Monthly Archive

By SHARON KIESEL

Adrian Volunteer Firefighters have been training with the LifeFlight Eagle air ambulance crew to better work in unison for area patients. The fire crew has been learning how to properly load patients into the flying ambulance, how to maintain safety around the helicopter and many other areas in which the two departments can work together. They have been taking the training at the LifeFlight Eagle site at the Harrisonville Airport.

On January 19, 2009, a series of burglaries occurred in a vast area of Missouri and Kansas. At approximately 12:58 a.m., the Bates County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to the Security Bank in Hume, MO on an alarm call. They viewed the video and determined that the suspects were driving a silver Ford Ranger. At 2:01 a.m., the Bates County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Miami School in Amsterdam, MO on a report of an alarm being activated.

The Adrian Bank donated a freezer to Adrian Head Start. Pictured left to right: Lois Hastings, Dawn McDonald, Adrian Bank Vice President Lori Haskins and Betty Fink.

The Butler Demolay Chapter sponsored the Kansas City Royals Caravan Stop in Butler at the Masonic Lodge. The Royals Caravan was there from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Toby Cook, Vice President of Promotions, is pictured above (left) with the Caravan. He introduced the players. Kenneth Best, Area 3 Missouri Demolay Governor, spoke to the crowd about Demolay. Royals fans were on hand to collect autographs from former and current Royals players and Slugger, the Royals mascot.

By HENRY WENDLETON

By HENRY WENDLETON

Adrian’s Lady Blackhawks took on the Hume Hornets last Thursday night. The game started out slow but Adrian turned up the heat in the second quarter. Adrian came out after halftime and continued to dominate the Hornets. The Blackhawks went on to win, 63-38. This win pushes the Blackhawks record to 10 wins and 1 loss on the year.
The Adrian boys came out with a bang, and went on to win 64-48. This win pushes the Blackhawks record to 9 wins and 2 losses. Coach James Wheeler commented, “A good non-conference win. We had a balanced attack on offense.”

By HENRY WENDLETON

Last Tuesday the Adrian basketball teams traveled to Lakeland to take on the Vikings. The girls game was first. The Lady Blackhawks came out ready to play, and Adrian won, 56-45. This win pushes Adrian’s record to 9 wins and 1 loss. Coach Nathan Dingman commented, “We played well, had a good run going in at the half. We managed to keep momentum in the second half and finished the game ahead. It was a good win.”

Adrian youth wrestlers participated in several tournaments this week. First place youth wrestler Jace Reynolds pinned his opponent from Clinton in the Adrian Youth Novice Wrestling tournament on Sunday, January 25 in Adrian.

Dorothy Maxine Sollars Ferguson was born April 12, 1923 near Altona, Missouri. Dorothy joined and rejoiced with the Lord January 25, 2009 at her home in Adrian. She was the daughter of Guy Ora Sollars and Freda Bertha Hoeger Sollars, and a sister to George and Russell Sollars and Mildred Shelton. She married Freeman Edwin Ferguson on June 14, 1945 and to this union three sons were born: Jerry, Tom and Carl.

Carol Cathleen “CC” Wood, age 45 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born January 21, 1963 to Robert Long Jr. and Phyllis Marie Cosens Hartupee in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
Memorial services were 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Carol Covey officiating.

Francis Lloyd Smith, age 71 of Butler, Missouri went to be with the Lord on January 16, 2009 following a heroic battle with cancer for the past four and a half years. He was born September 22, 1937 to Edwin and Leona Marie Nichol Smith near Adrian, Missouri.
Memorial services were 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Larry Black officiating. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Harrisonville Church On The Rock.

James Matthew “Jim” Ketron, age 78 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at his home in Butler. He was born January 2, 1931 to William “Bud” Sheridan and Laura Louise Simpson Ketron in Passaic, Missouri.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Rev. James Stanfield Myers officiating. Contributions to Ohio Street United Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.

Darwin Dean Jones, age 82 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at St. Luke¹s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born October 31, 1926 to John Calvin and Nellie Ray Jones in Deepwater, Missouri.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. James Stanfield-Myers officiating. Burial was in the Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Ohio Street United Methodist Church or Appleton City Cemetery.

The Missouri Agribusiness Association (MO-AG) rewarded Adrian high school student Brenda Arnold for her excellence in agriculture and academics with one of three $1,500 scholarships provided by MO-AG’s Jim Russell Foundation. Seth Ricketts, Jim Russell Foundation chairman, announced the winners at the 2009 MO-AG Winter Convention and Legislative Conference on January 7 in Lake Ozark, Mo.
Pictured, left to right, Brenda Arnold, Jim Russell, Rebecca Bunton.

Help purchase new books for the Adrian School Library! In honor of a child’s birthday, simply donate $5 to the library (checks payable to Adrian R-III)for the Birthday Book Club. Your $5 donation will help buy a new book, the child’s name will be placed on the inside cover of the book and the child will receive an invitation to attend the Birthday Book Club Party (sponsored by the PTO). Donations may be made by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or friends. More than one donation may be made!

By MIKE BURRIS

The United States of America entered an historic era with the inauguration of its first African-American President. President Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts at 11:00 a.m. CST January 20, 2009. With his right hand in the air, President Obama took his oath on the same Bible that President Lincoln used in his inauguration 148 years ago in front of an estimated two million people on Capitol Hill. It was the same oath his choice of Vice President, Joe Biden took moments before him.

By SHARON KIESEL

“What I like best were all the nice people I met on the route and all the new friends I made,” said Sue Arndt. “What I liked least was the weather, like today (Friday, January 16). I don’t like the ice, the snow and the muddy roads. There were a lot of muddy roads.”

By SHARON KIESEL

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for January is the Kreitler Martial Arts School, located at 40 East Main Street, in Adrian. The business is owned by Mike and Chris Kreitler. They opened the school at that location on December 3, 2007.
“God has blessed us and our students,” Mike added. “We know He brought us here for a reason. We enjoy working with our students and their families.”
Kreitler Martial Arts is open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Monday through Thursday. For more information, call the Kreitlers’ at 660-679-5496.

Frank Enos was recognized for his 50 years of service to scouting at The Lone Bear District Leadership Recognition Dinner in Clinton, MO on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. Over the past 50 years Frank has served as Cub Master, Scout Master, Pack 238 Committee Chairman, Troop 238 Committee Member, and Lone Bear District/Heart of America Council Eagle Board Chairman. Frank is Wood Badge trained and has received the highest honor bestowed by The Lone Bear District, The Silver Bear Award, and the highest honor bestowed by The Heart of America Council, The Silver Beaver Award.

Adrian Manor held a celebration for residents with January birthdays on January 15, 2009. Those with birthdays include, (left to right): Bonnie Dugger, Billie Utterback, Dollie Benz and Mildred Cox. Not pictured: Gerald Lunsford and Lillie Zimmerman.

By BRENDA BLACK

More than 150 Bates County producers filtered into the Adrian Optimist Community Center Sat, Jan. 17 for their Annual Meeting. They were welcomed by classic country tunes from “Sweet Water” and tempted with the savory smell of Butthead BBQ’s prime rib. Awards given during the Annual Meeting: Colt Cumpton, 2008 “Gonna Be Great” Jr. Cattleman; Alan Black, 2008 Cattleman of the Year; Jack Baker, 2008 Pioneer of the Year; Missy Good, 2008 Cattlewoman of the Year; and Brad and Myra Colin, 2008 Friends of BCJC.

By HENRY WENDLETON

Last Friday night Adrian was on the road again to Lone Jack to take on the Mules. The Mules just wouldn’t go away and took the lead with a minute left in the game. Adrian refused to lose and came back to win 43-42. This win pushes the girls’ record to 8 wins and 1 loss on the year. Coach Nathan Dingman commented, “Good physical game. We played hard, got up by 10 or so in the 4th quarter, and Lone Jack battled back. Another close one for the books.”

By HENRY WENDLETON

Last Tuesday the Adrian Blackhawks played their first home game against the Barstow Scarlet Knights. The girls kicked off the action with a tough, hard fought game. The Blackhawks defense kept Barstow from scoring (with seconds on the clock) and Adrian won 52-50.
This win pushes their record to 7 wins and 1 loss on the year. Coach Nathan Dingman said, “Shots were just not falling, but we found a way to win in the end. Free throws were big and the girls stepped up to the challenge. Another close one came out our way.”

The Adrian Blackhawk wrestling teams participated in the Warsaw Tournament last Saturday, January 17. Following are the results:
112 - Brant McMillan, 2nd, 4-1
125 - Bobby McCarl, 2nd, 4-1
130 - Dusty Hannah, 2-3
135 - AJ McCubbin, 0-4
152 - Luke Hough, 2nd, 4-1
160 - Vince Romi, 0-3
171 - Tom Gregg, 4th, 2-3
215 - Chadd Goforth, 1-4
285 - Tyler Proell, 0-4

Pictured right: Bobby McCarl pins his opponent during action at the Warsaw tournament.

Pictured far right: Tom Gregg prepares for a take down against his opponent during the Warsaw Tournament held Saturday.

Edwin Smith and twin brother Edward were born July 25, 1909 the sons of Francis M. and Edna Jane (Silvers) Smith near the Ballard community in Bates County. Edwin passed away January 16, 2009 at the Bates County Memorial Hospital at the age of 99.
Funeral services were held Monday, January 19, 2:00 p.m. at the Heuser Funeral Home in Rich Hill, Missouri with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. Interment was in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri.

The local VFW sponsors an essay contest for Adrian R-III junior high and high school students. The “Patriots Pen” essay contest was open to 6th-8th graders. This year’s winners were all eighth graders. Winners are pictured left to right: VFW member Larry Bunch, Sky Ream, Cody Jones, Michelle Newsome and Commander Don Durbin.
The high school students participated in the “Voice of Democracy” essay contest. Danielle Field, junior, was selected as the winner this year. Danielle is pictured with VFW members Larry Bunch (left) and Commander Don Durbin (right).

Over 4400 first year FFA members from more than 260 Missouri High Schools had the opportunity to learn about being positive role models, making a positive difference in their schools and their communities at the annual Greenhand Motivation Conferences. These conferences presented by the State FFA Officers and sponsored by MFA Incorporated were held January 6-8, 2009 throughout Missouri. Adrian FFA members attended the Greenhand Motivation Conference on January 6, 2009 at the University of Central Missouri.

Drake Vermillion brought his friend Maxaroo for Show and Tell last Friday to share with the kindergarten classes at Adrian R-III. Maxaroo is a 2-year old kangaroo that belongs to Mark & Amy Muiller, owners of Max Motors in Butler, MO. Drake met Maxaroo when his Dad, Wayne, went to work for Max Motors. Drake has learned a lot about the kangaroo lifestyle.

Help purchase new books for the Adrian School Library! In honor of a child’s birthday, simply donate $5 to the library (checks payable to Adrian R-III) for the Birthday Book Club. Your $5 donation will help buy a new book, the child’s name will be placed on the inside cover of the book and the child will receive an invitation to attend the Birthday Book Club Party (sponsored by the PTO). Donations may be made by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or friends. More than one donation may be made!

By SHARON KIESEL

“This is kind of the final step to the remodeling of the Courthouse tower,” said Bates County Northern Commissioner, Randy Pike.Installation of the two re-cast Lady Justice statues on top of the Courthouse took place on Thursday, January 8 by the Prestige Crane Co. in Blue Springs, MO.

by SHARON KIESEL

“We had to try out last summer at cheerleader camp at Northwest Missouri State. There were 40 girls trying out and it was very hard,” said Adrian Senior Brittany Clark. “Only 12 girls from the Missouri/Kansas area made it. Overall, there were 630 girls from all over the United States who participated.”

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce held their annual business meeting Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Wimfield’s On Main. The main order of business was to elect new officers for 2009. A slate of officers was presented and they were elected by acclamation. New officers for 2009 are, pictured left to right, Phil Oates, Board Member; Kip Yoss, Board Member; Elbert Scrogham, Treasurer; Curtis Reynolds, President; Linda Oldfield, Secretary; Alice Cumpton, Board Member. Not pictured, Lori Haskins, Board Member.

Adrian Optimist Student of the Month for December is Senior Kyle Knuth. Kyle is the son of David and Sharon Knuth of Adrian. Kyle carries a 3.998 grade point average and is second overall in his class. He plays football, basketball and baseball for AHS, and is a member of TSA, FCCLA and the Spanish Club. Kyle is serving as the Student Council Vice President this year. Next fall, Kyle plans to major in Architectural Engineering at Kansas State University.

by ANNA LEE JAMES

Forty-two persons showed up to donate blood on Tuesday, January 6, at the Adrian Optimist Building. Thirty-three units of blood were collected with nine persons being deferred for minor reasons. Thanks to all donors showing up. It was a very good day.
Looking forward to seeing these and others unable to come this trip on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. We will all be looking forward to spring, new life and helping to “SAVE A LIFE.”

On Thursday evening, January 8th, Worshipful Brother W.K. Jenkins of Adrian, MO (right), received recognition from the Grand Lodge of Missouri for serving as a Mastermason for 50 years. Serving Crescent Hill Lodge #368 for 50 years is a milestone few men meet. Bro. Jenkins has served as Master of the lodge and holds an officer’s chair this current year. Presentation of the jewel and achievement award was by Right Worshipful Brother Alvin O. Griffin District Deputy Grand Lecture of the 32nd District/ Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Missouri (left).

Citizens Bank has announced the promotion of David Hill from Vice President to the position of Senior Vice President. David has been with Citizens Bank for 4 years.

by HENRY WENDLETON

Adrian basketball action continued Thursday night when the Blackhawks traveled to Ballard. The game started out going the Lady Blackhawks way. Adrian went on to win 67-41.

Adrian’s boys started much the same as the girls did - coming out hot and jumping out to a first quarter lead of 27-10. Adrian put in the JV squad for the fourth quarter to gain varsity experience. Adrian went on to win, 68-32. This win pushes the Blackhawks record to 6 wins and one loss on the season.

by HENRY WENDLETON

Adrian varsity basketball continued after a long Christmas break, as the Blackhawks traveled down to El Dorado Springs in search of some more Blackhawk victories. The girls kicked off the action.

Lady Blackhawks Action

Bobby McCarl (far right) puts a move on his opponent during the Butler Tournament held January 10.
Luke Hough (right) won this match during the Butler tournament to take first place.

Carl Junction Open Tourney
January 10, 2009
Jace Reynolds, 6U, 40 lbs., 2nd Place
Eldon Piveral, 6U, 45lbs., 5th Place
Karley Reynolds, 8U, 50 lbs., 2nd Place
Jacob Shipley, 8U, 60 lbs., 1st Place
Dylon Piveral, 8U, 60 lbs., 3rd Place
Anson Johnson, 8U, 90 lbs., 1st Place
Wyatt Reynolds, 10U, 60 lbs., 3rd Place
Zachary Shannon, 10U, 70 lbs., 1st Place
Hunter Chamberlain, 10U, 110 lbs., 1st Place
Trey Heckadon, 14U, 80 lbs., 1st Place
Joe Collins, 14U, 140 lbs., 1st Place
Nathan Chamberlain, 14U, 150 lbs., 1st Place
Austin Williams, 14U, 150 lbs., 2nd Place

Dorothy Lucille Wymer, age 86 of Lenexa, Kansas died Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born January 3, 1923 to George and Ethel Bowen Bohlken in Amoret, Missouri.
Funeral services were 6:30 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2009 at the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Overland Park, Kansas with Pastor Joel Schroeder officiating. Burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 12, Benjamin Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Kansas City Hospice House.

Charlotte Ann Miller, age 74 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, January 5, 2009 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born September 9, 1934 to John Gerald and Emma Pauline Felkins Underwood in Kansas City, Missouri.
Funeral services were Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Greg Ferree officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Nevada Presbyterian Church Music Department, Bates County Nostalgia Band or P.E.O. Scholarship Fund.

Nola June Thomas, age 75 of Rich Hill, Missouri died Monday, January 5, 2009 at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Missouri after a long illness with Diabetes and Heart Disease. She was born July 18, 1933 to Norman and Sadie Elizabeth Pounder Coureton in Rich Hill.
Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Myrtle Tree Fellowship Assembly of God Church in Rich Hill, Missouri with Pastor Jonathon Beckett officiating. Contributions may be made to the Myrtle Tree Fellowship Church. Burial was in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Rich Hill, Missouri.

Jean Carroll (Griffin) Adams, 76, Adrian, MO, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at her home. Jean was born May 8, 1932 in Fairplay, MO, the daughter of Albert Harlow and Ethel Mary (Ammerman) Griffin.
Services were Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at Atkinson Chapel in Adrian, MO. Reverend Tim Redding of the First Baptist Church in Peculiar, MO officiated. Burial was at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO.

The 2009 Bates County elected officials were sworn-in at the courthouse in Butler on December 31, 2008. Pictured in the front row, left to right: Marlene Wainscott, County Clerk; Sharon Cumpton, Public Administrator; Chad Anderson, Bates County Sheriff; Jim Platt, Collector/Treasurer. Back row, left to right: Roger Pruden, Assessor; Randy Pike, Northern Commissioner; Gary Schowengerdt, Coroner; Bill Lethcho, Surveyor; Larry Berry, Southern Commissioner.

Adrian Community Library Volunteers were honored at a brunch on January 5 at the Adrian Community Library. Co-Chairmen of the Library Board, Patti Bruto and Jeannette Emerson, express their appreciation on behalf of the Library Board and community for their volunteer time and commitment which makes the Library such a valuable resource for the Adrian community. Volunteers received book bags and cookie tins in appreciation for their service.

Voting delegates representing Farm Bureau members from Bates County were among delegates attending Missouri Farm Bureau’s 94th annual meeting December 7-9 at the Lake of the Ozarks. More than 1,200 family farmers and ranchers from throughout the state attended this year’s meeting. Bates County Farm Bureau received several awards at the meeting. Members from Bates County Farm Bureau who participated in the annual meeting include: Jeff Fischer, Sheila Fischer, Mary Fischer, Kevin Fischer, Briar McIntire, Dana McIntire, Matt McIntire, Doug Cox.

James Allen Bradford, 88, of Adrian, Missouri passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2009 at the Adrian Manor. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at the Merwin Christian Church in Merwin, Missouri. Burial will be in the Sharon Cemetery in Drexel, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Merwin Christian Church or Heartland Hospice.

Melba Ernestine (Moore) Essenpries, 86, Adrian, MO, died Thursday, January 1, 2009 at Appleton City Manor in Appleton City, MO. Melba was born January 4, 1922 in Bates County, MO, the daughter of Ernest Hall and Pearl Mae (Evans) Moore. She was the seventh child born of nine children.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, Missouri. Rev. Bob Maffitt, Adrian First United Methodist Church, officiated with burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Adrian Optimist Club or WMAT&MA.

Donald Edward Davison, age 68 of Fayetteville, Arkansas, formerly of Butler, Missouri died Monday, January 5, 2009 at Fayetteville City Hospital Nursing Center in Fayetteville. He was born June 29, 1940 to Milton and Goldie Richardson Davison in Long Lane, Missouri.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Dr. Terry Davis officiating with burial in the Memorial Garden of Memory, Buffalo, Missouri. Contributions to Butler First Baptist Church.

All boys and girls, ages 10 to 14, are invited to participate in the local level of competition for the 2009 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championship. The local competition will be held Saturday, January 17 at Adrian R-III School (west gym). Registration is 12:30-1:00 p.m., with the competition starting at 1:00 p.m.

The Adrian Rebekah Lodge #449 and the Butler Carnation Rebekah Lodge #238 held a joint installation of officers for 2009 at a meeting last Thursday night at the Butler IOOF Lodge. The Adrian Rebekah Lodge 2009 officers are (left to right): Noble Grand, Ginger Moore; Vice Grand, Don Moore; Secretary, Joyce Bybee Brown; Treasurer, Roberta Kershner.

It’s nice to see all of the kids back at school, and it would be wonderful to see PTO members, too! Come one, come all to the PTO meeting on January 13, 2009 in the school library at 7 p.m. Please come join us!