Storing up for the winter (11/14/07)
About 50 to 70 years ago and years before that, it was certain death for a child to have Type 1 diabetes and for people who developed Type 2. In recent years it has been possible to provide care that helps people with diabetes. Many are now able to live a normal life by keeping the diabetes under control...

Seniors have choices (11/07/07)
People on Medicare have a large variety of choices that can be made. Right now there is a great amount of advertisements for Medicare Advantage Plans and for Plan D Plans. The reason is that Open Enrollment Period is from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. It is a time to review what you have and to evaluate other choices...

Reel endowment put to good use (10/24/07)
One of the greatest things that happened during my extension career was Helen Reel’s donating a farm to the University Extension Endowment Fund. Helen was impressed with the extension youth program and the gift of a farm for the youth in the area by Mary McGennis was a model for her. She had a special interest in young girls who we would now refer to as being high risk...

Kissing the Blarney Stone -- Part III (08/22/07)
This is a third and final column about a trip my family recently took to Ireland. In many ways it seems like a dream. It was a wonderful experience, and it provided wonderful memories. A portion of what we experienced and the sights we viewed has been shared with you, in this column some more of these will be shared; but even then, there will be significant events and sights not included. In sharing something of this type, it is difficult to know where to begin -- and where to end...

Kissing the Blarney Stone (08/14/07)
You may have noticed that I have had more eloquence recently. That is a result of having kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland. Jokingly, I often have said that I had never been out of Missouri. Some have believed me when I said that, but others knew that I often went to Fort Scott and reminded me that I had been to Kansas...

One-half second makes a difference (07/18/07)

County fair is highlight of the summer (07/11/07)
This week is an important week in the lives of the exhibitors at the annual Vernon County Youth Fair. For Spencer Thompson, president of the Vernon County 4-H Council, the county fair is the highlight of the summer. Many others are in agreement with him...

Know how to protect your eyes (06/27/07)
Each person has only one set of eyes and it is important to protect them. According to Jeremy Fast, optometrist, the number one cause of blindness for ages 20 to 75 is diabetes. Fast was the speaker at a recent group diabetic education meeting held at the Vernon County Senior Center...

Volunteers Make It Happen (06/20/07)
This past week the community had what appeared to be a highly successful Bushwhacker Days celebration. It is good for the community to hold events of this type. Since the community honored me, it is only appropriate to express some of my thoughts. Words are not adequate for sharing my feelings. ...

The triumph and tragedy of the orphan trains (06/13/07)
This week our second granddaughter (in age), Christie Ernsbarger, is in Washington, D.C. as a participant in the National History Day, representing the State of Arkansas. Recently, she completed eighth grade and is participating in the junior division with an individual performance...

Neptunes practice begins (05/23/07)
With the Nevada Neptunes, there is competition, but the point is not so much the competition as it is to have fun. Still, the participants have to put a lot into it. As a result, they will receive a great experience that will be meaningful to them. The interest and participation in the Nevada Neptunes is growing. ...

Farmer's Market returns to the Square (05/09/07)
Once again it is the season for the Farmer's Market. The first day for the market is this Saturday, May 12, beginning at 8 a.m. this is good for the community, good for the producers and great for the consumers. It is a place where local growers can market their products and a place for buyers to buy good nutritional local products...

Learning leadership, citizenship and life skills (05/02/07)
The title for the Missouri Center for Youth Development 2006 Annual report is "4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills." This title summarizes what 4-H is all about. The report provides a snapshot of 4-H in Missouri...

Good Things Happen in Vernon County (04/25/07)
Hummingbirds were observed on Monday, so that fun of watching birds is coming back once again. They have not been observed at the feeders, but that does not mean they have not been at the feeders. It would be nice if the birds could report to us about their trips, since they left last fall. A person wonders where they went and how they know to come back. It takes an effort to keep them fed properly, but they are a great pleasure...

Diabetic Care for Dummies (04/18/07)
Most people are aware of the series of books for dummies. These publications cover a number of subjects such as a variety of books relating to the computer. There is "Football for Dummies," "Baseball for Dummies," "Food for Dummies" and the list goes on...

McGennis Youth Center Celebrates with a 40/40 Program (04/11/07)
A great facility we have in Vernon County is the McGennis Youth Center, located north of Metz. Though it is not known by many folks, to me it is one of the greatest things that we have. Last week, the column was, "Keeping the Dream Alive." It contained information from the board‚s annual report with information about the dream Miss Mary McGennis had for the center when she donated 160 acres of land to the youth in the area and how that dream is being kept alive...

Keeping the Dream Alive (04/04/07)
It has been 40 years since Mary A. McGennis gave 160 acres of land to be used by the youth in this area. Forty years already? For many of us it does not seem to be that long. That was the beginning of the McGennis Youth Center and since then it has received a great amount of use, which will continue in the future...

Chamber promotes, recognizes education (03/21/07)
Education is of utmost importance in our community and is recognized as an important enterprise by the chamber of commerce. A silent auction was held during the recently held awards banquet. There were approximately 150 items auctioned off, the largest number ever contributed by many businesses...

Well-deserved recognition given to area businesses (03/14/07)
This is a continuation of last week's column relating to the recent Chamber of Commerce 2006 Awards Banquet. Those in attendance were actively participating in the Casino and the silent auction. There was a pause in those activities when it came time to present the awards...

Chamber of commerce awards banquet was highly successful (03/07/07)
It was large. It was fun. The food was great. Special recognition was presented to the stars. It was a good place to be. It was the recently held 2006 Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet. Nearly 300 people were in attendance at the event, making it the biggest yet. ...

'It's nasty' (02/28/07)
A good way to describe the current Vernon County jail is with the words used by one citizen, "It's nasty." Perhaps this is as apt a description as one can express for the county jail that has been in its current location since the '60s. Back then, it was thought of as being a great building for the jail. Still, there are those who recognized that it has never been a good jail...

Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (02/21/07)
"Diabetics need to take an active role in their own health," said Michael Crim, D.O., Nevada Medical Center, at a diabetic group education meeting held Monday at the Vernon County Senior Center. Diabetics often do not take enough ownership in their own health. ...

Take good care of your heart (02/14/07)
Today, the date for the publishing of this column, is a special day, a day of love. We celebrate Valentine's Day, a time when children exchange valentines and a special day for lovers. This is usually symbolized by a heart. It is appropriate that February has been selected as National Heart Month, which is a special time to consider the health of our hearts...

NARFE represents all active and retired federal employees (01/31/07)
Last week's discussion centered on the fact that having senior citizens retiring in our community and our state makes an economic impact. At present, many are going to other states to retire, because they do not have to pay income tax on their retirement. It becomes an investment to reduce their income tax and make Missouri one of the places where people want to spend their retirement years...

Missouri will benefit by reducing taxes paid by seniors (01/24/07)
It would be a win-win situation for Missouri to discontinue taxing the retirement income of our seniors. For many it may not seem possible, but what is happening is that many are not choosing Missouri for retirement. The reason is that there are a large number of states that are not taxing the retirement incomes and they are drawing people to retire in those states...

Reminiscing Again (01/17/07)
A few weeks ago I did some reminiscing with you and this may be a good time to continue. It is interesting that there are things that occurred in childhood and as a youth that are remembered, often more so than other periods of life. In many ways life is like a blur -- there is too much to remember and it goes quickly...

Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage programs through 2008 (01/10/07)
The Annual Open Enrollment Period for Plan D has come and gone. Changes except for special enrollments cannot be made until the next Open Enrollment Period, Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2007. In many ways, it was a rapid 45 days. Truly, there remains a great amount of confusion. Many older citizens are confused and do not understand...

Post was a community pillar (01/03/07)
Last Tuesday, Dec. 26, and the first work day after Christmas, it was a little hard to drive on the second block of West Cherry. A certain void was felt, knowing that a person often seen on that block was not there any more. Only in a small town does news travel so fast. ...

Merry Christmas (12/20/06)
Recently, I heard a song on the radio and every time they said Christmas, it was beeped out, like it was a bad word. They said that they could not use the word (beep). They would say merry (beep). It was humorous and still it was somewhat sad. Unfortunately, there is too much truth in it. There are places in our nation where they cannot use the word Christmas...

'Tis the season for reminiscing (12/13/06)
With the recent snow and cold weather, it is beginning to look like Christmas. After winters of having hardly any snow fall, we have gotten an old fashion snow. Still, winter has not arrived and will not until later this month. Most of the experts are predicting a mild winter. Maybe so, but I bet those people in the St. Louis area who were without electricity are not considering this to be mild weather...

Eat a balanced diet and in moderation on Thanksgiving Day (11/22/06)
Thanksgiving Day is a special day -- a time to express our thanks and to feast. There is much to be thankful for. Each one of you has your special things for which to give thanks thanks on your list. We are thankful for our family and our friends. Things we are thankful for include our community, our form of government, the many people that serve us, such as those in the health professions and law enforcement. ...

Community Service Award presented to Kelsey Hancock (11/15/06)
Much is accomplished by the 4-H members of Vernon County and many of them are high achievers. This was certainly indicated at 4-H Recognition held Saturday night in the home economics building at the fairgrounds. It is interesting to hear what these young people are doing. A number of awards were presented to 4-H members and leaders...

Life experiences shared by career military veteran (11/08/06)
A person who has devoted 31 years for his country by serving in the armed forces is a hero. One such person who chooses this community for retirement is retired Chief Master Sergeant Wayne K. Brown. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 as E9, the highest rank for an enlisted military person...

Let's vote (11/01/06)
"This is the most important election in my lifetime. There is a lot of stuff to vote for," was a comment Andy Remington made this week. Many agree with Andy that this is an important election, especially for a mid-term election. One of the great privileges we have is the opportunity to vote and to express our opinion. ...

Traveling the road to Black School (10/25/06)
While walking to or from school, among the things enjoyed was eating persimmons and wild grapes. Of course, the times a persimmon was eaten before it had ripened left a bitter taste in the mouth. A favorite subject of readers is related to childhood experiences while growing up on the farm. Coming in second relates to information about diabetes. This column is not about the experience of childhood; except for bringing back some of the memories...

Diabetics advised to brush more and to see dentist more often (10/18/06)
Local dentist Dr. Tom Bunton, discussed diabetes and diseases at the group diabetic education program held Monday at the Vernon County Senior Center. He emphasized the importance of dental hygiene to the group of eight in attendance. He confessed that as a general dentist he was not paying nearly enough attention to diabetes. This has been the case for most dentists. He found he was not being aggressive enough or watching carefully enough...

4-H -- Pathway to the Future (10/11/06)
National 4-H Week has come and gone. This year it was a little different in Vernon County than in most years. This special observance is held during the first week in October. Since the Annual Chicken Barbecue is held the first Saturday of the month, it is thought of as kicking off National 4-H Week. This year the first day was on Sunday and as a result the barbecue was the anchor event for the week...

Open enrollment will bring many choices (10/04/06)
Most of the Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in the new prescription drug program, Plan D. The experiences with this program vary from a bad experience to good. Most are satisfied with the program. For many the "gap," which may be referred to as the "doughnut hole" has been or is a major problem, this is the period that the person has to pay the entire cost for the drugs. ...

A Vernon County Justice Center is in the future (09/27/06)
There are a great amount of great things happening in our area, with the biodiesel plant being developed and a number of other projects in the works. All of these things will have a major impact on the future of Vernon County. Much of the economic development that has taken place in recent months has been through the efforts of the city and the county working together and getting things done. ...

Con artist tried to strike (09/06/06)
I had intended to use a different subject this week, but I had an experience last week that needs to be used as a subject. After sharing my experience with a loyal reader, he suggested that needed to be the subject this week. Last week, we received a call asking to talk to the owner of the phone. ...

Second-hand smoke is being eliminated at NRMC facilities (08/30/06)
Some time ago the Surgeon General came out with a report that second hand smoking is a health hazard for those being exposed. Years ago it was determined that tobacco use is a health hazard. Tobacco contributes to cancer, lung disease, heart disease and many other illnesses. Many people have died a horrible death as a result of prior tobacco use...

To do the best they can (08/23/06)
The swimming season has ended and school is in progress even though Labor Day has not yet arrived. Learning to swim their best was the challenge for those participating in the Nevada Neptunes, which is a good program for the youth involved. It provides good experiences and learning opportunities...

Murder can be habit forming (08/09/06)
Last week's column was about the annual barbecue and auction to be held last Sunday at the McGennis Youth Center. As I promised you, the barbecue was really good. The meal was prepared by Neil Steiner, of the Flaming Lantern, Butler. Neil and I were both reared in the same area -- Neal was a few years behind me. There were approximately 110 who went through the line...

Annual youth center events will be held Sunday (08/02/06)
It has been a tradition for the McGennis Youth Center to host a barbecue and an auction on the first Sunday of August. This will be the 37th year for the barbecue to be held and the craft auction, in conjunction with the event, started in 1980. This youth center will be the place to be this Sunday and is usually well attended and supported. Besides having good food, it is a good social event and an opportunity to show off the center. The center will be groomed and ready for visitors...

Improving streets for another five years (07/26/06)
At one time the streets in Nevada were horrible. There were many chuck holes, causing damage to the cars, and there were a great number of complaints. While there are always constant complainers, there has been a big change in recent years with the street improvements that have occurred...

Experiences will provide lifetime benefits (07/19/06)
As a person who has been involved in many youth fairs after arriving in Vernon County, I was highly impressed of the 61st annual event held last week. It has to be one of the best. There are many things that can be said about the fair as there was much to see and do. The attendance was great throughout the week, with community members showing a great amount of interest and support...

Keep your eye on the target and shoot straight (07/12/06)
The career of a volunteer 4-H shooting sports leader came to an absurd ending last week when David Rutledge left this life experience. He told me that he was going to discontinue being the Vernon County 4-H shooting sports coordinator. He felt it was time for someone else to pick it up. It is understandable that a person after serving as long and in a dedicated manner as he did would be ready to retire...

A Terrible Beauty is born: Women of the Irish Revolution (07/05/06)
Recently we had the thrill of watching our oldest granddaughter, Heather, and her two friends via Webcam receiving special recognition at National History Day, held at University of Maryland, June 11-13. They won top honors in the group presentation in the Irish or Irish-American history category. As result they are being awarded a trip to Ireland. This was announced on the front page in the June 20 issue of the Nevada Daily Mail and had been announced on KNEM/KNMO...

Honoring volunteers, part 2 (05/03/06)
Last week was National Volunteer Week, a time to pay tribute to the many volunteers in our society and to give them appreciation for the many things that they do. As we look around we find a great many volunteers performing all kinds of tasks. The volunteers add greatly to make our community and our country better...

Honoring volunteers (04/26/06)
What would life be like in Nevada and Vernon County, if all of the volunteers stopped volunteering? Life without the many volunteers cannot be imagined. There are a large number of volunteers contributing to our quality of life in a variety of ways. These people are devoting large numbers of hours of their personal time...

Time is running out (04/19/06)
Comments have been made, asking me to write a column about Medicare Plan D. That has been done already three times, or at least about the changes which took place this year in Medicare. There have been more changes in Medicare this year than have ever occurred since the beginning of the program. It has not all been well; still it has not all been bad...

Confronting the 'Silent Epidemic' (04/12/06)
The family did not get over it all. They did not talk about it. Because it took place before I was born, I did not get to know my uncle. If it had not happen, perhaps I would have had more cousins. I am sure it was always something that was often on my dad's mind, but he was among those who did not talk about it...

Missouri 4-H annual report received (04/05/06)
After expecting the annual report and looking forward to it, The 2005 Missouri 4-H Annual Report was finally received. This annual report reflects a small fraction of the work of the many partners in 4-H. There are numerous stories that could be related about the impact and experiences youth are receiving as result of the 4-H program...

Youth Center Report for 2005 presented (03/29/06)
A 160 acre plot of ground located north of Metz is the location for the McGennis Agricultural Park and Youth Center. The farm was given by Mary A. McGennis approximately 27 years ago for the youth in the area. The Mary McGennis Agricultural Park and Youth Center board was formed to develop, maintain and operate the center...

Educators honored at chamber banquet (03/22/06)
In the recognition of the importance of leadership in the county, educators were honored at the recent Nevada/Vernon County area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet and casino night. In addition, the chamber will be awarding a minimum of two $500 scholarships to two seniors at Vernon County schools...

Agri-business, Small Business and Large Business Pacesetters recognized (03/15/06)
Awards presented at the recently held Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce banquet and casino night included the Agri-business Pacesetter Award, Small Business Pacesetter Award and Large Business Pacesetter Award. Agriculture is highly important in this area and it is equally important to give recognition in this area...

Impact and Pride Awards Presented (03/08/06)
This is a continuation on the discussion about the recent chamber of commerce banquet. It was not a boring evening as it was much fun with great food. The food bars were located in different locations and as a result, there was never a long serving line. With the silent auction and the casino games, it was a fun night...

Thank You (03/02/06)
Monday morning, I was at the chamber of commerce office saying that this week's column is rather difficult to write. I was wondering what to say and how to say it. Charlene Winfiel, tourism coordinator, suggested saying, "Thank you -- and stop at that." She gave me the answer to what was needed...

Solutions for an animal shelter will be developed (02/22/06)
It has been nearly three years since Wesley Johnson suggested a column be written on the need for a county dog pound. This subject has been considered since and it is now an appropriate time to give consideration to the idea. Wesley lives near the junction of highways 54 and 43. Apparently it is about the right distance from town for many to drop off dogs in that area...

Increasing nutrition knowledge (02/15/06)
There is a saying that you are what you eat. There is much truth to this statement. For some time I have been interested in nutrition, but I have never made an intensive study, nor have I been really conscious of the different foods that I was eating. I use to be a meat and potatoes person and liked to eat pies and ice cream...

Good Call (02/08/06)
Recently the Nevada Rotary Club made a good choice when they named Greg Hoffman as the Citizen of the Year. No one is more deserving than he is for this special honor. It has been my pleasure to have known Greg for a number of years, since he began his business in Nevada and to observe a number of contributions he has made to the community. ...

Seeking and Giving Diabetic Support (02/01/06)
There has been a need for a diabetes support group in our community for several years. Diabetes is a deadly disease, now ranking at least fourth as a leading cause of death. There are a great number of possible complications, including the number one reason for blindness. Other complications include kidney disease, heart disease and stroke, nerve disease and amputations, high blood pressure and dental disease...

Farmers have an opportunity (01/25/06)
One of the best events during recent months was the announcement of a soy oil extraction/biodiesel facility to be located at Eve. Surely, the Eve Chamber of Commerce must have been extremely active to pull this off. This will mean that Eve will be placed on the map...

Caught by surprise (01/18/06)
It is said that if you are given a compliment that you need to take it with gratitude, rather than disagreeing with the complement. The reason is that you will get plenty of criticisms. This is true with any honor, recognition or award you might receive -- you need to be grateful...

Many are finding Part D is a challenge (01/11/06)
A question that is common among those on Medicare is, "Which prescription plan have you selected? A cartoon in the Kansas City Star Sunday illustrated the thoughts of many Medicare beneficiaries. It showed a maze with the words Medicare System on the first wall. In the midst of the maze, someone is calling out, "Hello? Anybody?"...

Beginning a new year (01/04/06)
We are now in the first week of a new year. It is exciting to start a new year with great anticipations and expectations. We will need to get use to writing a new date. In previous years I have suggested writing the year on a number of checks, to keep from dating the check a year ago...

Another year comes to the end (12/28/05)
This is the final week of 2005, a year with many ups and downs. Last week I did not get to wish you a Merry Christmas as I had intended -- perhaps I can now offer a belated Merry Christmas to each of you. Last week I had one of those trying experiences, when, after working to get most of the column written, I was not able to finish it. Perhaps it could be blamed on Aquila or perhaps it was Divine intervention...

Look at their faces (12/14/05)
One of the benefits we have had in this community for 16 years has been Quality Products Inc., a sheltered workshop, to provide employment for people with disabilities. During much of this time they were highly successful and provided work for as many as 100 individuals...

Confusion continues (12/07/05)
Currently the signup for Medicare Part D Prescription Cards is occurring. This represents the greatest change in Medicare since it started. Enrollment began on Nov. 15. All of those who are enrolled by Dec. 31, will possess a card to provide discounts on prescriptions. Everyone enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B is eligible to have a card...

November is Diabetes Awareness Month (11/23/05)
This is a special time of the year when many events will be held and opportunities to celebrate. This week there is a special day for our country and families -- a time set aside to express thanks and a time to feast. The problem most of us will have is to over-indulge, because the food is really good...

Logan receives 4-H Community (11/16/05)
The Leonard Ernsbarger Community Service Award, sponsored by the Bank of America, was awarded to Katlyn Logan at 4-H Recognition Night held Saturday at the fairgrounds home economics building. This is not a new experience for this outstanding 4-H member, as she also received the award in 2001, as an 11-year-old...

Reading in the classrooms (11/09/05)
Last week's column, "More Than Jack, Jane and Spot" told about a presentation presented by the three elementary principals on the reading program in the Nevada R-5 elementary schools. The educational program that the students are receiving is much different from what I received at the one-room Black School...

Volunteer contributions are worth more than words can say (09/07/05)
It has been several weeks since I last visited with you. It is time to get back and hopefully I will get this weekly column accomplished again. Readers and members of my family have encouraged me to start writing my column again. It is easy to keep postponing doing so...

Blacksmiths are gone but not forgotten (07/13/05)
When I was a kid, I enjoyed going to the blacksmith shop to watch the blacksmith work. It was rather fascinating. Back in those days, every town had a blacksmith, but somewhere along the evolution, they went out of existence. It was a unique aroma in the blacksmith shop, with the coals burning and the vapors from the hot metal. Now I recall the pounding that took place in the shop, this was from the sharpening of plow sheers...

Fairgrounds improvements looking good (07/06/05)
In May, I was talking to Neil Gerken and he was telling me that he and other volunteers had been working to improve the cattle barn at the fairgrounds. This was the first time that I had heard that improvements were being made to the barn, although it was in needed. He suggested that I to go to see the improvements...

Fairgrounds improvements looking good (07/05/05)
In May, I was talking to Neil Gerken and he was telling me that he and other volunteers had been working to improve the cattle barn at the fair grounds. This was the first time that I had heard that improvements were being made to the barn, although it was in needed. He suggested that I needed to go out to see the improvements...

What does Independence Day mean? (06/29/05)
As we come to another holiday, perhaps our nations most important holiday, there are some things that we need to think about. What does Independence Day mean to you? What does the Articles of Independence mean to our society? What does freedom mean to us? Are we as willing to defend our freedom as those who wrote the Articles?...

It was Len's (06/22/05)
Some how, some way in our "stuff" we have a milk stool, different from any milk stool I have ever seen. For those of you who may not be familiar with a milk stool -- that was the stool that a milker would sit on when milking a cow. I was always told that the milk stool was Len's...

Medical bills a major cause of personal bankruptcy (06/15/05)
Subjects such as experiences in the wheat harvest in Oklahoma and Kansas and the celebration we are having this week are rather fun subjects. Talking about personal bankruptcy is not so much fun, but such things also occur. Personal bankruptcy could happen for any one of us. If it has been avoided, then it could be that the chips simply fell in the right places...

Entertainment and educational events on the way (06/08/05)
Next week we will be celebrating Bushwhacker Days, which will launch the Sesquicentennial Celebration for Vernon County and Nevada -- a 150th anniversary celebration. Another event for the special celebration will be the all school reunion to take place October 6-8. There will be other events announced as the year goes by...

Wheat harvest was work and fun, part 2 (06/01/05)
Last week, I visited with you about, "Wheat harvest was work and fun -- but filled with embarrassing incidents." Today, I will continue to tell of some things about me going to the wheat harvest in Oklahoma and Kansas. I told you about one-waying for my Uncle near Henessey, Okla. ...

Wheat harvest was hard work and fun -- but filled with embarrassing incidents (05/25/05)
In 1952, I went with my uncle, Coe Hawk, to harvest wheat in Oklahoma and Kansas. Recently, I have been giving some thought to that summer in my life. I am not sure why I have been thinking about that period of my life, but perhaps it's because I spent some time with my cousin Floyd Hawk when we rode with my nephew from Phoenix to Yuma, Arizona and back. During that time, we'd talk about our time in the wheat harvest...

'The Obvious' made known (05/18/05)
A few months ago, I used a column that our oldest grandchild had written. Heather Ernsbarger is 14 years old and a ninth grader at Conway East High School, Conway, Ark. There were many comments made by readers of how good her column was. Many could not believe that with the quality of her writing that she was so young and only a ninth grader...

Mike will be missed (05/11/05)
Mike Straight, Nevada mayor pro-tem, left this life experience on Wednesday, April 27. His friendliness, his sense of humor, his smile, his leadership and his interest in people -- as well as in the community and his church -- will be missed by many of us. Many tributes have been said about him and many more could be said. Last Saturday one lady commented that he "was an awfully nice person."...

Fair Board honors Wilbur Smith (05/04/05)
Recently, the Vernon County Youth Fair Board honored Wilbur Smith, a long-time fair supporter and worker, with a reception in his honor. It is much better to honor someone while they can share in the experience, rather than to memorialize them later...

'The Duped Generation' took second place at state (04/27/05)
One of the things that has me disturbed is the lack of knowledge youth and young people have about our American heritage. They are not familiar with our history. Too many do not know who was our first president. They may not even know our current president, vice president, or many others in our government...

Livestock projects grown in back yards (04/20/05)
Recently, I traveled with my nephew and my cousin from Phoenix to Yuma, Ariz. This was my first time to travel in that part of Arizona. I have never done much traveling, so I was quite interested in what I was seeing -- I noticed it was like another world there...

Community of young people across America-- 4-H (04/13/05)
I am still interested in 4-H although it is now 16 years since I retired from extension as a 4-H youth specialist. If you were to check my blood, you might still find that green is flowing through my veins. Recently, I received a copy of the Missouri 4-H Youth Development Programs 2004 Annual Report. I am always pleased to receive this report and see some of the highlights in the 4-H program...

Little brother became big brother (04/06/05)
It doesn't seem that long ago. It was Aug. 13, 1936, when my little brother David Wayne Ernsbarger was born in Bates County, Mo. It was the hottest day on record for the area -- and remains on record as the hottest day. As a 3 year old, I do not think I was aware of what was about to happen. I was sent to Hellwig's, which was across the highway from us and up a lane. Arleta and I were playing when Letha told me that I had a baby brother. As I remember, I was thrilled and surprised...

Habjan elected president of youth center (03/23/05)
Virginia Habjan, Nevada, was elected president of the Mary A. McGennis Agricultural Park and Youth Center board, during an annual meeting held at the Flaming Lantern in Butler last Thursday. Bonnie Teel, Rich Hill, had asked to step down after serving as president for six years...

Champion Diamonds receives impact award (03/16/05)
This is the last in a series of columns about the awards presented at the recently held Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce annual awards banquet. The last two columns have been devoted to the 2004 Pacesetter Awards. This one will be about other awards...

Chamber salute (03/09/05)
Recently, a salute to special people took place at the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce's annual Pacesetter awards banquet. Last week, I visited with readers about Sam Foursha's being named as the 2004 Individual Pacesetter Award. The best honor a person can received is the recognition of peers. In a sense, that is what was done. The chamber is made up of businesses, individuals, and organizations like those receiving the special recognition that evening...

Pacesetters recognized by chamber of commerce at annual event (03/02/05)
Chamber recognition was held at the Eagles Lodge Saturday night with hundreds in attendance. In recent years this annual event has grown so much that it has outgrown other locations. There is a great amount of enthusiasim being shown by the chamber. The night was mixed with fun and awards. The fun included casino games associated with the theme of "Las Vegas, Nevada Style." This is the second year for the Las Vegas-style event...

Serious injury can result from a fall (02/23/05)
You may be only a step away from a slip or fall. It is often assumed that accidents happen to other people. We never consider that we might become a victim, but you may be only one step away from a slip or fall. According to 2001 National Safety Council information, a disabling injury occurs in someone's home every four seconds...

Nevada Lions Club to host pancake breakfast Saturday (02/09/05)
The aroma of the cooking of pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs is pleasant, especially during the morning hours when you are ready to eat breakfast, brunch, or lunch. That pleasant aroma will fill the air at the City/ County Community Center during the Nevada Lions Club pancake breakfast Saturday morning...

Payday loan rules need tightening (02/02/05)
Utility bills are high, the cost of fuel for transportation is high and keeps going up, the taxes may or may not have been paid, and the Christmas bills are coming in. There are also medical bills that are to be paid. Perhaps income has been reduced during the winter months. All of these things may put people in a bad financial situation...

We do not fully appreciate what we have (01/26/05)
This past summer, as I was taking walks in the early mornings at Spring Street Park and at Radio Springs Park, I was inspired and impressed. I thought at the time I should share some of my feelings with readers. Often we do not take time to smell the roses and to give consideration to the wonderful things that we have. The state is encouraging parks and recreation, because they improve the quality of life...

Heather Ernsbarger, on growth (01/18/05)
Due to the circumstances last week, I did not have time nor did I have the inspiration to write a column. Most grandparents have the tendency to brag on their grandchildren. In the past I have used creative stories that our oldest granddaughter wrote. For her age, she is a good writer. Heather (14) is in the freshman year of high school...

A new year has begun (01/05/05)
One year has ended and another one has started. It is good to turn over a new leaf, but what makes us think that this year will be any better than the past year? It is always good to evaluate the previous year, and to make plans for a new year. By now, most likely, many of the New Year's resolutions made have been broken. Still, it is good to establish some resolutions or to set goals. Remember, if you shoot for the moon and miss, you may hit a star. A star is high also...