Post Staff – Page 305 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Rural mail carrier charged with swiping gift cards

Posted on December 7, 2016

A rural mail carrier from Kansas has been charged with stealing gift cards and other mail.

Gary W. Yenzer, 34, Derby, Kan., is charged in a federal indictment with theft by a mail employee, possession of stolen gift cards, and aggravated identity theft.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beal says the crimes are alleged to have occurred in September 2016 in Sedgwick County, Kan., while the defendant was a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service.

If convicted, he faces up to five years for theft, up to ten years for possessing stolen gift cards, and a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for identity theft. Each charge also carries a fine up to $250,000 upon conviction.

Two charged with gun and drug crimes after ATF probe

Posted on December 7, 2016

Two Salina, Kansas men are under indictment for multiple drug and firearms charges following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beal says a U.S. Grand jury returned indictments against Jason P. Briscoe, 39, and Jamie L. Husley, 38.

The pair faces numerous charges for crimes alleged to have occurred on November 18, 2016 in Smolan, Kansas.

The pair are charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count one), one count of unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction (count two), one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count three) and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm with serial number removed (count four).

* Upon conviction the crimes carry the following penalties:
* Count one: Up to life in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
* Count two: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
* Count three: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.
* Count four: Up to five years and a fine up to $250,000.

Kansas couple face federal charges after police seize basement moonshine still

Posted on December 7, 2016

A Kansas couple faces federal charges after their indictment on charges of operating a moonshine still in the basement of their home.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said Ryan Penner, 41, and Jennifer Penner, 37, both of Newton, Kansas, were charged with one count of possession of an unregistered still, one count of unlawful production of distilled spirits, and one count of failing to be bonded as a distiller.

The indictment alleges the Penners produced moonshine, which is illegal liquor on which federal and state excise taxes have not been paid.

The indictment alleges the investigation began in August when the Newton Police Department learned the defendants were producing and selling moonshine from their home in the 1000 block of E. 7th in Newton. Undercover officers made several purchases. A quart of moonshine typically sold for $20. Police served a search warrant at the home and seized a still built around a 15.5-gallon beer keg with metal legs and copper tubing.

If convicted, they face up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Fruit sale to benefit Lions Club

Posted on December 7, 2016December 7, 2016

A fruit sale will take place this week in the East Hills Shopping Center parking lot to benefit the Downtown St. Joseph Host Lions Club.

“One of our most popular items is our fruit baskets. We sell a variety of baskets,” said Brad Campbell with the Lions Club. “A lot of businesses use those as company gifts, a lot of our customers use them just as Christmas gifts for their family and friends.”

The sale will open Friday, Dec. 9 and run through Sunday, Dec. 18. The Host Lions will have their trailer set up on the south side of the East Hills Shopping Center parking lot along Woodbine Rd. next to the St. Joseph Public Library. Doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Campbell said customers can buy Sunkist Navel oranges, Sage Premium Red Delicious apples, Sage Premium Golden Delicious apples, Sage Premium Gala apples and Texas Sunkist grapefruit. The fruit is available by the case or mixed cases.

“Believe it or not the Lions Club likes it to be colder rather than warmer for the fruit sale. The reason why is the colder it is the more people seem to come out and buy cases of fruit for some reason,” Campbell said. “As long as the streets are clear and there’s no ice we don’t mind a little bit of snow in the area.”

Cases of apples are $45, citrus cases are $36 and mixed fruit baskets are $25. Campbell said the Lions Club will deliver orders during the event if someone can’t make it out.

Proceeds from the fruit sale benefit the Lions Club in their continuing mission for eye research, optical assistance for those in need, and overall sight health.

For more information, contact either Brad Campbell at (816) 262-9998, or Barbie Squires (816) 294-0961.

Space heaters provide comfort, but there are hazards

Posted on December 7, 2016December 7, 2016

This house fire was caused by a space heater.

As colder temperatures descend on our area, many of us will pull out space heaters to warm our homes. That means we can expect to see a small uptick in fires caused by the devices.

“Most everybody I know uses them,” says Fire Inspector Steve Henrichson of the St. Joseph Fire Department. “The main thing is giving them a lot of space.”

As we reported, firefighters responded last week to a house fire on St. Joseph Ave. that was blamed on a space heater. Henrichson says we could see more.

“During the first cold snap, we’ll see a small increase in one or two usually, every year,” he says.

These fires can be prevented. Henrichson says you should plus the heaters directly into the wall, and not use an extension cord because he says most extension cords aren’t rated for the amount of electricity that a space heater will pull.

“And then giving it plenty of space, which is roughly three feet,” Henrichson says, “nothing within three feet of a space heater that is combustible, that will catch on fire.”

“Its mainly clothes, drapes, things like that that people don’t think about when they place them.”

Angie Springs of the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri says nearly half of all households use alternative heat sources, including fireplaces.

“Fixed and portable space heaters, incuding wood stoves, are involved in 74% of all fire-related deaths in the nation,” Springs says.

One tip she offers is to find a new model, one that will shut itself off if it’s knocked over.

“Faulty ones could be the ones that fall over and they don’t shut off,” she says. “it’s definitely a fire hazard, because for some reason that’s been tipped over, a child knocked it over, or perhaps an animal, or maybe you knocked it over without even knowing it. As that heater continues to run, it becomes a fire hazard.”

Springs agrees that placement of a space heater is essential for fire safety.

“Space heaters should be placed on hard, level, non-flammable surfaces in the home,” she says. “It should have a three foot circumference around that space heater, so that it doesn’t get too hot and catch items on fire.”

“And they should never, ever be left unattended, and keep children and pets away from those space heaters.”

State issues bonds for Fulton State Hospital rebuild

Posted on December 7, 2016

The State of Missouri on Tuesday announced $97.2 million in bond funding to help pay for the rebuilding of the Fulton State Hospital.

The $211 million project is currently underway, and the bond sale is the final funding piece for construction of the new campus.

The project will replace aging facilities with a state-of-the-art mental hospital that will be safer and more conducive to modern treatment. Construction began in 2015, and the project is currently on time and on budget, with completion expected in 2018.

The Missouri Development Finance Board gave final authorization on the issuance of $97.2 million in bonds to allow for continued progress on the project. An initial bond issuance was approved in November of 2014 for the first portion of the $211 million construction project.

Including the bond sales for Fulton State Hospital, Gov. Nixon’s office says state government will still have lower levels of state-issued debt than when the Governor first took office.

Fulton State Hospital, built in 1851, is the oldest state psychiatric hospital west of the Mississippi River. The Biggs and Guhleman Forensic Centers on the campus treat patients with serious mental illness who are committed by Missouri courts for evaluation and treatment related to a crime, or who have seriously assaulted patients or staff in other state psychiatric hospitals.

In 2014, the General Assembly backed Governor Nixon’s plan for replacing the outdated and deteriorating maximum-security psychiatric facility. Demolition, abatement and construction began in May of 2015. The last building to be demolished will be the maximum security Biggs Forensic Center after the patients have moved into the new facility.

Temps in the 30s and light snow in some areas

Posted on December 7, 2016

Light snow is expected to develop today as early as the mid-morning and will continue periodically through the late evening hours. Minimal accumulation is expected, and should be limited to areas mostly south of the I-70 corridor. Frigid temperatures will continue through Friday, and wind chill values will approach zero degrees both Thursday and Friday morning. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Cloudy, with a high near 30. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 14. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 24. Wind chill values between -1 and 9. Northwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 10. Wind chill values between zero and 5. Northwest wind 6 to 13 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 26. Light and variable wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 40.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 33.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 31.

Obituaries December 4-6

Posted on December 6, 2016December 8, 2016

Michelle Ferguson
1969-2016

Michelle Ferguson 47, Agency, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 at her home. She was born March 27, 1969 in St. Joseph, MO. She graduated from Central high school, and worked at Bode Middle School for 12 years. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren she also enjoyed boating at the lake, tanning, swimming, working around the yard, flower gardening and mowing. She was a member of and Word of Life Church. She married Jamie Ferguson on June 17, 2016 at their home. Michelle was preceded in death by her father Gerald Ashford. Survivors include, husband, Jamie Ferguson of the home, mother & step father, Karen (Ed) Cockriel, daughter, Melissa Keith & (James McDaniel, Jr.) of St. Joseph, son, Justin Keith of St. Joseph, step daughter, Nicolette Ferguson of the home, grandchildren, Jozlynn and Jaxon McDaniel, four brothers, Michael, Matthew, Shawn, and Jon Ashford, all of St. Joseph, she also had many wonderful and devoted friends as well as nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
A Celebration of life will be held Friday, December 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM at the Agency Community Center, the family will receive friends for refreshments following the services. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society.

George B. Blodig
1930-2016

George B. Blodig, 86, Atchison, Kansas died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, December 9, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Benedict’s Church with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A Parish rosary will be recited on Thursday, December 8, 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 St. Benedict’s Abbey and may be left in care of the funeral home.
George was born on January 26, 1930 in Atchison, Kansas the son of Leopold and Freida (Stolp) Blodig. He attended Shannon Hill Grade School and graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1947. He graduated from Emporia State University in 1957 and completed his Master’s Degree in the summer of 1959. He also attended the National Railroad School of Telegraphy and Teletype.
He and Dorlene (George) Blodig were united in marriage on August 26, 1958 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Garden City, Kansas.
George taught mathematics at Garden City Junior College from January 1957 until May of 1958. He then moved to Atchison, Kansas and began teaching at St. Benedict’s College, now Benedictine College, in the mathematics department from August 1958 until his retirement in May of 1997. He also taught at Highland Community College, night classes at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and night classes at the Federal Prison.
George served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army with the basic heavy weapons in the 101st Airborne Division overseas from May 11, 1951 until his honorable discharge on February 11, 1954.
He was a member of the St. Benedict Parish in Atchison, participating at St. Benedict’s Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree Sacred Heart Council #723. He was also a member of the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #647, V.F.W. Post #1147, Fleming-Jackson-Seever American Legion Post #6, College Organizations, Mathematical Association of America, Kappa Mu Epsilon and Phi Delta Kappa. George was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; his great grandchildren called him “Grumps”.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Dorlene Blodig, Atchison, KS, one son, Jeffrey (Allison) Blodig, Ozawkie, KS, three daughters, Debbie (Billy) Beagle, Atchison, KS, Deidre Keith, Kansas City, MO, Denise Blodig (Gene Gregory), Franktown, CO, twelve grandchildren, Jeremy Beagle, Lance Beagle, Ashley (Keith) Griffin, Samantha Keith, Sidney Keith, Justin Gregory, Reed Gregory, Lane Gregory, Nicci Gregory, Pierce Gregory, Chris Gregory, Alex Crouch, and six great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Mary Carol Blodig, three brothers, William, Joe, and John Blodig, and three sisters, Florentine Blodig, Marie Thomas, and Frances Kelley.

Albert Stanley Hay
1936-2016

Albert Stanley Hay, 80, of Wamego, formerly of Onaga, died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at the Westy Community Care Home in Westmoreland.
He was born May 18, 1936 at Soldier, the son of Albert S. Hay, Jr. and Flora Downey Hay. He graduated from Onaga High School in 1954 and had served in the Army National Guard.
Stan was a farmer and a stockman. He was a life member of American Legion Post No. 163 and a long time member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, both in Marysville, a member of the Kansas Chapter of Singles in Agriculture and International Harvester Collectors, Kansas Chapter No. 3.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Angela Hay, who was stillborn, and a son, Stanley Eugene Hay.
Survivors include two daughters, Jody Marie Lindsey, Manhattan and Jolea Matzke, Wamego; a brother, James Arthur Hay and wife Rita, Herrington; a sister, Helen Sharon Worthington and husband Rudy, Fair Oaks, CA; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Cremation is planned. Memorial services with military honors will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga. Burial will be later in the Holton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga 66521.

Georgia R. Cornelius
1925-2016

Georgia R. Cornelius, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born November 6, 1925 in St. Clair, Kansas.
Georgia graduated from Westmoreland, Kansas High School.
She married Raymond Dale Cornelius on December 15, 1945. He preceded her in death on December 18, 2010 just after their 65th wedding anniversary.
She worked in sales at Hirsch’s Department Store for ten years.
Mrs. Cornelius was a member of Wyatt Park Christian Church, Christian Women’s Fellowship and Oakland Club.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Ada (Zabel) Francis; brother, Herman Francis; sisters, Genevieve Francis and Jean Thompson; and brother-in-law, Dale Thompson.
Survivors include her children, Linda Lakatos, St. Joseph, Bud Cornelius (Carla), Lake Winnebago, Missouri and Cindy Arter, Bettendorf, Iowa; grandchildren, Kenneth Monach, Beth Sherman (Jon), Brian (Holly) and Ben Cornelius (Megan), Jenny Campbell (Mike), Chapman (Kim) and Sarah Arter; eleven great grandchildren; brother, Edward Francis (JoAnn); and sister-in-law, Georgia Francis.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 1:30 to 2:30 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 9:00 A.M. Friday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Wyatt Park Christian Church or Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron, Missouri. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Barbara Lee Jessee
1937-2016

Barbara Lee Jessee 79, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 5, 2016 at a St. Joseph health care center. She was born June 25, 1937 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Gwyneth and Lloyd Knight. She graduated from Benton and St. Joseph Junior College, and married Don Jessee March 24, 1956 at the King Hill Baptist Church. She was a Homemaker who enjoyed crocheting,and her two cats, Patches & Sprite, she was a member of King Hill Christian Church. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include, husband Don Jessee of the home, daughter, Michelle (Michael) McGlothlin of St. Joseph, MO, two grand daughters, Kelli McGlothlin, and Nicole (Richard) Gribble, two great grandchildren, Liam and Levi Gribble, and sister-in-law, Janice Allen of St. Joseph, MO.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am, on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Roger Wilcoxen 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.

Wayne Robert “The Beard” Albers
1939-2016

Wayne Robert “The Beard” Albers was born Tuesday, June 6th, 1939; and passed away Monday, December 5th, 2016 in Highland, Kansas. Wednesday, December 7th, 2016, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Located at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Services Thursday, December 8th, 2016, 10:00am. Officiating Rev. Jennifer Obermueller. Located at the St. John’s Lutheran Church Bendena, Kansas. Interment located at the Moray Cemetery.

Darrel D. Butcher, Sr.
1940-2016

Darrel D. Butcher, Sr., 76, Savannah, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.
He was born July 21, 1940 to Bonnie and Fannie (Wilson) Butcher, they precede him in death.
Darrel was a sheet metal worker for Seaman-Schuske Metal Works for over thirty- five years, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Green Valley Baptist Church and loved living on the farm and raising cattle. Darrel bought several rental properties in which he and his son “Butch” would remodel together. He also constructed many farm buildings. Darrel loved to have fun, joke around, and spend time with his grandson Landon.
Darrel was also preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Marsha (Goodwin) Butcher; brothers, Elwyn “Junior” Butcher, William “Bill” Butcher, Leroy Butcher and Forrest Butcher; sister, Muriel Marie “Sis” Roberts.
Survivors include son, Darrel “Butch” Butcher, Jr.(Jennifer); grandson, Landon C. Butcher; daughter, Tracy Stroud (Jim); all of Savannah, Missouri; brothers, Eddie Butcher, Bob Butcher; sister Donna Schneider.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.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.

Patricia Ann Poland
1938-2016

Pat Poland, 78, St. Joseph, Missouri is no longer with us as of Tuesday, December 6, 2016.
Pat was born January 17, 1938 to Otto and Roberta (Bush) Poland, they precede her in death.
She graduated from Savannah High School, Class of 1957 and proudly served in the US Army as a “Sharp Shooting” bookkeeper.
Pat fulfilled her childhood dreams of being a mother and nurse. She worked at Shady Lawn and LaVerna Village as an LPN before retiring in 2003. She is dearly loved and deeply missed by her family and friends.
Pat was also preceded in death by her sister, Mary Sharp.
Survivors include children, Alicia Primm (Bob), George Evans, Jon Evans (Stella), Patti O’Toole, Flo Copeland (Steve) ; 12 grandchildren, Jaime, Lisa, Christina, Timothy, Jeremiah, Jacob, Joshua, Sarah, Patty, Philip, Jessica and Cody; 39 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; brothers, Jimmy, Perry, Ronnie, Davey and Johnie Poland; sisters, Veda Love and Rosie Rice; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Celebration of life 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Second Harvest. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Donald L. Neylon
1928-2016

Donald L. Neylon, 88, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at a St. Joseph Healthcare Center.
He was born the only child of Leo and Helen (Ryan) Neylon February 24, 1928 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Don centered his life around faith, family and friends.
Don married Betty King September 4, 1953, she preceded him in death in 2012 after 59 years of marriage. He was a cradle-to-grave parishioner at St. Mary’s Parish. Don was active in his parish serving on the parish council and was an usher until his health declined. He left high school early to serve in the Navy two years during World War II. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1946.
Don worked for the St. Joseph Fire Department, and then for 27 years at Dugdale Meat Packing Plant. He also worked for the St. Joseph School District. In his retirement he worked part-time for the Northtown Community Recreation Center.
He also coached hundreds of young people in a variety of sports, including a girls softball State Championship and a state runner-up finish. He was active in the Democratic Party, union leadership, LeBlond Booster Club and also fought to introduce girls athletics at Bishop LeBlond.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, and son-in-law Ted Soule.
Survivors include sons, Mike Neylon (Bev), Patrick Neylon (Karen); daughters, Kelly Soule, Kerry Shepherd (Brian); grandchildren, Ryan and Sarabeth Soule, Casey and Leo Shepherd.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Friday, St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Mausoleum. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Bishop LeBlond Athletic Department. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

No problems found in highway funds audit

Posted on December 6, 2016December 6, 2016

The Missouri State Auditor says an audit shows no compliance problems with the way the highway patrol spends highway funds.

In a report, Auditor Nicole Galloway says “the audit determined the Missouri State Highway Patrol complied with legal provisions related to the use of this funding for the 2016 fiscal year.”

State law requires the audit, which is intended to ensure that appropriations are used in accordance with the Missouri Constitution, which limits the use of the funds to administering and enforcing state motor vehicle laws or traffic regulations.

Galloway says her staff reviewed policies and procedures, financial records, and other pertinent documents; interviewed agency personnel; and tested selected transactions. Auditors also reviewed highway patrol calculations of amounts spent for non-highway activities, and the amounts spent for highway-related activities from other funding sources.

Galloway says that because of the limited objective of the review, she provided no overall rating. Find the Citizen’s Summary and full audit report here.

Kansas man pleads no-contest to child-sex charges

Posted on December 6, 2016

A northeastern Kansas man is scheduled for sentencing next month after his no-contest plea to child-sex charges in Leavenworth Monday.

County Attorney Todd Thompson says Robert Richmond, 19, pleaded no contest to aggravated indecent liberties with a child, a severity level three person felony.

The Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office filed charges following an incident on January 22, 2016, in which Richmond allegedly engaged in illegal sexual contact with a minor.

Sentencing is set for January 25, 2016 at 10 a.m.