Post Staff – Page 298 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Obituaries December 11-13

Posted on December 16, 2016December 19, 2016

Della “Lucille” Haynes
1929-2016

Della Lucille Haynes 87, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2016 at her home. She was born June 5, 1929 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Flossie and Mack Turpin. She was a homemaker, who enjoyed watching wrestling on T.V. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Albert Simpson Haynes, daughter, Nancy Haynes, two sons, Larry Crump, and Kenneth Haynes, sister, Mae Ashworth, and brother, Edward Turpin. Survivors include, three daughter, Lisa Renfrow, Elizabeth Haynes, and Ilene Wolfenbarger, four sons, Vernon (Dianna) Haynes, Mack (Sharon) Haynes, Steven (Lori) Haynes, and Phillip Haynes of St. Joseph, MO, several, grandchildren, and great great grandchildren, and a brother, Jack Turpin.
Celebration of Life services will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Community of Christ Church at 17th and Faraon Streets. Memorials are requested to the Lucille Haynes memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Rogers Leonard Richardson
1941-2016

Rogers Leonard Richardson 75, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 12, 2016 in a Saint Joseph, MO hospital. He was born May 26, 1941 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Mary “Elizabeth” and Jesse Richardson. He attended Benton High School and married Carolyn Chapman on November 24, 1965 in St. Joseph. He served in the Navy, as a Geodetic Surveyor on the USS Maury. He retired from Snorkel after 35 years of service as a mechanic in the Fire Service Division. He was very laid back and a patient and loving father and grandfather, who enjoyed being with old friends and playing pool. He had a nickname for everybody. Rogers attended Wesley United Methodist Church, and was a former member of King Hill Baptist he was also a member of the VFW post 6760. Rogers was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sonja Jo Fuller. Survivors include, wife, Carolyn Richardson of the home, son, David (Carrie) Richardson of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Sarah (Eric) Ripoll, of Savage, MN., 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and a niece, Shana Willis.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. James Barnett officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery . Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Warner Ronald “Ron” Pape, III
1943-2016

Warner Ronald (Ron) Pape III of Richmond, Texas, passed away on the morning of Monday, December 12, 2016. He went peacefully at home surrounded by family.
He was born November 12, 1943, in Alton, Illinois, to Warner and Charlene Pape. The family moved to rural Brown County, Kansas, where the family was actively involved in farming.
After graduating from Robinson High School, Ron attended Kansas State University, graduating with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration. He married Julia Stonebarger Pape in 1964 and the couple lived in several states as Ron transferred positions in corporate management.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Julia. Also surviving are his parents, Warner and Charlene Pape of Hiawatha, Kansas. His children, Julie Christine Lorenz and husband David, Warner Travis Pape and wife Rachel; grandchildren, Chase and Cale Lorenz and Lily and Julianne Pape. Also surviving are brothers, Jerry Pape and Alan Pape; brother-in-law, Dean Stonebarger and wife Reita; and nieces and nephews.
Ron loved life. His favorite pastimes and interests included sports whether watching, playing or coaching. He especially enjoyed coaching his children’s sport teams throughout the years. He always looked forward to the card games when the family gathered. He also enjoyed reading and traveling.
In accordance with Ron’s wishes, he has been cremated. On Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. the family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life service at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Due to the inclement weather, graveside service will follow at the Chapel Oaks chapel. Family inurnment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha, Kansas.
After the darkness, the daylight shines through. After the showers, the rainbow’s in view. After life’s heartaches, there comes from above, the peace and comfort of God’s healing love.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests with gratitude that donations be directed, in his name, to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 6977 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030, or shrinershospitalforchilren.org.

Robert “Bobby” Evans Griswold, Jr
1964-2016

Robert “Bobby” Griswold Jr. 52 Years, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side Tuesday, December 13, 2016. He was born March 19, 1964 in St. Joseph, MO. On December 5, 1997 he married Lori Flowers. She survives of the home. He worked at Affiliated Foods and was a Foster parent. He attended Trinity United Brethern church as a child. Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Robert Evans Griswold, Sr., brother, Chris Griswold, paternal grandparents, Donald and Catherine Griswold, maternal grandparents, James and Hazel West. Survivors include, wife, Lori Griswold, mother, Alice (Joe) Coats of Saint Joseph, MO, son, Raymond Griswold, daughters, Emily Pendergras, and Cathy Griswold, daughter, Andrea (Brian) Bayer who cared for him in the home, 4 granddaughters, Kaylee, Kylee, Callie, and Ryleigh, 2 grandsons, Lucas and Dakota, sister, Jamie (Steve) Roberts, brother, Troy (Malina) Griswold of Haslet, TX, step brothers; Steven Coats of St. Joseph, and Joe Coats, of Kansas City, MO. mother & father-in-law, Barbara and Sonny Stiles of St. Joseph, MO. numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous foster children.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Allan Lane officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson, KS. Memorials are requested to the Robert Griswold Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home.

Clifford L. Reeves
1924-2016

Clifford L. Reeves, 92, Atchison, Kansas died Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at Atchison Medicalodge.
Graveside services will be Saturday, December 17, 2016, at 2:00 P.M. at Mt. Vernon Cemetery with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB officiating. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, December 17th from 12:30 – 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Croix Hospice or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left in care of the funeral home.
Clifford was born January 8, 1924 in Danbury, Nebraska, the son of Thomas and Lucy Greenway Reeves. He attended Franklin Elementary School in Atchison, Kansas and graduated from Atchison High School.
He and Elizabeth M. “Betty” Giles were united in marriage on November 5, 1943 at Sacred Heart Church in Atchison, Kansas. Mrs. Reeves preceded him in death on May 24, 2002.
Clifford served as a letter carrier for the Atchison Post Office for fifteen years until his retirement.
He served with the United States Army from June 21, 1943 until his honorable discharge on December 23, 1945. Clifford then served with the Kansas National Guard from 1948 until 1968.
Clifford was a member of St. Benedict Parish, participating at Sacred Heart Church. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and reading in his spare time.
Survivors include three sons, Thomas A. Reeves, Atchison, KS; Ronald E. (Sherry) Reeves, Valley Falls, KS; Richard Reeves, Atchison, KS; a daughter, Katherine L. (Robert) Grunert, Atchison, KS; four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and one great great grandson.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Kevin Reeves and a sister, Elizabeth Hoyel.

Paul Louis Blakley
1941-2016

Paul Louis Blakley, 75, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2016.
He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to David and Lula (Lankford) Blakley, they precede him in death.
Paul was a member of Hope Fellowship Church and a lifelong resident of St. Joseph. He graduated from Central High School, Class of 1959.
He enjoyed sports, track and field and baseball. Paul loved taking walks, going fishing and hunting. Paul enjoyed watching TV, especially when the Royals were playing, whether they would win or lose. He also played professional baseball for the Indianapolis Clowns. Paul helped with the family business, Blakley Trash Service.
He was also preceded in death by sister, Lula M. Blakley.
Survivors include sisters, Freda Allen (Steven), Mary Blakley Gorman (Roger), and Susan Blakley; brothers, David Blakley, Jr. (Jayne), Donald Blakley (Doris), Leo Blakley (Rev. Dr. Dorothy), John Blakley, Daniel Blakley, Addison Blakley, Charles Blakley (Pastor Earnestine), Richard Blakley, George Blakley (Rebecca), Robert Blakley (Laura), Isaac Blakley, Ronald Blakley (Melody), Roger Blakley, and Michael Blakley (Debra); uncle, James Wilson; aunt, Josephine Wilson; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Homegoing Celebration 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Hope Fellowship Church. Interment Ashland Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated, and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family request they be made to Hope Fellowship Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Jury finds St. Joseph man guilty of lesser charge of molestation

Posted on December 16, 2016December 16, 2016

William Bartlett Buchanan County Booking Photo — William Bartlett
Buchanan County Booking Photo

A Buchanan County Jury found a St. Joseph man guilty Thursday night to a lesser-included offense of child molestation after a second count was dismissed by the judge.

William Bartlett was originally charged with two felony counts of statutory sodomy after police said he fondled a 9-year-old girl in 2015. A jury trial in the case began Tuesday. At the close of the state’s evidence, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kate Schaefer asked the court if she could file an amended complaint on the second count. The judge refused.

Assistant Public Defender Christopher Belts then filed a motion for a judgment of acquittal. The court granted the motion as to the second count.

Belts then presented defense evidence, and Bartlett took the witness stand. He testified that he touched the young girl’s private parts, but did so accidentally.

The seven women and five men on the panel got the case and began deliberations shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday. That evening they returned the verdict of guilty for the lesser charge of a second-degree child molestation on the first count.

Circuit Judge Patrick Robb scheduled a sentencing for Feb. 1. Bartlett faces up to one year in jail and a possible fine of up to $1,000 for his conviction on the class-a misdemeanor charge.

In the meantime, Bartlett is free on a personal recognizance bond.

Northwest to graduate hundreds during Winter commencement

Posted on December 16, 2016

More than 500 undergrad and graduate students will take part in commencement ceremonies Friday morning at Northwest Missouri State University.

Dr. Margie Vandeven, commissioner of education for the state of Missouri, will address Northwest graduates and their families during its winter commencement ceremonies.

“We are so pleased to have Dr. Vandeven joining us for our winter commencement ceremonies,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “She is student-centric and champions high expectations, and she has been a champion for education during a career spanning three decades. We look forward to the insights she has to share with Bearcat Nation.”

Vandeven assumed her role as Missouri’s sixth commissioner of education Jan. 1, 2015.

During 10 previous years with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, she served as a supervisor of the Missouri School Improvement Program, director of school improvement and accreditation, director of accountability data and accreditation, assistant commissioner for the Office of Quality Schools and most recently as deputy commissioner of learning services.

Northwest will host commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. for master’s, education specialist and doctoral degrees, and at 2 p.m. for bachelor’s degree candidates. Both ceremonies are in Bearcat Arena.

Doors will open to guests one hour prior to each ceremony. Shuttle services will be provided from parking lots 62 & 63 to the Lamkin Activity Center circle drive.

More than 250 students are expected to receive master’s or specialist degrees through the University’s graduate school. More than 300 undergraduate students from Northwest’s academic college and professional schools are expected to receive bachelor’s degrees.

No tickets are necessary to attend either ceremony. To accommodate guests who cannot attend, Northwest will offer a live online stream of the ceremonies at www.nwmissouri.edu/live.

Northwest to take part in Championship Pep Rally

Posted on December 16, 2016December 16, 2016

A pep rally will be held Friday evening for the Bearcats ahead of Saturday’s Championship game.

According to Northwest Missouri State University, the Division II Football Championship experience begins Friday evening at 7 p.m. with a pep rally for the championship teams on the Live! Stage in Kansas City’s Power & Light District. KC Live! is a covered open-air venue with seating, heaters and fire pits, and located a few blocks from the team’s hotels in downtown Kansas City. The Power & Light District is a dining, entertainment and shopping district.

The school said fans of both teams are invited to cheer with their spirit squads and pep bands as the anticipation and excitement begins for the championship game. Enjoy performances by the Bearcat Marching Band, Steppers, Cheerleaders and more as we celebrate both team’s accomplishments in downtown Kansas City.

The family-friendly, community event is free to attend.

The Bearcats will meet North Alabama Saturday in the 2016 NCAA Division II Football National Championship Game at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Kickoff is 3 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

Shop St. Joe to draw winning tickets next week

Posted on December 16, 2016December 16, 2016

This weekend is the last weekend shoppers can collect tickets in the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce’s Shop St. Joseph campaign.

The shopping program, designed to encourage residents to do their holiday shopping. One lucky shopper will win a $10,000 grand prize. Shoppers also have a chance to win second-chance prizes from participating merchants. The last day to collect tickets is Sunday, Dec. 18.

No purchase is required to win. Customers may receive one free ticket for visiting any participating merchant and one additional ticket for every $10 increment of purchase. A maximum of 100 tickets may be issued per transaction.

The numbers will be drawn at the Chamber office (drawing is closed to the public) and then announced through KQTV, Eagle Radio, the St. Joseph News-Press, FOX 26 KNPN, as well as posted on the Chamber’s website, www.saintjoseph.com, and on the office door at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20. Once a ticket has been announced for the grand prize, the winner has 24 hours to claim their prize before another number is announced. Only one number will be drawn for secondary prizes and those numbers will not be released until the $10,000 is given away to avoid confusion.

Missouri’s lowest paid state workers in the country raise over $1 million for charities

Posted on December 16, 2016

Courtesy Missouri Secretary of State’s office/Missourinet.

(Missourinet) – Missouri state employees, the lowest paid of any state workers in the country, have raised over a million dollars for charity for the 13th year in a row.

The state’s Employee Charitable Campaign conducts an annual fundraiser, which has raised almost $30 million in its 32 year history.

The Missouri Office of Administration organizes the event. The department’s commissioner, Doug Nelson, notes employees from all over the state select the organizations they want to support.

“For example, the Community Health Charities of Kansas and Missouri is getting $86,604” said Nelson. “The United Way of Central Missouri got almost $135,000. The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri got $44,398. Those are some of the bigger ones.”

Nelson says each department has a series of coordinators that set up activities to raise money. “It may jeans day, it may root beer floats. It may be friendly competitions. It may be throwing a pie at the director. It may be able to get a parking spot the director parks in.” Nelson credits the coordinators for motivating employees to get involved in activities for the benefit of charities.

Workers and retirees can make contributions through payroll deductions or one-time gifts. The Employee Charitable Campaign website tells employees that “all donations, large or small, are welcomed and greatly appreciated!” and informs them that a fifty-cent donation per pay period is the minimum contribution allowed through payroll deduction.

Over 1,000 approved charitable organizations participated in the Employee Charitable Campaign this year. Between all workers participating in the event, 895 of those organizations were chosen to receive contributions.

Nelson says state workers are especially generous considering the low wages they’re payed. “To me in this environment and how hard these workers work, and how little they get paid, to me it’s very heart warming and says a lot about our state employees.”

A study this year found Missouri pays its workers the lowest wages of any state, with compensation running 10 percent below the market rate. The study was released in July.

Low state worker wages have been an issue for the state government for years with high turnovers rates leading to more taxpayer money having to be funneled into overtime and training.

Missouri’s top agriculture official weighs in on future trade relations with Cuba

Posted on December 16, 2016

State Ag Director Richard Fordyce (Photo courtesy Missourinet)

(Missourinet) – Missouri Agriculture director Richard Fordyce says the U.S.’s challenging relationship with Cuba could be softened by the death of Fidel Castro, but he doesn’t expect a major shift any time soon. The U.S.’s cancellation of a large shipment of sugar from Cuba and America’s refusal to export oil to the communist nation led to America’s trade embargo against Cuba in the 1960s.

“It’s really not an easy situation. We’ve had an embargo with Cuba for over 60 years and those kind of things don’t come down overnight. I’m positive that as we continue to work and continue to talk about these issues, that we’ll be able to get to some sort of a resolution at some point,” says Fordyce. “The relationship between Cuba and the U.S. in 1961 and 1962 was very fragile. We came very, very close to nuclear war. There’s still people that remember that and there’s still people that know that’s a very scary time.”

Fordyce says Missouri must continue to stay engaged with Cuba and hopes a trade delegation will return to the country in the near future.

“I’m very positive that something will start to move, but it’s not going to be a wholesale change by any means,” says Fordyce.

He says improving the relationship with the communist country could result in other opportunities in places like Latin America and Central America.

State Representative says needle exchange programs lower cases of HIV

Posted on December 16, 2016

Representative Holly Rehder (Photo courtesy Missourinet)

(Missourinet) – A Republican lawmaker from southeast Missouri has filed needle exchange legislation, saying addiction must be viewed differently.

State Rep. Holly Rehder (R-Sikeston) describes her bill as a common-sense approach to addiction.

“We have the spread of disease, Hep C of course is wildly expensive on the state, not to mention what it does to people’s health,” says Rehder. “And is hugely contagious. And then we have HIV of course.”

Needle exchange programs ensure that drug users have access to clean needles to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV.

“Needle exchanges have been shown across the country to lower the cases of HIV and Hep C,” Rehder says. “And so this is something that along these same lines that Missouri needs to get on-board. There’s federal dollars available for needle exchanges.”

Rehder spoke openly to Missourinet about drugs.

“And I think with addiction, and that’s one of the things that I’ve been very up-front about, you know, that I grew up in drug addiction. And my daughter wasn’t around it, but yet at 17 she became an addict,” Rehder says.

Rehder’s House Bill 88 would exempt any entity registered with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services that possesses hypodermic needles from state law prohibiting drug paraphernalia.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website says people who inject drugs “can substantially reduce their risk” of getting HIV and hepatitis by using a sterile needle and syringe for every injection. Supporters of the legislation say it can help people get treatment.

Missouri’s 2017 legislative session begins January 4 at noon.

Winter Weather Advisory until 6 PM

Posted on December 16, 2016

…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO
6 PM CST THIS EVENING…

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL HAS
ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR FREEZING DRIZZLE WHICH IS IN
EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM CST THIS EVENING.

* TIMING…FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL IMPACT WEST-CENTRAL AND CENTRAL
MISSOURI FROM MID MORNING THROUGH LATE AFTERNOON. FREEZING DRIZZLE
WILL CHANGEOVER TO DRIZZLE LATE THIS AFTERNOON AS TEMPERATURES RISE
ABOVE FREEZING.

* MAIN IMPACT…LIGHT GLAZE ICING WILL LEAD TO SLIPPERY TRAVEL
CONDITIONS LATER THIS MORNING AND AFTERNOON.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW…SLEET…OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES…AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Friday

A chance of drizzle or freezing drizzle, mainly after 7am. Cloudy, with a high near 30. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday Night

A chance of freezing drizzle, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 19. East southeast wind 8 to 18 mph becoming north after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Saturday

A chance of freezing rain before 7am, then a chance of snow and freezing rain between 7am and 8am, then snow after 8am. Temperature falling to around 6 by 4pm. Wind chill values between -3 and -13. North northwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday Night

A slight chance of snow before midnight. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around -6. North northwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday

Sunny and cold, with a high near 12.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 2.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 29.

Monday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 14.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 37.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Audit shows money handling concerns in Caldwell County Detention Center

Posted on December 15, 2016

An audit released Thursday reviewing operating practices at the Caldwell County Detention Center indicated concerns over the handling of money.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released an audit of the Caldwell County government, located in northwest Missouri. The audit included a review of operating practices at the Caldwell County Detention Center in Kingston.

The report describes concerns related to the handling of the high volume of cash that comes into the center, and recommends new procedures to increase accountability. Auditor Galloway credited the sheriff for addressing many of the issues immediately upon being notified of them.

“Dealing with large amounts of cash always requires a higher level of scrutiny because the risk for loss or misuse of funds increases when there is no clear paper trail,” Auditor Galloway said. “When we conduct an audit we expect corrective action to be taken. That’s how audits are supposed to work, and that’s what we saw here in Caldwell County.”

Auditors found detention center staff used a complicated process to track and hold any cash inmates had in their possession when they were booked. In most cases the cash is deposited into a kiosk, but the process was overly complicated and varied based on what law enforcement organization brought the inmate to the detention center. Another kiosk is available in the lobby where money can be added to inmate accounts to purchase snacks and personal items from the commissary.

Neither of the kiosks issue receipt slips, and the amount of cash in the kiosks was never compared to amounts recorded in the tracking system. The money was also not deposited timely. It was instead held on site at the detention center for extended periods of time, sometimes more than a month, which poses an additional security risk.

Many of those concerns have been addressed, but additional work is necessary to improve accountability and ensure all money is handled appropriately and in accordance with the law.

The Caldwell County audit report also includes findings related to seized property and electronic data security. A complete copy of the report, which received an overall performance rating of good, is available online CLICK HERE.