Beginning a new year

We are now in the first week of a new year. It is exciting to start a new year with great anticipations and expectations. We will need to get use to writing a new date. In previous years I have suggested writing the year on a number of checks, to keep from dating the check a year ago.

Many have written New Year's resolutions and perhaps have broken those resolutions by now. It is good to make resolutions and strive to meet them. Good things can happen.

There have been many changes to our community in recent years. Those of us who are here every day do not notice the changes. Those who have not been here for a while, but once made this area their home will tell you that there have been many changes. There have been many great accomplishments. We can anticipate more changes and accomplishments during 2006.

One such event is the beginning of a new diabetic support group. This is a group that has been needed in the community. The group will provide support for one another. Those in attendance will receive encouragement and help in controlling their diabetes or that of a family member.

We are fortunate to have a diabetic educator in town. Darla Englebrecht, BSN, is a diabetes nurse educator and is at the Bowman building Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. With her leadership a diabetic support group will be developed. She can be contacted by calling (417) 448-2016. The Bowman building is located at 2015 N. West Street.

Prairie Pride Inc. has proposed building a combination soybean oil extraction-biodiesel facility at Eve. This will develop into a major facility that will benefit several counties in this part of Missouri and in eastern Kansas. The plans are to build a 21 million bushel soybean oil extraction and 30 million gallons per year biodiesel facility. Folks, this is huge. It will have a significant economic impact.

The new generation producer's cooperative is completing its prospectus. An equity drive is to begin this month in both Kansas and Missouri.

There are several things that will be accomplished in the city of Nevada during 2006. There will be an election for three positions on the city council. The citizens of Nevada have good candidates from which to choose elected officials. We are fortunate to have these candidates willing to serve in a major leadership position for the city.

Several things will be happening this year and in future years to improve the city parks, as result of the passing of the 1/2- cent sales tax passed this past year. A major item for this year will be the new lighting at the Lyons field and at Bushwhacker field.

'This will cost over a quarter of a million dollars -- that is a lot of money. The lights are expected to be in place when baseball season begins. The current lights need to be replaced. If one of the poles were to break and fall on someone, it would become more expensive than having the new lights.

One of the needs in the community is for an enclosed shelter house. This year plans will be developed for such a facility. Among the facilities planned in future years is a new civic center. The park system is great, but will become even greater. The park board wants you to make suggestions.

There have been many favorable comments of the street improvements as a result of the 1/2-cent tax for street improvements. This year the voters in Nevada will have a choice of continuing this program.

Improvements at the airport are something that many of us will not be taking advantage. Still, a good airport with good facilities will have an economical impact on the city and will help to bring more businesses and manufactures.

This year will begin the construction of a new terminal at the airport. This is expected to be near completion by the end of the year,.which will be a great addition to the community.

This year there will be mid-term state and national elections. This promises to be an interesting election. There will also be special issues on the state ballots.

Last year I did not do any fishing nor did I play any golf. Of course, anyone who has ever watched me will tell you that I cannot play golf. For me, I intend to get in some fishing and playing some golf during the year.

There are many other things that will be occurring during 2006 in our community.

It promises to be a good year with excitingthings happening.