October 2014 – Page 34 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Counterfeit bills leads to arrest on Western’s Campus

Posted on October 23, 2014October 23, 2014

The St. Joseph Police Department arrested a man on Missouri Western’s campus Wednesday in connection with a series of counterfeit $20 bills which have been circulated throughout the city.

According to the St. Joseph Police Department a black male suspect was located at Western and arrested for investigation of counterfeiting after a series of tips lead police to his location.

The department said the first report of the fake $20 bills was reported on Oct. 21 with six other reports followed a short time later that day within only a few hours of each other. Convenience stores and fast food restaurants appear to be the choice targets for the suspects.

Sgt. Gary Murphy said the bills are of good quality and were accepted by clerks for payment, some went unnoticed as being counterfeit until being discovered by business management during money count.

Suspects and vehicle descriptions were acquired by police during the investigation. Several black males and one black female were sought in connection with the case. One black male was described as having a facial tattoo and numerous tattoos on his arms who was seen passing a fake $20 at the South Riverside McDonald’s on Oct. 22.

The suspects vehicle was described as a gray 4-door Pontiac Booneville which was located on Western’s campus Wednesday.

Police said the black female driver was questioned on campus which lead to officers to arrest a black male suspect at Western for investigation of counterfeiting.

The Financial Crimes Unit is currently in the process of obtaining video surveillance from businesses his by the fake $20-bills.

Capt. Jeff Wilson said no further information is being released at this time as the department coordinates investigation efforts with the United States Secret Service.

Charges have now been filed in this case. To read that story click here.

Report: Cause of crash that killed 3 Kan. physicians unknown

Posted on October 23, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A preliminary report says a small plane that crashed in suburban Chicago was nearly vertical to the ground when it went down, killing three Kansas physicians.

The National Transportation Safety Board report does not detail a cause of the Oct. 12 accident in the Chicago suburb of Palos Hills, Illinois. The crash killed Tausif Rehman and Ali Kanchwala, both physicians at Stormont-Vail HealthCare of Topeka, and Maria Javaid, a cardiologist at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the preliminary report says Rehman was piloting the twin-engine Beechcraft Baron when it took off from Midway Airport in Chicago bound for Lawrence, Kansas.

Weather conditions at the time included mist and overcast skies but the preliminary report doesn’t say whether that contributed to the crash.

Development Center aids in small business growth in Northwest Missouri

Posted on October 23, 2014October 23, 2014

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The assistance provided by the Northwest Missouri State University Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) during the last year has made a significant impact on small businesses and the economy in Northwest Missouri, including the creation of 13 businesses.

In addition to those new businesses, Rebecca Evans, director of the Northwest SBTDC, reported that, in fiscal year 2014 from October 2013 to September 2014, the SBTDC exceeded nearly all of its goals. During fiscal year 2014, businesses working in collaboration with the SBTDC:

created or retained 231 jobs in northwest Missouri;
experienced an increase in sales of $15 million; and
received loans and investments totaling nearly $38 million.
“The goals of the SBTDC are based on helping business owners and potential entrepreneurs meet today’s competitive challenges,” Evans said. “We reached 151 percent of our sales increase goal, 103 percent of our job creation goal, 159 percent of our job retention goal and an astounding 639 percent of our capitalization goal.”

The region’s SBTDC is operated by Northwest with offices in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) on the University campus, St. Joseph and Chillicothe, while serving a 17-county area.

“We are proud of the work the SBTDC does every day to assist northwest Missouri small businesses and business owners,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “It is but one example of how the University contributes to economic development, and it is imperative all of us take ownership in supporting area businesses and entrepreneurs while advocating strongly for northwest Missouri.”

Like other SBTDC centers throughout the United States at institutions of higher learning, the northwest Missouri center is focused on economic development assistance for businesses with fewer than 500 employees.

The Northwest SBTDC is a leader in small business advocacy in Missouri and helps business owners and potential entrepreneurs meet today’s competitive challenges. It also provides individual business counseling to small business owners and individuals throughout the region, coordinates and conducts research related to technical and general small business problems, and conducts conferences and workshops on topics of interest to small business owners.

The SBTDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. It has developed and cultivated relationships with partners such as the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the state legislature, area chambers of commerce and economic developers throughout the region.

Kansas wants EPA to withdraw proposed water rule

Posted on October 23, 2014October 23, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback says he and top officials in his administration are asking the federal government to withdraw a new rule asserting regulatory authority over many of the nation’s streams and wetlands.

Brownback had a Statehouse news conference Thursday to announce that he and five members of his Cabinet are sending a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s administrator.

The Republican governor has made his opposition to the rule part of his re-election campaign ahead of the Nov. 4 election. He’s in a tough race with Democratic challenger Paul Davis.

The EPA contends the rule clarifies which waters are shielded from development under federal law.

But farm-state officials contend the rule would allow the federal government to dictate what farmers and others can do on their land.

—————–

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback is preparing to announce new efforts by Kansas to protest a new federal rule asserting regulatory authority over many of the nation’s streams and wetlands.

Brownback was having a Statehouse news conference Thursday to discuss the rule proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Republican governor has made his opposition to the rule part of his re-election campaign in rural areas ahead of the Nov. 4 election. He’s in a tough race with Democratic challenger Paul Davis.

The EPA contends the rule clarifies which waters are shielded from development under federal law.

But agriculture groups and farm-state officials like Brownback call the proposed rule a power grab that would allow the government to dictate what farmers can do on their own land.

Senators ask for nationwide air bag recall; see the cars now listed

Posted on October 23, 2014October 23, 2014

TOM KRISHER, AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) — Two U.S. senators are calling on U.S. auto safety regulators to immediately issue a nationwide recall for cars with faulty air bags made by Takata Corp.

Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Edward Markey of Massachusetts made the call in a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, who oversees the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The letter delivered Thursday also asks Foxx to encourage automakers to provide free loaner cars if parts aren’t available.

Air bag inflators made by Takata can rupture, causing metal fragments to fly out in a crash. Safety advocates say the problem has caused four deaths. So far automakers have recalled about 12 million vehicles worldwide due to the problem.

But in the U.S. many automakers have limited the recall to high-humidity areas in southern states.

The numbers cited for potentially affected vehicles below are subject to change and adjustment because there may be cases of vehicles being counted more than once. Owners should check their VIN periodically as manufacturers continue to add VINs to the database. Once owner recall notices are available, owners can retrieve a copy from SaferCar.gov, or will receive one by U.S. mail and are advised to carefully follow the enclosed instructions.

BMW: 627,615 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2000 – 2005 3 Series Sedan
2000 – 2006 3 Series Coupe
2000 – 2005 3 Series Sports Wagon
2000 – 2006 3 Series Convertible
2001 – 2006 M3 Coupe
2001 – 2006 M3 Convertible

Chrysler: 371,309 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2008 Dodge Ram 1500
2005 – 2008 Dodge Ram 2500
2006 – 2008 Dodge Ram 3500
2006 – 2008 Dodge Ram 4500
2008 – Dodge Ram 5500
2005 – 2008 Dodge Durango
2005 – 2008 Dodge Dakota
2005 – 2008 Chrysler 300
2007 – 2008 Chrysler Aspen

Ford: 58,669 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2004 – Ranger
2005 – 2006 GT
2005 – 2007 Mustang

General Motors: undetermined total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2005 Pontiac Vibe
2005 – Saab 9-2X

Honda: 5,051,364 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2001 – 2007 Honda Accord)
2001 – 2002 Honda Accord
2001 – 2005 Honda Civic
2002 – 2006 Honda CR-V
2003 – 2011 Honda Element
2002 – 2004 Honda Odyssey
2003 – 2007 Honda Pilot
2006 – Honda Ridgeline
2003 – 2006 Acura MDX
2002 – 2003 Acura TL/CL
2005 – Acura RL

Mazda: 64,872 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2007 Mazda6
2006 – 2007 MazdaSpeed6
2004 – 2008 Mazda RX-8
2004 – 2005 MPV
2004 – B-Series Truck

Mitsubishi: 11,985 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2004 – 2005 Lancer
2006 – 2007 Raider

Nissan: 694,626 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2001 – 2003 Nissan Maxima
2001 – 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
2002 – 2004 Nissan Sentra
2001 – 2004 Infiniti I30/I35
2002 – 2003 Infiniti QX4
2003 – 2005 Infiniti FX35/FX45

Subaru: 17,516 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2003 – 2005 Baja
2003 – 2005 Legacy
2003 – 2005 Outback
2004 – 2005 Impreza

Toyota: 877,000 total number of potentially affected vehicles
2002 – 2005 Lexus SC
2002 – 2005 Toyota Corolla
2003 – 2005 Toyota Corolla Matrix
2002 – 2005 Toyota Sequoia
2003 – 2005 Toyota Tundra

(Update) Child Hospitalized By Hit & Run Driver

Posted on October 23, 2014October 23, 2014

An eight-year-old St Joseph girl was hit by a motorist as the youngster crossed the street to her bus stop. The woman driving the car, left the scene and may not be aware she hit the child. Injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

St Joseph Police Officer Scott VanOver says the girl suffered some bumps and scrapes, but nothing life-threatening. VanOver expected care-givers at Heartland Hospital to keep her under observation.

The vehicle’s passenger-side mirror apparently hit the youngster in the head, causing a facial gash. She also complained of leg pain.

VanOver says a witness driving through the fog at 13th and Grand Avenue saw the accident shortly before 8am and stopped to help. The youngster was taken back to her home nearby, and from there was transported by ambulance to Heartland.

VanOver says they are looking for the driver of a full-sized, older-model, red or dark burgundy passenger vehicle. If you have information that could help investigators, call the TIPS hotline at (816)238-TIPS.

MSU protest at homecoming elicits racial slurs

Posted on October 23, 2014

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Missouri State University officials are denouncing treatment that some people received during a protest at homecoming events.

The protesters who marched silently through homecoming festivities on the Springfield campus Saturday say they were met with racial slurs and gun gestures.

University officials said in a statement Tuesday that it doesn’t condone actions or comments made against people who are practicing free speech. And on Twitter, Athletic Director Kyle Moats apologized for ordering the removal of the group’s chalked protest messages, which included messages such as “Black Lives Matter” and outlines of bodies.

The Springfield News-Leader reports Moats said he ordered the chalk removed because he thought the comments were incendiary and inappropriate. He said he plans to apologize in person to the protest organizers.

Kansas City and Ride-sharing Lyft agree to disagree

Posted on October 23, 2014

KANSAS CITY (AP) – The ride-sharing company Lyft will temporarily stop operating in Kansas City while it works out an agreement to operate legally in the city.

Lyft officials said Wednesday that the drivers will stop working Friday for up to 60 days.

The Kansas City Star reports the agreement, which requires a federal judge’s approval, also temporarily stops a federal court lawsuit scheduled to go to trial in December.

Lyft uses a smartphone app to link passengers with part-time drivers in their own vehicles.

The city and Lyft have been at odds since the company arrived in Kansas City in May. The city contends the company should have to follow regulations governing taxis. But Lyft argues it is a different business than taxis and should have to follow the requirements.

AFL-CIO Gears Up For Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program

Posted on October 23, 2014

AFL-CIO Community Services is gearing up for the annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas Program starting November 3.

Organizers will take applications from families and individuals needing help for Christmas through Friday, December 5.

Applications for Spanish-speaking individuals will be taken by appointment only. Call 816-273-6665 to make an appointment.

They’ve revised the schedule somewhat:

*Monday to Thursday 1 to 4 pm
*Thursday 5 pm to 7 pm (by appointment only)
*Friday 9 to 1 pm
*Saturday Nov. 15 & Dec. 6, 9 am to 12 pm (by appointment only)

Click here for a list of things you’ll need to bring when you apply.

Those unable to apply in person due to a physical disability should call Community Services at 816-364-1131 no later than December 1 to make other arrangements. They will be asked to provide some way to verify their inability to come in.

Applicants should not bring children when applying for the program.

Two from KCK face federal drug charges after NW Kan. incident

Posted on October 23, 2014

Two Kansas City, Kan., teens are facing federal drug charges after an incident that occurred earlier this month in northwest Kansas.

In a news release, the office of U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom announced Wednesday that Ramiro Madrigal, 19, and Armando Rodriguez, Jr., 19, both of Kansas City, were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count each of traveling from Nevada to Kansas in furtherance of drug trafficking.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred Oct. 15 in Thomas County.

If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and a fine up to $4 million on each of the first two counts and a maximum penalty of five years and a fine up to $250,000 on the third count. The Kansas Highway Patrol investigated, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mona Furst is prosecuting.