Today is Wednesday, Dec. 20, the 354th day of 2006. There are 11 days left in the year. On this date in 1803, the Louisiana Purchase is completed as ownership of the territory is formally transferred

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 20, the 354th day of 2006. There are 11 days left in the year. On this date in 1803, the Louisiana Purchase is completed as ownership of the territory is formally transferred from France to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans.
In 1790, the first successful cotton mill in the United States begins operating at Pawtucket, R.I. In 1860, South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union. In 1864, Confederate forces evacuate Savannah, Ga., as Union Gen. William T. Sherman continues his "March to the Sea." In 1945, the Office of Price Administration announces the end of tire rationing, effective Jan. 1, 1946. In 1946, the Frank Capra film "It's A Wonderful Life," starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, has a preview showing for charity at New York's Globe Theatre, a day before its "official" world premiere. In 1968, author John Steinbeck dies in New York at age 66. In 1976, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley dies at age 74. In 1987, more than 4,300 people are killed when the Dona Paz, a Philippine passenger ship, collides with the tanker Vector off Mindoro island.
December 20, 1981: Youngstown's four new councilmen share a desire to bring new enthusiasm and determination to city government. They are George M. McKelvey, James E. Fortune, Joseph Valko and Michael Yarosh.
Trumbull County commissioners order a management audit of the Trumbull County Employment and Training Agency by a Columbus consulting firm.
Saying he won't be a part of a government waging war against its own people, Romuald Spasowski, Poland's ambassador to the United States, defects and is being protected in an undisclosed location.
December 20, 1966: The Mahoning County Welfare Department faces a cutback in its work experience and training program after the first of the year, says Welfare Director James O'Brien.
A new Public Health service sample shows Youngstown's air is polluted most seriously by organic particles caused by incomplete combustion of fuels or refuse.
Two armed robbers tie up three members of the Novotny family and three employees at the Novotny Furs store in the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood and then leisurely load furs valued at as much as 100,000 into a green panel truck.
Helen Ferrence, 20, of Youngstown reigns as queen of the student nurses at Youngstown Hospital Association at the annual Christmas dance at Idora Park Ballroom.
December 20, 1956: Leroy & quot;Killer & quot; Keith of Warren and Youngstown, wanted for the killing of an Akron industrialist, is critically wounded in a running gun battle with New York City police.
Mahoning County officials agree on a sewage disposal plan for the Mill Creek area in Boardman Township, providing a large plant to serve most of the area and a small plant for the Charles Run area.
Youngstown City Council commits its share of 5 percent to a Mahoning Avenue-to-Poland Avenue expressway. The state will pay 5 percent and the Federal Bureau of Public Roads, 90 percent.
December 20, 1931: A number of city officials slated to be replaced when Mayor-elect Mark Moore takes office are planning to challenge their removal, including Lionel Evans, city park commissioner, who has been in office 21 years.
Delinquency in the payment of special assessments for streets, water lines and sewer in four Mahoning County townships increases nearly 60 percent, the county auditor reports.
Henry Ford's new model for 1932, which has been a closely guarded secret in Detroit, will be a V-type 8-cylinder. As recently as 10 days ago, it was assumed everywhere that Ford's new model would be a 4-cylinder car.