Stories from Friday, March 10, 2006

Editor's note: This is the third in a series of letters back home from the Cottey College experience abroad. During the series already, students and staff got their first look at London, learned of World War II history and soaked up local culture. Look for the next letter in the Tuesday, March 14 ,edition of the Nevada Daily Mail...

Tornado season is here, and with it emergency management professionals across the state are seeking to raise awareness and to make sure local folks are prepared to take action if tornadoes threaten the area. A statewide tornado drill is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 14. ...

BOYS TOWN, Neb. -- For Nevada, Mo., natives Alex and Melissa Franks, the lifestyle they have at Father Flanagan's Girls and Boys Town is nothing out of the ordinary for them. The Franks are part of a residential youth-care program at Girls and Boys Town backed by more than 80 years of experience in caring for troubled youth. ...

Incoming superintendent Craig Noah, who will take over after the current superintendent, Dr. Ted Davis, retires July 1, observed the Nevada R-5 school board in action at their regular monthly meeting Wednesday. Noah was in town for a reception in his honor earlier in the day as well...

"This year's group of cadets are very enthusiastic," retired Master Sergeant Pete Quinlan said. "We may have had years with more cadets but these guys are really more enthusiastic." The 64 students in ROTC is not the most the program has had, but all members of the group have been active and participated in drill meets. Quinlan said he is proud of the work this year's cadets had done collecting 26 medals and trophies in seven drill meets...

Norman William Floyd, 88, Greenwood, Ind., formerly of Nevada, died Thursday, March 9, 2006, at Community South Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. Family information and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, Mo. View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com...

Carroll W. Coy, 58, Sheldon, Mo., died Thursday, March 9, 2006, at Barton County Memorial Hospital, Lamar, Mo. Funeral services and family information will be provided by Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

For most of us who have not yet filed our income taxes, we know the April 15 deadline is rapidly approaching. As you fill out your forms, keep in mind how you can help your neighbors who are away from home fighting for our freedoms and their families. By completing a check-off donation on your state income tax return, you can conveniently contribute to the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund...

Last week Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver sadly passed away both at the age of 81. While it saddened me that these two men were gone, I was happy that they had led such full and important lives, and that for the rest of time their brilliant abilities will be seen on television. ...

Ex-manager of the defunct Salmon Bank the target for would-be assassin Two shots were fired at the home of Thomas M. Casey last night about 8:30, one bullet entering the east window and lodging in a door, and the other missing the residence, says Friday's Clinton Republican...