The Holden City Council approved a request during a special meeting
last Thursday night from the Board of Public Works to enter into a contract
with Marshall Engineering and Surveying, Inc. for the completion of
a hydraulic analysis and five-year supervised water system improvement
plan for the City of Holden.
The proposal had previously been denied by the council during their
regular meeting last Tuesday night with a vote of three abstinations
and three yes votes. There had been some question among the council
as to why Water Supervisor Tony Lerda could not perform the analysis
and plan.
Mayor Terry Hedglin called a special joint meeting of the council and
BPW to discuss the matter after hearing complaints from several members
of the council that they did not understand the proposal.
BPW chairman Earl Peacock presented a copy of a portion of Lerda’s
contract with the city to explain why an outside company would need
to be hired for the analysis. In the services portion of Lerda’s
contract, it is stated “The services provided by O&M specifically
exclude any tasks or services that do not fall under the State of Missouri’s
definition of water and wastewater operators and/or superintendents
not mentioned in the “scope of services.” Specifically excluded
in the “scope of services” is “any other professional
or nonprofessional service that requires any training outside of that
required for the specific water and wastewater operator certification
level required for these facilities and determined by the State of Missouri.”
Peacock noted that Lerda’s contract specifically states that he
is not qualified to perform the sort of analysis required at this time.
“Tony’s just an employee who manages for us,” Peacock
said.
In addition, Peacock explained the analysis is necessary in order for
the BPW to see where problem points are as far as water lines needing
to be replaced. He also pointed out that water pressure and water hydrants
in areas of town are not “up to snuff.”
Peacock continued by saying that because of water regulations and requirements,
the state can inspect the water lines at any time. He explained that
as the water travels through the lines it picks up iron and other chemicals
from the lines, and the longer the water stays in a portion of the line,
the more of those “extras” the water picks up. Peacock said
it is because of this that the BPW needs to be aware of problem areas
where water is traveling through the lines at a slower pace. “We
have to know what the system is doing,” Peacock said. “A
lot of these lines are 100 years old.”
From a cost standpoint, Peacock told the council the $4,800 bid from
Marshall Engineering is actually very low because Lerda has kept excellent
records, relieving officials with Marshall from the added time and cost
of research. “It would save us $8,000,” Peacock stated.
BPW member Oren Henry expressed concerns that without good water pressure
and with aging fire hydrants, the city’s safety against fire is
at risk. Peacock noted that the fire department may have to haul water
from other locations in some areas of town to fight a fire simply because
the hydrant at that location is in need of replacement or repair.
BPW member Darwin Brower expressed concerns about the council’s
desire for Lerda to perform the assessment. “One of my concerns
is that if we begin to expect O&M to be able to do these things
and pick up the tab themselves, we’re going to have a hard time
in the future finding people to do what O&M has done,” he
said. “If we have to go out and hire a certified engineer to run
this water department, your water rates will be astronomical.”
Hedglin pointed out that the council recently approved a storm sewer
study, which falls under the street department’s jurisdiction.
“We’re not asking our street supervisor to pay for the storm
water survey,” Hedglin told the council. “It would be ridiculous
to ask him to. I don’t understand what the difference is.”
“Larry (Miller) doesn’t have a contract,” council
person Roseann Ferguson told Hedglin. “He is an employee.”
Councilman Karl Timmerman told the council, in his opinion, they cannot
ask Lerda to perform or pay for the study since his contract specifically
states he is not qualified. “If the contract precludes it, it
precludes it,” he stated.
The council voted unanimously to allow the BPW to enter into the contract
with Marshall Engineering to perform the water analysis.
By Christi Stowe
News Editor
The
Holden City Council voted to draft a resolution last Tuesday night
that will allow the city to partner with the Warrensburg Area Economic
Development Corporation to obtain certification for the city through
the Missouri Community Assessment and Planning Process. The council
will vote whether or not to adopt the resolution during their regular
meeting in January.
Jean Othic, WAEDC director was present at the meeting and explained
the process, which, if approved, would make the city eligible for
training assistance and grants as well as assist Holden in designing
a vision for the future of the city and attracting future residents
and industry.
According to Othic, she has been working with the city to develop
the old Rose Chemical site, which has been designated as the city’s
industrial park. Othic pointed out that in the past, the city has
had difficulty attracting industry because of a lack of land ready
for development. However, with the Rose Chemical site cleaned up after
a number of years spent contaminated, the land is ready for development,
according to Othic.
In addition, Othic, along with Mayor Terry Hedglin, have been working
with the CMSU Creative Engine to develop a brochure, website and new
logo for Holden, which Othic hopes will assist in getting Holden’s
information out to potential developers.
Othic has been working with the Holden Area Chamber of Commerce for
the past year gathering information about the City of Holden, which
she feels will be useful in the process, if approved in June by the
council.
In other council business, the council voted to waive the $5 garage
sale fee usually assessed by the city during the city-wide garage
sale. The city-wide garage sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 4.
In other action, the council approved the purchase of a new accounting
program for city hall after receiving a request for the new program
from Holden city clerk Sheila Spies. According to Spies, the program,
“Quick Books Pro,” which is estimated to cost around $1,400,
is expected to be much more user friendly and appropriate for city
government. City hall currently utilizes a program designed for use
by school districts. In addition, Spies said the new program includes
an all-day training seminar that both she and Sharon Manford will
be able to attend. City hall will be closed May 25 while Spies and
Manford attend the necessary training.
In other business, city engineer Travis Kiefer presented the council
with bid specifications for a project that will add handicap accessibility
to the entrance and restrooms at city hall. A pre-bid meeting has
been scheduled for July 12 at 6 p.m. at City Hall for review of the
final specifications. All bids will be due by August 1.
In other council action, the council discussed the city’s sidewalk
replacement program. Currently, the city has a policy that if an individual
desires to replace a sidewalk on their property, the city will pay
for half of the cost. Hedglin told the council that portion of the
budget does not have enough money to allow for the projects.
The council voted to ask the requesters to hold off on constructing
their new sidewalks until after July when the city’s new fiscal
year begins and a new budget will be made.
In other council decisions, the council did not approve a proposed
contract with Marshall Engineering for a hydraulic analysis and five-year
supervised water system improvement plan for the city. Having six
members present at the meeting, councilmen Chad Manford, Cecil Bloss
and Charles Shore voted to allow the contract. Council people Dorothy
Wakeman, Roseann Ferguson and Karl Timmerman abstained from voting.
In regards to the proposal’s failure, Hedglin said he was “very
disappointed” and cautioned the council that the proposal’s
failure will prevent the Board of Public Works from “doing what
needs to be done.” Councilman Karl Timmerman asked why Water
Superintendent Tony Lerda couldn’t perform the study. Hedglin
told him Lerda does not own the system. A special meeting was scheduled
for Thursday, May 12 to discuss the matter further with the Board
of Public Works present to explain the matter in more depth as Hedglin
said he did not feel the entire council understood the proposal.
In other business, the council approved a contract with Diversified
Coatings to renovate a water tower at Ninth and Olive streets. The
project comes at a cost of $45,000 to the city.
The next regular meeting of the city council will be June 14 at 7
p.m.
By Christi Stowe
News Editor
There
are several members of the community who are doing their share to
help beautify Holden. The hours have been long, cold, damp and some
days, just tiresome. The work and efforts might not be something that
you would have noticed around town. However, the changes that have
been made are putting beauty back into a large historical part of
the community.
The hard work that has been going on has been a labor of love that
many residents have done willingly and without any pay or even recognition.
On July 9 of last year, a tragic accident took the life of life-long
Holden resident Randy Timmons, 45, and his 6-year-old son Zachary.
For Randy and Zachary, 600 Road, South of Holden, had been the only
way home they had ever known. It seemed fitting to Randy's wife of
nine years, Elizabeth, that she bury him on the same gravel road he
had traveled all of his life.
"There was not a choice but to bury them at Gilbert Cemetery.
I could not imagine either of them being any farther away from home
than the quarter of a mile down the road,” Elizabeth Timmons
said. "This had always been the road home for both of them. I
never wanted that to change."
Although it seemed appropriate to keep both Randy and Zachary close
to home, the feat to do so would almost seem insurmountable. The cemetery,
which had been established by the Gilbert family through an acre land
deed to Johnson County in 1857, had been barely used or attended to
for decades. Other than one burial, the last real use of the cemetery
had been about 40 years ago.
The cemetery was showing the effects of years of neglect. The front
entrance was rough and covered with growth. It was necessary to have
knee-boots on to walk through the main part of the cemetery because
of the weeds and thorns that had taken over the grounds. The original
front sign was worn, faded and showing its age.
To make the cemetery bearable and even possibly beautiful, it took
the work of a large group. After the tragic accident last summer several
Holden residents came together and decided to take action to restore
the cemetery to its original beauty. Plans had already been made to
form a cemetery association but were expedited because of the sudden
need. To accomplish this, a cemetery association was formed and volunteers
were gathered. Association members Steve Boston and Ray Timmons along
with other volunteers set their sights high on the changes they wanted
to make.
To make things happen, funding and man hours had to be solicited from
family members, community members and local businesses. What seemed
like a large order gradually became easier as individuals began not
only donating money but their time as well. Local businesses such
as T&W Steel donated steel as well as fencing to help replace
the worn out, dilapidated gateway. T&W Steel not only donated
the supplies but, was complimented by Hannibal and Dakota Boston who
used the material to make a new gateway to the cemetery.
To date, local volunteers have replaced the fencing around the front
of the cemetery, moved the original sign to the rear of the entry
way where it will be complimented by a resting bench underneath, replaced
the front gateway with a new handsome sign that is more reflective
of the times and manicured the lawn in a manner more inviting to visitors.
As well, the association raised enough funds to add and additional
half acre to the front of the cemetery.
For association member and volunteer, Steve Boston, the effort has
been as much about preserving the 148-year history as it has been
about revamping the cemetery's looks. Boston has worked hard to replace
and reset older stones that have been worn by time and weather.
"We have replaced about four headstones and reset several others.
It is important to preserve this important part of not only the Gilbert
family but the history of the area as well," Boston explained.
One effort that took many hours of trial and tribulation was the plotting
of the cemetery. Plotting records had been lost or misplaced over
the years. To rectify the somewhat sporadic layout and plotting of
the cemetery volunteers, Ray Timmons and Duane Williams took the time
and made the effort to document and layout the remaining plots.
"The original section of the cemetery will be left as it is,
the newer sections have been plotted, documented and made available
for sale to residents," Timmons explained.
Although the hours and effort have been tremendous to this point,
there is always more to do. The cemetery will soon get a few loads
of fresh gravel to make the road within the cemetery easier to drive
through. Additional improvements that the volunteers would like to
see added to their list of accomplishments include a flag stand at
the front entrance, the addition of the resting bench as well as additional
landscaping to help bring the cemetery up to date.
The group will be showing the fruits of their hard labor and work
at a dedication ceremony at the cemetery that is planned for May 21
at 2 p.m. in the afternoon. Local minister John McRoy will preside.
Historical information as well as plot information will be made available
during the ceremony. Nan Lowery will preside as mistress of ceremonies.
A Veteran's memorial will be dedicated by local resident, Sam Raber.
A three-volley salute will be presented by Holden VFW Post 5844 and
American Legion Post 90. Other Participants will include a brief history
of the cemetery by Sara Boston and a performance of "God Bless
America" by Kansas City resident, Jessica Harris. Everyone is
encouraged to attend and enjoy the hard work that has gone into the
renovations.
Submitted By Dawn Myers
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Twenty-eight Kingsville High School seniors received diplomas during
the school’s annual commencement ceremony held last Saturday night.
After a processional, during which Mrs. Kimberly Wilcockson introduced
the seniors, highlighting their involvement in school activities and
accomplishments, Kirshten Johnston and Jeremy Stout were introduced
as co-salutatorians, and Calla Marsh was introduced as valedictorian.
In her valedictory speech, Marsh thanked her classmates for making her
feel welcome when she moved to the school district two years ago. “My
experience here has been nothing but a blessing, and I hope that each
of you may feel the same,” Marsh said.
In addition, Marsh encouraged her classmates to remember that whatever
they do affects the world and the life of someone else. Quoting the
entry line to the movie “The Butterfly Effect,” Marsh said
“It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a
butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around
the world. This is also known as the butterfly effect.”
Marsh explained that through research she has discovered that the flapping
of a single butterfly’s wing produces a change in the atmosphere,
causing the universe to diverge from what it would have done. An example
given by Marsh is, in a month’s time, a tornado that would have
caused devastation does not happen or maybe one that would not happen
does. “Everything you do, whether miniscule or grand, affects
someone else,” Marsh told her peers. “You are part of this
world. You have in some way touched the life or lives of others, and
you are significantly loved for that.”
In closing, after encouraging the class to keep their memories near
and dear to them, Marsh urged them to keep the idea of “the butterfly
theory” close at hand. “Remember, the single flutter of
the butterfly’s wing and how it may cause or prevent the impact
of a typhoon felt halfway around the world,” she said. “You
have the choice to alter the course of events around you in a positive
way that is as great as or more powerful than a typhoon.”
Co-salutatorian Kirshten Johnston spoke on the premise that all choices
made in life are important and are what memories are made of. She quoted
Eleanor Roosevelt about choices- “In the long run, we shape our
lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die,
and the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”
Johnston urged her classmates to set high, yet reachable goals for themselves,
stating that it would better prepare them for the future ahead. In addition,
she pointed out that although each classmate is very different from
one another, they have become like a family. “Everyone in this
class has contributed something to its uniqueness,” she said.
“We have a class clown, a book worm, a prom queen and so much
more. Without even one of our seniors, the class would not have been
the same.”
Johnston concluded her address by thanking the district’s teachers
for their hard work, patience and dedication, which she stated has prepared
the class for all that awaits them.
Co-salutatorian Jeremy Stout used his salutatory address to thank his
peers for good times and memories. He took his classmates for a walk
down memory lane that specifically listed some of his favorite class
memories.
Graduation ceremonies at Kingsville R-1 were very unique this year in
that the district presented World War II veteran William Vernon Sexson
an honorary diploma in recognition to his service to the country. Sexson
should have originally graduated in 1945, but due to his service in
the United States Army during World War II, he never had the opportunity
to complete work for his high school diploma.
A number of scholarships and awards were given during the commencement
ceremony. The 2005 scholarship award total, not including renewal amounts,
was $15,000. Included in the awards were:
Amber Baumgarden- cosmetology diploma
Nikki Carr- Optimist Scholarship- $400, Northwest Freshman Merit Scholarship-
$500 and Coca-Cola Scholarship- $100.
Ashley DeMotte- Bradley Culp Memorial Scholarship- $500.
Beau Fleeman- Central Methodist Athletic Scholarship- $7,000 renewable
annually.
Kirshten Johnston- college preparatory studies certification, Kingsville
Teacher’s Association Scholarship- $500 and Bank of Holden Scholarship-
$500.
Calla Marsh- college preparatory studies certification, City Scholarship,
Daughters of the American Revolution Scholarship, CMSU Boissieau Scholarship-
$100, Makeever Scholarship- $500 and Governor’s Scholarship- $2,000
renewable per semester.
Michael Renfro- FFA Recognition Award.
Jeremy Stout- college preparatory studies certification, Farmers and
Commercial Bank Scholarship- $500, Kingsville Education Association
Scholarship and Tower Scholarship from Northwest Missouri State University-
$1,000 renewable annually.
Natalie Young- college preparatory studies certification, Anonymous
Community Scholarship- $100 and CMSU Boisseau Scholarship- $100.
By Christi Stowe
News Editor
One-hundred-and-one
Holden High School seniors were granted diplomas during the annual
commencement ceremony held at the high school last Sunday afternoon.
This was one of the largest classes to ever walk across the stage
during graduation at Holden High School.
After the graduates’ processional and a welcome from district
superintendent Dr. Lindell Harrison, the class of 2005 salutatorian,
Lindsey Bagby, was introduced.
In her salutatory address, Bagby reminded her peers that as they have
grown, they have come to appreciate the differences in one another.
“As we progressed through high school we had more opportunities
to meet new people and engage in activities that brought out the individuality
in each of us,” Bagby said. “Now, we can celebrate that
individuality because it has not kept us from appreciating our differences.”
In addition, Bagby said she feels that supporting one another through
bad times, as well as good has made the Holden High School class of
2005 stronger. “As we go our separate ways, remember your time
shared with the friends sitting next to you. They have greatly affected
who you are today and who you will be in the future,” Bagby
told her peers. “Keep this in mind as you shape the lives of
others. Remember the past as you dream about the future.” In
closing, Bagby thanked her parents and family for their support.
The 2005 Holden High School valedictorian was Stephanie Burton. In
her valedictory address Burton encouraged her classmates to grasp
the future that lies ahead and seek it with purpose. “What the
future holds for each of us is uncertain. That uncertainty can discourage
you from taking the path that leads to happiness,” Burton said.
“Do not let the unknown keep you from pursuing what gives your
life purpose.”
Burton continued her address by reminding her classmates that graduation
is not the end, but merely a new beginning. “Every new beginning
comes from some other beginning’s end,” Burton said. “Today
is a new beginning. Each of us should seize the future with excitement
and vigor. The past is permanent, and what lies ahead must first be
dreamt.”
In addition, Burton advised her classmates to learn from their failures,
considering them to be an opportunity for gained knowledge. “They
(failures) are the greatest teachers in life,” she said.
Burton concluded her address by thanking the parents of all the graduates
for their love, sacrifice and support and ended her speech with the
statement, “Without your love, encouragement and guidance we
would not be the people we are today.”
A number of scholarships were awarded during the graduation ceremony.
Scholarships awarded at Holden High School 2005 graduation were: AECI
Technical Scholarship, Charity Sechrest; Annie Morrison Memorial,
Aaron Burden; Bank of Holden, Barbara Callahan, Sandy Davidson, Emily
Organowski, Charity Sechrest; Blue Springs Community Educators, Liz
Simmons; Booster Club, Lindsey Bagby, Marshall Goldstein, Nathan Heiman,
Amanda Raker; BPOE Elks Scholarship, Charity Sechrest; Bright Flight,
Stephanie Burton, Liz Simmons; Central MO District Secondary Principals
Scholarship, Sandy Davidson; CMSU--Academic Excellence, Christine
Hatt; Board of Governor’s, Chelsea Glaspy, Vicky Quick; Boisseau,
Nathaniel Enneking, Katie Osborne; Cross Country/Track, Sandy Davidson,
Freedom Scholarship, Sandy Davidson; Girls State, Sandy Davidson,
Renae Jennings; Leadership Award, Chelsea Glaspy; Makeever, Michelle
Wilson; Presidents Scholarship, Renae Jennings, Amanda Snyder; University
Scholarship, Sandy Davidson, Cassie Packham; Donald Stowell FFA, Aaron
Burden; Drusilla Krockenberger, Casey Cruse; Farm Credit Services,
Sandy Davidson; Flick Seed Scholarship, Aaron Burden, Lauren Kilbane;
George Lesley Talley, Jennifer McConville, Greater KC Cross Country
Coaches, Sandy Davidson; Greater KC Region MSTA Liz Simmons; Holden
Music Booster Club, Barbie Callahan; Holden Optimist Educational Grant,
Nathan Heiman, Alyssa Hutchings, Jennifer McConville; Holden VFW Ladies
Auxiliary, Jennifer McConville; Holden Vo-Ag Scholarship, Aaron Burden;
HTA Scholarship, Michael Davis, Michelle Wilson; Jeanne Briscoe Taylor,
Lindsey Bagby; Knights of Columbus/McHoney, Barbara Callahan, Nathaniel
Enneking, Daniel Guinn, Nathan Heiman, Emily Organowski, Amanda Raker;
Lori Allen Myers, Jennifer McConville; MFA Foundation Scholarship,
Aaron Burden; Midwest Dairy Assoc. Educational Award, Sandy Davidson;
MO Dept. of Elementary and Secondary, Sandy Davidson; MU Curator’s
Scholarship, Stephanie Burton; Nancy Parks Montgomery Memorial, Lindsey
Bagby; NWMS Freshman Merit Award, Tyler Gochenour; NWMS American Dream
Grant, Tyler Gochenour; Patricia Miller Terry Scholarship, Nathan
Heiman; Pepsi, Lindsey Bagby, Stephanie Burton, Sandy Davidson, Emily
Organowski, Nic Perry, Charity Sechrest; Presidential Freedom, Nic
Perry, Charity Sechrest; Richard Goldstein Memorial, Marshall Goldstein;
Robert Hoffman, did not award one this year; Rockhurst Univ. Director’s,
Emily Organowski; Rockhurst Univ. Grant, Emily Organowski; R.S. Mickey
Award, Marshall Goldstein; Sari Ramey Memorial, Jennifer McConville;
State Fair Community College Volleyball Scholarship, Amanda Raker;
Tina Van Meter Memorial, Aaron Burden; Truman Leadership Award, Liz
Simmons; Truman Week Award, Liz Simmons; SMSU Board of Governors,
Nic Perry; Swisher Mower/National FFA, Sandy Davidson; University
of MO-KC Chancellor’s Scholar, Chelsea Glaspy, Vicky Quick,
Emily Organowski, Curators Scholar, Liz Simmons, Housing Award, Emily
Organowski; West Central Electric Coop Scholarship, Stephanie Burton,
Sandy Davidson; William Ramey Memorial, Jennifer McConville; Xi Kappa
Lambda, Jennifer McConville, Amanda Raker, Michelle Wilson.
By Christi Stowe
News Editor
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