Monthly Archive

As 2011 comes to a close, five month old Blake Pierce rings in the new year with his parents, Derek and Kyla Pierce, and sister Berkleigh, Adrian. Ringing in 2012 with Blake are: Grandparents David Hubbard, Adrian, MO; Joey and BettyAnn Bailey, Adrian, MO; and Jerry and Alice Pierce, Poplar Bluff, MO; and Great Grandparents Lila Gunn, Adrian, MO; and Gladys Morgan, Fisk, MO.

By SHARON KIESEL

The Adrian Elementary 4th Grade teachers and their students orchestrated a food drive for the holidays. With donations from students in grades K-5, they collected 600 items to be donated to the Adrian Food Pantry. Last Tuesday the 4th grade made their way from the school to the Adrian Food Pantry with wagons filled with food. The Adrian Food Pantry is open the first and third Friday of each month. The next date for food pickup is January 6.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be here on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 1-6 p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building. Donors must be 17 years of age and weigh at least 110 pounds and feeling well the day of donation. High school students and anyone 18 or younger must meet additional height and weight requirements. There is no upper age limit.

The Adrian Middle School Students of the Month for November and December are pictured left to right: Trenton Bagby, Derek Greer, Sydney Kidwell, Tori Adams, Taylor Edmiston and Blake Doody.

Third Grade Teacher Erin Hooper’s students memorized poems and shared them with other students, parents and teachers before winter break. Pictured are - Front row: Xander Crable, Lucas Rowe, Madison Edgehill, Jocelyn Reynolds, Haley Dwyer, Kealee Daragona, Daniel Shatto, Zander Cruz. Back row: Thomas Amos, Zane Hammon, Tony Scaletty, Gavin Hale, Case Doody, Grant Stacy, Jayke Welcher, Gradey Gregg, Cole Ritter, Camden Hraygil.

Robbie Barnes has been selected Employee Of The Year 2011 at Bates County Memorial Hospital. Robbie has been employed at the hospital since June, 1992. She works as a Cashier in the Patient Accounts Department. Robbie is often the person our patients come in contact with to pay their hospital bills. Although she may deal with patients who are not always happy, Robbie maintains her composure professionally and respectfully. Robbie is a very dedicated and compassionate employee of BCMH. She shows respect and concern towards her fellow employees.

Mark Ortiz, son of Pablo and Brenda Ortiz recently graduated IHM Health Studies Center Paramedic Course as top student and second person in program history to achieve the highest possible score. Mark is employed by Belton Fire Department and active in the Adrian Fire Department.

submitted by a proud Grandma

Mary Elva Burton, age 85 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Merriam, Kansas. She was born December 24, 1925 to Francis Urvin and Alpha Berkebile Taylor in Ballard, Missouri.

Funeral services were Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Dave Owsley, Rev. Art Ellsworth and Mike Humphrey officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions, Ohio St. United Methodist Church.

Fred West, age 78, of Adrian, Missouri died Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Crystal Manor in Adrian. Fred’s wishes were to be cremated and remembered with fond memories.

    Alma Corum passed away quietly on December 14, 2011. She was born on November 19, 1928 on a farm near Adrian, MO.  She was the fourth daughter of John E. and Ona V. Van Eaton. 

    Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 17, 2011 at First United Methodist Church, 5413 Blue Ridge Cutoff, Kansas City, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

To celebrate the completion of the Route 71 Highway and AA/E Interchange, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, December 19.

Pictured left to right: Adrian Mayor Larry Ritter, MODOT District Engineer Becky Baltz, APAC-Missouri Prime Contractor Max Holt of Clinton, MO, Presiding Bates County Commissioner Donna Gregory and State Representative Barney Fisher.

photo courtesy of News xPress

By ANNA LEE JAMES

Just in time for the holidays, veterans are placing bricks at the Lt. Charles Garrison Veterans Memorial. On Friday, December 16, they laid 18 bricks. More bricks will be placed at the Memorial and it is never too late to buy a brick for anyone who has worn the uniform.

On December 14, 2011 Kay Nisely celebrated her retirement from Bates County Memorial Hospital with cake and punch. After 18 years of service, Kay will be enjoying some deserved free time. She began her employment at the hospital on July 28, 1993 where she was hired as a Food Service Worker in the Dietary Department. In August, 1994, Kay transferred to the Laundry Department. Kay worked in Laundry until 1999, and then transferred to the Medical Records Department. Kay has continued to work in Medical Records (or what is now called Health Information Management) as a Clerk.

Reforming the initiative petition process in the state of Missouri was among the policy positions Missouri Farm Bureau members debated at the 97th annual meeting of the organization held December 3-6 at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Bates County Farm Bureau members who participated in the Missouri Farm Bureau annual meeting are pictured: Tammy Rapp, Mike Rapp, Sheila Fischer, Jeff Fischer, Mary Fischer, Kevin Fischer, Sharon Arnold, Bob Arnold, Doug Cox, Jenny Wainscott and Danny Wainscott.

The Bates County Farm Bureau was honored with a Special Project award during the 97th annual meeting of Missouri Farm Bureau at Lake of the Ozarks December 5. Sharon Arnold, Bates County Farm Bureau President accepted the award for the county from Blake Hurst, Missouri Farm Bureau President. Only one special project award is presented in each of the organization’s eight board districts with each winning a $100 cash award. Bates County won for their Thank-a-Farmer Celebration.

Adrian Bank appreciates all their employees for their weekly contributions and customers who made donations towards the 2011 Elf Fund. The bank was able to raise $10,000.00 which provided gifts, clothes and food for seven local families.

The submitted photo are gifts that were distributed from the Adrian Branch. Many gifts were given from the Archie and Butler Branches as well.

The Adrian Varsity Wrestling team took on the Nevada Tigers in a match-up last Tuesday, December 13. The Blackhawks fell short of a victory with a final score of 42-33.

Right: Joe Collins won over his Nevada opponent by fall last Tuesday night at home.

Far right: Christian Graham makes a move on his opponent during the match last Tuesday night against Nevada.

The Adrian Blackhawks wrestling quad meet on January 5th with Butler, Prairie View and Louisburg is at 5:00, not 4:00 and the dual meet with Versailles on February 2nd is at 6:00, not 5:00.

On January 5th when the Blackhawks go to Ballard there will only be Varsity Girls and Varsity Boys and these will start at 6:00. Ballard does not have enough to play JV basketball.

Harry Paul Young, age 87, of Spruce, Missouri died Saturday, December 17, 2011 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri with his wife and son by his side. He was born June 23, 1924 to William and Mary Loretta Charters Young near Spruce, Missouri.

Funeral services were Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Marcus Cumpton and Doug Gibson officiating. Burial in Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri. Contributions to Pleasant Gap Church.

Robert “Bob” L. Page, 80, of Topeka, passed away, Sunday, December 11, 2011. Bob was born January 30, 1931 in Adrian, Missouri the son of Robert L. and Wilma M. (Shelton) Page.

Bob will lie in state after 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 16, at the Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. A funeral ceremony was held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, at the funeral home followed by burial in West Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Homer J. Stone passed away Monday, December 19, 2011 at Missouri Veterans Home, Mt. Vernon, MO. Services will be held Friday, December 23 11:00 a.m. at Walnut Lawn Chapel, 13 Hwy. and Walnut Lawn Street, Springfield, MO. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 22, 5-7 p.m. Interment will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO.

Jesse Ray Landon, age 76 of Liberty, Missouri died Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Liberty Hospital in Liberty. He was born October 25, 1935 to Harry Lee and Ruth Vaughn Landon in Foster, Missouri.

Graveside services were Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Woodfin Cemetery in Foster, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Contributions, Toys For Tots.

Velma Jewell Lawrence, age 82, formerly of Adrian, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the home of her daughter in Springfield, MO. Private family services will be held at a later date. Cremation.

The Adrian City Council met on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 7:00pm at Adrian City Hall. Council members present: Bob Hess, Sue Miller, Mayor Larry Ritter, Richard Corum and Danny Ferguson. Visitors in attendance: Lori Williams, Melisa Newkirk, Mark Griffith, Tom Williams, Vic Selle, Roger Lewis, Kathy Ford, Paul Barbee and Mike Burris. At 7:00pm, Adrian Mayor Larry Ritter called the meeting to order.

Raymond Samuel Harvey was sentenced Monday, December 13, 2011 to 514 years in prison. In a joint statement issued early Tuesday morning, the Bates County Prosecuting Attorney and the Bates County Sheriff said Harvey pleaded guilty to all six counts filed in the initial complaint issued on March 10, 2011. Harvey was sentenced to life without parole on counts one and two of First Degree Murder, 200 years on two counts of Armed Criminal Action, seven years on count five of Statutory Rape and seven years on count six for Arson. These sentences are to run consecutively or one after the other.

by ANNA LEE JAMES

The holiday season is here and we all are thinking of ways to help out those less fortunate and in need at this time of year. By donating blood on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, you will be able to help those in need also. Your help with a donation of blood is greatly appreciated by all those with illness and in need. As you receive that 2012 calendar, mark January 3rd with a big red X. This way you will remember to stop by the Adrian Optimist Building on that day and make a donation. The need never ends and we can always help that need.

The Adrian Blackhawks hosted the Butler Bears varsity boys and girls Friday night, December 9. In the girls game the Lady Blackhawks struggled all four quarters in getting the ball to go through the hoop as the Lady Bears defeated them 55 to 26.

In the first half of play Adrian was outscored 27 to 13 and in the second half 26 to 13. Coach Basore commented, “I thought we played hard for four quarters, but now we need to work on not having silly turnovers.”

The Blackhawk wrestling team is off to a good start with dual wins over Sherwood and Holden on December 1st.

Right: While hunting with her brother Kody Cook, Jessica Paluch, 14, got this nice 8 point buck during youth season. Jessie is the daughter of Thomas and Kendra Holt, Urich, and the late Rick Paluch, Adrian.

Middle: Jeremy Dryden, 14, was hunting with his dad Jim and killed this deer on family property west of Adrian.

Far right: Trevor Thompson of Adrian shot this 9 point buck on his uncle’s land on a pond dam 15 yards away.

By BRANDON BUNCH

The Adrian Optimist Club has determined that it is time to increase the available event space as well as storage for current and future needs.  The current building was built knowing that some day expansion might be a possibility.  The current facilities have been used for youth and community events the past five years. 

By BATES COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

Thursday, December 1, a Bates County jury found 28 year old Christopher Wadel guilty of child sexual abuse and child endangerment. Prosecuting Attorney Hugh C. Jenkins presented the State’s case. Wadel was found guilty on two counts of statutory sodomy, one count of statutory rape and two counts of child endangerment. Wadel was found not guilty on the charge of assault and felony child abuse. Judge James Journey presided over the three day trial.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the sketch drawing of a suspect wanted in the stabbing of a Drexel man on November 25. The victim, Brent A. Scott, 41, Drexel, stated that he was deer hunting on the Friday morning when he was approached by a man described as white, 5’9”, 250 lbs, approximately 30 years old, stocky build, with shaggy brown hair.

Anyone with information on this case should contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at 816-380-5200.

By MICHELE BURRIS

At the beginning of this school year, the Adrian R-III Middle School and High School introduced a new way to help maximize student learning by separating boys and girl in both core and non-core classes. Upset parents forced administrators to take a hard look at the legality of single-sex classes. The initial determination, according to the law, was to provide parents who did not want their children in these classes with an opportunity to notify the administration. Four parents did that, and those students were placed in coeducational classrooms.

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to honor Students of the Month from the Adrian, Miami and Ballard 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, including a student stepping up to a particular task. Each student is honored with a certificate of recognition from the Adrian Optimist Club and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks”.

Josh and Jill Jurgens, Kansas City, MO, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Allison Renee, born October 6, 2011 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Overland Park, Kansas. She weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces.

The maternal grandparents are Jeff and Ronda Strueby, Conception Jct., MO.  The paternal grandparents are Pat and Brenda Jurgens, Archie, MO.

The Adrian Blackhawks varsity basketball squads kicked off the new season with some new faces in the starting lineups. The season traditionally begins with the WEMO Conference Tournament. The boys hit the ground running by logging lopsided victories in the opening rounds before placing second to the Drexel Bobcats. The girls played for the consolation bracket but fell to Osceola in that contest.

Steven Jacobs shot this 8 point buck at his grandpa Joe Jacobs farm near Drexel.

submitted photo

November 17, 2011 Adrian Elks Lodge #2864 held their 3rd Annual Hoop Shoot at Adrian High School Gym. Participating were Brenna Patrick, Braylan Ford, Abbie Johnson, Aaron Cochran, Hunter Steen, Colby Knowles, Colton Hobbs, Gage Steen, Dusty LaRosen, Anna Walley, Brody Ford and Caleb Douty. Winners in each division will shoot at Districts at the Clinton Middle School December 10 and have a chance to shoot at the state level.

submitted photo

Margaret Shobe, age 84 of Butler, Missouri died November 28, 2011 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler. She was born July 17, 1927 to Oliver and Vernes Sweets Shobe in Lincoln, Missouri.

Funeral services were Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Rufus Kelly officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions, Family.

Lela Geraldine “Jerry” Long, 88, of Adrian, MO passed away Sunday, December 04, 2011 at Adrian Manor Nursing Home, Adrian, Missouri, surrounded by her family. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian, officiated by Rev. Chris Snyder, First United Methodist Church, Adrian. Music by Lu Hooper, vocalist and Carolyn Yoss, organist. Burial was in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, Adrian, MO or to Heartland Hospice.

Karen Fay Hurt, age 58 of Butler, Missouri died Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at her home in Butler. She was born August 6, 1953 to Gordon and Laura Resz Mathis in Butler.

Memorial services were 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2011 at Butler First Baptist Church with Dr. Terry Davis officiating.

Betty Jane Christiansen, 72, Harrisonville, MO, died Friday, December 2, 2011 at her sister’s home in Independence, MO. Memorial services were held Monday, December 05, 2011 at Speaks Chapel in Independence, MO. Private inurnment was held Tuesday, December 5, 2011 in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO. (Cremation).

Mary Eileen Barnhill, age 87 of Amoret, Missouri died Saturday, November 26, 2011 surrounded by her loving family. She was born September 27, 1924 to Marion Grover and Olive Ellen Judy Hedger in Amsterdam, Missouri.

Funeral services were Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Alan Black and Kevin Black officiating. Burial, Virginia Cemetery, Virginia, Missouri. Contributions, American Cancer Society.

A Memorial Mass for Patricia “Patsy” Sue Baehr, age 76, Branson, MO, was held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church of Branson with Fr. Phil Conlon and Fr. Rick Jones officiating.