Post Staff – Page 244 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Sculpture Walk “People’s Choice” announced

Posted on March 2, 2017

The Allied Arts Council announced the winners of the People’s Choice Award in this year’s St. Joseph Sculpture Walk. “White Buffalo Calf Woman” is located on 6th Street between Edmond and Felix. The sculpture was created by Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby.

“’White Buffalo Calf Woman’ is the study sculpture for a 15’ sculpture that was commissioned for South Dakota’s State Capitol to celebrate the 100 anniversary of the opening of the State Capitol,’” they said.

The artists’ bronze sculpture may be purchased for $15,000. It’s not too late to own a sculpture from the 2016-17 Walk. For purchasing information on “White Buffalo Calf Woman” and others in the Walk, please contact the Allied Arts Council at 816-233-0231, Teresa.fankhauser@stjoearts.org, or stop in their office at 118 S. 8th St. St. Joseph, MO.

Sculptures will be de-installed during the month of May. Allied arts says you should stayed tuned for details on the 2017-18 Sculpture Walk.

High fire danger today due to wind and dry conditions

Posted on March 2, 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 early next week. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 52. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 21. North northwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. South wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 40. South southwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 14 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 68.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 70. Breezy.

Monday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.

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

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Second Harvest announces 2017 fundraising goal

Posted on March 1, 2017

The Second Harvest Community Food Bank kicked off its 2017 fundraising campaign Wednesday.

The food bank’s 2017 goal was announced during a kick-off at the Benton Club. Michelle Fagerstone, Second Harvest Dir. of Communications said this year’s goal is to raise $650,000.

“We had two anonymous donors that had pledged up to a $10,000 match for all donations that were contributed at the luncheon today. We had over $20,000 donated at the luncheon,” Fagerstone said. “That $20,000 is actually going to turn into $40,000.”

She said the campaign will run through May 31st. Funds raised will go to help individuals struggling with food insecurities in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.

“.96 cents of every dollar that is raised goes directly to food distribution and food programming,” Fagerstone said.

According to Second Harvest’s annual report in 2016, 350,588 people were served in its service territory.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the food bank or to donate.

Kansas man sentenced for scamming his elderly mother out of $900,000+

Posted on March 1, 2017March 1, 2017

A Topeka man was sentenced to federal prison for defrauding his mother out of more than $900,000.

United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska Deborah R. Gilg announced that James Allan Kappler, Jr., age 61, of Topeka, Kansas, was sentenced sentenced to 5 years, 3 months in federal prison.

Gilg says Kappler previously pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. According to Gilg, Kappler devised a scheme in which he represented to his mother that he was suffering from MRSA, a staph infection than can become terminal and is resistant to many common antibiotics. Kappler told his mother that he was involved in a study sponsored by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. He told her he needed to pay for all of his medical care and, once his treatment concluded, Pfizer would pay him $5,000,000.

He convinced his mother, 86, to provide him money to pay for his “medical care.” When Kappler’s mother’s funds were depleted, she sought more money from her sister and friends. In total, Kappler received at least $911,428.99 as part of his scheme from 2007 through 2012. The funds were wired from his mother’s trust account to an account in Topeka.

Kappler was sentenced in U.S. Court in Nebraska on Tuesday by the Honorable Laurie Smith Camp. Judge Smith Camp orderred Kappler to serve three years of supervised release when his incarceration ends, and ordered him to pay $911,428.99 in restitution.

Theft of master mailbox key leads to widespread mail theft; 11 indicted

Posted on March 1, 2017

A U.S. Grand Jury returned an indictment charging 11 people in Kansas with stealing mail, identify theft and bank fraud.

The 61-count federal indictment returned Tuesday alleges that on Dec. 8, 2012, Wichita police learned that a U.S. Postal Service vehicle was burglarized and a master key was stolen that could open mailboxes throughout the Wichita metro area.

Copies of the stolen key were used to steal mail, including checks and money orders. Methods used to cash the checks and money orders include adding a person’s name to the payee line, removing the original payee and substituting another name, forging signatures of account holders, and making counterfeit checks using the stolen information

Defendants named in the indictment include:
Brandon L. Amend, 30, Wichita, Kan.
Bettye L. Amend, 26, Wichita, Kan.
Cory D. Blanchard, 33
Ashley M. Campbell, 30, Valley Center, Kan.
Jason A. Farner, 33, Leavenworth, Kan.
Keith P. Gipson, 30, Wichita, Kan.
Krista A. Goodwin, 27, Wichita, Kan.
Jason L. West, 31, Wichita, Kan.
Cole P. Kelly, 32, Wichita, Kan.
Shalan D. Hiatt, 37
Jera L. Hammond, 25, Wichita, Kan.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
***Receipt of stolen mail: Up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
***Theft of mail: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
***Bank fraud: Up to 30 years and a fine up to $1 million on each count.
***Aggravated identity theft: A mandatory two years (consecutive) and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.
***Unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Obituaries February 25-27

Posted on March 1, 2017March 6, 2017

Barbara Williams
1930-2017

Barbara Williams was born October 7, 1930 to Robert Earl and Josephine Hamm and passed away on February 25, 2017 in Raytown, Missouri.
Barbara was married to Norman Libby who passed away in 1964. She married Charles “C.B.” or “Lefty” Williams in 1966 and he passed away in 1989. She is also preceded in death by her parents and sister, Virginia Lee Seward.
She graduated from Central High School in 1948.
Barbara became a member of Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church in 1953 and was very active in the church. She was so proud of being recognized as a 50 year member in 2003. From 1988-1995 C.B. and Barbara owned and operated Savannah Square Antique Mall.
She was also a member of Joseph Robidoux Chapter of Questers, Mary Ruth Fellowship, president of Triple M Class, past president Guy Harden Class, United Methodist Women serving on the Board of Trustees, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Young Matrons of YWCA.
Survivors include her daughters, Teri Jo Libby Taylor, Susan Libby Fiene and Lauren Libby Jolliff (Brian); son, Curtis Williams (Lisa); grandchildren, Christine Stout (Robbie), Ben Fiene, Sean Furlong (Lisa), Robert Furlong, Carrie Bare (Jesse), Alexandra Hendrickson (Kyle), Tucker Lindsey, Chaz Williams, Cydney Fansher (Troy), Cayla Williams and Chloe Williams; great grandchildren, Skylar Stout, Aime’e Kunzler, Nesta, Keon, Levi and Ryan Furlong, Lillian and Emmersyn Hendrickson, and Brok and Arik Fansher; and great-great grandchild, Gavin Neiderer; and sister, Constance Maxwell.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.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. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Huffman Memorial United Methodist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

David Ira Goacher
1932-2017

David Ira Goacher, 84, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Indian Creek Nursing, Overland Park, Kansas.
He was born May 30, 1932 to John and Dorothea Goacher in Fanning, Kansas.
He married Lois Alexander on March 27, 1952. She preceded him in death in 1999. He married Connie Swaney on March 29, 2002. She survives of the home.
Mr. Goacher served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He worked as Machinist for HD Lee for thirty years before retiring.
David volunteered for the DAV, drove the bus for many years for the VA and was on the United Way board.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lois Goacher; sons, David and Max Goacher; sisters, Jean and Helen; and brothers, Henry and Bill.
Survivors include his wife, Connie Goacher; daughter, Joan Thompson (Steve); sons, Mark Goacher (Brenda) and Robert Swaney; five grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and brothers, John Goacher (Carolyn) and Carrol Goacher (Sharon).
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the local V.F.W organization. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Melvin Merrel Myers
1928-2017

Melvin Merrel Myers was born Wednesday, April 4th, 1928; and passed away Sunday, February 26th, 2017 in Hiawatha, Kansas. Visitation Tuesday, February 28th, 2017, 7:00pm – 8:30pm. Located at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Services Wednesday, March 1st, 2017, 11:00am. Located at the Lancaster United Methodist. Interment located at the Alderson Cemetery.

Mary Alice Beger
1932-2017

Mary Alice Beger, 84, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born August 16, 1932 to Clarence C. and Eva Mae (Keller) Beeks.
Mary married Orville Frank Beger on February 15, 1953 in Portland, Indiana. He preceded her in death.
She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
She worked at JC Penny, Fletcher Mayo and American Family.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers Virgil, Charles, Robert and Harry Beeks; and sister, Inez Hutchison.
Survivors include sons; Steven Beger (Janet), Overland Park, Kansas and Robert Beger (Julie), St. Joseph, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kyle, Kaleigh, Lindsay, and Daniel Beger
Farewell Services 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, Missouri. Private Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Phillip R. King
1943-2017

St. Joseph, Missouri – Phillip R. King, 73, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Diversicare of St. Joseph, Missouri.
Phillip was born on November 1, 1943 in Elwood, Kansas to Emmett R. & Iva Mae (Muse) King. He graduated from the Elwood High School.
Phillip served in the Kansas Army National Guard, worked for Buchanan County road and bridge and played in the band, “Home Cookin Blues Band.”
He married Pat L. Cordonnier in 1967. She preceded him in death in 1990. Phillip was also preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jim King, brother in law, Norman Phillips, nephew, Terry King
Survivors: Gene King (Carol) of Elwood, Kansas;
Sister, Johnnie M. Phillips of Banning, California;
4 step-children; Cindy, Jill, Ted and Todd all of California;
His long time companion, Pam Hunt;
Numerous nieces and nephews.
The body was cremated.
Visitation only, family will receive friends 6-8 PM Saturday, March 4, 2017
At: Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas
Memorials: In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial to the donor’s choice.
Private inurnment at the Bellemont Cemetery in Wathena, Kansas at a later date.

Bennie R. Coons
1943-2017

Bennie R. Coons, 73, Agency, Missouri passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017.
He was born June 27, 1943 in Leavenworth, Kansas to Bennie and Alice (Leachman) Coons, they preceded him in death.
Bennie proudly served in the Army as an engineer during the Vietnam War.
He enjoyed farming and gardening.
He was also preceded in death by a nephew, Darrin L. Coons.
Survivors include brothers, Roscoe Coons (Patty) and Ronnie Coons (Adel); numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, at the family farm. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Carl “Whitey” W. Laipple Jr.
1936-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Carl W. “Whitey” Laipple Jr., 80, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 at the Mosaic Life Care of St. Joseph, Missouri.
Whitey was born on October 3, 1936 to Carl W. Sr. & Gladys Mildred (Schuler) Laipple.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Wathena & the Moila Shrine Temple of St. Joseph, Missouri. He was a farmer & worked for Doniphan County Road & Bridge.
Carl married Sharon Lee Martin on February 15, 1958 in St. Joseph, Missouri. She preceded him in death on November 14, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents & a son, Kevin Laipple,
Survivors: son, Loren Laipple (Connie) of Wathena, Kansas;
Daughter, Carla Blankenship (Dave) of San Antonio, Texas;
Grandchildren, Ryan Laipple, Shelby Laipple, Jamie Lewis, Chelse Johnston, MacKenzie Laipple, Lacy Blankenship & J.C. Blankenship.
4 great-grandchildren;
Sister, Beverly Sheridan (Don) of Chicago, Illinois;
Nieces & nephews.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Friday, March 3, 2017
At the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
Visitation: 6-8 Thursday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call after 12 noon Wednesday.
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas, where there will be a Masonic Committal Service.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wathena EMS or the Troy Ambulance Fund.

Galen “Butchy” Paul Stewart
1954-2017

Galen “Butchy” Stewart, 62, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away peacefully February, 27, 2017 at his home. he was born, August 9, 1954 in St. Joseph, MO. Butchy was an Iron Worker for over 30 years upon retiring, his time was spent with his grandchildren he so adored. He was preceded in death by his parents, Galen and Bernice Stewart, a sister Mary Palmer, a brother Dennis Thomas and a grandson Rico Robinson Hibbler. Survivors include Beth Ball his best friend and companion for years, a son Micheal (Tony) Stewart and Marcy, stepson Charles Carr Hill, stepdaughter Jasmine Byers (Jason), Courtney Carr, sisters; Kim (Brad) Moutray, Barbara Roberts, Charlotte (Albert) Thompson, brothers; Randy (Susan) Stewart, Mark Stewart, annumerous nieces and nephews.
A grateful thanks goes out to the Corby Senior Living, Royal Comfort and Three Rivers Hospice and his special friend Belinda Kalig for all the support and services. Death is a challenge, it tells us not to waste time. It tells us to tell each other right now that they love each other. Memorial services will be held at the Corby Senior Living at 11:00 am Thursday March 2, 2017. Arrangements, by the Rupp Funeral Home.

Cynthia (Cindy) Nedella Williams
1959-2017

Cynthia (Cindy) Nedella Williams, 57, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 at Mosiac Life Care.
She was born August 22, 1959 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Cindy married Frank Williams on June 17, 1978, spending almost forty years together.
She was a 1977 graduate of Benton High School and a 1982 graduate of Missouri Western State College, where she obtained a degree in Sociology. Cindy worked at Interserve as an in-home health care worker for 24 years and loved each of her clients. She was very involved in Brookdale Presbyterian Church and a prayer warrior. Cindy especially loved being Nana to her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her step-father and mother.
Survivors include her husband; children, Cassandra Reese (Sean) Kansas City, Missouri, Christopher Williams (Katie) St. Joseph, Missouri and Sarah, of the home; 8 grandchildren and her beloved dog Jake.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Friday, Brookdale Presbyterian Church, St. Joseph, Missouri. 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 Brookdale Presbyterian Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Robert Benton
1924-2107
Robert E. Benton, 92, El Paso, Texas, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, died Monday, February 27, 2017 at an El Paso health care center.
He was born October 22, 1924 in St. Joseph, Missouri, he had resided in St. Joseph for most of his life before moving to El Paso in 1997.
During World War II he served in the United States Army. He served in the pacific Theatre and was awarded the Purple Heart.
He had retired from the former Krause Mills in St. Joseph.
On February 1, 1947 he married Peggy Kerns. She preceded him in death on January 12, 2014.
He was a member of Grace Life.TV in El Paso.
Mr. Benton was also preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters.
(Survivors:) four children, Robert D. Benton of South Korea, Ronald Benton of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Annette Perez of El Paso, Texas and Timothy Benton of Richland, Virginia and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
(Services:) 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The Family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial gifts to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Clyde “Lem” Lemuel Daniels, Jr.
1947-2017

Clyde “Lem” Lemuel Daniels, Jr., 69, of Gladstone, MO, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2017. His final days were spent surrounded by his family.
Lem was born April 16, 1947, in Maryville, MO. He was a 1965 graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph, MO. On June 8, 1968 he married Jean Ann Edwards, also of St. Joseph.
He worked as a draftsman for the Missouri State Highway Department prior to his four year enlistment in the United States Air Force. He served in Da Nang, Vietnam from 1969-1970 in the Tiger Flight 366 Security Police Squadron. Lem finished out his service at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. He returned to St. Joseph in 1972, and to his career in drafting with the Missouri State Highway Department and then Kimball Engineering.
Lem wanted to resume his career in law enforcement and began working for the St. Joseph Police Department as a patrolman, while also attending Missouri Western State College. He graduated in December of 1979 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice.
In 1980, he accepted the position as a Special Agent for the Burlington Northern Railroad (now Burlington Northern Sante Fe) in Cicero, IL. He lived in Aurora, IL for more than three years before transferring to the Kansas City area. Lem worked in the North Kansas City and Argentine rail yards, as well as on assignments in a 4-state region as a manager in Load & Ride Solutions. He worked for BNSF for 30 years before retiring in 2010.
In retirement, he continued to enjoy traveling, bike riding, spending time with family, going to car shows, and working outside. He loved to attend the grandchldren’s various school programs and sporting events. He loved to laugh, listen to music, read, and tinker with things in the garage. He enjoyed restoring old vehicles and taking on a variety of home projects.
Lem was preceded in death by: his father, Clyde Lemuel Daniels, Sr; his step-father, Marion A. Heckman; his mother, Mary E. Heckman.
Survivors include: wife, Jean Daniels; daughters, Jennifer Anderson (Drew) and Kelly Kurz (Ross); and grandchildren, Taylor, Brady, and Brandon.
The family extends their appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and other staff at Truman Medical Center Lakewood for their compassion and excellence in care during his time there.
“…absent from the body and present with the Lord”, 2 Corinthians 5:8
On Saturday, March 11, visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 P.M. at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Farewell Services will be held at 3:00 P.M., with Rev. Vernon Maggart officiating. Military Honors and Inurnment at Memorial Park Cemetery following the service. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Gashland Evangelical Presbyterian Church Mercy Fund. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com

Paul Steven Kinard
1974-2017

Paul Steven Kinard, 42, Rayville, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, February 27, 2017.
He was born March 10, 1974 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Thomas Kinard and Jolene Edwards.
Paul graduated from Central High School in 1992. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially riding ATV’s, shooting and was an Elvis fanatic. He was a loving father and his family was very important to him. Paul was a friend to everyone.
Survivors include his parents; son, Colt Kinard; fiance’, Michelle Woodring and her son Owen Crosby; sister, Brandi Gilgour (Lee); nephews, Greyson and Gannon; and his extended family and friends. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. The family suggests memorial donations to the funeral home to help defray funeral expenses or to donate online please see Paul’s Tribute Page at www.meierhoffer.com.

Skylar Powell’s mother says she can now move on, but that she’s not happy with death investigation

Posted on March 1, 2017

Summer Phinney wore this sweatshirt to the hearing

The mother of a man killed while trying to rob a marijuana dealer says the sentence handed down to the dealer was not long enough, but Summer Phinney says she can now move on.

Phinney’s son Skylar Powell was killed last summer during the robbery in a parking lot near 22nd and Frederick.

Phinney says she thought Dayne Matthews should have received more than the ten year sentence ordered by Circuit Judge Patrick Robb. (click here)

“I feel that it wasn’t really appropriate, I feel like he needed more time, because I feel he was a part of the situation that led to my son’s death,” Phinney said. “My son was one of the main culprits, Ashton (Surritte) was, and I feel like Dayne was also.”

Surritte was sentenced to 15 years in prison for helping Powell set up the robbery. (click here)

She said she is not happy with the results of the overall investigation, because no one was charged with her son’s death.

“Because no one actually got sentenced in my son’s murder, no one was actually charged with his murder,” Phinney said. “I feel like there could have been more put into it to figure out which one actually shot Skylar.”

Justin Smith was originally charged with volunary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the case. Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins says the judge cited the self-defense statute when he rejected Smith’s guilty plea. Smith later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 13 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute and armed criminal action. (find more here)

Phinney and her husband wore sweatshirts to the sentencing hearing that depict Skylar’s tombstone. She says the family can now move on.

“I’m glad that I don’t have to come up here and deal with this anymore,” she said. “I can know that my son’s in heaven and move on from it, and me and my family can enjoy the good memories of my son.”

Final suspect sentenced in drug robbery that claimed the life of Skylar Powell

Posted on March 1, 2017

A 20-year-old St. Joseph man is heading to prison for ten years for his role in the drug deal and robbery that led to the fatal shooting of Sklylar Powell last June.

Dayne Matthews was sentenced Wednesday by Circuit Judge Patrick Robb for his guilty plea to charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence.

Matthew’s defense lawyer Shelley Peters argued for probation in the case. Peters argued that Matthews remained in the passenger seat of the vehicle during the ill-fated marijuana deal and robbery. She said her client watched the muzzle flash and gunfire, that he drove away while gunfire was still going on, and in fact was hit by one of the bullets. She offered the judge a photograph of Matthews’ injury, which she admitted was not too serious and only required a band-aid.

Peters said Matthews didn’t learn that Powell was killed until the next day, at which point he contacted police at the urging of his father.

“Dayne’s role was the guy who knew a guy who could get some weed,” Peters said.

Matthews then apologized to the family and friends of the victim, and to the people of St. Joseph, admitting he had made bad choices and accepts full responsibility for those choices.

Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins argued that Matthews was one of the three main players in the transaction, including the victim and Ashton Surritte. Surritte set up the drug robbery at Powell’s request. She pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted robbery in October and was sentenced in December to serve 15 years in prison (click here).

Scroggins also argued that Matthews was a regular drug dealer, who was making deals at more than $1,000 each. Judge Robb agreed that the size of the transaction was an aggravating factor.

Robb ordered Matthews to serve ten years for possession with intent to deliver, and two years tampering with physical evidence. Those sentences will be served at the same time.

A large group of Matthews’ family were on hand for the sentencing, and were drying when the defendant was taken away by deputies to begin serving his sentence.

Man wanted in nationwide manhunt arrested in Kansas

Posted on March 1, 2017March 1, 2017

Deaton Mississippi Bureau of Investigation — Deaton
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation

A man who allegedly shot a convenience store clerk Wednesday morning in Pratt County, Kan. was arrested in Ellsworth County after a chase, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Shortly before 8 a.m. KSHP said troopers tried to stop a vehicle on I-70 near Dorrance which matched the description of suspect vehicle.

“The vehicle and driver, Alex Deaton, were wanted out of Pratt County. Deaton did not stop and fled eastbound at a high rate of speed. Spike sticks were successfully deployed,” the patrol said in a statement. “After the vehicle crashed and caught on fire, Deaton was immediately placed under arrest with no further incident. There were no injuries to KHP personnel or to Deaton.”

The patrol said Deaton is a suspect wanted for a double homicide in the state of Mississippi, as well as other crimes in multiple states.

Sunny and breezy with temps near 50

Posted on March 1, 2017

Temperatures briefly cool back down to near normal for the start of meteorological spring but will rebound to above normal by this weekend. As for precipitation chances, those don’t look to return until early next week, which could pose more fire weather concerns in the days ahead, especially for locations that didn’t receive any rain Tuesday night. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a northwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind 9 to 14 mph becoming light and variable. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 53. Southwest wind 8 to 18 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 25. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming light and variable.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Southeast wind 6 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. Breezy.

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

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 61.