Monthly Archive

A nine year old child died in an early morning house fire on Friday, February 22, 2008. Cheyenne Susanmarie Hibdon, of rural Adrian, died when flames swept through her family’s double-wide mobile home on Route AA, about four miles west of U.S. 71 Highway, northwest of Adrian. Her parents, two sisters and two brothers escaped when the fire was discovered a little after one a.m.

Lyle Scott Jennings, who was arrested on November 25, 2007 in connection with an active methamphetamine lab in Butler, was charged last week in the Circuit Court of Bates County on several counts, including felony assault on a law enforcement officer, felony endangering the welfare of a child, felony possession of a controlled substance - marijuana and felony manufacturing of a controlled substance - methamphetamines. According to Diana Rich, Bates County Circuit Clerk, Jennings was bound over to Circuit Court and has a tentative court date on April 21, 2008.

Police Chief Charles Chapman said that in March, the day shift police officers would be walking from house to house, in front and back yards in Adrian, looking for nuisances such as old cars, and for animals such as pit bulls. The officers will also be checking for properly displayed house numbers on the front of homes to aid emergency services.

“All violations will be written down and a letter informing you of the violation(s) will be taped to your front door,” Chief Chapman said. “Thirty days after the letter, you will be issued a citation for uncorrected problems.”

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks and the Cass Midway Lady Vikings met in conference play last Tuesday night with the Lady Blackhawks giving one of their best game performances of the year. Adrian started off strong on offense and played a very aggressive defense throughout the whole game to continually shut down the Viking offense, allowing only 14 total points for the game. The second half was a repeat of the first half with the aggressive defense of the Blackhawks allowing Midway only 2 points the entire half. The final score at the buzzer was Adrian 51 Midway 14.

The Adrian Blackhawks traveled to Osceola for the first game in the District tournament Monday night. The first game in the District tournament pitted Adrian against Weaubleau. The Blackhawks continued with their scoring woes, again playing as the short team in the contest. Rebounding was a problem all night long as the Blackhawks could not make their initial shots and had trouble getting second chances. After only scoring 7 points in both of the first two quarters, Adrian went into the locker room at halftime trailing the Tigers 29-14.

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Hill of Drexel will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on March 1, 2008.

Glen Hill and Arlene Shipley were married March 1, 1958 at the South Fork Baptist Church near Drexel. Officiating was Rev. Roy Groves with Dean Shielder as best man and Larie (Shipley) Thomas as maid of honor. They have lived in the Drexel area all their lives. Glen has farmed for over 50 years and Arlene has been a farmer’s wife and homemaker.

Donald Clifford “Blackie” Howell, age 76 of Lamar, Missouri died Sunday, February 24, 2008 at Bristol Manor in Lamar. Graveside services were 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at Woodfin Cemetery in Foster, Missouri with Jesse Schowengerdt officiating.
Contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements under the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel Butler, Missouri.

Cheyenne Susanmarie Hibdon, 9, Adrian, MO, died Friday, February 22, 2008 at her home. Cheyenne was born May 12, 1998 in St. Louis, MO. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO. Burial was in the Wills Cemetery, Peculiar, MO. Contributions may be made to: Cheyenne Hibdon c/o Commerce Bank, P.O. Box 408, Harrisonville, MO 64701.

Sarah Wilda Tickel, 97, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2008 at the Adrian Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Adrian, MO. Services were held Saturday, February 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian. Billy Moore, Church of Christ, Butler, MO officiated. Burial was in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Parsons, KS. Contributions may be made to the Heartland Hospice.

Mary Louise Marshall, age 86 of Adrian, Missouri died Monday, February 18, 2008 at Adrian Manor Nursing Home in Adrian. Funeral services were 10 a.m. Friday, February 22, 2008 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions made by made to the Butler First Baptist Church.

The Adrian Manor King and Queen of Hearts were named on Thursday, February 14 at the annual Valentine’s Day party. L. Marilyn Cook and Carl Stenstrom (top photo) were this year’s royalty. Cook was presented with a bouquet of silk roses and a tiara. Carl was presented a white rose boutonniere and a box of chocolates. The King and Queen of Hearts is a fundraiser for the Manor. This year, the event raised $248.25, and proceeds are slated to purchase a fountain for the new Memorial Garden at the Manor.

If you have any symptoms of a cold or flu, Bates County Memorial Hospital asks that you please refrain from visiting patients at the hospital. Symptoms of flu can include fever (usually high), headache, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. Some people, especially children, may also have stomach problems and diarrhea.

Coty McDonald, an Adrian R-3 athlete, was injured while wrestling at State in Columbia, Missouri on Friday, February 15. According to Kenny McDonald, Coty’s father, Coty suffered from a herniated disk in his neck and underwent emergency surgery on Saturday, February 16 in Columbia.

“I would like to thank Coach Don Lile for giving him immediate attention and for taking him to the trainers,” McDonald said. “If it wasn’t for Coach Lile’s attentive care, Coty could have been paralyzed.”

Coty’s disk was replaced and he suffered no paralysis, according to his father.

BCI recently purchased a Heat Transfer machine which can transfer names, illustrations, photos and logos on clothing. The BCI board presented a check for $6,000 to purchase the machine. BCI will take large and small orders from schools and organizations and other groups. For more information, call 660-679-3667.

The Lady Blackhawks traveled to Drexel last Tuesday in a conference game against the Bobcats. In a tough game defensively, the Lady Blackhawks came out on top winning 50-43. Drexel matched the girls point for point the first quarter with Adrian able to move ahead going into halftime with a comfortable 28-19 lead. The second half showed more of the Lady Bobcats determination, as they stayed close the third quarter and outscored Adrian in the fourth. However, Adrian toughened up on defense to hold on and win their third conference victory by seven points.

The Drexel Bobcats hosted the Adrian Blackhawks last Tuesday night with the Blackhawks going home with the win. Adrian jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and added to it throughout the half with good scoring opportunities. The defense had the Bobcats turning the ball over, allowing the boys a high number of transition points to take a 42-24 lead into the locker room at halftime. The second quarter was a repeat of the first with all the players getting court time.

Six Adrian Blackhawk wrestlers participated in the State wrestling championships last weekend at Columbia. Two time state qualifier, senior Wyatt Jackson was the only Blackhawk to medal. He went 4 and 1 and received third place. Others participating in the state meet were Brandt McMillan, Jacob O’Connor, Coty McDonald, Luke Hough and Matthew Tallman.

Results were:
103 Brandt McMillan 1-2
125 Jacob O’Connor 0-2
130 Coty McDonald 1-2
140 Luke Hough 2-2
145 Matthew Tallman 1-2
215 Wyatt Jackson 4-1 3rd place

Helen Mae Murray Vinkenes was born October 19, 1923 in Eldon, Missouri to Nelson and Ruby Murray. Services were held Wednesday, January 30, 2008 in the Valley Chapel, Mountain View Funeral Home. Interment in Mountain View Memorial Park of Lakewood, Washington.

Elvis Edwin Nelson, age 67 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Friday, February 15, 2008 at University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Funeral services were 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor John Payne officiating. Masonic services were 8 p.m. Monday after visitation. Burial in Mulberry Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri. Contributions to the Amsterdam Masonic Lodge or Virginia U.M.C. Youth Fellowship Building.

Mona Lea Harrison, 62, Adrian, MO, died Monday, February 11, 2008 at Bates County Memorial Hospital, Butler, MO. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 16 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, officiated by Rev. Paul Burhart, Adrian. Cremation. Contributions may be made to the Mona Harrison memorial fund.

Linda Faye Franks, 53, Raytown, MO, died Thursday, February 14, 2008 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, after a very long battle of numerous illnesses. Funeral services were held Sunday, February 17, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, MO. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Robert Lee Drury, 84, Archie, MO, died Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at Crown Care Center, Harrisonville, MO. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 16 at the Atkinson Chapel, Archie. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. Military honors under the direction of Military Funeral Honors program, MIKE Team, Warrensburg, MO. Masonic services were held Friday, February 15 at the chapel under the direction of Archie Masonic Lodge #633. Contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.

On Saturday, February 9, the Adrian Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call in the 500 block of East Main Street in Adrian. According to Fire Chief Gary Dizney, the cause of the fire at Steven and Marsha Talley’s residence was a cooking accident. Jacob Talley, a juvenile, was injured in the fire and was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital for treatment. The Talley family asks that no plants or flowers be sent to Jacob, as he cannot receive them in the burn ward at Children’s Mercy.

These six Blackhawk wrestlers will be competing at state in Columbia this weekend. Front - Brant McMillin, Luke Hough, Coty McDonald. Back - Matthew Tallman, Wyatt Jackson, Jacob O’Connor.

Wyatt Jackson scored his 100th win at Warsaw on Tuesday, February 5.

The Adrian Blackhawks resumed play Monday night with a little different look in the lineup. The boys traveled to Hume to do battle with the Hornets, and while playing a strong well balanced game, came out on the losing end by a score of 66-62.

Pictured: Andrew Underwood goes for two against the Hornets in Monday night action at Hume.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks suffered two losses last week at the Midway Tournament to move their record to 16-4 overall.

Starting out the week in the tournament, Adrian took on the Barstow Lady Knights. Adrian ran the game as they started slow and finished with almost a thirty point victory, 62-33.

Brenda Orsbun, Huntington, Arkansas and Jeff and Dee Williams of Charleston, Arkanas announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Joyce Williams to David Matthew Yates, son of Harold and Susan Yates of Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Amanda is a graduate of UAFS LPN program and is employed at Sparks Medical Center. David is a graduate of UAFS and is employed at 5 Star Productions.

Drs. Randy and Kathy Huenefeld of Adrian, Missouri, announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Leigh, to Derek Allen McGuire, son of Greg and Debbie McGuire of Lamar, Missouri.

Jennifer, a 2005 graduate of Adrian High School, is currently a junior at Missouri State University where she majors in fashion merchandising. Derek is a 2005 graduate of Lamar High School and is majoring in film animation at OTC in Springfield. The wedding will be held May 24, 2008 at the home of the bride’s parents.

Mona Lea Harrison, 62, Adrian, MO, died Monday, February 11, 2008 at Bates County Memorial Hospital, Butler, MO. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, MO. Friends may call from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the chapel. Cremation to follow. Contributions may be made to the Mona Harrison memorial fund. A complete obituary will be in next week’s issue of the Adrian Journal. Arrangements are under the direction of Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian, MO.

Gene H. Gillaspie, 48, Harrisonville, MO, died Monday, February 11, 2008 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 16 at the Atkinson Chapel, Harrisonville. Burial will be in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, MO. Friends may call 6:00-7:30 PM Friday, February 15 at the chapel. Contributions may be made to the Gene Gillaspie memorial fund.

Dixie Catherine Schlueter, age 72 of Joplin, Missouri, formerly of Rich Hill, Missouri died Thursday, February 7, 2008 at Freeman West Medical Center in Joplin, Missouri. Funeral services were 11 a.m. Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Rev. Chris Conklin officiating. Burial was in the Salem Cemetery, Foster, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.

Voters in 24 states headed to the polls on Super Tuesday, February 5. Bates County voters chose their favorite primary candidate, with 3,829 of 10,887 actual voters voting. Cass County voters in Archie voted for primary candidates, as well as for a Special Election question regarding the City’s authorization to sell its water impoundment and treatment facilities to an entity formed by PWSD#5 and the City of Archie. In Cass County, 21,123 of 65,551 actual voters voted.

Bates County unofficial election results are as follows:
Republican: John McCain
Democrat: Hillary Clinton

According to a report from the Bates County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday, February 3, at approximately 10:47 p.m., Kathleen L. Howell contacted the Bates County Sheriff’s Department by telephone and advised the on duty dispatcher that she had “killed her mother”.

Renovations to the Bates County Courthouse tower have been delayed due to cold weather, according to a statement from Paul Oliver of Advanced Fiberglass Products. The Bates County Commissioners spoke with Oliver on Monday, February 4. Oliver said he plans to have all eight finials, which are beehive-shaped structures that are to be placed around window boxes at the courthouse, completed soon.

Work is progressing well for the new addition to the Adrian R-3 School. Pictured above is a view of the commons area, looking north to the cafeteria kitchen area. During school time, tables will fill the commons area. There is a storage room for tables when they are not in use.

Adrian's boys started off against Archie with the lead at the tip-off and held on to it until just before the half going into the locker room with the Whirlwinds leading 29-25 on a late 3 point shot. After half, the Blackhawks continued to dominate in both shooting and rebounds. In the 3rd quarter, they outshot the Whirlwinds 23-12 to regain the lead and never look back as they finished the game strong, winning 68-59.

Pictured: Kyle Knuth, 10, drives to the basket as Tyler Lincoln, 15, and the Appleton City defenders look on during conference action last Friday night at Appleton City.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks earned themselves two conference wins and one non conference win last week as they hosted Archie Tuesday night, traveled to Appleton City on Friday and finished out their victorious week Saturday night traveling to Windsor.

Pictured: Jessica Sweeten, 31, lays one in as Lareesa Bagby, 21, waits to rebound in the Appleton City game last Friday night.

Gertie Lou Wells, age 91 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, February 1, 2008 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, February 4, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Rev. Chris Conklin officiating. Rebekah Lodge #238 services were also rendered. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Butler First Christian Church.

Clifford Thomas Turpen, 77, passed away Monday, February 4, 2008 at the Life Care Center of Osawatomie, KS. Cremation has been arranged and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimers Association. Arrangements were under the direction of Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel, MO.

Clifford Wayne McCoy, age 91 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, February 1, 2008 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler with military honors. Contributions, charity of choice.

Nancy Lorene Gunther, age 85 of Kansas City, Missouri, died Friday, February 1, 2008 at White Oak Nursing Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Lorene’s wishes were to be cremated. Private family inurnment will be in the spring 2008 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri. Arrangements under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri.

Robert “Bob” Lee Wilson, 61, Archie, MO, died Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park, KS. Funeral services were held Friday, February 1, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, MO. Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Kansas City Chapter, 920 Main Street, Suite 280, Kansas City, MO 64105.

The Bates County budget was approved in a 2 - 1 vote, with Donna Gregory and Bob Wingate voting in favor of and Randy Pike against.

Gregory, Bates County Presiding Commissioner, Pike, Northern Commissioner and Wingate, Southern Commissioner, presented the 2008 Bates County budget on Monday, January 28, 2008. The net cash available for 2008 was reported as $275,542.08, and the total funds available as $6,684,719.08. The estimate for end-of-the year cash balance was $417,914.08.

President Bush’s economic stimulus package has not yet been approved, and already, there are those scheming to take that money, should you even receive it.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks were all smiles as they left the annual Archie Tournament with the first place medals and trophy after going undefeated for the week.

Pictured: Front row - Olivia Case, Lareesa Bagby, Terri Jo Richmond, Kaleigh Lock, Brenna Tallman. Back row - Assistant Coach Jami Bise, Bailey Carroll, Paige DeBrot, Becca Lawrence, Chelsea Urie, Jessica Sweeten, LeeAnna Reid, Head Coach Nathan Dingman.

On January 7, 2008, Angela M. Isabell, daughter of Christopher and Melodie Isabell and Mark and Lois Durbin and Christopher R. White, son of Kevin and Deanna White, were united in marriage during Christopher’s 18 day leave. They made their everlasting promise at the same location his parents did 22 years ago. A reception will be held in the summer of 2008 after Christopher returns home from his 15 month deployment in Afghanistan.

Phillip Jeffrey Spurgeon, 47, of Adrian, MO passed away January 12, 2008 to be with our Heavenly Father. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 17 at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, Kansas City. Interment followed in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902, New York, NY 10018.

Lyle Senseman, Hugoton, Kansas, died January 25, 2008 at Dignity Care Home in Salina, Kansas. A Celebration of Life Services was held on Monday, January 28, 2008 at the Hugoton United Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m. A private inurnment was held at the Hugoton Cemetery.

Leone “Toni” Siebert, age 86, of Independence, Missouri died Friday, January 25, 2008 at Maywood Terrace Living Center in Independence. Graveside services were 2 p.m. Monday, January 28, 2008 at Greenlawn Cemtery in Rich Hill with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Contributions to Maywood Terrace Living Center. Arrangements were under the direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel, Butler, Missouri.

Carl Lee Nunn, 59, Harrisonville, MO, died Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at his home. Funeral services were held Friday, January 25, 2008 at the Rock Brook Church in Belton, MO, officiated by Rev. Kelly Walter. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Gladys Lorene (Nicholas) Burhart Brockman, 98, Adrian, MO, died Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler, MO. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 26, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, MO, officiated by Rev. Paul Burhart. Burial was in Love Cemetery, Cedar Springs, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Adrian Christian Church Building Fund, Adrian, MO.

Mary J. Aven, 68, Neosho, died at 5:05 pm, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2008 at Freeman Neosho Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Services were held Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Dr. Jerry Seigel officiated. Following services on Thursday, the body was taken for cremation. Arrangements were under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.