Stories from Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Kristle Denise Pearson, 20, and son Cecil Leo Dobbs, 8 months, both of Richards, Mo., died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007. Memorial services were held Tuesday, Aug. 28. Cremation Contributions may be made to the family, courtesy of Atkinson Funeral Home, 600 West Wall Street, Harrisonville, Mo., 64701...

Jessie Alice Mell, 84, passed away Aug. 28, 2007, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kan. She was born Sept. 18, 1922 in Barton County. A service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 30, at McKill Cemetary in Bronaugh. The Rev. John Nichols will be officiating...

Skye Klinksick, 17, of Moundville, was crowned State Ambassador at the Miss Missouri Teen, National American Miss, held at the Hyatt Regency Union Station hotel in St. Louis, Aug. 12. Skye brought home four trophies -- a finalist trophy, the Spirit of America trophy, a State Ambassador Trophy and the trophy for best thank-you note at the pageant, which was addressed to Missouri State Representative Barney Fisher. ...

JEFFERSON CITY -- Don't end up in the hospital or worse this Labor Day -- remember to drive smart and arrive alive, admonishes the Missouri Department of Transportation. Labor Day is one of the busiest travel holidays of the year, and last year many motorists did not make it home due to traffic crashes. MoDOT urges all motorists to be extra cautious while driving this holiday weekend, and not become a statistic for next year...

The Vernon County Sheriff's Office arrested a Bronaugh resident Aug. 28, for possession of child pornography, a Class D felony, and enticement of a child, a Class C felony. Mark B. Jackson, 46, is being held in the Vernon County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond, according to a VCSO report released this moring....

OK, you're a cross country runner for Nevada High School. So how do the Tigers and Lady Tigers beat the sweltering heat that continues to bear down on America's heartland? They just keep on, keeping on. NHS head coach Robert Watts says his harriers underwent a grueling 26-mile training week a couple weeks ago, and scaled down to 23 miles the following week...

JOPLIN -- The Nevada High School volleyball teams opened their season on Tuesday at College Heights. The Lady Tigers, the defending champions of the Southwest Conference, lost a tough three-game match, 16-25, 25-22 and 17-25. Emma Dreyer led Nevada with 10 assists; Mariah Mock compiled seven kills and Lindsay Rice had two blocks...

What do I say and how do I say it? After receiving an award, it is hard to find the appropriate words for expression and appreciation for the honor. I have been honored in many ways and have received several awards -- perhaps more than my share. An award recipient needs to show gratitude for the occasion. It is special to receive positive recognition; there are plenty of negative implications toward most persons...