Stories from Tuesday, August 3, 2021

The Cottey College athletic department on Monday introduced the three newest faces who will be roaming its sidelines this upcoming school year. At a press conference inside the Rogers Fine Arts Building, Dr. Maryann Mitts — in her first season as athletic director and head basketball coach at Cottey — said in her opening remarks to a room of media members and college staff that the most important work she’s undertaken in her first few months in Nevada has been hiring new coaches...

Some light rain and distant thunder were not enough to keep drivers — nor young bicyclists — off the dirt track Saturday night at Nevada Speedway. The final races of July saw competition in all six classes, with as many newcomers as familiar faces taking the checkered flag. And because it was Kids Bicycle Races night, youngsters even got to spend intermission pedaling their much-quieter rides across the finish line (with a couple of lucky fans snagging free bikes given away as prizes)...

The Nevada Public Library closed at noon, Monday, and will remained closed due to staff exposure to COVID-19. According to the library, the plan is to reopen for curbside-only services as soon as staffing is available. The exterior book drop on the west side of the building will remain open for returns. ...

"It has nothing to do with the pandemic," stated Vernon County Assessor Cherie Roberts when talking to the Nevada Daily Mail about property valuation increases. "We have nothing to do with property tax increases — it is valuation," noted Roberts. "On odd numbered years — which this is an odd numbered year — it is called reappraisal years. ...

Jerrold R. Miller, 75, Ridgedale, Mo., (formerly of Walker, Mo.) passed away on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021, at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark., following a lengthy illness. Jerry was born July 29, 1946, in Torrington, Wyo., to Dale E. and Erma M. (Morrison) Miller. He married Susan Gordon on Dec. 17, 1973, in Miami, Okla., and she preceded him in death on May 3, 2010. He has resided in Ridgedale, Mo., for the past several years with his companion Patty Gross...

Donald Leon Phillips, 65, died at his home in Nevada, Mo., on Friday, July 30, 2021. Donald was born Nov. 12, 1955, in Waverly, Mo., to George Lee and Dorothy Mildred (Raw) Phillips. Private graveside services will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dederick, Mo...