Post Staff – Page 295 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Woman gets time served but will be deported for possession of firearm used in homicide

Posted on December 19, 2016December 19, 2016

A Mexican woman was sentenced Monday to time served for unlawful possession of a firearm connected to a homicide case in Salina. U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said she will be placed in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.

Azucena Garcia-Ferniza, 22, spent about 15 months in jail. She pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Wichita to one count of possession of a firearm while unlawfully in the United States.

In her plea, she admitted that on May 7, 2015, she unlawfully possessed a Glock .45 caliber pistol. Her visitor’s visa had expired in February 1998.

In July 2016, Garcia-Ferniza was sentenced in Saline County District Court to 18 months on probation for attempting to hide the gun that killed 17-year-old Allie Saum. The gun belonged to her boyfriend, Macio D. Palacio, Jr. Saum was killed by gunfire when Palicio fired at a pickup he mistakenly believed was driven by rival gang members.

Council asked to formalize support for downtown casino

Posted on December 19, 2016December 19, 2016

St. Joseph City Council members will be asked Monday night to show their support for a private development that could bring a casino and event center in the downtown area.

Inner Circle Investments is hoping to build a new facility in the parking lot just north of the Radisson Hotel at 102 S. 3rd, and then move St. Jo Frontier Casino to that location.

A member of the Inner Circle board of directors met with the council during a work session last month. On the council’s agenda Monday night is a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding “…expressing the desire to further study” the plan.

Inner Circle will fund the project itself, as well as possible incentives to the casino.

City Manager Bruce Woody says neither the resolution nor the memorandum of understanding are legally binding.

“They express mutual understandings and intentions between two parties,” Woody said, “but without any legal consequences for not following any expressed terms, conditions or meeting prescribed dates.

“However, they do carry a degree of seriousness and imply each party’s good will and intentions. They are often a prelude to a potential, future legal agreement,” Woody said.

Woody said the MOU will give the developer some confidence that the city is interested in seeing redevelopment occur in the area immediately surrounding the Radisson Hotel and Civic Arena and remains interested in the various concepts identified in the 2010 and 2013 planning documents by Hunden Strategic Partners regarding downtown redevelopment.

“This is important to the developer prior to them investing time, effort and money is negotiating with other area property owners, Affinity Gaming, and other third parties to develop a proposal to present to the city later in 2017,” he said.

The meeting begins at 7pm in the Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of City Hall.

You can watch the meeting online here. (under “Upcoming Events”)

Here’s the resolution on the agenda Monday:

“A Resolution (#865-14) authorizing execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with Inner Circle Investments LLC expressing the desire to further study the creation of a new event center and relocation of the existing casino to the downtown with the intent to revitalize the downtown as outlined in the 2013 Downtown Entertainment District Study.”

Kansas woman admits training minor female for prostitution in Joplin

Posted on December 19, 2016

A Topeka woman pleaded guilty Monday to the sex trafficking of a minor and could face nearly six years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said Michaela Hekekia, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. In her plea, she admitted training a minor female to work as a prostitute and transporting the girl from Kansas to a motel in Joplin, Mo., to work as a prostitute.

Hekekia admitted conspiring with co-defendants to run a Topeka-based prostitution business that operated in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. At times, as many as 20 females were working as prostitutes for the organization. The leader of the organization rented houses where some of the prostitutes were allowed to live. The organization used Web sites, social media and cell phones to advertise sexual services and to keep track of prostitutes.

Hekekia admitted she started working for the organization as a prostitute and gradually took on other duties including recruiting and training sex workers and managing advertising for sex services.

Sentencing is set for March 20. The government has agreed to recommend a sentence not to exceed 70 months in federal prison.

Co-defendant Frank Boswell, 42, Topeka, Kan., is set for trial March 7. Co-defendants Rachel Flenniken, 34, Topeka, Kan., and Sean P. Hall, 47, Topeka, Kan., are awaiting sentencing. Shannon Nelson, 23, Topeka, Kan., is set for sentencing Jan. 23.

Beall commended the FBI, the Topeka Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Kenney for their work on the case.

Maryville man sentenced to 19 years for child sex crimes

Posted on December 19, 2016

Grimes, Edward MSHP Sex Offender Registry — Grimes, Edward
MSHP Sex Offender Registry

A Maryville, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court Monday on charges related to child pornography.

Edward Grimes, 58, of Maryville, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 19 years in federal prison without parole. Grimes, a registered sex offender, has prior felony convictions in New York for sexual abuse of a child and for a criminal sexual act against a child under the age of 14 – for which he is subject to lifetime sex offender registration – and for endangering the welfare of a child (related to a sexual act against a 4-year-old victim).

On July 6, 2015, Grimes pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to distribute child pornography over the Internet, one count of attempting to receive child pornography over the Internet and one count of possessing child pornography. Grimes admitted that he attempted to distribute child pornography over the Internet on March 29, 2013; that he attempted to receive child pornography over the Internet on Dec. 31, 2013; and that he possessed child pornography on Feb. 12, 2014. Grimes must forfeit to the government two desktop computers, a laptop computer, four hard drives and a thumb drive that were used to commit the offenses.

Court documents cite a pattern of activity by Grimes involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor. According to court documents, Grimes created a photo album on a file-sharing website on March 29, 2013. He posted 65 images depicting clothed, semi-nude to full nude images of both adult females and young girls ranging in age from 8 to 25 years of age. Among the images were three pornographic photographs depicting girls approximately 12 to 13 years of age.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Grimes’s residence on Feb. 12, 2014. A firearm was recovered and Grimes was arrested on state charges for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Investigators also seized electronic media that contained child pornography movie files depicting nude girls approximately 3 to 6 years of age. Two hard drives and one thumb drive had a total of 132 child pornography images. Almost all of the images were of prepubescent children.

Investigators also found four movie files, recorded by Grimes, of an approximately 10-year-old girl. Law enforcement believes it is possible Grimes was grooming the child for sexual activity.

Obituaries December 14-16

Posted on December 19, 2016December 19, 2016

Ardith C. Andrus Steinman
1940-2016

Ardith C. Andrus Steinman, 76, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born May 23, 1940 in Agency, Missouri.
Ardith was a member of Bible Baptist Temple in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Laura (Robertson) Andrus; and daughter, Sondra Steinman, three brothers, and two sisters.
Survivors include daughters, Charmaine Sherrill of Kansas City, Kansas and Sheila Woodward (Steve) of Leavenworth, Kansas; three grandchildren, Clifford Waters, Charlene and Desma Henshaw; two brothers, Connie Andrus of St. Joseph, Missouri and Ronald and Gail Andrus of Wenatchee, Washington; one sister, Phyllis Miller; and two great-grandchildren, Declyn and Leland.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Marlene “Kay” Ratcliff
1934-2016

Wichita – Marlene Kay Carl Ratcliff, 82 of Wichita, passed away from her long battle with Alzheimer’s/Dementia on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at her home surrounded by her four daughters.
She was born September 18, 1934, the first of three children to Nate and Floy Witham Carl in Topeka, Kansas and grew up on the family farm outside of Onaga. Marlene “Kay” graduated from Onaga High School in 1952.
After graduation she married Duane Ratcliff on May 11, 1952. Soon after they were married the United States Airforce transferred Duane and Kay to Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, LA, where they started their lives together. Duane’s work moved them to Wichita in 1955 where they lived out their married lives together. Marlene Kay was an awesome homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Duane Ratcliff, who died October 10, 2015.
Survivors include daughters, Debbi Skiles (Rex), Onaga, Becky Shatley (Michael), Sherry Buck (Frank), and Lisa Sanders (Troy), all of Wichita. She is also survived by one sister Marcia DuLac of Derby, Kansas, one brother Charlie Carl, Ohio, eight grandchildren, Shane Bliss (Kelly), Niki Shatley Howard (Jarod), Cheryl Shatley Doyle (Michael), Doug Brittain (Jess), Jordan Sanders, Elyse Sanders, Kara Buck, and Kailey Buck; nine great-grandchildren, Austin Bliss, Kyle Bliss, Michael Bliss, Ashley Bliss, Zack Bliss, Sevyn Howard, Beck Howard, Blane Doyle, and Lilly Doyle, and one great-great-grandson, Dominic Fry-Bliss.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, December 19th, at the First Congregational Church, UCC in Onaga. Burial will follow in the Onaga Cemetery. Marlene Kay will lie in state after 10:00 a.m. Sunday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga where family and friends will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, and may be sent in care of the funeral home P.O. Box 312, Onaga, KS 66521.

Carol Sue Willming (Thompson)
1944-2016

Carol Sue Willming (Thompson) was born Tuesday, October 17th, 1944; and passed away Thursday, December 15th, 2016. Services Sunday, December 18th, 2016, 10:00am.
Located at the Round Mound Cemetery. Interment located at Round Mound Cemetery; E of Cummings , 1 mile on Curlew Rd, Atchison, KS 66002.

Audrey Elaine Dugan
1934-2016

Audrey Elaine Dugan, 92, of St. Joseph passed away Thursday afternoon, December 15, 2016 at Abby Woods.
She was born July 3, 1924 in Renner, SD, the cherished daughter of Marie and Cliff Fromholz.
She retired as Executive Accountant with Woodbury’s as well as at Farmland Chemical Plant and simultaneously, without ever retiring, was a full-fledged homemaker. She loved nurturing other people. Everyone that knew her will always remember her smiling face and enthusiastic personality. She was a committed member of Grace Baptist Church of St Joseph, MO.
Audrey was a 65 plus member of Areme Chapter #461, Order of Eastern Star. She had served three times as Worthy Matron, and many others offices as well. She was District Deputy Grand Matron in 1969, Grand Representative of Albert in Missouri in 1989-90. She also has served as President of the local and State Grand Representative Clubs. Additionally she served on the Masonic Advisory Board of the Grand Lodge of Missouri for 9 years. She also was proud of her membership in Toastmasters.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents and brother, DeWayne Fromholz. Survivors include three daughters, Saundra Barquist (Bob), Raytown, Missouri, Vicki Smith (Gregg), Kansas City, Missouri, and Dr. Maritta Sumner, Arlington, TX; three grandsons, Tristan Smith, Missouri City, TX; Quentin Smith(Amy), Carrolton, TX; McKennon Smith, Kansas City, Mo.; five great-grandchildren, Theo, Max, Spencer, Trey and Chase Smith. Audreys girls would like to thank the personnel at Abby Woods and Hands Of Hope Hospice for the loving care of their dear mother.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Hands of Hope Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Adelia June (Gullick) Stagner
1952-2016

Adelia June (Gullick) Stagner, 64, Faucett, Missouri passed away Friday, December 16, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born November 14, 1952 to Russell and Adelia (Chivington) Gullick, they precede her in death.
Adelia married Dale L. Stagner April 4, 1998, he survives the home.
She was a member of Red Hats Society and also belonged to the Health and Wellness Committee at Meads Products.
Adelia enjoyed family time dinners. She was a proud mother and grandmother that loved decorating, traveling, dancing and especially loved bargin shopping. Adelia was a Christian and a strong believer in Christ. Our beautiful mother was loved by so many and is gone too soon, we will miss her so much.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Roy Gullick and Lloyd Leslie.
Additional survivors include daughters, Shelly Rogers (Rick), Anna Wheeler, Julie Bennett (Bob); sons, Lowell Langston, Jr. (Tina) and Paul Stagner (Catherine); fifteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Ralph Gullick, Russell Leslie, Gene Leslie, Albert Leslie, Bobby Joe Leslie, Frank Leslie; sisters, Eva Thompson, Erma Richey, Mary Pitts; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Frazier #6 Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5:30 to 8:30 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to American Diabetes Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Warmer temperatures for the week ahead

Posted on December 19, 2016

Morning lows will range from 5 above zero to 5 below zero. Fortunately, temperatures should warm up through the day into the mid 20s to near 30. That is still 10 to 15 degrees below normal. Temperatures will then return to near normal for the rest of the week with highs in the upper 30s to mid 40s. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 30. Wind chill values between -1 and -11. South southwest wind 7 to 13 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 14. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. South wind 5 to 7 mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. South wind 7 to 10 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 40.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 42.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 40.

Saturday Night: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Christmas Day: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Update: Holiday Park will reopen Monday

Posted on December 18, 2016December 19, 2016

Holiday Park File Photo — Holiday Park
File Photo

Holiday Park, closed during the weekend due to snow and ice, will be open to the public again Monday.

According to a press release from the City of St. Joseph Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities Department, the lights at Holiday Park will again glow and the park will be open for visitors beginning at 6 p.m. Monday evening.

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Assistant Parks Dir. Jeff Atkins said Holiday Park will remain closed for Sunday, December 18th, so that city crews can concentrate on ice and snow removal from the city streets.

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Holiday Park is being closed again Saturday night due to slick road conditions.

The City of St. Joseph Parks, Recreation & Civic Facilities Department said it’s closing the park due to slick road conditions, in order to ensure the safety of their visitors to this popular attraction. Krug Park was also closed Friday evening for the same reason.

“We will do our best to re-open for Sunday evening,” said Jeff Atkins, Assistant Parks Director.

Library to hold crafts over school breaks

Posted on December 18, 2016December 16, 2016

East Hills Library Courtesy SJPL — East Hills Library
Courtesy SJPL

The St. Joseph Public Library plans to host daily crafts and activities for kids over Christmas break.

Staff at the East Hills Library located at 502 N. Woodbine Rd. will offer a different craft or activity every day at 2 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The sessions will run through Friday, Dec. 30. Kids in first through sixth grade can attend the sessions at no cost.

The library touted the programs as a way to keep kids and parents from possibly getting a little “stir crazy” during the school breaks.

The library said there is no need to register for the program, just stop by or call (816) 236-2136 with questions.

Health Department offering CPR class this week

Posted on December 18, 2016December 16, 2016

The City of St. Joseph Health Department is offering the American Heart Association Heartsaver® CPR/AED and Heartsaver® First Aid classes on Wednesday, December 21, 2016.

Both class sessions are open to the public and will be held in the 2nd Floor Conference Room at the City of St. Joseph Health Department at 904 South 10th Street.

First aid and CPR emergencies occur regularly. More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur nationally each year. Survival depends on being near someone who knows how to properly administer CPR. The department said it’s an opportunity for anyone in the community to be introduced to skills that could help save a life.

CPR is a recognized approach to emergency situations, but AED’s are a newer tool and can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with their use. This Heartsaver® class will give participants the skills needed to confidently use all available resources to keep someone alive until professional medical attention is available.

Participants can take one or both Heartsaver® courses. The Heartsaver® CPR/AED will run from 8:00 a.m. to noon and Heartsaver® First Aid will be from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21st.

There will be skills testing for basic first aid skills and CPR and AED use, but no written exam. Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to a maximum of eight participants. Call 816-271-4725 and ask to be directed to Connie to reserve your spot.

The cost will be: Full Day of Heartsaver®s – $35.00
Heartsaver® CPR/AED (morning session only) – $25.00
Heartsaver® First Aid (afternoon session only) – $15.00
(fee includes Certification Card for successful completion of
course and skills test)

Water service disrupted in Troy

Posted on December 18, 2016December 18, 2016

Water service in Troy, Kansas was disrupted Sunday morning as that town woke up to a blanket of new snow and ice.

In a text alert at 6:58am, Doniphan County officials announced a water main break in Troy, and said a city crew was working on the problem.

It was unknown when water service would be back on, according to the alert.

The City of Troy announced a boil order for water customers.