 The Holden R-III School Board agreed to step up their efforts to retrieve the 2006 payment of funds due them from the building of the Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. (AECI) power plant north of Holden
In their regular March meeting held Monday night, the board decided to either obtain a new agreement from the Johnson County Commissioners extending the 15-year period of the payments or take legal action to receive the funds.
The county commission had received the $350,000 from AECI in December 2006 but told the district they couldn’t pay this year as they have had “higher than normal expenses.”
The school district received their first payment of $1 million, in lieu of taxes, in 2001, but an order signed by the Johnson County Commission directs that the district along with seven other Johnson County entities would share in the $350,000 paid to the county each year for 15 years beginning in 2006.
In an effort to update the board on what has happened to this point, Slava stated that when the district had not received their payment by February 2007, he and board president Jeff Miller had a meeting with the county commissioners in Warrensburg and were asked to defer the payment until December 2007.
“We were willing to work with the commissioners and asked them to sign a new agreement extending the payments one year,” explained Slava. “They, however, refused to enter into a new agreement saying they couldn’t obligate future commissions and would not be able to pay if AECI defaulted on their payments.”
Slava said that the district’s attorney was dumfounded that the commission wouldn’t sign the agreement and suggested that the district could take legal action.
“I’ve tried to be a good neighbor and work with the county,” continued the superintendent. “But now I feel we have to do what’s best for the district and its students.”
Board member Pat Zvacek agreed with Slava. “I’m very disappointed in the county commissioners and the way they’ve handled this situation. We need to pursue this. It is our money.”
“I believe we have three options we need to pursue,” stated Miller. “First, I am still willing to go with a new signed settlement agreement, but if the commissioners still won’t sign one, we need to take legal action to get our funds. Third, we also need to find out what is the correct amount of payment.”
According to Slava’s figures, the county would owe the school district $88,500, while the Johnson County Clerk Gilbert Powers says it should be approximately $42,000.
The 2001 county commission order directs that $125,000 would be divided between the eight Johnson County entities on a percentage basis determined by their respective tax levies.
“That seems a simple process to me,” explained Slava. “You simply take an average of the levies. Doing that, you would come up with our share being $88,500. However, the order says that the county clerk will calculate the amount, and even though I was promised to have correspondence on how the amounts were figured, I have received nothing as of this point.”
Johnson County Collector Ruthane Small was quoted in last week’s Holden Image as saying, “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.
Slava added that he would continue to update the board on the situation as it evolved.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
The Holden City Council accepted the resignation of Police Chief Ed Bone at their regular meeting held last Tuesday at Holden’s City Hall.
Mayor Mike Wakeman explained to the council that he had received the chief’s resignation the previous Thursday, and wanted to publicly thank the Vietnam veteran for his service and dedication to the city for the past two years.
The chief’s last day in office was Friday. He will be on vacation time until the end of March. During his absence, until further notice, assistant chief Rick Martin will be in charge at the police department.
Bone, who had retired from the Missouri Highway Patrol with 26 years service in 2002, took over as Holden’s “top cop” in February 2005. Prior to coming to Holden, he had run for the position of Pettis County Sheriff and was narrowly defeated by present sheriff Gary Starke. The outgoing chief had also been a law enforcement supervisor in the United States Air Force.
In other business at the meeting, the council approved a motion made by councilwoman Brenda Stumpff to contract with Holden resident Dale Perkins to clean city buildings. The previous custodian, Dominic Malena, had resigned his position recently, and Wakeman had contracted with Perkins for the work on an interim basis until the council took action. Terms of the service call for Perkins to do the work for $600 per month with an additional $100 monthly for burnishing the floors.
In another area of discussion, the council voted to hire the firm of Bower’s Engineering from Harrisonville to complete the final plat on Holden’s Business Park located on West Second Street. The firm agreed to complete the project for approximately $7,500.
Councilman Butch Shore recommended the firm as they had prepared the preliminary plat.
Concerning the business park, Mayor Wakeman stated that whether the council decided to sell the park or develop the area, the final plat and an appraisal would have to be completed.
He said that the city has been approached by interested investors, but they will have to wait until the city decides what to do with the property.
Shore added that one investor was interested in a business which would combine manufacturing and retail.
Wakeman said, “The property has a lot of potential, but we have to take the steps necessary before we move forward.”
Wakeman also said that their will be a meeting April 2 at noon at Godfather’s Pizza to discuss the city’s economic development plans. Representatives from Aquila will be present to field questions from interested parties.
In other business, the council agreed to draft an ordinance limiting parking on Main Street between Second and Third Streets to parallel parking. Presently angle parking exists and the mayor said that traffic flow problems had arisen from the practice.
A business owner had also approached the mayor and complained about the problem of people parking all day on Market Street between Second and Third. He requested that the street be made into two or three-hour parking only. The council agreed to table the issue until the ordinances can be researched to see if timed parking already exists.
During the mayor’s communications, the council voted to join the Holden Chamber of Commerce at the executive level for $700 per year. The level will give the city some free advertising and tickets to chamber-sponsored events.
Jenny Sollars, representing the chamber of commerce, updated the council on their activities, including the revised fair dates for this fall. New dates for the annual event will be September 13-15. The date change was caused by having to contract a new carnival and those were the only dates available. She said that the carnival came with recommendations from Knob Noster and Concordia, who also use the company.
In another C of C item, it was reported that Heiman’s will sponsor the next Chamber After Hours event to be held April 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Hallar Building.
In a final item, it was reported that the fire department was approved for a FEMA grant for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatuses. Total cost for the equipment was more than $38,000, with Holden’s share being $2,200.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
The Kingsville R-I School District will ask voters to approve a $1,200,000 bond issue on the April 3 election ballot.
The bond issue will fund needed improvements to the school facility. These improvements include: a new shop, two new classrooms, air conditioning, wiring and lighting upgrades, remodeled and expanded locker rooms, expanded library area, and new door locks to improve safety.
“All of the construction experts who have toured our building have commented on the structural soundness and generally good condition of our facility,” said Superintendent Kevin Coleman. “We just need to do some work to keep our buildings in good shape and provide the necessary space to serve our students.”
Plans call for a new shop building with a connected classroom. The old shop will be remodeled into two large classrooms. One will house the business classes and the other will be the ITV room.
The library will then be expanded into the old business room which will allow the district to meet the square footage requirement set forth by the Department of Education. The modular unit will be sold and two new classrooms will be built for the English and vocational classes.
Air conditioning will be added to the high school portion of the building as well as the classrooms in the old elementary wing. Lighting upgrades will be done throughout the building which will be more energy efficient and a cost savings for the school. The locker rooms will be expanded to include individual shower stalls and new lockers.
Informational meetings will be held on March 24 during the school carnival from 3-6 p.m. and March 27 at 7:30 p.m. following the National Honor Society induction.
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At the regular meeting of the school board Monday night at the intermediate school library, the Holden R-III School District agreed to add soccer to the Holden High School sports agenda beginning with the 2008-2009 season.
Beginning with a junior varsity boys’ team in the fall of 2008, the sport will be expanded to a full complement of teams in the 2009-2010 school year. Plans are also to field a girls’ team in the spring of 2009.
A committee formed by the school board to study the feasibility of playing soccer at HHS recommended the sport begin a year earlier than adopted, but district superintendent Scott Slava pushed the implementation back one year.
He stated that he had four reasons for the decision.
1. The heavy amount of construction happening over the next year-and-a half would create problems with adding another sport next year.
2. The decision to either move Holden to the Missouri River Valley Conference or stay with the Show-Me West Conference is still to be decided. Adding soccer could play a part in that decision.
3. The district would need more time for field preparation.
4. The sport, which would take approximately $16-$18,000 start-up costs is not included in next year’s budget. Waiting a year would give Slava time to budget for the sport.
The superintendent stressed that he supports soccer at HHS, but to begin with the 08-09 season. The board agreed with him voting unanimously to adopt the sport.
Local soccer leader Dennis Mason, who was in attendance at the meeting, was happy with the news.
“This is good news for the soccer players and the community as well,” he explained. “The commitment to add soccer in 08-09 is a positive step forward. The interest has been growing in the area for a long time, and now the players will have the opportunity to participate in their sport in a competitive high school level. It’s a shame we couldn’t move a little quicker for all the students who will graduate before it starts, but we’re still happy with the commitment.”
By Steve Sullins
Editor
A job referral program will soon be implemented at HOPE’s Community Service Center (CSC) Executive Director John Roberts told the HOPE board at their regular meeting last Monday night.
HOPE received a signed agreement from West Central Region SHARE Network Access Point to install a computer and provide training for the job referral program. A target date of March 22 has been set to install the computer, according to Roberts.
In old business, Roberts updated the board on figures he received for having the CSC building demolished. “The contractor I spoke with estimated it would take approximately 30 days at a minimum cost of $1,000 per day, plus the hauling away and landfill costs,” said Roberts. He further stated he was investigating grants which might be available for such a project but so far has not had any success.
In Community Activity Center (CAC) news, Roberts told the board he received reports from the CAC volunteer board on the success of their recent activities. “It appears by the end of the summer there should be a positive balance in their account, after all expenses are paid. A more detailed budget will be forthcoming next month. Also the facility appears to be in good order,” stated Roberts.
Recent maintenance and repair work at the CAC include replacing 24 burnt-out light bulbs, repair of the basketball lift system, vinyl padding repairs and the bleachers have been trimmed to accommodate the spaces they assume, according to Roberts. “Also, the parking lot was graveled last summer and protective railroad tie barriers were placed to protect the exterior walls,” Roberts said.
In further CAC maintenance news Roberts reported the heating and air conditioning units are scheduled to be serviced soon. The cost estimate for this is $350-$400. He went on to say E & Q Heating and Cooling will be doing the routine maintenance and he has been pleased with the promptness and quality of their work in the past.
In financial news, Roberts reported the first draft of HOPE’s 2006 audit has been completed for initial inspection by Westbrook and Company. “A preliminary read of the document shows it is very similar to those of recent audits, with material weaknesses centering on segregation of duties, cash receipts and accounting system. On the whole, however, all funds and activities tie back; it is a good report,” said Roberts.
In other financial news, Roberts told the board an application for tax-exempt status was filed last month for HOPE. Their current application expires April 3, 2007. The new one, when approved, will be good for five years, according to Roberts.
In United Way news, Roberts reported he attended the annual meeting of Johnson County United Way held February 20 in Warrensburg. “Holden was cited for its great turnout and participation in the Holiday Homes Tour and plans include another tour in Holden this year,” stated Roberts. He added United Way is seeking additional board members from this part of the county. Interested parties are invited to contact the Johnson County United Way, by phone at 660-747-5174 or by mail: Johnson County United Way, 123 E. Gay Street, Suite E-2, P.O. Box 203, Warrensburg, MO 64093-0203.
In other CAC business, the board was informed of an evacuation of the courts at the CAC recently due to tornadic activity in the area. Patrons were directed to the restrooms and storage areas where there are more walls for protection. Roberts thought this measure worked well for the large crowds attending the sporting events. In addition, Roberts added those in the CSC building during severe weather have the safety of the basement to seek shelter in.
In other financial business, board member Scotty Walker asked Roberts about the status of the CAC and CSC using one accounting and payroll system and Roberts reported things are in the process of moving toward being centered in one office.
The regular meeting of the HOPE Coalition closed to reopen April 9.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
The Kingsville kindergarten/preschool screening is scheduled for April 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kingville Elementary (PAT room). Parents, plan to stay approximately one to two hours.
This screening is enrollment for children going to kindergarten in the fall of 2007 (children must turn five years old before August 1, 2007). Optional preschoolers - three and four-year-olds (preschoolers must turn three years old by April 13, 2007).
Parents or guardians must bring child’s current immunization records, birth certificate, social security number, proof of residency, and the child.
Please call Emily Decker at 816-697-3011 to schedule an appointment. Everyone must have an appointment.
OBITUARIES
Diana Lou (Ikenroth) Cossin
Diana Lou (Ikenroth) Cossin, age 65, of Rogersville, passed away March 17, 2007, in St. John's Hospital with her family by her side after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Diana was a kindergarten teacher in the Holden Elementary School during the 1980s. She was born July 16, 1941, in Springfield, Mo., to Kenneth and Lorene (Wilson) Ikenroth. She graduated from Central High School in 1959. She then received several degrees in education and spent 34 years teaching both secondary and elementary education. Diana loved teaching kindergarten and first grade.
Diana was married to Bob L. Cossin in 1961 in Macedonia Baptist Church and the minister of ceremony was Perry Leonard Cossin, Bob's father. They were blessed with two children, Lisa Michelle and Kenna Rachelle.
She was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents; her father and mother; a father-in-law and mother-in-law, Perry and Alma Cossin; and a brother-in-law, Gary L. Lillard.
Diana is survived by her husband of 45 years, Bob Leon Cossin, of the home; two daughters, Lisa Michelle Cossin and Kenna Rachelle Cossin, both of Branson, Mo.; two grandchildren, Bryce Ryan and Brianna Rachelle of Branson, Mo.; two sisters, Barbara Ann Clawson and husband, Mike, and Mary Lillard of Springfield; one brother, Kenny Ikenroth Jr. of Springfield; uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces, and a host of friends.
The light of her life were her two-year-old grandchildren, Bryce and Brianna. She waited a long time to be a ‘Nana' and prior to her own grandchildren, she spent time helping with her self-proclaimed grandchildren, Lee Lee, Teddy, Shelby, Shay, and last but not least, little Maddie. Diana loved traveling, camping, trout fishing, working in the yard and spending time with her dog, Brinkley.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 2007, in Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut St., Springfield, Mo., with the Rev. Charles Hufft officiating. Burial will follow in Hazelwood Cemetery. A visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be made at www.hhlohmeyer.com. |