Monthly Archive

By ANNA LEE JAMES

American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, July 5 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at the Optimist Building. The need is great at this time of year. Make a note some place so you will not forget to stop by and donate a unit of blood. The 4th is a very busy holiday weekend. However, there are people out there needing our blood. I, too will be busy as my children are coming in from out of state, but I will be read come Tuesday, July 5.

A large number of kids entered the popular pedal pull races during the 33rd annual WMAT&MA show. The winners are: Front row, 3 & 4 year olds: Cami Agee,1st; Riley Essenpries, 3rd; Cole Kimbrough, 2nd. Second row, 5 & 6 year olds: Joseph Faragoso, 3rd; Levi Agee, 1st; Emily Dudley, 2nd. Third row, 7 & 8 year olds: Elizabeth Dudley, 2nd; Mason Reid, 3rd; Case Doody, 1st. Fourth row, 9 & 10: Cameron Reeves, 3rd; Chloe Campe, 2nd; Clarissa Campe, 1st. Back row: 11 & 12: Aiyana Murchee, 1st; Karson Lesmeister, 3rd; Zane Agee, 2nd.

Adrian resident and Vietnam veteran Steve Hubbard, his wife Donna and their children and grandchildren attended the Delta Company reunion on June 24, 2011 in Kansas City, MO.  Steve was a member of the 1/12 Infantry, 4th Infantry Division of Delta Company in Vietnam.

The Crescent Hill Masonic Lodge #368 held its installation of officers on Thursday, June 23, 2011. Front row: Tom Homes, Chaplain; Dr. Ed Jackson, Master; Melvin Smith, Treasurer. Middle: Alvin Griffin, Installing Master; Art Zellmer, Senior Deacon. Back: Larry White, Secretary; Joe Cella, Junior Steward; Ray Campbell, Junior Deacon; W.K. Jenkins, Marshall. Not pictured: Jim Hogan, Senior Warden; Jack Rabourn, Junior Warden.

Adrian Manor held its first ever “all-inclusive” outdoor picnic/funfest on the late afternoon of Saturday June 18 on the Adrian Manor front lawn and driveway. “All-inclusive” as in residents, staff and their families all enjoying the same event. Bill Wood sang and Matt Cunningham was the DJ. Even though it was hot and humid one, there was a great turnout. Following a fundraising “Pie In The Face”, Administrator Fredrickson then gets the “dunk-tank” to get cleaned off.

(Submitted photo)

Aspyn Kristine Eidson was born June 15, 2011 at Golden Valley Medical Hospital in Clinton at 12:10 pm She weighed 7 lbs 5 ozs. and was 20 1/4 inches.

Velda Belle (Hammontree) Talley was born on December 2, 1915 to Minnie and Frelin Hammontree in Adrian, MO. She died Thursday, June 23, 2011 in Seal Beach, CA at the age of 95 years of age. She graduated from Adrian High School in 1932.

Gene Vernon Walbridge, age 68 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at his home in rural Butler. He was born June 23, 1942 to Homer Ira and Edna Ethel Spain Walbridge in Butler.

Funeral services were 10 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Double Branch Christian Church or Salvation Army--Joplin Relief.

Vernon Lee Schapeler, age 80 of Appleton City, Missouri died Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born January 10, 1931 to Henry Joseph and Rosa Augusta Lee Schapeler in Bates County, Missouri.

Funeral services were Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Ron Dunlap officiating. Burial in Reform Cemetery, Prairie City, Missouri. Contributions to Reform Cemetery or Happy Hill Church of God.

Levi James Stewart, infant son of Jim and Kelly (Hodges) Stewart of Louisburg, KS, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Columbia, MO. He was born June 19, 2011.

Funeral services were held at Debo Funeral Home in Holts Summit at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2011 with Reverend Jim Shaver officiating. Interment followed in Summit Memorial Park. In lieu of customary donations, the family suggests memorials be made in Levi’s name to the March of Dimes, c/o Debo Funeral Home, PO Box 314, Holts Summit, Mo. 65043.

James Robert Stewart, age 72 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He was born July 14, 1938 to Eugene Andrew and Viola Mae Lohe Stewart in Johnson County, Missouri, near Fayetteville.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Butler, Missouri with Father John Bolderson officiating. Interment in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to Butler Senior Center or Butler Education Foundation.

In the early hours of Saturday, June 18, high winds and hail roared through Adrian, leaving a mess for residents to clean-up after sunrise.

Right: At Main and Houston Streets, a fallen tree causes damage to a roof.

Far right: A tree blown down during the storm landed in a ditch near First and Kentucky Streets.

Again this year The Adrian Optimist Club and the community will celebrate Independence Day. The traditions of years past will be at the heart of the celebration on July 2, along with something new. This year, unlike others, the Optimists are hosting the First Annual Bull Buckout, a two night event on July 2 and 3.

On Tuesday, May 31st, the Bates County Sheriff’s Office took possession of a Military Grade Humvee. The Humvee was acquired from the Department of Defense’s surplus property. The Humvee is valued at $40,000 and did not cost the tax payers of Bates County any additional taxes.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, July 5 from 1:00-6:00p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building. We all know we have just come off a big three day holiday with all the fun and excitement. Hopefully ours was one without accidents. However, others won’t be so lucky and may be in need of blood. We must take an hour out of our busy schedule and donate blood -- to save a life.

The Adrian Community Chest presents a donation to Meals on Wheels. Pictured left to right: Meals on Wheels Volunteers Joan Hatfield, Peggy Herman, Mike Petersen and Community Chest Member Jerry Ferguson.

Five Adrian Blackhawks football players attended a football camp at the University of Auburn in Auburn, Alabama June 6-8. The camp was put on by Coach Gus Malzahn, who is starting his 6th season as a NCAA football offensive coordinator.

Pictured with Coach Malzahn (back), are: Joe Collins, Adrian HS, Christian Graham, Adrian HS, Drew Cochran, Adrian HS, Austin Williams, Adrian HS, Brandon Williams, Adrian HS, Dalton Price, Park Hill South HS and Eddie Sola, Park Hill South HS.

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Kidz Zone held their graduation May 19 at the Adrian United Methodist Church. Those graduating were, left to right, Charlotte Rincker, Breanna Bridges, Tessa Hankins, Bo Pike, Austyn Spurgeon, Anna Combs and Jayden Wicklin. Not pictured, Breckin Nisely and Beth Eakes.

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A Fresh ‘N Fun pageant was held Friday, June 3 at the Adrian Optimist Building. It was a fund raiser to help Jennifer Lough raise money for her trip to the National IFF pageant coming up at the end of June. There was an amazing group of kids participate in the pageant. Miss Adrian, Jordan Loughridge, was on hand to help out with the pageant.

Contestants participating were: Melina Christansen, Gabrielle Wimsatt, Morgan Mattingley, Anna Belle Rowe, Keara Mattingley, Emma Thompson, Lilly Rusow, Kaycee Thompson, and Joshua Lough.

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Can you imagine moving down the streets of Adrian on a beautiful blue motorized scooter? You could be the winner of a scooter that gets 100 mpg gallon, travels up to 30 mph and thrills anyone who is young at heart? The scooter was obtained for the Adrian Community Library from the Adrian Service Center on Main Street so you may have seen it as you drove by.

Mici Lee Lewis, daughter of Richard R. Clark and Sherry L. (Holmes) Clark, was born December 13, 1956 at Doctor’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO and passed away May 22, 2011 in Tacoma, Washington. A memorial service was held Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the Life Center Church, Tacoma, Washington.

Eartus Earsel Carter, 88, Adrian, MO, died Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Adrian Manor in Adrian. Graveside services will be held Monday, June 20, 2011 at the Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, officiated by Rev. Paul Burhart, Adrian Christian Church, Adrian, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ernie Carter Memorial Fund, c/o Atkinson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Adrian, MO 64720.

By ALAN J. MUNDEY, BATES COUNTY, 4-H SPECIALIST

Houston, we don’t have a problem.  Not if the 19 young robotics engineers gathered at the Adrian Optimist Building in Adrian, MO during the last two weeks have their way.  The local youngsters, ranging in age from 9 to 14, sacrificed the first couple of weeks of their summer vacation to spend it learning about robotics, GPS/GIS, mapping and other geospatial topics. 

By SHARON KIESEL

The 33rd Annual WMAT&MA Tractor Show time is coming up fast, in less than two and a half weeks, to be exact. The event, held this year June 24, 25, and 26, as always, promises to be lots of fun for everyone. This year, the featured tractor is the Ford and Fordson brand with related farming equipment. Co-featured this year will also be all brands of lawn and garden tractors.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, July 5 from 1-6 p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building. We need to collect our goal of 50 units of blood as we are on the heels of a big holiday weekend. Schools are out, people are on vacation and everyone is busy; however the need for blood is continuous. Every two seconds someone needs blood. Today’s medical advancements allow patients to live longer, healthier lives. This creates a greater demand for blood products than ever before.

By MICHELE BURRIS

Airman Clinton Grosshart, Jr. of Adrian, MO, graduated in May from Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He will be stationed at Minot AFB in North Dakota. He is the son of Clint and Brenda Grosshart of Adrian. His wife is Megan and they are expecting a son in September.

Bernadette L. Reynolds, 47, went home to be with our Father on June 9, 2011 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City. Bernadette was born December 23, 1963 to Lewis and Barbara (McGhee) Reynolds, one of four daughters.

Per Bernadette’s wishes, cremation has been accorded. A memorial service was held Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler. Inurnment followed in Green Mound Cemetery near Harwood, MO. Memorial contributions in Bernadette’s name are suggested to a fund for Elliott, care of Bank of America.

Ernest Lloyd Brazeal, 81, Adrian, MO, died Friday, June 10, 2011 at his daughter’s home in Peculiar, MO. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville, MO, officiated by Roger Freed, Chaplain, Vitas Hospice, Kansas City, MO. Burial was in Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville.

Donald Wayne Stotmeister, age 76 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, June 10, 2011 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born December 17, 1934 to Bernard and Grace Cewe Stotmeister in Geneseo, Illinois.

Funeral services were Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at Zion Lutheran Church in Prairie City, Missouri with Pastor Michael Manz officiating. Interment at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Prairie City, Missouri. Contributions to Zion Lutheran Church or M.D. Anderson Cancer Research.

Stanley Ray Guthrie, age 89, Harrisonville, MO, went to be with his Lord on June 8, 2011. Services 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 13, 2011 at the Atkinson Chapel, Harrisonville. Visitation 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 12 at the chapel. Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. Contributions to Crossroads Hospice of Kansas City.

William “Bill” Allen Warner, 88, Archie, MO, died Sunday, June 5, 2011 at his home in Archie. Funeral services were held Friday, June 10, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Archie. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the church memorial fund.

Connie Pauline Brummett, age 53 of Butler, Missouri formerly of Des Moines, Iowa died Friday, June 3, 2011 at her home in Butler. She was born October 9, 1957 to Claude J. and Vesta Claudean Alley Brummett in Mercer, Missouri.

Cremation memorial services were 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler. No visitation.
Contributions may be made to the Connie Brummett Memorial Fund.

After dedicating three decades or more to the students of the Adrian R-III School District, three staff decided to turn in their keys and jump into the wonderful world of retirement. Terry Hubbard (30 years), Rita Scott (36 years) and Linda Underwood (37 years) received a warm show of gratitude, congratulations and a bit of sorrow at a retirement reception held the last day of school. The School Board and Administration, CTA and PTO expressed appreciation for their years of service, along with many staff, parents, students, friends and family.

Right: The Queen candidate is Maggie Massey, 17, of Butler.

The Bates County Fair Queen and Princess candidates have been announced. The coronation will take place during intermission of the Bull Extravaganza on Saturday, July 16. The princess candidates (pictured far right) are: Josie Jennings, 14, Butler; Haylee Triebel, 17, Butler; Samantha Dawson, 15, Adrian.

Colin Brewster and James Wood were recognized at the Adrian Middle School awards assembly the last day of school as the top two 8th graders. Congratulations to these students for their academic achievement as they advance to high school next year.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Annual Citywide Garage Sale again this year. More than 25 people signed up through the Chamber to participate. According to Chamber President Kip Yoss, the Chamber is always trying to bring people to town to help local businesses, and this citywide effort does just that. It also significantly benefits residents in Adrian. No doubt about it, last Saturday, June 4, was a busy day in Adrian.

On Monday, June 6, 2011, at approximately 9:30pm the Bates County Sheriff’s Office received a call to assist the Butler Police Department in a vehicle pursuit.  The Butler Police Officer was pursuing a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Stockton, Kansas on June 5, 2011. The vehicle was taken after an inmate had escaped from Norton Correctional Facility in Stockton, Kansas.  The inmate was identified as Christopher Anderson formerly of Butler.  Area law enforcement had been watching for the vehicle since it was stolen. 

Students of the Month are selected by the staff of Miami, Ballard and Adrian schools based on the following criteria: character, attendance, attitude towards others and school, behavior, leadership and improvement in or good grades. For their hard work in school, selected students receive a certificate of recognition and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks” from the Adrian Optimist Club. The May Students of the Month are: Rebecca Keating (right), Adrian; Alex Morris (middle), Ballard; and Shelby Coe (far right), Miami.

Adrian Bank CEO Gene Irvin is shown presenting a check on behalf of Adrian Bank to Alden Buerge, CEO of First State Bank of Joplin in the amount $5,000 to be applied to the First State Bank Tornado Victims Fund. Mr. Buerge goes on to say that they are distributing the funds from this account to people in the Joplin community that need financial help. They are currently giving a maximum of $300.00 per family so that they can buy whatever they immediately need. Most importantly, Mr.

The Adrian R-III CTA donated money, raised from their teacher’s “jeans days”, to several local causes. CTA Member Gwen Ford presented checks to: Steve Hubbard, Children’s Center; Anna Lee James, Park Board; Meals on Wheels, Patti Bruto, Library; Gwen Ford, CTA.

On Tuesday, May 24 the Adrian R-III Career Exploration students participated in a Mock Interview Business Lunch at the Adrian Optimist Building. Approximately ninety sophomore and junior students were given the opportunity to apply the skills and demonstrate the concepts they had gained in the course. The students were interviewed by twenty five Bates County business people from various career path areas.

Brenna Tallman, graduating senior from Adrian High School will be among the 48 players selected to play in the 2nd Annual Lions district 26-M5 All-Star Basketball Games on use 12, 2011, at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri. The girls’ game will be played at 6 pm and the boys’ game at 8 pm at the Georgia Roberson Burns Athletic Complex on the MVC campus. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

Adrian Blackhawk coaches George Bruto, Matt Cochran, Tyson Basore, Ryan Heffley, Matt Davis, and Shaun Bruto held football camps at the end of school for grades 2 through 5 (right) and 6 through 8 (far right). High school players assisting were Eric Moles, Drew Cochran, Vince Romi, Christian Schlotman, Joe Collins, Austin Pitts, Rian Lewis, Zac Lewis, Dylan Tenholder, Christian Graham, Ethan Weeks, JR Lawrance, and Austin Williams.

The annual graduation ceremony of Adrian Cub Scout Pack 238 took place Saturday evening, June 4, 2011 at Frontier Village in Adrian, MO. Over 100 attended the potluck dinner and ceremony.

The meal’s opening prayer was offered by Webelos Scout James Keating. Following the meal was the Presentation of the Colors, led by Wolf Scout Drew Burris who presented the United States Flag and Bear Scout Dale Dowse who presented the Pack Flag. In the absence of Cubmaster Mark Elmer, Pack Committee Member Erin Newport presented the pack awards and led the graduation ceremony.

Three Adrian girls, chosen by their teachers, will be attending the 2011 Missouri Girls State Session. Girls State will be held from June 19th to the 25th at the UCM campus in Warrensburg. At Girls State the girls will learn governmental procedures by actually creating a simulated state.

Pictured, left to right: Kortney Eidson, Kaley Keating, and Toni Perrymann.

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Rita Scott celebrated her retirement with her family on Saturday, May 28th at the home of Brent, Kari and Drew Scott. She retired from the Adrian R-3 School District with 36 years of service. Helping her celebrate were Melvin and Jeweldine Smith, Darrell and Vonda (Johnson) Gourley, Larry and Fran Johnson, Terry, Marsha, Lindsey and Jeremy Moore, Mike and Tynon Johnson, George Black, David Johnson, Brent, Kari and Drew Scott.

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This year’s recipient of the Betty Rugg Memorial Scholarship was Haley Kimberlin. The scholarship was presented by Tracy Rugg.

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Scott McCoy, San Antonio, TX (formerly Archie, MO) and Amy Reese, San Antonio, TX, were united in marriage on May 18, 2011, in an ocean side ceremony on the beach in Riviera Maya, MX.

Scott and Amy reside at 12602 Lilac Dawn, San Antonio, TX 78253, where they are both employed by Sea World San Antonio as Killer Whale Trainers at Shamu Stadium.

Scott is the grandson of Bob and Faye Zimmerman, Adrian, Alvin and Donna McCoy, Harrisonville and the son of David McCoy, Kansas City, MO.

Floyd and Winifred Gaston will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary Sunday, June 12, 2011. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a reception from 3:00-5:30 p.m. at the Butler Church of the Nazarene, Nursery and Delaware, Butler, MO.

The couple requests no gifts. Your presence is their greatest gift.

Adrian R-III fifth graders visited the Adrian Community Library the last week of school. They learned about the services offered at the library and were encouraged to visit often this summer.

The Adrian Community Library welcomes everyone to take a break from the heat and come to the library. Hours are: Monday and Tuesday, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday, closed. For more information, call the Library at 816-297-2105.

Donald Cunningham, Sr. passed away Monday, June 6 in Great Falls, Montana. He worked as a crane operator for a Naval Submarine Base, Bangor in Silverdale, Washington. Cremation.

Booker Theodore Lewis Jr., age 58 of Kansas City, Missouri died May 24, 2011 in Kansas City. He was born August 18, 1952 to Booker Theodore Sr. and Josephine Katherine Sweets Lewis in Butler, Missouri.

Funeral services were Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Art Ellsworth officiating. Cremation to follow services.

Miles (Moose) E. Burris, Jr., passed away June 1, 2011, at Providence Medical Center. He was born in Nebraska on November 20, 1942, the son of Miles Burris, Sr. and Charlotte Brown Kennedy.

Memorial services were at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 6, at the Argentine Mennonite Church, 3701 Metropolitan, Kansas City, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Argentine Mennonite Church.

It was a misty morning as a crowd gathered at the Lt. Charles Garrison Veterans Memorial in Adrian on Saturday, May 28. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1935 presented its annual Memorial Day Services. A host of vocalists and speakers paid respects to those who have served and are serving in the United States military.

Members of several local fire departments joined forces Friday and Saturday to participate in a “Fill the Boot Drive”, to aid those victims of the devastating tornado that struck in Joplin, MO on May 22. Adrian, Amsterdam, Central Cass and Drexel firefighters worked 17 hours over the two day period collecting a total of $10,100. A check for that amount was written and delivered by Adrian and Amsterdam firefighters to the Salvation Army in Joplin.

At the end of every school year the Adrian Optimist Club presents a Teacher of the Year Award to an elementary and secondary teacher. This year’s deserving recipients are Wendy Cogbill and Erin Huckaby.

Right: Adrian Optimist President Mike Burris, 3rd Grade Teacher Wendy Cogbill and Adrian Elementary Principal Brian Borgmeyer.

Far right: Adrian Optimist Member and Secondary Principal Chris Shanks and 6th Grade Teacher Erin Huckaby.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for May is the Adrian Tree Service. The business, now owned by Gary Tolle for the past two years, has been in Adrian for around 25 years.

The business is located at Eighth and Clark Street in Adrian. Adrian Tree Service offers customers tree planting, small landscaping projects such as shrubbery and landscaping with rocks and stone, pruning, trimming and small tree removal as well as transplanting trees on customer property such as moving from a field to a yard. They work by appointment, weekends and evenings.

One of the greatest academic achievements in high school is to earn the title of Class Valedictorian or Salutatorian. Adrian High School’s top honors were earned by two hard-working seniors as reported in last week’s Adrian Journal, but there is more to the story. The 2011 AHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian are cousins. Their accomplishments are celebrated with parents, grandparents and their family. The cousins will be attending the University of Missouri in Columbia this fall.

Three Adrian High School students have been selected to attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy this summer. The Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is a three-week summer residential program for highly motivated student artists in visual arts, theatre, dance, creative writing, and instrumental or vocal music. 

The Academy takes place on the campus of Missouri State University.  The dates for MFAA this year are June 5th - 25th, 2011.  Only 150 students from across the state are selected to attend based on a selection panel of artists and educators from the University. 

For outstanding achievement in three sports in the 2010-2011 school year, Emily Hughes received the Girls All Sports Award and Luke Hough received the Jimmy Sexson Award.

To see all pictures and awards, please read the June 2 edition of The Adrian Journal.

The WEMO Conference track meet was held Tuesday, May 3 at Adrian High School. The Adrian Junior High track girls captured the WEMO Conference Championship title with 113 total points. The AJH champions are pictured. Front row: Sammy Palmer, Jade Wackerman, Lydia Reynolds, Track Coach Erin Huckaby. Middle row: Shelby Pittman, Emily Kennedy, Haylea Loper, Taryn Gregg. Back row: Morgan Jenkins, Sarah Bays, Kaitlyn Tenholder, Quincy Keating.

Captain Robert L. Powell, commanding officer of Troop A Lee’s Summit, recently announced the promotion of Corporal Christopher M. Gach, effective May 1, 2011. Corporal Gach has been promoted to the rank of sergeant and designated the zone supervisor of Zone 14, serving Bates County.

Judy Anne Shelton, 63, Harrisonville, MO, died Friday, May 27, 2011 at her home in Harrisonville. A memorial gathering will be held from 2:30-5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 12, 2011 at the Harrisonville Community Center, 2400 Jefferson Parkway, Harrisonville, MO 64701. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, Kansas City, MO. (Cremation).

Richard Lee Gaston, age 66 of Adrian, Missouri died Monday, May 23, 2011 at the Life Care Center in Grandview, Missouri. He was born December 22, 1944 to Orville Vernon and Helen Louise Derringer Gaston in Butler, Missouri.

Graveside services are Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, Missouri.

By SHARON KIESEL & MICHELE BURRIS

A massive tornado, reportedly the deadliest twister in almost 60 years, blasted its way across southwestern Missouri on Sunday, flattening several blocks of homes and businesses in Joplin. Rescue crews immediately began digging through piles of splintered houses and crushed cars in search for victims as residents and business owners frantically began scrambling through the wreckage. At press time, the death toll in Joplin stands at 116. Approximately 130 people are still unaccounted for and the number of deaths are expected to rise.

Ten Adrian High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society on Thursday, May 19. The 2011 inductees are pictured. Front row, left to right: Caitlyn Jacks, Shelby Shannon, Austin Pitts, Michelle Newsome. Back row, left to right: Ali Feris, Rian Lewis, Zach Lewis, Lesley Cox, Logan Jennings. Not pictured: Alexis LeBat.

The Adrian High School Class of 2011 has high achieving academic students. Upon completion of finals, Nick Case and Megan Lewis were named as the 2011 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively.

The Adrian High School Class of 2011 graduated on May 22, 2011. Numerous scholarships were awarded to deserving students.

Adrian Optimist Club recognizes students in Miami, Ballard, and Adrian Students of the Month are selected by the staff of each school based on the following criteria: character, attendance, attitude towards others and school, behavior, leadership and improvement in or good grades. For their hard work in school, Students of the Month receive a certificate of recognition and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks” from the Adrian Optimist Club.

This month’s Students of the Month are: Thomas Barry III; Miami; MacKenzie Oswald, Ballard; Andrea French, Adrian.