Suspended Holden Middle School sixth-grade literature teacher David B. (Brandon) Shanks was arraigned in the Circuit Court of Johnson County Friday on charges of  Enticement of a Child and Knowingly Promoting Child Pornography to a Minor.  His preliminary hearing has been set for April 23.   
He was arrested last Thursday by Warrensburg Police Department detectives after they executed a search warrant at Shanks’ address in Warrensburg.  As a result of the search, a computer containing child pornography and a web cam were seized.
The arrest stems from an on-line internet investigation conducted by an undercover Kirksville, MO police officer posing as a 13-year-old boy.
Bond in the case was set at $250,000.
According to Holden R-III School District interim superintendent Dr. Paul James, Shanks was suspended pursuant to district policy.  “We suspended him until we can conduct an investigation,” stated Dr. James.  “After that is completed, we will take timely and appropriate action.  These are serious charges and are treating them accordingly.”
In a letter to HMS families, the superintendent said that at the present time, there is no indication that any students at Holden were involved.  The letter also stated that middle school principal Gregg Montgomery and school counselor Edie Ogan would meet with all sixth-grade students to reassure them that a qualified substitute teacher would be hired to teach the sixth-grade literature classes that Shanks had taught. 
Students were also informed that counseling services would be available to them if they had questions or concerns.
According to Montgomery, retired teacher Terry Ridenhour has been employed to teach the sixth-grade literature classes while the district’s investigation into the charges continues.
Ridenhour, a 34-year educator with 31 years being at Holden, has taught fifth grade, reading and also the gifted program.
In an interview with Dr. James, the superintendent stated that Shanks, who was in his first year teaching at Holden, passed all background checks.  “We didn’t turn up anything unusual in the checks,” the superintendent added.  “He also had good references from the Versailles School District where he had previously taught.”
Shanks had taught sixth-grade language arts at Morgan County R-II School district in Versailles from 2005-2007.
When asked if anything else could have been done in the background checks to identify situations like this, Dr. James responded, “We’ve been asking ourselves the same question.  Unfortunately this kind of thing has been part of our society for centuries.  Identifying sexual mores through an interview is next to impossible.  And background checks won’t give you anything unless a violation has occurred in the past.  We make decisions on the best information we have available.  There is no simple fix to a complex problem such as this.  If there was, school districts would be using it.”
The superintendent said that unsuccessful attempts had been made to contact Shanks and his attorney.
Shanks is a 1994 graduate of Crest Ridge High School.  He received his bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg in 2004 and holds a teaching certificate in language arts for grades five through nine.
By Steve Sullins
Editor


There will be a Hartwell Visionary Tournament held at the Community Activity Center March 7-8.
The basketball tournament is a fundraiser for the Holden Christmas Lighting Fund - inspired by and in honor of the late Rusty Hartwell.
Divisions include: boys, third and fourth; girls, third and fourth; boys, fifth and sixth; girls, fifth and sixth;  boys, seventh and eighth; and girls, seventh and eighth.
Entry fee is $150 and there is a three-game guarantee.  The deadline for entry is Monday, March 3.  Games begin at 8 a.m.
For more information call Kyle at 816-786-2208 or email Amy at amorrison@holden.k12.mo.us.
Entry forms may be mailed to Amy Morrison at 575 SW 1271 Rd., Holden, MO 64040.  Make checks payable to Holden Chamber of Commerce.




HOPE Executive Director John Roberts told board members that they were in compliance with the state on its Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) at their regular meeting held last Thursday morning.
“Angela Bayne, NAP compliance officer, recently reviewed our NAP project to ensure HOPE was adhering to its project” stated Roberts.
In financial business, Roberts told board members that HOPE received word February 8 that their allocation for the 2007-2008 campaign year from Johnson County United Way (JCUW) will be $8,000.  He noted this is up from the $6,500 they received last year.
In other financial news, the board was told by Roberts that HOPE will not be submitting an application to the Heartland Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) this year.  He went on to say they required an accrual method of audit and this would cost another $1,000 per year plus  they would have to change their way of bookkeeping.  “We have never received CFC monies, noone could come up with any amount that we might be missing out on and so it’s difficult to justify the added expense,”  said Roberts.
In further financial news, Roberts reported HOPE’s annual audit with Westbrook & Company is tentatively set for Monday, March 17.  He added they anticipate no major findings.
In continuing education news, Roberts told the board that board member Gerry Pierce has some new information regarding a GED teacher.  “We will have to investigate ways to pay the teacher,” said Roberts.  “We can look into the NAP budget and see if it qualifies to pay a GED instructor.”  More details were unavailable due to Pierce’s absence.  The board will continue the discussion at the next meeting.
In Community Activity Center (CAC) news, Roberts told the board the primary election held at the CAC went well.
In old business, Roberts said a realtor informed him last Friday of interest in the Community Service Center (CSC) building that is for sale.  Michelle Guinn told Roberts that if at some point they would like to auction the building, her company is qualified to provide that service.
In memorial news, Roberts discussed with board members possible memorial tributes to the late Rusty Hartwell.  This is an issue the board has been researching for some time.  “I wondered  how the board would react to a memorial flagpole opposite the one dedicated to Dr. Wescott which  now stands in front of the CAC.  Rusty was patriotic, placed several of these at the Holden Cemetery, at his residence, and I believe this might be a good tribute to him.  A Missouri flag could fly from it, and a plate commemorating Rusty would be attached.  If the board would like me to find out a price and proceed with its placement, I’d be pleased to do so,” stated Roberts.  The board could not vote on the issue as they did not have a quorum, but indicated it would be an appropriate memorial.
In other CAC news, director of activities Jennifer Loos gave a report on leagues, upcoming activities and miscellaneous events to the board.
She reported the last week of leagues will be March 3-6 with make-up games being held the following week.
“A volleyball tournament was held February 23.  There will also be tournaments next month on March 1-2, 15-16, and 29-30 at the CAC.  The Rusty Hartwell Visionary Basketball Tournament is March 7-9,” said Loos.
In public relations news, Loos told the board the Warrensburg Expo is March 21-22.  “The fee for a non-profit organization is $125.  A radio station will do live broadcasts throughout  each day and mention the sponsors and activities.  I thought this would be good exposure and a chance to represent HOPE for both the CAC and the CSC and try to make more people knowledgeable of who we are and what we do,” Loos stated.  Attending board members agreed it would be a positive experience and be good for HOPE as a whole.
Loos also asked board members their opinion on rental prices for the CAC.  She said there is a current policy in place but she has been approached by different organizations asking for different prices for rental of the building.  She came up with several scenarios for rental and shared these with the board.  The board discussed many options on this issue including whether to make exceptions on price, go on a case-by-case basis, or charge one set price for anyone wanting to rent the building.
“If we take these on a case-by-case basis, we would end up being the bad guy to someone,” board member Scotty Walker commented.  Board member Butch Shore thought Loos’ three options were fair and they should stick with them.
Loos was asked to contact the Chamber of Commerce and give them the details of the offers.
Roberts thought if they decided to charge a set price for the use of the building, they should set a date for it to go into effect so there would be no misunderstandings about price by anyone wishing to rent the CAC.  The board agreed to discuss the matter further at the next meeting and set a price at that time when they had a quorum in attendance.
In other activity news, Loos asked for suggestions from board members about activities for late spring/summer.  “Any suggestions would be appreciated,” she said.
In other CSC news, Roberts informed the board the rental property next door to the CSC has been vacated and is now empty.  He said an advertisement to attract another prospect appears in this week’s Holden Image and Penny Saver.
The regular meeting of the HOPE Coalition Board was adjourned to reconvene next month.
By Dana Neubert
News Staff




Shirley Shaw of Godfather’s Pizza was recently honored by staff from the Holden Image  for being named as recipient of the Outstanding Customer Service Award for January.
Shaw was surprised at work with a bouquet of flowers and a plaque in  honor of her achievement.
She is a cashier at Godfather’s Pizza and works the register, sets up and stocks the buffet and takes care of customers.  She has worked there for two and one-half years. 
Shaw says she really enjoys her job and her favorite part is visiting with customers, especially the children who come in.  “I think the kids are really cute, we have a group of kindergartners who come in every year and make their own pizzas and they are so  much fun,” said Shaw.
She said she was shocked by the award and very appreciative that someone thought she was doing a good enough job to  nominate her.  “I really appreciate whoever took the time to nominate me for this award; it makes me feel good to know I’m doing a good job,” she added.
Her manager, Ryan Sprague, said, “Shirley is the most dependable employee we’ve ever had.  She is a very hard worker and goes above and beyond her job description to make the customers happy.”
Shaw was born and raised in the Pittsville area and went to school in Holden.  She now resides near Centerview with her husband Herb.  She has a lot of other family in the area including her niece Bevy Fletchall and husband Chris, who own Godfather’s Pizza.
Shaw says she likes for her great-nephew Tucker to come in and help her do her job.  “I always tell him he is my ‘bestest’ helper,” Shaw said of 11-year-old Tucker.
When she is not at work, she enjoys fishing, cooking, baking for her husband, making cards and calendars on the computer, and going to the casinos.
The person who nominatted Shaw said, “Everytime you go into Godfather’s, she is always so cheerful and willing to help you.  I really appreciate her.”
By Dana Neubert
News Staff


The Robledo family, Jesse, Debbie, and Skyler are returning to Nicaragua along with Debbie’s brother, Reverend Dennis Higgins and Tyler Krska, Enon Baptist Church youth member.
They will be returning to Las Penitas, Nicaragua to dig trenches and put in water lines in the village of Sinai Valley where they were a part of building 35 cement houses in 2006.  “These people are so dear to us.  We were there twice in 2006 finishing up their homes.  They have waited so long for water and to be asked to go back to be a part of this is very exciting.  I can’t begin to tell you what it is like to get to work next to your husband and son in a foreign country for a cause, and now we get to share this experience with Tyler who means so much to us, but to be able to share this with my brother - I’m beside myself,” said Debbie.
Foreign mission work is a part of the Robledo family as they have traveled to Nicaragua different times and Skyler spent three months in India last year.  As with any independent mission work, they are asked to raise their own funding.  With airfare and expenses, the trip cost is $1,350 each.  They already have a couple of fundraisers planned.  The team will be “Celebrity Waiters” at Golden Corral in Sedalia on March 24 from 5-9 p.m. where all the tips that are left will go toward the trip.
This trip is through Project Hope of Springfield, MO.  If one would like to support their ministry or know more about their ministry, one may contact the Robledos at 816-529-9205.  The team leaves July 15.



The Holden High School athletic program added another Show-Me West Conference championship to its trophy case as the basketball Lady Eagles won the league title outright after a 57-35 drubbing of the Sherwood Lady Marksmen last Tuesday.
In a contest that saw 53 fouls committed and 71 free throws attempted in the SHS gymnasium, the Lady Eagles battled through the physical play and hostile environment to prevail in the conference clinching tilt.
Holden finished the year 7-0 in the league - the final game with Lone Jack was canceled due to weather.  Their overall season record going into the district tournament this week stands at 15-6.
The Lady Eagles led by eight at the halfway point and stretched that bulge to 12 by the end of the third quarter.  Holden outdistanced the Lady Marksmen 18-8 in the final period to take home the 22-point victory.
“The game really had no rhythm, but I was very pleased with our ability to battle through the physical plan and execute offensively,” explained head Lady Eagle coach Travis Fleming.  “We did a good job of being patient and got good looks at the basket.”
He praised junior guard Stacey Calhoun for playing strong and doing a great job of getting into the paint and creating scoring opportunities.  “It’s nice to see our leading scorer also lead the team in assists.”
Calhoun finished the night with 13 points and seven assists to lead the squad in both categories.
Coach Fleming continued, “Our defense was sound all night.  I only remember one uncontested shot for Sherwood.  Calla Burden did a good job on the back of the defense which allowed our guards to really pressure their perimeter players. 
“It was nice to see Kelsey Whitehead back on the court.  She gave us a lift off the bench on both ends of the floor.”
As the girls find themselves in the middle of district play this week, Coach Fleming puts the final regular season win over Sherwood in perspective.
“It was a great win for us.  We kept our poise in a hostile gym and didn’t get caught up in mind games.  Our defense in the first quarter took their crowd out of the game and we were very businesslike the remainder of the game,” he concluded.
In statistics, Calhoun added five steals and two rebounds to her 13 points and seven assists, while freshman Kelsey Carver finished the contest with 12 points, two rebounds and one assist.  Junior Calla Burden tallied 10 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal and four blocks.
Others in the scorebook include:  Valerie Lambert, six points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals; Kelsey Whitehead, five points, one rebound and one assist; Dani Jo Riley, four points, one rebound, two assists and one steal; Lauren Geisler, three points and two rebounds; Deanna Quisenberry, two points, two srebounds, one assist and one steal; and Eleanor Brown, two points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
If the girls get by the first-round matchup Hogan Prep, they will take on the winner of the Knob Noster and Renaissance Academy matchup Wednesday, February 27 at 7 p.m.  If the seeding holds true, the two-seeded Eagles could meet up with one-seed Pembroke Hill in the championship game Friday night at 5:30 p.m.
By Steve Sullins
Editor