Stories from Thursday, December 23, 2004

Nevada Daily Mail A look back into the annals of Vernon County's history reveals that Christmas has been heartily celebrated, no matter the changes taking place throughout the world. Through World War I, the Great Depression era, World War II and the time of the Korean Conflict, Christmas in Vernon County has been a time of gift giving and helping the needy, and supporting the troops in many ways...

By Steve Moyer Nevada Daily Mail The Nevada Fraternal Order of Police has, for several years, participated in the Shop With a Cop program where area youth who might not have the chance to celebrate Christmas without some help get the chance to buy gifts for themselves and family members, so once again this year, local police officers got together for a special tactical mission -- helping Santa by shopping with a group of area children...

By Ben Holman Nevada Daily Mail Death and taxes, according to Benjamin Franklin, these are the only two certainties in life. While the last thing most people want to think about in December is death, taxes come in a close, if unavoidable, second. Vernon Countians have only eight days remaining to get their tax bills settled before overdue fees start to pile up...

The Nevada Public Library will be closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31 and Jan. 1. Vernon County and Nevada City offices will close at noon on Thursday, Dec. 23, and will also be closed all day on Dec. 24 and 31. Missouri State offices will be closed on Dec. 24 and 31. The Nevada Post Office will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1...

By Kelly Wiese Associated Press JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state's unemployment rate rose again last month and remains above the national average, according to federal data released Tuesday. Missouri's unemployment rate in November was 5.8 percent, seasonally adjusted, up from 5.6 percent in October and also higher than the 5.4 percent rate in November 2003...

Danial Hill and Sara Bogart, Nevada, are proud to announce the birth of their son, Jesse Lynn Hill. Jesse was born on Dec. 20, 2004, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and measured 20 inches. He joins a brother, Zyler Logan Hanson...

Cheyenne Spirit McCuistion, 8, Lamar, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2004. She was born on April 30, 1996, in Lamar, the daughter of Jesse and Tabatha (Noll) McCuistion. She was a third-grade student at Liberal School in Liberal. She was a member of Upward Cheerleading, Liberal/Lamar recreation softball, YMCA basketball and the Lamar recreation soccer...

George A. Gilman, 77, Nevada, died today, Dec. 23, 2004, at his home in Nevada. Family information and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Ferry Funeral Home.

Charles Ross Douglas, 78, died Dec. 21, 2004. Services were held today, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Jared Lamb officiating. Musical selections were "Peace in the Valley," "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" and "Go Rest High Upon that Mountain." Pallbearers were Jason Douglas, Andy Williams, Shane Douglas, Rodney Douglas, Bobby Douglas, Adam Douglas, Brandon Douglas, John Robertson, Tim Rushing, Ben Douglas, Rich Williams and Alex Douglas. ...

There is a cute poem going around on the Internet about the first 80 years being the hardest. It mentions that through the 70s, people expect you to still carry out all the responsibilities you had all your life. But after you are 80 no one expects you to do anything. If you mess up on a job no one complains because, after all, you are over 80...

Good news from Medicare Dear editor: There is good news for Medicare beneficiaries. Prevention benefits are a key feature of the Medicare Modernization Act signed into law by President George W. Bush in December 2003. Beginning in January, the new "Welcome to Medicare" exam will help seniors live healthier lives and control health care costs by finding and treating illness before they lead to more serious health problems...

100 years ago: Todd shooting trial continues When court opened this morning the court room was crowded with spectators and from the expressions on faces it was evident that the day as one of more than usual importance. The attorneys were busily engaged in brief consultations and taking last glances at their notes. ...

In line with Christmas being only two days away, I figured it was fitting that I make out my wish list. First off, I wish that Nevada's sports teams could get back what they put in. After spending the last six months getting to know who most of the Tiger athletes are, seeing the hard work they put in, and getting a feel for the quality individuals that make up the Nevada rosters, I know that the student-athletes are deserving of good things...

Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Not one of the three Kansas City running backs who made NFL history by each going over 150 yards in a game this season is going to the Pro Bowl. The core of their offensive line is headed for Hawaii, though. Left tackle Willie Roaf and guards Will Shields and Brian Waters were all named to the NFL Pro Bowl Wednesday...

Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Trent Green has come a long way since being the 222nd pick in the 1993 NFL draft. He was cut in San Diego, then in Canada and underwent four knee surgeries -- only to become the league's most efficient quarterback over the past three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs...

Associated Press ST. LOUIS -- Luther Head scored 20 points and No. 1 Illinois overcame foul problems, poor shooting and a second-half surge by Missouri for a 70-64 victory on Wednesday night. Deron Williams added 19 points and five assists in a balanced attack for Illinois (11-0), which matched its season worst for shooting at 42.3 percent but won its fifth game since moving to No. ...

The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years, is the leading source of facts and statistics about the nation's farms and ranches, and the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every state and county in the United States. The most recent Census of Agriculture provides a statistical snapshot of America's farms during the 2002 calendar year...