Royal Night in Adrian as Blackhawks Sweep Courtwarming

By Cody Morris

Courtwarming festivities set the stage for a full evening of celebration, and the Adrian Blackhawks made sure the results on the court matched the energy in the gym.

The night opened with the Lady Blackhawks delivering a strong performance, earning a 54–35 victory over the Sherwood Marksmen. The win pushed Adrian to 16–4 on the season and continued a stretch of consistent, confident play as the calendar turns toward postseason basketball.

The boys followed with a statement of their own, completing the Courtwarming sweep with a 49–21 win over Sherwood. The victory marked Adrian’s second win of the week after knocking off Warsaw on Tuesday, signaling momentum building at the right time.

Between the on-court wins and the packed home crowd, the celebration reached its peak with the crowning of Courtwarming royalty. Sabryna Riley was named Courtwarming Queen, while Noah Saathoff earned the title of Courtwarming King, putting the finishing touches on a night that showcased the pride, tradition, and unity of the Adrian community.

From dominant performances on the hardwood to royalty under the lights, Courtwarming night in Adrian delivered exactly what it promised — energy, excellence, and a whole lot of Blackhawk pride.

Photos by Adrian News Leader

Article sponsored by C&S Graphics

Prestigious historic home adorns Adrian Main street

 

The Adrian Historical Society met Saturday morning at 325 E. Main street to learn some history and take in the beauty of this home, originally built by local doctor "Doc" Robinson. Constructed in the late teens, possibly early 1920's, it then was purchased by George Black in the 1960's; and through all, its original charm had been preserved to this day thanks to current owners Carol Gregg along with Clay and Alice Gregg.

With what would have been an initial $5,000 or so investment, these kit homes were offered with options such as pocket doors, French doors and ornate windows, some of which Doc Robinson chose to include. He also owned the home next door (to the west), which interestingly both sit a little higher on their foundations- a move that was done if it could be afforded that improved drainage and helped combat termites. In this case, yes, the basement is dry, free of cracks and there are zero signs of pests.

It's probable that the home was purchased through Sears or similar, then delivered by rail and assembled per detailed instructions. Deep inside walls, the skeleton is likely made of nail-bending native oak; base flooring is laid at a 45 degree angle to avoid squeaks and warping, then covered with a beautiful hardwood topping. Extreme detail lies in every piece of trim and even after 100+ years, every door opens and closes without binding. Plaster and lath behind wallpaper appears to be solid throughout with no deformities.

Compared to an energy efficient new kit home, this house could only survive due to the fact that it's built of the most solid and reliable materials that were, at the time, considered the only option but after a century they have proven to be the best option. Interestingly, upon the recent purchase by the Gregg's, they have only had to do some minor paint touch-up to restore the original luster. Consequently, this allowed them to focus more time on decorating using period correct furnishings, thus bringing the entire project full circle.

Oh, and in terms of efficiency, the Gregg's say that the heating bill is very comparable to a modern home. Bonus!

Shown here are some highlights of this rare piece of history:

Over 10 windows brighten the sun room at the rear of the home

Upon entry, guests may choose to step into the "Sitting" (living) room that includes built in shelves, pocket doors and original wallpaper

One of three upstairs bedrooms decorated with vintage and period correct furnishings

A central landing at the top of the stairs allows access to all second level rooms with ease

All furnishings came from a variety of sources including auctions, garage sales and more- then tastefully placed for optimum appeal 

A trip up or down on 'creak free' stairs is a sure sign of craftmanship only known to homes of this quality

The spacious dining room provided the perfect location for the monthly meeting of the Adrian Historical Society

Below is an interesting artifact that was presented to the Historical Society during the meeting, a detailed card with the business name of Knight Mercantile Co. Anyone familiar with this business?

Friday basketball scores

Boys

Sherwood 21
Adrian 49

Archie 43
Appleton City 60

Leeton 52
Butler 56

Liberal 45
Drexel 72

Rich Hill 59
Midway 49

Monett 36
Nevada 63

Girls 

Sherwood 35
Adrian 54

Archie 52
Appleton City 40

Leeton 0 Forfeit 
Butler 1 

Liberal 37
Drexel 44

Henry County Sheriff's Office weekly report

𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐟’𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: January 30, 2026 through February 05, 2026

Sheriff Aaron N. Brown reports the following arrests and incidents for the week:

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• 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞:

Sergeant Brandt, Detective Stutzman, and SRO Evans conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of Rody Mills, age 38, of Windsor, on a 24-hour investigative hold for unlawful use of a weapon and harassment, 1st degree. It is alleged that Mills brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot the victim and the victim’s spouse. Within 24 hours, the Henry County Prosecutor’s Office requested formal charges, and a warrant was issued for Harassment in the 1st Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

• 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟎𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚:

Captain Bilbruck, Master Sergeant Logan, Detective Baker, Detective Stutzman, and Detective Landes conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area related to an alleged sexual assault. A search warrant was served at a residence, resulting in the arrest of Mitchell Beers, age 36, of Windsor, on a 24-hour investigative hold for Rape in the 1st Degree. During the search, evidentiary items related to the investigation were seized. Narcotic paraphernalia was also located in plain view. A second search warrant was subsequently served at the residence, and additional items were seized. Beers was further charged with Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. It is alleged that Beers drugged the victim and engaged in non-consensual sexual activity.

• 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟎𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐱 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫:

Deputy Hysom conducted a follow-up investigation in the Windsor area that resulted in the arrest of William Moon, age 51, of Windsor, for failing to register as a sex offender.

• 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭

Deputy Evans conducted a traffic stop in the Windsor area, which resulted in the arrest of William Cain, age 28, of Windsor. Cain was taken into custody on two active City of Windsor Failure to Appear warrants. The original charges for the warrants were Nuisance Violation and Harassment.

All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The above arrests are allegations at this time.

For additional information or to provide tips, contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (660) 885-5587.

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𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

• Male Inmates: 73

• Female Inmates: 20

• Total Inmates: 93

Ellett Memorial Employee of the Month, Jessica Ransdell

 

Join us in congratulating our EMH February Employee of the Month, Jessica Ransdell

Jessica is not only a valued co-worker but a true cornerstone of our work place. She embodies generosity, patience and resilience in everything she does. Day after day she finds the time to help anyone in need, never turning away a request no matter how busy she may be. Her kindness is unwavering, even when faced with rudeness or difficulty. Jessica responds with grace and continues to offer support. Jessica simply has a heart of gold that shines through in her dedication to this facility, the people within it and the broader community she serves. Jessica does a lot for this hospital, much of which is not her job. When she sees a need, she steps in the gap to fill it. She generously gives her time to support EMH and its mission. Jessica is a wonderful representative of EMH and it's values when she is off the clock, as she strongly cares about her local community and actively works to support community needs. We are blessed to have her on our staff!

Jessica works in our EMH Business Office and we are very thankful for her. Congratulation Jessica! Thank you for all you do!

Courtesy Ellett Memorial Hospital 

Bates County statue added to national registry

 

The First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Statue has been accepted into the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom!  The statue located on the Bates County Courthouse lawn in Butler, MO is now one of the 800 Network to Freedom locations.  The First Kansas Colored Infantry Statue was nominated by the Bates County Historical Society.  To see all locations and obtain more information about the program, visit https://www.nps.gov/index.htm

Network to Freedom’s mission is to honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight. Underground Railroad History continues to inspire people worldwide. Through its mission, the Network to Freedom advances the idea that all human beings embrace the right to self-determination and freedom from oppression. The program is a catalyst for innovation and partnerships that share the diverse legacy of the Underground Railroad across generations. The program works in collaboration with local, state and federal entities, as well as individuals and organizations to create a “network” of sites, facilities, and programs with a verifiable connection to the Underground Railroad. Together, sites, programs, and facilities are referred to as Network to Freedom Listings. The people that manage these sites, programs, and facilities are known as Network to Freedom Members. Currently, the Network to Freedom consists of over 800 listings in 40 states, plus Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Courtesy Bates County Museum

FLASHBACK: Immaculate Conception Church to celebrate 150 years

 

MONTROSE MO-- This year marks Immaculate Conception 's 150 year anniversary. The picture above is the cornerstone being laid for the 1887 church building. In 1893 several churches other than this one were in town: Baptist Church, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, M.E. Methodist South Church, Grace M.E. Church, Christian Church, and Believers Church.

Courtesy Susan Lawson Cummings

Butler Bears Celebrate Two Collegiate Commitments

 

Colter Schacher

February 4, 2026

Congratulations to Jaylie Starkey, who committed to the University of Central Missouri, and Brandon Hammett, who committed to Missouri Southern State University! Both athletes will be continuing their athletic careers in Cross Country and Track next year. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to share more of their stories below.

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Jaylie Starkey

University of Central Missouri | Cross Country & Track and Field

Today Butler Bear Senior, Jaylie Starkey, celebrated signing her Letter of Intent to continue her athletic career in both Cross Country and Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field for the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO.

Following her freshman year of spring track and field, she was asked to become a part of the cross country team in the fall, and from this her love of distance running began. At her first XC meet, Jaylie finished with a time of 27:18 for a 5K run. Since that first race, through pure hard work and determination, Jaylie achieved her high school personal best this year with a time of 21:25.21. With this, she also broke the Butler High School 5K record previously held by Ryenne Gepford.

During Spring Track and Field, Jaylie has competed as both a sprinter and a distance runner in the open 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200, as well as been a part of the 4x100, 4x200, 4x400, and 4x800 relay teams. This past spring, Jaylie qualified for sectionals in both the open 800 and 1600.

Jaylie’s goal is to PR three or more times in each of her individual events throughout the season and to qualify for state in the open 800, 1600, and 3200, planning on medaling in at least two of the three. She stated doing so will end her high school athletic career as one to remember. She knows she will only achieve this by being a stronger and more disciplined runner.

Jaylie excels in the classroom also. She currently holds a 3.7 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. Jaylie is also a member of Butler Pop Chorus under the direction of Allison Oats. Upon high school graduation, Jaylie will have earned her Certified Nursing Assistant license from the NRTC program and will be continuing her course of study in the nursing program with the goal of becoming a registered nurse.

Jaylie is the 18-year-old daughter of Andrea Wood-Baxter and granddaughter of Jerry and Kathy Wood, all of Butler, and Margaret Ellen of Louisiana. Jaylie will be the second member of her family to continue their athletic career at the college level. Her uncle, Michael Wood, Butler Class of 1999, had much success as a member of the then CMSU golf team.

Jaylie stated her proudest moment thus far as a Butler Bear was during a spring T&F meet. She stated she just wasn’t feeling confident that day, and she took a moment to pray and ask God for the courage and the strength to do her best. She ended up achieving a PR in two events that day.

She stated what excites her the most about being able to compete in college is facing next-level competitors, thus giving her even more motivation to improve and strengthen not only her running skills but develop stronger traits of self-discipline by becoming both mentally and physically stronger as an athlete and a person.

Jaylie stated she is so thankful for Coach Brownrigg, Coach Courter, her mother, her sister Sophie, her grandparents, teammates, and many others who have not only supported her but pushed her to always give 100% plus a little more. Also for those who taught her that winning is so much more than just medals and ribbons; being a winner is being able to say and believe in your heart with no hesitation that you gave it your all.

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Brandon Hammett

Missouri Southern State University | Cross Country & Track

Brandon started his Freshman Cross-country season with two goals, to break the school record and make it to the state meet. He accomplished both, breaking the previous record held by Carter Trumbore in the very first race of the season.

He would go on to break his own record countless times, taking the record from 18:50 to 15:52, improving the record by nearly three minutes. Brandon was also the first athlete in program history to win a cross-country race, the first to win a district championship, and the first to win a medal at the state meet by finishing in second place his Sophomore and Junior year. He would go on to win one more state medal his Senior year finishing fourth.

Brandon was named All Conference four times, All District four times, and All State three times.

Bradon is also a stand out athlete on the track. He is the school record holder in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:00.49, the 1600 meter run with a time of 4:28, and the 3200 meter run with a time of 9:48. On the track Brandon was named All Conference seven times, All District six times, and All State three times. He has a Conference Championship and four District Championships with his Senior year still to come.

Brandon was able to achieve all of this while dual sporting with baseball where he was part of two Conference Championships. He also earned All Conference honors two times and All District once. He was also part of a District Championship in basketball his Sophomore year.

Congratulations to Brandon on an outstanding athletic career at Butler High School and for signing with Missouri Southern State University cross-country and track team, one of the top distance programs in the MIAA Conference.

Brandon would like to give a special thanks to Coach Jimmy Barnes for convincing him to join the cross-county team his eighth grade year and to Coach Richard Courter for encouraging him to give track a try his Freshman year.