Stories from Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Reading is Fundamental, Inc. , the nation's largest children's and family literacy organization and Coca-Cola North America has awarded a $25,000 Ingenuity grant to the Vernon County RIF of Nevada. This grant is a part of their "Reading Takes You Places" partnership. ...

On Saturday, six combines driven by farmers from four local churches and about 30 onlookers gathered to harvest 50 acres of corn for the Foods Resource Bank. The Foods Resource Bank is an organization that is dedicated to wiping out hunger in impoverished nations -- not through shipments of food, but with proper agriculture management education. ...

The Comets glowed again after a three-game flameout. The Cottey College volleyball team righted its listing ship with a timely win over Longview Community College at Hinkhouse Center Gymnasium on Tuesday night. "My ladies are back," said a jubilant Comet coach Marla Kannady, "and playing excellent ball." The Comets looked ready from the start against the 2002 junior college regional champions. ...

Both the Nevada Middle School seventh-grade "A" and "B" teams suffered shutout defeats at the hands of the Carthage Tigers on Tuesday at Lyons Stadium. The Nevada "A" team (2-1) fell 18-0 to Carthage, while the "B" squad lost 12-0. "Carthage has a great team," said Nevada coach Tom Davis. ...

The streaking middle school eighth grade spikers improved to 6-0 with "A" and "B" wins over Carl Junction. The Tiger "A" team, led by Kristen Badgley's 13 points, defeated the Bulldogs by identical 25-12 scores. Abby Ruddick added eight service points. The "B" squad was more severely tested. Nevada edged Carl Junction 25-23 in the first game, then took a 25-19 decision in the match-deciding contest. Ashley Norman served for 14 points and Kourtni Gilmore contributed seven...

The Nevada High School junior varsity captured second place in the Harrisonville JV-Freshmen Volleyball Tournament on Saturday. Nevada came out of the five-team pool play with a 1-3 record, losing to Pleasant Hill (8-20, 8-20), Grandview (4-20, 14-20) and Harrisonville (11-20, 8-20). ...

In the unique tournament format of the Southwest Missouri State University Tennis Relays, the Nevada High School doubles team of Gina and Lisa Pendrak advanced to the semifinal round. Approximately 29 high schools from across the state of Missouri, in a mix of classes ranging from big to small schools, participate in the annual event. ...

100 Years Ago -- September 24, 1903 Hon. John O. Morrison cleared a sale Wednesday of his fine farm of 345 acres in Walker Township to Herman Koch of Scott County, Iowa, the consideration being $15,000. This is one of the finest and best-improved farms in Vernon County, being beautifully located one mile west of the town of Walker. ...

It has now been eight weeks since the last election was held. There were two major issues that involved sales taxes. The issue on the city of Nevada's ballot, which passed, continues the one-half cent sales tax, which will continue as a tax and will be used to pay for the improvements for the sewer system. ...