Stories from Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Adam and Ashley Rodgers of El Dorado Springs, Mo., and older sister Avery, are proud to announce the birth of their baby sisters and daughters, Aubrey Kathryn Rodgers and Alexa Breeann Rodgers. Aubrey and Alexa were born on Friday, June 17, 2011, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. Aubrey was born at 8:21 a.m., and weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces, and measured 19 and 1/4 inches. Alexa was born at 8:22 a.m., and weighed 6 pounds, and measured 19 and 1/2 inches...

June 18 Michael Huegel was arrested for property damage, possession of burglary tools and stealing. Bond is $3,500. Jail population: Total census, 56; state, 7; Vernon County Re-entry program, 5; Bates County, 5; Cedar County, 6; Dade County, 1; and Barton County, 1...

With the July Fourth holiday weekend just around the corner, State Fire Marshal Randy Cole is reminding Missourians that public firework displays put on by trained professionals are the safest way to enjoy fireworks. "While fireworks are exciting to see, they are potentially dangerous and when misused can lead to serious injuries, fires, burns and even death," said Fire Marshal Cole. ...

Frank Arnold, co-chairman of the annual Bushwhacker Days celebration, told the members of the I.M.P.A.C.T. Nevada Tourism committee Tuesday afternoon that attendance at this year's event was up from last year and that most of the vendors at the event were pleased with the results...

Visitors will have the opportunity to experience aspects of the Civil War and the history of the Battle of Carthage at an event July 9 at Battle of Carthage State Historic Site in Carthage. According to a June 27 press release, activities at the site will begin at 10 a.m. and will include interactive interpretation as visitors explore the life of a soldier during the early years of the war. The event is free and open to the public...

Rain, runoff and reservoir releases have contributed to flooding along the Missouri River. The Missouri Department of Transportation is partnering with Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska to provide road closures and detour information to travelers who may be heading across the nation's heartland this Fourth of July...

A public forum about the proposed extension of the city of Nevada's 1/2-cent parks sales tax will be conducted at 6 o'clock, tonight, in the Nevada Elks Bingo Hall, behind the Elks Lodge at 510 N. Centennial Blvd. The measure will be put before voters on the Aug. 2 ballot, and proposes to permanently extend the tax and to dedicate the money from that tax to parks maintenance, improvements and operations. The measure also would make the rollback of a city property tax for parks permanent...

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the city of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on June 30 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Edward F. Dixon III. Staff Sergeant Dixon, age 37, of Joplin, was a soldier in the United States Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan...

Nevada firefighters, police, and the Vernon County Health Department receive child safety training, conduct free clinic.

The Nevada Dirt Dawgs, a traveling softball team, ages 10 and younger, took second place in the USSSA "Hawaiian Hitfest" softball tournament in Tiffany Springs, Mo., June 18-19. Team members are, front row, left to right: Kylie Boyd, Payten Leftwich, Katelyn Dunfield, Taiten Charles, Libby Boyd, Hailey Jackson, Sydney Ernsbarger and Kelstynne Petitt. ...