Monthly Archive

Members of the Adrian Youth Wrestling team competed in the state wrestling championships on March 29 and 30 at the Hearnes Center in Columbia, MO. State qualifiers competing were, left to right: Nathan Chamberlain, Skyler White, Carter Mitchell, Caleb Shanks, and Austin Williams. This is the last year for Chamberlain and Williams to compete in the youth program. Jason Chamberlain was their coach.

A Blackhawks basketball player has been added as a late addition to the Lions All-Star Roster. Senior Keenan Morrow will play in this prestigious game in June. Keenan will be joining fellow teammate Austin Erickson and AHS Head Coach James Wheeler, who is the All-Star assistant coach.

This group of guys show off their catch of spoonbill they caught snagging on Thursday, April 1st. Pictured, left to right: Walker Watts, Jacob Watts, Tim McGowan, Delbert Watts, Tim Watts, Ronnie Koehn.

Right: Hunter Dale Self, age 7, of Adrian, MO shot his first turkey weighing in at 23 lbs. with an 8 inch beard on Saturday during youth season.

Middle: Sami Costigan, 9 years old shot her first turkey, a small jake, just over 18 lbs. while hunting with her dad, Mike Costigan, at Settles Ford Conservation Area, on Sunday morning, April 11th.

Far right: Jake Hubbard, 13, Adrian, shot this turkey Sunday, April 11 during youth season. The turkey weighed 18 lbs. and had a 6 inch beard.

The Adrian R-III School District was recognized for receiving Accreditation with Distinction in Performance by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education during a banquet March 25 at the University of Central Missouri. Receiving the award on behalf of the Adrian School district was Steve Lewis, school board president, second from left.

Adrian City Clerk Melisa Newkirk swears in the elected Aldermen and Mayor. Pictured above, left to right: Alderman Denny Kooker, South Ward; Alderman Danny Ferguson, North Ward; Larry Ritter, Mayor; Melisa Newkirk, City Clerk.

Tom Williams, Water Plant Operator, attended the Missouri Waste Water Conference for 21 counties including Bates County and the Kansas City area.  At the conference, Tom was named the Northwest Section Operator of the Year. The annual conference will be held in October and Tom will be one of six candidates to be named with the Statewide Award.

Pictured, David Williams of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources presents the Northwest Section Operator of the Year award to Tom Williams of Adrian.

Makyna Six, an 8th grader at Adrian R-III School, recently won the Regional Optimist Oratorical contest based on the theme of “Cyber Communication: Progress or Problem?”. The contest was held at the Clinton School District Administration Building in Clinton, MO. Makyna is sponsored by the Adrian Optimist Club. Makyna was awarded a 1st place plaque for this achievement, and will now move on to the District Finals which will be held in Branson, MO on May 1st, which will be held in conjunction with the quarterly Western Missouri District Optimist Convention.

With funds from the TRIM grant, the project kick-off for tree planting was Monday, April 12 at the Adrian City Park.  Gary and Kendra Tolle planted the ceremonious first tree at the City Park using these grant dollars. Pictured left to right is Chuck Connor, Missouri Department of Conservation; Lori Williams, City Administrator; Gary Tolle, Tree Planting Service.

The children of Ed and Patti Ortstadt invite you to join them in celebrating their parent’s 50th wedding anniversary with a card shower. Cards may be sent to Rt. 1 Box 458, Adrian, MO 64720.

Ed and Patti were married on April 18, 1960 in Phoenix, AZ.  They have four daughters Jacque (Mike) Underwood, Adrian, MO; Cyndee (Todd) Byous, Peculiar, MO; Debra (Chuck) Smith, Presque Isle, MI; Susan (David) McMillan, Adrian, MO.  They are also the proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. 

Adrian Elks 2864 recently elected new officers for 2010. They are: Front row - Allen Page, Exalted Ruler; Larry Boyles, Leading Knight. 2nd row - Patsy Page, Tiler; Sue Miller, Secretary; Bill Page, 5 Yr. Trustee. 3rd row - Keith Kunkelman, Lecturing Knight; Shannon Underwood, Loyal Knight; Leroy Kagarice, 3 Yr. Trustee; David Powell, 4 Yr. Trustee. Not pictured - Jeanne Kunkelman, Treasurer; Larry Peterson, Chaplain; Dan Lacy, 1 Yr. Trustee.

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Seven Adrian students have qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program’s State Recognition Ceremony based upon their ACT scores through an ACT program for 7th grade students.

Pictured above, front row: Collin Brewster, son of Bobby & Krista Brewster; Hayley Underwood, daughter of Tom & Liberty Underwood; Jeremy Dryden, son of James & Aimee Dryden. Back row: Skyler White, son of Jim & Jeri Hester; Matthew Smith, son of Matt & Amy Smith; Conrad Walley, son of Jay & Rhonda Walley; and James Wood, son of Doug & Valerie Wood.

It is common to have confusion when people are talking about Prom and Project Prom. So for the record, while these two events complement each other, they are very different in the way of leadership, funding, and specific goals. Locally, it is the Junior Class and their sponsors at the Adrian R-3 School that raise funds and plan the junior/senior prom, which usually consists of a formal dinner and dance. This year, students will travel in a chartered bus to Lee Andrews Hall & Garden in Blue Springs, Mo. on Saturday, May 1st.

MAP testing is underway for Adrian R-III students. To help encourage students for high academic achievement, sixth grade teachers (pictured left to right) Erin Huckaby, MaryEllen Sears and Debbie Slattery stepped into the world of creativity. Teachers turned rappers made a motivational, encouraging video for R-III students. Check out their video at on You Tube, Bust a move.mov.

Charles Orien Maloney, 86, Adrian, MO, died Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at Golden Valley Hospital in Clinton, MO. Funeal services were held Friday, April 9, 2010, officiated by Rev. Bob Maffitt, First United Methodist Church, Adrian. Burial was in Freeman Cemetery, Freeman, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or to the Adrian Optimist Club.

Daniel Franklin Eckert, age 49 of Noble, Oklahoma, formerly of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in Ada, Oklahoma. He was born December 8, 1960 to James Lewis and Mary Kathleen Hogue Eckert in Butler.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the to Bates County Museum.

Opal Marie Dennis, age 95 of Lamar, Missouri formerly of Butler,Missouri died Saturday, April 3, 2010 at Barton County Memorial Hospital in Lamar. She was born March 21, 1915 to William Ottis and Flora Agnes Whitehead Crist in Tiffen, Missouri.

Graveside services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Misouri with Brother Paul Burhart officiating. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Patricia Ann Carson, age 65 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, April 3, 2010 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born January 31, 1945 to Donald and Eleanor Jane Muir Gebo in Baltimore, Maryland.

Funeral services were 10 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Father John Bolderson officiating and Vicar Scott Piper assisting. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society.

By MICHELE BURRIS

Adrian FCCLA Advisor Julie Carr and the FCCLA members invited a former New York Giants Superbowl linebacker, a USC Rose Bowl champion and an academic scholar to speak at Adrian R-III last Wednesday to students grades K-12. Keith Davis delivers motivational programs in 47 states and 40 countries to children and young adults.   He is a man who loves to see people succeed.

On March 29th, Adrian High School hosted this year’s WEMO Conference Academic Competition. The Adrian High School team took first place by defeating Archie High School in the final round. Drexel High School took third by defeating Rich Hill. Adrian will participate in the District Competition on April 17th, which will be held at Sherwood High School.

Pictured, front row: Tyler Smith, Ethan Weeks. Back row: Mr. Joe Abrams, Matt Ortiz, Phil Gregg, Tom Gregg, Drew Cochran.

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The Osage Valley Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A) sold raffle tickets at Walmart in Harrisonville last Saturday to help fulfill the organization’s mission of creating a safer environment for abused children. To learn more about B.A.C.A, write to the Osage Valley Chapter at P.O. Box 435, Butler, MO 64730 or visit the website, www.bacausa.com.

A team of members from the Osage Valley Chapter are listed by their B.A.C.A names. Front row, left to right: Taco, Cicero, Susie Q, J.J. and Hot Sauce. Back row, left to right: Spaz, Thumpit, Cowboy and TNT.

Good News!  The Adrian Community Library reopened on Monday, April 5th.  The new temporary location is at 11 W. Main, across from Ethan’s Auto Repair (the previous NAPA building).  Our new improved hours should make the library more convenient.  Those hours are: Mondays, 2-6; Tuesdays, 2-6; Wednesdays, 10-6; Thursdays, 12:30-6; Fridays, 2-6.

Josh Yates and Shelby Sutton of Adrian would like to announce the birth of their son, Bentlie Kain Yates on March 22, 2010, at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital, Clinton. Bentlie weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long.

The Adrian Blackhawks track teams participated in the Archie Invitational on Tuesday, March 30. The boys team placed 2nd with 91 points, behind Hogan Prep with 112.

The Adrian Blackhawks baseball team opened their season on Tuesday, April 30 on the road against the K. C. Lutheran Knights. Behind the pitching of Luke Hough and Ivan Wendleton, the Blackhawks scored a 12 to 6 victory.

On Wednesday the Blackhawks traveled to Lakeland. After 13 innings of play the victory went to Lakeland 6 to 5. Coach Dingman said, “It was a hard fought game for 13 innings. Game played well by every player. We just could not get a hit when we needed it. Had some great pitching and defense but it is still early in the season.”

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks softball team opened their season at Lakeland on Wednesday, March 31. Behind the pitching of Kaley Keating and Kristy Ray, the Lady Blackhawks won 12 to 1.

Adrian held Lakeland scoreless for 5 innings as they scored 3 runs. In the sixth the Lady Blackhawks scored 3 and Lakeland 1. In the final inning of play Adrian’s bats came alive as they scored 6 runs and held their opponent to 0.

Adrian’s 5th and 6th grade played Drexel on Saturday. Jacob Weeks made a perfect pass across the middle, picked up by Tommy Weeks who placed his shot to the corner of the net for Adrian’s first goal. Final score Adrian 4, Drexel 2.

Jay Hugh Jamison, age 91 of Olathe, Kansas died Monday, March 29, 2010 at Royal Terrace Nursing Home in Olathe. He was born October 7, 1918 to Jay Hugh Sr. and Hazel Applegate Jamison in Rich Hill, Missouri.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, Missouri. Contributions, Grace Hospice.

Biddie H. Lankford was born in Adrian, MO on October 24, 1923 to John Francis and Leila Stone Hughes. She died March 17, 2010 in Oklahoma City.

Funeral services were held at the Smith & Kernke Funeral Home in Oklahoma City, OK on Saturday, March 20. Burial was in the Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO.

Noma Alice Parker, age 93 of Butler, Missouri, formerly of Foster, Missouri died Friday, April 2, 2010 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. She was born November 13, 1916 to Berton Franklin and Kate Mae Suggs Sivils in Rich Hill, Missouri.

Eastern Star and funeral services were 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Burial, Salem Cemetery, Foster, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Salem Cemetery, Foster Christian Church or Butler Senior Center.

Paul Quinton Nichols, age 88 of Harrison, Arkansas, formerly of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri. He was born April 6, 1921 to Benjiman Franklin and Cloe Workman Nichols in a farmhouse northwest of Adrian, Missouri.

Cremation memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Eldon Allen officiating. Inurnment, Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Southeast Enterprises Sheltered Workshop for the Disabled.

Clyde “C.K.” Keith Deems, age 81 of rural Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born December 21, 1928 to Charles Aaron and Cleo Miller Deems at the family homestead near Butler.

Funeral services were Saturday, April 3, 2010 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Burial in Fairview Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Double Branch Christian Church or Fairview Cemetery.

By REBECCA KEATING

Contest teams from the Adrian FFA chapter attended their final District contest held at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg on Tuesday, March 30.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce hosted the 9thAnnual Spring Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 27, 2010. Julie Carr and the Adrian FCCLA Chapter provided a delicious meal (middle picture). Mike Haughton of SCORE gave a presentation on marketing small businesses (pictured far right). Don Arndt, Chamber member, shared the happenings of the Chamber in 2009. Following the review, Andy Enos had the distinct honor of presenting the Chamber Person of the Year award to Don Arndt (pictured right).

By DON ARNDT

Experts determined that the east side of the Associates in Family Care building, constructed in the early 1900’s, is structurally unsound. Last Friday the removal of that section began (right).

During the construction, a wall fell on the Community Library, causing roof damage. Temporarily the Library has been relocated to the Old Napa Building on the west side of the train tracks. Structural engineers will be checking out both buildings.

Adrian R-III School District will be administering the MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) tests for Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 7, and 8 beginning on Tuesday, April 6. We will also be testing every day in April. The MAP test will be concluded on April 23, 2010.

As many of you already know, the roof of the Library collapsed when a section of the building to the west fell on it the afternoon of March 26th. NO ONE WAS HURT, which is a big plus. The workers employed for the demolition worked all afternoon and into the evening removing as much of the contents of the Library as possible. They got out all but a few of our over 6000 books. They rescued all of the computers, tables, chairs, desk and some shelving. These workers then took most of this to the former Napa building just west of the railroad tracks.

Irene Holt provided special entertainment for the residents of Adrian Manor Health and Rehabilitation Center Friday morning, March 26.  Residents enjoyed numerous songs of various vocal artists including Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, The Beatles, and Johnny Cash.  Some residents also enjoyed dancing to numerous songs.  Irene is from Butler, Missouri and enjoys sharing her vocal talent with various establishments in the area.     

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Hard work and long preparation culminated in great performances at the District 15 Music Festival by the Adrian High School Band and Choir. “I am so pleased with our performances and glad to have quality feedback on how we can attain the musical excellence we are working toward here at Adrian,” stated Mrs. Oates, HS Music Director.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for March is Midwest Lumber in Butler. The business, owned by John and Marybeth Golladay is located at 1007 North Orange. The Golladay’s and their children, Janelle and Brandon, have owned the Butler business for 14 years as of April 1 of this year. They also have a second store in Pleasant Hill, which they have owned since May, 2008.

Leota M. “Billie” Hooper Utterback, 87, of Adrian, MO passed away Friday, March 26, 2010 at the Adrian Manor, Adrian. A Graveside service was held Thursday, April 1, 2010 at Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. Cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 2400 Troost Ave. Suite 4800, Kansas City, MO 64108 or to Children’s Mercy Hospital, Attn: Donations, 2401 Gilham Rd. Kansas City, MO 64108.

Lowana Stone, age 84 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born September 30, 1925 to Alpheus Dayton and Willa Anna Lewis Starbuck in Laverne, Oklahoma.

Cremation memorial services were 6 p.m. Monday, March 29, 2010 at the Butler Church of the Nazarene with Rev. John Pritchard officiating.

Mary Agnes James of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born May 7 to Henry and Agnes Roach Sigrist in DeKalb County, Missouri.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father John Bolderson officiating. Burial, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.

Thomas “Tom” Ray Chandler, 60, of Butler, MO, died Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. Tom was born February 25, 1950 in Butler, MO, the son of Russell H. and Marjorie M. (Camerer) Chandler. He was a 1968 graduate of Butler High School.

Contributions can be made to Tom Chandler Love Fund, c/o Atkinson Funeral Home, PO Box 325, Adrian, MO 64720.

By SHARON KIESEL

By REBECCA KEATING