Post Staff – Page 460 – St. Joseph Post Archive

A stormy Friday in your 7-day forecast!

Posted on May 13, 2016

We could see thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening. Here’s the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 76. Breezy, with a light and variable wind becoming southwest 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. North northwest wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 59. North northwest wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 39. North northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light in the evening.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63. West wind 3 to 6 mph.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Monday: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night: Showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 63. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 68.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71.

Flags to be lowered Sunday for Peace Officers Memorial Day

Posted on May 13, 2016May 13, 2016

JEFFERSON CITY – The flags of the United States and the State of Missouri at all government buildings in Missouri will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday (May 15) in honor of Missouri’s Peace Officers Memorial Day, so designated by a 1996 state law. The day commemorates the sacrifices of the federal, state, county and municipal peace officers who have been killed or disabled in the performance of their duties.

“The names of more than 670 Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty are on the Law Enforcement Memorial in Jefferson City, a vivid reminder of how those brave men and women have always placed themselves in harm’s way on our behalf,” Gov. Nixon said.

“The lowered flags on Sunday will pay honor to their courage, and represent the gratitude and respect of Missourians.”

Leavenworth police seek suspect in pipe bombings

Posted on May 13, 2016

Leavenworth police are looking for a man charged in connection with two pipe bombings in Leavenworth over the last month or so.

Simon Pohl, 32, is charged with criminal use of an explosive device and possession of methamphetamine. Police said Pohl should be considered armed and dangerous.

One resident says his truck was destroyed May 3 by a pipe bomb loaded with nuts, washers and bolts. Another lost his vehicle to fire on April 18. The police in Leavenworth say they do not believe the vehicles were chosen randomly, but were targeted.

Pohl is described as a white man, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 175 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. If you have information you are asked to contact Leavenworth police immediately. Call police or the “Clue line” at (913)682-CLUE.

Hundreds turn out for Hometown Hall-of-Famer

Posted on May 13, 2016

About 600 people were on hand for a special ceremony at King City High School Thursday. The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company paid tribute to Roger Wehrli at his high school alma mater as part of the Hometown Hall of Famer program.

The crowd included students, teachers, the school’s marching band, friends and others.

“It feels great to be back,” Wehrli shared. “King City was a wonderful place to grow up and it’s very humbling to be back here at the high school where it all started for me.”

Hometown Hall of Famer is a national program that honors the hometown roots of the greatest heroes of the game with special ceremonies and plaque dedication events in local communities.

Roger Wehrli was born in New Point, Missouri in 1947. He attended University of Missouri and was a first round draft pick with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969. Wehrli earned a starting role as rookie and led or tied for lead in interceptions for Cardinals four times. He amassed 40 career interceptions, recovered franchise record-tying 19 fumbles, and picked off career-high six passes.

Wehrli was named All-Pro and All-NFC five times, and selected to seven Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

Lafayette hires Ryan Nichols as boys’ basketball coach

Posted on May 12, 2016May 12, 2016

The Lafayette head boys basketball coach and an assistant coach were approved for hire after the Board of Education Work Session on Wednesday.

Lafayette High School announced Ryan Nichols as head boys basketball coach and Michael Gholston Jr. as assistant coach.

“Coach Nichols will be a great fit for our program,” said Dr. Tyran Sumy, Lafayette principal. “We look forward to Coach Nichols and Coach Gholston joining our storied basketball program. We are proud to welcome them to our northside family.”

Nichols has been the head basketball coach at Oak Park High School since 2012. In his first year, Oak Park improved from a 5-win team to 11 wins. Nichols also groomed several players for the college ranks. From 2009-2012, Nichols was the head coach at DeKalb High School, and led the team to two district and sectional championships, set a school record of 26 wins, and finished with a seventh place ranking in his final season.

Nichols holds a Masters of Science in Education from Rockhurst University, and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2004.

“I have always admired the tradition, pride, and success of the Lafayette basketball program,” said Coach Nichols. “What Chris, Daryl, and the players have accomplished over the last nine years has been incredible. I’m honored to have the opportunity to carry the torch for this great program and its rich history.”

Michael Gholston, Jr. is currently the head junior varsity and assistant varsity coach at Raytown South High School. During the 2014-15 school year, he served as head junior varsity basketball coach and assistant varsity for Oak Park High School.

Gholston holds a Masters of Science in Sport Studies and Athletic Administration from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and received his BA in Communications Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2012.

Carlie Trent found safe in Tennessee

Posted on May 12, 2016May 13, 2016

The 9-year-old girl that went missing from Tennessee and was the subject of a Missouri Amber Alert early this week has been found.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s twitter they have confirmed that Carlie Trent has been found safe and her uncle, Gary Simpson is in custody.

TBI said Trent was found alive and Simpson was arrested in Hawkins County Thursday.

An Amber Alert was issued in Missouri earlier this week after an unconfirmed sighting of two individuals believed to have matched their description near Otterville, Mo. That alert was later canceled.

Woolard named Central Assistant Principal

Posted on May 12, 2016

Paul Woolard has been named the Central High School assistant principal.

Woolard is currently the activities director at Lafayette High School.

“We are excited to announce the addition of Paul Woolard to our Central staff,” said Dr. Deborah Stephens, Central principal. “Mr. Woolard is a product of Central High School and has deep ties to our school and community. His focus on academics will help students and staff members excel here at Central.”

Woolard has been the activities director at Lafayette since 2015. Prior to that, he was varsity head football coach from 2007-15. Woolard also has been a teacher at both Lafayette and Central High School.

Woolard completed graduate work at Northwest Missouri State University, Secondary Educational Leadership Program, in the spring of 2014. He holds a Bachelor of History with an emphasis on Political Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Woolard intends to
pursue his Specialist in the near future.

Current assistant principal Dr. Robert Sigrist resigned to take a position at Savannah High School.

Missouri lawmaker asks Governor to pardon registered sex offender

Posted on May 12, 2016

Rep. Jim Neely asks Governor Nixon to grant clemency and pardon Earnest Leap. Photo courtesy Missourinet

Governor Jay Nixon (D) is being asked by Representative Jim Neely (R-Cameron) to grant clemency and pardon a Missouri man who has been a registered sex offender for more than twenty years. Earnest Leap’s son, Brodie, says his mother pressured him to say he was molested by his father. The couple were in the midst of a custody court battle over their two children. Brodie withdrew that story later.

“The day my dad comes off the registry is the day I no longer have to wake up with the guilt that this happened because of my accusation at the prompting of my mother,” said Leap.

Leap pled no contest with the promise that the record would be removed in three years, but in 1994 a federal law formed public sex offender registries and Leap was added.

His other son, Joshua, recalls living with their mother and being treated poorly by her.

“It’s astounding the fact that my mother was able to weaponize her kids during a divorce proceeding and was so effective. If I can help restore my dad’s name, that gives me some solace in the life I had to live to get this point,” said Leap.

Rep. Neely delivered a letter to Nixon, with signatures from several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, requesting clemency and a pardon be grant.

“The person who is abused is a child, who is now an adult and saying it never happened. The proof is in the pudding. The boy ended up growing up with his dad,” said Neely.

Leap says he wants to go about his daily life like all other free citizens. He wants to hunt, go to the park with his family and attend functions that his family members participate in.

The Governor has the authority to grant reprieves and pardons and to commute sentences for convictions of all offenses except for treason and impeachment.

Here’s your 7-day forecast

Posted on May 12, 2016May 12, 2016

A chance of rain returns to the forecast on Friday and Friday night. Here’s the latest seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service.

Today: Sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 49. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Light south wind becoming southwest 13 to 18 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. North northwest wind 8 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 57. North northwest wind 8 to 13 mph.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 8am. Cloudy, with a high near 61. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Obituaries May 10

Posted on May 12, 2016May 12, 2016

Carrol J. Helton-Wilfong
1962-2016

Carrol J. Helton-Wilfong, 53, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at her home.
She was born May 18, 1962 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Carrol married Paul Helton on April 30, 1985.
Her family was most important to her, especially her three granddaughters.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Betty (Smith) Wilfong; and two sisters, Debbie Shewman and Sue Helton.
Survivors include husband, Paul; son, Robert Fisher; three granddaughters, Olivia, Taylor and Hayley; five siblings, Cheryl Whitmore, Pat Daniel, Annie Despain, Delbert “Jay” Wilfong and Rick Wilfong; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Peggy L. Frakes
1953-2016

Peggy L. Frakes, 63, Rushville, Missouri died Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at her home.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 13, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with Sister Susan Holmes officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, Missouri. Visitation with the family will be Thursday, May 12th from 6:00 until 7:30 at the funeral home. Memorials contributions are suggested to American Cancer Society or Mosaic Life Care Hospice and may be left in care of the funeral home.
Peggy was born April 1, 1953, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Cecil and Ethel Wolfe Bullard. She attended Martin East and Martin West Schools in Atchison, as well as Atchison High School.
She and Glen Frakes were united in marriage on May 11, 1983, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Peggy was employed at Pamida in Atchison for four years. Prior to moving back to Atchison she was employed as an EMT in an emergency room in Checotah, Oklahoma.
She enjoyed her friends, family, going to the casino and bowling. She loved her great grandchildren and had no issue driving an hour to watch their tee-ball games and enjoy pizza afterwards with them.
Survivors include her husband, Glen Frakes, Rushville, MO, a daughter, Tabitha Powell, Dickson, TN, a granddaughter Samantha (Lawrence) Compton and four great grandchildren, Addalynn, Lawrence, Jossalynn and Jacoby.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Ethel Bullard.

Helen Ann Marek
1920-2016

Helen Ann (Kizior) Marek, 96, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, May 10, 2016. She was born on March 8, 1920 in Chicago, IL to John and Caroline (Pickos) Kizior. Helen married Louis W.C. Marek on October 5, 1941 in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on August 16, 1991. She attended Ebenezer Elementary School and St. Stanislaus Catholic Grade School. Helen started work after graduating from the 8th grade. She worked for the Vavra Bakery before she married. She and her husband were owners of Marek’s Fine Foods. Besides being a homemaker Helen also worked for her father-in-law in John Marek and Sons Grocery, Townsend & Wall Dry Goods, as a county election official from the 1940’s until 2004, and as a product demonstrator in various area stores until she retired in 2006. She was a member of the former St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and St. James Catholic Church where she was a member of the Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella. Helen was a charter member of the Entre Nous Social Club, the Patroness Club at the former Christian Brothers High School, and PTA group at both St. James Grade School and Bishop LeBlond High School. Survivors include: Daughter, Carol, of the home; her dog, Ciocia, of the home; son, Louis Jr. (Carla), of Las Vegas, NV; son, John (Diane), of Highlands Ranch, CO; son, Mark (Lisa), of Overland Park, KS; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 3 sisters: Frances Gomeck, Wanda Hart, and Bernice Salata. As well as, numerous nieces and nephews. Her caregivers: Stacy Stubbs, Nona Gregory, and Jessica Golden.
Helen was preceded in death by: her husband, Louis W.C. Marek; her parents, John and Caroline (Pickos) Kizior; sister Anne (Kizior) Fields; brothers: Lottie Kizior, Frank Kizior, Chester Kizior, and Stanley Kizior; daughter-in-law, Louise Morris Marek. The Mass of Commemoration will be celebrated on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. James Catholic Church, Father Evan Harkins Celebrant. The parish rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m., Thursday at the St. James Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The inurnment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in remembrance of Helen are requested to the Hands of Hope Hospice or St. James Catholic Church. Ms. Marek has been cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Mark Steven Puckett
1986-2016

Mark Steven Puckett 29, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2016 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born July 31, 1986 in St. Joseph, MO. He worked at the Back Door Auction House with his father. He was a very gifted athlete, who loved his kids, cookouts, and in-line skating, and he was a Christian. Mark was preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Mary Donna Marlow. Survivors include, father, Mark Duane (Christine) Puckett, mother, Mary “Marie” Bennett, three children: Braden Puckett, Hailey Wheeler, and Jaedyn Puckett, three brothers, Matthew Puckett, Josh Birch, and Miguel Mendenhall, two sisters: Marge Puckett and Cassidy Puckett all of St. Joseph, MO., paternal grandparents, Hubert & Sharon Puckett of Rockaway Beach, MO, maternal grandparents, Harlan and Gemma White of Topeka, KS, maternal great great grandparents, Harlan and Betty White of Broken Arrow, OK, and maternal step grandfather, Rickford Booten of Wallace, MO.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Monday, May 16, 2016 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Greg Smith officiating, The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Auburn Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Trenton Treatment Center.