A Year in Review - Remembering 2011
By SHARON KIESEL
In last week’s issue of The Adrian Journal, the first three months of 2011 reflected some good highlights as well as interesting ones within the Adrian community. This week highlights the remainder of 2011. As we look back at the past year, do you remember?
April - Adrian R-III and Archie R-V schools receive Accreditation with Distinction honor on March 28. The Adrian Business Expo was an overwhelming success and showcased many local businesses. Margaret Cawood, Adrian, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 18.
May - The death of Osama Bin Laden tops headline news here and around the world. Former students and teachers return to Adrian for Alumni Weekend, as the 65th Annual Adrian High School Meeting took place Saturday, May 7. Adrian High School student Nick Case was named as the 2011 Valedictorian and Megan Lewis was named as the Salutatorian.
June - Area citizens “filled the boot” during the Adrian Fire Department’s fund drive to help victims of the deadly Joplin tornado. Area citizens contributed $10,100, which was presented to the Joplin Salvation Army by the Adrian Fire Department. Adrian Optimist Club honors Adrian Elementary Teacher Wendy Cogbill and Secondary Teacher Erin Huckaby as R-III Teachers of the Year. A large crowd of people turned out for the 33rd Annual WMAT&MA Show.
July - The Adrian Optimist Club names charter member Jay Rugg as the 2011 Independence Day Parade Grand Marshal. The Optimists host the First Annual Bull Buckout as part of the July 4th festivities. The City replaces new water lines on Main Street. Trenton Tallman, Adrian, is the owner of this year’s Bates County Fair Grand Champion Hog. The cross bred hog weighed in at 220 pounds.
August - Adrian Lions Club donates $1,000 to Adrian Little League Baseball. Yoss Thriftway donates $2,732.78 to the Adrian PTO.
Adrian High School ranks number eight out of 531 high schools in the State of Missouri. The Adrian City Park gets new bleachers. Beta Sigma Phi canvassed the area on August 29 to collect food for the Bates County Food Pantry.
September - Adrian Firefighters honored by Governor Nixon for volunteer work the department did in Joplin following the deadly tornado that devastated that city in May. Adrian remembers the September 11 attack on American soil that occurred 10 years ago. The Adrian Fire Department hosted a processional and a memorial service. Thirty-eight donors yield 30 good units of blood during the American Red Cross Bloodmobile Drive on September 6. The City of Adrian received a grant from the Quad-Lakes Solid Waste Management and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to purchase seven recycling trailers and to establish a convenient drop recycling center behind Adrian City Hall.
October 6 - The Adrian City Hall renovations are completed. On behalf of the Adrian Optimist Club, President Mike Burris accepts an unexpected WEMO District Optimist Award. Adrian High School Homecoming King and Queen are Gunnar Morrow and Molly Still. Adrian High School Senior Alexis LaBat named to All State Choir. Adrian Lady Blackhawks raised $600 to fight cancer, October 18.
November - Adrian Firefighters talked with kids at the Adrian School about fire prevention and safety. Four students and many area emergency personnel participated in a mock motor vehicle crash near the Adrian School. Adrian High School Senior Kortney Eidson wins the DAR Essay Contest. Local veterans are honored during a special assembly at the Adrian R-III School. The Adrian Community Christmas Cantata Choir performed at the Community Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, November 13.
December - Cold and rain earlier in the day contributed to low attendance but the Second Annual Adrian Christmas Parade still brought many participants and winter-clad spectators to Main Street for the fun event. Adrian Optimists break ground for a new addition to the existing building. Adrian R-III School to end gender-specific classes after receiving a letter from the ACLU threatening legal action. Adrian City Council approved new sewer rate change effective January 1, 2012. The Christmas issue of The Adrian Journal features many letters to Santa and hand-drawn ads by student artists.
As this old year ends and a new year unfolds, there are changes in store for everyone. Many of those changes will be full of promise, and other changes, perhaps not so good. Take time to reflect on what you have and count your blessings. As we go forth into 2012, do so with courage and hope. The staff at the Adrian Journal wish you and yours all the best in the new year.
See this week's issue of The Adrian Journal for a full 2011 review.
Right: The R-III Drama Department presents “Aladdin,” performed by two different casts in April.
Middle: Tracy Rugg was the 2011 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal. He received a flag from State Representative and Adrian Optimist Barney Fisher.
Far right: Santa leads the Adrian Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade with Larry Cumpton’s horses.