Stories from Wednesday, April 14, 2004

You have heard or read in the news and in many other places recently about the obesity that exists in our culture. It has become an epidemic and there is indication that obesity will take over tobacco as the leading cause of death. The deaths caused by tobacco is on the decrease with more people discontinuing smoking. ...

Keith E. Ward, 74, Rockville, died at his home on April 5, 2004. He was born April 20, 1929, in Greene County, Iowa, to L.C. and Gayle Ridenour Ward. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during the Korean War. After his discharge, he farmed his parents' farm at Montevideo, Minn., until the fall of 1981, when he moved his beef cattle herd to a ranch near Leslie, Ark...

Larry Dean Goodman, 64, Schell City, died Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at his home in Schell City. He was born on July 22, 1939, in Schell City, Mo., to Ervin W. and Violet E. (Haggard) Goodman. He married Sharon Ann Evans. Goodman graduated from Schell City high school in 1957. He farmed and drove a school bus. He was a member of the Schell City Lions Club, Schell City Christian Church and the Blue Mound Township Board...

Marshel James Wilkins, 72, died April 11, 2004. Services were held at Mount Vernon Cemetery on April 14 at 2 p.m., with the Revs. Charles and Larry Brown officiating. Pallbearers were Sgt. David Parks, Sgt. Gary Lechman, Sgt. Frank Arnold, Sgt. Brent Beckman, Sgt. ...

By Steve Moyer Sheldon R-8 School district was one of 56 Missouri districts to receive part of $16.6 million in grants designed to help schools implement Reading First reading improvement programs in their classrooms. Governor Bob Holden announced the grants April 5 as part of the No Child Left Behind Act passed by Congress in 2002. ...

By Steve Moyer The Nevada Rotary Club wants all Vernon County high school seniors to be aware of the scholarships available from the club amounting to $2,500. One $500 agriculture scholarship and four $500 academic scholarships are available. "We want to make sure that all the schools are aware that the scholarships are available to all seniors in Vernon County and aren't just for the Nevada students. We don't want anyone to miss out on a scholarship because of a misunderstanding."...

Ralph Pokorny Barry Clark's plan to build a new road south from Austin Boulevard to open property he owns between Austin and Wal-Mart for commercial development passed its first hurdle Tuesday afternoon when the Nevada Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for the road...

By Brian Johnson Over the past few years the state of Missouri has seen a steady growth in the quail population. Because of the growth, many people ranging from landowners to outdoors men are wondering what it will mean. That's why there are people to hear you out...

By Steve Moyer Area dispatchers were honored at the city council chambers Tuesday with the signing of a proclamation. Chief of Public Safety Communications and Records Norman Turner told the assembled crowd that the dispatchers in Nevada were some of the most professional in the state. ...