The theft of 32 head of cattle from Kingsville Livestock Auction Center on Nov. 24 of last year is close to being solved following a 10-month investigation that took Rick Anstine, owner, and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department as far away as Fort Scott, KS.

According to Anstine, he and sheriff’s department personnel travelled to a sale barn in Archie following a tip that some of the stolen cattle would be sold there. Although Anstine says he thought some of the cattle sold were his, he was unable to make a positive identification.

However, three cattle which had been sold in Archie were found south of Louisburg which matched those stolen from Kingsville.

“We tracked the cattle sold at Archie and were able to make a positive identification,” said Anstine.

The stolen cattle were valued at $19,000 and although Anstine’s insurance company paid for the loss, he said he was still aggressively trying to recover some of the cattle for the insurance company.

“I don’t really foresee getting anything back but people at least know they’re not going to get by with something like this.”

Much of the credit for solving the case, Anstine says, is due to the sheriff’s department.

“They travelled to as far away as Fort Scott, KS and were able to solve this case without much cooperation from Kansas authorities. Chuck (Heiss) and his department never let this case die,” added Anstine.

Dennis Fenoughty, 33, of Osawatomie, KS, a former sale barn manager at Archie, was charged with five counts of felony theft after turning himself into authorities in Johnson County.

The Holden First Baptist Church is again seeking individuals or businesses who are interested in helping decorate the Holden City Park during the holiday season.

According to Rhonda Wakeman who is chairing the event, their goal is to turn the city park into a drive-thru Christmas wonderland.

“The display may represent your organization in some creative way or simply be something that is near to your heart,” said Wakeman.

She said the group is planning on using lighted, as well as unlighted displays. However, the supply of electricity is limited in the park and therefore, she adds, not all displays can have Christmas lights as part of their display.

Wakeman says the project will be funded soley from donations made by those visiting the park. Therefore, the group is seeking volunteers to work the park while the display is open.

Anyone interested in creating a display or to volunteer to take donations during the event is encouraged to contact Wakeman at 732-4222 or e-mail office@holdenfbc.org.
The Culpepper Merriweather Circus is coming to Holden this weekend as the big top will be up and ready for visitors on Sunday, September 12.

The circus, which is sponsored by the Holden Chamber of Commerce, will be held at the Holden Middle School grounds with show times at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The midway, however, will open one hour prior to show time.

Featuring acts from around the world, chamber officials say the event promises fun for the entire family.

Residents are also invited to visit the circus site Sunday morning to watch as a familiar place is transformed into a bustling circus city.

“Activity swirls around the grounds as animals are unloaded, the big top is erected, and rigging is prepared for performances later in the day. Enjoy the magic and tradition of the American Circus with your family and create memories that will last a lifetime,” say circus officials.

Advance tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children, ages 2-12 and are available at Holden Fastop, Lloyd’s Foods, Kingsville Fastop, Farmers and Commercial Bank, Bank of Holden, O&M Enterprises, Holden Package and All About Me Hair Salon. Tickets at the door are $9 for adults and $7 for children.

From a field of 24 contestants in the men's division of the MPAA State Fair Championship bid calling contest, Darrell Anstine walked away the winner.

Anstine grew up on a dairy farm near Blairstown. About eight years ago, he and his wife Lora, whom he met in college, decided to start Darrell Anstine Auction Service, LLC. He attended many auctions as he was growing up and always dreamed of becoming a successful auctioneer. His dream was fulfilled when he claimed the trophy at the Missouri State Fair Bid-Calling Contest.

Darrell prefers doing land and farm equipment auctions. Though he doesn't sell cattle, he conducts all other types of on-site estate auctions of personal property including guns, coins, high quality antiques and lots of Longeberger baskets. Until they find the right site to build a facility, they use the Eagles Lodge in Clinton when need be.

Anstine is quick to recognize and thank his parents Dwight Anstine and Deborah Balden, grandparents Leonard and Gerry Anstine, and L.P. and Mary Ellen Jenkins for his upbringing. He attended Sherwood High School on 7 Highway 20 minutes west of Clinton. He learned the auction business from the late Larry Meyer of Brunswick.

The Anstines have two sons, Drew, age 14, and Grant, age 6. They belong to the First Christian Church and enjoy all types of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, horses, camping and boating. He does fundraisers for Quail and Ducks Unltd. and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
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