In its first meeting, the Holden City Council’s  Clay Street improvement committee determined that widening and other improvements to Clay Street from Highway 58 to Eagle Drive could cost as much as $500,000 and the funds would probably have to come from local sources.

Although Community Development Block Grants were discussed as a source of income, the majority of committee members felt that they would  be very difficult to obtain and that the project would have a low priority. 

Newly-elected chairman Dwight Anstine, senior vice president of Farmers & Commercial Bank, said he would explore the avenue with CDBG administrator Carolyn Corson, but agreed it would be difficult.

He also stated, “Our revenue sources will most likely have to come from capital improvements or bonds.  In a town this size, we need to take care of ourselves.”

The city council had asked the committee be formed to study possible solutions and funding for improvements to Clay Street since approximately 1,000 cars per day travel on that section of street.  It is a main artery to and from the Holden schools.

Anstine stated in the meeting that they needed to determine how broad a scope the improvements would be and where the money is coming from.

Street commissioner Larry Miller said that he felt the road needed to have two 12-foot lanes.  Presently, he stated the roadway was approximately 20 feet across.  Materials alone he estimated would cost $163,000.

O&M Enterprises owner Tony Lerda estimated the total cost could be as much as $400,00 to $5,000,000 with engineering, filling in ditches and raising the roadbed, moving utility poles, and installing drainage systems.

When asked if any money from his present budget could be used to get started, Miller said no.  He also expressed his opinion that funds should come from the city council’s  capital improvements funds.

At the end of the meeting, Anstine challenged the committee to be thinking of ways to accomplish the project.

“We’ll have to meet again,” he said.  “This situation is complex.  But it could be a wonderful start to making some much-needed improvements to our city.”

Anstine also said he would report to the council at their meeting next week and he would visit with Corson as well.

By Steve Sullins
Editor

The Holden R-III Foundation voted at their regular February meeting to operate the concession stand at the PTO carnival to be held April 29 at the elementary and intermediate schools.

Taking the 2-5 p.m. shift, the foundation will receive 50 percent of the profits.  In other fundraising activities, the group decided to sponsor a golf tournament to be held later this year at the local golf course. 

District activities director Kelli Spies will coordinate with the course owner to pick a suitable time for the event.

In an effort to move more scholarships under the foundation “umbrella,” the group has approved a letter and is mailing it to previous scholarship donors, asking them to take advantage of this tax-deductible vehicle.  The foundation plans to have the letter out in early March.

In the public relations committee report, Kyndal Phelps presented the rough draft of the foundation’s informational brochure. 

A membership drive was discussed with possible membership levels of:  Founder, $500; business/professional, $250; friend, $125; family, $75; individual, $35; and senior citizen, $15.

Dale Jarman, membership committee, reported that his committee has been working on developing alumni lists and said that they have a good start to a data base from 1944 to recent alumni.

During the finance committee segment, Jacki Brandel updated the board on federal filing.  She reported that all state reports have been filed and the federal filing takes approximately six months to a year to receive notification.  She did explain that the foundation is able to collect funds from the point the application is filed.

By Steve Sullins
Editor

Entries are still being sought for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade sponsored by the Holden Chamber of Commerce.

The parade will be held Friday, March 17 at 5 p.m. and will begin at Holden Motors. The parade will proceed down Second Street and will turn south on 131 Hwy. before ending on Third Street.

First place will receive a $100 gift certificate; second place will receive a $50 gift certificate and third place will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Individuals, groups or floats are welcome to enter. Those wishing to participate should call Pat Zvacek at the Holden Image, 732-5552.