 To help celebrate Holden’s 150th anniversary and America’s independence, the Holden Image is producing a “throwback” edition of the newspaper next Thursday, July 3.
The Image will have a “look” much like papers did more than a century ago, featuring some of Holden’s past heritage as well as current news.
“It’s really kind of a nostalgic piece,” said publisher John Roberts. “We’d like to remember how we got to where we are and this time provides an great opportunity.”
Roberts said that in addition to old photos and pieces provided courtesy of the Holden History Book editors, there will be advertisements in the style of the late 1800s and early 1900s, and be all put together to resemble a newspaper of that era.
“We’ll have our regular news in the paper as well,” said Roberts, “but it will be in a format a little different from what our readers are normally accustomed to.”
Roberts concluded by sating he hoped the edition is well received and that there will be more special issues in the coming months.
“We want the paper to be informative, but we want it to be fun, too, “he said. “This is the first of several new projects to help promote the paper and the town and we hope it will be well accepted.”
The HOPE Coalition completed providing information required by their insurance company for their new workman’s compensation insurance, HOPE Executive Director Danny Crews told board members at their regular meeting held last Thursday morning.
He reminded board members they were excluded from the coverage due to the fact that they were volunteers to HOPE. He went on to financial information giving board members figures of major payments HOPE will be facing including $1,069 for workman’s comp; between $9,000 and $10,000 for liability; and $4,280 to the auditors.
In related business, Crews said he has been in touch with AFLAC to get quotes from them for employee insurance; medical, dental, etc. “The premiums would be paid through payroll deductions,” said Crews. “This wouldn’t cost the HOPE Coalition anything other than some bookkeeping.”
In old business, Crews presented new information on the by-laws the board had read at last month’s meeting in order to change their membership from 10 to 11 people. The by-laws require three public readings, to be changed. However, after Crews presented two different versions of possible by-laws concerning the terms of board members, it was decided to go with version two. The board then made the first reading of version two at the public meeting and will continue with the second reading next month.
In GED news, it was reported by Crews that GED instructor Mary Ann Gray has 11 students on her roll for the class. The board was pleased with the participation in this program.
In real estate news, Crews told board members that HOPE has signed a new contract to relist the HOPE Community Service Center (CSC) with the Michelle Guinn Team. When asked if there had been any interest in the building, Crews replied they had one person who looked at the building.
In new business, it was reported to the board by Crews that the WIC program, which is held at the CSC has requested an additional half-day starting in August. “Clients have requested additional appointment times because of higher gas prices. They will be held the third Wednesday of the month,” stated Crews.
In maintenance news, Crews updated the board on a variety of issues that he thought should be brought to their attention and he prioritized them in order of importance. They include donation drop hole needs fill; guttering needs to be cleaned/checked at the Community Activity Center (CAC); waiting on estimates for thermostats/covers; door problems in the CAC; roof leaks in CSC; gymnasium lights; paint in CA; light switches for CAC; banisters for CAC balconies; furnace in rental property; and surveillance cameras.
In Harvesters news, it was reported HOPE has made some minor changes in the distribution policies to stay in line with the recent Harvester policy changes. Board member Donna LaHue also told board members that the city of East Lynne will no longer be a distribution point for Harvesters, so Holden may be getting some of their clients in the future.
In other new business, Crews reported that Johnson County Health Services have contacted him and are interested in having pilot programs in Holden and Warrensburg on walking. He will receive more detailed information in the future on the program.
In CAC news, interim director Kyle Crews reported they held their first Parent’s Night Out on May 23 and had 11 children in attendance. “The parents and the kids both seemed pleased with the event,” said Kyle. He said they are planning another one for next Friday night. He has also been working on advertising for the UCM instruction youth camp that has been arranged at the CAC. It is set for July 30, 31 and August 1. “We are also looking to start up an adult basketball league on Sunday evenings,” said Kyle.
In other financial news, Crews presented board members with copies of the audit from Westbrook and Company for them to peruse.
The regular session of the HOPE Coalition closed to reopen July 17 at 6:45 a.m. at the CSC.
By Dana Neubert
Staff Writer
Nineteen-year-old Marine Michael Patton, greatnephew of Eleanor Lloyd, Holden, was killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb.
He grew up in the Fenton, MO area and graduated from Fox High School in Arnold in 2007. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Amy, approximately one year ago.
He was among four Marines killed when their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device.
He is the son of James and Teresa Patton, Fenton.
Patton joined the Marines shortly after graduating from high school and had been stationed at Twentynine Palms Marine Base in California before being sent to Afghanistan in April.
A meeting was held between the Holden Street Committee and the Board of Public Works last Thursday evening at City Hall to discuss disputes over digs in the city’s streets.
Street superintendent Larry Miller presented the water board members with a list of holes in the city streets of Holden that will cost approximately $7,200 to repair. Miller said the repairs will have to come out of someone’s budget and wanted to know if the BOPW would take responsibility for them. Water superintendent Tony Lerda said, “If you want us to patch the streets, we will be happy to do that.” Miller went on to say the water department has been digging without getting city permits which are required by law when starting a dig. “There are digs I’m not aware of and no permits issued for some of them,” stated Miller. The street committee members did not think the water board should be exempt from obtaining permits to dig.
Liaison between the two groups, Butch Shore, asked if the BOPW could contact the street department before digging unless it was an emergency dig and then contact them the next morning. Lerda agreed they could do that.
The two departments talked about using concrete or hot mix to fill the holes and speculated on which was better for the jobs in town.
Lerda reiterated to Miller that the water board would be happy to patch all of the holes he had listed. BOPW member Darwin Brower asked Lerda if this was something they could get started on right away and Lerda said he thought they could get right on it and get them done quickly. Brower said he would speak to the other members of the board to see if this was their wish to go ahead with repairs and said he would contact Shore with their answer as soon as the BOPW meets again.
Brower said, “These all need to be cooperative ventures between the Board of Public Works and the street department. I don’t see any problems with this decision.” He went on to say they they appreciated the street department’s time on this issue.
By Dana Neubert
Staff Writer
The Holden R-III District School Board agreed to a 2008-2009 budget proposed by interim district superintendent Dr. Paul James in a special session of the board held Monday night at the elementary school library.
With a projected beginning balance in all funds of nearly $4 million on July 1, the balance calls for projected revenues of approximately $13.5 million. Expenditures, including those remaining for the high school building and renovation project total approximately $17.5 million leaving the district with a projected $2.5 million on June 30, 2009.
Dr. James who will finish his contract with the district next week, stated that the budget came in better than that which was projected in April. He did tell the board that the trend of spending more than revenues is continuing, but for now the district has enough money to do that. He did caution the board that eventually some belt-tightening would be in order. For the present he said, the district was in solid financial shape.
Also for the present, the budget features a $3.51 per $100 tax levy in the incidental fund, which continues the board’s policy of rollbacks. Since 2000, the levy rollbacks have been $.43, but this year, the budget calls for a $.23 rollback. Due to legislative action concerning school budgets, the board has until August 31 to decide to leave the rollback at the present figure or remove it altogether.
In another area covered at the special meeting, the district is in an ongoing dispute with R.L. Phillips Construction Inc., over the cost of finishing the high school renovation project.
The construction company has told the district that they need $205,000 to complete the north parking lot and all other asphalt paved areas. In a letter from R.L. Phillips, the company states, “There have been extensive changes on the north lot from the original plans; they have been revised and re-priced several times.”
The board agreed that the design changes on the water detention pool has held up the paving of the north lot, but the construction company was directed to perform all other paving as early as last September. Because of those facts, Dr. James proposed offering the construction company approximately $55,000 which would include extra costs for paving the north lot as well as all work in connection with the water dention pond. All other paving would come under the original contract’s price schedule.
Agreeing, the board directed Gary Barbee, a partner of Sam A. Winn & Associates Architects, P.C., to send a certified letter to R. L. Phillips which would give him seven days to begin the work. If he doesn’t agree, another letter would be sent to him with a three-day window. If he still disagrees, the bonding company would be notified that R. L. Phillips has failed to complete the contract. At that point, it would be the responsibility of the bonding company to have the work completed.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
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Four Holden High School students who recently completed their junior year were selected to attend the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State.
Jenna Brockhaus, Calla Burden, Paige Fizer and Katelyn Jennings were scheduled to participate in the 2008 session which is going on this week on the campus of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
Missouri Girls State was first established in 1940 as one of 11 programs in the nation. The yearly sessions have been held at William Woods University in Fulton, Christian College and Stephens College in Columbia and since 1998 at Central Missouri.
Brockhaus is sponsored by the Bank of Holden. Her accomplishments include: National Honor Society, student council, FCCLA, three years in basketball and softball including being selected all-conference in softball, Who’s Who among American high school students (also in the sports edition), National Society of High School Scholars, United States Achievement Academy, Missouri Youth Participant (election), and a member of the Duke Talent Identification Program with state recognition.
She is the daughter of John and Leesa Brockhaus and the granddaughter of Allen and Jean Wagoner and the late Raymond and Dorothy Brockhaus.
Burden is sponsored by F&C Bank and has many accomplishments as a student-athlete at HHS. She has been first team all-conference in volleyball, second team all-district in volleyball, second team all-conference in basketball and all-conference and most valuable player in softball. She has earned three softball varsity letters, two volleyball varsity letters and two basketball varsity letters. She was chosen on the 2005-2006 academic all-state team and was a prepcasts and Mo-West player of the game.
She is the daughter of Charlie Burden and Linda Clear.
Paige Fizer was sponsored by the Holden Optimist’s Club. She has been a member of FCCLA for three years, FBLA for two years and the yearbook staff for one. Fizer also has been an HHS band member for four years, track for three years and drama for one year. She is enrolled in the school’s A+ program and an active member of the First Baptist Church of Holden’s youth group.
She is the daughter of Rick and Donna Fizer of Holden.
Jennings is sponsored by Chapter GS of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. During her high school career, she has been a member of the National Honor Society, principal’s honor roll, PTO academic award recipient, student council member, student of the month, math team and Who’s Who among American high school students. She is a member of Octagon, a letterman in cross country, track and softball and has been a state qualifier in both track and cross country. She has also been on the A+ program advisory committee, a state FFA officer and a state FFA degree recipient.
She is the daughter of Willie and Dianna Jennings.
Former Holden High School student athlete Tonya Callahan finished her final year for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols softball team with yet another first team All-American selection and a suitcase full of career records to demonstrate her athletic excellence while at Rocky Top.
She was selected recently as one of 18 members of the 2008 Louisville slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American first team. She was also a top-three finalist for the 2008 USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year and a top-four finalist of the Honda Sports Award For Softball.
Callahan led the Southeastern Conference this season in batting average, .465; slugging percentage, .854; and on-base percentage, .630. She rated second in home runs with 16 and second in runs batted in (RBI) with 62. She led Tennessee in all those categories while committing just five errors in 66 games at third base posting a .979 fielding percentage.
During her career for the Lady Vols, Callahan was a three-time first-team NFCA All-South Region choice as well as the 2008 SEC Player of the Year and a three-time All-SEC first team member.
After her four seasons in Knoxville, she is the UT career leader in home runs, 51; RBI, 241; total bases, 492; walks, 154; slugging percentage, .646; and on-base percentage, .487, while tying for third in doubles, 49 and rating eighth in batting average, .373. She had the second most games played, 289, by any Lady Vol in school history.
Besides playing spring softball at HHS, Callahan was also an All-State volleyball performer who led her team to the Missouri Class 2A state championship in 2004 and an award-winning basketball player as well.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
As part of the June Sesquicentennial Event, a swim/dive meet will be held at the Oasis Aquatic Center in the Holden City Park.
The meet will begin after the Vintage Base Ball game, and will run from approximately 6-8 p.m.
In the diving contests, one of the events, participants will dive for water animals placed at the bottom of the pool. Whoever retrieves the animals with numbers on them, wins a prize.
There will also be a free-style dive contest and a dive contest to see how far one can swim underwater after diving off the board.
In the swimming competition, participants will be divided up into different age categories. Each class will swim the length of the pool and back and whoever wins will win a ribbon and free concessions from the concession stand.
Everyone from children through adults are welcome to enter the fun contests. Everyone who enters will receive a free snow cone from the concession stand.
Owner Connie Plemons said they are also thinking of holding a swimsuit contest that same evening, but the plans aren’t finalized for that yet.
At 8 p.m., there will be ice cream served at the Holden City Park in preparation for the July 4th fireworks display which will begin at dusk.
Plemons encourages everyone to come out to the pool and enjoy the games or prepare for the triathlon which will be held the next morning. The triathlon is where contestants will be required to swim, bike and run so many miles during the competition.
So, bring the family out to the city park for all the outdoor fun activities that will be going on July 4 in celebration of Independence Day and Holden’s Sesquicentennial celebration.
By Dana Neubert
Staff Writer
While the Holden Sesquicentennial Committee has sought all year long to honor the heritage of this city through its look and customs of 150 years ago, so too will the New Baden Juniors Vintage Base Ball team seek to reflect how baseball existed at an earlier time when they take to the field at 2 p.m. July 4 at Eagle Field at Holden High School.
The Illinois team which plays by Vintage Base Ball rules will take on a team of area men in a double-header in the kick-off to July 4 activities in Holden.
The game itself, although recognizable as baseball, will still have some big differences in how it’s played. It starts with the actual spelling. Prior to the 1880s according to the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA), Base Ball was spelled two words as opposed to today’s modern one-word spelling - baseball.
Teams like the Juniors play by the rules and customs of the 19th century and players, called ballists, wear period reproduction uniforms. Most VBBA teams in the US play according to the rules of the late 1850s, 1860s and 1880s.
According to the VBBA, “The mid-19th century game was considerable different than today’s game. Most ballists played with bare hands until the mid-1880s but starting in the late 1860s a few catchers with raw hands needed to wear thin bucksin gloves. Until 1865, fair or foul balls caught on one bound were outs. However, the more skilled players always attempted to catch it ‘on the fly’ which eventually made the bound rule unnecessary. Balls are also considered fair where the ball first touches the ground.”
The ball is larger than a modern baseball and may be pitched overhand since the rule was changed in 1885. 1886 was the first year a pitcher could deliver the ball with one foot off the ground.
Base ball was played during the Civil War. The VBBA website continues, “Interest in the game grew immensely in the post-war years. As the popularity and prospects for getting paying spectators grew, more professionalism crept into the game. Eventually, Harry Wright’s Cincinnati Red Stockings fielded the first, openly all-professional team in 1869. In 1876, the National League was established and the rest is history as base ball evolved into America’s National Pastime.”
After the gams, there will be more July 4 activities with swimming and diving meet at the Oasis Aquatic Center. That will be followed by ice cream for all at approximately 8 p.m. and then the annual firework extravaganza in the City Park
.By Steve Sullins
Editor
OBITUARIES
PFC. MICHAEL ROBERT PATTON
Pfc. Michael Robert Patton, age 19, Fenton, MO passed away Saturday, June 14, 2008 in Farah Providence Afghanistan. He was the great-nephew of Eleanor Lloyd of Holden.
He was the son of James L. and Teresa A. Patton, Fenton, MO.
He is survived by his parents; his wife, Amy Lynne Patton; sisters, Rebecca A. Patton and Margaret L. Patton; grandparents, Lillian L. Patton and Paul W. and Mary Ann Struttmann; his in-laws, Rick L. and Claire M. Eaker; Erin M. Eaker; nephew, Lillian Alexandra Patton.
Michael was killed during active duty with the military by a roadside bomb.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 at St. Paul Church, Fenton, MO. Visitation was held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2008 at Kutis Affton Chapel, Fenton, MO. Interment was in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Saint Louis, MO.
MELVIN WESLEY SIEBERT
Melvin Wesley Siebert, 72, Holden, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Lee’s Summit Medical Center.
Melvin was born May 16, 1936 in Independence, Missouri, the son of Melvin H. Siebert and Daisy M. Chrestensen Siebert. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence. He married Beverly Jean Sikes on February 23, 1957 in Rich Hill, Missouri. Melvin was an employee at General Motors Leeds, until retiring in 1983 after 30 years of service. Beverly preceded him in death on February 10, 2000. He married Judith C. Bain VanBibber in Independence.
Survivors include his wife, Judy; a daughter, Carol Pitsch and her husband, Edward of Comstock Park, Michigan; a step-daughter, Mary Blom and her husband Kenneth of Raytown, Missouri; three step-sons, Michael VanBibber, Mark VanBibber and his wife Laylah and Monte VanBibber, all of Independence; two brothers, Harold Siebert of Sugar Creek, Missouri and Charles Siebert and his wife Amor of Mission, Texas; five grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Melvin was preceded in death by his first wife Beverly, and his parents.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2008 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden with Reverend David Owens of the First Baptist Church in Centerview officiating. Interment followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery, located near Latour, Missouri.
The family received friends Friday, at the funeral home, one hour prior to service.
Memorial contributions may be left to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.
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