Stories from Friday, January 21, 2005

By Lynn A. Wade Nevada Daily Mail Each year, the Nevada Rotary Club bestows on one of Vernon County's own an honor recognizing that individual's dedication, care and commitment to the community. It's the Citizen of the Year Award, and, in the words of Kathi Wysong, who was presented last year's award, it's "truly a life-changing experience, and one you'll never, ever forget."...

By Marc Powers Nevada Daily Mail JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt on Wednesday endorsed a form of early voting he said will boost voter participation while avoiding the increased costs that helped derail past proposals. Blunt's proposal would allow no-excuse absentee voting. At present, those seeking an absentee ballot must sign an affidavit stating a reason for why they are unable to make it to the polls on Election Day, such as they expect to be out of town...

Nevada Daily Mail Nevada firefighters responded to a report of a fire at an unoccupied house on south Oak at about 2:40 Thursday morning. The structure, owned by Linda Holland, had fire showing out of the rear when firefighters arrived. After a crew of 11 firefighters worked for three hours, the fire was extinguished. According to a report by Captain Bill Thornton the fire is under investigation. No injuries were reported...

Special to the Daily Mail The Vernon County Extension Council will be holding the 2005 council elections Jan. 22 through Jan. 30. Four Vernon County residents will be running for eight seats on the Extension Council. Steve Gray us running in the northern district...

By Steve Moyer Nevada Daily Mail Seniors wishing to find out more about the Medicare Approved Discount Cards and the Missouri Senior Rx Program will have a chance to hear Nancy Kavanaugh, assistant project coordinator for Seniors Organized to Restore Trust, at noon, Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Vernon County Senior Center. The program is part of the senior center's education program...

Laura Lois Foursha, 94, Nevada, died Jan. 18, 2005. Services were held at Ferry Funeral Home today, Jan. 21, at 10:30 a.m., with Bill Platt officiating. Soloist was David Rorabaugh. Musical selections were "In the Garden" and "Amazing Grace." Organist was Betty Seitz. A private committal was held at Newton Burial Park. Arrangements were by Ferry Funeral Home...

Working together for a better Missouri This week, the ceremonies and inaugurations wind down and we can start the real work of solving problems and improving our state. There is a serious obstacle, however, to making effective laws. I'm talking about the partisan bickering and infighting here in the Missouri House of Representatives. ...

A lot of eyes were focused on the Capitol steps yesterday as George W. Bush raises his right hand and takes the oath of office as President of the United States. It is an unforgettable moment for the Bush family, one that will remain locked in their memories for the rest of their lives...

Debate vs. personal attack Dear editor: It is with great reluctance that I write this letter critical of a man whom I've held in high regard, but I have been asked by a number of people to do so. I am reminded of the old adage, "I can't hear what you're saying because what you're doing is making so much noise." Thursday's Nevada Daily Mail featured a letter from our senior community leader, Franklin Norman. ...

100 years ago: A frozen fire plug nearly caused a serious fire The fire boys were called out again this morning to extinguish a blaze at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Furguson on South Cedar street. The fire was caused by a defective fire. The fire boys responded promptly to the alarm and soon had a line of hose laid but the fire plug was frozen up and could not be opened so another line of hose was run to another plug...

Nevada Daily Mail The Nevada Tiger basketball teams will hit the court tonight although with a slightly different schedule from the usual. The Nevada boys junior varsity will play at Nevada High School beginning at 5:15 p.m. Meanwhile the Lady Tiger JV will play at Nevada Middle School with a scheduled start time of 5 p.m...

Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Infielder Denny Hocking agreed to a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals and would get a $500,000 deal if he's added to the major league roster. Hocking, 34, played 55 games for the Colorado Rockies last season, batting .202. Before that, he hit .252 over 11 seasons with Minnesota...

Associated Press ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams have fired special teams coach Mike Stock, the third man to coach the Ram's special teams since 2000, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Friday. Calls to a Rams spokesman were not returned. Stock, 65, was in St. Louis just one season after replacing Bobby April, who was fired after the 2003 season. April had been with the Rams for three seasons. He replaced Larry Pasquale, fired after one season in 2000...

The winners of the Knights of Columbus free throw contest Saturday for boys and girls ages 10-14 were: (front from left) girls winners Taylor Thomas, 10; Ashley Coffer, 11; Emily Mader, 12; Heather Thomas, 13; and Kadee Hughes, 14. (back) boys winners Seth Chanove, 10; Isaiah Colopy, 11; Domonic Habjan, 12; Kyle Schultze, 13; and Cameron Cartwright, 14. The winners will compete in the district competition which will be held at Nevada Middle School on Feb. 5...