Monthly Archive

After 14 years of dance instruction - 10 years of that at Donna’s in Belton, Jordan Reichert has completed her last dance competition. The many years of instruction, sacrifice and hard work paid off in a big way this season, making it one to remember and the perfect ending to this era of dance in her life. Jordan competed in several regional competitions in Kansas City this winter and spring.

By SHARON KIESEL

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for July is MoJo Car Wash, owned by Matt and Johanna Kendrick. The business is located on First Street, near Business 71 Highway. Although the car wash has been there for many years, it has been owned by the Kendricks’ since May of 2006.

Adrian Rebekah Lodge #449 recently held a Teddy Bear drive. The response from so many caring people was tremendous. The teddy bears that were donated will help to make a child feel better at a very difficult time. Because you care, the Rebekah’s received over 150 bears and a few other animals. These have been distributed to the Bates County Sheriff’s Department, the Adrian Fire and Police Departments, Butler Fire and Police Departments, Amsterdam Fire Department and Rich Hill Fire and Police Departments.

At a stated meeting on Thursday, June 2, 2011, Sister Evelyn Prough received a pin for 50 years of dedicated service to the Order of the Eastern Star. A history of her years of service was given as her niece, Kelsi Kershner, presented the pin. Following the presentation, family and friends retired to the dining area for cake, ice cream and fellowship. Congratulations Evelyn.

Berkleigh Anne Pierce, 1 1/2, announces the birth of her brother, Blake Semuel Pierce. Blake was born Friday, July 1, 2011, 12:47 p.m. at St. Joseph Medical Center. He weighed 10 lbs. 10 ozs. and was 21 inches long. Blake’s parents are Derek and Kyla Pierce of Adrian. Grandparents are David Hubbard and Betty Ann and Joey Bailey, all of Adrian, Missouri and Jerry and Alice Pierce of Poplar Bluff, MO. Great grandparents are Gladys Morgan of Fisk, MO and Lila Gunn of Adrian.

Dale Thomas Lacy was born on the twenty-fifth day of April, 1933 and departed this life on the twenty-fourth day of July, 2011 after a long & courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 28 at South Fork Baptist Church near Drexel with the Revs. Joe Crook and Steve Bartholomew presiding. Burial was in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Drexel Chapter of the FFA, and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Roger S. Ellis, 62 of Cleveland, MO passed away July 20, 2011 at Research Belton Hospital. Mr. Ellis was born December 14, 1948, son of Ella May and Vincil J. Ellis.

Memorial services will be at 5 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2011 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel with Rev. Ray Burhart presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Ellis’s name are suggested to the family, and may be left in care of the funeral home.

Memorial services for Cathy Aurand will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Adrian Christian Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 at the church. Contributions to the Cathy Aurand Memorial Fund, c/o Atkinson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Adrian, MO 64720. Full obituary in next week’s paper.

Tyler Clay McGuire, age 23 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, July 18, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born April 23, 1988 to Kelly Clay and Kimberly Rae Scull McGuire in Butler.

Perry Franklin “Frank” Fritts, age 90 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, July 15, 2011 at The Maples Senior Living in Butler. He was born August 6, 1920 to John Wesley and Edna LaFollette Fritts in Amsterdam Missouri.

Funeral services were 10 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Pastor Bill Read officiating. Burial, was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or Maple Senior Living.

Right: The 2011 Princess is Haley Triebel of Butler (left). Maggie Massey (right), Butler, is the 2011 Bates County Fair Queen.

Middle: The 2011 Little Mr. Bates County is Jayden Chandler (left) of Butler. Emily Roberts (right) is this year’s Little Miss Bates County.

Far right: Trenton Tallman of Adrian (right) is this year’s Grand Champion Hog. The cross bred hog weighed 220 pounds. Pictured with Trenton is Judge Cody Sloan (right).

* For full coverage including results and more pictures, please read this week's issue of The Adrian Journal.

Right: The Bates County Fair’s Beta Sigma Phi baby contest brought in 49 babies, making for a busy night for judges Carmen Behringer, Kim Raybourn and Susan Seigismund. The winners were: Front row - 0-3 months:Hadley Grishaw, daughter of Isaiah and Kamber Grishaw of Appleton City; Landon Nieder, son of Megan and Justin Nieder of Butler; 4-6 months: Brace Leigh Green, daughter of Erica Green of Butler; Brent Benbrook, son of Traci Benbrook of Amoret.

In the heat of the summer, the Public Works Department has been digging ditches for the Main Street Water Line Replacement Project that will extend from Adrian Service Center to Old 71 Highway. Pictured, Public Works Director Mark Griffith is digging a ditch at the corner of Main Street and Old 71 Highway so that boring work could take place. Stark Boring Company did the boring work under Old 71 Highway, Houston and Missouri Streets.

By BATES COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

In June of 2011 the Bates County Sheriff’s Office received information from the Rich Hill Police Department in reference to a murder for hire scheme.  We were advised that a resident of Rich Hill had approached several people with the intent to find someone that would be willing to kill her ex-husband. 

The Adrian Optimist Club’s Blackout Jackpot reached $5500 last week. Marion Troth (right) is the big winner who took home the jackpot. Marion “paid it forward” by making a large donation of his winnings back to the Optimist Club in appreciation of their commitment to the youth and the community. He said that he wanted his good fortune to turn around and work for others, too.

This week, another winner claimed the Hot Ball Jackpot ($3750). Maxine Hackler, far right, was the lucky bingo winner.

After a successful Bates County Fair outreach, Bates County Robotics will hold an organizational meeting Tuesday, August 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building.  Both youth and adults are encouraged to attend.  Although learning about and building robots is the focus of the organization, the sole purpose of this meeting will be to organize the club which will be the hub of the continuing work started with the Robotics Camp held back in June. 

Ted Davis of Cass County may have the tallest Prickly Pear Cactus in Missouri. The cactus normally grows in the wild a few inches, but Ted’s cactus is 4 feet 11 inches tall. A botanist of Missouri Conservationist was amazed to hear how tall the cactus is.

In Cass and Bates Counties they are disappearing fast. You may find this cactus at roadsides, hillsides in dry sandy soil in rocks and in forests. Most people don’t know we have a cactus that grows here. Ted is doing research to see what wild flowers are left, which flowers are coming back.

A week of mini-missions for the 5th and 6th graders attending Vacation Bible School (VBS) at the Adrian Christian Church proved to be an experience they will not soon forget. During the week they picked up trash at the City Park, prepared a meal for a church in Joplin, and sought out canned food to take to Joplin. On Friday, July 15, Matt and MaryEllen Sears and Pastor Paul Burhart led the team of 5th and 6th graders to fulfill their final mission. They left Adrian at 7:30 am and headed to Joplin.

Mable Irene Henry, age 79 of Rich Hill, Missouri died Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at her daughter’s home in Butler, Missouri. She was born March 27, 1932 to George and Mary Julia Ward Johnson in Deepwater, Missouri.

Funeral services were Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.

Howard Lee McElwain, age 67 of Garden City, Missouri formerly of Ballard, Missouri died July 15, 2011 at his home in Garden City. He was born February 5, 1944 to Ellis Leroy and Virginia Fern Bitner McElwain in Bates County, Missouri.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Pastor Rusty Miller officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to the family.

Dwight Leishman Sage, age 78 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. He was born February 15, 1933 to George Verdier and Susan Amanda Browning Sage in Ballard, Missouri.

Funeral services were 1 p.m. Monday, July 18, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Burial was in the Sharon Cemetery, Drexel, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Butler First Baptist Church.

Don and JoOnna Wood of Peculiar, MO would like to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter Kathryn Wood. to Nathan Schmitz, son of Marvin and Carla Schmitz of Kissee Mills, MO. Kathryn is the granddaughter of Dale and Rose Wood of Butler, MO and LaRita Shipley of Adrian, MO. Nathan is the grandson of Robert and Joanne Schmitz of Parnell, MO. A July 30th wedding is planned.

George Franklin of Adrian and Killer (owned by Tina Moore of Adrian) won first place in the Owner/Dog Look Alike Contest at the Cass County Fair last week. They were also awarded the Grand Champion.

submitted photo

Ashton Aurand wins in her first barrel race sponsored by the Adrian Bit & Spur Club.

Ryland Howard and Christa Hill went to Missouri TSA State Leadership Training for State Officers June 6-10 in Jefferson City, MO. For five days they worked on becoming better leaders, setting up an agenda for the upcoming year, and brainstorming membership and fundraising ideas.

At the July 18, 2011 Adrian City Council meeting, the Adrian Healthcare Board and Adrian Manor Administration welcomed new board members Troy Engelhardt and Dr. John Bustle. Troy will offer financial consultation and Dr. Bustle will provide clinical consultation. Left to right: Adrian Mayor Larry Ritter, Adrian Manor Administrator Doug Fredrickson and Healthcare Board Member Troy Engelhardt. Not pictured: Healthcare Board Member Dr. John Bustle.

*read this week's Adrian Journal for the full story

The alleged abduction and rape of a female in Harrisonville two weeks ago has led to the arrest of a former City of Grandview Police Officer in connection to the cold case murder of Cara Jo Roberts of Harrisonville in 2008.

Jeffrey D. Moreland, 52, of Harrisonville was arrested when a search warrant was obtained for the former officer’s DNA after a woman accused him of offering her a ride and then raping her June 30 in Harrisonville. 

By ANNA LEE JAMES

“Thank You” to 39 donors that showed up Tuesday, July 5 to donate blood for those in need. You each shared a wealth so someone could celebrate another birthday, share another laugh with a friend, or see another sunrise. Thirty-two good units of blood was collected.

I am very proud of all donors and volunteers that take time out of their day to make a difference for someone else. Looking forward to seeing you and others on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

After months of preparation, the Dance Craze competition teams made their way north to the Excelsior Springs Performing Arts Center for the Dance Out Nationals Competition.  For some, this competition proved to be a first, while others continued their journey in competitive dance.  The talent and teamwork of 24 local dancers prevailed, as they came home with National titles, trophies, medals, ribbons and whole lot of pride.  First year competitor Emma Thompson said, “I know we danced our best and we had so much fun!”

The Adrian Junior Girls softball team, coached by Derek Moles, head coach and Shawn Taylor, assistant coach, won the league with an 11-2 record. Pictured are: front row: Sydney Kidwell, Leah Taylor. Middle row: Marissa Markel, Makenzie Taylor. Back row: Kathy Stone, Jaylee Welcher, Kara Goddard, Mallory Moles, Morgan Meade, Chana Erickson.

(submtted photo)

The 3rd Annual West Central Missouri All Star Baseball Game, hosted by the Leeton Lions Club, will be held Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 7 p.m. Ivan Wendleton of Adrian, will be playing. The game will be held at Crane Stadium/Thompkins Field on the campus of University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri. The “top” area seniors from 14 school districts will face off in a classic North vs South battle.

Dale and Ruby
July 23, 1961 - July 23, 2011

The children and grandchildren of Dale and Ruby Lockard invite you to join in celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at a reception to be held at Frontier Village in Adrian, MO on Saturday, July 23, 2011 from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. No gifts, please.

Elsie Tippie, age 82 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, July 7, 2011 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. She was born May 10, 1929 to Roy and Ruth Rathburn James in Steele City, Nebraska.

Funeral services were Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor John Prichard officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to American Heart Association or Butler Public Library.

Tammy Lynn Vail, age 46 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born December 5, 1964 to Kenneth and Thelma Kendrick Silver in Butler.

Funeral services were Monday, July 11, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Fred Bisby officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions to family. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri.

The Adrian Optimist Club hosted its annual 4th of July Celebration. The festivities began on Saturday, July 2, with a jam-packed crowd on Main Street for the parade. Following the parade, the crowd moved to the Optimist building for lunch, bingo, water slides and a good time. In the evening, an estimated crowd of 1500 people attended the first ever Bull Buckout at Ferguson Arena. Fireworks lit up the sky in celebration of America’s birth. The next night (July 3), a crowd gathered for the second night of the bull buckout.

Right: Members of the Adrian Christian Church sailed down Main Street during the parade.

Middle: People of all ages enjoyed the festivities, including six month old Danika Keyton

Far right: The water slides were a huge hit during the heat of the day.

For full coverage of the Independence Day Celebration, read this week's issue of The Adrian Journal.

Past District Governor Tom Rayfield of Belton installed the new officers for the Adrian Lions Club. Front row: Patti Bruto, Treasurer; Donna Pugh, Secretary; Second row: Tom Rayfield; David Vanderman, Two Year Director; Kay DePriest, One Year Director; Lila Gunn, Assistant Treasurer; Charles Cantrell, Lion Tamer. Back row: Derek Pierce, President; Tom Stutzman, Past President, Cecil DePriest, One Year Director. Not pictured: Joey Bailey, 1st Vice President; Betty Ann Bailey, Tail Twister; Roger Pruden, Two Year Director.

Adrian Boy Scouts Troop 238 left for scout camp in Osceola on Monday, July 4. Front row: Pam Olive, Denton Cunningham, Myles Stone, Trenton Bagby, Kenton Deems. Back row: Alan Shatto, Chas Greife, Justin Deems, Chance Gregory, Landon Elmer, Zach Doty, Nick Engelhardt, James Wood, Chris Sullins, Caleb Huntsman, Tanner Thomas, Spencer Kimberlin, Debi Thomas, Will Halliburton, Scott Bagby, Doug Wood. Not pictured: Chase Newport, Kevin Nelson.

The Adrian Lions Club held a drawing for shoppers at their fireworks stand on Monday, July 4. Winning the 6-foot Big Bang Fireworks is Tracie Wolford of Butler, pictured right. Drawing the prize is longtime Adrian Police Officer Hershel Cole, pictured far right. Holding the drawing box is Lions Member Donita Ruch.

Adrian R-III Teacher Kelsi Kershner offered an interesting way for her 4th and 5th graders to learn more about Language Arts by utilizing The Adrian Journal during summer school. Everyone at The Adrian Journal is proud to share in their academic success.

By MELINDA ELMER

Edna Alberta Saylor, 94, Adrian, MO, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11:45 p.m. at Adrian Manor. Her family was with her to comfort her during a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian, officiated by Rev. Paul Burhart, Adrian Christian Church, with visitation from 10:00-10:30 a.m. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 9 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Adrian Public Library or Heartland Hospice.

Jessie Mae Bartimus, age 95 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born August 15, 1915 to Oscar William and Jessie Mae Creach McCain in Almon, Missouri.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Burial was at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 5 in the Little Niangua Cemetery in Preston, MO with Rev. Terry Gentry officiating. Contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Butler or Olive Point Baptist Church, Preston, MO.

Cecil Glenn Cummings passed away Saturday, June 25, 2011 at the Bates County Memorial Hospital at the age of 86. Glenn was the youngest child of Hiram and Gertie Cummings.

A funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2011 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Butler with Shannon Gepford presiding. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Memorial contributions in memory of Glenn are suggested to Happy Hill Church of God, or Bates County Home Health, in care of the funeral home.

Frances L. Anderson of Drexel, MO passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, June 30, 2011. Frances was a wonderful mother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Visitation was from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 2 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Marilyn Niemeyer presiding. Burial followed in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial contributions in memory of Frances are suggested to the American Cancer Society, and may be left in care of the funeral home. 

Billy Joe Smith, age 77 of rural Adrian, Missouri formerly of Napolean, Missouri passed away peacefully Thursday, June 23, 2011 at his home in Adrian and went to be with the Lord. He was born June 13, 1934 to Layton Doss and Corda Eurie Johnson in Taney County, Missouri.

Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 27, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Richard Hubbard officiating. Interment was at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 24 at Buckner Hills Cemetery, Buckner, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Steven Eugene Knox, 58, Kansas City, MO, died Monday, June 27, 2011 at his home. Memorial services were held Friday, July 1, 2011 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Adrian. (Cremation).

By SHARON KIESEL

Last weekend’s 33rd Annual WMAT&MA Steam and Gas Engine Show, as have shows in the past, was successful and lots of fun for everyone. There was still plenty to see and do all three days. During the time between the shoot and the huge Parade of Power on Saturday, there was a small civil war re-enactment involving Civil War era clad ‘soldiers’.

By SHARON KIESEL

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for June is Ritter Appraisals, Inc. The business was founded in 1985 with an office in Adrian, located on Main Street. In 1991, owners Larry and Linda Ritter, moved the business to 2118 Royal Street in Harrisonville.

By SHARON KIESEL

“I’m going to miss all of it, really. And the feeling of getting up every day and have the chance to help people every day,” said Kris Jenkins. “I will miss my co-workers and the community.” Kris has worked for 38 years for the University of Missouri Extension Office, located in the Bates County Courthouse. When she first began in 1973, she replaced Coraellen O’Neil who had just retired.