 Mike Wakeman is once again the mayor of Holden after being sworn back into office last Tuesday at the regular meeting of the Holden City Council.
He had resigned from the office July 20 after receiving a letter from the Missouri Attorney General’s office requesting his resignation due to the nepotism provision of Article VII, Section 6 of the Missouri Constitution.
The request stemmed from a Missosuri Ethics Commission report which stated that Wakeman had appointed his brother-in-law Larry Miller to the position of fire chief and street superintendent. Miller had served as the superintendent for the past 14 years and was the assistant fire chief when appointed.
At a special council meeting August 18, the body had appointed Wakeman to fill his own unexpired mayoral term until the April election.
After receiving his oath Wakeman presided over the remainder of the meeting which included the first reading of several ordinances.
The passed the readings of the ordinances dealing with a new personnel manual, job description for a city administrator, amending the city’s subdivision ordinance and the replat of lots 11 and 12 in the Eagle Crest Subdivision into one lot.
In committee reports, Chad Manford relayed complaints concerning the state of disrepair the old intermediate school at 9th and Market had fallen into. City engineer Travis Keifer stated that he had sent a formal letter to the police department to be forwarded to the owner of the property directing him to “take care of the situation.”
In another matter, the council voted to allow the mayor to negotiate a contract with Integrity Correction Center to house Holden prisoners who must be placed in protective custody. Councilman Butch Shore told the council that the present policy at the Johnson County Jail in Warrensburg is to require prisoners be taken to a hospital and evaluated before allowing them into the jail. Shore said that the process has been taking several hours of an officers’ time. He also reported that ICC has medical personnel at the jail.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
The 2007 Holden Fall Fiesta was a huge success, according to fair chairman Michelle Guinn.
“We had a fantastic year. We had a new carnival and I think we made a good choice booking them. This was the best year for ticket sales we’ve ever had with Laureate Delta Upsilon selling tickets at local businesses in the days leading up to the fair. We want to say a big thank you to all of the ladies who worked so hard selling tickets,” Guinn stated.
Guinn said she had also heard good reports from booth vendors stating they all had a successful fair and were happy to be a part of the Holden Fall Fiesta.
“The weather was beautiful and a large number of people came out to enjoy the sights and sounds of the fiesta,” said Guinn.
The fair committee will hold a meeting Thursday night to wrap up the 2007 fair season. Guinn added, in 30 days, they will meet and start planning next year’s fair. She encourages anyone interested in serving on the fair board to come to the meeting. She stressed they will need additional help due to the sesquicentennial celebration that will go along with the fair in 2008. Watch for upcoming meeting dates in the What’s Up section of the Holden Image.
“The parade was very good with a lot of lively participants,” said Guinn. “We had more window entries this year than usual and the entries for the art, flower, home economics and agricultural contests were approximately the same as last year.”
Guinn went on to say the queen show was a big hit and is always a very popular part of the celebration.
She also wanted people to know the committee is working on electrical upgrades for next year as this year they experienced some electrical problems at the grandstand one night.
“The fair committee appreciates the support of the community. We’re glad so many people came out and made the 2007 Fall Fiesta a huge success!” said Guinn.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
H.O.P.E. Coalition made two significant moves at its Sept. 12 meeting when it named Jennifer Loos as Community Activity Director and voted to put its current Community Service Center, located at 212 W. Second Street, up for sale.
Loos holds a masters of science degree from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg (2006) in sports administration and a bachelor of science degree in physical education with an emphasis in sports administration from Baker University, Baldwin City, KS (2003). She completed her high school internship at Holden last year, working with Holden High School athletic director, Kelli Spies.
Prior to her internship, she served as the assistant soccer coach for UCM and did an internship with Adidas in Lawrence, KS as well as one with the Kansas City Coments' soccer team's marketing department.
Loos also was a distinguished college athlete. She was a four-year starter on Baker University's soccer team, making first team all-conference in 1999, 2001 and 2002 and second team in 2001. She was the team's captain in 2002.
H.O.P.E. Executive Directo John Roberts said he was excited about having Loos join H.O.P.E. saying that in many ways she was a "dream candidate."
"Much of the income derived at the CAC comes through sports activities," he said. "Aside from being a former athlete herself, Jenn has extensive training in scheduling, business, administration, marketing, promotion and research. She's also a very enthusiastic and personable individual. These skill sets and traits should carry her far in this position."
Roberts said that with the hiring of Loos, the CAC volunteer board members would continue to be active, but in a supportive role.
"We owe a lot to the CAC volunteer board," said Roberts. "(The late) Rusty Hartwell, Susan Jennings, Amy Morrison and Julie Carver are to a large degree responsible for the good shape we are in today. When they originally undertook the job of overseeing the CAC, it was to help the facility get back on its feet so it could move forward. That mission has been accomplished.
"These are people with full-time jobs, families and other interests and commitments," he added. "Since we are now in a position to hire a highly-qualified individual such as Jenn, they should be proud of what they accomplished and now be able to spend more time with their families and personal pursuits." Roberts added that the individuals have offered any help or advice they can lend to Jenn and remain supportive of H.O.P.E. "They have been extremely generous and this is very much appreciated by us all," said Roberts. Loos is scheduled to begin her duties Monday, Sept. 24.
In another major advance, The H.O.P.E. Board of Directors unanimously voted to put the Community Service Building located at 212 W. Second up for sale. Currently, the 24,000 sq. ft. building houses the H.O.P.E. central office, Clothes Closet, Harvester's distribution point, job referral center, W.I.C. office, G.E.D. testing center, Holden Area Ministerial Alliance conference room, computer room, emergency room and a bargain room, stocked with an assortment of small household items.
"The building has served us well, but quite honestly, it is too large and too expensive for organizations such as ours to maintain," said Roberts. "Not-for-profits are notorious for being long on heart, but short of funds and we are no different," he added. "I think the building and lots it sits on have good business potential, but it's not something we should keep."
Roberts went on to say that all of the services now offered at the facility will be maintained and there are contingency plans for moving the various offices in the making, should the building be sold. "H.O.P.E. is not abandoning one of its programs or services," he said. "Only the location or locations where they will be administered are undecided."
In other news, Roberts told the board H.O.P.E. has recently renewed an election polling site agreement with Johnson County for use of the Community Activity Center (CAC) during upcoming elections. “One big benefit for us is that our handicapped parking pad in the rear of the CAC will be enlarged through a grant. The only expense we will have is grading the area. The grant will take care of the forms, concrete, etc. This is scheduled to be done sometime either in October or November,” stated Roberts.
In other CAC business, Roberts told the board that CAC activity coordinator Beth Van Meter recently resigned her position effective the end of August. Roberts appointed Ann Stevenson, Beth’s assistant, to serve as interim coordinator.
In old business, Roberts reported he checked on insurance premium prices on increasing HOPE’s coverage. The board decided the increase would have been cost prohibitive and voted to leave the coverage where it is currently.
In new business, it was reported by Roberts that the annual Pink Tea will be held October 9 at 11 a.m. at the CAC. “The event is being underwritten by the Bank of Holden, F&C Bank and the Holden Image. We very much appreciate their willingness to do so,” said Roberts. Board member Donna LaHue said they had Larry Timme scheduled to play music and Sharon Manford to donate cakes, among others. She stressed that all who plan to attend must RSVP. They are expecting approximately 125 people, she added.
In other old problems, Roberts reported the dumping problem behind the Community Service Center (CSC) is getting worse. “Couches, chairs, treadmills and other items in poor condition continue to be deposited at the CSC,” said Roberts. Board president Bob Mickey suggested they get some signage, (vinyl banners) and place at the drop-off point stating that no furniture, appliances, or other large items can be deposited there without appointment.
In other CSC business, Roberts told board members the leakage problems at the CSC building are getting worse all the time. Roberts has contacted a local contractor and asked about costs related to patching the roof and told the board he thought the cost would be reasonable to patch and fix the roof.
In fair news, it was reported by Roberts that the Holden Chamber of Commerce had contacted him in reference to using the CAC building for exhibits during the fair. Roberts informed the Chamber that HOPE would have no janitorial support available and they said they would take care of cleaning up the building.
In job referral news, Mickey suggested that some banner signage on the front of the CSC advertising the job referral program and T.A.B.E. testing be purchased and attached. “This would give us large and continual visibility. I will check to see the sizes and prices, but I’m certain they will be affordable and effective,” stated Roberts.
In fundraising news, Roberts told board members the Johnson County United Way recently held its annual kickoff at the county courthouse in Warrensburg. “The organization appreciates testimonials from the clients served by its participating agencies and Mike and Jessica Taylor were kind enough to present such a reference for HOPE - citing the assistance they had received from Harvesters and the Clothes Closet. We appreciate their taking the time and making the effort to do so,” said Roberts.
In other CSC business, it was reported by Roberts HOPE had an interested party in their rental space located next door to the CSC. However, due to the type of business the individual was planning to put in, the board decided it would not be a good idea because they would be in direct competition with that type of business.
In other CAC business, Roberts told the board the parking lot at the CAC has been re-sprayed to eliminate grass and weed growth.
In NAP business, Roberts reported they expect a sizeable NAP donation at the end of September and there is an organization in the St. Louis area which is interested as well.
The regular session of the HOPE Coalition Board of Directors closed and they voted to go into executive session to discuss some personnel matters.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
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The website for Trails Regional Library has a brand new look! It now incorporates the library’s mission and new logo. Organized with easy to use drop down menus, sections include access to the on-line catalog, branch information, on-line resources, calendar, policies, about trails, helpful links, contact information and new books. The new books section has been updated to include a current list by type of material of the new materials added to the system during the month. The address for the library’s website is www.trl.lib.mo.us.
The public can use the website to access on-line catalogs to view their holdings and renew materials on-line. Programs and events held at all of their eight branches are listed on the website in the calendar. Visit their website and check out the new look! The web presence for Trails Regional Library was designed by Theresa Gross of WebXtras.
The question of whether head coach Rich Johnson’s young Holden football squad could stand up to a physical team was answered Friday night as the smaller Eagles doubled the score on a big California team and won their third consecutive game of the season, 34-17.
“We proved we could be a physical football team and stand toe-to-toe with another very physical team,” stated Coach Johnson. “There was a lot of hitting going on against California and we came out the winner.”
The Eagles played a rather uninspired first half, turning the ball over four times, and went into the locker room up by only three points at 20-17. The Pintos actually took the lead, 17-13, with less than two minutes to go in the half on a booming 45-yard field goal from their talented sophomore kicker Jasso.
After speaking with their coach during the intermission, the boys came out with a different attitude. “In the second half, our defense limed up and said ‘no more,’” the coach explained. And it was no more for the California offense as the Eagles blanked the Pintos the rest of the way while scoring two touchdowns of their own in the final half.
to on the board first late in the first quarter when senior quarterback Aaron Johnson faked to Dennis Hutchings and skirted around left end for a 48-yard sprint. Deron Binkley was good on the first of his four extra point attempts to put the boys in blue up, 7-0. Binkley made four of five attempts on the night.
California matched the score early in the second quarter and with three minutes left in the first half, Hutchings plunged over from the one to take a 13-7 lead. The lead was short-lived as on the very next play from scrimmage, the Pintos struck again on a 23-yard rushing TD giving them their first lead of the game at 14-13.
On Holden’s next play from scrimmage, they fumbled turning the ball back to California on the Eagles’ 33 yard line. Although Holden’s defense stiffened, the Pintos were good on the long field goal from Jasso to up their lead to 17-13.
With only 27 ticks until halftime, Hutchings busted up the middle and rambled for a 35-yard score.
In the second half, the Ealges stopped the Pintos four times on downs as they displayed a much stingier defense than in the first half.
Holden’s two scores came on a Binkley-blocked punt which was recovered by Crosby Coleman in the end zone and a 39-yard run from Lerda.
Coach Johnson felt that his offensive line did a better job with Denny Holsey and Aaron Ferguson leading the way. “This is the best game I’ve seen Aaron play,” praised the coach. “Both on offense and defense he was all over the field.”
Ferguson finished the night with a team-leading 12 tackles, two quarterback sacks and a blocked punt. He also averaged 35 yards per punt on the nigh and was given both the defensive back of the game and motor player awards for his efforts. “I’ve never given two awards to one player in a single game,” the coach added, “but Aaron deserved it tonight.”
Offensively, Hutchings once again led the way with 82 yards rushing, while Johnson added 72 and Lerda, 68. Johnson was three for six in passing with 45 yards and one interception.
The coach wasn’t happy with the five turnovers the Eagles committed and still says that the offensive line needs to perform better.
Defensively, he praised defensive coordinator John Jones for his handling of the Eagles’ defense. “We struggled at times with assignments, but I feel we did a better job in the second half. He had special kudos for Ferguson, Jesse Baker and Lerda.
Besides Ferguson’s 12 tackles, Baker had 11, while Lerda, Jon Thompson and Ryan Spilman collected nine apiece. With five each were Zak Anstine, Binkley and Hutchings and Andrew Wakeman and Johnson each tallied three. Jeff Johnson and Coleman each managed two and Jacob Reiman finished with one.
On special teams, the coach gave mixed reviews, praising coach Spencer Gudde’s great punt blocking scheme and stating that the kick off coverage has to get better.
The physical test Friday was a good one for the Eagles as they now know they can physically compete with the meat of their schedule coming up - El Dorado Springs, Butler, St. Pius X, Lone Jack and Hogan Prep.
In their next contest, El Dorado Springs, always a physical matchup, will run a lot of formations. The coach says that the defense will have to align well to stop their offense which is led by senior tailback Corey Ketchum. Their offensive line weighs an average of 245 per man and they will want to get back into the win column against Holden.
The game will be played Friday night at 7 p.m. at El Dorado Springs.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
The Holden High School volleyball schedule got harder and busier this week as the Lady Eagles played matches with O’Hara, Pleasant Hill and a weekend tournament at Platte County.
Wading through the stiff competition, the girls finished the week with a 2-1-1 record, giving them a total on the season of 9-4-1.
Holden started out the busy week with a best three of five loss to O’Hara, 25-23, 12-25, 26-25 and 15-25.
“O’Hara is a great team and this match will make us better,” explained head coach Julie Carver. “We played great the first game, but didn’t execute well in the second. In the third and fourth sets, we battled much better but jus not consistently enough. Jill Hutchings, Valerie Lambert, Kelsey Carver and Katie Holmes did a great job in serve receive and we ran our offense well. Many times, O’Hara was simply hitting over our blocks.”
Carver and Calla Burden tied for the lead in kills with six apiece, while Lauren Geisler, back from an ankle injury, was the top blocker with five.
Statistics include: Kristen Mickey, 12 of 18 defense, five kills, three aces, eight assists and three blocks; Katie Holmes, 19 of 33 defense, 24 of 24 serve receive, four kills, one ace and two blocks; Eleanor Brown, two of three defense; Stacey Calhoun, five of 12 defense, one ace, 11 assists and one dump for kill; Geisler, two of three defense, one of two serve receive, one assist and five blocks; Burden, three of six defense, six kills and four blocks; Lambert, 15 of 24 defense, 14 of 15 serve receive and one kill; Hutchings, 25 of 33 defense, 39 of 40 serve receive and one kill; Kelsey Whitehead, four of eight defense, three kills, two assists and four blocks; Carver, nine of 13 defense, five of six serve receive, six kills and one block and Kelsey Holmes, two kills, two blocks and one of two defense.
Holden 25-25 Pleasant Hill 12-10
“The kids played well against P. Hill,” the coach explained. “We kept the ball in play and served tough which kept them out of their offense.
Stats included: Mickey, two of two defense, five kills, one ace and four assists; Katie Holmes, two of four defense, nine of nine serve receive, three kills and one ace; Brown, two of four defense and one ace; Calhoun, seven of eight defense, 12 assists and one dump for kill; Geisler, two of two serve receive, one kill and six blocks; Burden one of two defense, three kills, one assist and six blocks; Rebecca fisher, five of five defense and one of one serve receive; Lambert, eight of 11 defense, two of two serve receive, one kill and one ace; Hutchings, 18 of 20 defense, six of six serve receive, one kill and one ace; Whitehead, two kills and one assist; and Carver, two of three defense, two of two serve receive and three kills.
Platte County Tourney
The Lady Eagles put together a 4-2 record in pool play, defeating Belton, 25-8 and 25-15; and splitting with Bishop LeBlonde, 23-25 and 25-19; and Platte County, 18-25 and 25-15.
They weren’t so successful in the tournament round, as they fell to Sprindale, AR, 19-25, 25-16 and 15-17.
“We played pretty well in pool play,” Coach Carver stated. “but the kids were flat and lost to Springdale in the tournament. We have to focus better and play more as a team than we did in our last match.”
Stats for the tournament were: Mickey, 26 of 36 defense, two of two serve receive, 13 kills, three aces, 30 assists, five dumps for kills and three blocks; Katie Holmes, 42 of 64 defense, 29 of 32 serve receive, 17 kills, one ace and four blocks; Brown, six of 10 defense and six aces; Calhoun, 27 of 35 defense, one of one serve receive, one ace, 31 assists and four dumps for kills; Geisler, two of two defense, two of two serve receive, two kills and six blocks; Burden, 15 of 15 defense, 10 of 10 serve receive, nine kills and 13 blocks; Lambert, 10 of 33 defense, 18 of 20 serve receive, one kill and seven aces; Hutchings, 84 of 105 defense, 73 of 76 serve receive, three kills, two aces and one assist; Whitehead, three of three defense, one of two serve receive, 14 kills and three assists; Carver, 17 of 24 defense, nine of 10 serve receive, 12 kills and two blocks; Kelsey Holmes, six of six defense, three of three serve receive, six kills and four blocks.
The girls will play Lone Jack at home Thursday night and host Warrensburg Monday.
By Steve Sullins
Editor |