Stories from Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Missouri Accreditation of Programs for Children and Youth has awarded West Central Missouri Community Action Agency Nevada Head Start. This certificate is granted to quality programs that offer developmentally appropriate experiences in an environment conducive to children flourishing intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically...

The pecan is an easy to grow tree native to Missouri and produces a nut that remains a fan favorite according to Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension. Pecans were first harvested by Native Americans and early European settlers recognized the value of this native nut as well...

The last of three 2012 city of Nevada dog registration and vaccination clinics will be held at the Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with Dr. Brad Copeland from Nevada Veterinary Clinic The veterinarian will be offering a variety of services including rabies vaccinations, parvo vaccinations and deworming. The prices for these services will be set by the veterinarian...

The Joplin High School Sound Dimensions were one of the 29 show choirs to compete in the 2012 Nevada Show Choir Classic on Feb.18 in the Nevada High School auditorium. In addition to performances by the competing schools, Nevada's Soundsational Singers, Treble Effects and the Nevada Middle School show choir performed exhibitions...

The Nevada High School Debate and Forensics squad earned numerous squad and individual awards in competition last week. NHS placed third in overall sweepstakes in the Lamar High School Forensics Tournament on Feb. 18. Individual honors at the Lamar Tournament include a first place finish in original oratory by sophomore Kelsey Hammontree with senior Kelly Clow taking second in the event. ...

On Feb. 18, people gathered from throughout the region to take part in the 2012 Polar Plunge at Shoal Creek. Among them were eight members of the Nevada Elks Lodge -- dressed as mermen -- who, through their chilly endeaver raised $1,700 in cool cash to benefit Special Olympics. ...

Mary Julia Price, 77, Sheldon, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, in Bronaugh, Mo., following a lengthy illness. She was born May 13, 1940, in Stotesbury, Mo., to Edward James Ware and Effie Irene Hankins Ware. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada...

Leroy Earll of Pierce City, Mo., died Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in his home with family at his bedside. He was born July 13, 1944, in Nevada, Mo., to William Earnest and Viola Gene (Perry) Earll. Leroy lived in Missouri most of his life. He moved to Texas in 1993, only to return to Missouri in 1995, where his family settled in the Monett-Pierce City area. ...

Feb. 16 2:11 p.m.: An accident occurred at Business 71 Highway and Walnut Street involving a car driven by Barbara J. Pettibon, Nevada, and a van driven by Nathan J. Rorabaugh, Nevada. No injuries were reported. Feb. 17 There was a report of petty theft in the 400 block of South Main Street. Item stolen was a concrete lion lawn ornament...

Parents and coaches look on as Marisa Hughes signs a letter of intent to play volleyball for the College of the Ozarks in the fall of 2012. Several relatives, friends and teammates showed up in the Nevada High School Library for the signing on Wednesday. ...

Area teams begin district play next week

During the 1950-'51 school years, a member of the Schell City High School girl's basketball team set some records that still stand today. Ruth Harms of Schell City, Mo., played with the basketball team. They played Bronaugh at the Nevada High School for a March of Dimes Benefit Game Feb. 6, 1951, and she racked up 85 points. She became the top, individual, single-game scorer in Missouri high school basketball history and 61 years later, no one has surpassed her record...