Post Staff – Page 243 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Interstate ramp closure planned

Posted on March 4, 2017March 2, 2017

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Guardrail repair will close a ramp at the Interstate 229 and I-29 interchange on the south side of St. Joseph, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The ramp from southbound I-229 to northbound I-29 will close Wednesday, March 8, 2017, from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists will need to use an alternate route during the closures. All work is weather permitting and subject to change.

MoDOT encourages all motorists to slow down, buckle up, eliminate distractions and drive safely to ensure everyone is able to Arrive Alive.

For more information about this and other MoDOT projects, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT or visit www.modot.org/northwest and view the online Traveler Information Map. In addition, MoDOT provides updated information on Twitter @MoDOTNorthwest and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOTNWDistrict.

Adobe partnership to benefit Western’s communication program

Posted on March 4, 2017March 3, 2017

(News Release) – Students and faculty in the technical communication program at Missouri Western State University will benefit from a new partnership between the University and Adobe Systems Inc. The partnership through Adobe’s University Outreach Program enhances campus access to the company’s industry-standard Adobe Technical Communication Suite.

“This will help our students get jobs when they graduate,” said Dr. Kaye Adkins, professor of English/Technical Communication. “These are the tools of the technical communication trade; our employers ask for proficiency in Adobe RoboHelp and Adobe FrameMaker.”

Missouri Western offers technical communication as a concentration for undergraduate English majors and for graduate students in the Master of Applied Arts in Written Communication program and in a recently approved graduate certificate program. It is also offered as a minor for undergraduate students in other programs, and the graduate courses draw students from many other master’s degree programs.

Adobe’s Technical Communication Suite includes RoboHelp, FrameMaker, Captivate, Acrobat Pro and Presenter. The software will be installed in computer labs on campus, on faculty computers, and on computers owned by students taking online courses.

Suspect pleads guilty to molestation of child, 6

Posted on March 4, 2017March 4, 2017

A 55-year-old St. Joseph man will be sentenced in April for his guilty plea to a charge of 1st-degree child molestation.

Gary Robinson was charged after an incident in June of 2016, in which he sexually abused a six-year-old.

Judge Randall Jackson scheduled sentencing April 20 according to online court records. At the time it was filed, the charge was a class-b felony. Robinson faces a range of punishment of from five to 15 years. Since that time the law changed, and the crime was upgraded to become a class-a felony, which carries a much longer possible sentence.

(Update) Water boil advisory lifted

Posted on March 4, 2017March 4, 2017

Water continue to flow into the street from one source Friday morning

(Update) Late Friday night, the Missouri American Water company lifted its boil advisory for the St. Joseph area. Tests found no contamination in the water, according to Christie Barnhart, the utility’s Communications Manager for the utility.
***
A boil advisory prompted by a downtown water-main break Thursday has a lot of people asking when it will end. Christie Barnhart of Missouri American Water says it shouldn’t last much past Friday night.

“We have got samples that are processing currently,” Barnhart said . “We are very confident that the advisory will be lifted tonight around 10:30 p.m.”

On Friday morning, some water could still be seen rising through the pavement near Sixth and Edmond Streets. One lane of Edmond Street was closed at the intersection. Thursday afternoon we counted more than two dozen small water spouts in the pavement, the sidewalks and the landscaping in the area (see video below).

Barnhart points out that as of Friday morning, no contamination had been detected.

“With a precautionary advisory, we issue those when we see a pressure drop in our water system,” she said. “Often times, as in yesterday, those are caused by when we have water pipes break underground, and this was an eight inch pipe, so that’s a pretty good sized pipe to break.”

Barnhart said the broken, eight-inch water pipe did cause a drop in pressure, which prompted the advisory as a precautionary measure.

Missouri American Water boil advisory area.

“We do not have any evidence of contamination,” she said. “If we did, we would have issued a boil order.”

“But we do want to protect everyone, so we do ask that as a precautionary measure they continue to boil the water before drinking or cooking until this is lifted.”

The St. Joseph School District canceled classes Friday because of the water issues across much of St. Joseph. Barnhart said what the school district did is standard with what she sees across Missouri.

Barnhart advises you to bring your water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. Tap water is okay for washing and bathing.

As we reported, water was oozing into the street from multiple sources Thursday afternoon, as shown in this video.

Moodys affirms Mosaic A1 credit rating

Posted on March 4, 2017March 3, 2017

Mosaic Life Care announced this week that Moody’s Investors Service has affirmed its A1 credit rating.

According to Moody’s this action affects approximately $119 million of rated debt outstanding issued through the Missouri State Health & Educational Facilities Authority and the St. Joseph Industrial Development Authority. The outlook remains stable.

“Having a strong credit rating is not something Mosaic Life Care takes for granted, and we are appreciative of the confidence Moody’s Investors Services has in our organization,” said Dwain Stilson, Chief Financial Officer with Mosaic Life Care. “Our solid balance sheet and the market share in our primary service area were key contributors in the rating outcome. We will work on our operational plans to enhance our margin, but we remain confident in the organizational planning processes we have in place and those we are implementing.”

In FY 2016, the hospital saw 15,371 inpatient admissions and 1,006,954 outpatient visits.

According to Moody’s Investors Service, A1 is based upon Mosaic’s continued growth in unrestricted liquidity, moderate debt position, and long track record of consistent operating performance. While operations continue to be challenged by the shift from inpatient to outpatient services and pressured reimbursement by government payors, management continues to implement many initiatives to preserve healthy financials including a plan to terminate the defined benefit pension plan this year. The rating continues to reflect a dominant market position as a Sole Community Hospital provider in St. Joseph, MO, though constrained by a high concentration of governmental and self-pay payors, a large employed-physician group, and expansion into the more competitive Kansas City service area.

(Update) – Police identify man shot and killed on southside

Posted on March 3, 2017March 3, 2017

(3:37 p.m.) – The St. Joseph Police Department has identified the man allegedly shot and killed Friday morning on the south end of town.

Jeffrey Allen Mason, 50 has been identified as the man found at the home located at 413 Ohio Street with an apparent gunshot wound. Capt. Jeff Wilson said officers are investigating his death as suspicious.

As we previously reported, after arriving officers found Mason with a gunshot wound and he was later pronounced deceased. The investigation continues.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The (10:30 a.m.) – St. Joseph Police Department is investigating the death of a man found Friday morning who sustained an apparent gunshot wound.

Capt. Jeff Wilson said officers responded to a home in the 400 block of Ohio in reference to a death investigation. After arriving officers found a 50-year-old man with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was later pronounced deceased. Detectives are in scene and conducting the investigation.

Obituaries February 28

Posted on March 3, 2017

Dorothy “Dottie” Maxine Nutt
1939-2017

Dorothy “Dottie” Nutt 77, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at a Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born September 5, 1939 in St. Joseph, MO. She graduated from Benton High School 1957, and worked at Whitaker Cable, Armours, retiring from Johnson Controls. She was a member of the Community Christian Church. She loved cooking, her animals, and her country music. Dottie was preceded in death by her husband, George Nutt, her parents, daughter, Cindy Joswick-McClanahan, and two brothers, Charlie Miller, and Dean Miller. Survivors include, Son Shawn Joswick of St. Joseph, step daughters, Linda (Roger) Hanken of St. Joseph, MO, Brenda (Jack) Baines of Atchison, KS, and Laura Nutt of St. Joseph, MO, stepson, James (Annie) Nutt, Jr. of Weston, grandchildren, Shalee, Presley, Cody, and London Joswick, Celena Jones, numerous step grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and former husband Jim Joswick.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Friday, March 3, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Brian Williams 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 Ashland Cemetery.

D. Jane Myers
1925-2017

D. Jane Myers, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born July 25, 1925 to Claude and Marie (Hess) Benner.
Jane married Donald McMachen on October 10, 1946 and he preceded her in death in 1981. She later married Walter Myers on March 27, 1982 and preceded her in death in 2002.
Jane was a graduate of Central High School. She worked for 38 years at Montgomery Ward, retiring as the Customer Accommodation Center Manager. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #11 for over fifty years and presided as President of the state organization from 1988 – 1989. Jane also belonged to the Buchanan County Salon #530 and presided as Chapeau in 1972.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-son, Robert Myers; and step-daughter, Sandra Blake.
Survivors include stepsons; Gregory Myers (Becky) and Paul Myers (Tami) of St. Joseph and Larry Branaman (JoAnn) of Arizona; 6 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to a Veterans Charity of the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Michael Alan Baker
1957-2017

Michael Alan Baker 60, of Savannah, Missouri passed away Tuesday February 28, 2017 at his home. He was born February 4, 1957 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of Jean & Charles “Bud” Baker. He married Carol Harris on June 24, 1989, and they have shared 27 years together. He graduated from Benton High School class of 1975. Mike worked as an EMT and security officer for the Andrew County Ambulance & St. Joe Frontier Casino. He enjoyed fishing, the 4th of July, Christmas, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, he always had a story to tell, but most of all he loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Mark Baker. He is survived by wife, Carol Baker of the home, sons, Travis (Stephanie) Baker of Liberty, MO, Adam (Cassie) Baker of Kansas City, MO, and Chris (Tammy) Oliver of Savannah, MO, daughter, Shelly (Craig) McCoy of Savannah, MO, 10 grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Friday with the memorial service starting at 3:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Warriors Ascent fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Frances Hartman
1920-2017

WATHENA,KS – Frances (Vertin) Hartman, 96, of Wathena, Kansas died Tuesday, February 28, 2017at the Wathena Healthcare & Rehab Center.
Frances was born on August 21, 1920 in Wathena to Matthew and Elsie (Miller) Vertin.
She married John L. Hartman on November 19, 1949 in Wathena. He preceded her in death on March 28, 1990. She was also preceded by a son, Richard; grandson, Garrett; infant brother, Bernard; brother, Lawrence; sister, Margaret Kaczor; and half sister, Florence Euler.
Frances is survived by her children;
sons: Burnace Hartman (Jennifer), Bryan Hartman both of Wathena;
Daughters; Janet Hartman and Patricia Bartlett (Mark), both of St. Joseph, Missouri;
Grandchildren; Jason (Yvonne) Hartman, Ryan (Tonya) Hartman, Eric Hartman, Lindsay (Joe) Etherton, Emily (Matt) Shook, Alex Bartlett and Megan Bartlett Great-grandchildren; Gavin & Olyvia, Ty & Trent, Madelyn & Wesley, Rylie & Kaylie and Zoe and daughter-in-law, Carol Hartman and several nieces and nephews.
She was an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Altar Society, American Legion Auxiliary Post#161. She was active in volunteering of her time playing Bingo at the Wathena Healthcare & Rehab with residents for many years and enjoying going and giving of her time at the Wathena Keen-Age Center.
MASS: Saturday, March 4, 2017 – 10:00 A.M.
At: St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wathena
Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Wathena
Visitation: family will receive friends Friday evening 6-8 pm at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena with a Rosary at 7.
Memorials maybe made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wathena Keen-Age Center, or the Wathena Healthcare Activity Fund.

Warmer temps and fire danger continue

Posted on March 3, 2017

A very high fire danger exists for eastern Kansas and western Missouri today and then again on Saturday due to dry conditions combined with gusty winds. Therefore, it is encouraged to avoid outdoor burning, to properly extinguish cigarette butts, and use caution with any open flames, such as when grilling or barbecuing. The next chance for precipitation looks to be late Monday night. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Southeast wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 43. Southeast wind around 11 mph becoming south southwest after midnight.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 68. South southwest wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Saturday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 51. South southwest wind 14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. South southwest wind 14 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Sunday Night: A slight chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Breezy.

Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 33.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 59.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67.

Suspects pleads guilty to reduced charge in Amazonia ballpark homicide

Posted on March 3, 2017March 3, 2017

A Savannah man pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in the shooting death of his wife.

Prosecutors dismissed a string of charges including alternative counts of first and second-degree murder against Jay Bowman. In return he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

Circuit Judge Patrick Robb sentenced Bowman to seven years in prison for the manslaughter charge.

The charges stem from the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Stephanie Bradberry on New Year’s Day in 2016 at the Amazonia Ball Park.

Bowman also pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from his having contraband in the Andrew County Jail. Having a lighter behind bars is a class-b felony, a more serious crime than the manslaughter charge. Judge Robb sentenced Bowman to eight years on that charge, to be served consecutively to the manslaughter sentence.

(Update) Water main break prompts boil advisory

Posted on March 2, 2017March 2, 2017

(Update) Missouri American Water has issued a boil advisory for water customers in a large area of St. Joseph. The utility sent out an alert Thursday evening.

“This is a message from Missouri American Water. We’re calling today, Thursday, March 2, 2017 to let you know of a precautionary boil water advisory that affects your home or business. This advisory is being activated as a precaution after a water main break caused water system pressures to drop in your area.

“Please bring your water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. Tap water is okay for washing and bathing. The boil advisory will be in effect until tests confirm that the water is safe to drink. You will receive another call when it is lifted. We will call you again when the boil water advisory has been lifted. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.”

The break appears to have originated near 6th and Edmond Streets in downtown St. Joseph, but the advisory area extends as far north as Gene Field Road and as far south as the Platte County line. (Click on the map to visit the utility’s Web site)

Water was oozing onto the street near 6th and Edmond Streets on Thursday afternoon. There were at least two dozen small gushers flooding the area. Water was rising from dozens of cracks in the pavement, from the landscaping around a fire hydrant, and from a sewer manhole cover.