Stories from Thursday, June 9, 2011

Betty Jane Crose, 85, Nevada, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2011, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada. She was born April 17, 1926, in Topeka, Kan., to Ira White Sr. and Virginia Mae Bixby White. She married Jack Crose on Sept. 4, 1943, in Holton, Kan., and he preceded her in death on Aug. 10, 1999...

E. Nadyne Haines Bond, 88, Nevada, passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at Christian Health Care in Nevada. She was born July 7, 1922, in Portia, Mo., to Granvill E. Jackson and Goldie Bessie Stutesman Jackson. She married Elvis Haines on April 12, 1941, and he preceded her in death on April 28, 1976. Later she married Elton E. Bond on Sept. 6, 1983, in Miami, Okla., and he preceded her in death on July 25, 1996...

Nellie Mae Carpenter, 86, resident of Fort Scott, Kan., died Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott. She was born Feb. 9, 1925, in Deerfield, Mo., the daughter of Ed and Nellie Zimmerman Lawrence. Nellie married William A. "Bill" Carpenter in November of 1942. ...

A sweltering hot, non-descript spot on a dusty road in Virgil Township was the meeting place for Vernon County Commissioners, representatives of the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, the Missouri Department of Conservation and landowners concerned with a massive logjam that has been diverting the flow of water in Clear Creek...

When Saturday's Bushwhacker Days festival goers pass by the Guardians of the Ribbon's fire truck they won't see red, but the sight they'll see is likely to make them look twice. The Guardians' fire engine is pink, and the special rig, accompanied by firefighters who care enough to wear pink -- even pink turnout gear -- are coming to Nevada as part of its "Cares Enough to Wear Pink" campaign, to raise awareness of and support women in their battles with cancer...

Tickets are on sale now for "A Garden Walk ... Always in Season," sponsored by the Vernon County Four Seasons Master Gardeners Club, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 11. Tickets for the event, which sell for $8, are available at Metz Bank and the Vernon County Extension office in the Vernon County Courthouse. Tickets also may be purchased on Saturday at any of the gardens on the tour...

Zelda James, mother of Jesse and Frank James, and abolitionist John Brown will visit the Bushwhacker Museum Saturday during Bushwhacker Days. A third special program for children featuring storyteller Joyce Slater will start at noon Saturday. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday...

The United Way of Vernon County is now accepting budget requests fo the upcoming 2011 United Way campaign. Requests must be submitted by noon, Friday, July 15, to be considered as a member agency for this year's drive. Requests should include a brief history of the organization, approximately how many people are served in Vernon County, the amount requested and a detailed summary of how the United Way money will be used...

Denise Nelson, left, and Tricia Bridgewater accept a proclamation from Nevada Mayor Brian Leonard, in honor of both women, who share the title of the 2010 Citizen of the Year, an honor bestowed each year by the Nevada Rotary Club, recognizing contributions in leadership and community service. ...

Joe Brooks, Andy Anderson, Brent Beckman, Ray Spencer and Joseph Skillman, Vietnam Veterans of America, demonstrate the proper way of destroying a flag during Bushwhacker Days Opening ceremonies, Wednesday evening, on the Square. Not pictured Dennis Wear, Vic Hinds, Bob McCoy and Mike Dines. ...

The 2011 Bushwhacker royalty were crowned Wednesday as part of the opening night activities. Front row, Michelle Branham, Miss Bushwhacker, Alex Gast, Bushwhacker Princess, Rebecca Wiltshire, Junior Miss Bushwhacker and Kate Burch, Little Miss Bushwhacker. Back row, Marie Flemming, 1998 Miss Bushwhacker and Bailey Flemming, 1998 Little Miss Pioneer...