Across the United States, students are learning from half to a full year less math than what they should learn in a normal school year. That is the conclusion of the Northwest Evaluation Association’s MAP Growth test. Another massive study by Illuminate Education’s FastBridge assessments found from two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half months of lost math learning, substantially more loss than in reading. Curriculum Associates compared results in grades 1-5 from over 1000 schools and confirmed from 5 to 9 percent of students were two or more grade levels behind in math.

Education schools appear clueless. In part they blame parents, where one-in-five parents hate math (ed schools call it math anxiety) and cannot be expected to teach their child math they do not understand. And student stress levels are up, but they don’t go away when a student switches topics. And yes, math is harder to teach via the internet than face-to-face. But learning on screens is a problem for all disciplines.

Education schools refuse to accept that teaching different subjects requires different skills on the part of both teachers and students. From upper elementary onward, we find that a good science teacher is not usually a good social studies teacher, and a good reading teacher is often not a good math teacher.

Good science teaching starts with real experiences in the laboratory and field. That becomes the basis for understanding biology, chemistry and physics. An immigrant student who does not speak English can begin to learn science and its vocabulary through those experiences.

Social sciences and literary English require extensive social interaction and are very language dependent. Students learning English progress through stages of reading that should eventually take off as many students in upper elementary become excited by this newfound world of books. That is where Harry Potter books today serve a role similar to the Nancy Drew mysteries of older times. And that take off into the world of reading will find the student with his/her head in a book at home and on weekends independent from class assignments. These are the most difficult disciplines for a foreign student when their native language is not English. But students do not get hooked on math and study math on their own on weekends.

Math is different. I have seen an immigrant student who spoke nearly no English transfer into a high school math class. Math is an incremental subject: you learn to multiply one digit times one digit, then two digits times two digits, etc. When a math teacher fails to adequately introduce the next math lesson,&nbsp; the next day many students will have failed to have completed their homework. The teacher, seeing the blank stares, turns to the board and works through a sample problem. The eyes of involved students follow the teacher’s mind as the problem is worked out, even without a spoken explanation of the steps. And the foreign student who learned that universal math language follows along too despite not understanding a word of English. Math indeed is its own language.

Most parents are not natural math teachers. And the teacher’s example that worked so well in class, where the student was one of many who were following the thought of the teacher working out that math example, is now alone at home facing a screen where the teacher-student “connection” is mostly lost. There are no classmates sitting to either side also attempting to understand. Three major meta-analyses have clearly documented the ineffectiveness of trying to learn onscreen.

We only need to look back at the 1960s and early 1970s to televised education, where all schoolchildren would supposedly watch the best of teachers broadcast nationwide on TVs into every classroom. Education on TV screens was an abysmal failure then. And education on laptops is an abysmal failure now.

Across the United States, parents are recognizing that 90 percent-plus of our students are not independent learners. We must return to real classrooms and real teachers as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile, the huge and still-growing ed-tech industrial complex is promoting online learning as our future despite widespread knowledge that it is abysmal. We face the possibility, not just in math but in all disciplines, of becoming a third-world country at premium prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573490075841.jpeg" alt="John Richard Schrock" />
 <figcaption>John Richard Schrock</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN RICHARD SCHROCKAcross the United States, students are learning from half to a full year less math than what they should learn in a normal school year. That is the conclusion of the Northwest Evaluation Association’s MAP Growth test. Another massive study by Illuminate Education’s FastBridge assessments found from two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half months of lost math learning, substantially more loss than in reading. Curriculum Associates compared results in grades 1-5 from over 1000 schools and confirmed from 5 to 9 percent of students were two or more grade levels behind in math. Education schools appear clueless. In part they blame parents, where one-in-five parents hate math (ed schools call it math anxiety) and cannot be expected to teach their child math they do not understand. And student stress levels are up, but they don’t go away when a student switches topics. And yes, math is harder to teach via the internet than face-to-face. But learning on screens is a problem for all disciplines. Education schools refuse to accept that teaching different subjects requires different skills on the part of both teachers and students. From upper elementary onward, we find that a good science teacher is not usually a good social studies teacher, and a good reading teacher is often not a good math teacher. Good science teaching starts with real experiences in the laboratory and field. That becomes the basis for understanding biology, chemistry and physics. An immigrant student who does not speak English can begin to learn science and its vocabulary through those experiences. Social sciences and literary English require extensive social interaction and are very language dependent. Students learning English progress through stages of reading that should eventually take off as many students in upper elementary become excited by this newfound world of books. That is where Harry Potter books today serve a role similar to the Nancy Drew mysteries of older times. And that take off into the world of reading will find the student with his/her head in a book at home and on weekends independent from class assignments. These are the most difficult disciplines for a foreign student when their native language is not English. But students do not get hooked on math and study math on their own on weekends. Math is different. I have seen an immigrant student who spoke nearly no English transfer into a high school math class. Math is an incremental subject: you learn to multiply one digit times one digit, then two digits times two digits, etc. When a math teacher fails to adequately introduce the next math lesson,&nbsp; the next day many students will have failed to have completed their homework. The teacher, seeing the blank stares, turns to the board and works through a sample problem. The eyes of involved students follow the teacher’s mind as the problem is worked out, even without a spoken explanation of the steps. And the foreign student who learned that universal math language follows along too despite not understanding a word of English. Math indeed is its own language. Most parents are not natural math teachers. And the teacher’s example that worked so well in class, where the student was one of many who were following the thought of the teacher working out that math example, is now alone at home facing a screen where the teacher-student “connection” is mostly lost. There are no classmates sitting to either side also attempting to understand. Three major meta-analyses have clearly documented the ineffectiveness of trying to learn onscreen. We only need to look back at the 1960s and early 1970s to televised education, where all schoolchildren would supposedly watch the best of teachers broadcast nationwide on TVs into every classroom. Education on TV screens was an abysmal failure then. And education on laptops is an abysmal failure now. Across the United States, parents are recognizing that 90 percent-plus of our students are not independent learners. We must return to real classrooms and real teachers as soon as it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, the huge and still-growing ed-tech industrial complex is promoting online learning as our future despite widespread knowledge that it is abysmal. We face the possibility, not just in math but in all disciplines, of becoming a third-world country at premium prices.&nbsp;&nbsp;John Richard Schrock has trained biology teachers for more than 30 years in Kansas. He also has lectured at 27 universities in 20 trips to China. He holds the distinction of “Faculty Emeritus” at Emporia State University.

EDUCATION FRONTLINES: Math leads learning loss

Today is Monday, Dec. 21, the 356th day of 2020. There are 10 days left in the year. Winter arrives at 5:02 a.m. Eastern time. 

On Dec. 21, 1620, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower went ashore for the first time at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

In 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman concluded their "March to the Sea" as they captured Savannah, Georgia. 

In 1913, the first newspaper crossword puzzle, billed as a "Word-Cross Puzzle," was published in the New York World. 

In 1914, the U.S. government began requiring passport applicants to provide photographs of themselves. 

In 1940, author F. Scott Fitzgerald died in Hollywood, California, at age 44.

In 1942, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Williams v. North Carolina, ruled 6-2 that all states had to recognize divorces granted in Nevada.

In 1945, U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton, 60, died in Heidelberg, Germany, 12 days after being seriously injured in a car accident. 

In 1968, Apollo 8 was launched on a mission to orbit the moon. 

In 1969, Vince Lombardi coached his last football game as his team, the Washington Redskins, lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 20-10. 

In 1988, 270 people were killed when a terrorist bomb exploded aboard a Pam Am Boeing 747 over Lockerbie, Scotland, sending wreckage crashing to the ground. 

In 1991, eleven of the 12 former Soviet republics proclaimed the birth of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the death of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. 

In 1995, the city of Bethlehem passed from Israeli to Palestinian control. 

In 2012, the National Rifle Association said guns and police officers were needed in all American schools to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings," taking a no-retreat stance in the face of growing calls for gun control after the Newtown, Connecticut, shootings that claimed the lives of 26 children and school staff.

Ten years ago: The Census Bureau announced that the nation's population on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538, up from 281.4 million a decade earlier. A divided Federal Communications Commission approved, 3-2, new rules known as "net neutrality" meant to prohibit broadband companies from interfering with Internet traffic flowing to their customers. The No. 1-ranked Connecticut women's basketball team topped the 88-game winning streak by John Wooden's UCLA men's team from 1971-74, beating No. 22 Florida State 93-62. Chip Kelly, in just his second season leading Oregon, was voted AP Coach of the Year.

Five years ago: A Taliban attacker rammed a bomb-laden motorcycle into a joint NATO and Afghan patrol near the Bagram Airfield, killing six Americans in the deadliest attack on foreign troops since the previous August. The nation's three-decade-old ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men was formally lifted, but major restrictions continued to limit who could give blood in the U.S. Clemson's Dabo Swinney was named The Associated Press college football coach of the year.

One year ago: Joseph Segel, founder of the home-shopping network QVC, died in Pennsylvania; he was 88. Six people died and 13 others were injured in a fire at an apartment building in downtown Las Vegas. French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro, known for his use of vibrant color, mixed prints and elegant draping, died in Paris at the age of 86.

Today's Birthdays: Talk show host Phil Donahue is 85. Actor Jane Fonda is 83. Actor Larry Bryggman is 82. Singer Carla Thomas is 78. Musician Albert Lee is 77. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is 76. Actor Josh Mostel is 74. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is 72. Rock singer Nick Gilder is 70. Movie producer Jeffrey Katzenberg is 70. Actor Dennis Boutsikaris is 68. International Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert is 66. Actor Jane Kaczmarek is 65. Country singer Lee Roy Parnell is 64. Former child actress Lisa Gerritsen is 63. Actor-comedian Ray Romano is 63. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is 58. Country singer Christy Forester (The Forester Sisters) is 58. Rock musician Murph (The Lemonheads; Dinosaur Jr.) is 56. Actor-comedian Andy Dick is 55. Rock musician Gabrielle Glaser is 55. Actor Michelle Hurd is 54. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is 54. Actor Karri Turner is 54. Actor Khrystyne Haje is 52. Country singer Brad Warren (The Warren Brothers) is 52. Actor Julie Delpy is 51. Contemporary Christian singer Natalie Grant is 49. Actor Glenn Fitzgerald is 49. Singer-musician Brett Scallions is 49. World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie Webb is 46. Rock singer Lukas Rossi (Rock Star Supernova) is 44. Actor Rutina Wesley is 42. Rock musician Anna Bulbrook (Airborne Toxic Event) is 38. Country singer Luke Stricklin is 38. Actor Steven Yeun is 37. Actor Kaitlyn Dever is 24.

<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. 21, the 356th day of 2020. There are 10 days left in the year. Winter arrives at 5:02 a.m. Eastern time. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 21, 1620, Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower went ashore for the first time at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. On this date: In 1864, during the Civil War, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman concluded their "March to the Sea" as they captured Savannah, Georgia. In 1913, the first newspaper crossword puzzle, billed as a "Word-Cross Puzzle," was published in the New York World. In 1914, the U.S. government began requiring passport applicants to provide photographs of themselves. In 1940, author F. Scott Fitzgerald died in Hollywood, California, at age 44.In 1942, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Williams v. North Carolina, ruled 6-2 that all states had to recognize divorces granted in Nevada.In 1945, U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton, 60, died in Heidelberg, Germany, 12 days after being seriously injured in a car accident. In 1968, Apollo 8 was launched on a mission to orbit the moon. In 1969, Vince Lombardi coached his last football game as his team, the Washington Redskins, lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 20-10. In 1988, 270 people were killed when a terrorist bomb exploded aboard a Pam Am Boeing 747 over Lockerbie, Scotland, sending wreckage crashing to the ground. In 1991, eleven of the 12 former Soviet republics proclaimed the birth of the Commonwealth of Independent States and the death of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In 1995, the city of Bethlehem passed from Israeli to Palestinian control. In 2012, the National Rifle Association said guns and police officers were needed in all American schools to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings," taking a no-retreat stance in the face of growing calls for gun control after the Newtown, Connecticut, shootings that claimed the lives of 26 children and school staff.Ten years ago: The Census Bureau announced that the nation's population on April 1, 2010, was 308,745,538, up from 281.4 million a decade earlier. A divided Federal Communications Commission approved, 3-2, new rules known as "net neutrality" meant to prohibit broadband companies from interfering with Internet traffic flowing to their customers. The No. 1-ranked Connecticut women's basketball team topped the 88-game winning streak by John Wooden's UCLA men's team from 1971-74, beating No. 22 Florida State 93-62. Chip Kelly, in just his second season leading Oregon, was voted AP Coach of the Year.Five years ago: A Taliban attacker rammed a bomb-laden motorcycle into a joint NATO and Afghan patrol near the Bagram Airfield, killing six Americans in the deadliest attack on foreign troops since the previous August. The nation's three-decade-old ban on blood donations from gay and bisexual men was formally lifted, but major restrictions continued to limit who could give blood in the U.S. Clemson's Dabo Swinney was named The Associated Press college football coach of the year.One year ago: Joseph Segel, founder of the home-shopping network QVC, died in Pennsylvania; he was 88. Six people died and 13 others were injured in a fire at an apartment building in downtown Las Vegas. French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro, known for his use of vibrant color, mixed prints and elegant draping, died in Paris at the age of 86.Today's Birthdays: Talk show host Phil Donahue is 85. Actor Jane Fonda is 83. Actor Larry Bryggman is 82. Singer Carla Thomas is 78. Musician Albert Lee is 77. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is 76. Actor Josh Mostel is 74. Actor Samuel L. Jackson is 72. Rock singer Nick Gilder is 70. Movie producer Jeffrey Katzenberg is 70. Actor Dennis Boutsikaris is 68. International Tennis Hall of Famer Chris Evert is 66. Actor Jane Kaczmarek is 65. Country singer Lee Roy Parnell is 64. Former child actress Lisa Gerritsen is 63. Actor-comedian Ray Romano is 63. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is 58. Country singer Christy Forester (The Forester Sisters) is 58. Rock musician Murph (The Lemonheads; Dinosaur Jr.) is 56. Actor-comedian Andy Dick is 55. Rock musician Gabrielle Glaser is 55. Actor Michelle Hurd is 54. Actor Kiefer Sutherland is 54. Actor Karri Turner is 54. Actor Khrystyne Haje is 52. Country singer Brad Warren (The Warren Brothers) is 52. Actor Julie Delpy is 51. Contemporary Christian singer Natalie Grant is 49. Actor Glenn Fitzgerald is 49. Singer-musician Brett Scallions is 49. World Golf Hall of Famer Karrie Webb is 46. Rock singer Lukas Rossi (Rock Star Supernova) is 44. Actor Rutina Wesley is 42. Rock musician Anna Bulbrook (Airborne Toxic Event) is 38. Country singer Luke Stricklin is 38. Actor Steven Yeun is 37. Actor Kaitlyn Dever is 24.

Today in History -- Dec. 21

Vada LoRayne (Ellis) Unrein was born August 10, 1940 at her parents’ home in Phillips County, Kansas, west of Phillipsburg to Arthur Ellis and Lucy Fern Gaines Ellis. She passed away peacefully Saturday morning, December 19, 2020 in Buhler, Kansas at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Center, which had been her home for the past 5 years.

&nbsp;&nbsp; Vada had three siblings, her two older brothers, Vincent Dean and Harold Lee, and baby sister Connie Fae.

&nbsp;&nbsp; As a child, she lived in several states with relatives when her parents divorced. She was raised by several aunts and uncles from the age of 5-15. When she moved back to Kansas to live with her father, she graduated from Gaylord Rural High School in 1958. After high school, she attended one year at Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma. She wanted to be a nurse, but didn’t get to fulfill that dream. She lived in Denver for awhile and then moved to Beloit to live near her brother Harold and his family.

&nbsp;&nbsp; On October 5, 1963, Vada married Alvin A. Unrein, Sr. in Beloit. They met while she was waiting tables at what was then the Davidson’s Café. He asked her on a date, and they married a year later. Alvin had four children when they married, and they all decided to call her “Mops”, because they called their dad “Pops”. She enjoyed helping raise her four stepchildren, Alvin Jr., Raymond, Sharon, and Velda. Together, Vada and Alvin had two daughters, Janice and Shannon. They were blessed to celebrate their 40th&nbsp;Wedding Anniversary surrounded by family and friends in 2003.

&nbsp;&nbsp; Vada waited tables and cooked at various restaurants n Beloit, and began working at the Mitchell County Hospital as a cook. They were in need of a Dietary Manager, so she took correspondence classes and became certified to work in that capacity for 26 years before retirement. She was a life member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and the American Legion Women, holding different offices through the years.

&nbsp;&nbsp; Along with her family, Vada also loved her dogs. Peaches, Buddy, and Scruffy were three of her favorites. She loved spending time with her family, celebrating all the life events along the way. Through the years, she was able to take some fun memorable trips with Alvin, her children, and grandchildren. The highlights of her travels included Idaho, Oregon, Florida, California, Tennessee, along with several other states. Friday night Bingo at the VFW was always on her agenda after the week was over. Her sense of humor, storytelling, and infectious laugh will always be treasured.

&nbsp;&nbsp; After Alvin passed away, Vada moved to Hutchinson in 2007, where she worked as one of the lunch ladies at Morgan Elementary School for about seven years. She really enjoyed seeing the children every day. After developing some health issues that no longer allowed her to live by herself, she moved to Sunshine Meadows Retirement Center in Buhler, Kansas to their assisted living neighborhood. About a year and a half ago, she moved to their Heartland neighborhood, where she enjoyed the group activities, crocheting, reading and listening to books, and watching game shows on TV. She crocheted and made many beautiful afghans and quilts through the years for children, grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

&nbsp;&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Alvin in 2005, brother Harold Lee Ellis, son Raymond, daughter-in-law Barbara Unrein, and son-in-law Arlen Gates.

&nbsp;&nbsp; Survivors include son Alvin A. Unrein, Jr. and wife Judy of Assaria, daughter-in-law Tamara Unrein of Wallace, daughter Sharon Otter and husband Paul of Great Bend, daughter Velda Gates of Hutchinson, daughter Janice Peters and husband Larry of Beloit, daughter Shannon Eisele and husband Michael of Cleveland, TN; 19 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Brian, Eric, Amy, Maruel, Ray Jr., Jamie, Misty, Madison, Katelyn, Miranda, Lydel, Lance, Stefanie, Matthew, Marty, Tyler, and David; 30 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; sister, Connie Bruning of Benton, AR; sister-in-law Rachel Ellis of Lawrence; brother Vincent Ellis of San Marcos, CA; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

&nbsp;&nbsp; Family-only memorial services will be at 2 PM Tuesday, December 22 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home &amp; will be live-streamed, followed by public graveside services at Elmwood Cemetery in Beloit. Cremation has been chosen &amp; there will be no visitation. Memorials may be given to Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608511919855.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Vada LoRayne (Ellis) Unrein was born August 10, 1940 at her parents’ home in Phillips County, Kansas, west of Phillipsburg to Arthur Ellis and Lucy Fern Gaines Ellis. She passed away peacefully Saturday morning, December 19, 2020 in Buhler, Kansas at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Center, which had been her home for the past 5 years.&nbsp;&nbsp; Vada had three siblings, her two older brothers, Vincent Dean and Harold Lee, and baby sister Connie Fae.&nbsp;&nbsp; As a child, she lived in several states with relatives when her parents divorced. She was raised by several aunts and uncles from the age of 5-15. When she moved back to Kansas to live with her father, she graduated from Gaylord Rural High School in 1958. After high school, she attended one year at Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma. She wanted to be a nurse, but didn’t get to fulfill that dream. She lived in Denver for awhile and then moved to Beloit to live near her brother Harold and his family.&nbsp;&nbsp; On October 5, 1963, Vada married Alvin A. Unrein, Sr. in Beloit. They met while she was waiting tables at what was then the Davidson’s Café. He asked her on a date, and they married a year later. Alvin had four children when they married, and they all decided to call her “Mops”, because they called their dad “Pops”. She enjoyed helping raise her four stepchildren, Alvin Jr., Raymond, Sharon, and Velda. Together, Vada and Alvin had two daughters, Janice and Shannon. They were blessed to celebrate their 40th&nbsp;Wedding Anniversary surrounded by family and friends in 2003.&nbsp;&nbsp; Vada waited tables and cooked at various restaurants n Beloit, and began working at the Mitchell County Hospital as a cook. They were in need of a Dietary Manager, so she took correspondence classes and became certified to work in that capacity for 26 years before retirement. She was a life member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and the American Legion Women, holding different offices through the years.&nbsp;&nbsp; Along with her family, Vada also loved her dogs. Peaches, Buddy, and Scruffy were three of her favorites. She loved spending time with her family, celebrating all the life events along the way. Through the years, she was able to take some fun memorable trips with Alvin, her children, and grandchildren. The highlights of her travels included Idaho, Oregon, Florida, California, Tennessee, along with several other states. Friday night Bingo at the VFW was always on her agenda after the week was over. Her sense of humor, storytelling, and infectious laugh will always be treasured.&nbsp;&nbsp; After Alvin passed away, Vada moved to Hutchinson in 2007, where she worked as one of the lunch ladies at Morgan Elementary School for about seven years. She really enjoyed seeing the children every day. After developing some health issues that no longer allowed her to live by herself, she moved to Sunshine Meadows Retirement Center in Buhler, Kansas to their assisted living neighborhood. About a year and a half ago, she moved to their Heartland neighborhood, where she enjoyed the group activities, crocheting, reading and listening to books, and watching game shows on TV. She crocheted and made many beautiful afghans and quilts through the years for children, grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Alvin in 2005, brother Harold Lee Ellis, son Raymond, daughter-in-law Barbara Unrein, and son-in-law Arlen Gates.&nbsp;&nbsp; Survivors include son Alvin A. Unrein, Jr. and wife Judy of Assaria, daughter-in-law Tamara Unrein of Wallace, daughter Sharon Otter and husband Paul of Great Bend, daughter Velda Gates of Hutchinson, daughter Janice Peters and husband Larry of Beloit, daughter Shannon Eisele and husband Michael of Cleveland, TN; 19 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Brian, Eric, Amy, Maruel, Ray Jr., Jamie, Misty, Madison, Katelyn, Miranda, Lydel, Lance, Stefanie, Matthew, Marty, Tyler, and David; 30 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; sister, Connie Bruning of Benton, AR; sister-in-law Rachel Ellis of Lawrence; brother Vincent Ellis of San Marcos, CA; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.&nbsp;&nbsp; Family-only memorial services will be at 2 PM Tuesday, December 22 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home &amp; will be live-streamed, followed by public graveside services at Elmwood Cemetery in Beloit. Cremation has been chosen &amp; there will be no visitation. Memorials may be given to Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community.

Vada LoRayne (Ellis) Unrein

By RON WILSON Kansas State University

There are two legendary football coaches who are retired and living in Manhattan, Kansas. One is Bill Snyder, a multiple-time national coach of the year and a member of the National College Football Hall of Fame.&nbsp;

The other is a legendary high school football coach who led his team to the longest winning streak in the nation while coaching in&nbsp;rural&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;

Roger Barta is the retired high school football coach who set these records in Smith Center, Kansas. His accomplishments were so noteworthy that an East Coast writer spent a year in Kansas to write about them. In 2010, the book chronicling these achievements was published.&nbsp;

Roger Barta and his wife Pam grew up in the&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community of Plainville, population 1,903 people. Now, that’s&nbsp;rural. In high school, Roger played quarterback but couldn’t continue football due to injury. After graduating from Fort Hays State and earning a master’s in Georgia, he embarked on a high school teaching and coaching career. In 1987, he took his first and only head coaching job in Smith Center.&nbsp;

That was the beginning of a phenomenal career. Roger Barta built a coaching staff and a power football system which would develop into a juggernaut, with tremendous community support.&nbsp;

His won-loss record was excellent, and then came the streak of consecutive winning games. One win turned into two, and then five and 10 and more. A state championship was achieved, and then another and another.&nbsp;

One day in 2007, the Smith Center Redmen played Plainville and got on a roll. A series of Plainville turnovers and Smith Center offensive strikes snowballed into a rout. In a set of circumstances that Coach Barta regrets today, the Redmen scored 72 points – in the first quarter. This broke a national record set back in 1925 and propelled Smith Center into the national spotlight.&nbsp;

One of the national sportswriters who followed this story was a New York Times reporter named Joe Drape. He visited Smith Center to report on it and found himself intrigued with this remarkable coach and community.&nbsp;

Joe returned to New York, but something about the community stayed with him. He thought about Coach Barta and the lives the coach had touched. He thought about the winning streak and the challenges of the upcoming season, after a highly touted senior class graduated.&nbsp;

Joe had the unlikely idea to move his wife and young son from New York to Kansas for a year to follow the football season. He did so and chronicled the remarkable season that followed.&nbsp;

Coach Barta shaped this group of unheralded underclassmen into a powerful team once again. After some early-season close calls, the team came together and finished undefeated with Smith Center’s fifth consecutive state championship. Eventually, the winning streak would extend to 79 games – the longest high school victory streak in the nation.&nbsp;

The best-selling book is titled “Our Boys - A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen.”&nbsp;

“Our Boys” is about&nbsp;rural&nbsp;life as well as football. In the end, the book is about Coach Barta and the values he instills. Coach Barta teaches the simple values of hard work, dedication and love. “We talk about getting a little better each day,” he said, “about being the best we can be, about being a team.” He tells his players, “We need to respect each other, and then like each other, and then love each other. And when we have chemistry, that’s when together we are champions.”&nbsp;

Coach Barta said, “None of this is about football. What I hope we’re doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something.” After retiring, Coach Barta and Pam retired to Manhattan.&nbsp;

Hard work, high values, and getting better every day. That sounds like another legendary coach who is retired and living in Manhattan. We commend Bill Snyder and Roger Barta for making a difference in their community and in the lives of so many young people.&nbsp;

And there’s more. Roger’s son Brooks would follow in his father’s footsteps of outstanding coaching. We’ll learn about that next week.

Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.

Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600566316666.jpeg" alt="Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Ron Wilson. Photo courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>By RON WILSON Kansas State UniversityThere are two legendary football coaches who are retired and living in Manhattan, Kansas. One is Bill Snyder, a multiple-time national coach of the year and a member of the National College Football Hall of Fame.&nbsp;The other is a legendary high school football coach who led his team to the longest winning streak in the nation while coaching in&nbsp;rural&nbsp;Kansas.&nbsp;Roger Barta is the retired high school football coach who set these records in Smith Center, Kansas. His accomplishments were so noteworthy that an East Coast writer spent a year in Kansas to write about them. In 2010, the book chronicling these achievements was published.&nbsp;Roger Barta and his wife Pam grew up in the&nbsp;rural&nbsp;community of Plainville, population 1,903 people. Now, that’s&nbsp;rural. In high school, Roger played quarterback but couldn’t continue football due to injury. After graduating from Fort Hays State and earning a master’s in Georgia, he embarked on a high school teaching and coaching career. In 1987, he took his first and only head coaching job in Smith Center.&nbsp;That was the beginning of a phenomenal career. Roger Barta built a coaching staff and a power football system which would develop into a juggernaut, with tremendous community support.&nbsp;His won-loss record was excellent, and then came the streak of consecutive winning games. One win turned into two, and then five and 10 and more. A state championship was achieved, and then another and another.&nbsp;One day in 2007, the Smith Center Redmen played Plainville and got on a roll. A series of Plainville turnovers and Smith Center offensive strikes snowballed into a rout. In a set of circumstances that Coach Barta regrets today, the Redmen scored 72 points – in the first quarter. This broke a national record set back in 1925 and propelled Smith Center into the national spotlight.&nbsp;One of the national sportswriters who followed this story was a New York Times reporter named Joe Drape. He visited Smith Center to report on it and found himself intrigued with this remarkable coach and community.&nbsp;Joe returned to New York, but something about the community stayed with him. He thought about Coach Barta and the lives the coach had touched. He thought about the winning streak and the challenges of the upcoming season, after a highly touted senior class graduated.&nbsp;Joe had the unlikely idea to move his wife and young son from New York to Kansas for a year to follow the football season. He did so and chronicled the remarkable season that followed.&nbsp;Coach Barta shaped this group of unheralded underclassmen into a powerful team once again. After some early-season close calls, the team came together and finished undefeated with Smith Center’s fifth consecutive state championship. Eventually, the winning streak would extend to 79 games – the longest high school victory streak in the nation.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608444086109.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy KSRE" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KSRE</figcaption>
 </figure>The best-selling book is titled “Our Boys - A Perfect Season on the Plains with the Smith Center Redmen.”&nbsp;“Our Boys” is about&nbsp;rural&nbsp;life as well as football. In the end, the book is about Coach Barta and the values he instills. Coach Barta teaches the simple values of hard work, dedication and love. “We talk about getting a little better each day,” he said, “about being the best we can be, about being a team.” He tells his players, “We need to respect each other, and then like each other, and then love each other. And when we have chemistry, that’s when together we are champions.”&nbsp;Coach Barta said, “None of this is about football. What I hope we’re doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something.” After retiring, Coach Barta and Pam retired to Manhattan.&nbsp;Hard work, high values, and getting better every day. That sounds like another legendary coach who is retired and living in Manhattan. We commend Bill Snyder and Roger Barta for making a difference in their community and in the lives of so many young people.&nbsp;And there’s more. Roger’s son Brooks would follow in his father’s footsteps of outstanding coaching. We’ll learn about that next week.Audio and text files of Kansas Profiles are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasprofile.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kansasprofile.com</a>. For more information about the Huck Boyd Institute, interested persons can visit&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.huckboydinstitute.org/" target="_blank">http://www.huckboydinstitute.org</a>.Ron Wilson is director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University.

NOW THAT'S RURAL: Roger Barta, football family, part 1

Today is Sunday, Dec. 20, the 355th day of 2020. There are 11 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 20, 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega. 

In 1790, the first successful cotton mill in the United States began operating at Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.

In 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union as all 169 delegates to a special convention in Charleston voted in favor of separation. 

In 1864, Confederate forces evacuated Savannah, Georgia, as Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman nearly completed his "March to the Sea."

In 1924, Adolf Hitler was released from prison after serving nine months for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch. 

In 1963, the Berlin Wall was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays. 

In 1978, former White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman was released from prison after serving 18 months for his role in the Watergate cover-up. 

In 1987, more than 4,300 people were killed when the Dona Paz (DOHN'-yuh pahz), a Philippine passenger ship, collided with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island. 

In 1995, an American Airlines Boeing 757 en route to Cali, Colombia, slammed into a mountain, killing all but four of the 163 people aboard. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, NATO began its peacekeeping mission, taking over from the United Nations. 

In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded heterosexual couples. 

In 2005, a federal judge ruled that "intelligent design" could not be mentioned in biology classes in a Pennsylvania public school district, delivering a stinging attack on the Dover Area School Board. 

In 2017, Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston, died in Rome at the age of 86; his failure to stop child molesters in the priesthood had triggered a crisis in American Catholicism.

Ten years ago: In the biggest anti-terrorist sweep in Britain in nearly two years, police arrested a dozen men accused of plotting a large-scale terror attack on targets inside the United Kingdom. Former Mexican presidential candidate Diego Fernandez de Cevallos was freed more than seven months after his kidnapping by suspected leftist rebels. "Barney Miller" actor Steve Landesberg, 74, died in Los Angeles.

Five years ago: A strong showing by a pair of upstart parties in Spain's general election upended the country's traditional two-party system, with the ruling center-right Popular Party winning the most votes but falling far short of a parliamentary majority. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines was crowned Miss Universe at the pageant in Las Vegas (in a bizarre finale, first-time host Steve Harvey mistakenly identified first-runner up Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo of Colombia as the winner before correcting himself and apologizing for the error). Tony Award-winning actress Patricia Elliott, 77, died in New York.

One year ago: President Donald Trump signed a Defense Authorization Act that included Space Force, the first new military service in more than 70 years. Police in Iowa said they had charged a woman with attempted murder after she told police that she intentionally ran over a 14-year-old girl because she believed the teenager was Mexican; she was also accused of driving over a curb to hit a 12-year-old Black boy. (Both children survived; the suspect, Nicole Poole, was ruled incompetent for trial.)

Today's Birthdays: Original Mouseketeer Tommy Cole (TV: "The Mickey Mouse Club") is 79. Rhythm and blues singer-musician Walter "Wolfman" Washington is 77. Rock musician-music producer Bobby Colomby is 76. Rock musician Peter Criss is 75. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is 74. Psychic/illusionist Uri Geller is 74. Producer Dick Wolf ("Law &amp; Order") is 74. Rock musician Alan Parsons is 72. Actor Jenny Agutter is 68. Actor Michael Badalucco is 66. Actor Blanche Baker is 64. Rock singer Billy Bragg is 63. Rock singer-musician Mike Watt (The Secondmen, Minutemen, fIREHOSE) is 63. Actor Joel Gretsch is 57. Country singer Kris Tyler is 56. Rock singer Chris Robinson is 54. Actor Nicole deBoer is 50. Movie director Todd Phillips is 50. Singer David Cook ("American Idol") is 38. Actor Jonah Hill is 37. Actor Bob Morley is 36. Singer JoJo is 30. Actor Colin Woodell is 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="history art Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>history art Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Sunday, Dec. 20, the 355th day of 2020. There are 11 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 20, 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega. On this date: In 1790, the first successful cotton mill in the United States began operating at Pawtucket, Rhode Island.In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States.In 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union as all 169 delegates to a special convention in Charleston voted in favor of separation. In 1864, Confederate forces evacuated Savannah, Georgia, as Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman nearly completed his "March to the Sea."In 1924, Adolf Hitler was released from prison after serving nine months for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch. In 1963, the Berlin Wall was opened for the first time to West Berliners, who were allowed one-day visits to relatives in the Eastern sector for the holidays. In 1978, former White House chief of staff H.R. Haldeman was released from prison after serving 18 months for his role in the Watergate cover-up. In 1987, more than 4,300 people were killed when the Dona Paz (DOHN'-yuh pahz), a Philippine passenger ship, collided with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island. In 1995, an American Airlines Boeing 757 en route to Cali, Colombia, slammed into a mountain, killing all but four of the 163 people aboard. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, NATO began its peacekeeping mission, taking over from the United Nations. In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that homosexual couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as wedded heterosexual couples. In 2005, a federal judge ruled that "intelligent design" could not be mentioned in biology classes in a Pennsylvania public school district, delivering a stinging attack on the Dover Area School Board. In 2017, Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston, died in Rome at the age of 86; his failure to stop child molesters in the priesthood had triggered a crisis in American Catholicism.Ten years ago: In the biggest anti-terrorist sweep in Britain in nearly two years, police arrested a dozen men accused of plotting a large-scale terror attack on targets inside the United Kingdom. Former Mexican presidential candidate Diego Fernandez de Cevallos was freed more than seven months after his kidnapping by suspected leftist rebels. "Barney Miller" actor Steve Landesberg, 74, died in Los Angeles.Five years ago: A strong showing by a pair of upstart parties in Spain's general election upended the country's traditional two-party system, with the ruling center-right Popular Party winning the most votes but falling far short of a parliamentary majority. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines was crowned Miss Universe at the pageant in Las Vegas (in a bizarre finale, first-time host Steve Harvey mistakenly identified first-runner up Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo of Colombia as the winner before correcting himself and apologizing for the error). Tony Award-winning actress Patricia Elliott, 77, died in New York.One year ago: President Donald Trump signed a Defense Authorization Act that included Space Force, the first new military service in more than 70 years. Police in Iowa said they had charged a woman with attempted murder after she told police that she intentionally ran over a 14-year-old girl because she believed the teenager was Mexican; she was also accused of driving over a curb to hit a 12-year-old Black boy. (Both children survived; the suspect, Nicole Poole, was ruled incompetent for trial.)Today's Birthdays: Original Mouseketeer Tommy Cole (TV: "The Mickey Mouse Club") is 79. Rhythm and blues singer-musician Walter "Wolfman" Washington is 77. Rock musician-music producer Bobby Colomby is 76. Rock musician Peter Criss is 75. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue is 74. Psychic/illusionist Uri Geller is 74. Producer Dick Wolf ("Law &amp; Order") is 74. Rock musician Alan Parsons is 72. Actor Jenny Agutter is 68. Actor Michael Badalucco is 66. Actor Blanche Baker is 64. Rock singer Billy Bragg is 63. Rock singer-musician Mike Watt (The Secondmen, Minutemen, fIREHOSE) is 63. Actor Joel Gretsch is 57. Country singer Kris Tyler is 56. Rock singer Chris Robinson is 54. Actor Nicole deBoer is 50. Movie director Todd Phillips is 50. Singer David Cook ("American Idol") is 38. Actor Jonah Hill is 37. Actor Bob Morley is 36. Singer JoJo is 30. Actor Colin Woodell is 29.

Today in History -- Dec. 20

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty today to armed bank robbery, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

&nbsp;Kenya Breakfield, 22, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of discharging a firearm during the robbery. In his plea, Breakfield admitted that on Oct. 21, 2018, he and a co-defendant robbed Wells Fargo Bank at 2000 W. 103rd&nbsp;Street in Leawood, Kan.

&nbsp;Both men were wearing masks of the comic book character Venom and carrying handguns. During the robbery, one of the robbers said, “Happy holidays!” and fired a round from his handgun into the ceiling.

In March 2019, police arrested Breakfield after identifying the getaway car. Co-defendant&nbsp;Michael Shiferaw, 22, Olathe, Kan., is awaiting trial.

Sentencing is set for March 18, 2021. Breakfield could face a penalty of up to 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, and not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608237271487.png" alt="Breakfield -photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Breakfield -photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty today to armed bank robbery, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.&nbsp;Kenya Breakfield, 22, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and one count of discharging a firearm during the robbery. In his plea, Breakfield admitted that on Oct. 21, 2018, he and a co-defendant robbed Wells Fargo Bank at 2000 W. 103rd&nbsp;Street in Leawood, Kan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608237620776.png" alt="Security camera image of suspects during the bank robbery in Roeland Park -photo FBI Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of suspects during the bank robbery in Roeland Park -photo FBI Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Both men were wearing masks of the comic book character Venom and carrying handguns. During the robbery, one of the robbers said, “Happy holidays!” and fired a round from his handgun into the ceiling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608237525262.png" alt="Shiferaw " />
 <figcaption>Shiferaw </figcaption>
 </figure>In March 2019, police arrested Breakfield after identifying the getaway car. Co-defendant&nbsp;Michael Shiferaw, 22, Olathe, Kan., is awaiting trial.Sentencing is set for March 18, 2021. Breakfield could face a penalty of up to 25 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the robbery charge, and not less than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the other count.

Kan. bank robber wore venom mask, yelled 'happy holidays'

Alois J. “AJ” Younger, age 78, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020, in Hays. He was born May 11, 1942, in Hays to Anthony “Tony” and Irene (Koerner) Younger. AJ was a retired oilfield worker. He is survived by AJ's children- Mark Younger and wife, Debra of Tabor City NC, David Younger of Ellsworth KS, Doug Younger and wife Brenda of Hays; Grandchildren, Chrissie Ewen and husband Jason; great grandchildren, Brianna, Austin, Hailey, Caden, and Logan; great- great grandchildren, Kallee, all from Davenport, Iowa, Corey Larson, Tyler Larson both of Russell, KS; a sister, Patricia Warner of Salina, KS.; 4 nieces and 4 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Nathan Real. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608408569404.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alois J. “AJ” Younger, age 78, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020, in Hays. He was born May 11, 1942, in Hays to Anthony “Tony” and Irene (Koerner) Younger. AJ was a retired oilfield worker. He is survived by AJ's children- Mark Younger and wife, Debra of Tabor City NC, David Younger of Ellsworth KS, Doug Younger and wife Brenda of Hays; Grandchildren, Chrissie Ewen and husband Jason; great grandchildren, Brianna, Austin, Hailey, Caden, and Logan; great- great grandchildren, Kallee, all from Davenport, Iowa, Corey Larson, Tyler Larson both of Russell, KS; a sister, Patricia Warner of Salina, KS.; 4 nieces and 4 nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Nathan Real. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Condolences may be left by guest book at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com/">www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com</a>&nbsp;or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com">keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com</a>

Alois J. 'AJ' Younger

Today is Saturday, Dec. 19, the 354th day of 2020. There are 12 days left in the year.

On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice (he was subsequently acquitted by the Senate). 

In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter. 

In 1843, "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens, was first published in England.

In 1915, legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf was born in Paris. German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer, who discovered the pathological condition of dementia, died in Breslau (now Wroclaw), Poland, at age 51.

In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French. 

In 1960, fire broke out on the hangar deck of the nearly completed aircraft carrier USS Constellation at the New York Naval Shipyard; 50 civilian workers were killed. 

In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.

In 1974, Nelson A. Rockefeller was sworn in as the 41st vice president of the United States in the U.S. Senate chamber by Chief Justice Warren Burger with President Gerald R. Ford looking on. 

In 1975, John Paul Stevens was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. 

In 2001, the fires that had burned beneath the ruins of the World Trade Center in New York City for the previous three months were declared extinguished except for a few scattered hot spots. 

In 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell declared Iraq in "material breach" of a U.N. disarmament resolution. 

In 2003, design plans were unveiled for the signature skyscraper — a 1,776-foot glass tower — at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. 

In 2008, citing imminent danger to the national economy, President George W. Bush ordered an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry. 

Ten years ago: The body of an American tourist, Kristine Luken, 44, was found near a road outside Jerusalem. (A Palestinian man was later sentenced by an Israeli court to life in prison for stabbing Luken.) Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko won re-election. In a game that came to be known as the "Miracle at the New Meadowlands," Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the Eagles' 38-31 comeback win over the New York Giants.

Five years ago: Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton debated in Manchester, New Hampshire, where they engaged in a pointed but polite discussion of national security, Americans' heightened terrorism fears and the economy. Conductor Kurt Masur, 88, died in Greenwich, Connecticut. Spain's Mireia Lalaguna Royo was named the winner of the Miss World 2015 competition in a Chinese island resort, an event dogged by controversy over China's refusal to allow Canada's entrant to attend.

One year ago: Congress headed home for the holidays without a plan or timeline in place for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate; Republicans resisted Democratic demands for new witness testimony. The evangelical Christian magazine Christianity Today said in an editorial that President Donald Trump should be removed from office; the editorial urged believers not to "continue to brush off Mr. Trump's immoral words and behavior in the cause of political expediency." The House gave Trump an overwhelming bipartisan victory on trade, approving a bill putting in place the terms of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Karl Fontenot, who spent 35 years in prison in a murder case featured in the book and TV series "The Innocent Man," was released from an Oklahoma prison; a federal judge had written that newly discovered evidence provided "solid proof" of his "probable innocence."

Today's Birthdays: Actor Elaine Joyce is 77. Actor Tim Reid is 76. Paleontologist Richard E. Leakey is 76. Musician John McEuen is 75. Singer Janie Fricke is 73. Jazz musician Lenny White is 71. Actor Mike Lookinland is 60. Actor Scott Cohen is 59. Actor Jennifer Beals is 57. Actor Robert MacNaughton is 54. Magician Criss Angel is 53. Rock musician Klaus Eichstadt (Ugly Kid Joe) is 53. Actor Ken Marino is 52. Actor Elvis Nolasco is 52. Actor Derek Webster is 52. Actor Kristy Swanson is 51. Model Tyson Beckford is 50. Actor Amy Locane is 49. Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp is 48. Actor Rosa Blasi is 48. Actor Alyssa Milano is 48. Actor Tara Summers is 41. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 40. Actor Marla Sokoloff is 40. Rapper Lady Sovereign is 35. Journalist Ronan Farrow is 33. Actor Nik Dodani is 27.

<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, Dec. 19, the 354th day of 2020. There are 12 days left in the year.Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 19, 1998, President Bill Clinton was impeached by the Republican-controlled House for perjury and obstruction of justice (he was subsequently acquitted by the Senate). On this date: In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, Gen. George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter. In 1843, "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens, was first published in England.In 1915, legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf was born in Paris. German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer, who discovered the pathological condition of dementia, died in Breslau (now Wroclaw), Poland, at age 51.In 1946, war broke out in Indochina as troops under Ho Chi Minh launched widespread attacks against the French. In 1960, fire broke out on the hangar deck of the nearly completed aircraft carrier USS Constellation at the New York Naval Shipyard; 50 civilian workers were killed. In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, winding up the Apollo program of manned lunar landings.In 1974, Nelson A. Rockefeller was sworn in as the 41st vice president of the United States in the U.S. Senate chamber by Chief Justice Warren Burger with President Gerald R. Ford looking on. In 1975, John Paul Stevens was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2001, the fires that had burned beneath the ruins of the World Trade Center in New York City for the previous three months were declared extinguished except for a few scattered hot spots. In 2002, Secretary of State Colin Powell declared Iraq in "material breach" of a U.N. disarmament resolution. In 2003, design plans were unveiled for the signature skyscraper — a 1,776-foot glass tower — at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. In 2008, citing imminent danger to the national economy, President George W. Bush ordered an emergency bailout of the U.S. auto industry. Ten years ago: The body of an American tourist, Kristine Luken, 44, was found near a road outside Jerusalem. (A Palestinian man was later sentenced by an Israeli court to life in prison for stabbing Luken.) Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko won re-election. In a game that came to be known as the "Miracle at the New Meadowlands," Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the Eagles' 38-31 comeback win over the New York Giants.Five years ago: Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton debated in Manchester, New Hampshire, where they engaged in a pointed but polite discussion of national security, Americans' heightened terrorism fears and the economy. Conductor Kurt Masur, 88, died in Greenwich, Connecticut. Spain's Mireia Lalaguna Royo was named the winner of the Miss World 2015 competition in a Chinese island resort, an event dogged by controversy over China's refusal to allow Canada's entrant to attend.One year ago: Congress headed home for the holidays without a plan or timeline in place for President Donald Trump's impeachment trial in the Senate; Republicans resisted Democratic demands for new witness testimony. The evangelical Christian magazine Christianity Today said in an editorial that President Donald Trump should be removed from office; the editorial urged believers not to "continue to brush off Mr. Trump's immoral words and behavior in the cause of political expediency." The House gave Trump an overwhelming bipartisan victory on trade, approving a bill putting in place the terms of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Karl Fontenot, who spent 35 years in prison in a murder case featured in the book and TV series "The Innocent Man," was released from an Oklahoma prison; a federal judge had written that newly discovered evidence provided "solid proof" of his "probable innocence."Today's Birthdays: Actor Elaine Joyce is 77. Actor Tim Reid is 76. Paleontologist Richard E. Leakey is 76. Musician John McEuen is 75. Singer Janie Fricke is 73. Jazz musician Lenny White is 71. Actor Mike Lookinland is 60. Actor Scott Cohen is 59. Actor Jennifer Beals is 57. Actor Robert MacNaughton is 54. Magician Criss Angel is 53. Rock musician Klaus Eichstadt (Ugly Kid Joe) is 53. Actor Ken Marino is 52. Actor Elvis Nolasco is 52. Actor Derek Webster is 52. Actor Kristy Swanson is 51. Model Tyson Beckford is 50. Actor Amy Locane is 49. Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp is 48. Actor Rosa Blasi is 48. Actor Alyssa Milano is 48. Actor Tara Summers is 41. Actor Jake Gyllenhaal is 40. Actor Marla Sokoloff is 40. Rapper Lady Sovereign is 35. Journalist Ronan Farrow is 33. Actor Nik Dodani is 27.

Today in History -- Dec. 19

Today is Friday, Dec. 18, the 353rd day of 2020. There are 13 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 18, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was declared in effect by Secretary of State William H. Seward. 

In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson, whose first wife, Ellen, had died the year before, married Edith Bolling Galt, a widow, at her Washington home.

In 1917, Congress passed the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" and sent it to the states for ratification. 

In 1940, Adolf Hitler signed a secret directive ordering preparations for a Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. (Operation Barbarossa was launched in June 1941.) 

In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the government's wartime evacuation of people of Japanese descent from the West Coast while at the same time ruling that "concededly loyal" Americans of Japanese ancestry could not continue to be detained. 

In 1956, Japan was admitted to the United Nations. 

In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.) 

In 1987, Ivan F. Boesky was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a major Wall Street insider-trading scandal. (Boesky served about two years of his sentence).

In 1998, the House debated articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton. South Carolina carried out the nation's 500th execution since capital punishment resumed in 1977. 

In 2000, the Electoral College cast its ballots, with President-elect George W. Bush receiving the expected 271; Al Gore, however, received 266, one fewer than expected, because of a District of Columbia Democrat who'd left her ballot blank to protest the district's lack of representation in Congress. 

In 2003, two federal appeals courts ruled the U.S. military could not indefinitely hold prisoners without access to lawyers or American courts.

In 2008, W. Mark Felt, the former FBI second-in-command who'd revealed himself as "Deep Throat" three decades after the Watergate scandal, died in Santa Rosa, Calif., at age 95. 

In 2018, the Trump administration banned bump stocks, the firearm attachments that allowed semi-automatic weapons to fire like machine guns, and gave gun owners until late March to turn in or destroy the devices. The president authorized the Defense Department to create a new Space Command, an effort to better organize and advance the military's operations in space.

Ten years ago: The U.S. Senate approved repeal of the military's 17-year "don't ask, don't tell" ban on openly gay troops in a 65-31 vote. (President Barack Obama later signed it into law.) Skier Lindsey Vonn was named the 2010 Female Athlete of the Year as chosen by members of The Associated Press.

Five years ago: Congress ended a chaotic year on a surprising note of bipartisan unity and productivity as it overwhelmingly approved a massive 2016 tax and spending package and sent it to President Barack Obama, who promptly signed it. United Nations Security Council members unanimously approved a resolution endorsing a peace process for Syria.

One year ago: The U.S. House impeached President Donald Trump on two charges, sending his case to the Senate for trial; the articles of impeachment accused him of abusing the power of the presidency to investigate a political rival ahead of the 2020 election and then obstructing Congress' investigation. At a Michigan rally that took place as the House voted to impeach him, a defiant Trump declared that the vote was a "suicide march" for the Democratic Party. Trump also suggested that the late Democratic Rep. John Dingell was "looking up," rather than down, from beyond the grave; some Republicans joined Democrats in calling for an apology.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Cicely Tyson is 96. Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark is 93. Actor Roger Mosley is 82. Rock musician Keith Richards is 77. Writer-director Alan Rudolph is 77. Movie producer-director Steven Spielberg is 74. Blues artist Rod Piazza is 73. Movie director Gillian Armstrong is 70. Movie reviewer Leonard Maltin is 70. Rock musician Elliot Easton is 67. Actor Ray Liotta is 66. Comedian Ron White is 64. R&amp;B singer Angie Stone is 59. Actor Brad Pitt is 57. Professional wrestler-turned-actor "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is 56. Actor Shawn Christian is 55. Actor Rachel Griffiths is 52. Singer Alejandro Sanz is 52. Actor Casper Van Dien is 52. Country/rap singer Cowboy Troy is 50. Rapper DMX is 50. International Tennis Hall of Famer Arantxa Sanchez Vicario is 49. DJ Lethal (Limp Bizkit) is 48. Pop singer Sia is 45. Country singer Randy Houser is 44. Actor Josh Dallas is 42. Actor Katie Holmes is 42. Actor Ravi Patel is 42. Singer Christina Aguilera is 40. Actor Ashley Benson is 31. NHL defenseman Victor Hedman is 30. Actor-singer Bridgit Mendler is 28. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is 23. Electro-pop singer Billie Eilish is 19. Actor Isabella Crovetti 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 Friday, Dec. 18, the 353rd day of 2020. There are 13 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 18, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was declared in effect by Secretary of State William H. Seward. On this date: In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson, whose first wife, Ellen, had died the year before, married Edith Bolling Galt, a widow, at her Washington home.In 1917, Congress passed the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibiting "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" and sent it to the states for ratification. In 1940, Adolf Hitler signed a secret directive ordering preparations for a Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. (Operation Barbarossa was launched in June 1941.) In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the government's wartime evacuation of people of Japanese descent from the West Coast while at the same time ruling that "concededly loyal" Americans of Japanese ancestry could not continue to be detained. In 1956, Japan was admitted to the United Nations. In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.) In 1987, Ivan F. Boesky was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in a major Wall Street insider-trading scandal. (Boesky served about two years of his sentence).In 1998, the House debated articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton. South Carolina carried out the nation's 500th execution since capital punishment resumed in 1977. In 2000, the Electoral College cast its ballots, with President-elect George W. Bush receiving the expected 271; Al Gore, however, received 266, one fewer than expected, because of a District of Columbia Democrat who'd left her ballot blank to protest the district's lack of representation in Congress. In 2003, two federal appeals courts ruled the U.S. military could not indefinitely hold prisoners without access to lawyers or American courts.In 2008, W. Mark Felt, the former FBI second-in-command who'd revealed himself as "Deep Throat" three decades after the Watergate scandal, died in Santa Rosa, Calif., at age 95. In 2018, the Trump administration banned bump stocks, the firearm attachments that allowed semi-automatic weapons to fire like machine guns, and gave gun owners until late March to turn in or destroy the devices. The president authorized the Defense Department to create a new Space Command, an effort to better organize and advance the military's operations in space.Ten years ago: The U.S. Senate approved repeal of the military's 17-year "don't ask, don't tell" ban on openly gay troops in a 65-31 vote. (President Barack Obama later signed it into law.) Skier Lindsey Vonn was named the 2010 Female Athlete of the Year as chosen by members of The Associated Press.Five years ago: Congress ended a chaotic year on a surprising note of bipartisan unity and productivity as it overwhelmingly approved a massive 2016 tax and spending package and sent it to President Barack Obama, who promptly signed it. United Nations Security Council members unanimously approved a resolution endorsing a peace process for Syria.One year ago: The U.S. House impeached President Donald Trump on two charges, sending his case to the Senate for trial; the articles of impeachment accused him of abusing the power of the presidency to investigate a political rival ahead of the 2020 election and then obstructing Congress' investigation. At a Michigan rally that took place as the House voted to impeach him, a defiant Trump declared that the vote was a "suicide march" for the Democratic Party. Trump also suggested that the late Democratic Rep. John Dingell was "looking up," rather than down, from beyond the grave; some Republicans joined Democrats in calling for an apology.Today's Birthdays: Actor Cicely Tyson is 96. Former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark is 93. Actor Roger Mosley is 82. Rock musician Keith Richards is 77. Writer-director Alan Rudolph is 77. Movie producer-director Steven Spielberg is 74. Blues artist Rod Piazza is 73. Movie director Gillian Armstrong is 70. Movie reviewer Leonard Maltin is 70. Rock musician Elliot Easton is 67. Actor Ray Liotta is 66. Comedian Ron White is 64. R&amp;B singer Angie Stone is 59. Actor Brad Pitt is 57. Professional wrestler-turned-actor "Stone Cold" Steve Austin is 56. Actor Shawn Christian is 55. Actor Rachel Griffiths is 52. Singer Alejandro Sanz is 52. Actor Casper Van Dien is 52. Country/rap singer Cowboy Troy is 50. Rapper DMX is 50. International Tennis Hall of Famer Arantxa Sanchez Vicario is 49. DJ Lethal (Limp Bizkit) is 48. Pop singer Sia is 45. Country singer Randy Houser is 44. Actor Josh Dallas is 42. Actor Katie Holmes is 42. Actor Ravi Patel is 42. Singer Christina Aguilera is 40. Actor Ashley Benson is 31. NHL defenseman Victor Hedman is 30. Actor-singer Bridgit Mendler is 28. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is 23. Electro-pop singer Billie Eilish is 19. Actor Isabella Crovetti is 16.

Today in History -- Dec. 18

Today is Thursday, Dec. 17, the 352nd day of 2020. There are 14 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio, conducted the first successful manned powered-airplane flights near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, using their experimental craft, the Wright Flyer. 

In 1777, France recognized American independence. 

In 1933, in the inaugural NFL championship football game, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants, 23-21, at Wrigley Field.

In 1938, German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered nuclear fission by splitting the nuclei of uranium into lighter elements. 

In 1944, the U.S. War Department announced it was ending its policy of excluding people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast. 

In 1975, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme was sentenced in Sacramento, Calif. to life in prison for her attempt on the life of President Gerald R. Ford. (She was paroled in Aug. 2009.) 

In 1979, Arthur McDuffie, a Black insurance executive, was fatally injured after leading police on a chase with his motorcycle in Miami. (Four white police officers accused of beating McDuffie were later acquitted, sparking riots.) 

In 1989, the animated TV series "The Simpsons" premiered on Fox with a Christmas-themed episode.

In 1992, President George H.W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari signed the North American Free Trade Agreement in separate ceremonies. (After President Donald Trump demanded a new deal, the three countries signed a replacement agreement in 2018.) 

In 2001, Marines raised the Stars and Stripes over the long-abandoned American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In 2007, Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed a measure making New Jersey the first state to abolish the death penalty in more than 40 years.

In 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died after more than a decade of iron rule; he was 69, according to official records, but some reports indicated he was 70. 

In 2014, the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations, sweeping away one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. 

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed into law a huge, holiday-season tax bill extending cuts for all Americans, saluting a new spirit of political compromise as Republicans applauded and liberals seethed. Federal prosecutors reached a settlement with the estate of Florida philanthropist Jeffry Picower in which his widow, Barbara, agreed to return $7.2 billion that her husband had reaped from Bernard Madoff's giant Ponzi scheme. Don Van Vliet, a musician and artist who'd performed a complex brand of experimental rock under the name Captain Beefheart, died in Arcata, California, at age 69. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was voted the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year by members of The Associated Press.

Five years ago: Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged that he sometimes used a personal, unsecured email account to conduct official business after he took office, a practice he called "entirely my mistake." Representatives of Libya's s two rival factions signed a U.N.-brokered deal to form a unity government.

One year ago: Joe Biden released a doctor's report saying that the 77-year-old former vice president was "healthy, vigorous" and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." A federal judge in Washington sentenced former Trump campaign official Rick Gates to 45 days in jail despite what she said was "extraordinary" cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and other Justice Department investigations; Gates had pleaded guilty to charges related to political consulting work he did in Ukraine.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Armin Mueller-Stahl is 90. Pope Francis is 84. Singer-actor Tommy Steele is 84. Actor Bernard Hill is 76 Actor Ernie Hudson is 75. Political commentator Chris Matthews is 75. Comedian-actor Eugene Levy is 74. Actor Marilyn Hassett is 73. Actor Wes Studi is 73. Pop musician Jim Bonfanti (The Raspberries) is 72. Actor Joel Brooks is 71. Rock singer Paul Rodgers is 71. Rhythm-and-blues singer Wanda Hutchinson Vaughn (The Emotions) is 69. Actor Bill Pullman is 67. Actor Barry Livingston is 67. Country singer Sharon White is 67. Producer-director-writer Peter Farrelly is 64. Rock musician Mike Mills (R.E.M.) is 62. Pop singer Sarah Dallin (Bananarama) is 59. Country singer Tracy Byrd is 54. Country musician Duane Propes is 54. Actor Laurie Holden is 51. DJ Homicide (Sugar Ray) is 50. Actor Sean Patrick Thomas is 50. Actor Claire Forlani is 49. Pop-rock musician Eddie Fisher (OneRepublic) is 47. Actor Sarah Paulson is 46. Actor Marissa Ribisi is 46. Actor Giovanni Ribisi is 46. Actor Milla Jovovich is 45. Singer Bree Sharp is 45. Singer-songwriter Ben Goldwasser (MGMT) is 38. Rock singer Mikky Ekko is 37. Actor Shannon Woodward is 36. Actor Emma Bell is 34. Actor Vanessa Zima is 34. Rock musician Taylor York (Paramore) is 31. Actor Graham Rogers is 30. Actor-singer Nat Wolff is 26.

<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. 17, the 352nd day of 2020. There are 14 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright of Dayton, Ohio, conducted the first successful manned powered-airplane flights near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, using their experimental craft, the Wright Flyer. On this date: In 1777, France recognized American independence. In 1933, in the inaugural NFL championship football game, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants, 23-21, at Wrigley Field.In 1938, German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered nuclear fission by splitting the nuclei of uranium into lighter elements. In 1944, the U.S. War Department announced it was ending its policy of excluding people of Japanese ancestry from the West Coast. In 1975, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme was sentenced in Sacramento, Calif. to life in prison for her attempt on the life of President Gerald R. Ford. (She was paroled in Aug. 2009.) In 1979, Arthur McDuffie, a Black insurance executive, was fatally injured after leading police on a chase with his motorcycle in Miami. (Four white police officers accused of beating McDuffie were later acquitted, sparking riots.) In 1989, the animated TV series "The Simpsons" premiered on Fox with a Christmas-themed episode.In 1992, President George H.W. Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari signed the North American Free Trade Agreement in separate ceremonies. (After President Donald Trump demanded a new deal, the three countries signed a replacement agreement in 2018.) In 2001, Marines raised the Stars and Stripes over the long-abandoned American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.In 2007, Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed a measure making New Jersey the first state to abolish the death penalty in more than 40 years.In 2011, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died after more than a decade of iron rule; he was 69, according to official records, but some reports indicated he was 70. In 2014, the United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations, sweeping away one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. Ten years ago: President Barack Obama signed into law a huge, holiday-season tax bill extending cuts for all Americans, saluting a new spirit of political compromise as Republicans applauded and liberals seethed. Federal prosecutors reached a settlement with the estate of Florida philanthropist Jeffry Picower in which his widow, Barbara, agreed to return $7.2 billion that her husband had reaped from Bernard Madoff's giant Ponzi scheme. Don Van Vliet, a musician and artist who'd performed a complex brand of experimental rock under the name Captain Beefheart, died in Arcata, California, at age 69. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was voted the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year by members of The Associated Press.Five years ago: Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged that he sometimes used a personal, unsecured email account to conduct official business after he took office, a practice he called "entirely my mistake." Representatives of Libya's s two rival factions signed a U.N.-brokered deal to form a unity government.One year ago: Joe Biden released a doctor's report saying that the 77-year-old former vice president was "healthy, vigorous" and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency." A federal judge in Washington sentenced former Trump campaign official Rick Gates to 45 days in jail despite what she said was "extraordinary" cooperation with special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe and other Justice Department investigations; Gates had pleaded guilty to charges related to political consulting work he did in Ukraine.Today's Birthdays: Actor Armin Mueller-Stahl is 90. Pope Francis is 84. Singer-actor Tommy Steele is 84. Actor Bernard Hill is 76 Actor Ernie Hudson is 75. Political commentator Chris Matthews is 75. Comedian-actor Eugene Levy is 74. Actor Marilyn Hassett is 73. Actor Wes Studi is 73. Pop musician Jim Bonfanti (The Raspberries) is 72. Actor Joel Brooks is 71. Rock singer Paul Rodgers is 71. Rhythm-and-blues singer Wanda Hutchinson Vaughn (The Emotions) is 69. Actor Bill Pullman is 67. Actor Barry Livingston is 67. Country singer Sharon White is 67. Producer-director-writer Peter Farrelly is 64. Rock musician Mike Mills (R.E.M.) is 62. Pop singer Sarah Dallin (Bananarama) is 59. Country singer Tracy Byrd is 54. Country musician Duane Propes is 54. Actor Laurie Holden is 51. DJ Homicide (Sugar Ray) is 50. Actor Sean Patrick Thomas is 50. Actor Claire Forlani is 49. Pop-rock musician Eddie Fisher (OneRepublic) is 47. Actor Sarah Paulson is 46. Actor Marissa Ribisi is 46. Actor Giovanni Ribisi is 46. Actor Milla Jovovich is 45. Singer Bree Sharp is 45. Singer-songwriter Ben Goldwasser (MGMT) is 38. Rock singer Mikky Ekko is 37. Actor Shannon Woodward is 36. Actor Emma Bell is 34. Actor Vanessa Zima is 34. Rock musician Taylor York (Paramore) is 31. Actor Graham Rogers is 30. Actor-singer Nat Wolff is 26.

Today in History -- Dec. 17

Michael L. Higbee was born on July 18, 1960, in Concordia, Kansas, the son of Jack L. &amp; Nancy A. (Reed) Higbee. Michael graduated from Mankato High School, class of 1978. Following high school, Michael attended Cloud County Community College, and then Kansas State University, before returning to the family farm.

Michael was a farmer his entire adult life, and enjoyed spending time outdoors and hunting. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and playing cards in Belleville at the café.

Michael passed away on December 13, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 60 years, 4 months, and 25 days.

He was preceded in death by his father, brother in law Jeremy Nelson, niece Kassidy Nelson, and his special companion Lucky, his dog who has been awaiting Michael’s arrival in heaven.

He will be forever remembered by his mother Nancy of Formoso, sister Christel Nelson of Courtland, sister Jeannea Thomas of Osborne, his nieces, Mccaela, Cheyenne, Mable and Jackie Nelson, and a community of friends.

Friends may sign Michael’s book on Thursday, December 17th, 2020, from 9am – 5pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville.

Graveside Memorials Services will be held on Friday, December 18th, 2020, at 2:00 pm, at Balch Cemetery, rural Formoso.

Friends and family attending the services are requested to wear jeans, coveralls, bibs with a ball cap, or other casual and comfortable attire.

Additionally, persons attending the services are requested to wear masks or other facial coverings, and to practice social distancing.

Memorials are requested to the Formoso Community Church, or the Bryan Health Foundation to assist COVID families, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home of Belleville assisted the Higbee family with these services, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608172845676.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Michael L. Higbee was born on July 18, 1960, in Concordia, Kansas, the son of Jack L. &amp; Nancy A. (Reed) Higbee. Michael graduated from Mankato High School, class of 1978. Following high school, Michael attended Cloud County Community College, and then Kansas State University, before returning to the family farm.Michael was a farmer his entire adult life, and enjoyed spending time outdoors and hunting. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and playing cards in Belleville at the café.Michael passed away on December 13, 2020, in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 60 years, 4 months, and 25 days.He was preceded in death by his father, brother in law Jeremy Nelson, niece Kassidy Nelson, and his special companion Lucky, his dog who has been awaiting Michael’s arrival in heaven.He will be forever remembered by his mother Nancy of Formoso, sister Christel Nelson of Courtland, sister Jeannea Thomas of Osborne, his nieces, Mccaela, Cheyenne, Mable and Jackie Nelson, and a community of friends.Friends may sign Michael’s book on Thursday, December 17th, 2020, from 9am – 5pm, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home in Belleville.Graveside Memorials Services will be held on Friday, December 18th, 2020, at 2:00 pm, at Balch Cemetery, rural Formoso.Friends and family attending the services are requested to wear jeans, coveralls, bibs with a ball cap, or other casual and comfortable attire.Additionally, persons attending the services are requested to wear masks or other facial coverings, and to practice social distancing.Memorials are requested to the Formoso Community Church, or the Bryan Health Foundation to assist COVID families, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home of Belleville assisted the Higbee family with these services, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com

Michael L. Higbee

Paula’s life began March 27, 1953 in Herington. She is the daughter of Gerald and Vonda May (Haguewood). She is a 1971 graduate of Herington High School and attended Tabor College for two years majoring in history.

Paula was united in marriage to Myron Jones on September 28th, 2002 in Herington. Paula was a avid reader and seamstress, and enjoyed scrapbooking. She was a loyal Kansas City Royals fan, and a baseball card collector. Paula was a member of New Life Church in Herington.

Her loving family includes her husband Myron of Junction City, sisters, Evelyn Hair of Herington and Carolyn Vickroy of Kansas and a host of relatives and friends.

Her family will gather with friends from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington, where her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Lorenzo Jackson. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the ASPCA in care of the funeral home. Please sign her online guest book, and leave a memory of Paula at www.ymzfh.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608172111420.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Paula J. (Hair) Jones</h2>March 27, 1953~December 15, 2020(age 67)Paula’s life began March 27, 1953 in Herington. She is the daughter of Gerald and Vonda May (Haguewood). She is a 1971 graduate of Herington High School and attended Tabor College for two years majoring in history.Paula was united in marriage to Myron Jones on September 28th, 2002 in Herington. Paula was a avid reader and seamstress, and enjoyed scrapbooking. She was a loyal Kansas City Royals fan, and a baseball card collector. Paula was a member of New Life Church in Herington.Her loving family includes her husband Myron of Junction City, sisters, Evelyn Hair of Herington and Carolyn Vickroy of Kansas and a host of relatives and friends.Her family will gather with friends from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home, Herington, where her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. led by Pastor Lorenzo Jackson. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the ASPCA in care of the funeral home. Please sign her online guest book, and leave a memory of Paula at www.ymzfh.com

Paula J. (Hair) Jones

By SAM ZEFF <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-16/kansas-city-area-parents-sue-sheriffs-office-and-school-district-over-sexual-abuse-of-daughter">Kansas News Service</a>

For more than a year, a sheriff's deputy assigned as a school 
resource officer (SRO) at a high school in Linn County, Kansas, carried 
on a "sexual relationship" with a 15-year-old student, sometimes in his 
office on campus, according to a federal lawsuit. 

The two "would sometimes kiss or inappropriately touch while in the school building," the suit alleges. 

The
 sheriff's office, the former SRO, Linn County and the Pleasanton School
 District are all named as defendants. Former deputy David Allen Huggins
 is now serving 15 years in prison for three counts of aggravated 
indecent liberties with a minor after pleading guilty in 2019.

During
 the criminal investigation, the teenage girl "learned that she was the 
third female, minor victim of Huggins," the lawsuit says. 

Her parents say that is not even the worst. 

The
 lawsuit alleges that the Linn County sheriff at the time, Paul Filla, 
and the Pleasanton School District knew what was happening and failed to
 act. 

"They all knew what was going on," the girl's father Ryan 
Swearingen told KCUR. "They blamed it on our daughter having trouble 
transitioning to a new school."

The lawyer representing the 
teenager, who is now 18, goes even further. "There was an ongoing, 
systematic failure" by the school, said Chris Dove. "Absolutely, people 
were turning a blind eye."

According to the lawsuit,  former 
sheriff Paul Filla eventually called in the Kansas Bureau of 
Investigation (KBI) to investigate Huggins.

The family says many 
in Pleasanton, a town of just 1,200 people 60 miles south of Kansas 
City, refused to believe a hometown man would commit such a crime. 

"They all knew the story," said mother Jessica Swearingen. "Not one person said I'm sorry." 

"People look out for their own," Ryan Swearingen said. 

Lawyer Chris Dove said that is not surprising. "It's just this classic thing I see in small towns," he said.

A
 guy like Huggins, who worked for the La Cygne Police Department before 
going to the sheriff's office, received what Dove calls "infinite 
passes." 

The lawyers representing the defendants would not comment.

Former Sheriff Filla had other troubles in his office. 

The
 KBI was also called in to investigate Linn County Sheriff Officer John 
Carr who was arrested for sexually assaulting a co-worker. In September 
2018 Carr was arrested and pled guilty to battery following the KBI 
investigation.

Filla resigned in 2019 and was replaced by current Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend. 

Friend would not discuss how the office was previously run. 

"I wasn't here at the time," he told KCUR. 

But
 he says he made some big changes. He instituted a duty to report 
policy, meaning a deputy must report wrongdoing if they see it.  

Friend
 says he also rewrote the policy book and general orders and he added 
another layer of supervision by promoting four deputies to sergeants. 
"There is a lot more supervision now," he said. 

As for the Swearingen family in tiny Pleasanton, Kansas, things are still a little rough. 

Their
 younger daughter had to transfer schools to escape harassment. Some 
teenagers wear tee-shirts with Huggins' mug shot on the front. "It hurts
 to see that," says Ryan Swearingen. "They don't see how serious this 
is."

But their oldest daughter seems to be standing tall. "She 
hasn't let this hold her back," her dad said. Her mission now is to 
finish college and help others avoid similar pain. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608160360762.png" alt="A federal lawsuit was filed against the Linn County Sheriff's office, Linn County, the Pleasanton School District and former school resource officer David Huggins. Photo Illustration-Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3 (Photo: Kansas DOC)" />
 <figcaption>A federal lawsuit was filed against the Linn County Sheriff's office, Linn County, the Pleasanton School District and former school resource officer David Huggins. Photo Illustration-Carlos Moreno/KCUR 89.3 (Photo: Kansas DOC)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SAM ZEFF <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-16/kansas-city-area-parents-sue-sheriffs-office-and-school-district-over-sexual-abuse-of-daughter">Kansas News Service</a>For more than a year, a sheriff's deputy assigned as a school 
resource officer (SRO) at a high school in Linn County, Kansas, carried 
on a "sexual relationship" with a 15-year-old student, sometimes in his 
office on campus, according to a federal lawsuit. The two "would sometimes kiss or inappropriately touch while in the school building," the suit alleges. The
 sheriff's office, the former SRO, Linn County and the Pleasanton School
 District are all named as defendants. Former deputy David Allen Huggins
 is now serving 15 years in prison for three counts of aggravated 
indecent liberties with a minor after pleading guilty in 2019.During
 the criminal investigation, the teenage girl "learned that she was the 
third female, minor victim of Huggins," the lawsuit says. Her parents say that is not even the worst. The
 lawsuit alleges that the Linn County sheriff at the time, Paul Filla, 
and the Pleasanton School District knew what was happening and failed to
 act. "They all knew what was going on," the girl's father Ryan 
Swearingen told KCUR. "They blamed it on our daughter having trouble 
transitioning to a new school."The lawyer representing the 
teenager, who is now 18, goes even further. "There was an ongoing, 
systematic failure" by the school, said Chris Dove. "Absolutely, people 
were turning a blind eye."According to the lawsuit, former 
sheriff Paul Filla eventually called in the Kansas Bureau of 
Investigation (KBI) to investigate Huggins.The family says many 
in Pleasanton, a town of just 1,200 people 60 miles south of Kansas 
City, refused to believe a hometown man would commit such a crime. "They all knew the story," said mother Jessica Swearingen. "Not one person said I'm sorry." "People look out for their own," Ryan Swearingen said. Lawyer Chris Dove said that is not surprising. "It's just this classic thing I see in small towns," he said.A
 guy like Huggins, who worked for the La Cygne Police Department before 
going to the sheriff's office, received what Dove calls "infinite 
passes." The lawyers representing the defendants would not comment.<h2>Troubled department</h2>Former Sheriff Filla had other troubles in his office. The
 KBI was also called in to investigate Linn County Sheriff Officer John 
Carr who was arrested for sexually assaulting a co-worker. In September 
2018 Carr was arrested and pled guilty to battery following the KBI 
investigation.Filla resigned in 2019 and was replaced by current Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend. Friend would not discuss how the office was previously run. "I wasn't here at the time," he told KCUR. But
 he says he made some big changes. He instituted a duty to report 
policy, meaning a deputy must report wrongdoing if they see it. Friend
 says he also rewrote the policy book and general orders and he added 
another layer of supervision by promoting four deputies to sergeants. 
"There is a lot more supervision now," he said. As for the Swearingen family in tiny Pleasanton, Kansas, things are still a little rough. Their
 younger daughter had to transfer schools to escape harassment. Some 
teenagers wear tee-shirts with Huggins' mug shot on the front. "It hurts
 to see that," says Ryan Swearingen. "They don't see how serious this 
is."But their oldest daughter seems to be standing tall. "She 
hasn't let this hold her back," her dad said. Her mission now is to 
finish college and help others avoid similar pain. You can contact Sam on Twitter @samzeff. Email him at sam@kcur.org. Prefer the phone? You can reach him at 816-235-5004.&nbsp;