Even as the second-ranked student in Van Horn High School’s 2013 graduating class, Judit Guillen still had some reason to be nervous before Sunday’s commencement exercises at the Community of Christ Auditorium.

“You know it’s coming,” Guillen said of graduation while she and her classmates prepped in the basement, “but when it’s here, a rush of emotions fills you up and you don’t know how to feel.”

Mikala Haley was full of excitement and nerves just before she walked into the Community of Christ Auditorium.

“I am very clumsy, so I am afraid that I might fall,” said the 2013 William Chrisman High School graduate. “I am going to miss my friends the most, I think. I will also miss making people laugh every day.”

A thunderstorm heading for Eastern Jackson County Sunday caused the Truman High School graduation ceremony to start about 15 minutes early. However, the threat of severe weather did not dampen the sprits of anyone inside the auditorium.

The emotions among the St. Mary’s High School graduating class could only be described as bittersweet.

The small class of 27 were excited about graduation and moving on to the next phase of their lives. But graduation not only marked the end of the class of 2013’s high school career. It also marks the end of a 159-year-old tradition.

Veteran Salute: William 'Bill' Correll, U.S. Army – Vietnam, 1966-1968

Denied five months ago, James Woolery was back Monday for a second go-around with the City Council.

People who falsely claim they have received a military medal in order to obtain money or government benefits could face up to a year in jail under legislation that easily passed the House Monday.

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A second man has been charged the shooting death of an Independence man on May 13.

Taz L. Anguiano, 22, of Kansas City was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.