An agreement between the City of Holden and Farmers and Commercial Bank Chairman of the Board, Marilyn Mickey-Clay, in regards to land donated to the city by Clay for the construction of a downtown city park, received approval during the regular meeting of the Holden City Council last Tuesday night.

The downtown park, to be called Mickey-Dillon Park, is a recent project of Clay, Verna Jenkins and other members of the Holden Chamber of Commerce. It is expected to be funded through donations and bricks citizens will be able to purchase to memorialize loved ones, which will be used in the park’s landscaping.

The land, which was purchased by Clay from the former owners of the Thrift Shop which burned several years ago, sits adjacent to Walker’s Variety Store. Clay was recently quoted as saying, “I like the idea of a downtown park because it supports the effort to restore the downtown area... When finished, it will be an attractive asset for the community.”

The agreement for use of the land, delivered to the city in the form of a letter drafted by Clay, was read during the meeting by Holden Mayor, Terry Hedglin.

According to the letter, “The city is to incur all costs with regard to the property, including the costs of cleaning it up and converting it to a park... The city will maintain the property in a diligent manner and will incur all costs of doing so... The city will pay all maintenance, taxes and insurance, if any, on the property.”

Clay continued in the letter by saying, she wishes the property to be used as a park or for another exempt purpose of the city, and if the city is no longer to use the property in that manner, they are to deed the property back to Clay or her heirs if she is deceased.

Councilman Brent Brown voiced concern about some of the verbiage in the letter, stating that it may, in his opinion, cause the city to incur unexpected costs associated with the park.

Brown said he was concerned because statements in the letter placed the ultimate responsibility for costs and construction of the park in the city’s hands, in the event current volunteers would be unable to fulfill their vision for the park, the city would be legally bound to spend the money to construct the park themselves.

“I don’t in any way, shape or form to seem like I oppose this park,” Brown explained. “I think it’s a fantastic addition to the city, specifically the downtown area... I just want to make sure it’s going to progress the way it was presented to us.”

Councilman Jim Nipko reassured Brown and the rest of the council. “I think we have an out... Our hands aren’t tied” Nipko said, pointing out that based on Clay’s wishes outlined in the letter, the land could be deeded back to her in the event volunteers working on the project would be unable to complete the park.

After further discussion, the council approved to draft an ordinance, entering into the agreement with Clay. The council approved the issue unanimously, with the exception of Karl Timmerman, who abstained from voting.

The ordinance will be read for approval during the next regular meeting of the Holden City Council, on November 9.

By Christi Stowe
News Editor

The city has received the green light to start construction on the new sewer lagoons. According to a report from water board member Brent Brown during the regular meeting of the Holden City Council last Tuesday night, the board has received the permit they have been waiting on to begin construction on the new system.

“I have seen the drawings (of the new system)... They are very detailed,” Brown said. “It’s going to be a nice sewer system.”

According to discussion from the regular meeting of the council in September, the new sewer lagoon system is anticipated to handle a far greater amount of sewage than what the current system can, allowing for expected growth in the community’s population.

Brown said the lagoon system should near completion in June or July of next year. “It’s a positive move for the community, I believe,” Brown said.

In other reports, councilman Chad Manford, chairman of the street committee, told the council, the committee has concerns about the city’s storm sewers. “The storm sewers have serious problems,” Manford said.

He asked the council for permission to seek a contract for an extensive storm sewer study. The council approved the motion, unanimously.

Councilman Mark Todd asked the council to reinstate a past city ordinance, requiring the city to seek competitive bids publicly, for any work exceeding a cost of $5,000. The ordinance will be drafted for presentation at the council’s regular November meeting.

In other communications, Mayor Terry Hedglin shared with the council concerns from local citizens in regards to the speed limit in school zones. He explained that under the current system, the 15-mile-per-hour speed limit means that even if it is a Sunday afternoon and someone is going 25 miles per hour, they are speeding and must be ticketed.

Hedglin said he has heard comments from several citizens in regards to the matter and would like the council to consider an ordinance that would change the 15-mile-per-hour limit to 25 miles per hour during non-school hours.

Councilman Karl Timmerman asked Hedglin how that would affect the speed limit during nighttime school activities. “I’ve spoken with Dr. Harrison,” Hedglin answered. “He said his main concern is safety for the kids walking to and from school.”

Hedglin suggested that possibly the ordinance could be changed to make the 15-mile-per-hour speed limit effective during certain hours and days, such as Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. If the council were to proceed in that manner, the only cost to the city would be small additions to the signs reflecting the new rule which in Hedglin’s opinion, would be less than $100.

An ordinance will be drafted regarding the matter, for consideration during the council’s next regular meeting in November.

Several other ordinances, appeared on the council’s agenda for last Tuesday night, but were not able to be approved, because they were not posted in time.

Those ordinances, including no loitering around ATM’s, movement of current speed limit signs at the schools, and an amendment to the city’s nuisance ordinance, will be on the table during the regular meeting of the council on November 9.

A resolution was approved by the council to participate with the county in the Johnson County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Under the plan, the city would become eligible to apply for post-disaster mitigation funds, in the event of a catastrophe.

According to Hedglin, participation in the plan is of no financial cost to the city, because it is a county project. He explained that the county has representatives who participate and attend meetings to discuss natural disaster planning, and from time to time, a council member may be asked to attend a meeting to participate, but the city would essentially not have to provide anything in order to be a part of the plan. The council approved participation in the plan with a unanimous vote.

In other business, a zoning change that would change a five-acre piece of land on South Clay Street from R-1 to R-2, was tabled until next month’s meeting.

The Planning and Zoning Board held a hearing on the request from property owner Dennis Mason but was unable to take any further action because a quorum was not present at the meeting.

By Christi Stowe
News Editor

An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony, held last Friday at Western Johnson County Medical Clinic, signalled the upcoming availability of full-time health care for the Holden and Kingsville communities.

The clinic, expected to open October 25, is the brainchild of Steve Flick, president of Flick Seed Company in Kingsville. With the help of the cities of Kingsville and Holden, the Holden Chamber of Commerce and Farmers and Commercial Bank, the facility has taken shape, and it’s happened without federal or state funding.

A large crowd gathered at the event, including local business people, interested citizens and prominent political figures, to enjoy food catered by Bates City Barbecue, music, speakers and a tour of the new facility.

“We’ve seen a vision that turned into a dream that has become a reality,” Steve Flick said, addressing the crowd. “This has not been accomplished by individuals, but by a team.”
Flick recognized several individuals who took part in the planning, funding and construction efforts for the clinic, noting that all the contractors and sub-contractors who participated in the construction work, were local people and companies.

Flick said the late Chesley Wallace was responsible for his dream of bringing quality medical care to the Holden and Kingsville communities. “He planted a seed in my heart,” Flick said. “I wanted to have a clinic the community could be proud of.”

Flick was rewarded for his efforts by Kingsville Mayor, Lloyd Stevers, who presented Flick with a symbolic “key to the city,” a small key-shaped pin, Stevers suggested Flick could wear.

Stevers commended Flick for his vision and hard work on the project of bringing the medical clinic to Kingsville.

“It’s wonderful to have in our town a great medical facility like this,” Stevers said. “I would like to thank everyone who’s been a part of this... I truly hope it’s successful... Its a great day in Kingsville, and, it’s a great day for Kingsville.”

Stevers reminded the crowd of Dr. Angel, a physician who provided medical care to the Kingsville community many years ago, who passed away in the 1940’s. “When Dr. Angel passed away, it was the end of an era,” Stevers exclaimed. “We haven’t been able to see a doctor in Kingsville for over 60 years.”

Clinic manager, Debbie Robledo, said, “The staff and I are very excited to be able to offer this to the community.”

Robledo noted that, because the clinic is independently owned, there will not be an administration over the clinic making decisions, allowing for more community input and making the clinic different from the typical medical clinic most have become accustomed to.

“This fulfills the dream of many,” Robledo spoke, “but, especially the dream of one man... Steve Flick.” Robledo applauded Flick for his efforts, saying that creation of the clinic was a “huge step of faith.”

Robledo said the clinic will offer full medical services, including physician consultation, X-Rays, lab and physical therapy. According to Robledo, Dr. Shawn Holden, currently providing medical care at a clinic in Harrisonville, will be the facility’s primary care provider. A nurse practitioner, Karen Riepe, from Pleasant Hill, will also be available for care.

“The staff has been carefully selected,” Robledo said. “They have experiences in all ages of medical care.”

The current plan for the clinic is to be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays until noon. Patients will be able to see a medical care practitioner on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Support services, such as lab and physical therapy will be available to patients on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “For instance, if a patient sees the doctor on a Monday afternoon, and he orders a fasting lab,” Robledo explained, “they can come back the very next morning and have those labs drawn.”

Both Robledo and Flick said the initial days, hours and services offered by the clinic are for a trial time, just to see what the needs of the community are. Those details may be adjusted at a later date to accommodate patients if needed. “This is not our clinic,” Robledo said. “This is your clinic... The community of Western Johnson County.”

Those needing to make an appointment to see Dr. Holden or Karen Riepe may do so, by calling 816-597-3500. Appointments are currently being scheduled for the days following the opening of the clinic on October 25.

By Christi Stowe
News Editor


A proposition to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest of individuals responsible for vandalism of the Kingsville school buses was tabled a during the regular meeting of the Kingsville Board of Education, last Thursday evening.

“We discussed the merits of whether it would be effective or not,” Superintendent Kevin Coleman explained. “We decided to give it a couple of weeks to see if any more information becomes available, and revisit the issue then.”

In old business, it was announced an illuminated sign, approved during September’s meeting to be placed at the city park, has been ordered. According to Coleman in September, the sign is expected to keep passers-by appraised of happenings at the school, while pointing them in the direction of the school’s location.

In reports, John Griffith reported the elementary daily attendance was 95.48 percent last month. The Terra-Nova Testing has been completed, and the school is awaiting results.

Lorna Warren reported the daily attendance was 96.26 percent last month for grades 7-12. The quarterfinal incentive program was reported on, and according to Warren, has gone very well. Warren announced the school paper will have a new format to begin in November. It will be inserted into the Penny Saver once a month. Warren commended Holden Image Publisher, Rusty Hartwell, for his assistance in the project.

The next regularly scheduled board meeting is scheduled for November 11, at 7 p.m.

By Christi Stowe
News Editor

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