Stories from Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Derek Freeman Coker, 49, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010 at Eastgate Christian Church 4010 River Blvd., Independence, Mo. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the church...

Dec. 21 Craig A. Chester, Lowry City, Mo., speeding 40/30. Cupertino V. Morales, Granite City, Ill., defective motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated. Randy R. Northrup, Nevada, no valid operator's license. Dec. 22 Angelisa M.R. Beckman, Nevada, speeding 43/30...

Dec. 21 There were reports of a motor vehicle accident in the Vernon County area, a carbon monoxide investigation in the Vernon County area, an alarm in the Vernon County area, an abandoned vehicle in the Vernon County area, an abandoned vehicle in the Vernon County area, a stranded motorist in the Vernon County area, a follow up in the Vernon County area, suspicious vehicle activity in the Vernon County area, a dog bite in the Vernon County area, a domestic assault in the Vernon County area, a paper service in the Vernon County area, a controlled burn in the Vernon County area, and a careless and imprudent driver in the Vernon County area.. ...

There are several ways people can give the gift of history to their families. Perhaps the most fun method is for grandparents to work with their grandchildren on family history scrapbooks. "Grandparents are in a unique position to make family history come alive," said David Burton, civic communication specialist, University of Missouri Extension...

When freezing weather blankets the countryside water pipes in houses start to freeze. As Benjamin Franklin said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is much better to prevent a frozen pipe than to try to thaw it after it freezes. Vernon County Southern Commissioner Kennon Shaw, who is experienced in HVAC systems said that one of the ways to keep pipes running is to do just that -- leave the faucet dripping water to be sure the pipe doesn't freeze...

The Nevada City Council will be holding the second and final reading of the city's 2010 fiscal budget and the five-year capital improvement budget during a special meeting tonight at 7 in the council chambers. The council will also be considering a resolution confirming the Nevada streets that will be improved in 2010 with money from the city's 1/2 cent transportation sales tax and a resolution supporting the Vernon County school districts designation of "Graduation Matters" Month...

It's cold outside, and there's no end in sight for frigid temperatures, with another round of snow in store for today and winds that will mean drifting and blowing snow, making travel hazardous. Flurries and blowing snow are expected on Thursday as well, and lows well below zero -- lows of -5 Thursday night and -8 Friday night will make conditions right for frozen pipes and increasing the danger to people and pets of hypothermia...

Budget discussion for the 2010 county budget continue this week in the commission chambers on the second floor of the Vernon County Courthouse. Commissioners have heard from a number of departments and the news seems to be the same with each office. Things are going to be tight this year. Presiding Commissioner Bonnie McCord said, "All of our elected officials are very conservative; it makes it hard to squeeze anything from the budget."...

"That's a Clinton team that we knew was better than last year and has played a rugged schedule." Nevada Tigers head basketball coach John McNeley went into action Tuesday night expecting a close, evenly-matched contest as his Tigers took on the Cardinals of Clinton High School. That assumption looked to be far from correct in the beginning, but the Cardinals came to life in the final period to cut what was a blowout into just an eight-point loss as the Tigers took a 60-52 victory...

Dec. 31 There were reports of a careless and imprudent driver in the Vernon County area, harassment in the Vernon County area, a petty theft in the Moundville area, and a traffic hazard in the Vernon County area. Keith Gibbs, 41, of El Dorado Springs, was arrested and processed by the Nevada Police Department on charges of probation violation. He was released on a $10,000 bond...

As we change from one year to another, it is like starting a new chapter. We can look forward to many expectations for a new year and say good-by to the year that has ended and is now history. Dec. 31 was the final day for enrollments into the Plan D prescription program for those on Medicare. ...