The Holden High School choirs participated in all-district competitions on October 11 at Smith-Cotton School in Sedalia.
Approximately 25 schools took part in the competitions, according to Holden choir director Wendy Inman.  “Out of 400 students, 120 made it into the all-district choir,” she said.  “We had 11 students from Holden who made the all-district junior/senior choir.  They each had to perform a solo, do some sightreading and show music theory knowledge, among other things,” Inman said.
The all-district freshmen/sophomore choir was nominated by Inman and did not have to audition at districts, but did audition for her.
Those making the junior/senior all-district choir were Bryanna Smith, Meredith Crowe, Jaide Wright, Tiffany Ogan, Monica Dale, Hattie Willard, Tashina Caylor, Britnee West, M’Shale Gillroy, Rob Curry and Caleb Gudde.  Students who made the freshmen/sophomore all-district choir were Destiny Borron, Shelby Miller, Kasie Goodfellow, Lane Adams, Jimmy Bryant, Jonathan Hill, Jacob Gudde and Eric Stout.
One-hundred-twenty students tried out for all-state choir and Rob Curry, senior at Holden, made the all-state-choir.  “Rob will be performing at Tan-Tar-A in January with the all-state choir,” said Inman.  “We are very proud of all of the students who took part in the competitions.”
This is her first year as choir director at Holden; she came from the Crest Ridge School District. 
Inman is proud of the fact that Holden has a chamber choir, a concert choir, a campus choir and this year they also have show choir, which is something new for Holden.  Their first concert was held Wednesday night, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.
By Dana Raker
News Staff


Holden city clerk Sheila Spies administered the oath of office to Angela Thomas at the regular October meeting of the Holden City Council held last Tuesday night at City Hall.
Thomas will complete the unexpired Ward I term left vacant when Veronica Burt tendered her resignation after moving away from Holden.  Her term will expire in 2010.
In other areas of business at the council meeting, the body agreed to place a street light at the corner of 19th and Market near the Holden Elementary School.  They also had a discussion and agreed to put into ordinance form the changing of speed limits on 19th and 20th Streets from Market Street to State Highway 131.  If passed at the next meeting, the new law will make the area a school zone and will post a 15 mile per hour speed limit from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days.
The council also voted to accept Mike Keith Insurance’s bid to provide term life insurance for full time city employees.  The city will pay Keith $63 per month to cover 12 workers with $25,000.  The insurance rate is guaranteed for 24 months.
In the resolutions and ordinances section of the meeting, final readings were passed hiring local attorney Karl Timmerman as the city prosecutor at a flat rate of $1,200 per month.  A final reading was also passed to enter into an agreement with the American Red Cross to provide City Hall as a shelter during disasters.
First readings were passed on a flood plain management plan to put the city in compliance with federal regulations and an agreement with Olsson & Associates to provide engineering services for sidewalk construction as part of the Safe routes to School grant.
In a final item, councilman Butch Shore told the council that the Board of Public Works would be holding a public hearing November 4 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the possibility of raising the new meter connection fee from $825 to actual cost to install.
By Steve Sullins
Editor




The annual Pink Tea held October 14 at the Community Activity Center (CAC) was a huge success, according to HOPE Coalition’s executive director Danny Crews.
Board member John Roberts said he heard the speakers and decorations were great.  Board member Donna LaHue stated it was the best one they’ve had to date.
Speakers for the event were Jack Bozarth from the Cancer Research Center in Columbia, Sarah Williams, and Susan Jennings, a cancer survivor.  Jennings asked for donations for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Crews reported $400 was collected.  “I thought the donation collection was a great idea and it was very successful,” said Crews.  He added they had 110 attendees at the event.
CAC director of activities Jen Loos wanted to thank board member Fred Christenson, Sam Raber and Kyle Crews who were all a big help the day of the Pink Tea.  Loos will coordinate the event next year.
In planning news for the Community Service Center (CSC), Crews reported the committee had met and are working toward their goal.  He said they need to meet again soon.
Crews also reported the by-law changes are still in the works as he has emailed copies to committee members and is waiting to hear back from them.
In Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) news, Crews told board members NAP credits are still available and they need to be done before the end of the year.  He said he is working on several and other board members are working with other individuals to promote the NAP program.  Board member Ruth Richey asked if there was any written information on the program she could give to people who might be interested.  Roberts and Crews assured her there was information available.  Board president Bob Mickey asked former executive director Roberts if he still had his list of NAP donors he could share with Crews.  Roberts stated he did and would give the information to Crews.  “It really needs to be promoted,” said Mickey.  “It really works out well for farmers who can use their grain in the NAP program.  They receive approximately 115 percent back.  This is a key area for us.”  Crews asked board members if they had names of any farmers who might be interested in the program and they discussed the issue.
In memorial news, Roberts told board members the memorial for the late Rusty Hartwell will be picked up this week and installed at the CAC.
In maintenance news, Crews gave board members a list of things that needed attention at the CAC and the CSC, in order of priority.  Also listed were items which had already been completed including CAC parking lot, front door at CAC, locks at CAC, CAC baseboards and drywall work.  There are still many items that need attention, according to Crews.  Mickey stated Crews has been very efficient in keeping up with maintenance needs at both buildings.
In her report of CAC activities, Loos gave the board an update on upcoming activities including basketball leagues, sewing classes (six people have signed up so far) and classes begin October 29, and the election will be held at the CAC on November 4.
Loos went on to say, “The Johnson County Walk for Health was September 20 and we had a great turnout with approximately 30 people.  This is an eight-week program so the post-assessment will be in approximately four weeks.”  She added the blood drive was held October 9 and was run very efficiently; the tool sale was held October 11 and they had a very good turnout for the sale and the vendor was happy with the building and accommodations at the CAC; fall volleyball leagues are ending.  Loos also said the volleyball team made their annual donation for the use of the CAC for their garage sale.  “This year’s donation was $600 which is up from the last few years,” said Loos.  “The Chamber of Commerce has paid their rent of $670 for rent of the CAC during the fair and has agreed to pay more since the CAC was used so much due to the weather during the fair,” stated Loos.  In CAC advertising news, Loos said Tiger Jack is going to buy a banner for advertisement in the CAC.
In related advertising news, Crews told the board that the HOPE Coalition is planning to put a banner up in the CAC and possibly some signage on the doors.
In maintenance news at the CAC, Loos reported some of the large lights need to be replaced in the CAC as a lot of them are burnt out.  The board discussed replacement costs and contractors who could do the job.
Bookkeeper Gayla Morris reminded board members she was still in need of membership dues from some members.
In closing, Mickey thanked Crews, Loos and Morris for the concise, neat reports that they make available to the board each month.
The regular meeting of the HOPE Coalition closed to reopen November 20 at 6:45 a.m. at the CSC.
By Dana Raker
News Staff



Members of the Kingsville City Council welcomed Patrick Woods, supervisor at the 911 Dispatch Center in Warrensburg, at their regular meeting last Tuesday night.
Woods explained that voters will have the opportunity to approve a one-quarter of one percent 911 sales tax proposal on the November 4, 2008 ballot.  “If this tax is approved by voters, it will replace an eight percent 911 telephone tax currently charged to all land line telephone customers in the county.  The telephone tax costs phone customers approximately $1.40 per month and business phone customers approximately $1.72 per month,” said Woods.  He went on to explain that as more and more customers drop their traditional land line telephones, revenue from the telephone tax is shrinking, and it’s no longer keeping up with the cost of operating the 911 center.  “Currently, wireless phone customers make nearly 75 percent of all calls to the 911 center, while paying nothing to support the local 911 service,” stated Woods.
“For shoppers in Johnson County, one-fourth of a percent sales tax increase would add 25 cents to every $100 purchase,” Woods stated.  “In accordance with state law (RSMo 190.335) the measure, when passed, will not only terminate the eight percent land line telephone tax, but it will establish an independent governing emergency services board that is elected by the people to serve with a 911 specific purpose and would have administrative control and management of all monies collected by the tax and the central dispatching services.”
Woods added that 911 services are invaluable and critical to quality of life.  From police to fire response to ambulance service, 911 is the link between those needing help and those able to provide it.
“Thirty-six counties in Missouri already fund 911 with a sales tax, and the concept is under consideration in many other counties throughout the state.  The current telephone tax is proven as a deteriorating funding mechanism.  The one-quarter of a percent sales tax is a fair and more improved mechanism to fund the 911 center in Johnson County,” said Woods.
Woods then asked the council if they had any questions he could answer for them concerning the sales tax.  Mayor Lloyd Stever asked Woods about Onstar calls coming into the center and about GPS technology.  Woods replied they are highly advanced right now but their budget doesn’t allow some things.  He went on to say technology is advancing very, very quickly.  Woods also spoke of Next Generation 911 which would allow the center to accept text messages, emails and videos in case of emergency.
In the sheriff’s report deputy Brian Hobbs told the council he had handled several incidents in the past month including a four-wheeler incident, one dog running at large, assaults, go-carts on the street, and a juvenile incident, along with a report of stolen property.
In other reports, Mayor Stever told the council Duane Ottmeyer had written a letter addressing all the issues that were facing the city relating to the new water tower.  He was asked if bids had been solicited yet and said he was not sure at this time.
In sewer reports, Herb Brockhaus said there were no problems to report, as everything was working fine.  Also, there were no new building permits active at this time.
In other sewer operation news, Mayor Stever reported their contract was up on the 30th of this month but that water superintendent Tony Lerda had asked for a continuation and extension of the contract.
In old business, the council discussed the signage and landscaping for the city hall/sheriff’s office.  The painting of the interior has been completed, according to Mayor Stever.  He mentioned they still need to repair and paint the door.
Mayor Stever also reported the county and city-wide cleanups were completed and the council needs to continue to inform people to get their properties cleaned up.  Mayor Stever asked if the county had completed the ball park road and Brockhaus said they have not.  Council member Ed Thomas mentioned to the council that they were in need of dirt by the RLDS Church and will look at the area again to decide what would work best for the area.
Deputy Hobbs told the council the sheriff’s department was waiting for a bill on the Kingsville office/city hall.  “An amount of $300 per month was agreed upon,” said Mayor Stever.  “They want us to send a bill for a year at  atime to the commissioners; I guess we need to pro-rate it out for this year.  I will call the commissioners and make sure we are in agreement.”
In United Way news, Mayor Stever reminded the council of upcoming United Way activities, including the chili cook-off and the Holiday Homes Tour.  “We need to continue to support United Way for our community,” said Mayor Stever.
City attorney Natalie Peterson reported she attended the Johnson County Economic Development meeting and received a plaque, on behalf of the council, for their support of the organization.  “They hope we will continue to not only support their programs, but utilize them as well,” said Peterson.
Peterson went on to report Kingsville has a new traffic code with amended numbers to make them compatible with county numbers.
In other legal information, Peterson passed out an ordinance on vacating wards and adopting at-large elections.  The council had the first reading of the ordinance.  The second and final reading will occur at next month’s meeting.  This ordinance would take effect beginning April, 2009, according to Peterson.
In other housekeeping news, Brockhaus discussed the need for gutters on the new city hall building.  After the council talked about the issue, it was agreed Brockhaus would get bids for the gutters and present them to the council.
Mayor Stever added they might consider obtaining a waterproof display frame for outside of the building to publicize meetings, notices, etc.  They spoke of possibly mounting it on the building beside the front door.
Councilman Pete Montgomery reported he had several complaints about all the dust from the streets in town.  After discussion, it was decided the dust would settle and be worn down shortly and shouldn’t be a problem.
In financial reports, city clerk Sherry Johnson told council members she had changed their CD through F&C Bank from five years to seven months and it is earning 3.05 percent.  She completed this action per the council’s request at last month’s meeting.
The regular session of the Kingsville City Council was closed, to reopen Tuesday, November 11 at city hall.
By Dana Raker
News Staff

The Holden R-III School Foundation met Thursday, September 25, at Holden Middle School.
Foundation president Bevy Fletchall opened the meeting.  Payment of $14,900 to the Holden R-III School District for scholarships awarded to district high school seniors 2008 was approved.  As a 501(c) corporation, scholarships funded through the foundation are fully tax deductible.  Most of the local scholarships awarded in 2008 were funded through the foundation.
Foundation treasurer Jacki Brandel reported the filing of the annual report with the secretary of state.  Mike Ringen, district superintendent, is the registered agent.
Discussion was held on the development of a newsletter to keep in touch with donors and alumni, as well as highlight the efforts and accomplishments of the foundation.  A rough draft will be developed with input of district students on the layout and design of the publication.
Applications are being accepted for fall teacher grants until the second week in October.  As approved by the board in August, this year the number of grants awarded was increased from two $200 awards to four $250 awards.  Since 2007, the foundation has awarded $800 to district educators who are selected from an ever-growing number of applicants.  A scholarship and grants committee was established to administer these foundation projects.  Ann Cates, Lisa Closen, Bevy Fletchall, Jo Lim and Kyndal Phelps will serve for the 2008-2009 school year.
The Holden R-III School Foundation was formed to improve and enhance the opportunities of students of the Holden R-III School District.  The mission of the foundation is to enrich the educational experience for all learners through community involvement.
The next regular meeting will be October 23 at 6 p.m. at the middle school.



Help keep the memory and dreams of the late Rusty Hartwell alive by participating in the second annual Christmas Lighting Benefit.  The event will be a dance with a live band and a breakfast of biscuits and gravy served after the dance.
The benefit will take place Saturday, November 1, at Holden City Hall and the doors open at 7 p.m.  The band will perform for your listening and dancing  pleasure from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with breakfast served immediately after the dance.  BYOB and enjoy a lively evening visiting with friends as you help keep the dream of lighting the businesses for the Christmas holidays alive.
It was Rusty’s dream that all the businesses, including those in east Holden (Lloyd’s, Dollar Store, etc.) be lighted for Christmas to help add to the spirit of the season.  This is a chance for all of the townspeople to come together to have an enjoyable evening for a good cause, said event coordinator Chad Manford.  “This is the second year we’ve held an event in Rusty’s memory,” said Manford.  “Last year we held a beer garden and people were very generous.  This will be an annual event and next year we are planning to have an all-day Octoberfest event behind the former F&C bank building.  We would like to get as much support as possible for this event.”
The benefit is being sponsored by the Holden Chamber of Commerce and chamber member Cindy Reynolds said, “It costs more than $5,000 to light all of the businesses in town and on the outskirts of town.”  She encourages everyone to come out and help in this special event in memory of a very special man who did so much for the Holden community.
Cost to get into the dance is $10 at the door and the breakfast will be donations only.  The biscuits and gravy are being donated by Galle’s Smokehouse Grill of Holden.  Manford said all of the proceeds after expenses will go toward the lighting fund.  “The band is the only expense we will have this year as the city isn’t charging us for the use of the community building and Galle’s is donating the food.  We appreciate all of the support we are receiving in this effort,” said Manford.
Reynolds said they will be circulating fliers in all of the Holden businesses and encourages everyone to watch for more information on the event.
Get your holiday season off to a good start by enjoying the evening with friends and family and help keep Holden’s businesses festive and welcoming in the process.
For more information on the benefit, you may contact Manford at 816-267-3231 or Reynolds at 816-732-4131.
By Dana Raker
News Staff



Running back Dennis Hutchings rushed for six touchdowns and led his Holden High School Eagle football team to a Class 3, District 13 first-round win over the Clinton Cardinals, 53-7, at Eagle Stadium Friday night.
It was another dominating performance by the Eagles on both sides of the ball as they racked up total yardage of 409 and held the Cardinals to only 103 in the contest which pushed Holden’s season record to 8-0.  The victory also gave them a 1-0 record in 2008 district play where they are tied with the Pleasant Hill Roosters who defeated Oak Grove, 35-13, Friday night.  The Eagles and Roosters will square off Friday at 7 p.m. in Pleasant Hill in the second round of district play.
In the victory circle after the game, head Eagle coach Rich Johnson told the boys that they did a great job of coming out and taking care of business.  “Next week we have Pleasant Hill and that’s a game we’ve been working for.”  The winner of that game will be the only undefeated team with one game remaining in the district.
As he has been most games this season, Coach Johnson was pleased with his team’s offensive performance.  Hutchings rushed for 237 on the night giving him a total on the year of 1,733 – still on course for a 2,000-yard season.  His performance also pushed him past the 4,000-yard mark for his career at Holden High School.  He now has rushed for 4,207 yards in the Eagle backfield.
He along with the rest of the Holden team got off to a sluggish start in the game even though they scored two first-half touchdowns.  They didn’t seem as crisp on offense as they had in the last few games.  “I was having a tough time finding the cuts to the holes,” Hutchings explained.  “But then we started to break them down.  Our cutbacks were there all night long.”
In an interview with Coach Johnson, he related that, “We came out a little flat.  Early they were sitting on our counter play so we decided to run right at them until they went out of that defense.  After that, we were alright.”
Senior David Lerda also had a good game with 94 yards.  He is on course for a 1,000-yard season with a total of 860 yards on the year.  Although only rushing six times, quarterback Aaron Ferguson had 32 key yards in the game including an eight-yard touchdown in the third quarter.  He was also two of three through the air with 36 yards.
The coach credits a lot of the offensive domination to the good play of his offensive line.  “From tackle to tackle, all our boys graded out at an A or A-.  My only criticism offensively on the night was we had a fumble.  With our upcoming competition we can’t be turning the ball over.  In order to continue to win in the level of play we’ll be at the rest of the season we have to play strong fundamental football and that includes blocking and tackling well and holding on to the ball.”
In the  Clinton rout, the Eagles took a 12-point lead after one quarter on touchdown runs of  43-yards and one-yard by Hutchings.  Deron Binkley, who had made 15 of his last 16 extra points, missed his first try and a two-point try on the second touchdown also failed.  In the second quarter, Hutchings ran to paydirt three more times on runs of 15 yards, 42 yards and one yard.  After one more PAT miss, Binkley was good for the rest of the night, giving him four of six.  Reserve Jared Huffstutter nailed the final point-after in the third quarter.  Two of Hutchings’ second-quarter TDs were set up by interceptions by Crosby Coleman and Lerda.  Lerda scored the final TD of the first half giving the Eagles a 39-7 advantage at the intermission.
Hutchings and Ferguson scored one more TD apiece early in the third quarter to put the icing on the cake amd the 53-7 victory. 
Coach Johnson was also very pleased with Holden’s defensive effort on the night.  Most of their 103 yards were accumulated on their one touchdown drive late in the first quarter.  “We played well,” the coach stated.  “Most of their yards came on a mis-alignment and missed assignments.  Take away those three plays and we were outstanding.  I thought Jared Anstine, starting his first game, and Clayton Hill and Lerda did a great job for us on the defensive side.”  Clinton managed only 93 yards rushing on 33 tries.  In the aerial game, they were one of 10 for 10 yards.  As was the case last week, the Eagle defenders spent a lot of time in the Cardinal backfield as 21 out of 43 plays resulted in either zero or negative yardage.
Collecting sacks in the game included Andrew Wakeman, Kevin Kephart and Hill.  Leading the tacklers in the contest was sophomore Jacob Reiman with 14.  Following here were Hill and Wakeman with eight apiece and David Carter, who played only a quarter-and-a-half, finished with seven.  Hutchings was credited with six, while Lerda, Kephart and Binkley tallied five apiece.  With three tackles apiece were J. Anstine, and Coleman, while Eric Stout and Jacob Borgen had two.  Dalton Smith and Zak Anstine each managed one apiece.
Although Coach Johnson was happy with the domination of his offense and defense, he was not pleased with the Eagles’ special team play.  “Tonight we weren’t consistent enough on extra points, we had a 14-yard punt and our kickoff return coverage was bad.”  For the first time all season, the coach did not name a special teams player of the game because he said there wasn’t one.  He also stated that the special teams play needed to improve in the coming weeks.
“The playoffs have started,” he said.  “Next week we’ll play Pleasant Hill and we’ll find out just how good we are.  It’s a simple solution.  If we want to continue to advance we have to continue to win.  This will be our toughest test yet Friday night.  Pleasant Hill is fast and very athletic.  They have a good quarterback who throws a nice ball with a very good wide receiver and tight end.  They also have a couple of good-looking backs.  Their defense is also very athletic.
“We’ve had great crowds at home and a large following when we’re on the road all year long.  This is a big game next week and we hope to see an especially large crowd to support the boys,” he added. 
By Steve Sullins
Editor