The Holden Plan Advisory Committee hit the ground running last Sunday afternoon when they hosted a community walk-about for citizens and business owners in Holden.

According to chairperson of the committee, Diane Klossen, they had a good crowd for the event and the day was filled with a lot of good and useful information.  “We were there from 1  to 5 p.m. and Olsson and Associates gave us a lot to think about,” said Klossen.

The people who attended were truly interested in what was being planned for the city, according to Klossen.  “They were very involved and anxious to participate.”

A representative from Olsson and Associates hung up pictures from around town for all to study when they came in.  The participants then walked around town and took a bus tour to several locations including the schools and the city lake.  Then Olsson and Associates showed a large topographical aerial portrait of the city and had citizens pinpoint areas they liked and areas they would like to see improved or developed.  Participants made notes as they traveled to help them decide which areas needed work and which were already in good shape.

“Overall it was a very successful day,” said Klossen.  “It was a good start to what we are trying to accomplish.”

The next event the committee has scheduled is a town hall meeting and Klossen encourages the public to come out and take part in the meeting to express their views on the city.  The meeting will be held October 29 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Holden City Hall, 101 W. Third Street, Holden.

The goal of the committee is to bring together Holden residents, businesses and community leaders to coordinate and develop a roadmap for the future growth and development of Holden.  The people will come together in a series of “hands-on” workshops to identify opportunities and examine issues that are important to them and set goals they hope to acheive.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff


The city of Holden came one step closer to adopting a city administrator form of government at their regular meeting last Tuesday as the city council unanimously approved an ordinance creating the office of city administrator.

Among other things, the ordinance outlines the appointment, tenure, qualifications, compensation, duties and powers of the new position.

According to Holden mayor Mike Wakeman, the city will begin their search for an administrator immediately. 

The ordinance states that the person appointed appointed shall be approved by two-thirds majority of the city council and will serve an indefinite term. 

The individual will be at least 23 years of age and within 12 months from appointment be a graduate of an accredited university or college, majoring in public or municipal administration.  They must also have the equivalent qualifications and experience in financial, administration and or public relations fields.

Among the powers of the city administrator, are the responsibility and upkeep of all real and personal property of the city of Holden.  The administrator will also set administrative policies and coordinate the work of all departments of the city.  The ordinance does spell out that at no time shall the duties or powers of the city administrator supersede the action by the mayor and city council.

In past meeting, the city council has voiced its belief that the city needs a full-time administrator due to the growth of the area and the implementation of the comprehensive plan.

Other ordinances approved in the meeting was a personnel manual for the city as well as a new subdivision ordinance.  The council also approved the replatting of lots 11 and 12 in the Eagle Crest Subdivision into one lot.

First readings were held and passed concerning a settlement agreement with Verizon Wireless and an ordinance allowing that a contract be made with Integrity Correctional Center to house Holden prisoners.  The arrangement would save Holden police officers both time and money over taking the prisoners to Warrensburg where they have to be seen by a doctor prior to incarceration.

Also during the meeting, certificates of appreciation were presented to Holden residents Albert Watson, Pat Clarida and Phil Roberts, who was not present.  The citizens were very instrumental in the apprehension of a suspect in a recent police chase.

In a final item, the council discussed the feasibility of changing medical insurance carriers for the city.  The city is considering cancelling its present carrier Coventry Insurance due to a rate increase.  A representative from Robert E. Miller Insurance Agency in Kansas City was present to compare companies for the council.  Wakeman said that he wanted to talk to the city attorney before going forward on any plan.

By Steve Sullins
Editor


Holden mayor Mike Wakeman and his attorney Karl Timmerman both declined to comment about the new release originating in the Missouri Attorney General’s office which stated that they have filed a petition in Johnson County Circuit Court seeking the ouster of Holden’s mayor.

Wakeman stated that they would have more to say when they were officially notified of the action through the courts.  Timmerman agree saying that without the officials court documents they don’t know how to comment.

In the release, Attorney General Jay Nixon said that Wakeman had violated the nepotism provision of the Missouri Constitution by appointing his brother-in-law as fire chief.  Wakeman had been elected to a four-year term as mayor of Holden in April 2006 and appointed Larry Miller, is brother-in-law as fire chief that same month.

The release does not mention the fact that Miller had previously served in the position of fire chief and had for the seven years prior to Wakeman’s being elected served as the assistant fire chief.  Wakeman was the chief prior to being elected mayor.

Nixon’s new release continues by saying that on July 17, 2007, the AG’s office sent a letter to Wakeman informing him that the appointment violated the states nepotism laws and for that reason he forfeited his office.  Wakeman submitted his letter of resignation as mayor on July 20.

On August 18, the city council of Holden selected Wakeman as mayor to fill the unexpired term to which he was elected in 2006.  He was subsequently sworn in as mayor on September 11 and currently serves in that position.

The release continues, “Nixon said Missouri case law clearly states that when an official has been ousted, he or she cannot be appointed or elected to the remainder of the term.  The AG’s petition says that Wakeman cannot be appointed or elected as mayor before the current four-year term expires in April 2010, and that a quo warranto petition is the proper proceeding to remove an officeholder for violating the anti-nepotism provision of the Missouri Constitution.”

As of press deadline, Wakeman had still not received official notification of the petition from the circuit court.

By Steve Sullins
Editor
  HOPE Executive Director John Roberts welcomed the new activity director for the Community Activity Center (CAC), Jennifer Loos, at the HOPE regular board meeting held last Wednesday morning.

“We have purchased a new computer, some office supplies and are getting the internet up  and going again so that she will have all the tools she needs to do her work.  We are very happy to have her as part of our team,” stated Roberts.

Loos gave a report on recent and upcoming activities at the CAC and an overall report on her first weeks of service.

In upcoming activity news, Loos reported she has finished advertising for the first session of the basketball leagues; has started contacting referees to be available for the games; and is searching for additional workers to help on nights when she is not able to be there.

In new business, Loos stated she had concluded meetings with several members of the CAC volunteer board.  “Amy Morrison briefed me on the basketball leagues and I have taken over that responsibility from her.  Beth Van Meter informed me how to run the day-to-day activities at the center, and Susan Jennings told me about the volleyball tournaments.  She will continue to run them this year,” said Loos.

In public relations news, Loos reported she has been meeting with people in the community, stopped by Harvesters last Friday and met those involved in that program; visited the Clothes Closet and met those in charge; and said she had created a new email address for the CAC: holdenactivitycenter @hotmail.com.

In old business, Roberts told board members he had listed the Community Service Center with a real estate company per the board’s request.  A price was set for the sale of the building and lots which the board agreed with.  However, board member Scotty Walker said he thought they should entertain any bid they received.  The board was in agreement with Walker.

In community business, Roberts told the board the “Pink Tea” was held October 9.  According to board member Donna LaHue, there was a large crowd attending with approximately 120 people taking part in the social event.  “A lot of people put in a lot of hard work to make the event happen,” stated Roberts.   He added the event was underwritten by the Bank of Holden, F&C Bank and the Holden Image.

In new business, it was reported by Roberts there has been some interest in the CSC’s rental property located adjacent to their main building.  Since the CSC is up for sale it would be difficult to offer a year’s lease.  The board discussed the matter and decided to offer a month by month rental option to the interested party.

In Fall Fiesta business, Roberts told the board the Chamber of Commerce, Holden FFA and others used the CAC during the fair and everything worked out well for all parties. 

In other old business, Roberts reported  he had checked on getting signage for the CSC per the request of board president Bob Mickey.  The signs would address the no dumping issues, and advertise the job referral and GED testing facilities.  Roberts is in the process of getting a bid on the signs, he told the board.

After enjoying a tasty, hot breakfast cooked by Walker, the board adjourned their regular meeting to reopen November 8 at 6:45 a.m.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff


Director of Holden High School choir Jon West said the district choir put on a great performance this past Saturday.  “The students performed very well and I’m very proud of them.  It was a long day of rehearsal, but the students worked hard and sounded great,” said West.

He also said Rob Curry was selected to be in the 2008 all-state choir.  “They will perform at Tan-Tar-A in January during the Missouri Music Educators convention.  There are only 150 students from the entire state who were selected.  All of our students did very well, but it is tough to make it in.  Congratulations to Rob and to all of the students who participated on Saturday,” West commented.


OBITUARIES

JOHN MITCHELL ALLEN
John Mitchell Allen, age 51, Marshall, Missouri, passed away Sunday, October 14, 2007, at Marshall Habilitation Center.

He was born October 19, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri the son of Arnold and Zena (Zimmerling) Allen.  John contracted menningitis as an infant but he remained in the home until he was 10-years-old.  Because of extensive medical reasons he was place in Marshall Rehabilitation Center and lived there for 41 years.  He also lived in Kansas City for 10 years.

John was preceded in death by his father, Arnold.

Surviving his passing are his mother, Zena Allen, Independence, MO; one brother, Jeffrey Allen, Independence, MO; and four sisters, Cherie Flynn, Holden, MO, Cindy Allen, Olathe, KS, Susan Vinson, Lawson, MO, and Janis Allen, Warrensburg, MO.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at New Hope Baptist Church, Holden, MO with the Reverend Jeremy Redhair officiating.  Soloist was Holly Redhair.

The family received friends from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Pallbearers were his nephews.  Interment was in Blackwater Cemetery, Holden, MO.

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


MARY A. STEVENS
Mary A. Stevens, 88, Independence, formerly of Holden, MO, passed away October 14, 2007.

Mary was born May 13, 1919.  She was preceded in death by her husband C.R. “Buddy” Stevens in 2002.

Survivors include her four children, Marsha Lovercamp, Oakland, CA; John Stevens and wife Karen, Liberty, MO; Mary Englert and husband Joe, Independence, MO; and Beth Simpson and husband Rick, Lee’s Summit, MO; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Services were held  at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at the McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Road, Kansas City, MO, where a visitation was held preceding the service at 1 p.m.  Burial was in White Chapel Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Kansas City Hospice.

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