Monthly Archive

As we leave 2008 behind, eight month old Bryson Jacobs rings in the new year with his parents, Brad and Jill Jacobs of Drexel. He is the grandson of Steve and Linda Oldfield, Adrian, and Joe and Vicki Jacobs of Drexel, Missouri.
Bryson and The Adrian Journal wish all of our readers, advertisers, family and friends all the best in 2009. Because of you, this hometown newspaper is one that Adrian and area communities can be proud of. We invite you to join the staff in celebrating the new year as the Adrian Journal begins its 121st year of circulation.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of its residential Christmas lighting contest last week. Out-of-town judges toured Adrian to determine the top three decorated houses. Placing first was Don and Jeanette Cushard, 317 S. Kentucky (right). Second place was awarded to Tina Moore, 35 E. 6th Street (middle photo). Receiving the third place award was Terry and Diane Gregg, 205 Harlequin (far right). Each winner received Chamber Bucks ($100 for first place, $75 for second), and $50 for third). Thank you to all who participated in the contest!

Adrian Bank made generous donations to local charities and organizations. Pictured with each recipient is Vice President Lori Haskins. Julie Stevens (far right), the Adrian Food Pantry Manager, accepted a $500 donation. On behalf of the Adrian Community Library, Ruth Ann Ferguson (middle) received a gift of $750. Scott Ford (right) represented the Little League Football Association as he accepted $750. The recipients are grateful for the generosity of the Adrian Bank.

The Adrian Optimist Building was filled with gun and knife enthusiasts from several surrounding states last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The main features of the Adrian Optimist sponsored Gun and Knife Show was Jason Burton from Archie, MO, a knife bladesmith, and Frank Morgan from Passaic, MO, who is a knife sharpener.

Georgia Foote will celebrate her 80th birthday on January 13, 2009. Her children invite all of Georgia’s family and friends to send her birthday wishes at 204 S. Wilson, Archie, MO 64725. She will be delighted to hear from everyone.

Happy New Year!!
Make a New Year’s resolution to attend PTO meetings! Mark your calendars for the first meeting of the year ~ January 13, 2009 in the school library at 7 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Jerry Mac Ford, 54, was born in Butler, MO on June 16, 1954 and passed away December 22, 2008 in Adrian, MO. He was the fourth child born to Marvin Louis Ford and Doris Lee (Oltmans) Ford. He was united in marriage to Diana Lynn Brady in 1974. Two sons were born to this union, Richard and Scott.
Services were held on Monday, December 29, at the Atkinson Funeral Home, Adrian, MO. Visitation was at 10:00 a.m., memorial service at 11 a.m. with burial to follow in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. Contributions may be made to the Adrian Boy Scout Troop 238.

Ruby (Stephenson) Blancett of Tulsa, Oklahoma formerly of Adrian, Missouri passed away Saturday, December 27, 2008 at the age of 89. Ruby was born in Harrison, Arkansas on February 28, 1919 to Clarence and Lina (Horton) Stephenson.
Inurnment at Floral Haven Cemetery Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

James Hamilton McDonnell of Drexel, Missouri was born on July 24, 1924 near Archie, Missouri the son of James Karl and Mary D. (Vansandt) McDonnell. He departed this life on Monday, December 22, 2008 at Specialty Hospital of Mid-America, Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 84 years, 4 months and 28 days.

William “Bill” Hard Maxwell, age 68 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, December 19, 2008 at Harlingen Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas with cause of death unknown pending autopsy results. He was born December 30, 1939 to Alvis Willard and Marguritte Hard Maxwell in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Adrian Bank held their annual Customer Appreciation Day Friday, December 19 at all three of their bank locations, Adrian, Archie and Butler. Bank customers enjoyed the luncheon and several prizes were given

A Peculiar, Missouri man died in a two vehicle accident in Bates County Tuesday, December 16, 2008. The accident occurred at 2:50 p.m. on U.S. 71 Highway, .3 mile north of County Road Northeast 15504, north of the Routes AA and E intersection, near Adrian.

The Adrian Blackhawks varsity basketball teams traveled to Sherwood on December 15. The action was kicked off with the girls’ game. Adrian held on to win by a score of 56-46. This moves the Blackhawks overall record to 4-1 on the year.
The boys’ lineups were announced and it looked disastrous as Adrian was a smaller team on the court. But they wouldn’t let it get them down as the final score was Adrian 79 Sherwood 53. Coach James Wheeler said, “I’m proud of the boys for another outstanding effort. This was our best effort yet. Seventy-nine points is a lot.”

Luke Hough (far right) set up for a pin on Butler’s Cody Pitts last Thursday, December 18 at home. During a home match last Thursday, Brandt McMillan (right) puts a stack on Daniel Shubert of Butler.

Ron and Julie Allee are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Hillary Allee to Jacob VanSlyke, son of Dale and Sandy VanSlyke. Hillary is a 2001 graduate of Sherwood High School and a 2005 graduate of UCM. She is a registered nurse at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Jacob is a 2001 graduate of Adrian High School, and he will graduate from UCM in May of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. They plan to marry in June.

Voice and piano students of Allison Oates shared their talents last Sunday during a Christmas recital at the Adrian United Methodist Church. Performers included: Front row, left to right: Ashlee Burris, Payton Ritter, Kerigan Wimsatt, Taylor Edmiston. Back row, left to right: Brice McMillan, Ruth Taylor, Allison Oates, Sheldon Tallman, Bailey McMillan, Leah Taylor.

Andrea Davis has been selected as the Employee of the Year at Bates County Memorial Hospital. Andrea began her employment at BCMH in June, 2000 as a Registered Nurse in the Nursing Department. Andrea is an excellent nurse, remaining calm in difficult situations.

Elmer Floyd Seward, age 89 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. He was born August 10, 1919 to John Thomas and Bitha Lou Wilson Seward in Butler.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions, American Heart Association.

Martha Emily Lyman, age 88 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler, Missouri. She was born February 19, 1920 to Jesse Cleveland and Lula Klista Bright Mullies in Foster, Missouri.
Memorial services were 1 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Rev. James Stanfield-Myers officiating.

Harold Lawrence Humphrey, age 76 of Adrian, Missouri died Thursday, December 18, 2008 in Adrian. He was born April 10, 1932 to Howard Wayne and Margaret Whiteford Humphrey in Spencer, Iowa.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2008 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Butler, Missouri with Father John Bolderson officiating. Interment, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.

Mrs. Dora Martha Ann Osborn of Garden City, Missouri was born October 19, 1929 in Zebra, Missouri, the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt and Mary Jane (Calton) Risner. She departed this life on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at Golden Years Care Services, Harrisonville at the age of 79 years, 1 month and 21 days.
Cremation. A memorial service was held Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with Rev. John Kukovich officiating. Inurnment in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Under the direction and instruction of long-time Little Hawks Owner Martha Reid, preschoolers learned about the importance of giving during the holidays. They filled their oversized Christmas stocking with donated gloves, mittens, hats and scarves for children in need. In addition, Little Hawks students gave holiday cheer as they sang Christmas carols for Adrian’s businesses.
Pictured are the Little Hawks carolers with their stocking stuffed full.

Last year, Adrian Bank employees raised money to help families at Christmas time. Employees paid to dress down on Fridays with all proceeds going into the bank’s Elf Fund. The bank also purchased t-shirts which customers bought for $5.00 each, knowing that the money would help local families. Even with a late start in early October, Adrian Bank raised $3,000 to benefit 11 children and their families.

Adrian R-III senior Chris Wainwright was named the Optimist Club Student of the Month. He is the son of David and Barbara Wainwright. Chris is the Senior Class Treasurer and plays baseball for the Blackhawks. He is a member of National Honor Society, 4-H, and Future Teachers of America. In his free time, Chris enjoys hunting. He shot five deer during bow and rifle season, 2 of which were eight point. Chris plans to attend Kansas State University next fall to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce featured business for December is the Kidz Zone Day Care and Preschool. The business, located in the old Optimist Building across from the Adrian City Hall, is owned by two Adrian women, Shari Jacobs and Traci Kimminau.

Kermit and Bev Reeves will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on January 3, 2009 at the Church on the Rock in Harrisonville from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Your presence is our present.

On December 2, 2008 at 12:28 p.m. the Lord blessed Dr. James (Rusty) and Cheri Womelduff with a perfect baby girl. Emma Kaylynn Marie Womelduff was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, MO. She weighed 6 lbs. 4 ozs. and is 19 inches long.
Emma is the pride and joy of her two older brothers, Brandon and Tyler along with many proud grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family appreciates the people of Adrian for helping them raise money to pay for her delivery.

There was only one birthday in December at Adrian Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center. Eleanor Keough celebrated her upcoming December 28 birthday.

The Adrian Community Choir presented the cantata, Once Upon A Holy Night, The Story of God’s Promise, Sunday night, December 14 at the Adrian Optimist Building. The cantata was directed by Susan McMillan. The pianist was Kim Young. Canned food donations were collected for the Adrian Food Pantry.

Four Adrian Blackhawk football players were named to Class 1 All District and All State Football teams. Those being honored were: All-District -1st team, Skyler Kariker, wide receiver; Henry Wendleton, defensive line; Kyle Knuth, defensive back. Associated Press All-State - 2nd team, Henry Wendleton,defensive line; Kyle Knuth, defensive back. Missouri Coaches All-State - Tyler Tolle, 3rd team offensive lineman; Henry Wendleton, defensive line.
Pictured, left to right, Skyler Kariker, Tyler Tolle, Henry Wendleton, Kyle Knuth.

by Henry Wendleton
Last Tuesday, December 9, the Adrian basketball teams traveled down to Butler. The action started with the varsity girls. Adrian came in with a record of 2 wins and 1 loss while Butler was 0-3. The girls came out ready to play and jumped out to an early first quarter lead of 14-4. Adrian dominated on the inside, pounding the ball into their posts. Butler couldn’t stop this inside attack and couldn’t do much offensively against the smothering Blackhawk defense. The final score ended, Adrian 60 Butler 28, moving Adrian’s record to 3-1 on the season.

The Adrian Freshman tournament was held December 8, 11 and 13. The Blackhawks finished in 5th place. Pictured are: Front row - Cody Cook, Ethan Weeks, Nick Case. Back row - Coach Tyson Basore, Johnathon Loughridge, Drew Cochran, Harrison Wainwright, Brandon Doll.

Donald Dean Craig was born in Adrian, MO on October 3, 1933 and passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at St. John’s Hospice House in Lakewood, Colorado. He was 75 years, 2 months and 1 day.

Glenola Mae Buhr, 83, Adrian, MO, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. Glenola was born August 8, 1925 in Hamilton, MO, the daughter of Fred and Aileen (Armstrong) Terry. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 13, 11:00 a.m. at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, Missouri with Rev. Bob Maffitt, Adrian First United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment was in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri.

Ho! Ho! Ho! from your Adrian PTO! PTO wishes to thank Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Partin for all of their hard work in preparing the students for the Christmas program! A December snowfall cancelled the program much to the dismay of the students, but thankfully they have another opportunity to show off their hours of practice this Thursday, December 18 at 7pm.

Pictured far right: Girls Varsity 2nd Place WEMO Tournament Team: Front row, left to right: Bailey Carroll, Justine Enlow, Brenna Tallman, Kaleigh Lock. Back row, left to right: Assistant Coach Jami Smith, Courtney Miller, Emily Hughes, Becca Lawrence, Chelsea Urie, Olivia Case, Head Coach Nathan Dingman.

Pictured right: Boys Varsity 2nd Place WEMO Tournament Team: Front row, left to right: Erik White, Kyle Knuth, Trevor Gregg, Luke Hough, Nick Case. Back row, left to right: Eric Moles, Cody Hannah, Chris Schaller, Keenan Morrow, Josh Hubbard and Skyler Kariker.

Written by Henry Wendleton
The championship action was kicked off Saturday night with the Osceola girls beating Adrian 74-41. Osceola just could not miss in this game. Coach Nathan Dingman said, “We just could not stop them. We had a cold night on offense.”

Mayor Pro Tem Larry Ritter called the regular meeting of the City Council to order on Monday, December 8, 2008. Ritter announced that the Council met on December 6, 2008 for an emergency meeting to accept the resignation of Mayor Ray Cusumano. The City Council anticipates that the vacant position will be added to the April election ballot, but in the meantime, the Council has the authority to appoint an interim mayor. All persons interested in serving as Adrian’s interim mayor are requested to contact City Hall.

A lot has been accomplished to make this

Casey and Sinead were united in marriage on June 21, 2008 on the beach of Lake Michigan. Please join us for a wedding reception December 13 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the home of Casey’s parents, Steven and Marsha Talley, 718 N. Houston, Adrian. Casey is a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and will leave for Iraq December 27th.

Shawn and Delaina Newsome are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Chloe Ann on October 7, 2008. Chloe weighed 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 18 ½ inches long.

Seven Cub Scouts of Adrian Pack 238 received the rank of Bobcat at their monthly pack meeting on Thursday, November 20. They are pictured with their parents, who stood with them as the boys participated in the ceremony. Cub Scouts pictured, left to right, are: Carson Elmer, Dale Dowse, Dalton Newport, Hunter Evans, Isaac Kagarice, Collin Lybarger, Payton Inglis.
For more information concerning Adrian Cub Scout Pack 238, please Call Mark Elmer, Cubmaster, at 816-297-2022.

At the December 4th meeting of local TOPS Club (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) honored the biggest loser and runner up for the month of November. Awards were given out to two members that have lost over 10 lbs.
Persons wishing to have more information regarding the TOPS Club may contact Barb Fassler at 660-679-5369 or join us at meetings held in the Piano Room at Medicalodge of Butler, Nursery and Main, on Thursday evenings starting at 6:15. The TOPS Club welcomes you to inquire, learn, and lose in a casual, fun setting. Together we can do it, a pound at a time (by the ounce is fine too!)

Harry Lee Kinker, 60, Adrian, MO, died unexpectedly Tuesday, December 2, 2008, as the result of a vehicular accident. Harry Lee was born January 21, 1948 in Carrollton, MO to John Marvin Kinker and Faye Marie Miller. He attended Carrollton Public Schools and Central Missouri University. He was united in marriage to Nancy Benningfield on January 18, 1969.

Glennis Lynn Downey, age 70, of Adrian, Missouri, went to join his Saviour Monday, December 1, 2008 at his home in Adrian, Missouri. He was the youngest of five born in Sheridan, Wyoming at his Aunt Agnus’s home on May 31, 1938 to Ralph Fremont and Opal Wuanita Kelley Downey. When Glennis was an infant, his family moved to Adrian, Missouri and lived near his Grandmother Molly Ann Claypool.

Lila Jyarldean “Jerry” Kircher of Harrisonville, Missouri was born July 15, 1917 in Tiffany, Colorado the daughter of Charles Francis and Luretta Jewel (Sullins) Fortsch. She departed this life on Sunday, November 30, 2008 at Cass Regional Medical Center, Harrisonville at the age of 91 years, 4 months and 15 days.

Room parents and donators are asked to bring one or two dozen cookies to school for the Christmas program on December 16th. You may send your cookies to school with your child that morning or bring them prior to the program start. Thank you for helping us carry on this annual tradition! If anyone is interested in donating bottled water, please contact Charlotte Johnson or Michele Burris. To everyone planning to attend the program, bring your sweet tooth!

The holiday season officially kicked off with a visit from Santa at Frontier Village in Adrian last Saturday night. Pictured right is Case Doody, who shares all of his wants for Christmas with Santa. Case is the son of Brenda and Steven Doody of Adrian.
The Ladies Auxillary (far right) served delicious cookies and hot chocolate to area children and adults, while the Lions Club handed out apples and candy. The WMAT&MA crew conducted train/tram rides (middle), and led horses on buggy rides.

The Christmas season is always a time of giving and getting, attending fun events and enjoying that holiday cheer that not only closes out the old year but rings in a fresh new year full of hope and expectations. During the time between counting our blessings at Thanksgiving and the close of another year, people give generously of themselves, their time, talent and funds to help others, often with no thought of receiving anything in return.

Michelle Lynn Grande and Dustin Greenwell Hastings were united in marriage on June 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ivory Garden Wedding Chapel in Norman, OK. A reception followed at the same location. They enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii and now make their home in Norman, OK.

Josh and Mary Taggart of Independence, MO are proud to announce the birth of their son, Eli Joshua Taggart. Eli arrived on Oct. 14, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. at Centerpoint in Independence, MO. Eli weighed 9 lb. 1 oz. and was 21 1/4” long.

Raymond O. and Nona B. Brewster, center, were married 65 years ago, April 29, 1943. A belated family celebration was held on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2008 at the home of Bob and Barbara Brewster in Adrian, MO.

Regina Rea Henrickson, age 65 of Adrian, Missouri died Thursday, November 27, 2008 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born April 16, 1943 to Maynard Ellwell and Ruby Mae Guy Wennihan in Winona, Mississippi. Funeral services were Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Bob Maffit officiating. Cremation following services. Memorial services were held Thursday, December 4, 2008 at Wasinger-Keithley Funeral Chapel in Ellis, Kansas. Inurnment, Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ellis, Kansas.

Terry L. Hocker, 60, passed away on November 27, 2008 at his home of 31 years in Lee’s Summit, MO, surrounded by his family and friends after a fearless 5.5 year battle with multiple myeloma cancer. Services were held Sunday, November 30, 2008 at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, at 2 p.m.

Michael G. Veilleux “Mike” age 54 went to be with the Lord on November 29, 2008. Memorial services will be held Sunday, December 7th, 3:00p.m. at Hope Outreach Church, 204 S. Main Street, Archie, MO.

Mary Louise Appleberry, age 65 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Graveside services were 11 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2008 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Lynn Snapp officiating.

Judith Ellen “Judy” Nieder, age 64 of Rich Hill, Missouri died Thursday, November 20, 2008 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services were 10 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Christian Cleghorn officiating and Rev. Denny Sikes assisting. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.

Adrian’s athletes and their coaches spent countless hours preparing for and participating in their respective sports. In recognition of their hard work, an annual athletic reception was held on November 25, 2008 to honor cheerleaders, volleyball players and the football teams.
Medal winners for football include (pictured right): Drew Riley, Erik White, Henry Wendleton, Kyle Knuth, Tyler Tolle, Chris Schaller. Pictured in the middle (left to right) for volleyball, medal winners are: Justine Enlow, Lareesa Bagby, Lee Anna Reid. Not pictured: Caressa Wainwright.

The WEMO Conference basketball tournament began Monday night at Cass Midway. The Adrian girls defeated the Miami Lady Eagles 88 to 14. The boys went up against the Miami Eagles and finished the game with a 64 to 55 victory.
Both the boys and girls will play Thursday (tonight). The Lady Blackhawks play at 4:30 and the boys at 6:00.

Pictured far right: Sophomore Brenna Tallman bypasses Lady Eagles freshman Megan Smith and prepares to shoot the ball for another Blackhawks basket.

On November 21 through 23 six of the Adrian Family, Career and Community Leaders of America members attended the 2008 National FCCLA Cluster Meeting which was held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas.
FCCLA members pictured in the front row, left to right: Danielle Baker, Emily Hughes and Megan Lewis. Back row, left to right: Ryan Lincoln, Haley Bass and Jacob Essenpries.

Thanks to everyone who supported the school library by purchasing books or volunteering to help at the book fair. Reading is an important part of our kids’ daily lives, and Mrs. Cochran goes above and beyond as the R-III Librarian. Kudos, Mrs. Cochran!
PTO officers and members are saddened by the passing of Regina Henrickson. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. H. and Jame during this difficult time.