 “HOPE will receive tax -exempt status for the next two years,” Executive Director John Roberts told HOPE board members at their regular meeting last Monday night.
After submitting detailed information about the organization earlier this year, HOPE has been granted state sales tax-exempt status for the time frame spanning March 14, 2007 through May 14, 2009, Roberts added.
In old business, Roberts told the board the SHARE computer has been installed at the Community Service Center (CSC). Staff members are awaiting training on the computer and the program. After completing the training, staff members will be able to assist individuals in the area in finding employment. Roberts anticipates the training will take place in the near future.
In a related matter, Roberts informed the board one of the requirements for participating in the SHARE program is to provide a climate controlled environment, which means air conditioning the CSC central office. Roberts has investigated some portable units he thinks would be suitable for this purpose. He asked for feedback from the board on this subject. Board member Fred Christenson asked about the air conditioning unit currently in the building and requested Roberts investigate the existing unit before purchasing a new one. Roberts agreed to do further research on the matter.
In financial business, Roberts reported the first quarter of 2007 has been costly for HOPE primarily due to maintenance and repairs. “Thus far, we’ve spent approximately $5,000 in extra expenses including replacing a hot water heater, service of air conditioning unit at Community Activity Center (CAC), replacement of lights and repair of basketball lift system, among others,” Roberts said.
In other maintenance news, the board was told by Roberts that their rental property, currently being leased by Fred Tock, is experiencing a sewer problem. Roberts added there was no quick fix for the problem as lines had disintegrated or were severely blocked. This problem is ongoing and a plumber is in the process of trying to alleviate the problems but it is time consuming, according to Roberts.
In other CSC business, Roberts gave the board bids on metal buildings he received while investigating alternatives for the current CSC building. He gave the board a price list of buildings costs and sizes emphasizing that the cost did not reflect construction, electrical, plumbing, concrete flooring prices and more. The board was able to look over the figures presented by Roberts and some discussion followed. No action was taken on this matter.
In CAC business, Roberts reported the CAC hosted the April 3 election last week and everything went without incident. “I believe the facility to be a good venue for the elections and we are pleased to make the facility available for such an important matter,” said Roberts.
In other financial business, Roberts told the board HOPE received a check for $200 in the name of Barbara Newell. The donation came through a program called the Volunteer Involvement Pays (VIP) and is sponsored by Hallmark. “The purpose of the program is to recognize active Hallmarkers who have volunteered a minimum of 25 hours of service to a non-profit organization within the past six months. Newell is one of the co-directors of the Harvesters program and does an excellent job,” stated Roberts.
The regular meeting of the HOPE board was closed and the board went into executive session.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
Superintendent Kevin Coleman told the Kingsville Board Wednesday night that following the passage of the no-tax increase bond issue, Mid America, Inc. will be giving the district bids on the upcoming construction and updates for the school. He expects a representative from Mid America to attend the next meeting to give board members more details.
Board member Kristel Spies told the board they appreciated the work the PTO and the Daisy Girl Scout Troop did in distributing information about the bond issue to voters. The board discussed sending a thank-you card to these organizations.
In other election updates, Coleman reported Art Worsley won the seat on the board that was up for election.
In new business, Al West and Charlene Atkins gave the board an update on the new technology plan. The board approved the plan.
In other new business, the board swore in one new member and two current members to fill three seats on the board. Todd Brendel, Art Worsley and Martha Bush were sworn in to serve the Kingsville District. Also, officers were elected and they are as follows: president, Martha Bush; vice president, Julie Stout; and secretary, Kristel Spies.
In more new business, the board voted to hire Hobbs Lawn Care to take care of the lawn mowing at the school for the summer.
In high school reports, principal Lorna Warren told board members attendance for the high school was at 96.57 percent as of April 3. She also gave a break-down of number of students who made the A and B honor rolls.
Warren also reported Laura Andreas was selected as an honorable mention student in the 2007 Missouri Scholars 100.
In high school calendar news, Warren reported on the following events. April 27 is the mock wreck at the high school; prom is April 28; MAP testing is April 16-23; May 3 is the band/vocal concert; May 4 is the athletic banquet and career day; May 11 is graduation; May 23 is the last day of school; May 18 is the board barbecue; and May 30 summer school begins. Currently there are 81 students enrolled in summer school, she added.
In FFA news, it was reported by John Ferguson that several students received awards at the Area 7 FFA Banquet held last week at the Benson Center in Clinton. Those receiving awards were Ashley Barker, Bryce Simms, Larry Buchanan, Zach Bush and Hannah McCloud. He added the FFA trap shoot was held Saturday, March 31 and the FFA district contest was held April 3.
In sporting news, Mike Bodenhamer, athletic director, reported the boys basketball team ended up 19-8 against a very tough schedule for a school the size of Kingsville. The girls went 10-18 and made it to the championship game in the districts. Players receiving awards and honors were Justin Howerton, Chris Hawley, Luke McKiddy, Mitch Hunter, Keirtson Howerton, Callie Graham and Jamie Ring. He also reported baseball has begun and the team is 3-2 with big wins over Oak Grove and Concordia.
In elementary reports, principal John Griffith gave the board an overview of the upcoming events for the elementary school. They include: April 21-28, art show; April 25, first and second grade field trip; April 30, sixth grade field trip; May 1, kindergarten field trip; May 3, music program; May 4, conference spelling bee at 4:30 p.m. in Strasburg; and May 14, third grade field trip to Earthworks. He added that total attendance for the elementary was at 94.98 percent.
In other elementary news, Griffith reported the Kingsville spelling bee was held on March 30. Students receiving a first, second or third place were Hannah Sharp, Aubrey Van Meter, Samara Bruno, Jacklyn Harvey, Rebecca Brendel, Cody Page, Alyssa McGowen, Jordan Ring, Justyn O’Hare, Adam Cope, Dylan Page, Cage Pressley, Heather Culbreth, Dottie Stimac, Lisa Ridenhour, Brooke Simms, Thomas Carroll and Karissa Forrest.
Griffith also reported to the board the elementary school held a Camp Write-A-Lot in an effort to improve MAP scores. “There was great teamwork and cooperation among staff members to pull this event off. The students seemed to enjoy the activities that took place. Awards were given to students in each grade level,” said Griffith.
In other news, the board accepted the resignation of board member Todd Brendel who will be pursuing other opportunities.
The regular meeting of the Kingsville Board of Education closed to reopen May 10.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
Mary Beth Fisher of Galle’s Smokehouse Grille was recently honored by staff of the Holden Image as the customer service award winner for the month of March.
Fisher was surprised at work with a bouquet and plaque in recognition of the honor.
She is a 2006 graduate of Holden High School and works full time at Galle’s. She waitresses at the restaurant and has a lot of opportunities to visit with her customers.
She has attended Longview Community College and is currently thinking about going to cosmetology school.
Her favorite part of the job is seeing her regular customers and working with her boss, Cricket Hough. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family. She has worked at Galle’s for one year.
Hough said of Fisher, “She is an outstanding worker. She’s very thorough and good with the customers and also very dependable. And on top of all that, she’s a sweetheart.”
The patron who nominated Fisher said, “She always enjoys seeing her regular customers and is very friendly and helpful.”
Fisher is the daughter of Leroy and Kathy Fisher of Holden.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
Three incumbents and one new member were sworn in at the Holden City Council’s regular meeting held last Tuesday in its City Hall meeting room.
Incumbents Veronica Burt, Ward I; Dorothy Wakeman, Ward III; and Chad Manford, Ward IV were all running unopposed in their wards, while newcomer Jim Nipko received four votes in Ward II, which had no candidates file. Nipko agreed to fill the seat after a discussion with Holden mayor Mike Wakeman.
After the new council took their seats, first on the agenda was to make appointments and fill committee slots.
Butch Shore was unanimously re-elected as mayor pro-tem. City department heads include Sheila Spies, city clerk; Sharon Manford, city treasurer, Larry Miller, street superintendent; Travis Kiefer, city engineer; Michael Branson, city prosecutor; Joe Willerth, city attorney and Joe Wix, building inspector.
The positions of police chief and fire chief are presently unoccupied.
City council members appointed to committees include: Fire, Brenda Stumpff and Mike Zumwalt; street, Manford and Jim Robison; police, Shore and Zumwalt; water, Shore; building, Zumwalt and Manford; ways & means, Robison and Nipko; planning and zoning, Nipko and Robison; utilities, Burt and Nipko; park, Dorothy Wakeman, Manford and Burt; and economic development, Robison, Shore and Burt.
According to Mayor Wakeman, there are still some vacancies on the citizens committees. He reported that there are two seats unfilled on the park and planning and zoning committees, and one seat open on each of the merit and water boards. He requested that any citizen willing to work on a committee or board contact city hall as soon as possible at 732-4811.
In one of their first orders of business, the new administration approved the Request for Proposals (RFP) that will seek a business to formulate a new comprehensive plan for the city. The present plan was developed in 1970 and is outdated in several areas.
Aiding the city’s committees in developing the RFP was Tracy Brantner, executive director of the Johnson County Economic Development Corporation. Present at the meeting, Brantner praised the work of the Holden economic development committee (EDC) in coming up with the RFP. Planning and zoning also signed off on the document before bringing it to the council.
The mayor added that since the EDC was so familiar with the RFP and the process that they should be the point of contact for those firms seeking the contract for developing the new plan.
Wakeman thanked Brantner for her part in the RFP’s formulation.
In another area of the council meeting which should please city employees, Wakeman proposed and was given the authority to raise city employee’s salary 50 cents per hour across the board.
Wakeman commented that he had wanted to do this in January, but the budget wouldn’t allow the expenditures. He said that with not having to pay the police chief’s salary for the next two-four months, that left money to be able to afford the raises. The increases will begin with the second pay period of April.
During the new business section of the meeting, the council tabled for review new city subdivision regulations submitted by city engineer Kieffer. Kieffer stated that the new regulations were based on the city of Raymore’s regulations and then adapted to fit the needs of Holden.
Wakeman gave the council the next month to review the lengthy document and then be ready to discuss them at the May council meeting
Wakeman also set the citywide spring cleanup day to be Saturday, May 19. The council also agreed that the cleanup should be at approximately the same time each year whenever possible.
The group also approved the sale of the 1998 Ford Crown Victoria owned by the city. The council set a minimum bid of $1,500 and recommended the city also sell the old maintenance truck and use moneys from the sale of the Ford to go toward purchasing another maintenance truck.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
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A new business has opened its doors in Holden and offers patrons a unique mix of products and services. Lighthouse Design Concepts has something for everyone from a variety of gift ideas to one of a kind memory videos the whole family will enjoy.
Owners Phil and Laura Brillhart and Carolyn Brillhart are excited about their new venture and encourage everyone to come by and see all they have to offer.
The business consists of two separate entities which is C & L Gifts and a computer graphics business.
The computer graphics business is comprised of exciting new technology available to recapture special memories and forever have a forum for your personal keepsake pictures of family and friends, according to Phil. He is able to take your treasured photographs and turn them into family heirlooms that will last a lifetime. The memory videos are set to your choice of music to personalize them especially for your family. These unique, one of a kind DVDs are reasonably priced with different packages available to fit any budget.
Some of the many occasions one may want to capture on a memory video are anniversaries, memorial services, Valentine’s Day, retirement parties, video yearbooks, birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day, company holiday parties, weddings, graduations, staff parties and more. These are just some of the events Phil is able to capture on a memory video for your family and friends to enjoy for many years to come. Personalizing these videos makes them extra special and allows clients the opportunity to add their own personal touches to their treasured photos. The videos may vary in length, depending upon the number of pictures submitted and the package one chooses to best suit their needs.
Clients who have received these special memory videos are awestruck by the exquisite work involved in capturing their special memories. Age of photographs does not matter, in fact some older photos make the best montage of pictures for the videos, according to Phil.
“Video memories are unforgettable! Photos arranged to music adds emotion and life to that special occasion. This is a perfect way to watch your memories unfold in a way that tells a story never told before. We create an amazing DVD show with your photos aligned with music that will bring tears, laughter, smiles and enjoyment,” said Phil.
Precious photos that create lasting memories and priceless joy is what they advertise at Lighthouse Design Concepts.
Phil has more than 1.2 million graphics available to use in creating these special videos which can add a special touch to each individual DVD.
“One really has to see one of the videos to appreciate how unique, special and personal they are. I can use up to seven songs and 500 pictures to create a special video. The DVD is also personalized with pictures on the DVD itself,” added Phil.
The process he uses actually enhances old photographs and makes them look wonderful, he says. He also does videos for businesses that want to showcase their wares or products. It doesn’t take him very long to make a video so he can have one completed in memory of a loved one in time for a funeral or family night.
“I put emotion to still pictures using music and technology; this makes those special moments into a unique movie,” stated Phil.
All videos include scene selections, a title at the beginning and end of the video, panning and zooming of photos, photo cropping, color correction, professional transitions between slides and an interactive DVD menu.
Their goal with the memory video is to try to tell a story that will satisfy a family, showcasing all of their cherished photographs. The public is invited to stop in to Lighthouse Design Concepts and view samples of these special DVDs. They are located at 205 W. Third Street in Holden and their hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon; they are closed on Wednesday. For questions about the videos or any of the other services they offer, call 816-732-3367 or 816-217-7737.
Phil also offers a wide variety of other services including photo scanning and restoration, memory photo collages, transfer 8 mm to VHS or DVD, transfer VHS to DVD, brochures, personalized cards, personalized post cards, business plans, resumes and newsletters. He doesn’t want people to confuse him with a photographer as he says he is not. In fact, he encourages customers to patronize Holden’s two professional photography studios, M&G Photography and Little House Photography.
Another unique feature of the new business is the outdoor movie night that is available. Phil has a 12-foot inflatable movie screen, a sound system and a projector that makes having outdoor movies easy and fun. These would be perfect for summer time fun, birthday parties and much more, according to Phil.
In addition to making the cherished videos and the other services Phil offers, Laura and Carolyn sell a large variety of unique and affordable gift items.
C & L Gifts, within Lighthouse Design Concepts, offers customers many ideas for gifts for family and friends for all occasions.
Some of their gifts include birdhouses, candles, jewelry, lamps, home decor, oil burners, inspirational items, comforters, frames, outdoor statuaries, landscaping statuaries, angel gifts and graduation items, just to mention a few.
Customers can visit their store and view items they have in stock or order from a large selection of catalogs. One catalogue sells every item for under $20.
They offer direct sales, book parties or fundraising opportunities for schools or groups.
“It takes approximately one week to get an item after you have placed your order and the company can ship directly to you or to whomever you bought the gift for,” said Laura.
The two recently showed their wares at the annual spring bazaar held in Holden and had a good response to their products, according to Carolyn. They plan to attend another craft show in Warrensburg on April 28 at the Country Club Care Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We offer Mother’s and Father’s Day personalized baskets, or if you have trouble finding a gift for someone’s birthday, we can make a personalized basket for them as well. The baskets vary in price according to what they contain,” stated Laura.
They have a total of five catalogues to choose from along with the merchandise they have stocked in their store. They also offer special collector’s items such as dolphins, roosters, lighthouses, windchimes and dolls to name a few.
“We’re here to help everyone find that special gift for someone special,” said Laura.
Phil, Laura and Carolyn invite everyone to stop by their shop and browse through their in-stock items or view one of their unique videos. They’re sure they offer something for everyone and are excited to have the opportunity to serve the community with their special products and services.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
Blaylock Joins Local Medical Clinic
Western Johnson County Medical Clinic, LLC, located in Kingsville, has a new executive director. Wendy Blaylock joined the staff of the clinic in January of 2007 and says she is really enjoying the new opportunity.
“Each new day brings new challenges, no two days are alike,” said Blaylock. “I really enjoy working with our patients and the staff here is wonderful to work with. Most of them are from this community and we all are glad to have the opportunity to give back to those we serve.”
Blaylock brings experience to the position as she served as director of client services for Twin Lakes Hospice for several years prior to coming to Kingsville. She has an undergraduate degree from CMSU in social work and a graduate degree in social work administration from KU.
Her job duties include keeping the office running smoothly, marketing, grant writing, financial duties and new staff orientation. She is a graduate of Holden High School and has lived in Holden since 1975.
“You can’t imagine how many patients we see in this clinic,” she said. “We see approximately 25-30 people daily and have a patient base of 3,000. I love this job; I’m glad to see this community having the opportunity to have this type of service in their neighborhood. There was a definite need for something like this in the area.”
Blaylock has a 15-year-old daughter and a lot of family who live in the area. She enjoys living and working in a small town and being only five minutes from work.
“The staff here truly cares about our patients and we’re more like family than co-workers,” she added.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
OBITUARIES
GAYLE OLIVE MCKEOWN
Gayle Olive McKeown, age 61, Peculiar, Missouri, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2007, at Jefferson Health Care Center in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
She was born March 28, 1946 in Glasgow, Montana, the daughter of Neil and Doris (Reed) Rogers. She graduated from high school in Opheim, Montana and attended two years of college at Longview College in Lee’s Summit. On August 9, 1965 she married Roger McKeown in Holden, Missouri. She had lived in Holden, Independence, Jefferson City and Hartsburg before moving to Peculiar in 1987.
Gayle had been a beautician in Jefferson City and a substitute teacher in the Peculiar schools. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Harrisonville, MO.
She leaves her husband, Roger, of the home; one son, Brian Reed McKeown, Peculiar, MO; one daughter, Rebecca Gaile McKeown, Peculiar, MO; her father, Neil Rogers, Opheim, Montana; and two sisters, Gwen Cornwell, Glasgow, MT and Jackie Lamke, Kona, Hawaii.
A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, April 20, 2007, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Harrisonville, MO. The celebrant will be The Reverend Paw Lwin. Rosary, 6 p.m. Thursday with visitation until 8 p.m. Thursday at Ben Cats & Son-Wood Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Ron McKeown, Mark Rogers, Fred Eacock, Duane Rogers, George Harman, Bart McKeown and Kody Whitehead.
The interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Holden, MO.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.
DONALD C. MILLER
Donald C. Miller, 68, of Sunrise Beach, MO passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at his home.
He was born Friday, January 20, 1939 near Pittsville, MO the son of Allen (Pete) Miller and Ann L. Billingsley Miller.
Don graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1957 and had been a freight agent for Altruck Co. based out of Tampa, FL.
On March 5, 2007 in Columbia, MO he married Agnes Howe. She survives at their home.
Also surviving are a daughter, Michelle Cox, Bolivar, MO; two sons, Mark and Michael Miller, Springfield, MO; his mother, Ann Miller, Warrensburg; three brothers, Roger Miller and wife Janet, John Miller and wife Sharon, and Terry Miller and wife Mary, all of Warrensburg; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father on July 12, 1994.
Graveside services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2007 at Warrensburg Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Reverend Dave Mifflin officiating.
Pallbearers were Roger Miller, John Miller, Terry Miller, Larry Pyle, Larry Howe and Kenneth Howe.
Friends called after noon on Sunday at Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg. The family received friends from 1-1:45 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2007 prior to the services, at the Chapel.
Memorials are suggested to Missouri River Hospice. These may be left at the Chapel. |