Post Staff – Page 286 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Driver charged with second-degree murder in deadly crash

Posted on January 4, 2017

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A man has been charged with causing a deadly mid-Missouri crash while on probation for being a persistent driving while intoxicated offender.

Thirty-three-year-old Joshua Keller made his first court appearance Tuesday on charges of second-degree murder in the death of 39-year-old Sebastian Sneed, of Columbia. No attorney is listed for Keller in online court records.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that the crash happened Friday while Keller was attempting to pass another vehicle. After Sneed’s vehicle landed upside down in a ditch, a 6-year-old relative crawled out of the wreckage and was treated for minor injuries. Keller also is charged with second-degree assault.

An officer wrote in the probable cause statement that an open whiskey bottle was found in Keller’s car and that his speech was slurred.

Bras for a Cause Event Seeking Male Models

Posted on January 4, 2017

YWCA St. Joseph is looking for a few good men…to wear bras.

The 2nd annual Bras for a Cause event is February 4.

They say they have “…40 amazing, unique and specially-decorated bras” making their way down a fashion runway, and they “need some men to fill them.”

The event is to help support breast cancer awareness and education.

If you, or a man you know, is interested you are urged to contact Chelsea Teater at cteater@ywcasj.org or at 816-232-4481.

KDOT braces for winter weather response in NE Kansas

Posted on January 4, 2017

Transportation officials are bracing for winter weather in northeastern Kansas. For Wednesday night, NE Kansas KDOT crews pre-treated bridges/elevated areas and were waiting to see what the winter storm brought.

Snowplow crews begin plowing with 1/2” accumulation or more, and were planning to treat roadways with salt (or salt/sand mix in rural areas) as needed throughout the overnight and into the early morning hours tomorrow.

Generally, heavier treating is done closer to the morning rush hour as salt will be ineffective during the overnight hours due to the brutal cold mid-teen temps.

No regional numbers are available yet, but statewide, the Kansas Dept. of Transportation has stored 130,000 tons of salt and 60,000 tons of salt/sand mix in preparation for the winter driving season. The northeast Kansas region keeps 156 people on its daytime shift and 152 on the night shift. They operate about 130 snow plows, including one tow plow in the KC Metro Area, and cover about 6,365 miles of road.

Based on a five-year average (including 2015-16 season), KDOT spends $15.5 million on an annual basis statewide for winter snow/ice maintenance operations.

Iraqi man who lied about being Army translator sentenced for visa fraud

Posted on January 4, 2017

An Iraqi man who falsified his application for a visa by claiming to have worked as a translator for the U.S. Army was sentenced Wednesday to two years in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said Goran Sabah Ghafour pleaded guilty earlier to one count of visa fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Ghafour, 35, lived in Lawrence, Kan. while he was a graduate student at the University of Kansas.

In his plea, Ghafour admitted he applied for a visa under a program allowing Iraqi nationals who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. government in Iraq to qualify for a visa. To support a false claim that he worked as a translator for the Army, Ghafour fabricated a letter from an Army officer recognizing his work. In fact, the officer whose name was on the letter did not know Ghafour and did not consent to Ghafour writing the letter.

Beall commended Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley for their work on the case.

Deadlines approaching for April 4th municipal election

Posted on January 4, 2017January 4, 2017

It’s not entirely clear what will appear on the municipal election ballot April 4, but we should know more in a few weeks. Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey announced two key dates coming up later this month.

“Tuesday, January 17 is the last day for candidates to file with their entity,” Baack-Garvey said. “By that I mean if there happens to be school board members in a rural district, they would file within that school district as a candidate, and they have to be filed by the 17th of January.”

Mary Robertson with the City of St. Joseph says they will not have any questions on the ballot. City Council seats are not up for grabs until next year. There has been no formal word of a ballot question from the St. Joseph School District. They have a deadline coming up as well.

“The next date that pertains to the April election is January 24th, the very following week,” Baack-Garvey said. “That is final certification day, the final day that all of these entities can bring all of their election questions, candidates, etc., here to our office. They have until five o’clock on the 24th.”

Baack-Garvey is confident her team will be counting votes on April 4.

“It doesn’t have to be St. Joe School District, it could be out in Easton Fire, it could be out in Dearborn School, it depends on what the entity’s election is, but there is always an April election.”

Winter Weather Advisory in effect Wednesday through Thursday

Posted on January 4, 2017

National Wather Service issues winter weather advisory

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO
9 AM CST THURSDAY…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL HAS
ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM
8 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM CST THURSDAY.

* TIMING…SNOW WILL BEGIN LATE THIS EVENING IN NORTHEAST KANSAS AND
FAR NORTHWEST MISSOURI…AND WILL SPREAD SOUTHEASTWARD THROUGH
MIDNIGHT. SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE EARLY MORNING HOURS
THURSDAY…TAPERING OFF BEFORE SUNRISE IN THE KANSAS CITY METRO
AREA AND POINTS WESTWARD…AND BY MID MORNING IN CENTRAL MISSOURI.

* MAIN IMPACT…SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 3 INCHES WILL MAKE TRAVEL
HAZARDOUS TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL
CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED
ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

Reduced travel advisory issued in Missouri ahead of winter storm

Posted on January 4, 2017January 4, 2017

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation said motorists should avoid travel if possible in Missouri late Wednesday night and Thursday due to incoming accumulating snow and bitterly cold temperatures. Travel on Missouri’s roads should be restricted to necessary trips only especially Thursday morning. Morning rush hour commutes will be impacted by the winter weather across most of Missouri.

“MoDOT crews will be out early tonight preparing before the storm moves in from northwest Missouri to southeast Missouri, but lower temperatures in the teens will make the chemicals not as effective,” said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Becky Allmeroth. “The heaviest band of snowfall is expected to hit during the peak of Thursday morning rush hour, and we advise motorists to postpone travel during that time.”

If a section of highway is shut down for extended periods, MoDOT said drivers 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/.

MoDOT said if you have to travel, to 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. Please wear your seat belt and don’t drive distracted. If you encounter car troubles or are involved in a crash, please remain in your vehicle.

Obituaries January 1-2

Posted on January 4, 2017

Mary L. Wigfield
1925-2017

Mary L. Wigfield, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, January 1, 2017 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born December 14, 1925 to George and Flossie (Kidwell) Mead, they precede her in death.
Mary was a hairdresser her entire life, her customers were considered her friends and they always looked forward to her homemade cookies and coffee at their appointments.
She enjoyed gardening and always had the prettiest flowers.
She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wigfield; brothers, Charles, Wayne, Don, Bill, Loren, George, James and Bob Mead.
Survivors include daughter, Dana Taber(Eric); step-son Mike Wigfield (Renata); grandson Jack Taber; step-grandchildren, Pam Blackburn (Kevin), and Steve Wigfield (Victoria); numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Kenneth “Jim” James Claypool
1968-2017

Kenneth James “Jim” Claypool 48, of Branson, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2017 at the result of an automobile accident near Branson Missouri. He was born February 16, 1968 in Trenton, MO, son of Mary Ellen and Robert Claypool. He graduated from Grandview High School. He was working at Cox Medical Center, after retiring from the North KC School District after 25 years of service. He was very social and enjoyed time with his friends drinking coffee in the morning, garage saling, riding motorcycles and fishing. He was a Christian. Jim was preceded in death by father, Robert Eugene Claypool, and step father Daniel Diem. Survivors include, mother, Mary Ellen Diem of Brookfield, MO, sons, Michael Claypool of Cosby, MO, Chris Claypool of Branson, MO, and J.C. Miller (Amanda) of Lathrop, MO, and daughter Michelle (Wesley) McCardie of Excelsior Springs, MO, foster parents, Rex & Judy Jones of Stewartsville, MO, brother by heart Richard (Kayci) Jones of Stewartsville, MO, 5 grandchildren, sister, Zealier Jeanie Claypool of Grant City, MO, step grandmother, Mildred Buntin of St. Joseph, MO.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home, with David H. Mejia 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 Kerns-Freeman Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

DeLores E. Fletcher
1945-2017

DeLores E. Fletcher, 71, of Hiawatha, died early Monday, January 2, 2017, at her home surrounded by her family.
DeLores was born April 20, 1945, at St. Paul, Nebraska, one of eleven children of John and Rose Robak Koperski. She attended Kelso country school near her home at Farwell, Nebraska, where she grew up. DeLores later attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School where she received her first communion and was confirmed. She graduated from Farwell High School in 1963 prior to graduating from the Northwest Institute of Medical Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. DeLores worked at the Hiawatha Community Hospital for 34 years as the Medical and X-Ray Technologist before retiring.
She was a devoted, long time member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Hiawatha, where she was active in the Altar Society. Through the Altar Society, DeLores volunteered for many years taking communion to the shut-ins. DeLores loved to bake, and for many years, with the help of her husband, they made rolls for Coffee and Rolls Sunday at Church. She enjoyed making pies and cakes for her friends. Her main interest was her grandchildren, always attending as many of their activities as possible. She enjoyed helping her grandson with his 4-H projects; also loved gardening and growing lilies. DeLores had been a very active member for many years of the Falls City, Nebraska Saddle Club.
DeLores married Daniel Grimes April 20, 1968. He died in 1989. On July 27, 1996, she married Maurice G. Fletcher at St. Ann Catholic Church in Hiawatha. He survives of the home.
Survivors include a daughter Tamala (Todd) Simmons of St. Joseph, Missouri; a son Todd (JoLynn) Grimes of Sabetha, KS; grandchildren: Trevor Simmons, Cole and Mya Grimes, Step-daughter Stacey (Richard) Beyer of Liberty, Missouri; step-grandchildren: Brandon, Katy and David Beyer. Also surviving are sisters Agnes (Ron) Lewandowski of Grand Island, Nebraska, JoAnn (Justin) Kuszak of Ashton, Nebraska, Marie (Daryl) Platek, Sally (Tom) Mudloff, all of St. Paul, Nebraska; brothers: Pete Koperski (friend Dolores Mc Donnell) of Tracey, Missouri, Henry (Rose) Koperski of St. Paul, Nebraska, John (Jan) Koperski of Ogallala, Nebraska, Ted (Margaret) Koperski of Lincoln, Nebraska, Ben (Mary) Koperski of Cody, Wyoming, with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a step-son Maurice Fletcher, Jr.; a step-grandson Wade Fletcher; a sister Frances Kush; nephews Jerrid Mudloff and Eric Koperski; 5 half brothers, and a half sister.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann Catholic Church in Hiawatha, at 12 Noon Thursday, January 5, with Father Matt Koperski and Father Dan Gardner as con celebrants. Interment will follow at the Hiawatha Cemetery.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Wednesday. The Parish Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by the family receiving friends.
The family request Mass offerings in lieu of flowers. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

Faye E. Scott
1971-2017

Wathena, Kansas – Faye E. Scott, 45, passed away Monday, January 2, 2017 at her home in Wathena, Kansas.
Faye was born on August 28, 1971 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Michael & Linda Sue (Ducas) Haynes.
She worked for Herzog as an accountant & manager.
Faye married Stuart Scott. He survives of the home.
Additional survivors: sons, Blake Haynes (Veronica) of Lebanon, Missouri;
Kolby Scott of the home;
Bryce Scott (Talia) of Omaha, Nebraska;
Daughters, Alexis Scott of the home;
Shelby Scott of Wichita, Kansas;
Parents, Mike & Linda Sue Haynes of St. Joseph, Missouri;
Brothers, Bill Haynes (Lori) of St. Joseph, Missouri;
Chris Haynes of St. Joseph, Missouri;
Chuck Haynes (Gudrun) of Beloit, Wisconsin;
Grandchildren, Tayten Blatchford & Haisley Scott;
Nieces & nephews.
There are no scheduled services or visitation. Inurnment will be at a later date.
Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, KS. is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials: Wathena EMS

Conservation hosting nature training program in St. Joseph

Posted on January 4, 2017

Missouri Master Naturalists volunteer for conservation education and service projects. Last summer, they helped pass out native plants at Prairie Days at Dunn Ranch in Harrison County. Photos by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation — Missouri Master Naturalists volunteer for conservation education and service projects.
Photo courtesy Bill Graham/MDC

A Missouri Master Naturalist training will be held in St. Joseph next month.

The Missouri Department of Conservation said the Loess Hills Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists is taking applications for training classes and membership. Missouri Master Naturalists mix science with service by assisting with conservation and nature education programs. An orientation for new members or people interested in the program will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Northwest Regional Office in St. Joseph.

Training sessions will begin on Feb. 28. Sessions will include 40 hours of training, including classroom sessions from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings, and field trips on Saturdays. There is a $100 fee for books and supplies that participants will keep.

Master Naturalists are given special training regarding nature in the region where chapters are based. Members help out at MDC public events, conduct education demonstrations, take field trips and hold social events tied to nature. The Loess Hills chapter is currently working to plant or identify native trees and shrubs along the U.S. 36 highway right of way, said Mary Jo Ostenberg, chapter president. Many chapter members commute to activities from throughout northwest Missouri.

“We do a lot of work with schools, such as installing butterfly gardens,” Ostenberg said. “We do nature interpretive hikes, volunteer at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, collect native plant seed at places like Dunn Ranch, birding surveys, and surveys for endangered species.”

Participants for the training sessions must submit applications by Jan. 30. Applications are available at MDC’s Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Drive on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

For more information, call 816-271-3100. Information about Missouri Master Naturalists programs is available at http://extension.missouri.edu/masternaturalist/.

Chance of snow in the forecast tonight

Posted on January 4, 2017

One to three inches of snow will fall across much of the region overnight, beginning late this evening and tapering off shortly before dawn. This snow may make for a slow and potentially slick commute Thursday morning, particularly on any roads that are left untreated. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Increasing clouds, with a high near 21. Wind chill values between -3 and 7. Northwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Snow, mainly before 4 a.m. Low around 11. North wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 17. North northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 3. Wind chill values between -5 and zero. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light west northwest after midnight.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 20. Light and variable wind becoming west southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 9.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 27.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 8.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 27.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 41.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48.