Monthly Archive

The Adrian Fire Department has recently purchased two new fire trucks for both the city and rural sides of the department. The newer equipment was purchased to upgrade to the best equipment possible so that the Fire Department can provide the best service possible for Adrian’s city and rural residents.

The Adrian Journal is proud to introduce new staff member, Michele Burris. She is the Managing Editor and began working at the Journal on October 1. Michele has a wide-variety of duties, from design and layout, to writing stories and taking pictures, to seeking ads, to greeting customers and basically just doing a little bit of everything as needed.

Adrian’s latest stop in district play was in Archie Friday night as the Blackhawks squared off with the Whirlwinds. The Blackhawks arrived back in Adrian on the heavy side of a 46-7 score.
Adrian hopes to keep the momentum on both sides of the ball as the Blackhawks play host to the Appleton City Bulldogs and their high power passing game this Thursday night. Bruto went on to say, “This week Appleton City comes to town with a very good pass offense. We must play with a lot of intensity.”

The Adrian junior varsity Blackhawks had an outstanding 2008 football season as they went undefeated for a 5-0 record.
Adrian vs El Dorado Springs - 30-6
Adrian vs Osceola - 30-0
Adrian vs Archie - 16-0
Adrian vs Lone Jack - 36-6
Adrian vs Midway - 30-6

Pictured upper right: The 2008 JV Blackhawks
Pictured lower right: Nick Case runs the ball in for an Adrian touchdown.
Pictured far right: Eric Moles nails the first kickoff of the game against El Dorado Springs.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks traveled to Eldorado Springs for the District Tournament. Adrian was seeded 6th in the tournament. They were defeated in two. This loss ended the season for the Adrian Lady Blackhawks. “The girls played well in this game. We came out hoping to continue on for a chance to win our District, but we came up short. They played hard and fought until the end. I was very proud of them” said Coach Carver.

Pictured far right: Leeanna Reid passes the ball after receiving a serve.

Adrian (pictured left to right): Senior Lareesa Bagby, 2nd Team; Senior Justine Enlow, Honorable Mention.
Archie (pictured left to right): Junior Kate Sanders, 2nd Team; Senior Sheryl Mattox, 2nd Team; and Britney Timme, Honorable Mention.
Miami: Senior Sam Fink, Honorable Mention.

Adrian’s 5th and 6th grade team played a post season game against Butler Tuesday night. Final score Adrian 7, Butler 1.

The Adrian Rebekah Lodge #449 held a reception for two lodge members who were appointed to positions in the Grand Lodge of the Odd Fellows I.O.O.F and Rebekah Assembly of the State of Missouri. Brother Dan Moore was appointed Grand Herald of the Odd Fellows, State of Missouri and Joyce Brown was appointed Conductor of the Missouri Rebekah Assembly.

Bonnie Mae (Stephens) Jackson, 94, Adrian, Mo, passed away Monday, October 27, 2008 at Adrian Manor, Adrian, Mo. Bonnie was born on September 15, 1914 in Amsterdam, MO, the daughter of John and Bertha (Kershner) Stephens. She was united in marriage to Wesley Jackson. To this union two sons were born, Marvin and Raymond.

Mary Jane Crouch, age 95 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Crystal Manor in Adrian, Missouri. She was born October 16, 1913 to Henry and Emma Grant Bell in Kansas City, Missouri.
Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Mrs. Maggie Dee Crust of Archie, Mo. was born February 1, 1914 near Dayton, Mo. The daughter of Marion Thomas and Irma Genieve (Stephens) Sexson. She departed this life on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at Cass Regional Medical Center, Harrisonville, Mo. at the age of 94 years, 8 months and 14 days.
To send the family online condolences, please visit www.dickeyfh.com.

Adrian Blackhawks Head Coach George Bruto notched his 200th victory as head coach of Adrian with a 54-0 drubbing of the Drexel Bobcats. A win that marked the latest stop in a journey that started September 5, 1986 with a 14-6 victory over the Sherwood Marksmen.
Coach Bruto currently stands at 203 victories and counting. The Blackhawks look to add to that number by winning games this week against Archie and Appleton City next week. When asked if he thinks that will happen he said, “I sure hope so, but those teams are pretty darned good!”

The city crew will be removing the materials with city owned equipment and will pay for the cost of the dumpsters. The city council stated that the Stevens’ have been very cooperative with the work on this building and would like to thank them for that.

The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of John and Peggy Petty would like to invite you to help celebrate their 65th Anniversary with a card shower. John and Peggy were married in Butler on October 29, 1943. Cards can be mailed to: John & Peggy Petty, 601 Virginia Lane, Adrian, MO 64720.

Kent Gutshall, age 46, of Adrian, MO finally made Charlotte Pierce, age 42, also of Adrian, an honest woman in Eureka Springs, AR at the Hidden Acres Wedding Chapel on October 18, 2008 after 10 years of dating bliss.

Matt and Carrie Rahl are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Hattie Shannon Rahl. Hattie arrived on August 28, 2008 at Columbia Regional Hospital in Columbia, MO. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Jason Niggley and Grayce Lackland celebrated their engagement with family and friends on September 21 at the Frontier Village. Jason Niggley is the Grandson of Irene Welliver of Adrian, Missouri. Jason and Grayce will be married on December 28th at the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.

Butler, Missouri died Sunday, October 19, 2008 at her home in Butler after a two-year battle with cancer of the brain. Funeral services were Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Robert Louis Wood, 83, Archie, MO, died Sunday, October 19, 2008 at Adrian Manor Nursing Home, Adrian, MO. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Harrisonville, MO, officiated by Rev. Lon Brown, Belton, MO and Rev. Andy Smart, Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Harrisonville. Online condolences may be made at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.com.

Minnie K. (Williams) Cobb, 90, Archie, MO, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at the Life Care Center in Kansas City, KS. Funeral services were held Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Atkinson Chapel in Archie, MO, officiated by Rev. Travis James and Rev. Roger McKee. Online condolences may be made at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.com.

The Adrian Blackhawks opened District play last week at Drexel. It was an important night for the Blackhawks as it was first round of districts, they would move one step closer to the WEMO title and a win would put Coach Bruto at his 200th win at Adrian High School. The Blackhawks did everything right to help make this a perfect night as they defeated the Drexel Bobcats 54 - 0.

Volleyball seniors were honored on Monday, October 13 during Senior Night as they played their last home volleyball game against the Lakeland Lady Vikings. Pictured left to right: Kaitlin Hendrick, Justine Enlow, Lareesa Bagby and Fareeda Bootle.

Adrian Lady Blackhawks took to the road last week as they traveled to Rich Hill and Archie. Pictured: Justine Enlow serves the ball at Rich Hill, and Olivia Case goes up for a hit against Archie.

The 5th and 6th grade Adrian soccer team finished their season on Saturday, October 18th with an undefeated season.

Last game of the season was a fun one for the Adrian 3rd and 4th grade soccer team. The team had a 6-0 record for the season. Pictured are: Front row - Brandon Craig, Parker Deal, Garrett Judy, Derek Greer. 2nd row - Katie Kostuke, Dylan Novovesky, Lauren Shipley, Anna Walley. Back - Coach Shawn Shipley and Coach Jay Walley.

A reception for Head Coach George Bruto was held last Friday (October 17) in honor of his 200th win in Adrian. Bruto's wife Patti, his family, colleagues, friends and players (former and current) were in attendance to offer their congratulations and gratitude. School Board President Jay Bagby recognized Bruto's successful career by presenting him with the game ball and a trophy.

On Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the 8th Session of the 81st Annual National FFA Convention, 3,341 FFA members from across the United States will receive the FFA’s highest degree: the American FFA Degree. Among those receiving the degree will be Brenda Arnold, daughter of Bob and Sharon Arnold and Chance Berry, younger son of David and Chris Berry and members of the Adrian FFA Chapter.

Author Mary Casanova spoke to Adrian R-III students on October 15 about books for children and young adults. She has written over 20 books with more on the way. Casanova is an award-winning children’s author of novels and picture books

The Adrian Post Office needs more room to adequately process the mail. Hubbard Construction is adding a 1600 square foot addition to the existing building, doubling its size. Hubbard expects the expansion to be complete by January 2009. "We will try not to interrupt business if at all possible. Thank you for your patience while we are under construction."

Public Water Supply District #5 held their regular meeting Monday, October 6, 7:00 p.m. Superintendent Lewis reported that the master meter has been installed. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 3, 2008.

For many years’ volunteer members of the Western Missouri Antique Tractors and Machinery Association have gathered very early in the morning at Frontier Village to await the arrival of bus loads of 4th graders. The workers get all set up and have the fire going in the blacksmith shop, logs on the saw mill and apples ready to squeeze for cider. The railroad men get all the cars hooked up with the engines running. On this special day each year the children travel from area schools to watch crafts and displays scattered all over the Village.

Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney talked to Adrian R-III second graders about fires during Fire Prevention Week.

The Adrian Community Library Board invites area citizens, businesses, and civic groups to participate in a Christmas Tree Decorating Contest as a part of the library's upcoming fundraiser. Three foot trees are being provided by the Adrian Community Library. The tree can be adopted and decorated with any creative theme by the sponsor. Trees can be picked up and dropped off decorated by October 31 at the Adrian Community Library.

Ryan and Shawna Lowe of Peculiar, Missouri are proud to announce the birth of their son, Brady Allan Lowe.

Last week, numerous Adrian Manor residents gathered in the living room area and waited patiently and with interest, for their turn to have their likeness sketched in pencil, by Adrian artist, Rosemary Reightley. The event took place last Wednesday morning, October 8.

Alice Lorene Sage, age 75 of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2008 at her home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.Funeral services were 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler. Burial, Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

The Adrian Blackhawks won their third conference game as they defeated the Osceola Indians last Friday night 56-18. They pushed their overall record to 6-1. Coach Bruto commented, "It was a great job by everyone! They all played hard and gave us great effort all night."

Last Thursday night the Adrian Lady Blackhawks hosted the Drexel Lady Bobcats. Coach Erin Carver said, "We really played like a team tonight. Even though the game didn't turn out the way we wanted it to, we looked good."
Monday night was Senior Night for four Adrian Lady Blackhawks as they hosted the Lakeland Lady Vikings. Coach Carver said, "We started this game a little slow, but picked up the pace and intensity the longer we played. Once we got where we should be, we looked good and it was fun to watch them play. I was proud of them. They never gave up."

On Saturday, October 4, 2008, the Adrian Junior Varsity Team took 2nd place in the K.C. Lutheran Tournament. The coach was very impressed with how the team played throughout the day. It was a very long day, considering the first game was at 8:55 and the last game was at 6:30, but they held themselves and each other together very well. Great job girls!

The Adrian football teams gave it their all against the Drexel Bobcats last Saturday.

On Saturday, September 27, a golf tournament was held at Blackberry Trails Golf Course to benefit Adrian Project Prom. Project Prom is an organization set-up to provide a safe environment for our community's youth and their dates following Adrian's Junior/Senior Prom. Entertainment, food, and prizes are all included in the festivities which last all night. To ensure the success of such a huge undertaking, the committee in charge relies heavily on community support.

Game five was played at Archie. Justein Fisher took the kick off to open the game. Both teams battled for possession of the ball. The first score was made by Taryn Gregg after receiving a pass from teammate Tanner Tullock. Tanner worked the ball in close and sent an up and over the goalie shot for the next goal. Connor Walley and Hunter Chamberlain took turns guarding the net for Adrian. Haylea Loper and Wade Cumpton led the team in steals. Final score Adrian 2, Archie 1

Kaleigh Lock, Junior, daughter of Bruce Schaller and Jennifer Dodson was crowned as the Adrian 2008 Homecoming Queen last Friday night, October 3 during halftime. Keenan Morrow, Junior, son of Darren Morrow and Kari Keating was named King.

It was a bright, sunny day as Main Street filled with anxious spectators for a memorable Adrian tradition - the Homecoming parade. Leading this year’s parade was Wallace Henrickson who was welcomed with cheers of respect and gratitude.

The last day of September brought an end to the month and also marked the end of the one half cent Courthouse sales tax.
The Bates County Commissioners held a short ceremony outside at the bandstand on the Courthouse lawn, to mark the occasion, on Wednesday, October 1.

The state of the American economy has caused concerns for most people today. Rising food and fuel prices, the problems in the housing market, the government’s buy out proposals for Wall Street all have added to worries for the average person.

Don Grimes and Norma Jean Hill were married on October 17, 1948 in Adrian, Missouri. The family hosted a reception on Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ballard School.

The Adrian Optimist Club recently presented the Adrian 6th grade class with new dictionaries in memory of Floyd Buhr, a longtime Optimist Club member, who felt that this was one of the best of the many projects the Adrian Optimist Club does for the youth of the community. Each dictionary has a memorial picture of Floyd Buhr inside the cover with the the notation of Floyd being a “Tireless Community Servant and Unpublished Author”.

The Midway Vikings came to Adrian last Friday night in hopes of spoiling the Blackhawks Homecoming. The rivalry of the two teams is well known so Adrian knew they would have to be well prepared. And that they were. The Blackhawks celebrated Homecoming 2008 by defeating the Vikings 35-15.
Coach Bruto said, “It was a good Homecoming win. We played well at times. We still haven’t played a full game. We had too many penalties Friday night. We travel to Osceola this Friday. They always give us trouble down there. We must play better this week.”

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks were in action last week. Last Tuesday they traveled to Miami. Despite their sluggish play they defeated Miami, but it took three games, 25-20, 19-25, 25-23.

Another perfect Saturday morning for soccer. The whole team continues to show improvement with their passing skills. This weeks goals were scored by Lauren, Anna, Dylan, Katie, and Garrett. Our goal keepers for this game were Parker, Garrett, Brandon, and Derek. They again held the opposing team at 0. Good teamwork.

Harley Kooker passed away at Penrose Hospital, in Colorado Springs, Monday. He proudly served his country in the USAF. He farmed for many years in Iowa and Missouri before settling in Colorado in 1971.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Eva Kooker, and 9 siblings. Harley is survived by his brother, Paul Kooker, and sister, Stella Birkland; his wife, Bev; his sons, Dennis Kooker, Kenneth Kooker and wife Jackie, Terry Kooker and wife Belinda, his daughters, Linda Turnbull and husband Ron, and Glenda Kooker; 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

The Adrian Blackhawks surround head coach George Bruto to congratulate him on his 200th career win last Friday night against the Rich Hill Tigers as Bruto’s Blackhawks scored a 27-14 victory over the Tigers. George was presented the game ball by Secondary Principal Chris Shanks. Coach Bruto needs three more wins to record his 200th at Adrian R-III.

The Adrian Optimist Club held their 39th Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Banquet on Saturday evening, September 27, 2008. President Ferguson, assisted by Secretary Gary Morrow and Treasurer Stephen Burns, presented special awards. The awards presented were: Perfect Attendance, Pat Oates and Don Durbin, 39 years; Rookie of the Year, Mike Burris; President’s Citation, Cary Six; Lifetime Achievement, Stan Grimsley (pictured left); and Optimist of the Year, Leroy Edmiston (pictured right). This was also Stan and Bev Grimsley’s 50th wedding anniversary.

Amsterdam Jubilee was held Saturday, September 27. Royalty being crowned was, Front - Queen Shellie Hendricks, 10, daughter of Kim Hendricks; Miss Tiny Tot, Dallie Morris, 5, daughter of Missy and Casey Morris; Princess Avery Brooks, 5, daughter of Vernon and Jean Brooks. Back - Senior Queen, Barb Corwine.

Adrian police assisted other agencies this past week as well as investigated an alleged assault involving adults and an alleged child neglect situation. Officers also responded to a disturbance, theft, an alleged theft, and a hit and run motor vehicle accident, according to this week’s list of incident reports. Chief Charles Chapman issued statements regarding parking at the school, children walking home from school and, barking dogs.

On September 26, 2008, “The Magic of Recycling” show visited the Adrian Elementary school. This magic show teaches students about their garbage and why it is important to recycle it. Greg Allen, master magician, performed various magic tricks that turned used items into new items as a means of demonstrating the process of recycling. Some of the magic tricks required participation from the students. It was easy to see that the students were having a lot of fun while learning the importance of recycling.

In their first WEMO Conference game of the season, the Adrian Blackhawks hosted the undefeated Rich Hill Tigers last Friday night. Coach Bruto and his Blackhawks knew they would have to play some tough football to claim the victory. They rose to the challenge and scored a 27-14 win.

Last Tuesday night the Adrian Lady Blackhawks hosted the Lady Vikings from Midway and were defeated in two, 19-25, 13-25.
The Adrian Lady Blackhawks participated in the Midway Tournament on Saturday, September 27. In the first game of pool play Adrian went up against the Lady Eagles from Jasper. Adrian was defeated in two, 17-25, 23-25. In the second game of the day, the Barstow Lady Knights defeated Adrian, 19-25,14-25. Pictured is Olivia Case, who was ready to block the hit of a Midway player.

Adrian Junior High Girls “A” Team placed 2nd in the Rich Hill Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, September 27. Pictured are: Front row - Kamiron Luptak. 2nd row - Shannon Chulufas, Sarah Jacobs, Rebekah Scott, Brittany Williams, and Kireston Luptak. Back row - Coach Katy Bruto, Morgan Snyder, Danielle Yates, Ashlee Smith, Lesley Cox, Caitlin Kimminau, Shelby Shannon and Coach Joe Abrams. Three girls from Adrian were also chosen for the All Star Tournament Team. They were Kamiron Luptak, Kireston Luptak, and Lesley Cox.

The Adrian South 71 Football Junior Division hosted Jayhawk Linn last Thursday night at the Wayne C. Davis Field. At right: Payton Reynolds runs for yardage after catching a pass from Nick Bunch.

Dakota Gray, age 10, went on his first Alaskan bear hunt with his dad. They hunted spot and stalk in the Wrangell St. Elias Mountain Range. Dakota harvested a nearly 6 foot black bear using a 308 Savage at 144 yards, only 20 minutes into the first day of hunting. The hunted logging clear cuts on the mountain sides on foot, about a 5 mile day. Dakota came back to camp a very tired and happy little boy, with a very proud dad and a very dead bear. Dakota’s dad has been guiding Alaska for the past 12+ years and says this was his greatest hunt and favorite client.

Residents of Adrian Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center gathered in the lobby Thursday afternoon, September 25, to enjoy numerous Elvis Presley songs, as performed by an impersonator. Don Darnell of Smithton, Missouri presented the realistic illusion of the King of Rock and Roll, motivating the residents, as well as staff, to sing, dance and clap along.

Ila Maxine Downey, 78, Hermitage, MO, died Friday, September 26, 2008 at the Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, MO. Maxine was born October 10, 1929 in Amsterdam, MO, the daughter of Leland and Leta (Reynolds) Horton.
Services were held Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian with Elder Michael Stephenson officiating. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery. Contributions to Charity of choice.

Beverly Jean Radford, age 77 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, September 29, 2008 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born September 8, 1931 to Pascal Carter and Valda Fern Comstock Padgett in Wallace, Nebraska.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Contributions to Butler Masonic Lodge #254. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.

James “Jim” William Bellis, age 78 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born April 10, 1930 to Paul Evan and Hellen May Greer Bellis in Kansas City, Missouri.
Funeral services were held Friday, September 26, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Interment, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions, Butler First Baptist Church. Services were under the direction of the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler.