Monthly Archive

The Drexel Public Library held a fun bash for the summer reading program gang last Monday. The back yard was filled with games of chance and skill. Taylor Nickell, pictured, shows off his prize from the bean bag toss while others try to get as lucky! Jacob Morris, also pictured, receives a helping hand from Carol Shumate as he tries his luck with the ‘Ants-a-Marching’ game. Tickets were redeemed for cool prizes, so no one left without some treats! Ice cream, cookies and drinks were also served.

The Drexel R-IV School Board held their regular monthly meeting on July 21, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Media Center.

By MIKE DIRLAM,
President, Cass County Concerned Citizens
Did you ever wonder why so many problems arise from ordinances and laws that weren’t clearly thought out and discussed with citizens? Here is an example:
"Kennel Breeding:  Any building, structure or use of land where more than four dogs or four cats are kept for purposes of breed­ing, raising, or as pets”

Luke Bartholomew, 14, son of Darin and Robin Bartholomew of Drexel, participated in his first Junior National Hereford Expo the week of July 12-19 in Kansas City, MO. Luke took two of his heifers to exhibit at the Expo. He was among 600 other exhibitors and 1,400 head of cattle. While at the Expo, Luke and his sister Jenna participated in several other activities including the opening ceremonies on Monday evening. The opening ceremony was when all the exhibitors from each state walked in together with their flags representing their states. Luke and Jenna also. . .

By WAYNE HARRIS,
Secretary, Drexel Lions Club
At the Drexel Lions Club meetings in July the success of the Independence Day celebration was discussed at length along with some ideas and suggestions about what could be done to make next years’ 50th annual celebration better than ever.  There was discussion about the possibility of having a motorcycle race again next year.  With Harper Cycle Works on board again to sponsor the race, it was decided to move forward on this.
Since most members of the club were too busy. . .

Spc. Joshua Moore is pictured above working with local students in Ferizaj, Kosovo as part of his duties as a LMT 5 Team Member. Spc. Moore is part of the Missouri National Guard and is deployed in Kosovo with Task Force LMT. When not deployed. . .
Read the complete story in the July 31, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

The Drexel Public Library Story Time gang still has the ole 'Reading Bug' even though the summer reading program is officially over! After listening to several fun stories during story hour last week the kids stamped out bugs by the dozens!

Dancers from The Dance Craze in Adrian, Missouri just returned home from the Stage One National Championships held at the University of Texas, Arlington July 8-14.  The dancers did a great job and brought home a ton of awards!  The Dance Craze competed seven routines total and also competed in the photogenic competition.
The Power Starlettes, the youngest of the dancers to attend from The Dance Craze, competed two team routines in the petite division, a pom routine to “Hey Mickey and a jazz routine to “Little Red Rappinghood”.  Both routines received. . .

The Drexel Summer baseball teams took the league by storm this year as all three boys teams took a first place finish in their
division. The third and fourth grade boys ended their season taking first place after defeating the Adrian Blackhawks at Midway. Those involved on the third and fourth grade boys baseball team, pictured above left, are, back row, left to right: Coach Jan Hathcock, Coach Tim Eastwood and Coach Tesa Deel. Middle row, left to right:
Michael Strange, Chandler Eastwood, Trevor Gunnels, Hayden Parks and Gannon Hathcock. Front row, left to right: Hunter Deel,

Great Plains Energy (NYSE: GXP) announced the completion of its acquisition of Aquila, Inc. (NYSE: ILA). Beginning July 14, 2008, Aquila’s Missouri electric utility business will operate under the brand name of Great Plains Energy’s subsidiary, KCP&L.
“Today is an important day for our region,” announced Michael Chesser, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Great Plains Energy. “Our acquisition of Aquila will create significant savings for both Aquila and KCP&L customers. In today’s rising-cost environment, this transaction is just one part of our plan to maintain. . .

Since being notified of receiving the Missouri Preschool Project grant, Drexel R-IV district administration has been working excitedly towards establishing program parameters and ordering the required supplies necessary for implementing the Project Construction Curriculum.
“Please understand the preschool is still in the planning phase,” says Jeff Levy, Elementary Principal, “and no enrollment can be taken until. . .
Read the complete story in the July 24, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

Missourians can soon enjoy, not one, but two sales tax holidays. The first is coming up in next week, on August 1 to 3. The other won’t occur until April, 2009. This second tax holiday was just signed into effect this past week, by Missouri Governor, Matt Blunt. It is so new, and special, that Missouri is only the fourth state in the Union to have it, following the states of Connecticut, Florida and Virginia.
In Missouri, it is called the Show-Me Green Tax Holiday and there will be. . .
Read the complete story in the July 24, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

Free athletic physical night for the 2008-2009 school year will be August 7, 2008, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Drexel Medical Clinic. A mandatory meeting for ALL athletes and parents to go over athletic handbook will be held August 7, 2008 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the north gym.

Brenda Arnold, Drexel, MO, daughter of Bob and Sharon Arnold was crowned the 2009 Bates County Fair Queen Saturday night during the Little Britches Rodeo. She was sponsored by the Adrian FFA, Woodland 4-H, and the Bates County Junior Cattlemen Association. Bridgete Shelton, Rich Hill, daughter of Lena Shelton and Bernie Wyman, was crowned Princess. She was sponsored by Katy’s Salon and Champlan’s Trucking. Brenda’s sales totaled. . .
Read the complete story in the July 24, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

From left to right, Tyler Allen, Javyn Johnston, Chris “The Bull” Moles and Jacob Antley (not pictured) were chosen to play on the South 71 All Star Team this year. Congrats!

Team players of the D.Y.S.A. 3rd and 4th grade softball team were: front row, left to right, Shawnee Still, Kendall Hadley, Tayler. . .
Read the complete cutline in the July 24, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

The Hill Sandgreen Golf Course in Drexel hosted the Junior Golf Tournament on Saturday, July 19, 2008 with seven participants. The tournament for 12-17 year olds was sponsored by the Drexel Golf Association.
The first flight winners were. . .
Read the complete story in the July 24, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today.!

Four generations of the Gillogly family gathered from near and far for their 41st annual reunion last Sunday. Forty-three cousins and friends enjoyed a potluck dinner at Fox Hall in Louisburg. The oldest family members attending included Harold Gillogly, 98, of Drexel, and Laura Mae Eggleston, 93, of Louisburg. Sean Patrick MacIvor, two months, of Singapore, was the youngest attendee.
The Gilloglys came from County Fermanagh, Ireland to Pennsylvania in 1806, then to Ohio by...
Read the complete story in the July 24, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

Hey, it’s the Orkin bug man! Eric Proctor of the Orkin Extermination Company visited the Drexel Public Library on Monday. He even brought some friends with him! No, they are not reading bugs. . . they are Madagascar Cockroaches! Eric also brought a tarantula and a scorpion to share with the kids. Also pictured, Ethan Nickell of Drexel tries his hand with the frog toss game he made during the summer reading program craft period.

On Tuesday, June 24th, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., a meeting was held at the Drexel City Hall with Police Chief Jon Carpenter, Reserve Sgt. Richard Behrend, Mayor Kenny Reece, Alderman Sue Bush Wishon and Alderman Doug Musick present. The call for the meeting was to discuss written and signed affidavits alleging Behrends involvement in inappropriate conduct between himself and three teenage girls two weeks prior. The details of the affidavits are held confidential and not open for public viewing. After extensive review, Drexel falls into 4th class city requirements, thus a quorum was. . .

In February, the Congress passed and the President signed into law H.R.

If you have visited Drexel City Hall lately, you may have noticed a new face as you walk in the door. Kara Smith has filled the City Clerk position, replacing Phyllis Hocker, who retired in late May.
Kara grew up in Raymore, MO, attending and graduating from Raymore-Peculiar High School in 1996. After high school graduation, Kara attended Rockhurst University where she. . .
Read the complete story in the July 17, 2008 print edition.

• Drexel Junior Golf Tournament; Ages 12-17, Saturday, July 18, 2008.

• D.Y.S.A. Little League Football Sign-Ups; Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m at H.T. Smith Parks’ shelter house.; K-2nd Grade (Flag) $40; 3rd-6th Grade (Tackle) $75.

• Drexel Football Camp will be July 21-23 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. for K-6. Registration begins 5:00 p.m. July 21.

• Free athletic physical night for the 2008-2009 school year will be August 7, 2008, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Drexel Medical Clinic.

Cass Medical Center Foundation hosted its annual “Celebrity Academy Dinner” fund-raiser on Saturday, June 28, at the Harrisonville Community Center.

The children of Carol and Frankie Kimbrough would like you to help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a card shower.

Calvin and Sonja Burchett of Freeman, Missouri announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Burchett, to James Tillett, son of Richard and Michelle Tillett, Freeman.
They will be married July 26th at the Beacon of Hope Church in Raymore.

Charles “Bud” Prettyman, Jr., 70, Warrensburg, Mo., passed away peacefully Friday, July 11th, 2008 at Missouri Veterans Home. He had lived in Louisburg, Ks. until 2003.
Bud was born January 22, 1938 to Charles Prettyman, Sr. and Anna E. Patterson-Prettyman.
Family and friends called on Tuesday, July 15th at Penwell-Gabel Louisburg Chapel from 9:00-10:00 a.m., Graveside services were at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at Glenwild Cemetery, Cleveland, Mo. Memorials may be given to Missouri Veterans Home, 1300 Veterans Blvd Warrensburg, Mo. 64093.

Jewell W. "Judy" Plunkett, 94, of Sullivan, formerly of Monroe City, MO., passed away at 7 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2008, in the Missouri Baptist Hospital-Sullivan.
She was born April 4, 1914, near Bolivar, MO, the daughter of Jasper Ennis and Ethel Etta Harris Crouch.
Services for Jewell W. "Judy" Plunkett were held at Garner Funeral Chapel, Monroe City, Missouri, Friday, July 11, 2008. Entombment was in the St. Jude Mausoleum, Monroe City, Missouri.
There will be a Memorial service at the Sullivan Senior Center, Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 5:p.m.

Hazel C. Van Tyle, 93 of Drexel, Mo., passed away July 9, 2008, at Louisburg Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Louisburg, Kan.
Visitation will be from 10-11am Saturday, July 12, at the South Fork Baptist Church, Drexel. A funeral service will follow at 11am, with Pastor Steve Bartholomew officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery, LaCygne, Kan.  The family suggests memorial contributions in Hazel’s name to the South Fork Baptist Church. Written messages may be sent to the family at www.mullinaxfh.com.
 

There is nothing like becoming a human target while at the mercy of someone’s lucky throw! Local Police Chief Jon Carpenter found out the hard way when he signed up to become a target in the dunk tank during the 4th of July festivities in the park on Friday. A fun time was had by those who got their chance at hitting the target, not once but three times, to dunk their favorite local celebrity. As Jon was the first to take the stand, others. . .
Read the complete story in the July 10, 2008 print edition. Photo by Stacy Rice

By STACY RICE,
Managing Editor
The smell of bar-be-que, the sound of dirt bikes as they round the tight curves, the smiling faces of the young, and the sign of patriotism is what you saw if you visited the 49th Annual Fireworks Display last Friday at Drexel’s H.T. Smith Park.

MoDOT has begun reconstruction of Route D between Route 150 and Route 58. Clarkson Construction Co., the contractor performing this work, announced earlier this week that they will begin at the south end by temporarily widening Route D on the east side from Route 58 south a quarter mile. That work should begin July 14 and allow traffic to continue through the area until the first phase of segmented closures begins July 21.
Route D will be closed. . .
Read the complete story in the July 10, 2008 print edition.

The Drexel Community Betterment Corporation held their monthly meeting at the Drexel Community Center on Tuesday, June 23, 2008. The first guest on the agenda was Chris Lang with Cass Medical Center. He brought everyone up to date on the new CMC construction process in Harrisonville with a Power Point presentation. The new facility will have 138,000 square feet, which is more than double the size of the current facility, stated Lang. Since Cass Medical Center is a critical access hospital, the number of beds in the new facility will not change.

Memories were shared and many were made during the 49th Annual Drexel Fireworks Display. The spectacular family-fun filled day included events for the entire family and was shared by hundreds of local residents and visitors to the area. The 49th annual, sponsored by Drexel Lions Club and the City of Drexel, started with a Celebratory Parade down Main St.
Look at the photo gallery on page 9 of the July 10, 2008 print edition for many more captured moments. Photos by Stacy Rice

All athletes planning on participating in athletic events for the Drexel R-IV School this upcoming year need to make sure they have a current physical on file with the school.
The Drexel Medical Clinic will be offering. . .
Complete story is in the July 10, 2008 print edition.

The Lady Cats Senior League Softball Team ended their season last week with an 11-4 record and placed second in the end of the season tournament. Pictured are the 2008 Lady Cats as they proudly show off their second place trophy.

John and Barbara Goddard of Westline, Missouri will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 20, 2008. The former Barbara McCoach and John exchanged wedding vows on July 20,1958 in Osawatomie, Kansas. They lived in Kansas City, Missouri when they were first married and are both now retired.

Jonathan and Chelsea McCubbin of Drexel are the proud parents of a 7 pound 8 ounce 19 3/4 inch long baby boy. Jonathan David McCubbin Jr. was born at Menorah Medical Center on June 14, 2008.
Maternal grandparents are Dotty Thomas and Brian Sloan of East Lynn. The paternal grandparents are Dwight and Lisa McCubbin of Drexel. Paternal great-grandparents are David and Phyllis Gilbert of Drexel. Paternal great-grandparents are the late Jay and Lilia McCubbin.

Jacqueline Walker Northcutt, died at her home in Kansas City on June 17, 2008, just a few weeks after celebrating her 80th birthday. She was born on May 2, 1928.
A celebration of life service was held June 21 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kansas City. Memorial donations may be made to Central Methodist University Band Fund, 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248.

Bruce D. Lane, 74 of Calhoun, Missouri, passed away July 6, 2008, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City.
Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel, Missouri. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. The family suggests memorial contributions in Bruce’s name to the Humane Society.

The 49th Annual Fireworks Display, sponsored by the Drexel Lions Club and the City of Drexel, is sure to be an event talked about for years to come. The two have teamed together to host a family filled event sure
to please your entire family.
The celebratory Parade will kick off the days events at 10:30 a.m. on Main Street. The parade is said to be
starting from the west side of Main.

By STACY RICE,
Managing Editor
Drexel public officials, namely the Drexel R-IV School Board, have, in the past, been known for violating the Missouri Sunshine Law by having illegal board meetings. This time the City of Drexel has violated the statues laid down by the Missouri Sunshine Law.
There was a meeting.
You were not invited.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., just a few hours after hosting a luncheon for the Drexel Community Betterment Corporation, there was a meeting at City Hall. A quorum was established. . .
Read the complete story in the July 3, 2008 print edition.

The Drexel R-IV School Board held a Budget Meeting on June 25, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Media Center.
Many motions were made that evening including one to offer Clint Spenser a contract for an elementary position for the 2008-2009 school year was made by Hocker. Motion was seconded by Shipley, and passed unanimously.
Read the complete story in the July 3,2008 print edition.

On Friday, June 27, Governor Matt Blunt announced that seventeen Missouri school districts and private preschools have been awarded state grants to launch or expand early childhood education programs during 2008-09. Drexel R-IV School District was one of the seventeen schools who received the grant out of more than fifty applicants.
Read the complete story in the July 3, 2008 print edition.

Everyone enjoys fireworks, particularly in the festive Fourth of July season. But some devices can be dangerous. The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends that you only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand. Never buy firework devices from an individual’s house, or out of someone’s car. Such fireworks are likely to be illegal explosives that can seriously injure you.
Read the complete story in the July 3, 2008 print edition.

The summer reading program at the Drexel Public Library had a fun twist last week. They all played Buggy BINGO! Mackenzie Irvin shows off her antenna as she morphes into a bug! The kids will wear their fun craft for the July 4th parade!

Willis M. Steen, 91, Paola, Kansas passed away Friday, June 27, 2008 at Louisburg Care Center.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday July 2, 2008 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 3: 00-5:00 pm at Penwell-Gabel, Louisburg Chapel. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Louisburg. Memorial contributions may be given to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Louisburg, KS.