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Power restored to Mosaic Plazas after crash with electrical pole

Mosaic

 

(Update) – The St. Joseph Police Department said the cause of the outage was not due to a crash but rather an transformer fire.  CLICK HERE to read the latest.

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(Update 11:53 a.m.) – Mosaic Life Care said power is back on to all areas after a car crashed into an electrical pole on Riverside Tuesday.

Shortly before 11:40 a.m. the hospital reported that Plaza 1, 2 & 3 along with some offsite clinics were without power due to a car hitting an electrical pole on Riverside Road.

Power was then reported by the hospital to be fully restored about 14 minutes later.

Mosaic said the main hospital had no interruption of power. Also, it said patient care was not affected. Operations were on alternate power sources.

power-outage-mapAround 12 p.m. KCP&L’s Power Outage map showed more than 800 customers without power in between Riverside Road and N. Belt Highway and Frederick and 36 Highway.  By 12:02 p.m. the map showed power restored to nearly everyone in that area.

Resignation results in leadership change for Benton and Webster

Michele Thomason SJSD
Michele Thomason
SJSD

(January 10, 2017) – A Benton High School assistant principal has been selected to fill an opening in leadership at Webster Learning Center.

Following a staff resignation at Webster, Michele Thomason will assume the duties as principal. Superintendent Dr. Robert Newhart with the St. Joseph School District confirmed the staff resignation came after an investigation into the restraint of a child earlier this year at the school.

Thomason’s transition will begin in the coming days with the full transition being completed by February 1. Thomason has served as principal and assistant principal for the alternative school in the past. An interim assistant principal will be named at Benton following an internal application an interview process.

A search process will begin immediately to fill the principal opening at Webster for the 2017-2018 school year.

Warm temps continue before winter weather returns Friday

weather-1-10It will be a rollercoaster ride in terms of temperatures the next few days as several weather disturbances impact the area. Wednesday will be the warmest day of the week, before a strong cold front moves over the region on Thursday. This will set the stage for developing wintry weather by Friday night as freezing rain overspreads the region, and then continues through at least early Sunday.

Today: A chance of drizzle, mainly between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a temperature falling to around 35 by 5 p.m. Breezy, with a west northwest wind 16 to 21 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. West wind 5 to 9 mph becoming south southeast in the evening.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. South wind around 10 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. North wind 9 to 11 mph.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 28. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26.

Friday Night: A chance of sleet before 9 p.m., then a chance of freezing rain. Cloudy, with a low around 20. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Saturday: A chance of freezing rain before noon. Cloudy, with a high near 30. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday Night: A chance of freezing rain after midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: Rain and freezing rain likely, possibly mixed with sleet. Cloudy, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain, freezing rain, and sleet. The sleet could be heavy at times. Cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

M.L.King Day: A chance of rain, freezing rain, and sleet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Texas Woman Pleads Guilty In Designer Drug Case in Kansas

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A Texas woman pleaded guilty Monday to selling designer drugs manufactured in Kansas.

Michelle Reulet, 37, Montgomery, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Reulet and co-defendant Michael Myers owned a business in the Houston area called Bully Wholesale.

They sold products that were purchased from co-defendants Tracy Picanso and Roy Ehrett in Olathe, Kan.

Reulet’s company sold designer drugs marketed under names such as Pump It, Head trip, Black Arts and Grave Digger. In her plea, Reulet admitted she knew buyers consumed her products to get high, despite labels making false claims that the products were safe and were not intended for human consumption. The products were marketed as incense, potpourri and shoe deodorizer. Their labels did not warn of possible harmful effects.

Reulet’s business had gross sales of more than $2 million.

Sentencing is set for April 17. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of five years in federal prison and a civil forfeiture of almost $2 million.

Ellis gets 30 years for Motel Six standoff, shootings

Roderick Ellis
Roderick Ellis
The man responsible for an 11-hour standoff with police at the Motel Six in St. Joseph was ordered to serve 30-years in prison.

Roderick Ellis was convicted by a jury last November on five charges, for kidnapping her from her job, forcing her at gunpoint to drive to the motel and shooting her in the arm when she cried for help. Shots were fired at law officers during the standoff.

Circuit Judge Patrick Robb ordered 15-years for domestic assault, ten years for assault of a law officer, and five years for kidnapping, to be served consecutively. Robb added concurrent sentnces of 25 years for the armed criminal action charges. Missouri law requires Ellis to serve 85% of the sentences for the most serious of the crimes, meaning he must serve more than 25 years in prison before he can be considered for parole. Ellis is 46.

The incident on October 14,2015 prompted evacuations and lockdowns, forcing the closure of I-29, Frederick Ave., and several businesses in the area.

Evidence showed Ellis had for two years dated the victim, Rebecca Urban, who was herself married. But when she tried to leave him, he felt like she was playing with his mind.

The victim told the court she was scared for her life to this day, and wonders if she’ll have to leave town if Ellis ever gets out of jail. She says she has continuing problems with the gunshot wound to the arm she suffered during the incident.

The defendant has two prior felony convictions for out of state sex and firearms crimes, but Public Defender Susan Rinne told the court that was 25 years ago, and that Ellis hasn’t been in trouble with the law since then. Prior to sentencing, Ellis sat quietly reading a Bible in the courtroom. A pastor and former co-worker was one of two witnesses testified they’d never seen Ellis react angrily.

But that’s exactly what Judge Robb said Ellis did. Robb said the situation could have been avoided at many points duringthe incident, but each time, Robb said Ellis escalatedthe situation. Robb said Ellis had given up his right to be free by his choices.

Two injured in rollover crash

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Two Tarkio women were injured in a rollover crash Saturday afternoon north of Craig, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says Penny Caldwell of Tarkio was driving along U.S. Highway 59 shortly before 4 p.m. Saturday when she lost control of her pickup.

The truck left the roadway to the right, and then crossed the highway and went off the left side, where it slammed into an embankment and rolled onto its top.

Caldwell, 45, and a passenger, Martha Johnson, 50, suffered what were described as moderate injuries in the crash. Caldwell was transported to Fairfax Community Hospital. Johnson was flown to Mosaic Life Care for treatment.

Webster high school equivalency orientation begins Tuesday

websterST. JOSEPH, MO – St. Joseph Adult Education & Literacy (AEL) will conduct class orientation for HSE (High School Equivalency) for those 20 and older:
January 10, 11, 12 & 13 for those attending the 12:00pm – 3:00pm session
January 10, 11, 12, & 17 for those attending the 5:00pm – 8:00pm session.

AEL said it is registering students for classes at Webster Learning Center that will begin January 17, 2017.
Students MUST ATTEND all 4 days of registration to be able to start classes January 17.

The St. Joseph AEL program statistics:
For the period July 2014 to July 2015, 66 percent of the state’s adult education students advanced an educational level in the program. The St. Joseph Adult Education and Literacy program was higher than the State of Missouri and the nation with a 78 percent.
Among students enrolled in Missouri’s adult education programs, 83 percent have earned a high school equivalency. The United States average is 65 percent, and the St. Joseph Adult Education and Literacy program is 88 percent.
The St. Joseph Adult Education and Literacy(AEL) program prepares adults to take the high school equivalency test (HiSET) in the counties of Andrew, Buchanan, Clinton, DeKalb, and Grundy. The St. Joseph AEL program also serves English as a Second Language students who want to learn English.

AEL provides classes to help HSE students to go on and pass their HiSet test (formerly GED®). Classes are free of charge.

Greitens Inauguration Speech

Here’s the transcript from Monday’s Inauguration Speech by Missouri’s 56th Governor, Eric Greitens

Greitens Inauguration Speech: ‘I Come As An Outsider To Do The People’s Work’

Thank you Justice Breckenridge.

And thank you President Pro Tem Richard and Speaker Richardson, and my fellow citizens.

Today, we gather to take part in our republic’s most revered ritual: the peaceful transfer of power.

Governor Nixon, you—and your team—have been gracious during this transition, and in doing so, have honored our system of government and upheld its finest traditions. We thank you.

I come before you today conscious of the fact that so many have given so much to this state—none more so than the families of our fallen. Those who have fallen fighting our wars, enforcing our laws, fighting our fires.

I know these men and women; I have served with them. I know the pride of carrying our nation’s flag abroad—and I have felt the grief of burying too many friends beneath that flag at home.

Their families sit with us today as a testament, not to loss—though their loss has been great—but to love, the tremendous love that so many have for our country, for our state, for our fellow citizens.

We hope that you feel our state’s gratitude. Your loved ones gave their lives—and in their sacrifice, they made possible the democratic renewal we solemnly mark today.

We have inherited their legacy. We have also inherited an immense responsibility: to make the lives we live worthy of the lives we have lost.

The people have spoken; a new direction has been decided.

For decades, Missourians have talked about change. Now it’s time to fight for that change.

No one imagines that all of these battles will be won overnight—or over four years, or even eight. But we begin today.

Our state’s world famous motto, “Show me,” reminds us that Missourians don’t much value big talk.

Our state’s great history reminds us that Missourians have always understood that big achievements demand hard work.

“Show me” doesn’t mean “Give me.” It means “prove it can be done, and we will do it.”

It was from Missouri that the West was won—and here was laid the first mile of the interstates that joined America in ever closer union.

In Missouri, we built the steamships that plied the Mississippi.

It was people of Missouri who believed that a human being could fly across the Atlantic Ocean alone.

And it was Missourians who built the capsule in which an American first orbited the earth.

That is who we were. It remains who we are.

This state in the heart of America has proven that the worst in our history can be overcome by the best in our people.

It was here that a slave named Dred Scott was told by the United States Supreme Court that a black man had no rights that a white man need respect—and it was a son of Missouri, a poet named Langston Hughes, who delivered the best answer to Dred Scott’s unjust judges, when he said: “I, too, am America.”

In that same spirit, we are all Missouri.

This does not mean we will agree on everything. In fact, we should not agree on everything.

Proverbs reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

The Lord put each of us here for a purpose. Sometimes the purpose of our opponents is to be our teachers.

There are big fights ahead for big things, and our new administration won’t back down because of political pressure or political correctness.

Yet even as we fight for our convictions, we resolve that the greatest conviction, is to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Our ears will be open to reason, and our eyes alert to new facts.

We will go to work with humble hearts, and we will extend our hand in friendship to all those who will take it, but…

To those who would commit violence against a fellow citizen…

To those who would abuse a child…

To those who would assault a member of law enforcement…

To those who would steal from the needy…

I assure them this: they will feel the might, strength, and resolution of the firm fist of justice.

As Governor, I will always remember why you sent me here and what you expect from me. I will be loyal to your needs and priorities—not to those who posture or pay for influence.

This is the people’s house. And to those who would trouble this house for their own selfish and sinful gain, hear me now: I answer to the people. I come as an outsider, to do the people’s work.

And I know that the people do not expect miracles, but they do expect results—and we will deliver.

Yet no matter how well we do in government, there is a limit to what government can do well.

One of the worst lies of our present politics is the false promise that government can fix any problem and find every answer.

That never has been—and never will be—part of America’s promise to its people.

But together, our people can fulfill America’s oldest and best promises.

An administration can work on schools and invest in education. But I know—not only as your Governor, but as a father—that a child learns more than her letters when she falls fast asleep to the soft sounds of a parent reading to her.

An administration can do its part to empower business leaders to do good and to dare greatly — but the doing and daring is up to you.

An administration can render a check. But no amount of money given by a government can ever provide the meaning, strength, and dignity that comes from a good-paying job.

An administration can commit resources to serve those in need. But bureaucracy is the wrong place to look if you’re seeking compassion. Caring comes from individual people, inspired by the ancient ideal laid down in Isaiah: “If you tend to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”

An administration can invest in police and law enforcement. But the most important anti-crime program ever known is a dad playing ball with his son—and setting his boy an example of how a strong man cherishes women, protects the young, and honors the old.

Everywhere Sheena and I visit in this great state, we ask people to pray for us. I can feel the power of those prayers around me today.

I asked you to fight alongside me. You have—I know you will.

And now, gratefully accepting the responsibility that you have entrusted to me, let’s get to work.

God bless the people of Missouri. God bless you all.”

 

Obituaries January 5-6

Linda Jo Anderson
1941-2017

anderson-linda-obitphotoLinda Jo Anderson, 75, Savannah, Missouri went to be with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ Thursday January 5, 2017, due to severe dementia.
She had lived at Laverna Heights Nursing Home in Savannah, Missouri for the past 10 months.
Linda Jo was born March 1, 1941 in St. Joseph Missouri to William and Vida Jo (Downing) Foster, they preceded her in death.
She married James A. Anderson March 7, 1959, he survives of the home. They enjoyed nearly 58 years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters, Stacy and Ronny Jo Anderson.
Jim and Linda Jo owned and published the Buchanan County Farmer/Gower-Stewartsville Gazette from 1970-1988. Linda Jo had worked for the newspaper several years prior to purchasing the publication.
Linda Jo was an avid outdoors person, loving to care for their huge lawn with lots of flowers, a fish pond and other decorative pieces. She always decorated her home for the holidays, especially Christmas, making sure she had a Christmas tree in every room of their home. She and Jim lived in the Faucett Community their entire life.
She was a very active member of Faucett Baptist Church serving as Church Clerk, VBS Director, kitchen committee and anything else she was called upon to do.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Stacy Lynn Anderson; brother, Errol Lee Foster; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Anderson.
Additional survivors include daughter, Ronny Jo Anderson (Bernie); and a very special granddaughter Alexis Lynne Cotton.
Everyone loved Linda Jo and she will be extremely missed by family, friends, neighbors and former coworkers at The Buchanan County Farmer.
The family requests you to dress comfortable because Linda Jo will be in her favorite attire, jeans and a sweatshirt.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Faucett Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Faucett Baptist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Gary Lee Wells Sr.
1939-2017

unnamedGary Lee Wells Sr., 77, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 5, 2017 at his home. He was born June 3, 1939 in St. Joseph, Missouri son of the late Mildred & Charles Wells. He married Charlotte Johnson on January 18, 1966, and she survives of the home. He retired from the construction industry working for Union Local 579. He served in the United States Army, and enjoyed fishing at Truman Lake with his friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, son, Allen Sauter, brother, Larry Wells, and sister, Barb Greer. He is survived by wife, Charlotte Rose Wells of St. Joseph, MO, sons, Gary Lee Wells, Jr., Brian (Shantell) Wells, and Ronnie (Kelly) Sauter all of St. Joseph, MO, 9 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Rupp Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM on Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. He will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

 

James Perkins
1930-2017

Ret. U.S. Army Col. James Richard Perkins, 86, Atchison, Kansas died unexpectedly at his residence.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 12:30 P.M. at the Riverbend Bible Church with Pastor Bob Flack officiating. Interment will follow in Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Riverbend Bible Church and may be left in care of Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with whom the final arrangements have been entrusted. Online condolences may be left at www.arensbergpruett.com.
James was born June 8, 1930 in Van Buren, Missouri the son of James Moses and Anna Myrek Perkins. He attended schools in Van Buren, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri and New Orleans, Louisianna.
James served in the United States Army from 1966 until his retirement in 1986 with the rank of Colonel. He served as Chaplain for thirty years most recently at Ft. Leavenworth from 1983 until 1986.
Mr. Perkins relocated to Atchison, Kansas in November of 2016 from Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was a member of Lake Hamilton Baptist Church in Hot Springs and attended Riverbend Bible Church since moving to Atchison.
Survivors include three sons, James R. (Karen) Perkins, Jr., Florissant, MO; Peter K. Perkins, North Little Rock, ARK; John A. (Lindsay) Perkins, St. Louis, MO; two step-sons, Andrae (Michelle) Bopp, Walla Walla, WA; Anthony (Janet) Bopp, Booneville, MO; six grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

Mildred J. King
1925-2017

king-mildred-obitphotoMildred J. King, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, January 6, 2017.
She was born August 16, 1925 in St. Joseph, to Amanda Mydland (Thompson) Hill. Her mother was born in Mydland, Norway, and her father, Ralph R. Hill, was a St. Joseph native.
Mildred married Calvin Cyrus King, from Burr Oak, Kansas, on Sept. 21, 1946, not very long after Calvin returned from the battlefields of World War II, where he fought at Guadalcanal. They enjoyed more than 62 years together until his death on Jan. 2, 2009. For 14 years of their retirement, from 1985 to 1999, Mildred and Calvin lived in Florida, where “every day was like a vacation.”
Calvin worked as a supervisor at Armour’s for more than 40 years, and Millie worked at Swifts for many years. During World War II, Mildred worked in St. Joseph at the sub depot for an Army officer, a job she truly enjoyed. Her mom, Amanda, was one of the heroic “Rosie the Riveters” during World War II.
Mildred and Calvin were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Sonja Lee King, on July 23, 1947. A case of encephalitis, a side effect of the measles, took their beloved daughter to heaven on April 20, 1957. A baby girl died at birth on March 11, 1958.
Mildred is much appreciated and well-loved by many, especially by her brothers, Ralph Alden Hill(Carol), of Navarre, Florida, and Alfred Taylor Hill(Carole), of Irvine, California. Mildred has several nieces and nephews, and among them are: Debra Jean Hill of Gulf Breeze, Florida; Ralph Arthur Hill of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and James Steven Hill, Karen Sue Hill, Susan Ann (Hill) Campbell and Barbara Lynn Hill, all of California. She also has several great-nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Savannah Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations made to Jounrey Baptist Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

St. Joseph man accused of 2013 child sex crime

MATTHEWS, SHAWN RYAN
MATTHEWS, SHAWN RYAN

A St. Joseph man is accused of molesting a child in Buchanan County several years ago.

Shawn Matthews, 29 is charged in Buchanan County with a felony for first-degree child molestation.

Matthews was charged Friday but according to court documents the incident took place in 2013.

Bail for Matthews was set at $25,000 cash.  An arraignment is scheduled for Friday.

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