Monthly Archive

On October 9th, 2008, Sheila Reece, a member of the Log Cabin Quilter's club, handed a check to Wanda Wilkins for $2,565 for the Drexel Public School Foundation. The money raised came from proceeds from their 8th Annual Quilt Auction and Show held in Drexel during the Fall Festival on October 4th. More than 100 quilts were on display and over half of those were entered into the auction.
This photo and story will be printed in the October 30, 2008 edition of the Drexel Star.

John Gratton stood for strength, endurance and leadership.
All of which several men carry with them still today.

Leaves have finally ripened into shades of burnt umber and brilliant yellows, and soon, very soon they will be filling the whistling winds as fly-aways. Squirrels are hoarding walnuts, cooler nights have blanketed the area, harvest moons, and no other plant says “fall” like chrysanthemum flowers. They are blooming everywhere. Pumpkins are propped on porches, and children are eagerly awaiting the night they shout, “Trick-or-treat!” It is almost Halloween, my pretties!

The Missouri Department of Revenue (Department) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol want Missouri communities to know that even though some cities have considered ordinances approving the use of golf carts on their public streets, under state and federal law not all golf carts can be used on county roads or city streets.

The Board of Aldermen of the City of Drexel, Missouri met in Regular Session on Monday, October 13, 2008 at City Hall. Mayor Kenneth Reece, Alderman Sue Bush-Wishon, Alderman Terry Mayfield, Alderman Gale Allman, and Mayor Pro Tem Doug Musick were all in attendance. Mayor Reece called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Mark and Nancy Allen of Pleasant Hill wish to announce the engagement of their daughter, Michelle Allen, to Dan Ream, son of Russ and Ruth Ream, of Drexel.
The future Bride is a 2004 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School and will receive a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Finance from the University of Central Missouri in May 2009.

Ora Lee (Blanton) Hatten, 101, of Cameron, MO, formerly of Bethany, MO, went to be with her Lord, Monday, October 13, 2008 at the Cameron Regional Medical Center.
Services were held on October 17, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Bethany Memorial Chapel in Bethany, MO with burial at Mt. Zion Cemetery east of New Hampton, MO.

On Thursday, October 16, 2008, the Drexel Senior/Parent Night took place between the JV/V volleyball match-ups against Appleton City for Volleyball and Cross Country senior athletes.

The Drexel Bobcats played host to the Adrian Blackhawks last Friday night, the first game of District 5 play.
It was a special night for Bobcat fans as the dedication ceremony to name the football field “Gratton Field” took place. John Gratton was the first football coach for Drexel High students back in the late 1960s. His family, students and past players came back to honor him. The ceremony concluded as the Bobcats took to the field anticipating a hard fight, but one they truly wanted to own.

The Drexel Lady Cats won third place in the WEMO Conference Volleyball Tournament last Saturday, October 18th.
In the first round game, Drexel defeated Rich Hill: 25-20 and 25-14.
Megan Lane led the Cats with 16 serving points, and Chelle McAnany and Mallori Russell both wrapped up 6.
Lane led with 4 aces.
McAnany had 6 kills, Russell 3 kills, and Swezey with 3.
Russell and Swezey ended with 4 assists each.
Lane again led the team with 5 digs, Gunnels had 5, Russell and Hocker each ended with 4 digs.
Jessi Gunnels had 1 successful block.

Drexel Homecoming King and Queen
Seniors Chelle McAnany and Nathan Crim
Chelle and Nathan were crowned as this years’ Homecoming royalty last Friday evening during halftime. McAnany is the daughter of Randy and Pam McAnany and Crim is the nephew of Debbie Reynolds and Mary Nichols. Photo by Stacy Rice

It all started in the Drexel school year in the fall of 1966, when a man had a dream. A dream that became reality, spreading opportunity and memories within the Drexel student body and faculty. Teaching his first year at Drexel in 1965, John Henry Gratton turned a new page his second year as Head Coach Gratton.

On October 30, 2008, students of all ages – from kindergarten through college – will vote in an election simulation, as part of the National Student/Parent Mock Election, that will give them a voice in our democracy today and will help them become better citizens for tomorrow.

Ryan and Shawna Lowe of Peculiar, Missouri are proud to announce the birth of their son, Brady Allan Lowe. Brady arrived on September 24, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. He weighed 7 lbs. 14.5 oz. and was 19.5 inches long.
Grandparents are Myrna and Andy Case of Amsterdam, Missouri and Jim and Julie Culp of Lincoln, Nebraska. Great-grandparents are Allan A. Anthuis, Sr. of Raymore, Missouri and the late Joyce N. Anthuis, and Larry and Linda Case of Amsterdam, Missouri.

Matt and Carrie Rahl are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Hattie Shannon Rahl. Hattie arrived on August 28, 2008 at Columbia Regional Hospital in Columbia, MO. She weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 inches long.
Maternal grandparents are C.J. and Teresa Shannon of Amsterdam, MO. Maternal great-grandparents are Marion and Christine Beard of Independence, MO and the late Damon and Wilma Shannon. Paternal grandparents are Tom and Nancy Rahl of Union, MO. Paternal great-grandparents are John and Helen Rahl of Buck Township, NJ and Rosemary Gunn and the late John Gunn of Union, MO.

Kaylyn Madison Davis was born on September 8th, 2008 to Tyler Davis and Kelsie Stewart of Drexel, MO.
Maternal grandparents are Mike and Patsy Stewart of Drexel, MO. Paternal grandparents are Walter and Theresa Davis of Drexel, MO. Great-grandparents are Sybil Mills of Drexel, MO, Don Stewart of Cleveland, MO, Bill and June Wilson of Carthage, MO, and Walter and Judy Davis of Garnett, KS.

The Drexel Bobcats played a tough game last Friday night to end their 2008 homecoming week as they took on Jasper in a non-conference matchup.
The Cats came out spirit filled and pumped up as sophomore quarterback, Austin Allen, posted the first score of the game in the first quarter after a 27 yard run and a successful point after to put the Cats up 7-0.

The Drexel Lady Cats split their week last week falling to Midway on Tuesday and defeating Adrian on Thursday before competing in the Sherwood Tournament on Saturday.
Tuesday night proved to be a match for the Lady Cats as they hosted the Midway Lady Vikings in a conference match up. Drexel fought the battle but came up just short in two games, both 23-25.

Summer may be fading, but the skies are still sunny enough for short sleeves, the air is crisp, fresh, and tinged with the scent of cool nights, and the leaves are just beginning to turn. And the Drexel Fall Festival — a homey harvest celebration full of kid-happy fun and arts of all kinds — was the perfect way to ease your spirit into the delights of the new season this past Saturday.

It may be cold outside, but inside the doors of the Drexel R-IV High School it’s heating up more and more every day this week. Why you may ask?

Do you want to vote November 4, 2008, General Election Day? Are you going to be out of town on that day? If so, you have the opportunity to cast an absentee ballot. Do you want to know how?

A community-wide cleanup is planned for city residents who have been waiting all year to get rid of those extra items around the house.
The city will be sponsoring the City Wide Clean Up day on Saturday, October 11, 2008.
Drexel’s City Wide Clean Up is one of many volunteer opportunities available where residents are encouraged to help keep Drexel clean. It is designed to beautify Drexel by reducing the amount of litter throughout this community.
Volunteer crews will be picking up through all the streets within the city proper; however, they will not be able...

The Drexel Junior High Football team pushed their record to 4-0 with a 44-6 victory over the Midway Vikings on Monday, October 6th. The Cats took a little time to get going on offense as their first drive ended with the Vikings intercepting a pass in the end zone. However, once they began rolling the Young Cats were able to roll up 418 yards of total offense. The solid blocking of center Daniel Roberts, guards Stephan Ogden and Hunter Sturm, and tackles Dylan Morgan and Layne Irvin led the way for the backs.

The Lady Cats volleyball triumphed last Thursday night as they hosted a tri-match with Ballard and Hume.
Drexel started the night against Ballard. Starting slow, but quickly finding their groove, the Lady Cats took the Lady Bulldogs in two games, 25-14 and 25-9.
Chelle McAnany lead the scoring with 9 points and 3 aces, followed by Megan Lane with 7 points and 2 aces, Jessi Gunnels with 6 points and 3 aces, and Mallari Russell...
Read the complete story in the October 9, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

The Bobcats had a rough time last Friday night as they hosted the Rich Hill Tigers in a 63-7 loss.
The Cats started the game with a long run on the Rich Hill defense but quickly came to a standstill with mistakes as Rich Hill took advantage of the young Bobcats. Drexel scored their lone touchdown in the fourth quarter after a 24 yard pass to Austin Allen. Allen put up the point after to save the shut out against Rich Hill.
“Rich Hill had a tremendous group of seniors this year with a great deal of athletic talent and speed,” said head coach Jarrod Boyles.

Marjorie Lee (Fulwider) Dishman, 87, died of natural causes on September 30, 2008.

Twenty-four candidates representing Bates and Cass Counties appeared before a crowd at the Drexel Community Center last Thursday evening for a showdown of sorts. Each candidate received five minutes to try to earn your vote in the November 4th election.

On Friday, September 26th, AlburtyLab conducted an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony as they opened their doors to their newest location, 132 E. Main, a location that used to house the Masonic Lodge. At the new location the InnovaPrep Division will open as a new production facility.

A Hug A Day Daycare and Preschool center here in Drexel closed their doors on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 after nearly five years in the present location.
Beth Kinney of Drexel has owned and operated the daycare since 1997. It began with a daycare and preschool in her home and then in 2003 she and her husband purchased the present facility on Main Street. Prior to the established name, Kinney worked as a daycare provider through her college years, and later as a 1st grade teacher and substitute teacher for the Louisburg School District.

By JANET BURLINGAME, Cass County Clerk
There is great interest with the upcoming November 4, 2008 election. You might be wondering if you are a registered voter and eligible to vote on that day. If you would like to find out, please call the County Clerk’s Office at 816-380-8108 for this information.
The deadline for registering to vote for the upcoming election is October 8, 2008. If you register by mail, your application must be postmarked no later than this date. I cannot stress enough, please register early.

Amy Rebecca Alley, of Wichita, KS, and Brett Michael Foster of Andover, KS, exchanged wedding vows July 26, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Augusta, KS.
Reverends Terry Deaver and Craig Hauschild performed the double ring ceremony.
The bride is the daughter of Mark and Virginia Alley of Drexel, MO. Her husband is the son of Michael and Amy Lee Foster of Hutchinson, KS.
The bride was given away by her father and mother.

A 99th birthday celebration to honor Harold Gillogly of Louisburg, formerly of Drexel, MO, is planned for Sunday, October 5, 2008. The celebration and open house will be held at Louisburg Fox Hall on Broadway from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Harold is a...
Read the complete story in the October 2, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

SUBMITTED BY LISA SHANNON, Booster Club Secretary
The Drexel Booster Club met Wednesday, September 17, 2008 in the Library Media Center at the school. Those attending were Joyce Sanders, Pam McAnany, Pam and Dennis Bolton, Lisa Shannon, Suzan Quisenberry, Jennete West, Mark and Judi Gray, Jane Williams, Harold Seba, Randy Cooley, Doretta Moles, Judy and Mike Stivers.

Larry Shumate, Chuck Long, and Nick Long, pictured left to right, all of Drexel, Missouri attended the Linn Valley Lake’s Car Show at LaCygne, Kansas on Saturday, September 27, 2008. They all received plaques for being contest winners. Larry won the Toilet Paper Toss Contest and Chuck and Nick won the Lawnmower Driving Competition. Chuck also won a special award for having the Most Original Truck with his 2000 Chevy pick-up. Over 50 classic vehicles were there for the event.

The Drexel Bobcats are celebrating this week after earning their first victory of the season over Northwest-Hughesville in a shut out game last Friday night, 28-0.
The Cats came out running the ball on offense as they posted 13 points in the first quarter. Nathan Crim found the first TD of the game after a four yard run to the endzone. Austin Allen put up the point after. To end the first quarter, Allen ran for 23 yards to add another six points to the scoreboard for the Cats. Second quarter action was at a stand still with both teams scoreless going in to half time leading 13-0.

The Drexel Lady Cats hosted a conference game last Tuesday night as they took on the Rich Hill Lady Tigers. Drexel took the Lady Tigers in three games to claim the match.
The Cats came out slow in the first game and fell to Rich Hill 14-25. Showing their ability and heart in the next two games the Lady Cats claimed their conference win, 25-14 and 25-22.
The Cats are now 2-0 in conference with a Match record of 7-2-2.
Leading the serving were: Taylor Swezey with 13, Megan Lane with 8, Chelle McAnany with 6, and Katie Hocker with 5.

Many people in the area have friends and family members who have been impacted by the recent hurricanes, Gustav and Ike. A retired couple in the community, Rod and Glenna Callen, are volunteering with Crisis Response International (CRI), a Christian disaster relief organization that is responding to those in need.

The Drexel R-IV Board of Education held their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 18th, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Media Center.

If you have read the Backtracking section for the past few weeks you will have read that the 5th Annual Fall Festival took place in 1958. After many years of this traditional event, the Fall Festival, as known back in the day, ceased. Until now...

Larry Damon Shannon, age 69 of Cleveland, Missouri died Friday, September 19, 2008 at Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri as the result of a stroke. He was born April 16, 1939 to Glen Damon and Doris Mae Trued Shannon in Merwin, Missouri.
Funeral services were 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel in Butler, Missouri with Pastor Steve

Carol Ann Bailey’s courageous twelve year battle with cancer came to an end on September 17, 2008. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 10, 1949 to Charles Herald “Swede” Spargur and Alma Elizabeth Johnson Spargur.
Funeral services were 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 22, 2008 at the First Christian Church of Louisburg 602 North First Street, Louisburg, KS 66053. Burial in Louisburg Cemetery. Visitation was from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Sunday, September 21, 2008 at Penwell – Gabel Louisburg Chapel.

Beverly Jean Stiles, 78, of Louisburg, Kanasas passed away Sunday, September 21, 2008 in Louisburg at the home of her son, Dennis. She was surrounded by her family.
Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at the Louisburg United Methodist Church. A funeral service was 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at the church, with burial following in Louisburg Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions in Jean's name to either the Louisburg Library or the church.

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 were held 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2008 at the Dickey Funeral Home, 2401 E. Mechanic Street, Harrisonville, Mo. Family received 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.

The Drexel Bobcats are finding it hard to overcome injuries in the past few weeks as they suffered their fifth consecutive loss last Friday night. The Cats hit the road again for the third week to travel to Lockwood. Drexel fell to the Tigers, 53-0.
Nathan Crim led the team in rushing yards with 13 carries for 86 yards, followed by Kurtis McLellan with 22 carries for 38 yards, and Cody Breuer with 2 carries for 2 yards.
Stepping up to take the snaps on offense this week were...
Read the complete story in the September 25, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

The Lady Cats traveled to Miami last Tuesday night to take on the Eagles in their first conference match of the season. Drexel took the match in two games defeating the Eagles, 25-17 and 25-13.
Leading the serving points were: Jessi Gunnels with 6, Megan Lane with 5 and Mallari Russell with 4. Gunnels posted 4 aces, while Lane and Brittany Page recorded 2 each.
On the hitting side of the ball, Taylor Swezey found...
Read the complete story in the September 25, 2008 print edition. Get your copy today!

On September 20th the Drexel Flag, JR, and SR division football teams, of the South 71 Football League, traveled to Midway. Little did Midway know that Drexel would soon dominate the football field with all three teams.

The Drexel JH Football team faced a very feisty Rich Hill Tiger team on Monday, September 22nd at Rich Hill.
The game began with the Cats allowing the Tigers to rip off a 45 yard play on the first play of the game. The defense stiffened taking over the ball on downs. The offense took a little time to get going in this game as the first quarter ended 0-0. In the second quarter the Tigers forced the Cats to punt and Trevor Cooley pinned the Tigers on their own 4 yard line. The Bobcats defense put a lot of pressure on the Tigers offense forcing a...