October 2014 – Page 63 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Obituaries for October 15, 2014

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Helen Margurette Wideman Hodge Davison, 91, formerly of Hopkins, Mo., died Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Golden Living Center, Maryville.
Helen was born February 6, 1923 in Jefferson County, near Desoto, Mo., to George Wisely and Emily Dorothy (Siebels) Wideman. She grew up on a farm and attended country school in that area.
On May 25, 1943 Helen married Joseph Sydney Hodge in DeSoto. Born to this union were two boys, Joe and Karl Hodge. The family lived happily in the DeSoto area until the accidental death of her husband on September 23, 1946. Helen then went to work in a local glass factory to support her family.
On August 27, 1949 Helen married Harlan Davison and lived on a farm in the Hopkins area for forty-eight years. They raised a blended family: their son, Terry (Marsha) Davison, Hopkins; Harland’s children, Richard (Carol) Davison of Maloy, Iowa; Ken (Joyce) Davison of Maryville; Jack (Phillis) Davison of Macon, Mo.; Sharon (Sherrill) Swink of Udall, Kan.; Sue Dalles of St. Joseph; Larry (Pam) Davison of Hopkins; Joe (Lois) Hodge of Bedford, Iowa; and Karl (B.J.) Hodge of Maryville.
After Harlan’s death on October 6, Helen moved to Maryville in December 1998. Here, she raised an annual garden, grew flowers and kept her lawn and home in nearly perfect condition. Everything had a place and everything, indeed, was in its place. Helen won a Home Beautification Award for her work.
Throughout her life, Helen especially enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, and being out of doors in general. She was an exceptional cook. Her food was often enjoyed not only by her family, but, also by friends and neighbors. In her later years, Helen took great pride in creating quilt tops and giving the finished creations to her family.
While in the Hopkins area and in good health, she attended the Hopkins Baptist Church. In later years she moved her attendance to the Maryville First Baptist Church.
In addition to her spouses, and parents, Helen was preceded in death by son, Ken Davison; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Mae. Wideman; sister and brother- in-law: Blanche and Floyd Johnson; brother-in-law: Henry Haverstick and grandson: Michael Hodge.
In addition to her children, she is survived by a sister, Opal Haverstick of Union, Mo.; 28 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation is anytime at Price Funeral Home, Maryville. Funeral Services are 2 p.m., Friday, October 17, 2014 at Maryville First Baptist Church, Maryville with burial in the Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Mo.
Memorials may be given to the Hopkins Cemetery Association or the First Baptist Church in Maryville.
Arrangements: Price Funeral Home www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

ST. JOSEPH – Dorothy Jean Pettijohn, 88, was called home to our Lord on Tuesday, October 14, 2014.
Dorothy was born September 18, 1926 to Forrest and Pansy (Walker) Castle in Jackson, Tenn.
She was a graduate of Lafayette High School in St. Joseph. Her previous employments were with the former Plymouth Clothing, Company, Southwestern Bell and twenty years as Librarian at Mark Twain Elementary School.
She was also a devoted wife to her husband, Wesley and loving mother to her four children. Dorothy loved her flower gardens and camping trips with her family.
Mrs. Pettijohn was a member of Ashland Avenue United Methodist Church. During her life she was a member of the North St. Joseph Study Club, a Girl Scout Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She was involved with Friends of Education Bowling League. She volunteered countless hours to the Alzheimer’s Association and as a tour guide for the Pony Express Museum.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley; son, Brent Pettijohn; parents, Pansy and Forrest Castle; and her brother, Robert Castle.
She is survived by her three daughters, Nancy Arn (Don), Pittsburg, Mo., Karen Sparks (Larry), St. Joseph, and Jan Wood (Dave), Nixa, Mo.; six grandchildren, Ryan and Jay Arn, Marc Sparks, Heather Horton, Sheila Martin and Krystal Isringhausen; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly June Schneider; and brother, Charles Castle (Marylou).
Services: 10 a.m., Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hands of Hope Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Larry Joe Foutch, 84, died Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born July 21, 1930 to Harry and Nova (Hickman) Foutch. Larry married Harriet Branham, August 8, 1957. He was a Special Education teacher.
He played in a band in his younger years and was a member of N.R.A. and loved to shoot black powder guns. He was also a member of the Pierce-Arrow Club, had been a real estate agent, insurance adjuster and the last few years had been a Special Education teacher at Central High School.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors: wife, Harriet; son, Gary Foutch, Bellevue, Neb.; grandson, Kody Foutch (Casey), Neosho, Mo.; great-grandson, Chase Foutch; great-granddaughter, Kenzee Foutch; brother, Gene Foutch; and niece, Tara Foutch.
Graveside Services: 3 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Elaine Anna Ginn, 77, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 at her home.
She was born July 17, 1937 to Owen and Sarah (Hasten) Ginn in St. Joseph.
She was a member of Holsey Chapel ICM and liked to work puzzles.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; several sisters and brothers; and son-in-law, Cassius Jackson.
Survivors: daughter, Leona Jackson, St. Joseph; son, Leonard Ginn, St. Joseph; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; twin sister, Elatha Nunley, St. Joseph; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services: 1 p.m., Saturday, Holsey Chapel ICM. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Mrs. Ginn will be removed from Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory to arrive at the church one hour prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made the donor’s choice. Thank you to Hands of Hope Hospice for your care of Elaine. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

MOUND CITY, Mo. – Hope Elizabeth Helfers, 96, Formerly of Craig, Mo., passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Tiffany Heights Nursing Home.
She was born July 29, 1918 to Edgar and Maude (Davis) Gray. She married Welton Helfers, February 25, 1940.
Hope graduated from Craig high School Class of 1935. She was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and later at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. While at St. Peter she was the past president of the Ladies Aid and Dorcas Circle. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed gardening and quilting.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son-in-law, Stephen Howard; six brothers, Ralph, Harold, Dean, Carl, Donald and Emory; three sisters, Edna, Marian and Doris.
Survivors: children, Barbara Wickham (Terry), St. Joseph, Larry Helfers (Lynne), Craig, Mo., Patty Howard, St. Joseph, and Rod Helfers (Leigh), Mound City; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services: 1 p.m., Friday, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mound City. Interment I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Craig. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Pettijohn and Crawford Funeral Home, Mound City. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.pettijohncrawford.com.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Stephen K. Schneider, 74, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 at a healthcare facility in Independence.
He was born January 14, 1940 to Lawrence and Edna (Huff) Schneider in St. Joseph.
He retired from the St. Joseph Police Department. Stephen was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and spent his time after retirement fishing.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors: children, Stephanie Chatfield (Charles), Gretchen Schneider, Kansas City, Mo., Wyatt Schneider, St. Joseph, and Bradley Schneider; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Roger Easton Pankau II, 46, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2014.
He was born July 10, 1968 in St. Joseph. He graduated from Central High School and worked in the food service industry, at Perkins, and the St. Joseph School District. He enjoyed fishing, camping, football, playing pool and hanging out with his friends and family, and he was a Christian.
Survivors include: mother, Rosa (Tom) Schiltz; father, Roger Easton (Frances) Pankau; a son, Tyler Pankau (Ashley Weyer) all of St. Joseph; daughter, Adrienne Vaughn of Texas; three grandchildren, Keaton, Michael, Katelynn; a brother, Jason (Charlotte) Thomas; and a sister, Ronda Pankau (Sean Thompson) all of St. Joseph.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., on Monday, October 20, 2014 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m., on Monday at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Blakely Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Roger Pankau memorial fund. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Missouri unemployment rate steady, jobs available

Posted on October 15, 2014

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s unemployment rate held steady in September while the state gained about 8,100 jobs.

Figures released Wednesday by the state Department of Economic Development show the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.3 percent last month — the same rate as August and about the same rate as one year ago.

Missouri’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment grew by 8,100 jobs during September.

The civilian labor force of more than 3 million people grew by over 15,000 during September. The labor force counts people with jobs and those who are on unemployment but looking for work.

St. Joseph and Buchanan County emergency leaders form a plan to respond to Ebola threat

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

Around 40 emergency leaders from St. Joseph and the surrounding community met this morning at the Remington Nature Center to address an emergency response plan in the event that a potential case of Ebola were to present itself in the community.

The St. Joseph Health Department held the meeting this morning with members in attendance from local health care providers, educators, law enforcement, ambulance and emergency medical response and related representatives to review plans and discuss specific response measures to the threat of Ebola.

St. Joseph Health Department Epidemiologist Ron Tolen said it’s important to make sure everyone who would respond to this situation know what their roles would be and how to follow procedures.

“The likelihood of an Ebola patient coming here is pretty slim,” said Tolen. “We want to take it seriously but not be overly fearful.”

Tolen said emergency leaders work together to respond to a number of different situations. He said there have been other viruses that leaders have had to plan to respond to in the past including scenarios like H1N1, and the threat of Smallpox.

“All of the outbreaks up to this year have not had near the duration nor the number of cases that this current outbreak does,” said Tolen. “We’re just making sure we know what our role is in the event of a case in the community.”

Because the Health Department does not treat patients Tolen said he does not expect to treat an individual directly, but that the Health Department’s role would include monitoring and checking in on individuals who may have come in contact with a confirmed case of the virus.

“We may be dealing with follow up trying to locate contacts,” said Tolen. “If someone was possibly exposed we would be following up.”

According to a Press Release from the St. Joseph Health Department this morning’s closed meeting included an explanation of the history of the Ebola Virus and how it is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. The Health Department said it will continue to work with all public health emergency coordination to make sure planning stays current and is in accordance with State and federal emergency management planning to ensure the community is prepared.

MoDOT relaxes truck weight limits to prevent harvest delays

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

The Missouri Department of Transportation has agreed to allow heavier than normal truck loads of farm commodities on Missouri highways.

The ten percent weight-limit increase was prompted by heavy rains and their affect on farmers’ ability to harvest crops in many areas of the state. Governor Jay Nixon made the announcement Wednesday during a visit to BioZyme in St Joseph.

“Many farmers are seeing record harvests this year, but heavy rains over the past few weeks are making it harder for thenm to get these valuable crops out of the fields,” Governor Nixon said.

“With the prime harvest season underway, this emergency waiver will provide timely and much-needed relief to farmers affected by these conditions.

“Without action to help them harvest more quickly, many Missouri farmers faced the possibility of real financial hardship — despite producing strong yields of corn, soybeans and other crops. I thank the Missouri Department of Agriculture and MoDOT for working together to support Missouri farmers and keep this vital sector of our economy moving forward.”

The waiver will remain in effect for the next 60 days. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers are limited to a loaded, gross weight no greater than ten percent above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle. The changes affect transport of commodities from the farm to another facility, transportation between facilities and empty return trips on non-interstate highways within the State of Missouri.

MoDOT requires those drivers to slow down to 30 miles per hour when crossing a bridge, and to yield to oncoming traffic on bridges.

MoDOT reminds drivers to look out for the big rigs

Posted on October 15, 2014

JEFFERSON CITY – We see it on our roadways every day – experienced and older drivers who have become complacent in their daily commute or weekly travel, zipping in and out of traffic and not thinking about the rules of sharing the road with big rigs. At up to 20 times the weight of a passenger vehicle, these big rigs can cause serious and often fatal injuries when involved in a crash.

With so many large trucks on our roadways it’s imperative that drivers of passenger vehicles use extreme caution when maneuvering around those big rigs. Motorists are urged to share the road, respect each other, pay attention and avoid unsafe behavior that could result in a crash.

“Research indicates that drivers of passenger cars are responsible for 70 percent of the fatal crashes involving large trucks,” said Dr. Leanna Depue, executive chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. “In fact, the actions of the automobile driver are more than three times likely to contribute to a fatal crash than the actions of the truck driver.”

During the Commercial Vehicles Safety Alliance (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week, October 19-25, Missouri law enforcement agencies will pay special attention to commercial vehicle drivers’ compliance with safety regulations. They will also watch for unsafe and aggressive driving behaviors by both passenger and commercial drivers on highways and local roads.

“The intent of Operation Safe Driver Week is to improve driver behavior and performance through effective enforcement, education and awareness,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Missouri statistics reveal that it’s our older driver population that most often encounter collisions by underestimating size, distance and speed of big trucks. All motorists, even those who have been driving for years, need to always remember the following safety tips when driving near a big truck:

• Stay out of the No Zone. Don’t linger alongside a truck or bus – you could be driving the No-Zone.

• Stay visible! Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer.

• Don’t tailgate a truck. The farther you are from a truck the less likely you will be involved in a collision.

• Don’t speed. Obey all speed limits.

• Allow plenty of room. Large trucks need more room to make turns and maneuver in traffic.

• Use your headlights in inclement weather. Lights make cars more visible to truck drivers. A gray car against a gray highway on a gray, rainy day is hard to see.

• Buckle Up. Wearing your safety belt is the single most important thing you can do to save your life in a crash.

Protect yourself and your passengers by learning how to share the road safely with large vehicles and avoid distracted driving.

Toyota recalls Lexuses in US for fuel leak risk

Posted on October 15, 2014

DETROIT (AP) — Toyota is recalling about 423,000 older-model Lexus luxury cars in the U.S. because a gasket can leak fuel and possibly cause a fire. The recall is among three global recalls that Toyota announced Wednesday totaling about 1.7 million vehicles.

The recall covers the LS model from the 2007 through 2010 model years, as well as the 2006 to 2011 GS and IS. Also affected are the 2010 IS-C and the 2008 to 2010 IS-F. All have Toyota’s UR or GR engines.

The company says in a statement that a fuel system gasket can become degraded and leak. No fires, crashes or injuries have been reported.

The Lexus recall is part of a larger recall of 759,000 cars worldwide that also covers the Crown Majesta, Crown and Mark X in Japan.

Kan. teen accused in murder of mother, sister makes court appearance

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

Sam Vonachen sat across the table from Senior Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell who will prosecute the case.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 15 year old accused of killing his mother and sister and attempting to kill his father made a first appearance in District Court where he will be tried as an adult.

Sam Vonachen, who was a 14 years old at the time of the alleged crimes, has been charged by the state with four counts of first-degree murder, however two of the four counts are alternate counts to the other two. Other charges include attempted first-degree murder and aggravated arson.

It was on Sept. 26, 2013, when he allegedly poured gas throughout the family house at 4 East 19, then lit it. The blaze killed his mother, Karla Jo, and his sister, Audrey. The teen’s father was able to escape the fire.

Assistant District Attorney Steve Maxwell actually read the complaint to the teen and Judge Trish Rose told him that five of the six charges are off-grid felonies with a sentence of life with no chance of parole for 25 years. He was assigned the Regional Public Defender’s Office to represent him in the case and Judge Rose left the bond at $1,000,000.

The case was moved to adult court after Judge Patty Macke-Dick issued a written opinion that he should be tried as an adult.

The murder case will now be placed on a waiver-status docket on Nov. 12 in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

Fast food chain tests Sriracha flavored items in the area

Posted on October 15, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — Want to take a run for the border but wind up in Bangkok?

Taco Bell is testing a new menu that promises just that, looking to tap into the cult following for the red Thai hot sauce known as Sriracha.

The Mexican-themed chain said the menu is being tested in the Kansas City area. The selections appear to be menu standards like nachos and tacos, except with the hot sauce commonly used in Thai cuisine mixed in.

The test is the latest sign that Americans are embracing spicier flavors, with Subway also rolling out a sandwich with the chile-garlic-flavored sauce last year.

Taco Bell, which is owned by Yum Brands Inc., has been on a strong run since rolling out its Dorito-flavored tacos in 2012.

Obama cancels trip to meet on Ebola outbreak

Posted on October 15, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is cancelling political travel to meet with his Cabinet on the Ebola outbreak.

The White House says Obama is calling off a planned trip to New Jersey and Connecticut and instead will convene Cabinet officials coordinating the government’s Ebola response at the White House.

The change comes as a second health worker in Dallas who provided care for the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the U.S. has tested positive for the disease.

Obama had planned to speak at a fundraiser for Senate Democrats in Union, New Jersey, and then headline a rally for Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy.

Mo. woman enters plea over failure to pay employees’ payroll taxes

Posted on October 15, 2014

United States Attorney

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that the owner of a Nevada, Mo., business pleaded guilty in federal court today to failing to pay over more than $357,000 in federal taxes.

Dana L. Thompson Cavener, 51, of Nevada, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to failure to pay over employment taxes.

Cavener was corporate secretary of Cavener’s Library and Office Supplies, Inc., in Nevada, Mo., which she co-owned with her husband. The business employed an average of three to five employees during the 10 years of Cavener’s criminal conduct.

By pleading guilty today, Cavener admitted that she withheld federal income taxes, Social Security taxes and Medicare taxes from the wages of her employees but willfully failed to pay over those taxes to the IRS from 2001 to 2011. The total tax loss was $357,025.

Under federal statutes, Cavener is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Mohlhenrich. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
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