 Burglars caused considerable damage to a Bank of Holden automatic teller machine (ATM) and a lottery vending machine inside Lloyd’s Foods early Saturday morning.
But according to Lloyd’s owner Alan Lloyd, the burglars only got away with approximately $130 in cash from the lottery machine and a few cartons of cigarettes. He also said that they were unable to break into the ATM.
The crime was found when Doug Lloyd of the store arrived at work at approximately 5:05 a.m. on Saturday. Police responded to his call and found damage to the center north door in the back storage area. Their report states that the hasp had been broken from the frame of the door. Outside, they observed pry marks on the door next to the door handle. They also found the lock to the overhead door used for deliveries had been broken into.
The police also found that the lottery machine at the front of the store had been pried open but, according to Alan Lloyd, no tickets were taken, only the cash.
The ATM machine had been rammed with a forklift that Lloyd said had been taken from their back room. The police report continues to say the face of the ATM was lifted up exposing the internal parts. One of the forks of the forklift had also been pushed into a wall next to the ATM.
A witness told officers that at approximately 12:30 a.m., he saw a white Dodge truck pull in front of Lloyd’s but it left shortly after that. He also stated that he saw two occupants in the truck, but could not give any type of description. He stated that he left the parking lot between 1:42 and 2 a.m.
According to Holden Police Chief Ed Bone, there is a connection among the burglaries and robberies in Holden since November and he continued, “We have some leads and we believe we will have a successful conclusion.”
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Wild weather came calling Saturday evening and Holden residents braced themselves for a tornado that was roaring toward town from the south.
The F0-F1 tornado touched down near Medford and stayed on the ground for approximately two miles, according to Johnson County Emergency Management director Karen Eagleson.
“The twister damaged nine barns and sheds, four homes and destroyed one business,” said Eagleson.
Homes and property belonging to Rick Anstine, Ruby Hardesty and Don and Randy Culbertson were hit by the storm.
One of the barns damaged was owned by Rick and Marcia Anstine and according to Marcia the barn lost its roof and will now have to be torn down. Her main concern was her mother, Ruby Hardesty, who lives in a mobile home directly in the path of the tornado. Hardesty’s home was hit and windows were broken out and the roof was torn from her bedroom by the storm. “The main thing is no one was hurt. We are so thankful that everyone is all right,” said Anstine.
Dana Tapu, sister of the Culbertson brothers, described the experience as happening very fast. “It completely tore down our big shop which came down on both of our trucks. It also ripped the roof off of our second storage shed. There are a lot of our family who live on the surrounding land and most of us were home at the time of the tornado. My in-laws report they saw debris flying by their windows and some said they heard what sounded like a train and then their back wall was sucked in like a vacuum,” she said. “It was scary for all of us but the most important thing is that no one was injured, it could have been so much worse.”
The tornado first touched down at the Paul Dunn farm on 2 Highway and then continued north on Highway 131 travelling in a northeastward pattern.
Eagleson said the twister touched down at approximately 5:10 p.m. Along with the structures damaged, power lines were down and 90 customers were without power until approximately 10:30 p.m. when service was restored to the area.
There were no reports of injuries or fatalities, according to Eagleson.
After the tornado hit the area, it remained a funnel cloud aloft and Eagleson and her husband followed the funnel all the way to the Centerview area where it finally dissipated.
Elsewhere in and around Holden, residents were scrambling to find shelter as the storm approached. A crowd on hand for a basketball tournament at the Community Activity Center were moved into the restrooms and storage rooms in the facility. Mass was being said at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church when the sirens went off and Father Pete Savidge ushered everyone to the basement until the all-clear sounded.
Another report of a possible touchdown came from the Robert Corkill residence located on 75 Road just west of U Highway. According to Barbara Corkill, they could see a dark cloud coming toward their home from the south. “The clouds were spinning and you could see debris flying around in it. It hit our barn and tore the back wall off which was a large door,” said Barbara. It also caused damage to the Corkill’s house roof and shingles. The Corkill’s nine children all came home Sunday to help with repairs to the barn and the roof.
The area’s normal tornado season usually runs from March through May, although the area has seen some as late as October. This February tornado is the earliest one recorded in Johnson County.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
After a hand-recount of November 7 election ballots in the Johnson County Auditor’s race, C. Kay Dolan was declared the winner by only two votes by Circuit Judge John R. O’Malley in a hearing held Friday at the county courthouse in Warrensburg.
In the court order issued by the judge, he stated that Dolan received 7,440 votes to 7,438 for Teresa A. Collins, who had seemingly won the election by four votes and had assumed the duties of the office.
The court order also upheld the election of Lynn Stoppy Brackin to the office of county prosecutor, but reduced her margin of victory by 10 votes. After the recount, Stoppy Brackin received 7,483 votes to 7,447 to Monica Penrose - a difference of 36 votes.
Judge O’Malley denied two oral motions by Collins’ attorney to issue a stay of its ruling to permit her to remain in office pending resolution of any appeal; and to conduct discovery with respect to the 12 challenged ballots that did not contain signatures of election judges.
He ordered Collins to give up the office of county auditor to Dolan and to deliver to her all books, records, papers, property and effects pertaining to the office by Thursday, March 1.
When the Holden Image spoke to Collins, she stated, “We disagree with the judges’ rulings on the disputed ballots and we are optimistic of our chances upon appeal.”
After being defeated by four votes in the November election, Dolan had petitioned the court for a recount and also a new election. She had cited alleged “irregularities” had taken place at the Pittsville precinct voting place. The judge has not ruled on the new election, but did award her a hand recount of the ballots pertaining to the auditor’s race.
The recount was completed last week and the results were forwarded to Judge O’Malley along with 21 challenged ballots. Twelve of the ballots reportedly did not contain an election judge’s signature, while seven contained markings outside of the target area. Two of the ballots contained markings for both candidates.
The Image was not been able to contact Dolan prior to press time.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
County Zoning Meeting Scheduled
There will be a follow-up meeting at Heroe’s Restaurant of Johnson County citizens working toward putting county zoning on the ballot on March 6 at 7 p.m. It had originally been reported that the meeting was to be held at 6 p.m.
Those workers who have been gathering signatures on petitions should bring their lists to the meeting according to leader Gene Martin.
This will be the second meeting of the group who met in February at a kick-off gathering to get the petition drive underway.
Chamber To Host St. Pat’s Parade
The Holden Chamber of Commerce is preparing for their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade to be held Saturday, March 17.
The parade will begin at 3 p.m. in downtown Holden. All entries are welcome. Prizes will be awarded for three places with prize money of $100, $50, and $25 to be given away to the lucky winners.
The Chamber encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the parade and the fun. For more information, contact Pat at the Holden Image at 732-5552.
Hearing Of Interest Set For Today
According to State Representative David Pearce, there will be a hearing of House Bill No. 578 at the Missouri State Capitol Wednesday, February 28 at 5 p.m. in the General Laws Committee.
The hearing day coincides with Johnson County Days in Jefferson City, and according to Pearce there will be limited time for Johnson County citizens to testify before the committee.
Those wanting to testify can call either Pearce or Western Johnson County Commissioner Destry Hough to see if they can obtain a time slot.
March Story Time To Feature Kites
The March Story Time for children at the Holden Branch of Trails Regional Library will be held on Saturday, March 3, at 10 a.m.
The guest reader will be Kathy Denney. The theme will be “kites.”
The Holden Branch will also be the meeting place every other week for a new American Girls Book Club starting on Monday, March 12. This is for girls ages eight to 12. The club will meet from 4:30-5:30 p.m. to experience the life of Felicity, a colonial girl. For more information, contact the staff of the Holden Branch at 816-732-4545 for club contact names and telephone numbers.
The Holden Sesquicentennial History Book Committee would like to let the public know they still may purchase a history book at the early bird price of $47.50 until St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. After this date, the book price will be raised to $60 per book.
The committee and publisher have been busy working at a layout session of the book at the Holden Masonic Lodge. During the recent two-day process, committee members proofread again and organized the 320+ pages to be published.
The book is scheduled to be delivered in August, 2007. A book day is currently being planned by the committee.
Order forms for the history books can be found at F&C Bank, Bank of Holden, Walker’s Variety, Holden Package, The Holden Image, and the Holden Branch Trails Regional Library, or order online at www.cityofholden.com.
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In his quest to be thorough in exploring all avenues before deciding whether to move Holden schools to the Missouri River Valley Conference (MRVC), Holden R-III School District superintendent Scott Slava met with representatives from Show-Me West Conference (SMWC) schools Wednesday in Lee’s Summit.
Holden is presently a member of the Show-Me West, and according to Slava, superintendents, principals and activities directors from all member schools were present at the luncheon meeting at Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill. League schools include Holden, Butler, Sherwood, St. Mary’s and Lone Jack.
The superintendent had been approached recently by MRVC schools to become a part of their conference beginning in the 2008-2009 school year, but he wanted to see if there was a way to “beef up” the present conference before giving the MRVC an answer.
During the meeting Wednesday, Slava explained to the group that, “We’re not trying to dictate or ‘bully’ the other schools, but we want to get something out of our conference as well.”
It is becoming apparent that with only five member schools, the SMWC needs to include more schools in the league. “If the consensus is that the conference will seek smaller schools, we will elect to move out,” explained the superintendent. “We also want a tighter-knit conference. The Show-Me West presently doesn’t get together and share ideas of common interests and goals. This is something we feel strongly about.”
Slava stated that he set the meeting with the schools’ representatives because he didn’t want to “go behind their backs,” but to let them know of Holden’s concerns and that the district was strongly considering the move to the MRVC.
He added that the consensus was that the SMWC wants Holden to stay.
“Being a foundation member of the conference, we are considered a hub of the league,” Slava continued. “There is a strong chance if we leave that the conference would fall into disarray. We’ve had good competition in the past, but we need to do what’s best for our school.”
In an effort to see all possibilities, conference secretary and HHS principal Matt Lindsey is presently mailing letters to approximately 25 schools in a 60 to 70 mile radius to gauge interest in becoming part of the SMWC.
According to Slava, “We’re not just talking about athletics, but also what the interested schools could offer the conference in the areas of competition in speech, drama, vocal, band and academics.”
Member schools of the SMWC will meet once again, March 21 at Holden High School to discuss any interest generated by the correspondence.
Slava stressed that another concern was at some point in the very near future, the MRVC wants an answer. Presently the R-III district’s activities director Kelli Spies is meeting with coaches and sponsors to gather their input on what’s best for Holden schools.
“I could go either way,” explained the superintendent. “I am intrigued by the MRVC and its tradition. But I am also intrigued by taking a leadership role in improving the SMWC. The key for me is to identify what’s best for Holden’s schools.”
He stated that a decision should be made within 30 days.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Holden Farmers Market coordinator Jo Ann Nolan was recently named to the board of directors of the Missouri Farmers Market Associations (MFMA) at their annual meeting held in Springfield, Missouri.
Membership to the MFMA also entitles the Holden Farmers Market membership to AgriMissouri, a Missouri Department of Agriculture farmers market program. AgriMissouri provides its members with banners, posters, publicity, and programs for vendors. Participating farmers markets may also take part in contests they sponsor.
These organizations promote economic and community sustainability through local agriculture, provide a forum for exchange of ideas and resources, and provide an effective and unified voice for Missouri farmers’ markets through vendor and consumer education, legislative advocacy, joint promotions and vendor recruitment, according to the Holden Farmers Market’s webpage.
Nolan has coordinated Holden’s Farmers Market for the past few years. This year’s farmer’s market will open for business June 2 and Nolan anticipates a continuing increase in vendors and customers. “Last year we had approximately 33 vendors who brought a large variety of wares to the market,” said Nolan.
Along with a variety of fruits and vegetables, the market has offered baked goods, flowers, herbs, bedding plants, honey, eggs, candles, pocketbooks, jewelry, crocheted dolls, bracelets, Adirondack chairs, smoked ribs, Avon products, alpacas, pigs, rabbits, prints and greeting cards. For a complete listing of vendors and their wares visit their website at www.holdenmarket.com.
The Holden Farmers Market is sponsored and endorsed by the Holden Chamber of Commerce. Nolan says the Chamber has been very supportive of her efforts and of the market. “They always are there to support us in whatever way we ask; we couldn’t have done this without them and we appreciate everything they do for us,” said Nolan.
Nolan works closely with all the vendors and with the health department who outlines guidelines to keep the produce and food items safe for the public. For health department information on the market go to the website. They provide information on labeling and instructions for safe food handling for Johnson County. The Holden Farmers Market is also listed on AgriMissouri’s website and is the only market in Johnson County listed there.
The market draws large crowds and is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until noon, or until vendors are sold out.
“We even have FFA students at the market selling their livestock,” said Nolan. “I don’t understand why more people don’t take advantage of the market.”
Also available for sale are t-shirts, mugs, aprons, shirts for children and babies, hats, license plate frames and more. These are all listed on their website.
A fun addition to the market is the Bounty Basket which the market offered last year to customers. “The Bounty Basket is full of items from each vendor and is often overflowing with wonderful food, crafts and more. We hold drawings for the public and the lucky winner gets the basket. This has been a very popular promotion and is good public relations to let people know what we offer,” stated Nolan.
Nolan estimates the market has approximately 200 visitors each week and things can become hectic during the times when the peaches or corn come in. She also added it pays to come early as a lot of vendors sell out early and don’t make it until noon. The Market operates from June until September and Nolan publishes a weekly article in the Holden Image to update the public on vendors and their goods.
“We wanted a good venue for farmers to sell their produce and other products,” said Nolan. “Their hard work starts long before the market opens for the season. I opened the market because I enjoy eating and wanted a place to buy these types of goods.”
Nolan, a native of Tennessee, noticed there was no such program available when she moved here three years ago. “I grew up with farmers markets all around, it was a part of life and I was surprised there wasn't one here,” she added. “I believe every community should have a farmers market.”
She has some ideas for some new additions to the market this year including a pie-eating or tasting contest, a hay bale tossing contest and a cornhusking contest.
When not working at the market, Nolan is busy with her two home-based companies which include mainframe programming and web design. She is a contractor and has designed web pages for the Holden Chamber of Commerce and the Holden Image among others. She typically spends at least 12 hours per day in front of her computer working. She is also treasurer of the history book committee and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
When not busy working at home or with the market, she enjoys planting flowers and working outside. She enjoys her work because it allows her to be creative and use her imagination to design things. She also does maintenance updates for some companies.
Nolan would like to thank all of the vendors for their hard work for the market, along with the Chamber of Commerce who she says has been so very helpful and accommodating to her in this endeavor. “We all think the farmers market is very positive for the community,” she added.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
OBITUARIES
RUDOLPH NOEL SMITH -
Rudolph Noel Smith, age 90, Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 23, 2007 at Country Club Care Center in Warrensburg.
He was born July 27, 1916 in Hume, Missouri, the son of Rue F. and Audrey A. (LeFevre) Smith. He lived in the Kingsville and Latour communities all of his life and moved to Warrensburg in 2005. On September 27, 1941 he married Mary Ruth Carson in Warrensburg.
Mr. Smith was a toolmaker at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Independence, Missouri for more than 20 years. He was a member of Elm Spring Baptist Church, Kingsville, Missouri.
He leaves his wife, Mary Smith, of the home; two sons, James R. Smith, Richmond, VA, and Terry J. Smith, Ketchkian, AK; three daughters, Ruth Ann Davis, Kingsville, Mary Lou Rempfer, Blue Springs, MO, and Allene Alley, Cave City, KY; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at Ben Cast & Son - Wood Funeral Home, Holden, Missouri with the Reverend Dwight Decker officiating.
The family received friends from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers were Scott Dean, Joseph Schliefert, Sam Dean, Steven Smith, J.D. Gudde, Russell Davis, Bobby Davis and T.J. Fiedler.
Honorary pallbearers were Cody Fiedler, Jacob Carver and Dakota Graham.
Interment was in Holden Cemetery, Holden, Missouri.
Memorials are suggested to Johnson County Hospice and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
LYDIA ANN MCGEENEY -
Lydia Ann McGeeney of Magna, Utah, formerly of the Kansas City, Missouri area was born Sunday, February 4, 1945 in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Clarence William and Lydia Elizabeth (Billings) Lamb. She departed this life Friday, February 9, 2007, at her home, at the age of 62 years, five days.
Lydia was a loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by all.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Daniel; and a brother, Richard Lamb.
She is survived by her daughter, Machelle Christofferson; and grandchildren, Amber and Daniel Anderson, all of Magna, Utah; sister, Lynda Sanders, Bates City, Missouri; brothers, William Lamb, Bates City, Missouri, Donald Lamb and Tony Lindsey, Deepwater, Missouri, Steven Lindsey, Pleasant Hill, Missouri and Mark Lindsey, Ballard, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2007 at the Stanley-Dickey Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill with Reverend Robin Dale officiating. Visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. also at the funeral home. Burial was in Wills Cemetery near Peculiar, Missouri.
Pallbearers were Donald Lamb, William Lamb, Mark Lindsey, Steven Lindsey, Tony Lindsey and Bruce Sanders.
Online condolences may be sent to the family via the website www.stanley-dickeyfuneralhome.com. |