Stories from Thursday, May 5, 2005

By Lynn A. Wade Nevada Daily Mail The latest thing in college entrance exams is a writing section, and students and parents have many questions about the changes in testing. Available in both the ACT and SAT college entrance exams, the writing section is a tool colleges may rely upon in the future to help determine whether students are ready for the rigors and specific demands of college coursework -- especially the written components, said Nevada High School counselor Tammy Hendren...

On Sunday, May 1, the VFW Post and Ladies Auxiliary No. 2175 placed a wreath on the memorial recognizing Vernon County soldiers who gave their lives in World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War, which remains adorned with flags, flowers and plantings. ...

By Marc Powers Nevada Daily Mail JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With political pressure mounting, a House committee on Wednesday revived an education funding bill that it had defeated last week. After modifications intended to appease urban and suburban lawmakers who helped derail the bill, the committee voted 15-8 to forward it to the full House for further debate. All five Republicans who previously opposed the measure, joined by one Democrat, switched sides to put it back on track...

Nevada Daily Mail "Senior Centers on the Move!" is the theme of this year's National Senior Center Week, which will be May 8-14. Older adults, their families and members of the community are invited to celebrate with the Vernon County Senior Center and learn more about its services...

By Laurie Wade Nevada Daily Mail "I'm George W. Bush and I approve this 10th anniversary celebration of Henry Kraft Incorporated." said Brent Mendenhall. He was impersonating President George W. Bush at Henry Kraft's 10 Anniversary Trade Expo held on May 4 at the Nevada Elks Bingo Hall...

Garratt Holland, 91, Nevada, died Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at his home in Nevada. Family information and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Ferry Funeral Home.

Justin Gilmore and Leslie Shepherd, Nevada, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Annabelle Jane Gilmore. Annabelle was born at 2:33 p.m., on May 3, 2005, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces, and measured 20 inches. ...

There is nothing quite as appealing or cute as a very young animal or fowl. We are blessed with many opportunities this time of year to see this miracle unfold. Each year we enjoy watching our Canada Geese as they fight to maintain our pond for their exclusive nesting spot, and see the alertness with which the gander protects his lady during the incubation period...

Here's what some newspapers around the world are saying about vorld events: The Sydney Morning Herald, on first Australian hostage in Iraq: The grainy videotaped footage is chillingly familiar. But it is the distinct Australian accent that drives the reality home. ...

100 years ago: Guilty verdict a surprise The third trial of Robt. F. Feely, which closed at Butler last night resulted in a verdict of guilty, the jury assessing his punishment at 10 years imprisonment in the state prison. The verdict was a surprise to Mr. Feely's friends in Nevada who had hoped a verdict of acquittal would be the result of the trial...

By Joe Warren Nevada Daily Mail In a milestone for the Nevada Lady Tiger softball program, senior Bridget Baldwin has signed to play with Crowder College next season. Baldwin signed a letter of intent Monday during a ceremony at Nevada High School with her family and friends present, along with her current and future coaches...

The Cottey Comets basketball team signed a guard recently, to go with two frontcourt players they signed last month. Maggie Wigness, of Casa Grande, Ariz., is a 5-7 shooting guard who also can handle the basketball. She is graduating as valedictorian from Union High School and intends to major in mathematics. "Maggie is quick, athletic, can penetrate off the dribble and pass or shoot from there," Cottey coach Dave Ketterman said. "I expect her to be a real contributor on offense next season."...

Associated Press CHICAGO -- A.J. Pierzynski hit a two-run homer and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 Wednesday night for their fourth straight win. While Chicago improved the best record in the major leagues to 20-7, the last-place Royals lost for the 14th time in 17 games and dropped to 7-20 despite outhitting the White Sox 9-6...

Nevada Daily Mail Nevada Tigers Justdan Lockwood and Adam Gullett both placed second in their singles brackets and the teams of Derek Fast-Gullett and Taylor Hall-Lockwood followed suit at the Southwest Conference tennis tournament Tuesday. Lockwood came from behind to win his first-round match, 5-7, 6-0, 7-5, defeating a Webb City opponent in number-four singles. Lockwood then fell to a Neosho opponent in the championship, 6-1, 6-1...

Nevada Daily Mail Nevada long jumper Harrison Gage and triple jumper Veronica Mosier both placed first at a track meet in Girard, Kan., Friday. Gage won the boys' event with a jump of 21 feet. Mosier won the girls' triple jump with a leap of 32-1 1/4...

Jessica Baker and Walter Ray Dulaney IV, Nevada, and Dameon Scott Dulaney and Chastity Ann Moore-Dulaney are proud to announce the birth of their son and brother, Walter Ray Dulaney V. Walter was born at 3:05 a.m., on March 11, 2005, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. ...