Today is Saturday, Dec. 12, the 347th day of 2020. There are 19 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 12, 2000, George W. Bush became president-elect as a divided U.S. Supreme Court reversed a state court decision for recounts in Florida's contested election. 

In 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. 

In 1870, Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina became the first Black lawmaker sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives. 

In 1913, authorities in Florence, Italy, announced that the "Mona Lisa," stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in 1911, had been recovered. 

In 1917, during World War I, a train carrying some 1,000 French troops from the Italian front derailed while descending a steep hill in Modane; at least half of the soldiers were killed in France's greatest rail disaster. Father Edward Flanagan founded Boys Town outside Omaha, Nebraska. 

In 1974, "The Godfather, Part II," a Paramount Pictures release, premiered in New York.

In 1977, the dance movie "Saturday Night Fever," starring John Travolta, premiered in New York. 

In 1985, 248 American soldiers and eight crew members were killed when an Arrow Air charter crashed after takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland. 

In 1995, by three votes, the Senate killed a constitutional amendment giving Congress authority to outlaw flag burning and other forms of desecration against Old Glory. 

In 1997, Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, the international terrorist known as "Carlos the Jackal," went on trial in Paris on charges of killing two French investigators and a Lebanese national. (Ramirez was convicted and is serving a life prison sentence.) 

In 2000, the Marine Corps grounded all eight of its high-tech MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft following a fiery crash in North Carolina that killed four Marines. (The Osprey program was revived by the Pentagon in 2005.)

In 2012, North Koreans danced in the streets of their capital, Pyongyang, after the regime of Kim Jong Un succeeded in firing a long-range rocket in defiance of international warnings.

In 2018, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's one-time fixer, was sentenced to three years in prison for crimes that included arranging the payment of hush money to conceal Trump's alleged sexual affairs.

Ten years ago: An explosives-packed minibus blew up at the entrance of a joint NATO-Afghan base in southern Afghanistan, killing six American troops and two Afghan soldiers as they prepared to head out on patrol. The inflatable roof of the Minneapolis Metrodome collapsed following a snowstorm that had dumped 17 inches on the city. (The NFL was forced to shift an already rescheduled game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants to Detroit's Ford Field.)

Five years ago: Nearly 200 nations meeting in Paris adopted the first global pact to fight climate change, calling on the world to collectively cut and then eliminate greenhouse gas pollution but imposing no sanctions on countries that didn't do so. Women across Saudi Arabia marked a historic milestone, both voting and running as candidates in government elections for the first time; voters elected 20 women for local government seats. Fire at a Russian home for mentally ill patients killed 23 men. Derrick Henry became the second Alabama player to receive the Heisman Trophy.

One year ago: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson led his Conservative Party to a landslide victory in a general election that was dominated by Brexit, offering Johnson a new mandate to take his country out of the European Union. Danny Aiello, the blue-collar character actor whose movies included "Moonstruck" and "Do the Right Thing," died at the age of 86.

Today's Birthdays: Former TV host Bob Barker is 97. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Pettit is 88. Singer Connie Francis is 83. Singer Dionne Warwick is 80. Rock singer-musician Dickey Betts is 77. Hall of Fame race car driver Emerson Fittipaldi is 74. Actor Wings Hauser is 73. Actor Bill Nighy is 71. Actor Duane Chase (Film: "The Sound of Music") is 70. Country singer LaCosta is 70. Gymnast-turned-actor Cathy Rigby is 68. Author Lorna Landvik is 66. Singer-musician Sheila E. is 63. Actor Sheree J. Wilson is 62. Pop singer Daniel O'Donnell is 59. International Tennis Hall of Famer Tracy Austin is 58. Rock musician Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) is 57. Author Sophie Kinsella is 51. News anchor Maggie Rodriguez is 51. Actor Jennifer Connelly is 50. Actor Madchen Amick is 50. Actor Regina Hall is 50. Country singer Hank Williams III is 48. Actor Mayim Bialik is 45. Model Bridget Hall is 43. Actor Lucas Hedges is 24. Actor Sky Katz 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 Saturday, Dec. 12, the 347th day of 2020. There are 19 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 12, 2000, George W. Bush became president-elect as a divided U.S. Supreme Court reversed a state court decision for recounts in Florida's contested election. On this date: In 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. In 1870, Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina became the first Black lawmaker sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1913, authorities in Florence, Italy, announced that the "Mona Lisa," stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in 1911, had been recovered. In 1917, during World War I, a train carrying some 1,000 French troops from the Italian front derailed while descending a steep hill in Modane; at least half of the soldiers were killed in France's greatest rail disaster. Father Edward Flanagan founded Boys Town outside Omaha, Nebraska. In 1974, "The Godfather, Part II," a Paramount Pictures release, premiered in New York.In 1977, the dance movie "Saturday Night Fever," starring John Travolta, premiered in New York. In 1985, 248 American soldiers and eight crew members were killed when an Arrow Air charter crashed after takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland. In 1995, by three votes, the Senate killed a constitutional amendment giving Congress authority to outlaw flag burning and other forms of desecration against Old Glory. In 1997, Ilich Ramirez Sanchez, the international terrorist known as "Carlos the Jackal," went on trial in Paris on charges of killing two French investigators and a Lebanese national. (Ramirez was convicted and is serving a life prison sentence.) In 2000, the Marine Corps grounded all eight of its high-tech MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft following a fiery crash in North Carolina that killed four Marines. (The Osprey program was revived by the Pentagon in 2005.)In 2012, North Koreans danced in the streets of their capital, Pyongyang, after the regime of Kim Jong Un succeeded in firing a long-range rocket in defiance of international warnings.In 2018, Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's one-time fixer, was sentenced to three years in prison for crimes that included arranging the payment of hush money to conceal Trump's alleged sexual affairs.Ten years ago: An explosives-packed minibus blew up at the entrance of a joint NATO-Afghan base in southern Afghanistan, killing six American troops and two Afghan soldiers as they prepared to head out on patrol. The inflatable roof of the Minneapolis Metrodome collapsed following a snowstorm that had dumped 17 inches on the city. (The NFL was forced to shift an already rescheduled game between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants to Detroit's Ford Field.)Five years ago: Nearly 200 nations meeting in Paris adopted the first global pact to fight climate change, calling on the world to collectively cut and then eliminate greenhouse gas pollution but imposing no sanctions on countries that didn't do so. Women across Saudi Arabia marked a historic milestone, both voting and running as candidates in government elections for the first time; voters elected 20 women for local government seats. Fire at a Russian home for mentally ill patients killed 23 men. Derrick Henry became the second Alabama player to receive the Heisman Trophy.One year ago: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson led his Conservative Party to a landslide victory in a general election that was dominated by Brexit, offering Johnson a new mandate to take his country out of the European Union. Danny Aiello, the blue-collar character actor whose movies included "Moonstruck" and "Do the Right Thing," died at the age of 86. Today's Birthdays: Former TV host Bob Barker is 97. Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Pettit is 88. Singer Connie Francis is 83. Singer Dionne Warwick is 80. Rock singer-musician Dickey Betts is 77. Hall of Fame race car driver Emerson Fittipaldi is 74. Actor Wings Hauser is 73. Actor Bill Nighy is 71. Actor Duane Chase (Film: "The Sound of Music") is 70. Country singer LaCosta is 70. Gymnast-turned-actor Cathy Rigby is 68. Author Lorna Landvik is 66. Singer-musician Sheila E. is 63. Actor Sheree J. Wilson is 62. Pop singer Daniel O'Donnell is 59. International Tennis Hall of Famer Tracy Austin is 58. Rock musician Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors) is 57. Author Sophie Kinsella is 51. News anchor Maggie Rodriguez is 51. Actor Jennifer Connelly is 50. Actor Madchen Amick is 50. Actor Regina Hall is 50. Country singer Hank Williams III is 48. Actor Mayim Bialik is 45. Model Bridget Hall is 43. Actor Lucas Hedges is 24. Actor Sky Katz is 16.

Today in History -- Dec. 12

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit backed by President Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory, ending a desperate attempt to get legal issues rejected by state and federal judges before the nation’s highest court and subvert the will of voters.

Trump bemoaned the decision late Friday, tweeting: “The Supreme Court really let us down. No Wisdom, No Courage!”

The high court’s order earlier Friday was a stark repudiation of a legal claim that was widely regarded as dubious, yet embraced by the president, 19 Republican state attorneys general and 126 House Republicans.

Trump had insisted the court would find the “wisdom” and “courage” to adopt his baseless position that the election was the product of widespread fraud and should be overturned. But the nation’s highest court emphatically disagreed.

Friday’s order marked the second time this week that the court had rebuffed Republican requests that it get involved in the 2020 election outcome and reject the voters’ choice, as expressed in an election regarded by both Republican and Democratic officials as free and fair. The justices turned away an appeal from Pennsylvania Republicans on Tuesday.

On Monday, the Electoral College meets to formally elect Biden as the next president.

Trump had called the lawsuit filed by Texas against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin “the big one” that would end with the Supreme Court undoing Biden’s substantial Electoral College majority and allowing Trump to serve another four years in the White House.

In a brief order, the court said Texas does not have the legal right to sue those states because it “has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections.”

Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, who have said previously the court does not have the authority to turn away lawsuits between states, said they would have heard Texas’ complaint. But they would not have done as Texas wanted — setting aside those four states’ 62 electoral votes for Biden — pending resolution of the lawsuit.

Trump complained that “within a flash,” the lawsuit was “thrown out and gone, without even looking at the many reasons it was brought. A Rigged Election, fight on!”

Three Trump appointees sit on the high court. In his push to get the most recent of his nominees, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, confirmed quickly, Trump said she would be needed for any post-election lawsuits. Barrett appears to have participated in both cases this week. None of the Trump appointees noted a dissent in either case.

The four states sued by Texas had urged the court to reject the case as meritless. They were backed by another 22 states and the District of Columbia.

Republican support for the lawsuit and its call to throw out millions of votes in four battleground states was rooted in baseless claims of fraud, an extraordinary display of the party’s willingness to countermand the will of voters. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana were among those joining to support the action.

“The Court has rightly dismissed out of hand the extreme, unlawful and undemocratic GOP lawsuit to overturn the will of millions of American voters,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday night.

A few Republicans expressed concerns about the case. Many others remained silent even as Trump endlessly repeated claims that he lost a chance at a second term due to widespread fraud.

Sen. Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican who has previously criticized the president, applauded the court’s decision.

“Since Election Night, a lot of people have been confusing voters by spinning Kenyan Birther-type, ‘Chavez rigged the election from the grave’ conspiracy theories, but every American who cares about the rule of law should take comfort that the Supreme Court — including all three of President Trump’s picks — closed the book on the nonsense,” Sasse said in a statement.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said the court “saw through this seditious abuse of the judicial process.”

“While these stunts are legally insignificant, their cost to our country — in misleading the public about a free and fair election and in tearing at our Constitution — is high and we will not tolerate them from our sister states or anyone else,” said Shapiro, a Democrat.

The Texas complaint repeated false, disproven and unsubstantiated accusations about the voting in four states that went for Trump’s Democratic challenger. The high court had never before been asked for such a dramatic remedy.

Two days after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed his suit, Trump jumped into the high court case. Hours later, the president held a meeting at the White House, scheduled before the suit was filed, with a dozen Republican attorneys general, including Paxton and several others who backed the effort.

“If the Supreme Court shows great Wisdom and Courage, the American People will win perhaps the most important case in history, and our Electoral Process will be respected again!” he tweeted Friday afternoon. Trump had spent the week relentlessly tweeting about the Texas case with the hashtag “overturn” and claiming, falsely, that he had won the election but was robbed.

In a statement Friday, Paxton called the Supreme Court’s decision “unfortunate.”

Still, some of the top state Republican prosecutors who urged the court to get involved acknowledged that the effort was a long shot and sought to distance themselves from Trump’s baseless allegations of fraud.

The case inflamed already high tensions over the election. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said his office staff received two death threats Thursday after he signed onto the brief supporting the case.

The lawsuit also divided officials in some states.

Montana Attorney General Tim Fox supported Texas’ case, even though he said the suit was “belated” and its chances “are slim at best.” Fox said the case raised “important constitutional questions about the separation of powers and the integrity of mail-in ballots in those defendant states.”

But Gov. Steve Bullock, D-Mont., urged the court to reject the case. He said the fact that Texas is not suing Montana, which Trump won, even though the state similarly used mail-in ballots underscores that “this action is less about election integrity than it is about attempting to overturn the will of the electorate.”

Trump’s repetition of election-related falsehoods and conspiracy theories has taken hold among far-right media and much of his base. Many Republican voters in several states won by Biden have demanded that their elected officials find a way to invalidate the president-elect’s victories.

The Republican Party of Texas on Friday evening issued a statement raising the far-fetched possibility of secession. “Perhaps law-abiding states should bond together and form a Union of states that will abide by the constitution,” said party chairman Allen West, the former Florida congressman.

Even though the court’s action seemed to be the end of the road for Trump’s legal fights about the 2020 election results, the president’s efforts may have a destabilizing effect long after he leaves office. Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, vowed Friday to keep fighting.

“Some litigation may continue, but it will not change election results,” said Rick Hasen, a law professor at the Universtiy of California, Irvine. “The delegitimization of the Biden presidency by Trump, and of elections generally, will reverberate for years to come. And that’s a real tragedy.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit backed by President Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory, ending a desperate attempt to get legal issues rejected by state and federal judges before the nation’s highest court and subvert the will of voters.Trump bemoaned the decision late Friday, tweeting: “The Supreme Court really let us down. No Wisdom, No Courage!”The high court’s order earlier Friday was a stark repudiation of a legal claim that was widely regarded as dubious, yet embraced by the president, 19 Republican state attorneys general and 126 House Republicans.Trump had insisted the court would find the “wisdom” and “courage” to adopt his baseless position that the election was the product of widespread fraud and should be overturned. But the nation’s highest court emphatically disagreed.Friday’s order marked the second time this week that the court had rebuffed Republican requests that it get involved in the 2020 election outcome and reject the voters’ choice, as expressed in an election regarded by both Republican and Democratic officials as free and fair. The justices turned away an appeal from Pennsylvania Republicans on Tuesday.On Monday, the Electoral College meets to formally elect Biden as the next president.Trump had called the lawsuit filed by Texas against Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin “the big one” that would end with the Supreme Court undoing Biden’s substantial Electoral College majority and allowing Trump to serve another four years in the White House.In a brief order, the court said Texas does not have the legal right to sue those states because it “has not demonstrated a judicially cognizable interest in the manner in which another State conducts its elections.”Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, who have said previously the court does not have the authority to turn away lawsuits between states, said they would have heard Texas’ complaint. But they would not have done as Texas wanted — setting aside those four states’ 62 electoral votes for Biden — pending resolution of the lawsuit.Trump complained that “within a flash,” the lawsuit was “thrown out and gone, without even looking at the many reasons it was brought. A Rigged Election, fight on!”Three Trump appointees sit on the high court. In his push to get the most recent of his nominees, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, confirmed quickly, Trump said she would be needed for any post-election lawsuits. Barrett appears to have participated in both cases this week. None of the Trump appointees noted a dissent in either case.The four states sued by Texas had urged the court to reject the case as meritless. They were backed by another 22 states and the District of Columbia.Republican support for the lawsuit and its call to throw out millions of votes in four battleground states was rooted in baseless claims of fraud, an extraordinary display of the party’s willingness to countermand the will of voters. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy of California and Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana were among those joining to support the action.“The Court has rightly dismissed out of hand the extreme, unlawful and undemocratic GOP lawsuit to overturn the will of millions of American voters,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday night.A few Republicans expressed concerns about the case. Many others remained silent even as Trump endlessly repeated claims that he lost a chance at a second term due to widespread fraud.Sen. Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican who has previously criticized the president, applauded the court’s decision.“Since Election Night, a lot of people have been confusing voters by spinning Kenyan Birther-type, ‘Chavez rigged the election from the grave’ conspiracy theories, but every American who cares about the rule of law should take comfort that the Supreme Court — including all three of President Trump’s picks — closed the book on the nonsense,” Sasse said in a statement.Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said the court “saw through this seditious abuse of the judicial process.”“While these stunts are legally insignificant, their cost to our country — in misleading the public about a free and fair election and in tearing at our Constitution — is high and we will not tolerate them from our sister states or anyone else,” said Shapiro, a Democrat.The Texas complaint repeated false, disproven and unsubstantiated accusations about the voting in four states that went for Trump’s Democratic challenger. The high court had never before been asked for such a dramatic remedy.Two days after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed his suit, Trump jumped into the high court case. Hours later, the president held a meeting at the White House, scheduled before the suit was filed, with a dozen Republican attorneys general, including Paxton and several others who backed the effort.“If the Supreme Court shows great Wisdom and Courage, the American People will win perhaps the most important case in history, and our Electoral Process will be respected again!” he tweeted Friday afternoon. Trump had spent the week relentlessly tweeting about the Texas case with the hashtag “overturn” and claiming, falsely, that he had won the election but was robbed.In a statement Friday, Paxton called the Supreme Court’s decision “unfortunate.”Still, some of the top state Republican prosecutors who urged the court to get involved acknowledged that the effort was a long shot and sought to distance themselves from Trump’s baseless allegations of fraud.The case inflamed already high tensions over the election. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said his office staff received two death threats Thursday after he signed onto the brief supporting the case.The lawsuit also divided officials in some states.Montana Attorney General Tim Fox supported Texas’ case, even though he said the suit was “belated” and its chances “are slim at best.” Fox said the case raised “important constitutional questions about the separation of powers and the integrity of mail-in ballots in those defendant states.”But Gov. Steve Bullock, D-Mont., urged the court to reject the case. He said the fact that Texas is not suing Montana, which Trump won, even though the state similarly used mail-in ballots underscores that “this action is less about election integrity than it is about attempting to overturn the will of the electorate.”Trump’s repetition of election-related falsehoods and conspiracy theories has taken hold among far-right media and much of his base. Many Republican voters in several states won by Biden have demanded that their elected officials find a way to invalidate the president-elect’s victories.The Republican Party of Texas on Friday evening issued a statement raising the far-fetched possibility of secession. “Perhaps law-abiding states should bond together and form a Union of states that will abide by the constitution,” said party chairman Allen West, the former Florida congressman.Even though the court’s action seemed to be the end of the road for Trump’s legal fights about the 2020 election results, the president’s efforts may have a destabilizing effect long after he leaves office. Trump’s personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, vowed Friday to keep fighting.“Some litigation may continue, but it will not change election results,” said Rick Hasen, a law professor at the Universtiy of California, Irvine. “The delegitimization of the Biden presidency by Trump, and of elections generally, will reverberate for years to come. And that’s a real tragedy.”____

Supreme Court rejects Texas lawsuit on presidential election

ASSARIA -- An Assaria man was arrested early this morning in connection to a garage burglary.

Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies were on their way to Assaria at 2:47 a.m. Friday for the report of someone trying to get into a residence when they received a call of another burglary in the town.

According to Soldan, a homeowner in the 300 block of East Kansas Street was awaken by a noise in his garage. When the homeowner checked the garage, he found Michael Sledd, 29, of Assaria, going through his vehicle, Soldan said. The homeowner kept Sledd in the garage until deputies arrived, he added.

When deputies arrived, Sledd moved as if he was going to run, but the homeowner pushed him back, Soldan said. That triggered a fight, during which, a deputy sprained a thumb, Soldan explained. The fight ended with Sledd being tased, he added.

According to Soldan, Sledd appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) for observation. 

Soldan said Sledd would be taken to the Saline County Jail and booked on the following requested charges once he is released from SRHC.

ASSARIA -- An Assaria man was arrested early this morning in connection to a garage burglary.Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said this morning that deputies were on their way to Assaria at 2:47 a.m. Friday for the report of someone trying to get into a residence when they received a call of another burglary in the town.According to Soldan, a homeowner in the 300 block of East Kansas Street was awaken by a noise in his garage. When the homeowner checked the garage, he found Michael Sledd, 29, of Assaria, going through his vehicle, Soldan said. The homeowner kept Sledd in the garage until deputies arrived, he added.When deputies arrived, Sledd moved as if he was going to run, but the homeowner pushed him back, Soldan said. That triggered a fight, during which, a deputy sprained a thumb, Soldan explained. The fight ended with Sledd being tased, he added.According to Soldan, Sledd appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was transported by EMS to Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) for observation. Soldan said Sledd would be taken to the Saline County Jail and booked on the following requested charges once he is released from SRHC.Aggravated burglaryBattery of a law enforcement officerCriminal trespass

Assaria man arrested after being found in garage early this morning

Today is Friday, Dec. 11, the 346th day of 2020. There are 20 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 11, 1936, Britain's King Edward VIII abdicated the throne so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson; his brother, Prince Albert, became King George VI. 

In 1844, the first experimental use of an inhaled anesthetic in dentistry took place as Dr. Horace Wells of Hartford, Connecticut, under the influence of nitrous oxide, had a colleague extract one of his teeth. 

In 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States; the U.S. responded in kind. 

In 1946, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established.

In 1964, singer-songwriter Sam Cooke was shot to death by a motel manager in Los Angeles; he was 33.

In 1972, Apollo 17's lunar module landed on the moon with astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt aboard; they became the last two men to date to step onto the lunar surface. 

In 1997, more than 150 countries agreed at a global warming conference in Kyoto, Japan, to control the Earth's greenhouse gases. 

In 1998, majority Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee pushed through three articles of impeachment against President Clinton, over Democratic objections.

In 2001, in the first criminal indictment stemming from 9/11, federal prosecutors charged Zacarias Moussaoui, a French citizen of Moroccan descent, with conspiring to murder thousands in the suicide hijackings. (Moussaoui pleaded guilty to conspiracy in 2005 and was sentenced to life in prison.) 

In 2004, doctors in Austria said that Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko had been poisoned with dioxin, which caused the severe disfigurement and partial paralysis of his face. 

In 2008, former Nasdaq chairman Bernie Madoff was arrested, accused of running a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme that wiped out the life savings of thousands of people and wrecked charities. (Madoff is serving a 150-year federal prison sentence.) The remains of missing Florida toddler Caylee Anthony were found six months after she disappeared. (Her mother, Casey Anthony, was acquitted of murder in her daughter's death.) 

In 2018, a man who had been flagged as a possible extremist sprayed gunfire near the famous Christmas market in the French city of Strasbourg, killing three people and wounding 13 others; the suspect died in a shootout with police two days later. (A fourth person wounded in the attack later died.) A Virginia jury called for a sentence of life in prison plus 419 years for the man who killed a woman when he rammed his car into counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. (James Alex Fields Jr. received that sentence in July, 2019.) 

Ten years ago: The eldest son of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff, 46-year-old Mark Madoff, hanged himself in his Manhattan apartment on the second anniversary of his father's arrest. A U.N. conference in Cancun, Mexico, adopted a modest climate deal. Auburn quarterback Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy.

Five years ago: President Barack Obama signed legislation keeping government agencies open into the following week, giving White House and congressional bargainers more time to complete sweeping deals on taxes and federal spending. Dow Chemical and DuPont announced they were merging to form a company valued at about $130 billion. Willard Scott announced he was hanging it up after 35 years as part of NBC's "Today" show.

One year ago: Israel's parliament failed to meet a midnight deadline to form a coalition government, triggering an unprecedented third election in a 12-month period. Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco surpassed Apple as the world's most valuable public company when its shares made their debut on the Saudi stock exchange; a 10% rally brought the company's value to $1.88 trillion.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Jean-Louis Trintignant is 90. Actor Rita Moreno is 89. Pop singer David Gates (Bread) is 80. Actor Donna Mills is 80. Former Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is 79. Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is 77. Singer Brenda Lee is 76. Actor Lynda Day George is 76. Music producer Tony Brown is 74. Actor Teri Garr is 73. Movie director Susan Seidelman is 69. Actor Bess Armstrong is 67. Singer Jermaine Jackson is 66. Rock musician Mike Mesaros (The Smithereens) is 63. Rock musician Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) is 62. Rock musician Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones) is 59. Actor Ben Browder is 58. Singer-musician Justin Currie (Del Amitri) is 56. Rock musician David Schools (Hard Working Americans, Gov't Mule, Widespread Panic) is 56. Actor Gary Dourdan is 54. Actor-comedian Mo'Nique is 53. Actor Max Martini is 51. Rapper-actor Mos Def is 47. Actor Rider Strong is 41. Actor Xosha Roquemore is 36. Actor Karla Souza is 34. Actor Hailee Steinfeld 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 Friday, Dec. 11, the 346th day of 2020. There are 20 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 11, 1936, Britain's King Edward VIII abdicated the throne so he could marry American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson; his brother, Prince Albert, became King George VI. On this date: In 1816, Indiana became the 19th state. In 1844, the first experimental use of an inhaled anesthetic in dentistry took place as Dr. Horace Wells of Hartford, Connecticut, under the influence of nitrous oxide, had a colleague extract one of his teeth. In 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States; the U.S. responded in kind. In 1946, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established.In 1964, singer-songwriter Sam Cooke was shot to death by a motel manager in Los Angeles; he was 33.In 1972, Apollo 17's lunar module landed on the moon with astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt aboard; they became the last two men to date to step onto the lunar surface. In 1997, more than 150 countries agreed at a global warming conference in Kyoto, Japan, to control the Earth's greenhouse gases. In 1998, majority Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee pushed through three articles of impeachment against President Clinton, over Democratic objections.In 2001, in the first criminal indictment stemming from 9/11, federal prosecutors charged Zacarias Moussaoui, a French citizen of Moroccan descent, with conspiring to murder thousands in the suicide hijackings. (Moussaoui pleaded guilty to conspiracy in 2005 and was sentenced to life in prison.) In 2004, doctors in Austria said that Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko had been poisoned with dioxin, which caused the severe disfigurement and partial paralysis of his face. In 2008, former Nasdaq chairman Bernie Madoff was arrested, accused of running a multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme that wiped out the life savings of thousands of people and wrecked charities. (Madoff is serving a 150-year federal prison sentence.) The remains of missing Florida toddler Caylee Anthony were found six months after she disappeared. (Her mother, Casey Anthony, was acquitted of murder in her daughter's death.) In 2018, a man who had been flagged as a possible extremist sprayed gunfire near the famous Christmas market in the French city of Strasbourg, killing three people and wounding 13 others; the suspect died in a shootout with police two days later. (A fourth person wounded in the attack later died.) A Virginia jury called for a sentence of life in prison plus 419 years for the man who killed a woman when he rammed his car into counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. (James Alex Fields Jr. received that sentence in July, 2019.) Ten years ago: The eldest son of disgraced financier Bernard Madoff, 46-year-old Mark Madoff, hanged himself in his Manhattan apartment on the second anniversary of his father's arrest. A U.N. conference in Cancun, Mexico, adopted a modest climate deal. Auburn quarterback Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy.Five years ago: President Barack Obama signed legislation keeping government agencies open into the following week, giving White House and congressional bargainers more time to complete sweeping deals on taxes and federal spending. Dow Chemical and DuPont announced they were merging to form a company valued at about $130 billion. Willard Scott announced he was hanging it up after 35 years as part of NBC's "Today" show.One year ago: Israel's parliament failed to meet a midnight deadline to form a coalition government, triggering an unprecedented third election in a 12-month period. Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco surpassed Apple as the world's most valuable public company when its shares made their debut on the Saudi stock exchange; a 10% rally brought the company's value to $1.88 trillion.Today's Birthdays: Actor Jean-Louis Trintignant is 90. Actor Rita Moreno is 89. Pop singer David Gates (Bread) is 80. Actor Donna Mills is 80. Former Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is 79. Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is 77. Singer Brenda Lee is 76. Actor Lynda Day George is 76. Music producer Tony Brown is 74. Actor Teri Garr is 73. Movie director Susan Seidelman is 69. Actor Bess Armstrong is 67. Singer Jermaine Jackson is 66. Rock musician Mike Mesaros (The Smithereens) is 63. Rock musician Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) is 62. Rock musician Darryl Jones (The Rolling Stones) is 59. Actor Ben Browder is 58. Singer-musician Justin Currie (Del Amitri) is 56. Rock musician David Schools (Hard Working Americans, Gov't Mule, Widespread Panic) is 56. Actor Gary Dourdan is 54. Actor-comedian Mo'Nique is 53. Actor Max Martini is 51. Rapper-actor Mos Def is 47. Actor Rider Strong is 41. Actor Xosha Roquemore is 36. Actor Karla Souza is 34. Actor Hailee Steinfeld is 24.

Today in History -- Dec. 11

The work of local artist and poet Harley Elliott is now on display in the Salina Public Library's virtual Gallery 708.

The exhibit, Harley Elliott's Allies, will be on display at <a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/virtual">salinapubliclibrary.org/virtual</a> until Jan. 3, 2021. While Elliott has created more than 140 mixed media pieces for this collection, Salina Public Library will be exhibiting 20 works from Elliott's series.

Elliott began creating Allies after a serious health crisis in 2014. He recognized at that time that he needed some allies.

"It's a matter of recognizing allies more so than wanting allies. Creating some is also good because art is a matter of process of discovery. I might discover an ally within myself that I didn’t know I had."

The manipulation of color and water is an important element of Elliott’s work. The mediums are humble; uniformly each ally is crafted atop a 16×20" illustration board. From his home living room floor, the flattest surface he has to work on, the figures are carefully created from any combination of acrylic paint, Conte crayon, inks, colored pencil and every once in a while non-traditional medium.

A lifelong student of the arts, Elliott received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kansas Wesleyan University in art and English, then earned a Master of Arts in painting from Highlands University, Las Vegas, N.M.

Early in his career, he started out as a book designer at Syracuse University Press 1968-1970 and later went on to teach art as an assistant professor at Salina’s Marymount College for 13 years. After Marymount, he served as the education coordinator at the Salina Art Center for more than a decade. 

Today he is an established Kansas visual artist and the author of 13 books, including 11 poetry titles, one children’s book, and one memoir, many of which can be found in Salina Public Library’s book collection.

If you’d like to learn more about the artist or the virtual gallery, or would like to purchase art showcased, please contact Salina Public Library Programs Coordinator Glory Benacka at 785-825-4624, ext. 219, or email <a href="mailto:programs.glory@salinapublic.org">programs.glory@salinapublic.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607642372821.jpeg" alt="One of Harley Elliott's mixed media pieces. Image courtesy Salina Public Library" />
 <figcaption>One of Harley Elliott's mixed media pieces. Image courtesy Salina Public Library</figcaption>
 </figure>The work of local artist and poet Harley Elliott is now on display in the Salina Public Library's virtual Gallery 708.The exhibit, Harley Elliott's Allies, will be on display at <a href="http://salinapubliclibrary.org/virtual">salinapubliclibrary.org/virtual</a> until Jan. 3, 2021. While Elliott has created more than 140 mixed media pieces for this collection, Salina Public Library will be exhibiting 20 works from Elliott's series.Elliott began creating Allies after a serious health crisis in 2014. He recognized at that time that he needed some allies."It's a matter of recognizing allies more so than wanting allies. Creating some is also good because art is a matter of process of discovery. I might discover an ally within myself that I didn’t know I had."The manipulation of color and water is an important element of Elliott’s work. The mediums are humble; uniformly each ally is crafted atop a 16×20" illustration board. From his home living room floor, the flattest surface he has to work on, the figures are carefully created from any combination of acrylic paint, Conte crayon, inks, colored pencil and every once in a while non-traditional medium.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607642567645.jpeg" alt="Harley Elliott. Photo courtesy SPL" />
 <figcaption>Harley Elliott. Photo courtesy SPL</figcaption>
 </figure>A lifelong student of the arts, Elliott received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Kansas Wesleyan University in art and English, then earned a Master of Arts in painting from Highlands University, Las Vegas, N.M.Early in his career, he started out as a book designer at Syracuse University Press 1968-1970 and later went on to teach art as an assistant professor at Salina’s Marymount College for 13 years. After Marymount, he served as the education coordinator at the Salina Art Center for more than a decade. Today he is an established Kansas visual artist and the author of 13 books, including 11 poetry titles, one children’s book, and one memoir, many of which can be found in Salina Public Library’s book collection.If you’d like to learn more about the artist or the virtual gallery, or would like to purchase art showcased, please contact Salina Public Library Programs Coordinator Glory Benacka at 785-825-4624, ext. 219, or email <a href="mailto:programs.glory@salinapublic.org">programs.glory@salinapublic.org</a>.

Salina Public Library virtual gallery features work of Harley Elliott

Today is Thursday, Dec. 10, the 345th day of 2020. There are 21 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 10, 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. received his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, saying he accepted it "with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind." 

In 1861, the Confederacy admitted Kentucky as it recognized a pro-Southern shadow state government that was acting without the authority of the pro-Union government in Frankfort. 

In 1869, women were granted the right to vote in the Wyoming Territory. 

In 1898, a treaty was signed in Paris officially ending the Spanish-American War.

In 1946, newspaperman Damon Runyon, known for his short stories featuring colorful Broadway denizens, died at a New York hospital at age 66.

In 1950, Ralph J. Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the first Black American to receive the award.

In 1967, singer Otis Redding, 26, and six others were killed when their plane crashed into Wisconsin's Lake Monona; trumpeter Ben Cauley, a member of the group the Bar-Kays, was the only survivor. 

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev concluded three days of summit talks in Washington. Violinist Jascha Heifetz died in Los Angeles at age 86. 

In 1994, Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin received the Nobel Peace Prize, pledging to pursue their mission of healing the anguished Middle East. 

In 1996, South African President Nelson Mandela signed the country's new constitution into law during a ceremony in Sharpeville. 

In 2007, suspended NFL star Michael Vick was sentenced by a federal judge in Richmond, Virginia, to 23 months in prison for bankrolling a dogfighting operation and killing dogs that underperformed (Vick served 19 months at Leavenworth). Former Vice President Al Gore accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a call for humanity to rise up against a looming climate crisis and stop waging war on the environment. 

In 2009, President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a humble acknowledgment of his scant accomplishments and a robust defense of the U.S. at war. James Cameron's 3-D film epic "Avatar" had its world premiere in London.

In 2013, South Africa held a memorial service for Nelson Mandela, during which U.S. President Barack Obama energized tens of thousands of spectators and nearly 100 visiting heads of state with a plea for the world to emulate "the last great liberator of the 20th century." (The ceremony was marred by the presence of a sign-language interpreter who deaf advocates said was an impostor waving his arms around meaninglessly.) General Motors named product chief Mary Barra its new CEO, making her the first woman to run a U.S. car company. 

Ten years ago: The Norwegian Nobel Committee honored Chinese literary critic Liu Xiaobo, imprisoned for urging political reform, by presenting his $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize diploma and medal to an empty chair. A federal jury in Salt Lake City convicted street preacher Brian David Mitchell of kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart. (Mitchell was later sentenced to life in prison.)

Five years ago: The Senate Judiciary Committee rebuked Donald Trump by endorsing a nonbinding amendment, 16-4, that said barring individuals from entering the United States based on religion would be un-American (the Republican presidential front-runner had called for blocking Muslims from entering the country in the aftermath of attacks in the United States and abroad.)

One year ago: House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, declaring that he "betrayed the nation" with his actions toward Ukraine and an obstruction of Congress' investigation; Trump responded with a tweet of "WITCH HUNT!" At an evening rally in Pennsylvania, Trump mocked the impeachment effort and predicted it would lead to his reelection in 2020. House Democrats and the White House announced agreement on a modified North American trade pact to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. A man and a woman burst into a kosher market in Jersey City, N.J., with assault weapons, killing three people in the store after earlier killing a police officer at a nearby cemetery; they then died in an hours-long exchange of gunfire with police. (Authorities said the pair acted out of hatred for Jews and law enforcement.) A Pennsylvania appeals court rejected Bill Cosby's bid to overturn his sexual assault conviction.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Tommy Kirk is 79. Actor Fionnula Flanagan is 79. Pop singer Chad Stuart (Chad and Jeremy) is 79. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ralph Tavares is 79. Actor-singer Gloria Loring is 74. Pop-funk musician Walter "Clyde" Orange (The Commodores) is 74. Country singer Johnny Rodriguez is 69. Actor Susan Dey is 68. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is 64. Jazz musician Paul Hardcastle is 63. Actor John York (TV: "General Hospital") is 62. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 60. Actor Nia Peeples is 59. TV chef Bobby Flay is 56. Rock singer-musician J Mascis is 55. Rock musician Scot Alexander (Dishwalla) is 49. Actor-comedian Arden Myrin is 47. Rock musician Meg White (The White Stripes) is 46. Actor Emmanuelle Chriqui is 45. Rapper Kuniva (D12) is 45. Actor Gavin Houston is 43. Actor Alano Miller is 41. Violinist Sarah Chang is 40. Actor Patrick John Flueger is 37. Country singer Meghan Linsey is 35. Actor Raven-Symone is 35. Actor/singer Teyana Taylor is 30. Actor Kiki Layne is 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Thursday, Dec. 10, the 345th day of 2020. There are 21 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 10, 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. received his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, saying he accepted it "with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind." On this date: In 1861, the Confederacy admitted Kentucky as it recognized a pro-Southern shadow state government that was acting without the authority of the pro-Union government in Frankfort. In 1869, women were granted the right to vote in the Wyoming Territory. In 1898, a treaty was signed in Paris officially ending the Spanish-American War.In 1946, newspaperman Damon Runyon, known for his short stories featuring colorful Broadway denizens, died at a New York hospital at age 66.In 1950, Ralph J. Bunche was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the first Black American to receive the award.In 1967, singer Otis Redding, 26, and six others were killed when their plane crashed into Wisconsin's Lake Monona; trumpeter Ben Cauley, a member of the group the Bar-Kays, was the only survivor. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev concluded three days of summit talks in Washington. Violinist Jascha Heifetz died in Los Angeles at age 86. In 1994, Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin received the Nobel Peace Prize, pledging to pursue their mission of healing the anguished Middle East. In 1996, South African President Nelson Mandela signed the country's new constitution into law during a ceremony in Sharpeville. In 2007, suspended NFL star Michael Vick was sentenced by a federal judge in Richmond, Virginia, to 23 months in prison for bankrolling a dogfighting operation and killing dogs that underperformed (Vick served 19 months at Leavenworth). Former Vice President Al Gore accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a call for humanity to rise up against a looming climate crisis and stop waging war on the environment. In 2009, President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize with a humble acknowledgment of his scant accomplishments and a robust defense of the U.S. at war. James Cameron's 3-D film epic "Avatar" had its world premiere in London.In 2013, South Africa held a memorial service for Nelson Mandela, during which U.S. President Barack Obama energized tens of thousands of spectators and nearly 100 visiting heads of state with a plea for the world to emulate "the last great liberator of the 20th century." (The ceremony was marred by the presence of a sign-language interpreter who deaf advocates said was an impostor waving his arms around meaninglessly.) General Motors named product chief Mary Barra its new CEO, making her the first woman to run a U.S. car company. Ten years ago: The Norwegian Nobel Committee honored Chinese literary critic Liu Xiaobo, imprisoned for urging political reform, by presenting his $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize diploma and medal to an empty chair. A federal jury in Salt Lake City convicted street preacher Brian David Mitchell of kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart. (Mitchell was later sentenced to life in prison.)Five years ago: The Senate Judiciary Committee rebuked Donald Trump by endorsing a nonbinding amendment, 16-4, that said barring individuals from entering the United States based on religion would be un-American (the Republican presidential front-runner had called for blocking Muslims from entering the country in the aftermath of attacks in the United States and abroad.) One year ago: House Democrats announced two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, declaring that he "betrayed the nation" with his actions toward Ukraine and an obstruction of Congress' investigation; Trump responded with a tweet of "WITCH HUNT!" At an evening rally in Pennsylvania, Trump mocked the impeachment effort and predicted it would lead to his reelection in 2020. House Democrats and the White House announced agreement on a modified North American trade pact to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. A man and a woman burst into a kosher market in Jersey City, N.J., with assault weapons, killing three people in the store after earlier killing a police officer at a nearby cemetery; they then died in an hours-long exchange of gunfire with police. (Authorities said the pair acted out of hatred for Jews and law enforcement.) A Pennsylvania appeals court rejected Bill Cosby's bid to overturn his sexual assault conviction.Today's Birthdays: Actor Tommy Kirk is 79. Actor Fionnula Flanagan is 79. Pop singer Chad Stuart (Chad and Jeremy) is 79. Rhythm-and-blues singer Ralph Tavares is 79. Actor-singer Gloria Loring is 74. Pop-funk musician Walter "Clyde" Orange (The Commodores) is 74. Country singer Johnny Rodriguez is 69. Actor Susan Dey is 68. Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is 64. Jazz musician Paul Hardcastle is 63. Actor John York (TV: "General Hospital") is 62. Actor-director Kenneth Branagh is 60. Actor Nia Peeples is 59. TV chef Bobby Flay is 56. Rock singer-musician J Mascis is 55. Rock musician Scot Alexander (Dishwalla) is 49. Actor-comedian Arden Myrin is 47. Rock musician Meg White (The White Stripes) is 46. Actor Emmanuelle Chriqui is 45. Rapper Kuniva (D12) is 45. Actor Gavin Houston is 43. Actor Alano Miller is 41. Violinist Sarah Chang is 40. Actor Patrick John Flueger is 37. Country singer Meghan Linsey is 35. Actor Raven-Symone is 35. Actor/singer Teyana Taylor is 30. Actor Kiki Layne is 29.

Today in History -- Dec. 10

Commemoration for Dennis Kuhlman A commemoration will be held for Dennis at Redeemer Lutheran Church (743 E Magnolia Rd, Salina, Kansas, 67401) from 2-6pm Monday and Tuesday (Dec 14 and 15). Please drop by the church to pay respects, see pictures celebrating his life, light a candle in his honor, drop off a card or leave a greeting (cards provided at the church), and sign the visitor's book. Kindly wear a mask and maintain social distance.

If you are further afield or are staying home, please consider mailing a card to the family at the church address or sending a video condolence to the family at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dennis.kuhlman.memorial@gmail.com">dennis.kuhlman.memorial@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;(no expert photography or makeup and lighting required, just a heartfelt message that will be between you and the family).

The funeral will be held Tuesday, December 15 at 7pm. Regretfully, attendance is immediate family only, but it will be live streamed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Redeemer-Lutheran-Church-110480542378151/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Redeemer-Lutheran-Church-110480542378151/</a>. Please join us to celebrate his life.

Dennis was passionate about service to the community and wanted his service to extend even beyond his own life. If you care to donate, the following are three ways to support his mission.

Ashby House <a href="https://www.ashbyhouse.org/support-us/finish-that-house-fundraising-campaign" target="_blank">https://www.ashbyhouse.org/support-us/finish-that-house-fundraising-campaign</a>

Kansas State University Student Activity Fund <a href="https://giving.ksufoundation.org/campaigns/18147/donations/new" target="_blank">https://giving.ksufoundation.org/campaigns/18147/donations/new</a>

Redeemer Lutheran Church Please text GIVERLC to 73256 and choose the Kuhlman Memorial Fund from the drop-down "Fund" list, or contribute by mailing a check to the church address.

Dennis Kent Kuhlman&nbsp;died of COVID-19 complications December 7, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife and three children. He was born in Lakin, KS, November 20, 1948 to Vera A (Brock) and Erwin R Kuhlman. The wide-open spaces and family farm life left a permanent impression on his character. He was an active 4-H member, basketball player, amateur car racer, and farmer. Initially resistant, his mother pushed him to pursue an education, which started a lifelong commitment to learning and teaching. He began at Garden City Junior College, moved on to Kansas State University where he earned a bachelor's and master's degrees in Agricultural Engineering, earning his PhD in the same subject from Oklahoma State University

It was at K-State where he met the love of his life, Carol Ann (Singer). First dates don't always take, and it took a couple of tries before the couple saw the spark in each other's eyes. She of Kansas City, he of western Kansas, the pair soon began a 48-year adventure when they married on July 8, 1972. Dennis's Navy enlistment took them on a three-year ride across Rhode Island and Florida before they returned to Manhattan to continue his education. Dennis was proud to say he was an engineer, and through that lens he approached his life and career. He was an Extension Agricultural Engineer at Kansas State University from 1977 - 1997, where he focused on practical research and education for safe and effective pesticide application. He had many important friendships through K-State and was very involved in campus leadership activities. Dennis and Carol had three children while in Manhattan: Brock, Les, and Breanna. He was a loving father and active participant in their lives, from raising 4H animals, coaching basketball, softball, and soccer, to teaching them how to burn pasture and build fences. He was a patient and loving teacher. Not every project went according to plan and we cherish the stories of unexpected wind, pasture fires gone wrong, and patience tested.

Dennis's career took them to Salina for the next chapter when he became Dean and CEO of K-State at Salina, now known as Kansas State Polytechnic. It was here Dennis left a lasting mark on our community. He led the challenge of transforming Kansas State at Salina, a former technical college, into a university-caliber institution. He relished the challenges, successes, failures, and learnings. Through it all he cherished personal relationships. The people he worked with, mentored, and helped, inspired him. He held the students he impacted and the opportunities that he created as his real reward. Salina became home for Carol and Breanna. Raising cattle and ducks became new projects and traveling softball grew into a family affair. Weekends at tournaments around the state and coaching many teams over the years gave Dennis opportunities to impact young people.

After retirement in 2012, Dennis and Carol enjoyed morning coffee, deck time, their three grandchildren, friends, family, K-State sports, managing the farm out west, and traveling. Their travel adventures took them around the world with the help of their internationally-living son. Japan, Thailand, Switzerland, England, a cruise down the Rhine, Antarctica, Portugal and South Africa were beautiful memories - along with many family vacations to the mountains and beaches closer to home. It was a life well lived. It was a life well loved. It was a life cut short.

Dennis is survived by a sister Pamella Hahn (Jerry), nephew Duane, wife Carol of Salina, sons Brock (Patrick) of Cape Town, South Africa, Les (Kendra) of Manhattan, daughter Breanna (Sara) of Roxbury, and grandchildren Keira, Quinn, and Colter. We will always love you Dennis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607566387861.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Commemoration for Dennis Kuhlman A commemoration will be held for Dennis at Redeemer Lutheran Church (743 E Magnolia Rd, Salina, Kansas, 67401) from 2-6pm Monday and Tuesday (Dec 14 and 15). Please drop by the church to pay respects, see pictures celebrating his life, light a candle in his honor, drop off a card or leave a greeting (cards provided at the church), and sign the visitor's book. Kindly wear a mask and maintain social distance.If you are further afield or are staying home, please consider mailing a card to the family at the church address or sending a video condolence to the family at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:dennis.kuhlman.memorial@gmail.com">dennis.kuhlman.memorial@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;(no expert photography or makeup and lighting required, just a heartfelt message that will be between you and the family).The funeral will be held Tuesday, December 15 at 7pm. Regretfully, attendance is immediate family only, but it will be live streamed at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Redeemer-Lutheran-Church-110480542378151/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Redeemer-Lutheran-Church-110480542378151/</a>. Please join us to celebrate his life.Dennis was passionate about service to the community and wanted his service to extend even beyond his own life. If you care to donate, the following are three ways to support his mission.Ashby House <a href="https://www.ashbyhouse.org/support-us/finish-that-house-fundraising-campaign" target="_blank">https://www.ashbyhouse.org/support-us/finish-that-house-fundraising-campaign</a>Kansas State University Student Activity Fund <a href="https://giving.ksufoundation.org/campaigns/18147/donations/new" target="_blank">https://giving.ksufoundation.org/campaigns/18147/donations/new</a>Redeemer Lutheran Church Please text GIVERLC to 73256 and choose the Kuhlman Memorial Fund from the drop-down "Fund" list, or contribute by mailing a check to the church address.Obituary for Dennis KuhlmanDennis Kent Kuhlman&nbsp;died of COVID-19 complications December 7, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife and three children. He was born in Lakin, KS, November 20, 1948 to Vera A (Brock) and Erwin R Kuhlman. The wide-open spaces and family farm life left a permanent impression on his character. He was an active 4-H member, basketball player, amateur car racer, and farmer. Initially resistant, his mother pushed him to pursue an education, which started a lifelong commitment to learning and teaching. He began at Garden City Junior College, moved on to Kansas State University where he earned a bachelor's and master's degrees in Agricultural Engineering, earning his PhD in the same subject from Oklahoma State UniversityIt was at K-State where he met the love of his life, Carol Ann (Singer). First dates don't always take, and it took a couple of tries before the couple saw the spark in each other's eyes. She of Kansas City, he of western Kansas, the pair soon began a 48-year adventure when they married on July 8, 1972. Dennis's Navy enlistment took them on a three-year ride across Rhode Island and Florida before they returned to Manhattan to continue his education. Dennis was proud to say he was an engineer, and through that lens he approached his life and career. He was an Extension Agricultural Engineer at Kansas State University from 1977 - 1997, where he focused on practical research and education for safe and effective pesticide application. He had many important friendships through K-State and was very involved in campus leadership activities. Dennis and Carol had three children while in Manhattan: Brock, Les, and Breanna. He was a loving father and active participant in their lives, from raising 4H animals, coaching basketball, softball, and soccer, to teaching them how to burn pasture and build fences. He was a patient and loving teacher. Not every project went according to plan and we cherish the stories of unexpected wind, pasture fires gone wrong, and patience tested.Dennis's career took them to Salina for the next chapter when he became Dean and CEO of K-State at Salina, now known as Kansas State Polytechnic. It was here Dennis left a lasting mark on our community. He led the challenge of transforming Kansas State at Salina, a former technical college, into a university-caliber institution. He relished the challenges, successes, failures, and learnings. Through it all he cherished personal relationships. The people he worked with, mentored, and helped, inspired him. He held the students he impacted and the opportunities that he created as his real reward. Salina became home for Carol and Breanna. Raising cattle and ducks became new projects and traveling softball grew into a family affair. Weekends at tournaments around the state and coaching many teams over the years gave Dennis opportunities to impact young people.After retirement in 2012, Dennis and Carol enjoyed morning coffee, deck time, their three grandchildren, friends, family, K-State sports, managing the farm out west, and traveling. Their travel adventures took them around the world with the help of their internationally-living son. Japan, Thailand, Switzerland, England, a cruise down the Rhine, Antarctica, Portugal and South Africa were beautiful memories - along with many family vacations to the mountains and beaches closer to home. It was a life well lived. It was a life well loved. It was a life cut short.Dennis is survived by a sister Pamella Hahn (Jerry), nephew Duane, wife Carol of Salina, sons Brock (Patrick) of Cape Town, South Africa, Les (Kendra) of Manhattan, daughter Breanna (Sara) of Roxbury, and grandchildren Keira, Quinn, and Colter. We will always love you Dennis.

Dennis Kent Kuhlman

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 9, the 344th day of 2020. There are 22 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 9, 2000, the US Supreme Court ordered a temporary halt in the Florida vote count on which Al Gore pinned his best hopes of winning the White House. 

In 1854, Alfred, Lord Tennyson's famous poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade," was published in England.

In 1911, an explosion inside the Cross Mountain coal mine near Briceville, Tennessee, killed 84 workers. (Five were rescued.) 

In 1940, British troops opened their first major offensive in North Africa during World War II. 

In 1958, the anti-communist John Birch Society was formed in Indianapolis. 

In 1962, the Petrified Forest in Arizona was designated a national park. 

In 1965, the James Bond film "Thunderball," starring Sean Connery, had its world premiere in Tokyo.

In 1987, the first Palestinian intefadeh, or uprising, began as riots broke out in Gaza and spread to the West Bank, triggering a strong Israeli response. 

In 1990, Solidarity founder Lech Walesa won Poland's presidential runoff by a landslide.

In 1992, Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana announced their separation. (The couple's divorce became final in Aug. 1996.) 

In 2001, the United States disclosed the existence of a videotape in which Osama bin Laden said he was pleasantly surprised by the extent of damage from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

In 2013, scientists revealed that NASA's Curiosity rover had uncovered signs of an ancient freshwater lake on Mars. 

In 2014, U.S. Senate investigators concluded the United States had brutalized scores of terror suspects with interrogation tactics that turned secret CIA prisons into chambers of suffering and did nothing to make Americans safer after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Ten years ago: In Britain's worst political violence in years, student protesters rained sticks and rocks on riot police, vandalized government buildings and attacked a car carrying Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, after lawmakers approved a controversial hike in university tuition fees. Actor Wesley Snipes began serving a three-year sentence at a federal prison in Pennsylvania for failure to file income tax returns. Florida's Clemency Board pardoned Jim Morrison for indecent exposure and profanity charges stemming from a Doors concert in 1969. John du Pont, the chemical fortune heir who killed Olympic gold medal wrestler David Schultz in 1996, died in prison at age 72.

Five years ago: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel apologized for the 2014 police shooting of a Black teenager during a special City Council meeting that he called to discuss a police abuse scandal at the center of the biggest crisis of his administration, and promised "complete and total" reform to restore trust in the police.

One year ago: At a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee, Democrats outlined the impeachment case against President Donald Trump by saying his push to get Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden while withholding U.S. military aid ran counter to U.S. policy and benefited Russia as well as himself. A long-awaited report from the Justice Department's internal watchdog said the FBI was justified in opening its investigation into ties between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia. A volcano on New Zealand's White Island erupted as 47 people visited the tourist destination; the eruption killed 13 people initially and eight more died later from severe burns. The Supreme Court left in place a Kentucky law requiring doctors to perform ultrasounds and show images to patients before abortions. Former college baseball player Pete Frates, whose battle with Lou Gehrig's disease helped inspire the ice bucket challenge, died at 34. (The challenge raised more than $200 million worldwide for research into ALS.)

Today's Birthdays: Actor Dame Judi Dench is 86. Actor Beau Bridges is 79. Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus is 78. Actor Michael Nouri is 75. Former Sen. Thomas Daschle, D-S.D., is 73. World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Kite is 71. Singer Joan Armatrading is 70. Actor Michael Dorn is 68. Actor John Malkovich is 67. Country singer Sylvia is 64. Singer Donny Osmond is 63. Rock musician Nick Seymour (Crowded House) is 62. Comedian Mario Cantone is 61. Actor David Anthony Higgins is 59. Actor Joe Lando is 59. Actor Felicity Huffman is 58. Empress Masako of Japan is 57. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is 54. Rock singer-musician Thomas Flowers (Oleander) is 53. Rock musician Brian Bell (Weezer) is 52. Rock singer-musician Jakob Dylan (Wallflowers) is 51. TV personality-businessperson Lori Greiner (TV: "Shark Tank") is 51. Actor Allison Smith is 51. Songwriter and former "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi is 50. Country singer David Kersh is 50. Actor Reiko Aylesworth is 48. Rock musician Tre Cool (Green Day) is 48. Rapper Canibus is 46. Actor Kevin Daniels is 44. Actor-writer-director Mark Duplass is 44. Rock singer Imogen Heap is 43. Actor Jesse Metcalfe is 42. Actor Simon Helberg is 40. Actor Jolene Purdy is 37. Actor Joshua Sasse is 33. Actor Ashleigh Brewer is 30. Olympic gold and silver medal gymnast McKayla Maroney is 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573488868914.jpeg" alt="Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo of old book courtesy <a href="http://shutterstock.com">shutterstock</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSToday is Wednesday, Dec. 9, the 344th day of 2020. There are 22 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 9, 2000, the US Supreme Court ordered a temporary halt in the Florida vote count on which Al Gore pinned his best hopes of winning the White House. On this date: In 1854, Alfred, Lord Tennyson's famous poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade," was published in England.In 1911, an explosion inside the Cross Mountain coal mine near Briceville, Tennessee, killed 84 workers. (Five were rescued.) In 1940, British troops opened their first major offensive in North Africa during World War II. In 1958, the anti-communist John Birch Society was formed in Indianapolis. In 1962, the Petrified Forest in Arizona was designated a national park. In 1965, the James Bond film "Thunderball," starring Sean Connery, had its world premiere in Tokyo.In 1987, the first Palestinian intefadeh, or uprising, began as riots broke out in Gaza and spread to the West Bank, triggering a strong Israeli response. In 1990, Solidarity founder Lech Walesa won Poland's presidential runoff by a landslide.In 1992, Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana announced their separation. (The couple's divorce became final in Aug. 1996.) In 2001, the United States disclosed the existence of a videotape in which Osama bin Laden said he was pleasantly surprised by the extent of damage from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.In 2013, scientists revealed that NASA's Curiosity rover had uncovered signs of an ancient freshwater lake on Mars. In 2014, U.S. Senate investigators concluded the United States had brutalized scores of terror suspects with interrogation tactics that turned secret CIA prisons into chambers of suffering and did nothing to make Americans safer after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.Ten years ago: In Britain's worst political violence in years, student protesters rained sticks and rocks on riot police, vandalized government buildings and attacked a car carrying Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, after lawmakers approved a controversial hike in university tuition fees. Actor Wesley Snipes began serving a three-year sentence at a federal prison in Pennsylvania for failure to file income tax returns. Florida's Clemency Board pardoned Jim Morrison for indecent exposure and profanity charges stemming from a Doors concert in 1969. John du Pont, the chemical fortune heir who killed Olympic gold medal wrestler David Schultz in 1996, died in prison at age 72.Five years ago: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel apologized for the 2014 police shooting of a Black teenager during a special City Council meeting that he called to discuss a police abuse scandal at the center of the biggest crisis of his administration, and promised "complete and total" reform to restore trust in the police. One year ago: At a hearing by the House Judiciary Committee, Democrats outlined the impeachment case against President Donald Trump by saying his push to get Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden while withholding U.S. military aid ran counter to U.S. policy and benefited Russia as well as himself. A long-awaited report from the Justice Department's internal watchdog said the FBI was justified in opening its investigation into ties between the Trump presidential campaign and Russia. A volcano on New Zealand's White Island erupted as 47 people visited the tourist destination; the eruption killed 13 people initially and eight more died later from severe burns. The Supreme Court left in place a Kentucky law requiring doctors to perform ultrasounds and show images to patients before abortions. Former college baseball player Pete Frates, whose battle with Lou Gehrig's disease helped inspire the ice bucket challenge, died at 34. (The challenge raised more than $200 million worldwide for research into ALS.)Today's Birthdays: Actor Dame Judi Dench is 86. Actor Beau Bridges is 79. Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus is 78. Actor Michael Nouri is 75. Former Sen. Thomas Daschle, D-S.D., is 73. World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Kite is 71. Singer Joan Armatrading is 70. Actor Michael Dorn is 68. Actor John Malkovich is 67. Country singer Sylvia is 64. Singer Donny Osmond is 63. Rock musician Nick Seymour (Crowded House) is 62. Comedian Mario Cantone is 61. Actor David Anthony Higgins is 59. Actor Joe Lando is 59. Actor Felicity Huffman is 58. Empress Masako of Japan is 57. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is 54. Rock singer-musician Thomas Flowers (Oleander) is 53. Rock musician Brian Bell (Weezer) is 52. Rock singer-musician Jakob Dylan (Wallflowers) is 51. TV personality-businessperson Lori Greiner (TV: "Shark Tank") is 51. Actor Allison Smith is 51. Songwriter and former "American Idol" judge Kara DioGuardi is 50. Country singer David Kersh is 50. Actor Reiko Aylesworth is 48. Rock musician Tre Cool (Green Day) is 48. Rapper Canibus is 46. Actor Kevin Daniels is 44. Actor-writer-director Mark Duplass is 44. Rock singer Imogen Heap is 43. Actor Jesse Metcalfe is 42. Actor Simon Helberg is 40. Actor Jolene Purdy is 37. Actor Joshua Sasse is 33. Actor Ashleigh Brewer is 30. Olympic gold and silver medal gymnast McKayla Maroney is 25.

Today in History -- Dec. 9

&nbsp; Carol L. Rutz of Enterprise, Kansas and formerly of the Hope area passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020 at Village Manor at the age of 86. She was born December 20, 1933 in Abilene the daughter of Wayne and Lorraine Chrisco. She retired from the State of Kansas for 15 years. On April 6, 1950 she married Willis (Bill) Rutz of Dillon at the Methodist Church in Enterprise. She was a life member of New Basel United Church of Christ. Carol was a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a life member of New Basel United Church of Christ and the American Legion Post #39 Auxiliary for many years. Carol will be missed by all. She loved being with family and playing card with friends She is survivd by two sons Willis W. Rutz (Billy), Mike Rutz, and daughter Susie Holloway. Willis W. Rutz (Billy) and daughter Stephanie (Shane) Morgan of Battle Ground, Washington, and Mike Rutz (Renauda) of Enterprise Ks., Daniel Rutz (deceased) and son Ryan Rutz of Enterprise Ks, daughter Julia Cooper (Curt) Inara and Jemma of Hoxie Ks., Amy Rutz (Jesse) friend, of Manhattan Ks,. and Susan Holloway (Charlie) of Soloman Ks, sons Jamie (Shawn) son Layne of Holland Ks., Brian Holloway (Dawn) of Abilene Ks., sons Tyler, and Cooper, sister Beverly Womochil of Abilene. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Willis, her parents, sister Marilyn Widler and her brother Wayne Chrisco. Funeral services for Carol will be 1:00pm Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the New Basel Cemetery south of Abilene with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. A celebration of life service will be in the spring. Friends may sign the register book at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #39 and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607490643393.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Carol L. Rutz of Enterprise, Kansas and formerly of the Hope area passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020 at Village Manor at the age of 86. She was born December 20, 1933 in Abilene the daughter of Wayne and Lorraine Chrisco. She retired from the State of Kansas for 15 years. On April 6, 1950 she married Willis (Bill) Rutz of Dillon at the Methodist Church in Enterprise. She was a life member of New Basel United Church of Christ. Carol was a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a life member of New Basel United Church of Christ and the American Legion Post #39 Auxiliary for many years. Carol will be missed by all. She loved being with family and playing card with friends She is survivd by two sons Willis W. Rutz (Billy), Mike Rutz, and daughter Susie Holloway. Willis W. Rutz (Billy) and daughter Stephanie (Shane) Morgan of Battle Ground, Washington, and Mike Rutz (Renauda) of Enterprise Ks., Daniel Rutz (deceased) and son Ryan Rutz of Enterprise Ks, daughter Julia Cooper (Curt) Inara and Jemma of Hoxie Ks., Amy Rutz (Jesse) friend, of Manhattan Ks,. and Susan Holloway (Charlie) of Soloman Ks, sons Jamie (Shawn) son Layne of Holland Ks., Brian Holloway (Dawn) of Abilene Ks., sons Tyler, and Cooper, sister Beverly Womochil of Abilene. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Willis, her parents, sister Marilyn Widler and her brother Wayne Chrisco. Funeral services for Carol will be 1:00pm Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the New Basel Cemetery south of Abilene with Pastor Lindsey Brummer officiating. A celebration of life service will be in the spring. Friends may sign the register book at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #39 and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Carol L. Rutz

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged arson and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 1:30a.m. Dec. 6, fire crews responded to a vehicle fire at 522 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from a passenger car.

A Preliminary investigation indicates the fire was intentionally set. The estimated dollar loss is $1,200.00; all of which is associated with the loss of the vehicle, according to Harrison.&nbsp;

On Monday, police arrested 33-year-old Rashonda Mendez and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of burglary and arson, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607427910513.png" alt="Mendez photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mendez photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged arson and have a suspect in custody.Just before 1:30a.m. Dec. 6, fire crews responded to a vehicle fire at 522 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon arrival, fire crews found smoke and flames coming from a passenger car.A Preliminary investigation indicates the fire was intentionally set. The estimated dollar loss is $1,200.00; all of which is associated with the loss of the vehicle, according to Harrison.&nbsp;On Monday, police arrested 33-year-old Rashonda Mendez and booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of burglary and arson, according to Harrison.

Kansas woman accused of burglary, setting car on fire

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 8, the 343rd day of 2020. There are 23 days left in the year. 

On Dec. 8, 1941, the United States entered World War II as Congress declared war against Imperial Japan, a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction for the South. 

In 1886, the American Federation of Labor was founded in Columbus, Ohio. 

In 1949, the Chinese Nationalist government moved from the Chinese mainland to Formosa as the Communists pressed their attacks.

In 1972, a United Airlines Boeing 737 crashed while attempting to land at Chicago-Midway Airport, killing 43 of the 61 people on board, as well as two people on the ground; among the dead were Dorothy Hunt, wife of Watergate conspirator E. Howard Hunt, U.S. Rep. George W. Collins, D-Ill., and CBS News correspondent Michele Clark. 

In 1980, rock star and former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death outside his New York City apartment building by an apparently deranged fan. 

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev signed a treaty at the White House calling for destruction of intermediate-range nuclear missiles. 

In 1991, AIDS patient Kimberly Bergalis, who had contracted the disease from her dentist, died in Fort Pierce, Fla., at age 23. 

In 1998, struggling to stave off impeachment, President Bill Clinton's defenders forcefully pleaded his case before the House Judiciary Committee. The Supreme Court ruled that police cannot search people and their cars after merely ticketing them for routine traffic violations. 

In 2008, in a startling about-face, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told the Guantanamo war crimes tribunal he would confess to masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks; four other men also abandoned their defenses. 

In 2012, Pakistan's president visited a British hospital where a 15-year-old schoolgirl, Malala Yousafzai, was being treated after being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in October.

In 2013, hundreds of thousands of protesters poured into the streets of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, toppling the statue of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin and blocking key government buildings in an escalating stand-off with the president on the future of the country. 

In 2014, the U.S. and NATO ceremonially ended their combat mission in Afghanistan, 13 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks sparked their invasion of the country to topple the Taliban-led government.

Ten years ago: President Barack Obama rejected claims that he had betrayed Democrats by cutting a deal with Republicans on Bush-era tax cuts and implored his party to back the compromise, arguing it could jump-start the economy. Hackers rushed to the defense of WikiLeaks, launching attacks on MasterCard, Visa, Swedish prosecutors, a Swiss bank and others who had acted against the site and its founder, Julian Assange. A fire that started during an inmate brawl swept through an overcrowded prison in Chile, killing at least 81 people.

Five years ago: China declared its first ever red smog alert as poisonous air quality forced the government to close schools, order motorists off the road and shut down factories in and around Beijing.

One year ago: Puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who voiced and operated Muppets Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on "Sesame Street" for nearly 50 years, died at his Connecticut home at the age of 85. Rapper Juice WRLD, age 21, who rose to the top of the charts with "Lucid Dreams," died after what was called a "medical emergency" at Chicago's Midway International Airport; a coroner determined that the death resulted from an accidental overdose of the opioid oxycodone and codeine. Actor René Auberjonois, best known for the TV shows "Benson" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," died of lung cancer at his Los Angeles home; he was 79.

Today's Birthdays: Flutist James Galway is 81. Singer Jerry Butler is 81. Pop musician Bobby Elliott (The Hollies) is 79. Actor Mary Woronov is 77. Actor John Rubinstein is 74. Actor Kim Basinger is 67. Rock musician Warren Cuccurullo is 64. Rock musician Phil Collen (Def Leppard) is 63. Country singer Marty Raybon is 61. Political commentator Ann Coulter is 59. Rock musician Marty Friedman is 58. Actor Wendell Pierce is 57. Actor Teri Hatcher is 56. Actor David Harewood is 55. Singer Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada' Davitt) is 54. Actor Matthew Laborteaux is 54. Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Mussina is 52. Rock musician Ryan Newell (Sister Hazel) is 48. Actor Dominic Monaghan is 44. Actor Ian Somerhalder is 42. Rock singer Ingrid Michaelson is 41. R&amp;B singer Chrisette Michele is 38. Actor Hannah Ware is 38. Country singer Sam Hunt is 36. MLB All-Star infielder Josh Donaldson is 35. Rock singer-actor Kate Voegele is 34. Christian rock musician Jen Ledger (Skillet) is 31. NHL defenseman Drew Doughty is 31. Actor Wallis Currie-Wood is 29. Actor AnnaSophia Robb 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 Tuesday, Dec. 8, the 343rd day of 2020. There are 23 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Dec. 8, 1941, the United States entered World War II as Congress declared war against Imperial Japan, a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. On this date: In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction for the South. In 1886, the American Federation of Labor was founded in Columbus, Ohio. In 1949, the Chinese Nationalist government moved from the Chinese mainland to Formosa as the Communists pressed their attacks.In 1972, a United Airlines Boeing 737 crashed while attempting to land at Chicago-Midway Airport, killing 43 of the 61 people on board, as well as two people on the ground; among the dead were Dorothy Hunt, wife of Watergate conspirator E. Howard Hunt, U.S. Rep. George W. Collins, D-Ill., and CBS News correspondent Michele Clark. In 1980, rock star and former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death outside his New York City apartment building by an apparently deranged fan. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev signed a treaty at the White House calling for destruction of intermediate-range nuclear missiles. In 1991, AIDS patient Kimberly Bergalis, who had contracted the disease from her dentist, died in Fort Pierce, Fla., at age 23. In 1998, struggling to stave off impeachment, President Bill Clinton's defenders forcefully pleaded his case before the House Judiciary Committee. The Supreme Court ruled that police cannot search people and their cars after merely ticketing them for routine traffic violations. In 2008, in a startling about-face, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed told the Guantanamo war crimes tribunal he would confess to masterminding the Sept. 11 attacks; four other men also abandoned their defenses. In 2012, Pakistan's president visited a British hospital where a 15-year-old schoolgirl, Malala Yousafzai, was being treated after being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman in October.In 2013, hundreds of thousands of protesters poured into the streets of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, toppling the statue of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin and blocking key government buildings in an escalating stand-off with the president on the future of the country. In 2014, the U.S. and NATO ceremonially ended their combat mission in Afghanistan, 13 years after the Sept. 11 terror attacks sparked their invasion of the country to topple the Taliban-led government.Ten years ago: President Barack Obama rejected claims that he had betrayed Democrats by cutting a deal with Republicans on Bush-era tax cuts and implored his party to back the compromise, arguing it could jump-start the economy. Hackers rushed to the defense of WikiLeaks, launching attacks on MasterCard, Visa, Swedish prosecutors, a Swiss bank and others who had acted against the site and its founder, Julian Assange. A fire that started during an inmate brawl swept through an overcrowded prison in Chile, killing at least 81 people.Five years ago: China declared its first ever red smog alert as poisonous air quality forced the government to close schools, order motorists off the road and shut down factories in and around Beijing.One year ago: Puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who voiced and operated Muppets Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on "Sesame Street" for nearly 50 years, died at his Connecticut home at the age of 85. Rapper Juice WRLD, age 21, who rose to the top of the charts with "Lucid Dreams," died after what was called a "medical emergency" at Chicago's Midway International Airport; a coroner determined that the death resulted from an accidental overdose of the opioid oxycodone and codeine. Actor René Auberjonois, best known for the TV shows "Benson" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," died of lung cancer at his Los Angeles home; he was 79.Today's Birthdays: Flutist James Galway is 81. Singer Jerry Butler is 81. Pop musician Bobby Elliott (The Hollies) is 79. Actor Mary Woronov is 77. Actor John Rubinstein is 74. Actor Kim Basinger is 67. Rock musician Warren Cuccurullo is 64. Rock musician Phil Collen (Def Leppard) is 63. Country singer Marty Raybon is 61. Political commentator Ann Coulter is 59. Rock musician Marty Friedman is 58. Actor Wendell Pierce is 57. Actor Teri Hatcher is 56. Actor David Harewood is 55. Singer Sinead O'Connor (AKA Shuhada' Davitt) is 54. Actor Matthew Laborteaux is 54. Baseball Hall of Famer Mike Mussina is 52. Rock musician Ryan Newell (Sister Hazel) is 48. Actor Dominic Monaghan is 44. Actor Ian Somerhalder is 42. Rock singer Ingrid Michaelson is 41. R&amp;B singer Chrisette Michele is 38. Actor Hannah Ware is 38. Country singer Sam Hunt is 36. MLB All-Star infielder Josh Donaldson is 35. Rock singer-actor Kate Voegele is 34. Christian rock musician Jen Ledger (Skillet) is 31. NHL defenseman Drew Doughty is 31. Actor Wallis Currie-Wood is 29. Actor AnnaSophia Robb is 27.

Today in History -- Dec. 8

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a high-speed chase in Lyon County.

Just after 2:30a.m. Dec. 6, sheriff's deputies attempted to stop a Dodge Challenger in the 600 Block of East South Avenue in Emporia, according to a media release.

The driver later identified as Mark A Grigsby, 38, of Leavenworth refused to stop led officers on a pursuit that reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour.

The pursuit ended when Dodge was stopped in the 1300 block of Route 160.

Deputies took Grigsby into custody without further incident at the scene. He was booked&nbsp; and remains in the Lyon County Jail in Emporia on requested charges of fleeing and eluding; reckless driving; and suspicion of driving under the influence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607341584701.png" alt="Grigsby photo Lyon County" />
 <figcaption>Grigsby photo Lyon County</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect following a high-speed chase in Lyon County.Just after 2:30a.m. Dec. 6, sheriff's deputies attempted to stop a Dodge Challenger in the 600 Block of East South Avenue in Emporia, according to a media release.The driver later identified as Mark A Grigsby, 38, of Leavenworth refused to stop led officers on a pursuit that reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour.The pursuit ended when Dodge was stopped in the 1300 block of Route 160.Deputies took Grigsby into custody without further incident at the scene. He was booked&nbsp; and remains in the Lyon County Jail in Emporia on requested charges of fleeing and eluding; reckless driving; and suspicion of driving under the influence.

Kansas man led deputies on chase at 100mph

Lieutenant Colonel Kerry Lynn Cailteux, U.S. Army (Retired), 67, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 23, 2020. Born on February 4, 1953, in Concordia, Kansas, Kerry grew up in Clyde, Kansas the eldest of four Cailteux siblings. Kerry’s independent and determined spirit led him to live a unique life in the service of his country.

After graduating from Clyde High School, Kerry attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation from West Point in 1975, Kerry was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Armor branch and attended the Armor Officer Basic Course at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He was then stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, serving as a platoon leader and company executive officer. Kerry then attended the Armor Officer Advanced Course at Fort Knox. After this course, Kerry was sent to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he studied Arabic and obtained a Master of Arts Degree in National Security Affairs. After his studies, the Army sent Kerry and his family to Tunisia for a year to further his Arabic studies followed by the Office of Military Cooperation in Beirut. After another posting at Fort Riley to serve as a Squadron Operations Officer and Assistant Division Operations Officer, the Army stationed him at additional posts in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Oman and Cairo, Egypt as a Foreign Area Officer. In Cairo, where he eventually settled, Kerry managed the largest US Army Foreign Military Financing funded security assistance program in the world at the time and traveled throughout the Middle East in carrying out his duties. During his military career, Kerry was granted numerous awards for his outstanding service and leadership, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (twice), the Meritorious Service Medal (twice), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (2d Award), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3 Campaign Stars), the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2d Award), the Parachute Badge, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (twice), the Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Lebanese Order of the Cedars, Officers Class. Kerry graduated from the U.S. Army War College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute. As described in his many annual evaluations by his superior officers, Kerry was a tremendously talented, brilliant, and knowledgeable officer with an exceptional analytical mind. He was dedicated, a quick study with sound judgement and willing to undertake any task, at any time, under any conditions. After retirement from the Army in 2000, Kerry continued to serve his country for two more decades as a U.S. civilian contractor based in Cairo. In his last position, Kerry served as Director of the Middle East for the Advanced Technology Systems Company (ATSC), acting as an in-country liaison with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense, Armament Authority, and Egyptian Military Services for ATSC programs in Egypt and across the Middle East.

During his free time, Kerry loved to read and had a thirst for knowledge. At a young age, he read an entire set of encyclopedias from A-Z. He could always be found with a book in his hands. And when he did not have a book in his hands, he could be found with his computer, i-Pad, or phone, because he was also a whiz with electronics. Kerry had a big heart and loved to help others. He had a special ability to stay positive, tell stories, and especially loved making corny jokes.

Kerry is survived by his wife Gilda, and by his siblings Konrad (Christine) Cailteux of New York, NY; Kaylene (John) Curtis of New Smyrna Beach, FL; and Marlene (Gayle) Cailteux of Lenexa, KS; children Kathleen DesOrmeaux of Williamsburg, Virginia; Michael Cailteux of Norfolk, Colorado; Karelynn (Travis) Overfelt of Lee’s Summit, MO; Sherlynn (Chris) Siok of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Kylie Cailteux of Kansas City, MO; niece Lauren (Kyle) Maples of Washington, DC; grandchildren D'Artagnan, Charlie May, and Liam.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Ethel (Midgie) Cailteux.

His spirit will be with us for an outside funeral service and burial on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clyde, Kansas with Fr. Steven Heina officiating.&nbsp; &nbsp;Military Honors conducted by Ft. Riley Big Red One, Ft. Riley, Kansas&nbsp; and VFW Post #7515, Clyde, Kansas. For family and friends who cannot travel and would like to attend, his service will be posted on the website afterwards.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may be given to the West Point Association of Graduates and VFW Post #7515 c/o Chaput Mortuary of Clyde.&nbsp; Online condolences may be sent to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chaputbuoy.com/">www.chaputbuoy.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607393250441.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Lieutenant Colonel Kerry Lynn Cailteux, U.S. Army (Retired), 67, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 23, 2020. Born on February 4, 1953, in Concordia, Kansas, Kerry grew up in Clyde, Kansas the eldest of four Cailteux siblings. Kerry’s independent and determined spirit led him to live a unique life in the service of his country.After graduating from Clyde High School, Kerry attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation from West Point in 1975, Kerry was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Armor branch and attended the Armor Officer Basic Course at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He was then stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, serving as a platoon leader and company executive officer. Kerry then attended the Armor Officer Advanced Course at Fort Knox. After this course, Kerry was sent to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he studied Arabic and obtained a Master of Arts Degree in National Security Affairs. After his studies, the Army sent Kerry and his family to Tunisia for a year to further his Arabic studies followed by the Office of Military Cooperation in Beirut. After another posting at Fort Riley to serve as a Squadron Operations Officer and Assistant Division Operations Officer, the Army stationed him at additional posts in the Middle East, including Lebanon, Oman and Cairo, Egypt as a Foreign Area Officer. In Cairo, where he eventually settled, Kerry managed the largest US Army Foreign Military Financing funded security assistance program in the world at the time and traveled throughout the Middle East in carrying out his duties. During his military career, Kerry was granted numerous awards for his outstanding service and leadership, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (twice), the Meritorious Service Medal (twice), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (2d Award), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3 Campaign Stars), the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2d Award), the Parachute Badge, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award (twice), the Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Lebanese Order of the Cedars, Officers Class. Kerry graduated from the U.S. Army War College, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute. As described in his many annual evaluations by his superior officers, Kerry was a tremendously talented, brilliant, and knowledgeable officer with an exceptional analytical mind. He was dedicated, a quick study with sound judgement and willing to undertake any task, at any time, under any conditions. After retirement from the Army in 2000, Kerry continued to serve his country for two more decades as a U.S. civilian contractor based in Cairo. In his last position, Kerry served as Director of the Middle East for the Advanced Technology Systems Company (ATSC), acting as an in-country liaison with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense, Armament Authority, and Egyptian Military Services for ATSC programs in Egypt and across the Middle East.During his free time, Kerry loved to read and had a thirst for knowledge. At a young age, he read an entire set of encyclopedias from A-Z. He could always be found with a book in his hands. And when he did not have a book in his hands, he could be found with his computer, i-Pad, or phone, because he was also a whiz with electronics. Kerry had a big heart and loved to help others. He had a special ability to stay positive, tell stories, and especially loved making corny jokes.Kerry is survived by his wife Gilda, and by his siblings Konrad (Christine) Cailteux of New York, NY; Kaylene (John) Curtis of New Smyrna Beach, FL; and Marlene (Gayle) Cailteux of Lenexa, KS; children Kathleen DesOrmeaux of Williamsburg, Virginia; Michael Cailteux of Norfolk, Colorado; Karelynn (Travis) Overfelt of Lee’s Summit, MO; Sherlynn (Chris) Siok of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Kylie Cailteux of Kansas City, MO; niece Lauren (Kyle) Maples of Washington, DC; grandchildren D'Artagnan, Charlie May, and Liam.He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Ethel (Midgie) Cailteux.His spirit will be with us for an outside funeral service and burial on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at 1:00 PM at the Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clyde, Kansas with Fr. Steven Heina officiating.&nbsp; &nbsp;Military Honors conducted by Ft. Riley Big Red One, Ft. Riley, Kansas&nbsp; and VFW Post #7515, Clyde, Kansas. For family and friends who cannot travel and would like to attend, his service will be posted on the website afterwards.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may be given to the West Point Association of Graduates and VFW Post #7515 c/o Chaput Mortuary of Clyde.&nbsp; Online condolences may be sent to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chaputbuoy.com/">www.chaputbuoy.com</a>.

Lieutenant Colonel Kerry Lynn Cailteux

LONDON (AP) — Shipments of the coronavirus vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech were delivered Sunday in the U.K. in super-cold containers, two days before it goes public in an immunization program that is being closely watched around the world.

Around 800,000 doses of the vaccine were expected to be in place for the start of the immunization program on Tuesday, a day that Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly dubbed as “V-Day,” a nod to triumphs in World War II.

“To know that they are here, and we are amongst the first in the country to actually receive the vaccine and therefore the first in the world, is just amazing,” said Louise Coughlan, joint chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, just south of London.

“I’m so proud,” she said after the trust, which runs Croydon University Hospital, took delivery of the vaccine.

Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-authorizes-vaccine-emergency-use-ea0170c978eb281a905866e5bd78bbdf">U.K. became the first country to authorize the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine</a>&nbsp;for emergency use. In trials, the vaccine was shown to have around 95% efficacy. Vaccinations will be administered starting Tuesday at around 50 hospital hubs in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also begin their vaccination rollouts the same day.

Governments and health agencies around the world will be monitoring the British vaccination program, which will take months, to note its successes and failures and adjust their own plans accordingly. The U.S. hopes to start vaccinations later this month. British regulatory authorities are also examining data on the vaccines from American biotechnology company Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

Russia on Saturday began vaccinating thousands of doctors, teachers and others at dozens of centers in Moscow with its Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, which was approved over the summer after being tested in only a few dozen people.

The excitement in Britain, which has Europe’s highest virus-related death toll at more than 61,000, was palpable.

“Despite the huge complexities, hospitals will kickstart the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history from Tuesday,” said Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director.

Patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospitals as outpatients and those being discharged after a stay in the hospital will be among the first to receive the jab. Hospitals will also start inviting over 80s in for a vaccine shot and will work with nursing homes to book staff into vaccination clinics. Any appointments not taken up will be offered to those health workers deemed to be at the highest risk of COVID-19. Everyone who is vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600861747887.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Shipments of the coronavirus vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech were delivered Sunday in the U.K. in super-cold containers, two days before it goes public in an immunization program that is being closely watched around the world.Around 800,000 doses of the vaccine were expected to be in place for the start of the immunization program on Tuesday, a day that Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly dubbed as “V-Day,” a nod to triumphs in World War II.“To know that they are here, and we are amongst the first in the country to actually receive the vaccine and therefore the first in the world, is just amazing,” said Louise Coughlan, joint chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, just south of London.“I’m so proud,” she said after the trust, which runs Croydon University Hospital, took delivery of the vaccine.Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-authorizes-vaccine-emergency-use-ea0170c978eb281a905866e5bd78bbdf">U.K. became the first country to authorize the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine</a>&nbsp;for emergency use. In trials, the vaccine was shown to have around 95% efficacy. Vaccinations will be administered starting Tuesday at around 50 hospital hubs in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also begin their vaccination rollouts the same day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532171471.png" alt="Photo courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>Governments and health agencies around the world will be monitoring the British vaccination program, which will take months, to note its successes and failures and adjust their own plans accordingly. The U.S. hopes to start vaccinations later this month. British regulatory authorities are also examining data on the vaccines from American biotechnology company Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.Russia on Saturday began vaccinating thousands of doctors, teachers and others at dozens of centers in Moscow with its Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, which was approved over the summer after being tested in only a few dozen people.The excitement in Britain, which has Europe’s highest virus-related death toll at more than 61,000, was palpable.“Despite the huge complexities, hospitals will kickstart the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history from Tuesday,” said Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director.Patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospitals as outpatients and those being discharged after a stay in the hospital will be among the first to receive the jab. Hospitals will also start inviting over 80s in for a vaccine shot and will work with nursing homes to book staff into vaccination clinics. Any appointments not taken up will be offered to those health workers deemed to be at the highest risk of COVID-19. Everyone who is vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.Buckingham Palace refused to comment on speculation that Queen Elizabeth II, 94, and her 99-year-old husband, Prince Philip, will soon be vaccinated and then make it public, a move that could reassure anyone nervous about getting a vaccination.“Our goal is totally to protect every member of the population, Her Majesty, of course, as well,” Dr. June Raine, chief executive of Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which authorized the vaccine, told the BBC.The U.K. has secured 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which can cover 20 million people. Since the British government will only immunize people over 16, around 55 million people in the U.K. will be eligible. In total, Britain has procured 357 million doses of seven vaccine candidates, including 100 million of the much cheaper Oxford vaccine, which has a lower efficacy rate than the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.Now that the first tranche of the vaccine has arrived from Pfizer’s manufacturing plant in Belgium, checks are being conducted by a specialist medical logistics company to ensure there was no damage in transit. This could take up to a day.Each box containing the vaccines, which includes five packs of 975 doses, will need to be opened and unpacked manually at specially licensed sites. After that, the vaccines will then be made available to hospitals.Delivering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is complicated because it needs to be stored at super-chilled temperatures: about minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit). Fortunately, the vaccine is stable at normal refrigerator temperatures, between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (35.6 to 46.4 F), for a few days, meaning it can be stored locally. After defrosting the vaccine, which takes a few hours, additional time is required to prepare it to be given in a shot.Public Health England has secured 58 special Twin Guard ultra-low temperature freezers that provide sufficient storage for approximately five million doses. The fridges, which are not portable, each hold around 86,000 doses.The vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-germany-immunizations-coronavirus-pandemic-3ac7e19981b7937f0f08a29667ddf09e">won’t just be provided by hospitals</a>. Local doctors’ offices and other local health care centers are being put on standby to start delivering the vaccine, with a small number expected to do so the week of Dec. 14. More medical practices in more parts of the country will be phased in during December and in the coming months.There are plans for vaccination centers treating large numbers of patients in sports areas and conference centers and for local pharmacies to be able to offer the jabs as they do with annual influenza shots.Although nursing home residents top the prioritization list given to the British government by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, they won’t be getting the vaccinations straight away, as the vaccine packs of 975 doses cannot yet be divided, making it very difficult to deliver vaccines to individual care homes.The NHS hopes authorities will soon approve a safe way of splitting up the dose packs so the shots can get to nursing homes during December.During the first phase of the immunization program, Britain has created nine separate groups in its prioritization list down to those aged 50 and above. Overall, it hopes that up to 99% of people most at risk of dying from COVID 19 will have been immunized during the first phase.