Monthly Archive

Shopping, lights, Santa, hot chocolate and a parade have started the 2011 Christmas season off with a bang in Adrian! Last Saturday the Adrian Chamber of Commerce held its 2nd Annual Christmas parade. Kids and adults dressed in winter coats and gloves, lined Main Street to watch the parade entries and collect candy. The parade was led by none other than Santa Claus, with a team of horses courtesy of Larry Cumpton.

Adrian Bank proudly supports the Archie R-V School District. Pictured (L to R) is Adrian Bank CEO Gene Irvin, Archie Superintendent Dr. Sean Smith, and Adrian Bank EVP Cary R. Six.  Mr. Irvin and Mr. Six is shown presenting a sizable donation to Dr. Smith to help purchase the new basketball scoreboard that will be placed in the Archie School’s new gymnasium. 

Jake Whiteside and Mayor Les Whiteside of Archie join Greg Razer of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s office, MoDOT Area Engineer Matt Killion, Shaelyn McClanahan of Congresswoman Vicki Hartzler’s office, Matt Haase of U.S. Senator Roy Blunt’s office, and Charlie Fuller of Kissick Construction Co. at the Route 71 outer road bridge Tuesday morning (11/22) to dedicate the new bridge over the Grand River near Archie.  

Pictured right, Adrian Lions Club - The Adrian Lions Club is decorating for the holidays. They replaced light bulbs and hung lighted Christmas decorations around town. Pictured left to right: Josh Hubbard; Marshall Hunholz, Hunholz Tree Service; and Adrian Lions Club President Derek Pierce.

Ten Adrian Blackhawks football players were named to the All District team. Those being honored were: front row - Brendin White, Austin Williams. 2nd row - Drew Cochran, Ethan Weeks, Rian Lewis. 3rd row - Harrison Wainwright, Christian Schlotman. Back row - Christian Graham, Eric Moles, Joe Collins.

Mark Ortiz of Adrian was hunting Monday, November 21 southwest of Adrian when he shot what he thought was an 8 point buck. After getting to the animal he discovered it was a doe with an 8 point rack. He called the Conservation Department and was told that this was very rare, because most times if a doe has antlers, they are small.

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The Adrian R-III Middle and High Schools introduced something new this year: tribes. Tribes are groups of students in grades 6-8 or 9-12, and each teacher is responsible for their tribe throughout this school year.

Linda West, age 55, Adrian, Missouri, passed away on October 2, 2011. She was born on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1955 on Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan. Linda was the daughter of Fred and Mary Lou West.

A memorial ceremony will be held December 3, 2011 at the Victory Assembly of God Church in Adrian. It is located beside Yoss Thriftway.

Earl Marvin Schapeler, age 84 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, November 24, 2011 at his home in rural Butler. He was born July 27, 1927 to Henry Joseph and Rosa Augusta Lee Schapeler on the family farm near Prairie City, Missouri.

Funeral services were Monday, November 28, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Ron Dunlap officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions, Happy Hill Church of God or Heartland Hospice.

Kenneth Eugene Hill, age 60 of Butler, Missouri died Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. He was born January 23, 1951 to Kenneth Leroy and Josie Arlene Allen Hill in Butler.

Funeral services were Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Pastor Eldon Allen officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to the Children’s Center or March of Dimes.

William “Bill” Mawson, 93, Archie, MO, died Monday, November 28, 2011 at Adrian Manor Nursing Home in Adrian, MO. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 1 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Archie, officiated by Rev. Steve Bartholomew. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Archie FFA Chapter.

Gary Allen Fisher, age 72 of Butler, Missouri died Monday, November 21, 2011 at St. Luke¹s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born June 20, 1939 to Roy Truston and Bonnie Norine Igo Fisher in Sedalia, Missouri.

Funeral services were Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler with Pastor Bud McClesky officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions, Charity of Choice.

By MICHELE BURRIS

The tradition of Thanksgiving dates way back in our nation’s history. For the 26th year, Adrian Elementary Teacher Lori Schmidt’s third graders (pictured) portrayed Pilgrims and Indians who joined together for the first Thanksgiving. When Adrian readers were asked, "What are you thankful for?" they spoke out.

By PEGGY BUHR

The Bates County Museum was one of nineteen organizations throughout the State of Missouri to be awarded a 2011 Richard S. Brownlee Fund Grant to be used for the construction of a permanent exhibit depicting the Battle of Island Mound that occurred in October 1862. On Saturday, November 5th, Museum Director Peggy Buhr and Historical Society President Donna Gregory, traveled to Columbia, Missouri to attend the annual meeting of the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHS) at the Tiger Hotel. The Bates County Museum received the maximum grant amount of $500.

Just before 6:00 p.m. last Friday, Adrian and Butler Fire Departments were dispatched to 203 North Bates Street in Adrian on a report that fire had broken out in an upstairs bedroom. Crews were on the scene about four hours. The residence was occupied by the McDonald family, who escaped without injury.

article/photo courtesy of Bates Live

The Adrian Community Theater (A.C.T.) debuted this past Saturday evening with a production of “Surprise at Sea”, a murder mystery dinner.  Guests were invited to try out their sleuthing skills aboard the Oceana cruise line where multi-millionaire William Blakely met his untimely demise.  Suspects were gathered and the murderer was revealed throughout a five-course Caribbean feast catered by Mackenzie O’Neill and assisted by Liberty Underwood and Kristi Cumpton. 

Eleven year old Kerigan Wimsatt, daughter of Justin and Diane Wimsatt, shot her first doe while hunting with her dad west of town.

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The Adrian Community Christmas Cantata Choir performed at the Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday evening, November 13. They performed a preview of the upcoming Christmas cantata that will be presented on Sunday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Adrian High School Class of 1949 met at Wimfield’s On Main Thursday, November 17. They do this every year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. This year they were also honored to have three members of the Class of 1946 as visitors, Damon Mills, and Melvin and Jeweldine (Johnson) Smith. Class members attending were: Front row - Ruetta (Beard) VanSlyke, Jean (Clark) Stark, Arnold Shelton, Mary Lee (Stark) Oates. 2nd row - Doris (Craft) Boyer, Georgianna (Sutherland) Bellis, Norma (Netz) Mills, Virgil Cummins.

Velma Pauline Evans, age 89, of Mountain Home, Arkansas died Monday, November 14, 2011 at her home in Mountain Home. She was born January 7, 1922 to Franklin Reuben and Unie Stark Hedger in Bates County, Missouri.

Funeral services were Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Lynn Snapp officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions to Hospice of the Ozarks or charity of choice.

Edward Everett “Eddie” Pipes, age 72 of Butler, Missouri died Friday, November 11, 2011 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. He was born March 18, 1939 to Herbert Silas and Beneta Christine Largent Pipes in Butler.

Funeral services were Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to charity of choice.

Veterans Day in Adrian was a time to respect and thank the men and women in the area who have served or are serving in the United States military. The morning began with a short service at the Veteran’s Memorial. Alexis LaBat sang the National Anthem. At the school, veterans were honored at an assembly. Students read, sang or played patriotic essays and music. Mickey Romine, an Army Medic and Ranger in WWII, shared his hiatus in the second World War, and his experience in Italy as a POW.

On November 14, 2011, the Harmony Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) met at the Ohio Street United Methodist Church in Butler to honor seniors from seven area high schools as Good Citizens. The students were selected for this honor by the faculty and senior class of their school. To be chosen they must have demonstrated in their lives, Dependability, Service, Leadership and Patriotism. Each student was presented a certificate recognizing him/her as the Good Citizen representing their school.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

Forty-eight donors showed up to donate blood on Tuesday, November 8 at the Red Cross Bloodmobile in Adrian. Forty-four good units of blood were collected and four donors were deferred for minor reasons.

I apologize for the long wait. The Red Cross, like everyone else, is cutting back and we have to endure the results. I am very sorry and will see what can be done. I would like to thank all the donors for their time and effort on a very gloomy day.

The Adrian Lions Club presented a check for $1,000 to the Adrian Library. David Vanderman of the Adrian Lions Club presented the check to Patricia Pike, member of the Adrian Library Board during the Library fundraiser last Friday night.

By SHARON KIESEL

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for November is the Life Flight Eagle Air Ambulance Services, out of Harrisonville Missouri. The non-profit business is located at 27503 South SR 7, in southern Harrisonville, where it has been since 2000.

The Adrian Student Council (STUCO) hosted the 1st Annual Mr. Blackhawk Show. Nine high school students showed off their talent, formalwear and swimwear to compete for the Mr. Blackhawk title. They were also interviewed by hosts Matt Sears and Sheila Adkins, Adrian High School teachers.

Four judges tallied their votes and named Austin Potter as the 2011 Mr. Blackhawk. A People’s Choice Award was presented to Wyatt Cumpton.

Adding to the show were the Dance Craze Boyz Crew, who performed to “You Gotta Fight for Your Right to Party,” and the AHS drumline.

The Fall Athletic Reception, honoring athletes for softball, volleyball, football, and cheerleading, was held Thursday night, November 10.

Cheer Coach Connie Reynolds recognized the cheerleaders. The Lady Blackhawks softball team was recognized by Head Coach Megan Horton. The varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams were introduced by Head Coach Kelsi Robards and Assistant Coach Jessie McWilliams. Last on the program was the recognition of the football team. Head Coach George Bruto handed out special awards.

Don Comer and Bob Disselhoff were honored for 30 years of dedicated service to the Blackhawks football program at the Fall Athletic Reception Thursday, November 10. Don was honored for his services as stat keeper and Bob was honored for being the Voice of the Blackhawks. Pictured, left to right: Don Comer, Coach George Bruto, Bob Disselhoff.

Adrian’s FBLA hosted a Co-Ed volleyball tournament for 9-12 grade students that had at least two members of the opposite gender on their team.  AHS students put together five teams for tournament action on Saturday, November 12, 2011.  After a fun-filled day of volleyball, the winning team was the Tropics. This team consisted of seniors Jessica Still, Molly Still, Ethan Weeks, Nichole Cogbill, Eric Moles and Harrison Wainwright,

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9 year old Brice Eidson, son of Richie and Tina Eidson, shot this 8 pointer Saturday afternoon while hunting with his dad in Ballard. This was Brice’s first deer.

Tommy Grimsley harvested a nice eight-point buck on opening day of the youth season. Tommy lives in Olathe, Kansas with his father, Tim, and his twin sister, Erin, and is the grandson of Stan and Bev Grimsley of Adrian.

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By MICHELE BURRIS

FCCLA students Brooke Hill, Kortney Eidson, Kaley Keating and Ali Feris spearheaded an accident/crash re-enactment to help Adrian High School students learn about driving safety. They worked closely with Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney, who contacted emergency personnel to participate in the drill.

By MICHELE BURRIS

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake rattled through Prague, Oklahoma last Saturday night. It is reportedly the strongest earthquake in Oklahoma history. It was felt in Adrian and surrounding communities and as far away as Texas, Illinois and Wisconsin.

The earthquake’s epicenter was only 39 miles away from the football game played between Kansas State and Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK. Reported damage from the record-breaking quake includes: cracked walls, fallen knickknacks, a collapsed roof and other minor damage. There were no major injuries reported.

By MIKE BURRIS

The Adrian Blackhawks traveled to Higginsville last Wednesday to take on the Lafayette County Huskers in the first round of the Class 2 playoff football championship bracket. Adrian entered the game as the underdog against the highly ranked Huskers.

The game was played in miserable conditions as rain and gusty winds hammered the players, coaches and fans throughout the night. For everyone who made the trip from Adrian, the game conditions matched the final outcome. Lafayette County defeated the Adrian Blackhawks 47-0, putting an end to the 2011 season.

Adrian Lady Blackhawk Kaitlyn Miller, freshman, was named to the 2nd team, Class 2, District 12 All District team. Kaitlyn commented, “My first year playing high school volleyball was an amazing experience. I grew as a player and learned from the players around me. I can’t wait for the future ahead of me and the team. This season has been wonderful and very fun! This award is just a step towards my future. I hope someday to play volleyball in college. With my team and coach by my side, I think its very possible.”

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to honor Students of the Month from the Ballard, Miami and Adrian schools. Criteria for this honor center on outstanding academic and civic achievement and school spirit. Staff at each of the schools make the selection, and their decision is based on expansion of these criteria.

Right: Jenna Slattery is the Miami student for October. Jenna, the daughter of Dennis and Cathy Slattery, is a Senior. Pictured left to right: Sally Richardson, Miami Principal; Jenna Slattery; and Jerry Ferguson, Adrian Optimist Member.

By KIRESTON LUPTAK

Each month FCCLA holds a chapter meeting where they discuss new and old business, share the treasury report, members participate in activities, listen to speakers and eat delicious food. The meeting held on October 22 in Mrs. Carr’s classroom was the place to be for FCCLA members as well as other members from the organizations at school.

Right: Connor Bridges, age seven, shot his very first deer during Youth Deer Season. He had to belly crawl up a small hill in 18-20 mph wind, at dusk, and shoot from 180 yards away. But he said it was worth it! Connor is the son of Heather and Chris Bridges, of Adrian Missouri.

Far right: Cole Ritter shot his first deer, a 6-pointer, on his grandpa’s farm while hunting with his dad. Cole is the son of Steven and Lori Ritter.

Adrian Middle School Students of the Month are chosen by teachers for academic effort, character and attitudes towards others in class. This month’s Students of the Month are (left to right): Nicholas Preston, 6th grade, son of Josh and Angie Preston; Dakota Plumb, 7th grade, son of Kathy and Mark Plumb; John Collins, 8th grade, son of Bob and Frances Collins. 

Memorial services for Stephen (BamBam) Jones, Sr. will be held November 12, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Adrian, MO with visitation from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Adrian Masonic Lodge Hall. Stephen was born in 1977 and passed away Sunday, October 30th at his home in Adrian, MO.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: The Stephen Jones Fund c/o Adrian Bank, 130 E. Main, Adrian, MO.

The Adrian Lions Club held a pumpkin decorating contest during Sight and Safety Night. This year’s winners are: First Place, Alexa Cook (top left); Second Place, Elyse Evans (top right); and Third Place, Adrian Art Students (pictured right is Art Teacher Ben Palmer and daughter Amelia).

See this week's issue of The Adrian Journal for full Sight and Safety Night coverage.

A short remembrance ceremony and flag raising will be held at the Lt. Charles Garrison Veterans Memorial Friday, November 11th at 7:30am. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. All area veterans are urged to come out and stand together as we all salute our flag.

By JEANNETTE EMERSON

David Hill of the Adrian Branch of Citizens Bank and Jenny Reid of Studio 201 have together provided funding by their companies to purchase an additional computer for the Adrian Community Library and for its patrons. 

This new computer will add Windows 7, Excel, Word and other applications for an updated approach to computing. Patrons needing computer instruction can attend classes at the library on Thursdays from 9:00-11:00. 

Joining the team from Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition are six Adrian volunteers and many from in and around Kansas City. The popular television show chose Joplin as a re-building site. An F5 tornado blasted its way through Joplin last May, and the re-building process has been gradual. With the help of many volunteers, seven houses in one of the most heavily damaged areas of Joplin were constructed.

The newly formed Butler Optimist Club held its charter banquet held on Friday, October 28, 2011, at the Youth Building at the fairgrounds.  Kip Yoss from the Adrian Optimists served as master of ceremonies adding humorous commentary to the event.  

Josh Floyd from the El Dorado Club installed the officers of the Butler Club:  Marcia Rader, President; Mike Hill, 1st Vice President; Brian Schrock, 2nd Vice President; Amy McVey, Secretary; Emily Swaters, Treasurer; and Board Members Tyler Green, Sean Cook, Miles Umstattd, Kacey Chandler, Stacey Lawson, and Rodger Koehn.  

Each year the Adrian Fire Department finds ways to educate the community about fire prevention and fire safety. Last Thursday a team of firefighters talked with students at Adrian Elementary.

Right: Second graders are learning about fire safety.

Far right: Preschoolers are learning about the fire equipment.

By MIKE BURRIS

The Adrian Blackhawks hosted the Butler Bears last Thursday in a much anticipated match-up of two rivals in the final game of district action. Each team entered with a district record of 2-0. Although Adrian had dominated the Bears in recent years, this game ended in Butler’s favor by a score of 13-0.

As time expired in the first half the Blackhawks made the first mistake as a busted play took Butler 70 yards on a catch and run to paydirt. But, a holding penalty on Butler negated the score and both teams headed to the break scoreless.

Nine Blackhawks were named to the WEMO All-Conference Football Team. Front row: Austin Williams and Brendin White. Second row: Drew Cochran, Christian Schlotman and Ethan Weeks. Third row: Eric Moles and Rian Lewis. Back row: Christian Graham and Joe Collins.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks traveled to El Dorado Springs Wednesday night for the second round of districts. They went up against the host Lady Bulldogs in hopes of moving on to the championship. It was not to be as Adrian was defeated in two games, 25-19, 25-21. The Lady Blackhawks ended their season with an overall record of 39-30. Coach Robards commented, “The girls played very well tonight. We took the lead early in the first game but we were unable to capitalize on it and get the win. The girls never quit and played hard to the end.

Adrian Lady Blackhawk Kaitlyn Miller, freshman, was named to the 2nd team, Class 2, District 12 All District team.

After 41 years of service, Sue Clark has retired from Bates County Memorial Hospital. Sue has worked in the Accounting Department throughout her years of employment. Sue’s absence will be greatly missed as she has always demonstrated an incredible work ethic and loyalty to the hospital. The commitment she has shown to the hospital is reflected in her 41 years of full-time service. Sue has a wealth of knowledge in her position as she passes the torch to new staff. Sue and husband, Jerry, reside in Adrian where they raised their family.

The family of Darryl and Sue McClellan invite you to participate in the joyous celebration of their parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary. A reception will be held on Saturday, November 5th, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Community First Bank, 915 W. Fort Scott Street, Butler, MO.

Chris was born July 16, 1995 in Omaha, Neb. After a long battle, he passed away October 27, 2011 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City. Chris was a lifelong resident of Drexel, MO.

Visitation was held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 30, 2011 at the north gymnasium in Drexel Schools. Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Mike Harenza officiating. Burial followed in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Contributions are suggested to a scholarship fund in memory of Chris and may be made payable to Drexel RIO.

Ronald Dee Bodenhamer, 70, of Kansas City, MO went home to be with his Lord on October 24, 2011. His memorial service was held on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 at McGilley Midtown Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to The Hope Family Care Center, 3027 Prospect, Kansas City, MO 64128.

Nancy Ellen Schmidt, age 61 of Amoret, Missouri died Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at her home in Amoret. She was born January 19, 1950 to Harry Otis and Olinea Nadine Chamberlain Wisdom in Worland, Missouri.

Memorial services were Saturday, October 29, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Tom Mitchell officiating. Inurnment in Green Valley Cemetery, Pleasanton, Kansas. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Duard Arthur “Bud” Myers Jr., age 75 of Butler, Missouri died Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born September 15, 1936 to Duard Arthur Sr. and Myrtle Bowen Myers in Independence, Missouri.

Funeral services were Monday, October 24, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Pat McGuire officiating. Burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions, Virginia Mission Church.