Today is Sunday, Dec. 31, the 365th and final day of 2006. On this date in 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrates his electric incandescent light in Menlo Park, N.J.

Today is Sunday, Dec. 31, the 365th and final day of 2006. On this date in 1879, Thomas Edison first publicly demonstrates his electric incandescent light in Menlo Park, N.J.
In 1775, the British repel an attack by Continental Army Gens. Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold at Quebec; Montgomery is killed. In 1857, Britain's Queen Victoria decides to make Ottawa the capital of Canada. In 1862, President Lincoln signs an act paving the way for West Virginia statehood. In 1877, President and Mrs. Hayes celebrate their silver anniversary (actually, a day late) by re-enacting their wedding ceremony in the White House. In 1946, President Truman officially proclaims the end of hostilities in World War II.
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.) In 1991, representatives of the government of El Salvador and rebels reach agreement at the United Nations on a peace accord to end 12 years of civil war.
December 31, 1981: Two ordinances that would abolish the rank of lieutenant in the Youngstown Police Department and cut three captaincies are tabled by the outgoing city council, leaving it to a council that includes four freshmen to take up the legislation after the first of the year.
Permanent job reductions take effect at the Packard Electric Division of General Motors, eliminating 218 salaried jobs, about 10 percent of the salaried work force.
Ohio State defeats Navy, 31-28, in the Liberty Bowl, ending a four-game losing streak in bowl games. Buckeye Quarterback Art Schlichter appeared in his 48th straight college game.
December 31, 1966: Expenditures totaling 7 million are announced for 1967 by Copperweld Steel Co. in Warren.
The "Blue Flu" spreads from Struthers to Campbell, with four Campbell police officers calling off sick. Officers in both cities are seeking wage increases.
The Federal Aviation Agency announces the winners of the supersonic transport design competition to be Boeing for the air frame and General Electric for the engines. The announcement ends a 30-month competition between Boeing and Lockheed and General Electric and Pratt & amp; Whitney.
December 31, 1956: Mahoning County is entering the new year with almost 100,000 in unpaid bills from 1956 and increased budget requests from many departments.
The New York Giants rout the Chicago Bears, 47-7, winning New York's first National League football championship since 1938.
Safecrackers break into the Century Food Market at 1815 Belmont Ave. during the night, burn off a safe door and escape with an undetermined amount of cash and checks.
December 31, 1931: Verne J. Wilson is named president of the new Union National Bank in Youngstown. Wilson came to Youngstown as a national examiner in October when the First National and Dollar banks were closed.
Youngstown's old city council adjourns without cutting the 1932 budget to meet expected revenues, leaving it to the new council and new city administration to tackle the job when they take office Jan. 1.
Youngstown Federated Churches announces that Jan 3 will be "Go to Church" Sunday in Youngstown, in keeping with the practice of recent years to encourage church attendance on the first Sunday of the new year.
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