Monthly Archive

Adrian PTO hosted an evening of games, dancing, face painting and playing for Adrian elementary students on April 25, 2009. Teachers and faculty, special friends, parents, PTO members and local businesses and service organizations joined together to raise about $2,000 for PTO. Proceeds will be used to purchase curriculum and classroom items as requested by the teachers. Please see the ad in this week’s Adrian Journal for a complete list of supporters. Thank you one and all!

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for April is the Old 71 Café, owned by Jim and Billie Osborne. The business, located at 200 South Old 71 Highway in Adrian, is situated in the old Hill’s Truck Line Building, south of the Commuter Parking Lot.
The Osbornes, along with their two sons and approximately 20-25 full and part time employees, work hard to serve customers good, homestyle meals. The menu offers a wide variety of foods, most made from scratch, with specials such as homestyle lasagna, as well as just about anything from burgers to steak and shrimp.

The Adrian junior high and high school TSA members made their way to State Competition on April 2 - 4, 2009. There were five junior high participants as well as 11 high school participants. The State Conference was held in Warrensburg, MO at the University of Central Missouri campus. This year Missouri TSA partnered up with the American Cancer Society and held a mini-walk. Just at the state conference alone, TSA raised over $300. As a chapter everyone had a great time at the conference, whether it was stealing som

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian on Tuesday, May 12, from 1-6 p.m. Don’t wait until blood is needed to donate a unit of blood to save a life. It needs to be on hand whenever the need arises. Be sure to bring an ID, read materials and answer a list of health history questions. All in all you will only spend about an hour of your time to donate - very little to help someone in need. There are lots of patients out there in need of your blood. If you have been deferred for some minor reason, try again.

On Friday, April 17, 2009, Ethan Cumpton, a member of the Adrian FFA Chapter, was among 732 FFA members to receive the State FFA Degree. The ceremony was held during the closing session of the 81st Missouri State FFA Convention.

The top five trap shooters from this year's Adrian FFA trap shooting squads participated in the 2009 Missouri Trap Shooters Association High School Trap Shoot. The team of Ethan Cumpton, Wyatt Cumpton, Phillip Gregg, Phillip Miller, and Dakota Peffly placed 18th of 62 FFA squads competing. All shooters must shoot 4 rounds of 25 for 100 total rounds. Wyatt Cumpton shot a perfect round of 25 in his third round. He joins Dakota Peffly who shot a perfect round during district competition, to be the only two Adrian FFA members to shoot perfect rounds in competition this year.

The Adrian FFA Agricultural Mechanics team, pictured left to right: Caleb Arnold, Phillip Miller, and Ethan Cumpton, competed in the Missouri FFA Agricultural Mechanics contest at the Missouri State FFA Convention on April 16 & 17. The team placed 18th out of 60 teams competing with Ethan Cumpton placing 27th out of 180 and receiving a Group I rating. Phillip Miller earned a high Group II rating and Caleb Arnold earned a high Group III rating.

Right, Tyler Tolle had the winning entry for the Project Prom t-shirt contest. His design will be printed on the 2009 t-shirts.
(submitted photo)
Pictured far right, the Project Prom t-shirt design contest winners were, left to right - Tyler Tolle, 1st; Makenzi Adams, 2nd and Ambyr Goergen, 3rd.
(submitted photo)

On Thursday, April 23 Jim Scott with WHALE (We Have A Little Emergency) and Adrian Police Officer Hershel Cole, spoke to students of Adrian Head Start about different safety issues.

The children and grandchildren of Kenneth and Vesta Limpus celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Cornerstone Christian Church April 19, 2009. Kenneth and Vesta were married in Butler, MO April 13th, 1949. They appreciate all their family and friends who joined them for this special occasion.
(submitted photo)

The Dance Craze Power Starz competed at the Stage One Regional Championships at the Overland Park Convention Center on April 23-26. Thirty-three dance studios competed in nearly 1,000 routines. The Power Starz won 10 High Golds and 3 Golds in 13 routines. They have now qualified to compete in the National Dance Championships this summer in Branson, MO!

Krissi Piveral braved a haircut to help children who are faced with long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Jill Hill, stylist at Studio 201, cut 181/2 inches of Krissi’s hair that will be donated to Locks of Love. Hair donations of 10” or longer are accepted at Locks of Love. For more information, visit their website at www.locksoflove.org.

Tuesday, April 21, the Adrian Blackhawks baseball team hosted the Ballard Bulldogs. After 5 innings of play Adrian defeated Ballard 11 to 1. Ivan Wendleton was the winning pitcher. Coach Dingman said, “We came out slow with 2 errors in the first innings, but finished well the rest of the game.”

The Lady Blackhawks softball team had a busy week. On Tuesday, April 21 they hosted the Ballard Lady Bulldogs. Adrian won the contest 11-0. Kristy Ray was the winning pitcher.
Coach Hubbard said, “This was a good solid team performance from everyone. We hit the ball well and only had 1 defensive error.

The Adrian boys and girls track teams participated in the Archie Invitational Tuesday, April 21. Both teams placed 5th in the meet.
Coach Cochran said, “I thought overall the kids ran well. We ran several personal bests today. We’ve had several meets recently and I think we’re pretty worn down. We have the weekend coming up which will help us. The kids are doing a super job. We just need to continue.”

by MICHELE BURRIS

When it comes to taking care of others, area citizens, businesses and social/civic organizations step up to the plate time and time again. Last Saturday, the Adrian Optimist Club hosted the 2nd Annual Casino Night, a fundraising event for the Children’s Center in Butler. Nearly 500 people joined in the festivities. Countless people donated their time, money and resources to help raise more than $26,000 for the Center.

Linda and Steve Oldfield and everyone at the Adrian Journal wish Don Comer all the best as he retires from his years of service to the Adrian community. A heartfelt thanks for your commitment and dedication, Don!

Last week the Adrian Blackhawks played two games in two days. On Wednesday they hosted the Butler Bears. The final scored was Adrian 1 and Butler 0. Coach Dingman said, “Good game by both teams. We had 8 runners left on base. We held on to a 1 run lead by having good defense and great pitching in the last few innings. 3 errors, 1 hit and 1 walk was a good game.”

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks hosted the Sherwood Lady Marksmen on Thursday, April 16. After being behind 4 to 0, Adrian came back and won the contest 10 to 3. Coach Terry Hubbard said, “The girls did a great job of coming back after being down 0-4. Our offense stepped up, pounding out 12 hits. Sherwood has a good team, so this was a confidence boost for us. We are a young team and make mistakes, but the girls are learning and getting better. I was proud of the way they maintained their composure and fought back to win.”

The Adrian high school boys track team participated in three meets last week. On Tuesday, April 14 they were at ElDorado Springs where they finished 11th out of 21 teams. Coach Cochran said, “It was pretty tough today. There were 21 schools here and there was a lot of good competition, but that is what we need. We didn’t all perform our best today, but it was a pretty decent effort. The times weren’t that great, but nobody’s were. We’re banged up a little, but so is everyone else. Due to our practicing on the streets, we’re nursing a lot of shin splints.

Pictured are the Adrian youth wrestlers that qualified for the state tournament in Columbia recently. All wrestlers that make it to the State Tournament are recognized as the top 16 wrestlers in the State of Missouri for their age and weight class. They all wore yellow t-shirts in honor of Ronnie Hough who is also pictured with the boys.
(Submitted photo)

The April birthday party for Adrian Manor residents was held Thursday, April 16. Those having birthdays in April were Marjorie Guss, April 4, left, Arlo Hinds, April 19th, right and Lou Saubers, April 17, not pictured.

Women of the Adrian Christian Church quilted at Adrian Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday morning, April 14. Residents enjoyed observing the ladies at work on the quilting frame. Many of them reminisced about this fading hand-crafted skill and art. Three ladies of the church quilting group, along with a Manor resident, are pictured left to right: Elaine McVay, Anna Lee James, Marjorie Guss (resident) and Carroll Still.

Carol Ann Goforth, age 61 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, April 25, 2009 in her home. She was born June 24, 1947 to Earl Norton and Ardell Florence Fennewald Conrad in Adrian, Missouri.
Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri Contributions, may be made to the American Cancer Society, Heartland Hospice or Happy Hill Church Mission Fund.

Donald Joseph Hastings, age 61, died at KU Medical Center on Sunday, April 26, 2009, following a long and courageous battle with liver disease.
Funeral services for Donald Joseph Hastings will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 1 at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. The Rev. Tim Redding, pastor, will officiate. Contributions may be made to the Don Hastings Memorial Fund, c/o Atkinson Funeral Home, P. O. Box 325, Adrian, MO 64720.

Richard Neal Smith (Dick), age 77 of Adrian, Missouri went quickly to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at home. He was born October 23, 1931 to Aaron Richard and Lottie Ann Winningham Smith in Texas County, Missouri.
Dick’s wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories.

Judy Kay Hinds Berry was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Arlo and Hazel Wirt Hinds. She was an Administrative Assistant and Accountant for the Jackson County Court Services. Services were under the direction of Park Lawn Funeral Home, Kansas City, Missouri.

Matthew Henry Koch, age 87 of Montrose, Missouri died Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Ellett Memorial Hospital in Appleton City, Missouri. He was born August 28, 1921 to Albert Anthony and Teresa Katherine Witzel Koch in Germantown, Missouri.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Montrose, Missouri with Father John Bolderson officiating. Burial, St. Ludger Catholic Cemetery, Germantown, Missouri. Contributions, St. Ludger Historical Preservation Fund.

Twila Janet Finfrock, age 73 of Amoret, Missouri died Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at her home in Amoret. She was born January 18, 1936 to Kenneth Rolland and Ruth Gail Barton Dudley in Amoret.
Cremation memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the Amoret Christian Church in Amoret, Missouri with Pastor Dave Rizer officiating. Inurnment, Scott Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Amoret Christian Church or Heartland Hospice.

Gilmer Orvis Patterson, 78, Adrian, MO, passed away Monday, April 13, 2009 at Adrian Manor in Adrian, Missouri. Memorial services were held Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m. at the Victory Assembly of God in Adrian. Pastor Lance Loughridge, Victory Assembly of God, Adrian, officiated. Cremation. Contributions may be made to the Adrian Lions Club or the Victory Assembly of God Church.

Ivan O. Beeman, 73, Harrisonville, MO, died Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville, officiated by Rev. Adam Harmon, First Christian Church, Harrisonville. Burial was in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or to the Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation.

Russell Lee “Russ” Jenkins, age 81 of Harrisonville, Missouri died Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the Crown Care Center in Harrisonville. He was born May 25, 1927 to Max Earless and Minnie Lee Poindexter Jenkins in Butler, Missouri.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Jerry Jenkins officiating and Brother Charles Sutton assisting. Burial, Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. Contributions, Crossroads Hospice or Missouri Baptist Children¹s Home.

Recently, four generations of Case men gathered for a photo following the birth of Lyric. From left to right: Larry Orval Case, great grandfather, Julian Allan Case, Lyric Riley Case, and Larry Andrew Case, grandfather. Larry and Andy are from Amsterdam, MO and Julian and Lyric are from Butler, MO.

Gavin Allen Conner was born on February 18, 2009. He weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long. Gavin is the son of Cindy and Shawn Conner. His grandparents are Dot Elpers and Jessie Conner.

Melisa Newkirk, Adrian City Clerk, swears in the newly elected North Ward Alderman Michael Lemon and South Ward Alderman Sue Miller on Monday, April 13, 2009.

Three Adrian R-III junior high students qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) based on their ACT scores. Ryland Howard (left), Nathan Chamberlain (middle) and Briar Corbin (right) are invited to attend the 2009 State Recognition Ceremonies at Drury University in Springfield, MO on May 22, 2009.

For at least 50 years, the Adrian Lions Club has sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt for area children. This year was no different as youngsters gathered at the Adrian City Park to hunt for easter eggs last Saturday. Pictured are a group of kids running to find eggs.

Every Monday night the Adrian Optimist Club hosts bingo that is open to the community. This week’s big winner is Judy Ball, who received a check for $2,600.

Adrian High School basketball player Austin Erickson, junior, was selected for the Associated Press First Team All-State. He was one of only 10 players in the state chosen from schools the size of Adrian. During the season Austin scored 16 points and made 9 rebounds per game. He shot 58% from the field.

The Adrian Blackhawks boys and girls track teams participated in the Midway Relays on Tuesday, April 7th. The boys placed 7th at the meet with 53 points and the girls placed 4th with 98 points.

The weather finally cooperated and the Adrian Blackhawks baseball team was able to get in a game. They hosted the Drexel Bobcats Thursday, April 9 and defeated them 10 to 0.
The Lady Blackhawks softball team hosted the Drexel Lady Bobcats last Thursday, April 9 and defeated them 10-3.
Coach Terry Hubbard said, “This was a great first game for us. We only had one error on defense. We were glad to get a game in despite threatening weather. We’ve had 7 games cancelled so far. The girls played well.”

Opening day, Adrian’s high school team (black) takes the field with Archie as their opponents. A win for Adrian, 6 to 2.
Adrian’s other high school team (white) played Midway. Midway 4, Adrian 3.
Week two of the season and the games moved to the Adrian fields. The Adrian high school (white) team was an unstoppable force as they took on the Archie Whirlwinds. Adrian 9, Archie 4.

In U-6 soccer action on April 4, Abbey Johnson throws in the ball to teammates Bailey Greer (far left) and Trevor Newport (next to Greer) while defenders Trevor Thompson, Drew Burris and Emma Thompson (back, left to right) try to take the ball to their goal.

It’s about time for Peace, Love & PTO as elementary kids are invited for a “fun night” on Saturday, April 25th. It’s not too late for you to assist or make a contribution to this event. Simply contact Erin Newport at 816-309-8019. Thanks to everyone who has sponsored this event or signed up to help! Watch for a complete list of contributors in coming weeks in the Adrian Journal. PTO is grateful for the community’s continued support of our school.

Shirley L. Fink, 96, Amsterdam, MO, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2009 at Adrian Manor in Adrian, MO. Shirley was born November 9, 1912 in Drexel, MO, the daughter of Charles Arthur and Bertha May (Enloe) Smith.
Graveside services and interment were held Tuesday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. at the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. Rev. Paul Burhart officiated.

Velma Lee Willerton, age 92 of Jonesburg, Missouri died Monday, April 6, 2009 at Jonesburg Nursing and Rehab in Jonesburg. She was born July 29, 1916 to Ernest Richard and Charlotte Katherine Miller McCraw in Adrian, Missouri.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. Burial, Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Contributions, Alzheimer¹s Association.

Jim served the people of Adrian, MO with his real estate office, Strain Realty, until the time of his death. He also enjoyed his locksmith business.
A memorial service will be held at the Church of Christ in Butler, MO, 205 North Fulton, on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen, NM on Friday, April 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.

James LeRoy Phillips, 75, died Thursday, April 9, 2009 at Belton Research Hospital, Belton, MO. Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at the Atkinson Chapel, Harrisonville, MO, Adrian Christian Church Adrian, MO. Burial was in Cleveland Cemetery, Cleveland, MO. Military honors were under the auspices of the Harrisonville Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), P.O. Box 78960, Phoenix, AZ 85062-8960.

The April 7, 2009 unofficial election results in Ballard, Adrian and Archie are as follows:
Ballard R-2 School Board directors elected are Eileen Parks and Richie Eidson.

Elected to the Adrian R-3 School Board (Two three-year terms) is Jay Bagby and Jim Tenholder. For the Adrian R-3 School Board one-year term, David Knuth was elected. In the City of Adrian, the elected North Ward Councilman is Michael Lemon. The South Ward Councilman is Sue Miller.

The 2nd Annual Casino Night, to benefit the Bates County Children’s Center, will be held on Saturday, April 18 at the Optimist Community Building in Adrian. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. for social time; gaming begins at 7:30 p.m. and will end at 10 p.m. Live mouse races will be held throughout the night. The event will have blackjack tables, craps tables, roulette tables and Texas Hold ‘Em tables.

Each month the Adrian Optimist Club recognizes an exemplary student. This month, junior Luke Richmond was selected as the Adrian Optimist Student of the Month. Luke is the son of Danny and Nan Richmond. He plays basketball and baseball for AHS. Luke is also a member of FFA and the National Honor Society. As a junior, Luke has not made a final decision on his future, but he is considering a degree in engineering from the University of Missouri - Rolla.

The Adrian Blackhawks winter sports athletic reception was held Monday night, April 6, to honor the girls and boys basketball players, wrestlers and cheerleaders.
The Lady Blackhawks had an outstanding season as they recorded a 25-3 record and were ranked 10th in the state. Special awards were presented. Named to the WEMO All Conference were Chelsea Urie and Becca Lawrence, First Team; Brenna Tallman, 2nd Team; Justine Enlow and Lee Anna Reid, Honorable Mention. Named to All District was Becca Lawrence, First Team.

Three Adrian High School basketball players were named to the All-District team. Pictured, left to right: Becca Lawrence, senior; Erik White, junior; and Skyler Kariker, junior.

The weather finally cooperated and the Adrian Blackhawks boys and girls track teams participated at Archie on Tuesday, March 31. The girls place 2nd overall with 84 points.
Coach Cochran commented, “Today gave us a point to work from. Our times were not that great overall; however, we have to remember we are a very young team. A third of our team are freshmen and we have a lot of first year runners. We have to continue to meet our goals and improve. As long as the kids are providing their best effort, that is all I can ask. We just need to keep working hard.”

Pictured left to right (front row) are the Adrian Youth Wrestling State Qualifiers: Austin Williams, Anson Johnson, Trey Heckadon, Caleb Shanks, Hunter Chamberlain and Nathan Chamberlain. The wrestling coaches are pictured in the back row, left to right: Monte Johnson, Chris Shanks and Jason Chamberlain.

Adrian R-III School District will be administering the MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) tests for Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 7, and 8 beginning on Tuesday, April 7. We will be also be testing April 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 17, 20, 21 and 22.
The MAP tests are extremely important to our students and our school. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education partially assess Adrian School based on how well our students do on these tests. Curriculum and classroom activities are based on the results of the MAP test and the school administration makes long-term plans based on testing trends.

On Saturday, April 5, nine students from Adrian Elementary went to Sedalia to participate in the annual MCTM Elementary Student Mathematics Regional Contest with their sponsors, Matt Cochran and Krista Brewster. These students, along with the grade level alternates, had been preparing for this by practicing after school three times a week for the past two months.

Adrian High School band soloists Stephanie Newsome and Brittany Clark received “1” ratings at districts in Pleasant Hill. Stephanie and Brittany will advance to the State Music Contest in Columbia, MO on May 1, 2009. Stephanie, pictured left, plays the trumpet. Brittany, right, plays the flute.

The Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Houston Plaza, for Adrian first graders, was held Monday, April 6. Due to the weather it was held at the school. Pictured is Sarah Jones’ first grade class enjoying their candy filled Easter eggs.

Samantha, Tearsten, and Tanna Keister FINALLY welcomed their new baby brother home. Karter Wayne Keister was born March 9th at St. Lukes Hospital in Kansas City. He weighed 5 lbs. 9 oz. and was 18” long. Proud parents are Kelly and Jessie Keister of rural Adrian.

Knitting classes started on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at the Adrian Community Library. Beginning knitters are pictured left to right: Patti Bruto, Linda Case, Valerie Wood, Kay DePriest (instructor), Jeannette Emerson, Patty Hahn, Barbara Allen, Cheryl Hragyil, Julie Stevens and Joyce Walsh. Classes are every Tuesday at 9:00am in the library. New people are always welcome.

Charles Jean Ash, Sr. of Adrian, MO was born March 28, 1937 in Pittsburg, KS, the son of William Robert and Theresa Emile (Wisecarver) Ash. He departed this life on Friday, March 20, 2009 surrounded by his family at his home near Adrian at the age of 71 years, 11 months and 22 days.

Mildred Leona Leavell of Archie, Missouri was born March 21, 1941 near Urich, Missouri the daughter of Charles Edward and Hattie E. (Groce) Kagarice. She departed this life on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at Adrian Manor, Adrian, Missouri at the age of 68 years and 4 days.
Cremation. A Celebration of Life Service was held Sunday, March 29, 2009 at the Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with Pastor Gary Cantrell officiating.
Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Mildred Leavell Memorial Fund.

Lloyd Colin, age 80 of rural Appleton City, Missouri died Friday, April 3, 2009 at his home in Appleton City after a long illness surrounded by his family. He was born March 28, 1929 to Lee and Maudie Todd Colin in Rich Hill, Missouri.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Alan Black officiating. Burial, Greenlawn Cemetery, Rich Hill, Missouri. Contributions, Heartland Hospice or American Cancer Society.

There are three candidates running for two seats on the City Council. Michael Lemon is running unopposed for the North Ward and Sue Miller and Bill Greenwood are running for the one seat representing the South Ward.

In the April 7th election, voters will mark their choices for the school board. Pictured left to right are the candidates running for the two-year terms: Tim Lovejoy and David Knuth.

On April 7, voters will mark their choices for the school board. Pictured left to right are the candidates running for the three-year terms: incumbents Jay Bagby and Jim Tenholder, and newcomer Keith Kunkelman.

The passing of a highly respected, prominent Adrianite brought a great sadness to the Adrian community last week. James Gaylord “Pete” Hill will long be remembered as “Mr. Adrian,” a title well-earned in the eight decades (and a few years) of his life in Adrian.
In 2004, Mayor Rose Marie Randolph issued a proclamation that August 1 be deemed as “Pete Hill Day”, and the first Sunday of August in years to follow. Pete was also awarded a Lifetime Membership to the Adrian Chamber of Commerce in celebration of his lifelong civic commitment to the community of Adrian.

James Gaylord “Pete” Hill, 94, Adrian, MO, passed away Monday, March 23, 2009. Gaylord was born August 2, 1914 in Arapahoe, NE, the son of William Edward Hill and Clara Bell Wright Hill. Moving to Adrian with his family in 1927, he later graduated from Adrian High School, where he met, and later married his wife of 55 years, Margaret Cummins. Gaylord spent his final months in the Overland Park home of Sam and Jane Doerflinger, where he received constant, loving attention and care, surrounded by his family and friends.

The Adrian FCCLA students and sponsor Julie Carr gave their time and effort to raise $1,110 for the Children’s Center in Butler. They took orders for homemade casseroles, which were prepared by the 7th graders. The students then delivered the casseroles to their customers. Seventh grader Madison Diehl was the top seller in this fundraising endeavor.

“We’ve been really blessed,” said Food Pantry Manager Julie Stevens. “The school just made a huge donation and when Casey’s closed, they gave us all their stuff.”
Julie and Mark Stevens manage the Adrian Food Pantry. Those who are in need of food or other necessities can go to the pantry on the second and fourth Saturdays each month, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Although they do work on appointments, anyone in need can show up between those morning hours on the specified Saturdays for help.

Together they have found a friendship, raised a family, and built a beautiful marriage. Celebrate with the family of Wes and Pam Nieder on the 25th anniversary of their marriage. A reception will be held in their honor on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 7:00pm at the Community First Bank in Butler, MO.

The Adrian Community Library held their annual fundraiser Friday, March 27 with a taco and potato bar. It was held at the Adrian Masonic Lodge.

Wimfield’s on Main hosted an appreciation dinner for the Adrian Volunteer Fire Department on Monday, March 30 to recognize their hard work and dedication.

The Dance Craze dancers competed in Joplin, MO on March 20 and 21, 2009. Soloist Marissa Markel landed a first place award for her jazz performance to “Disturbia.” This was Marissa’s first time competing a solo.

Twin donkeys are a very rare occurrence as there are only four sets in the world, so you can imagine the surprise of Doug and Tammy Lee of Adrian when they discovered their jenny had given birth to twins on March 13. Their names are Jack and Jill.

The Adrian R-III band earned a “1” rating at the State Music Contest last weekend. Pictured are, Front row, left to right: Kristen Partin, Band Director, Caleb Gasser, Shelley Jones, Brittany Clark, Myiah Winn, Alyssa Smotherman, Stephanie Newsome, Brianna Pugh, Tarissa Keating and Alyssa Stone. Second row, left to right: Gus Arndt, Sarah Brewer, Erin Jacks, Ariel Fredrickson, Liz Wood and Ashley Najera. Third row, left to right: Cliff Polzin, Michael Schlotman, Tyler Williams, Bethany Ward, Becca Keating, Crystal Lentz and Hillary Wood.

On March 25, 2009, Adrian High School hosted the first ever WEMO Math Challenge. Students from Adrian, Archie, Appleton City, Drexel, Cass-Midway, Rich Hill and Osceola competed in grade level tests and teams tests in Alegbra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics.
The test-based challenge teams were given points for first-fifth places. First and second place was recognized at an awards ceremony that evening.
Team Results were:
1st Place - Adrian with 42 points.
2nd Place - Cass-Midway with 41 points.
3rd Place - Drexel with 36 points.

The WEMO Wild tournament team took first place in the Butler Tournament on Saturday, March 28th. Pictured are: Front row, left to right, Sydney Berry, Sydney Kidwell, Malory Moles, Haylea Loper. Second row, left to right, Taryn Gregg, Shayna Erickson, Jacy Bolton, Justein Fisher, and Jade Wackerman. Back row: Coach Carles Fisher and Coach Derek Moles. Not pictured: Coach Terry Gregg.

Adrian R-III School District will be administering the MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) tests for Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 7, and 8 beginning on Tuesday, April 7. We will be also be testing April 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 17, 20, 21 and 22.

Please keep collecting and sending in your Yoss Thriftway receipts! Yoss Thriftway generously donates 1% of all receipts collected to the Adrian PTO. This program is important to the students and benefits the school. For the students it’s a chance to win a Yoss Thriftway Pizza Party!

Thomas “Tom” Miller Booher, age 69 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Friday, March 20, 2009 at his home in Amsterdam. He was born June 15, 1939 to Darrell Wilbur and Mildred Delight Miller Booher in Lebanon, Missouri.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Minister Billy Moore officiating. Burial was in the Virginia Cemetery near Virginia, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Clara Ellen “Cricket” Clifton, passed away Friday, March 27, 2009 at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Floral Hills Chapel; friends may call from 1-2:00 p.m. with VFW Auxiliary services at 1:45 p.m.; burial in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.

Roberta Sue Newlon, age 97 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, March 29, 2009 at Lake County East Hospital in Painesville, Ohio. She was born May 9, 1911 to Robert Samuel and Mattie Grace Piggott Trumbull in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the Presbyterian Church in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Dick Pierson officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Church or Cottey College.