Two teenagers were seriously hurt in a rollover crash east of Cameron Monday evening.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol identifies the victims as William Jeffries, 17, the driver, and Sarah Robinson, 19, both of Cameron. According to a crash report, Jeffries lost control of his pickup truck along Sale Barn Road one mile east of Cameron at 6pm Monday.
The truck left the gravel road and overturned.
Jeffries and Robinson were transported to Cameron Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
Residents in eastern Kansas and extreme western Missouri may see snow flurries or light snow this morning. No accumulating snow is expected. Otherwise temperatures will gradually warm through the week with highs above normal by St. Patrick’s Day. While there may be some rain showers Friday morning, the afternoon looks dry as temperatures climb into the middle 60s across eastern Kansas and western Missouri. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:
Today: A slight chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Northeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 20. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. South wind 6 to 9 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. South southeast wind around 8 mph.
Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Thursday Night: A slight chance of rain after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 66.
The St. Joseph School District may add another dark day on the school calendar for the solar eclipse in August. Board members will vote March 27 to amend the school calendar to include a day off on August 21.
Superintendent Dr.Robert Newhart told board members Monday the district had planned to make the eclipse August 21st an educational event, but changed their minds in the face of ongoing developments.
Trails West is adding another festival day that Monday, and emergency officials urged the district not to have classes. Both teachers groups were very strongly opposed to having classes that day, according to district officials.
“It’s an abnormality. It’s not something we expect yearly,” Dr. Newhart said. “We decided the best solution is not to be in session that day, and make it an additional paid day for next year.”
“This will reduce the number of built-in days from five to four, and any additional make up days beyond four would be made up at the end of the school year,” he said. The board will be presented with an amendment to the formal school calendar to reflect the change.
Newhart says the thousands of special eclipse-glasses donated to the district will be distributed on the Friday before the event.
Tens of thousands of people are already making travel plans to be here to witness the moon traveling in front of the sun. Authorities say St. Joseph will be the third best place in the U.S. to watch. It’s expected to turn day into night here for a totality lasting an estimated two minutes and 38 seconds.
This year’s event is still five months out, but there’s already a rush on rooms in the area. Officials are taking reservations for primitive camping and some RV camping at Rosecrans Airport and Heritage Park. Tourism officials say there are no more single-night hotel rooms available in St. Joseph for that day, although you can still book multiple-night packages. Beth Conway of the Convention and Visitors Bureau recommends you call the local phone number and ask, rather than going through a national switchboard or Web site.
“So people with rental property, and even people who don’t mind pitching a tent in their back yard, should definitely consider renting out their property for that weekend online,” Conway said. “They can make some good money.”
Find out more at the bureau’s Web site here.
Eight people have stepped forward as candidates for the open seat on the St. Joseph School District Board of Education.
The board approved that list of candidates and a timeline for the replacement of former board member Chris Danford, who resigned in February.
The candidates who filed with the board are:
Margaret “Maggie” Elder
Dale Krueger
Aaron Duncan
Larry Koch
Jim Norris
Susan Willenbrink
John Hickman
Kenneth Reeder
The board plans to review and interview candidates during meetings later this month, and vote to select the new board member in April.
Sebastian Dowell appeared in court Monday for a trial-setting docket, but Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins told the judge he needs more time to reach an agreement with the defense lawyer in the case. Judge Daniel Kellogg rescheduled the case for March 27 at 1:15 p.m.
“We look for some kind of final decision on that date,” Scroggins told the judge.
Dowell is charged with 2nd degree murder for the killing of Kaytlin Root last October. A co-defendant, Amanda Bennett, pleaded guilty to that same charge last month and is scheduled for sentencing May 9.
Republicans are defending four GOP-leaning seats — in Georgia, Montana, South Carolina and Kansas. In the Kansas Fourth District, a special election is scheduled April 11. Incumbent Representative Mike Pompeo was chosen by President Donald Trump as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
During their parties’ special conventions, the Republicans nominated State Treasurer Ron Estes, while Democratic Party leaders chose James Thompson.
It will take some Democratic Party upsets for this trial heat for 2018 to dent GOP control of the House, where Republicans have a 237-193 edge.
Republicans say the four open GOP seats put pressure on Democrats to prove they can capitalize on widespread opposition to Trump. Democrats counter that it’s merely a free opportunity to pick up a seat, maybe two, before next year’s elections.
(Staff and wire reports)
A 19-year-old St. Joseph woman faces a lengthy prison term after she pleaded guilty on Monday to robbing a cell phone store in January.
Shania Harness, who is pregnant, pleaded guilty to one class a felony count of first-degree robbery. The charge carries a range of punishment of from 10 to 30 years or life behind bars.
Harness admitted to Circuit Judge Patrick Robb that she and co-defendant Isaiah Williams, the father of her child, robbed a Metro PCS cell-phone store at gunpoint.
The pair were arrested about an hour later with two cash drawers and $680 in cash from the store.
Judge Robb accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for April 26.
Williams is scheduled for a trial setting Mar. 16.
The Albrecht-Kemper Musuem of Art is hosting an estate sale to make room for more artwork.
“We have 50 years of stuff that has been building up in the museum in our attic, in our basement and out in the carriage house. It’s old furniture, it’s all kinds of decorative stuff throughout the years,” said Brett Knappe, AKMA Dir. “We really do have parachutes by the way. We are selling parachutes.”
The sale will take place Saturday, March. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Randy Klein will help to organize the antiques, furniture, appliances, vintage jewelry, kitchen items and more.
“We also have years and years of tools, and a tractor and a sprayer. Things we used to do ourselves that we have since hired other people to do,” Knappe said. “We have a lot of that type of grounds and maintenance type of things for sale as well as other things.”
Knappe said they hope to make space in the museum to store more pieces of art.
“We have almost run out of space for storage. Which is a good problem to have, we have 3,000 pieces in the collection and growing so we are identifying spaces in the museum for additional storage,” Knappe said.
Proceeds from the sale will go back to the museum. AKMA plans to extend its hours to host the sale over the weekend. Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission will be free.
John R Obermier Sr
1957-2017
John R. Obermier Sr., 60, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. He was born February 15, 1957 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Mary and Edwin Obermier. He attended Benton High School. John loved being a salesman with a lifelong career in the furniture industry. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and ornery disposition. He loved to socialize, play pool, bowl, and play video trivia and poker (with prizes including 2 Harley motorcycles). He was a member of St. James Catholic Church. Survivors include, daughter, Becky (Pat) Brock and grandson William of Lenexa, KS, son John Obermier Jr, daughter, Miranda Obermier, both of St. Joseph, MO. Siblings, Mary Ludeke, Teresa (Kenny) Nolan both St. Joseph, Janice (David) Pellersels, Atchison, KS., Edwin (Linda) Obermier, Jeanette (Troy) Watson, Margaret (Thomas) Filley, all St. Joseph, Charles (Mary Kay) Obermier, Bellevue, NE, Greg (Shelley) Obermier, Faucett, MO, David (Janie) Obermier, St. Joseph, MO, Arthur (Nikkie) Obermier, Columbia, MO, Cheryl Wilson, Robert (Tracy) Obermier, and Eric (Johnna) Obermier, all St. Joseph, MO. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Monday with a Rosary to be recited at 2:30-Funeral Services following at 3:00 PM Monday March 13, 2017 at the Rupp Funeral Home with Fr. Matt Rotert officiating. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the John Obermier Sr. Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home.
Eddina Nagle
1937-2017
Eddina Kay Nagle 79, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday March 9, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born June 18, 1937 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Allen & Kathryn Lovelady. She attended Lafayette High School, and worked at Big Smith for several years, she was also a homemaker. Eddina loved spending time with her family, playing Santa Clause, dressing up for Apple Blossom Parades, and watching Nascar races, she loved to entertain. Eddina was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Peggy Joann Milbourn, and two brothers, Rodney and Rolland Lovelady. Survivors include sons: Larry Nagle (Tina Hicks), Osborn, MO, Perry (Sheri) Milbourn, Saint Joseph, MO, Gary Watts, Kansas City, MO, Glen Allen Watts, St. Joseph, MO, and Ricky Milbourn of UT, 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren. Mrs. Nagle will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com
Reta “Jo” Wade
1934-2017
Reta “Jo” Wade, 82, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 10, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born in State Center, Iowa to G. Herschel and Lillian (Templeman) Keedy, they preceded her in death.
Jo married Ron Wade, June 10, 1956, he survives of the home.
She attended Brooklyn Iowa High School, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa. She then attended Missouri University of Columbia.
Jo was a former member of First Christian Church. She was a current member of Ashland United Methodist Church, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, and PEO Chapter JF. During her life she was involved with Jr. League, St. Joseph Museum, PTA, and was also past president of Missouri Veterinary Association Axillary.
She enjoyed playing bridge, needle pointing, and quilting
She was also preceded in death by her a brother, G. Curtis Keedy; numerous cousins.
Additional survivors include sons, Dr. Scott Wade (Rhonda), and Chris Wade (Karolin); daughter, Nan Farrell (Jay); grandchildren, Sheldon Farrell, Katie Bishop, Ayla, Rhea, and Jane Wade; great-grandchildren, McKenna Bishop and Jaxon Farrell.
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 requests donations to Ashland United Methodist Church or Cottey College, 1000 W. Austin Blvd. Nevada, MO 64772. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Joseph Lee Hatfield
1945-2017
Joseph Lee Hatfield 71, Savannah, Missouri, passed away Friday, March 10, 2017 at his home. He was born July 27, 1945, St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Helen and Samuel Hatfield. He attended Lafayette High School, and retired from Wonder Bread Bakery, he also had worked at Walmart. He enjoyed Karate, Riding his bike, reading his Bible, he was a Baptist. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Samuel Larry, and David Hatfield, and a sister, Linda Wykert. Survivors include, wife Sheila Hatfield, daughter, Ramona (Tim) Angel, Saint Joseph, son, Neal Hatfield, Reeds Spring, step son, Jonathan Tracy, adopted daughter, Tabatha Hatfield, brothers, Gary (Denise) Harfield, Michael (Rose) Hatfield, sisters, Annie (Phillip) Rains, Diana (David) Hopper all of St. Joseph, MO, 9 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 12-2 PM Wednesday, with a funeral service starting at 2:00 PM, the interment will be at the King Hill Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Joseph Hatfield Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.
Gerald E. “Sonny” Williams
1942-2017
Gerald E. “Sonny” Williams, 74, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 10, 2017 at his home.
He was born September 30, 1942 in Lamar, Colorado to Gerald and Louise (Carter).
Sonny married Gloria “Whoodie” Gardner January 26, 1942, she preceded him in death March 13, 2015.
He was a member of The Knuckle Draggers Car Club and loved his hotrods and spending time in his garage.
Sonny enjoyed spending time with his great-grandbabies and doing yard work.
He was also preceded in death by parents; and brother, Curtis Steeby.
Survivors include daughters, Sheila Brown (Steve), Carissa “Crissy” Williams, Melody Gardner; sons, Gerald “Sonny” Williams, Jr., Gerald “Junior” Williams, and Joe Williams (Brenda); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Alma Keith, Wilma Roberts (George), Gerrie Petersen (Jerry), Debbie Bozworth(Rick), Carl Williams (June), Dennis Steeby (Marilyn), Raymond Steeby (Sherri), Fred Steeby (Anna), Bertha Belding (Bill), Kevin Steeby (Shelli) and Lori Boller (Jennifer); numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to The American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Brice Edwin Douglas Sowers
1993-2017
Brice Edwin Douglas Sowers was born Wednesday, January 20th, 1993; and passed away Friday, March 10th, 2017. Visitation Tuesday, March 14th, 2017, 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Located at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Services Tuesday, March 14th, 2017, 2:00pm. Located at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Interment located at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
William Michael “Mike” Murdy
1948-2017
William Michael “Mike” Murdy, Sr., of Hiawatha, died shortly after arrival at Hiawatha Community Hospital, Saturday, March 11, 2017. He was 69.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday, March 16, at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Hiawatha. Pastors James Callaway and Ryan VanPeursem will officiate. Military honors a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard. Cremation with follow services, with private family inurnment to be at Laus Creek-Anderson Cemetery, east of Reserve.
The family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 Wednesday evening at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.
Mike was born in Denver, CO, February 8, 1948, one of two sons born to William Finley and Audrey Mae Ronan Murdy. He grew up in Denver, attended schools there, and where he spent most of his working life. Mike served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict before discharged in 1967. He worked as a bus mechanic for public transportation in Denver until he was hurt and disabled. Upon moving to Hiawatha, he drove an occasional school bus route but mainly activity routes for USD #415 of Hiawatha. In later years, he worked hard to earn his GED.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hiawatha; and also a member of Homer-White American Legion Post #66, Hiawatha. He loved to fish, eat donuts and drink coffee at McDonald’s with friends. Mike loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He liked to watch sports, especially the Chiefs! Mike was always happy go lucky, always had time to chat, never met a stranger, and loved to aggravate!
He met Shirley Martin in California during the service. They later married May 7, 1967 in Reno, Nevada. They lived in Denver before moving to Hiawatha to make their home in 2003. She survives.
Also surviving are his children: Tom Martin (Sherri) of Hiawatha, Bill Murdy, Jr. (Jamie) of Horton, Jennifer Ruiz (Juan) of Topeka, Betty the family dog; 5 grandchildren: Ricky, Mikey, Aryeanne, Anna, Alex; 10 great-grandchildren: Kylee, Esparanza, Erica, Georgia, Little Ricky, Monkey (Cesar), Noah, Brianca, Makenzie, and Ethan.
He was also preceded in death by his brother.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church, or William Murdy Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.
June Ellen Miller
1948-2017
June Ellen Miller, 69, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born February 22, 1948 in Kushing, Oklahoma.
June married Larry Miller December 2, 1967 at Twin Spires in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She was a surgery technician for Doctors Walsh and Tobin and worked for Dr. Shrock.
June was a member of Our Lady Guadalupe Catholic Church, where she was a founding member, Altar Society, Pine Ridge Ministry Team and the Birthday Club.
She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Michael Michalski; and one brother, James (Jim) Michalski.
Survivors include husband of the home; sons, Eric Miller (Steffani), St. Joseph, Shawn Miller (Brandi), Carl Junction, Missouri; daughter, Amy Green (Josh), St. Joseph; nine grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; mother, Eunice (Barnett) Michalski, St. Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6:30 P.M. Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory The family will gather with friends 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Robert G. “Bob” VanEpps
1927-2017
He was born January 11, 1927 in Valley Falls, Ks. He was adopted to Charlie and Delferne VanEpps in 1930 where he resided in the same home his entire life. He went to school in Robinson (where he graduated in 1945). Bob served four years with the 2nd BN, 130th FA, Kansas Army National Guard, in Hiawatha in the early 1950’s during the time the Unit did sand bagging at Elwood during 1951 flood. He enjoyed riding horses from an early age. He later enjoyed riding motorcycles that he rode as a family activity on Sunday afternoons. Buying, selling, driving and caring for cars was a hobby that he really enjoyed, but farming the family farm was his great passion. Bob and Bruce famed together everyday till he was 85 which he quit due to declining health and was so proud to farm as long as he did.
Bob asked Jesus into his heart and was baptized in 1972 at the Christian Center of Hiawatha. He later joined the First Christian Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir for a short time, and was quite talented with his singing and whistling. He loved the Lord and revered his salvation and need for a savior.
Bob married Ilene Severson and together had three children Linda, Bruce and Ron. He later married Jeanne Judd with two step children, Annette and Brad. Then later if life, he enjoyed driving, buffets at the casinos and visiting with friends with his loving companion Dorothy Collier. She gave a great deal of love, care, and attention to Bob’s final chapter of his life which we were so grateful for.
Survivors include: sons Bruce VanEpps of Hiawatha Ks, Ron VanEpps (and Cindy) of Hays Ks; daughter Linda Proffit of Savannah MO; a total of 7 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his companion Dorothy Collier; step children: Annette (Brian) Hoskins and their son Brady Hoskins of Robinson, Brad (Kathy) Judd of Falls City, NE, and their children.
Funeral services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, with Rev. Micah Dunn, officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Tuesday evening at the funeral home,
Memorial contributions are suggested to be used for medical expenses at the donor’s favorite children’s hospital, sent in care of the funeral home.
A Virginia man was ordered to serve 41 months in federal prison for death threats directed at multiple people, including at least one in Nebraska.
Acting United States Attorney Robert C. Stuart said that in that case, law enforcement arrested Richard Killebrew, 37, at his home in Newport News, Virginia. Killebrew was transported back to Nebraska, where he was eventually convicted in the U.S. District Court for the crime of Cyber Stalking.
The Honorable Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., United States District Court Judge, sentenced Killebrew to a 41-month term of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Killebrew will begin a term of supervised release of 3 years.
A law enforcement investigation determined that between at least March, 2016, and July, 2016, Killebrew repeatedly used a computer and cell phone to send threatening messages to victims located in the District of Nebraska and elsewhere. In March, 2016, Killebrew used a cell phone to send a text message to a victim located in the District of Nebraska, which contained death threats. Between March, 2016, and July, 2016, Killebrew also posted numerous death threats directed at victims, located in Nebraska and elsewhere, on an internet blog. Phone and internet records obtained by law enforcement confirmed Killebrew had made the threats while he was located in Virginia.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Omaha Police Department.
