Stories from Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Dec. 6 There were reports of a stranded motorist in the Vernon County area, a follow up in the Vernon County area, a fight in the Vernon County area, and a missing person in the Vernon County area. Jason D. Hale, 39, of Lowry City, Mo., was arrested and processed by the Nevada Police Department on charges of no driver's license, expired registration, possession of another vehicle's license plates, and speeding. He was released in lieu of a $545 bond...

Helen Pauline Couch, 80, Bronaugh, Mo., passed away on Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at Barone Alzheimer's Care Center in Nevada following a lengthy illness. She was born June 20, 1929, in Garland, Kan., to Emmit Wylie Boatright and Pearl Mae Wise Boatright. She married Martin Oliver "M.O." Couch on May 25, 1947, in Bronaugh, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 29, 2006...

Nov. 17 Diana L. Dunn, Nevada, speeding 31/15. Terence L. Gillmore, Nevada, failure to stop at a stop sign. Kim L. Phelps, Nevada, failure to stop at a stop sign. Amy J. Powrie, Nevada, speeding 28/15. Charles V. Ramey III, Nevada, speeding 27/15 William K. Simrell, El Dorado Springs, speeding 26/15...

Prominent Nevada residents are being accused of "having a big heart for Jerry's kids." They're volunteering to be "arrested and serve time" in a mock jail at D.H. Austin's on Thursday, Dec. 10, in an effort to raise money for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association...

Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Mound City, Mo. is restoring the fragile loess hills with the assistance of several colleges, universities and the local community. Major portions of the hills have been re-established to native loess prairie and loess savannah habitats on the Refuge...

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is seeking comments on a draft Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL, document describing pollutant reductions needed to improve water quality in the Little Osage River study area. The Little Osage River is located near Nevada in Vernon County...

The Community Council on the Performing Arts is preparing for a special Valentine production, and 15 men and 11 women are needed for parts in the show. Especially well suited to actors and actresses who don't have time to commit to starring in an entire feature production, this show is composed of a series of comic skits and audio interviews about romantic relationships. The commitment for rehearsals can be as little as one rehearsal per week...

Recent weather forecasts indicate winter is here, and more is on the way. Whether rain, sleet, ice, or snow, drivers need to make adjustments when the weather changes. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages motorists to plan ahead and drive safely -- or not at all -- during inclement weather...

Frank Arnold is well-known around Nevada. During Bushwhacker Days Arnold plays a major part in organizing and coordinating the effort. During car shows people can expect to see Arnold's fire engine red 1948 Ford half-ton pickup on display. Recently Arnold added artist to his resume, he just finished painting a rendition of a Missouri National Guard Minuteman posed in front of a flag in the shape of the map of Missouri on the floor of the National Guard Armory on West Cherry...

PLEASANT HILL, Mo. -- After finishing out the first day with five wrestlers undefeated, the Nevada High School wrestling team continued their strong performance as all seven of their wrestlers brought home medals from the Steve Leslie Invitational tournament Friday and Saturday...

"A couple little things here and there and it could have been 3-0, not 2-1." Despite a short roster that featured seven open weight classes, Nevada Tigers head wrestling coach Devin White still came out of the first quadrangular meet at Wynn Gymnasium Tuesday night with a lot to be happy about...

This is the time of the year when there is a great amount of joy and excitement with the celebration of Christmas. This is true for many families and many individuals. It is also a time of sadness and depression for many others, especially for those who are lonely. Among those who may be left out of receiving any gifts are teenagers and senior citizens...