Stories from Saturday, June 8, 2013

Marion Elzworth "Elza" Smith, 87, Nevada, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at Moore-Few Care Center, in Nevada. He was born March 1, 1926, in Milford, Mo., to James Benjamin Smith and Mary Alma Bridgewater Smith. He married Opal H. Shafer on Oct. 19, 1946, in El Dorado, Kan., and she preceded him in death on Jan. 17, 2008...

Marjorie "Juanita" Lyon, 83, Independence, Mo., passed away on Friday, June 7, 2013, at Kansas City Hospice House, Kansas City, Mo. She was born Oct. 30, 1929, in Ash Grove, Mo., to Orville E. Caton and Glen (Hood) Caton. She was married to Loran Lyon and he preceded her in death on Nov. 4, 1991...

Mildred Imogene Merchant, 93, of Joplin, Mo., died Friday, June 7, 2013, at her son Don Potter's home, in Joplin, Mo. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home in El Dorado Springs, Mo. Burial will follow in El Dorado Springs City Cemetery...

Romie and Joan (Woolverton) Phillips were married on June 7, 1953, in Nevada. They have four children, Leon Phillips and wife MariAnne of Nevada, Dianna McNeil and husband Carey of Bronaugh, Pam Earnest and husband Tom of Milo, and Tommy who resides with the couple at their home...

Leo and Lillian Penn are celebrating their 60th year of marriage throughout the year 2013. These past 60 years have blessed them with good health, humor and happiness, enduring bonds of friendship with so many friends and neighbors, and the warmth and love that comes with having a large and ever-growing family. Each day they celebrate the blessings of life, marriage, and the well-being of living in Nevada...

I grew up around Nevada and Bushwhacker Days was always something fun to look forward to. From the rides to the root beer, it was always a fun week. The celebration has developed over the years to include many events, but I always like to look back at what started events like this and I think it is good for citizens to remember the history behind what we celebrate...

Summertime -- it's a period of history, recreation, food and fun. All that is on display this week with Bushwhacker Days. The event began Wednesday and has drawn crowds each night. Fortunately, the weather has been mostly cooperative thus far, not even delaying the set up, which began Monday...

Hi neighbors. Another Bushwhacker Days celebration has almost passed! There were many events scheduled and most were well attended. I know many people plan time off work a year ahead of time so they can attend. Some have to travel many miles to get here. Many plan family reunions around the Bushwhacker Days week...

The second man accused of the July 2009 death of Belinda Beisly, was arraigned in the Circuit Court of Vernon County on Tuesday. Jeremy Maples, 33, of Nevada appeared with his attorney, Rebecca Elliston, and pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder. Judge James R. Bickel accepted the plea and read the felony information...

Vernon County Commissioners approved a contract during its Wednesday meeting to house Jasper County inmates in Vernon County jail. According to the contract, the Vernon County Sheriff's Office will charge Jasper County $35 a day hold inmates facing misdemeanor or felony charges...

A daylong schedule of activities is planned for today -- the final day of the 49th annual Bushwhacker Days. Activities begin at 7 a.m. with the Bushwhacker 5K Run and culminate with a concert by Restless Heart, which is making a stop while on the band's 30th Anniversary Tour...