Post Staff – Page 330 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Murder suspect appears in court

Posted on November 4, 2016November 4, 2016

A man accused of murder in a fatal shooting last Sunday appeared in court Friday. Justin Appleberry, 23, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 75-year-old Louis Nold at the man’s home at 3407 McQueen Road on the night of Oct. 31.

As we reported earlier, Appleberry used to live in the house. In court documents he’s accused of kicking open the back door of the house and finding a firearm inside, which he allegedly used to shoot and kill the victim..

In a court affidavit, investigators say Appleberry was identified by a witness, that he made a statement to authorities, and that he made reference to killing other people.

Appleberry appeared Friday morning before Associate Circuit Judge Keith Marquart, who scheduled the defendant for a preliminary hearing December 2. Appleberry will apply for a public defender. He remains in custody in the Buchanan County Jail, unable to post $100,000 bail.

Slightly cooler but still above normal temperatures in store

Posted on November 4, 2016November 4, 2016

Despite losing three degrees off of the normal high over the next week, temperatures will remain well above normal through at least late next week. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 73. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South wind 3 to 5 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 71. South wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 67. South southeast wind 5 to 9 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.

Monday: A chance of showers after 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday Night: A chance of showers after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 66.

High School For Business “Biz Camp” teaches skills in business and getting along with rivals

Posted on November 3, 2016

Dr. Robert Newhart greets students during the lunch break

Hundreds of students from the three public high schools in St. Joseph on Thursday took part in the High School for Business “Biz Camp.”

“Each of the local high schools in town offers a three-year business program, called the High School of Business,” said Joey Hendrix, a business teacher at Benton High School. “And it’s about entrepreneurship, it’s about kids learning how to operate a business and everything that that entails.”

“And what we’re trying to do is give all of the students at the three high schools a chance to work together, for once, rather than be at the separate buildings,” Hendrix said.

Central High School Business and Marketing Teacher Lisa Beavers says the students are up to the challenge of working together with school rivals.

“We think it’s great when all three of the public high schools can come together,” Beavers said, “and the students can work with people who aren’t their best friends, because in the real world they going to be working with people their age, different ages, different races, different genders…different all around.”

Sophomores in the first year of the program took part in a “dress for success” competition. Benton High School Sophomore Ashleigh McClurg says she enjoyed it.

“It gave us a little information about what would be good to wear to a job interview, what’s appropriate for whatever field you go into,” McClurg said.

Fellow Benton Sophomore Mally Vick agreed. “I think it was really good, and I think it helped us when it comes to job interviews,” Vick said. “So, I will change the way I dress and try to look more professional.”

Juniors in the second year of the program took part in a challenge event in which teams were given a specific scenario and had to come up with business ideas to address that scenario. The seniors took part in some team-building exercises, as well as making their final plans to open a mini business at each of the schools. The seniors were able to meet and get advice from local business leaders who acted as mentors during the session.

The Superintendent of the St. Joseph School District likes the idea of collaboration between the schools. Dr. Robert Newhart called it an excellent endeavor for the kids to get involved with…

“In order to get along, or be successful, you have to work with others,” Newhart said. “We do develop a lot of pride at each high school, Benton, Lafayette and Central, but when you bring them all together they typically unite, and realize that they’re part of the St. Joseph school system, part of the St. Joseph community, and they know that they have to work together , and will have to continue to work together in various projects or endeavors.”

“It’s good, hands-on experience,” he said. “It exposes them to various things, universities, ideas, creativity, the direction they want to pursue in life, a career. That’s it’s all about, and what we’re trying to get them to understand is that it’s a big world out there, and the potential is unlimited.”

The “Biz Camp” was held Thursday at EmPowerU in downtown St. Joseph. More than 250 students took part.

$70-million levee project underway

Posted on November 3, 2016November 3, 2016

Today, marked the start of the Levee Project. The project will be covered by the 1/4 Cent Sales Tax that was voted in by residents on Aug 4. pic.twitter.com/CwSMaAFWiy

— City of St. Joseph (@citystjoemo) November 3, 2016

The first phase of the Missouri River Levee System Project is now underway in St. Joseph.

City of St. Joseph and Buchanan County Officials as well as the Army Corps of Engineers broke ground Thursday afternoon on the $70-million project. The state supplied $5 million, and another $8 million comes from the city, county and levee districts. The quarter-cent sales tax approved in August will contribute about $11 million.

The first phase of the project will completely replace the gatewell and drainage pipe that serves interior drainage for Rosecrans Memorial Airport and nearby areas. This phase is expected to be completed by October 2017. As part of this first phase, the final design of all remaining phases will be completed to ensure consistency.

Officials said the levee repairs will help protect the airport and the 139th Airlift Wing, thousands of jobs, and $2 billion in public and private assets in the protected areas of the federal levees.

Deadline nears for merchants to sign-up for Shop St. Joseph

Posted on November 3, 2016November 3, 2016

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is making a final push for merchants to sign-up before the start of this year’s Shop St. Joseph Holiday Program.

The Chamber said Thursday that there is still time for businesses to sign-up to take part in the holiday shopping program. The 10th annual Shop St. Joseph kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 9 and ends Dec. 19. The program works by participating retailers giving one Shop St. Joseph ticket free to shoppers and then another ticket for every $10 spent. A $10,000 grand prize drawing will be held on Dec. 20th.

To be included in all of the advertising Natalie Redmond with the Chamber said merchants need to be signed up by 5 p.m. Friday. However, Redmond said they will still be able to sign-up until Nov. 11 but may not be included in all of the marketing material.

The program is open to all businesses in St. Joseph, not just Chamber members. However, Chamber members receive a discount. All participants receive a poster for their front door or window (to identify them as a participating business), brochures explaining the rules, and one roll of 2,000 numbered tickets.

For more information on how to take part in the program CLICK HERE.

St. Joseph food safety inspections for October

Posted on November 3, 2016November 3, 2016

The City of St. Joseph Health Department has released its food safety inspections for the month of October.

BOUDREAUX LOUISIANA
224 N 4th St.

Observations
– When to Wash Hands* -Employee prepping and cooking food blew his nose and did not wash hands or change gloves before returning to work with food. The same employee washed gloved hands. -You must train your your employees of when they must wash hands, such as when the change task, use restroom, change gloves, handle money etc.. -Educate your employees when to wash hands and change gloves. After sneezing or blowing nose you must wash your hands. Never wash gloved hands.
– Packaged and Unpackaged Food – Separation, Packaging, and Segregation.* -Ready to eat cheese stored below raw meats in the reach in cooler -(A) Food shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Separating raw animal foods during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw ready-to-eat food including other raw animal food such as fish for sushi or molluscan shellfish, or other raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables, and (b) Cooked ready-to-eat food; -Different foods must be stored on the right racks in the coolers. Ready to eat food must be stored on the top rack
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Dirty ice machine with slime mold -All food contact surfaces and equipment that contacts food must clean, free of debris, and sanitized after each use -Clean and sanitize ice machine more than one time a week
-Food Storage -Food in the reach in cooler is not covered -Must be kept covered except when in use to protect againist possible contamination -All food in the cooler must be covered

MAREK CATERING
308 Illinois

Observations
– Controlling Pests.* -Fruit flies seen in the kitchen. Establishment does not have a licensed pest control company in place -Pest control is a must, any sign of pest can signal a possible major problem as pest are know to habor and spread bacteria and virus, and must be dealt with immediately -Food establishment must have a licensed pest control company to control flies and prevent any other pest infestation. Cover all trash cans in the kitchen

FREDERICK INN INC
1627 Frederick Ave.
Observations
– Cooling.* -Beef roast is put in the walk in cooler before it cooled down properly -It is very important to cool foods as rapidly as possible to prevent bacterial growth. You must cool hot foods to 70F in first 2 hours then to 41F over the next 4 Hours. You can do this by ice bathing, ice paddles, using shallow containers, a blast chillers or freezer/cooling. Becareful not to overload a cooling unit. If after 2 hours you are not at 70F you must either rethermalized to 165F then recooled or discard and denatyre product. You only rethermalize ONCE!! -Beef and other Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Food must be cooled down to 70 degrees within 2 hours. Use ice or freezer to cool food rapidly

PAPPY’S GRILL & PUB
2501 Messanie

Observations
– Controlling Pests.* -Fruit flies by the bar by the floor drains -Pest control is a must, any sign of pest can signal a possible major problem as pest are know to habor and spread bacteria and virus, and must be dealt with immediately -Fruit flies carry fungus and bacteria and must be eliminated. Clean floor drains using industrial cleaner
– Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions -Missing floor tiles in the kitchen and damaged tiles in the bar -Clean walls, floors, ceiling on a regular basis. -Replace missing and damaged tiles before the next routine inspection

JC WYATT HOUSE LLC
1309 Felix

No observations

GROUND ROUND
123 S 6th St.

No observations

CHILI’S GRILL & BAR
5105 N. Belt

COUNTRY SQUIRE RET RES LLC
1602 Buckingham

No observations

CASEYS GENERAL STORE #2471
2423 N. Woodbine

Observations
– Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation -Keep wiping clothes in sanitizer when not in use
– Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions -Clean walls, floors, ceiling on a regular basis.
– Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers -Personal belonging must not be stored in areas where food is held, prepped, cooked or displayed to help prevent possible contamination

EL MAGUEY
2201 N. Belt

Observations
– Eating, Drinking, or Using Tobacco* -An employee shall not, eat, drink, or use any form of tobacco only in designated areas where the contamination of exposed food; clean equipment, utensils, and linens; unwrapped single-service and single-use articles; or other items needing protection can not result. Drinks must have lids and straws to prevent hand to mouth contact.

NOYES HOME
801 N. Noyes

Observations
– Ready-to-Eat, Potentially Hazardous Food, Date Marking.* -Temperature Control for Safety ( TCS ) Food in the walk in cooler has been stored for over 7 days. -Must be dated with discard date and not just date made, can be kept for 7 days if held at 41F or 4 days if held at 45F -Ready to eat food must be discarded within 7 days. Sausage and macaroni voluntarily discarded

PIZZA HUT
915 Jonathan Lane

Observations
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris.
– Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions -Clean walls, floors, ceiling on a regular basis.
– Repairing -The physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair at all times to insure they are cleanable and not a source of possible contamination
– Good Repair and Proper Adjustment -Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications

PIZZA HUT
2705 N. Belt

Observations
– Food Storage -Must be kept covered except when in use to protect againist possible contamination
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. -1. Sides of high chairs need cleaning, some have build up on them.
– System Maintained in Good Repair. -There should be no leaks, clogged/slow drains, properly installed

TREX MART
3927 Frederick Ave.

Observations
– Ready-to-Eat, Potentially Hazardous Food, Date Marking.* -Must be dated with discard date and not just date made, can be kept for 7 days if held at 41F or 4 days if held at 45F

WALGREENS
2620 S Belt Hwy

WALGREENS
3645 Frederick Ave

No observations

WALGREENS
4022 N Belt Hwy

SPANKY & BUCKWHEATS SMOKE PIT
302 Illinois

No observations

DELISHE LLC
801 Francis

No observations

SUBWAY
4514 S 169 Hwy

Observations
– System Maintained in Good Repair. -There should be no leaks, clogged/slow drains, properly installed

SUBWAY
3114 N Belt Hwy

No observations

McDONALDS
4219 S 169 Hwy

Observations
– Repairing -The physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair at all times to insure they are cleanable and not a source of possible contamination
– Good Repair and Proper Adjustment -Equipment components such as doors, seals, hinges, fasteners, and kick plates shall be kept intact, tight, and adjusted in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications

PIZZA SHOPPE
2229C N Belt Hwy

Observations
– Cooling, Heating, and Holding Capacities. -Equipment for cooling and heating food, and holding cold and hot food, shall be sufficient in number and capacity to provide food temperatures as specified under Chapter 3: Can not be used until repaired or replaced -1. Keep a close eye on salad cooler.

US OIL
601 S 22nd

Observations
– Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization Temperature, pH, Concentration, and Hardness* -No sanitizer for use -Chlorine 50-100ppm but not >200ppm Quaternary 200ppm but not >400ppm -Must have sanitizer at all times to sanitize pop nozzles, ice tea nozzles, ice chute and other food contact surfaces
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Dirty ice tea nozzles and pop nozzles -All food contact surfaces and equipment that contacts food must clean, free of debris, and sanitized after each use -Food contact surfaces must be cleaned and sanitized daily. Do not use until they have been cleaned and sanitized
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Dirty air vents -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. -Air vents must be cleaned regularly
– Cleaning, Frequency and Restrictions -Dirty floor underneath the racks in the walk in cooler -Clean walls, floors, ceiling on a regular basis. -Clean the whole floor in the cooler
– Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures -Dumpster overflowing with trash. More trash bags are placed beside the dumpster -A storage area and enclosure for refuse, recyclables, or returnables shall be maintained free of unnecessary items, litter, and kept clean -All trash must be contained in the dumpster to prevent attractive conditions for rodents. Empty dumpster on a frequent basis

PIZZA HUT
1617 S Belt

Observations
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. -1. Clean sides of high chairs
– Cleaning Ventilation Systems, Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition -Intake and exhaust air ducts shall be cleaned and filters changed so they are not a source of contamination by dust, dirt, and other materials. If vented to the outside, ventlation systems may not create a public health hazard or nuisance or unlawful discharge -1. Back toward the make table.

MCDONALDS
601 N Belt

No observations

INTERSERV CALVIN CENTER
1412 N. 3rd

No observations

MCDONALDS
3417 S BELT

Observations
– Controlling Pests.* -Pest control is a must, any sign of pest can signal a possible major problem as pest are know to habor and spread bacteria and virus, and must be dealt with immediately
– Repairing -The physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair at all times to insure they are cleanable and not a source of possible contamination

INTERSERV WESLEY SENIOR TOWERS
1002 Francis

No observations

EAGLES LODGE
2004 N Belt Hwy

SUBWAY
4201A N Belt Hwy

No observations

SUBWAY
501 N Belt Hwy

Observations
– System Maintained in Good Repair. -There should be no leaks, clogged/slow drains, properly installed

LUNAS FINE DINING INC
214 N. 20th

No observations

SODEXO-BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM E-CAMPUS
3902 Genefield Rd

No observations

BARTLETT CENTER
409 S. 18th

No observations

CABBAGE ROLL
2641 Lafayette

No observations

LE PEEP
919 N Woodbine

Observations
– Assignment of Responsibility* -There was no person in charge at the beginning of the inspection -You are required to have a person in charge during all hours of operation and they must be able to understand instruction given from the Health Authority -Manager or owner must designate a person in charge before leaving the establishment building
– Preventing Contamination from Hands.* -Employee handling cinnamon rolls with bare hands -Must have a barrier between ready to eats foods and bare hands to prevent possible contamination. Barriers can be gloves, utensils, deli paper, bakery paper etc… -Must use gloves or other barrier to handle ready to eat food
– Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment, Chemical Sanitization Temperature, pH, Concentration, and Hardness* -Dishwasher is not sanitizing dishes -Chlorine 50-100ppm but not >200ppm Quaternary 200ppm but not >400ppm -Dishwasher sanitizer must be checked everyday to ensure that sanitizer cycle is good
– Equipment, Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces, and Utensils. -Dirty food racks in the dry storage -Nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, food residue, and other debris. -Clean debris off the food racks

McDONALDS
3504 N Belt Hwy

No observations

PERKINS
3901 Frederick Ave

No observations

PEPPERJAX GRILL
1908 N Belt Hwy

OPEN DOOR FOOD KITCHEN
510 Edmond

No observations

AMERICAN LEGION
2414 S 4th

Observations
– Washing,Rinsing,Sanitizing Procedures -Dishes are washed and sanitized only -Proper order for washing wares in a 3 compartment sink is WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE -Must rinse dishes in clear water before sanitizing. After sanitizing dishes must be air dried
– Nonfood-Contact Surfaces -Carton paper placed on storage shelves -Do not cover storage surfaces with contact paper, foil,rubber mats. -Storage shelves must not be covered. Keep them clean by cleaning on a daily basis
– Wiping Cloths, Use Limitation -Wiping cloths stored on shelves -Keep wiping clothes in sanitizer when not in use -Wiping cloths must be stored in sanitizer buckets

SUBWAY
6101 Lake Ave

Observations
– Thawing. -Frozen meat is thawed at room temperature -Food must be thawed in walk-in-cooler or submerged in cold running water, or in microwave, NEVER at ROOM TEMPERATURE!! -Temperature Control for Safety ( TCS ) Food must be properly thawed to prevent bacterial growth. While thawing all parts of the food must not go beyond 41.0 degrees

SUBWAY
1405 Fredrick Ave

Observations
– Controlling Pests.* -Live gnats seen in the kitchen, by the pop machine and upstairs by the restroom -Pest control is a must, any sign of pest can signal a possible major problem as pest are know to habor and spread bacteria and virus, and must be dealt with immediately -Apply approved pesticides, clean floor drains, cover trash cans and keep all surfaces clean and dry to control flies

DINER ON FRANCIS
21110 Francis

No observations

SPOT CAFE
5021 King Hill

No observations

SOUTH SIDE FAMILY
6938 King Hill Ave.

No observations

CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE
915 N. Woodbine

Observations
– Repairing -The physical facilities shall be maintained in good repair at all times to insure they are cleanable and not a source of possible contamination

SALVATION ARMY
618 S. 6th

No observations

More than 356,000 attend this year’s Missouri State Fair

Posted on November 3, 2016

Gov. Jay Nixon announced that more than 356,000 people attended the 2016 Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, an increase of more than 4,000.

This past August, 356,153 fairgoers visited the Fair in Sedalia, Gov. Nixon said.

“For more than 100 years, the Missouri State Fair has been the state’s premier agricultural showcase, and once again Fair Director Wolfe and Agricultural Director Fordyce put on a great event, bringing hundreds of thousands of fairgoers to Sedalia to see the best that Missouri farmers have to offer,” Gov. Nixon said. “Across the country, many state fairs have moved away from their agricultural roots. But here in Missouri, we’ve stuck by our number one industry, and the results have been outstanding. I appreciate everyone who helped make the 2016 Missouri State Fair a tremendous success.”

“I am extremely pleased with attendance this year,” said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “We had a great Fair, and I’m proud that so many Missourians continue to see the State Fair as a destination for their families each August. Statistics from fairgoer surveys indicate that more than 65 percent of State Fair guests attend the Fair because it is a tradition for their family.”

This year, the Fair saw more than 30,000 livestock and competitive entries and involved more than 3,200 Missouri 4-H and FFA youth participants, according to Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce.

“The State Fair provides opportunities for agriculturalists of all ages to shine and tell the story of Missouri agriculture,” Director Fordyce said. “It’s a chance to see young people in agriculture grow in the industry and gain leadership experience.”

Mild weather, an outstanding agriculture showcase, family-friendly attractions, special events and more helped contribute to the success of this year’s event. The carnival midway experienced four days of record sales, and special celebrations and commemorative activities held during the Fair attracted diverse crowds.

More than 100 Boys and Girls Club youth attended the Fair on Opening Day, participating in the Opening Day Ceremony in front of the Agriculture Building, and then enjoyed a busy day of entertainment on the fairgrounds. The Opening Day Parade included more than 100 units in a procession along Missouri State Fair Boulevard.

Military Appreciation Day was celebrated on Aug. 14 and attracted record-breaking front-gate sales with more than 43,000 people on the fairgrounds, including military men and women and their families. The Military Appreciation Ceremony was the highlight of the day, and featured inspiring music from the 135th Army Band, hundreds of motorcyclists representing the Patriot Guard Riders, and remarks from military leaders.

Gov. Nixon addressed the sold-out crowd at the 64th Governor’s Ham Breakfast on Aug. 18. The auction of the Grand and Reserve Champion Hams, Grand Champion Bacon, limited-edition belt buckle and a new item – a homemade pie baked by First Lady Georganne Nixon – raised $27,600 in support of the Missouri State Fair Foundation for projects, including youth scholarships and fairgrounds improvements.

Saturday, Aug. 20, was Youth in Agriculture Day. The Sale of Champions auction set a record of $157,350, with proceeds from the sale benefiting the exhibitors and Youth in Agriculture scholarships. Lady Antebellum with opener Kelsea Ballerini took the Pepsi Grandstand stage that evening in the highest attended concert of 2016.

The 2016 Fair featured new attractions that were well-received by fairgoers and exhibitors. A new video series, the Crop Up Cam, offered fairgoers an insider’s view of what was ‘cropping up’ at the 2016 Fair. The videos are available to view on the Fair’s YouTube channel. Missouri 4-H and FFA youth read their favorite agriculture story books to young fairgoers during Barnyard Story Time daily on the Kids Stage. A team of University of Missouri agriculture students took first place in the new Can Creation Contest on Food Drive Day. Fairgoers learned some history about the Fair and fairgrounds in the new Throwback Thursday Scavenger Hunt. The highly anticipated 8-Horse Hitch class in the Draft Horse Hitches Show drew a nice crowd to the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Fair’s finale day, Aug. 21.

The Missouri State Fair has been recognized as one of the premier agriculture showcases in the world by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and as a top summer destination, highlighting the best of the best in Missouri agriculture, cuisine, crafts and more.

The 2017 Fair will be held Aug. 10-20 in Sedalia. For more information about the 2017 Fair, visit www.mostatefair.com, follow the Fair on Facebook and Twitter, or call 1-800-422-FAIR (3247).

Juried student art exhibition begins with reception Friday at MWSU

Posted on November 3, 2016

The fourth Annual Juried Art Student Exhibition will be displayed from Nov. 4 to Dec. 2 in the Potter Art Gallery inside Potter Hall at Missouri Western State University. There will be an opening reception, free and open to the public, from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4.

The exhibition features artwork created by students currently enrolled in art courses and selected by juror Benjamin Parks, Kansas City.

This year’s exhibit includes ceramics, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Participating students are: Vincent Albertson, Jasmine Ali, Christiana Bays, Heidi Bench, Rachael Bergeron, Garrett Brooks, Tessa Courtoise, Paige Daniels, Indigo Gaydusek, Sarah Gibler, Harley Kennon, Neva Kidwell, Nicole Lyne, Etta Martin, Tanner Martine, Martha Miller, Shaina Mixon, Chloe Oyler, Amanda Paden, Charity Page, MoniQua Perez, Christy Ramirez Hughes, Faye L. Smith, JD Soil, Morgan StClair,
Angelia R. Stone, Maheen Tai, Joni Thomas and Kelsey Trueblood.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Potter Art Gallery, the Department of Art, the School of Fine Arts, and the Missouri Western State University Foundation.

Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Entries sought in 2017 Trails West! artwork competition; “Total Eclipse of the Arts”

Posted on November 3, 2016November 4, 2016

The Allied Arts Council announces its competition for the design of next year’s Trails West! festival.

The council says the festival, August 18-21, will celebrate its 25th anniversary as well as a total eclipse of the sun.

The Council is accepting entries for the 2017 artwork competition now through December 14, 2016.

The winning artist receives a $500.00 cash award. The winning artwork should embody the spirit of the Trails West! ® 2017 theme, “Total Eclipse of the Arts.” It becomes the visual identification, or “logo,” for the festival and the property of the Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph Missouri, Inc. The 2017 festival marks the 25th anniversary of Trails West!® and is also the weekend prior to the total eclipse, set for August 21, 2017!

The winning artwork will be featured on festival buttons, merchandise and promotional materials including posters, brochures and billboards.

Entries must be received in the Council office by 5:00 p.m. on December 14, 2016. Judging of entries will take place later that month. Entrants will be notified when judging is completed. Winning artwork and artist will be announced to the media at a later date.

The complete rules and application form are available online at www.trailswest.org or call the Allied Arts Council, 816-233-0231, to have an entry form mailed to you.

Missouri town gets “poor” audit rating for shuffling funds, overcharging utility customers

Posted on November 3, 2016

An audit of a small town south of Kansas City showed “serious financial mismanagement,” which the state auditor says was caused in part by city leadership that doesn’t have a clear understanding of the city’s budget or financial condition.

State Auditor Nicole Galloway met with residents of Rich Hill, Missouri Wednesday night to share the results of the audit, which was requested by citizens through a petition.

Galloway says the report describes how this has led to inappropriate transfers of money between the city’s funds, including transfers of money from restricted funds. In other words, the city is taking money that is designated for a specific expense and spending it on other things.

“The first step toward responsible financial management is having an accurate and complete understanding of the current financial situation,” Auditor Galloway said. “Constantly moving money from one fund to another results in a perpetual shell game that prevents city leaders from getting an accurate assessment of city finances.

“It’s also inappropriate because these dollars are designated for a specific purpose and moving them to a new fund with a new label does not free up the money to be spent in ways other than it was originally intended,” she said.

For example, in 2014 Galloway says the city transferred $40,000 from a utility fund to the street fund with no explanation, and then, a year later, deposited $50,000 in restricted street money into the city’s general fund. These constant transfers lead to public dollars that are not well-managed or accounted for, and were made because of negative ending balances for multiple city funds over the past two years.

Auditor Galloway also questioned whether residents were being charged fair and appropriate amounts for city utilities, like electricity, water and trash service. City officials have not completed a formal cost study of utility rates, which would allow them to adjust rates to appropriate amounts. Instead the city is collecting utility revenue beyond what is necessary and then transferring the additional revenue to other city funds, potentially to cover budget shortfalls in other areas, even though the city is only supposed to spend utility funds on utility-related expenses.

The report found the mayor did not follow the appropriate steps by removing the previous fire chief from office last year without approval of the city council, and appointed a new chief, also without approval of the council.

Auditor Galloway also noted the city has not been meeting its obligation to submit an annual financial report to the State Auditor’s Office, and contracts aren’t always enacted or kept when the city makes agreements with outside providers or vendors.

The city received an overall performance rating of poor, which means the State Auditor’s Office will return next year to follow-up on report findings. A complete copy of the audit report for the city of Rich Hill is available online here. http://app.auditor.mo.gov/Repository/Press/2016117192892.pdf

Rich Hill gained notoriety after a 2014 documentary of the same name was released. The city, with an estimated population of 1400 people, is located about 75 miles south of Kansas City in Bates County. An audit of the municipal court was issued in August.