Stories from Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Velma L. Stewart, 97, died Feb. 18, 2011, at the Heritage Nursing Home in Girard. She was born Oct. 31, 1913, in Concreta, Kan., to Mose Chester and Sylvia Alice (Leslie) Gillaspie. She grew up and attended rural schools in Bronson, Kan. She married Leo Forest Stewart on March 18, 1933, in Iola, Kan. ...

February 12 John D. Howell Jr., Nevada, trespassing. Caitlin E. Johnson, Richards, Mo., speeding 52/40, failure to stop at stop sign. James W. Phillips, Nevada, speeding 60/40. Nathan G. Stroud, Milo, Mo., no license plates, no proof of insurance. Michael A. Swatoch, Nevada, no valid operator's license, resisting arrest...

February 16 Jack Long was arrested for probation violation. Bond is $10,000. Brian Myers was arrested for hold. No bond amount. Jonathan Horrighs was arrested for hold. No bond amount. James Monroe was released to Taney County. Murlene Rothenberger was released to Cedar County...

Joshua Hostetter and Kizzi Pace of Nevada, Mo., and older sister, Blaiz Roxann Pace and older brother, Trypp Frank Hostetter, are proud to announce the birth of their baby son and brother, Kyrin Zayne Hostetter. Kyrin was born at 8:32 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and measured 21 and 1/4 inches...

Book to commemorate historic farms; more than 70 are in Vernon County.

In an effort to address concerns from citizens about traffic speed and vehicles failing to stop at lights or yield at crosswalks in the area of Cottey College, the Nevada Police Department has stepped up traffic enforcement in the area. A press release noted that the department had "received several complaints" from students, Cottey College staff and citizens living and traveling in the area that vehicles, from cars to commercial vehicles, have been speeding, and haven't been stopping at the signal located at Austin and College. ...

The U.S. 71 upgrade to interstate standards continues with work at Route D north of Nevada beginning Feb. 23, where a new interchange will be constructed. Construction of the new interchange will close Route D and the county road opposite it until approximately Dec. 1...

Each year, the Nevada Rotary Club bestows on one of Vernon County's own an honor recognizing that individual's dedication, care and commitment to the community. The organization is now accepting nominations for the 2010 Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented to an outstanding citizen of Vernon County in April 2011 and nominees need not be affiliated with the Nevada Rotary Club The nominating committee prepare ballot, then past Citizens of the Year available to do so will then vote to select the winner. ...

JOPLIN, Mo. -- After the epic snow storm in early February, spring is more welcome than ever! Join the Southern Symphony Orchestra at Missouri Southern State University for "Symphony in Springtime" to celebrate the approaching season. The Southern Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Kexi Liu, will perform the concert at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, at Taylor Performing Arts Center on MSSU campus. Admission is free...

A total of 55 units of blood was collected during the one day visit of the American Red Cross Bloodmobile in Nevada. One day of the bloodmobile visit had to be cancelled due to the snowstorm. The following persons received their gallon pins: 17 gallons, Roy McReynolds; eight gallons, Mike Smith; four gallons, Johnny Preston; and one gallon, Lovina Brubaker and Ariel Rhoads...

To reflect changes in fuel and purchased power costs, the Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company to adjust the fuel adjustment charge on electric customer bills. The charge, which appears as a separate item on the monthly bill, is known as the fuel adjustment clause or FAC. The FAC change reflects fuel and purchased power costs during the six month period June 2010 through November 2010...

A series of free webinars through the University of Missouri Extension Beginning Farmers program will offer helpful advice and answers to new and expanding farmers. The series begins Feb. 21, 7-8:30 p.m., with a free webinar, "The Top 10 Things You Need to Think about When Getting Started in Farming," presented by Chris Blanchard...

Northeast Vernon County Junior High competes in statewide LifeSmarts Champion-ships.

On Feb. 16, Nevada Police Department staff and members of the Police Chief Transition Team met for the first time to discuss how the citizens regard police activities in the city of Nevada. Transition team members Judge Brian Breckenridge and Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. ...

After one of their most stirring victories on Saturday, the Cottey College Comets traveled to Trenton, Missouri, last night and couldn't quite maintain the momentum in a 70-77 loss to North Central Missouri College. The Lady Pirates have given the Comets two of their three losses this season, and Cottey had its hands full of this physical team both times they have played. ...

Teams have been announced for the boys and girls MBCA Class 1, District 7 All-District basketball. Boys: C. J. Bolton -- Drexel Trevor Cooley -- Drexel Timmy Powell --Miami Eric Brownsberger - Montrose Grant Davis -- NEVC Stuart Meade -- Ballard Wiley Miller-- Hume...

Nevada High School senior Justin Prewitt signed a letter of intent last Thursday to play football at Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, next fall. "I'm really excited," Prewitt said. Seated from left: Alana Martin, Justin Prewitt, Jay Martin. Standing: Robert Miner, NHS assistant football coach...

Nevada High School sophomore Slade Stiles brought home a third place medal from the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Wrestling Championships in Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Mo., Feb.17-19. Stiles, 112 pounds, started out strong in the tournament defeating his first-round and quarterfinal matches, but lost in the semifinal round to Mitchell Bradley of Oak Grove, Bradley won the semifinal bout, 12-10, but Stiles set his sights on third place. ...