Post Staff – Page 227 – St. Joseph Post Archive

(Live Stream) St Joe BOE selects four finalists for vacant seat

Posted on March 27, 2017March 27, 2017

Members of the St. Joseph School District Board of Education met Monday night to hear from seven candidates for an open seat on the board and pick four of them as finalists. One candidate pulled out of the running on Monday.

Margaret “Maggie” Elder, Dale Krueger, Aaron Duncan, Larry Koch, Susan Willenbrink, John Hickman and Kenneth Reeder were the candidates still vying for the seat left vacant by the resignation last month of Chris Danford.

After hearing three-minute presentations from the remaining candidates, the board voted for Koch, Duncan, Elder and Hickman to advance to the interview stage next month. The four finalists will meet individually with the board during a special meeting on Saturday, April 8 at 9am in the school district’s boardroom.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Newhart announced that Jim Norris withdrew from consideration because of the residency requirement.

Update – Court documents indicate shooting took place at Belt Sports Complex

Posted on March 27, 2017March 28, 2017

(Update) – A man has been charged in Buchanan County after a woman was shot over the weekend.

Dion Clark, 37 of Kansas City, Mo. has been charged in Buchanan County with a felony of first-degree Domestic Assault.

Capt. Jeff Wilson said officers responded to Mosaic Life Care shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday after a 30-year-old Kansas City, Mo. woman was admitted for a serious injury from a single gunshot wound. Wilson said as of Monday afternoon the woman was in critical condition.

According to charging documents, Clark is accused of shooting the woman in her torso with a 9mm handgun at 210 N. Belt Highway, the location of the Belt Sports Complex. Witnesses allege in documents that the incident happened Sunday between 12:30 a.m. and 1 a.m.

“The injury put her in a critical medical condition that required surgery to repair,” said Det. Dustin Robinson with the St. Joseph Police Department.

Court document show Clark has convictions for a felony of unlawful use of a weapon, two for resisting arrest, third-degree domestic assault, possession of marijuana, and delivery of drug paraphernalia.

“He has spent time in federal prison for felon in possession of a firearm,” Robinson said. “Clark currently has a failure to appear warrant for his arrest out of another jurisdiction.”

Clark is due in court Tuesday for an arraignment. Online court documents show bail has been denied based on the probable cause statement finding the defendant to be a danger to the victim. He remains in custody in the Buchanan County Jail.

Bank robbery and getaway pursuit lead to decades in prison

Posted on March 27, 2017

A man and woman were sentenced to decades in prison Monday for a bank robbery and high-speed getaway with shots fired at police and a baby in the back seat.

Jacob L. Smith, 19, and Danille Morris, 27, were sentenced for their guilty pleas in connection with the robbery of a bank in Stilwell, Kansas on March 9.

In his plea, Smith admitted that on March 9, 2016, he and co-defendant Gary Jordan brandished handguns when they entered the First National Bank at 7460 W. 199th Street in Stilwell. They held tellers at gunpoint before fleeing with cash stuffed in a backpack. Jordan took the wheel of the getaway car.

Smith pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm, He was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison. Morris pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm and one count of unlawfully possessing a firearm following a felony conviction. She was sentenced Monday to a 16 year federal prison term.

During the next 25 minutes, the robbers were pursued by the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Leawood Police Department and other law enforcement agencies as they fled across the Kansas/Missouri state line. During the chase, Smith fired at officers six times from the car. After the car overturned on a sharp turn, the defendants were arrested. Throughout the chase, Morris and her 19-month-old child were in the car.

Jordan was sentenced to 40 years in prison last December.

Public information sessions planned in advance of total eclipse

Posted on March 27, 2017March 27, 2017

The St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau has been busy preparing for a big turnout here for this summer’s total eclipse. Those now include special information meetings to bring people up to speed on what to expect.

The solar eclipse information sessions, called “Holy Totality!” will be held May 3 at the Missouri Theater. There will be three sessions, at 9:30 am, 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm. The sessions are free and open to the public.

The first total eclipse to cross the entire U.S. in nearly 100 years will happen on August 21. St. Joseph will get the third-longest “totality” of any city along the path of the event, and is the 5th largest city in the path of the totality. Skies are expected to darken in St. Joseph for about two minutes and 38 seconds.

You can find more information from the Bureau at their Web site. They’re also offering a lot of “solar eclipse swag,” including commemorative solar glasses, posters and T-shirts.

Charge filed after cigarette butt found in burglarized home

Posted on March 27, 2017

A woman being held behind bars is now facing a new charge after DNA evidence allegedly linked her to a burglary in Easton.

Cortney Stewart, 28 was charged last week in Buchanan County with a felony of second-degree burglary stemming from an incident that took place in 2014.

According to court documents, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office investigated a burglary that took place in the 10000 of SE Wilson Rd. in Easton in which a cigarette butt was found in the home that did not belong to the homeowner. The cigarette butt was sent off to the Missouri State Highway Patrol for DNA analysis and in January of 2017 the results were returned. Authorities said they were able to link the DNA to Stewart after running it through the combined DNA index system database. Stewart is currently serving seven years in the Chillicothe Correctional Facility after a guilty plea in a methamphetamine distribution case.

A court date has not yet been set in the new charge according to online documents.

Man accused of holding group hostage at Hyde to find drugs

Posted on March 27, 2017March 28, 2017

A St. Joseph man has been charged after allegedly threatening a group of people at Hyde Park for stealing narcotics.

Dakota Polley, 18 is charged in Buchanan County with a misdemeanor of 4th-degree assault.

According to court documents, Thursday in Hyde Park Polley is accused of pulling a weapon on a group of people who he believed stole his narcotics.

“The defendant told the subjects they were not allowed to leave and he would shoot them if he didn’t get his narcotics back,” said Det. Chase Cotter with the St. Joseph Police Department. “The defendant searched the victims for his drugs and a firearm identical to what a witness described was located at the scene.”

Cotter said Polley threatened to shoot people in the park.

“He threatened to harm the victims with a pistol while keeping them against their will because he could not find his narcotics,” Cotter said.

Polley was arrested Friday and is being held in the Buchanan County Jail without bail. Online court documents said bail was denied based on the probable cause statement the court found the defendant to be a danger to the community.

Polley is due in court Tuesday for an arraignment.

Obituaries March 22-24

Posted on March 27, 2017

Roxanna Jane DeSpain
1967-2017

Roxanna Jane DeSpain 49, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born September 12, 1967 in Atchison, KS, daughter of Betty and Alfred DeSpain Sr. She graduated from Benton High School 1986 and was a homemaker. Roxy was a very giving and generous person, who enjoyed traveling, puzzle books and watching the Price Is Right on TV. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Alfred DeSpain Jr. Survivors include, sisters, Betsy DeSpain of the home, and Gloria DeSpain, St. Joseph, MO, two aunts, Goldie Baldwin and Sally Tietz, St. Joseph, MO, as well as numerous cousins.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Friday, March 24, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Albert Shirley officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Sugar Creek Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society.

Carol Jean Frazer
1953-2017

Carol Jean Frazer 63, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday March 23, 2017 at her home. She was born December 28, 1953 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Mable & Roy Adams. She graduated from high school and worked at St. Joe Transit as a Bus Driver for over 18 years. She enjoyed playing darts and pool, but most especially she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Carol was preceded in death by her father, Roy Herman Adams, mother, Mable L. Brown, brother, Gary Adams, and sister, Barbara Jo Adams. She is survived by sons, Ronald (Sheila) Anthony, Jr. of Elwood, KS, Terence (Ciera) Anthony, and Brian (Monique) Frazer of St. Joseph, MO 17 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and one the way, brothers, Johnny Bert, David, and Jason Adams, sisters, Laura Dittemore, Rosetta Marcell, Trudy Adams, and Penny Adams. The family will receive friends from 12-2 PM Saturday, with a memorial celebration of life to start at 2:00 Saturday, March 25, 2017. She has been cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Leslie Earl Wilson Jr
March 24, 2017

Leslie “Les” Earl Wilson Jr, 53, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 24, 2017 in a Saint Joseph, MO health care center. He was born April 7, 1963 in Long Beach, CA. He attended Lafayette High School, then married Beth Mackey on June 25, 1988. He enjoyed fishing, playing pool & poker, racing video games, and he loved Rock and Roll and Classic Rock Music. He was formerly a member of the Bible Baptist Temple. Les is survived by wife, Beth Wilson of the home, mother, Patricia (Ed) Blackburn of Faucett, MO, son, Caleb Wilson, daughters, Sarah Wilson and Ananiah Wilson, brother, Dwayne Wilson, and sister, Dawn Hafley.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:30 am on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Rupp Chapel, Pastor Jim Mackey officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials are requested to the Leslie Wilson Jr. Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Terry Alan Angst
1968-2017

Terry Alan Angst, 49, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 24, 2017 at his home. He was born March 9, 1968 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He attended Benton High School, and he worked in the construction industry. He enjoyed collecting watches & mushroom hunting, and spending time with grandkids & family. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Larry Dean Angst, mother, Charlotte Greer, and brother, Teddy Angst. He is survived by daughters, Terra Angst, Haylei Angst, and Sierra (Alva) Maul, grandchildren: Treyten, Tylei, and Khloe, sisters, Jodie (Kent) Barnett, Carla (Gary) Dozier, Judy Cottrill, Christy (Brandon) Sale, and Robin Venable, brothers; Kelly Angst, Jack Greer Jr, and Phillip Greer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 2-3 PM Thursday, with a Memorial Service to be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Terry Angst Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Attempted traffic stop in Holt County leads to drug seizure

Posted on March 27, 2017March 27, 2017

An attempted traffic stop lead to a drug seizure in Holt County Sunday afternoon.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, around 1:30 p.m., a trooper attempted to stop a Dodge Charger heading south on I-29 around mile marker 79 when the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit began. The driver, 40-year-old Charles E. Jones of Denver, Colorado, eventually lost control of his vehicle around mile marker 70, crashed into a guardrail and was taken into custody.

Jones was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of serious injuries.

A search of the vehicle revealed 26 pounds of marijuana. Jones was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Rainy and cloudy week ahead

Posted on March 27, 2017March 27, 2017

Spring rains will continue to provide much needed water for the entire area. High temperatures will be near normal this week under persistent cloudy skies. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: A chance of showers, mainly before 10 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 58. North wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. North northeast wind 3 to 6 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61. East wind 5 to 9 mph.

Tuesday Night: Showers, mainly after 1 a.m. Low around 49. East wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Wednesday: Showers. High near 55. East northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Showers. Low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Thursday: Showers likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.

Kiwanis Club to hold third self-defense event for women

Posted on March 26, 2017March 25, 2017

The Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph will once again hold a self-defense training event for women.

After Roger and Kathy Kemp’s 18-year-old daughter Ali was found beaten and slain at the pump house of their local pool in 2002, they decided to help empower women to defend themselves if faced with an attacker.

They created The Ali Kemp Educational (TAKE) Foundation and began teaching self-defense techniques to women across the nation. Teaching both self-awareness and defensive moves, the goal of TAKE Defense is to teach participants how to disengage from a potential threat and get to safety.

The Kiwanis TAKE Defense Training takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 8th at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex on the Missouri Western State University campus. Check in begins at 9 a.m. The event is open to women and girls ages 12 and up.

The two-hour hands-on training event is free. With a $20 donation, participants will receive a 2017 TAKE Defense Training shirt with all proceeds benefiting the Ali Kemp Foundation and the Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph.

Pre-registration is encouraged with online registration available through March 31st.