Recordings by Janet Jackson, Labelle, Nas, Louis Armstrong, and Kermit the Frog among 25 selected for preservation

Janet Jackson’s clarion call for action and healing in “Rhythm Nation 1814” now joins other groundbreaking sounds of history and culture among the latest titles inducted into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, including Louis Armstrong’s “When the Saints Go Marching In,” Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade,” Nas’ “Illmatic,” Kool &amp; the Gang’s “Celebration,” and Kermit the Frog’s “The Rainbow Connection.”

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden today named 25 recordings as audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.

“The National Recording Registry will preserve our history through these vibrant recordings of music and voices that have reflected our humanity and shaped our culture from the past 143 years,” Hayden said. “We received about 900 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry, and we welcome the public’s input as the Library of Congress and its partners preserve the diverse sounds of history and culture.”

The recordings most recently selected for the National Recording Registry bring the number of titles on the registry to 575, representing a small portion of the national library’s vast recorded sound collection of nearly 4 million items.

One song has appealed to generations of Muppets fans and many musicians who revived “The Rainbow Connection” over the decades since it was performed by Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog in 1979. Songwriter Paul Williams, who wrote the music and lyrics with Kenneth Ascher, said the song is about "the immense power of faith."

"We don't know how it works, but we believe that it does,” Williams said. “Sometimes the questions are more beautiful than the answers."

Kermit was deeply touched to have his banjo-strumming song from 1979’s “The Muppet Movie” preserved, he recently told Hayden.

"Well, gee, it's an amazing feeling to officially become part of our nation's history," Kermit said. "It's a great honor. And I am thrilled — I am thrilled! — to be the first frog on the list!"

The latest selections named to the registry, spanning from 1878 to 2008, range from pop, hip-hop and country to Latin, Hawaiian, jazz, blues, gospel, classical and children’s music. In addition to the musical selections, the new class showcases one of the earliest recordings of an American voice by Thomas Edison, as well as sports history, voices of world leaders during World War II, a soap opera’s roots in radio, and even the first podcast to join the registry, with “This American Life” following its success in radio.

Released in 1989, “Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814” was written and recorded in the Minneapolis studios of James “Jimmy Jam” Harris III and Terry Lewis, the songwriters who had come of musical age with neighborhood friends Prince and Morris Day. They also had produced Jackson’s breakthrough album “Control” in 1986.

While “Control” was about Jackson finding her voice, the pair said, “Rhythm Nation” was a statement album about the pop icon finding her purpose. It turned out to be a spiritual follow-up to Marvin Gaye’s iconic “What’s Going On” a generation earlier. Working with Jackson, Harris and Lewis crafted songs protesting racism, police brutality and social injustice of the day. The “1814” of the title was a call back to the composition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” with this being a new anthem for a new nation — one built on a multiracial, multiethnic vision and a thick dance groove.

"We wanted 'Rhythm Nation' to really communicate empowerment," Harris said. "It was making an observation, but it was also a call to action. Janet's purpose was to lead people and do it through music, which I think is the ultimate uniter of people."

In songs like the title track, "State of the World" and "The Knowledge," they expanded on Gaye's soulful lamentation of a world gone wrong. Then the album moves into love songs and dance music, with the hits "Miss You Much," "Love Will Never Do" and "Escapade." The album would produce four No. 1 hit singles and a record-breaking seven top five singles. It’s filled with lyrics just as timely in 2021 — and the album received among the most votes in the public nomination process last year for the recording registry.

"Where we're at in society today, the lyrics of ‘Rhythm Nation’ and ‘State of the World’ — some of those resonate just as powerfully, if not more so, as a narrative of what's happening in society," Harris said.&nbsp;“There’s no expiration date on great music.”

The enduring cultural impact of music reveals itself in a variety of ways: over the passage of time for some songs, through numerous covers inspired by the original, or perhaps from the perennial use of certain music in movies, television, celebrations and on dance floors. This has made some tunes familiar sounds of America’s shared songbook, including “Lady Marmalade,” recorded by Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” recorded by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole in 1993, and “Celebration” recorded by Kool &amp; the Gang in 1980.

New Orleans has produced famous music for more than a century, but few songs ever caught the city’s red-light district in such danceable fashion as “Lady Marmalade” by the group Labelle in 1974.

“We knew it was a hit,” said lead singer Patti LaBelle, the first time a demo tape was played for the trio in Los Angeles. They would record the song in New Orleans with the city’s legendary Allen Toussaint and with Vicki Wickham.

Famed for its “Hey sista, go sista” chant and its racy chorus, the song shot to No. 1 in the United States and many European countries. All three group members said it changed their lives and that they still perform the song today.

Other music gives voice to changes in society and culture. In 1972, Marlo Thomas was dismayed when she could only find old-fashioned books for her young niece, in which little girls dreamed of growing up to marry a prince. So she set out to make a song-filled record for children, in which kids could picture their lives in new ways, regardless of rigid gender roles or boundaries.

“We said, ‘You know what, let's just change the world one 5-year-old at a time,’” Thomas said.

The result was “Free to Be…You and Me,” which featured songs by Hollywood stars, including the title track by the New Seekers, “William’s Doll” by Alan Alda and Thomas, “When We Grow Up” by Diana Ross and “It’s All Right To Cry” by Rosey Grier, an imposing pro football player. The album went platinum, which led to a No. 1 bestselling book, then an ABC television special and an enduring place in American pop culture.

“We thought we were talking to the children in the ’70s,” Thomas said. “We didn't realize we were talking to children in 2020.”

Some albums inducted this year into the recording registry demonstrated the power to influence entire genres of music. When Nas released his 1994 hip-hop album “Illmatic,” it was celebrated for its rhythmic originality and complexity, and its technique has been widely copied since.

In the case of reggae singer Jimmy Cliff, who starred in the first Jamaican-produced feature film, “The Harder They Come” in 1972, the movie soundtrack featuring six songs recorded by Cliff has been credited with taking reggae worldwide while also presenting other reggae stars to a global audience.

Setting New Standards in Jazz, Blues, Country and Classical

The selections for the National Recording Registry also include groundbreaking recordings in jazz, the blues and gospel — reaching deeper into music history. Louis Armstrong and his orchestra’s 1938 recording of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” for example, was the first jazz recording of this famous hymn and broke barriers between church and dance hall by mixing a sacred song with jazz.

Musician Branford Marsalis credits Armstrong’s recording for making a previously regional song an international one. He recalled playing “The Saints” with his brother Wynton Marsalis while growing up in New Orleans.

“As kids in the late 1960s, Wynton and I learned it when I was still playing clarinet; Wynton playing the melody, and me playing the bass notes. …&nbsp;It’s the first song we played together,” Branford Marsalis said.&nbsp;“I can’t imagine New Orleans’ culture without this song. It is an indelible part of our history.”

Nearly 40 years after Armstrong’s innovations with jazz, Pat Metheny signaled a new direction for jazz in the mid-1970s with his debut album, “Bright Size Life.”

With “Odetta Sings Ballads and the Blues,” this debut album for Odetta in 1957, an important folk music voice, would go on to influence a young Bob Dylan to trade in his electric guitar for acoustic. A decade later, Albert King, one of the blues’ greatest guitarists, would release what is considered his best album with “Born Under a Bad Sign,” playing his signature Flying V Gibson guitar in his left-handed manner.

A new country selection for the registry adds the voice of Connie Smith, who has been called one of most underrated vocalists in country music — and who is greatly admired by her peers, including Dolly Parton. Smith’s first single, “Once a Day,” would become her biggest hit.

"I never dreamed when I walked into RCA's Studio B in Nashville on July 16, 1964, to make my first record that a song from that session called 'Once a Day' would become a hit,” Smith said. “In the wake of its success, that recording received many honors and the song has endured.&nbsp;But, for 'Once a Day' to be recognized by the Library of Congress and to have it listed in the nation's National Recording Registry is indeed the ultimate honor.&nbsp;This blesses me, and I am extremely grateful."

Two classical selections are being added to the registry this year. A 1962 recording of “Aida” features Leontyne Price in her signature role and with her voice in her prime. Previous inductee Renée Fleming welcomed the two classical selections.

“Leontyne Price’s exquisite beauty of tone, dramatic power and flawless musicianship made her Aida legendary,” Fleming said. “I am so fortunate to have had the guidance of this musical pioneer, whose breath-taking talent advanced and elevated our art form.”

Another soprano joining the registry is Jessye Norman, whose recording of Richard Strauss’ “Four Last Songs” is described by Fleming as “unsurpassed in terms of the sheer vocal grandeur.” Norman, who died in 2019, deposited her personal collection with the Library of Congress.

The latest recordings added to the registry stretch back to some of the earliest days of recorded sound. In 1878, Thomas Edison recorded — on a piece of tinfoil — 78 seconds that may be the oldest playable recording of an American voice and the earliest known recording of a musical performance.

Several other titles joining the registry represent sounds of the first half of the 20th&nbsp;century, from the song of a Swedish immigrant, Hjalmar Peterson, who settled in Minnesota and became a popular entertainer, to a Greek immigrant who settled in New York City and became one of the most popular singers of the Greek-American community.

American roots music also joins the registry with the album “Partners” by Flaco Jiménez, a champion of traditional conjunto music and Tex-Mex culture who also is known for innovation and collaboration with a variety of artists. This bilingual album features collaborations with Linda Ronstadt, Ry Cooder, Emmylou Harris and Los Lobos, among others.

Political history joins the registry with a recording of President Franklin Roosevelt’s lighting of the White House Community Christmas Tree in 1941 with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill — less than three weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor as America was plunged into World War II. It was a moment broadcast on all the major U.S. radio networks and to audiences around the world.

Radio’s power in capturing important historical milestones also brings baseball history to the registry this year. When Roger Maris hit his 61st&nbsp;homerun of the season in 1961, eclipsing Babe Ruth’s previous record, Phil Rizzuto’s radio play-by-play would become an iconic moment in sports history with his trademark shout of “Holy Cow!”

“I have long felt that the sports moments, which continue to resonate decades later, are largely shaped by the way they were captured on radio and television,” said broadcaster Bob Costas. “While Phil Rizzuto, a beloved former Yankee shortstop, was not a classic announcer in the fashion of Red Barber, Mel Allen or Vin Scully, his radio call on this day was both descriptive and infused with excitement. For baseball fans and historians, it still echoes down the corridors of time.”

Radio also gave rise to the “soap opera” genre, a long tradition in American entertainment, and “The Guiding Light” would become the longest-running scripted program in broadcast history. Between radio and later television, the show would air from 1937 to 2009. The registry will now include a radio recording of the show from 1945.

Finally, the first podcast (born in radio) is also being inducted into this year’s registry with “This American Life.” Ira Glass, who has led "This American Life" from its 1995 inception on public radio to also becoming one of the nation's most popular podcasts, has seen his show win dozens of awards over the years, including the first&nbsp;Pulitzer Prize awarded to a radio show in 2020. The registry will include a 2008 episode co-produced with NPR News telling the story of the complex subprime mortgage crisis

"When we put this out as a podcast, turning a radio show into a podcast, we did literally nothing to accommodate it," Glass said. "And my theory is that podcasting is most powerful for the same reason that radio is the most powerful. That is, when you have a medium where you're not seeing people, there's just an intimacy to hearing somebody's voice."

National Recording Registry, 2020 Selections (chronological order)

Edison’s “St. Louis tinfoil” recording (1878) Thomas Edison’s recording is quite possibly a record of the oldest playable recording of an American voice. It is a survivor — the earliest extant document that captures a musical performance. The recording is on a piece of tinfoil. It lasts 78 seconds and was made on a phonograph in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 22, 1878, just months after Edison invented his magic recording machine. For years the foil endured and went, not surprisingly, unplayed. Then, in the summer of 2013, the Museum of Science and Innovation in Schenectady, New York, announced that physicists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory had recovered the sound from this slip of shiny silver. The result was a surprisingly listenable musical and vocal interlude.

“Nikolina” — Hjalmar Peterson (1917) (single) In “Nikolina,” a young Swedish husband tells of his comical difficulties with his father-in-law. The song was brought to America by Hjalmar Peterson (1886-1960), who settled in Minnesota and became a hugely popular entertainer among Swedish-Americans. He recorded “Nikolina” three times in the ‘teens and 20s, in the process, selling more than 100,000 copies. In 1936, Ted Johnson, a former member of Peterson’s troupe, re-recorded it with traditional instruments, and the song became a hit again, the first of many successful revivals.

“Smyrneikos Balos” — Marika Papagika (1928) (single) Born on the Greek island of Kos in 1890,&nbsp;singer Marika Papagika immigrated to New York City in 1915 with her musician husband Gus. She began recording in 1918 and quickly became one of the most popular singers in the Greek-American community, eventually recording well over 200 songs, often accompanied by her husband on the cimbalom. “Smyrneikos Balos,” a lament for lost love that is also a couples’ dance, was one of her most popular songs, and she recorded it three times.

“When the Saints Go Marching In” — Louis Armstrong &amp; his Orchestra (1938) (single) In this first jazz recording of the famous hymn, Louis Armstrong, in the guise of “Rev. Satchelmouth,” introduces this unusually atmospheric recording.&nbsp; From J.C. Higginbotham’s shouting, preaching trombone, to Rev. Satchelmouth’s respectful vocal (accompanied by some members of the “congregation”) to the soaring and majestic trumpet solo, the performance commands attention. Armstrong fondly remembered “The Saints” from his childhood in New Orleans. His democratic attitude towards music saw little difference between the church and the dance hall, and as a result, he received backlash from clergy and fans for daring to mix the sacred with jazz. While that juxtaposition may seem mild today, the music certainly is not; it stands as a timeless testament to Louis Armstrong’s many gifts.

Christmas Eve Broadcast — Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill (December 24, 1941) On Dec. 24, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt lit the White House Community Christmas Tree, and for the first time as the leader of a nation at war. The attack on Pearl Harbor was less than three weeks ago and though Americans were uneasy, it was a glimmer of hope for the people of Great Britain, who had been fighting the Nazis since 1939 and were staring across the English Channel at a Europe increasingly dominated by Germany. Prime Minister Winston Churchill made the dangerous journey across the Atlantic to visit Roosevelt and address Congress. While staying at the White House, Churchill took part in the lighting of the White House Christmas Tree. He and Roosevelt were heard coast-to-coast on the major radio networks and by short wave to much of the rest of the world. Churchill observed: “Here, in the midst of war, raging and roaring over all the lands and seas, creeping nearer to our hearts and homes, here, amid all the tumult, we have tonight the peace of the spirit in each cottage home and in every generous heart.”

“The Guiding Light” — Nov. 22, 1945 “The Guiding Light” was the longest-running scripted program in broadcast history, running for a total of 72 years, from 1937 until 2009 on radio and television.&nbsp;The program was notable as an archetype of the highly populated radio “soap opera” genre and as a breakthrough success of the innovative and prolific scriptwriter, Irna Phillips, whom many credit with inventing the entire genre.&nbsp;Although the later TV series revolved around the Bauer Family, the original radio version focused on the Rev. John Ruthledge and his congregation in the fictional community of Five Points. Ruthledge’s reading lamp, visible to all who passed his house, was the program’s namesake.&nbsp;Of the show’s hundreds of episodes, the registry adds this installment aired on the first Thanksgiving after the conclusion of World War II. With Ruthledge still serving overseas as a chaplain, his friend the Rev. Dr. Frank Tuttle, gives a moving sermon to a packed church.

&nbsp;“Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues” — Odetta (1957) (album) This is the debut album from an important voice in the folk revival — featuring a mix of blues, spirituals and ballads. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Odetta was a&nbsp;major influence to a generation of folk singers, including the young Bob Dylan who has cited this album as what convinced him to trade in his electric guitar for an acoustic when he heard it as a 15-year-old teenager in Minnesota. This 16-song LP showcases Odetta’s extraordinary vocal power, which she always manages to temper with great emotion. Among the selections: “Muleskinner Blues,” “Jack o’ Diamonds,” “Easy Rider,” “Glory, Glory” and her concluding spiritual trilogy:&nbsp; “<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh,_Freedom">Oh, Freedom</a>,” “Come and Go With Me” and “I’m on My Way.”

“Lord, Keep Me Day by Day” — Albertina Walker and the Caravans&nbsp;(1959) (single)&nbsp; Influenced by and spurred on by her mentor, Mahalia Jackson, in 1947, Albertina Walker formed her own — and now legendary — gospel group, Albertina Walker and the Caravans. Soon, Walker would be nicknamed “Star Maker” for the incredible talent she fostered through her group. Shirley Caesar, Bessie Griffin, the Rev. James Cleveland and Inez Andrews, among others, all began their careers as part of the Caravan. Meanwhile, Walker herself would inherit the title “Queen of Gospel Music” after the passing of Jackson in 1972. This 1959 recording was one of Walker’s signature songs and performances — a heartfelt, soulful and sometimes bluesy testament to her faith.

Roger Maris hits his 61st&nbsp;homerun (October 1, 1961) On Oct. 1, 1961, Roger Maris hit his 61st&nbsp;homerun of the season, eclipsing Babe Ruth’s previous homerun record. Phil Rizzuto’s radio play-by-play of the entire at-bat is one of the most iconic moments in sports history. From the moment when the Yankee hitter stepped to the plate, Rizzuto captures the excitement and anticipation of a crowd ready to watch history being made, booing when the first two pitches miss the strike zone and then exploding when Maris connects with the third, prompting Rizzuto’s trademark shout of “Holy Cow!” amid the deafening cheers.

“Aida” — Leontyne Price, et.al. (1962) (album) This superb recording includes Leontyne Price in her signature role of Aida, a role that she performed over 40 times. Harold C. Schonberg, critic of The New York Times, wrote “no soprano makes a career of acting. Voice is what counts, and voice is what Miss Price has.” PBS viewers voted her singing (in a MET production) of the Act III aria, “O patria mia,” as the No. 1 “Greatest Moment” in 30 years of “Live from the Met” telecasts. That performance ended with 25 minutes of sustained applause. And that was at her retirement! This 1962 recording captured Price’s voice in her prime. The star-studded cast of this recording also includes Rita Gorr (who is a splendid Amneris), Robert Merrill (Amonasro, rich and firm vocally) and Jon Vickers as Radames (ringing and heroic).

“Once a Day” — Connie Smith (1964) (single) Connie Smith has been called one of the most underrated vocalists in country music history. And she’s greatly admired by her peers; Dolly Parton once said, “There's only three real female singers: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt and Connie Smith. The rest of us are only pretending.” Smith’s rise to that level of admiration began with her very first single, “Once a Day,” written by Bill Anderson who was already successful, both as a singer and a songwriter, when he heard Smith at a talent contest. He helped her get a recording contract and, for her first session, wrote “Once a Day,” an achingly sad song about a jilted woman who misses her lover only “once a day, every day, all day long.” Recorded at RCA’s famous Studio B in Nashville, Smith was backed by session musicians and members of Anderson’s band, The Po’ Boys, including one new player, steel guitarist Weldon Myrick, who would go on to become a Nashville legend himself. Producer Bob Ferguson wanted the steel guitar to be right up front and Myrick delivered, so much so that Smith credits Myrick with “creating the Connie Smith sound.”&nbsp; “Once a Day” was Connie Smith’s biggest hit and became her signature song.

“Born Under a Bad Sign” — Albert King (1967) (album) Albert King, with his signature Flying V Gibson guitar played in his distinctive left-handed manner, was one of the blues’ greatest guitarists, and this album is considered to be his very best.&nbsp; Its title song became a blues standard, and was soon recorded by Eric Clapton and Cream.&nbsp; Other great songs on this album include “Crosscut Saw” and “The Hunter.”&nbsp; Recorded in Memphis with backing from Booker T. &amp; the M.G.’s, and the Memphis Horns, via this album, King was soon performing at the Fillmore East and West and gaining a large and enduring following.

“Free to Be…You &amp; Me” — Marlo Thomas and Friends (1972) (album) The 1972 album&nbsp;“Free to Be...You and Me”&nbsp;is remarkable both as a snapshot of social change with regard to gender roles and expectations in the early 1970s and for the wide array of talent it assembled. Marlo Thomas explained in a 2003 interview that the inspiration for the project came from her niece and a desire for children’s educational materials that did not impose rigid and arbitrary gender roles and expectations. Thomas expected modest sales at best, but the album quickly sold hundreds of thousands of copies, ultimately achieving gold, platinum and diamond status. Those sales were likely due in part to Thomas’ own celebrity status but also because the album’s message resonated with a large segment of American society, young and old, male and female. Appearances by talents as varied as Diana Ross, Harry Belafonte, Dick Cavett and pro football player Rosey Grier (in “It’s All Right to Cry”) further ensured appeal to a wide audience. The album and follow-up book led to an ABC television special, and the project was reprised in the 1988 TV special&nbsp;“Free to Be...A Family.”

“The Harder They Come” — Jimmy Cliff (1972) (album) In 1972, reggae singer Jimmy Cliff starred in the first Jamaican-produced feature film, “The Harder They Come.” Around the time of the film’s release, the soundtrack to this film made its way to American audiences and has been credited by Rolling Stone magazine as “the album that took reggae worldwide.” Cliff has six songs on the album, including the title track and the seminal “Many Rivers to Cross,” which has since been covered by myriad artists, including Cher, John Lennon, UB40, Annie Lennox and Percy Sledge. While only the title track was recorded specifically for the soundtrack, the album collected numerous reggae stars and presented essential works in the genre to a new global audience. Others reggae pioneers and luminaries appearing on the album include Toots and the Maytals (“Pressure Drop” and “Sweet and Dandy”), Desmond Dekker (“Shanty Town”) and The Melodians (“Rivers of Babylon”). This exemplar of the diverse sounds of reggae in the 1960s and ‘70s has enjoyed enormous critical praise and continued popularity in the U.S. The album has appeared on every version of “Rolling Stone’s” Top 500 albums of all time.

“Lady Marmalade” — Labelle (1974) (single) The elemental trio of Labelle — Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash — first formed in 1962 as Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles. By the early 1970s, they were simply Labelle, and released six albums under that name. Their biggest hit was this French-infused dance track written by&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Crewe">Bob Crewe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenny_Nolan">Kenny Nolan</a>&nbsp;and produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_Toussaint">Allen Toussaint</a>&nbsp;and Vicki Wickham.&nbsp; Inspired by a few choice streets in New Orleans, the song has been covered several times since its release, still unwittingly prompting listeners to sing its famous refrain phonetically: “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi (ce soir)?,” often unaware of its true meaning.

“Late for the Sky” — Jackson Browne (1974) (album) Although Jackson Browne had some success with his first two albums (in ’72 and ’73), in 1974, he was still primarily known as a songwriter, his works having been recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Tom Rush and the Eagles, among others.&nbsp;“Late for the Sky” changed all that.&nbsp;It was recorded more quickly and for less money than his previous album, and neither of the album’s released singles charted.&nbsp;But none of that mattered.&nbsp;The maturity and depth of Browne’s writing did. Brilliantly supported by his touring band, especially David Lindley on guitar and fiddle, the lyrics deal with apocalypse, uncertainty, death, and especially, love and the loss of it experienced by someone transitioning to manhood. In “Fountain of Sorrow,” Browne wrote, “I'm just one or two years and a couple of changes behind you/In my lessons at love's pain and heartache school ....”&nbsp;Bruce Springsteen called “Late for The Sky” Browne’s “masterpiece.”

“Bright Size Life” — Pat Metheny (1976) (album) Pat Metheny’s debut album, “Bright Size Life,” signaled a new direction for jazz in the mid-1970s — not only for leader Pat Metheny, but also bassist Jaco Pastorius, drummer Bob Moses and Gary Burton, who went uncredited as a producer at the time, though he wrote the album’s liner notes. In their only album together, all participants built on the musical traditions that preceded them to create a new expression of jazz distinguished by their own styles and personalities, before blazing their own distinctive trails in the music. The album saw modest initial sales, but the passage of time has made its significance clear. “The Rainbow Connection” — Kermit the Frog (1979) (single) Written by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher, “The Rainbow Connection” opened the Muppets’ first foray into film in “The Muppet Movie.” The song is performed by Kermit the Frog (voiced by Jim Henson), and was produced by Williams and Jim Henson. Williams and Ascher received an&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Awards">Academy Award</a>&nbsp;nomination for&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_Award_for_Best_Original_Song">Best Original Song</a>&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/52nd_Academy_Awards">52nd Academy Awards</a>&nbsp;for its composition.&nbsp;Since then, the song has been covered dozens of times, from Judy Collins in 1980 to Kacey Musgraves in 2019, but the Kermit/Henson recording remains the iconic version of the work. It has been used as a theme song by many charitable organizations, and its plaintive message about dreams and their fulfillment remains enduring.

“Celebration” — Kool &amp; the Gang (1980) (single) Founded in 1964 by brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell, Kool and the Gang (formerly the Jazziacs or the Soul Town Band early on) had already had hits with their songs “Ladies Night” and “Jungle Boogie,” when they released their 1980 album “Celebrate!” containing the group’s most famous and enduring song, “Celebration.”&nbsp; Led by J.T. Taylor’s spirited lead vocal, it would be their biggest hit and quickly became a feature of national celebrations like the 1980 World Series, the 1981 Super Bowl and the 1981 NBA Finals. While others have released covers to great success, such as Kylie Minogue in 1992, the original remains a staple of every party DJ’s set list — be it at a high school dance or a 50th&nbsp;anniversary party.

“Richard Strauss:&nbsp; Four Last Songs” — Jessye Norman (1983) (album) This superb recording by African-American opera singer Jessye Norman is beloved by critics and audience alike. In homage to Norman after her death in 2019, fans mentioned this recording most often as Norman’s best, while Alex Ross in The New Yorker wrote of it:&nbsp; “In her prime, she let loose sounds of shimmering magnificence. Her timbre carried with it a sonic chiaroscuro:&nbsp; pure tones gleamed out of depth and shadow. I remember the dazed bliss I felt on first hearing her recording of ‘<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXcEs0e7rg">Im Abendrot</a>’ (‘At Sunset’), from Strauss’s ‘Four Last Songs.’”

“Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814” — Janet Jackson (1989) (album) Despite her record label’s wishes, Janet Jackson resisted the urge to release another album like her previous “Control” in favor of an album with more socially-conscious lyrics. On “Rhythm Nation 1814,” Jackson explores issues of race, homelessness and school violence among other topics.&nbsp;Musically, the album continued the productive relationship Jackson had enjoyed on “Control” with producers James “Jimmy Jam” Harris and Terry Lewis.&nbsp;The duo relied on drum machines and samples of street sounds, breaking glass and trash can lids to create several brief interludes between the songs that lent the album a unified feel. Jackson’s impeccable vocal timing also helped the producers build up dense multi-layered vocal mixes of the funky “Alright” and other songs on the LP. Despite such cutting edge touches, Jackson did deliver dance songs like the lively “Escapade,” but also on display were ballads like “Someday is Tonight” and even the guitar-driven rocker “Black Cat.” Even the tunes with a serious call for racial healing and political unity like “Rhythm Nation” featured catchy beats, proving that dance music and a social message are not mutually exclusive.

“Partners” — Flaco Jiménez (1992) (album) When asked about the significance of American roots music, Flaco Jiménez once replied that it was in “the sharing and blending of different kinds of musics, like a brotherhood thing. It makes the world rounder when there’s coordination.” Jiménez, the son of conjunto pioneer Santiago Jiménez, has combined tradition and innovation throughout his career, working with artists as varied as the Rolling Stones, Dwight Yoakam, Carlos Santana and Willie Nelson. On this bilingual album, Jiménez shows this philosophy in action in collaborations with Stephen Stills, Linda Ronstadt, John Hiatt, Ry Cooder, Emmylou Harris and Los Lobos, in a variety of traditional and contemporary musical settings.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”/”What A Wonderful World”&nbsp;—&nbsp;Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (1993) (single) Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, or “Bruddah Iz” or “Iz” as he was also known to his fans in Hawaii, created this medley of two classic pop standards. But, in it, he stayed true to his vision of creating contemporary Hawaiian music that fused reggae, jazz and traditional Hawaiian sounds.&nbsp; Driven primarily by Iz’s angelic voice and ukulele playing, the song is melancholic and joyous at once. Taken from Iz’s album “Facing Future” — the first Hawaiian album ever certified platinum — this single was an international hit, and it has had a sustained life through its use in motion pictures, television programs and commercials.

“Illmatic” — Nas (1994) (album) Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones — “Nas” — released his groundbreaking studio debut in 1994. Critics quickly extoled it for its rhythmic originality and its realistic yet fresh take on life in the Queensbridge projects. Characterized by the masterful use of multi-syllabic and internal rhyme, surprising line breaks and rhythmic complexity, the album’s technique has been widely copied and proven broadly influential. The album featured (along with Nas’ father Olu Dara) the sample-soaked production of a set of deeply talented and experienced producers including Q-Tip, Large Professor, Pete Rock, L.E.S. and DJ Premier. The sound they forged features gritty drums, hazy vinyl samples and snatches of jazz and ‘70s R&amp;B. It has been described as the sound of a kid in Queensbridge ransacking his parents’ record collection. While the album pulls no punches about the danger, struggle and grit of Queensbridge, Nas recalls it as a musically rich environment that produced many significant rappers, and that he “felt proud being from Queensbridge…. [W]e were dressed fly in Ballys and the whole building was like a family.”

“This American Life: The Giant Pool of Money” (May 9, 2008) While “This American Life” started as a radio series in 1995 and continues in that format on public radio, it has also found perhaps its greatest popularity as a podcast, with millions of listeners downloading it every week. The show describes itself as “journalism that is built around plot,” and it is usually structured in “acts.” “Life” is the first winner of the Pulitzer Prize for audio reporting in 2020. This episode, “The Giant Pool of Money,” is from 2008. Co-produced with NPR News, it tells the story of the complex subprime mortgage crisis in a compelling and accessible form. The episode won a Peabody Award and is an exceptional example of the work that “This American Life” has done and continues to do on a regular basis. This is the first broadcast available as a podcast ever named to the National Recording Registry.

About the National Recording Registry

Under the terms of the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, the Librarian of Congress, with advice from the National Recording Preservation Board, selects 25 titles each year that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and are at least 10 years old. More information on the National Recording Registry can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/about-this-program/">loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/about-this-program/</a>. The public may nominate recordings for the Registry&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/recording-registry/nominate/">here</a>.

Some registry titles have already been preserved by the copyright holders, artists or other archives. In cases where a selected title has not already been preserved, the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio Visual Conservation works to ensure that the recording will be preserved by some entity and available for future generations. This can be either through the Library’s recorded-sound preservation program or through collaborative ventures with other archives, studios and independent producers.

The Packard Campus is a state-of-the-art facility where the nation’s library acquires, preserves and provides access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of films, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings (<a href="https://www.loc.gov/avconservation/)">loc.gov/avconservation/)</a>. It is home to more than 7 million collection items.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States — and extensive materials from around the world — both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.loc.gov/">loc.gov</a>; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.congress.gov/">congress.gov</a>; and register creative works of authorship at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.copyright.gov/">copyright.gov</a>.

--<a href="http://loc.gov">Library of Congress</a>--

🎥National Recording Registry adds 25 new selections

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/22/anderson-county-rural-property-owner-compares-wind-farms-to-menacing-strip-clubs-landfills/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Anderson County 
resident Mike Burns ripped pages of his prepared speech in half Monday 
to speak from the heart about why Kansas had to pass a law regulating 
placement of wind farms to protect property rights and bring peace of 
mind to folks in rural areas attractive to developers.

Burns joined dozens of people at the Capitol eager to testify on behalf of <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb279_00_0000.pdf">Senate Bill 279</a>,
 which would establish state-crafted regulation of wind generation 
facilities from the turbine to power line. It would replace county 
commission preferences for or against wind farms with state law defining
 turbine setbacks from businesses, parks, homes, property lines and much
 more. The maximum density would be one turbine per square mile, well 
below the current standard. There would be caps on sound and light 
emitted by turbines that sometimes reach 500 feet into the sky.

Landowners and community 
organizations would gain leverage to block projects if the bill became 
law, and wind farm advocates contend passage of the measure would put an
 end to the industry’s growth in Kansas.

Burns said he moved to 
eastern Kansas to open a pharmacy because of the area’s rural appeal. He
 wanted some acreage near Garnett to enjoy the outdoors and build a home
 to raise a family. He was confident there was little anyone could do to
 undermine his dreams.

“I thought there would be 
no chance of anything taking that all away,” he told the Senate 
Utilities Committee. “My family and our assets were protected. My rights
 were protected. So I thought.”

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_utils_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_utils_1_20210322_48_testimony.html">In 2015, Burns said,</a>
 a representative of Calpine Energy called to inquire about leasing 
ground on his property for a wind farm. He turned away the offer after 
concluding wind farms, which he referred to as “power plants,” were 
recipients of massive tax subsidies, created few permanent jobs, 
fostered community divisiveness, negatively influenced health, created 
issues with daytime flicker shadows and nighttime blinking lights, 
depended on “predatory” leases with landowners, disrupted sleep with 
sound pollution and were subjected to relatively little regulation.

Burns said the Anderson 
County Commission listened to skeptics and adopted some barriers to 
deter developers of wind farms. The problem, he said, was that dozens of
 Kansas counties didn’t have zoning to restrain fat-cat developers and 
their persuasive attorneys and lobbyists. The Kansas Legislature should 
stop treating rural people like second-class citizens and stand up for 
uniform management of wind projects and the protection of rural property
 rights, he said.

“Why are there no wind 
power plants in Johnson County? Wyandotte? Sedgwick? Shawnee?” Burns 
said. “If they have no impact, then why? How would any of you feel if 
there were a massage parlor or night club coming into your neighborhood?
 Fast food, gas station or even a landfill or factory?”

He was joined by seven 
other people who spoke to the committee in desperate terms about their 
desire to stop spread of wind farms in Kansas, a state with more than 
3,000 turbines scattered among 40 developments in 30 counties. 
Twenty-five people had signed up to personally share testimony with 
senators, while more than 40 submitted written comments in favor of 
Senate Bill 279.

Opponents of the bill take
 the microphone Tuesday in an attempt to sway the Republican-led 
committee chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson, a Johnson County Republican who
 called wind turbines a public nuisance in need of retraint afforded by 
state statute.

Alan Anderson, a Kansas 
attorney who specializes in energy development projects, said during a 
news conference at the Capitol that $14 billion had been invested so far
 in wind farms scattered in Kansas. These projects created 22,000 
construction, operational and indirect jobs during the past 20 years.

Companies with turbines on
 private land pay $48 million annually in lease payments to those 
individuals, he said. Over the 20-year life of the Kansas wind farms in 
operation now, he said, an estimated $962 million in lease payments 
would be made to landowners.

In addition, he said, 
companies investing in Kansas wind farms had committed to providing 
communities with $657 million over 20 years in property taxes and for 
priorities ranging from law enforcement to education.

“The message that a bill 
like Senate Bill 279 sends out to these different companies is … maybe 
we’re not a stable environment, maybe we are not a place you should 
consider locating,” Anderson said. “Make no mistake at all. Senate Bill 
279 would end all wind energy development in Kansas. That’s frankly the 
intent of the bill. This isn’t a bill to actually talk about rational 
siting. It’s to end wind energy development.”

Kimberly Svaty, who 
represents Advanced Power Alliance, said testimony from wind developers 
scheduled to speak Tuesday would demonstrate reluctance to invest in new
 wind farms in Kansas under terms of the Senate bill. It’s too easy for 
wind investment companies to pivot to locations in other heartland 
states, she said.

“They’re all saying that 
they will not invest another penny in the state of Kansas,” she said. 
“It’s not a threat, but it underscores the competition the state is in 
for jobs and investment.”

Dennis Hedke, a former 
member of the Kansas House who operates Hedke Geoscience Consulting in 
Wichita, said the Senate bill was necessary because so many Kansans 
experienced unrest, physical discomfort, mental anguish and economic 
hardship as a result of prolific development of industrial wind energy 
in this state. He said there was no justification for construction of 
turbines so close to private dwellings that residents struggled to sleep
 or dealt with irritation of vibration caused by blades with an outward 
speed over 150 mph.

“Study after study by 
highly credentialed professionals have unequivocally confirmed the 
negative impacts experienced by residents in many states and countries,”
 Hedke said. “Yet, a large number of county commissions have ignored 
their pleas for relief. Some commissioners have, in absolute fact, 
colluded with developers and are culpable for the tactics that have been
 deployed against private citizens.”

He said wind projects did 
“absoluely nothing to bring material benefit to the earth’s climate” 
despite claims to the contrary. It’s high time the wind industry accept 
it cannot replace fossil and nuclear fuels to sustain electricity grid 
requirements, he said.

Gayla Randel, a retired 
educator living near the community of Frankfort in Marshall County, said
 NextEra Energies introduced the Irish Creek Wind Project in 2019 with 
plans to start construction in April. The unregulated environment could 
lead to more than 100 turbines, each 500 feet tall, with the consent of 
32 property owners in the wind farm footprint. Of 85 nonparticipating or
 uncompensated landowners nearby, she said, half had at least one 
turbine within 3,900 feet of their homes. None of those residents are 
more than two miles from a turbine, she said.

“One nonparticipating 
landowner will have nine turbines within a mile of their home,” Randel 
said. “Three nonparticipating landowners will have eight turbines within
 a mile of their homes.”

She said Marshall County 
was recognized as a Flint Hills counties, but the county wasn’t included
 in the wind farm moritorium initiated by Democratic Gov. Kathleen 
Sebelius in 2005 nor the expanded exclusion zone adopted by Republican 
Gov. Sam Brownback in 2011.

“Why is this development 
being allowed to happen? Because Kansas has no guidance for our county 
commissioners who repeatedly said we cannot stop it unless we want to be
 sued. They were ill-prepared to make such a life changing decision. 
Wind developers can do this because no one has said they cannot,” Randel
 said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616507535992.png" alt="Anderson County resident Mike Burns, center, registered support Monday for a Senate bill that would impose sweeping regulations on wind farm developments and protect property rights of people living in rural areas with terrain and breezes to support turbines. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Anderson County resident Mike Burns, center, registered support Monday for a Senate bill that would impose sweeping regulations on wind farm developments and protect property rights of people living in rural areas with terrain and breezes to support turbines. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/03/22/anderson-county-rural-property-owner-compares-wind-farms-to-menacing-strip-clubs-landfills/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Anderson County 
resident Mike Burns ripped pages of his prepared speech in half Monday 
to speak from the heart about why Kansas had to pass a law regulating 
placement of wind farms to protect property rights and bring peace of 
mind to folks in rural areas attractive to developers.Burns joined dozens of people at the Capitol eager to testify on behalf of <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/sb279_00_0000.pdf">Senate Bill 279</a>,
 which would establish state-crafted regulation of wind generation 
facilities from the turbine to power line. It would replace county 
commission preferences for or against wind farms with state law defining
 turbine setbacks from businesses, parks, homes, property lines and much
 more. The maximum density would be one turbine per square mile, well 
below the current standard. There would be caps on sound and light 
emitted by turbines that sometimes reach 500 feet into the sky.Landowners and community 
organizations would gain leverage to block projects if the bill became 
law, and wind farm advocates contend passage of the measure would put an
 end to the industry’s growth in Kansas.Burns said he moved to 
eastern Kansas to open a pharmacy because of the area’s rural appeal. He
 wanted some acreage near Garnett to enjoy the outdoors and build a home
 to raise a family. He was confident there was little anyone could do to
 undermine his dreams.“I thought there would be 
no chance of anything taking that all away,” he told the Senate 
Utilities Committee. “My family and our assets were protected. My rights
 were protected. So I thought.”<h2>Property rights</h2><a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/committees/ctte_s_utils_1/misc_documents/download_testimony/ctte_s_utils_1_20210322_48_testimony.html">In 2015, Burns said,</a>
 a representative of Calpine Energy called to inquire about leasing 
ground on his property for a wind farm. He turned away the offer after 
concluding wind farms, which he referred to as “power plants,” were 
recipients of massive tax subsidies, created few permanent jobs, 
fostered community divisiveness, negatively influenced health, created 
issues with daytime flicker shadows and nighttime blinking lights, 
depended on “predatory” leases with landowners, disrupted sleep with 
sound pollution and were subjected to relatively little regulation.Burns said the Anderson 
County Commission listened to skeptics and adopted some barriers to 
deter developers of wind farms. The problem, he said, was that dozens of
 Kansas counties didn’t have zoning to restrain fat-cat developers and 
their persuasive attorneys and lobbyists. The Kansas Legislature should 
stop treating rural people like second-class citizens and stand up for 
uniform management of wind projects and the protection of rural property
 rights, he said.“Why are there no wind 
power plants in Johnson County? Wyandotte? Sedgwick? Shawnee?” Burns 
said. “If they have no impact, then why? How would any of you feel if 
there were a massage parlor or night club coming into your neighborhood?
 Fast food, gas station or even a landfill or factory?”He was joined by seven 
other people who spoke to the committee in desperate terms about their 
desire to stop spread of wind farms in Kansas, a state with more than 
3,000 turbines scattered among 40 developments in 30 counties. 
Twenty-five people had signed up to personally share testimony with 
senators, while more than 40 submitted written comments in favor of 
Senate Bill 279.Opponents of the bill take
 the microphone Tuesday in an attempt to sway the Republican-led 
committee chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson, a Johnson County Republican who
 called wind turbines a public nuisance in need of retraint afforded by 
state statute.<h2>Economic impact</h2>Alan Anderson, a Kansas 
attorney who specializes in energy development projects, said during a 
news conference at the Capitol that $14 billion had been invested so far
 in wind farms scattered in Kansas. These projects created 22,000 
construction, operational and indirect jobs during the past 20 years.Companies with turbines on
 private land pay $48 million annually in lease payments to those 
individuals, he said. Over the 20-year life of the Kansas wind farms in 
operation now, he said, an estimated $962 million in lease payments 
would be made to landowners.In addition, he said, 
companies investing in Kansas wind farms had committed to providing 
communities with $657 million over 20 years in property taxes and for 
priorities ranging from law enforcement to education.“The message that a bill 
like Senate Bill 279 sends out to these different companies is … maybe 
we’re not a stable environment, maybe we are not a place you should 
consider locating,” Anderson said. “Make no mistake at all. Senate Bill 
279 would end all wind energy development in Kansas. That’s frankly the 
intent of the bill. This isn’t a bill to actually talk about rational 
siting. It’s to end wind energy development.”Kimberly Svaty, who 
represents Advanced Power Alliance, said testimony from wind developers 
scheduled to speak Tuesday would demonstrate reluctance to invest in new
 wind farms in Kansas under terms of the Senate bill. It’s too easy for 
wind investment companies to pivot to locations in other heartland 
states, she said.“They’re all saying that 
they will not invest another penny in the state of Kansas,” she said. 
“It’s not a threat, but it underscores the competition the state is in 
for jobs and investment.”<h2>Tactical collusion</h2>Dennis Hedke, a former 
member of the Kansas House who operates Hedke Geoscience Consulting in 
Wichita, said the Senate bill was necessary because so many Kansans 
experienced unrest, physical discomfort, mental anguish and economic 
hardship as a result of prolific development of industrial wind energy 
in this state. He said there was no justification for construction of 
turbines so close to private dwellings that residents struggled to sleep
 or dealt with irritation of vibration caused by blades with an outward 
speed over 150 mph.“Study after study by 
highly credentialed professionals have unequivocally confirmed the 
negative impacts experienced by residents in many states and countries,”
 Hedke said. “Yet, a large number of county commissions have ignored 
their pleas for relief. Some commissioners have, in absolute fact, 
colluded with developers and are culpable for the tactics that have been
 deployed against private citizens.”He said wind projects did 
“absoluely nothing to bring material benefit to the earth’s climate” 
despite claims to the contrary. It’s high time the wind industry accept 
it cannot replace fossil and nuclear fuels to sustain electricity grid 
requirements, he said.Gayla Randel, a retired 
educator living near the community of Frankfort in Marshall County, said
 NextEra Energies introduced the Irish Creek Wind Project in 2019 with 
plans to start construction in April. The unregulated environment could 
lead to more than 100 turbines, each 500 feet tall, with the consent of 
32 property owners in the wind farm footprint. Of 85 nonparticipating or
 uncompensated landowners nearby, she said, half had at least one 
turbine within 3,900 feet of their homes. None of those residents are 
more than two miles from a turbine, she said.“One nonparticipating 
landowner will have nine turbines within a mile of their home,” Randel 
said. “Three nonparticipating landowners will have eight turbines within
 a mile of their homes.”She said Marshall County 
was recognized as a Flint Hills counties, but the county wasn’t included
 in the wind farm moritorium initiated by Democratic Gov. Kathleen 
Sebelius in 2005 nor the expanded exclusion zone adopted by Republican 
Gov. Sam Brownback in 2011.“Why is this development 
being allowed to happen? Because Kansas has no guidance for our county 
commissioners who repeatedly said we cannot stop it unless we want to be
 sued. They were ill-prepared to make such a life changing decision. 
Wind developers can do this because no one has said they cannot,” Randel
 said.

Kan. property owner compares wind farms to strip clubs, landfills

<a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/ernie-hough/4564868/obituary.php?_ga=2.225630042.1553616354.1616273047-1202697284.1612194326">Ernie Hough Obituary - Solomon, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home</a>

November 7, 1949 - Saturday, March 6, 2021

Ernie “Big Ern” Hough, 71, affectionately called Ernie, a resident of Solomon, Kansas died on March 6, 2021 from complications of an acute heart attack and open heart surgery. He was born November 7, 1949, the son of Guy Ernest Hough, Sr. and Cora Faye Lamb Hough, also of Solomon, Kansas.

Ernie grew up in Solomon and helped his parents operate Hough’s Grocery. Many summers he and his family would head to Redstone, Colorado at the base of Mount Sopris where Ernie would spend many hours walking and fishing the Crystal River. After graduating from Solomon High School in 1967, he was drafted and served in the US Navy for four years, primarily in Communications in San Diego, California. 

After his military service, Ernie participated in several mission trips to remote areas of Alaska building cabins and outbuildings in base camps. Returning to Solomon, he then owned and operated Big Ern’s, a very popular bar known for its Friday nights $1 beer.

Following his father’s death in 2003, and learning of an unusual eye conditions of his mother’s, he wanted a way to take her traveling while she could still see. They decided to take off in a 40ft travel trailer and learn the business of antique shows and festival vendor. For many years they traveled up and down the East Coast participating in shows. During this time Ernie learned how to be successful in the business and upon Cora’s death in 2010, he continued operating the business on his own. 

Over the next eleven years, Ernie loved being on the road and focused his attention on the Midwest, Colorado, Texas and Arizona. At the time of his death, he was well known in many states and by many junkers and traders, and was operating two large vendor stores in Colorado as well as moving large amounts of inventory from state to state.

Ernie was a man of few words, but if you were lucky enough to be his friend, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you. He was funny, supportive, an adventurer, a good listener and observer and so kind to so many people in amazing ways.

Being an only child and never married Ernie is survived by Hazel Figler of California, Patsy Barlow of Abilene, Kansas and Tom Lamb of Solomon, Kansas and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his many good friends throughout the United States.

A life of Celebration service will be held for Ernie at Carlson-Becker Funeral Home Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., followed by his burial at Prairie Mound Cemetery in Solomon. Family will receive friends Friday evening from 5-7PM at the funeral home. 

In lieu of Flowers, his friends Dody Bricker and Marilyn Krantz are establishing a Solomon Alumni Scholarship for Kids. Memorials may be mailed Carlson-Becker Funeral Home, PO Box 308, Solomon, Kansas 67480 or dropped off at the funeral home the day of the service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Ernie "Big Ern" Hough, Solomon</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616512358627.jpeg" alt="Ernie “Big Ern” Hough" />
 <figcaption>Ernie “Big Ern” Hough</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://memorials.martinbeckercarlson.com/ernie-hough/4564868/obituary.php?_ga=2.225630042.1553616354.1616273047-1202697284.1612194326">Ernie Hough Obituary - Solomon, KS | Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home</a>November 7, 1949 - Saturday, March 6, 2021Ernie “Big Ern” Hough, 71, affectionately called Ernie, a resident of Solomon, Kansas died on March 6, 2021 from complications of an acute heart attack and open heart surgery. He was born November 7, 1949, the son of Guy Ernest Hough, Sr. and Cora Faye Lamb Hough, also of Solomon, Kansas.Ernie grew up in Solomon and helped his parents operate Hough’s Grocery. Many summers he and his family would head to Redstone, Colorado at the base of Mount Sopris where Ernie would spend many hours walking and fishing the Crystal River. After graduating from Solomon High School in 1967, he was drafted and served in the US Navy for four years, primarily in Communications in San Diego, California. After his military service, Ernie participated in several mission trips to remote areas of Alaska building cabins and outbuildings in base camps. Returning to Solomon, he then owned and operated Big Ern’s, a very popular bar known for its Friday nights $1 beer.Following his father’s death in 2003, and learning of an unusual eye conditions of his mother’s, he wanted a way to take her traveling while she could still see. They decided to take off in a 40ft travel trailer and learn the business of antique shows and festival vendor. For many years they traveled up and down the East Coast participating in shows. During this time Ernie learned how to be successful in the business and upon Cora’s death in 2010, he continued operating the business on his own. Over the next eleven years, Ernie loved being on the road and focused his attention on the Midwest, Colorado, Texas and Arizona. At the time of his death, he was well known in many states and by many junkers and traders, and was operating two large vendor stores in Colorado as well as moving large amounts of inventory from state to state.Ernie was a man of few words, but if you were lucky enough to be his friend, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for you. He was funny, supportive, an adventurer, a good listener and observer and so kind to so many people in amazing ways.Being an only child and never married Ernie is survived by Hazel Figler of California, Patsy Barlow of Abilene, Kansas and Tom Lamb of Solomon, Kansas and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his many good friends throughout the United States.A life of Celebration service will be held for Ernie at Carlson-Becker Funeral Home Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., followed by his burial at Prairie Mound Cemetery in Solomon. Family will receive friends Friday evening from 5-7PM at the funeral home. In lieu of Flowers, his friends Dody Bricker and Marilyn Krantz are establishing a Solomon Alumni Scholarship for Kids. Memorials may be mailed Carlson-Becker Funeral Home, PO Box 308, Solomon, Kansas 67480 or dropped off at the funeral home the day of the service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ernie "Big Ern" Hough

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to unlatch a gateway to citizenship for young “Dreamers,” migrant farm workers and immigrants who have fled war or natural disasters, giving Democrats wins in the year’s first votes on an issue that faces an uphill climb in the Senate.

On a near party-line 228-197 vote Thursday, lawmakers approved one bill offering legal status to around 2 million “Dreamers,” brought to the U.S. illegally as children, and hundreds of thousands of migrants admitted for humanitarian reasons from a dozen troubled countries.

They then voted 247-174 for a second measure creating similar protections for 1 million farm workers who have worked in the U.S. illegally. The government estimates they comprise half the nation’s agricultural laborers.

In a statement after the votes, President Joe Biden called the action a “critical first step” toward a more sweeping overhaul he’s proposed. He said he wants to work with Congress toward “building a 21st century immigration system that is grounded in dignity, safety, and fairness, and finally enacts the long term solutions we need to create an orderly and humane immigration system.”

Both bills largely hit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-ap-top-news-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-4dcf287375d1a1563deb737988b84dd4">a wall of opposition from Republicans</a>&nbsp;insistent that any immigration legislation bolster security at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/is-us-mexico-border-in-crisis-explained-aea57dde734f5cccb920e0d5d6111e65">the Mexican border</a>, which waves of migrants have tried breaching in recent weeks. The GOP has accused congressional Democrats of ignoring that problem and Biden of fueling it by erasing former President Donald Trump’s restrictive policies, even though that surge began while Trump was still in office.

While “Dreamers” win wide public support and migrant farm workers are a backbone of the agriculture industry, both House bills face gloomy prospects in the evenly split Senate. That chamber’s 50 Democrats will need at least 10 GOP supporters to break Republican filibusters.

The outlook was even grimmer for Biden’s more ambitious goal of legislation making citizenship possible for all 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally, easing visa restrictions, improving border security technology and spending billions in Central America to ease problems that prompt people to leave.

Nine House Republicans joined all Democrats in voting for the “Dreamers” measure, but 30 GOP lawmakers backed the farm workers bill, giving it a more bipartisan hue.

Congress has long deadlocked over immigration, which again seems headed toward becoming political ammunition. Republicans could use it to rally conservative voters in upcoming elections, while Democrats could add it to a stack of House-passed measures languishing in the Senate to build support for abolishing that chamber’s bill-killing filibusters.

Democrats said their measures were aimed not at border security but at immigrants who deserve help.

“They’re so much of our country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said of “Dreamers,” who like many immigrants have held front-line jobs during the pandemic. “These immigrant communities strengthen, enrich and ennoble our nation, and they must be allowed to stay.”

Neither House measure would directly affect those trying to enter from Mexico. Republicans criticized them anyway for lacking border security provisions and used the debate to lambaste Biden, who’s ridden a wave of popularity since taking office and winning a massive COVID-19 relief package.

“It is a Biden border crisis, and it is spinning out of control,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.

While the number of migrants caught trying to cross the border from Mexico has been rising since last April, the 100,441 encountered last month was the highest figure since March 2019.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9da3a0c7cb6e20dd5fc441a2bd90658e">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas&nbsp;</a>has said the number is tracking toward a 20-year high.

In another measure of the problem, around 14,000 children and teens are in Customs and Border Protection custody or Health and Human Services Department shelters while officials find relatives or sponsors to take them, Biden administration officials told reporters.

Democrats were making that problem worse, Republicans said, with bills they said entice more immigrants to sneak into the U.S. and provide amnesty to immigrants who break laws to get here.

“We don’t know who these people are. We don’t know what their intentions are,” Rep. Jody Hice, R-Ga., said of immigrant farm workers who might seek legal status. He added, “It’s frightening, it’s irresponsible, it’s endangering American lives.”

During earlier debate on the “Dreamers” bill, Democrats said Republicans were going too far.

“Sometimes I stand in this chamber, and I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone, listening to a number of my Republican colleagues espouse white supremacist ideology to denigrate our ‘Dreamers,’” said Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y.

Maine Rep. Jared Golden’s vote against the farm workers measure made him the only Democrat to oppose either bill.

The House approved “Dreamer” and farm worker bills in 2019 by similar partisan margins, and both died in what was a Republican-run Senate. Trump, who as president constricted legal and illegal immigration, would have signed neither.

Biden has suspended work on Trump’s wall along the Mexican border, ended his separation of young children from migrant families and allowed apprehended minors to stay in the U.S. as officials decide if they can legally remain. He has also turned away most single adults and families.

The “Dreamers” bill would grant conditional legal status for 10 years to many immigrants up to age 18 who were brought into the U.S. illegally before this year. They’d have to meet education and other requirements. “Dreamers” get their name from never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act.

To attain legal permanent residence, or a green card, they’d have to obtain a higher education degree, serve in the military or be employed for at least three years. Like others with green cards, they could then apply for citizenship after five years.

The measure would also grant green cards to an estimated 400,000 immigrants with temporary protected status or deferred enforced departure status, which temporarily allow people fleeing extraordinary problems into the U.S.

The other bill would let immigrant farm workers who’ve worked in the country illegally over the past two years get certified agriculture worker status. That would let them, their spouses and children remain in the U.S. for renewable 5 1/2-year periods.

To earn green cards, they’d have to pay a $1,000 fine and work up to an additional eight years, depending on how long they’ve already held farm jobs.

The legislation would cap wage increases, streamline the H-2A visa process for legal immigrant farm workers and phase in a mandatory system for electronically verifying the legal status of agriculture laborers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616180562006.png" alt="The “Dreamers” bill would grant conditional legal status for 10 years to many immigrants up to age 18 who were brought into the U.S. illegally before this year-photo courtesy House Speaker Nancy Pelosi" />
 <figcaption>The “Dreamers” bill would grant conditional legal status for 10 years to many immigrants up to age 18 who were brought into the U.S. illegally before this year-photo courtesy House Speaker Nancy Pelosi</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to unlatch a gateway to citizenship for young “Dreamers,” migrant farm workers and immigrants who have fled war or natural disasters, giving Democrats wins in the year’s first votes on an issue that faces an uphill climb in the Senate.On a near party-line 228-197 vote Thursday, lawmakers approved one bill offering legal status to around 2 million “Dreamers,” brought to the U.S. illegally as children, and hundreds of thousands of migrants admitted for humanitarian reasons from a dozen troubled countries.They then voted 247-174 for a second measure creating similar protections for 1 million farm workers who have worked in the U.S. illegally. The government estimates they comprise half the nation’s agricultural laborers.In a statement after the votes, President Joe Biden called the action a “critical first step” toward a more sweeping overhaul he’s proposed. He said he wants to work with Congress toward “building a 21st century immigration system that is grounded in dignity, safety, and fairness, and finally enacts the long term solutions we need to create an orderly and humane immigration system.”Both bills largely hit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-donald-trump-ap-top-news-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-4dcf287375d1a1563deb737988b84dd4">a wall of opposition from Republicans</a>&nbsp;insistent that any immigration legislation bolster security at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/is-us-mexico-border-in-crisis-explained-aea57dde734f5cccb920e0d5d6111e65">the Mexican border</a>, which waves of migrants have tried breaching in recent weeks. The GOP has accused congressional Democrats of ignoring that problem and Biden of fueling it by erasing former President Donald Trump’s restrictive policies, even though that surge began while Trump was still in office.While “Dreamers” win wide public support and migrant farm workers are a backbone of the agriculture industry, both House bills face gloomy prospects in the evenly split Senate. That chamber’s 50 Democrats will need at least 10 GOP supporters to break Republican filibusters.The outlook was even grimmer for Biden’s more ambitious goal of legislation making citizenship possible for all 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally, easing visa restrictions, improving border security technology and spending billions in Central America to ease problems that prompt people to leave.Nine House Republicans joined all Democrats in voting for the “Dreamers” measure, but 30 GOP lawmakers backed the farm workers bill, giving it a more bipartisan hue.Congress has long deadlocked over immigration, which again seems headed toward becoming political ammunition. Republicans could use it to rally conservative voters in upcoming elections, while Democrats could add it to a stack of House-passed measures languishing in the Senate to build support for abolishing that chamber’s bill-killing filibusters.Democrats said their measures were aimed not at border security but at immigrants who deserve help.“They’re so much of our country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said of “Dreamers,” who like many immigrants have held front-line jobs during the pandemic. “These immigrant communities strengthen, enrich and ennoble our nation, and they must be allowed to stay.”Neither House measure would directly affect those trying to enter from Mexico. Republicans criticized them anyway for lacking border security provisions and used the debate to lambaste Biden, who’s ridden a wave of popularity since taking office and winning a massive COVID-19 relief package.“It is a Biden border crisis, and it is spinning out of control,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.While the number of migrants caught trying to cross the border from Mexico has been rising since last April, the 100,441 encountered last month was the highest figure since March 2019.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9da3a0c7cb6e20dd5fc441a2bd90658e">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas&nbsp;</a>has said the number is tracking toward a 20-year high.In another measure of the problem, around 14,000 children and teens are in Customs and Border Protection custody or Health and Human Services Department shelters while officials find relatives or sponsors to take them, Biden administration officials told reporters.Democrats were making that problem worse, Republicans said, with bills they said entice more immigrants to sneak into the U.S. and provide amnesty to immigrants who break laws to get here.“We don’t know who these people are. We don’t know what their intentions are,” Rep. Jody Hice, R-Ga., said of immigrant farm workers who might seek legal status. He added, “It’s frightening, it’s irresponsible, it’s endangering American lives.”During earlier debate on the “Dreamers” bill, Democrats said Republicans were going too far.“Sometimes I stand in this chamber, and I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone, listening to a number of my Republican colleagues espouse white supremacist ideology to denigrate our ‘Dreamers,’” said Rep. Mondaire Jones, D-N.Y.Maine Rep. Jared Golden’s vote against the farm workers measure made him the only Democrat to oppose either bill.The House approved “Dreamer” and farm worker bills in 2019 by similar partisan margins, and both died in what was a Republican-run Senate. Trump, who as president constricted legal and illegal immigration, would have signed neither.Biden has suspended work on Trump’s wall along the Mexican border, ended his separation of young children from migrant families and allowed apprehended minors to stay in the U.S. as officials decide if they can legally remain. He has also turned away most single adults and families.The “Dreamers” bill would grant conditional legal status for 10 years to many immigrants up to age 18 who were brought into the U.S. illegally before this year. They’d have to meet education and other requirements. “Dreamers” get their name from never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act.To attain legal permanent residence, or a green card, they’d have to obtain a higher education degree, serve in the military or be employed for at least three years. Like others with green cards, they could then apply for citizenship after five years.The measure would also grant green cards to an estimated 400,000 immigrants with temporary protected status or deferred enforced departure status, which temporarily allow people fleeing extraordinary problems into the U.S.The other bill would let immigrant farm workers who’ve worked in the country illegally over the past two years get certified agriculture worker status. That would let them, their spouses and children remain in the U.S. for renewable 5 1/2-year periods.To earn green cards, they’d have to pay a $1,000 fine and work up to an additional eight years, depending on how long they’ve already held farm jobs.The legislation would cap wage increases, streamline the H-2A visa process for legal immigrant farm workers and phase in a mandatory system for electronically verifying the legal status of agriculture laborers.___

House OKs legal status for farm workers, 'Dreamers'

I started listening to your radio show recently, and I heard you say people should have 10 to 12 times their yearly income in life insurance. I’m single, with no plans to get married. Plus, I don’t have any children. Do I still need a big life insurance policy like that?

I do recommend most people, if they work outside the home and are married—especially if they have kids—have 10 to 12 times their annual income in a good, level term&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/financial-future-term-life-insurance" target="_blank">life insurance policy</a>. You only need life insurance to take care of things you leave behind when you die. So, when it comes to this kind of coverage, just think about anyone who might be left in a bad financial situation if you died. Your family could never replace&nbsp;you, but in most cases, they would need to replace your income.

Someone in your shoes might not need a traditional life insurance policy, especially if you’ve been smart with your money and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/5-things-we-should-be-saving-for" target="_blank">saved up</a>&nbsp;a pile of cash. A simple, inexpensive burial policy might work. There’s also a good chance you already have a small amount of life&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/coverage-checkup" target="_blank">insurance coverage</a>&nbsp;built into an existing health insurance policy or bank account.

Good question, Kris. I’m glad you’re looking for answers!

I owe $17,000 on my car, and it is my largest and only debt. I think I can have it paid off in two years, because I bring home about $2,800 a month and my monthly expenses are $2,100. I also just got a $2,000 tax refund. Should I pay it off as fast as possible, or sell the car?

If you think you can have the car paid off in two years or less, that’s what I’d do. The question is this: Are you willing to do what it’ll take to make that happen? It’s going to mean lots of discipline and hard work on your part, in addition to living on a really&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everydollar.com/guide-to-budgeting-dave-says" target="_blank">strict budget</a>. But in return, you’ll have that car loan off your back for good.

You don’t want the debt on all your vehicles to be more than half of your annual income. If that’s the case, it means you have too much money tied up in things that are going down in value. If you bring home $2,800 a month, you probably make around $40,000 a year. Technically, your car loan is under half in this scenario, but it’s still pretty expensive. I’d get serious about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-debt-reduction" target="_blank">getting out of debt</a>, and pay the thing off!

<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596845065840.jpeg" alt="Dave Ramsey&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dave Ramsey&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>You may already have some</h2>Dear Dave,I started listening to your radio show recently, and I heard you say people should have 10 to 12 times their yearly income in life insurance. I’m single, with no plans to get married. Plus, I don’t have any children. Do I still need a big life insurance policy like that?KrisDear Kris,I do recommend most people, if they work outside the home and are married—especially if they have kids—have 10 to 12 times their annual income in a good, level term&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/financial-future-term-life-insurance" target="_blank">life insurance policy</a>. You only need life insurance to take care of things you leave behind when you die. So, when it comes to this kind of coverage, just think about anyone who might be left in a bad financial situation if you died. Your family could never replace&nbsp;you, but in most cases, they would need to replace your income.Someone in your shoes might not need a traditional life insurance policy, especially if you’ve been smart with your money and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/5-things-we-should-be-saving-for" target="_blank">saved up</a>&nbsp;a pile of cash. A simple, inexpensive burial policy might work. There’s also a good chance you already have a small amount of life&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/coverage-checkup" target="_blank">insurance coverage</a>&nbsp;built into an existing health insurance policy or bank account.Good question, Kris. I’m glad you’re looking for answers!—Dave<h2>Are you willing to do what it takes?</h2>Dear Dave,I owe $17,000 on my car, and it is my largest and only debt. I think I can have it paid off in two years, because I bring home about $2,800 a month and my monthly expenses are $2,100. I also just got a $2,000 tax refund. Should I pay it off as fast as possible, or sell the car?JusticeDear Justice,If you think you can have the car paid off in two years or less, that’s what I’d do. The question is this: Are you willing to do what it’ll take to make that happen? It’s going to mean lots of discipline and hard work on your part, in addition to living on a really&nbsp;<a href="https://www.everydollar.com/guide-to-budgeting-dave-says" target="_blank">strict budget</a>. But in return, you’ll have that car loan off your back for good.You don’t want the debt on all your vehicles to be more than half of your annual income. If that’s the case, it means you have too much money tied up in things that are going down in value. If you bring home $2,800 a month, you probably make around $40,000 a year. Technically, your car loan is under half in this scenario, but it’s still pretty expensive. I’d get serious about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-debt-reduction" target="_blank">getting out of debt</a>, and pay the thing off!—Dave<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey</a>&nbsp;is a seven-time No. 1 national best-selling author, personal finance expert, and host of&nbsp;The Ramsey Show, heard by more than 16 million listeners each week. He&nbsp;has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Today Show, Fox News, CNN, Fox Business, and many more. Since 1992, Dave has helped people regain control of their money, build wealth and enhance their lives. He also serves as CEO for Ramsey Solutions.

DAVE SAYS: You may already have some; Willing to do what it takes?

If you’re feeling crushed by your student loan debt right now, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I get that it can feel like a huge burden you’ll never get off your shoulders.

But listen: There’s light at the end of the tunnel! There are plenty of ways to get intense about paying off debt. In addition to getting on a budget, making some extra income with another job or side hustle, selling stuff, cutting back expenses, and working the debt snowball, one option a lot of people use is refinancing.

Let’s talk about what refinancing is, and if it’s a good choice for you. What is student loan refinancing?

Student loan refinancing is the process of switching to a different lender to get a better interest rate or faster payoff—or both. If you qualify, the new lender basically pays off your current loans and gives you a better deal with better terms, which is different from loan consolidation. Refinancing gives you a new rate on a mix of either federal or private student loans, while consolidation means combining your loans, so you only have one payment (it doesn’t actually save you money).&nbsp;

Should you refinance your student loans?

Not all refinancing options are created equal, so you have to be careful about the new terms that you sign up for. You should only refinance your student loans if:

1. It’s totally free to make the change -&nbsp;That means no application fees or origination charges that would cancel out the money you’d save later. If you have to pay to refinance, it’s better to just put all that money toward paying off your debt.

2.&nbsp; You don’t end up with a higher interest rate -&nbsp;The point of a refi is to get a lower interest rate. If you get a lower monthly payment, but a higher interest rate, that defeats the purpose.

3. You don’t get a longer repayment period -&nbsp;That just means you’ll spend more time being in debt, when your goal is to be debt-free as fast as possible.

4. You don’t need a cosigner -&nbsp;Cosigning for a refinance might seem like it makes things easier in the moment. But mixing finances with relationships usually ends up being a pain for everyone involved.

5. You stay motivated to keep paying off debt -&nbsp;When your loan situation gets simpler, it can be tempting to go on autopilot since it feels like some of the weight has been lifted. But that mindset won’t get you out of debt fast.&nbsp;

Still not sure if refinancing is the best money move for you? This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/student-loan-refinancing" target="_blank">free two-minute quiz</a>&nbsp;will help you figure out if you qualify to refinance your student loans, and help you find a trusted resource to get the job done!

Anthony ONeal&nbsp;is a No. 1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of the popular online series “The Table” on his YouTube channel. He has appeared on&nbsp;Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, The Tom Joyner Show and Rachael Ray, among others.&nbsp;Since&nbsp;2015, Anthony&nbsp;has served at Ramsey Solutions,&nbsp;where&nbsp;he&nbsp;teaches young adults how to budget, live without debt, avoid student loans, and build real wealth for their future. Follow&nbsp;Anthony&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyONeal" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aoneal/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/anthonyoneal" target="_blank">YouTube</a>or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anthonyoneal.com/" target="_blank">anthonyoneal.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597852402036.jpeg" alt="Anthony ONeal" />
 <figcaption>Anthony ONeal</figcaption>
 </figure>By ANTHONY ONEALIf you’re feeling crushed by your student loan debt right now, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I get that it can feel like a huge burden you’ll never get off your shoulders.But listen: There’s light at the end of the tunnel! There are plenty of ways to get intense about paying off debt. In addition to getting on a budget, making some extra income with another job or side hustle, selling stuff, cutting back expenses, and working the debt snowball, one option a lot of people use is refinancing.Let’s talk about what refinancing is, and if it’s a good choice for you. What is student loan refinancing?Student loan refinancing is the process of switching to a different lender to get a better interest rate or faster payoff—or both. If you qualify, the new lender basically pays off your current loans and gives you a better deal with better terms, which is different from loan consolidation. Refinancing gives you a new rate on a mix of either federal or private student loans, while consolidation means combining your loans, so you only have one payment (it doesn’t actually save you money).&nbsp;Should you refinance your student loans?Not all refinancing options are created equal, so you have to be careful about the new terms that you sign up for. You should only refinance your student loans if:1. It’s totally free to make the change -&nbsp;That means no application fees or origination charges that would cancel out the money you’d save later. If you have to pay to refinance, it’s better to just put all that money toward paying off your debt.2.&nbsp; You don’t end up with a higher interest rate -&nbsp;The point of a refi is to get a lower interest rate. If you get a lower monthly payment, but a higher interest rate, that defeats the purpose.3. You don’t get a longer repayment period -&nbsp;That just means you’ll spend more time being in debt, when your goal is to be debt-free as fast as possible.4. You don’t need a cosigner -&nbsp;Cosigning for a refinance might seem like it makes things easier in the moment. But mixing finances with relationships usually ends up being a pain for everyone involved.5. You stay motivated to keep paying off debt -&nbsp;When your loan situation gets simpler, it can be tempting to go on autopilot since it feels like some of the weight has been lifted. But that mindset won’t get you out of debt fast.&nbsp;Still not sure if refinancing is the best money move for you? This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/student-loan-refinancing" target="_blank">free two-minute quiz</a>&nbsp;will help you figure out if you qualify to refinance your student loans, and help you find a trusted resource to get the job done!Anthony ONeal&nbsp;is a No. 1 national best-selling author, financial expert and host of the popular online series “The Table” on his YouTube channel. He has appeared on&nbsp;Good Morning America, The Tamron Hall Show, The Tom Joyner Show and Rachael Ray, among others.&nbsp;Since&nbsp;2015, Anthony&nbsp;has served at Ramsey Solutions,&nbsp;where&nbsp;he&nbsp;teaches young adults how to budget, live without debt, avoid student loans, and build real wealth for their future. Follow&nbsp;Anthony&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AnthonyONeal" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aoneal/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/anthonyoneal" target="_blank">YouTube</a>or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.anthonyoneal.com/" target="_blank">anthonyoneal.com</a>.

ONEAL: Should you refinance your student loans? 

LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden is joining top messengers already crisscrossing the country to highlight the benefits of his massive COVID-19 rescue plan, in his case by promoting aid for small businesses.

Biden is set to visit a small business in suburban Philadelphia on Tuesday, his initial trip outside Washington for the “Help is here” tour that got underway Monday. Vice President Kamala Harris dropped in on a COVID-19 vaccination site and a culinary academy in Las Vegas while <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?509907-1/lady-jill-biden-speaks-covid-relief-aid-reopening-schools&amp;live=">first lady Jill Biden toured a New Jersey elementary school.</a>

“We want to avoid a situation where people are unaware of what they’re entitled to,” Harris said at the culinary academy. “It’s not selling it; it literally is letting people know their rights. Think of it more as a public education campaign.”

The White House is wasting no time promoting the $1.9 trillion relief plan, which Biden signed into law last week, looking to build momentum for the rest of his agenda and anxious to avoid the mistakes of 2009 in boosting that year’s recovery effort. Even veterans of Barack Obama’s administration acknowledge they did not do enough then to showcase their massive economic stimulus package.

“Hope is here in real and tangible ways,” Biden said Monday at the White House. He said the new government spending will bankroll efforts that could allow the nation to emerge from the pandemic’s twin crises, health and economic.

“Shots in arms and money in pockets,” the president said. “That’s important. The American Rescue Plan is already doing what it was designed to do: make a difference in people’s everyday lives. We’re just getting started.”

Biden said that within the next 10 days, his administration will clear two important benchmarks: distributing 100 million stimulus payments and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-19-vaccine-waste-largely-unknown-d2624a6dfefaa4b6a10cc0704ab5ab9d">administering 100 million vaccine doses</a>&nbsp;since he took office. To commemorate those milestones, Biden and his top representatives are embarking on their most ambitious travel schedule of his young presidency, visiting a series of potential election battleground states this week.

The sales pitch was leaving Republicans cold.

Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell dismissed the target of doses that Biden set when he took office as “not some audacious goal” but just the pace that he inherited. And he mocked Biden’s talk of Americans working toward merely being able to gather in small groups by July 4th as “bizarre.”

The Biden plan cleared Congress without any backing from Republicans, despite polling that found broad public support. Republicans argued the bill was too expensive, especially with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-suspends-astrazeneca-vaccine-blood-clotting-0ab2c4fe13370c96c873e896387eb92f">vaccinations making progress against the virus,</a>&nbsp;and included too many provisions not directly linked to the pandemic.

After beginning the sales campaign with high-profile speeches, Biden will head to Pennsylvania on Tuesday and then join Harris in Georgia on Friday. Others on his team are visiting the electorally important states of Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and New Hampshire. The trip Monday marked Harris’ first official journey in office and included an unscheduled stop at a vegan taco stand as well as a coffee stand at the Culinary Academy Las Vegas.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, “We want to take some time to engage directly with the American people and make sure they understand the benefits of the package and how it is going to help them get through this difficult period of time.”

The White House has detailed a theme for each day, focusing on small businesses, schools, home evictions and direct checks to most Americans. 

Jill Biden was joined by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on a tour Monday of Samuel Smith Elementary School in Burlington, where she highlighted steps the school took to reopen.

But her tour revealed the challenges ahead: In one classroom she visited, only two students were in attendance for in-person learning while the other 17 were virtual. The first lady sat down at a computer to say hello to the remote learners.

“I just I love being here at a school again: Educators, parents and students, the entire school has come together to bring kids back to the classroom,” she said. “But even with your best efforts, students can’t come, they can’t come in every day, which means that their parents are still having to take time off of work, or figure out childcare solutions. And this school like schools across this country can’t fully reopen without help.”

The president on Monday also announced that he had chosen Gene Sperling, a longtime Democratic economic policy expert, to oversee the massive stimulus package, the role Biden himself had played for the 2009 economic rescue package. The goal, Biden said, is to “stay on top of every dollar spent.”

“I learned from my experience implementing the Recovery Act just how important it is to have someone who can manage all the moving parts with efficiency, speed and integrity and accountability,” said the president.

The plan’s key features include direct payments of $1,400 for most single taxpayers, or $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, plus $1,400 per dependent — a total of $5,600 for a married couple with two children. The payments phase out for people with higher incomes.

An extension of federal unemployment benefits will continue through Sept. 6 at $300 a week. There’s $350 billion for state, local and tribal governments, $130 billion for K-12 schools and about $50 billion to expand COVID-19 testing, among other provisions.

Restaurants and bars that were forced to close or limit service can take advantage of a new multibillion-dollar grant program, and the plan also has tens of billions of dollars to help people who have fallen behind on rent and mortgage payments.

Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, joined his wife for the Western trip, visiting a food relief organization Monday in Las Vegas and participating in a listening session with the organization’s partners. In addition to the president, vice president and their spouses, Cabinet secretaries will also be out on the tour. Hundreds of mayors and governors, including Republicans, are being lined up to give interviews to discuss what the plan means for their communities.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg went first, touring a UPS distribution center in Landover, Maryland, on Monday that also delivers vaccines in the Washington area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615895142496.png" alt="Jill Biden was joined by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on a tour Monday of Samuel Smith Elementary School in Burlington, where she highlighted steps the school took to reopen- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Jill Biden was joined by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on a tour Monday of Samuel Smith Elementary School in Burlington, where she highlighted steps the school took to reopen- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — President Joe Biden is joining top messengers already crisscrossing the country to highlight the benefits of his massive COVID-19 rescue plan, in his case by promoting aid for small businesses.Biden is set to visit a small business in suburban Philadelphia on Tuesday, his initial trip outside Washington for the “Help is here” tour that got underway Monday. Vice President Kamala Harris dropped in on a COVID-19 vaccination site and a culinary academy in Las Vegas while <a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?509907-1/lady-jill-biden-speaks-covid-relief-aid-reopening-schools&amp;live=">first lady Jill Biden toured a New Jersey elementary school.</a>“We want to avoid a situation where people are unaware of what they’re entitled to,” Harris said at the culinary academy. “It’s not selling it; it literally is letting people know their rights. Think of it more as a public education campaign.”The White House is wasting no time promoting the $1.9 trillion relief plan, which Biden signed into law last week, looking to build momentum for the rest of his agenda and anxious to avoid the mistakes of 2009 in boosting that year’s recovery effort. Even veterans of Barack Obama’s administration acknowledge they did not do enough then to showcase their massive economic stimulus package.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615895078268.png" alt="The Biden plan’s key features include direct payments of $1,400 for most single taxpayers, or $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, plus $1,400 per dependent — a total of $5,600 for a married couple with two children.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>The Biden plan’s key features include direct payments of $1,400 for most single taxpayers, or $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, plus $1,400 per dependent — a total of $5,600 for a married couple with two children.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>“Hope is here in real and tangible ways,” Biden said Monday at the White House. He said the new government spending will bankroll efforts that could allow the nation to emerge from the pandemic’s twin crises, health and economic.“Shots in arms and money in pockets,” the president said. “That’s important. The American Rescue Plan is already doing what it was designed to do: make a difference in people’s everyday lives. We’re just getting started.”Biden said that within the next 10 days, his administration will clear two important benchmarks: distributing 100 million stimulus payments and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-19-vaccine-waste-largely-unknown-d2624a6dfefaa4b6a10cc0704ab5ab9d">administering 100 million vaccine doses</a>&nbsp;since he took office. To commemorate those milestones, Biden and his top representatives are embarking on their most ambitious travel schedule of his young presidency, visiting a series of potential election battleground states this week.The sales pitch was leaving Republicans cold.Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell dismissed the target of doses that Biden set when he took office as “not some audacious goal” but just the pace that he inherited. And he mocked Biden’s talk of Americans working toward merely being able to gather in small groups by July 4th as “bizarre.”The Biden plan cleared Congress without any backing from Republicans, despite polling that found broad public support. Republicans argued the bill was too expensive, especially with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/germany-suspends-astrazeneca-vaccine-blood-clotting-0ab2c4fe13370c96c873e896387eb92f">vaccinations making progress against the virus,</a>&nbsp;and included too many provisions not directly linked to the pandemic.After beginning the sales campaign with high-profile speeches, Biden will head to Pennsylvania on Tuesday and then join Harris in Georgia on Friday. Others on his team are visiting the electorally important states of Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico and New Hampshire. The trip Monday marked Harris’ first official journey in office and included an unscheduled stop at a vegan taco stand as well as a coffee stand at the Culinary Academy Las Vegas.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, “We want to take some time to engage directly with the American people and make sure they understand the benefits of the package and how it is going to help them get through this difficult period of time.”The White House has detailed a theme for each day, focusing on small businesses, schools, home evictions and direct checks to most Americans. Jill Biden was joined by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on a tour Monday of Samuel Smith Elementary School in Burlington, where she highlighted steps the school took to reopen.But her tour revealed the challenges ahead: In one classroom she visited, only two students were in attendance for in-person learning while the other 17 were virtual. The first lady sat down at a computer to say hello to the remote learners.“I just I love being here at a school again: Educators, parents and students, the entire school has come together to bring kids back to the classroom,” she said. “But even with your best efforts, students can’t come, they can’t come in every day, which means that their parents are still having to take time off of work, or figure out childcare solutions. And this school like schools across this country can’t fully reopen without help.”The president on Monday also announced that he had chosen Gene Sperling, a longtime Democratic economic policy expert, to oversee the massive stimulus package, the role Biden himself had played for the 2009 economic rescue package. The goal, Biden said, is to “stay on top of every dollar spent.”“I learned from my experience implementing the Recovery Act just how important it is to have someone who can manage all the moving parts with efficiency, speed and integrity and accountability,” said the president.The plan’s key features include direct payments of $1,400 for most single taxpayers, or $2,800 for married couples filing jointly, plus $1,400 per dependent — a total of $5,600 for a married couple with two children. The payments phase out for people with higher incomes.An extension of federal unemployment benefits will continue through Sept. 6 at $300 a week. There’s $350 billion for state, local and tribal governments, $130 billion for K-12 schools and about $50 billion to expand COVID-19 testing, among other provisions.Restaurants and bars that were forced to close or limit service can take advantage of a new multibillion-dollar grant program, and the plan also has tens of billions of dollars to help people who have fallen behind on rent and mortgage payments.Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, joined his wife for the Western trip, visiting a food relief organization Monday in Las Vegas and participating in a listening session with the organization’s partners. In addition to the president, vice president and their spouses, Cabinet secretaries will also be out on the tour. Hundreds of mayors and governors, including Republicans, are being lined up to give interviews to discuss what the plan means for their communities.Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg went first, touring a UPS distribution center in Landover, Maryland, on Monday that also delivers vaccines in the Washington area.

Shots in arms, money in pockets: Bidens promote relief plan 

<a href="https://www.wilsonfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/kenneth-d-wedel-md">Obituary | Kenneth D. Wedel, M.D. of Minneapolis, Kansas | Wilson Family Funeral Home</a>

Kenneth Dean Wedel, M.D., surrounded by family, died in peace at his home on March 13, 2021 at the age of 88.&nbsp; Ken, the son of Arthur A. and Elizabeth K. Wedel, was born at the family farmhouse in McPherson County, Kansas on July 28, 1932, one hour before his beloved identical twin brother, Kermit.&nbsp; From the beginning, the twins were inseparable.&nbsp; Of Swiss Mennonite heritage, they both spoke only German until the age of five.&nbsp;

Ken attended grade school at Garden Valley District No. 43, a one-room country schoolhouse in McPherson County, KS, and then Moundridge High School.&nbsp; After graduating from Bethel College in North Newton, KS, he received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.&nbsp; Always a Jayhawk, as twins Ken and his brother Kerm portrayed the role of James Naismith on each side of the basketball court at the opening ceremony of Allen Fieldhouse on March 1, 1955.

On April 30, 1954, Ken married his best friend and soulmate Dardanella Estelle Stucky, at the Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge, KS.&nbsp; After earning his medical license, Ken and Darda moved to Minneapolis, KS, which became their forever family home and the place where they raised their five children.&nbsp; Ken began his medical career in Minneapolis in 1961 at the newly constructed Minneapolis Clinic. &nbsp;Sears-Roebuck agreed to provide the plans for the clinic at no cost.&nbsp; The charge for an office call was $1.50 for all patients; 50₵ for Medicare. With the presence of Ken and Kerm and the support of the community, the Ottawa County Hospital became a reality in 1964, followed by the opening of the Childs Clinic in Delphos, KS in 1970. He made house calls and appreciated the graciousness of the many methods of thanks shown by his patients, fresh vegetables, homemade pies, and other gifts from the heart.&nbsp; Ken loved the communities he served, the patients he cared for, and the nurses and the staff.&nbsp; Ken was grateful to learn at his retirement that a wing of the hospital was named in his honor. &nbsp;

As much as he loved his calling, nothing could compare to his love for Darda and family.&nbsp; He never missed a family event or a ball game.&nbsp; He knew the score of every game they played and loved to watch the Royals, Chiefs, KU and the Minneapolis Lions, especially with the Wedel clan.&nbsp; He was always there for family with words of encouragement and a listening ear, never raising his voice.&nbsp; He was an invaluable role model for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.&nbsp; Ever humble in his endeavors, the family learned from the newspaper and not from Ken that in 1988 he was named &nbsp;Kansas Family Physician of the Year, a prestigious award based on nominations received from 607 physicians in the state.&nbsp;

<h2>Kenneth Dean Wedel, M.D</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615813551829.jpeg" alt="Kenneth Dean Wedel, M.D." />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Dean Wedel, M.D.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.wilsonfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/kenneth-d-wedel-md">Obituary | Kenneth D. Wedel, M.D. of Minneapolis, Kansas | Wilson Family Funeral Home</a>July 28, 1932 - March 13, 2021 Kenneth Dean Wedel, M.D., surrounded by family, died in peace at his home on March 13, 2021 at the age of 88.&nbsp; Ken, the son of Arthur A. and Elizabeth K. Wedel, was born at the family farmhouse in McPherson County, Kansas on July 28, 1932, one hour before his beloved identical twin brother, Kermit.&nbsp; From the beginning, the twins were inseparable.&nbsp; Of Swiss Mennonite heritage, they both spoke only German until the age of five.&nbsp;Ken attended grade school at Garden Valley District No. 43, a one-room country schoolhouse in McPherson County, KS, and then Moundridge High School.&nbsp; After graduating from Bethel College in North Newton, KS, he received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.&nbsp; Always a Jayhawk, as twins Ken and his brother Kerm portrayed the role of James Naismith on each side of the basketball court at the opening ceremony of Allen Fieldhouse on March 1, 1955.On April 30, 1954, Ken married his best friend and soulmate Dardanella Estelle Stucky, at the Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge, KS.&nbsp; After earning his medical license, Ken and Darda moved to Minneapolis, KS, which became their forever family home and the place where they raised their five children.&nbsp; Ken began his medical career in Minneapolis in 1961 at the newly constructed Minneapolis Clinic. &nbsp;Sears-Roebuck agreed to provide the plans for the clinic at no cost.&nbsp; The charge for an office call was $1.50 for all patients; 50₵ for Medicare. With the presence of Ken and Kerm and the support of the community, the Ottawa County Hospital became a reality in 1964, followed by the opening of the Childs Clinic in Delphos, KS in 1970. He made house calls and appreciated the graciousness of the many methods of thanks shown by his patients, fresh vegetables, homemade pies, and other gifts from the heart.&nbsp; Ken loved the communities he served, the patients he cared for, and the nurses and the staff.&nbsp; Ken was grateful to learn at his retirement that a wing of the hospital was named in his honor. &nbsp;As much as he loved his calling, nothing could compare to his love for Darda and family.&nbsp; He never missed a family event or a ball game.&nbsp; He knew the score of every game they played and loved to watch the Royals, Chiefs, KU and the Minneapolis Lions, especially with the Wedel clan.&nbsp; He was always there for family with words of encouragement and a listening ear, never raising his voice.&nbsp; He was an invaluable role model for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.&nbsp; Ever humble in his endeavors, the family learned from the newspaper and not from Ken that in 1988 he was named &nbsp;Kansas Family Physician of the Year, a prestigious award based on nominations received from 607 physicians in the state.&nbsp;With five kids at home and a busy career, Ken’s life would not have been complete without Darda, the cog in his wheel of life.&nbsp; From the time they met, to the end of his life, he wanted nothing more than to have her by his side.&nbsp; Darda gave him happiness, a loving home and peace, and he is at peace now with a life that was happy, filled with joy and family.Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Delbert and sister Leola.&nbsp; He is survived by his wife, Darda, his brother Kerm (Kathleen), 5 children, Susan (Brad) Krehbiel, Karen (Randy) Renwick, Mark (Carolyn) Wedel, Mike (Nancy) Wedel, Duane (Janette) Wedel, 12 grandchildren; Ben (Erin) Krehbiel, Ty (Kim) Krehbiel, Courtney (Brandon) Horn, Emma Renwick, David (Pilar) Wedel, Jessica Wedel, Aaron (Sarah) Wedel, Drew (Kylie) Wedel, Ryan (Torey) Wedel, Mason Wedel, Logan Wedel, Sydney (Aaron) Brooks,&nbsp; 11 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way and a special family friend, Carolyn Coon.&nbsp; Ken leaves behind a legacy of love.The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Kelly Yoxall and Dr. Trisha Barker Little, the daughter of his former partner and close personal friend, Dr. Steve Barker.The family will be holding a private memorial service. &nbsp;Visitation without the family present will be from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M, Friday, March 19 at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis. &nbsp;In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church or the Minneapolis Community Foundation Ken Wedel Fund created in his honor so that Ken and Darda can continue to support the community they love.&nbsp; The memorials may be mailed to the Wilson Funeral Home P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis KS 67467. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of&nbsp;Kenneth D. Wedel, M.D., please&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.wilsonfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/kenneth-d-wedel-md/gifts?campaign=obituaryThemed-gifts-textLink-obitText">click here to visit our Sympathy Store</a>.