Post Staff – Page 222 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Teen shooting suspect appears in court

Posted on April 4, 2017April 4, 2017

A teenager from Wathena accused of shooting another man during an underage drinking party appeared in Buchanan County court Tuesday on one count of unlawful use of a weapon.

As we reported, the victim, 20-year-old Justice Joiner, was shot in the leg during the party in the area of SE Mt. Zion Road on January 22. The victim has had at least three surgeries for the injuries. William Dowlen was arrested at the scene, but has been in custody of the juvenile courts in Kansas since that time. He was taken into custody in Missouri last week.

Dowlen told Associate Judge Keith Marquart that his mother is hiring an attorney. The judge scheduled the case for a preliminary hearing on April 21.

The charge is a class-e felony. Upon conviction it carries a prison term not to exceed four years.

Suspect in domestic disturbance, standoff to remain behind bars pending court

Posted on April 4, 2017April 4, 2017

A St. Joseph man accused of burglary in connection with a police standoff last week will remain in custody until his next court appearance.

Christopher Chappell is charged with entering the victim’s home in the 1000 block of Carol Dr. on March 31, despite being under a protection order barring him from contact with the victim.

As we reported earlier, the victim sent a text message to emergency dispatchers, but according to court documents, Chappell refused to let the woman talk with police or answer the door when they arrived. What followed was an hours-long standoff with police and the Special Response Team before the suspect was arrested.

Court documents also assert that Chappell threatened the victim, saying he was going to “see bullets in her head.”

During Chappell’s first appearance Tuesday, Associate Circuit Judge Keith Marquart refused to allow the defendant to post bail. The judge scheduled a preliminary hearing April 21.

The defendant will apply for a public defender

Man dies in St. Joseph crash

Posted on April 4, 2017

A 65-year-old man was killed in a crash Monday on I-229 in St. Joseph.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Thomas Nelson of South Carolina was driving a 2002 Dodge Durango around 1 p.m. northbound on I-229 at I-29 just a mile south of St. Joseph when the crash took place. The patrol reported Nelson went off the west side of the road and hit a bridge pillar. Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene. The report said it’s unknown if he was wearing a seat belt.

(Update) Missing woman found deceased near Albany

Posted on April 3, 2017April 3, 2017

(UPDATE 5pm) — A 94-year-old Albany woman was went missing Sunday has been found deceased.

Gentry County officials issued an Endangered Silver Advisory Monday for Erma Riche Homan. Officials said she may have been suffering from the early stages of dementia, and left her home Sunday afternoon.

After an extensive search, she was found deceased along County Road 572 at 2:40 p.m. Monday.

There is no information available as to the cause of death or whether any foul play was involved.

(3pm) — The Gentry County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Endangered Silver Advisory for an adult who went missing in Albany on Sunday.

Erma Riche Homan may be suffering from the early stages of dementia, according to an announcement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Officials say Homan left her home at 1103 North College in Albany at 3:00 p.m. on April 2. She was driving a blue 1999 Buick LeSabre, with an unknown direction of travel.

Homan owns several farm properties in eastern Gentry County. She is described as a white, female, age 94, height 5’2″, 120 lbs, with white hair and hazel eyes. The vehicle was a blue 1999 Buick LeSabre bearing the Missouri license tag number UA0Y5G.

If you have information about her whereabouts, or have other information that could help, you should contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Gentry County Sheriff’s Office at (660)726-4275.

KC man sentenced for bank robbery

Posted on April 3, 2017

A Kansas City man was sentenced to more than five years in prison for a bank robbery in Prairie Village.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said Darrell Hunter, 51, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. He admitted that on Dec. 26, 2014, he robbed United Missouri Bank at 6900 Mission Road in Prairie Village

In his plea, Hunter admitted he entered the bank and asked for a deposit slip. He wrote on the slip, “This is a robbery I got a gun put the money in the bag.” He put the money in a duffle bag and left the bank.

A U.S. judge on Monday ordered Hunter to serve 63 months in federal prison.

Nebraska mother, son convicted on charges stemming from synthetic drug sales

Posted on April 3, 2017

A mother and son face the possibility of decades in prison after their conviction stemming from an investigation into synthetic drugs in Nebraska.

According to Acting U.S.Attorney Robert Stuart, a three-week jury trial ended March 28 ended with the panel returning guilty verdicts against Allan Peithman and Sharon Elder,as well as twocompanies, Cornerstone Plaze Inc., and AEP Properties.

Stuart says Peithman, his mother, Elder, and their respective corporations operated two “head shops” in Lincoln. They operated Dirt Cheap between October of 2013 and August of 2015, and Island Smokes between September of 2014 and April of 2015. In April of 2015, a number of drug overdoses were attributed to the sale of “potpourri” in Lincoln. Island Smokes was selling “potpourri,” also known as “K2” during that time. This led to the execution of a search warrant in April of 2015 during which over 500 packets of “potpourri” and hundreds of pieces of drug paraphernalia were seized. In August of 2015, a search warrant was served at Dirt Cheap, and additional drug paraphernalia was seized.

Peithman was convicted of conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia; investment of drug proceeds; conspiracy to distribute misbranded substances; conspiracy to commit mail fraud; conspiracy to structure financial transactions; and commission of an offense while on supervised release. Peithman’s corporation, AEP Properties, L.L.C., was also convicted of the conspiracy to structure. Elder and her corporation, Cornerstone Plaza, Inc., were convicted of conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia; investment of drug proceeds; conspiracy to distribute misbranded substances; conspiracy to commit mail fraud; and conspiracy to structure.

After the verdict was returned, additional evidence was presented, and the jury was instructed with respect to consideration of forfeiture allegations seeking forfeiture of real estate, cars, bank accounts, and products used in the above-listed crimes. On March 29, 2017, the jury returned a verdict forfeiting the business checking account for Cornerstone Plaza, Inc., as well as all the misbranded drugs and drug paraphernalia seized from the businesses. The Indictment also included an allegation that a money judgment should be entered against the defendants, and that matter is set for hearing on April 24, 2017.

The conspiracy to commit mail fraud charge carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Investment of drug proceeds and conspiracy to commit structuring each carry possible penalties of up to 10 years in prison. Conspiracy to distribute drug paraphernalia and conspiracy to distribute misbranded drugs each carry penalties of up to three years in prison. The crime of committing a felony while on supervised release for which Peithman was convicted carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years consecutive to any other sentence. The corporations face fines of up to $1,000,000 on the structuring conviction. Sentencing for all defendants is scheduled for June 20, 2017.

Obituaries March 31

Posted on April 3, 2017

James LeRoy Armstrong
1942-2017

HAVENSVILLE – James LeRoy Armstrong, 74, of Havensville, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, March 31, 2017 at his home.
He was born October 8, 1942 on the Henry Ranch north of Havensville, the son of James Martin and Veda Mae Channel Armstrong. He grew up in the Havensville area with his 5 siblings and wonderful childhood friends. He graduated from Havensville High School in 1960.
Jim married the love of his life, Paulette V. Jones on December 20, 1961 at his parents’ home in Havensville. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary Dec. 20th 2016. She survives, of the home.
Jim worked as a tire builder for Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Topeka for thirty-six years. During this time he met and worked with many great people that he remained friends with throughout his life. He was a proud member of United Steel Workers of America Local No. 307. During this time he also farmed and had a baling business titled “Jim Armstrong and Sons: Big Job or Small, We Bale ‘Em All”. He spent most of his time outside enjoying his land and the outdoors.
Jim was a member of Onaga Masonic Lodge No. 188 A.F.& A.M. for 51 years. In 2015 he was awarded the Mason’s Citizen of the Year Plaque, and earned his 50 year pin in 2016.
Jim volunteered too many hours to count at the Onaga Senior Center and the Havensville Community.
He was a member of Bucks Grove United Methodist Church where he enjoyed bible study each Sunday. He was a regular columnist in the Onaga Herald where he wrote under his pen name Red E. Ornot. His column titled “The Upper Crick” was popular and will be missed by many. Under the name of Red E Ornot, Jim also appeared in numerous Cow Creek Opry performances.
Jim was preceded in death by his son, James Bryan “J.B.” Armstrong, his parents Dutch and Veda Mae, his brother, Max Armstrong, and sister, Patty Clements.
Other survivors include son, Jeff Armstrong, Salina; daughter, Julia Gomez and husband Mike, Maple Hill; one brother, Philip Armstrong, in Louisiana; two sisters, Treva Mumaw, Belvue and Janice Crest, Wamego, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim also leaves behind his loving five grandchildren, Amber Mae Gomez, Kory James Gomez, Parker James Armstrong, Jacob Jones Armstrong and Kason Michael Gomez. They will miss him dearly and forever remember the wonderful grandpa they had.
Funeral services with Masonic Rites will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 5th at the HRHS Community Center in Havensville. Burial will follow in the Havensville Cemetery. Jim will lie in state Tuesday and until noon Wednesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga where family and friends will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Onaga Senior Center or HRHS Community Center, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P. O. Box 312, Onaga, KS 66521.

Randall “Randy” Glenn Griggs
1967-2017

Randall G. Griggs, 49, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 31, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born October 29, 1967 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Sharon and Gerald Griggs. He attended Central High School. He was owner of R & C General Contracting in St. Joseph. Randy enjoyed riding his Harley, spending time with his family, watching football, and scratcher tickets. He was of the Baptist Faith. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 brothers, Bobby and Roy Griggs. Survivors include, son, Randall (Brittany) Baskins of Troy, KS, son, Curtis Bonea of St. Joseph, MO, son, Mikel Griggs of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Cheyenne Griggs of St. Joseph, MO, son, Jacob Griggs of St. Joseph, MO, son, Kaleb Griggs of St. Joseph, MO, 5 grandchildren, Zaylee & Barrett Baskins, Amelia Martin, Emma & Chesney Noland, brother, Russell (Phyllis) Griggs of Marshall, MO, brother, Rodney (Tracey) Griggs of St. Joseph, MO, brother, Rex (Delta) Griggs of St. Joseph, MO, brother, Rendell (Teresa) Griggs of St. Joseph, MO, brother, Roger Griggs of St. Joseph, MO, sister, Kimberly (David) Powell of St. Joseph, MO, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home with Rev. Albert Shirley 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 Ashland Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Randall Griggs Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home.

Melvin R. Benshoof
1930-2017

Melvin Russell Benshoof, 86 years old, of Atchison, Kansas, died Friday, March 31, 2017 at the Medicalodge of Atchison.
Memorial Services will be Friday, April 7, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church in Atchison. Visitation with the family will be Friday from 5:00 P.M. until time of services at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to assist with cremation expenses and may be left in care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom the final arrangements have been entrusted.
Melvin was born on June 16, 1930 in Iowa Falls, Iowa the son of Elvin L. and Marie (Hamre) Benshoof.
He and the former Shirley Ownby were united in marriage on May 30, 1987 at the United Methodist Church in Atchison, Kansas.
He worked in the janitorial department of Midwest Grain Products in Atchison, Kansas until his retirement.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Atchison. Melvin was a collector of eagles and loved anything about old cars and car shows. He also enjoyed spending time fishing.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Shirley Benshoof, Atchison, KS, a daughter, Lilly Benshoof and her fiancé Jonathan Lincoln, Atchison, KS, and two sisters, Beverly Joyce and Betty Lou.
He was preceded in death by six brothers, Mervin, Lewis, Keith, Verdell, Lavern and Dale Benshoof, and three sisters, Arlene Evelyn, Shirley Pike and Mary Delores.

Christy Adams-Clark
1982-2017

Christy Adams-Clark, 35, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 31, 2017 at her home.
She was born March 4, 1982 to Steven Gerald and Rhonda Ruth Adams in Independence, Missouri.
Christy graduated from Stewartsville High School in 2000 and Missouri Western State University with a an Associate’s Degree in Psychology.
She married Ridge Clark on January 7, 2013.
Mrs. Adams-Clark worked as a Marketing Director at the Spec Shop for three years, taught fitness for 10 years at the Shape Shop and the Joyce Ray Patterson Senior Center and was a hospice volunteer at Mosaic Life Care Hospice.
Christy loved her family and especially enjoyed being a mom. She was also a strong advocate with the Autism Alliance and enjoyed painting.
She was preceded in death by her father who raised her, Doug Pickett ; and her father who passed away when Christy was young, Steven Gerald Adams.
Survivors include her husband, Ridge Clark, of the home; sons, Gavin and Austin Healey, St. Joseph; daughters, Kelsie and Tegan Clark, St. Joseph; mother, Rhonda Pickett, Cameron, Missouri; sisters, Angela Field, Cameron, Missouri and Zoey Fenstermacher, Mississippi; brothers, Tracy Witherspoon (Samantha), Jacksonville, Florida and Justin Roberge, Austin, Texas; grandparents, Claira and Bob Clark, Cameron, Missouri and Bertha Adams, Pensacola, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses or to donate online, please visit Christy’s Tribute Page at www.meierhoffer.com and select Donate Now. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Herbert Eugene Olson
1929-2017

Herbert Eugene Olson, 87, of Hiawatha, died Friday morning, March 31, 2017, at Hiawatha Community Hospital.
He was born August 25, 1929, in St. Joseph, Missouri, one of two sons born to Charles and Vivian Jacques Olson and had lived in northeast Kansas his entire life. He grew up in the Highland-Robinson areas and graduated from Robinson High School with the class of 1949. In high school, he played basketball. He served two years in the U.S. Army before he was discharged in 1957. Herb returned to this area and worked for the Robinson Co op for many years until he retired.
Herbert was a member of the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Hiawatha. He enjoyed camping and spending time with family and friends. He never met a stranger, loved to talk to anyone who would listen. Later in life, he enjoyed bird watching.
He married the former Betty Adams, July 10, 1955. She survives of the home.
Also surviving are five sons: Douglas (Lisa) Olson of Hiawatha, Steve (Robin) Olson of Burlington Junction, MO, Charles (Teresa) Olson of Hiawatha, Jeffery (Margaret) Olson of Hiawatha, Rick (Mary) Olson of Hiawatha; two daughters: Teresa (Gary) Campbell of Clarksdale, MO, Pamela (Steven) Gunnells of Nolensville, TN; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by an aunt Ruth Montague.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother James.
A Celebration of Herbert’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, with Pastor James Callaway officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.
The family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 Monday evening at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Family Life Center, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Josephine Aline Penland
1921-2017

The Angels whispered as she rested____.
Josephine “It’s Time To Go”.
“Time To Go Home”.
Josephine Aline (Landers) Penland 95, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away peacefully, Friday, March 31, 2017. Josephine was born December 19, 1921, the youngest child of Jasper M. and Lillie May (Law) Landers.
She grew up and lived her entire life in the Southside of St. Joseph, just two doors up from where she was born.
Josephine, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, spent her life as a homemaker, caring for her family and loved visits from them and seeing the little ones.
She had an expressive reading voice especially to children, reciting poems of her childhood from memory. She loved to sing the old gospel songs, watching birds, gardening & canning, and her flowers. She was a lifetime member of the R.L.D.S. Church, attending the St. Joseph Restoration Branch, when her health permitted.
Josephine married Marion H. Penland on December 27, 1945 after his return from the military. He passed in 1969. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Myrtle Kinnamon and Ethel Penland, brother, Mose Landers, five infant siblings, and one infant great grandchild.
She is survived by 6 children, Jasper (Pat) Penland and Elnora Penland, both of Savannah, Lillie (Sam) Church, Gower, MO, Timothy (Angie) Penland, Osborn, MO, Willis (Pam) Penland and Mark Penland, of the home, fourteen grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren with a new baby girl expected in May, and a great-great grandchild.
While we were saying goodbye___, other loved ones in Heaven were saying welcome home. “The chain has come full circle”, Once Again.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home with Elder Samuel Church and Priest Joshua Church officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 AM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at Ashland Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the St. Joseph Restoration Branch of the RLDS Church, 1427 Jules St. St. Joseph, Mo. 64501.

John Nelson Farrell
1947-2017

John Nelson Farrell, 69, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 31, 2017 at a health care center in Saint Joseph. He was born May 5, 1947 in Grant City, Missouri, son of Virginia & Justin Farrell. John graduated from Worth County R-3 in 1965. John married Marsha Galloway on November 18, 1976 in Lake Charles, LA. He was a brick layer for the Cement Masons & Plasterers Local Union # 518 for many years. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a fine artist and a friend to everyone. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Lee Farrell. He is survived by wife, Marsha L. Farrell of the home, daughter, Teresa Farrell of Grant City, MO, son, Brian (Joni) Christgen of Sugar Lake, MO, daughter, Stephanie Farrell of Lamoni, IA, son, Chris (Tammy) Christgen of Sugar Lake, MO, daughter, Amanda (Cody Sawyer) Farrell of Sugar Lake, MO, Jesse (Crystal) Farrell of Sugar Lake, MO, several grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, brothers, Bob (Donna) Farrell of Grant City, MO, Tom Farrell of Gower, MO, Bill (Bonnie) Farrell of Smithville, MO, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. John will be cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home. No services are scheduled at this time.

St. Joseph’s Gordmans could be spared in acquisition

Posted on April 3, 2017April 3, 2017

There could be hope for the Gordmans in St. Joseph after a competing company acquired the chain through a bankruptcy auction.

Last week, Stage Stores, Inc. announced it acquired Gordmans Stores Inc. As we previously reported, Gordmans operates more than 100 stores in 22 states. The chain filed for bankruptcy at the beginning of March.

According to a news release, under the terms of the transaction, the Stage subsidiary will, subject to exceptions in the purchase agreement, acquire a minimum of 50 Gordmans store leases, with rights to assume leases for an additional seven stores and a distribution center; all of Gordmans’ inventory, furniture, fixtures, equipment and other assets at the 57 store locations; and the trademarks and other intellectual property of Gordmans.

There are 57 stores represented on the designation list, including the St. Joseph location. A spokeswoman with Stage said at least 50 of the designation stores will continue to operate.

“Stage made a successful bid to take over at least 50 of those store leases, as well as inventory and other assets. As part of the deal, Stage could acquire an additional seven store leases,”said Bria Worthington Lundy, Dir. of Public Relations. “We are still in negotiations on some stores so we are not at the point to discuss which of the 50 Stage will operate.”

The remaining 48 stores and other facilities are expected to be liquidated. To view the stores slated to close in the court filings CLICK HERE.

Michael Glazer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stage said he feels like the Gordmans business model offers potential without the burden of a high level of debt, unprofitable locations and an oversized infrastructure.

“Gordmans’ stores are a natural complement to Stage, bringing beneficial diversification and scale to our business, while creating synergies through the use of our current infrastructure. By acquiring Gordmans, we believe that we have an opportunity to benefit from its off-price competencies, deep connection with a youthful customer, and strong home and gifts businesses,” Glazer said. “We are pleased to enhance our store portfolio with the most desirable Gordmans locations, giving Stage a strong Midwestern presence in markets generally larger than those we serve today. We plan to maintain the Gordmans brand and look forward to welcoming a significant number of Gordmans employees to our Company.”

The transaction is expected to close during Stage’s first quarter of fiscal 2017, subject to the approval of the court administering the Gordmans bankruptcy and customary closing conditions.

Wathena teen charged after January shooting

Posted on April 3, 2017April 3, 2017

A Wathena teenager has been charged in connection with a shooting earlier this year in Buchanan County.

William Dowlen, 17 of Wathena was charged March 14 with a felony of unlawful use of a weapon stemming from an incident that took place in January. The Buchanan County Jail shows Dowlen was taken into custody Friday.

According to court documents, Dowlen is accused of shooting a man in his right leg Jan., 22 in the area of S.E. Mt. Zion Road around 1:30 a.m.

As we previously reported, Jan. 22 a 20-year-old St. Joseph man was transported to Kansas City with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg after a large underage drinking party in the area of Mount Zion Road.

Dowlen is currently being held on $25,000 bail. He’s scheduled for an arraignment Tuesday.

End of March checkpoint results in DWI arrests

Posted on April 3, 2017April 3, 2017

A checkpoint held the day before April Fools’ in St. Joseph resulted in several arrests.

The St. Joseph Police Department has released the results of a sobriety checkpoint that was a joint operation with the Northwest Missouri DWI Task Force. The five hour-long operation was held Friday in the 1700 block of N. 22nd. Police said during that time 201 vehicles were checked. The results ended in three arrests for DWI, three for outstanding warrants, and five for diver’s license violations.