Monthly Archive

Heavy snowfall and huge snowdrifts caused problems for area residents on the first day of Spring. Cars were buried, people were snowed in at home, vehicles slid off the roads, and school was cancelled.

Right, a semi jackknifed on 18 Highway. Far right, Brent Jacobs begins the undaunting task of shoveling drifted snow.

  On Sunday, March 21st, the Adrian Optimist Club hosted the West-MO District annual Oratorical Contest.  Zone 7 is made up of Optimist Clubs from Adrian, Clinton, Harrisonville, and Pleasant Hill.  There were a total of 5 contestants.  The winner of the competition was Makyna Six, Adrian.  Second Place was awarded to Kennedy Early, Clinton; and 3rd place went to Ashley Taber from Harrisonville.  The first and second place winners will move on to the regional competition which will be held Sunday, April 11th in Clinton, MO.  The contestants are vying for the District competition, which

The Adrian Optimist Club recognizes area students every month. Students of the Month are selected by the staff of each school district based on the following criteria:  character, attendance, attitude towards others and school, behavior, leadership, and improvement in or good grades. For the students’ hard work in school, they are receiving a certificate of recognition and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks” from the Adrian Optimists. The February Students of the Month are: Miles Nieder, Miami; Phillip Gregg, Adrian; and Brittaney Schreiber, Ballard.

Adrian Cub Scout Pack 238 served pancakes, sausage and juice to raise funds for scout camp last Saturday. Pictured at the Adrian Optimist Building: cub scouts and their families and parents serving breakfast to Tim Watts.

By SHARON KIESEL

The Bates County Soil and Water Conservation District held their annual Cooperative Appreciation Open House on Wednesday, March 18, 2010, at the USDA Building on West Nursery Street in Butler. The event highlighted the announcement of the Fourth Grade Conservation Poster Contest winners. This year’s Open House theme was “Ready For Spring.” Also, this is the 75th anniversary of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which began in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service.

On Saturday March 13, 2010, Sensi’s Mike and Cody Kreitler (right) and student Katie Pugh (far right) traveled to Lenexa, KS to compete in two tournaments, the first one being the Pro Am Tournament. Cody and Katie both won 1st place in sparring (fighting) in their divisions. They went on to compete in sparring at the WKC tournament, which qualified them to travel to Detroit, MI in June. Cody won 1st place in his blackbelt division, and Katie won 2nd place in her division.

Todd and Carrie Bailey of Fishers, IN announce the birth of their daughter, Lila Grace born March 21, 1:27 a.m. at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. She weighed 7 lbs, 7 ozs. and was 20 in. long.

Joe and Alisa Yates would like to announce the arrival of their son Evan Joseph on February 1, 2010. Evan was born at St. Luke’s Northland. He weighed 7 lbs. 7.7 ozs. and was 21 inches long.

Each year the Beta Sigma Phi sororities honor a well-deserving lady in the community that puts into practice a portion of their opening ritual that states: “A determination to give the best that is in us and to assist in any and every way.” On Monday, March 15, Patti Bruto was honored by the sororities as the 2010 Woman of the Year.

Pictured: RuthAnn Ferguson presents Patti Bruto with the Woman of the Year plaque.

AHS juniors recently completed community service projects. As a class, they completed the following: volunteered 16 hours at animal shelters; helped 2nd graders write and send 60 letters to soldiers overseas; made and delivered 200 Valentines at Adrian Manor; presented nutrition and exercise information to 2nd through 6th graders; talked to 3rd graders about bullying; presented a film about the environmental crisis to the public; raised $22 for Leukemia research, $30 for the Adrian library, $64 for a no kill animal shelter, and $950 for the people of Haiti.

Students from eight area schools participated in the 5th/6th grade choir concert at Drexel on March 11. Approximately 160 students from Adrian, Archie, Butler, Cass Midway, Drexel, Miami, Osceola and Rich Hill attended this event. Their director was Mr. Steven Rew from Raymore-Peculiar School.

Bruce Miles Sweet, Jr., 81 of Archie, MO died Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Cass Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville, MO. Funeral services were held Sunday, March 21, 2010 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville, officiated by Rev. Cliff Bennett, Austin Baptist Church, Archie. Music by Charles & Patt Sweet, vocalists and Rhonda Bennett, pianist and the Sweet and Page families. Burial was in Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Cecelia M. (Hart) Spriggs, 99, of Adrian, MO died Saturday, March 13, 2010 in Adrian. Cecelia was born October 31, 1910 in Trenton, New Jersey, the daughter of Martin and Victoria (Waszck) Piotrowski.

Services were held Thursday, March 18, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Harrisonville, MO. Father Paw Lwin officiated. Interment was in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO.

Irene Edith Simpson, age 89 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, March 15, 2010 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, Missouri. She was born December 21, 1920 to Charles Roy and Neta Irene Board Staley in Bates County, Missouri.

Funeral services were 11 a.m. Friday, March 19, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Tim Redding officiating and Pastor Len Redding assisting. Interment was in the White Oak Cemetery, Urich, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Fairview Baptist Church or Ballard Athletic Fund.

Barbara “Barb” Ruth Corwine, age 78 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Amsterdam. She was born May 30, 1931 to Fred Washington and Grace Ellen Green York in Golden City, Missouri.

Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Bill Read officiating. Cremation to follow services. Contributions may be made to the Amsterdam Jubilee.

By MIKE BURRIS

Adrian’s thrilling ride through the 2010 season came to a heartbreaking conclusion Saturday in front of a packed auditorium as the Clever Blue Jays hit a late game bucket to defeat the Blackhawks 53-52. The loss was only the second of the season for the Adrian Blackhawks but ended their bid for the school’s first trip to the final four in the Class 2A championship bracket. A very successful, memorable season ended with a second straight trip to the quarter finals.

In the quarterfinal game against the Clever Blue Jays, the crowd erupted when Erik White nailed a 3-pointer, taking his point total in AHS play to 1000.  “It was a big deal to our team to have a crowd at a game two hours away like it would have been here in Adrian,” Erik said.

Erik started his basketball career as a second grader in Harrisonville. Two years later he joined Adrian’s elite group, of now seniors, in little league action. They have played together ever since.

By MIKE BURRIS

The first round of the Class 2A basketball championship bracket was held at the Harrisonville High School gymnasium, pitting the Adrian Blackhawks against the University Academy Gryphons.

In a game eerily similar to last year’s contest against Southeast, Adrian would pull out late game heroics when sophomore Eric Moles scored the winning basket in the final seconds of the game. In last year’s game Austin Erikson would hit a game-tying three pointer that led to overtime in which Adrian dominated for the win.

Incredible season ends in heartbreaking loss

True to their team, Blackhawks fans traveled to Willard, MO to support the players and coaches in the quarter finals match-up against the Clever Blue Jays last Saturday. Adrian’s thrilling ride through the 2010 season came to a disappointing end when the Blackhawks were defeated, 53-52.

see story and pictures in sports section

On February 23-24, AHS student Haley Bass (pictured) participated in a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Missouri only Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) event called “Legislative Job Shadowing”. Legislative Job Shadowing is a project in which 11th and 12th grade FCCLA members may participate.

Brad Sneed, a picture book illustrator (right), visited Adrian R-III students, grades K-8, last week. He shared different ways that his illustrations come to life, and he even demonstrated the creation of an illustration (far right). The kids were “wowed” by his artistic creativity.

In 1985 Brad attended the University of Kansas to study illustration. He has illustrated nearly 20 books since his senior year. He and his family live in the Kansas City area. When Brad is not drawing and painting, he enjoys remodeling and landscaping at his house.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

Tuesday, March 9 was a very slow day at the American Red Cross Bloodmobile. However, 42 donors showed up to donate blood. 38 good units of blood was collected with 4 being deferred for minor reasons on this trip.

The next bloodmobile will be held May 11. Mark your calendar and stay well.

Marty and Alice Hunholz are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Hunholz to Shane Cottle of Seymour, MO, son of Randy and Joy Cottle. Emily will teach English at North East Vernon County this fall. Shane is employed at Skills USA in Nevada. A June 5th wedding is planned.

James and Peggy Knapp of Hermitage, Missouri will observe their 60th wedding anniversary on March 19th, 2010. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp were married in Paola, Kansas.

Due to the health of Mr. Knapp the formal celebration is postponed at this time. Cards may be sent to them at 904 West Highway 54, Hermitage, Missouri 65668.

Boyd Engelhardt and Abbie Schmoll, Ballard, announce the birth of a daughter, Addilynn Faith Engelhardt on January 13, 2010 at St. Luke’s East Hospital, Lee’s Summit. Addilynn weighed 8 pounds and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Austin Williams competed February 20th in the Liberty National Wrestling Championship held at Municipal in Kansas City, Missouri. Austin placed first in the 14 and under, 155 lb. This was his first time to compete in the national wrestling tournament.

Eight schools competed in the Sherwood Math Contest on March 9. Students took four tests based on the Missouri Grade Level Expectations. The top 15 students of each test were recognized. Students placing 4th and 5th received a ribbon and 1st, 2nd or 3rd places received a medal. The Adrian 5th grade team finished 2nd overall and the 6th grade team took first. Many Blackhawks placed in the top 15.

6th Grade Honor Choir was held at the University of Central Missouri at Warrensburg on March 6. These Adrian students sang in a choir of 220 6th grade students from schools in the district. They performed a concert that day at 3:00 p.m. in Henricks Hall. Their director was Mrs. Sandy Cords from Sedalia and the accompanist was Mrs. Denise Robinson from Warrensburg. Pictured, front row, left to right: John Thompson, Sam Gregg, Jimmy McDonald. Back row, left to right: Jacob Frazier, Kalene Kiesel and Jade Wackerman.

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Jerry Mack Chitty, age 78 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, March 12, 2010 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born December 2, 1931 the son of James Larkin and Sallie Pauline Page Chitty in Grand River Township, Bates County, Missouri.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Monday, March 15, 2010 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Rev. Art Ellsworth officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.

Lela E. Beach, age 91 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, March 13, 2010 at her home in Butler. She was born October 29, 1918 the daughter of Edward Marion and Bertha Harris May in Humphreys, Missouri.

Funeral services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to the Butler Public Library or Butler Health Center.

Read Across America was celebrated for the 13th year at Adrian R-III. The theme this year was “Dr. Seuss books are ‘Egg’cellent!” The day was filled with guest readers, DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) time, a visit from “The Cat in the Hat” and an assembly. Over 160 students dressed up as their favorite book character. A book was given as a prize to each classroom winner. Mr. Borgmeyer, Elementary Principal, even got in on the “egg”cellent event. He was “egged” by two lucky students - Jacob Mager and Mickeaylla Sproat.

Dollar General has been the site of a food drive for the Adrian Food Pantry. The Adrian community donated non-perishable items to the cause. It’s not too late to donate - the food drive continues until March 15.

Pictured: Sherry Hubbard, Dollar General Assistant Manager; Julie Stevens, Adrian Food Pantry; Kimberly Hohenfeldt, Dollar General Cashier.

Michael McCoy of Archie, Missouri and Vicki Kershner of Butler, Missouri are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Melissa Ashlee McCoy to Matthew Aaron McCubbin, son of William and Kimberly McCubbin of Harrisonville, Missouri.

A September 18, 2010 wedding is planned at Archie United Methodist Church in Archie, Missouri.

Joey and Bryson Jacobs would like to announce the arrival of their sister, Jaclyn Leigh, born February 26, 2010. Jaclyn was born at Shawnee Mission Medical Center at 1:48 p.m. weighing 6 lbs. 6 ozs., 19 1/2” long.

Parents are Brad and Jill Jacobs. Grandparents are Steve and Linda Oldfield, Joe and Vicki Jacobs. Great grandparents are Lila Gunn, Bob Oldfield, J. E. and Ellen Hartman and Margie Hartman.

Front row - Luke Richmond, Erik White, Keenan Morrow, Brandon Doll, Nick Case, Alex Wilson. Back row - Head Coach James Wheeler, Manager Jonathan Loughridge, Skyler Kariker, Harrison Wainwright, Cody Hannah, Austin Erickson, Erik Moles, Seth Rosekopf, Assistant Coach Tyson Basore.

By MIKE BURRIS

The Adrian Blackhawks boy’s basketball team kept their record breaking season alive Thursday, March 4th with a 60-43 victory over the Liberal Bulldogs. The victory gave the Blackhawks their 26th victory of the year and propelled them into the Class 2 District 11 title game.

An ensuing victory by the Archie Whirlwinds over the Weaubleau Tigers secured a rematch of last year’s title game that Adrian won in convincing fashion.

By MIKE BURRIS

The Adrian Blackhawks and Archie Whirlwinds girls basketball teams met in the second round of district tournament play March 4 at Adrian’s home court. The Blackhawks pulled out the victory, upsetting the favored Whirlwinds 58-43 in front of a large crowd of supporters for both teams.

The Adrian 6h grade boys finished 4th in the Archie tournament held recently. Back row, left to right: Sammy Walker, Devin Darby, Adam Cochran, Trenton Tallman, Brohde Bennett, Colten Lovejoy. Front row, left to right: Gage Steen, Colton Kimminau and Tanner Tullock.

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Students from Adrian and Archie received medals for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the individual and relay cup stacking contest last Friday.

Front row: Emma McIntire, Archie; Megan Laune, Archie; Jace Reynolds, Adrian; Karley Reynolds, Adrian; Drake Vermillion, Adrian; Cole Ritter, Adrian; Bailey Greer, Adrian.

Middle row: Andrew Diehl, Archie; Paige Proper, Archie; Jenna Shipley, Adrian; Wyatt Reynolds, Adrian; Kerigan Wimsatt, Adrian; Lauren Shipley, Adrian; Kyler Six, Adrian; Chase Dillon-Newport, Adrian.

Betty Jane LaHue, age 59 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, February 28, 2010 in Butler. She was born September 2, 1950 to William Jackson and Alberta Hankey Mullin in Spokane, Washington.

Memorial services were 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother J.P. Williams officiating.

Robert “Bob” Marmon Russell, age 83 of Amsterdam, Missouri died Monday, March 1, 2010 in Amsterdam. He was born May 21, 1926 to Irl and Ethel Christine Marmon Russell in Overland Park, Kansas.

Funeral services were Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Linda VanSandt officiating. Interment was in Westpoint Cemetery, Amsterdam, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Amsterdam Methodist Church or Heartland Hospice.

Glenna Jeanne Hedger was born April 24, 1984 in Springfield, MO and died February 28, 2010 at KU Medical Center. She experienced more of life in those 25 years and 10 months than most do in a normal lifetime. Glenna’s early years were spent on a farm near Adrian, Missouri where she was cared for by loving grandparents, Earl and Rhoda Dodson.

A private memorial service was held Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri. Inurnment, Thomas Cemetery.

Hannah Becker, age 91 of Moundridge, Kansas, formerly of Rich Hill, Missouri died Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Moundridge Manor in Moundridge. She was born February 18, 1919 to John and Helena Koehn in McPherson County, Kansas.

Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010 at Bethany Mennonite Church in Rich Hill, Missouri. Contributions, Moundridge Manor.

Billie Jean Stephens, son of George Ruben and Iva May (Wright) Stephens, was born at Garden City, Missouri on April 27, 1928, and passed away March 1, 2010, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Adrian R-III students, grades K - 12, hit the big stage in a Talent Show last Thursday. From singing to dancing to poetry to sign language, forty-six acts proved that Adrian Blackhawks have talent. Joe Patterson served as the announcer and Wally Henrickson, John Camerson and Ryland Howard took care of the lights and sound. Judges came from areas outside of Adrian with a vast array of expertise in music and dance. Judges were: Bill Johnson, Kara Smith and Kris Houseman.

Top Overall Winner
“Starstruck” - Jordan Reichert

Kindergarten - Grade 3 Winners

The 2010 Adrian Science Fair was held on February 26. Participants include 8th grade, freshman and sophomore physical science students, and 11th and 12th grade physics students. They have been researching and designing their experiments since October. This year, there were over 100 projects on display. Congratulations to all participants and winners.

Right: Junior High Division 1st place Science Fair winner Alex Apple’s “Globular Clusters” is on display.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, March 9 from 1:00 -6:00 p.m. at the Optimist Building.

In recognition of their volunteer efforts to save lives and protect the people of Adrian, Wimfield’s on Main hosted an appreciation dinner for Adrian firefighters and their families last Friday. “We thank Randy, Vicki, Bruce and Brenda for the dinner. Everyone had a nice time,” said Chief Dizney. “We all appreciate it very much.”

The Adrian Blackhawks are well-represented on the 2009 - 2010 WEMO All-Conference team with four girls and five boys. Blackhawks receiving honors were: Front row, left to right - Brenna Tallman, 1st team; Olivia Case, Honorable Mention; Chelsea Urie; Honorable Mention; Emily Hughes, 1st team. Back row, left to right - Keenan Morrow, Honorable Mention; Eric Moles, Honorable Mention; Austin Erickson, 1st team; Skyler Kariker, 2nd team; Erik White, 1st team.

The Class 2 District 11 tournament is being held at Adrian High School. In the first round of play the number 1 seed Adrian Blackhawks went up against the number 8 seed Osceola Indians on Monday, March 1. Adrian had little trouble as they scored a 65 to 28 victory over the Indians. Coach Wheeler said, “Our new season got off to a good start. We shot the ball well.”

Pictured: Nick Case drives in for a lay up against the Osceola Indians during first round of district play Monday night.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks opened Class 2 District play on Monday night, March 1 against the Appleton City Lady Bulldogs. Although the Lady Blackhawks shot a dismal 29% they were able to pull off the 66 to 33 victory. Coach Dingman said, “It was a slow start but we got things going in the second quarter.”

Pictured: LeeAnna Reid goes up for two against the Appleton City Lady Bulldogs during first round action in the district tournament Monday night.

In a WEMO match up, the Adrian Blackhawks hosted the Midway Vikings on Tuesday, February 23. It was not much of a contest as the Blackhawks defeated the Vikings 77 to 32.

In a make up game, the Adrian Blackhawks traveled to Appleton City on Wednesday, February 24. They defeated the Bulldogs 66 to 38 for a conference win. Coach Wheeler said, “This was a solid road win for us. We hope to continue our good play into districts.”

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks hosted the Midway Lady Vikings on Tuesday, February 23 and easily scored a 62 to 29 victory. This win moved their conference record to 3 and 2 and overall record to 18 to 5.

On Wednesday, February 24 the Lady Blackhawks traveled to Appleton City for a make up game with the Lady Bulldogs. Adrian scored a 63 to 46 victory. Coach Dingman said, “Nice to see four girls score in double digits. We played well.”

The 3peat is complete! The 6th grade girls basketball team won their third straight Championship on Sunday, February 21st.  They started the tournament on Saturday, February 20th defeating Miami 33 -12.  They then moved on to compete against Sherwood, with another victory 31 – 28.  The championship game was held on Sunday, February 21st against Butler. The Blackhawks were victorious 44 – 31. The team’s overall record for all three years is 30 – 3. Pictured is: back row.

Jace Reynolds, Adrian, participated in the 8 and Under State Wresling held Saturday at the St. Joseph Civic Arena in St. Joseph, MO. Jace took first place in the 6 and under 45 lbs. Jace is pictured on the podium receiving his 1st place medal.

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The Adrian Optimist Club sponsored the Gun and Knife Show last weekend. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Brandt McMillan (far right), Ryan Lincoln, Emily Hughes, and Mackenzie Deal (right) organized a community service project to raise money for the Haiti Relief Fund. With the help of Adrian FCCLA members, Earth Science classes, and the Family and Consumer Science classes, students sold Chicken Pasta Casseroles. Students went around taking orders from January 6 through February 11. The casseroles were $15.00 each. The students sold 35 casseroles to the community and staff members. The casseroles were picked up on the 12th. The students raised $305.00 to be donated to help the Haitian Relief.

Jeff and Ronda Strueby of Conception Junction, Missouri are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jill  Renee Strueby to Joshua Tyler Jurgens, son of Patrick and Brenda Jurgens of Archie, Missouri.

A June 5, 2010 wedding is planned at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Maryville, Missouri.

   The children of Buddy and Darlene Fowler invite you to celebrate their parents 60th wedding anniversary with a card shower at Rt. 2 Box 504 Adrian, MO 64720. They were united in marriage on March 4, 1950. 

Five generations, pictured, left to right: Anna Donovan, mother, Connie Donovan, great grandmother, Carmen Rayan Miller, born February 19, Audrey Arnold, great great grandmother, Denise McCoy, grandmother.

Anna Donovan and Randall Miller would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Carmen Rayan Miller, born on February 19, 2010. She was 5 lbs. 6 1/2 ozs. and 20 in. long.

Walker Watts would like to proudly announce the arrival of his baby sister, Candace Brooklyn, who was born at 11:09 a.m. Thursday, February 18, 2010 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 lbs. 4 ozs. and measured 18 inches long. Candace’s proud parents are Jacob and Amy Watts of Adrian.

On Sunday, February 28, 115 people added to the bone marrow registry at the MOKAN Restaurant in Passaic. With a quick Q-tip swab of the cheeks, individuals gave a gift to someone in need of bone marrow. Pictured is Emily Swaters (right), who is getting her cheek swabbed by Amber Fennewald.

Elizabeth Ellen (Betty) Letzig, 85, of Richmond, Missouri passed away on February 27, 2010 at Shirkey’s Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, Missouri.

Services were held Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at the Richmond United Methodist Church. Donations may be made to the church in lieu of flowers were requested.

Mary Luetta Davis, age 80 of Paola, Kansas died Monday, February 15, 2010 in Paola. She was born February 28, 1929 to J. Wesley and Minnie Rebecca Fulkerson Patton in Rayville, Missouri.

Cremation memorial services were 1 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Jerry Breese officiating.

Jo Ellen (Witte) Davis, 68, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 22, 2010. Jo Ellen was born on May 4, 1941. She was adopted by Joseph and Helen Witte on April 2, 1946. At that time, she became the sister of Kenneth Witte.

Funeral services were held Friday, February 26, 2010 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO.

Marguerite Bartimus, age 89 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, February 23, 2010 in Butler, Missouri. She was born May 30, 1920 to Oscar William and Jessie Mae Creach McCain in Alma, Missouri.

Funeral services were Friday, February 26, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Interment was in Clinton Memory Garden, Clinton, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Butler First Baptist Church or Heartland Hospice.

The Adrian Optimist Club sponsored an Oratorical Contest for Adrian 8th graders on February 21, 2010. Nine contestants prepared and delivered speeches on “Cyber Communication - Progress of Problem.” Speeches were judged on poise, content, delivery and presentation, and overall effectiveness.

by SHARON KIESEL

The Guinness Book of World Records has a new category and the newest and only entrant for that category is from Archie. The new entry is for the Oldest, First Time Grandmother. “They only make a new category if it is one that can be broken sometime in the future,” said Archie School Librarian, Billie Limpus. She is the one who gathered all the information and sent in the proper documentation.

Megan Miller (left), daughter of Melissa Miller, and Tarissa Keating (right), daughter of Tim and Kim Keating, have been accepted to attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) at Missouri State University in Springfield.

Megan will be majoring in visual arts, and Tarissa will be majoring in vocal music. MFAA is a three-week, residential summer program where students participate in a unique program of artistic, extracurricular and social opportunities. This program has provided opportunities for students in all areas of the arts since 1996.

Adrian is a generous community, and people step up time and time again to help others. Anna Lee James and Amy McVey would like to get the message out to the community that you can continue to help, and save lives.

The Hertzog family is hosting a FREE bone marrow drive on Sunday, February 28 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m at the MOKAN Restaurant in the MOKAN auction building in Passaic.

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, March 9 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for February is The Sign Shop, located at 302 East Pine Street, in Archie.
The business is owned by Charlie Reed, of Archie and it is managed by the sole employee, who happens to be Charlie’s daughter, Beth Davis.

“It started because Dad wanted to letter his own race car,” Beth explained. “He got tired of paying others to do his signs, so he decided to do his own.” She laughed. “He bought the business- so I could do it!”

Residents of Adrian Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center celebrating February birthdays were honored Thursday afternoon, February 18. Birthday cake, ice cream, and 7-Up were furnished during the birthday party. Pictured from left to right: Alma Arndt, Lois Moles, Mia Andonie, and Bill Gench. Not pictured: Anne Cameron and Lora Sevy.

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Jason and Jessica Underwood, Adrian, MO are proud to announce the birth of their son, Owen Edward Underwood. He was born on Feb. 9 at St. Luke's South weighing 9 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Residents, staff, and visitors of Adrian Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center were entertained by Don Darnell of Sedalia, MO. Don Darnell sang numerous songs of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis. Don Darnell presented his realistic illusion during Monday afternoon, February 15, at the facility.

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The Dance Craze competition tumbling team competed in the M.A.T.S. Tumbling Meet on Saturday, February 7 at Basehor-Linwood High School in Kansas. Front row, left to right: Lexie Ward, Brianna Greene, Ashlee Burris and Payton Ritter. Back row, left to right: Sami Costigan, Marissa Markel, Jaylee Welcher, Taylor Edmiston and Sheldon Tallman. Not pictured: Bailey McMillan.

Six Adrian wrestlers competed at the State meet. Luke Hough placed 5th overall. Coach Campbell said, “It was hard losing those close matches on the back side of the bracket. I’m very proud of the boys and how hard they wrestled down there. As a whole I don’t think that we wrestled our best. I know that some individuals did not accomplish some of their goals this year, me included. As a team we have to start preparing now for next year.

Right: Tyler Proell, Hwt., wrestles Ryan Torno of John Burroughs in first round action.

Middle: Tom Gregg, 160 lbs., wrestled J. D. Herst of Lutheran.

Far right: Bobby McCarl, 125 lbs. wrestles Jared Fricke of Centralia.

It was a busy week for the Adrian Blackhawks as they played three games, two conference and one non-conference. On Tuesday, February 16 the Blackhawks made the trip to Drexel. It was an easy victory as the Blackhawks won the contest 71 - 50. Coach Wheeler said, “This was a good conference win for us. We were balanced in our scoring.”

On Thursday night the Blackhawks traveled to Ballard for a make up non-conference game. Adrian defeated the Bulldogs 69 to 39.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks traveled to Drexel on Tuesday, February 16. They defeated the Lady Bobcats 52 to 38. Adrian shot 40% from the field and were 8 of 15 from the free throw line.

On Thursday the Lady Blackhawks were on the road again as they traveled to Ballard for a non-conference game. Adrian moved their overall record to 16 and 5 as they defeated the Lady Bulldogs 51 to 36. Coach Dingman said, “We finally got ourselves going in the second quarter. Pressure defense after the first quarter was good.”