Monthly Archive

Family Fun Night at the Drexel Public Library was just that-FUN! On Monday evening from 5-7 p.m.
eighty-seven family members from the community
enjoyed pizza, ice cream sundaes and BINGO!
Special guest, Officer Chuck Steele of the Drexel Police
Department, D.A.R.E. officer for Bates County and
part-time officer for the Bates County Sheriff’s Department, shared his views into life’s lessons and how good choices can be rewarding. After eating pizza and ice cream, every family played BINGO. With no losers in the house, every family went home with a board game!

The Board of Aldermen of the City of Drexel, Missouri met in Regular Session on Monday, September 8, 2008. Mayor Reece called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held at City Hall.

A new booklet published online and in print by Attorney General Jay Nixon contains the latest changes to Missouri’s open meetings and records law, popularly known as the Sunshine Law. The 80-page booklet is available at no charge to state and local officials, members of the media, and the general public. Printed copies of the booklet can be ordered through the Attorney General’s Web site at ago.mo.gov or by calling the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-392-8222; the booklet also may viewed on the Web site.

Shortly after the Labor Day holiday, signs were
erected outside of the Drexel immediate city
limits declaring you to vote yes to consolidate
the Drexel Schools. This posted sign also included
“Save Our School Committee,” in an attempt to make people believe that one exists.
UPDATE: Earlier this week the Drexel Star was
notified that flyers are now posted around town calling for a Community Information Meeting on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Drexel
Community Center. They also state that “experts” will be on hand to answer questions and

Melvin L. Briggs, 77, Stanley, Kansas, passed away Friday, September 12, 2008.
Funeral Services were at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the First Baptist Church of Stilwell, 19950 Broadmoor Lane, Stilwell, KS. Burial in Floral Hills Cemetery. Visitation was from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church of Stilwell. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.penwellgabel.com.
Arr. Penwell-Gabel Louisburg Chapel.

The Drexel JH football team had a very successful home opener on September 15th against the Appleton City Bulldogs.
The Cats held the Dogs on the their first series, scored in two plays and never looked back. Once again the offensive line anchored by center Daniel Roberts, tackles Layne Irvin and Dylan Morgan, Guards Marcus Vogt and Hunter Sturm, opened holes for the running backs and protected the quarterback in the first half.

By AMANDA ROMI
The Drexel Bobcats hit the road last week, traveling to Joplin, to take on McAuley Catholic High School. While trying to overcome some key injuries for the Bobcats, Drexel fell in a shutout loss, 48-0.
Drexel was able to hold McAuley to just one touchdown the first quarter, but second quarter mistakes on both sides of the ball cost the Bobcats a huge deficit, allowing 27 points to their opponent.

By AMANDA ROMI
The Lady Cats volleyball team has officially gotten their season underway. After losing to Lakeland in a non conference match up their first outing, and defeating both Adrian and Miami in a tri-match, the Lady Cats finished third in the annual Archie tournament last week.
Starting off the week on Tuesday, Drexel took on Butler for a tied match, winning the first game 25-21 and falling 16-25 the second. Next up the Hume Hornets. The Lady Cats took the match easy with a 25-10 win and 25-15.

Special people were everywhere at the Drexel Public Library last week for Grandparent’s Day!
Over a dozen grandparents and great grandparents came to share story hour with the children. Cookies and lemonade
were served to make the day even more special!
Pictured, Mary Shelton cuddled Reagan Wirsig as Mom, Jamie, checks out the crafted flower they made together.
Grandpa’s are fun too! Randy Houseman gives his granddaughter, Shaynlin, a helping hand with her craft project.

Cass County Recorder Sandy Gregory is warning Cass County residents of unscrupulous mail solicitations that County residents may be receiving from a company transacting business as National Deed Service, Inc. located in Northbrook, Illinois.
The company is sending official looking letters to homeowners offering to provide them with a certified copy of their deed charging $59.95. Gregory’s office has begun receiving calls from concerned residents inquiring about the official looking letters.

The Missouri Department of Revenue (Department) announced earlier this week that personalized and specialty license plates will be reissued with a new plate design beginning January 1, 2009. Because they deviate from a uniform design, the new personalized and specialty plates will differ from the new “Bluebird” plate and will undergo either slight or substantial revisions, depending on the type of plate. Personalized plates will, in many respects, be consistent with the new “Bluebird” standard plate. Specialty plates will continue to conform to their approved designs.

Two Drexel residents were injured in a two vehicle accident in Cass County, that also involved a third Drexel resident. The accident occurred at 12:11 p.m., on Wednesday September 3, on U.S. 71 Highway at 307th Street, near the area of the Halfway Restaurant.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when a southbound, 1999 Ford F-150, driven by Russell B. Lee, 82, of Drexel was attempting to turn east onto 307th Street. The vehicle traveled into the path of a northbound 1999 Plymouth, driven by John Wright, 28, also of Drexel. The Plymouth struck...

The Board of Aldermen of the City of Drexel, Missouri met in special session on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 6:00 pm in the Drexel City Hall. 
City Staff present was City Clerk Kara Smith.
Mayor Kenneth Reece, Alderman Sue Bush-Wishon, Alderman Terry Mayfield, and Mayor Pro Tem Doug Musick were in attendance.
Mayor Reece called the meeting to order and stated it was  6:00 p.m., the time duly posted for the Public Tax Levy Hearing.    

Over 200 members of the Cass County Farm Bureau gathered at the Harrisonville Community Center Monday, August 25, for their Annual Meeting and to honor one of their own who has given unprecedented time and commitment to the causes of the organization. Anna Lee Davenport was recognized for serving over 40 years as a Cass County Board member along with late husband, L.D. Davenport, and for the couple being members over 60 years.

Allison M. Box and Jonathan R. Carpenter were married in an August 8, 2008 double ring ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at the Hollywood Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The bride is the daughter of Randall and Leslie Box of Raytown, MO.
The groom is the son of Michael and Pamela Carpenter of Raytown, MO.
The colors of the wedding were pink and blue.
Read the complete wedding announcement in the September 11, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today.

On a beautiful August 30th afternoon, at the Nazarene Church in Butler Missouri, Julian and Brittany Case were united in marriage surrounded by their families and friends.
The bride is the daughter of Cynthia McGinnis of Butler.
The groom is the son of Andy and Myrna Case of Amsterdam and Valdora Case of Amoret.
The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. John Pricard.
The couple was honored at...
Read the complete wedding announcement in the September 11, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today.

Sherrill Laurine Thomas Stalnaker went to be with her heavenly father on September 6, 2008 due to complications associated with Lupus and severe heart disease.
Cremation. A Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Dickey Funeral Home, 2401 E. Mechanic Street, Harrisonville, Mo. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. on Friday at Dickey Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions may be made to the Lupus Foundation or to the American Heart Association.

Reba Mae (Reaves) Driskell, 85, Independence, MO passed away September 4, 2008.
Graveside services were held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the 96 Cemetery in La Cygne, KS. Visitation was from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday at Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, MO. The family requests contributions to Asercare Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Rickie Gene Criss, age 59, of Louisburg, Kansas, died Monday, September 1, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital, Kansas City, Mo.
Visitation was held on Saturday, September, 6, 2008 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Penwell - Gabel Louisburg Chapel. Military graveside services were at 11:00 a.m. at the Louisburg Cemetery, Louisburg. Kansas. The family suggest memorials be given to the Louisburg American Legion.
To leave a special message with the family please visit www.penwellgabel,com. Arr. Penwell-Gabel Louisburg Chapel, Louisburg, Ks.

The Drexel Bobcats moved into their second week of football action last week after a heartbreaking huge loss to the Midway Vikings the first week.
The Cats hit the road and traveled to Osceola last Friday to take on the Osceola Indians. First quarter action held strong for both teams as they moved into the second quarter scoreless. The Indians jumped up on the Cats by 6 before heading to the locker rooms at half time.
Third quarter for the Cats found their offense coming...

The statistics from the September 4th Tri-Match with Adrian and Miami for the Drexel varsity Volleyball squad
AND
the September 6th meet in Belton for the varsity Cross Country team were not made available to the Drexel Star
in time for publication this week.
Our apologies go out to the teams, parents and fans of the Bobcats.

The Junior High Football Team kicked off the 2008 season with a 38-0 victory over the Osceola Indians. The 2008 squad consists of 20 players this season. The 10 8th graders are Cody Russell, Trevor Cooley, Daniel Roberts, Dylan Morgan, Marcus Vogt, CJ Bolton, Trevor Stewart, Austin Davis, Dylan Gray, Laramie Lane. The 10 7th graders are Chris Moles, Javyn Johnston, London Collins, Brandon Thomas, Stephan Ogden, Hunter Sturm, Mark Willy, Cole Griff, Josh Eberra, Layne Irvin.

The South 71 Football League kicked off their season Saturday in Adrian. The Blackhawks hosted the annual Jamboree showdown, letting the coaches and teams get a feel for the season ahead of them. The young Bobcats shined on the field and left some to wonder what is truly in store for them. The plays were strategically tackled and showcased while some were left for your imagination. All teams will begin their official games on Saturday, September 13th.

The children of Lester (Windy) and Elsie Harris request your presence in honoring their parents’ 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Drexel, Missouri from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.  No gifts please.

This sign asking you to VOTE YES TO CONSOLIDATE DREXEL SCHOOL was seen first thing Tuesday morning by passerby’s on A Highway at the intersection of Holmes Rd.
The problem: no one knows why!
Who placed the signs and who is the “Save our School Committee” is unclear.

The Drexel Community Betterment Corporation met on Tuesday, August 27th for their monthly meeting.

In a letter received by Dr. Kenneth Hatten of the Drexel Veterinary Clinic last week, Howard Pue, DVM, MSVPM, State Public Health Veterinarian, of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, stated that Cass County is under a rabies alert.

Gov. Matt Blunt called for legislation to protect children from Internet stalking and harassment in the wake of Megan Meier’s terrible death went into effect Wednesday, August 27, 2008.

Gary B. Markle, age 49, of Overland Park, KS, died Friday, August 22, 2008 in Overland Park. He was born January 24, 1959 at Paola, Kansas, the son of Ralph L. & Margaret Murphy Markle.
Private graveside services were held on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at the Louisburg Cemetery.

Marjorie Yvonne McCandless, 72, Louisburg, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2008 in Salina, KS.
Funeral Services were at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at the First Baptist Church at 406 S. Vine, Louisburg, KS. Burial in the Louisburg Cemetery. Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning at the First Baptist Church.

Ben R. Williams, 91 of Independence, Mo., passed away Monday, August 25, 2008 at the Village of Jackson Creek in Independence.
Visitation was held from 6-8 pm Thursday, August 28, 2008 at Mullinax Funeral Home in Drexel. The funeral service was at 10 am Friday, August 29, 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Drexel, with burial following in Sharon Cemetery near Drexel. The family suggests memorial contributions in Ben’s name to either the Archie or Drexel United Methodist church; those contributions may be left in care of the funeral home.

The Drexel Bobcats got off to a rough start last Friday night as they suffered a devastating loss to the Midway Vikings.
Drexel couldn’t find what they needed on offense as they were held scoreless the whole game. The Cats only found themselves four, first down completions and couldn’t put up the rushing yards on the ground, rushing for only 49 yards. Turnovers hurt the Bobcats with 5 fumbles costing the Bobcats 4 turnovers.
Defensively, the Cats showed some improvement from last year allowing the Vikings...

Cass Midway’s 2008 football season got started with a 52-0 win over the Drexel Bobcats, Friday, August 29 at Drexel. The final score indicates a one-sided Viking victory, but Midway head coach Larry Burchett was less than enthused with his team’s performance.
“We had a solid defensive effort, but we were not good as we should have been on the offensive side of the ball,” said Coach Burchett. “We have a lot of talent in our offensive backfield, but it’s hard to get rolling if we don’t do a better job up front. Our backs and ends need to do a better job of blocking as well.”

On Monday, September 15th from 5 to 7 pm, the Drexel Public Library will host a back to school ‘Family Fun Night’.
The library’s message is, ‘We Can Help.’ During the event they will inform students of all the educational resources the library has to offer.
Officer Chris Edelman of the Cass County D.A.R.E. Program will also be at the library to share safety information with the families.
Pizza, ice cream and soda will be served. There will also be games and prizes. There is no cost to the public for this program.

Many Drexel children are probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that summer is over.
Some kids feel nervous or a little scared on the first day of school because of all the new things: new teachers, new friends, and maybe even a new school. Luckily, these “new” worries only stick around for a little while.

Story and photo by
STACY RICE
The 2008-2009 school year began for Drexel R-IV students on Friday, August 22nd. Some things have changed: updated handbooks, new technology programs, the introduction of agricultural teachings and new teachers. That’s right... new teachers. There are eleven new and familiar faces instructing the youth this year. Some have taken on a new role, yet very familiar as they stroll through the halls, not as the students they once were, but the teacher they have wanted to become.
In the elementary years...

Story and photo by
AMANDA ROMI
Tired of wasting precious gas money driving those extra miles to get some last minute things you may have forgotten during your last shopping trip? Bob and Tina Miller of Drexel are now helping the citizens of Drexel with a more convenient shopping trip. Located behind City Hall, the Dollar Value Store and Fitness Center is now operating to help save you time and money.

The Drexel R-IV School Board met in regular session on Monday, August 11, 2008 in the Library Media Center.
Members present were: President Christyne Hellebuyck,Vice President Vic Shipley, Treasurer Kim Hocker, Members Chuck Martin, Ronnie Jacobs, Brad Lancaster and Brenda Hadley, Superintendent Dr. Judy Stivers, Principal Jeff Levy, Principal Robbie Shepherd and Secretary Linda Moles. Visitors were: Stacy Rice, Kevin Gunnels and Caroline and John Gunnels.

The Drexel Bobcats placed 2nd in the Windsor Jamboree on Saturday, August 23rd, starting the season off right. Austin Allen, top, and Nathan Crim, bottom, show their offensive and defensive tactics. Photos by Stacy Rice

To introduce the roster of fall sports, Meet your Team night was held on Friday, August 22nd. The Drexel Booster Club kicked off the night serving walking tacos and showing off their new merchandise to Bobcat fans. Immediately following dinner, fans moved into the William D. Gordon gymnasium for the introduction and showing of the 2008-2009 fall teams, including the cheerleading squad. In addition to the teams, Drexel fans received a treat as they met the new and improved Bobcat mascot, “Bob”. Photos by Mike Sanders