Adrian News Leader: Harlee Newkirk set to attend Pitt State

 

After graduation in May, senior Harlee Newkirk has big plans! She will be attending Pittsburg State University and she has also signed on the dotted line to join the United States Army. Harlee will participate in the ROTC program at Pitt State.

Surrounded by family, friends, staff, coaches, and teammates, Harlee's signature confirmed her commitment to serving our great country. Her recruiter, Josh Shay, was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming love and support for Harlee. Whether in person or in spirit, Harlee has a strong support system behind her. As she reaches the milestone of high school graduation, that same support system will be cheering her on as she takes on this exciting new chapter.

Harlee, we are so proud of you and so grateful to be a small part of your journey through the years and in the future. Wishing you all the best! -Mike and Michele, Adrian News Leader

Why More Kids Are Getting Kidney Stones

 

Here’s why children and teens are experiencing what used to be mostly an adult-only problem.

When you think of kidney stones, you likely assume that this painful condition is something only adults have to deal with. But today, more kids and teens are experiencing this problem than ever before. Here’s some insight into what’s causing the rise in kidney stones in kids and teens and how we can better protect them from this condition.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces that form in the kidneys. They’re made of minerals and salts, and when they grow large enough, they can cause a lot of pain. Symptoms include belly or back pain, blood in the urine and trouble peeing.

Why Are Kidney Stones Becoming More Common in Kids?

Experts have noticed that kidney stones are on the rise among children and teens. Here’s why:

1. Dietary changes: Many kids today eat a lot of processed foods, which are often high in salt. Too much salt in the diet can lead to kidney stones. Sugary drinks like sodas and juices can also be a problem because they reduce water intake and increase the risk of stone formation.
2. Dehydration: Kids aren’t drinking enough water. Whether it’s because they’re busy with school, sports or screen time, many children don’t hydrate enough. When the body doesn’t get enough water, urine becomes more concentrated, making it easier for stones to form.
3. Health conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as obesity and some genetic disorders, can make kids more likely to develop kidney stones. These conditions can change how the body handles minerals, leading to kidney stone formation.

How Can You Protect Your Kids from Kidney Stones?

The good news is that kidney stones are often preventable. Here’s how parents and kids can work together to reduce the risk:

1. Encourage drinking more water: The best way to prevent kidney stones is to drink plenty of water. Make it a habit to sip water throughout the day, especially during activities like sports.
2. Limit salt and sugar intake: Cutting back on salty snacks and sugary drinks can go a long way. Swap chips and sodas for healthier options like fruits, vegetables and plain water or seltzer.
3. Stay active: Regular exercise is important for overall health and can help prevent conditions like obesity, which are linked to kidney stones.
4. Talk to a doctor: If your child has symptoms like severe belly pain or blood in their urine, it’s time to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones can make a difference.

Although kidney stones in kids are becoming more common, they’re not inevitable. With healthier habits and a little awareness, families can help prevent this painful condition. Encourage your child to drink water, eat balanced meals and stay active. These small changes can lead to big health benefits—and fewer kidney stones.

More Spring like weather this week

THE BIG WEATHER STORY this week will be another low-pressure system, much like last week. While the setup is similar, the severe weather threat may not be so much with this one. Time will tell.

BUT IT WILL FEEL like a repeat anyway, as the pressure gradient tightens Monday & Tuesday, bringing wind gusts & low relative humidity both days. No Red Flag issued yet, but conditions look borderline.

TUESDAY AFTERNOON/EVENING we could see some showers & thunderstorms, then most likely a dry overnight.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, the back side of the low could again bring us showers, a mix, or light snow flurries. Probably -- all of the above from south to north, respectively.

-Greg@660weather

Harrisonville PD seeks help finding missing person- update, found safe

The Harrisonville Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing juvenile, Morgan McDaniel. Morgan is 16 years old and has brown eyes and auburn dyed hair. Morgan was last seen at her home in Harrisonville last night (3/14/2025) around 9:00 PM.

Anyone with information on Morgan's location is asked to contact the Harrisonville Police Department at 816-380-8940 or their local law enforcement agency.

UPDATE Morgan has been located and is back home safe.

Harrisonville man charged in December accident death

On the evening of December 13, 2024 the Paola Police Department responded to a call in the 600 block of East Peoria Street where a vehicle had struck a tree, leaving the driver injured and a passenger dead.

The passenger, 30-year-old Nathanial Jacobs of Twin Lakes, Minnesota was transported to the Miami County Medical Center where lifesaving measures failed to revive him. The driver 40-year-old Matthew Riha, of Harrisonville was treated at a Kansas city area hospital was later released.

According to information obtained from the Miami county prosecutor's office, Riha now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving.

According to the probable cause statement, Riha’s blood alcohol content was .18 at the time of the crash. He was arrested last week and is being held on a $750,000 bond as he awaits extradition to Kansas.

Amsterdam goes green for annual St. Paddy's parade

 Highlights from the 11th St. Patrick's Day annual parade held in Amsterdam this afternoon

Adrian prepares to welcome new business

For those of you who don’t know me, and those who already do—I wanted to introduce myself and give some helpful information in the opening of my flower shop.

I’m Amber, a lifelong lover of all things relating to floriculture. Connecting to nature through plants is at the very core of my existence. Whether it’s been carelessly skipping around picking flowers as a pipsqueak, or surrounding myself in a lush South American rainforest— I appreciate the beauty of the botanical world.

After 25 years as a hair stylist, I recently sold my salon, relocated, and found the opportunity to embrace a second career, in what has only been a hobby until now.

The tentative date to open is April 21, fingers crossed.

I look forward to creating a joyous space that will keep the chlorophyll level in my blood high, and the happiness you get from my blooms never ending.

Visit our Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573708724696

We look forward to meeting you!

Our region mostly 'dodges the bullet' regarding storm damage

Courtesy 660 Weather Spot

Several Missouri counties are waking up to devastating damage. These photos from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, this morning reporting a total of 10 storm-related fatalities. Ozark, Butler, Wayne and Jefferson counties.

Today's severe weather threat is focused in the southeast, with a setup favorable for long-track supercells. These could bring very large hail, damaging winds, and intense tornados.

-Greg