Stories from Thursday, May 22, 2008

John Brian Stafford, 49, of Moundville, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Sheldon, as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was born Dec. 9, 1958, in California, to Gail Walter Stafford and Wanda Jean Smith Stafford. He married Jana G. Mather, on Dec. 4, 2007, in Miami, Okla., and she survives of the home...

George F. Kibler Jr., born Sept. 23, 1915, of Nevada, found peace on May 19, 2008. Retiring from Weststar Energy in 1980. Preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jane Loveall Kibler. Survivors: daughter, Judy Dove and husband Robert, of Witchita, Kan.; son, George L. Kibler and wife, Bashor, Kan.; grandchildren, Bill Kibler, of Tonganoxie, Kan., Tim Kibler, of Bashor, Kan., and Danna Hotmar, Wichita, Kan.; and six great-grandchildren, Phillip, Katie Jo, Angie, William, Isaac and Hannah...

Judy Lee Batchelor, 59, of Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at St. John's Regional Medical Center, in Joplin, following a lengthy illness. She was born July 11, 1948, in Fort Scott, to Earnest Eldon Goddard and Loretta Verniece Thomas Goddard...

Special to the Daily Mail The Nevada R-5 School Board and administrators honored eight retirees at a dinner, Thursday, May 15, at the Nevada Country Club. After dinner, they were recognized by their principals and directors, then received a school bell from School Board President, Larry Forkner...

By Justin Messner Nevada Daily Mail Five Vernon County residents were recently given something not always available to those involved with illegal narcotics -- a second chance. On Tuesday, 28th District Judge James Bickel hosted the 14th Vernon County Adult Drug Court graduation ceremony, honoring five people who have made the decision to change their lives...

By Nancy Malcom Special to the Daily Mail The Bright Beginnings Preschool held its 12th annual spring program and graduation at the Nevada community center on Saturday, May 17. Ten students performed songs and dances prior to the graduation ceremony to a full house of enthusiastic family members and friends...

I recently got my driver's license renewed. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. I had heard horror stories about having to bring your birth certificate, passport etc. to prove that you are a citizen of the United States. I have never had a passport, and I wasn't real sure where my birth certificate is. ...

A slim volume, as the poets put it, recently turned up at this newspaper, not particularly pertinent to Vernon County's present, or even its past, but of interest nevertheless. The author spent some of his early years in Rich Hill and Metz, followed by a year in Nevada, where he was graduated with the NHS Class of 1938...

Heidi Wilson, Mariah Mock, Katelyn Brier and Tyler Werner qualified for the Missouri State Meet May 23 and 24, in Jefferson City, Mo. Girls' results 100-meter dash 2. Mariah Mock, 13.30. 8 points 4. Katelyn Brier, 13.54. 5 points 200-meter dash 2. Mariah Mock, 26.42. 8 points...

The City of Nevada Parks and Recreation Department announced the first-ever Bushwhacker 5K race to be held during the 44th annual Bushwhacker Days celebration 7 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at the corner of Cherry and Washington streets in Nevada. Registration forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce, Nevada City Hall, Nevada Community Center and the Parks and Recreation office. ...