Monthly Archive

“Living here in Drexel reminds me of my own childhood,” said one resident. “It’s the same feeling I want for my kids, the Mayberry feel, the safety factor, the ‘trust your neighbor’ feeling.” Why wouldn’t you want to raise your kids here? It’s like taking a step back in time.”

The Drexel Community Betterment Corporation (DCBC) members held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at the Drexel Community Center. The noon whistle kicked off the luncheon meeting, sponsored by Welborn’s Thriftway and catered by Ward Billings, with twelve in attendance.

The Drexel Public Library’s summer reading program, “Be Creative @ the Library,” started on Monday. Seventy children, along with their parents, lined up to register for the program. They then proceeded to the back yard where they really got creative, Jackson Pollock style! The children flung globs of paint at tiles, creating wonderful ‘masterpieces’. Brittany Bodenhamer demonstrates the fine art of paint throwing. However, not only tiles were painted. Amber Bodenhamer, posing with Bethany Sutcliffe and Cole Taylor, shows off her new ‘be creative’ shirt.

A retirement party was held Friday, May 22, for Drexel School Counselor Clarence “CJ” Kellogg in the school Media Center. Faculty, staff, family and friends gathered to wish Clarence well and to thank him for his 13 years of work at Drexel R-IV and the
contribution to the students and co-workers whose lives he touched. The faculty and staff enjoyed

By SHARON KIESEL
Two people from Drexel were slightly injured in a two vehicle accident in Cass County Monday, June 1. The accident occurred around 5:10 p.m. on Missouri Highway 2, one half mile west of south Groh Road, west of Harrisonville.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when several hay bales fell off a trailer being pulled by a 2007 Chevrolet, driven by Larry E. Burchett, 56, of Freeman, Missouri. One of the hay bales hit the windshield of a 2009 Hyundai, driven by Rhonda S. Irvin, 38, of Drexel, Missouri.

The Drexel Star has been unsuccessful at contacting Athletic Director Dennis Bolton or any of the Drexel coaching staff, after repeated attempts, for score books for us to report on the final Softball games of the season and for final results of the Track and Field teams. Sorry for the inconvenience this causes to the players and their families.

“Adrian was probably our best game of our three final games,” comments Coach Clint Spencer, in reference to the Bobcats’ last games of the season. “Adrian has a very strong team but the Bobcats were able to hold them to a minimal score. Unfortunately, the Bobcats were able to score only one run in defeat.”

Under the coaching leadership of Eric Ireland, three Drexel High School golfers headed to the Twin Oaks Golf Course in Springfield, MO on May 18th and 19th for the state level competition. Junior Kody Kaufman made his second appearance at state and had a good game finishing 27th out of 124 golfers. Keifer Shipley and Brandon Thomas both were fortunate to compete at state as freshmen. Keifer finished 58th and Brandon 98th. Just appearing at state is an outstanding accomplishment for these boys and they can be proud.

..... says an excited Jeff Levy, Drexel Elementary Principal. Students of Drexel School turned in their books, cleaned out their desks, gathered their leftover school supplies and headed out the door last Thursday in an early dismissal, starting their summer break. At left, a joyful Joey Jacobs leaves 4th grade behind as he begins his summer vacation, and at right, students pour out of the elementary doors for the last time. But not so fast for some... summer school begins June 8th. The 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Drexel R-IV School Board held their regular monthly meeting last Monday in the Library Media Center. A quorum was established with all members present. Seventeen visitors attended the meeting. President of the Board, Christyne Hellebuyck, called the meeting to order, which was opened by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Dr. Stivers requested the agenda be amended to reflect entering into executive session at 8 pm to discuss employment of non-certified personnel and to reenter regular session to conclude any unfinished agenda items. The amended agenda was approved.

Owen Keith Brock of LaCygne, Kansas in the New Lancaster community passed away Monday, May 18, 2009 at Louisburg Healthcare and Rehabilitation.
Keith, as he liked to be called, was born in Harper County, OK, on December 17, 1934. He was the son of Laura Harmon Brock and Robert William Brock.
Friends called from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Mullinax chapel, Drexel. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Friday at the chapel. Burial with full military honors followed in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO.

Gracie Marrie Downs, of Drexel, Missouri, peacefully passed away moments after her birth in the loving arms of her mom and dad due to anencephaly on May 19, 2009.
Funeral Services will be held privately at a later date.
The family suggests contributions to: Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office, 12615 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66109, Office: 913-647-0350
To send a special message to the family, please visit: www.penwellgabel.com. Arr: Penwell-Gabel, Louisburg, KS 66053.

Gary A. Wayman, 74 of Drexel, Missouri, passed away May 22, 2009 at Crystal Manor of Adrian.
Gary was born April 15, 1935.
Gary is survived by his sister, Nancy Ohmes of Lee’s Summit, MO, his daughter, Terrie Wayman, and son, Brian Wayman, both of Santa Ana, CA. Gary was an Army veteran.
Cremation, with no public services scheduled. Written messages may be sent to the family at www.mullinaxfh.com. (Arrangements: Mullinax Funeral Home).

Marian E. West, 77 of Drexel, Missouri, passed away May 21, 2009 at her home.
Marian (Hoover) West was born September 7, 1931 at New Lancaster, Kan., to Thoburn T. and Marjorie (Benson) Hoover. She attended school in Miami County. She graduated from LaCygne Rural High School in 1948. Marian then attended the Ursuline Academy at Paola, and received her teaching certificate. She taught school in Miami County for three years. She later moved to Chicago, Ill., and worked for TWA and the Board of Trade. She retired after 42 years there and moved to Drexel to help take care of her parents.

The Drexel FFA Chapter held its first annual FFA Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 6 at the Drexel Community Center. Approximately 120 people consisting of members, parents and community guests were in attendance for this event.

Story and photos by
STACY RICE
Their journey’s are diverse, many heading off to college, many others heading into the working world. Wherever their hearts lead them, we wish them well.
Tears of joy filled the William D. Gordon Gymnasium last Sunday afternoon as a small group of fourteen took their final steps, declaring senior year a victorious one. The graduating class of 2009 took their seats at 2:00 p.m. to mark their place as Drexel High’s newest alumni.

By STACY RICE

Several people were in attendance at last Monday nights’ Drexel City Council meeting, but only three councilmen. Sue Wishon was absent.

The Cass County Health Department announced Tuesday that a northern Cass County resident has been confirmed by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory to be infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu.
As other municipalities in the Kansas City Metro also have confirmed cases, the Cass County Health Department advises continued precautions to prevent infection, including hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue and throwing the tissue away and staying home if you feel sick.