The new director of activities at the Community Activity Center (CAC), Jennifer Loos, took over the helm on Monday, September 24.  Loos is also the assistant to executive director of the HOPE Coalition, John Roberts.

In her new position, Loos said she hopes to bring new programs to the existing ones already being held at the CAC.  “We already have volleyball and basketball scheduled and hope to increase the number of teams who participate in those events,” said Loos.  “I would also like to see new programs come to the CAC, such as indoor soccer, for example.  Some of these new projects are in the works but nothing is finalized yet.”

Loos has experience in this field and holds a masters of science degree in sports administration with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and sports administration.  She completed internships with the KC Comets (an indoor soccer team), Adidas (in sales), and for the Holden School District as assistant to athletic director Kelly Spies last year.  She was also assistant soccer coach at University of Central Missouri.  So she brings a lot of experience to her position and the HOPE board and Roberts are excited about the prospect of having Loos directing activities at the CAC.

Roberts called Loos very enthusiastic and personable and thinks she will go far as director of the CAC.

Loos lives with her husband Brad in Warrensburg and they have one dog who she loves to spend time playing with.  Brad is the assistant basketball coach at UCM. 

In her spare time Loos enjoys attending sporting events, and UCM games.  She also loves to jog and to read.

Her vision for the CAC is to make it more available for the community and to have more programs there.  She wants to utilize the building to its full potential.  “This is a fantastic facility,” she stated.  “And I would like to hear from people in the town about what they would like to see happening at the CAC.”

Along with upcoming sporting events, the CAC still hosts its morning walkers, from 7- 10 a.m.  This is open to the public.  The walkers enjoy good exercise, coffee and breakfast.  There is no charge to participate but donations are accepted.

Loos will be available at the CAC Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and may be reached by calling 732-3522.  She will also be on hand during all of the CAC events and tournaments.

She is currently holding meetings with the existing CAC volunteer board and learning the details of the upcoming events.

She said, “I want the community to be involved in the CAC.  We want to get programs in here that the people want to see and I am open for ideas from the public as to what they would like to see take place here.”

By Dana Neubert
News Staff


Kingsville may be partnering with Holden in an extra-curricular cooperative, Superintendent Kevin Coleman reported to the Kingsville School Board at their regular meeting held last Wednesday night.

Coleman reported he attended Holden’s school board meeting and suggested the cooperative which would allow Kingsville students to participate with Holden in football and wrestling.  “We put out a sign-up sheet for boys who might be interested in playing football and had 18 boys sign up,” stated Coleman.  He went on to say Holden will discuss the matter and get back with Kingsville with their decision.

In a construction update, Coleman told the board one of the new classrooms in the old shop building was now completed and they held classes there last Wednesday for the first time.  “By the end of the month the business classes will be in the building also,” stated Coleman.  He went on to say the construction crew was behind on installing door locks and hardware by approximately three weeks.  He also said the temporary bell service had been installed in the old shop building.  He shared with the board some minor acts of vandalism which had occurred recently and added they might want to think of adding security cameras in the future.

In sports news, Coleman reported there are only five boys out for junior high basketball and the girls have 15 who are out for basketball.  “We may have to borrow from the girls’ team from time to time to put a full team on the floor,” stated Coleman.

In a summer school report, the board was informed by Coleman that 154 students took part in the summer program with an 85 percent attendance rating.

In high school reports, principal Lorna Warren updated the board on a special education report from instructor Beth Stout.  She said vocational rehabilitation continues to work with the school.  Kingsville is currently sending two students to the Transition Institute in Warrensburg.  They are exploring a variety of jobs/careers as well as learning skills needed to apply for, interview, and keep a job.  They have two more students who are in the process of filling out the paperwork to apply for vocational rehabilitation services.

Warren went on to say that Jennifer Hicks and Beth Stout attended the Missouri Elementary Mathematics Leadership Academy.  Two weeks were spent at UCM learning alternative teaching strategies for core math content skills.  Another week was spent in Springfield at a seminar presented by researchers from Australia who developed the math assessment and growth points assessments used during the Academy.  “Funding is pending for next year’s academy and if approval is granted, Kingsville staff will be invited to return,” stated Warren.

Instructor Jennifer Carr reported the district choir tryouts were held September 15 and the Kingsville Marching Band performed in the Holden parade, also on September 15.

Warren also reported that according to Holly Bennett, FBLA will have a healthy concession stand, every day after school.  The stand will be open for 30 minutes each day to provide athletes and others an opportunity to purchase a healthy snack before their practice or activity.  Foods offered will be peanut butter and jelly, turkey or ham sandwiches, pretzels, bananas, apples and grapes.

In a MAP update, Warren reported on the statistics of students who received a proficient or advanced rating on their MAP test.  Proficient students received a $50 WalMart gift certificate and advanced students received a $75 gift certificate.

In journalism news, Warren reported that Lynn Andreas won first place worth $200 in a journalism essay contest recently.  The purpose of the essay contest was to increase awareness of poverty issues.

In other sports news, Warren reported Lynn Andreas was given honorable mention for the MidState Conference 2007 preseason volleyball tournament.
In elementary reports, principal Angela Helms reported an attendance rating of 96.24 since the beginning of school.

She also reported 36 students received proficient or advanced scores on their MAP tests.  They were also awarded monetary prizes for their achievements.  “The elementary met the state’s adequate yearly progress.  The scores have gradually increased the past few years.  We plan to significantly increase the elementary MAP scores this year,” said Helms.

In instructor news, Helms reported Janet West, Theresa Groves and Pam Pollard will spend two hours after school approximately once a month teaching students about the Show-Me Readers and Mark Twain books.  The activity nights are called “Mark Twain Tiger Talk” and “Little Tiger Show Me Reader Activity Time.”  These activity nights are completely voluntary for the students.

She went on to say the elementary teachers have been undergoing training on balanced literacy.  Jennifer Williams, a literacy consultant, has already presented two full days on balanced literacy.  “The staff is working hard and they are eager to learn.” Helms said.

Helms also reported after-school tutoring will begin within the next two weeks.

“Our elementary staff is working well and we have good students here,” stated Helms.

Board president Martha Bush informed the board she had been approached with some interest in publishing the board meeting dates and times on the Tiger Text, sponsored by F&C Bank.  Coleman and the board thought that would be a good idea.

The regular meeting of the Kingsville School Board closed to reopen October 11.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff


The descendants of Edwin Jennings (1866-1945) and Hattie Bell Hedden (1863-1920) held their family reunion at Elm Spring Baptist Church Fellowship Hall on August 19, 2007.

Those attending were Sadie Timmons, Roger Douthit, Dennis and Lois Campbell, Tom and Martha Byers, Kelsey Byers and Lindsay and Dustin Fritz, Ernie and Tanya Shippy, Varner Shippy, Virgil and Hilda Shippy, Peggy Jennings, Kinny and Patty Sue Day, Amiee Douthit, Josh and Cody, Mike Jennings, Ed and Faye Jennings, David Jennings and Carolyn Mayes, Bruce and Alice Strobel, Eddie and Kristina Strobel (newly wed this year).  Also a wedding in 2006, Julie Strobel to Paul Bickle; they did not attend.  Tom Jennings and Brenda Barker, Alvin K. and Lucille Jennings, Kenneth E. Jennings, Jenene and Jeremy Jennings, Larry and daughter Valorie, Sarah and Jeff Atkinson, son Cole, Warren and Linda Lou Brown, Rob and Rosalee Wilson, Russell and Susan Jennings and daughter Renae, Luke and Holly Jennings, (newlyweds), Jim and Carmin Ailor, Patricia Wheeler, Susan Wheeler Rahn and daughter Brittney Norton, Joe Jr. “Buddy” and Jennifer Wheeler, Sarah and Joseph, III, Beth Wheeler and children, Collen and Samantha Burch, Ethel Cleveland, Mary and Gene Faulkenberry, Russell Faulkenberry and Leann Meddings, Jesse and Della Faulkenberry and son Tristan, Carol Kenton, Karen K. Kohler, and Clayton Jennings.  Guests were Reverend R.G. Dale, Susan and Caitlin, John Banes, Ted Overcash, and Gregg Baker.  Host Mary Faulkenberry reported reported a total of 79 attending the reunion.  Unable to attend were daughters of Osgood and Ina Jennings, Pauline Turner of Mountain View, CA and sister, Maxine and George Oliver of Apache Junction, AZ.  Pauline reported a wedding on July 7, 2007 of her grandson, Matthew Mountz and Asia.  Three have passed away since last year which includes Hercel Kohler, Earl Ramsey and Horace Ramsey.
  The Holden High School varsity football team kept their record unblemished last Friday night at El Dorado Springs as they defeated the Bulldogs 26-13.

The 4-0 Eagles had a little tougher time of it than they had in the other three victories of the season, but a superlative offensive performance by Ryan Spilman - 139 rushing yards on 22 carries - and another outstanding defensive effort by Jesse Baker ( 12 tackles) secured the victory for Holden.

The Eagles racked up a total of 411 yards of total offense - 353 rushing and 58 passing - but had too many lapses on defense to maintain their 24-point margin of victory enjoyed this season.

El Dorado Springs compiled nearly 300 yards of total offense, including 201 on the ground.  Actually 140 of those yards were on two 70-yard runs on defensive lapses.  The rest of the evening, the Eagles held the Bulldogs to an average of 2.3 yards per carry.

“We didn’t play very well tonight,” explained head Eagle coach Rich Johnson after the victory.  “We had way too many breakdowns and missed assignments on defense.  At times, some of the guys acted like they didn’t want to play.

“El Do is a tough team, however,” he continued.  “There record of 1-3 is very deceiving as they have had injures and illnesses all season long.  They are finally starting to get well.  They’re very physical.”

The coach stated that the Eagles were in the middle of the toughest part of their schedule.  “We still have two more road games the next two weeks against Butler and St. Pius X before we return home for another conference game with Lone Jack.  We’re going to need our guys to feel that sense of urgency and play every play of the game,” he added.

Holden never trailed in the Bulldog victory, but didn’t put the game away until 6:18 left in the fourth quarter when David Lerda rambled over from 12 yards out to give the Eagles a two-touchdown margin. 

Holden wasn’t able to get on the scoreboard until the second quarter as Spilman scored one of his two touchdowns on the night with 10:21 left.  He squirted over from one-yard out and Deron Binkley was good on his extra point try giving the Eagles a 7-0 lead.  They had had a promising drive on their first series beginning at their own 20-yard line stall out at the Dawgs 29.
Two and one-half minutes after their first TD, El Do knotted the game at seven when they scored on a two-yard run.  The TD had been set up by a 70-yard sprint by talented tailback Corey Ketchum.  Holden took the lead again with a three-yard burst by Dennis Hutchings with only :04.5 left on the clock until halftime.  That score gave the Eagles a 14-7 halftime advantage.

Midway in the second quarter,. the Bulldogs scored on a 70-yard quarterback keeper.  Their try for a two-point extra point was no good leaving Holden with a slim one-point bulge.

Holden took control again on their next offensive series, marching from their own 29 yard line to another Spilman TD - this time from 10 yards out.  The Eagles tried a two-pointer of their own and were unsuccessful as well, giving them a 20-13 advantage.  Lerda’s fourth-quarter touchdown finished off the scoring for the night.

Offensively it was another good effort for the Eagles, added to Spilman’s game-high totals was Lerda with 94 yards and Hutchings with 85.  Quarterback Aaron Johnson tallied 35 yards on seven tries and was three of 13 passing for 58 yards and no interceptions.  Binkley led receivers with one reception for 40 yards.

Coach Johnson gave praise to his offensive line.  “For the second week in a row, our O line has graded out at a B+.  They blocked well tonight and from tight end to tight end they did a good job.   We ran 75 offensive plays and controlled both the time and the ball game.  The only thing we didn’t do on offense is make to key plays to score more.”

Offensive players of the game were Kevin Kephart, line; and Lerda, back.

Defensively the coach gave kudos to his players of the week, Baker and Jeff Johnson.  “Jesse had a great game and Jeff was all over the field.  Lerda also played well on defense.”

Besides Baker’s 12 tackles, Lerda had seven and Jeff Johnson finished with six.  A. Johnson, Spilman and Binkley each had three, while Andrew Wakeman, Crosby Coleman and Jon Thompson tallied two apiece.  Hutchings finishe dthe night with one.

Overall, Coach Johnson said that he feels that the kids believe in what they are doing and have bought into the whole program.  “When we believe in what we’re doing, the majority of the times in hard-fought games we’ll come out on top.  We’re building a tradition at Holden and our community needs to come out and see what we’re doing.”

Next up for the Eagles is a trip to perennial rival Butler at 7 p.m. Friday.

“This is a very important game for us,” Coach Johnson continued.  “This is our first conference game and the Bears are going to be another tough, physical team.  They have an outstanding running back in Derek Varnes, who has averaged seven yards per carry in the last two games.  Their fullback Mitch Seward is also a very hard runner.  Their quarterback Colby Teeman has been injured but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back.  They are a bunch of talented players playing better every week.”

The Bears have lost this season to Higginsville of the MRVC, 36-20; a tough Nevada team, 22-10; and Adrian, 42-0 in their first game of the season.  Last week they defeated Sherwood, 28-14.

Coach Johnson said he liked the student, parents and fan participation at El Dorado Springs last week.  “With this tough part of the schedule we’re going to need all the student and fan support we can get.  I’d like to see as many as possible show up in the rest of the games this season.  It makes a difference to the players.”

By Steve Sullins
Editor
 

OBITUARIES

DONALD F. BRILLHART
Donald F. Brillhart, 74, of Winfield, died Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at the Wichita Specialty Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas after a long illness.

Services were held at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2007 at Ben Cast & Son - Wood Funeral Home in Holden, MO.  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Arkansas City, KS.

Brillhart was born May 5, 1933 to Perry and Vesta (Thomison) Brillhart in Abilene, Kansas.  He was the last of three children born.  Donald lived at home until the age of three and one-half years old when a decision was made to move him to Parsons State Hospital where he lived for 22 years.  In 1959, Donald moved to Winfield State Hospital where he lived for 17 years.  In 1987, Donald moved to Focus Developmental Center in Winfield, where he resided until 1997, when he moved to his current home with Mosaic, formerly Martin Luther Homes of Kansas.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Dean Brillhart.

He is survived by his brother Melvin Brillhart and wife Betty of Holden, MO; his guardian, Marsha Branch of Winfield; and many friends at Mosaic.

Arrangements were under the direction of Ben Cast & Son - Wood Funeral Home, Holden, MO. 


MARY MARGARET (KEEN) BROWN
Mary Margaret (Keen) Brown heard the soft voice of her Savior calling her Home on Wednesday morning, September 19, 2007.  She gladly responded to the voice and was led by his gentle hand from her room in Western Missouri Medical Center to her new Home in His Eternal Kingdom.

Leaving behind, but assuring them their separation would be brief, her husband of 52 years, Harold F. Brown, residing at the family home; eight children, Barbara Shanks and husband Mark, Nancy Hackett and husband C.F., Daniel Brown, all of Centerview, Debbie Weigand and husband Steve, Warrensburg, Becky Goth and husband Chris, Centerview, James Brown and wife Lyn, Laverne, OK, Charles Brown and wife Lynette, Neosho, and John Brown and wife Meghan, Centerview; 29 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Harold Keen of Frisco, TX.

Mary Margaret was born March 29, 1933, the seventh child of Fred V. Keen and Mary Ellen Hennessey Keen in Kansas City, Missouri.  She was born again in August of 1961 when she was adopted by her Heavenly Father through faith in His son, Jesus Christ.  Her life was changed and her sin washed away by the atoning blood of her beloved Savior.  She later stated, “That day was the beginning of my real life.”

She married Harold Fletcher Brown on March 12, 1955 in Kansas City, MO, residing there until 1968 when they moved to their farm in Centerview, MO where she lived until her death.

Mary Margaret attended Blue Springs Pentecostal Church for more than 30 years and then attended Stillwell Cornerstone Pentecostal Church.  In recent years, she became a member of First Baptist Church of Warrensburg and was a part of the “Golden Agers” group there.  Her large family was her greatest achievement and she loved nothing more than spending time with all 53 of them.  She greatly enjoyed sewing and making handcrafted gifts, researching family history and  sharing it with her family, and in later years, email and games.  She was a member of the Sunny Hour Club for 30 years.  She was hospitable, friendly, sometimes larger than life.  She had a great sense of humor and was never known to lose an argument.  Mary Margaret was always ready to share her faith in Christ.

We, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, will greatly miss her and rise up and call her blessed.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the First Baptist Church in Warrensburg with Pastor James Brown, Pastor Bob Ingle and Pastor Claude Childers officiating.  Interment followed in the Pisgah Cemetery, located north of Chilhowee.

The family received friends from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.

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