Today is Saturday, Dec. 31, the 365th and final day of 2005. On this date in 1879, Thomas Edison

Today is Saturday, Dec. 31, the 365th and final day of 2005. On this date in 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrates his electric incandescent light in New Jersey.
In 1775, the British repulse an attack by Continental Army generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec; Montgomery is killed. In 1862, President Lincoln signs an act admitting West Virginia to the Union. In 1946, President Truman officially proclaims the end of hostilities in World War II. In 1961, the Marshall Plan expires after distributing more than $12 billion in foreign aid. In 1974, private U.S. citizens are allowed to buy and own gold for the first time in more than 40 years. In 1980, Canadian communications theorist Marshall McLuhan dies at age 69. In 1985, singer Rick Nelson, 45, and six other people are killed when fire breaks out aboard a DC-3 that was taking the group to a New Year's Eve performance in Dallas. In 1986, 97 people are killed when fire breaks out in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Three hotel workers later plead guilty to charges in connection with the blaze.)
December 31, 1980: Weathersfield Township will be without regular services of the Trumbull County Sheriff's Department after midnight because they did not approve a new contract with the sheriff.
George Vasko Sr., 47, is found dead beside a makeshift grave in the basement of his home at 6223 Kirk Road. Shots were fired at Vasko's son and a companion when they found the body. The companion was wounded. Police are seeking Vasko's roommate.
Attempts by Youngstown officials to balance the budget and keep safety forces at full strength are undermined by the announced retirements of six policemen and 10 firemen. The two department will have to come up with about $227,000 in severance pay.
December 31, 1965: A Hanoverton youth is in custody and two companions are being sought following the robbery of a Malvern fruit market and the brief kidnapping of two Minerva patrolmen who had set up a roadblock to catch them.
A 30-year-old Baltimore accountant is sentenced to 60 years in jail for embezzling $1.5 million from his employers. The accountant told the judge he had a gambling problem that started with a $5 bet on the Baltimore Colts and that he lost every penny that he stole.
Youngstown district steel mills will start 1966 operating at about 50 percent of capacity.
December 31, 1955: Sharon Steel Corp. is working on a major expansion that will increase its rated steel ingot capacity in 1956 by more than 20 percent. Youngstown Police Chief Paul Cress and Mahoning Sheriff Paul Lyden issue a warning to New Years revelers: a drunken driving conviction in Youngstown means 30 days in jail, ten times the mandated three days anywhere in Ohio.
Youngstown City Council increases the city income tax from 4 mills to 9 mills and approves a general pay increase of 10 percent for 1,400 city employees.
December 31, 1930: The Rev. William Hudnut Jr. addresses a college group home for the holidays at First Presbyterian Church. He says, "Any modification of the national Prohibition Act will not aid but complicate the present situation." If light wines and beer return, he says, bootleggers will not stop selling liquor.
A family of five - two adults and three children - can eat plentiful and nourishing meals for $9 a week with careful planning and buying, says Anna Woodward, head of the Allied Council, which is aiding Youngstown's needy.
The YMCA Sunday Forum has been canceled by Y trustees in light of the business Depression. During 11 years, the forum brought a president of the United States, a vice president, cabinet members, university heads and noted religious leaders to Youngstown.