Holden R-III District superintendent Mike Ringen told the Holden Image that movement has been experienced in the stalemate between the district and R. L. Phillips Construction as asphalting work was scheduled to have started Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.
Ringen stated that after a meeting he had with Randy Phillips and the construction company’s superintendent, they agreed that Phillips would begin paving the bus drive as part of their building and renovation contract at Holden High School.
The district had originally offered Phillips approximately $55,000 to complete the work which included the north parking lot and water detention pond which had been held up because of late design specifications for the pond.  Phillips wanted $205,000 to complete all asphalt work, but the district said that only the north lot was an issue because the construction company had been directed to complete all other asphalt work as earlier as September 2007.
“During the meeting, we toured the building and looked at what still needed to be done,” the superintendent said.  “There seemed to be the attitude by all that the work needed to be completed - to find some closure on the project.  On one hand I give them credit for the ‘good faith effort’ to get started on the project, but on the other they are still under contract to have the work completed by August 1.”
He continued, “How long this will last and how much will get done I don’t know, but I’m remaining optimistic that the project will continue until completed.”
Ringen also specified that there was no agreement on the money issue.  “The last we have heard is their counter offer of $170,000,” he added.
Officially, the project is in the hands of the bonding company which insures that the work will get completed.
With the exception of moving some fume hoods in the new science rooms, the inside portion of the work is virtually finished. 
“Right now, we’re trying to get the bus drive paved and then go to another lot and hopefully continue to move on the asphalt work,” Ringen concluded.
 



The first reading of an ordinance to reappoint Joe Willerth as Holden city attorney was approved by the city council, but the board agreed to seek bids for city prosecutor’s position.
Speaking at the regular meeting of the council last Tuesday night, Holden mayor Mike Wakeman said the prosecutor’s bid  lists a flat rate charge as one of the specifications.  “We’re looking for ways to save the city some money,” he explained.  “We feel that a prosecutor charging a flat rate will not be as expensive as the hourly rate we’ve been paying.”
Present city prosecutor Michael Branson will have the opportunity to bid on the new contract explained the mayor.
Other ordinances’ first readings passed at the meeting included a lease purchase agreement with Baystone for  culvert cleanout equipment and the Safe route to School sidewalk project.
In another area, the council renewed the city’s insurance policy with Mike Keith Insurance Agency.  The new policy costs approximately $39,000 which is a $3,000 decrease from last year.
In the communications section, April Tarrant of Central Dispatch in Warrensburg told the council the 2009 costs projections was going up approximately $1,200.  Also, Tracy Bratner and Dee Hudson of Johnson County Economic Development discussed the possibility of applying for a DREAM grant for the city next year.
During committee reports, council member Jim Nipko relayed Ways and Means proposal to increase certain fees.  They included:  Street digging, $500; cat and dog licenses, $5; copy fees, $5 per copy police report copy and 50 cents after first 15; Hallar building rental, large room - $100; small room - $25; and a reduced rate for not for profit organization fund raisers; and $5 for a burn permit.  Wakeman asked Nipko to make a formal proposal to be presented at the next regular city council meeting.
The park board representative stated that they had discussed the possibility of installing security cameras at the City Park to help cut down on vandalism.  The council agreed to have the board pursue bids.
Reporting for the board of public works, councilman Butch Shore stated that the water and street committees had come to agreement on fixing street digs.  The water department doesn’t have to pay the deposit but agrees to let the street department know where they have to dig and fix the street afterwards.




A local family lost everything they owned in a recent fire at their home near Holden.
David and Linda Kirchhoff and family are left to sift through the ashes to try to rescue anything not consumed by the fire.
The house they lived in was built by hand by Merrill Sechrest, Sr. in the 1950s.
Linda has been a resident of Holden her entire life and David has been a resident since 1978.  They have two children, Sheena, who is 21 and lives in Sedalia, and Eli, who is 18 and just graduated from Holden High School.  David and Linda have been married for 25 years.
David works for Asplundh, as a tree service provider, and has done so for 12 years.  Linda is an in-home health care provider with WILS.  Eli obtained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2006 with the encouragement of David who was a Boy Scoutmaster.  The family had lived on the family farm, which has been in the family for the past 80 years and they raise cattle on the farm.
They lost everything in the fire and were left with only the clothes on their backs.  Clothes sizes for the family are as follows: David, pants, 34x32; Linda, pants, 3X (likes to wear pants with elastic waist); Eli, pants, 42x34; Shirts - David, large; Linda, 3X; Eli, 2X; underwear - David 32-34; Linda, 12; Eli, 40-42; shoes - David, size nine; Linda, size nine; Eli, size 12w.  The family needs a host of other items including health and beauty items, home items, such as bath towels, kitchen towels, dishes, pots and pans, bed sheets, blankets, comforter, pillows, television, microwave, couch, recliner, kitchen table and chairs, beds, washer, dryer, coffee table, refrigerator, etc.  For a complete list contact the numbers listed below.
Their current plans are to remain on the farm and rebuild a home.
A garage sale is being planned for August 2 to help the family.  All proceeds will go to the family.
Donations for the family are being coordinated by Donna Taylor and Melvin Smith.  Smith may be contacted at 816-838-4097 and Taylor may be contacted at 816-732-4598.
An assistance fund has been established for the Kirchhoffs at F&C Bank and physical donations may be coordinated through Taylor or Smith.




The board of directors of HOPE Coalition had its second reading of new verbiage in their by-laws which increases the number of seats on the board from 10 to 11 at their regular meeting held last Thursday morning.
According to Executive Director Danny Crews, the verbiage states: The board of directors shall consist of 11 members of HOPE Coalition elected at large by those members present and voting at the annual meeting.  No director shall receive compensation or be a paid employee of HOPE Coalition.  All board members must be at least 21 years of age.  The five officers shall be elected by the board.
The board then elected John Roberts to serve on the board until the next election, which will be in November of 2008.
In Community Service Center (CSC) news, the board voted to lower the asking price for the CSC building from $75,000 to $65,000.  Crews asked board members where the current programs would be housed if the building were to sell anytime soon.  It was decided a committee should be formed to look into possibilities.  The committee consists of president Bob Mickey, Crews, Scotty Walker, Donna LaHue and Roberts.
In financial news, Crews discussed payments and credits for the CSC and questioned board members on their thoughts about a membership drive, possible grants and the annual Pink Tea.  He gave members a list of expenditures from the CSC and also noted two items that will add income to the CSC, which was the $2,000 second quarter United Way payment to HOPE and the cancellation of the advertising for their rental property, electing instead to buy a nice ‘for rent’ sign for the window.
In maintenance news, Crews gave members a list of items that need attention at the CSC and the Community Activity Center (CAC) and listed them in order of priority.  The list included but was not limited to: CAC parking lot, CAC thermostat covers, locks in CAC, roof leaks in CSC, CAC baseboards and drywall work, gymnasium lights, furnace in rental property, etc.
In CAC news, acting director Kyle Crews told board members the next parents night out would be held July 25 from 7-11 p.m.  He added other activities upcoming include UCM camp, July 30, 31 and August 1 (he said they are getting good response to this event); blood drive was held last Thursday; volleyball open gyms are going well; he added they are looking for volunteers to help in the CAC during the Fall Fiesta.
In other upcoming events at the CAC, Kyle mentioned the primary county election which will be held the first part of August.  Past elections held in the building have been very successful, according to election coordinators.
In a memorial update, Roberts will report back at next meeting with figures on memorials in memory of the late Rusty Hartwell, to be placed at the CAC building.
The regular meeting of HOPE Coalition closed to reopen August 21 at the CSC.

   OBITUARIES

VERA A. FLEENER
Vera A. Fleener, 75, of Holden, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at the Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg.
Vera Alene Franklin was born May 5, 1933 in Sarcoxie, Missouri, the daughter of Warren A. Franklin and Mary E. Griffith Franklin.  She was united in marriage to John E. Fleener on January 20, 1951 in Leeton, Missouri.  The couple has been residents of both Pleasant Hill and Lee’s Summit at one time.  For the past 20 years, they have made their home north of Holden.  Vera worked out of the home assembling lawn equipment wiring harnesses.  She loved going to horse races and the boat and was an avid reader.
Survivors include her husband, John; two daughters, Kathy Ross and her husband Steve and Vickie Fletcher, all of Holden; two sons, Keven Butch Fleener and his wife Viola of Loughlin, Florida and Steven Fleener of Jefferson City, Missouri; two sisters, Lela Jennings of Arkansas and Veda Wead of Joplin, Missouri; a brother, Joe Franklin and his wife Brenda of Neosho, Missouri; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  Vera was preceded in death by both parents and a sister, Alma Tanner.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2008 at Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg with Reverend David Owens of Centerview Baptist Church officiating.  Interment followed in Warrensburg Memorial Gardens.  Pallbearers were Steve ross, John Ross, Mike Fleener, Justin Fletcher, Michael Snider, Robbie Slayden, Joe Franklin and Jason Franklin.
Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net.


THOMAS CLIFTON HEBEL
Thomas Clifton Hebel, age 66, Leawood, Kansas, passed away Monday, July 14, 2008, at his home.
He was born August 20, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Harry Clifton and Vera Maude (Wiley) Hebel.  He graduated from Holden High School, Holden, MO, in 1959 and from Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO, in 1963 with a degree in criminal justice.  From 1963 until 1968 he served in the United States Air Force stationed at Elk City, Oklahoma.  Following military service Tom became a police officer for the city of Overland Park, Kansas and retired after 34 years.  He had lived in Leawood since 2004.  He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and of the AARP.
He will be missed by his life partner, Kathy Pierron, of the home; his daughter Nancy Davison and husband Dean, Laurie, MO; his son, Grant Hebel and wife Jen, Glenwood, IA; and granddaughter Caitlin Rose Hebel, Glenwood, IA; and everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him.
Funeral services were held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Gen Cast & Son-Wood Funeral Home in Holden.  Officiant was Pastor Harold Johnson.  Visitation was held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday prior to the funeral at the funeral home.
Pallbearers were Grant Hebel, Dean Davison, Bob White, Ray Vallejo, Andy Black and Jim Weaver.  Honorary pallbearer was Harry McCarl.  Military honors were rendered by the Holden Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post #5844 and the Holden American Legion Post #90. 
Cremation following services.


RANDY ALAN  PINKLEY
Mr. Randy Alan Pinkley, 47, passed away July 13, 2008, at the Windermere Baptist Center in Camden County, Missouri.
Randy was born on May 23, 1961, in Bonne Terre, and was the son of Wilma F. “Archambo” Pinkley and the late Jesse Allen Pinkley (2001).  Also preceding him in death was a mother-in-law, Bonnie Jean Hastings.
Randy was a member and head deacon at the Elm Spring Baptist Church in Kingsville.  He was very active in the church, holding various positions.  Randy was active with the Lone Jack School activities and sports where he was a supporter to his children and others.  Randy always helped his family and friends.  He was an avid water skier and loved his German Shepherds.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Jean “Hastings” Pinkley; one daughter, Nicole Dawn Pinkley; two sons, Grant Alan Pinkley and Brett Dale Pinkley, all of Kingsville; his mother, Wilma F. “Archambo” Pinkley, of Farmington; his father-in-law, Dale Hastings and wife Carolyn, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; two sisters, Charlotte “Mrs. Jay” Stewart of Fenton, Sandy “Mrs. Michael” Gamblin of Farmington; one brother, Jay (and Debbie) Pinkley of Farmington; one sister-in-law, Valerie Hastings of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; and one brother-in-law, Greg Hastings of Ponca, Arkansas.  Also, a host of nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the First Baptist Church of Farmington, Missouri with Dr. William C. Miller and Reverend Robin Dale officiating.  Burial was held at the Chestnut Ridge Cemetery in Ste. Genevieve Co., MO. 
A memorial service for Randy will be Saturday, July 26, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lone Jack C-6 High School Memorial Garden, 313 S. Bynum, Lone Jack, MO 64070.  Memorials may be made to the Randy A. Pinkley Family (makes checks payable to:  Beverly Pinkley, c/o Taylor Funeral Service, PO Box 12, Farmington, MO 63640).  Obituary, online guestbook and video tribute online at: www.taylorfuneral.com.  Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Taylor Funeral Service, Inc., Farmington, Missouri.


ISABELLA MARION ROZZO
Isabella Marion Rozzo, 88, (formerly of Union City, New Jersey), Odessa, died Saturday, July 19, 2008 at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Blue Springs, MO.
She was born September 10, 1919 in Weehawken, New Jersey, the daughter of John Bathgate and Mary McNab Bathgate.
On October 5, 1940, she married Rinaldo Ray Rozzo in West New York, New Jersey.  He preceded her in death on August 13, 1994.
Isabella was a mother and homemaker and helped with the family retail store in Hoboken, NJ, “Ray’s Candy Store”.  Isabella was baptized in the Trinity Episcopal Church in New York City, NY.
Survivors include three children and their spouses, Robert and Nancy Rozzo, Florida; Richard Rozzo, Holden, MO; Linda and Stephen Campbell, Odessa, MO; seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, John Bathgate and Robert Bathgate; and one sister, Jean Joao.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at the Ralph O. Jones Chapel with Reverend Herman J. Hudson, Jr. officiating.  Burial was in Odessa Cemetery, Odessa, Missouri.
The family received friends from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Ralph O. Jones Chapel.
Pallbearers were Robert Rozzo, Richard Rozzo, George Bullerdick, Michael Bullerdick, Stephen Campbell, Steven Campbell, Shaun Campbell and Nicholas Rozzo.
Honorary pallbearer was Tony Rozzo.

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