Post Staff – Page 311 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Rolling Hills Library to close Savannah branch for remodel

Posted on November 30, 2016November 30, 2016

Rolling Hills Consolidated Library Savannah Branch to be redone. Photo courtesy RHCL

The Rolling Hills Consolidated Library plans to close its Savannah branch for a month for a remodel.

According to Library Director Michelle Mears in the Dec. newsletter the Savannah Branch will close at the end of the day Friday, Jan. 6 and is expected to re-open on Saturday, Feb. 11. While the $200,000 remodel takes place patrons will be able to check-out material from a Bookmobile, which will be at the library 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday and 3 to 5 p.m. Thursdays from Jan. 10 through Feb. 9.

The library said it plans to flip the Savannah floor plan to put the children’s and teen area on the north side and the adult books on the south side. A new information desk will be built as well as a teen space and two new study rooms. Also, glass doors will separate the Community Room from the library. LED lighting and new furniture is also planned.

“It’s a true makeover,” Mears said in the newsletter. “We’re trying to create a destination, and we want it to be memorable.”

The last remodel was in 2002. Mears said about $155,000 for the project comes from two donations with the library covering the remaining $45,000. The library said it will also receive a rebate from Kansas City Power & Light for installing the new fixtures.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Chairman’s Breakfast to feature Kuehl

Posted on November 30, 2016

Photo courtesy St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has announced that Chris Kuehl, the co-founder of Armada Corporate Intelligence will be speak at the Fall Chairman’s Breakfast.

The event will be Thursday, Dec. 8, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center, 1201 N. Woodbine Road. Kuehl’s presentation will be called, “What Changes Will Affect the 2017 Economy?”

Kuehl co-founded Armada Corporate Intelligence in 1999 to provide strategy foundation, competitive intelligence, business analysis and economic forecasting for corporate clients. Armada’s clients include YRC Worldwide, TranSystems, Spencer Fane Britt and Browne, KPMG, Hallmark International, Weitz Industrial among others.

Cost is $25 to attend for Chamber members or $30 for general admission. Price increases to $30 and $35 respectively after Dec. 5. To register, visit saintjoseph.com or call (816) 232-4461.

NE Kansas man sentenced for $2.4 million ID theft tax return scheme

Posted on November 30, 2016November 30, 2016

A tax preparer from northeastern Kansas was sentenced to 48 months in prison Tuesday for stealing his clients’ identities and federal income tax refunds falsely claimed in their names.

The scheme netted nearly $2.5 million.

According to documents filed with the U.S. District Court, Richard Drake of Stillwell, Kansas used three of his clients’ personal identities to file false federal income tax returns that claimed inflated refunds.

As part of his scheme, Drake prepared accurate federal income tax returns for these clients, which he provided to them but did not file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He then had these clients make estimated tax payments to the IRS during the year. Once it was time to file on behalf of his clients, Drake filed false tax returns with the IRS that underreported his clients’ income and claimed false expenses in order to generate large income tax refunds which he directed to accounts under his control. In total, Drake stole and converted to his own use $2,432,147.

Drake pleaded guilty on June 6 to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of theft of government funds. As part of his plea agreement, Drake agreed to serve 48 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $2,432,147 to the IRS, and $98,087 to the Kansas Department of Revenue.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney for Kansas Beall commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Ryan Raybould of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt, who prosecuted the case.

Child porn charges land man in jail for 5+ years

Posted on November 30, 2016

A Nebraska man was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for receiving child pornography.

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Dean L. Baldwin, 38, of Lincoln, was sentenced Tuesday to 68 months in prison by United States District Judge John M. Gerrard, for receipt of child pornography. After serving his prison sentence Baldwin will be required to register as a sex offender and complete 5 years of supervised release.

Gilg says that in October of 2015, the Lincoln Police Department was investigating computers sharing child pornography files via the internet. On that date, investigators identified an IP address as having files available for sharing. Investigators were able to download files from a computer at the identified IP address on that date as well as three other dates. A subpoena was served on Time Warner/Roadrunner regarding the IP address and identified that the IP address was registered to Baldwin at his home address.

In February, 2016, investigators executed a search warrant at Baldwin’s residence. During the execution of the search warrant, investigators located a laptop computer in the basement utility room, along with two additional laptops and a desktop computer. Investigators located files depicting sexually explicit conduct involving children under the age of 18 years old and additional files indicating use by defendant. A later forensic investigation revealed 20 videos and approximately 100 images of child porn in a download file, including videos and images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

Obituaries November 26-28

Posted on November 30, 2016

Anthony Dale Kerns
1990-2016

Anthony Dale Kerns, 26, of Savannah, MO passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at his home in Savannah. He was born on June 18, 1990 in St. Joseph, MO to Donald & Brenda (Beattie) Kerns.
Anthony loved working on cars and trucks. He raced four wheelers when he was younger. He enjoyed hanging out with his grandpa Kerns. He loved his dogs almost as much as he loved irritating his mom.
Survivors include his parents, Donald & Brenda Kerns of Savannah; maternal grandmother Janice Corkins of Agency, step-grandfather, Donnie Anderson of Encinitas, CA and Step-grandmother Linda Stephens of St. Joseph; paternal grandparents, Ralph & Donna Kerns of St. Joseph and paternal great-grandmother, Doris Weston of St. Joseph; two uncles, Rick (D-Ann) Kerns of St. Joseph and Nick (Jessica) Anderson of Encinitas, CA; two aunts, Heather (Kyle) Albi of Carlsbad, CA and Holly Beattie of Gladstone, MO; three cousins, Brock Kerns and Konner Kerns both of St. Joseph and Jada Beattie of Overland Park, KS; numerous great aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his twin brother Allen Dale Kerns, grandfather, Fred Beattie III, and his great-grandparents.
Funeral Services will be 1:00PM Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Gladden-Stamey Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Visitation and family receiving hours will be Tuesday, November 29, 2016 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Gladden-Stamey Funeral Home in St. Joseph, MO. Burial will be in Freeman Cemetery in Easton, MO.

Reverend Betty Ruth (Boldridge) King
1943-2016

Reverend Betty Ruth (Boldridge) King, age 73, died on November 27, 2016 in Topeka, KS, following complications from a long- term illness.
Funeral services will be Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Atchison United Methodist Church, 501 Kansas Avenue, with Reverend Angela Gazaway officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, Kansas. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 A.M. until services Friday at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Betty Ruth King Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home.
Reverend King was born on May 27, 1943, in Atchison, KS, to Floyd and Mattie Ruth Boldridge. She was an entrepreneur for many years before following the Lord’s call as a missionary evangelist and as an ordained minister from The Light Be Bible Training Center in Phelps County, MO. Reverend King enjoyed praying and serving Jesus Christ by providing spiritual support to others throughout the world. Reverend King made multiple missionary trips to Israel, Africa, Europe, South America, Ukraine, Canada and throughout the United States. She was an owner operator of McDonald’s franchises, a Culver’s franchise, and the Outrageous Joy Ministries. She devoted her life to the glory of helping and serving others. Reverend King was known in her ministry circles as Sister King. Those who knew her personally each felt that their relationship was unique and special. She had a special gift of showing up at the time when you needed her counsel the most.
Reverend King is survived by her two daughters Rochelle King of Topeka, KS, Anabel Castillo of Kansas City, Mo and her eight grandchildren, Andrew, Alexander, Avery, Adrian, Amanda, Maurice, and Anna Sofia Witte. She leaves two brothers and six sisters, Floyd Leonard Boldridge, Lloyd Dennis Boldridge, Gloria Wallingford, Virginia Carol Harvey, Shirley Gooch, Thelma Hibler, Brenda Boldridge, Annette Boldridge and numerous nieces and nephews. Reverend King is preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Ruth and Floyd Boldridge and her grandson Marc Bogart.

William V. “Bill” Clawson
1930-2016

William V. “Bill” Clawson, 86, of Topeka, formerly of Hoyt, died Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.
He was born July 28, 1930 at Chanute, the son of Samuel and Edith Johnson Clawson. He graduated from Summerfield High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954 in Africa and Italy.
Bill was a member of American Legion Post No. 400 in Topeka and volunteered at the Combat Air Museum.
He married Linda G. Sullivan on October 1, 1965 at Valley Falls. She survives, of the home.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Gilda Young, Doll Drake, Mary Ann Mendenhal and Albertha Clawson, who died as a child, and four brothers, Victor Clawson, Guy Clawson, Max Clawson and Joe Clawson.
Other survivors include two sons, Kevin Clawson and wife Kim, and Kent Clawson and wife Kara, all of Topeka; a daughter, Shellie Clawson, Topeka; four sisters, Ruth Umbarger, Chanute, Patti Toomey, Sapulpa, OK, and Shirley Hutton and Cheryl Bicket, both in California; and a granddaughter, Mackenzie Morgan Clawson.
Cremation is planned. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10th at the Combat Air Museum. Memorials are suggested to the Combat Air Museum at Forbes Field, and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, PO Box 280, Hoyt, 66440.

Lily M. Kafer
1924-2016

Lily M. Kafer, 92, Topeka, KS, died Sunday, November 27, 2016, at Lexington Park in Topeka, KS.
Lily was born February 5, 1924, in Edwardsville, KS. She married Thomas J. Curnutte, Sr., in 1940, they later divorced. She married Kenneth N Kafer in 1959. He preceded her in death in 2006. They lived in St. Joseph, MO, for 43 years before she moved to Topeka.
Lily enjoyed being a mom, but truly loved being a grandmother. Loving her family was a passion and priority all her life. She enjoyed playing bridge with her husband and groups of friends.
Lily was preceded in death by her parents, James A. and Mable V. (Seegren) Hopson, and her 9 siblings, Mabel Brauer, Ethel Hayden, Melba Chandley, Vivian Hopson, Maxine Schroeder, James Hopson, Andy Hopson, Althea “Becky” Williams, and Ellease Gaver, a daughter-in-law, Catherine Kafer, and a granddaughter, Kandie Martin.
Lily is survived by her 7 children, Dr. Thomas Curnutte(Joan), Kenneth Curnutte (Diane), Kerry Kafer (Catherine, dec.), Kema Salata (Steven), Doug Kafer (Jyll), Leasa Hufman (Rick), and Kendel Kafer. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Farewell Service 3:00 P.M. Friday Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

S. Darlyne Garbe
1927-2016

S. Darlyne Garbe, 89, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, November 27, 2016.
She was born November 11, 1927 to Earl and Augusta (Wieman) Wyatt, they precede her in death.
Darlyne was a graduate from Central High School. She was the librarian at Sherwood Elementary and later at Missouri Western State University, from which she retired.
Darlyne had much love for her family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of her life.
Darlyne was also preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Garbe; nine sisters; two brothers; and one great-granddaughter.
Survivors include daughters, Jennifer Oyler (David), Deborah King, Christy Callaway (Brian); son, Tyson Garbe; grandchildren, Jessica Carreras, Joshua Oyler, Brett King, Brandon King, Zachary Callaway, Kyle Callaway, Travis Callaway, Carter Garbe; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Marilyn “Joyce” Griffin
1933-2016

Marilyn “Joyce” Griffin, 83, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, November 28, 2016.
She was born April 30, 1933 to Clarence and Alta (Hidy) Hamann, they precede her in death.
Joyce married Gerald Griffin December 29, 1953, he survives the home.
She was a secretary for Madget & Griffin Inc. before retiring.
Joyce was a devoted member of Community Of Christ Church. She was a Sunday School teacher and also taught Vacation Bible School. Joyce enjoyed cooking and helping others, and loved her family.
She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Warren G. Hamann, John H. Hamann; and sister-in-law Joann Hamann.
Additional survivors include son, Steven Griffin (Carol), St. Joseph, Missouri; daughter, Linda Carter (Charles), Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Bailey and Blair Griffin, and Christian Carter; sister, Sharon Hamann; sister-in-law, Sharon Sue Hamann; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery. The family will receive friends 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

St. Joe man charged with letting 8-year-old granddaughter faces delays in court hearing over her death

Posted on November 30, 2016November 30, 2016

A St. Joseph man faces another possible delay in his arraignment in Kansas on charges stemming from a crash a year ago that killed his granddaughter.

Cadence Orcutt was killed in a crash November 22, 2015 on 175th Road west of Wathena. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 57-year-old Dennis Meers allowed the eight-year-old girl to drive.

The Patrol says the child lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway, went down an embankment and overturned. Cadence was killed when she was ejected and the vehicle landed on top of her.

The court record in this case was initially sealed, which is standard practice until they receive a return on a served warrant or the suspect appears before a Kansas judge. The District Court Clerk’s office in Doniphan County now says the case is open.

Meers was arrested in June in Buchanan County on an unrelated charge of driving with a revoked license. After his extradition to Doniphan County last month, Meers waived his preliminary hearing. He was bound over for trial on a charge of aggravated endangerment of a child October 25.

But his district court arraignment was delayed and now may be delayed again. The prosecutor was granted a continuance for the arraignment, which was rescheduled for December 21. Court records show the defense lawyer in the case has now requested another continuance.

Meers is in custody in the Doniphan County Jail, unable to post $25,000 bail.

Breezy and 40s today, snow in the weekend forecast

Posted on November 30, 2016November 30, 2016

Seasonable temperatures and mainly dry conditions are expected through the rest of the work week, then a brush with some light rain or non-accumulating snow is possible Saturday night. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. West wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 28. West wind 7 to 13 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. West northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph.

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

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 44.

Saturday Night: A chance of rain, mixing with snow after 9 p.m., then gradually ending. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Monday Night: A chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

Pipeline explosion and fire visible from KCI; flights not affected

Posted on November 29, 2016November 30, 2016

A pipeline near Kansas City International Airport exploded into flames Tuesday night. Authorities at the airport said via social media that flights are not affected.

The Southern Platte Fire District said the fire was the result of a pipeline explosion

The fire burned for about 45 minutes in a wooded area west of Smithville and north of KCI.

There were no injuries. The glow from the fire was visible from the airport.

Fire and utility crews were called to the scene near Northwest Skyview Avenue and Northwest Martin Road in Platte County at about 6:30 p.m. Technicians reduced pressure in the pipeline and the fire burned itself out.

City announces Mayor’s Christmas Party at Bode

Posted on November 29, 2016

The City of St. Joseph has announced the date for the annual Mayor’s Christmas Party at Bode Ice Arena.

Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to noon Skating Santa, Holiday Mickey, and Mayor Bill Falkner will be at Bode Ice Arena located at 2500 Southwest Parkway.

The city said participants will get to see a short presentation by the St. Joseph Figure Skating Club, skate with Santa or sit on his lap, ice skate for free as well as enjoy a few refreshments. All children who attend are eligible for door prizes and will receive a goody bag.

Collaborative fundraiser “Go Click Give” launches on “Giving Tuesday”

Posted on November 29, 2016

Each year after Thanksgiving there’s “Black Friday,” “Cyber Monday,” and today “Giving Tuesday,” a global day of giving which organizers say is fueled by the power of social media and collaboration.

Quite a few local non-profit groups are taking part.

The YWCA of St. Joseph typically has it’s fundraising campaign in November and December, but this year, they are collaborating with several other non-profits in an online campaign called “Go Click Give dot com.”

“This is a collaborative fundraising event,” says Jean Brown, the Executive Director of the YWCA in St. Joseph. “It allows us to share promotional information on a Web site and a brochure, and at the same time raise money for individual organizations.”

Among other local non-profits taking part in “Go Click Give dot com” are the Youth Alliance, the Friends of the Free Clinic of the Social Welfare Board, and the Community Action Partnerships of St. Joseph and Northeast Kansas. You can find out more online at “GoClickGive-dot-com.”

On the site, you can select from among the various non-profits and donate via the Web.

“We have a traditional annual giving campaign, and people can bring in their donation or mail in their donation,” Brown said. “We are blessed with a very loyal donor base, but this Go Click Give Campaign launching on Giving Tuesday is an effort for us to reach new potential donors or new potential volunteers.”

Kylie Strough of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph tells us they generally limit themselves to a single fundraising campaign each year, which concludes in October. Strough says this allows their partner agencies to take on additional fundraising needs on their own.