Area News

The traditional fireworks display at Holden’s July Fourth celebration has been cancelled. Holden Area Chamber of Commerce President, Jennifer Smithson, said the cancellation was due to the inability to find a licenced/insured pryotechnician. “We’ve been attempting to locate a qualified and insured person, but have been unsuccessful,” said Smithson. “We’re disappointed about this, but hope…

By Cammy Marble Contributor On June 2, 2022, recently retired editor Dana Raker of The Holden Image and Lone Jack Paper Clips, was notified that after nearly 20 years of work on the newspaper, she will be inducted into the Missouri Press Association (MPA) Newspaper Hall of Fame. The Awards Ceremony and Hall of Fame…

What began decades ago as a dream for a young Holden couple and their toddler has proved it can weather the hard times, adapt to the many changes the passing years bring, and still persevere as a beloved Holden icon. Strate’s Drive Inn, opened by a Holden native and his Arkansas sweetheart wife, Dale and Linda…

Positive reports came from Holden Water Superintendent Tony Lerda when the Holden Board of Public Works held its monthly meeting June 7. Lerda told the Board all but 15 of the new water meters had been installed, and those would require excavation. He went on to say there are a few larger meters requiring some…

A dream of the late Dennis Hutcherson to provide an outdoor facility for hosting Holden area community activities in the downtown area is becoming a reality. Starting this week, a beautiful pavillion complete with a three-feet high stage will be underway where the former F&C Bank drive-through is located. It will be called the Life…

The Holden Chamber of Commerce Rodeo has been set for June 24, 25, at the Holden City Park Arena. Event times begin at 7:30 p.m for the ever popular Mutton Bustin’ event, (ages 7 & under, registration 6:30 p.m. limit of 20 per night), with the rodeo to follow at 8:00 p.m. Ticket prices: are…

During the Memorial Day weekend, Hometown Project held an open house at the Pleasant View Schoolhouse for visitors to view the century- old building. What they witnessed was a historical landmark which has, and still is, undergoing a remarkable restoration. Visitors got to turn back the clock to 1915, the year the schoolhouse was built.…

Enrollment for Holden R-III Summer School 2022 is OPEN! Join your friends this summer for a Summer Journey, a fun, hands-on curriculum to keep kids active and engaged. Dates for the classes are as follows: Session 1: June 9-24; and Session 2: July 11-26. The District will offer students, free of charge, a fun, exciting,…

Before a packed house of family, friends and other well-wishers, the Holden High School Class of 2022 celebrated Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 22. Led by Valedictorian Avery Vance and Salutatorian Elaina Young, the excited classmates looked on the proceedings with anticipation and a sense of exhilaration. Salutatorian Elaina Young was selected to give the…

Dana Raker, longtime news editor for the Holden Image and Lone Jack Paperclips news publications, leaves her role as news editor (today) Thursday, June 2. She gave the notification of her retirement late last month. (See column, page 4 of this week’s Image) “All of us at the Image appreciate Dana’s significant past contributions during…