Monthly Archive

Caleb Shanks of Adrian (holding trophy) attended the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Missouri State Wrestling Tournament this past weekend. The tournament was held on the campus of the University of St. Louis at the Chaifetz Arena. Caleb finished first and is the Schoolboy 105 lbs. Missouri AAU State Champion. Caleb is also wrestling on a Team Missouri dual team that will compete at the AAU Middle School National Duals in Indianola, IA in April.

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The 4th, 5th and 6th grade boys little league basketball teams traveled to Drexel this past weekend to compete in the year end tournament. Jeff Ford’s 4th grade team finished the year undefeated by winning against Midway, Archie and Butler to claim this year’s championship. Brandon Bunch’s team, plagued by sickness, defeated Miami, lost to Butler and beat Archie to claim the 3rd place slot.

On Saturday, February 25, the Adrian Youth Wrestling 6U and rookie wrestlers headed to St. Joseph, MO for the 6U/Rookie State Tournament. Pictured are nine of the 13 wrestlers attending. Front row: Gavin Miller, Madyson Shaffer, Miles Humbird, Walker Watts. Back row: Devon Keyton, Lucas Rowe, Grant Stacey, Bryce Deardorff, Michael McCoy. Not pictured: Christian Andrews, Dominick Andrews, Jacob Crawford and Kellen Preston.

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Kansas State University architectural engineering student is being honored for his leadership, scholarship abilities and potential service in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration industry. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, also known as ASHRAE, awarded a scholarship to Cody Knuth, Adrian, Mo., senior in architectural engineering.

Presenting him the scholarship is Amber Myers Crosley (Cody’s cousin), Licensed Mechanical Engineer, and member of the K-State ASHRAE Alumni Chapter.

Adrian Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Pack 238 and Troop 238, and their families, joined together with scout leaders to observe Scout Sunday on Feb. 12, 2012. This year’s hosting church was Adrian First Baptist Church, where the group was warmly welcomed. The Scouts gathered for a group picture prior to worship, and include the following: Front row, (L-R) - Trenton Bagby, Ian Apple, Payton Inglis, Collin Lybarger, Isaac Kagarice, Seth Hogue, Trenton Coffman (Butler Cub Scout Pack 237), Trevor Coffman, Logan Lybarger, Ashby Bays, Hunter Nelson, Carson Elmer.

On February 1, 2012 five members of the Adrian Family, Career and Community Leaders of America competed at the FCCLA Region 12 STAR Event Contest held at University of Central MO in Warrensburg, MO. FCCLA members who attended are pictured.
Front row: Josie Lovejoy, Kireston Luptak, Maddie Reynolds. Back row: Bridgete Shelton, Emily Reid, Ali Feris, Caitlin Kimminau.

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Friday, February 10, 2012, Adrian’s FBLA Chapter attended the District Leadership Conference at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.  Students competed in events during the day as well as attending career-related and college exploration workshops. The following is a list of the students that competed and placed in the top 10 for the district: Drew Cochran, Christa Hill, Toni Perrymann, Kortney Eidson, Anna Dickerson, Shelbey Shannon, Austin Pitts and Logan Jennings.

Mary “Nadine” Blackmon, age 90 of Coweta, Oklahoma, formerly of Archie, Missouri died February 22, 2012 at Fort Gibson Nursing Home in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. She was born February 22, 1922 to Earl and Mary Schlotzhauer in Kansas City, Kansas.

Graveside services were Monday, February 27, 2012 at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Harrisonville, Missouri with Malachi Obrien officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church or First Baptist Church of Coweta.

In this tough economic time in the United States of America, businesses are downsizing and citizens are without work. Jason Weeks, a former resident of Adrian, is one of many who have become unemployed because of a poor economy. Three years ago Jason’s lucrative job in the microprocessing industry came to a screeching halt when cuts were made. He began thinking about starting his own business in the video gaming industry.

Young farmers and ranchers from Bates County attended the recent Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Leadership Conference Feb. 10-12. The conference is the largest of its kind in the nation, attracting more than 500 young farmers from throughout the state at the Lake of the Ozark’s Tan Tar-A Resort. The MFB YF&R Conference is hosted by a committee of about 30 young farmers. Those attending from Bates County are pictured. Left to right: Jordan Deal, Andrea French, Haley Wainscott, Preston Wainscott.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The Adrian Blackhawks were on the road Tuesday, February 14 as they traveled to Drexel to take on the Bobcats. In the girls game, Adrian fell to Drexel 39 to 31. Coach Basore commented, “We played hard and defended well.”

In the boys game it was a well played and exciting basketball game and Adrian defeated Drexel 58 to 51. Coach Basore said, “We came out ready to play and the guys did a great job of controlling the tempo of the game.”

The Adrian Blackahwks wrestlers that qualified for state participated in the state tournament Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Dakota Jones placed 4th for the Blackhawks.

Right: Dakota Jones is declared the winner by decision over Jerin Hudgens of Carrollton in Round 1.

Middle: Joe Collins

Far right: Jon Melton

The Adrian Optimist Club hosts bingo every Monday night at 7:00pm at the Adrian Optimist building. This week, two lucky bingo players won the big jackpot. Sharing the winnings are Jacque Underwood (right) and Donna Payne (far right).

Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson talked to Adrian Cub Scouts from Pack 238 on Monday, February 20 at the Bates County Sheriff’s Office. Front row: Tony Scaletty, Hunter Talley, Gunner Turner, Brantley Dennison. Middle row: Drew Burris, Aaron Cochran, Jayke Welcher, Jayden Reitz, John Wackerman, Kellen Preston, Zach Turner, Camden Hragyil. Back row: Sheriff Deputies George Turner, Justin Corbin and Justin Shaffer; Scout Leader Ronnie Dennison; and Sheriff Chad Anderson.

After a mild start to the winter, the first snowfall of 2012 found Main Street empty, people with shovels and kids building snowmen. Last year’s unusually high volume of snow accounted for many school and business closings. An easier winter is welcomed relief.

By ANNA LEE JAMES

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be in Adrian Tuesday, March 6 from 1:00 - 6:00p.m. at the Adrian Optimist Building. All types of blood are in need and if you are at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and feeling well that day, you can be a donor. If you have never tried to donate blood, now is a good time to start. There are a few questions to answer and all the nurses are very kind and good. Volunteers also help to make the process easier. Make it a leisure experience and you will wonder why you haven’t done it before.

In overtime, the Adrian Blackhawks boys basketball team claimed a 62-56 win against Barstow Knights, becoming the first team in school history to win the Midway Tournament. The Blackhawks began participating in this tournament in 1999.

The tournament champs are pictured. Front row: Brendin White, Ricky Gelosa, Rian Lewis, Drew Scott, Dillon Tenholder and Austin Pitts. Back row: Assistant Coach Matt Davis, Eric Moles, Harrison Wainwright, Drew Cochran, Ethan Weeks, Tyler Bohannon, Alix Wilson and Head Coach Tyson Basore. See story and pictures on page 6.

By JULIE NEWSOME

January is a busy month for Jr High and High school music students. Opportunities are available for those who aspire to excel and compete for positions of honor with other students throughout the district and state. Many Adrian music students were among those who earned positions in music honor groups.

On January 6th and 7th, Alex Apple (clarinet) and Emily Reid (flute) attended the high school All-District band clinic at UCM. They auditioned back in November 2011 for a seat in one of the two bands.

Each year, Adrian’s VFW Post 1935 sponsors two essay contests: “Patriot’s Pen” for grades 6 - 8, and “Voice of Democracy” for grades 9 - 12. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three essay writers in each contest. Winning essays will be submitted to the VFW regional level, and winners of that level will go onto the national level.

Right: The VFW “Patriot’s Pen” winners are pictured. Front row: Jordan Brooks, first place; Lauren Shipley, third place. Back row: VFW members Don Durbin, Bob Hess and William Reitz. Not pictured: Sara Geringer, second place.

The Adrian Blackhawks wrestling team participated in districts last Saturday and had six wrestlers that qualified for state. Adrian finished in 4th place out of 16 teams. The following are state qualifiers and will compete at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: Dakota Jones, Joe Collins, Christian Schlotman, Vince Romi, Jon Melton and Christian Graham.

The District tournament was held at Knob Noster. Christian Graham defeated Wesley Davidson of Versailles 3-1 in the finals to capture a District gold.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks were seeded 6th in the annual Midway Tournament held last week. On Tuesday, February 7 Adrian fell in the first round, 23 to 36 against the #3 seed KC Lutheran Lady Knights. Coach Basore said, “I thought we defended well. We just have to find a way to score now.”

Eileen Shields, age 80 of Appleton City, Missouri formerly of Butler, Missouri died Friday, February 10 2012 at her daughter’s home. She was born January 5, 1932 to Edward David and Christina Beulah Bell Jaerger in Council Grove, Kansas.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Randy Veatch officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the family.

Robert “Bob” Leroy Zellmer, age 91 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Willow Lane Nursing Center in Butler. He was born October 4, 1920 to William Christian and Mary Sophia Meislahn Zellmer in Thayer, Iowa.

Funeral services were Sunday, February 12, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Rev. Chris Snyder officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Butler Senior Center.

Dorothy Elizabeth Herrell, age 94 of Butler, Missouri died Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Adrian Manor in Adrian, Missouri. She was born November 27, 1917 to John and Philomena Thresa Putthoff Goebel in Germantown, Missouri.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father John Bolderson officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions, Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society.

The Adrian Blackhawks hosted the Archie Lady Whirlwinds on Tuesday, January 31. In the girls contest Adrian fell to Archie 44 to 31. Coach Basore said, “I thought we defended well against a very talented Archie team.”

In the boys game Adrian defeated Archie 60 to 50. “We did a really good job of running our offense and got good shots” said Coach Basore.

On Wednesday, February 1 Adrian hosted the Sherwood in non conference play. The Lady Blackhawks were defeated 55-22.

On Tuesday, January 31 the Adrian Blackhawks wrestling team traveled to Harrisonville where they wrestled against Harrisonville and Grain Valley.

Adrian lost to Harrisonville 42-21. The Wildcats are the 6th ranked team in Class 2. They also lost to Grain Valley 52-18, the 4th ranked team in Class 2.

  On Thursday, February 2, the Blackhawks honored their seniors on Senior night as they hosted Versailles. Adrian won the contest 42-32. They won all but 3 matches.

On Saturday, February 4 Adrian participated in the Belton Tournament and finished in 5th place as a team.

About 12% of registered Bates County voters were expected to go to the polls for the Presidential Preference Primary Election on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. The unofficial results show that Barack Obama had the most votes for the Democratic Party (120 votes) and Rick Santorum had the highest number of votes for the Republican party (289).

Pictured: Florence Phillips casts her vote.

Courtwarming for Archie High School was last Friday. This year’s queen is Stefani Simms, junior. The king is Senior Aaron Mills.

photo by Carrie Lewis

By ASHTON MCDANIEL

On February 4, 2012, for the first time, Adrian High School hosted the Vex Robotics tournament. This was the first one of the year in the State of Missouri. There were 15 teams with two members each coming from Adrian, Clinton, and Kansas City.

Adrian Cub Scout Pack 238 held its annual Blue & Gold Banquet last Saturday at the Optimist Building. With a Hawaiian theme, the scouts and their families enjoyed a luau (potluck dinner). After the luau, the cub scouts were rewarded for their achievements during advancement ceremonies and awards presentations.

The Adrian Optimist Club is pleased to honor Students of the Month from the Miami, Ballard 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. Each student is honored with a certificate of recognition from the Adrian Optimist Club and $20.00 in Adrian Chamber of Commerce “Chamber Bucks”. This month the students receiving this honor are: Emily Nieder, Miami; Amber Doty, Ballard; Kaley Keating, Adrian.

On February 1st, Miami R-1 competed in the FCCLA Regional STAR Events at the University of Central Missouri. The chapter prepares for this event all year by completing community service projects and projects to bring awareness on specific topics to the school and community. This year there were 10 competing students from Miami R-I and 2 assisting students. These students were awarded a gold medal and will be competing in the state STAR Events in Columbia on March 25-27th: Makayla Fuqua and Jaclyn Crawford. Congratulations and good luck at state Makayla and Jaclyn!

The Adrian Elks Lodge has changed locations. They are directly across the street from their former location in what used to be Old 71 Cafe. They invited the community to an Open House to see what they’re doing at the new facility and to share more about their service organization.

Adrian FFA will be celebrating National FFA Week February 18-24, 2012. This week gives members a chance to educate the public about agriculture. During the week, chapters host business appreciation breakfasts, competitions, and speak to the public about agriculture.

Adrian National FFA Week Schedule:

The University of Missouri-St Louis (UMSL) has awarded the Chancellor’s Certificate in Public Administration: Finance Master offered by the Graduate school and the Division of Continuing education to Jim Platt Collector/Treasurer of Bates County MO.

On January 9-27 Adrian R-3 PK-5th grade students participated in the Pennies for Patients Program. This program helps to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Each student received a collection box to take home to collect whatever spare change they wanted. The students brought the money they had collected to the classroom and totaled it every week. A goal of $500.00 was set for the school and it was surpassed with a total of $1,549.75. The 4th grade in three classes collected over $700.00.

Velma Cherry, age 102 of Butler, Missouri died Saturday, February 4, 2012 at her home in Butler surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 14, 1909 to Albert Murray and Carona Vernetta Paden Good in Cherryvale, Kansas.

Funeral services were Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Brother Bill Perkey officiating. Burial, Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Missouri. Contributions may be made to the Heartland Hospice.

Celestine “Sally” C. Potter, 96, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Medicalodge of Butler in Butler, MO. Funeral services were held Friday, February 3, 2012 at the Atkinson Chapel in Adrian, MO, officiated by Rev. Chris Snyder, First United Methodist Church, Adrian. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio Street Methodist Church, Butler, MO.

Ilene Ladene Miller, age 90 of Peculiar, Missouri died Friday, January 27, 2012 at her home in Peculiar. She was born May 22, 1921 to Roy and Laphema Rogers Herrell in Montrose, Missouri.

Funeral services were Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Minister Robbie Musick officiating. Private Family Burial in Ninety-Six Cemetery, LaCygne, Kansas. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Butler Senior Center in memory of Ilene Miller.

Charles Lee Robertson, age 80 of Butler, Missouri, formerly of Albany, Missouri died Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Maple Senior Living in Butler. He was born November 22, 1931 to Stanley Porter and Thelma Irene Pearman Robertson in Gentry County, Missouri.

Funeral services were 11 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Dr. Terry Davis officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler. Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, Alzheimer’s Association or American Diabetes Association.

Joyce Ann (Allen) Essenpries, age 53, passed away suddenly on February 4, 2012 at her home in Adrian, MO. Joyce was born on July 14, 1958 in Butler, MO to Donald and Pat Allen.

Graveside cremation service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joyce Essenpries Memorial Fund c/o Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, MO.

by Shelby Shannon, Stuco Public Relations Officer

On Saturday, January 28, 15 Adrian High School Student Council members were “freezin’ for a reason” at the Polar Plunge. The students ran into the 38 degree waters of Longview Lake to benefit over 15,000 special needs athletes that participate in the Special Olympics. The High School Student Council raised $840.00 to donate to Special Olympics Missouri. The money donated was raised from homecoming t-shirt sales, polar bear icon sales, Mr. Blackhawk competition, courtwarming competitions, and other generous donations.

On Wed, January 18, 2012 three members of Adrian Family, Career and Community Leaders of America traveled to Pleasant Hill, MO for the FCCLA Region 12 Officer Elections. Kireston Luptak and Josie Lovejoy ran for regional offices. Kireston was elected as the Region 12 President and Josie was elected as the Region 12 Vice-President. Maddie Reynolds attended as the Adrian voting delegate.

Pictured left to right: Josie Lovejoy, Kirsten Luptak and Maddie Reynolds.

The Adrian Chamber of Commerce’s featured business for January is Newkirk Photography. The business is located in the old NAPA building on the former site of the old meat locker, at 11 West Main Street in Adrian. The studio, owned by Hannah Newkirk, shares space with the Willow Creek Group Homes Office, a business owned by Hannah’s mother, Jeanie Stephens.

Archie Elementary students who displayed good manners were named as the Students of the Month. Front row: Spencer Gilbert, first grade; Sylas Deal, kindergarten; Carleigh Debrick, third grade. Back row: Laura Arnold, fifth grade; Cody Staley, sixth grade; Seth Steinbrook, fourth grade; Christian Ward, second grade.

The family of Mary Bashor, R.N. donated a needlework piece that Mary made, to Bates County Memorial Hospital in her name. A ceremony was held at the hospital on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Mary was a night R.N. Supervisor for many years and was respected and loved by all the staff who worked with her. Mary passed away in January, 2011.

The Adrian Lady Blackhawks began the 82nd Annual Archie Tournament with a 6th seed. They took on the 3rd seed Lone Jack Lady Mules Tuesday, January 24. Adrian was defeated 42 to 20. Coach Basore commented, “We came ready to play. We defended well and then we were hit with a box-in-one. I did not have my team prepared for that. Hopefully we will see them again in the Midway tournament and we will be prepared.”

The Adrian Blackhawks Wrestling team participated in the Richmond Tournament on Saturday, January 28. Those placing were:
113 Dakota Jones-3rd place. Pinned the number 6 ranked kid in his weight class.
126 Michael Lopez-3rd place
160 Joe Collins-4th place
170 Christian Schlotman-4th place
182 Vince Romi-2nd place
220 Jon Melton-4th place
285 Christian Graham-2nd place. Finished ahead of 3rd ranked kid in his weight class.

Right to left: Christian Graham, Logan Tallman, Vince Romi

Stacey L. Hodges and Dr. Young Joon Seo were married December 10, 2011, in Warrensburg, Missouri. The Honorable Sue Dodson officiated the double-ring ceremony.  The bride is the daughter of Michael and Helen Hodges of Kingsville, Missouri (granddaughter of the late Johnnie and Ethel Hodges).  The groom is the son of Il Hong Seo and Sin Ja Kim of Seoul, South Korea. The newlyweds reside in Prairie Village, Kansas.

Allen and Flicia Shelton are happy to announce the arrival of their son Hayden Kristofer Bradley Shelton, born January 18, 2012 at 4:50 p.m. He weighed 6 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 18 3/4 inches long. Grandparents are Travis and Edith Stradley.

Frank Bosch V and Amanda Polzin had their fourth baby girl Tuesday, January 24, 5:41 p.m. at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital. Frankie Jo came into the world at 9 lbs. 1 oz. and was welcomed by her three sisters Belle, Aubrey and Mia.

Harold M. Sliffe, age 86 of Archie MO, died Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Adrian Manor Nursing Home in Adrian, MO surrounded by love and family. Harold was born Oct. 27, 1925 on a farm east of Austin, MO, the youngest son of Herbert Maxwell and Bessie Mae (Jennings) Sliffe. His father died when Harold was 15 months old and he was raised by his mother on the farm.

Margaret Ellen (Robey) Wimsatt, 91, of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 24th, 2012. Funeral Services were held at 10 am on Tuesday, Jan. 31st, 2012 at the Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, MO. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler, MO.