 An ordinance that would raise fees and permits for use of the
Holden City Lake was passed Tuesday night at the regular meeting
of the Holden City Council.
The new rates call for a one-day individual pass to increase
to $3.50, while an individual annual pass will cost $15. A
yearly pass for the family will now cost $22. There will
still no entry permit required for indiduals over 65 years of
age, or under 16-years.
Another ordinance which would ammend fowl hunting requirements
at the lake had to be tabled to next month’s meeting due
to erroneous verbage in the text. The ordinance stated
that, “A fowl blind permit may be obtained by at least
four, but not less than 12 persons joining together and making
application.” The text shoud read, “...at least
four, but not more than 12 persons...”
Holden Mayor Terry Hedglin said the correction would be made
and the ordinance would be included on February’s meeting
agenda.
In other council business, Don Rodenbaugh and Julia Goldstein
applied for and were given permission to place a modular home
on the vacant property located at 208 North Vine Street in Holden.
Hedglin explained to the council that all city requirements had
been met and there were no objections in a public hearing
held prior to the council meeting. Councilman Karl Timmerman
made the motion for approval and it was approved unanimously.
Prior to the vote, councilman Butch Shore expressed his feeling
that “these requests needed to go before the zoning board.” Councilman
Brent Brown agreed. When the mayor explained that the law
didn’t call for that, Shore recommended “we change
it.” The mayor suggested he draft a resolution for
the next meeting.
Representing the Holden Area Chamber of Commerce, local businesswoman
Jenny Sollars explained to the council that the History Book
Committee was soliciting materials for inclusion in the book
to be published in late 2007. The history book is being
printed in an effort to preserve the rich heritage of the Holden
area in conjunction with the city’s 150th birthday in 2008.
She also stated that, although in the preliminary planning stages,
the chamber is hoping to have a civil war battle reenactment
during the sesquicentennial celebration. She asked permission
to use the city’s industrial park for the 15 acres required
by the reenacters. She explained that if the park had been
developed or sold by 2008 the chamber would have alternate sites
for the battle. The council gave unanimous permission to
her request.
Sollars updated the council on future activities such as th St.
Patrick’s Day Parade, to be held Friday evening, March
17, and the 2006 Fall Fiesta dates, which will be September 28-30.
During the mayor’s communications segment, Hedglin reported
that city business licenses would be past due after January 31. At
that time, a penalty would be added every day they are overdue.
Councilman Chad Manford stated that the police committee met
last week and discussed the moving of municipal court back to
Holden. It was the committee’s consesus that more
time and research was needed to determine the costs and the move’s
merits. Another meeting was scheduled for March 9, at 6
p.m., prior to the city council meeting.
The Holden Sports Association’s desire to see a parks and
recreation board instituted in Holden was also reported by Manford
after attending last week’s HSA meeting.
Councilperson Brenda Stumpff voiced strong support for the idea
saying, “Growing up in Lee’s Summitt, where there
is a parks and rec, there was always so much to do. Our
city needs to bring all the sports and activities agencies together
and work as a team, instead of separate.”
She also said that if it were to happen, there would probably
have to be at least a full -time person and maybe a part-time
workers as well.
Councilman Timmerman asked if there would be a cost to taxpayers. Manford
stated that, although the discussions are very preliminary, possibly
a one-fourth to three-eighth-cent sales tax would cover the costs.
Mayor Hedglin also voiced his approval for the idea of a parks
and rec board.
In other committee reports, Shore stated the council should be
considering developing a plan for the city. He explained
that in order to get grants for any projects, a plan is necessary. He
suggested that possibly the city could work with the chamber
of commerce and other local agencies.
“It would have to be a very intensive document,” Shore stated. “We’ll
need everybody to take a part.”
Stumpff told the council that all city employees required to
take the NIMS training were certified. She also reported
that ads had been put in the paper for a City Hall custodian.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Jolie Carter,
a junior at Holden High School, has been nominated and selected
to attend the Presidential Classrooms (PC) Future World Leaders
Summit scheduled for the last week of March in Washington, D.C.
With the nation’s capitol as the classroom, PC’s
mission is to provide the highest quality civic education programs
for outstanding high school students.
Carter, who was nominated by Jerry Crouse, HHS professional school
counselor-in-training, will join other outstanding students from
across the country and around the world in the week-long programs,
gaining knowledge, insight and experience from the educational
opportunity.
Crouse stated that Carter was nominated because of her record
of scholarship. “Jolie is very strong academically
and is very consistent in her academic work.
“She’s also a positive participant in the total life of the high
school community,” Crouse added. “And she shows leadership
in all areas of her school career.”
He added that Carter also has a interest in languages and the
particular PC classroom she is attending will be a great opportunity
for her in that area.
According to a PC release, the classroom expands students knowledge
of politics, government and roles and responsibilities of institutions
and organizations involved in polity-making. Students gain
insight into the complexities of the policy-making process, as
well as the interaction between government entities and organizations
around the world. They experience the inner workings of
government and policy formation first-hand through seminars and
site visits in Washington.
PC offers a flagship civic education program, PC Scholars, as
well as six specialized focus weeks, including Media and Democracy;
Science, Technology and Public Policy; Law and Justice in Democracy;
Entrepeneurship and Global Business; National Security in a Democracy;
and the Future World Leaders Summit.
Interactive sessions with international policy-makers, diplomats,
scientists, military leaders, journalists, public officials and
others teach students about the challenges and complexities of
government and leadership.
Students work with their peers on a group project through the
week, ofe of which is selected for publication in Newsweek magazine. They
also have the opportunity to earn college credit through the
University of Virginia for their week at PC.
Jolie is the daughter of John and Juanita “Red” Carter
of rural Holden.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
“High
Schools That Work” (HSTW) assessment results,
new Missouri high school graduation requirements and district-wide
performance standards for the implentation of the “A+ School
Program” goals were among the many topics of discussion
at the regular monthly meeting of the Holden R-III Board of Education
held last Thursday in the middle school library.
Beginning at 5 p.m. instead of the normal 7 p.m., the meeting
started at the earlier time to allow board members and staff
to attend “family nights” for the two Holden high
school students who were tragically killed in an automobile accident
earlier last week.
In their presentation at the meeting, HHS staff members Sheryl
Book and Stacey McCune reported that last year’s graduating
seniors had higher mean scores than other Missouri testers as
well as higher than testers at national sites in the reading,
science and math areas. They did, however, score lower
in the proficient and advanced levels of the math test on a national
level.
“Overall our students did very well,” McCune stated. “Our
mean scores were above the state and national levels. What we need to
work on now is getting a higher percentage of our students in the upper
levels of proficiency.”
There were 774 students in 11 Missouri schools taking the
test, while on a national level, 64, 000 students from 1,000
schools in 36 states were figured in the results.
HSTW goals include getting 85 percent of students to meet
reading, math and science standards and to teach most students
the essential content of the college preparatory academic core
and either an academic or career concentration.
In college-preparatory student results, 66 percent of HHS students
met the reading goal, compared to 59 percent statewide and 54
percent nationally. In math, 73 percent met the goal compared
to 57 in Missouri and 59 nationally. Science had 69 percent
of HHS students tested reaching the goal, while 50, Missouri
and 48 nationally met the standards.
On the math portion of the test, only 18 percent of Holden college-prep
students tested in the proficient or advanced levels.
The school board approved the A+ Program performance standards
as presented by assistant high school principal Nancy Daniel.
The measurable performance standards are designed to ensure
that: 1. All students will graduate from high school. 2. All
students will complete a selection of high school studies that
is challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations. And,
3. All students proceed from high school gratuation to
a colloge or university, post-secondary vocational or technical
school, or a high-wage job with workplace development
opportunities.
Schools Superintendent Scott Slava reviewed the new Missouri
high school graduation requirements which will begin taking effect
for the class of 2010.
In his report, he shared that the number of credits needed to
gratuate will increase by two to 24. The old standard
has been in place for 20 years. The new standards will
put more emphasis on the core academic areas by requiring four
units of English and three units each in math, science and social
studies. Compared with the previous standards, this means
that many students will be required to complete one additional
unit in each of the core areas.
In addition, there will be new requirements for a half-unit course
(one semester) in personal finance and a half-unit course in
health education.
Also in the superintendent’s report, Slava stated that
Dr. Dan Gordon, presently the Warrensburg High School principal,
will take over as the new director of the Warrensburg Area Vocational
School, July 1. The present director will retire on June
30.
Larry Arnone explained to the board that the new auxiliary services
building should be completed late this month and the intermediate
school parking lot is scheduled to be redone over spring break,
April 13-24.
Other reports given at the meeting were the library evaluation
criteria report by Lisa Baker, and the curriculum and instruction
report by Donna Fizer.
In other new business, Arnone was given permission to advertise
to purchase two new 71-passenger buses and one new 15- passenger
bus for the 2006-2007 school year. The transaction will
include trading-in buses #3, #23 and #14.
The board is also preparing for their working retreat to be held
Saturday at the Adam’s Pointe Conference Center in Blue
Springs, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
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Kingsville
Superintendent Kevin Coleman updated the school board on the
new conference the district is forming at Wednesday night’s
regular meeting.
“So far we have met with Chilhowee, Leeton and Calhoun and they are all
interested in forming a new conference with us,” stated Coleman.
He added they are waiting to hear from several other school districts who may
possibly be interested in joining the conference as well.
“The new conference name will most likely be the Golden Valley Conference
and we hope to find out by the end of this month what other schools are interested,” said
Coleman.
In transportation reports, Coleman reported on some repairs needed by one of
the buses. He also stated if the board is wanting to purchase a new bus
for next year, they need to start the process for getting bids. He added
the inspection for the fleet of buses will be held in March.
“We put approximately 10-12,000 miles per year on these buses and most
of that is traveling on gravel roads,” reported Coleman.
With the board’s approval Coleman will seek a maintenance contract for
the Kingsville fleet for any repairs and general upkeep needed for the buses.
In elementary and high school reports, the board learned the attendance rate
for first semester for the elementary school is 96.13 percent, and the high school
attendance rate is 96.59 percent.
In other elementary news, grade cards were sent home on Wednesday, January 4. An
honor roll assembly took place Wednesday afternoon. A breakfast was held
Thursday morning for students that were on the A or B honor roll both quarters,
according to elementary principal John Griffith.
He added the Christmas music program was a big success and there have been many
positive comments received regarding the program.
“Elementary teachers in February will begin a book study on Writer’s
Workshop in an effort to improve our students’ writing ability. This
will provide consistency from grade level to grade level on what is expected
from the students,” said Griffith.
In other high school news, principal Lorna Warren reported grade cards were mailed
out on Tuesday, January 3. They will also have their honor roll assembly
on Wednesday, January 11 and students who qualify for the A and B honor roll
for the semester were invited to attend a breakfast in their honor on Thursday,
January 12.
Warren also shared with the board a list of upcoming events including the Wellington
Tournament on January 16-21; KC Lutheran @ home at 5:30 p.m. on January 24 (NHS
Chili Supper); Wellington @ home at 5 p.m. on January 27 (Homecoming); and January
31 will be Leeton @ home at 5:30 p.m.
In library/media services reports, librarian Angie Love reported the students
are accessing encyclopedias on-line instead of purchasing the hard copies every
year. This will save the district money, she said. She also reported
that the district needed to purchase a subscription to a national newspaper,
and this could also be done on-line.
In other business, board member Wes Rutherford questioned the board about the
current policy for the use of school facilities. Coleman said the current
rental price for the multi-purpose building and/or the gymnasium is $50. The
board discussed the rental issue particularly if the rental was for someone outside
of the school district. After much discussion about liability, insurance
and use of equipment it was decided to form a committee to look into the issue
further. Wes Rutherford, Todd Brendel, and Dean Shnakenberg will research
what some other schools are doing in these situations and report back to the
board at a future meeting.
In new business, it was reported to the board that the scoreboards in the gymnasium
are not functioning correctly. They tend to flash off and on according
to board member Julie Stout. Coleman told the board it may just be caused
by dust collecting behind the scoreboards and will look into getting them cleaned.
Another board member mentioned there are no smoking signs above the gymnasium
doors but not the entrance doors to the school. The board agreed there
needs to be signs at all entrances that the school property is a non-smoking
facility.
The board adjourned the regular meeting and went into closed session to meet
again in regular session on Wednesday, February 8.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
The HOPE Coalition
elected a new slate of officers for the upcoming year at their
regular meeting held Monday, January 9.
Remaining for another term as president will be Bob Mickey; first vice president
is Fred Christenson; second vice president is Aline Kirchhoff; secretary is Butch
Shore; and returning for her second term as treasurer is Dorothy Salsman.
In reports, executive director John Roberts gave a year-end report for the Clothes
Closet program. In 2005, the Clothes Closet served 1,412 families in an
11-county area. This includes providing clothing for 2,993 adults and 3,954
children.
In Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) business, Roberts told the board HOPE
had received approximately 15 NAP and other donations totaling nearly $130,000
by year’s end. He also made note of the car that was donated to
HOPE earlier in 2005 and was sold for $1,300.
“In addition to cash and material gifts, we have received a service gift
from a contractor to construct and pour the handicapped-accessible ramp/hard
surface at the rear of the CAC. This work and materials are valued at
approximately $2,000. Also, we have received the donation of a furnace,
valued at $6,000, to replace one at the Community Service Center (CSC),” said
Roberts.
“With the $50,000 (approximately) left in our NAP account from 2005 and
the gifts we’ve either received and/or will be getting, HOPE should be
in very good shape for the 2006 calendar year, barring any unforeseen misfortunes,” added
Roberts.
In a Harvester update, Roberts informed the board that an inspection was to be
held on Tuesday, January 10 and Harvesters also told HOPE the delivery dates
will be changed. For the next three months, deliveries will be made on
Fridays instead of Thursdays.
In Community Activity Center (CAC) news, Roberts told the board that Johnson
County Clerk Gilbert Powers has given the CAC notice of elections to be held
at their facility. The dates for these elections will be April 4, August
8 and November 7.
In other CAC business, Roberts reported he will be meeting with a CAC volunteer
board member to encourage better communications between the CSC and the
CAC. The board told Roberts they would like for a member of the CAC board
to be present at the HOPE board meetings held each month.
In strategic planning business, the board decided on two possible dates to meet
with Scott Paterson to continue the discussion about the future of HOPE and their
goals for the new year.
In old business, Angel Tree coordinator Patricia Williams reported that approximately
60 businesses and individuals adopted 148 children in this year’s Angel
Tree program. The program supplies Christmas gifts to children who might
not otherwise receive them. HOPE has received several thank-you notes from
parents and children alike for helping to make their Christmas a more memorable
and happy occasion, according to Williams.
In other Clothes Closet business, Roberts told the board an end-of-the-year “thank
you” gathering for Clothes Closet volunteers was held December 21 at the
CSC. More than 30 individuals were recognized by Williams for their contributions
during the year.
Williams also reported that a total of $6,998.79 was raised for HOPE from the
Clothes Closet, the garage sale room and the garage sale.
In other NAP business, Roberts told the board he and Salsman are working with
Westbrook & Company to set a date for auditing the books as well as to agree
on a fee for the audit. The board voted to give Roberts permission to
enter into a contract with the company to have the audit completed, which
is for the year 2004.
In new business, Mickey approached the board with a proposal to give a performance
review of Roberts as executive director. The board formed a committee of
Mickey, Kirchhoff and Rick Morris to complete a review along with salary consideration
for Roberts.
The regular meeting closed and the board voted to go into executive session. The
next meeting of the HOPE board will be held February 13.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
The many areas
of formulation that are needed to get a new organization such as
the Holden R-III School Foundation “up and running” continued
at the group’s regularly scheduled meeting held January 5
at the Holden Middle School library.
The foundation, according to its by-laws, was organized to promote
the contributions of funds, time and expertise which will be used
for the general purposes of supporting and assisting the Holden
school district.
In the meeting, an official mission statement was formulated and
added to the fact sheet. It states, “The mission of
the Holden R-III Foundation is to enrich the educational experience
for all learners through community involvement.”
Towards that end, foundation president Marion Robey spoke on the
development of subcommittees to work on specific areas outside
the monthly meetings.
They are: Membership committee: Bevy Fletchall, Dale
Jarman, Kelli Spies and Norma Johnson have the goal of developing
a list of pre-1970 alumni/community people by this summer, and
developing membership “levels.”
Scholarship/Finance committee: Jacki Brandel, Ann Cates and
Jeff Miller will compose a letter to be sent to scholarship donors
by next month. Public relations committee: Kyndal
Phelps, P. Kaye Chisler and Scott Slava will have the goal of developing
a booklet by March 2006.
These committees will report to the group at the main monthly meetings,
which are set for the fourth Thursday of each month through June
2006.
Other items discussed at the meeting included the fact that the
foundation is now able to accept donations. Cates presented
a check for $500 on behalf of the Farmers & Commercial Bank. Other
donations may be sent to: Holden R-III Foundation, Inc.,
c/o Farmers & Commercial Bank, 124 W. Second Street, Holden,
MO 64040, ATTN: Ann Cates.
Cates also shared the list of present scholarship donors. The
scholarship/finance committee will develop a letter requesting
donors to transfer the management of scholarship funds from the
school to the foundation.
Foundation documents are available for public viewing by contacting
Brandel, treasurer, at (816) 230-8796.
The foundation also asks that anyone with alumni addreses contact
anyone on the foundation.
Their next regularly scheduled meeting will be February 23.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
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