Stories from Wednesday, June 3, 2009

During my extension career, I had an opportunity to work with a large number of wonderful people. Opal Gould was among those I worked with during my early years in Vernon County. I am sure that she was not only recognized for her tenure of 4-H leadership, but also as an outstanding 4-H leader. She is an example of the many high quality 4-H leaders who have provided leadership to 4-H and have had a major influence on others as a leader...

George W. Parker, respected Missouri statesman, died at his home in Columbia, Mo., Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Parker, a strong advocate for separation of church and state, the two-party stystem, individual and religious freedom, and the U.S. Consititution, was frequently a guest speaker and commentator on these issues...

Graveside services for Marion Briscoe will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2009 at Woodfin Cemetery, in Foster, Mo., with John Davis officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m., at Schowengerdt Chapel. Contributions to Woodfin Cemetery...

May 27 There were reports of a controlled burn in the Horton area, a dog bite in the Richards area, a careless and imprudent driver in the Nevada area, a theft in the Schell City area, threats in the Nevada area, animal abuse in the Schell City area, an agency assist in the Horton area, a vicious dog in the Walker area, a disturbance in the Nevada area, an alarm in the Nevada area, an alarm in the Nevada area, and a controlled burn in the Sheldon area...

Kyla and Brian Moorhouse, of Nevada, and siblings Cassandra, Colby and Nolan, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter and baby sister, Grace Eleanor Moorhouse. Grace was born at 8:15 a.m., on May 27, 2009, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and measured 20 1/2 inches...

Ashley Dighero and Darrel Claspill, of Nevada, and siblings Greycie, Ethan and Chance, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter and baby sister Mallory Lee Dighero-Claspill. Mallory was born at 12:03 p.m., on May 28, 2009, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 20 1/4 inches...

The Nevada Tigers football program is set to host their annual summer football camps. There will be three different camps for boys entering third-fifth grades, seventh-eighth grades and ninth-12th grades during the month of July. The registration deadline for each of these camps is July 1...

It's time once again for the Vernon County Youth Fair Rodeo. when Rodeo Queen and Princess candidates try to win your votes selling tickets to the rodeo. This year, three queen candidates and four princess candidates are vying for the crowns. Vying for prize money in the rodeo, which is ACRA/MRCA sanctioned, contestants will face off in steer wrestling, bull riding, bareback broncs, calf roping, saddle broncs, barrel racing and team roping. ...

The Nevada City Council is looking for a few former city council members and mayors, as well as a Nevada business person or two to help them select a new permanent city manager. Nevada Mayor Mike Hutchens said that anyone interested in serving on a committee to compare applications from city manager candidates with a profile developed by the current city council for their ideal city manager, and eliminate those who do not fit the requirements, should contact any council member or Julie Lewis, city clerk.. ...

There's still time to enter the Bushwhacker Parade, set for 6 p.m., Saturday, June 13. This year's theme is "Nevada ... Fun for All Seasons," and the entry deadline is Thursday, June 4. Entries will be judged with winners in each of five categories: youth, adult, business, equestrian and antique car, truck or tractor. Entries submitted after June 4 will not be judged and will be lined up at the end of the parade...

Missouri's tick season officially got under way late last month with the year's first confirmed case of a potentially life-threatening tick-borne disease. The first illness involved a woman in her 80s from south of St. Louis. The woman was hospitalized, but was later discharged and is now recovering...

Nevada firefighter A.J. Terry watches from the ground as Tim Bullard, far left, Nevada Fire Department captain and training officer gives fellow fire fighter Daniel Lukasik pointers on the operation of the ladder on the city's ladder truck. The Fire Department will be taking advantage of the recently vacated parks department building at the northeast corner of Austin and Hunter streets and house just to its' north for training exercises until they are demolished for the expansion of the City/County Community Center. ...

Fires that damage or destroy hay and barns --resulting in building replacement, feed replacement and lost revenues -- cost area farmers thousands of dollars each year. According to Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist, University of Missouri Extension, proper harvesting and storage practices will reduce the possibility of hay fires and reduce the associated costs...

Truman Joseph (T.J.) Smading, 85, of El Dorado Springs, died June 2, 2009, at Christian Healthcare, Nixa, Mo. Graveside services will be held Friday, June 5, at 1 p.m., at Moore Cemetery, Nevada. No visitation is planned. Arrangements are under the direction of Sheldon Funeral Home, El Dorado Springs. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lions Club of El Dorado Springs and VFW...

Dusty and Melissa Stong, of Sheldon, and big sister, Kallie, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter and baby sister, Carissa Rose Stong. Carissa was born at 10:59, on May 28, 2009, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and measured 20 inches...

The Nevada Griffons got back into action in the hope of extending their winning streak to two games as they hosted the St. Joseph Mustangs. The Mustangs are yet another newcomer to the MINK League, playing in their inaugural season. The Mustangs came into the game with a perfect 3-0 record, but were seeing their first league action of the year...