Post Staff – Page 219 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Partners to lend a hand for new Open Door Food Kitchen

Posted on April 7, 2017

Courtesy Open Door Food Kitchen Via Facebook

The Open Door Food Kitchen is getting some help to purchase a new location to expand access in St. Joseph.

According to a news release from the City of St. Joseph, as part of the City Council’s strategic plan, an objective was established to help support a local effort to find the most appropriate location for the Open Door Food Kitchen.

Partnering with the Open Door Food Kitchen, the Downtown Community Improvement District and anonymous donors, the city of St. Joseph will be entering into a real estate purchase agreement to secure property located at 8th and Messanie. A new facility will then be built at that location using a combination of donated funds and proceeds from the sale of the existing building to the city of St. Joseph.

The City said the new purchase will allow the food kitchen to move into a newly constructed facility with off-street parking and possible room for future growth.

The news release said construction of the new facility will occur this construction season. Services provided to the community through the Open Door Food Kitchen will not be interrupted as they change locations as the transition plan will allow for continuous service.

“This is an exciting opportunity to continue the mission we started in June 1984,” said Lee Ann Smiley, Open Door Food Kitchen board president. “That mission is ‘To build a better community by feeding all that come to the Open Door Food Kitchen, no questions asked.’ We thank our very dedicated volunteers and loyal supporters.”

As part of the City Council’s goal of downtown Revitalization the city said it will work to convey the property currently occupied by the Open Door Food Kitchen at 510 Edmond to a third-party purchaser with the intent to further enhance economic development along the main corridor into downtown.

Obituaries April 5-6

Posted on April 7, 2017

Alfred “Bud” C. Schoenfeldt Jr.
1930-2017

Wathena, Kansas Alfred C. Schoenfeldt Jr., 86, of Wathena, Kansas Passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Wathena Nursing & Rehab Center.
Bud was born on June 2, 1930 in West Point, Nebraska to Alfred Chris & Crystal (Beck) Schoenfeldt Sr.
He was a carpenter & a cabinet maker. Bud drove the school bus for Wathena Schools for 22 years, in which he was very proud of.
Bud married Charlene (Heinen) Winchester on May 21, 1981. She survives of the home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Art & Jimmie Schoenfeldt, & a sister, Evelyn Stifner.
Additional survivors, daughters, Debbie Halberg & Diane Schoenfeldt Son, Dennis Schoenfeldt 11 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren Step-sons, Michael, Randy & Scott Winchester Step-daughter, Rhonda Morris Brother, Alvie (Marie) Schoenfeldt Nieces & nephews
Funeral Service: 1 P.M. Saturday, April 8, 2017 At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas Visitation: 1 hour prior to service at 12noon at the funeral home, where friends may call after 3 P.M. Friday. Bud’s wishes are to be cremated after services, with inurnment at a later date. Memorials: American Diabetes Association or the Wathena EMS. www.harmanrohde.com

Julia M. “Bitsy” Griffith
1927-2017

Julia M. “Bitsy” Griffith, 89, Atchison, Kansas died Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at her home.
Funeral services will be Monday, April 10, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Abbot Barnabas Senecal, OSB officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Monday from 10:00 A.M. until time of services at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict Parish and may be left in care of the funeral home.
Bitsy was born June 5, 1927 in Atchison, Kansas the daughter of James and Myrtle Martin Griffith. She attended St. Joseph and St. Benedict Elementary Schools, graduating from Mt. Saint Scholastica Academy. She then attended Highland Community Junior College.
Bitsy was employed with Electra Company in Atchison and then became employed with Holly’s Nursing Home as a social service representative. Following the closing of Holly’s Nursing Home she joined Grace Hollingsworth in the opening of Medicalodge Nursing Home in their social service department and continued with Medicalodge until her retirement in 1982.
She was a member of St. Benedict Parish of Atchison. In her free time of retirement, Bitsy became an avid reader to occupy her time. She formed a relationship with many Benedictine College students who frequently visited in her home.
She is survived by nieces and nephews including Rosemary Gary, Atchison, KS; Kellie King-Baltezor, Lawrence, KS; Barbara Yumang, Wichita, KS; Jim Gary, Leavenworth, KS; and Joe Gary, Leavenworth, KS; and many cousins and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Betty Jane Gary, Jimmie Mae Morphis, Mary JoAnn McCray, two brothers, Bud Griffith and Jack Griffith.

Gary L. Holthaus
1945-2017

ONAGA – Gary L. Holthaus, 72, of Onaga, died Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Onaga Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born January 11, 1945 at Seneca, the son of Adolph and Esther Stuke Holthaus. He graduated from Baileyville High School in 1963.
After high school Gary worked at The Creamery in Sabetha until he married. He then worked at Goodyear in Topeka for about ten years, farmed south of Havensville, and since 1982 has owned and operated Northeast Transit trucking company.
He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Onaga and had served as the Parish Council President for several years. He served on the Onaga City Council from 1997 to 1999, and was the city Mayor from 1999 to 2013.
Gary married Beryl Ann Haverkamp on October 2, 1965 at Baileyville. She died August 22, 2013.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Kevin Holthaus, who died in 1981.
Survivors include two daughters, Julie Falk (Rodney), Maple Hill and Dana Brock (Rocky), Kearney, MO; two sons, Brad Holthaus (Lori), Topeka and Matt Holthaus (Heather), Maple Hill; four brothers, Bob Holthaus, Seneca, Jim Holthaus, Topeka, Keith Holthaus, Holton, and Steve Holthaus, Seneca; a sister, Bev Holthaus, Wamego, fifteen grandchildren and two great grandsons.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 8th at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Inurnment will be later in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery at Seneca. Gary will lie in state until 4:00 p.m. Friday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. He will lie in state after 5:00 p.m. at the church where visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary prayed at 7:00. Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or Great Lakes Hospice, and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga, 66521.

James (Jim) M. Trout, D.D.S.
1934-2017

James (Jim) M. Trout , D.D.S., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 5, 2017. He was born in Beatrice, Nebraska on May 31, 1934 to Harry and Maida (Shallcross) Trout. He grew up primarily in St. Joseph and graduated from Central High School before attending University of Kansas. Dr. Trout graduated from UMKC Dental School in 1959.
Jim married Judy Nelson of Kansas City on November 30, 1957. After dental school graduation, he served at Sheppard Air Force in Wichita Falls, TX for two years prior to moving to St. Joseph and opening a dental practice in town where he worked until retirement in 2004.
Jim was first a family man. He taught his children and many in the Boy Scout programs to be productive and helpful to their families and communities. He set the example for them by participating in their activities whether it was sports, scouting or studying. He set standards by the example he taught and lived.
Jim served the Pony Express Council of the Boy Scouts of America by serving as a Cub Scout leader and a troop leader as well as a member of the Council Board of Pony Express Council. He also received the Silver Beaver Award and was Chieftan of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. For many years, a contingent of local Scouts went to England and several contingents of British Scouts visits the United States and Camp Geiger. Jim worked with the local and British Scouts for a number of trips and led several contingencies to England. After a number of trips back and forth ‘Across the Pond’ with Boy Scout groups, Jim was the first and only American to be awarded the Derbyshire Star by the Derbyshire (England) County Scout Council in recognition of an outstanding contribution to scouting in England.
The local dental community had been in need of dental hygentists in the area for a number of years. After retirement, Jim approached Hillyard Technical School about creating a fine quality school which has been in operation for 10 years and graduates 10 students annually.
Jim served First Presbyterian Church as an Elder and on numerous committees. His big contribution was the raising of funds for a new church organ and the changes to the chancel area which took nearly 20 years.
A man who took great joy in life, Jim loved music, especially classical. He enjoyed tennis whether playing it or watching it. Following KU basketball was also a favorite past time especially when they were on a winning streak.
While working as a respected dentist in the local area, Jim was active in local and state dental societies and was inducted into the International College of Dentistry in 1985 due to his quality work as a dentist and his contribution to the dental communities. He was chosen as Dentist of the Year by the Missouri Dental Association.
Preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Maida Trout of St. Joseph; and sister, Marjorie Williams of Atlanta, GA.
He leaves behind his wife of nearly 59 years, Judy, of St. Joseph; a son, Dr. Andy Trout of St. Joseph; daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and John McNulty of McMinnville, TN. Jim also leaves four grandchildren, John and Joe Trout of St. Joseph, Erin McNulty of Lombard, IL and Emily McNulty of Kansas City, MO.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, First Presbyterian Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Garlan Patrick Pinson
1940-2017

Garlan Patrick Pinson 77, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in a Savannah, MO health care center. He was born January 9, 1940 in Carrollton, MO, son of the late Vernelle and Court Pinson. He graduated from Easton High School and worked at St. Joseph Light and Power as a Supervisor in the Control Room retiring after 40 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, mushroom hunting, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid bowler with the Light and Power bowling League, and was a Catholic. Garlan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, George, Curtis and Gilbert Pinson. Survivors include, daughter, Lori Spiegel, Saint Joseph, MO, granddaughter, Rabeca Spiegel, great granddaughter, Millie Strick, brother, Arnold (Diane) Pinson, San Luis Obispo, CA, sisters, Sharon (Russ) Jobes, St. Joseph, MO, Cheryl “Susie” (Chris) Gassman, Wichita, KS, and Ida Enges of Sierra Vista, AZ.
A Graveside inurnment service will be conducted at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, at a later date in May. Memorials are requested to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Troy Allen Franks
1954-2017

Troy Allen Franks, 63, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday April 5, 2017 at Mosaic Life Center. Troy was born on January 11, 1954 in Wichita, Kansas to James and Melverine Franks. He attended Savannah High School where he graduated in 1972. He married his wife, Denise Franks (Martin) of 36 years, on July 4, 1981. Troy began working construction right out of high school. He first worked for Dewey construction company, before getting on with Walters Construction where he continued to work for nearly 30 years, leaving the company as superintendent. He helped build many of the buildings around the St. Joseph metro area. Troy loved many things. He loved hunting and fishing and enjoying the peace that nature evoked. He was very contemplative on matters, and anyone you meet that knew Troy probably has a coin he gave them for a birthday or Christmas in their pocket or in a drawer somewhere. He was extremely kind and thoughtful. He loved garage sales (to his wife’s dismay) and his family. He loved God and searched for peace in the scripture. He was a member of Grace Evangelical Church for the past 28 years, and enjoyed participating in the Easter Passion program, where he played the part of a Roman Soldier. Troy was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include: wife Denise; his daughter Annie Kidd and her husband Ted of St. Louis, Missouri; son Jeremiah Franks and his wife Cate of Dallas, Texas; daughter Sierra Franks and her wife Erinn of Wenatchee, Washington; son Dakota Franks of St. Joseph; his mother, Melverine Franks of St. Joseph; two brothers James and John Franks of St. Joseph; and also, a sister Tammy Franks of St. Joseph. He was a proud grandpa/papa to seven grandchildren, McKenzie, McKayla, Issac, Alliyah, Isabella, Kara and Dempsey and one great grandchild, Nyla. Also surviving are aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many, friends. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Wednesday, with a Celebration of life to begin at 7:00 PM Wednesday, at the Grace Evangelical Church. Dr. Darrell Jones officiating. Arrangements by the Rupp Funeral home.

Phyllis C. Peterson
1937-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Phyllis C. Peterson, 79, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017.
Phyllis was born on October 27, 1937 in Stratford, Iowa to Garrett O. & Nettie V. (Carlstedt) Johnson.
She was a member of the Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary & the VFW Auxiliary all of Wathena.
Phyllis worked as a sales clerk for the Millers & Nelson’s Pharmacy & the Wathena Times.
Phyllis married Verne W. Peterson on May 20, 1956 at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Stratford, Iowa. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Shirley Vinchettle & Marcell Bergman & 3 brothers, Orland, Orvil & Marvin Johnson.
Survivors: a twin brother, Phillip (Julia) Johnson, Stratford, Iowa;
Sons, Kevin (Michelle) Peterson, Sparks, Nevada;
Lance A. Peterson, Livermore, California;
Daughter, Dorene (Darrell) Gray, Wathena, Kansas;
Grandchildren, Shaun Hansen, Justin & Brent Peterson, Toby, Kagin & Rachel Simpson, Kamin & Conner Peterson & 8 great-grandchildren;
Nieces & nephews;
Best friend Phyllis Mc Crory.
Phyllis wishes were to be cremated with inurnment at the Stratford Cemetery, Stratford, Iowa at a later date.
Memorials: Doniphan County Meals on Wheels, sent in the c/o of the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home P.O. Box 426 Wathena, KS, 66090

Several roads still closed due to flooding in northwest Missouri

Posted on April 7, 2017

(Friday update) ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Several changes to the list of roads closed and reopened across northwest Missouri have occurred since the last update. Please see the list below for all roads closed due to flooding. All closed roads can also be found on the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org.

Situations can change quickly, especially during flooding. More roads could flood without warning. Motorists are reminded to stay alert and to not drive through any water over the roadway. It only takes six inches of water (or less!) to lose control of your vehicle and possibly be swept into rising floodwaters. Any time there is water over the roadway, there may be unseen damage to the road surface below. Do not drive through water over a roadway or around construction barricades. MoDOT encourages all motorists to Turn Around! Don’t Drown!

NOW CLOSED:

Buchanan County

Route H in Agency at Route FF (Platte River)
Route MM east of Faucett from Old Frame Road to Loutermilch Road (Platte River)
Route C east of St. Joseph from U.S. Route 36 to Saxton Easton Road (Platte River)
Caldwell County

Route A north of Braymer from Applewood Drive to Wishbone Drive (Panther and Shoal Creeks)
Chariton County

Route E from just east of Rothville to Route JJ (West Yellow Creek)
Route D southeast of Marceline from Mussel Fork Avenue to Route DD (Mussel Fork)

Linn County

Route B west of Linneus (Locust Creek)

Livingston County

Route C west of Dawn from County Road 420 to Route DD (Shoal Creek)
Route CC southeast of Chillicothe from U.S. Route 36 to County Road 244 (Grand River)
Route D south of Ludlow from County Road 430 to one-half mile south of Ludlow (Shoal Creek)
Route DD east of Ludlow from one-half mile east of Route D to one-half mile east of Route C (Shoal Creek)

St. Joseph Police and Fire to take part in wheelchair basketball

Posted on April 7, 2017April 7, 2017

Officials with the St. Joseph Police Department and Fire Department will take part in a friendly game of wheelchair basketball to try to raise funds for adaptive sports.

Games will take place, Friday April 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Lafayette High School. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Proceeds raised will benefit Midwest Adaptive Sports. MAS is a therapeutic recreational and competitive ski program for individuals with disabilities.

Capt. Jeff Wilson with the St. Joseph Police Department said officials from the police department, including himself and officials with the Fire Department practiced Thursday night in an effort to learn how to play the game from a wheelchair.

“It’s very demanding physically,” Wilson said. “It’s difficult but it was sure a lot of fun.”

The first game will be MAS vs. St. Joseph Police and Fire. The second game will be MAS vs. St. Joseph All City Basketball Players. The public is invited to come help support the cause.

“We’d sure appreciate a lot of people coming out,” Wilson said. “There will be some world-class athletes there. We practiced last night and these athletes that are coming out to play are really good.”

The MAS team includes two Paralympic Gold medal winners from the USA Paralympic Wheelchair Team and other wheelchair basketball players.

All money raised will go to fund the sports and recreational fees for Midwest Adaptive Sports. For more information on MAS visit midwestadaptivesports.org or call Stan Weston at (816) 390-7455.

Troopers to hold checkpoint in Livingston County

Posted on April 7, 2017

The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced Friday that sometime during the month of April a DWI checkpoing will be held in Livingston County.

According to the patrol, the areas selected for enforcement are based on a high number of drinking-related crashes, high number of contacts with drivers who have been drinking, and officers’ input as to probable contact with DWI violators.

“Removing impaired drivers from Missouri roadways is one of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s top priorities,” said Captain James McDonald, commanding officer of Troop H. “If you choose to drink and drive, you will be arrested and you will go to jail. If your plans include alcohol, always have a sober designated driver.”

Payless to close several stores in northwest Missouri

Posted on April 7, 2017

(AP and Post) – Payless ShoeSource has announced a list of store closings which includes several shoe stores in northwest Missouri.

As we previously reported, Payless ShoeSource filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, becoming the latest retailer to succumb to increasing competition from online rivals like Amazon.

The Topeka, Kansas-based retailer said Tuesday that it will be closing nearly 400 stores as part of the reorganization. According to its closing list Playless plans to close its Maryville location at 1804 S. Main St. and its Chillicothe location in the Southtown Shopping Center. The St. Joseph Payless located at 601 S. Belt Highway was not on the list of closings. To view the closing list CLICK HERE.

Payless plans to reduce its debt by almost 50 percent, lower how much it pays in interest and line up funds. The company says some of its lenders have agreed to make available up to $385 million to keep the stores running.

Temperatures in the 70s this weekend

Posted on April 7, 2017

Mostly sunny skies and normal to above average temperatures will be more than welcome this weekend after a long rainy pattern the last couple weeks. Temperatures this weekend will reach into the mid to upper 70s with chance of late afternoon to early evening thunderstorms forming mainly east and south of the KC metro area. The beginning of the work week will cool off some, but still around the average for early April with plenty of sunshine to go around. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Areas of frost before 8 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 63. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. South wind 9 to 13 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Sunday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 65.

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

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 67.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68.

Teacher charged with inappropriate contact with students seeks change of venue

Posted on April 6, 2017

A teacher in Maysville has asked for a change of venue for court proceedings on charges of inappropriately touching several girls.

As we reported, Rodney Thomas faces 20 felony counts including sexual contact with a student, sodomy or attempted sodomy, statutory sodomy and attempted enticement of a child. Charges listed dates from 2014 to 2017.

His lawyer, Daniel Ross of Kansas City, filed a motion for a change of venue in the case. Prosecutors objected, and Judge J. Bartley Spear is expected to rule on the motion during a hearing April 19.

Thomas, 39, is a Maysville Jr. High math teacher and wrestling coach. Thomas is currently still employed with the district but has been suspended for the duration of the investigation. He is being held on $150,000 bail. Conditions of posting bail include no contact with Maysville school students.

In February, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said it was contacted by Maysville R-1 School District Superintendent, Dr. Robert Smith, in reference to allegations of one of the teachers at the school inappropriately touching students.

Court documents allege 10 female victims ranging in age of 13 to 17. Two witnesses were interviewed by the Northwest Children’s Advocacy Center in St. Joseph. All of the alleged victims are or were students in the district.

St. Joe Fit kicks off 2017 at Krug Park

Posted on April 6, 2017

A free workout program is kicking off another year in St. Joseph Thursday evening at Krug Park.

The City of St. Joseph said St. Joe Fit is designed to bring people together to help each other get and stay fit, as well as to explore St. Joseph’s urban trail system. Each Thursday for 22 weeks beginning April 6th, a different section of the hike & bike trail is mapped out for participants to walk, ride or roll. The distance for each trail segment is calculated; the SJF participants just check-in and take off. There is also an Aqua Zumba class offered five times during the summer, held at the St. Joseph Aquatic Park.

Stephanie Malita with the St. Joseph Health Department said this year St. Joe Fit has more than 500 people pre-registered. The St. Joe Fit 2017 season will start this evening at Krug Park. Check-in is at 5 p.m. at the Krug Park Lagoon overlook as you enter the park, the walk begins at 6 p.m.

For more information on the program CLICK HERE.

KC Mayor Sly James to speak in St. Joseph

Posted on April 6, 2017

Kansas City Mayor Sly James (Courtesy Missourinet)

Kansas City’s Mayor will make an appearance in St. Joseph next week to talk about KC projects relevant to the future of the St. Joseph community.

Mayor Sly James will speak Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Missouri Theater located at 717 Edmond St. in downtown St. Joseph.

“The (St. Joseph) city planner has put together a series of programs. We’re getting ready to take a look at how we view properties and different zonings,” said St. Joseph Mayor Bill Falkner. “Mayor James is going to touch on some of the downtown renovations there in Kansas City and how they orchestrated some of those things.”

Mayor Falkner said the goal of Tuesday’s meeting with Mayor James is to hear what Kansas City is doing and get ideas for moving forward in St. Joseph.

“They’ve got the same problems that we do. They’re fighting the same sewer issues that we are and everything else. They just have a few more zeros on theirs,” Mayor Falkner said.

He said they are trying to get a handle on some significant issues going on in St. Joseph.

“We may try to look at gaining control over some areas, to initiate bringing back some neighborhoods. We’ve got to address some of the abandoned buildings that are owned by people outside of this community. There are several things that we are going to be looking at,” Falkner said. “In the not so distant future we’re going to have to look at expanding the boundaries of St. Joseph to bring in more business or have the land available to do so.”

The meeting is open to the public. Mayor Falkner said anyone interested in attending just needs to show up at the event.

“There will be some question and answers during this time. Anyone who’s interested in moving the community forward on different things, I think it would be very interesting to come listen to,” Mayor Falkner said.