Monthly Archive

Submitted respectfully,
REV. MARILYN NIEMEYER, Secretary, R.I.O.
Before Christmas 2008,  Drexel R.I.O., Religious Interfaith Organization in partnership with the Drexel Star, put out a plea for help in supplying the Community Food Pantry. The response was overwhelming! Thank you to all who donated in any way.

Story by STACY RICE,
Managing Editor
Cass County Prosecutor Teresa Hensley and Sheriff Dwight Diehl announced last Friday charges against a man for allegedly raping his teenage daughter from the tender age of 13 resulting in four pregnancies, killing at least one of the babies, and then hiding the remains. The girl is now 19. Only one of the teen’s children is alive... a 3-year-old son with the name I.R. who is now in state custody.

By BRIAN L. BAKER
This past December three public meetings were held to allow public input into county building codes and the adoption of new international codes. Commissioners Jon Seabaugh, Jim Meara, and Gary Mallory approved the new codes on December 30, 2008.

Emily Herrell of Drexel, Missouri and Brandon Theiss are proud to announce their engagement to wed.
Herrell is the daughter of Floyd “Butch” Herrell Jr. and the late Patricia “Tish” Herrell of Drexel, Missouri. Theiss is the son of Theresa Stuteville of Stillwell, Kansas and Terry and Marilyn Theiss of Piper, Kansas.
The couple are planning a May 30, 2009 wedding at 3:00 p.m. at the Drexel United Methodist Church in Drexel.
They plan to make their home in Drexel.

Frederick S. “Fred” Allard, 61, of Kansas City, Missouri passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2009.
Memorial Services were at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009 at White Chapel Funeral Home in Gladstone, MO. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggested memorial contributions be made to: VFW, 406 W. 34th St., Kansas City, MO 64111 or www.vfw.org.
Arrangements: White Chapel Funeral Home.

Story and photo by
RICHARD HETTINGER
Last Tuesday night was a trip to play the Butler Bears, a much larger school. Even though the boys took a spanking by the score of 66 to 10, the freshmen dominated team from Drexel learned that they must work hard to be able to play at the same level as these juniors and seniors from Butler are playing. The boys seem to bounce back each game and continue to play hard. The hard work and determination will eventually pay off. We again were missing the play of Blake Seba who said, “I’m going to play Thursday against Ballard!”

Story and photo by
RICHARD HETTINGER
The Lady Cats traveled to Butler last Tuesday to do battle with the Butler Lady Bears.
This was a well played game by our hometown girls. It is always interesting to see how the team will compete with larger schools such as this. It didn’t take long to see that the ladies from Drexel did not let the larger school factor intimidate them. The Lady Cats outscored the Lady Bears in every quarter coming away with a nice 55-44 win.

Missourians benefit every day from the dedicated energies and countless hours devoted by a group of more than 3,600 men and women in every community across the state. These public servants are elected by local constituents and do not receive compensation for their tireless efforts. These men and women are the local school board members of Missouri.

The Board of Aldermen of the City of Drexel, Missouri met in Regular Session on Monday, January 12, 2009. Mayor Reece called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was held at City Hall.
Citizens present were: Tammy Bartholomew, Dennis Deel, Sody Geuy, Judy Houseman, Marcella Johnston, Bob Miller, Louise Musick, Ruth Osborn, Boyd Smith, Janice South, Jim Wallace, and Mary Wallace.
City Staff present were: Chief of Police Jon Carpenter, Public Works Superintendent Martin Doughty, City Treasurer Peggy Moles, and City Clerk Kara Smith.

A Drexel woman died from injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident in Cass County, Friday, January 16, 2009. The accident occurred at 3:14 p.m. on Missouri Route D, .1 mile north of Missouri Route OO, north of Drexel.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Cynthia L. Hundley, 47, of Drexel, has been identified as the victim. The accident occurred when Hundley, traveling northbound in a 2000 Plymouth Neon, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. It was not reported if the snowy weather or icy roadways contributed to the accident.

The filing period for candidates seeking office on the April 7, 2009 elections, officially ended at 5 p.m., Tuesday January 20. The final slate of candidates and offices for which they filed will be in next week’s edition of the Drexel Star.
As of Tuesday morning, January 20, the list of candidates are as follows:
Adrian School Board: two-three terms - Jay Bagby, Jim Tenholder and Keith Kunkelman. One for the two year term-Tim Lovejoy, David Knuth
Archie School Board: Steve Bartholomew, Dennis Kurzweil
Ballard School Board: Rusty Claiborne, Eileen Parks and Dan Copeland

Story and photo by
RICHARD HETTINGER
In a “Cat Fight” the Lady Bobcats out-clawed the Sheldon Lady Panthers 53 to 23 last Tuesday night on their home court.

Story and photo by
RICHARD HETTINGER
Just as we came to the part of the season where wins are more possible, one of our better players and leading scorers goes down in practice with torn ligaments resulting from a turned ankle. Blake Seba will miss a few games.
Shooting a season low 28% from the field and only 30% from the line, the Bobcats go down to defeat at the hands of the Sheldon Panthers by a score of 48-63 last Tuesday evening on their home court.

By BRIAN L. BAKER
The Cass County Commission has been working with MoDOT to implement the Missouri Department of Transportation’s “Safe & Sound Bridge Program.” The Commission is pleased to announce that MoDOT will replace the decks on the bridges and make other structural improvements to 18 bridges throughout Cass County in the next five years.

The Elks National “Hoop Shoot” Free Throw Contest, sponsored by Cass County Elks #2791, was held last Saturday.
Tayler Lancaster and Trevor Gunnels competed on January 10th in the District Finals held in Harrisonville. The two reached the finals by winning the Cass County Free Throw contest held in December. There, ten other Drexel students competed. Tayler grabbed a first place finish with 21 out of 25 free throws and Trevor finished in first place with 12 out of 25, sending them to the next level.

The 111th Congress met for the first time on January 6, 2009, when newly elected and re-elected members of the U.S. House of Representatives took oaths of office and were officially sworn in for terms of two years. Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) was sworn in as the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District in the 111th Congress. This marks the beginning of Skelton’s 17th term in the U.S.

Dear Editor:
A picture is worth a thousand words.
On December 26th, 2008, the Cass County Democrat gave a full page of their sports section to large and small class All Cass County Football Teams.
Two of Drexel’s High School Football players were named to the All Cass County Small Class Football Team. Every school in Cass County, except Drexel, honored their players with photos. Where Drexel’s should have been was the notation, “No photo from Drexel High School was received prior to press time.”
Somebody really goofed - - - SHAME ON YOU!!!
Sincerely,
Jackie McMahan

As economic and population changes occur in the District, consideration has been given to a potential reduction in transportation routes. This discussion will continue in the second community meeting on Wednesday, January 21st from 6:00-7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the District Conference Room (ITV Lab) and will be an informal discussion format. Come in late and leave as you wish is the style that will dictate the meeting.

On Thursday, January 22nd, 2009, from 4:30-6:30, the Drexel R-IV Schools will host a reception for all past Board of Education members. The reception is to honor all community members who have given of their time and energy to the District by accepting the responsibility for governance and leadership in the past several decades.

On Friday, January 16, 2009, Dr. Judy Stivers will host an informational session for any patron of the community regarding Board of Education membership. The discussion will focus on the general responsibilities of the Board of Education and questions from the community. Materials used in the discussion will be provided by the Missouri School Boards Association and the Drexel R-IV School District Board Policy.

Drexel Elementary PTO held its January meeting on Thursday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the School Library. Theresa Hensley, Cass County Prosecuting Attorney, was welcomed by the group. She gave a brief lecture on being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to react if caught in a dangerous situation. Everyone came away with new knowledge on how to be safe and to always be aware of your surroundings so you don’t become a victim, and how to react if you are in a dangerous situation.

Story and photo
RICHARD HETTINGER
Last Tuesday night our young varsity Bobcats traveled the many miles to Montrose to take on the Blue Jays.
Our Bobcats played hard and never quit until the end but was defeated by a senior heavy group of boys by a score of 30 to 64. Score by quarters 6-18, 14-39, 22-56 and 33-64.

Story and photo by
RICHARD HETTINGER

STORY AND PHOTOS
BY Stacy Rice
Sometimes a hobby can turn into something much more. For Gerri Clemons, that is precisely what happened.
Last November her passion for scrapbooking became a business.

STORY AND PHOTOS
BY Stacy Rice
id-West Fertilizer, formally Drexel Elevator, held their 22nd Annual Customer Appreciation Day last Wednesday, December 31st at the Drexel Community Center.
Staff of Mid-West Fertilizer recognized their customers on this day to thank them for the loyal patronage they have shown now and into the future. Special deals were made available during the event for bulk fertilizer, Nutrena Feed, Asgrow, DeKalb, Croplan Seed and Chemicals.

Richard L. Mathewson, 66, of Cleveland, Missouri, passed away Friday, January 2, 2009, at the Kansas City Hospice House.
The visitation was on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 606 S. Elm Louisburg, KS. Memorial Mass followed at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment was in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Seneca, KS.
In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions to the Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64145. To send a special message to the family please visit www.penwellgabel.com.

James Allen Bradford, 88, of Adrian, Missouri passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2009 at the Adrian Manor.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at the Merwin Christian Church in Merwin, Missouri. Burial was in the Sharon Cemetery in Drexel, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to the Merwin Christian Church or Heartland Hospice.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd St., Lee’s Summit, MO 64063.

Damon Kenneth Kearns, 76 of Drexel, Mo., passed away Thursday, January 1, 2009 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Topeka, Kan.
A graveside service with full military honors was held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 4, 2009 in Sharon Cemetery near Drexel. The family suggests memorial contributions in Damon’s name to the Sharon Cemetery Association; those contributions may be left in care of the funeral home.
Written messages may be sent to the family by visiting the website www.mullinaxfh.com.
The family is being assisted by Mullinax Funeral Home.

The Attorney General’s Office has released its Top 10 list of consumer complaints for 2008, and it has a familiar look. Complaints about financing, credit and debt collection were the number one category of complaints filed, as they were in 2007. The Consumer Protection Division this year received more than 120,000 calls, letters, e-mails and online complaints in 2008.
The second-highest category of complaints was scams and fraud, phishing attacks and foreign lotteries. Category number three involved car issues - new and used car buying, title problems and car repairs.

As we leave 2008 behind, three month old Kaylyn Madison Davis helps us ring in the new year with her parents, Kelsie Stewart and Tyler Davis of Drexel. Kaylyn and The Drexel Star wish all of our readers, advertisers, family and friends all the best in 2009. Because of you, this hometown newspaper is one that Drexel and area communities can be proud of.
Kaylyn is the granddaughter of Walter and Theresa Davis, and Mike and Patsy Stewart
all of Drexel, Missouri. She is the great granddaughter of Walter and Judy Davis

The year 2008 has been event-filled. On the national side, the economy, with food and fuel prices have caused much concern for everyone. By October, the county teetered on recession with parts of America deemed to be in a recession. Missouri was one of those areas. Oil prices stayed high most of the year but by mid-October, gasoline was under three dollars a gallon. Some food prices were also down a bit, but, people were losing homes because of the credit crisis. The government came up with a plan to bail out Wall Street over the concerns from Main Street.

The Drexel R-IV teaching staff and administration wishes you and everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
Photo by Stacy Rice

The Drexel R-IV School Board of Education met in regular session on Monday December 15th, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Media Center. Those members present were: President Christyne Hellebuyck, Vice President Vic Shipley, Treasurer Kim Hocker, Members Chuck Martin, Ronnie Jacobs, Brad Lancaster, and Brenda Hadley, Elementary Principal Jeff Levy, JH/HS Principal Robbie Shepherd, Superintendent Dr. Judy Stivers, and Secretary Linda Moles.

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office says Cass County residents are receiving phone calls that appear to be from the Community Bank of Raymore, but actually are from identity thieves. An official-sounding phone call says the customer’s debit card account has been compromised, then asks for personal bank account information.
The Attorney General’s Office says this is known as a phishing scam, which is an attempt by identity thieves to trick consumers into giving out valuable personal information. Bank officials in...
Read the complete story in the December 25th edition.

Lacey Janelle Fisher and Nathan Eugene Domnick were married in an outside ceremony on May 31, 2008 in Baldwinsville, NY.
Lacey is the daughter of Russell and Kristie Fisher of Harrisonville, MO. Nathan is the son of Kayan Tompkinson of Attica, KS. To honor the couple a reception was held on October 11, 2008 at the Harrisonville Community Center.

Charles H. Mount, 75 of Drexel, Mo., passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at Golden Years Care Center of Harrisonville.
Visitation was from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2008 at the Mullinax chapel, Drexel, with a funeral service at 2 p.m. officiated by Rev. Henry Harris. Burial with Army honors will follow in the Sharon Cemetery near Drexel. The family suggests memorial contributions in Charles’s name to Kamp Keirsey; contributions may be left in care of the funeral home. 
Written messages may be sent to the family by visiting the website www.mullinaxfh.com.

Drexel Lisle Home Club President Ruth Osborn presented Ed Humble of RIO with a $100 check from the club Friday, December 12, 2008. The Lisle Home Club makes the annual donation to help others during the holiday season.
Photo by Stacy Rice

From bicycles to Barbies, it will be a much happier Christmas for many youngsters in and around Drexel this year thanks to the efforts of the men and women in blue. With an outpouring of support from businesses and citizens, the Drexel Police Department, with help from the Drexel Lions Club and Drexel Volunteer Fire Department, coordinated a Shop with a Cop/Firefighter program December 13, clearly making the point that the only way to make a difference is to be the difference.

By STACY RICE,
Managing Editor
It’s a parent’s worse fear.
It’s 3 a.m. on a crisp December 6th morning when their family home bursts into flames from the overheated extension cord hooked to the family Christmas tree.
The 9-1-1 call came in. Dark smoke and flames begin to billow from the windows.
Volunteer Firefighters and First Responders responded to the call.
Three members of the family exited the home safely. Where was the fourth?
Mom counts.
Dad counts.

Chloe AnnMarie Wright, the three-year-old daughter of Jennifer and Michael Wright of Drexel, had been waiting all year to sit on Santa’s lap and Saturday her wait came to a happy end. Chloe, as well as other little ones, told the jolly elf just what they expected to see under their Christmas trees this year at the Drexel Holiday Celebration Saturday.

Drexel Lions Club member Wayne Harris requested permission last Monday night from Drexel City Council for the Lions Club to plant two new trees in H.T. Smith Park. He stated that they were looking at possibly an Oak and an Ash. He specified to the council that they would be quality trees that will provide nice shade in years to come. Alderman Gale Allman made a motion to approve the request, seconded by Alderman Bush-Wishon, passed with a unanimous vote.

Wilber W. Willhoite, a World War II veteran, died Thursday, December 11, 2008 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, N.Y. He was 85.
Friends were invited to call on Monday, December 15 from 7-9 pm at the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, NY. A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 19 at the Mullinax chapel, Drexel, with visitation from 1-2pm at the chapel. Burial with military honors will follow in the Sharon Cemetery near Drexel. Written messages may be sent to the family using the website: www.mullinaxfh.com.

Craig and Cathy Freeman of Drexel, Mo announce the engagement of their daughter, Leslee Caroline, to Brandon Stephen Smith, son of Mark and Barb Smith of Shawnee, KS. Leslee is a 2005 Drexel graduate and will graduate in May, 2009 from Ottawa University with a BA in Sociology and an emphasis in Human Services. Brandon is a 2004 Mill Valley H.S. graduate and 2008 Ottawa University graduate . Brandon has his BA in History and an emphasis in Secondary Education. They are planning a Fall 2009 wedding.

Lady Bobcat Basketball looks exciting with another good team in the works. They will be led by head coach Adrianne Lane and assisted by Casey Ellis.

Cass County Elks 2791 held their National Hoop Shooting Free Throw contest on December 6th at the Harrisonville Middle School. Hoop Shoot Director Steve Kagarice said they had 61 contestants from Cass County Schools between 8 and 13 years of age. Each contestant shot the best out of 25. The first place winners will advance to districts which will be held in Harrisonville at the Middle School on January 10, 2009. The winners from district will move on to compete in the state finals held in St. Louis.