Post Staff – Page 281 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Accountant turned comedian to perform in St. Joseph

Posted on January 11, 2017

An accountant who now touts himself as one of the world’s cleanest comedians will perform at the Robidoux Landing Playhouse this weekend.

Kent Rader, who lives in Kansas City, originally worked as an accountant for 17 years.

“I was working in the healthcare industry and Medicare was changing how people were going to be reimbursed and people needed to learn how to read a financial statement and how a budget is prepared,” Rader said. “I started doing programs all over the country for home care associations and it was so dry that I started telling stories and I enjoyed making people laugh.”

From there he became a professional speaker and went into stand up comedy to learn how to be more entertaining as a speaker.

“I had to be clean to be a speaker and, inadvertently, I figured out that when you go into stand up and you work clean, you truly find out what is funny instead of relying on profanity or whatever as a punchline,” Rader said. “I worked with Chris Rock years ago and he said, ‘You know, I tell kids today, start clean because you can always dirty it up later,’ but it truly helps you find what is funny and I just never cared to dirty it up after that.”

Rader will perform at the 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Robidoux Landing Playhouse located at 103 Francis Street in St. Joseph.

For tickets and more information, click here and for more about Rader, go to his website.

Obituaries January 7-8

Posted on January 11, 2017

Albert “Dick” R. Siskey
1930-2017

Albert Richard “Dick” Siskey, 86, Atchison, Kansas died Sunday, January 8, 2017 at the Atchison Hospital.
Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A parish rosary will be recited on Wednesday, January 11th at 6:00 P.M. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation with the family to follow until 7:30 P.M. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict Parish or the Atchison Library and may be left in care of the funeral home.
Richard was born on August 5, 1930 in St. Joseph, Missouri, the only child of Francis and Florence (Inbody) Siskey. His parents divorced and his mother later married Bill Orler and they moved to West Mineral, Kansas. He graduated from Mineral Rural High School in 1948 and began teaching in a one room school south of Columbia, Kansas.
In May of 1952, he entered the United States Army and was stationed in West Berlin. After his discharge, he returned to Kansas State Teachers College (Pittsburg State) and completed work on his Bachelor’s Degree.
He and Verbena Omeck of Cherokee, Kansas were united in marriage on August 13, 1955 in West Mineral, Kansas. They moved to Atchison where he was employed by the USD 409 at Washington Elementary, Martin West Elementary and both Atchison Junior and Senior High Schools for thirty-seven years until his retirement.
He was a member of St. Benedict Parish in Atchison, participating at Sacred Heart Church where he served as a lector for over forty years. He was also a member of the Fleming-Jackson-Seever Post #6 of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus Council #723, National Education Association, Encore Players at Theatre Atchison and Friends of the Atchison Library. He was named “Mr. Atchison” during the celebration of the Atchison Sesquicentennial. He served as a volunteer at the Atchison Visitor Center and the Sacred Heart Variety Store. He and his wife enjoyed many years of traveling in both the United States, especially Alaska, as well as numerous foreign countries.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Verbena Siskey, Atchison, KS, three children, Tina (Steven) Pahls, Kansas City, MO, Tim (Diane) Siskey, Kansas City, MO, Mary Liggett, Atchison, KS, one sister, Rosemary Morrison, Pittsburg, KS, seven grandchildren and two great grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Pete and Michael Orler, and a son-in-law, Loren Liggett.

Bernard “Pete” J. Walter Sr.
1922-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Bernard “Pete” J. Walter Sr., 94, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Sunday, January 8, 2017 at his home.
Bernard was born on October 23, 1922 in St. Joseph, Missouri a child of Switzerland immigrants Herman & Anna (Rutschman) Walter.
He graduated from Todd High School & worked his life as a farmer. Bernard was a member of the First Baptist Church & the Maranatha Class of Wathena. He served on the Soil Conservation Board for 27 years & the REA Board for several years.
Bernard married Elaine Louise Zeltwanger on June 27, 1942 in Plattsburg, Missouri. She survives of the home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Robert, Lawrence & Frederick Walter.
Additional survivors: son, Rev. B. James Walter Jr. (Jean) of Reelsville, Indiana;
Daughters, Patsy Benitz (Dan) of Jefferson, Iowa;
Betty Hoge (Gary) of St. Joseph, Missouri;
Joyce Clibon (Vernon) of St. Joseph, Missouri;
9 grandchildren & 16 great-grandchildren;
Brother, William Walter of Parkville, Missouri;
Numerous nieces & nephews.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Thursday, January 12, 2017
At the First Baptist Church of Wathena, Kansas
Visitation: 6-8 Wednesday evening at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas. Where friends may call after 1 P.M. Wednesday.
Burial: Mount Olive Cemetery, Troy, Kansas
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Wathena, Kansas or the Doniphan County Meals on Wheels.

Jimmy Kent Meeks
1943-2017

Jimmy Kent Meeks, 73, Country Club, Missouri passed away Sunday, January 8, 2017 at his home.
He was born July 22, 1943 in Fort Morgan, Colorado.
Jimmy married Sandra Brunk on June 13, 1964. She survives of the home.
He retired from Quaker after thirty years as a complex operator manager.
Mr. Meeks was a member of Green Valley Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents William Herschel and Ellen Louise (Pollard) Meeks; brother, Jerry Meeks; and grandparents, Jess and Martha Pollard and Oscar and Bertha Meeks.
Additional Survivors include children, Tara Bass (Albert), Liberty, Missouri and Ryan Meeks (Kristine), Savannah, Missouri; grandchildren, Aaron, Calin, Shane, Nicholas, Emily, Jayme, Trystan and Jesse; sister, Dolores Blair (Robert); sister-in-law, Joyce Meeks; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Ashland 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 Hospice Partners, St. Joseph. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Marjorie June (Pawling) Dougan
1926-2017

Marjorie June (Pawling) Dougan, 90, Gladstone, Missouri, formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 8, 2017 at daughter and son-in-laws after nearly six months on hospice.
She was born September 29, 1926 in Los Angeles, California to Robert L. and Emma J (Peterson) Pawling, they preceded her in death.
Marjorie married Frederick Dougan on April 20, 1946 and were married for fifty-five years until his death in 2001.
She worked in food service at Washington Elementary for the St. Joseph School District until it was closed, then went on to Robidoux Middle School until her retirement in 1991.
Marjorie was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. The past fourteen years she lived in Kansas City, Missouri with her sister, Marquitta Miller. Her older sister, Dorothy Oehrle also lived with them until her death in June 2013.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Robert, Russell and Quentin Pawling.
Additional survivors include her only child, Linda Hill(Garney); three grandchildren, Angela Lakey (David), Sara Burns (Brandon) and R. Matt Hill (Courtney) who always called her “Honey” instead of grandma; five great-grandchildren, CJ and Nicholas Lakey, Lincoln and Raylee Burns, Rhys Hill and a baby boy due in February.
Marjorie was a very loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt to many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her very much.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Ashland Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 2:00 P.M., Thursday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Crossroads Hospice, St. Peter Lutheran Church or The National Kidney Foundation. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Gas leak shuts down part of Frederick

Posted on January 11, 2017January 11, 2017

Frederick Avenue is shutdown while crews work a gas leak.

The gas leak was reported around 11:17 a.m. Wednesday. St. Joseph Police, Streets Department, Fire Department and utility crews responded, shutting down Frederick from 26th to Noyes. No injuries were reported.

Crews have shut off gas while they work to splice a ruptured pipe. We were told the process could take several hours.

At least a dozen response vehicles are on scene.

Reduced travel advisory issued in Missouri for Thursday through Sunday

Posted on January 11, 2017January 11, 2017

JEFFERSON CITY – Motorists should avoid travel if possible in Missouri late Thursday night through Sunday due to incoming significant amounts of freezing rain, sleet and ice. Travel on Missouri’s roads should be avoided overnight Thursday into Friday through Sunday. Friday morning rush hour commutes will be impacted by the freezing rain across most of Missouri.

“MoDOT crews will be out ahead of the storm using a mixture of chemicals and abrasives including salt brine and salt,” said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Becky Allmeroth. “Ice is the most difficult storm to fight. With large areas of the state expected to get a half inch or more, it can cause downed power lines and potential roadway closures. Motorists should avoid travel this weekend if at all possible.”

Many universities and colleges across the state begin next Tuesday. Students are advised to avoid travel this weekend and consider travel after the ice storm is clear and conditions improve.

If a section of highway is shut down for extended periods, motorists should heed the warnings on the digital signs and exit the highway at the next available exit. To check road conditions including winter weather conditions and traffic speeds, please check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

“All week, our crews have been gathering chain saws, chippers and other equipment that will be important when we have downed trees from the ice accumulation,” Allmeroth said. “If there are power outages, please treat dark signals as a four-way stop. Stay away from downed lines.”

She said that when roads get icy, to consider putting chains on vehicles if you have to travel. Also, use proper winter safety precautions and make sure you have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and gloves and provisions like water and snacks.

Guilty verdict in beating of two year old who refused to eat

Posted on January 11, 2017March 7, 2017

A Hiawatha, Kansas man will be sentenced in March after his conviction on charges stemming from the severe beating of a two-year-old girl because she refused to eat.

After a bench trial on Monday, Brown County District Judge John Weingart found Frank Lee Rodriguez guilty on charges of aggravated battery and felony abuse of a child.

Rodriguez, 25, initially denied hitting the youngster, but then told Hiawatha police the child was not eating, he got upset, and slammed her onto the floor and punched her in the head.

The child sustained severe head injuries in the beating on August 26, 2016. She was released from the hospital in December.

Judge Weingart revoked bond in the case. Rodriguez is being held in the Brown County Jail awaiting sentencing March 6.

Bank robber pleads guilty; disguised suspects tracked by GPS

Posted on January 11, 2017

A 30-year-old Wichita man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal firearms charge in connection with a bank robbery last summer.

Andre Bryant pleaded guilty to brandishing or aiding and abetting another robber who brandished a firearm during a bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

In his plea, Bryant admitted that on June 13, 2016, he and co-defendants robbed the Carson Bank at 4461 E. Douglas in Wichita.

Two individuals who were disguised entered the bank, one of them brandishing a firearm. They demanded and received money before fleeing. The money they received contained a global positioning device that police used to track Bryant and the co-defendants and arrest them.

Bryant is set for sentencing April 10. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 84 months in federal prison.

Co-defendants Raishat Magill and Elijah Shelton are awaiting trial.

Squaw Creek officially becomes Loess Bluffs

Posted on January 11, 2017January 11, 2017

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services had finalized the name change of Squaw Creek to Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge.

According to a news release announced on Wednesday, Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe has officially changed the name.

The refuge was established by Franklin D. Roosevelt by an Executive Order in 1935. The wildlife service said the name Squaw Creek came from a stream originating about 30 miles north in Nodaway County. It said that while the creek is an important part of refuge hydrology and related habitats, and is steeped in history and local lore, the word “squaw” is offensive in contemporary context and is no longer an acceptable name in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

“Our decision is consistent with more than two decades of work across the American landscape to end derogatory naming practices for geographical names, as well as the common names given to plants and animal species across North America,” the release stated. “It is important that federal lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System are respectful to all cultural and ethnic groups. Because the refuge was established through executive order, the Director has authority to rename the refuge. In addition to this renaming, our agency also recently changed the name of Halfbreed Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Montana to Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge.”

The agency said the policy regarding the naming of national wildlife refuges also states that the Director “must give first preference to a geographic or geologic feature identifiable with the unit’s location, if the feature significantly affects the use or natural resources of the area.” The name Loess Bluffs reflects interest from key stakeholders who recognize the Loess Hills as an identifying feature of the area. This change affects only the refuge name, not the creek itself.

Overlooking the refuge from the east, the Loess Hills habitat, also referred to in historic records as ‘Loess Bluffs,’ is a geologic formation of fine silt deposited after the past glacial period. These unique hills stretch from about 30 miles south of St. Joseph, Missouri, to northern Iowa. Some of the last parcels of native plants, remnants of a once vast prairie, can be found on the refuge. Although this geologic formation is found elsewhere, the area of the deepest silt is found in the vicinity of the refuge. Based on this geologic feature, and in compliance with our policies, the refuge has been renamed Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge.

“Our staff have been going about the usual planning process to update various aspects of refuge infrastructure, due to normal wear and maintenance, over the last eight months,” said Refuge Area Supervisor Sabrina Chandler. “This includes creating work plans for updating signage and brochures, as well as supporting websites and other information that we provide to the public. So, now is a perfect time to implement the name change and avoid additional costs in the future.”

For more information about naming and renaming units CLICK HERE.

Major winter storm in the forecast this weekend

Posted on January 11, 2017

Concerns continue to rise for a major winter storm this coming weekend with long duration freezing rain possible across the lower Missouri Valley. This storm may lead to significant icing and very dangerous travel conditions across much of Missouri and eastern Kansas. Freezing rain should begin to let up Sunday afternoon as warmer air begins move northward. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 54. South wind 10 to 14 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. North wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 27. North northwest wind around 9 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Northeast wind 7 to 10 mph.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. East northeast wind 9 to 11 mph.

Friday Night: A chance of freezing rain and sleet before 2 a.m., then a chance of freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 21. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Saturday: A chance of freezing rain before noon, then a chance of sleet. Cloudy, with a high near 31. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday Night: A chance of sleet. Cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A chance of freezing rain before 7 a.m., then freezing rain likely, possibly mixed with sleet between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., then freezing rain likely after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 33. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday Night: Rain or freezing rain likely, becoming all freezing rain after 4 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

M.L.King Day: Rain or freezing rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41.

St. Joseph man accused of sex crime with a child

Posted on January 10, 2017January 10, 2017

SAPP, REX ALLEN STATUTORY SODOMY 1ST DEGREE - DEVIATE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH PERSON LESS THAN 14 YEARS OLD — SAPP, REX ALLEN
CHARGED WITH STATUTORY SODOMY 1ST DEGREE

A 47-year-old man is accused of committing a sexual act in Buchanan County with a child under the age of 14.

Rex Sapp of St. Joseph was charged Tuesday with a felony for first-degree statutory sodomy. According to court documents, Sapp committed the crime in May 0f 2016 during day time hours.

“The family of the victim allowed Sapp access to (the victim) after the allegations came to light. According to witness statements, there were more than just 1 sexual encounter” said Det. Dustin Robinson with the St. Joseph Police Department in court documents. “Sapp has been accused of a sexual crime involving a younger child in recent history.”

Sapp is being held on $50,000 cash bail. An arraignment is set for Friday.

Transformer fire blamed for Mosaic power outage

Posted on January 10, 2017

A transformer fire just before the noon hour Tuesday along Riverside Road in St Joseph knocked out power briefly to the plaza buildings at Mosaic Life Care. Hospital officials said patient care was not effected, and generators kicked in within a few minutes.

The outage at the hospital lasted about 14 minutes.

Other businesses and homes in the area also briefly lost electrical power, according to a KCP&L outage map.

Sgt. Chris McBane of the St. Joseph Police Department says there was no traffic crash involved, as had been reported earlier. McBane says the fire department responded to put out the transformer, but the police department did not respond.