Monthly Archive

By MICHELE BURRIS

The Adrian VFW Post 1935 held their annual Memorial Day Services at Crescent Hill Cemetery last Saturday morning. The morning was bright and full of sunshine, and absolutely perfect for the 30+ veterans who were present, along with about 75 guests of all ages.

Adrian R-III Commencement was Sunday, May 24, 2009. The AHS Class of 2009 celebrated the presentation of diplomas as Tyler Tolle led them in their infamous roller coaster cheer, followed by 43 flying graduation hats.

For the final time this school year, the Adrian Optimist Club has recognized an exemplary student. Senior Kaitlin Hendrick was selected as the Adrian Optimist Student of the Month. Kaitlin is the daughter of Jim and Kathy Hendrick. Kaitlin has been active in her high school years. Her activities include: softball, volleyball, National Honor Society, Student Council, Senior Representative for Student Council, FFA, Quill and Scroll, yearbook and band. Her all-time high school favorites are sports and computers.

The Adrian R-3 Spring Sports Athletic Reception was held Thursday, May 21 in the Commons Area. Athletes were recognized for baseball and softball and track. Also being presented were the end of the year special awards.

The Adrian R-3 Spring Sports Athletic Reception was held Thursday, May 21 in the Commons Area. Athletes were recognized for baseball and softball and track. Also being presented were the end of the year special awards.

Pictured far right, Emily Hughes (left) and Tyler Tolle (right) received the Blackhawk Pride award. Right is this year’s Scholastic Athletes Kyle Knuth, Ashley Najera and Tuff Wimberly.

Olivia Case, a junior at Adrian R-III, participated in the 2009 Track and Field State Championships held at the Dwight T. Reed Stadium in Jefferson City, Missouri on Friday, May 22. Olivia jumped 15’ 7.5” and brought home an 8th place medal.

Far right picture: Olivia Case, front, stands at the awards podium as she received her 8th place medal in the long jump.

Right: Junior Olivia Case stands with Coach Tyson Basore as she proudly shows off her 8th place state medal.

Pictured are members of the 2009 graduating class of Adrian High School. Those graduates receiving scholarships were: Kyle Knuth, Brittany Clark, Tyler Ricketts, Chris Wainwright, Dan Ortiz, Henry Wendleton, Chris Schaller, Kaitlin Hendrick, Amber Shaw, Rebecca Lawrence, Lareesa Bagby, Coty McDonald, Justine Enlow, Caleb Arnold, Dakota Peffly, Shelly Jones, Josh Hubbard, Ethan Aurand, Marshall Hunholz, Donna Umstattd, Cliff Polzin, Austin Schmidt, Zachariah Stapleton, Miranda Ruby.

Elementary Principal Brian Borgmeyer and kindergarten teachers Lara Six, Rhonda Hamilton and Debbie Still honored the Adrian kindergarteners with a graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 20. Family and friends attended the ceremony, followed by a reception sponsored by the Adrian PTO.

The Adrian 6th graders have been doing their part to save the Earth this year. They have been recycling cans, cardboard, plastic and magazines during the past nine months. Parents, faculty and students have all contributed to our cause. Then, Bates County Industries of Butler (BCI) has graciously picked up our recyclable items all year.

By DEBBIE SLATTERY

The Adrian 6th grade Quiz Bowl team traveled to Drexel on Saturday, April 4 to compete in the annual quiz bowl. After trying out for team and two months of practices, the Blackhawk team was ready to compete. This year’s team brought home 3rd place medals.
All team members were great examples of Blackhawk Pride. Their many hours of practice and their dedication to this event are greatly appreciated. The Quiz Bowl sponsors, Ms. Slattery, Ms. Carver and Mrs. Sears, applaud their efforts.

Happy 40th Anniversary Boone and Karen Middleton. Please join in celebrating Boone & Karen’s 40 years of marriage on Sunday, May 31st, 2009, 12 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Golden Avenue Baptist Church, 558 S. Golden Avenue in Springfield, MO 65802.

Ron and Deidre Camerer celebrated 25 years of marriage on May 25th, 2009. A reception was held in their honor on Sunday, May 24th at the Community First Bank in Butler. They appreciate all who attended and helped them celebrate.

Zain Wyatt Tatro was born April 7, 2009. He weighed 7 lbs. and 8 ozs. and was 18 1/2 inches long. Zain is the son of Andrew and Celia Tatro-Ewbank.

Virginia Ferguson, left, is shown accepting a meal from volunteer Patti Bruto, right. Virginia appreciates the meals which helps her remain at home and in good health. The Adrian Senior Center and its support teams are gathering sponsors for their annual “walk-a-thon” which helps with the meal costs of congregate and home-delivered meals and supplies needed for the service. The event will be Sunday, June 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. Please call 297-4203 if you have questions and/or sponsorships.

The 2009 Adrian High School Valedictorian is Kyle Knuth. Kyle is the son of David and Sharon Knuth. This fall, Kyle plans to major in Architectural Engineering at Kansas State University. Brittany Clark was named as the 2009 Adrian High School Salutatorian. Brittany is the daughter of Charles and Kathy Clark. She plans to attend Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO to pursue a degree in elementary special education. Commencement exercises will be held Sunday afternoon, May 24, at 2:30 p.m. in the Adrian R-III East Gymnasium.

By DON ARNDT

The local VFW Post 1935 is sponsoring the construction of a brand new Veterans Memorial located in Adrian. A four man committee has been formed to see this project to completion. Committee members include: Steve Hubbard, 660-679-7619; Don Arndt, 816-898-2359; Bob Moles, 816-297-4347; and Larry Bunch, 816-297-4368.

Adrian Boy Scout Troop 238 held a flag retirement ceremony Saturday night, May 16 at Frontier Village. Over 150 flags were received and about half of them were retired in a respectable and dignified ceremony. The remainder of the flags will be retired at a later date.
To make it a ceremonial fire, the Scouts laid on cedar branches (pictured far right). The cedar purifies the fire for the retirement of the flags.

Pictured right: Don Durbin, United States veteran and the local VFW Commander, retired flags with the Adrian Boy Scout Troop 238.

By SHARON KIESEL

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for May is Brian’s Signs. The business, owned by Brian Welliver, is located in rural Bates County, west of Adrian.Brian’s Signs began about three years ago, through Welliver’s interest in racing cars. “I saw what there was on other cars and thought it would be another way to make a buck,” he said. “I make vinyl signs for race cars and lettering for trucks. It’s something I enjoy doing.”

by ANNA LEE JAMES

It was a very slow day on Tuesday, May 12 at the American Red Cross Bloodmobile; however, 40 donors showed up and 35 good units of blood were collected. Five donors were turned down for minor medical reasons. First time donors were: Michael A. Wray, Cynthia L. Sixkiller, Connie Vankirk, Donna J. Muller and Mary A. Jennings.

Winding down the 2009 baseball season, the Adrian Blackhawks baseball team traveled to Drexel on Thursday, May 14. They collected 14 hits and won the contest 9 to 1.
Shaylon Moreland was the winning pitcher. He pitched 6 innings, striking out 9, walking 6 and allowing 1 hit. Kyle Knuth also pitched 1 inning, striking out 2 and walking 1.
“Austin pitched a good game, we just did not have the bats or the defense to back him up,” said Coach Dingman.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks’ softball season came to an end last week as they played Drexel and Liberal. They ended their season with an outstanding 12 and 5 record.
The Lady Blackhawks traveled to Drexel Thursday, May 14 and defeated the Lady Bobcats 10 to 5. Kaley Keating was the winning pitcher. She pitched 6 1/2 innings, striking out 13, walking 6 and allowing no hits. Makenzi Adams came in and pitched 1/2 inning. She walked 4.

Skyler Wooldridge surpassed the AHS school record in pole vaulting with 7’6 at the meet last Saturday in Richmond. Coach Tyson Basore praised Skyler’s achievement. “Skyler has worked very hard this season and will keep improving on this record.”

By MIKE CASE

Last Saturday, May 16, Olivia Case of Adrian High School along with nine of her teammates, competed in the region’s 2A State Sectional track and field meet in Richmond, Missouri. She placed second in the Long Jump and, therefore, will be moving on to the Missouri State Championships in Jefferson City.

The Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) KC Metro Area Spring Games were held Saturday, May 2, at Lee’s Summit North High School. Approximately 450 area athletes participated in the track and field meet. Included in this group of athletes were the Bates County Blazers team, all of which received medals in the 25M Walk & Softball Throw. Front row left-right: Sue Smith, Dawn Wix, & Bonnie Barnett. Back row left-right: Nancy Blake, Lavonne Davison, Connie Larcom, & Janie Smith, all of Adrian.

Francis (Frank) Enos, Sr. is pictured with Kendall Heather, a Board Member of the Missouri Rural Letter Carrier Association, who presented him with a 50-year pin and certificate in recognition of his 50 years of membership and involvement with the Association. Frank and members of his family attended the meeting in Bolivar, MO on May 6.

The children of Mr, and Mrs. Larry Bagby would like to announce the 45th wedding anniversary of their parents on May 23, 2009. We would like to celebrate by having a card shower. Their address is Rt. 2 Box 437, Adrian, MO 64720.

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Fenwick will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. The couple were united in marriage on June 12, 1949 at the United Methodist Church in Appleton City, Mo. A card shower for friends and a family gathering will be held in recognition of the couple’s celebration. Friends are invited to send cards and letters to : 201 Allison Lane, Clinton, Mo. 64753. Thank you for helping to make their event special.

The entire dance company of The Dance Craze performed at a “Spaghetti with the Starz” fundraiser last Friday at the Adrian Optimist Building. About 250 guests helped the Power Starz competition teams raise funds for their nationals dance competition in Branson in June.
Front row, left to right: Alisa Zellmer, Adrian; Evy Keating, Adrian; Jordyn McCammon, Adrian; Dorianne Blum, Adrian; Kaylee Fillinger, Drexel; Lexie Ward, Butler; Taia Thompson, Adrian; Kaylyne Gregg, Adrian; Ashtyn Aurand, Adrian; Chloe Wright, Drexel; Adyson Ross, Adrian; and Avery Bruto, Adrian.

The Class of 1949 started gathering at 2 p.m. with the assistance of canes, wheelchair, walker, and GOD for their 60th reunion - yep that’s right. The reunion was held May 9, 2009 at Frontier Village with 16 class graduates, of the remaining 25 living and 18 guests. The afternoon was spent refreshing memories, recalling past events, browsing through memorabilia, photos and etc., while enjoying snacks and drinks.

The Class of 1989 held their 20 year reunion on Saturday, May 9. They met at the Lions Saloon in Frontier Village. Those attending were: front row - Stephanie Highley, Debbie Hooper Thomas, Lara Bunch Six. 2nd row - Sarona Koehn Bagby, Vanessa Morrow Tallman, Jenny Ford Miller. 3rd row - Dana Mitchell Mapp, Jill Lethcho Stewart, Aimee Nichols Dryden. Back row - Travis Self, D.J. Tallman, Allen Durbin, Derek Moles, Dave Wolford, Brad Tharp.

Front row - Maternal great great grandmother Nadine Sieleman, mother Celia Ewbank-Tatro, baby Zain Wyatt Tatro, son of Andrew and Celia Tatro, Paternal great great grandmother, Lola Grimsley. Back row - Maternal great grandmother, Linda Sieleman Pierce, Maternal grandmother Charlotte Pierce-Gutshall, Paternal grandfather, Perry Ewbank, Paternal great grandmother, Judy Grimsley Pierce.

Adrian Manor celebrated National Nursing Home Week (May 10 - 16) with various special events. Gospel singer Ken McWain, pictured far right, provided spiritually uplifting music for the residents, staff and guests at the Manor on Thursday afternoon, May 14. Mr. McWain has sung on the local PBS network and has made numerous tapes and CD releases.

Baccalaureate, sponsored by the Adrian Ministerial Alliance, was held Sunday evening, May 17 at the Cornerstone Christian Church. There were 29 seniors present and their sponsor, Mr. Duane Lentz. Rev. Ray Burhart gave an inspiring talk about including God in your life story.
(submitted photo)

The Yoss Thriftway/Adrian PTO receipts fundraising program is a wonderful partnership that benefits students at Adrian Elementary. The three grade levels with the highest amount of receipt totals were honored for their efforts with a pizza party, courtesy of Yoss Thriftway. This year, the fourth graders finished at the top. For their pizza party, they picnicked outside. The other two grade levels who also had the pleasure of pizza parties was kindergarten and first grade.

June Rae Wood, author of the award winning book “The Man Who Loved Clowns,” visited Adrian School on Wednesday, May 13. She spoke to primary, intermediate and upper level students as well as teachers in four separate presentations.
June had students laughing and crying throughout her presentation. She offered a heartfelt message to students about continuing to read as well as always being kind to people with differences.

The PTO would also like to thank the community for your continued support and generosity throughout the year. Your donations and contributions are greatly appreciated and put to good use. Here are a few of the things the PTO has done this year with the money we have received:
~Paid for the 6th graders to go to a Royals game;
~Sponsored a field trip to the National Frontier Trails Center and Museum for the entire 4th grade;
~Paid for nearly $6,000 in classroom curriculum and supplies;
~ For Christmas, all staff and faculty received Blackhawks t-shirts;

Gary A. Wayman, 74, Drexel, MO, passed away May 22, 2009 at Crystal Manor of Adrian. Cremation, with no public services scheduled.

Lee Roy Wymer, age 88 of Lenexa, Kansas died Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Royal Terrace in Olathe, Kansas. He was born July 21, 1920 to Emmett and Nora Maude White Wymer in Amsterdam, Missouri.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Ray Burnet officiating. Burial is in the Benjamin Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri. Contributions to Disabled Veterans or American Cancer Society.

Edna Louise Padley Taylor, age 90 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, May 18, 2009 at Centennial Medical Center in Frisco, Texas. She was born February 8, 1919 to Elbert Jess and Mary Leslie Wilson Padley on a farm southeast of Butler.
Funeral services were 10 a.m. Saturday, May 22, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Butler First Baptist Church.

Jewel Dean Shults, age 80 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. She was born October 9, 1928 to Carl August Herman and Mabel Rena Greene Nitsche in Roscoe, Missouri. To her family, she was known as “Bill”.
Graveside services were 2 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2009 at Springfield National Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri with Rev. Chris Conklin officiating.

Mr. Hobart F. “Dusty” Deskins, age 92 years, of Jefferson City, MO, died Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at St. Marys Health Center.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 22 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Donald Carter officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors were conducted at Riverview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church or the Shriners Childrens Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Owen Keith Brock of LaCygne, Kansas, in the New Lancaster community, passed away Monday, May 18, 2009 at Louisburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
Funeral services were held Friday, May 22 at the Mullinax Chapel, Drexel. Burial, with full military honors, followed in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO.
Memorial contributions in Keith’s name are suggested to the First Baptist Church of Drexel or Hospice Care of Kansas, in care of the funeral home.

Brad Lee Bitner, age 41 of Solsberry, Indiana died Monday, May 4, 2009.
Memorial services were 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Alan Black officiating. Military honors by Kansas City Naval Reserve and Cass County VFW Post #4409. Inurnment, Benjamin Cemetery, Amoret, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of Nathan Bitner.

Rolan Wayne Gorham, age 76 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, May 16, 2009 at North Kansas City Hospital in North Kansas City, Missouri. He was born June 5, 1932 to Joseph Level and Dorothy Alene Norris Gorham in Ray County, Missouri.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. James Stanfield-Myers officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Butler Bear Backers.

Lynn Preston (L. P.) Jenkins, 87, Chilhowee, Missouri, died early Wednesday morning, May 13, 2009, at the Missouri Veterans Home, Warrensburg, MO. He was born April 3, 1922 in Eminence, MO, the son of Vibert Azariah Jenkins and Ollie Maetree (Potts) Jenkins.

Betty Rose Bock, age 77 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, May 13, 2009 in Adrian, Missouri. She was born May 12, 1932 to Arthur Ernest and Rosa Viola Dody Fennewald in Appleton City, Missouri.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. James Stanfield-Myers officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Ohio Street United Methodist Church.

Our Husband, Dad and Grandpa, Paul Clifford Schmidt passed away May 9, 2009 at Willow Lane Care Center, reaching the age of 79 years. He peacefully fell asleep in the early hours of the morning with his loving wife and children at his bedside.
Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Bethany Mennonite Church in Rich Hill, Missouri with Ministers Kenneth Koehn, Wesley Dirks and Milton Penner officiating. Interment was in the Bethany Mennonite Cemetery, Rich Hill, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Bethany Mennonite Church Benevolent Fund.

63rd Annual Adrian Alumni Meeting - By CAROL GREGG

The 63rd Annual Alumni Meeting was held Saturday, May 9, 2009 in the east gym at Adrian High School. President Paul Burhart, Class of 1977, called the meeting to order.
Ray Burhart, Class of 2002, opened with the invocation. The 2009 Senior Class led the alumni in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the alumni singing the National Anthem led by Steve Patterson, Class of 1984.

The Adrian Alumni Class of 1959 celebrated their 50th class reunion Saturday, May 9. They met at the Rebekah Lodge Hall for dinner and reminiscing. They also made a grand tour of Adrian. Attending were: Front row - Kay Cantrell, Jean Welston Shannon, Kathryn Lemon Hale, Wilma Morrow Ramage, Judy Beard Kennedy, Donita Ficklin Ruch. 2nd row - Sharon Robards Arnold, Donna Kimble Durbin, Mary Lou Hahn Cummings, Joy Mayree Dugger Murphy, Judy Shubert Colburn, Jim McCanles, Joyce Durbin Saathoff.

The Class of 1964 held their 45th class reunion Saturday, May 9 at Wimfield’s on Main. Those attending were: Front row - Don Ficklin, Dave Middleton, Janice Ford Highley, Sharon Raines Whitehead, Dorothy Purdy Norman. Back row - Mike Childress, Curtis Reynolds, Ron McCanles, Mike Hodges, Thomas Bolling, Ed Griffith, David Vanderman, Joe Serviss, Allen Finklang.

The Class of 1969 met for their 40th class reunion Saturday, May 9. Classmates attending were: Front row: Kenny Kooker, Sharon Hastings Hansen, Linda Simpson Ingelhart, Joyce Underwood Laredo. Middle row: Danny Clifton, Jerry Petty, Wilma Kendrick Naeger, Debbie Neil Enos. Back row: Alden Buerge, James Wackerman, Jerry Highfill, Jim Scott, Jim Sterns, Yogi Wimsatt, Bob Arnold, John Scott.

Twenty Adrian alumni from the Class of 1974 gathered for a pig roast, catered by Butthead Bar-B-Que, at the home of Carl and Susan Ferguson. Alumni pictured in the front row, left to right are: Debbie (Brewster) Arnold, Janet (Richmond) Oates, Cheryl Garrett, Johnny Clifton, Garry Saathoff, Belinda (Hill) Kooker, Larry Mitchell. Middle row, left to right: Susan (Arnold) Davis, Lou Anne (Moudy) Crook, David Still, Renae (Arney) Bradshaw, Nancy (Highley) Summers, Helen (Morrow) Heuser, Dessa (Morrow) Taylor and Pam (Healey) Watts.

Of the 79 graduates in 1979, 29 alumni attended their 30-year reunion at the home of Rayland Downey. Front row: Bonnie Ford Hyatt, Steve Talley, David Gillis, Rayland Downey, Gregg Ball, Randy Shannon and Marilyn Feris. Middle row: Kevin Mitchell, Kathy Claypool Arnold, Cindy Allen, Abby Stark Woodward, Sandy Ray Burk, Robin Long Watson, Sandy Vaughn Tallman, Susan Frazier James, Lois Heckadon Hastings, Dawn Weeks Lewis, Renee Craig.

At the home of David and Susan McMillan, 19 graduates from the Class of 1984 gathered for dinner and entertainment. Adrian alumni in the front row, left to right, are: Holly (Jenkins) Urie, Steven Patterson, Lynn (Hahn) Bennett and Darla Six. Middle row, left to right: Clarisse (Nachbar) Shum, Kathy (Nuckolls) Jackson, Bryan Mitchell, Mendy (Ball) Sherwood, Susan (Ortstadt) McMillan, Stephanie Downey and Bryan Clark. Back row, left to right: Mark Griffith, Kelly Gutshall, Gayla (Morrow) Bursol, Jamie (Beebe) Scroghm, Marty Beard and Butch Lawrence. Not pictured: Mark Durbin and Rob Musick.

Josh Grimsley, Manny Talley, Joe Chancellor, Tom Holmes, Travis Newport, Justin Hannah, Colby Knox, Mitch Underwood, Richie Frazier, Amy Milligan, Amanda Chancellor, Jessica Chulufas, Lindsay Zerby, Shanell Martniez, Jennifer Bolling, Heather Knoll, & Ladonna Shipley. Not pictured but showed up later Brian Dizney.

The Class of 2004 celebrated their 5-year reunion at the home of Tom and Harla Ferguson. Approximately 20 alumni and their guests enjoyed an afternoon cookout. Alumni present in the front row, left to right, are: Stephanie Christiansen, Josh Hastings, Mary Keister, Melissa (Hill) Anderson, Natasha (Bailey) Baughn, Lauren Bowman and Savanna Moore. Back row, left to right: Traci Rugg, Stacey Robey, Jason Rugg, Anthony Leonard, Drew Grimes, Josh Arnold, Jamie Casey and Brenna Pool.

By KELLIE CASE

The family of Presleigh and Noah Saathoff participated in the March for Babies in downtown Kansas City on Sunday, May 3. The “March” is held annually, and is the largest fundraising event for the March of Dimes. We marched, specifically for Presleigh and Noah, but also for all other children and families affected by troubled pregnancies or unhealthy/premature births.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks played the Sherwood Lady Marksmen Tuesday, May 5 and were defeated 9 to 4. Makenzi Adams was the losing pitcher. She pitched 3 innings, recorded 2 strikeouts, walked 1 and allowed 5 hits. Kaley Keating pitched 3 innings. She struck out 4, walked 2 and allowed 2 hits.

The Adrian Blackhawks played Sherwood Tuesday, May 5 and suffered their second loss of the season as they fell 6 to 1. Austin Erickson was the losing pitcher. He went 6 innings, striking out 10, walking 3 and allowing 6 hits. Coach Dingman said, “We gave up two homeruns and could not score a run for ourselves. Fox for Sherwood pitched well and we could never get anything going.”

The Adrian Blackhawks track teams participated in the district track meet last Saturday at Archie. Ten athletes qualified for sectionals to be held this Saturday at Richmond. Pictured, front - Anna Dickerson, Skyler Wooldridge, Justine Enlow, Ashley Najera, Cara Stark. Back - Erik White, Cody Hannah, Chelsea Urie, Olivia Case, Kendall Schellman.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks track team traveled to Cass Midway for the WEMO Conference Tournament on Tuesday, May 5. The Lady Blackhawks performed well and brought home 2nd place with a total of 124 points.

On Saturday, the Lady Blackhawks participated in the District Track Meet hosted by the Archie Whirlwinds. The girls qualified seven for sectionals to be held this Saturday, May 16 at Richmond.

Adrian Boys place 3rd in conference track
The WEMO Conference track meet was held Tuesday, May 5 at Cass Midway High School. The Adrian Blackhawks finished in 3rd place behind Appleton City and Midway. Coach Cochran commented, “I thought we performed fairly well today. We finished in 3rd place with only 13 people competing. Overall we had a good effort. The 4x800 relay team cut 25 seconds off of their best time which is outstanding. Teamwise we finished just about where I thought we would. I can’t complain. The kids tried their best and improved.”

Friday, May 15 - Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 - Senior Awards Assembly, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 - High School Academic Award Letter Banquet, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20 - Elementary Track Day, 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 21 - Spring Athletic Awards, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 22 - Last Day of School Awards: Junior High 9:00 a.m.; High School 10:30 a.m. (School will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. Grades K-6 will have school lunch.)
Sunday, May 24 - High School Graduation, 2:30 p.m.

Seniors Tyler Ricketts and Justine Enlow were named as the 2009 Adrian Prom King and Queen.

Several students from Adrian High School qualified to travel to State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri along with their adviser, Ms. Angela Lewis, to attend the Missouri Business Education Contest Association’s State Business Contest by placing in the top three at district competition. Representing Adrian were: Nichole Cogbill, Drew Cochran, Megan Lewis, Andrea French, Jordan Reichert and Danielle Baker.

Pictured, left to right: Drew Cochran, Nichole Cogbill, Megan Lewis, Danielle Baker, Andrea French, Jordan Reichert.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Morrow would like to announce the 50th wedding anniversary of their parents on May 23, 2009. We would like to celebrate by having a card shower. Their address is RR 3, Box 340A, Adrian, MO 64720. Thank you for sharing with us on this special occasion.

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas and Virginia Nelson are proud to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Colina Nelson, to Jake Wicklin, son of Kenny Wicklin and Lisa Dieleman. A May 30, 2009 wedding is being planned.

Members of the Adrian R-3 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter recently attended the 2009 Missouri FBLA Leadership Conference held on April 19, 20, and 21 in Columbia, MO.
Delegates representing the Adrian R-3 chapter in the state competitive leadership awards program were: Tyler Ricketts, Help Desk and Business Communications, and Megan Lewis, Introduction to Business Communication.
Angela Lewis is the local chapter adviser and accompanied the students to the conference.

In beautiful dresses and handsome tuxes, Adrian juniors and seniors danced the night away on prom night. The promenade in the east gym gave the Adrian community the privilege of seeing the couples before they were escorted to the Adrian Optimist Building in a Stretch Hummer Limo. This year's King and Queen are Tyler Ricketts and Justine Enlow.

Seniors posed for a picture during prom (far right). Left to right: Tyler Ricketts, Ethan Cumpton, Chris Urie, Chris Wainwright, Tyler Tolle, Kyle Knuth, Dan Ortiz, Marshall Hunholz and Austin Schmidt.

The Birthday Book Club is an initiative designed to help the school library. $5.00 donations from parents, grandparents, family members and special friends in honor of a child’s birthday helped buy more than $800 in new books for the school library. Each child who collected donations for the library had his/her name placed on the inside cover of the book(s). In addition, PTO hosted an Ice Cream Social as a thank you party on Friday, May 1 in the Commons Area.

The Adrian 6th Grade Band recently posed for a picture with their teacher Mrs. Partin. Mrs. Partin, aka Ms. Stone, will be moving to New Mexico. They want her to know they appreciate her for being such an amazing band director and they think she is one of the best band directors Adrian R-III has had so it will be hard to see her go. The band wishes Ms. Stone and Ben the best of luck in New Mexico.

Adrian third graders took a trip back in time at the Steamboat Arabia last Friday. They learned about the ship’s sinking in the Missouri River in 1856, with a full load of new supplies for the settlements along the Missouri River. The students viewed the world’s largest collection of frontier supplies from the Arabia that were discovered beneath a Kansas farm field in 1988.
Pictured are Mrs. Cogbill, Mrs. Schmidt and Mrs. Bruto’s third grade classes at the historic museum.

Thanks to everyone who donated to the Birthday Book Club. The Ice Cream Social was a huge success. Over 160 students attended, which means over 160 new books were purchased for the school library! We hope to have continued success with this club next year.

The Adrian Blackhawks tradition continues...
63rd Annual Alumni Reunion

Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 8:00pm in the East Gym

Entertainment: Steven Patterson (1984) and
the “Adrian Alumni Band and Friends”

A hospitality room will be in the Adrian
Commons following the program.

Sponsored by the Adrian Alumni Association

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian on Tuesday, May 12 from 1-6 p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building.
Blood is at a low level and all donations are needed. Be sure to bring an ID, eat iron rich foods and drink plenty of water. If you have any questions about donating blood, give me a call. Also several have stated that they don’t get back to Adrian until nearly 6:00. If you come on by and are inside the door at 6 p.m., you will be processed.

The Adrian Optimist Club has once again recognized an exemplary student. For April, senior Caleb Arnold was selected as the Adrian Optimist Student of the Month. Caleb is the son of John and Debbie Arnold. He has been an FFA member all through high school, and he is a member of TSA. In June, Caleb will be attending welding school in Tulsa, OK. After he completes the program in January 2010, he will begin working in the welding industry.

The Adrian Boy Scout Troop 238 will be conducting a Flag retirement ceremony. If anyone has worn, torn or tattered flags that need to be retired, they can be dropped off at Old 71 Cafe from now until May 15th. For more information, contact Gerald Shaffer, 816-297-4177.

On Monday evening, May 4 the Adrian Lady Blackhawks celebrated Senior Night as they hosted the Archie Lady Whirlwinds. The two Lady Blackhawks softball seniors being honored were Becca Lawrence and Kaitlin Hendrick. The girls’ record is 9 wins and 4 losses.

The Adrian Blackhawks boys and girls track teams traveled to Knob Noster Tuesday, April 28th. The girls placed 7th at the meet. Coach Cochran said, “There was a lot of good competition today. Many Class 3 and Class 4 schools were there. Most of our times weren’t bad. It was a pretty good day to run. I was impressed with Erik White’s long jump. It was by far his personal best. The 4x400 team also set a personal best. We need to keep this up for conference next week.”

Katy Gray, catcher (left), and Becca Lawrence, first base (right), were named to the All-Tournament Team for the Truman Lake Softball Tournament. Becca led the team on offense with several key hits. Katy led the team on defense, throwing three players out at third and two out at second. Katy and Becca both made some big plays on defense and offense. Congratulations to both of them for their accomplishments and what they give to their team.

Adrian’s high school team played Archie last Monday night. Final score was Adrian 6, Archie 5. Adrian played Archie in a make up game last Tuesday. Adrian 4, Archie 3.

The Olathe Sliderz fast pitch softball team sponsored a camp at Adrian Saturday, May 2. It turned out to be a great day and it was a great learning experience for both the Sliderz and their participants. There were girls from Adrian, Miami, Drexel, Hume and Appleton City.

Warren and Teresa Dizney, Adrian, MO, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy Marie, to Justin Gibbens, son of Ron Gibbens, Adrian, MO and Connie Willis, Blue Mound, KS.
Amy is a 2006 CMSU graduate and is employed by North Kansas City Hospital as a registered nurse. Justin is employed by Rodriguez Mechanical as a Local 8 Union plumber in Kansas City, MO.
They plan to make their home in Lee’s Summit, MO. An October wedding has been planned.

A benefit was held for Deanna Hocket by the Bowling Angels Friday, April 17. The benefit was held at Adrian Lanes. Pictured is Deanna with her check from the Bowling Angels. Also pictured are her parents, Ted and Nina Hockett.

James Allen Dryden of Garden City, Missouri was born September 19, 1938 in Bachelor, Missouri, the son of Orville Lynn and Alice Juanita (Wilks) Dryden. He departed this life on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at his home in Garden City at the age of 70 years, 7 months and 10 days.
Funeral services were held Saturday, May 2, 2009, 10:00 a.m. at the Dickey Funeral Home, Garden City, Missouri. Rev. Richard Williams officiated. Interment was in the Garden City Cemetery, Garden City. Military services were under the direction of the Harrisonvile Honor Guard, Harrisonville, MO.

Veryl W. Stubbart, 94, of Newcastle, WY, died Thursday, April 30, 2009 at Weston County Manor in Newcastle.
Funeral services were held, 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at the Hulett Civic Center in Hulett, WY with burial in the Alva Cemetery, Alva, Wyoming.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to benefit Crook County Memorial Nursing Home and Weston County Manor in honor of Veryl.

Phyllis Joy (PJ) Patterson, age 85, joined family and friends in heaven Tuesday, April 21, 2009. She began her life on earth as the daughter of Herschel and Sarah (Jones) Barber in Springfield, Missouri on September 16, 1923.

Lillian M. McBride McCoy, age 80, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away April 27, 2009 at Manorcare Health Services. Funeral services were held Saturday,May 2 at Langsford Funeral Home, Lee’s Summit, MO, with burial in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO.