Bebe Neuwirth is 62. Actor Val Kilmer is 61. Singer Paul Westerberg is 61. Actor Don Diamont is 58. Rock musician Ric Ivanisevich (Oleander) is 58. Rock musician Scott Ian (Anthrax) is 57. Actor Gong Li is 55. Author Nicholas Sparks is 55. Actor Lance Reddick is 51. Pop singer Joe McIntyre is 48. Rock musician Mikko Siren (Apocalyptica) is 45. Donald Trump Jr. is 43. Rapper PSY (Park Jae-sang) is 43. Rock musician Bob Bryar is 41. Rock musician Jason Sechrist (Portugal. The Man) is 41. Actor Ricky Whittle is 41. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is 41. Actor/singer Erich Bergen is 35. DJ/vocalist Drew Taggart (The Chainsmokers) is 31. Olympic gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas is 25.

Today in History -- Dec. 31

&nbsp; Richard D. Blackburn passed away Monday, December 28, 2020 at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. He was born February 5, 1937 in Ellsworth, Kansas the son of Paul and Dorothy (Pohle) Blackburn. He graduated from Ellsworth High School and from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army. He had worked for Ricco Pharmacy and Bankes Pharmacy in Abilene until retiring as a pharmacist from Ft. Riley. Richard was a past member of the Masonic Lodge before joining the Catholic Church. He was a member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and Hospice of Dickinson County. He is survived by his nephews Robert and Ronald Blackburn of Ellsworth, sister-in-law Young Blackburn of Michigan, and his friends Paul and Vicki Sampson of Wakefield, and a host of friends in Abilene and beyond. Mass of Christian Burial for Richard will be 10:30 am, Monday, January 4, 2021 at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church with Father Don Zimmerman as Celebrant. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am before the Mass. His final resting place will be in the Mt. St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book until service time at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, the Shriners Hospital or to the Abilene Food Pantry and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.martinbeckercarlson.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609383642632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Richard D. Blackburn passed away Monday, December 28, 2020 at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan. He was born February 5, 1937 in Ellsworth, Kansas the son of Paul and Dorothy (Pohle) Blackburn. He graduated from Ellsworth High School and from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army. He had worked for Ricco Pharmacy and Bankes Pharmacy in Abilene until retiring as a pharmacist from Ft. Riley. Richard was a past member of the Masonic Lodge before joining the Catholic Church. He was a member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and Hospice of Dickinson County. He is survived by his nephews Robert and Ronald Blackburn of Ellsworth, sister-in-law Young Blackburn of Michigan, and his friends Paul and Vicki Sampson of Wakefield, and a host of friends in Abilene and beyond. Mass of Christian Burial for Richard will be 10:30 am, Monday, January 4, 2021 at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church with Father Don Zimmerman as Celebrant. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am before the Mass. His final resting place will be in the Mt. St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends may sign the register book until service time at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital, the Shriners Hospital or to the Abilene Food Pantry and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.martinbeckercarlson.com.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Richard D. Blackburn

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 30, the 365th day of 2020. There is one day left in the year. 

On Dec. 30, 1903, about 600 people died when fire broke out at the recently opened Iroquois Theater in Chicago. 

In 1813, British troops burned Buffalo, New York, during the War of 1812. 

In 1853, the United States and Mexico signed a treaty under which the U.S. agreed to buy some 45,000 square miles of land from Mexico for $10 million in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase. 

In 1860, 10 days after South Carolina seceded from the Union, the state militia seized the United States Arsenal in Charleston. 

In 1865, author Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India.

In 1922, Vladimir Lenin proclaimed the establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which lasted nearly seven decades before dissolving in December 1991. 

In 1936, the United Auto Workers union staged its first "sit-down" strike at the General Motors Fisher Body Plant No. 1 in Flint, Michigan. (The strike lasted until Feb. 11, 1937.) 

In 1940, California's first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway connecting Los Angeles and Pasadena, was officially opened by Gov. Culbert L. Olson. 

In 1972, the United States halted its heavy bombing of North Vietnam. 

In 1994, a gunman walked into a pair of suburban Boston abortion clinics and opened fire, killing two employees. (John C. Salvi III was later convicted of murder; he died in prison, an apparent suicide.)

In 2004, a fire broke out during a rock concert at a nightclub in Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing 194 people. Bandleader and clarinetist Artie Shaw died in Thousand Oaks, California, at age 94.

In 2006, a state funeral service was held in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for former President Gerald R. Ford. 

In 2009, seven CIA employees and a Jordanian intelligence officer were killed by a suicide bomber at a U.S. base in Khost (hohst), Afghanistan.

Ten years ago: Republican Lisa Murkowski was officially named winner of Alaska's U.S. Senate race following a period of legal fights and limbo that had lasted longer than the write-in campaign she waged to keep her job. Top-ranked Connecticut's record 90-game winning streak in women's basketball ended when No. 9 Stanford outplayed the Huskies in a 71-59 victory at Maples Pavilion.

Five years ago: Bill Cosby was charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004; it was the first criminal case brought against the comedian out of the torrent of allegations that destroyed his good-guy image as "America's Dad." (Cosby's first trial ended in a mistrial after jurors deadlocked; he was convicted on three charges at his retrial in April 2018 and was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison.)

One year ago: Chinese state media said a scientist who had set off an ethical debate with claims that he had made the world's first genetically edited babies was sentenced to three years in prison because of the research. A fierce winter storm created blizzard conditions in parts of Minnesota and the Dakotas, shutting down interstates and leading to hundreds of vehicle crashes. The NFL's New York Giants fired coach Pat Shurmur after a 4-and-12 season.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Russ Tamblyn is 86. Baseball Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax is 85. Folk singer Noel Paul Stookey is 83. TV director James Burrows is 80. Actor Fred Ward is 78. Singer-musician Michael Nesmith is 78. Actor Concetta Tomei is 75. Singer Patti Smith is 74. Rock singer-musician Jeff Lynne is 73. TV personality Meredith Vieira is 67. Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph is 65. Actor Patricia Kalember is 64. Country singer Suzy Bogguss is 64. Actor-comedian Tracey Ullman is 61. Rock musician Rob Hotchkiss is 60. Radio-TV commentator Sean Hannity is 59. Sprinter Ben Johnson is 59. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is 57. Actor George Newbern is 57. Movie director Bennett Miller is 54. Singer Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) is 51. Rock musician Byron McMackin (Pennywise) is 51. Actor Meredith Monroe is 51. Actor Daniel Sunjata is 49. Actor Maureen Flannigan is 48. Actor Jason Behr is 47. Golfer Tiger Woods is 45. TV personality-boxer Laila Ali is 43. Actor Lucy Punch is 43. Singer-actor Tyrese Gibson is 42. Actor Eliza Dushku is 40. Rock musician Tim Lopez (Plain White T's) is 40. Actor Kristin Kreuk is 38. Folk-rock singer-musician Wesley Schultz (The Lumineers) is 38. NBA player LeBron James is 36. Rhythm-and-blues singer Andra Day is 36. Actor Anna Wood is 35. Pop-rock singer Ellie Goulding is 34. Actor Caity Lotz is 34. Actor Jeff Ward is 34. Country musician Eric Steedly is 30. Pop-rock musician Jamie Follesé (Hot Chelle Rae) is 29.

<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, Dec. 30, the 365th day of 2020. There is one day left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 30, 1903, about 600 people died when fire broke out at the recently opened Iroquois Theater in Chicago. On this date: In 1813, British troops burned Buffalo, New York, during the War of 1812. In 1853, the United States and Mexico signed a treaty under which the U.S. agreed to buy some 45,000 square miles of land from Mexico for $10 million in a deal known as the Gadsden Purchase. In 1860, 10 days after South Carolina seceded from the Union, the state militia seized the United States Arsenal in Charleston. In 1865, author Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India.In 1922, Vladimir Lenin proclaimed the establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which lasted nearly seven decades before dissolving in December 1991. In 1936, the United Auto Workers union staged its first "sit-down" strike at the General Motors Fisher Body Plant No. 1 in Flint, Michigan. (The strike lasted until Feb. 11, 1937.) In 1940, California's first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway connecting Los Angeles and Pasadena, was officially opened by Gov. Culbert L. Olson. In 1972, the United States halted its heavy bombing of North Vietnam. In 1994, a gunman walked into a pair of suburban Boston abortion clinics and opened fire, killing two employees. (John C. Salvi III was later convicted of murder; he died in prison, an apparent suicide.)In 2004, a fire broke out during a rock concert at a nightclub in Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing 194 people. Bandleader and clarinetist Artie Shaw died in Thousand Oaks, California, at age 94.In 2006, a state funeral service was held in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for former President Gerald R. Ford. In 2009, seven CIA employees and a Jordanian intelligence officer were killed by a suicide bomber at a U.S. base in Khost (hohst), Afghanistan.Ten years ago: Republican Lisa Murkowski was officially named winner of Alaska's U.S. Senate race following a period of legal fights and limbo that had lasted longer than the write-in campaign she waged to keep her job. Top-ranked Connecticut's record 90-game winning streak in women's basketball ended when No. 9 Stanford outplayed the Huskies in a 71-59 victory at Maples Pavilion. Five years ago: Bill Cosby was charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004; it was the first criminal case brought against the comedian out of the torrent of allegations that destroyed his good-guy image as "America's Dad." (Cosby's first trial ended in a mistrial after jurors deadlocked; he was convicted on three charges at his retrial in April 2018 and was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison.) One year ago: Chinese state media said a scientist who had set off an ethical debate with claims that he had made the world's first genetically edited babies was sentenced to three years in prison because of the research. A fierce winter storm created blizzard conditions in parts of Minnesota and the Dakotas, shutting down interstates and leading to hundreds of vehicle crashes. The NFL's New York Giants fired coach Pat Shurmur after a 4-and-12 season.Today's Birthdays: Actor Russ Tamblyn is 86. Baseball Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax is 85. Folk singer Noel Paul Stookey is 83. TV director James Burrows is 80. Actor Fred Ward is 78. Singer-musician Michael Nesmith is 78. Actor Concetta Tomei is 75. Singer Patti Smith is 74. Rock singer-musician Jeff Lynne is 73. TV personality Meredith Vieira is 67. Actor Sheryl Lee Ralph is 65. Actor Patricia Kalember is 64. Country singer Suzy Bogguss is 64. Actor-comedian Tracey Ullman is 61. Rock musician Rob Hotchkiss is 60. Radio-TV commentator Sean Hannity is 59. Sprinter Ben Johnson is 59. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is 57. Actor George Newbern is 57. Movie director Bennett Miller is 54. Singer Jay Kay (Jamiroquai) is 51. Rock musician Byron McMackin (Pennywise) is 51. Actor Meredith Monroe is 51. Actor Daniel Sunjata is 49. Actor Maureen Flannigan is 48. Actor Jason Behr is 47. Golfer Tiger Woods is 45. TV personality-boxer Laila Ali is 43. Actor Lucy Punch is 43. Singer-actor Tyrese Gibson is 42. Actor Eliza Dushku is 40. Rock musician Tim Lopez (Plain White T's) is 40. Actor Kristin Kreuk is 38. Folk-rock singer-musician Wesley Schultz (The Lumineers) is 38. NBA player LeBron James is 36. Rhythm-and-blues singer Andra Day is 36. Actor Anna Wood is 35. Pop-rock singer Ellie Goulding is 34. Actor Caity Lotz is 34. Actor Jeff Ward is 34. Country musician Eric Steedly is 30. Pop-rock musician Jamie Follesé (Hot Chelle Rae) is 29.

Today in History -- Dec. 30

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 29, the 364th day of 2020. There are two days left in the year. 

On Dec. 29, 1890, the Wounded Knee massacre took place in South Dakota as an estimated 300 Sioux Indians were killed by U.S. troops sent to disarm them. 

In 1812, during the War of 1812, the American frigate USS Constitution engaged and severely damaged the British frigate HMS Java off Brazil. 

In 1845, Texas was admitted as the 28th state. 

In 1916, James Joyce's first novel, "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," was first published in book form in New York after being serialized in London.

In 1939, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara, was released by RKO Radio Pictures. 

In 1940, during World War II, Germany dropped incendiary bombs on London, setting off what came to be known as "The Second Great Fire of London." 

In 1972, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, crashed into the Florida Everglades near Miami International Airport, killing 101 of the 176 people aboard. 

In 1975, a bomb exploded in the main terminal of New York's LaGuardia Airport, killing 11 people (it's never been determined who was responsible). 

In 1989, dissident and playwright Vaclav Havel assumed the presidency of Czechoslovakia.

In 1992, the United States and Russia announced agreement on a nuclear arms reduction treaty. 

In 2006, word reached the United States of the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (because of the time difference, it was the morning of Dec. 30 in Iraq when the hanging took place). In a statement, President George W. Bush called Saddam's execution an important milestone on Iraq's road to democracy. 

In 2007, the New England Patriots ended their regular season with a remarkable 16-0 record following a 38-35 comeback victory over the New York Giants. (New England became the first NFL team since the 1972 Dolphins to win every game on the schedule.)

In 2017, Puerto Rico authorities said nearly half of the power customers in the U.S. territory still lacked electricity, more than three months after Hurricane Maria. 

Ten years ago: The Obama administration expelled Venezuela's ambassador to the United States, a day after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he would not allow diplomat Larry Palmer to become the U.S. ambassador to his country. Suicide bombers succeeded in killing Iraqi police commander Lt. Col. Shamil al-Jabouri, who was renowned in the tense northern city of Mosul for his relentless pursuit of al-Qaida.

Five years ago: Belgian authorities announced they had arrested two men and seized military-type uniforms and Islamic State group propaganda in connection with a suspected plot to unleash holiday season attacks against police and celebrated locations in Brussels. Former "Glee" star Mark Salling was arrested in Los Angeles for investigation of possessing child pornography. (Salling pleaded guilty in December 2017; he took his own life a few weeks later while awaiting sentencing.)

One year ago: A man opened fire at a church near Fort Worth, Texas, killing two people before being shot and killed by a member of the church's volunteer security team. NBA star LeBron James was named the Associated Press male athlete of the decade. British comedy writer and actor Neil Innes, who frequently worked with members of the Monty Python comedy troupe, died at the age of 75.

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Rose Lee Maphis is 98. Actor Inga Swenson is 88. Retired ABC newscaster Tom Jarriel is 86. Actor Barbara Steele is 83. Actor Jon Voight is 82. Country singer Ed Bruce is 81. Singer Marianne Faithfull is 74. Retired Hall of Fame Jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. is 74. Actor Ted Danson is 73. Singer-actor Yvonne Elliman is 69. The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, is 67. Actor Patricia Clarkson is 61. Comedian Paula Poundstone is 61. Rock singer-musician Jim Reid (The Jesus and Mary Chain) is 59. Actor Michael Cudlitz is 56. Rock singer Dexter Holland (The Offspring) is 55. Actor-comedian Mystro Clark is 54. Actor Jason Gould is 54. News anchor Ashleigh Banfield is 53. Movie director Lilly Wachowski is 53. Actor Jennifer Ehle is 51. Actor Patrick Fischler is 51. Rock singer-musician Glen Phillips is 50. Actor Kevin Weisman is 50. Actor Jude Law is 48. Actor Maria Dizzia is 46. Actor Mekhi Phifer is 46. Actor Shawn Hatosy is 45. Actor Katherine Moennig is 43. Actor Diego Luna is 41. Actor Alison Brie is 38. Country singer Jessica Andrews is 37. Actor Iain de Caestecker is 33. Actor Jane Levy is 31. Singer-actor-dancer Ross Lynch is 25. Rock musician Danny Wagner is 22.

<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, Dec. 29, the 364th day of 2020. There are two days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 29, 1890, the Wounded Knee massacre took place in South Dakota as an estimated 300 Sioux Indians were killed by U.S. troops sent to disarm them. On this date: In 1812, during the War of 1812, the American frigate USS Constitution engaged and severely damaged the British frigate HMS Java off Brazil. In 1845, Texas was admitted as the 28th state. In 1916, James Joyce's first novel, "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," was first published in book form in New York after being serialized in London.In 1939, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," starring Charles Laughton and Maureen O'Hara, was released by RKO Radio Pictures. In 1940, during World War II, Germany dropped incendiary bombs on London, setting off what came to be known as "The Second Great Fire of London." In 1972, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401, a Lockheed L-1011 Tristar, crashed into the Florida Everglades near Miami International Airport, killing 101 of the 176 people aboard. In 1975, a bomb exploded in the main terminal of New York's LaGuardia Airport, killing 11 people (it's never been determined who was responsible). In 1989, dissident and playwright Vaclav Havel assumed the presidency of Czechoslovakia.In 1992, the United States and Russia announced agreement on a nuclear arms reduction treaty. In 2006, word reached the United States of the execution of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (because of the time difference, it was the morning of Dec. 30 in Iraq when the hanging took place). In a statement, President George W. Bush called Saddam's execution an important milestone on Iraq's road to democracy. In 2007, the New England Patriots ended their regular season with a remarkable 16-0 record following a 38-35 comeback victory over the New York Giants. (New England became the first NFL team since the 1972 Dolphins to win every game on the schedule.)In 2017, Puerto Rico authorities said nearly half of the power customers in the U.S. territory still lacked electricity, more than three months after Hurricane Maria. Ten years ago: The Obama administration expelled Venezuela's ambassador to the United States, a day after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he would not allow diplomat Larry Palmer to become the U.S. ambassador to his country. Suicide bombers succeeded in killing Iraqi police commander Lt. Col. Shamil al-Jabouri, who was renowned in the tense northern city of Mosul for his relentless pursuit of al-Qaida. Five years ago: Belgian authorities announced they had arrested two men and seized military-type uniforms and Islamic State group propaganda in connection with a suspected plot to unleash holiday season attacks against police and celebrated locations in Brussels. Former "Glee" star Mark Salling was arrested in Los Angeles for investigation of possessing child pornography. (Salling pleaded guilty in December 2017; he took his own life a few weeks later while awaiting sentencing.)One year ago: A man opened fire at a church near Fort Worth, Texas, killing two people before being shot and killed by a member of the church's volunteer security team. NBA star LeBron James was named the Associated Press male athlete of the decade. British comedy writer and actor Neil Innes, who frequently worked with members of the Monty Python comedy troupe, died at the age of 75.Today's Birthdays: Country singer Rose Lee Maphis is 98. Actor Inga Swenson is 88. Retired ABC newscaster Tom Jarriel is 86. Actor Barbara Steele is 83. Actor Jon Voight is 82. Country singer Ed Bruce is 81. Singer Marianne Faithfull is 74. Retired Hall of Fame Jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. is 74. Actor Ted Danson is 73. Singer-actor Yvonne Elliman is 69. The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, is 67. Actor Patricia Clarkson is 61. Comedian Paula Poundstone is 61. Rock singer-musician Jim Reid (The Jesus and Mary Chain) is 59. Actor Michael Cudlitz is 56. Rock singer Dexter Holland (The Offspring) is 55. Actor-comedian Mystro Clark is 54. Actor Jason Gould is 54. News anchor Ashleigh Banfield is 53. Movie director Lilly Wachowski is 53. Actor Jennifer Ehle is 51. Actor Patrick Fischler is 51. Rock singer-musician Glen Phillips is 50. Actor Kevin Weisman is 50. Actor Jude Law is 48. Actor Maria Dizzia is 46. Actor Mekhi Phifer is 46. Actor Shawn Hatosy is 45. Actor Katherine Moennig is 43. Actor Diego Luna is 41. Actor Alison Brie is 38. Country singer Jessica Andrews is 37. Actor Iain de Caestecker is 33. Actor Jane Levy is 31. Singer-actor-dancer Ross Lynch is 25. Rock musician Danny Wagner is 22.

Today in History -- Dec. 29

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 4 suspects after multiple agencies combined resources and worked with timely information from vigilant citizens to make arrests.

Just after 8:30 a.m. Christmas morning, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was notified that two vehicles were stolen from a business in the 3000 block of SW 57th Street in the Topeka area, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies located one vehicle, a 2006 Ford F350, traveling northbound on SW Topeka Boulevard. The driver failed to stop and initiated a short pursuit. The Ford F350 was found abandoned in the 500 block of SW 14th Street.

The other vehicle, a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, was located in the 7000 block of SW Sixmile Creek Road. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Air Support Unit quickly responded to the area. With the assistance of multiple law enforcement officers, a Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit and helpful citizens, four suspects were located hiding nearby. 

The KHP Air Support Unit used a FLIR, thermal imaging camera, to locate all four suspects from above. Multiple vigilant citizens called in and reported descriptions and information. A Sheriff’s Office K9 unit tracked two suspects, one was hiding behind a shed within cedar trees. The K9 engaged and apprehended that suspect.

Deputies transported Jason C. Hokanson, 34, Topeka; Christopher G. Clark, 31, Andrea D. Green, 26, both of Maple Hill and Brooks R. Vonthaer 26, Topeka, to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning. 

Hokanson, Clark, Green and Vonthaer were booked into jail on requested charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and conspiracy.&nbsp; Green also had two warrants for her arrest, according to Christian.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both stolen vehicles were returned to their owner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080461604.png" alt="Hokanson-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hokanson-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 4 suspects after multiple agencies combined resources and worked with timely information from vigilant citizens to make arrests.Just after 8:30 a.m. Christmas morning, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center was notified that two vehicles were stolen from a business in the 3000 block of SW 57th Street in the Topeka area, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies located one vehicle, a 2006 Ford F350, traveling northbound on SW Topeka Boulevard. The driver failed to stop and initiated a short pursuit. The Ford F350 was found abandoned in the 500 block of SW 14th Street.The other vehicle, a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, was located in the 7000 block of SW Sixmile Creek Road. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) Air Support Unit quickly responded to the area. With the assistance of multiple law enforcement officers, a Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit and helpful citizens, four suspects were located hiding nearby. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080609892.png" alt=" Vonthaer-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption> Vonthaer-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The KHP Air Support Unit used a FLIR, thermal imaging camera, to locate all four suspects from above. Multiple vigilant citizens called in and reported descriptions and information. A Sheriff’s Office K9 unit tracked two suspects, one was hiding behind a shed within cedar trees. The K9 engaged and apprehended that suspect.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080522196.png" alt="Clark-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Clark-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies transported Jason C. Hokanson, 34, Topeka; Christopher G. Clark, 31, Andrea D. Green, 26, both of Maple Hill and Brooks R. Vonthaer 26, Topeka, to the Law Enforcement Center for further questioning. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080362145.png" alt="Green photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Green photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hokanson, Clark, Green and Vonthaer were booked into jail on requested charges of burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and conspiracy.&nbsp; Green also had two warrants for her arrest, according to Christian.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both stolen vehicles were returned to their owner.

4 jailed in Kansas for Christmas Day vehicle thefts

Two brothers were arrested and another is being sought after a fight on north Old Highway 81 Saturday afternoon.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies were sent to the 4700 block of North Old Highway 81 at 4:26 p.m. Saturday for the report of a fight. Two brothers, Carlito Morales, 30, of Solomon, and Anthony Morales, 29, of Salina, began arguing as the vehicle was traveling on North Old Highway 40, Soldan said. At some point, the vehicle stopped and the brothers got out and began fighting, he added.

A third brother who was not involved in the fight, Cordell Vazquez, 25, of Minneapolis, decided to leave and got into the driver's seat. As he was starting to pull away, Carlito Morales tried to get into the vehicle and was run over, causing scrapes and injury to his arm, Soldan said. A woman and a young child in a car seat also were in the vehicle, he said.

The vehicle was stopped on Old Highway 81 on its way to Salina, Soldan said.

Anthony Morales left the scene of the reported fight on foot and has yet to be found, Soldan said.

Carlito Morales was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, where he was treated and released, Soldan said. Carlito Morales was then booked into the Saline County Jail on the requested charge of domestic battery for the reported fight, he noted.

During the investigation, it was determined that Vazquez had four active warrants, Soldan explained. Vazquez was arrested on the warrants as well as the following requested charges, Soldan said.

Aggravated battery (for allegedly striking his brother with the vehicle)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Violation of a protection order (because of the woman in the vehicle)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609079895688.jpeg" alt="Carlito Morales. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Carlito Morales. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080136800.jpeg" alt="Cordell Vazquez. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Cordell Vazquez. Photos courtesy Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>Two brothers were arrested and another is being sought after a fight on north Old Highway 81 Saturday afternoon.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies were sent to the 4700 block of North Old Highway 81 at 4:26 p.m. Saturday for the report of a fight. Two brothers, Carlito Morales, 30, of Solomon, and Anthony Morales, 29, of Salina, began arguing as the vehicle was traveling on North Old Highway 40, Soldan said. At some point, the vehicle stopped and the brothers got out and began fighting, he added.A third brother who was not involved in the fight, Cordell Vazquez, 25, of Minneapolis, decided to leave and got into the driver's seat. As he was starting to pull away, Carlito Morales tried to get into the vehicle and was run over, causing scrapes and injury to his arm, Soldan said. A woman and a young child in a car seat also were in the vehicle, he said.The vehicle was stopped on Old Highway 81 on its way to Salina, Soldan said.Anthony Morales left the scene of the reported fight on foot and has yet to be found, Soldan said.Carlito Morales was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center, where he was treated and released, Soldan said. Carlito Morales was then booked into the Saline County Jail on the requested charge of domestic battery for the reported fight, he noted.During the investigation, it was determined that Vazquez had four active warrants, Soldan explained. Vazquez was arrested on the warrants as well as the following requested charges, Soldan said.Aggravated battery (for allegedly striking his brother with the vehicle)Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugsDriving while suspendedChild endangermentViolation of a protection order (because of the woman in the vehicle)

2 brothers arrested, another sought after reported fight along North Old 81

Today is Monday, Dec. 28, the 363rd day of 2020. There are three days left in the year. 

On Dec. 28, 1612, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei observed the planet Neptune, but mistook it for a star. (Neptune wasn't officially discovered until 1846 by Johann Gottfried Galle.) 

In 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first vice president of the United States to resign, stepping down because of differences with President Andrew Jackson. 

In 1908, a major earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated the Italian city of Messina, killing at least 70,000 people. 

In 1912, San Francisco's Municipal Railway began operations with Mayor James Rolph Jr. at the controls of Streetcar No. 1 as 50,000 spectators looked on.

In 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance. 

In 1972, Kim Il Sung, the premier of North Korea, was named the country's president under a new constitution. 

In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon.

In 1981, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American "test-tube" baby, was born in Norfolk, Virginia. 

In 1987, the bodies of 14 relatives of Ronald Gene Simmons were found at his home near Dover, Arkansas, after Simmons shot and killed two other people in Russellville. (Simmons, who never explained his motives, was executed in 1990.) 

In 2001, the National Guard was called out to help Buffalo, New York, dig out from a paralyzing, 5-day storm that had unloaded nearly 7 feet of snow. 

In 2007, Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was laid to rest as the country's army tried to quell a frenzy of rioting in the wake of her assassination. 

In 2014, the war in Afghanistan, fought for 13 bloody years and still raging, came to a formal end with a quiet flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul that marked the transition of the fighting from U.S.-led combat troops to the country's own security forces.

In 2016, Actor Debbie Reynolds, who lit up the screen in "Singin' in the Rain" and other Hollywood classics, died at age 84 a day after losing her daughter, Carrie Fisher, who was 60.

Ten years ago: Eight young people were killed in a fire that swept through an abandoned New Orleans warehouse (some of the victims were squatters who had been living inside the building). Agathe von Trapp, the real-life inspiration for eldest daughter Liesl in the musical "The Sound of Music," died in Towson, Maryland, at age 97.

Five years ago: A grand jury in Cleveland declined to indict a white rookie police officer in the killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, a Black youngster who was shot while playing with what turned out to be a pellet gun. Iraqi forces backed by U.S.-led airstrikes drove Islamic State militants out of the center of Ramadi and seized the main government complex there. Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, 70, the singer and bassist who founded Motorhead in 1975, died in Los Angeles.

One year ago: A man armed with a machete stabbed five people at a Hanukkah celebration in a rabbi's home in suburban New York; the most critically injured victim, 72-year-old Josef Neumann, died three months after the attack. (Grafton Thomas has pleaded not guilty; the charges include federal hate crimes.) A truck bomb attack at a busy checkpoint in the Somali capital of Mogadishu left 79 people dead; Somalia's al-Shabab Islamic extremist rebels claimed responsibility. Five people were killed in the crash of a small plane in Lafayette, Louisiana, as they headed to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta to see LSU play Oklahoma; the victims included local TV reporter Carley McCord, the daughter-in-law of LSU's offensive coordinator. Tennis star Serena Williams was voted the AP's Female Athlete of the Decade. U.S. astronaut Christina Koch set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, breaking the old mark of 288 days.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Nichelle Nichols is 88. Actor Dame Maggie Smith is 86. Former Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., is 76. Former Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is 74. Rock singer-musician Edgar Winter is 74. Actor Denzel Washington is 66. TV personality Gayle King is 66. Actor Chad McQueen is 60. Country singer-musician Marty Roe (Diamond Rio) is 60. Actor Malcolm Gets is 57. Actor Mauricio Mendoza is 51. Actor Elaine Hendrix is 50. Political commentator Ana Navarro is 49. Talk show host Seth Meyers is 47. Actor Brendan Hines is 44. Actor Joe Manganiello is 44. Actor Vanessa Ferlito is 43. Rhythm-and-blues singer John Legend is 42. Rapper-musician-producer Terrace Martin is 42. Actor Andre Holland is 41. Actor Sienna Miller is 39. Actor Beau Garrett (TV: "The Good Doctor") is 38. Pop singer Kasey Sheridan (Dream) is 34. Actor Thomas Dekker is 33. Actor Mackenzie Rosman is 31. Pop singer David Archuleta is 30. Actor Mary-Charles Jones (TV: "Kevin Can Wait") is 19. Actor Miles Brown is 16.

<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, Dec. 28, the 363rd day of 2020. There are three days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 28, 1612, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei observed the planet Neptune, but mistook it for a star. (Neptune wasn't officially discovered until 1846 by Johann Gottfried Galle.) On this date: In 1832, John C. Calhoun became the first vice president of the United States to resign, stepping down because of differences with President Andrew Jackson. In 1908, a major earthquake followed by a tsunami devastated the Italian city of Messina, killing at least 70,000 people. In 1912, San Francisco's Municipal Railway began operations with Mayor James Rolph Jr. at the controls of Streetcar No. 1 as 50,000 spectators looked on.In 1945, Congress officially recognized the Pledge of Allegiance. In 1972, Kim Il Sung, the premier of North Korea, was named the country's president under a new constitution. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon.In 1981, Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American "test-tube" baby, was born in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1987, the bodies of 14 relatives of Ronald Gene Simmons were found at his home near Dover, Arkansas, after Simmons shot and killed two other people in Russellville. (Simmons, who never explained his motives, was executed in 1990.) In 2001, the National Guard was called out to help Buffalo, New York, dig out from a paralyzing, 5-day storm that had unloaded nearly 7 feet of snow. In 2007, Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was laid to rest as the country's army tried to quell a frenzy of rioting in the wake of her assassination. In 2014, the war in Afghanistan, fought for 13 bloody years and still raging, came to a formal end with a quiet flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul that marked the transition of the fighting from U.S.-led combat troops to the country's own security forces.In 2016, Actor Debbie Reynolds, who lit up the screen in "Singin' in the Rain" and other Hollywood classics, died at age 84 a day after losing her daughter, Carrie Fisher, who was 60.Ten years ago: Eight young people were killed in a fire that swept through an abandoned New Orleans warehouse (some of the victims were squatters who had been living inside the building). Agathe von Trapp, the real-life inspiration for eldest daughter Liesl in the musical "The Sound of Music," died in Towson, Maryland, at age 97.Five years ago: A grand jury in Cleveland declined to indict a white rookie police officer in the killing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, a Black youngster who was shot while playing with what turned out to be a pellet gun. Iraqi forces backed by U.S.-led airstrikes drove Islamic State militants out of the center of Ramadi and seized the main government complex there. Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister, 70, the singer and bassist who founded Motorhead in 1975, died in Los Angeles. One year ago: A man armed with a machete stabbed five people at a Hanukkah celebration in a rabbi's home in suburban New York; the most critically injured victim, 72-year-old Josef Neumann, died three months after the attack. (Grafton Thomas has pleaded not guilty; the charges include federal hate crimes.) A truck bomb attack at a busy checkpoint in the Somali capital of Mogadishu left 79 people dead; Somalia's al-Shabab Islamic extremist rebels claimed responsibility. Five people were killed in the crash of a small plane in Lafayette, Louisiana, as they headed to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta to see LSU play Oklahoma; the victims included local TV reporter Carley McCord, the daughter-in-law of LSU's offensive coordinator. Tennis star Serena Williams was voted the AP's Female Athlete of the Decade. U.S. astronaut Christina Koch set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, breaking the old mark of 288 days.Today's Birthdays: Actor Nichelle Nichols is 88. Actor Dame Maggie Smith is 86. Former Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., is 76. Former Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., is 74. Rock singer-musician Edgar Winter is 74. Actor Denzel Washington is 66. TV personality Gayle King is 66. Actor Chad McQueen is 60. Country singer-musician Marty Roe (Diamond Rio) is 60. Actor Malcolm Gets is 57. Actor Mauricio Mendoza is 51. Actor Elaine Hendrix is 50. Political commentator Ana Navarro is 49. Talk show host Seth Meyers is 47. Actor Brendan Hines is 44. Actor Joe Manganiello is 44. Actor Vanessa Ferlito is 43. Rhythm-and-blues singer John Legend is 42. Rapper-musician-producer Terrace Martin is 42. Actor Andre Holland is 41. Actor Sienna Miller is 39. Actor Beau Garrett (TV: "The Good Doctor") is 38. Pop singer Kasey Sheridan (Dream) is 34. Actor Thomas Dekker is 33. Actor Mackenzie Rosman is 31. Pop singer David Archuleta is 30. Actor Mary-Charles Jones (TV: "Kevin Can Wait") is 19. Actor Miles Brown is 16.

Today in History -- Dec 28

Today is Sunday, Dec. 27, the 362nd day of 2020. There are four days left in the year. 

On Dec. 27, 1979, Soviet forces seized control of Afghanistan. President Hafizullah Amin, who was overthrown and executed, was replaced by Babrak Karmal. 

In 1822, scientist Louis Pasteur was born in Dole, France. 

In 1831, naturalist Charles Darwin set out on a round-the-world voyage aboard the HMS Beagle. 

In 1945, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were formally established. 

In 1958, American physicist James Van Allen reported the discovery of a second radiation belt around Earth, in addition to one found earlier in the year. 

In 1968, Apollo 8 and its three astronauts made a safe, nighttime splashdown in the Pacific. 

In 1985, Palestinian guerrillas opened fire inside the Rome and Vienna airports; 19 victims were killed, plus four attackers who were slain by police and security personnel. American naturalist Dian Fossey, 53, who had studied gorillas in the wild in Rwanda, was found hacked to death. 

In 1995, Israeli jeeps sped out of the West Bank town of Ramallah, capping a seven-week pullout giving Yasser Arafat control over 90 percent of the West Bank's 1 million Palestinian residents and one-third of its land. 

In 1999, Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew returned to Earth after fixing the Hubble Space Telescope.

In 2000, President Bill Clinton put the first Black judge on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals serving several Southern states. (The nomination of Roger Gregory had been stalled in the Senate, but Clinton used a recess appointment to put him on the bench.)

In 2001, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld announced that Taliban and al-Qaida prisoners would be held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 

In 2002, a defiant North Korea ordered U.N. nuclear inspectors to leave the country and said it would restart a laboratory capable of producing plutonium for nuclear weapons; the U.N. nuclear watchdog said its inspectors were "staying put" for the time being. 

In 2016, actor Carrie Fisher died in a hospital four days after suffering a medical emergency aboard a flight to Los Angeles; she was 60.

Ten years ago: A Russian court found imprisoned oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky guilty of stealing nearly $30 billion in oil from his company, Yukos. (His supporters charged that Khodorkovsky's prosecution was politically motivated; he was pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Dec. 2013.) Economist and former government official Alfred E. Kahn, known as "the father of airline deregulation," died in Ithaca, New York, at age 93.

Five years ago: British Prime Minister David Cameron sent hundreds more troops into northern England to help exhausted residents and emergency workers fight back rising river waters that had inundated towns and cities after weeks of heavy rain. Death claimed Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon at age 83; baseball player Dave Henderson at age 57; cinematographer Haskell Wexler at age 93; painter-sculptor Ellsworth Kelly at age 92.

One year ago: Radio personality Don Imus died in Texas at the age of 79; he had risen to fame with a caustic persona, but his career took a plunge after a nationally-broadcast racial slur. Kawhi Leonard of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers was named the Associated Press' male athlete of the year. Breakthrough singer-rapper Lizzo was named Entertainer of the Year by The Associated Press.

Today's Birthdays: Actor John Amos is 81. Rock musician Mick Jones (Foreigner) is 76. Singer Tracy Nelson is 76. Actor Gerard Depardieu is 72. Jazz singer-musician T.S. Monk is 71. Singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff is 69. Rock musician David Knopfler (Dire Straits) is 68. Actor Tovah Feldshuh is 67. Journalist-turned-politician Arthur Kent is 67. Actor Maryam D'Abo is 60. Actor Ian Gomez is 56. Actor Theresa Randle is 56. Actor Eva LaRue is 54. Wrestler and actor Bill Goldberg is 54. Bluegrass singer-musician Darrin Vincent (Dailey &amp; Vincent) is 51. Rock musician Guthrie Govan is 49. Musician Matt Slocum is 48. Actor Wilson Cruz is 47. Singer Olu is 47. Actor Masi Oka is 46. Actor Aaron Stanford is 44. Actor Emilie de Ravin is 39. Actor Jay Ellis is 39. Christian rock musician James Mead (Kutless) is 38. Rock singer Hayley Williams (Paramore) is 32. Country singer Shay Mooney (Dan &amp; Shay) is 29. Actor Timothee Chalamet is 25.

<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 Sunday, Dec. 27, the 362nd day of 2020. There are four days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 27, 1979, Soviet forces seized control of Afghanistan. President Hafizullah Amin, who was overthrown and executed, was replaced by Babrak Karmal. On this date: In 1822, scientist Louis Pasteur was born in Dole, France. In 1831, naturalist Charles Darwin set out on a round-the-world voyage aboard the HMS Beagle. In 1945, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were formally established. In 1958, American physicist James Van Allen reported the discovery of a second radiation belt around Earth, in addition to one found earlier in the year. In 1968, Apollo 8 and its three astronauts made a safe, nighttime splashdown in the Pacific. In 1985, Palestinian guerrillas opened fire inside the Rome and Vienna airports; 19 victims were killed, plus four attackers who were slain by police and security personnel. American naturalist Dian Fossey, 53, who had studied gorillas in the wild in Rwanda, was found hacked to death. In 1995, Israeli jeeps sped out of the West Bank town of Ramallah, capping a seven-week pullout giving Yasser Arafat control over 90 percent of the West Bank's 1 million Palestinian residents and one-third of its land. In 1999, Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member crew returned to Earth after fixing the Hubble Space Telescope.In 2000, President Bill Clinton put the first Black judge on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals serving several Southern states. (The nomination of Roger Gregory had been stalled in the Senate, but Clinton used a recess appointment to put him on the bench.)In 2001, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld announced that Taliban and al-Qaida prisoners would be held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In 2002, a defiant North Korea ordered U.N. nuclear inspectors to leave the country and said it would restart a laboratory capable of producing plutonium for nuclear weapons; the U.N. nuclear watchdog said its inspectors were "staying put" for the time being. In 2016, actor Carrie Fisher died in a hospital four days after suffering a medical emergency aboard a flight to Los Angeles; she was 60.Ten years ago: A Russian court found imprisoned oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky guilty of stealing nearly $30 billion in oil from his company, Yukos. (His supporters charged that Khodorkovsky's prosecution was politically motivated; he was pardoned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in Dec. 2013.) Economist and former government official Alfred E. Kahn, known as "the father of airline deregulation," died in Ithaca, New York, at age 93.Five years ago: British Prime Minister David Cameron sent hundreds more troops into northern England to help exhausted residents and emergency workers fight back rising river waters that had inundated towns and cities after weeks of heavy rain. Death claimed Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon at age 83; baseball player Dave Henderson at age 57; cinematographer Haskell Wexler at age 93; painter-sculptor Ellsworth Kelly at age 92.One year ago: Radio personality Don Imus died in Texas at the age of 79; he had risen to fame with a caustic persona, but his career took a plunge after a nationally-broadcast racial slur. Kawhi Leonard of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers was named the Associated Press' male athlete of the year. Breakthrough singer-rapper Lizzo was named Entertainer of the Year by The Associated Press.Today's Birthdays: Actor John Amos is 81. Rock musician Mick Jones (Foreigner) is 76. Singer Tracy Nelson is 76. Actor Gerard Depardieu is 72. Jazz singer-musician T.S. Monk is 71. Singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff is 69. Rock musician David Knopfler (Dire Straits) is 68. Actor Tovah Feldshuh is 67. Journalist-turned-politician Arthur Kent is 67. Actor Maryam D'Abo is 60. Actor Ian Gomez is 56. Actor Theresa Randle is 56. Actor Eva LaRue is 54. Wrestler and actor Bill Goldberg is 54. Bluegrass singer-musician Darrin Vincent (Dailey &amp; Vincent) is 51. Rock musician Guthrie Govan is 49. Musician Matt Slocum is 48. Actor Wilson Cruz is 47. Singer Olu is 47. Actor Masi Oka is 46. Actor Aaron Stanford is 44. Actor Emilie de Ravin is 39. Actor Jay Ellis is 39. Christian rock musician James Mead (Kutless) is 38. Rock singer Hayley Williams (Paramore) is 32. Country singer Shay Mooney (Dan &amp; Shay) is 29. Actor Timothee Chalamet is 25.

Today in History -- Dec. 27

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects 0n multiple charges after they broke into a downtown building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608988947954.png" alt="Brooks-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brooks-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects 0n multiple charges after they broke into a downtown building.Just before 9a.m. Christmas Eve, police were dispatched to 100 E 9th Street in Topeka on a report of a suspicious person, according to Lt. Ron Ekis. Upon arrival an employee informed officers that two male suspects had gained entry to the building and demanded checks. The employee was able to call police and the subjects fled inside the large building. Suspects were eventually located on the 7th floor and taken into custody.Another victim was identified and indicated that she had been battered and was held against her will in one of the apartments. Officers were able to locate narcotics and drug paraphernalia after taking the suspects into custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608988691258.png" alt="Polasky photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Polasky photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both suspects were brought to the Law Enforcement Center for interviews and ultimately booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. Brady Brooks, 34 of Topeka, is being held on requested charges of criminal threat (DV), criminal restraint (DV), attempted aggravated burglary, burglary, theft and criminal damage to property.&nbsp;Ben Polasky, 38 of Topeka is being held on requested charges for burglary, theft and criminal damage to property