MSHP: If You Travel Over Thanksgiving, Do So Safely!

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there may be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. If so, drivers should remain alert to changes along their normal route. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority.

"No matter how many vehicles are sharing the road, it's important to be a courteous and attentive driver," said Col. Olson. "This year's Thanksgiving holiday weekend might look different from past year's due to the pandemic. No matter how many vehicles are on the road, driving with the highest degree of care is everyone's responsibility, and following all traffic laws is imperative."

The counting period for the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2020, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2020. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and available to assist the public. Over the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, 11 people were killed and 634 injured in 1,594 traffic crashes.

Drivers should make sure their vehicles are in good condition and that they are well rested before they start driving. Remember: There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired.

"Every driver needs to pay attention," said Col. Olson. "Driving is a full-time job. Please turn off your cell phone, drive sober, and remember to buckle up. We want everyone to have a safe Thanksgiving holiday.

If temperatures are mild, boating or fishing might become part of your Thanksgiving holiday weekend plans. If so, remember there is less daylight, which makes your vessel's navigation lights essential. Check your lights and have extra bulbs on board before you head out. This time of year, the water is becoming colder and hypothermia is a concern. The body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air of the same temperature. If you take an unexpected plunge in cold water, it's important to get out of the water and into dry clothes as soon as possible. 

Most boaters wear more clothing this time of year, so the proper wearing of life jackets and using caution to avoid falling overboard is even more important. Having a plan as to how you would exit the water if you inadvertently fell overboard is imperative. For example, does your boat have an exterior swim ladder to allow you to re-enter the vessel?

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive whether you are in your boat or your car. Please don't become a statistic.

Adrian R-3 School District COVID-19 Update

November 16, 2020

Dear Blackhawks,

As you are aware we are currently experiencing an increase of COVID cases in our community, district, and state. This increase has had a negative effect on our ability to staff our classrooms. We have several staff members out on quarantine requirements. It has become very difficult to find substitutes to cover in-person teaching and supervision responsibilities.

With the above in mind we would like to inform you that starting Tuesday, November 17, 2020, all High School and Middle School students will be doing virtual learning until Monday December 7, 2020 at that time we will reevaluate the current situation and inform you of any changes. Please know that we have done everything we can possibly do to preserve the current in-person learning. Meals will still be provided to all virtual students through pickup in the bus loop. Please contact Lynn Lindsey at lynn.lindsey@adrian.k12.mo.us to get signed up for these meals. If your child needs paper packets contact the High School office. 

Our elementary students will continue to come to school as they have been doing since school started. For additional questions please contact your child’s Principal’s office if needed. 

Once again, we strongly encourage everyone to follow the health and safety guidelines, including wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining social distance, and staying home when sick.

Thank you for your support and stay safe.
Don Lile
Adrian RIII School Superintendent

Rich Hill Fall Sports Reception Update:

Rich Hill Fall Sports Reception Update:

Due to a rise in COVID cases locally, the fall sports reception will be a multi-night event to reduce crowd size in the auditorium. 

High school football players will be recognized on 11/18 at 6:30 pm. The volleyball date will be announced in the near future.

From the desk of Rich Hill Mayor Jason Rich

After much consideration, I have decided I will not be running for mayor in April. I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to serve our community.

While I believe we have made a lot of progress over the four and one-half years I have been a board member and then mayor, there is a lot of work to go.

I, and the current board, will work our hardest to resolve as many as we can before April, but there will be many complex issues remaining for the next mayor and 2021 Board of Alderman.

I'm letting everyone know now so individuals can begin considering running for this position.

From the desk of Rich Hill Mayor Jason Rich

Obituary - CMSgt (Ret) Ray Don Strong

CMSgt (Ret) Ray Don Strong, age 74, of Belton, Missouri, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

At this time services are pending.

Ray was born in Calhoun, Missouri, on May 31, 1946, to his parents, Glenn and Emma Strong. Growing up, he was one of nine children. After graduating high school, Ray devoted his life to serving his country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the 442d Fighter Wing his entire career at Richards-Gebaur AFB and then Whiteman AFB. In September 1967 Ray was joined in marriage with his wife Sheila. Together they had two children, Shelley and Stephen. Ray was an avid and long-term supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. Ray was very involved in the kids’ interests growing up, to include coaching and attending their sporting events. In retirement, Ray enjoyed traveling the country with Sheila in their RV and spending time with all of his family.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Emma Strong; two brothers, Robert and Zene Strong; and mother and father-in-law, Gene and Evelyn Higgins.

He is survived by his loving wife of over fifty-three years, Sheila Strong; daughter, Lt Col (Ret) Shelley Strong (Col Todd Wold); son, Stephen Strong (Jennifer); brother, Gene Strong (Linda); and five sisters, Betty Ruth Walker, Glenna Henry (Jerry), Eileen Albin (Bill), Janey Edwards (Joe), and Joy Abney (Johnny).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association, 6800 93rd Street Overland Park, Kansas 66212 or to a charity of choice.

Obituary - Amanda Rodriguez

Amanda Rodriguez, 35, of Clinton passed away at her home on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vansant-Mills Funeral Home Clinton and are pending at this time.

We will update when a full obituary is made available to us at a later time.

COVID-19 update from the Nevada R-5 School District

The Nevada High School Administration,

Nevada R5 Schools Superintendent Dr. Beshore and Nevada R5 School Board have decided to implement a Mask Mandate for grades 6-12 starting Monday, November 16th. All NHS students must wear masks before entering the buildings and will remain masked while in all classroom settings.

What does this mean at NHS?
· Students must be wearing masks that appropriately cover the mouth and nose simultaneously. (Ex. cloth masks, surgical/medical masks, gator masks, dust masks, N95 masks, etc.)

· Students will be provided a mask before entering the building if a mask has been misplaced, forgotten, or deemed inappropriate by NHS Administration.
· Students who fail to comply with the mask directive will be sent home immediately.
· Masks will be worn in all halls and classrooms at all times.
· Masks breaks will be up to teacher discretion.

Thank you for continuing to make NHS a safe learning environment for all students. #wearetigerstogether #nevadatigerpride

Adrian Optimist Club suspending Monday Night Bingo due to COVID-19 concerns

For Immediate Release:

In an abundance of caution the Adrian Optimist Club will suspend Monday Night Bingo for the near future.

While we have not had any COVID-19 cases related to our activities, we would rather be proactive concerning the safety of all our players and their families.

With the rise in cases in the area we thought it best to take a break. And let all of us take precautions and to look forward to Thanksgiving with our loved ones.

We will reassess the situation at the end of the month, in cooperation with the Bates County Health Department.

As always, the Adrian Optimist Club will always put our community first.