 Area churches are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25 by holding special services, programs or cantatas.
Enon Baptist Church - December 21 at the 11 a.m. worship service, the Christmas special will be performed, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” directed by Peggy Tilson; December 24 at 7 p.m. will be Candlelight Vespers celebrating Jesus’ birthday.
Magnolia Baptist Church - Christmas program on Christmas Eve at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterward.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church - Christmas Eve, 5 p.m. Mass; Midnight Mass at 12 a.m.
First Baptist Church - December 21 at 10:05 will be the Christmas program. There will be treats for the children.
Holden Baptist Temple - 605 N. Lexington - Christmas program, Sunday, December 21 at 6 p.m.
Crossroads Baptist Church - Sunday, December 21, along with their regularly scheduled Bible study at 9:30 a.m., the morning service will be an inspiring church Christmas play performed by several of their members under the direction of Donna and Darrell McCurdy.
Wesley Chapel - December 24 - Special Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.
Elm Spring Baptist Church - December 21 there will be a Christmas communion service at 8 a.m. and the Christmas cantata at 10:30 a.m.
Holden Area Ministerial Association - December 24, 7 p.m. ecumenical Christmas celebration at First United Methodist Church in Holden.
Medford Methodist Church (meeting at Pleasant View School) will have a special program and Christmas celebration Sunday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m. Following the service, plates and baskets will be prepared for shut-ins.
Holden United Methodist Church - The youth group will present a Christmas program at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 20 at the Church on East Tenth Street.
Holden City Clerk told the City Council at their regular meeting last Tuesday night that Ward I councilman Ernie Taylor has been sent a letter expressing the city’s concern that Taylor has missed the past eight regular council meetings.
The letter, issued by Holden city attorney Joe Willerth, also requested that Taylor resign his position on the council. Spies also told the council that Taylor had not responded as of meeting time Tuesday.
Mayor pro-tem Butch Shore, who was leading the meeting in mayor Mike Wakeman’s absence, stated that Taylor had a right to a hearing to show why he shouldn’t be removed from the council and suggested the city send him another letter to that effect. The council agreed and decided to issue another letter to Taylor stating there would be a hearing prior to the January regular meeting, January 13, at 6:30 p.m.
“If he doesn’t show then, we can begin removal proceedings,” Shore continued.
After being sworn in at the April meeting, Taylor has not been present at another regular meeting.
In another area of business, the council passed a resolution setting December 16 at 8 a.m. as the opening date for filing city council seats which will become open in April 2009. Deadline for filings will be January 20, 2009 at close of business. Affected seats include two-years terms in Ward I, Ward II, Ward III and Ward IV. Part of the resolution passage included a stipulation that any other seat that became open, including the mayor’s, prior to December 16 would also fall under the resolution and be included on the April ballot.
In a police and safety issue, the council voted to make the Holden Police Department’s motorcycles, whose use had been on a three-month trial basis, a permanent part of the HPD’s vehicle fleet. Further, the motorcycles restriction of not being able to leave the city limits was lifted.
“Now, the bikes will be just like any other police vehicle,” stated councilman Jim Robison. The motorcycles, however, will not be used in inclement weather.
In the resolutions and ordinances section of the meeting, first readings were passed on a new business license requirements for city personnel to make sure state taxes are up to date before issuing a license; a five percent tax on non-public utility companies; making 19th Street from Market to Lexington a school zone with a 15 miles per hour speed limit.
Liquor consumption licenses at the Hallar Building were also passed for Nancy Moore, Christmas party on December 25; Tami Trosper, wedding reception on December 27; and Kim Butterworth, wedding reception on December 31.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Superintendent Kevin Coleman presented the audit to the Kingsville School Board at their regular meeting last Tuesday night.
“It was a clean audit, not much different from any other year,” said Coleman. The board voted to approve the audit as presented.
In other budget business, Coleman told board members they received a grant for an interactive television program. “We basically get $34,000 worth of equipment for $13,000. So we receive it for about one-third of the regular cost as part of a consortium,” noted Coleman. The board voted to amend the budget to reflect the ITV grant.
In new business, Coleman reported he had spoken with KCP&L about putting a light pole up in the student parking lot. The board agreed it was needed to help people see to get back to their vehicles after dark. Coleman said it would add only $12.54 to their regular bill each month.
In reports, elementary principal Angela Helms told the board attendance was at 94 percent. She gave them a calendar of upcoming events throughout the rest of December.
“We had more than 130 grandparents/special friends attend Grandparent’s Day this year. The event was a success,” said Helms. “The grandparents and students participated in a PE activity, music activity, art activity, pictures, and refreshments. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we have received many compliments on the event. Thank you to all the teachers and staff members who worked hard to make this event a success. We plan to make it better every year.”
She went on to say the elementary took part in a Hoe Down on November 14 with more than 100 people in attendance. “The students and their families danced the night away and enjoyed many games, crafts and treats. The event was a blast and was very well planned. Thank you to Janet West, Theresa Groves, Beth Stout and Missi Hunter for making this an event to remember and possibly a tradition for years to come,” stated Helms.
In high school reports, principal Lorna Warren told board members attendance for the high school was at 96.80 percent. She then added comments from the staff including Angie Love who gave an update on the gingerbread houses which are now on display in the library. “These houses are becoming a tradition in the high school. Please stop by and see the work of the housing class,” said Love.
Jennifer Carr, director of music at Kingsville, reported November was a whirlwind for them as they prepared for the musical production of “Crazy Carols” and “The Littlest Reindeer,” which was held Thursday, December 11. She went on to say the band has participated in Mid-State Conference music day on November 21 at Heartland Christian School in Belton. “The students were able to play in a band consisting of approximately 90 students from all over the conference. They did a great job!” said Carr. She added that on November 28, several of the band students played at the Holden Chamber of Commerce customer appreciation evening. They played Christmas carols for customers. “We have some festive plans for December. In addition to playing at the annual Christmas assembly, our Instrumental Carolers will be playing during both lunch shifts, and at the Holden Manor. They are practicing every Monday after school to prepare for these performances,” added Carr.
Warren also gave a report written by Tiffany Harvey about the economics and personal finance class. “Every year students from this class study the Federal Reserve System. This year, both classes went on a field trip to the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City, MO to deepen their understanding of the industry. Both classes were learning about banking in the Federal Reserve System, the history of the system, and its purpose,” said Harvey.
In the athletic director’s report, Coach Mike Bodenhamer said basketball practice has been going on for three weeks and both teams, boys and girls, have been working very hard. “As for the boys, we are starting all over with just one returning starter, but we have some good athletes and we will improve as the season goes on. We have 23 boys out and we need an assistant coach to work with this many students. The girls will play 10 junior varsity games this year and this should help them develop. The conference tournament, the week of December 8 at Wentworth in Lexington, the boys got the second seed and the girls got the third seed. Thanks again for all you do for the kids of Kingsville,” said Bodenhamer.
In a special education update, Beth Stout gave a report on disabilities the district is dealing with at school. She said they have a speech and language pathologist and an occupational and physical therapist coming in to the school to assist those students who need help in those areas. She added they are putting a team together to see about how to work on getting their students into regular education classrooms. She also reported the department did 14 initial evaluations this year. Board president Martha Bush asked Stout who requested the evaluations and was told mostly the inquiries come from the parents themselves for their children.
In a counselor’s report, Laurie Kempker told the board the number of drop-outs was down this year, which was good news, she said. Board member Kristel Spies asked how the follow-up surveys were working out and Kempker told her they have not been very successful. “We are looking into other worthwhile options in that area to gather data and I will do more research on that,” Kempker commented.
The regular meeting of the Kingsville School Board closed and they voted to go into closed session. The next board meeting will be held January 8 at 7 p.m. in the board room.
By Dana Raker
News Staff
The Kingsville R-I School District has recently been recognized with the Distinction in Performance Award from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The school met all 14 of the performance standards which include: MAP scores in mathematics and communication arts in grades three through 11, ACT scores, advanced course offerings, career education courses, college placement, career education placement, graduation rate, and attendance rate.
This is the fourth time in the last five years that the Kingsville District has met the criteria for this award.
Individuals looking for a tax deduction or tax credit and helping their community at the same time may find the Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tailor-made for their needs.
The program, part of Missouri’s Business and Community Services Department, provides assistance to community-based organizations that enables them to implement community or neighborhood projects in the areas of community service, education, crime prevention, job training and physical revitalization.
In addition to the community assistance aspect, NAP gives businesses, farmers, individuals and corporations the advantage of receiving a 50 to 70 percent credit on their state income tax.
Locally, NAP contributions have been used to bolster H.O.P.E. Coaltion for the past 10 years. In addition to providing many vital social services in Western Johnson County, such as a clothes closet, emergency supply room, Harvesters, GED classes, computer literacy classes, and food, utility and gas vouchers, H.O.P.E. oversees many youth and senior programs through its Community Activity Center.
“H.O.P.E. is a great organization and NAP is a tremendous program,” said H.O.P.E. board member John Roberts.
“We’ve processed a number of donations over the year, some of which have been totally cost neutral,” he added. “The program seems particularly beneficial to farmers, who can made in-kind donations with grain.”
“Keeping tax dollars at home is really what NAP is all about,” Roberts said. “But while the program has been around for more than a decade, there are still a lot of aspects about it that are little known.”
Roberts said that some frequency asked questions are the following:
Question: Aren’t NAP donations just for wealty people?
Answer: No! It’s really for anyone who pays state taxes.
Question: Is there a lot of ‘red tape’ involved.
Answer: No! In the past three years there hasn’t been one complaint about the time or paperwork on a NAP donation has been lodged at H.O.P.E.
Why? Because the process is virtually hassle free. In fact, most donors are amazed at the speed and simplicity of the process.
question: Who is eligible?
Answer: For the most part this is an incentive for farmers and businesspeople. However, individuals who operate a sole proprietorship, have rental property or have royalty income are eligible also. A shareholder in and S-corporation, someone in a partnership or a member of a limited liability corporation is eligible as well.
Question: Are there any special advantages to the program?
Answer: Yes. Are form the tex credit, there is a “carry forward” for five years. This means if you want to use part or all of the tax credits in the future you have up to five years to do so.
Question: How much in tax credits will I receive.
Answer: 70 percent. The Department of Economic Development issues 50 and 70 percent tax credits to an eligible taypayerwho makes a qualified contribution to an approved Neighborhood Assistance program - - in this case H.O.P.E. Coalition. An added benefit this year is that H.O.P.E has been awarded 70 percent NAP credits.
Individuals needing more information about NAP are directed to call the H.O.P.E. Community Service Center (732-4357) and ask for Danny Crews.
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Dan and Bridget Schriver and family are without a home this holiday season due to a fire that destroyed their home and possessions on December 8.
The family lives near Kingsville and has two children.
Kingsville PTO is collecting donations of cash and clothing for the family. Those who wish to make monetary donations, please send checks to Kingsville School, care of PTO, P.O. Box 7, Kingsville, MO 64061.
Those who wish to donate gently-used clothing, please drop them off at Kingsville School. Sizes for the family are as follows: boy’s size 6 pants; 6-8 shirts; 2 shoe - boy’s size 7-7X pants; 6-8 shirts; 2 1/2 shoe - men’s size 32 waist pants; medium shirt; 9 1/2 to 10 shoe - women's size 3-4 pant; medium shirt; 7 1/2 to 8 shoe.
If there are larger items to donate (furniture, blankets, etc.) please contact Heather Stauch at 816-597-3311. She is compiling a list until the family has somewhere to take the items.
Community support would be greatly appreciated by the family.
By Dana Raker
News Staff
The Holden High School boys’ varsity basketball squad made it two in a row to start the 2008-2009 season as they edged Renaissance Academy, 55-53, before a good crowd at Pack the Gym night Thursday at the HHS gymnasium.
The Eagles led by as many as 11 points midway through the fourth quarter, but the Warriors’, using a very physical style of play, made several steals and got back into the game late.
For the second consecutive game, Holden started off very sluggish and got behind early, but clawed their way back to only trail by two at the end of the first quarter.
“In the first period, I felt like we were Santa Claus because we just kept giving the ball away,” head HHS Eagle coach Dale Wescott quipped. “But we started to play a little better in the second quarter.”
The Eagles pulled ahead by intermission and held a slim 29-27 edge going into the second half.
In the third quarter, Holden outscored Renaissance by seven and held a nine-point lead at the end of the period.
“We played pretty well in the third quarter, but did a poor job of taking care of the ball late in the game,” the coach continued. “We’re just going to have to play stronger and take care of the ball better because we let them get back into the game late.”
One of the main reasons the Eagles were able to weather the late fourth-quarter storm and come away with a victory was the play of senior Deron Binkley. “It was like Deron wasn’t going to allow the team to lose,” Coach Wescott added. “On one of our many missed free throws (Holden shot four of 17 from the line) late in the quarter, Deron grabbed the rebound and stuck it back in.”
That wasn’t the only time, as Binkley ended the game with 15 points and 17 rebounds including five of the offensive variety. “He just took charge,” the coach said.
Also having a great offensive night was fellow senior Zak Anstine who poured in 20 points, including three three-pointers, and consistently kept the Warrior defenders on their heels with his drives to the bucket. He also dished out four assists and was credited with three steals. Adding nine points to the totals was David Lerda who was also tops in steals with four.
Keeping the Eagles in the match early was 6’6” center Crosby Coleman who poured in eight points. His post-ups and soft touch got Holden back even with Renaissance after they had fallen behind by seven in the first quarter. Not scoring in the game, but leading in assists was A. J. Langston who dished five dimes to his teammates.
After a game Tuesday night at Sherwood, the Eagles will return home Friday night to take on the Odessa Bulldogs in the HHS gym. Action for that one will get underway at 5:30 p.m. the boys will not be in competition until after the holidays when they take on Crest Ridge Saturday, January 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Central Missouri. Besides a heavy Missouri River Valley East Conference schedule in January, the varsity boys will also compete in the Pleasant Hill and Clinton Invitational Tournaments.
Receiving the offensive player of the week award was Zak Anstine, while Deron Binkley was named both the defensive and hustle award winner for the period.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
Since losing their first game of the season in overtime to Pleasant Hill, the Holden High School girls’ varsity basketball team has reeled off three straight victories including wins last week over Grain Valley and Renaissance Academy.
On last Monday, the Lady Eagles had to go to another overtime game to put away Grain Valley, 54-50.
Holden had to come from behind in the contest, outscoring the Eagles from the north 13-5 in the fourth quarter to erase an eight-point deficit and send the game into OT.
“I was very proud of the effort the girls played with and the poise they showed in the fourth quarter and overtime,” head Lady Eagle coach Travis Fleming stated. “They did a good job of executing and stayed with the game until we were able to make a run. Down in the final period, we started to hit some shots and forced some turnovers with our pressure that allowed us to tie the game.”
Early in the game, Grain Valley was “raining” three-pointers, hitting five in the first half. “We weren’t doing a good job of keeping the ball in front of us and they were penetrating and kicking out,” Coach Fleming continued. “In the second half, my perimeter players did a much better job and held Grain Valley to no threes.
“We had some great individual performances in the game,” the coach continued. “Jenna Brockhaus played well early and kept us in the ball game by scoring and making some great passes for easy buckets. Kelsey Whitehead recorded her first double-double of her career scoring 14 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Offensively we are still struggling a little while finishing. We are getting great looks around the basket, but we’re not converting. We took a step in the right direction and the kids showed a lot of poise and determination.”
Statistics for the game included: Scoring - Whitehead, 14; Kelsey Carver, 11; Valerie Lambert, 10; Brockhaus, eight; Calla Burden, six; Lauren Adams, three; and Stacey Calhoun and Lauren Geisler, one apiece.
Rebounds - Whitehead, 15; Carver, eight; Lambert and Geisler, six apiece; Calhoun, two; and Adams and Burden, one each.
Steals - Whitehead, three; Lambert, two; and Calhoun and Geisler, one apiece.
Assists - Carver and Lambert, five apiece; Brockhaus and Geisler, two each; and Whitehead and Adams, one apiece.
Lady Eagles 63
Renaissance Acad. 31
“This was a big night for our post players,” praised Coach Fleming. “The girls gave a great effort inside and did a good job of attack Renaissance’s 6’2” center. Calla Burden had a career high 18 points and Kelsey Whitehead churned out 12. Calla did a good job of working on the interior and when she caught she just attacked the rim. She is tough to defend when she gets posted that deep and shooting 80 percent from the foul line makes her a real threat. It was great to see her have that type of success.”
The coach continued, “As a team, we did a good job of running the floor and Valerie (Lambert) is doing an excellent job of distributing the ball. Her 13 assists is a career high for her and the highest single-game total I have seen as a coach. Stacey (Calhoun) recorded six steals and converted a lot of those into easy baskets for her teammates. It was a great team effort and the balance we showed in all areas proves it. Defensively we were just a little off. I’m still waiting for that night when we put together a solid defensive effort.”
Stats included: Scoring - Burden, 18; Whitehead, 12; Carver, 11; Geisler, eight; Calhoun, six; Adams, four; and Brockhaus and Lambert, two apiece.
Rebounds - Lambert and Adams, four apiece; Whitehead, Calhoun, Geisler and Burden, three each; Carver, two; and Kelsey Holmes and Brockhaus, one each.
Steals - Calhoun, six; Adams, four; Lambert, three; Whitehead and Carver, two each; and Brockhaus and Burden, one apiece.
Assists - Lambert, 13; Carver, four; Adams, two; and Whitehead, Katie Passler, Calhoun, Geisler and Burden, one each.
Coach Flemings’s players’ of the week included Burden, offense; Whitehead, defense and Calhoun, hustle.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
The Kingsville Tiger boys’ basketball team streaked to the championship match of the Mid-State Conference Basketball Tournament but could go no further, losing to Leeton, 46-29, and taking home the second-place trophy.
The inexperienced Tigers had defeated Calhoun and K.C. Lutheran along the way to the title game, but according to Kingsville head coach Mike Bodenhamer, “We just ran out of gas in the second half of the championship game.”
Kingsville had found themselves down by 10 at the intermission, 20-10, but clawed their way back into the game in the third quarter. After that, the Bulldogs took off and distanced themselves from the Tigers to win the crown.
“We were really glad to get to the championship game,” Coach Bodenhamer said. “We would have liked to win it, but I’m proud of the boys for what they accomplished. They competed well and played very hard in the tournament. I’m definitely seeing improvement, but we still have a lot of work to do.”
High point man for the Tigers against Leeton was Ross Shull with 11. He also added six assists to his total. Ryan Bishop added seven.
In the 62-48 win over K.C. Lutheran, Bishop led all scorers with 20, while Dane Ross added 15. Chris Cox came off the bench and gave the Tigers a lift with nine points.
In the 57-43 win over Calhoun, everybody got to play as the Tigers led 19-4 after a quarter of play. Leading scorer was Bishop again with 12, while Ross and Alex Nelson added nine apiece.
The Tigers are scheduled to play at Lakeland tonight (Thursday) with action beginning at 5:30 p.m.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
The Kingsville girls’ varsity basketball squad defeated Chilhowee, 46-40, Saturday to take third place in the annual Mid-State Conference basketball tournament held at Wentworth Academy in Lexington.
The girls had reached the third-place contest by defeating Calhoun, 55-34, in the first round and losing to K.C. Lutheran, 61-12, in the semifinal matchup.
“We played much better defensively in the win over the Lady Indians,” reported Lady Tiger head coach Jacklyn Treece, “but we’re still struggling offensively. We missed 10 layups and 13 free throws in the game. We did have seven players who cracked the scoring column, so that helped.”
Statistics in the win over Chilhowee included: Alie Hawley, 13 points and 10 rebounds; Kaylee Herring, 11 points, 15 rebounds and seven steals; Kayla Cox, 11 points, three rebounds and two steals; Lauren Thomas, three points and four steals; Justinne Long, two points, six rebounds and four steals; Jill Ring, two points, four rebounds and two steals; and Abbie Sechrest, two points and one steal.
K.C. Luth 61 Tigers 12
“We didn’t show up for this game,” Coach Treece related. “We got open shots, but we just couldn’t make them.”
Stats were: Hawley, four points and six rebounds; Cox, four points and two rebounds; thomas, two points and five rebounds; and Sechrest, two points and one rebound.
Tigers 55 Calhoun 34
Coach Treece stated that pressuring the ball was key to the win. “Offensively, we ran in spurts for the entire game,” she continued. “Kaylee (Herring) did an excellent job both offensively and defensively.” The freshman Herring led in scoring with 15.
Complete stats were: Herring, 15 points, six rebounds, six steals and two assists; Hawley, 11 points, three rebounds, two steals and one assist; Cox, 11 points, four rebounds, three steals and three assists; Ring, seven points, nine rebounds and one steal; Long, six points, two steals and two assists; Thomas, three points and three rebounds; and Meghan O’Hare, two points and two rebounds.
The girls will finish off their 2008 portion of this season’s schedule tonight (Thursday) with a 5:30 p.m. game at Lakeland. They will get back into action after the holiday break with a home gave versus Ballard, January 6 at 5:30 p.m.
By Steve Sullins
Editor
OBITUARIES
CHRISTINE MARIE STRUEBIN
Christine Marie Struebin, 91, Holden, Missouri, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2008, at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg.
She was born in Holden on April 15, 1917, the daughter of Charles Robert and Edith A. (Dobratz) Struebin. Christine graduated from Holden High School in 1937 and lived in Holden most of her life. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holden and served her church diligently in her earlier years.
She is survived by two nieces, Barbara Ann Rai, Kennewick, WA, and Marla Kay Struebin, Spokane, WA, and good friend and caregiver Marilyn Benson, Warrensburg, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Robert (Bo) Struebin, Jr.
Graveside services and burial were held at 1 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2008, at Holden Cemetery, Holden Missouri with Pastor Pat Kelley officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Ben Cast & Son - Wood Funeral Home, Holden, MO.
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