Stories from Thursday, July 28, 2005

Children attending the McGennis Youth Camp pick up their belongings as they spot the bus rounding the corner. The McGennis Youth Camp is a short three-day camp designed for children 8-11 who might not otherwise be able to attend a summer camp. The cost of the camp is $1 for each camper. The camp is located north of Metz. For more information contact the Vernon County University of Missouri Extension Office at (417) 448-2560...

It is almost never too hot for a dedicated golfer to hit the links and the 40 area kids who attended the grand opening of the city's new Junior Golf Course and Learning Facility at the Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course Sunday afternoon took the first step to joining their ranks...

Nevada Neptunes swimmer Morgan Turner takes a breath during the girls age 11-12 breaststroke Saturday at Walton Aquatic Center. Turner and the rest of the Neptunes were among about 400 swimmers who competed in the invitational meet hosted by the Nevada swim team. A complete list of results by Nevada swimmers will be printed when it becomes available...

Nevada Regional Medical Center Foundation Chair Joe Kraft along with NRMC Auxiliary President Maxine Halcomb addressed the hospital board Tuesday evening. The two gave reports on their respective groups to the board. Kraft began by praising the auxiliary and their donation of time and money to the hospital...

Paul and Christy Heckadon, Nevada, and Colt and Lynerica, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter and sister, Jeanette Ann Heckadon. Jeanette was born on July 23, 2005, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and measured 21 inches. Paternal grandparents are Janie and Louie Skinner and Judy and Jack Heckadon. Maternal grandparents are Louie and Kathie Covell...

Li'l Abner made his first appearance as a newspaper comic strip in 1934. Since that time he has appeared in movies and on Broadway. The Nevada Community Council on the Performing Arts brings Li'l Abner to the stage in a musical by the same name at the Fox Playhouse on Aug. 5, at 8 p.m. Other performances will be on Aug. 6 and 7, at 8 p.m., and on Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $6...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt quietly signed an executive order earlier this month that eliminated the state panel that presided over union elections for public sector workers and determined the status of collective bargaining units. The order, which Blunt signed July 1 without public announcement, shifted the powers and duties of the Missouri State Board of Mediation to the state Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. ...

At 8:08 a.m., Wednesday, Engine 219 along with a crew of three firefighters responded to a structure fire call at a rural home just west of Nevada. Upon arriving at the scene firefighters found that the fire had been extinguished by Aquila personnel using an extinguisher. According to the fire department the cause of the fire was an electrical short in the porch of the home. There were no injuries reported...

Robert and Teresa Spencer, Sheldon, and Jesse, Abby, Tori and Carrie, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter and sister, Gracie Madison Spencer. Gracie was born at 2:35 a.m., on July 22, 2005, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kan. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces, and measured 19 inches. ...

Roy Herman Hawkins, 87, Walker, died Wednesday, July 27, 2005, at Christian Health Care in Nevada, following a lengthy illness. He was born August 17, 1917, in Nevada, to Louis S. Hawkins and Ada Ellen Neal Hawkins. He married Betty L. Bishop on June 5, 1945, in Fort Scott, Kan., and she survives of the home...

It has happened. I never thought it would come to this, but it has. I was sure that everyone saw me as a very vital, energetic, completely functional middle age plus person. I was sure that no one was concerned about my abilities or doubted that I could undertake most any responsibility that I was given. But my delusions were shattered this week...

Racing Saturday night was excellent and with the $200-to-win Mini Stock Special added in, we had extra excitement for the race hardy fans. Hot temperatures, a few sprinkles and the threat of storms didn't stop our racers and fans. Drivers drew for their starting positions in the heat races and heat race finishes determined their starting places in the features. ...

There is nothing worse than the media trying to force people into action. It happens in all aspects of the media, but sports and politics are the two areas where you might see it the most. Since I live and breathe sports, I feel comfortable talking about it more than I do politics. Besides, this is a sports column, there is no room for my opinion about the Supreme Court or CAFTA...