With just over two weeks left until the centerpiece of Holden’s Sesquicentennial activities - the Battle of Holden Reenactment - committee members are putting the final touches on the event which will take place May 3-4.
It will all get started at 9 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday and will not only have the actual battle reenactment, but many other events including a ladies tea and fashion show.  There will also be a night artillery demonstration and dance at the large tent.  In addition, the sutler’s row will be open which will have food concessions.
The battle will be hosted by the Missouri Second Artillery.


First order of business for members of the Holden R-III School Board Monday night was to recognize 20 Holden High School students for their outstanding achievement of being state qualifiers.
Those qualifying for state competition in science olympiad were Jacob Billingsley, Curtis Christopher, Rob Curry, Amanda Ellison, Cheyane Frizzell, Michael Gober, Stevi Happy, Casey Lim, Francesca Malena, Brett Mason, Dan McCarty, Jacob Russell, Brittany Santana and Suzan Stocker.
Qualifying for the state wrestling tournament were Kyle Airrington, Stephen Parker, Jacob Reiman and Zach Lavely.
Those reaching state competition in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) were Crystal Tanksley and Johnny Watterson. 
Each individual was announced by board president Jeff Miller then congratulated by each member of the board.
Next on the agenda was the certification of the April 8 school board election and institution of the new board.  Outgoing board member Renita Dougherty was also recognized for her work during the past three years.
Sworn in to the new board were Rodger McConville, Darrin Anderson and Miller.  Officers elected on the new board included Miller, president; Susan Feeback, vice-president; Patty Raker, secretary; and Pat Zvacek, treasurer.
Also during the meeting, a 2008-2009 preliminary budget submitted by Dr. Paul James was approved by the board.  The budget calls for expenditures of nearly $14 million for the next school year.  Within that budget is an approximately two and one-half percent base pay raise for teachers.  That brings the entry level pay for a teacher in the R-III district to $30,700.
According to Dr. James the raise is comparable to neighboring school districts.
During executive session, several personnel actions were accepted and approved.  Retiring will be Guy Houx, evening custodian.  Resignations accepted include, Penny Turner, middle school math teacher; Janine Slava, HMS math teacher; Diane Keane, HMS language arts teacher; Erika Compton, fourth grade teacher; Bryan Lawson, HMS football coach; Mark Hedger, freshman boys’ basketball coach; and Colby Sherrell, assistant cheerleading sponsor.
Approved employments include Jennifer Andris, intermediate teacher; Amy Mannigel, HMS teacher; Teresa Littrell, HMS teacher; John Hamilton, HMS teacher; and Angela Flick, HMS teacher.
Transferring were Rachel Arbo from third to fourth grade and Becky McVey, from HMS Aim/elementary art and music to sixth grade teacher.


The Holden R-III School District recently received outstanding results on the district’s annual school bus inspection, completed February 27 by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Of the 26 buses inspected, three had minor defects which were corrected immediately.  Initial inspection rating was 88.5 percent successful with the Transportation Department achieving 100 percent passage by the end of the day.
Auxiliary services director Larry Arnone commended bus mechanic Mark Carver and the transportation staff for this tremendous achievement.
“Mark has done an awesome job for us.  Between the two of us, we have developed a preventative maintenance schedule and everyone is pitching in and helping.  Our buses are inspected daily and we are showing improvement,” said Arnone.




The Kingsville Board of Education inducted a new board member and swore in re-elected incumbents at their regular monthly meeting held last Thursday night.
Board president Martha Bush swore in Trish Engel, Mike Collens, Bob Ward and Julie Stout.
After board members were sworn in, election of officers was held.  President is Martha Bush; vice president is Julie Stout; secretary/treasurer will be elected in July.
In new business, the board recognized several students and one instructor for outstanding achievement.
Bush presented 2008 Tiger Track Awards to Ashley McRoy for essay writing; Anna McCloud for outstanding achievement in FFA; an award for achieving Eagle Scout to Chris Chaffee; outstanding achievement to Lynn Andreas for essay writing; State Farmer Degree in FFA to Bryce Simms; and outstanding achievement in math education to Charlene Atkins.
In new business, high school principal Lorna Warren gave the board an update on curriculum, stating it is an ongoing process.  “The social studies, music and art departments will have their objectives ready for board approval within the next few months,” stated Warren.  She added Kingsville will be hosting SMCAA August 13-15 and this training was selected due to requests by the staff to enable them to continue to develop their skills in writing curriculum both to improve instruction and student achievement as well as to meet MSIP standards.
She went on to say the staff has worked extremely hard on the curriculum and are doing their best to keep up with all the changes.
Bush discussed recognizing staff members who worked hard on the curriculum project and would like to award them a gift certificate for their efforts.  Board members agreed and Superintendent Kevin Coleman will proceed with the purchase of gift certificates for the teachers.
In elementary news, principal Angela Helms reported a 95 percent attendance rating for K-sixth grade with a total class enrollment of 128 students.  She added there was a total of 45 students on the third quarter “A” honor roll and 32 students on the “B” honor roll.  She also gave board members a list of upcoming activities for elementary students including April 14-25, MAP testing; April 23, fourth grade field trip to Fort Osage; April 24, art show from 3-6 p.m.; April 29, Title I Night; April 30-May 2, Camp Write-A-Lot; May 1, spring music concert at 6:30 p.m.; May 2, spelling bee at Chilhowee at 4 p.m.; May 8, fifth grade DARE Camp; May 15, fifth and sixth grade field trip to the Day at the “K”; May 16, Field Day/Board Barbecue.  In an added curriculum update, she said the elementary staff is looking into ordering a new social studies program for next year and adding elementary health to help prepare students for the future.
In high school reports, Warren reported there were 24 students who made the “A” honor roll for third quarter; and 36 students making the “B” honor roll.  She also told board members that MAP testing will run from April 13 through April 21 and gave them the schedule of those tests.
In National Honor Society News, Warren reported officers for NHS were: president, Ashley Millican; vice president, Chris Hawley; secretary, Ashley McRoy; treasurer, Lynn Andreas; and advisor, Carol Link.
In athletic news, Warren gave a report on behalf of athletic director Mike Bodenhamer.  He included honors students had received.  Justin Howerton was named all county, all district A.P., all district, KMZU Dream Team for the third time; all conference for the third time; Lion’s All-Star game; he finished a great career with 1,340 points.  Chris Hawley was named all county, all district, KMZU Dream Team for the second time; all conference for the third time; Lion’s All Star game, he finished a great career with 1,077 points.  Luke McKiddy - all conference honorable mention; Callie Graham, all district, KMZU Dream Team, all conference, second time; Jamie Ring, all conference, second team; Allie Hawley, all conference, second team.  “It was a very exciting season and we are going to miss our seniors; they were great representatives of the Kingsville School District,” said Bodenhamer.  He added baseball has started and there are 14 students on the team.
In other high school reports, Kim Willcockson said the junior high took fifth at the conference quiz bowl tournament.  Laurie Kempker stated the play was a big success and ticket sales increased from last year.  Charlene Atkins said Lynn Andreas and Luke McKiddy were recognized at the Mathematics Awareness Week Banquet as distinguished high school students.  They received certificates and t-shirts.
In superintendent reports, Coleman gave the board a list of upcoming activities to be aware of including: April 17, FFA Banquet; April 18, Bryce Simms will receive his State FFA Degree in Columbia;  April 26, prom; May 7, baccalaureate; May 9, graduation; May 16, field day/board barbecue; May 21, eighth grade celebration;  May 22, last day for students; May 28-June 10, summer school.
In other business, Coleman and the board thanked outgoing board member Art Worsley for his dedication and service to the board.
In senior trip news, board member Kristel Spies questioned the policy of the senior trips and if the board would make a recommendation on future trips.  This was something the board had discussed in the past and Coleman said it was something they should revisit and decide on setting limits on the trips.  The current graduating seniors are planning a trip to Florida for their senior trip in May.
In maintenance news, Coleman told board members they had been having problems with bus number one and replaced a fuel pump and fuel lines.  They also had to put a new windshield in bus number five.
The regular session of the Kingsville School Board was closed and a motion was made to go into execuive session.  The regular meeting will reopen May 8.


The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Board of Directors have approved the appointment of Kevin Coleman, superintendent of schools at the Kingsville R-I School District as the central district board member.  Coleman will assume the post this summer replacing outgoing board member Jeff Sumy, superintendent at Wellington-Napoleon R-IX.
Coleman has been involved in athletics and activities throughout his 18 years in public education.  He has held teaching/coaching positions at Pleasant Hill, Grain Valley and Oak Grove.  He served three years as high school principal at Kingsville and is currently in his fifth year as superintendent.  Coleman’s experience in larger districts as well as his time in the smaller district has given him great insight into making decisions that will be best for all students.

   The Kingsville City Council discussed the city-wide cleanup at their regular meeting held  April 8 at the new city hall. 
“The cleanup will be held May 5 and we have already confirmed with Heartland Waste,” said Mayor Lloyd Stever.
The council discussed areas of the town that are not in accordance with city ordinances pertaining to trash and nuisances.  City Marshal Brian Hobbs questioned the council on efforts to get the citizens to comply with the ordinances and clean up unsightly properties.  The council agreed Hobbs should give warnings to those who need to work on their residences and then follow up with a citation if necessary.  “It’s not only unsightly, but there are safety and health issues as well,” said city attorney Natalie Peterson.   Councilman Pastor John McRoy stated he had received phone calls and complaints about junk cars without plates parked on or near the city streets. He said he believes they should enforce the ordinance or not have them on the books. One area specifically the council referred to was an area that was housing a lot of old tires which will attract rodents, mosquitoes, and hold water, which becomes a health issue.  “We want to make Kingsville a better looking town and try to get compliance from all residents to clean up their homes and yards,” stated Hobbs.
In new business, Mayor Stever commented on the new city hall and sheriff’s office building where the meetings will now be held.  “We’ve got a lot more room here and you all have done a fantastic job getting it cleaned and fixed up for use.  We are looking at doing some landscaping at a later date,” said the mayor.  He stated he was thinking about having an open house for the public to view how their tax dollars were spent and perhaps attend a city council meeting with snacks.  The board agreed this would be a good idea.  Hobbs discussed the use of the other half of the building for the sheriff’s office and stated there would probably be someone checking in there every day.
Mayor Stever also commented on erecting new signs for the building and said he will be working with the sheriff’s department to see exactly what they want to do in that area.
In street department news, councilman Herb Brockhaus said they plan to chip and seal 23-24 blocks of city streets this summer.
In other law enforcement news, Hobbs gave an update on incidents in Kingsville during the last month including four wheeler complaints, three incidents involving juveniles at the school, a loud party call, a keep the peace call, a lock out, and a false alarm suicide attempt.  He also stated he has received one dog complaint and Mayor Stever reinforced that pit bulls were not allowed inside the city limits.  The council discussed families who owned more than two dogs in town, as there is an ordinance stating two is the limit.  It was decided Hobbs would warn those not in compliance with the ordinance and give them a chance to voluntarily take care of the problem.
In recreation news, Brockhaus reported they are installing a new gate with locks at the ball park.   It should be completed within a few days.
In old business, Councilman McRoy brought the council names of seniors who had applied for the scholarship offered by the city.  Applicants are Luke McKiddy, Anna Baumgarden, Jamie Ring, Kaley Tirk and Adam Harmon.  There was much discussion on how to distribute the scholarship and what requirements should be necessary for a student to receive the scholarship.  McRoy was asked to research the students’ goals and future plans and report back to the board.  McRoy stated they were all good applicants and good students.
In an election update, Pete Montgomery and Edward Thomas were running unopposed in their wards and were returned to office.
In new business, Mayor Stever discussed the requirements for street lights that will go into effect January of 2011.  “We currently have 46 streetlights in Kingsville and the mercury content in them is too high; we need to go to sodium lights.  The recommendation is 150-watt sodium which is $2.64 more a month than we’re paying now,” stated Mayor Stever.  He asked the council’s opinion on the situation with the lights and they voted to install the new sodium lights for the city.
In other law enforcement news, Peterson and Hobbs explained the model traffic code and the need to be uniform with the state’s numbers on traffic violations.  They also questioned the council about the extradition limit on how many miles they wanted to go to extradite a person back for a Kingsville warrant.  The council discussed the issue at length and made a decision for the future extraditions. 
In sewer operation news, water superintendent Tony Lerda explained to council members that in Kingsville the EPA wants  them to clean every sewer frequently and document all action taken including manhole maintenance.  “There will be monitoring and limits on industrial pollutants and limits on oil and grease every quarter,” said Lerda.  He added the Association of Missouri Utilities are coming to the area to do a presentation for city council members and encouraged council members and try and attend the session.  “This will inevitably affect rates; we’re going to  have to upgrade the sewage system and flush hydrants,” added Lerda.
In other water operations news, Mayor Stever questioned whether the line replacements have been completed and was told it has been too muddy but it will get done.  The same was true for the valve replacements that needed to be done, according to council members.
Those in attendance at the council meeting were Mayor Stever, McRoy, Brockhaus, Montgomery, Thomas, city clerk Sherry Johnson, Peterson, Hobbs and Lerda.
The regular meeting of the Kingsville City Council was closed to reopen May 13 at 7 p.m. at the new city hall building.


Holden High School freshman wrestler Jacob Reiman recently won second place All-American in the freshman 155-pound weight class at the Brute Folkstyle Nationals held at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City.
The talented grappler competed among 1,700 wrestlers from through the United States.  During the competition, Reiman only lost one match to give him his silver medal.
The Brute Folkstyle Nationals gives all proceeds to struggling high school and college wrestling programs.  It is also recognized by and brought to Kansas City by R.E.A.C.H.E.S. (Rewarding Educational Athletic Choices Helping Each Sport).


OBITUARIES

ROBERT EUGENE BLACKWELL
Robert Eugene Blackwell, age 41, Jacksonville, Florida, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2008, at his home.
He was born January 24, 1967 in Kansas City, Missouri to Sarah Luticia (Kinne) and John Blackwell. He was reared and educated in Holden, Missouri and graduated from Holden High School in 1985. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for 20 years, retiring in 2005. He was currently employed by Walkenhut Security in Jacksonville.
He leaves four sisters, Luanne Lloyd and Doug, Holden, MO, Lori Cochran and Carl, Warrensburg, Lycia Summer and Michael, Columbus, GA, and Sarita Williams and Jimmie, Holden, MO; an uncle, Williams J. Kinne, Jr. and family, Orrick, MO; an aunt, Janie Melton, Holden, MO;  cousins, William Hensley, Holden, Steven Hensley, Pleasant Hill, MO, and Sam Hensley, Pace, FL; and nieces and nephews, Sarah Ann Jewell, Michael Paul Lohe, Jonathan Lohe, Jill Miranda, Max Lloyd, Mykaelah Williams, Alynnah Williams, and Ethan Carl Jewell.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Luticia McConnell, and grandparents, William J. and Bessie Kinne.
Graveside services and military honors will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2008, at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens, Lee’s Summit, MO.
The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at Ben Cast & Son-Wood Funeral Home, Holden, MO.
Pallbearers will be William Hensley, Steven Hensley, Sam Hensley, Max Lloyd, Corey Jewell and Bill Kinne.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Holden V.F.W. Post #5844.


ELSIE VIRGINIA MORRIS
Elsie Virginia Morris, 98, (formerly of North Kansas City, MO), Odessa, died Sunday, April 13, 2008 at the New Haven Nursing Home in Odessa, MO.
She was born October 7, 1909 in Odessa, Missouri, the daughter of Guy Abel Van Meter and Fleta Ford Hammonds Van Meter.
On March 30, 1946, she married Thomas Morris.
Known by many as “Gin” or “Aunt Gin”, Elsie was a sales clerk for the Palace Clothing Store in Kansas City, MO.  Elsie graduated from Odessa High School in 1928 and attended Starr School rural school.  Elsie was a 50-plus member of the North Kansas City Baptist Church and was affiliated with Odessa First Baptist when moving to Odessa in 1999.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Ralph O. Jones Chapel, with Reverend Terry Hodges officiating.  Burial was in Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, Missouri.
The family received friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. service time Wednesday at the Ralph O. Jones Chapel.
Pallbearers were Joe Van Meter, John Van Meter, Granville Morgan, Lee Anderson, Wayne McNeel and Paul Robbins.
Memorial contributions may be made to the
First Baptist Church, Odessa, MO, 64076 and/or the building fund.


CLOYSE “FRED” TOCK
Cloyse “Fred” Tock, 68, of Holden, Missouri passed away Monday, April 14, 2008 at the North Kansas City Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2008 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden, with interment in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville, MO.
The family will receive friends from 6-8p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the funeral chapel.
A full obituary will appear in next week’s Holden Image.

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