20-minute meeting ends abruptly
Tempers flare at Holton meeting
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

No official business was taken care of at the Holton Town Council's regular meeting February 14. Instead, about six citizens attended the meeting with complaints about the town board's practices including personal attacks.

Frank Vanosdol spoke first when the floor was opened by President Robert Furst. He asked the town to have more common sense in running the town and asked where the town's money comes from. When Peggy Furst, deputy clerk-treasurer began to answer the question, he said he wasn't talking to her he was talking to "Bob."

Vanosdol continued saying years ago the town had "run Goins'(a parts store/gas station) out of business by bringing in a store that sold gas and noted there were three places that sold beer. Vanosdol owns Frank & Joann's Bar at the west edge of town. When Furst said he didn't have any control over the businesses, Vanosdol said, "A town board can override anything."

Vanosdol started talking about the new ATV Ordinance that the town passed. He said this was a state law, not a town ordinance. When Marshal Billey Moore tried to explain the law, Vanosdol said he wasn't talking to him and said he "knew his (Moore's) background." Vanosdol also asked Furst about the upkeep of his residence. Furst asked what was wrong with his place. Vanosdol also ranted about an issue with a neighbor to which Furst replied, "Didn't I help you with that?"

Danny Beach along with his wife Alice, attended the meeting and voiced complaints against the town council. Danny said there was a town board member not residing in the town limits. "You're not living in the town of Holton," he accused Rick Holman. He said he had gone by his (Holman's) place any hour of the day or night and Holman was not living where he says he is.

Holman, who is a council member, noted that he does in fact reside at 6737 W. Versailles Street. When asked why his vehicle was never at that residence, he said it's his personal business where he is on his own time. "Do you want us to push the issue and find out where you're living?" Danny Beach asked Holman.

On the subject of Holman, Greg Pickett said, "What's the deal on Rick's building?" He said the back half of the roof is falling through. Holman responded that he has a permit to work on his home and wasn't living in the damaged part. Pickett continued by saying he's been by Holman's house and he's not there for anybody to get a hold of. He said as a council member he should be available for town residents to talk to. Holman said he was and asked Pickett if he had ever tried to call him.

Peggy Furst said she couldn't understand why these people had come to one meeting and not to others to help the council make the town a better place. "We're just trying to make the town a better place to live for everyone," she noted.

Pickett continued talking saying that the old Holton school should be condemned and the roof had fallen in with nothing done about it. Wilbur Myers said the roof hadn't fallen in, but admitted the roof leaked.

Vanosdol, the Beaches, and Pickett continued talking sometimes together, sometimes separately, about various complaints they had against the town council or the members individually. After futile attempts to maintain order President Furst stated, "This meeting is adjourned."

The entire meeting lasted approximately 20 minutes including the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting.