Stories from Friday, May 27, 2005

By Nancy Malcom Nevada Daily Mail Copies of the two volume set of the Nevada and Vernon County's Heritage 1855-2005 "Pass It On" sesquicentennial book are still available at the Bushwhacker Museum. Book committee members say those who haven't seen this salute to the people, business, churches, schools and families of Vernon County should really take a look at it...

Nevada Daily Mail Sports Plex personnel reported the theft of two ATVs and two EZ Go golf carts from a locked fenced area Wednesday morning. The two golf carts were ivory with tan tops, one of the ATVs was dark gray metallic 660 cc ATV and the other was a gray metallic Grizzly limited edition ATV. ...

By Kelly Wiese Associated Press JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A task force appointed by the governor to look at matters of school bus safety held its first meeting Thursday, hearing from the Missouri State Highway Patrol on matters ranging from seat belts to school bus inspections...

Nevada Daily Mail The George Cardin Circus International stopped in Nevada on Thursday to present two performances, both of which were attended by many area residents. Acts included trick riding, elephants, aerial acts, and others -- and of course, clowns...

Nevada Mayor Brian Leonard presented a proclamation to Barb Trude (left) and Anna Watts (right). The proclamation encourages Nevadans to purchase the poppies made by American veterans which helps provide funding for veteran services. The poppy sale in an annual event. City officials got into the act moments later, dipping into their pockets to join the fun and the fund-raising effort...

Laurie Graham and Jack Barnhart and Isaak Welch and Criselia Lohr, Nevada, are proud to announce the birth of their daughter and sister, Madilyn Grace Barnhart. Madilyn was born at 3:54 a.m., on May 25, 2005, at Nevada Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and measured 20.25 inches. Paternal grandparents are Charlotte Rains, Webber's Falls, Okla., and Jack Barnhart Sr., Coolidge, Ariz. Maternal grandparents are Harriet Graham, Casa Grande, Ariz., and Eric Graham, Lohman, Mo...

Jeffrey Jackson Swearingen, 42, Nevada, died May 24, 2005. Services were held at the United Methodist Church today, May 27, at 10:30 a.m., with the Very Rev. Mimi Savidge officiating. Musical selections were "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind," "The Holy City," "Amazing Grace," "Take My Life" and "I'll Fly Away." Organist was Peggy Graves. ...

Earnest E. Toepfer, 46, Walker, died Thursday, May 26, 2005, at Nevada Regional Medical Center following a lengthy illness. He was born Aug. 19, 1958, in Fort Scott, Kan., to Dollie Rosella Toepfer. He married Dawn R. Wallace on April 7, 2000, in Eureka Springs, Ark., and she survives of the home...

Norman Parks, 71, Sheldon, died Saturday, May 21, 2005. Services were held at Fort Scott National Cemetery on May 26, at 2:30 p.m., with C.K. Warden officiating. Taped musical selection was "Amazing Grace." Pallbearers were Gary Dedmon, Kevin Dedmon, Mark Compton, Chris Harper, Jeff Harper and H.J. Sweat. Arrangements are by Evergreen Memorial Chapel...

There's nothing like a weeklong visit from a 20-something to remind you that you're a 30-something. Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't re-live my 20s for anything. Too much drama. Plus, I feel like I'm starting to get a few things figured out. Maybe in another 35 years I'll really know something...

Back in the late '70sm a television show premiered whose genre can only be described as the absurd. The show, "Hee Haw," ran for a few years on regular network and then for many years in syndication. It was a collection of brash and bawdy comedic skits that were over the top, still people actually found themselves liking the show including me. ...

Co-op should be run by members Dear editor: It is very apparent that the current board of directors of the Sac Osage Electric Co-op do not want the membership to have a say in how the co-op is run. I always thought it was owned by the members. We have been members for 50 years and have seen the bylaws changed to make it easier for board members to be re-elected year after year after year by only being allowed to vote for a director from the sub-district where you live...

By Gail Agee Track Reporter Dry, slick, wild and crazy! That describes the action Saturday at Nevada Speedway. All drivers were racing extra hard to gain positions and this made for lots of spins and crashes. After the races Olin Wyland received a roll over trophy from last week's races. Join us each and every week this year at the biggest little racetrack in the country to catch all the action...

Associated Press ARLINGTON, Texas -- Kenny Rogers didn't have to be at his sharpest to win his sixth straight start for the Texas Rangers. Rogers gave up a run in the first and allowed six baserunners through the fourth, even with a three-up, three-down inning in that stretch...