Area News

On June 22, Holden Mayor Doyle Weeks resigned before the Holden City Council after reports of nepotism actions came to light. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office first received allegations of nepotism on May 17, 2021, at which time they filed a report and turned the matter over to Robert Russell, Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney. The nepotism…

Renewal of a current sales tax was discussed at the regular June 7 meeting of the Holden Parks & Recreation Board. The no tax increase sales tax is the Storm Water/Parks Dept. tax, which was originally approved by voters several years ago. Revenue from the tax is divided evenly between the Parks Dept. and the…

Holden City Council members heard information about the proposed change in traffic to two-way on S. Market St. between 2nd and 3rd St., at their regular June meeting. The issue has been very controversial, with parties on both sides of the issue voicing their opinions at the May council meeting. A business in town has…

Just a short drive down 58 Highway will take you on a journey into the past as a visit to Hazel Hill Farm is a perfect get-a-way for something different to do for family-style entertainment. Jon and Stacey Howerton and their family now own the Queen Anne-style historic 1896 farmhouse and offer different events on their…

Holden is boasting an all-new look as the MoDOT roadway and sidewalk project was completed last month. The plans for the mammoth project started back in 2018, with a lot of preparation and communication to get all affected parties on board with the upcoming upheaval that was to come. Actual work began in 2019 and…

by Matthew Barba Editor, Missouri Press Association As a profession, journalism has always attracted the passionate and tenacious, those who refuse to throw in the towel even when the odds (and the powerful) are against them. But what do you do when the thing opposing you is yourself, or at least your own body? Dana…

Holden City Council members heard updates from committee chairmen at their regular monthly meeting, held May 11. Councilman Ray Briscoe gave an update on economic development, with Chamber of Commerce news. He informed council members that the Chamber will be hosting Cruise Nights downtown on 2nd St. the first Friday of each month. The first…

A Memorial Day flag celebration will be held at the Holden Cemetery this Monday, May 31 at 10 a.m. A memorial service will take place, along with a 21-gun salute. There will be a POW/MIA ceremony to remember our lost loved ones who didn’t come home, and Taps will be played. A wreath-laying ceremony will…

Holden City Council members discussed issues with a street directional change, at their regular May meeting. Broaching the highly contentious subject of changing S. Market, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, to a two-way thoroughfare, council members heard from Market St. business owners on both sides of the issue. Council was addressing the issue after an…

Calling all car and truck enthusiasts – the Holden Area Chamber of Commerce is going to start holding Cruise Nights in downtown Holden! Cruise Nights will be held the first Friday of each month, beginning on June 4, from 5 to 8 p.m., on 2nd St. The Chamber received a permit to have the City…