Post Staff – Page 211 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Gov. Brownback appoints new Kansas State Treasurer; current treasurer elected to Congress

Posted on April 18, 2017

Ks State Treasurer appointee Sen. Jacob LaTurner

Governor Sam Brownback today announced his appointment of Senator Jake LaTurner as Kansas State Treasurer. Current State Treasurer Ron Estes was recently elected to represent the fourth congressional district in the House of Representatives. LaTurner will assume his new position once Estes vacates the office later this month.

“Jake LaTurner is a dedicated public servant with a keen intellect who will serve the people of Kansas well,” said Governor Brownback. “He is a man of character, principle, and integrity, reflecting the values of our great state.”

LaTurner, a native of southeastern Kansas, graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. At 24 years old he was elected to the Kansas Senate where he has served with distinction for the last five years. Twice elected to represent the 13th senate district, he successfully authored and passed the property tax lid, allowing Kansans to have a direct voice in their property tax rate, by requiring a local vote on proposed property tax increases beyond inflation. An alumnus and representative of Pittsburg State University, LaTurner has long championed higher education understanding that education is the path out of poverty.

“Being selected to serve as state treasurer is both humbling and exciting,” said Senator LaTurner. “I look forward to getting to work, meeting with folks across the state and continuing the quality work that Kansans have rightly come to expect from their state treasurer.”

Prior to his election to the Kansas Senate, LaTurner worked for former state treasurer Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins.

“As a former state treasurer, I am proud to learn that Jake LaTurner will become our next Treasurer of Kansas,” said Congresswoman Jenkins. “I have known him for more than a decade and hired him as a staffer during my first term in Congress. I have always been a big fan of Jake and know he will continue to be an outstanding public servant to the people of Kansas. I wish him and his family all the best.”

As the outgoing state treasurer, Congressman-elect Ron Estes noted the role of the Treasurer in serving Kansans.

“As outgoing Treasurer, I take great pride in the service the office provided to the citizens of Kansas,” said Congressman-elect Estes. “I trust that Senator LaTurner will continue that great service from the Treasurer’s office.”

LaTurner and his wife, Suzanne, have four children, Ava, Joe, Maggie, and Gus.

McCaskill, bipartisan senate group urge President trump to fill IG vacancies

Posted on April 18, 2017April 18, 2017

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and Ranking Member Claire McCaskill of Missouri are among a bipartisan group of senators hoping the president will fill some important vacancies soon.

In a letter to President Donald Trump, they urge him to quickly nominate qualified candidates for Inspectors General (IGs), who serve as watchdogs at federal agencies.

“While many acting IGs have served admirably in the absence of permanent leadership, the lack of a permanent leader threatens to impede the ability of these offices to conduct the oversight and investigations necessary to ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected, public safety risks are identified, and that whistleblowers who expose waste, fraud, and abuse are protected,” the senators wrote. “In addition, the lack of a permanent IG can create the potential for conflicts of interest and diminish the essential independence of IGs.”

Read the entire letter here.

Johnson and McCaskill were joined by Senators Tom Carper of Delaware, Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Enzi of Wyoming, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Gary Peters of Michigan, and Rob Portman of Ohio in their letter to President Trump.

Many government agencies have an independent Office of the Inspector General that is responsible for auditing federal programs in order to improve government operations and to target waste, fraud, and abuse, as well as investigating whistleblower claims and allegations of wrongdoing. The following agencies currently lack a presidentially-appointed permanent Inspector General: Department of the Interior, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Office of Personnel Management, Social Security Administration, National Security Agency, Small Business Administration and Intelligence Community. The United States Postal Service, AbilityOne Commission, and the Federal Election Commission have Inspectors General vacancies that the agencies are required to fill. The members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee had previously sent a similar letter to President Obama urging him to fill Inspectors General vacancies.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is responsible for oversight of all federal agencies. The work of Inspectors General has been essential for Committee investigations and oversight that targets waste, fraud, and abuse.

Woman allegedly linked to burglary by a discarded cigarette butt makes first court appearance

Posted on April 18, 2017

A woman allegedly linked to a 2014 burglary in St. Joseph by DNA on a discarded cigarette appeared before a judge in St. Joseph Tuesday.

Cortney Danielle Stewart is charged with 2nd degree burglary, a class-c felony. According to court documents, Buchanan County Sheriff’s investigators responded to a burglary in the 10000 block of SE Wilson Road in Easton on May 15, 2014. Detectives say they found a cigarette butt in the home that did not belong to the homeowner.

In court documents, Investigator Tami Parsons said the cigarette butt was sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol laboratory for DNA analysis. The affidavit asserts the lab was able to connect the evidence to Stewart, who was serving time at the Chillicothe Correctional Center.

Stewart pleaded guilty in August of 2014 to distribution of a controlled substance. Buchanan County Circuit Judge Patrick Robb sentenced her to serve seven years in prison. The defendant also has prior convictions for delivery or possession of a controlled substance at a county jail and felony theft.

During a video appearance in Buchanan County court Tuesday, Associate Circuit Judge Rebecca Spencer entered a plea of not-guilty on Stewart’s behalf and scheduled the case for a preliminary hearing May 11. Stewart will will apply for a public defender. In the meantime, she will be returned to Chillicothe until the hearing in May.

Man accused of sex acts with young girl appears in court

Posted on April 18, 2017April 18, 2017

A St. Joseph man accused of engaging in deviate sexual behavior with a girl under 12 years old appeared in court Tuesday.

Jeffery Nash is charged with statutory sodomy for allegedly using the young girl for his own sexual gratification.

Charging documents assert that the crime occured over the course of 14 months beginning in January of 2015.

During an initial court appearance by video conference Tuesday, Associate Circuit Judge Rebecca Spencer entered a plea of not guilty on Nash’es behalf and scheduled the case for a preliminary hearing on April 22.

Nash said he would apply for a public defender. He remains in the Buchanan County Jail, unable to post $20,000 bail.

High of 75 with chance of rain overnight

Posted on April 18, 2017

Warming temperatures today and Wednesday will give way to the next chance for showers and storms by Wednesday night as a strong cold front moves through the area. Noticeably cooler air will arrive for the latter half of the work week with rain chances again increasing by the start of the upcoming weekend. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 82. Breezy, with a south wind 7 to 12 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. South southwest wind 10 to 16 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. North northwest wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Friday: A chance of showers after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday Night: Showers likely, mainly after 1 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 46. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Saturday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 56. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 65.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 45.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

Newborn killed in crash near Chillicothe

Posted on April 17, 2017April 17, 2017

A newborn baby was killed and three people were injured in a crash near Chillicothe Monday morning.

The accident happened shortly before 11 am along U.S. Highway 65, about three miles south of Chillicothe at the Roach Lake Bridge.

The newborn was a passenger in an SUV that had stopped in a MoDOT work zone that was hit from behind. A crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol identifies the occupants of the SUV as Amanda Nichols, 27, and Warren Nichols, 26, of Springfield, and the newborn Rowan Nichols. The baby was pronounced dead at Hedrick Medical Center. Amanda and Warren Nichols suffered what were described as moderate injuries and were taken to Hedrick for treatment.

The driver of the other vehicle is identified by the patrol as Benjamin Davis, 23, of Chillicothe. Davis suffered moderate injuries and was also taken to Hedrick Medical Center.

Man hospitalized after midtown shooting

Posted on April 17, 2017

A man was transported to the hospital Sunday after a shooting in midtown.

Sgt. Wayne Byrom with the St. Joseph Police Department said officers responded to a disturbance at a playground in the area of 18th and Charles Streets Sunday around 5 p.m. Byrom said a man was transported by private vehicle from that area to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound, his injuries were described as non-life threatening.

As of Monday afternoon police did not have anyone in custody in connection with the investigation. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 238-TIPS.

Arson charge filed in connection with Bethany house fire

Posted on April 17, 2017April 17, 2017

Following an investigation by the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, a criminal charge has been filed in connection with a house fire that occurred in Bethany, Mo. on April 10, 2017.

The Bethany Fire Department responded to an early morning fire that damaged the house at 2607 Grand Avenue, Bethany, Mo. The Bethany Fire Department requested the Division of Fire Safety investigate the cause and origin of the fire.

The investigation determined the fire was incendiary, or set. On April 14, the Harrison County prosecutor charged Ronald David Stout, 67, of Bethany, with one count of second-degree arson. Stout is the owner of the house.

Online court records show bail was set at $50,000. Stout is scheduled to appear in court April 19.

Obituaries April 12-14

Posted on April 17, 2017

Leona Irene (Olsen) Stevens
1932-2017

Leona Irene (Olsen) Stevens, 84, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born December 11, 1932 to Leroy and Berna (Kalstrup) Olsen in Missouri Valley, Iowa.
She married Harold R. Stevens on March 28, 1953. He preceded her in death after 55 years of marriage on August 29, 2008.
She earned her nursing degree at University of Iowa.
Leona was a voracious reader and loved crossword puzzles.
Mrs. Stevens was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sons, Thad and Damon Stevens; and sister, Thea Irwin.
Survivors include her daughter, Pamela Stevens (Gerald Bagg), Santa Monica, California; sons, Harold Ross Stevens, II and Joel Stevens; grandchildren, Miles Feinberg, Margo Feinberg, Nicole Salierno (Rob) and Jacqueline Deay (Dwight); great granddaughter, Ophelia Salierno; siblings, Paul Olsen, Joan Clausen (William), Harold Olsen (Suzie) and Karen Ghezzi (Joseph); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, St. Paul Lutheran Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Adelaide Catherine Murphy
1912-2017

Adelaide Catherine Murphy, 104, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. The daughter of Michael J. Fox and Margaret (Klein) Fox, Adelaide was born on July 15, 1912, on a farm northeast of Watertown, South Dakota. She married Joseph Patrick Murphy on June 17, 1939, and together they farmed near Henry, SD, for 35 years before moving to Watertown.
Mrs. Murphy graduated from Watertown’s Immaculate Conception School in 1930. A life-long learner, she furthered her education in both Sioux Falls and Aberdeen, South Dakota. Mrs. Murphy taught in rural schools for nearly 10 years, followed by another 15 years at her alma mater, Immaculate Conception School.
A devout Catholic, Adelaide was passionate about Catholic education, using her gifts of ingenuity, networking, and creative arts to raise money and awareness for local causes. Mrs. Murphy’s strong love of children continued outside of her teaching career. She was a 4-H leader, CCD teacher, and sponsor of the Junior Catholic Daughters.
Adelaide was an inspiring bright light with a genuine heart for service. In her earlier years, she was an active member of St. Henry’s Altar Society. Adelaide was instrumental in the early formation of the Hunters Dinner, which recently celebrated its 65th year. While living in Watertown, South Dakota, she also served as Regent of the Catholic Daughters of America and was an Oblate of St. Benedict. Her volunteer work extended to many organizations throughout the community, with a special focus on sewing, connecting, encouraging, and praying for others.
In 2006, Adelaide moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, to reside closer to family. She enjoyed the senior housing of Danford Hall and was a lively participant in their events. Adelaide was an active member of St. Francis Xavier Parish and continued her volunteer work, including tireless efforts to fundraise for student tuition at St. Francis Xavier School. She also led a Bible study group and took on public speaking opportunities when she was beyond 100 years of age.
Mrs. Murphy is survived by three sons, Jerry (Beverlee) of Bettendorf, Iowa; James (Jeanne) of St. Joseph, Missouri; Richard (Theresa) of Littleton, Colorado; a daughter, Mary Kay Natho (Brad) of Commerce City, Colorado; and a son-in-law, Larry Heim of Orange, California. Adelaide was the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren, Kathy, Joe (Judith), Tracy, John (Teresa), Kristy (Jim), Scott (Caroline), Shayla, Stephanie, Amy (Mike), Joseph (Cristin), and eight great-grandchildren. She is survived by one sister, Louise Wagner of Miesville, Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews.
Adelaide was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe; daughter, Patricia; three infant sons, Joseph Jr., Shawn, and Eugene; four brothers, Fr. Leo Fox, Richard Fox, William Fox, Michael V. Fox; and a sister, Marie McAndrews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Immaculate Conception School in Watertown, South Dakota.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 A.M. Monday, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, St. Joseph, Missouri, where the family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service.
Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 22, 2017 Immaculate Conception Church, Watertown, South Dakota. Interment St. Henry Cemetery, Henry, South Dakota.
Funeral arrangements are made by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown, South Dakota, and Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory in St. Joseph, Missouri. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

David P. Clark
1947-2017

Troy, Kansas – David Clark, 69, of Troy, Kansas passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the Highland Healthcare.
David was born on August 18, 1947 in Troy, Kansas to Robert L. & Mary A. (Sell) Clark.
He was a member of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam as a medic. David owned & operated his own business as a land surveyor in Troy, Kansas. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #55, Troy, Kansas, VFW Post #5531, Wathena, Kansas, society of Land Surveyors of Kansas & Missouri.
David married Kay Cornett on January 11, 1971 in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Additional survivors: Son, Rick Clark (Amanda), Highland, Kansas;
Daughter, Wendy Rahe (Bob), Hiawatha, Kansas;
Grandchildren, Justin, Ellie, Cooper, Lilly & Zayla Clark;
His dog, Lady;
Brother, Bill Clark, St. Louis, Missouri;
Sister, Mary Rose Sargent, St. Joseph, Missouri;
Nieces & nephews.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 18, 2017
At the Community of Christ Church in Fanning, Kansas
Visitation: 6-8 Monday evening at the church. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Monday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.
Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas, where there will be military honors under the auspices of the Troy American Legion Post #55.
Memorials: Troy Class of 1965 Scholarship Fund.

Gary L Thompson
1937-2017

Gary L. Thompson, 79, of Easton, Missouri passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at his home. He was born April 22, 1937 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of the late Beulah & John Thompson. He was an Iron Worker all his life traveling all over the United States. He served in the Navy, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and arrowheads. Survivors include daughter, Kala Y. Rose, sons, Brad (Haylay) Thompson, Chad (Angela) Thompson, and Rod (Teresa) McCray all of St. Joseph, MO, and numerous grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Rupp Funeral Home with a Memorial Celebration of Gary’s life to begin at 7:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home.

Riley “Bud” Hollingsworth
1925-2017

Riley ” Bud” Hollingsworth, 92, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. He was born February 21, 1925 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Ada and R. B. Hollingsworth. He graduated from Benton High School, and he worked for the National Livestock Commission Company at the St. Joseph Stockyards. He then was the owner-operator of the Missourian Bar for 13 years with his wife Mildred. He also worked at Snorkel, and retired from the St. Joseph School District after 18 years of service. Bud and Mildred enjoyed time at their lake place at Lake Perry, also spending time with his family and grandchildren, woodworking and building projects, and he was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan. He was a member of King Hill Lodge #376 A.F. & A. M., and he was a Presbyterian. Bud was preceded in death by wife, Mildred Hollingsworth, his parents, sisters, Joann Caton and Betty Bailey. Survivors include, four daughters, Lisa (Tom) Sego, St. Joseph, Linda (Terry) Lambright, Savannah, MO, Laura Hibbs, and Leslie (J.R.) Ross, St. Joseph, MO, brother, Donald (Lavonne) Hollingsworth, Maryville, MO., 11 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home with Dr. Darrell Jones officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the American Diabetes.

JoAnn Culver
1944-2017

JoAnn Culver, 72, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, April 14, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 30, 1944 in St. Joseph, MO. She was a homemaker and a loving mother and grandmother, who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She also loved to dance and take road trips with Jeannie. She was the backbone of the family. JoAnn was preceded in death by parents, Abbiegail and Kenneth Honeycutt, husband, Arthur Culver, daughter, Edna Obrien, brother, Alvin Honeycutt, sister, Lucille Deaton, and grandson, Davey Callaway. Survivors include, son David Callaway (Shannon Fry), St. Joseph, MO, daughters, Jeannie (Ted) Middleton, Brenda Williams, St. Joseph, MO, and Abbie (Rick) Elkins, Gladstone, MO, sister, Barbara Honeycutt, St. Joseph, MO, companion, Bob Deatherage, St. Joseph, MO, 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home with David H. Mejia officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Auburn Cemetery.

Jane (Daise) Joseph
1927-2017

Jane (Daise) Joseph, 89, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away peacefully on Good Friday, April 14, 2017, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born July 16, 1927 in New Point, Missouri to William and Ollie Terry, they preceded her in death.
Jane was a member of Platte Valley Ladies Club and also volunteered one thousand hours at the Mosaic Cancer Center.
She enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens, yard, singing and giving generously of her time. Jane gave “produce” and flowers from her gardens to so many people and always gave from her heart.
Jane was also preceded in death by four sisters.
Survivors include her loving husband of 47 years, John; loving son and daughter-in-law, Lanny and Vashti Daise, St. Joseph; best friend and loving daughter, Suann Daise, Kansas City, MO; one and only special loving granddaughter, Seanna Wallis (Austin),Eagle, CO.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Nurse Chai for her loving support.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Oregon High School Alumni, P.O. Box 161, Oregon, MO 64773 or Inter-Serv, 1412 N. 3rd St, St. Joseph, MO 64505. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

65 Highway near Chillicothe reopens after crash

Posted on April 17, 2017April 17, 2017

(2:30 p.m. Update) – Road is back open. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a newborn baby was killed in the crash and three others were injured. Click here for the update.
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(12 p.m) – A crash near Chillicothe shut down a stretch of U.S. Highway 65 Monday.

Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox says the accident happened at about 11:30 a.m. Monday on 65 highway just south of Chillicothe at the Roach Lake Bridge.

Cox there was a significant traffic backup in the area.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Sheriff’s Office and EMS were on the scene. Additional details were not immediately available. Refresh this post for more information as it becomes available.