 A fifth individual has filed his intentions to run for one of the three three-year terms on the Holden R-III School Board in the April 8 election.
Darrin Anderson has joined Jeff Miller, Donnie Aldrich, Rodger McConville and Joe Burnor vieing for the open seats. The three top vote-getters will win the openings.
In the Kingsville School Board race, eight people have filed for the four terms. Filing for the one two-year term is Tina Herington, Robert Ward and Todd Brendel. Running for the three three-year terms are Julie Stout, Trish Engel, Michael Collins, Art Worsley and Carolyn Huddleston.
In the Holden Mayor and four city council seats, there have still been no filers.
Deadline to file for school or city positions is January 22 (Tuesday) at 5 p.m.
A lower December 2007 sales tax payment to the city of Holden spurred mayor Mike Wakeman to tell city councilman that they would have to take a hard look at expenditures in the city’s departments.
At the regular January meeting of the Holden City Council, city clerk Sheila Spies explained to the group that sales tax receipts for December 2007 were $15,098, nearly $9,000 lower than the $24,267 taken in during December 2006.
The mayor stated that with costs increasing, if the lower income trend continues, department heads will have to look at everything they’re doing through the city. He added that priorities would have to be set to determine what was most important. He also said that he has already told department heads to monitor fuel, overtime and purchases to try and cut expenditures.
In other business, the mayor and council was told by a representative of the accounting firm of Gillum & Gillum CPA, that the city had received an unqualified “clean audit.”
The audit report, which closed out June 30, 2007, stated that the city had stayed within budgetary limits in all funds. The report did make the suggestion that the city seek other software to keep their books. The present Quick Books is workable, but not ideal stated the representative.
He also suggested that each department within the city take regular inventories of equipment and supplies.
In an update on the search for a city administrator, Mayor Wakeman reported that 17 resumes had been received and the economic development committee will begin reviewing them January 21. He said that he hoped to have a new city administrator on board in March.
In another area, the council agreed to renew the city’s Chamber of Commerce membership at the executive package level. Cost for the plan is $650.
The mayor also discussed with council members the problem with the city’s present cleaning service. “We are having some issues with getting the city’s buildings cleaned efficiently,” he explained. “The problem is not bad enough to be a breach of contract, but still enough to be a concern.”
The issue was tabled until the next meeting.
In a final item, councilperson Veronica Burt asked that the city inspect the drainage problem occurring at Third and Vine Streets in Holden. She said a house was recently torn down and replaced with a parking lot on the corner, and while the problem was fixed for Third Street it had not been for Vine.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
A capacity crowd filled the conference room of the Kingsville R-I School District at their monthly meeting held last Thursday night.
Many were on hand to address the board in open forum about their recent decision to replace the vocational agriculture program with an industrial technology program.
Board president Martha Bush entertained questions from the floor during the open session. Among those with questions and concerns was Mary Wright who had questions about the bond and voting procedures. She also asked if the public’s opinion was taken into consideration by the board before they make such a decision. Bush assured her that public opinion is indeed taken into consideration and that there were also other factors that weighed into the board’s decision to change programs.
“According to figures I have heard, 25 percent of our student body participated in vo-ag and FFA,” stated Bush. “That leaves 75 percent of our students who do not and we wanted to get a program that would benefit more of the student body.”
Another concerned citizen, Gary Hackett, approached the board concerning their procedure of going into executive session at the November meeting to discuss this issue. He stated he did not think any issue facing the board required them to go into executive session. Bush explained to Hackett that any time the board has business in reference to personnel or student matters that they are required by law to go into executive session to protect those being discussed. Bush added that everything that happens in closed session is made public after 72 hours, per the Sunshine Law.
Also voicing concerns was Carolyn Huddleston who questioned board members about an alleged survey that was handed out to people concerning the vo-ag program. The board members all told Huddleston they had no knowledge of such a survey.
Tena Herrington was next to address the board and asked why they voted to do away with the vo-ag program when the district just received a $1.2 million bond to construct a new vo-ag building which was passed by voters using the vocational agriculture verbiage. Bush answered that the purpose of the building will be the same, to educate the students and prepare them for their future. Herrington said, “This is a small community, we don’t want any animosity or division, we just want our vo-ag program.” Bush said the board appreciated her concerns and thanked her for attending the meeting to voice her opinions.
Bush went on to explain the decision was made based on the number of students in the vo-ag class and the cost of having the class in the district.
Board member Kristel Spies addressed the public, saying, “We have this program in place. We try to change as the students need change to give them the best educational opportunities possible. We try to give them roots and wings.”
Concerns were also raised about losing the FFA program which is an extra-curricular part of the vo-ag program. Superintendent Kevin Coleman told those present that the opportunity still existed for students to take part in FFA by attending the vo-tech program in Warrensburg and belonging to FFA there.
In response to concerns about the greenhouse, Bush said, “It is not our intention to do away with the greenhouse. It will be used for horticulture and botany classes through our science department.” Discussion continued with other members of the community voicing their opinions. Bush, Coleman and the rest of the board answered the questions presented to them explaining reasoning behind the decisions made by the board.
In other board news, Coleman updated members on the upcoming election and stated there are five people running for the school board, including three incumbents.
In technology news, Al West reported on the number of computers now in use at Kingsville Schools and how the school acquires new computers and software. He updated the board on the status of the new business room and the different software programs in use in the district.
In a construction update, the architect for the school reported to the board that everything was currently on schedule and going well. Bush stated she had toured the locker rooms and they looked very nice.
In high school news, principal Lorna Warren reported to the board the attendance rating was at 96.68 percent. She also said 37 students made the second quarter “B” honor roll; 21 students made the second quarter “A” honor roll; 41 students made the semester “B” honor roll; and 22 made the semester “A” honor roll.
Warren went on to say Lauren Shull, Meghan O’Hare, Lori Lenhart-Abbott and Megan Graham will participate in the junior high all-district band in Knob Noster on January 12. It was also reported the drumline has been practicing and will be playing at some basketball games. In upcoming activities, Warren reported January 28 will be senior college information night at 6:30 on the high school computer lab and February 5 will be CPR training for the staff. Coleman added that January 30 at 6:30 p.m. will be “A+” information night as Kingsville is in the process of applying to be accepted as an “A+” school, which is a three-year process.
In elementary news, principal Angela Helms reported attendance was at 92 percent. She also gave figures on the numbers of students making the honor rolls. They are: 23 on the second quarter “A” honor roll; 28 on the second quarter “B” honor roll; 27 on the first semester honor roll; and 36 on the first semester “B” honor roll. She added that January 15 at 6:30 p.m. will be the next PTO meeting.
In other news, Coleman informed the board that Kingsville’s tuition costs are lower than neighboring schools and added they should consider raising the tuition to help defray costs of educating students. The board voted to raise tuition rates.
In other board-related news, Coleman said the MARE (Missouri Association of Rural Education) Conference is March 7-8. “These are good sessions to attend and we can learn a lot from them. I made reservations for the entire board to attend,” stated Coleman.
In financial news, the board received copies of the audit that has been sent in to the state. Coleman reported it was a good, clean audit with no problems. The board agreed to table approving the audit until next month’s meeting.
The board voted to close the regular session of the meeting and go into executive session. The next Kingsville School Board meeting will be held on February 14 at 7 p.m.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff
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After much waiting, Wade Lininger, representative of Sam A. Winn & Associates, Architects, assured the Holden R-III School Board that the new main lobby and entrance to Holden High School would be ready for use Wednesday, January 23.
He also stated that the new kitchen and cafeteria additions are “close to finishing.”
Overall, Lininger stated that the total project was “well ahead of schedule.” He related that 100 percent of the windows were complete, 99 percent of the roof was finished, 100 percent of the masonry work was finished and even 40 percent of the painting in the new classroom wing was complete.
In a related item, the school board approved a $3,238.46 change order to the HHS renovation contract. The changes dealt with repair of utilities in the bus drive, repair of existing floor at walk-off mats, a new walk at the vocational-agriculture building and omitting brick veneer at existing gym windows.
At the district’s new interim superintendent Dr. Paul James’ recommendation, the board also gave the district approval to advertise for school bus bids.
Reports were given by Lisa Schmidli and school counselors, guidance services; Lisa Baker, library/media services; Sheryl Book and Stacey McCune, high school student achievement; Mark Hedger, intermediate student achievement; Donna Fizer, curriculum and instruction; and Dr. James, auxiliary services and superintendent’s reports.
During executive session, resignations were accepted from Charlie Castle, assistant football coach; Lisa Mendoza, middle school head volleyball coach; and Mark Wakeman, bus driver. The board hired Joe Storms and Phillip Mann, custodians.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
OBITUARIES
MILDRED “MILLIE” I. BAIRD
Mildred “Millie” I. Baird, 82, of Prescott, KS, formerly of Butler, MO, passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at the Mercy Hospital in Ft. Scott, KS.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at the Underwood-Brandtonies Funeral Home in Butler, MO with Reverend Alan Black officiating. Visitation was from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial followed in the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mildred was born on March 23, 1925 in Bates County, Missouri to Walter and Myrtle (Borum) Craig. On January 14, 1955 she was united in marriage to Laurence W. Baird. They were married until his passing in 1981.
Mildred was an employee of the Bates County Memorial Hospital for almost 20 years from June of 1968 to February of 1987. She enjoyed cooking, reading, word searches, Bingo, Dominos and especially spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three brothers, Clyde, John and Orville Craig; four sisters, Florence Anderson, Fern Menagali, Beulah Craig and Hazel Dawson; and one son-in-law Greg Cantrell. Mildred is survived by her two daughters, Lora Jean Rice (John) of Girard, KS and Ruth Alice Austin (Mark) of Butler, MO; one brother, Bill Craig of Holden, MO; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Austin of Springfield, MO, Laurence Austin of Springfield, MO, Shana Austin of Butler, MO, and Brian Austin of Butler, MO; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Bates County Relay for Life.
Services were under the direction of the Underwood-Brandtonies Funeral Home in Butler, MO, 660-679-3121.
RONNIE LEE FOLEY
Ronnie Lee Foley, age 64, Holden, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 14, 2008. He was born August 8, 1943 in Holden, the son of Raymond Wooldridge Foley and Alice Elizabeth (Manford) Foley. He graduated from Holden High School in 1961, and on April 3, 1964 he married Karen Lehnert in Warrensburg, Missouri.
Ronnie lived in the Holden community all of his life. He was a farmer and also worked as a machinist for Stahl Specialty Company in Kingsville, Gilcrest Equipment Company in Holden and Warrensburg, and retired from Bomag Manufacturing Company in Warrensburg on November 2, 2007.
He had played softball for the Stahl and the Gilcrest teams in his younger years, and coached more recently. Ronnie collected toy tractors and enjoyed attending antique tractor and toy shows as well as being outdoors with his cattle.
Surviving his passing are his wife, Karen, of the home; one son, Chad Foley and wife, Rhonda, Holden, MO; one daughter, Laura and husband Robert Stark, Holden, MO; his step-mother, Mayna Foley, Sedalia; two brothers, Larry and wife, Linda Foley, Kingsville, MO, and Robert Brown, Independence, MO; one sister, Deborah and husband Jim Ponder, Lone Jack, MO; seven grandchildren, Chance Stark, Ashlee Foley, Nicole Foley, Hayden Stark, Emily Foley, Lacy Stark, Joshua Stark; and one great-grandson, Caleb Stark.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 19, 2008, at Ben Cast & Son-Wood Funeral Home, Holden, MO. Friends may call between 6:30 and 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
The funeral will be officiated by the Reverend Bill Perkins. Pallbearers will be David Preston, Brian Foley, Homer Boston, Jim Ponder, Robert Brown, Larry Foley and Tom Slack. Honorary pallbearers are Worley Eagleson, Wayne Long, Ted Trunnels, Larry Hines and Robert Stark.
Interment will be in the Holden Cemetery, Holden, MO. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the Holden Senior Center.
HARLEY E. GOLDSMITH
Harley E. Goldsmith, 79, of Raymore, formerly of Kingsville, MO entered into the kingdom of heaven on Tuesday, January 8, 2008.
Harley was born March 24, 1928 in Wright County, Missouri near Embree, the son of Henry Goldsmith and Thelma Miller Goldsmith. He was a Merchant Marine following World War II. He married Norma June Savage on March 24, 1949. Harley farmed and was also employed with Stahl Specialty Company in Kingsville for many years.
His wife, June, preceded him in death in January of 2000. He married Elizabeth “Jean” Nibarger Smith on May 27, 2001.
Survivors include his wife Jean; son, Danny Goldsmith and his wife, Sandy of Blue Springs; daughter, Judy Gann and her husband, Glen of Raymore; son Eric Goldsmith and his wife, Jan of Willard; daughter, Vicki Miller and her husband, Biron of Ft. Riley, Kansas; daughter; Lori Goldsmith-Asley and her husband, Bill of Summerville, South Carolina; a daughter-in-law, Jerrie Jo Goldsmith of Holden; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; six step-children; 18 step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and also several nieces and nephews.
Harley was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, a sister, and a son, Mark.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the Dutch Chapel in Wright County, Missouri. Interment followed in the Dutch County Chapel Cemetery.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden, MO.
Pallbearers were grandsons, Mark Goldsmith, Tom Gann, Chris Goldsmith, Wesley Goldsmith, Shaughn Foster, Adam R. Goldsmith, Aaron Goldsmith, Adam S. Goldsmith and Will Bilyeu.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be left to Kansas City Hospice.
Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.
The family would like to thank Blue Springs Care Center and also Kansas City Hospice for their wonderful care.
Arrangements were under the direction of Williams Funeral Chapel, Holden, MO.
JOSEPH B. WISEMAN
Joseph B. Wiseman, 79, of Holden, MO passed away Friday, January 11, 2008 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.
Joseph Buel Wiseman was born January 30, 1928 in Cross Timbers, Missouri, the son of George Washington Wiseman and Florence Burnfin Wiseman. He was a member of the graduating class of 1946 at Norris High School in Norris, Missouri.
He married Shirley Anne Warren on June 28, 1950 in Holden. In 1962, the couple moved to South Kansas City. They later lived in Blue Springs for several years. For the past 12 years, they have resided near Holden. Joe had been a Red Cap, gateman, and also a bookkeeper at Union Station in Kansas City until retiring after 42 years of service. His main hobby was tending to his farm.
Survivors include his wife Shirley; three children, Thomas G. Wiseman and his wife Pat of Blue Springs, Rebecca Jo Potter and her husband Ken of Harrisonville and Deborah Anne Richardson and her husband Robert of Lee’s Summit; two brothers, George “Paul” Wiseman and his wife Mary of Holden, and Walter Wiseman and his wife Mary of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and also several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by both parents; a sister, Ruth Strate; and two brothers, Clyde and John.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden with Reverend Ron Mills of Plaza Heights Baptist Church in Blue Springs officiating. Interment followed in the Holden Cemetery.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral chapel.
Pallbearers were Gregory Wayne Wiseman, Austin Hunter Richardson, Jeffrey Allen Buckner, Robert E. Richardson, Kenneth C. Potter and Patrick Thomas Mann.
Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net. |