Kay Dolan returned to the Johnson County Auditor’s office last Thursday morning after the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District allowed a stay that had been in effect since March 1 to expire.

Dolan was to have taken over the office March 1 after the Johnson County Circuit Court ruled that she had won the November 7 auditor’s election in a recount by  only two votes.  Teresa A. Collins, who had  been sworn into the office after seemingly winning the election by four votes had requested the emergency stay with the appeals court.

In the court’s letter, it stated that it would take no further action to stay the circuit court’s judgment during the appeals process.  The letter also informed all parties that Collins’ motion to expedite briefing and argument of the appeal will be taken up March 8.  “Since the motion is unopposed, the parties may fairly expect the briefing schedule to be set up along the lines suggested in the motion.”

When Dolan was asked to comment on the stay being vacated, she stated, “I’m really pleased to be back in office.  Its been quite an ordeal and I know that it’s not over yet until the court of appeals makes its final decision.  The old adage says that ‘everyone’s vote counts’ and its certainly true in this case.  Right now, we’ll just wait and see what happens, but I’m very optimistic about the outcome.  We’ll just let the process work.”

Collins was also ready for the appeal process to be expedited.

“I’m disappointed, but also anxious for the appeals process to go forward,” stated Collins.  “I’m very optimistic of our chances, and I’m also anxious for the process to be finalized - as I’m sure everyone in the county is.”

By Steve Sullins
Editor

Although it will come later than anticipated, Johnson County Commissioners have indicated they plan to honor an order sharing $125,000 in grant money annually from the Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. (AECI) with the Holden R-III School District as well as seven other county entities.

In an interview with the Holden Image Monday, presiding commissioner Bill Brenner, western commissioner Destry Hough and eastern commissioner Scott Sader all pledged that as long as they were in office, the district would receive its annual payment.  The first, they said, would be paid in December of this year.

Because the payment is mandated by an order, the commissioners  would not predict future commissions’ actions, as they could rescind the order.  “This is an order, not a contract,” explained Sader.  “Each commission does their own orders.  But this commission  intends to honor the full 15 years of payments.”

The district had received its first installment of funds from AECI in lieu of taxes in 2001 in the amount of $1 million.  The commission’s order, dated October 2, 2001, further states that payments of $350,000 would be made to Johnson County beginning in 2006 and continuing annually through 2021.  The order was signed by then presiding commissioner Ray Fitterling, then western commissioner Bob Banes, and eastern commissioner Scott Sader.

Those payments, according to the order, would be distributed to the county, who would retain $225,000 and disburse $125,000 to eight county entities including the Holden R-III School District.  The order further prescribes that the entities would receive funds on a percentage basis determined by their tax levies, with the county clerk calculating the amounts.

When they had not received their payment in 2006, district superintendent Scott Slava and school board president Jeff Miller met with the commissioners in Warrensburg.  At the meeting they told Slava that they wanted to wait until December to send the money  as the county had some “higher than normal expenses.” 

Brenner told the Image Monday that the county’s health insurance had increased $180,000 and the payment on the new justice center was up as well.  Slava took the matter to the school board, who agreed to extend the payment for the year but asked for a new agreement extending the term of the order from 2007 to 2022.

Brenner declined to make a new agreement and told the Image that the reason was that there was no need to make another agreement because they would be making the 2006 payment and he planned to send all 15 payments within the 2006-2021 timeframe.

After hearing of the commission’s decision, Slava stated, “If they stand behind their agreement, that’s what we wanted originally.  I do, however, still question the amount they have agreed to pay and their method of calculation.  I’m still waiting for correspondence from the county clerk on their method of calculations.  Once I receive that, then I’ll proceed from there.”

Slava’s figures show that the county should send the district $88,500 per year, while county clerk Gilbert Powers has calculated the district’s share to be approximately $42,000.  The commissioners stated they had nothing to do with that as the order calls for Powers to figure the amounts.

Johnson County Collector Ruthane Small explained that there are a various ways to calculate numbers, but “If the order states that it is based on the tax levy of the entity, then the tax levies should be compared.”

Comparing the tax levies of the eight receiving entities, Small calculated that the Holden district’s share should be $88,489 - the same as Slava.

“I have not had any discussions with the commissioners or the county clerk,” stated Small, “But, if they would like to involve me, I would be happy to do what I can.”

Slava stated that he would update the board on the matter at their next regular meeting, Monday, March 19.

By Steve Sullins
Editor

Supporters of putting a Johnson County planning and zoning initiative on the ballot staged their second meeting last Tuesday and according to Dana Straka, one of the group’s leaders, she and fellow leader Gene Martin are very excited and optimistic of getting enough signatures on petitions to get the process moving forward.

County citizens brought their signed petitions to the informal meeting held at Heroes Restaurant in Warrensburg and according to Straka, there were approximately 900 signatures already.  It takes 1,013 signatures in order to have the Johnson County Commissioners  appoint a temporary planning and zoning board.  The citizens’ group’s goal is to obtain 1,200 signatures to be sure they have enough registered voters to cause the board’s formation.

“We were thrilled by the amount of signatures we’ve gotten so far,” exclaimed Straka.  “We all agreed that we shouldn’t have any trouble getting the other 300 prior to our next meeting which will be Tuesday night, March 20 at 7 p.m. also at Heroes.”

Straka explained that the group is taking the “personal approach” in getting their petitions signed rather than just leaving a sheet on a counter somewhere.

“We thank it is important to have the personal touch and be able to explain what we’re doing to anyone who has concerns,” she stated.  “We want everyone to know what they’re signing.  I believe that this initiative has failed in the past because of misinformation.  We’ve found that many people have concerns that don’t even fall under zoning.  So far, most people have been in favor of the proposal.”

Though the petition drive during the last few weeks has been hampered by snow and ice storms and tornadoes, the leaders of the effort are working hard to get that portion of the process complete. 

Straka went on to say that during discussions at their meeting last week, the group decided to cover the eastern part of the county more.

The organizations continues to stress that although zoning has been defeated before, this is not their intention to limit anyone’s personal freedoms or civil liberties. 

Martin was quoted as saying, “We want to create a process whereby corporations or agencies wanting to come into our communities identify themselves and their intentions.  We want the citizens of Johnson County to have notification and a platform to say no if they desire.”

After the temporary board works in concert with consult groups to consult a master plan, which Martin has said will be whatever county citizens want it to be through public hearings and other contact, the plan could then be placed on the ballot.

By Steve Sullins
Editor

The Kingsville R-I School Board voted to increase their mileage reimbursement from 35 to 40 cents per mile at their regular meeting held last Thursday night.

Superintendent Kevin Coleman explained to the board that the reimbursement covers meetings, conferences and supervisory trips.  The new rate will take effect for the next school year, which begins in July of 2007.

In Mid-America Facility Solutions update, Coleman informed the board that Mid-Am is preparing bids for the district and they should have them soon.

Coleman also shared with the board Al West and Holly Bennett have completed the paperwork for a vocational enhancement grant which is a 75/25 match grant.  These monies may be used for computers, tables, furniture and more, according to Coleman.

In other financial news, Coleman told the board the district has recently paid off their DNR loan which was taken out in 1999 for $50,000.  “We are now applying for a new DNR loan and hope it will take care of items like new windows, lighting and other energy-saving issues.  If we can take care of some of these issues with this loan, we won’t have to put those items on the bond issue which is coming up,” said Coleman.

In new business, Coleman reported Lorna Warren, high school principal, is in charge of summer school this year.  So far she has received a lot of interest from teachers wanting to teach this summer.  Enrollment for summer school will begin in two weeks, according to Warren.

In board business, the entire board attended the M.A.R.E. Conference held March 9-10 at Port Arrowhead in Osage Beach, Missouri.

In high school news, Warren turned in a report to the board about recent and upcoming activities at the high school.  Some good news for Kingsville is David Leehy won the district sportsmanship essay contest and Laura Andreas took first and Ashley Millican took second place in the Optimist Club essay contest.

Other high school news includes the date for prom has been set for April 29 at Lone Jack Community Building.  Coleman told the board that the day before prom, Kingsville school will be having a mock emergency drill complete with the Jaws of Life and a helicopter.  Students will participate in the drill by becoming pseudo accident victims.  After the demonstration, a state trooper will hold an assembly in the gymnasium on safety issues.  The mock drill will be held on April 27 at 1:15 p.m. for grades nine through 12.  Coleman wants parents and the community to be aware of the drill so they won’t be alarmed by all the emergency vehicles showing up at the school.

The school play will be held on March 17 performed by the high school drama club.  They will be performing “Delusions of Grandeur” by Jacqueline T. Lynch.  The play will begin at 7 p.m. and the junior class will be providing desserts before the play and during intermission. Ticket prices are $3 for students and those 55 and older, $4 for adults, and free for anyone five and under.

In special education news, a representative from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has been assigned to help work with the district.  The MO Division of Voc. Rehab. is a program designed to help persons with physical and/or mental impairments to become employed.  Students do not have to be on an IEP or 504 to qualify for services.  Vocational rehabilitation will be an important resource for the school in transitioning students with impairments into post-secondary employment or education, according to Beth Stout.

In library news, Angie Love said, “The literacy team has completed a two-year staff plan for professional growth for secondary staff.  The team is currently working to develop a literacy plan for students which will begin next school year.”

Love also added the spring book fair ran March 5 through March 9.

“The talent show raised approximately $600 which will benefit the Accelerated Reader program.  We wish to give a special thanks to Kristel Spies for all her hard work,” said Love.

In competition news, Charlene Atkins reported the varsity math team took fourth place at regional competition in Columbia recently.  The students did very well, according to Atkins.

In FFA news, John Ferguson reported Bryce Simms received a farm loan on his SAE project from Farm Service Agency in Lexington, Missouri.  Ronnie Bertz awarded Bryce a $5,000 loan at the rate of 5 percent for five years to increase his cattle herd.  Ferguson added the week of Feb. 18-24 was FFA Week and members enjoyed a variety of activities, including FFA Sunday, hat day, hick day, muddy truck or tractor day, petting zoo, a barbecue, and a dance at Odessa Barnwarming.

Upcoming events for the high school include the school play, baseball (first game) on March 19 at Oak Grove at 4:30 p.m., NHS induction on March 27, MAP testing April 16-23, Mid State Art Contest on April 21, and prom on April 28.

In elementary news, principal John Griffith reported on upcoming events and recent activities at the elementary school.

Upcoming activities include a kindergarten roundup on March 13; PTO carnival from 3-6 p.m. on March 24; spelling bee March 30; kindergarten screening on April 13; art show, April 21-28; first and second grade field trip to Kids Museum of K.C. on April 25; sixth grade field trip on April 30; kindergarten field trip to Kaleidoscope on May 1; conference spelling bee at 4:30 at Strasburg on May 4; and third grade field trip to Earthworks on May 14.

Griffith also reported that CATS (caring about the students) is now being implemented.  It consists of an intervention committee made up of the literacy coach, elementary principal, referring teacher and three teachers.  To use CATS, a classroom teacher can bring names of students who are struggling in their classrooms before the committee.  They listen to the concerns and try to come up with strategies to combat the concerns.  The first meeting of CATS was held February 22.

In other news, the board discussed the recent evacuation of the patrons during district play due to severe weather in the area.  Board president Martha Bush was very pleased with the quick thinking and work of the staff and emergency personnel to evacuate the gymnasium. 

In a district update, Coleman reported that all went well throughout the week.  “We had large crowds for the games and the hospitality room went over very well.  Our students were all well-behaved and represented Kingsville well,” he said.

In new business, board member Todd Brendel questioned Coleman on the advertisement in the paper for a bus driver for the district.   Coleman told the board he put the advertisement in to gauge interest in the position for a possible substitute driver.  He has received several applications for the job.
Coleman reminded the board about the no tax increase bond issue which will be on the ballot in April.  “We need to educate the public on the issue and will have further information in next week’s Holden Image,” said Coleman.

In transportation news, Coleman reported he had concerns about some of the private roads and driveways the busses were traveling on.  “I want to make an addition to the transportation policy to exclude certain roads and driveways as they cause extra wear and tear on our busses.  This will also improve the efficiency of our routes,” said Coleman. 

He plans to send a letter to those families affected by the new policy to let them know of the changes for next year’s routes.  The board was in agreement with Coleman on this issue.

The regular meeting of the Kingsville School Board closed to reopen April 11 at 7 p.m.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff

OBITUARIES

DAVID GEORGE GREER
David George Greer, age 62, Spring Hill, Kansas, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2007 at Golden Living Center in Spring Hill.

He was born March 26, 1944 in Grain Valley, Missouri, the son of James Rudolph and Bertha Eleanor (Saling) Greer.  He was a graduate of Holden High School and worked as an industrial electrician for E.K. Campbell Company in Kansas City, Missouri and later in Osawatomie, Kansas.  He had lived in Holden, Kansas City, Missouri, and Osawatomie, Kansas before moving to Spring Hill in 2001.

He leaves two sons, Sheldon Scott Greer, Yukon, OK, and Jason Greer, Marshfield, MO; one daughter, Shelly Greer, Lowry City, MO; two sisters, Nancy Brooks, Odessa, MO, and Barbara Armstrong, Belton, MO; and one grandson, Anthony Greer.

Graveside services and burial were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at Woods Chapel Cemetery, Odessa, MO with Pastor Dwight Decker officiating.

The family received friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ben Cast & Son- Wood Funeral Home, Holden, MO.