Skelton to dedicate Neal Center's flagpole

Congressman Ike Skelton will be at the new Neal Center, 301 N. Main at 10 a.m., Monday, March 8, to dedicate the flagpole donated and constructed by A-Plus Welding.

The Nevada High School ROTC Color Guard will be in attendance to help with the flag ceremony, which is open to the public.

The Neal Center will house Vernon County's senior center, and is intended as a facility to be used by people from the entire county. Conceived years ago by members of the Vernon County Seniors, which was founded by Leonard Ernsbarger and currently headed by Wayne Reinert, the completion of the building is a culmination of the combined efforts of many people who have worked on the project throughout the years.

An open house offering refreshments, a celebration of the building's completion and public tours of the facility was conducted on Sunday, and was attended by more than 170 people.

Construction was funded through a Community Development Block Grant, the city of Nevada's park tax and numerous donations from the community. Funds are still needed to fully furnish the facility. Contributions can be made to any board member, or mailed to Wayne Reinert at First National Bank 100 West Walnut, Nevada, MO 64772.