Monthly Archive

Each year teachers are selected for this award from area schools. VFW Post 1935 in Adrian recently selected winners from Adrian and Ballard schools. Winning nominees are chosen for their innovative teaching and his or her dedication to education. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. This year’s VFW Post 1935 winners will go on to be judged at the District level then those winners will go on to State level.

The Adrian Community Library held a Chili and Soup fundraising dinner last Friday at the Adrian Optimist Building. Donated holiday wreaths and trees were auctioned off to help raise funds.
The 9” Christmas tree pictured right was donated by the library and decorated by Lecia Irvin. Cindy Kendrick and Pam Watts (middle) serve chili and soup. The candy cane wreath (far right) was donated by Beta Pi Sorority.

Lori Irvin of the Adrian Bank presented a $1000.00 check to a Veterans Memorial Representative Don Arndt. This generous donation is earmarked to be used for the landscaping work and shrubbery. 

Submitted photo

To honor and thank area heroes, Adrian students provided patriotic music for area veterans during a Veterans Day assembly.

Right: Adrian 4th graders sing patriotic songs for the veterans.

Middle: The Blackhawk Singers pay tribute to the veterans.

Far right: The AHS band performs for the Veterans Day assembly.

By Rebecca Keating

By Makyna Six and Maddie Reynolds

During Red Ribbon Week (Oct 26-30) Family, Career and Community Leaders of America members Maddie Reynolds and Makyna Six organized and sponsored a bookmark contest for the Adrian elementary students in grades kindergarten through fifth. The bookmarks were judged by grade groups. Once judged and prizes awarded the bookmarks were given back to the teachers for the students to use in class during the school year as a reminder to be drug free.

The Adrian 5th grade elementary art students participated in MoDot’s Buckle Up-Arrive Alive poster contest.  Anna Walley won first place and is pictured with Tamara Black of  MoDOT.  Anna won a trophy and several other prizes. Also, because of her winning, Mrs. Smith’s 5A class received a complementary pizza party from MoDOT.

Presleigh and Noah Saathoff are excited to announce the birth of their baby sister, Avaleigh Noelle. Avaleigh was born November 4 at 4:07 p.m., weighing 7 pounds and measuring 18 inches long. Proud parents are Kris and Dara Saathoff of Butler. Maternal grandparents are Drenda Enos of Adrian and Tim and Debby Enos of Butler. Paternal grandparents are Rocky and Theresa Leavitt of Raytown and Kendal Saathoff of Adrian. Maternal great grandparents are Beverly Cornelius of Archie and Frank and Mary Enos of Adrian.

The Harmony Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored seniors from seven area high schools on November 9, 2009 at the Ohio Street United Methodist Church in Butler. The students were selected for this award by the faculty and senior class of their school. To be chosen they must have demonstrated in their lives, Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism. Each student was presented a Certificate recognizing him/her as the Good Citizen representing their school for year 2009. They also each received a Good Citizen lapel pin and wallet card.

By MIKE BURRIS

Right: Skyler Kariker catches the ball and runs it in for the only touchdown of the game.

Middle: Brett Talley faceplants Keil Allison of Tipton short of a Cardinals first down.

Far right: Erik White moves the ball forward for the Blackhawks.

The Little League Super Bowl games were played last Sunday at Midway. The Adrian Blackhawks 3rd and 4th grade team showed the Archie Whirlwinds what they were made of as Adrian defeated Archie 18-6 for the championship. The head coach for the team was Jeremiah Reynolds. He would like to thank the boys for an awesome season and a special thanks to his assistant coaches Jason Shackles, and Quentin Piveral. Pictured are: Front row - Adam Williams, Dustin Hatfield, Evan Tolle, Dylan Bell, Brycen Gregg, Donnie Dame.

Jeff Ford’s K-2 flag team played hard but lost to Rich Hill in the Super Bowl last Sunday. Front row: Will Morrison, Quaid Tallman, Jace Reynolds, Mokey Dawn, Eldon Piveral, Damien Cameron, Brendon Moore. Second row: Zach Williams, Camden Hragyl, Drew Burris, Trevor Thompson, Gradey Gregg, Trevor Newport. Third row: Jayce Bunch, Kyler Six, Bryant Chastain, Karley Reynolds, Brody Ford, Brayden Dane, Billy Cameron. Back row: Danny Chastain, Mike Burris, Jeff Ford. Coaches not pictured: Cary Six and Brandon Bunch.

photo by Kendra Gregg

Shaylon Moreland, 17, of Adrian, killed this 8-point buck in rural Adrian on November 9 from 30 yards out. It was his first bow kill.

Zachary George got his deer during the youth hunt north of Columbia. Zach is the 12 year old son of John and Shellie George of Columbia MO and the grandson of Don and Sue Arndt, Adrian.

By MIKE BURRIS

The Adrian Blackhawks football team traveled to Greenfield to take on the Wildcats in the Missouri Class 1A sectional round of the playoffs.   In a hard fought game that see-sawed back and forth, Adrian emerged victorious 28-25 in overtime.   This game will go down in Adrian’s long history of playoff football as one of the most exciting games ever.

By MIKE BURRIS

By ERIC MOLES

Saturday, November 7 was the semi-finals for little league football. Adrian’s flag teams played each other, the black third and fourth grade team played Drexel and the white fifth and sixth graders played Rich Hill. Jeff Ford's black flag team edged the white team 19-7, Jeremiah Reynolds’ kids smashed Drexel 30-8 and Jerry Pitts team got beat 37-12 but it was a close game heading into the fourth quarter.

Right: Trenton Tallman, age 12, shot his first deer Sunday, Nov 1st during youth hunt.  Trenton shot this 7 point buck while hunting near Deepwater, MO.  He is the son of DJ and Vanessa Tallman.

Far right: Jeremy Dryden, age 12, killed a button buck during youth deer season on October 31, 2009. He was hunting on his neighbor’s property west of Adrian.

submitted photos

Right: Amanda Teagarden, 9, shot her first deer Saturday, October 31 during Youth Season. She was hunting with her dad Keith in the Ballard area

Far right: Myles Merrifield shot a 7 point buck during this year’s youth hunt.  He was hunting with his dad near Deepwater, MO. He is the son of Mason and Alicia Merrifield.

submitted photos

WEMO All Conference Choir was held Saturday, November 7at Rich Hill. Participants from Adrain were: Left to right - Rebecca Thompson, John Cameron, Alexis LaBat, Cassidy Chastain, Gerry Hill, Ashley Baldwin, Melissa Davis, Taylor Reynolds, Maria Baney, Morgan Snyder, Ashley Riley, Alyssa Moss, Alix McKinney, Jessica Polzin, Jacob Essenpries, Weston Moore, Bethany Ward, Chase Reynolds, Tyler Williams.

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The Adrian R-3, Ballard R-2, and Miami R-1 School Districts have been working, in conjunction with the Adrian Optimist Club, to honor a Student of the Month from each school.

The students are selected by staff members on the following criteria: Character, Attendance, Attitude towards others and school, Behavior, Leadership, and Improvement in, or good grades.

On the 24th and 25th of October, FCCLA members Madison Diehl, Kaitlyn Bell, and Haley Bass attended the Access Conference at Tan-Tar-A in Lake of the Ozarks. Madison and Kaitlyn went to the Take AIM workshops and Haley attended the Leadership workshop. During the workshops they participated in team building activities, talked about Power of One and STAR Events. Front row: Madison Diehl, Katelyn Bell. Back: Haley Bass

By SHARON KIESEL

“What I liked best was being around other soldiers, helping them and making sure they were well fed,” said Sgt. Bobby Comer of the Missouri National Guard. “Being better fed helps them through their day. Good food is a good morale booster.”

The Hoot and Holler Square Dance Club of Harrisonville, MO provided entertainment for the Residents of Adrian Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center during Saturday afternoon, November 7. This event brought back many fond memories for several of the Residents. Following the special program, everyone enjoyed refreshments of doughnuts and cider.

(Submitted photo)

In recent weeks the Adrian Optimist Club has had record numbers of people in attendance to play bingo for a large jackpot. On Monday, November 9, Sherri Shipley of Adrian won the $6800 Hot Ball Jackpot. Above, Sherri receives a check from the Optimists.

(submitted photo)

The Adrian United Methodist Church once again held their delicious turkey dinner. It was held Friday night, November 6 at the Adrian Optimist Building. It was reported that there was a total of 527 dinners served.

The Adrian Blackhawks traveled to Greenfield to take on the Wildcats in the Missouri Class 1A sectional round of the playoffs.  In a hard fought game that see-sawed back and forth, Adrian emerged victorious 28-25 in overtime.   Fans agree that this game will go down in Adrian’s long history of playoff football as one of the most exciting games ever. The Blackhawks advance to the quarterfinals this Saturday when they play the Tipton Cardinals at 1:30p.m. at the Adrian Sports Complex.

(see Sports section for more coverage)

Mayor Larry Ritter has proclaimed November 15-21, 2009, as American Education Week in the City of Adrian. He signed a proclamation Monday morning, November 9, in the Adrian School Library with Superintendent Kirk Eidson (left), Assistant Secondary Principal Don Lile (right), and CTA Co-President Kelsi Kershner (middle) in attendance.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

Tuesday, November 3, was a lovely day and the people of Adrian Community showed their spirit of giving to save a life when 63 showed up to donate blood at the Red Cross Bloodmobile. Everyone was in the spirit of our nice weather, after a cold raining month. 59 good units of blood was collected and 4 were deferred for minor reasons and will be back again. Thanks to all donors and volunteers that made it a successful day.

By Police Chief Rick DeBruin

Nearly one in four Missourians still fail to regularly wear their safety belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle.
Among those least likely to buckle up: young males, pickup truck drivers and their passengers, people who live in rural areas, and nighttime drivers.
Adrian Police Department announced that November 18th, we will joining with all law enforcement for an aggressive “Click It or Ticket” mobilization to crack down on Missouri’s safety belt law violators and to reduce highway fatalities.

Eva Mae Colson, age 97 of Adrian, MO died Sunday, November 15, 2009 at the Adrian Manor Nursing Home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian. Services will be officiated by Pastor Tom Rosekoph, Calvary Baptist Church, Adrian.

Burial will be in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice, 9237 Ward Parkway, Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Ivan Wesley North, age 87, of Adrian, MO, died on November 15, 2009 at the Adrian Manor Nursing Home in Adrian. Ivan was born December 7, 1921 in Sleeper, MO, the son of Arley Harrison and Eleanor Elizabeth (Walker) North.

Services were held Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Macks Creek, MO. Rev. Terry Gentry and Terry Gentry, Jr. officiated with interment in the Mack Creek Cemetery, Macks Creek, MO.
Caskebearers were Rocky Brower, Richard Andrews, Jared Creach, Harold North, Gary Willey and Don Willey.

Elmer Laverin Decker, age 84 of Moundridge, Kansas died Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Moundridge Manor in Moundridge. He was born June 25, 1925 to Abe and Helena Dirks Decker in Halstead, Kansas.

Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 at Bethany Mennonite Church in Rich Hill, Missouri with Ministers Kenneth Koehn, Gary Schmidt, Kenneth Smith and Marlin Unruh officiating. Burial was in Bethany Mennonite Cemetery, Rich Hill. Contributions may be made to Bethany Mennonite Church Benevolent Fund or Moundridge Manor.

Mrs. Evelena M. Ridgway of Harrisonville, Missouri was born October 8, 1924 in Calhoun, Missouri the daughter of Ernest McKinley and Lorena Pearl (Goucher) Kampe. She departed this life on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 85 years and 27 days.

Robert Parker Shields Sr., age 81 of Butler, Missouri died November 3, 2009 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born February 1, 1928 to Oliver William and Paige Irene Parker Shields in Wellington, Colorado.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Randy Veatch officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri Contributions may be made to the family.

Vonda Flo Jenkins, age 82 of Harrisonville, Missouri died November 3, 2009 at her home in Harrisonville. She was born June 22, 1927 to Lee Roy and Lora Gilham Ray in Bates County, Missouri.

Funeral services were 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Charles Sutton officiating and Pastor Jerry Jenkins assisting. Burial, was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian. Contributions may be made to the Harrisonville First Baptist Church Choir.

CONFERENCE CHAMPS!! DISTRICT CHAMPS!!
By Mike Burris

Fourteen Adrian Blackhawks were named to the WEMO All-Conference teams for their outstanding level of play this season.

Front row, left to right: Erik White - 1st team running back, 1st team kicker, honorable mention defensive back and punter; Tuff Wimberly - 2nd team running back and 2nd team linebacker; Brett Talley - 2nd team defensive end; Ivan Wendleton - 1st team center and 2nd team defensive lineman; Trevor Gregg - 1st team quarterback and 1st team defensive back.

By ERIC MOLES

Saturday, October 31 was the first round of the playoffs for little league football. Neil Tallman’s flag team played Sherwood at Archie and Jeff Ford’s team had a first round bye. Jeremiah Reynolds’ third and fourth graders played Midway at Rich Hill. Randy Reed’s team played against Drexel. Jerry Pitts’ fifth and sixth grade team played against Midway at Drexel while Matt Shannon’s team played Sherwood at Archie.

Neil’s team played a good game despite the muddy conditions. The final score was 20-6.

Right: Logan Tallman, 13, Adrian, shot this 8 pt. buck during Youth Deer Season. He shot it Saturday, October 31 in his Aunt Sandy’s backyard.

Middle: Chase Osborn, 12, shot this button buck Saturday evening, October 31 during Youth Season. This was his first deer.

Far right: Austin Williams, 14, shot his first deer Saturday morning. It was a 4 pt. buck.

The Adrian community bands together once again...
by Michele Burris

For late October, the weather on Halloween was ideal for the 730 trick-or-treaters who traveled up and down Main Street in Adrian. Led by the Adrian Lions Club and the Adrian Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and organizations provided a safe, well-lit place for area kids to trick-or-treat on October 31. “Sight and Safety Night was well attended again this year,” shared Lions Member Donita Ruch. “We are appreciative of the businesses and organizations who participated.”

Saturday morning, November 1st following the Adrian Optimist breakfast, Brad Jennings, Adrian Optimist Club President presented a check for $2500.00 to Don Arndt. Don was present for breakfast representing the new Veterans Memorial and gave a short update on the Memorial. The money will purchase a brick for each of the 50 plus WWI veterans buried at the Crescent Hill Cemetery. The three Spanish American War veterans buried there will be included in the donation. The Veterans Memorial committee expresses deep gratitude for this very generous and patriotic donation.

submitted photo

By SHARON KIESEL

“We have field days every fall,” said Lesley Rigney. “This is a way to get the word out to people about the importance of forestry and how it relates to water quality.”

Lesley, who is the project coordinator with the Marais des Cygne Basin Targeted Watershed Grant Partners, said the organization is hosting a Fall Forestry Day on the Shiloh Properties, just west of Amsterdam, Missouri, in on Thursday, November 12.

Jimmy Freeman and his wife Linda took Jeweldine and Melvin Smith to breakfast at Wimfields recently.  They are from Mississippi and Jimmy was one of the Nailbenders that helped First Baptist Church build their new building.  Jimmy is also a Harley rider and has ridden his Harley to 48 lower states, to several Provinces in Canada and took one trip that was 9,000 miles long. He is planning a trip to Alaska next year.

Submitted photo

The Adrian High School FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) chapter and adviser, Angela Lewis, would like to thank everyone in the community that donated food items during our Trick-or Treat canned goods food drive on October 30 for the local food pantry.

Pictured, left to right:  Brendin White, Anna Dickerson, Rian Lewis, Christa Hill, Zachary Lewis, Danielle Baker, Erik White, Toni Perrymann, Ali Feris, Andrea French, Megan Lewis and Jordan Reichert. 

submitted photo

Amy Louise Hastings, 25, Adrian, MO, passed away unexpectedly due to a car accident on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Amy was born July 16, 1984 in Denver, CO, the daughter of Eric Guyon and Diana Lee (Vinzant) Hastings.

Services were held Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the Atkinson Chapel, Adrian, MO. Rev. Paul Burhart of the Adrian Christian Church officiated. Interment was in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian.

Contributions may be made to Amy’s Children Fund, c/o Eric Hastings, 121 West 2nd, Adrian, MO 64720.