At the regular meeting of the HOPE Coalition, held last Tuesday morning, the board elected officers for the upcoming year.  They are: president, Bob Mickey; first vice president, John Roberts; second vice president, Fred Christenson; treasurer, Dorothy Salsman; and secretary, Ruth Richey.
Executive director Danny Crews also welcomed new board members Donna Chaney and Rusty Kephart and returning board member Roberts.
In planning news, the HOPE planning committee consisting of Crews, Donna LaHue, Mickey, Roberts, Scotty Walker and Christenson met December 5 and December 9 to try to come up with solutions for the future of the HOPE Coalition’s programs and where to house them if the building they currently occupy sells.
In Harvesters news, it was reported by Crews that they will not deliver in January but will resume regular deliveries in February.  Harvesters deliver the first Thursday of the month throughout the year and according to LaHue, serve approximately 240 families.
In Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) news, Crews reported they are still in need of individuals or farmers to take part in the NAP program to receive tax credits and asked board members if they had any names of prospective candidates for NAP.  President Mickey asked Crews if he had contacted donors from last year and Crews reported he had not.  Roberts said he usually made several contacts with cash donors from the previous year, both in person and by mail.  Crews said he would look at the list and write letters to them.  Mickey thought they should focus on cash donors rather than the farmers.  Roberts also suggested it would be helpful to put information on NAP on HOPE’s website.
In other financial news, the board discussed the huge challenges they are facing due to a lack of operating funds.  They looked into expenses and compared them to last year’s numbers, noting the biggest difference in payroll was the salary of the activities director at the Community Activity Center (CAC), Jennifer Loos.  Roberts recommended the board designate members to serve on a budget committee to look into the problems in depth and come up with solutions.  “We need to get some reasonable estimates on what we have and what is projected,” said Roberts.  Those selected to sit on the committee were Dorothy Salsman, chairman; Roberts, Mickey, Crews and Walker.  It was decided an immediate meeting was needed to look into the issue and the committee will meet December 22.  Walker asked the board for ideas before the committee meets.  Salsman stated she believed they might have to change the clothes closet into a thrift shop as it is not making enough to pay expenses.  It was also discussed that utilities are a major expense for the Coalition, when combining both the Community Service Center (CSC) and the CAC.  Walker asked what all the programs were that were offered at HOPE.  He was told they offer GED classes, clothes closet, office, HAMA meetings, bargain room, WIC, and Harvesters.
In maintenance news, Crews gave an update on existing areas that still need attention including the leaking roof at the CSC, gymnasium lights, A/C maintenance schedule, light switches instead of breaker box in CAC, and floor finish.
In related news, Crews told the board that bids were taken from electricians to replace all of the light fixtures in the CAC and the job was awarded to Phil Tevis with low bid.  “He will replace all of the existing lights and complete a list of other electrical tasks including installing light switches instead of using the breaker boxes to turn lights off and on,” said Crews.
In grant news, Crews informed the board the Payless Shoes grant was denied.  “They had an overwhelming response and have decided to donate it differently,” stated Crews.
In miscellaneous news, Crews reminded the board another freezer is still needed by the clothes closet for their use. 
In United Way news, Crews said United Way applications were to be mailed to agencies December 15.
In her director of activities report for the CAC, Jen Loos said the second session of leagues will start January 19. “We will add seventh/eighth grade boys and girls and also try to add a new league that the CAC has never hosted before, third/fourth competitive league,” said Loos.
She went on to say the quilt show will be held April 24-26, 2009.  “There was a quilt work day December 9 where quilting ladies volunteered their time and helped make a quilt for the show in April,” stated Loos.  LaHue added they will have raffle tickets for anyone who wishes to sell them.
In other sports news, Loos reported Dennis Birkle has verified he would like to rent the Harvesters area to operate batting cages starting January 9 and will continue every Tuesday night.
“There will also be a middle school basketball tournament January 7 and 10,” added Loos.
The regular meeting of the board of directors of HOPE Coalition closed to reopen January 15 at 6:45 a.m. in the HOPE CSC conference room.
Websites for the Coalition are holdencac.embarqspace.com and hopecoalition.embarqspace.com.
By Dana Raker
News Staff



Emma Petitt addressed the city council of Kingsville at their regular meeting held last Tuesday night.
She requested the city’s support in the Girl Scout’s recycling project.  “At this point we are able to take only paper products; no glass or cans,” she said.  The council voted to support the project.
In street news, the council received a request to change the street signs on T Highway to Chestnut Street for address purposes only.  The council voted to approve this recommendation.
In other city hall news, it was reported by Pastor John McRoy that they are still working on getting a light for the new flag pole in front of city hall.
After some discussion, the council voted to continue to support the Western Johnson County Medical Clinic for the coming year.
In other city news, the council discussed the new law which requires all businesses to provide proof that their taxes are paid before a city license will be issued.
Deputy Brian Hobbs discussed the problem of dogs running at large in the city.  The council addressed the issue to some extent.  They decided at the next meeting they will put into motion a new ordinance to protect the city from the excessive cost of boarding dogs.
The regular meeting of the Kingsville City Council closed to reopen in January.
By Dana Raker
News Staff

The Holden R-III Foundation received $2,000 from an anonymous donor who asked that $1,000 be given to John West for the band department and $1,000 to Wendy Inman for the chorale program.
West commented, “We want to say thanks very much.  The money was very much needed.  We will use it to purchase new percussion instruments.”
Inman said of the donation, “John and I were both very surprised and flattered to receive the generous gift of money from the anonymous donor, and we feel incredibly blessed to have the support of the foundation, our co-workers, administration, and most of all...our students.  This will help our music department tremendously.”
According to Bevy Fletchall of the Foundation, “The donor was so pleased with the music department at the school and job that these two educators are doing that they wanted to have these funds used as needed.”




Filings have been brisk for the Holden R-III School Board and Holden City Council races to be decided in the April election.
With the filing period opening last Tuesday at 8 a.m., already four individuals have filed for the two three-year school board seats presently held by Mike Watterson and Pat Zvacek.  Two have filed for the four city council openings.
In the R-III board contestants, incumbents Zvacek and Watterson have decided to run again as well as Joe Burnor and local businessman Bobby Hoffman.  Incumbent council persons Angela Thomas, Ward I; and Dorothy Wakeman, Ward III; have also made their intentions known that they would run again.
In Kingsville races, there are two two-year terms in the R-I School Board presently held by Kristel Spies and Eddie Barnett to be decided in April.  Both incumbents have re-filed as well as Art Worsley.
With a mayoral and two aldermen-at-large seats to be contested in Kingsville city elections, no one has filed as of press time.
The Holden Image will continue to monitor filings in the races and report as more information comes forth.
By Steve Sullins
Editor