Post Staff – Page 234 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Jury warrant scam hits Buchanan County

Posted on March 16, 2017March 16, 2017

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about a new scam circulating involving warrants for missing jury duty.

According to a news release, the sheriff’s department has received information that scammers are calling Buchanan County citizens stating that the citizen has a warrant for missing Jury duty. The citizen is then instructed that they will have to pay a fine immediately to a member of the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department. The citizen is instructed that they have to stay on the phone and immediately pay the fine at suite 200.

The department said the scammers are using phone numbers belonging to the sheriff’s department for the caller ID and names of members of the department.

“THIS IS A SCAM. The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department will NEVER contact you by phone to come in and pay a fine. The department will also never call you and ask you to pay a fine over the phone. The location being given to pay the fine at is not a real location at the department,” said Deputy Sarah Hardin with the sheriff’s department.

Residents are being advised to never give out their personal information over the phone to a caller advising they are from the sheriff’s department or to give their debit or credit card information over the phone.

“Citizens should always verify the number calling them by calling back to the department and requesting the member of the department by name,” Hardin said.

(Update) Ashland reopens after crash

Posted on March 16, 2017March 16, 2017

The St. Joseph Police Department has closed Ashland Ave. near Floral Ave.

According to an alert issued shortly before 2 p.m. the St. Joseph Police Department advised the road was closed due to a traffic incident. Officials report one person was taken to Mosaic Life Care with non life-threatening injuries.

The road reopened at about 3pm, according to a second Nixle alert

Deputies close NN Highway for traffic incident

Posted on March 16, 2017March 16, 2017

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office has closed NN Highway from 128th to 140th.

According to an alert sent out shortly after 1:45 p.m. deputies have closed the highway due to a traffic incident.

As more information becomes available we will update this post.

St. Joseph man facing felony stealing charge

Posted on March 16, 2017March 16, 2017

An off-duty officer arrested a St. Joseph man accused of stealing from Walmart earlier this week.

Walter Warren Lomax Jr., 37 of St. Joseph is charged in Buchanan County with a felony of Stealing – 4th or subsequent stealing offense within 10 years.

According to court document, Lomax had previously been banned from Walmart for stealing. However, on Tuesday he is accused of entering North Belt Walmart and taking items from the store.

“He was stopped outside the store by loss prevention. They recovered some of the stolen property and photographed him before he fled on foot,” said Det. Chase Cotter with the St. Joseph Police Department. “An off-duty police officer in the area observed the defendant fleeing and detained him behind IHOP.”

Cotter said Lomax had an active warrant for failing to appear in court at the time of his arrest.

“He has 10 prior stealing related convictions, 3 of which have occurred within the past 10 years. He has convictions for burglary (x7), non support (x4), DWR, possession of a controlled substance, theft, felony theft and stealing,” Cotter said.

Lomax is being held on $10,000 bail. He’s due in court Friday for an arraignment.

Obituaries March 12-14

Posted on March 16, 2017

D. Louise Montgomery
1920-2017

D. Louise Montgomery, 96, Mulvane, Kansas, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 12, 2017 at a healthcare facility in Derby, Kansas.
She was born December 1, 1920 to Claus and Iva Mae Davis. They preceded her in death.
Louise married Ronald A. Montgomery on February 14, 1941.
She was a 1938 graduate of Central High School and attended Gards Business College. She retired as a civilian employee of Ft. Leavenworth Command Staff College. Louise loved writing and took many writing courses. She was an adult reading tutor. Louise was a former member of the YWCA, Central High School PTA, and Committee Woman for the Democratic Party. Louise loved gardening and flowers.
She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Betty Belz; and sister, Geraldine Noland.
Survivors include daughter, Janet Montgomery; grandchildren, Stephanie Steele, Christine Adams, Brian and Patrick Belz; numerous great grandchildren, a niece and a nephew.
Farewell Services 1:00P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the charity of donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Linda F. (Reed) Lewis
1949-2017

Linda F. (Reed) Lewis, 67, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born April 18, 1949 to Sanford and Kathleen (Gunter) Reed, they preceded her in death.
Linda married Edward R. Lewis May 27, 1972, he survives of the home.
She graduated from Elwood High School, Class of 1967 and later completed Cosmetology School and worked as a cosmetologist. She shifted her career to Real Estate and worked as an agent/broker for over 25 years, retiring in 2007.
Linda was a loving mother who cared for her children and grandchildren. She had a courageous laugh that made everyone laugh with her.
She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, gardening and loved her wild birds.
She was also preceded in death by a brother, Kenny Reed.
Additional survivors include daughters, Carie Lewis (Matt), Kelly Dobosz (Jim); grandchildren, Corey, D’Angelo, Alexis, John, Landon, Logan and Maci; brother, Wesley Reed (Betty); numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursay, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Assocation Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Teresa Kay Althouse
1959-2017

Teresa Kay Althouse, 57, of Fairview, passed away peacefully Monday, March 13, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Hiawatha, December 11, 1959, one of three children born to Norman and Nancy (Bloom) Brockhoff, and was a lifelong resident of the Fairview area. Teresa attended Hiawatha schools where she graduated from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1977. Teresa grew up on the farm and enjoyed doing whatever needed to be done at the time: working cattle, mowing and baling hay, etc. She attended trade school to learn to be a beautician of which she owned a beauty shop a few years prior to helping her Dad in Grandpa’s Kitchen. Teresa worked for nearly 20 years for Sac and Fox Casino working in various capacities there through the years, retiring due to poor health.
Survivors include two adored sons Jake (Caitlyn) Althouse of Topeka, Louis (Trina) Althouse of Manhattan; grandchildren Jules and Kellen; her parents Norm and Nancy Brockhoff of Fairview; brothers: Charlie (Nellie) Brockhoff, David (Vickie) Brockhoff, along with many beloved family members and friends.
Memorial services are planned for 2 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Reverend Sean Kilgo officiating, followed by a meal at Community Center in Fairview.
The family will meet with friends 5:30 until 7 Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to be used for funeral costs.

Gene Salmons
1936-2017

Gene Salmons, 80, St. Joseph, Missouri, formerly of Cosby, Missouri passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born May 3, 1936 to Lester and Merrill Salmons.
Gene married Marlene Stanton on June 19, 1955, at Faucett Christian Church
He attended Savannah High School. Gene worked as a livestock salesman at the St. Joseph Stockyards, retiring after fifty-five years. He was a member of Hope Church of Christ, Cosby Masonic Lodge #600 A.F & A.M., Stockyards Collectors Club, American Quarter Horse Association and Bit and Spur Club. Gene was an all-around cowboy and horseman. He showed and judged horses all of his life. He was a 4-H youth livestock buyer for the American Royal Livestock show and farmed in Cosby, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife; son, Clint Salmons; daughter Kim Westhoff and Mike Westhoff; grandsons, Matthew Salmons and David Westhoff; great grandchildren, Tieler Salmons and Bryston Salmons; brothers Ronnie and Donnie Salmons; and niece, Missy McClurg.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Hope United Church of Christ, State Hwy W, Cosby, MO 64436. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Louis Carl “J.R.” Hirter
1938-2017

Louis Carl “J.R.” Hirter, 78; St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 surrounded by his wife and family. He was a beloved husband, daddy, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother and uncle.
J.R. was born July 19, 1938 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Louis and Cathalene (Hamilton) Hirter
J.R. grew up in St. Joseph. He graduated from Central High School in 1956 and also served in the US Marine Corp.
He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Ann Gilley on August 29, 1959. They started their life together in St. Joseph. They had three children, and later moved to Hemple in 1976 and Gower in 1983. They then moved back to St. Joseph in 1996.
J.R. was in the auto body repair business having his own shop, Auto Craft Body & Frame for many years on the Belt Hwy. He was also owner of Hirters Body Shop before that on Garfield Ave. J.R. also worked at Swafford, Polsky Motors and M&G Motors.
J.R. belonged to the St. Paul Lutheran Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and step mother, Iola Hirter.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly, who was the love of his life for more than 57 years; his dog, Lacy; his children, Vicki Dowell (Kris), Rick Hirter (Diana), Tammy Yantzi (John); grandchildren, Travis, Devin, Tyson, Stacy, Taci, Scott, Amanda, Kensi, Christopher, Abbey, Carlee, Megan, David, Bonnie, and Alexandra; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Brooklyn, Caroline, Hank, Wren, Autumn, and Hadley; sister, Barbara Burnham(Ronnie); brothers, Larry Watson (Carol), Ronnie Watson, Steven Gilley (Sandy), Fred Gilley (Helen Jo), Dennis Gilley (Cole); numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, St. Paul Lutheran Church. Entombment Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or The American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Peggy Ann Harbison
1942-2017

Peggy Ann Harbison 74, of Saint Joseph, Missouri died March 13, 2017 in Saint Joseph health care center. She was born October 25, 1942 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Myrtle & Henry Harbison. She graduated Lafayette High School, Worked at VA Medical Center. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, watching movies and genealogy. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, and Oak Grove Presbyterian Church. Preceded in death by parents, brother, Albert Harbison, sisters, Harriet Walker, Bonnie Jo Cole. Survivors: son, Boyd Boyles. daughter, and 3 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 17, 2017 at 3:00 pm at the Maxwell Heights Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements Rupp Funeral Home.

Nancy Kay Cummings
1960-2017

Nancy Kay Cummings 56, of Albany, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 at her home in Albany, MO. She was born May 1, 1960 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Betty and Alfred Cummings. She was a high school graduate and worked at the Opportunity Workshop in Albany, MO. She enjoyed shopping, going to dances, going to church, and working. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter June Cummings, sister, Betty June Fitzpatrick, brothers, Alfred Cummings Jr, and Nolan Didlo. Survivors include, sisters, Leveda (Richard) White, Alberta Cummings, Mary (Juan) Ramos, Lisa Cummings, and Connie (Steve) Didlo, brothers, Robert Cummings, Homer Didlo, and Ernie (Janet) Didlo.
The Family will receive friends from 12-1 pm Friday, with a funeral service to be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Jesse Quinn officiating. The Interment will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance, Kansas. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Alvin Earl Ewart
1927-2017

Alvin Earl Ewart 89, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born April 14, 1927 in Bedford, IA, son of Berna and Leslie Ewart. He married Dora Sauter on June 18, 1950 and she survives of the home. He worked at Armour Company retiring after 31 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, beekeeping, hunting and fishing, he was a Christian. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Troy Ewart, and his wife Janet, and Virgil Ewart. Survivors include, wife, Dora Ewart of the home, six children: Alvin Lynn (Gerri) Ewart, Joyce (Mike) Nold, Rodney (Charla) Ewart, Linda Bonea, Les Ewart, and David (Carla) Ewart, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, nephew, Bradley (Suzanne) Ewart.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 AM Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Smith officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home.

LaVonda Gail Burgess-Mayhew
1968-2017

LaVonda Gail Burgess-Mayhew 48, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday March 14, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born September 5, 1968 in St. Joseph, Missouri. She graduated from Benton High School, and worked at the St. Joseph Newspress in the classifieds department for 18 years she then ACE Rental Car at KC Airport 9 years as the office manager. She enjoyed raising her grandson Ryder, attending the renaissance Festival in Kansas City, Worlds of Fun, watching Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, and the Golden Girls. She is survived by mother, Linda Fanning (William Hicks), St. Joseph, MO, father, Jimmy L (Mary Kathy) Burgess, Springfield, MO, daughter, Dori (Dustin) Waggoner, Saint Joseph, MO, and son, Dalton Mayhew (Mitch Steenbock), Kansas City, MO, 5 grandchildren, Brentin, Ryder, Landon, Nathan, and Zayden, brother, Johnny Burgess (Keri DeWar), St. Joseph, MO, sisters, Lesa (Gary) Droz, Savannah, MO, Lena Walker, St. Joseph, MO, nephew, Jesse Droz, niece, Chloe Walker, dog, Little Bitty, grand dog, Bosten. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm with a memorial service to be held at 3:00 PM Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home following the services. Memorials are requested to the LaVonda Burgess-Mayhew Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Lulu Marie Fuhrman
1935-2017

Lula Fuhrman, of rural Hiawatha, surrounded by family, went to be with her Lord, March 14, 2017 at Vintage Park Assisted Living Apartments in Hiawatha. She was 81.
Lulu Marie Kleppe, was born June 19, 1935, near Everest, the oldest of four daughters born to Herman and Margaret Keeney Kleppe and was a lifelong Brown County resident. She graduated from Robinson High School then attended Highland Community College earning a teaching certificate before teaching at Corning, Kansas for two years.
Mrs. Fuhrman was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Hiawatha; and the United Methodist Women of the Church where she had served as President. She served several years as laity to the annual conference for the UMW. At Trinity, she taught Sunday school, and had served on the Church board. She also was a member of the Modern 49’s Extension Unit.
Lulu married George Fuhrman at the United Brethren Church, May 29, 1957. They farmed and raised livestock all of their married life near Hiawatha. He died October 29, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister Sarah Clemmons, and an infant son Gregory.
Survivors include her children: Roger Fuhrman (Kathy) of Aurora, IL, Vickie Walker (Andy) of Belleville, KS, Terry Fuhrman (Jennifer) of Hiawatha, Mary Wendt of Goodland, KS, Linda Young (Brian) of Belleville, 4 granddaughters, 4 grandsons, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters: Twila Smith, Marilyn Gibbs (Jim), both of Hiawatha; brother-in-law Bill Clemmons of Topeka; and Buster the cat of rural Hiawatha.
A Celebration of Lulu’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at Trinity United Methodist Church of Hiawatha with Reverend Kevin Rea officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.
The family will meet friends from 6 until 8 Friday evening at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Vintage Park Assisted Living or NEK Home Health and Hospice, or Missy Newell Memorial Fund, which may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Staffers assaulted at SE Nebraska prison

Posted on March 16, 2017

The prison unit where two inmates died in a riot earlier this month erupted in violence again on Wednesday. Officials with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services say four staff members at the Tecumseh State correctional Institution were assaulted, and that two of them required outside medical attention.

Officials say that because of the riot March 2, housing units at the prison were on modified operations, and when four inmates were allowed out of their cells, more violence broke out.

According to an NDCS announcement “…four inmates had been allowed out of their cells; some for the purpose of cleaning after their cells had been flooded and others for their meal. The cause of the flooding was from toilets that had been plugged.”

“Staff who were assaulted and staff who responded used physical force to stop the assaults and subdue the inmates. Those inmates involved in the assaults and others on the unit made threats regarding additional assaults as they were demanding to be let out of their cells.”

As we reported earlier, Damon Fitzgerald and Michael Galindo were killed in a riot March 2 at the southeastern Nebraska facility. Authorities believe an earlier riot in 2015 was staged in order to take action against two sex offenders in facility. As we reported, Shon Collins and Donald Peacock were killed in that prison riot.

The prison director said continued violence will lead to a continued crackdown on inmate movement.

“Continued physical acts of violence will result in more safety precautions and fewer individuals allowed out at one time,” said Director Scott R. Frakes. “We will do whatever is necessary to keep people safe. The only way the current conditions of confinement can change is when individuals demonstrate they are not a risk to cause harm to others. That is done through good behavior and respectful interactions with staff and others.”

Corrections Department shakeup includes changes at WRDCC in St. Joe

Posted on March 16, 2017March 16, 2017

Corrections Director Anne Precythe — Corrections Director
Anne Precythe

A leadership shakeup at the Missouri Department of Corrections includes changes at facilities in Northwest Missouri. Governor Eric Greitens and his new corrections director Anne Precythe have replaced a number of top administrators in the state’s central office, in addition to leadership changes in some of the state’s 21 prisons.

In a memo to DOC staff dated March 10 obtained by St. Joseph Post, Director Precythe outlined changes in Kansas City and St. Joseph. Most of the changes are at the Kansas City Reentry Center, but one top administrator has been transferred from KCRC to St. Joe.

Bryant Holmes will laterally transfer in April to the position of Assistant Warden at the Western Reception, Diagnostic, and Corrections Center in St. Joseph . Holmes has served as the Deputy Warden at KCRC since February 15, 2015.

Larry Denny, the former Warden at the Crossroads Correctional Center in Cameron, will come out of retirement to serve as Deputy Warden at KCRC.

Sonny Collins was selected to serve as the Warden at KCRC effective March 13. Collins most recent served as the Warden of the Maryville Treatment Center.

The memo also says former KCRC Warden Lilly Angelo became District Administrator at District 4B on March 13. Former Deputy Warden Leesa Wiseman became Unit Supervisor at District 4C on March 13.

The moves by Gov. Eric Greitens’ administration come amid a sexual harassment scandal that has cost state taxpayers millions of dollars in legal fees. Department of Corrections Director Anne Precythe’s first two months on the job have been dominated by reports of widespread sexual harassment of female prison guards. That’s resulted in millions of dollars in legal payouts by the state.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)

Temps in the 60s and 70s through the weekend

Posted on March 16, 2017

It looks warmer than normal for the foreseeable future starting today as highs climb into the upper 50s and lower 60s. For St. Patrick’s day, there may be some morning rain showers, but these will give way to clearing conditions during the afternoon hours with temperatures warming into the 60s. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62. South wind 8 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 66. West wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north in the morning.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34. North northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 60. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 41.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 54.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53.

Manslaughter suspect appears in court

Posted on March 15, 2017

A Lock Springs, Missouri man is due back in court in April for a plea or trial setting in connection with the death of the man’s roomate last November.

Aaron Tucker appeared before Daviess County Circuit Judge Thomas Nichols Chapman on Wednesday to face one count of involuntary manslaughter. As we reported earlier, the charge was reduced from second degree murder.

Tucker is accused in connection with the death of Michael Chad Estabrook who officials say had been knocked unconscious during a fight November 12. Estabrook died later at Hedrick Medical Center.

At defense lawyer Mona Kay Spencer’s request, Judge Chapman scheduled the case for a plea or trial setting on April 12.

Rescued dog believed stabbed 19 times

Posted on March 15, 2017

Police responding to a mental illness call at a church on Monday found a severely injured dog, believed to have been stabbed 19 times.

The Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACT) rescued the 10-year-old female poodle mix.

Upon examination by Humane Society of Missouri veterinarians, the dog nicknamed “Frannie” was found to have sustained 19 stab wounds to her neck, back and chest. Frannie was suffering from blood loss, shock and trauma when she arrived at the Humane Society of Missouri. After receiving IV fluids, antibiotics and pain medication, she is now in guarded condition at HSMO headquarters.

The Humane Society of Missouri ACT received a call Monday from a CIT-trained St. Louis County police officer concerning an injured dog found while the team was responding to a mental illness call at a church in north St. Louis County. Upon arrival at the church, the ACT investigator found the wounded dog, covered in blood but alive. St. Louis County police requested HSMO take the dog into protective custody for treatment and sheltering. Late Tuesday afternoon, the dog’s owner voluntarily surrendered custody of Frannie to the Humane Society of Missouri.

“This poor dog suffered unfathomable trauma,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “Our first priority is for her to make a full recovery. Our expert staff will do everything we can to treat Frannie and give her the love and care she deserves. In addition, our Animal Cruelty Task Force will continue to investigate this case and deliver our report to the St. Louis County Police Department and the prosecutor’s office.”