Monthly Archive

Written by Mike Burris

The final page in one chapter of Americana is being written with the demolition of a local landmark. Peppers Construction has resumed taking down the Stevens Hardware building located at the west end of the south side of the Main Street Business District. Age and structural instability of the building has mandated it be razed. As the bricks come down one-by-one, so do memories of Adrian’s link to a dying breed of business: the locally owned, family run hardware store.

The Bates County Sheriff’s Office, the County Task Force and other law enforcement agencies are continuing to look for an Amsterdam area rancher who has been missing nearly a week. David Cook, manager for the Sterling Ranch near Amsterdam, was last seen Wednesday, November 19 when he reportedly said he was going to meet someone. He took only his glasses, a cell phone and a money clip, and left behind his wallet, vehicle keys and vehicles.

Written by Don Arndt

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce has chosen Rusty’s Peculiar Chiropractic and Acupuncture office as the featured business for November. The business, located at 33 East Main Street in Adrian, is owned by Adrian High School graduate, Dr. James (Rusty) Womelduff.

Ed and Peggy Gary are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. A celebration will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2008, 4-6 p.m. at the Church on the Rock, 5110 Brookhart Drive Harrisonville, MO.

Dusty and Lindsay Zerbe announce the arrival of their daughter Aynsley Shea on Wednesday, November 19. She weighed 8 lbs. 4 ozs. and was 19 inches long.

George Dudley Hess, age 65 of Harrisonville, Missouri died Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville, Missouri. He was born March 13, 1943 to Joseph Rudolph and Vada Lucille Cochran Hess in Foster, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. George Barnes officiating.

The Adrian R-III library fall book fair is underway. Books are for sale to students, parents and the community after Thanksgiving on December 1, 2 and 3, 2008 in the school library. Pictured is PTO member and book fair volunteer Christine Engelken with her 3rd grade son Robert Reese.

There will be three positions open for school board candidates in 2009; two positions for a three year term and one position for a two year term. A motion was made to approve the school board candidate filing dates of Tuesday, December 16, 2008 through Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The motion was approved.

Your Adrian PTO wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving! Please don’t forget to save your Yoss receipts from your Thanksgiving shopping and send them to the school!

The Advisory Committee of the Bates County Children’s Center is proceeding with the construction of a new child advocacy center. The proposed project will enhance the response to suspected child abuse cases by combining the wisdom and professional knowledge of various investigative agencies and other professionals. These coordinated efforts provide the knowledge, skills and resources to assist suspected child abuse victims and their families. Children’s Center maintains focus on the child and helps to ensure that systems designed to protect children are able to do so effectively.

Adrian Community Library supporters found warmth on a cool night with a tasty bowl of chili or soup. After furious bidding on beautifully decorated Christmas trees, the library flourished as the tree sales and meal purchases will help buy new books.

About 30 Adrian girls turned out for varsity basketball last Monday. It will be an exciting season for the Lady Blackhawks (pictured far right).
High school boys, pictured in the middle, began basketball practice last Monday. Head Coach James Wheeler expects to have about 20 players out for the season.
Adrian R-III Wrestling Coach Don Lile held his first day wrestling practice last week with 11 wrestlers reporting (pictured right).

Residents at the Adrian Manor with November birthdays celebrated their special day. Pictured far right is Alberta Saylor, November 29 and Cricket Clifton, November 13. Right is Ann Roach, November 1. Not pictured: Shirley Fink, November 9 and Robert Lafferty, November 12.

The Red Hat Greeters Group was recently established at Adrian Manor. Their primary function is to bring a “Touch of Happiness” to fellow residents by such deeds as welcoming new residents and providing birthday card wishes to residents on their birthdays. Members pictured are, left to right: Dollie Benz, Lucy Felarski, Alberta Saylor, Lois Moles, P. J. Patterson and Marjorie Guss.

James Eldon Cox, age 85 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, November 10, 2008 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. He was born September 24, 1923 to James and Maude Elsie Burke Cox in Bates County, Missouri.
Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Rev. Bob Maffitt officiating. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Pamela Kay (Stetina) Arnold, 55, Butler, MO, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Willow Lane, Butler, MO. Pam was born July 19, 1953 in Council Bluffs, IA, the daughter of Dale and Gwenith (Haak) Stetina. She has a son, David Arnold.

The Bates County Art Fair was held last Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Bates County Historical Museum. This year’s Adrian R-III winners are pictured. Front row, left to right: Lydia Reynolds, Jordan Loughridge, Alexa Cook. Middle row, left to right: Sarah Foster, Ambyr Goergen, Trena Bass, Hillary Wood, Shelley Shannon. Back row, left to right: Michael Schlolsman, Makenzi Adams, Corey Urie, Kerry Carlton, Hailey Kimberlin. The R-III art students would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who supported them during the fair.

Adrian Mayor Ray Cusumano signed the American Education Week Proclamation. Pictured left to right is Elementary Principal Brian Borgmeyer, CTA Co-President Kelsi Burhart, Mayor Cusumano and CTA Co-President Katy Bruto.

On November 11, Veterans Day, Americans across the country pay tribute to the men and women who have defended or continue to defend our freedom. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard have answered a big calling to help secure America at every turn.

On Tuesday, November 4, 69 donors presented themselves to the American Red Cross Bloodmobile. Fifty-nine good units of blood were collected with 10 donors being deferred for minor medical reasons. The day was very productive and we are very thankful for all donors that took time out of such a beautiful fall day to donate blood for those in need. We had several first time donors and hope we see them again in the future. See everyone again - January 6, 2009.
Pictured: Bill Weeks looks on as he donates blood to the American Red Cross on November 4, 2008.

Maybe it was the weather, maybe it was an injury to a key player or maybe it was just matchup issues with a very good team. Whatever it was, words cannot begin to describe what happened in the sectional game of the 2008 Missouri class one playoffs between the Adrian Blackhawks and the Greenfield Wildcats. From the first drive of the ball game to the final snap Adrian found it difficult to find the weakness of their opponent and exploit it to the hometeam's advantage.

The weather forecast for the regional game last Wednesday night against the Adrian Blackhawks and the Rich Hill Tigers was possible thunderstorms. And that it was. The game started with light rain falling and lightning in the distance. By the end of halftime, it had turned into a full blown thunderstorm which caused officials to postpone the game until the next night.
With time running out, the Blackhawks kept their composure and scored with 1:11 left in the game. Knuth faked a hand off to Josh Hubbard and went in for the two point conversion as the Blackhawks took the victory 15-14.

Pictured far right is the All-Star Senior Division team from Adrian, Archie and Sherwood. Fifth and sixth graders pictured left to right (front row): Mitchell Cordray, Archie; Nathen Setzer, Archie; Jon Miles, Sherwood; Hunter Lehman, Sherwood; Brett Nigh, Sherwood; Jake Bunch, Adrian; Cody Enlow, Adrian; Collin Lewis, Archie. Middle row, left to right: Logan Tallman, Adrian; Seth Fisher, Archie; Dillon Davis, Sherwood; Brandon Lindsay, Sherwood; Matthew Wright, Adrian; Austin Castaneda, Adrian; James Penn, Archie. Back row: South 71 All-Star coaches from Adrian, Archie and Sherwood.

The South 71 All-Star Junior Division team, comprised of 3rd and 4th graders, are pictured to far right. Front row, left to right: Colbey Fenton, Archie; Nick Bunch, Adrian; Morgan Patterson, Adrian; Huston Bridgewater, Rich Hill; Hayden Stark, Adrian; Wyatt Reynolds, Adrian; Kale Wheeler, Archie. Middle row, left to right: Tyler Setzer, Archie; Austin Pritchett, Rich Hill; Aadin Humbles, Rich Hill; Dannon Beckett, Rich Hill; Myles Becker, Rich Hill; Tanner Williams, Archie; Casey Reeves, Adrian, Caleb Schacher, Archie. Back row: All-Star Coaches from Adrian, Archie and Rich Hill.

Natasha Smith and Jeremy Rinehart exchanged marriage vows on August 16, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Oak Grove, MO. The bride is the daughter of Mark and Nancy Schifferdecker of Belton, MO and Ronnie and Penny Smith of Webb City, MO. She is the granddaughter of Paul and Vivian Moudy of Adrian, MO. The groom is the son of Ron and Jolita Rinehart.

Please join our family on the joyous occasion when Bob and Shirlene Lotspeich celebrate 50 years of marriage at a reception in their honor on Sunday, November 16th from 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon at the Archie United Methodist Church, located at Chestnut & Ohio Streets, 19 Hi-View Ridge Dr., Archie, MO. No gifts, please.

The Harmony Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored seniors from seven area high schools on November 10, 2008 at the Ohio Street United Methodist Church in Butler. Pictured left to right, front row: Brittany Clark, Issac Dains, Phillip Sean Carroll. Left to right, back row: Colby Teeman, Cody Franklin, Samantha Jo Fink, Emily Elizabeth Toppass.

John Wilford Jones went to take his walk with the Lord on November 8, 2008. After his short battle with cancer, he passed at the young age of 68, at his home, surrounded by family. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, Missouri. He was laid to rest in Crescent Hill Cemetery.

Herbert Lee Elam passed away Sunday, November 9, 2008 at his home in Adrian, Missouri at the age of 77 years, 8 months and 7 days. He was born March 2, 1931 in Winfield, Kansas to John Daniel Simpson Elam and Della Bullins. He was a decorated, retired Staff Sergeant of the United States Air Force, a Freemason, and a member of the B.P.O.E., and former Mayor of Archie, Missouri.

Dr. Jim Binkley, Adrian Optimist Club President, presented the Adrian Optimist Student of the Month Award to Senior Tyler Ricketts. The student of the month is chosen based on the following criteria: improvement in or good grades, academic excellence, character, active and/or community service, leadership, academic, athletic, or community accomplishments, behavior, attendance, attitudes toward others/learning. Pictured left to right: Dr. Jim Binkley, Tyler Ricketts and AHS Principal/Optimist Member Chris Shanks.

The 2008 General Election was held Tuesday, November 4. Bates County voters turned out in record number to exercise their freedom of choice by voting for the United States President and Vice President, as well as many other key offices and issues. While the national results are still tight at press time, the local races have been tabulated unofficially.

The annual Sight & Safety Night, sponsored by the Adrian Lions Club, with the support of the Adrian Chamber of Commerce, was held Halloween night on Main Street. The Adrian Bank went all out with their blow up decorations. Several businesses, organizations and individuals handed out treats to over 600 little, and big, trick-or-treaters.

Eleven Blackhawks were chosen for the 2008 WEMO All-Conference Team. Pictured above are the selected football players. Front row, left to right: Luke Hough, Ivan Wendleton, Jimmy Ray. Back row, left to right: Kendall Schellmann, Erik White, Skylar Kariker, Josh Hubbard, Henry Wendleton, Tyler Tolle, Kyle Knuth, Chris Shaller.

The day before Halloween provided an early scare for the Adrian Blackhawks football team in the final game of district play. The game ended with a final score of 33-13, for a Blackhawk win on Senior Night. “Appleton City has a fine team,” commented Head Coach George Bruto. “Their offense was hard to define.” Bruto went on to add, “It was a very good game. We must play a full game to get by Rich Hill Wednesday night.”

The Adrian 5th and 6th grade football team was named the South 71 Little League Super Bowl Champions Saturday, November 1 as they defeated the Midway Vikings 19 to 18. The game was played at Archie. Pictured are: front row (left to right): Jesse Willerton (coach), Dylan Enlow, Dakota Dillon, Jacob Lacy, Zach Dabney, Cody Enlow, Jake Bunch, Austin Corley, Logan Tallman, Neal Tallman (coach). 2nd row, (left to right): Jordan Brooks, Dusty Lerosen, Issaic Romi, Austin Castanada, Trenton Tallman, Matthew Wright, Skyler White, Brodhe Bennett.

Robert Calvin “Dusty” “Bob” Rhoades Jr., age 69 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, October 27, 2008 in Butler. He was born Christmas Day December 25, 1938 to Robert Calvin Sr. and Hattie Mae Lemmons Rhoades in Wakeeney, Kansas. Funeral services were Thursday, October 30, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Lynn Snapp officiating. Burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.

Roberta “Maxine” (Davidson) Evans, formerly of Adrian, MO, the daughter of Harley and Mollie (Greer) Davidson, born September 17, 1917, near Adrian, MO, passed away November 3, 2008 at Cedars of Liberty, Liberty, MO, at the age of 91. She was united in marriage to Del E. Evans at her parent’s home near Adrian on December 25, 1938.
Services were held Wednesday, November 5, 11:00 a.m. at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.

Richard Ely Sullins, age 72 of Papinville, Missouri died Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born May 20, 1936 to Earlest Eli and Mabel Naomi Pierce Sullins in Deer Creek Township, Bates County, Missouri.
Funeral services were Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Interment, Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri.

Mildred Christine McCoy, age 94, formerly of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, October 30, 2008 at Medicalodge Nursing Center of Nevada, Missouri. She was born July 22, 1914 to Grover and Ollie Jenkins McCoy in Butler.
Graveside services were 10 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Online condolences, www.schowengerdtchapel.com.

Josie and Leevi Grimsley would like to announce the arrival of their new little sister, Maycee Kay Grimsley. She was born on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. by c-section at the Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, MO.

The Adrian Blackhawks marching band participated in the UMC Homecoming Parade in Warrensburg on Saturday, October 25th. The band received first place.

Adrian High School students and 6th graders participated in a mock election Tuesday, November 4. Adrian R-3 6th grader Jacob Loughridge (right) places his ballot in the Ballot Box. Each student received an “I Voted” sticker and each one registered to vote.

The Adrian R-III Parents as Teachers program sponsored its first group meeting of the year on Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Many children dressed up early for Halloween and enjoyed a Kindermusik class led by Allison Oates. After their class, all kids made their own Halloween “craft” by either filling a goodie bag or decorating a cookie.
Parents as Teachers is a free program sponsored by the Adrian R-III School District. It provides home visits, group meetings and screenings to families with children age birth to five. For more information, call the school for details, 816-297-2158.

The Adrian FBLA traveled throughout Adrian on Halloween evening collecting food for the local food pantry. The members would like to thank everyone who donated to this worthwhile cause on such a busy night. Front row: Andrea French, Jordan Reichert, Ali Feris, Danielle Baker and Christa Hill. Back row: Toni Perrymann, Maren VanLuvanee, Austin Potter, Megan Lewis and Emily Hughes Not pictured: Shelley Jones and drivers Angela Lewis, Kelly Reichert, Marilyn Feris and Dee Perrymann.