Stories from Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Crystal Evans and Anthony Gapan of Walker, Mo., and older siblings, Anthony Lane, Jo Danna Lynn and Sammantha Reneé Gapan, Drake Dean, Damion Conner and Electra Fae Evans are proud to announce the birth of their son and baby brother, Eric Malachi Basham Gapan...

May 7 Earl May was arrested for hold. Bond is $10,000. Jail population: Total census, 67; state, 8; Vernon County Re-entry program, 5; Bates County, 5; Cedar County, 7; and Dade County, 1. May 8 Michael Jackson was arrested for hold. Bond is $10,000...

WALKER -- The 96th Missouri General Assembly ended May 13 without passing any legislation detrimental to Northeast Vernon County Schools, but potentially damaging proposals were debated that area representatives will be watching for when they reconvene next January, Superintendent Charles Naas said...

Nevada firefighters are among the many groups, agencies and volunteers assisting with emergency management in Joplin, following Sunday's tornado, which ripped a wide swath through the city, destroying homes, businesses, St. John's hospital, and Joplin High School...

Nevada Regional Medical Center has received numerous phone calls related to the Joplin tornado in the past few days. The callers have been asking about a variety of topics from searches for family and loved ones to volunteer and donation offers. As a result of the influx of phone calls, the hospital has developed a communication and resource list for area residents...

Research at the University of Missouri indicates it is normal for children to be afraid, especially after a natural disaster, according to Velynda Cameron, 4-H youth development specialist, University of Missouri Extension. "The fear may last for an extended time and is best handled with kindness and understanding from parents and other adults. ...

Direct from Branson to the Opera House Theatre, Randy Newman, alias Doofus Doolittle, will be bringing an all new show to the Opera House Theatre on Thursday, June 2, at 2 and 7 p.m. This year, Doofus will have all new jokes and special guest stars from the Ozark Jubilee cast. ...

The 2011 Vernon County Youth Fair Royalty applications are due at the Vernon County extension office by 4:30 p.m., June 1. There will be a royalty social for candidates on June 29; judging will take place July 6. The royalty coronation will be held during the fair, July 12...

The Foundation at Missouri Southern State University has established a fund to assist faculty, staff and students who were impacted by the devastating tornado that hit Joplin, many of whom have friends or family in the Nevada area. Donations may be made to the Foundation online at www.mssu.edu, by credit card by calling (417) 625-9396, by mailing a check made out to the Missouri Southern Foundation at 3950 E. ...

There were smiles, tears, and hugs as the Northeast Vernon County seniors received their high school diplomas in front of an overflow crowd at the high school gymnasium. Salutatorian Abigail Harrison told the graduates that they were leaving one chapter of their lives and moving on to the next to new opportunities. She urged them to not be so impatient that they couldn't enjoy the moment...

Volunteers work in Cavener's Library and Office Supply warehouse on Tuesday, May 24, to sort out the small mountain of clothing items donated by Nevada and Vernon County residents to Joplin tornado victims. A whole truckload of things had been dropped off at the store by 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, and items were still coming as the sorting was taking place. ...