Four individuals have already filed for the three three-year Holden School Boared terms that will be up for grabs in the April 8, 2008 election.

Both incumbents Jeff Miller and Rodger McConville have refiled for their positions which become vacant, while Donnie Aldrich and Joe Burnor have also filed.  The other seat that will be open is that of Renita Daugherty.  As of presstime she had not refiled.

Others wishing to become a member of the board have ultil January 22, 2008 at 5 p.m.  They must declare their intent to file in person at the Holden R-III District Office at 1612 S. Main in Holden.  Candidates names will appear on the ballott in the order in which they filed.

The office will be closed during the holiday break from December 24, 2007 to January 2, 2008.  Candidates may then file from January 2, 2008 to January 18, 2008 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.  The last day for filing, January 22, 2008, filings may be accomplished from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


The Holden R-III School District has earned Missouri’s coveted “Distinction in Performance” award this year, according to an announcement from state education officials.  The award honors districts for academic achievement and progress during the 2006-2007 school year.

The annual recognition is based on school districts’ performance on Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test scores, ACT college-entrance test scores, attendance and dropout rates and other measures of academic performance during the 2006-2007 school year.

To qualify for the recognition this year, K-12 districts had to meet 13 of 14 standards, including all of the standards that are based on Missouri Assessment Program test scores.  The Holden R-III School District met and exceeded this goal, meeting 14 of the 14 standards plus a bonus standard.

Under the state’s accreditation process, known as the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP), each school district is evaluated at least once every five years.  The “Distinction in Performance” award is based on the same criteria used in the accreditation process, but it provides an annual confirmation and recognition of a district’s consistent performance.

In a news release from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Governor Matt  Blunt applauded districts earning this distinguished award saying, “I commend Missouri educators and students for their hard work and progress.  By maintaining a strong focus on achievement and accountability in all schools, we can help all students have a brighter future.”

State education officials will formally recognize each of the award-winning school districts later this school year.

According to R-III district interim superintendent Dr. Bob Watkins, “It’s a pretty incredible acievement to score 15 out of 15 on something of that magnitude.  It says a lot about the teachers and principals of the district.  It sends a clear message that academic achievement is what school is about in Holden.”


Two year city council terms in all four Holden wards will be up for grabs in the April 8 election after a resolution was passed in the Holden City Council last Tuesday night to hold the election.

Filling the positions at the present time are Karl Timmerman, Ward I; Butch Shore, Ward II; Jim Robison, Ward III; and Mike Zumwalt, Ward IV.  The position of mayor will also be on the ballot, as present Mike Wakeman was appointed to the position only until the April election.

Interested individuals can apply for any of the offices at the Holden City Hall from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. through January 22, 2008.

Also on the agenda at the regular monthly meeting was the year-end audit report submitted by Gillum & Gillum, CPA.  Mayor Mike Wakeman asked the item be tabled until next month to give councilpersons time to review the findings.  The report had just been received Tuesday.

In the mayor’s communications section of the meeting, Wakeman told the council that the deadline for the city administrator position had passed and the city had received 14 resumes.  He stated that applications would be turned over to the economic development committee for review.  Wakeman also said that the deadline for engineer applications for the Missouri Department of Transportation sidewalk grant project will be January 15, 2008.  He said that he hoped have the individual on board by February 1.

Other resolutions dealt with in the meeting included a first reading of Bill # 12-14-08 which would allow a contract to be made between the city’s board of public works and Shafer Kline & Warren for wastewater treatment system improvements.  The first reading passed.

In a related area, Councilman Butch Shore reported that the BOPW will have a public meeting to discuss the city’s water and sewer rates 6:30 p.m., January 3, 2008.

In a final item, the council gave the fire department permission to purchase new Hurst Centaur Auto Extrication system from Tower Fire Apparatus for $9,500.  The device has a combination spreader/cutter tool which will be used in emergency extracations.  The city will enter into a lease/purchase with a down payment of $3,000 with three remaining payments totaling $6,500.

Tower’s bid was nearly $2,000 less than their closest competitor Weis, who turned in a bid of $11,417.  Hurst bid the sale at $12,018.  The council also approved the application of Dan Ogan to be a volunteer fireman.

By Steve Sullins
Editor


A Holden landmark in automotive, furniture and tools will soon be closing its doors. 

Roberts Home and Auto is in the process of selling all their remaining inventory in a huge going-out-of-business sale.  The business will officially close December 30 but until that time patrons can get a generous 20, 30 and 40 percent discount on various home appliances, tools, electronics and furniture.

Roberts Home and Auto has been in the same location for the past 32 years.  Owned by Chuck Roberts, the business was originally a Western Auto Store when he bought it from Adrian Phelps in 1975.  Managed and operated by Chuck’s  son Phil, the business changed from Western Auto to Roberts Home and Auto three years ago when Western Auto went out of business.

The Roberts have been members of the Holden Chamber of Commerce and very active in the community for many years, an experience they have both enjoyed.

When he first started his store in 1975, Chuck sold a large variety of items including toys, sporting goods, hardware, automotive, home items such as paint and linoleum, and appliances.  They also sold tires and batteries for vehicles and lawnmowers.

As Roberts Home and Auto, the pair carry tools, automotive parts, furniture, appliances, hardware, electronics, tires and batteries, lawn and garden, and they service tires and batteries as well.

Chuck began his retail career with his dad in Blue Springs at his dad’s Western Auto Store.  He worked there for three years until the opportunity to buy the store in Holden came up.  He moved here in 1975 and opened for business.  Phil, who was in the sixth grade at the time, began working a little at the store, helping his dad whenever he could.  After Phil’s high school years, he worked at Stahl Specialty Company for six years before coming into the Western Auto Store full time.  He has worked there and managed the store for the past 18 years.

“The people in Holden have been good to us,” said Chuck.  “We have had very loyal customers who allowed us to make a living here and we appreciate all of them.”

Both Chuck and Phil say they have a lot of good memories of working with people over the years.

Chuck also credits the good employees they have had throughout the years with the success of the store.  “We’ve had a lot of great people work here for us throughout their high school years.  Currently Dillon Johnson works here and has been here approximately one year and  he is good help too,” said Chuck.

Chuck is thankful that they have been a part of the community these past 32 years and says they will continue to be, but without the store.  He is retiring and plans to spend some time traveling with his wife, Patsy.

Both Chuck and Phil say their customers are what has kept them going and that they are important in a small town for a business to be successful.  Chuck has been semi-retired for awhile but said he still enjoys coming into the store and visiting with customers.  “I get to be around the people and enjoy them and I give Phil the responsibility part of the job,” stated Chuck.

Phil said, “You do enjoy your customers and it’s been a good job, but now it’s just time to move on to something different.”  When asked about his future plans he says he is keeping his options open and will take a vacation with his wife Sam in the near future.

When asked about memories at the store and of his customers, Phil said, “Our customers will be missed, and we appreciate their patronage throughout the years.  We’ve had good, loyal customers and they have made it possible for us to be here and be a part of this community.”

Chuck and Phil encourage the community to come  and check out their sale prices on their merchandise as there are very good deals for the customer.  They will be open for business until December 30 with their low prices everyday.

By Dana Neubert
News Staff