 The Holden
City Council voted to table the decision of whether to grant
the Holden First United Methodist Church a variance concerning
the installation of a fire sprinkler system in their new church
to be built between Williams Funeral Chapel and Rawlins Drive.
City codes require the sprinkler system in the 15,000 square-foot
structure the church will build, but Jim Nipko, speaking for
the church, requested that they take alternate measures because
of the cost of the sprinkler system to be installed.
He stated that the $50,000 for the system would be a major additional
cost to the new church, which will cost $1.3 million. He
said that the church would install a fire hydrant within 50 feet
of the building with the same size lines that are presently going
into the Eagle Crest development, just to the east.
When questioned by councilwoman Brenda Stumpff about the dangers
of not having a sprinkler system, he stated the church would
be a metal one-story building with very little combustible material.
He also said that the church was taking extra safety measures
in the kitchen where there would be the most danger of a fire
starting. Kitchen hoods would be installed over the stove
which would automatically put out fires if they start. He
also stated there would be an outside alarm system with strobe
lights and smoke detectors hard-wired throughout the building.
Stumpff added, “I just came from a fire committee meeting
where we discussed this and I can tell you that the firemen are
not willing to take the chance of losing a life because you want
to save $50,000.”
Nipko maintained that the fire suppression was most needed
when people were not in the building.
Mayor Mike Wakeman added, “The bottom line is that the
council has to make a decision based on public safety.”
Councilman Butch Shore suggested the cost of the hydrant and
all the water lines and construction of the system could very
well approach the $50,000 the church would have to spend on the
sprinkler system. The council then voted to table the issue
to give the church time to do a cost comparison and come back
at the November meeting for a decision.
In the mayor’s communications, he reported to the council,
that the water board was still in need of a member. The
group stated they would put an ad in the paper as the position
needs to be filled within 30 days.
Councilman Chad Manford, speaking for the street committee,
stated the Holden School District had requested that there be
no parking on Eagle Drive Monday through Friday from 8 to 4 p.m. The
request was passed and it will come back before the council in
November in the form of an ordinance.
Building committee representative Jim Zumwalt asked the council
to hire Dominic Malena, a street employee who will be laid-off
from his duties there, as a custodian for city hall and the police
department.
After passage, it was decided that Malena would start his new
duties immediately, while giving the commercial firm now doing
the cleaning 30-days notice.
In other action taken at the council meeting, the council agreed
to raise the fee for consumption of liquor on premises
to $35 effective January 1, 2007. The fee for a permit
had previously been $5.
Also, the council agreed to split the cost of the annual tree
trimming with the Chamber of Commerce. The city’s
portion should be approximately $450.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Dixie
Huffman of the Holden Locker Plant was honored last week with
the Customer Service Award by staff members of The Holden Image. She
was honored with a plaque and a bouquet of flowers.
Huffman has been an employee with the locker plant since it opened
14 years ago. Her responsibilities include cutting and
wrapping meat, answering the phone and working with customers
who come into the store.
“It’s a new experience everyday when I come to work,” Huffman
said. “It’s exciting and interesting work; most people don't
know where certain cuts of meat come from and we try to help them with their
choices.”
Huffman’s boss Junior Parmley said, “Dixie is an
outstanding employee. She is very dependable and responsible,
and is very good with the public. She’s been with
me since I first opened and has done a great job.”
Huffman’s co-workers said she is second-in-command at the
locker plant and when she is gone everything falls apart.
Her favorite part of the job is working with the customers, helping
them make their selections. “I enjoy working with
the public and with the staff here at the locker plant. We
are all very close,” she added.
She was very surprised by the customer service award and said
she had no idea who would nominate her for the award.
The person who nominated Huffman said, “Dixie is always
very friendly, pleasant, helpful and outgoing.”
Huffman is a life-long resident of Holden and lives here with
her husband, Autie. Their two children, Chris and Steven
are grown and live nearby.
When she’s not busy at the locker plant, Huffman enjoys
playing with her grandkids, fishing, sewing, going to garage
sales and playing bingo.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Kingsville
School Board President Martha Bush handed out 25 awards for scoring
in the advanced level on last year’s
MAP test, at the regular meeting of the Kingsville School Board
held last Thursday night.
Those students receiving awards were Adam Cope, Desirae Bell,
Dottie Stimac, Scott Blann, Megan Graham, Alyssa Taylor, Lauren
Thomas, Courtney Welch, Matt Hawley, David Leehy, Travis Lord,
Cory Davis, Allie Hawley, Aaron Howerton, Jesse Mann, Abby Sechrest,
Ross Shull, Blake Stout, Danielle Ward, Aaron Carlton, Chris
Hawley, Ashley Millican, Laura Andreas, Adam Baumgarden and Candice
Millican.
In other MAP business, high school principal Lorna Warren and
elementary principal John Griffith shared MAP test results with
the board, with a breakdown of each grade and where they rated
on the test. It was reported by Superintendent Kevin Coleman
that those students who scored at an advanced level also received
gift cards from WalMart.
In new business, the board vacancy was filled as new board member
Art Worsley, Jr. was sworn in to serve on the board.
In extra-curricular activity news it was reported by Coleman
that the Kingsville marching band marched in the Holden Fall
Fiesta and also competed in the Fayette competition where they
placed fourth. Vo-ag director John Ferguson reported there
is an FFA Barn Dance planned. He also said the FFA went
trapshooting and participated in the Holden Fall Fiesta.
In the superintendent’s report Coleman told the board local
fire departments had come into the school and made a list of
suggestions and recommendations to enhance fire safety and awareness
at the school. “For instance some teachers have been
using their furnace closets as storage areas and that is a fire
hazard,” said Coleman. The visit was beneficial for
the fire departments as well as they learned the lay-out of the
schools which will come in handy in case of emergency, he added.
Coleman also reported he received a good report from Mid-American
Facility Solutions stating the building was structurally sound. “They
were very complimentary and we will have a report at our next
meeting on recommendations from them,” stated Coleman.
In the elementary principal’s report Griffith shared with
the board the teachers started taking training from Mr. West
on Tuesday, October 3, on designing and setting up web pages. “This
will be a useful tool for parents and students to get on and
see what is going on in the classroom. Ms. DeSchepper’s
page is a good example of what we hope to see in the future in
all of our web pages,” said Griffith.
In related news, Griffith added the teachers went through training
for accelerated math on Thursday, October 5 and stated if all
went well they should be using the accelerated math by the end
of the quarter. He added the teachers may require additional
training to become proficient with the program.
In other elementary business, the board was told by Griffith
that the PTO will be sponsoring a Haunted Halls again this year
on October 27, at the school.
In high school reports, principal Warren shared attendance numbers
with the board reporting a total of 96.88 percent attendance
rating for the month of October.
In other high school business, it was reported by Warren that
Rachelle Worsley was chosen for the all-district women’s
honor choir. She will perform on October 21 at Sedalia
for this honor. Also, fifth grade will be starting
band on October 12 according to Jennifer Carr.
Warren was happy to report numbers were up from last year on
titles checked out from the library. She credits the Drop
Everything and Read (DEAR) program for this success.
In softball news, Warren reported the all-district team has been
chosen and includes - first team-all-district: Lynn Andreas,
pitcher; Callie Graham, shortstop; and Kierston Howerton, catcher. Ashley
Barker, first baseman, was named honorable mention-all-district.
The regular meeting of the Kingsville School District was closed
to reopen November 9.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
At last Monday
night’s regular meeting, executive director
John Roberts reminded the HOPE Coalition board members of the
Pink Tea that was held Tuesday, October 10.
The second annual Pink Tea was an event held for the observance
of breast cancer month and offered education about breast cancer
with cancer survivors and a nurse from Johnson County Community
Health Services (JCCHS) speaking at the event. Speakers
included Marilyn Mickey-Clay, breast cancer survivor; Holli Dodd,
JCCHS nurse; and Fred Christenson, spouse of breast cancer survivor. A
large crowd was on hand for the event.
In other business Roberts told the board the general election
for this area of Johnson County will be held Tuesday, November
7 at the Community Activity Center (CAC). “According
to Johnson County Clerk Gilbert Powers, all went very well at
the last election in August. We are looking forward to
another well-run election with many key issues on the ballots,” said
Roberts.
In financial business, Roberts reported HOPE’s 2005 fiscal
year is set to be audited Monday, November 6 and Wednesday, November
8 by Westbrook & Company. “Also, we have requested
that our 2006 Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) project be
audited so that we may close out the project. In
addition we will be addressing the status of an in-kind NAP donation
made by Westbrook & Company and a 990 tax extension which
was declared invalid by the IRS,” stated Roberts.
In other NAP business, Roberts told the board he would be attending
a NAP administrative workshop October 18 at Jefferson City. He
added this was required before their contract will be executed. He
also reminded the board the latest NAP application was approved
in September. The budget is for $244,031 with total tax
credits of $170,821.70 and all credits are at the 70 percent
level, Roberts commented.
In related business, Roberts told the board NAP solicitation
letters and mini-surveys were sent out to past contributors Thursday,
October 5. “These proved to be very helpful
last year in that about 90 percent gave us an indication of their
intent,” he stated. More materials and follow-up
calls will be made over the coming weeks to a variety of sectors
(farmers, business people, and others interested in the organization),
but these will be done on a targeted basis, he added.
In other CAC business, it was reported to the board by Roberts
that the electric bill has been put on the level payment plan
to ease the higher bills in the time of slow activities/revenue. In
reference to last month’s inquiry from the board, Roberts
also researched a level payment plan with Missouri Gas Energy. He
was told the company doesn’t offer a plan for businesses
or not-for-profit entities.
In further CAC business, Roberts told the board that due to vandalism,
the CAC banner in front of the building had to be replaced. The
cost of the new sign was $69, according to Roberts.
In old business, Roberts reminded the board that last month they
approved a gradual centralization of bookkeeping at the Community
Service Center (CSC). “The target date for the full
implementation was set for January 1, 2007 and our treasurer,
Dorothy Salsman, has suggested that payroll should be a top priority
in this process,” stated Roberts.
In other CSC business, Roberts reported the leakage problems
on the roof appear to be resolved. At the board’s
request, Roberts contacted a local realtor about the CSC building
and was advised HOPE would probably be better off having the
building demolished and then selling the lot. “Several
local individuals experienced with demolition have been contacted
to see what having the building razed would cost,” said
Roberts. He will receive bids from these contractors and
share them with the board at a later date.
In other old business, it was reported that a replacement for
Pat Talley, Clothes Closet manager, is still being sought. Several
candidates are under consideration for the position but none
have been interviewed yet, according to Roberts.
In other CAC business, CAC volunteer board member Amy Morrison
was present at the board meeting and gave the board a summary
of current and upcoming activities at the CAC.
In a program update, board member Donna LaHue reported the new
system for delivering Harvester’s food items was running
smoothly.
In new business, the board discussed forming a committee to select
a slate of nominees for the office and board vacancies which
will be filled in November.
In other new business, LaHue reported HOPE is in the process
of planning another Thanksgiving dinner to be held at the CAC
for the walkers and volunteers of the organization.
The regular meeting of the HOPE Coalition was adjourned
and the board voted to go into executive session.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
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The Holden
R-III District School Board received some good news at their regular
meeting last week as district director of instruction Donna Fizer
reported Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) results taken by Holden
school children.
The results showed that the district met 13 of 14 performance standards
on the Annual Performance Report, and also met the Annual Yearly
Performance in mathematics and communications arts in all sub-groups
or buildings. As a district, AYP was met in math in all sub-groups
and AYP was met in communications arts in all subgroups except
IEP students.
She further explained that the percent of students scoring in the
top two levels was above the state average in grades three, four,
five, seven and eight.
“Overall, we did very well,” Fizer stated. “It’s
an improvement on both the AYP and the APR standards.”
The state instituted a different achievement level system this
year, as levels decreased from five to four. New levels are: Advanced,
proficient, basic and below basic.
Fizer stated that for the future, they will continue to work on
increasing the math scores even though they are pleased with the
results. “There are still some scores we’d like
to improve.”
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Shippy League
Is
Reorganizing
The Glenn Shippy recreational softball and baseball league which
covers many area towns, was dissolved on September 17.
However, the league is in the process of reorganizing, according
to new league president Elda Lewis of Windsor.
“Most of the same towns are still participating in the new league,” said
Lewis. “Each town has its own representative on the new board.”
Towns in the Shippy League include Holden, Warrensburg, Lone Jack,
Leeton, Lake Lotawana, Kingsville, East Lynne, Centerview, and
Whiteman AFB.
“Some of the problems with the old league were we were getting too many
competitve teams as opposed to recreational teams,” Lewis added. “We
thought we should step back to what Glenn Shippy, the founder of the league,
thought it should be.”
The new board has spoken to the Shippy family and they have agreed
to let the league retain the name.
“We will be up and running by spring; so far we have had two meetings
and elected officers. In future meetings we will work on rules and by-laws
for the new league,” said Lewis.
The league was meant to be recreational softball and baseball and
not so competitive, according to Lewis.
At a regular
meeting of the Kingsville R-I District Board of Education on October
12, a refunding bond resolution was approved by a unanimous vote. The
resolution authorizes the sale of $1,600,000 general obligation
refunding bonds at an average interest rate of about 3.908 percent,
compared to the series 2001 bonds which carry an average interest
rate of about 5.056 percent.
The district thereby reduces the future interest expense by approximately
$98,947. The superintendent of schools, Kevin Coleman, expressed
enthusiasm and support for the refunding option selected by the
board of education. “This plan does not materially
change our existing annual debt service payments, while preserving
considerable flexibility for the district in the future,” Coleman
remarked.
The board president, Martha Bush, pointed out that $98,947
of interest savings for the series 2006 refunding is not all the
district may realize due to the series 2006 refunding bonds having
a call feature in March 1, 2011 at no penalty. “If
interest rates are lower in 2011 or later, we can take advantage
of that. Meanwhile we are locking in these levels that are
about one and fifteen hundredths percent (1.15 percent) lower than
they were in 2001,” stated Bush. L.J. Hart & Company
of St. Louis, Missouri prepared the refunding proposal and Dr.
Roger D. Adamson of L.J. Hart & Company explained how it can
fit into the long range plans of the district. Dr. Adamson
mentioned that the three significant factors making the series
2006 refunding possible were the lower interest rates than in 2001,
the fact that the $825,000 portion of the series 2001 bonds are
subject to prepayment on November 28, 2006 at no penalty, the $775,000
portion of the series 2001 bonds are subject to prepayment on March
1, 2011 at no penalty, and the district’s ability to participate
in the State of Missouri’s direct deposit program. This
program makes it possible for the district to receive a AA+ rating
from Standard & Poor’s Corporation on the refunding bonds. Dr.
Adamson complimented Coleman for his prompt and thorough preparations
to supply the data necessary for the rating application and official
statement, as well as the board of education for their foresight
in making a portion of the Series 2001 Bonds callable in five and
10 years.
The remaining $775,000 of bond proceeds from the series 2006 eefunding
bonds will be placed in an escrow account with the UMB Bank in
Kansas City and reinvested in U.S. Treasury Securities. The
earnings from this escrow account will cover the interest payments
on the $775,000 portion of the refunding bonds maturing from March
1, 2017 through March 1, 2021 and prepay the portion callable on
March 1, 2011 of the series 2001 bonds. The Series 2006 refunding
bonds were purchased from the district by L.J. Hart & Company. The
closing for the Series 2006 refunding bond issue is to occur on
November 2, 2006. Several board members complimented Coleman
and Dr. Adamson for developing the attractive refunding plan. “It
is nice to be able to save $98,947 of our taxpayers’ money
on the original series 2001 bonds,” commented Julie Stout,
vice president of the board of education.
Approximately
103 fifth graders from the Holden Intermediate School recently
attended a field trip to Exchange City on the campus of Penn Valley
College. They were accompanied by 17 parents/chaperones.
Students attending were from Mrs. Kilgore’s, Mrs. Wright’s,
Mrs. Eissler’s, Mrs. Campbell’s, and Mr. Sands’ classes.
According to Campbell, students prepared for their trip for a month
prior to attending. “We worked the trip in on a unit
on economics including communication arts, math and social studies,” said
Campbell.
Bryanna Wehmeyer and Hunter Warner shared their experiences of
the day.
“Our visit to Exchange City was amazing! We actually got the feeling
that we had a real job. We were given checkbooks to use as we shopped
with money we earned from our job. It was hard for the shop managers
because they were always busy with some kind of paper work. Each business
had to get a business license to operate. If anyone broke the laws they
would get arrested or they would pay a fine. We had real news in the
paper and on the radio,” said Wehmeyer.
Warner added, “Our time at Exchange City was always busy. The
Corner Cafe was always packed. Even though it was fun, we
had some struggles in our day. We didn’t have much
time to eat lunch and we didn’t get to go shopping for as
long as we wanted to. At times, there weren’t enough
supplies to make the products we needed. Even though there
were some tough issues, we still had a lot of fun and we did a
lot of activities. It was a very educational experience.”
There were three elected officials at Exchange City who were elected
by the student body. They were: Morgan Pemberton, mayor;
Victoria Happy, judge; and Breann Reece, postmaster. There
were also 13 shops in which the students applied for jobs and they
were placed in positions according to different criteria.
“The students gained real life experiences about shopping, money and
economics,” said Campbell. “The Exchange City workers complimented
our students about how prepared they were for the experience.”
Overall, the students commented they learned a lot about
economics and they understand now why their parents are so tired
after working all day.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
HOPE Coalition
hosted their second annual Pink Tea on Tuesday, October 10 at the
Community Activity Center.
The event is meant to raise awareness on the subject of breast
cancer, as October is breast cancer awareness month.
Ladies of the community were treated to a free light lunch, coffee
and tea and music provided by Larry Timme. Speakers at the
event were Marilyn Mickey-Clay, a breast cancer survivor; Holli
Dodd, a nurse from Johnson County Community Health Services (JCCHS),
and Fred Christenson, a spouse of a breast cancer survivor.
Waiters at the affair included Meril LaHue, Bob Corkill, Fred Christenson,
Sam Raber, Jack Wharton and Jim Christenson. Pink Tea committee
members were Beth Van Meter, Donna LaHue and Jane Christenson.
There was a large crowd on hand to enjoy the good food, fellowship
and information.
The HOPE Coalition would like to thank all those who made
the Pink Tea possible including their sponsors F & C Bank and
Bank of Holden. Also contributing to the event were Brillhart
Music, Larry Timme, Cindy Hall (Harmony House), Sharon Hutchison,
Ann Stevenson, Kyndal Phelps, Cricket Hough (Galle’s), and
Holden First United Methodist Church.
Medford United
Methodist Church enjoyed a day of festivities on Sunday, October
15 as they celebrated the church’s 100th
anniversary.
A large crowd attended the event and even the rain couldn’t
dampen their spirits.
Throughout the day many enjoyed a mule-drawn carriage ride provided
by Steve Haller. Several people dressed in period clothing
for the event.
A history of the church and slide presentation was given by Scott
Strohmeyer, a church member. A presentation of a charter
member plaque was given by a fifth generation member, Amy Millstead. The
lumber for the parsonage and church was cut from Amy’s great-great-grandfather
Henry Peters’ timber. A recognition of past members
was given by Karen Strohmeyer.
The congregation released balloons as part of the celebration and
rang the church bell 100 times.
There was special entertainment during the afternoon and evening
including music performed by Jean Abel, Amy Millstead, Bobby Kent,
Rachel Sullins, a group from the Blue Springs Pentecostal Church,
Curt and Sue Schnorf, and band members from Big Creek and The Farm
country music shows.
The day ended with a large fireworks display.
The church members would like to thank everyone who took part in
the festivities.
Worship is held at Medford United Methodist Church every Sunday evening
at 6:30 p.m with Reverend Pat Kelley as pastor.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
Weather Rains Out Cemetery
Walk
Mother Nature played havoc on the annual cemetery walk scheduled for Sunday.
Lori Evans of Cast and Son-Wood Funeral Home, sponsor of the event, said she
was disappointed that the weather prevented the annual event. Contacted by the
Image on Tuesday, Evans said no decision had been made as of yet for rescheduling
the walk.
Warrensburg
Walk On Tap For Sunday
Sunday, October 22 will be the date for the fifth annual Cemetery Walk sponsored
by the West Central Missouri Genealogical Society.
The event will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery, west Business Highway 50 in Warrensburg.
This year’s theme is “Untimely Deaths” and students from the
UCM (formerly CMSU) theater department will portray nine historical characters
from the past. Among this year’s “cast” is a Medal
of Honor winner and the only two Warrensburg lawmen to be killed while on active
duty. The tours will be approximately 45 minutes in length and will be
continuous from 2-5 p.m. There is no charge but donations are requested
to cover expenses.
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