Monthly Archive

By MIKE BURRIS

In a lackluster game played at the Adrian Sports Complex the Blackhawks managed to take advantage of numerous short field situations to post another victory over a conference opponent Friday.  This time it was against the Archie Whirlwinds with a final score of 40-7 in favor of Adrian. 

On Tuesday, October 20, the Lady Blackhawks played the last regular game of the season. For some, it was the last game of their high school careers, save for districts. As it was senior night, the three seniors were honored in a ceremony preceding the match.

Unfortunately, the match itself was not as much of a success as the sentimental part of the evening. Adrian went down to El Dorado Springs in three games. Stats are currently unavailable for this article but will be included in next week’s, along with the results of the district tournament.

Three Blackhawks volleyball players received honorable mention honors on the WEMO all-conference volleyball team. Pictured above, left to right: LeeAnna Reid, Caressa Wainwright and Natasha Lowrie.

By ERIC MOLES

Adrian’s little league white/grey teams, coached by Neil Tallman, Randy Reed and Jerry Pitts, hosted Midway on Saturday, October 24.

Three teams from the Bates County Blazers competed in the Special Olympics K.C. Metro Area Bowling Competition Sunday, October 11, at Premier Bowl in Raytown, taking home gold, silver, & bronze medals. All athletes are from Adrian with the exception of Ryan who is from Amoret.

Submitted photos

Right: Sue Baker, Dawn Wix, Lavonne Davison, & Delia Hubbard (not pictured-unified partner).

Middle: Bob Wainscott, Connie Larcom, Ryan Dancer, & Janie Smith.

Far right: Brenda Sue Arnold, Nancy Blake, Jean Morris, & Bonnie Barnett.

Final game of the season and Adrian’s 5th and 6th grade team was ready to go out strong. Coaches Terry Gregg and Jay Walley said “They really play like a team and that’s why they went undefeated this season.”

Blackhawk Corner re-opens under new ownership
by Sharon Kiesel

“All our meals are handmade, fresh and nothing frozen. Everything is made to order,” said Joe Patterson. “We offer homestyle cooking by Dianne and Nan Richmond. And, we plan to offer homemade cobblers and pies, too.”

By SHARON KIESEL

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for October is the Adrian Community Library, located at 116 East Main Street. The library was established in March of 2004, the result of a two year plan turned into reality.

“We’re a non-profit, private library and are not affiliated with any other library,” said Jeannette Emerson, Co-President of the Library Board. “Most of our 5000, almost 6000 books have been donated by the community.”

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian on Tuesday, November 3, from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building. The thoughts of being able to help someone or maybe save a life is a good reason to donate a unit of blood. It is simple and only takes about an hour. Nurses and volunteers are very helpful to get you through the process. All information is private and confidential. You donate one pint and your body soon replaces your blood.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Family Fun Circus in Adrian on October 19. About 150 people attended two shows at the Adrian City Park. Kids enjoyed the shows, along with elephant, camel and pony rides.

The Chamber received a portion of the proceeds from the gate attendance. “The Adrian Chamber of Commerce appreciates the community supporting the circus,” Chamber President Curtis Reynolds said.

Pictured above, Andy Enos enjoys an elephant ride with Maggie Jacobs and grandson Parker Hill.

submitted photo

By JULIE CARR

Red Ribbon Week is here! Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October in the United States. The theme for this year is “I’m Only Me When I’m Drug Free.” Adrian FCCLA members Maddie Reynolds and Makyna Six have been planning and coordinating the Red Ribbon Week activities for the kindergarten through fifth grades. R-III students will celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 26 through October 30.

Right: The 2009 - 2010 Adrian football seniors are pictured (front row, left to right): Jimmy Ray, Skyler Kariker, Trevor Gregg, Nick Highley, Tuff Wimberly. Back row, left to right: Tyler Proell, Erik White, Brett Talley, Chadd Goforth, Kendall Schellman, Tom Gregg.

Middle: Flag corp seniors pictured above are (front row, left to right): Kayla Patnoe and Stephanie Newsome. Band seniors are (back row, left to right): Garrett Huntsman, Matthew Ortiz, Phil Gregg and Tyler Proell.

The Adrian Music Boosters held its cookie dough fundraiser again this year. Proceeds help the Boosters continue supporting the music program. In previous years, fundraising dollars have paid for band uniforms, instruments, choir robes, flags, and more. “Once again I’ve been impressed with the caliber of Adrian students and their awesome work ethic,” Allison Oates, JH/HS Music Director said.

Recently, the Adrian FFA chapter has been involved in several area activities. To name a few, members have attended the Area VII Barnwarming and a Chapter Degree Ceremony in Warrensburg. Not to mention FFA members are looking forward to their annual barnwarming.

The 2009-2010 officers of the Adrian Booster Club are pictured left to right: Sherri Hough, Vice President; Diane Gregg, Secretary; Shelli White, Merchandise; Tammy Fisher, Treasurer; Kari Scott, Supplies; Shari Jacobs, Member; Tricia Morrow, Member; Rhonda Lovejoy, Member; and Lynn Bagby, President.

The Booster Club still has t-shirts, hoodies, hats, stadium chairs, license plate covers and Christmas ornaments for sale. Memberships are $10 for a family and business memberships are $25.

The Kidz Zone Learning Center recently participated in the St. Jude Trike-A-Thon to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. This event is part of the Special Events for St. Jude fundraising program. Every child who participated in this event helped the hospital find cures and save children. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance.

Ms. Betty Hocker, Merwin and Mr. Curt Hocker, Drexel and Mr. and Mrs. Terry Bohannon, Adrian would like to announce the marriage of their children; Elizabeth Ann Hocker and Shea Matthias Smith. The couple were married at the Merwin Christian Church October 24, 2009. After the honeymoon, the couple will reside in rural Adrian.

Clell and Christy Ogle of Archie announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicki to Brian Hills, son of Ransom and Debbie Hills of Deepwater. The bride-to-be is a Benefit Analyst with CenturyLink in Overland Park, KS and the future groom is studying Information Technology while employed at Tracker Marine in Clinton. The couple is planning a December 5th wedding in Branson.

Nichole Annette Laughlin, age 33 of Rich Hill, Missouri died Sunday, October 18, 2009 at her home in Rich Hill. She was born November 25, 1975 to Ellis LaVern and Barbara Ann Davis McElwain in Butler, Missouri.

Funeral services were 11 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Kay Zimmer officiating. Burial was in Woodfin Cemetery, Foster, Missouri with Fred Bisby officiating. Contributions may be made to the Isabelle and Nichole Laughlin Memorial Fund.

Ben and Stephanie were crowned as this year’s Adrian High School Homecoming King and Queen. Ben is the son of Susan and Doug Davis and Stephanie is the daughter of Ken and Julie Newsome.

By MICHELE BURRIS

A rainy, cold week kicked off Adrian Homecoming 2009, but that did not stop the festivities. On Monday, October 12, high school students began building their floats using the theme “Saturday Morning Cartoons.” Also during Homecoming week, the classes competed for the Spirit Stick during dress up days, the bonfire, and the school pep rally.

By SHARON KIESEL

As the cool, crisp days of fall increase, many people are using space heaters to keep warm before the furnaces are turned on for the winter. That use, along with the extra lighting for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, expands the use of extension cords.

By SHARON KIESEL

For the sixth year in a row, the Victory Assembly of God Church on Old 71 Highway in Adrian, has hosted a Fall Harvest Party on October 31. Each year, the free event has drawn in more and more families wanting a safe and fun evening of activities for the whole family. The Halloween event coincides with Adrian’s Main Street Sight and Safety Night.

People of all ages enjoy astronomy. Last Saturday, a crowd gathered at the Adrian City Park to check out the stars and planets, courtesy of the Adrian Optimist Club. Dave Dearing of Astronomy at Your Service, was a wealth of knowledge in explaining what viewers could see through his high-powered telescope, including: Jupiter, nebulas, star clusters, galaxies and the late rising of the moon.

Pictured is Dave Dearing (right), who talks about the galaxies viewed by Taylor Edmiston (left).

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, November 3, from 1-6 p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building. Your donation is needed and greatly appreciated by someone in need. You must be 17 years of age (16 with parental consent with you), 56 days since last donation and most medicines are acceptable except medicine for an infection and you feel well that day. Donors should eat a good meal and drink extra water before donating. You must bring your donor card or some sort of ID.

The Adrian Blackhawks Marching Band participated in the Band Day Competition at the University of Central Missouri Homecoming in Warrensburg on Saturday, October 10. They placed 2nd in the 2A school category.
The Music Boosters recently held a Cookie Dough fundraiser and the winners for the most items sold were: 1st, Matthew Ortiz, 69 items; 2nd, Alexis LaBat, 66 items; 3rd, Ryland Howard, 63 items.

photo submitted by Sherri Oates

By MIKE BURRIS

Adrian extended its conference unbeaten and unscored upon season record to 4-0 last Friday with a 47-0 spanking of the Drexel Bobcats at the Adrian Sports Complex. 

To begin WEMO tournament play last Saturday, the Blackhawks lost both games to Rich Hill, 12-25 and 20-25. In the second round of the WEMO tournament, Adrian won both games against Drexel. The first ended with a 25-18 victory, and the second was a close win of 25-23. The last round of the tournament brought two more victories against the Midway Vikings, 28-26 and 25-20. The Blackhawks took Consolation in the WEMO tournament.

In three games against the Rich Hill Tigers on Tuesday, October 13, the Blackhawks won the first game (25-14) and lost the second two (20-25 and 23-25).

On Thursday, October 15, the Adrian Blackhawks took on the Archie Whirlwinds. Adrian fell to the Lady Whirlwinds in both games, 18-25 and 22-25.

By ERIC MOLES

The junior varsity Blackhawks traveled to Midway to play the Vikings on Monday, October 19. Last year Adrian won this rivalry 20-6. No matter how good each team may be, every game is always close and this one was no exception.

Adrian’s defense played great throughout the entire game, especially in the first quarter. Adrian’s offense moved the ball pretty well but penalties cut drives short. After two quarters of play the score was 0-0.

By ERIC MOLES

The Adrian JH squad looked to finish the season undefeated, but they had to travel to Midway on Monday, October 19. Midway struck first blood, with the first touchdown of the game. Adrian countered back with a 10 yard touchdown and a two point conversion. Midway scored again just before halftime. The score at halftime was 12-8, Midway.

By ERIC MOLES

The Adrian Bit & Spur Club is not forgotten. It is revitalized and going strong again 55 years later. Stories abound in the community about the old horse shows where the horse trailers filled the entire park -- when there was nothing in the park except for a lone baseball field and the arena. Voted multiple times the best show in the state of Missouri. And, no one will hesitate to tell you about the rodeos that used to be held annually. Everyone looked forward to the annual rodeo and parade.

Residents celebrating October birthdays at Adrian Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center were honored with birthday cake and ice cream Thursday afternoon, October 15. Residents, who were honored, include back row from left to right: Donald “Donnie” McCubbin, L. Marilyn Cook, Martha Cook. Front row, from left to right: Betty Stenstrom, Lola Grimsley. Not pictured: Don Cameron, Cecilia Spriggs, Misty Christopher.

Derek and Kyla Pierce, Adrian, MO, announce the birth of their daughter, Berkleigh Ann on Monday, October 5, 2009, 1:48 p.m. at Research Hospital. She weighed 10 lbs. 12 ozs. and was 21 inches long.

Grandparents are Betty Ann and Joey Bailey, Adrian, David Hubbard, Adrian, and Jerry and Alice Pierce, Poplar Bluff. Great grandparents are Lila Gunn, Adrian and Gladys Morgan, Fisk.

By SHARON KIESEL

“The best part of being a pastor is just to share God’s word and the privilege of studying the word,” said Pastor Tom Rosekopf. “And, in being able to communicate the word so people can carry it out to the glory of God. To be able to help people with the scripture, to uplift and help them is very fulfilling.”

On August 2-3 Scott Kagarice, son of Camie and Leroy Kagarice, participated in the National AAU Junior Olympic Games at Des Moines, Iowa. Scott bowled a high game of 255 in his singles event, and a series of 614, qualifying for the finals on Monday, August 3. Scott finished fourth in his division, proving one more time that people from small towns can have success at a National Level.

submitted photo

The Dance Craze offers recreational and competitive dance classes for boys and girls of all ages. The competition teams, called the Power Starz, compete in a minimum of two regional competitions and one national competition. To defray some of the cost of nationals, the Power Starz hold fundraisers throughout the year.

In early September, Jordan Reichert, along with a select group of Donna’s Dancers, performed for a special crowd at the haunted houses of downtown Kansas City. This crowd included a film crew from The Travel Channel as they were traveling across the country producing a special called “America Haunts”. Donna’s has provided the entertainment for waiting crowds who are in line to enter haunted houses such as The Beast, The Edge of Hell and Macabre Cinema for the past several years.

Donald “Donnie” Gene Hager, age 50 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, October 11, 2009 at his home in rural Butler. He was born December 10, 1958 to Howard Franklin and Mildred Marie Bigler Hager in Clinton, Missouri.

Funeral services for Donald Gene Hager of Butler, Missouri were 1 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Jon Wells officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler.

Michael “Mike” Allen McCulloch, age 58 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, October 10, 2009 at his home in rural Butler. The son of Charles Edward Stewart and Wilma Elizabeth Minson McCulloch, Mike was born May 28, 1951 in Park City, Utah.

Cremation memorial services were 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at the Community of Christ Church in Butler with Elder Holly Rabourn officiating. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association.

Norvella Mae McMurphy of Butler passed away Friday, October 9, 2009. Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Ohio Street United Methodist Church in Butler, officiated by Rev. Art Ellsworth and Rev. James Stanfield-Myers.

Eight Adrian High School students have been chosen as this year’s homecoming King and Queen candidates. Freshmen: Shelby Shannon, daughter of Matt & Christian Shannon and Scott Kagarice, son of Camie & Leroy Kagarice; sophomores, Brooke Hill, daughter of Dawn Rafferty & Ross Hill and Steven Underwood, son of Amy & Shannon Underwood; juniors: Emily Hughes, daughter of David & Lisa Hughes and Shaylon Moreland, son of Janet Moreland; seniors: Stephanie Newsome, daughter of Ken & Julie Newsome and Ben Davis, son of Susan & Doug Davis.

Local residents braved the chilly weather for an outdoor viewing of “Monsters vs. Aliens” at the Adrian City Park last Saturday. The Adrian Elks Club sold food and hot chocolate, helping to keep movie goers warm.

Pictured right, Fun Flicks sets up an inflatable movie screen paid for by the Adrian City Park Board. Far right, the Williams family bundles up for the movie in the park. Left to right: Shara, Harmony, J.J. and Jeremy.

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to recognize the Students of the Month from Adrian, Ballard and Miami. Students of the Month are selected by high school faculty based on the following criteria: improvement in or good grades; academic excellence; character; active and/or community service; leadership; accomplishments: academic, athletic, or community; behavior; attendance; and attitudes toward others/learning.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

By MIKE BURRIS

Adrian improved its conference record to 3-0 and their overall record to 5-2 after dominating yet another WEMO opponent at the sports complex. This week’s victim was the Osceola Indians, who entered the game with an impressive 5-1 record. While Adrian’s offense clicked on all cylinders, the Blackhawks defense put on a clinic, shutting out its third straight conference opponent. The combined scoring of the first three conference games stands at Adrian 127, Opponents 0.

By MEGAN LEWIS

Yet another week has passed, bringing another round of games for the Adrian volleyball team. Unfortunately, it brought no success for the varsity, although the junior varsity had nothing but.

On Tuesday, the team traveled to Osceola. The JV squad played a good game and won. The varsity, however, struggled and lost their match.

On Thursday, the team played at Drexel. Again, the JV was victorious. Unfortunately, the varsity was not and was defeated by the Bobcats.

By ERIC MOLES

The JH Blackhawks hosted the Drexel Bobcats Monday, October 12. This was a tough win for Adrian. This is Drexel’s 7th graders first loss. They went undefeated in little league. Adrian started off on the right foot with a 2 yard touchdown run by Nate Chamberlain. Adrian’s defense stopped a good Drexel offense the whole night. At halftime, the score was 8-0.

The final score was 20-0 in Adrian’s favor. Next week the Adrian JH travels to Midway.

By ERIC MOLES

Adrian hosted the Sherwood Marksmen on Saturday, October 10. This time Jeff Ford, Jeremiah Reynolds and Matt Shannon’s teams played Sherwood. Ford’s team returned the opening kickoff all the way to the Sherwood 7 yard line. Kyler Six ran in a 7 yard touchdown. At the half, Adrian was winning 21-0. Nobody scored in the second half so it was 21-0.

Every year the Western Missouri Antique Tractor and Machinery Association (WMAT&MA) hosts an all-day “Kids Day” for area 4th graders on the first Tuesday in October .
This year, students from Adrian, Ballard, Miami and Butler participated in “Kids Day” on Tuesday, October 6. Many teachers, aides and parents accompanied 226 kids. They toured 15 stations with demonstrations by many WMAT&MA volunteers, from cider making to one room school tours.

Pictured: Suzanne Dudley teaches students about the days of a one room school.

Elks Clubs are widely known for their commitment to United States veterans. The Adrian Elks Club has taken an active interest in the new Veterans Memorial that is being constructed at the Adrian City Park. To that extent, they have purchased bricks for the Civil War veterans buried at Crescent Hill Cemetery to honor their service to our country. Like Civil War veterans, the men and women who served in World War I no longer have family to purchase bricks in their honor. Other groups and/or individuals are welcome to adopt them as well.

Ricky Lee Riley, 55, of Warrensburg, Missouri, formerly of Adrian and Butler, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2009 at the Apple Ridge Care Center in Waverly.

Graveside services were held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2009 at the Crescent Hill Cemetery at Adrian, Missouri with Reverend Donald Wilson officiating. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ricky Lee Riley Memorial Fund in care of the funeral home.

Thomas “Tommy” Benjamin Tucker, age 88, Butler, MO, died Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at his home. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 13 at the First Baptist Church in Butler, MO. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, Heartland Hospice in Butler or to the Butler Elementary School.

Edith “Edi” Marie Dixon, age 49 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, October 4, 2009 at her home in Butler. She was born August 24, 1960 to Elmer Ellsworth and Mary Lou Tucker Sutton in Butler. A private family committal was held.

The Bates County Children’s Center has officially opened its doors to provide a child-friendly, safe setting in which law enforcement and Children’s Division personnel can conduct investigations of alleged child abuse.

The highlight of the October 5 City Council meeting was a presentation by the Adrian Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has purchased two new sets of banners to replace the Vision 2007 banners in town. One set is designed to be used from September to February, and the other from March to August. As the banners were accepted, the Council thanked the Chamber for continuing to keep Main Street looking so fresh and attractive, and noted especially the new mums in the flower planters.

By DON ARNDT

The new Veterans Memorial, located just east of Adrian on MO 18 Highway, is really coming along great now with progress seen daily.
The inside of the stone Memorial house is all but done with only some painting to finish up. Much of the work is being done by lots of area volunteers and that list is too numerous to mention. Among some static displays planned, the rock house will hold large photos of soldiers, sailors, and marines in various wars and countries of duty.

By MIKE BURRIS

Adrian made the trek to Freeman, MO Friday night to take on the Cass Midway Vikings in a yearly anticipated match-up between conference arch rivals. The Blackhawks entered the game with a record of 3-2. Midway stood at 4-1, but both teams would leave with a 4-2 record as Adrian trounced the Vikings on their home turf, 29-0.

By MEGAN LEWIS

It’s been another busy week for our local volleyball girls. With three games and a JV tournament, many of the players have been so busy their heads are spinning.

On Monday, the team played St. Mary’s at home. Although both teams played hard, Adrian lost in the JV game and in the varsity game, 23-25 and 10-25.

On Tuesday the team took on Miami and came out victorious in both matches. JV won as did varsity with scores of 25-12 and 25-14.

By ERIC MOLES

Adrian hosted the Rich Hill Tigers on Saturday, October 3. Jeff Ford’s flag team played at home while Neil Tallman’s team traveled to Drexel. Jeremiah Reynolds and Matt Shannon’s teams played at Adrian, and Randy Reed and Jerry Pitts’ teams traveled to Drexel.

Ford’s team played first. Jayce Bunch scored again with about two minutes remaining and they converted the 1-point conversion to make the final score 14-7.

The 3rd and 4th grade game was back and forth all night. At halftime it was 13-12. The final score was 41-18, in Adrian’s favor.

Adrian verses Archie for the fourth game of the season. Adrian won, 8 to 0.

After two rain outs, the sun was bright Sunday for the finale of the Bit & Spur Club’s barrel series.  With the sun out, mild temperatures and a great crowd on hand to participate and enjoy watching the event, even an equipment breakdown didn’t dampen the crowd’s spirits.  
Starting off with the National Anthem performed by Ashlee Smith, followed by a special rendition of Happy Birthday to Petey Robey who was celebrating her 90th birthday Sunday (pictured far right), then Weston Moore received a very special gift from his mother who had purchased “Blossom” for him. 

Tony Reynolds of Adrian, MO has been named this year’s Points Champion for two weight divisions in the Missouri State Truck Pulling Association. He runs “Junior” in the 5700 lb. class and “Mr. Ford” in the 7400 lb. class. Both tractors placed first in their weight divisions, and “Junior”, which runs both classes, placed second, after “Mr. Ford.” Tony has been dedicated to pulling for many years now and his hard work and determination has landed him his numerous victories. Congratulations and your family is so very proud of you!

Brian and Kathy Duckworth of Adrian, MO announce the birth of their son on Thursday, September 10, 2009, weighing 8 pounds, 9 ounces. He has been named Baylor Kent. He has a brother, Brayden. Paternal grandparents are Lonny and Marilyn Duckworth of Butler. Maternal grandparents are Roger and Madelyn Klepper of Butler. Great grandmother is Delphia Duckworth of Butler.

Martin William Mitchell, age 75 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, October 1, 2009 at Adrian Manor Nursing Center in Adrian, Missouri. He was born August 1, 1934 to Paul Prescott and Lucille Anna Hardy Mitchell in Schell City, Missouri.

Graveside services were 10 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2009 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Robert LaMar officiating. Contributions to New Life Assembly of God Church or Family.