Post Staff – Page 519 – St. Joseph Post Archive

MDC: Invasive black carp weren’t supposed to be capable of reproducing, but they are

Posted on February 27, 2016February 26, 2016

Black carp are just one species of invasive Asian carp that are found in many rivers in Missouri. (MDC courtesy photo)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Researchers with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) report the first documented evidence of invasive black carp reproduction in the wild in North America. This means big problems for native river species, according to MDC Resource Scientist Quinton Phelps.

“The finding of reproductive-capable black carp means their population will expand possibly unchecked,” Phelps said.

The finding resulted after two small unidentified carp were collected in a ditch directly connected to the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau in November. After genetic analysis, they were determined to be juvenile black carp and were also tested to determine their reproductive capability. Both juvenile black carp were found to be capable of reproduction. Scientists are able to determine future reproductive capability of juvenile fish through chromosome analysis.

Black carp are just one species of invasive Asian carp that are found in many rivers in Missouri. They originally arrived in the United States mistakenly in shipments of grass carp and were introduced into farm ponds first for control of parasites, then as a food fish. When they were introduced, regulations specified they be altered so they could not reproduce. Due to flooding, and cases of accidental release in bait buckets, they’ve spread in recent decades and thrive in many rivers.

This newly confirmed information about their reproductive capability suggests there are likely more adults present in the river than biologists originally anticipated, Phelps said, which is a big problem. Invasive species in Missouri can be detrimental to the survival of native species. For example, Asian carp compete with native fish species for food sources. They’re voracious eaters of native mussels, which are a vital species to the health of river habitat.

“Given that many of our mussel populations in the state are currently in jeopardy, additional consumption by black carp could drastically reduce their numbers,” Phelps said.

Nearly two-thirds of the 65 species of mussels found in Missouri are of conservation concern. These freshwater mussels are filter feeders, meaning they clean impurities from the water. They provide food for native muskrats, raccoons, river otters, some birds, and many native fish species. Through their gills, mussels filter out small particles from the water and transform them into food for fish and other animals.

Black carp consumption of native mussels and competition with native species could lead to an overall poor water quality system, directly affecting humans as well as native fish.

Although this news paints a discouraging picture, Phelps said it doesn’t mean the fight is over against black carp. Instead, he said everyone can get involved in reducing their spread by avoiding accidentally introducing the species into new bodies of water when they dump bait, ensuring stocked fish come from licensed vendors, and sharing information about these practices with others.

Black carp sightings should be reported to the MDC, either by contacting a fisheries biologist at the Southeast Regional Office at (573)290-5730, or by contacting Phelps and his colleagues at the Big Rivers and Wetlands Field Station in Jackson at (573)243-2659.

FAFSA assistance offered by Western Sunday

Posted on February 27, 2016February 26, 2016

St. Joseph, Mo. —Financial aid professionals from Missouri Western State University will offer free assistance to families filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, during a “FAFSA Frenzy” event from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday inside Remington Hall.

“In 2013-2014, Missouri college students received $3.8 billion in financial aid from the federal government and other sources,” said Marilyn Baker, Missouri Western director of financial aid. “The first step in accessing that aid is filling out the FAFSA, and we are happy to be able to help.”

Families who bring their completed 2015 income tax returns will be able to complete their 2016 FAFSA on-site. Those who haven’t completed their tax returns will still learn valuable information to help them finish the FAFSA at home.

Students attending one of nearly 100 FAFSA Frenzy events across the state can enter for a chance to win a scholarship for the 2016 fall term at a Missouri college, university or other postsecondary education institution.

The FAFSA deadline for Missouri is April 1. However, the priority deadline for Missouri Western is March 1, so Baker encourages students to apply early.

This is the 13th year that Missouri has participated in College Goal Sunday, a national effort to help students apply for financial aid. Since 2004, FAFSA Frenzy has helped more than 16,000 Missouri students complete the FAFSA.

Another beautiful weekend in store, fire danger Saturday

Posted on February 26, 2016February 26, 2016

Another mild weekend much like last weekend is on the way! Temperatures today will begin to rebound and move slightly above normal with highs in the mid 40s to lower 50s. Saturday temperatures will move 15 to 20 degrees above normal with highs in the 60s. However, with those warm temperatures will come breezy conditions which will cause an increased fire danger across the area. Do not throw cigarettes out the window and any outdoor burning is not recommended. Conditions will remain mild on Sunday with highs in the upper 50s to upper 60s.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 69. South southwest wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 13 to 18 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 49. South southwest wind 14 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. Breezy, with a southwest wind 13 to 18 mph becoming northwest 19 to 24 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North northwest wind 5 to 14 mph becoming south after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

Monday Night

A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday

A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 23.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 44.

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Friday

Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Missouri Western approves pool renovations

Posted on February 26, 2016February 26, 2016

The swimming pool inside the M.O. Looney Complex at Missouri Western State University will remain open.

Missouri Western’s Board of Governors authorized nearly $600,000 in renovations to the pool, and approved a five-year programming and use agreement with the City of St. Joseph.

That agreement is subject to the approval of the St. Joseph City Council and was expected to be addressed by the council later this month.

“When we first started discussing the future of the pool, we heard loud and clear that it is a valued asset to the community, and we’re grateful that Mayor Bill Falkner brought many interested parties together to keep our pool open,” said Shana Meyer, vice president for student affairs. “We think the facility improvements and additional programming will make it a more attractive recreation option for both the campus and the community.”

E.L. Crawford Construction of St. Joseph won the bid to provide renovations with a low bid of $582,991. The work will include renovation of the entire pool shell interior and pool deck, the addition of a new storefront entryway and ticket office that will allow patrons to enter directly from the outside, renovation of the locker rooms and the addition of a family restroom and changing area, among other improvements. The replacement of the facility’s roof will be bid separately.

The pool will be closed for construction in May after the spring semester ends, with completion expected before school starts in August.

Under the operations and maintenance agreement, the city will make an annual payment to Missouri Western to offset part of the pool’s operating expenses, provide programming in the pool, and make the city’s aquatic recreation supervisor available to help manage the pool during the months of September through March. The payment for the first year will be up to $61,400, with subsequent years based on a percentage of expenses that exceed revenues.

Missouri Western agrees to have Looney Pool open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with at least 30 hours per week available for “open swim” recreational use by the general public. The agreement was on the city council’s agenda for first reading Feb. 16, and is expected to be up for passage at the next regular council meeting.

Missouri Western has also worked with the YMCA, St. Joseph School District, Buchanan County and others to be sure all local pool users can be accommodated.

Teenagers hurt in crash in Chillicothe

Posted on February 26, 2016

Two teenagers from Chillicothe were injured in a single-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon.

The crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicates 16-year-old Michael Sandeser’s Buick Century crossed the center line along City Street 243 shortly before 4:40 p.m. Thursday. After overcorrecting, the vehicle left the roadway and overturned. The vehicle came to rest on its top.

Sandeser suffered moderate injuries in the crash. His passenger Aidriaan Carden, 15, suffered what were described as minor injuries. Both were treated at the Hedrick Medical Center.

Students drive tractors to school for FFA week

Posted on February 25, 2016February 25, 2016

Students at Atchison County Community Schools drove a tractor to school as part of FFA Week. Photo courtesy USD 377

More than half a dozen students at a school in northeast Kansas drove a tractor to school Thursday as part of National FFA Week.

Seven students at Atchison County Community Schools braved the cold weather to drive a tractor to school Thursday. It was part of a week-long series of events planned at the school in recognition of National FFA week.

The week runs February 20th to the 27th as FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week.

The week-long tradition began in 1947 when the National FFA Board of Directors designated the week of George Washington’s birthday as National FFA Week. The designation was made in recognition of Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. The first National FFA Week was held in 1948.

Officer no longer employed by SJPD after appearing in racially charged video

Posted on February 25, 2016February 25, 2016

(YouTube video uploaded Feb. 18 with edits. Craft’s face is blurred.)

A white St. Joseph police officer no longer works for the department after he appeared in a racially charged music video wearing his uniform and carrying a sign reading “cop lives matter.”

St. Joseph patrolman Zackary Craft also is seen reaching for his gun in the video for “Before This Bomb Blows Up (Racism Goes Both Ways)” by Josh Smith, a white suburban Kansas City rapper who performs as J.Smitty.

Capt. Jeff Wilson said that as of Wednesday Craft is no longer employed by the City of St. Joseph.

Previously, Craft’s attorney, Morgan Roach, said Craft allowed himself to be filmed “without knowing the words, content, or context” and was “appalled” when he saw the video.

Smith took down the original version of the video and re-posted it with Craft’s face blurred after Craft was placed on unpaid leave at the beginning of the month.

(AP and POST)

Two killed in Brown County crash

Posted on February 25, 2016February 25, 2016

Two people were killed Wednesday in a crash in Brown County, Kan.

According to the Kansas State Highway Patrol 80-year-old James Hunter of Iowa and 47-year-old Douglas Rehfeld of Overland Park died Wednesday afternoon in a two vehicle-crash on U 75 at the K 246 junction.

The Patrol said just before noon Hunter was driving a 1998 truck southbound on U75 and Rehfeld was driving a Ford SUV westbound o K246 when Rehfeld failed to stop at a posted stop sign and his vehicle was hit broadside by Hunter’s vehicle as he entered U75 highway. A passenger in Hunter’s vehicle, 70-year-old Carol Martin of Iowa was taken to Sabetha Hospital with an injury.

All of the occupants were reported to be wearing seatbelts.

Obituaries February 24

Posted on February 25, 2016February 25, 2016

Lester P. “Drut” Basham
1928-2016

Lester P. “Drut” Basham, 87, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at Living Community.
He was born November 18, 1928 to Leslie and Cecil Basham.
Lester married Shirley Boeh. To that union a daughter, Debbie, was born.
He later married Lavina Weir. She preceded him in death.
Lester was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers for over 50 years. He worked for Wm. Grace, and formed a close relationship with him. Lester enjoyed drives through the country, going to casinos, and dining out at Betty’s Café.
He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Deloss and J.L.; and three sisters, Ruby, Lorraine and Charlene.
Survivors include his daughter, Debbie Hatch (Max), Arizona; Companion of 13 years, Mary Heastan; sisters, Velma Spaulding, St. Joseph, and Dorothy Loomis, Grain Valley; step son, Ronnie Weir; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Dr. Lawrence Littlefield

1921-2016

Dr. Lawrence Littlefield, 94, Atchison, passed away Wednesday, February 24th, 2016. Dr. Lawrence Littlefield was born Tuesday, October 11th, 1921.
Visitation Saturday, February 27th, 2016, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Services Sunday, February 28th, 2016, 2:00pm, Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home. Interment is taking place at Mt. Vernon Cemetery.

Sr. Ann Zager, OSB
1915 – 2016

Sister Ann Zager, OSB, 100, a Benedictine sister of Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kansas, died Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at the monastery.
The vigil service will be Monday, February 29m at 7 p.m. in the monastery chapel, and the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated there Tuesday, March 1, at 10:30 a.m.
Sister Ann was born in Kansas City, Kan., to Blasé and Gertrude Stimec Zager on April 23, 1915. After graduating from Mount St. Scholastica Academy, she entered the Benedictine community in 1939, and made her monastic profession in 1941. For 32 years she taught in parish schools in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and Colorado. In 1974, she began working in the library and the English as a Second Language program in Donnelly College in Kansas City. Later, she assisted with services to the aging in Kansas City, Kan., and tutored in the GED program at Donnelly College. She observed her 70th anniversary of monastic profession in 2011.
Sister Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Joseph, Anthony, Peter, Frank, Louis, John and Fred Zager and her sister Mary Skovich. She is survived by her sister Frances McMahon of Kansas City, Kan., and by nieces, nephews, and her monastic family. Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home (www.arensbergpruett.com) is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be sent to Mount St. Scholastica or made online at the Mount’s web site (www.mountosb.org).

Mary M. Lancey
1937-2016

Mary M. Lancey, 78, Savannah, Missouri passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016.
She was born May 27, 1937 in Ames, Iowa.
Mary married Virgil Williams in 1955 and they later divorced. She then married Ray E. Lancey on December 14, 1972. He preceded her in death on September 15, 2005.
She worked at Swanson’s and later Country Mart for 35 years as a cashier and loved to sew, paint, crochet, knit and enjoyed all types of art. Mary had collected over 800 penguins.
Mary was a member of First Baptist Church of Savannah, Eastern Star, where she was the District Grand Matron and a member of the Social Order of Beauceant.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Sybil (Purvis) Enfield; and sister, Ann Roberts.
Survivors include son, Keith Williams (Pat); stepchildren, Rae Messick, James Lancey, David Lancey and Janis Easter (Don); eight grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and four nieces.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Saturday, First Baptist Church of Savannah. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, First Baptist Church of Savannah. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Eastern Star Savannah Chapter 223. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Deborah Walters Shellenberger
1949-2016

Deborah Walters Shellenberger, 66, St. Joseph, Missouri, formerly of Savannah, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care surrounded by her loving family.
She was born November 14, 1949 in Dodge City, Kansas and lived most of her life in St. Joseph, Missouri. She graduated from Savannah High School and was a beautician until she retired.
She enjoyed fishing, camping, and the birds, squirrels and deer that came to her yard to be frequently fed. Deborah was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Savannah.
She was preceded in death by her father, John Wesley Walters; and grandparents, Raymond and Viola Sears.
Survivors include mother, Betty Lee (Martin) Walters, Savannah, Missouri; son, Eric Shellenberger (Monica), Agency, Missouri; daughter, Laura Ziolkowski (Chuck), St. Joseph, Missouri; four grandchildren, Makayla and Edward Ridings, St. Joseph, Missouri and Jordan and Jaron Shellenberger, Agency, Missouri; and sister, Susan Parrish (Donald), Venice, Florida;
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Mosaic Foundation in memory of Deborah. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Walter “Lee” Moeller
1920-2016

Walter “Lee” Moeller, 95, Maryville, Missouri passed away Monday, February 22, 2016.
Lee was born to William and Myrtle Moeller, June 19, 1920. He was ninth of eleven children. He grew up in Topeka, Kansas. He married Eunice “Bunny” Moeller on December 14, 1940. Lee and Bunny farmed in Topeka, Kansas and then moved to Bedford, Iowa in the mid-forties. They farmed in southwest Iowa and northwest Missouri for over forty years. Lee loved cattle and was honored as an outstanding farmer. A tractor accident ended his farming career.
In the mid-eighties, Lee and Bunny moved to Maryville, Missouri where they resided until his death. He managed the Northwest Missouri Testing Station at the college in Maryville, Missouri. In his retirement years, he continued his love of farming in his garden. He was well known in Maryville for his garden. Many bought fresh vegetables especially tomatoes in the summer and black walnuts in the fall. When he wasn’t growing vegetables he was tending as many beautiful flowers as he could grow.
His other loves were people and card playing. He always had a big smile and a genuine interest in whatever a friend was doing. He and Bunny won many card tournaments.
Lee was a member of the Masonic Masons and a Charter member of the Pickering Lions Club. He volunteered many hours to the Lions and left his mark in selling popcorn. He was a member of the Christian Church.
Lee and Bunny had two daughters, Lona and Jeanne. Jeanne preceded Lee in death in the eighties. Lona Lewis lives in Bellevue, Nebraska and Lee has a son-in-law, Terry Lewis that lives in Sidney, Iowa. Lee has one grandson, Dawson Lewis, Pierre, South Dakota; granddaughter-in-law, Anne; and three great grandsons, Michael, Andrew and William. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings. He is survived by his sisters, Norma Jean Ray, Topeka and June Brown, Wichita, Kansas.
Lee was a member of the Missouri Cremation Service. Online guestbook and obituary at www.missouricremation.com.

Cold today but warming into the weekend

Posted on February 25, 2016

It will be another cool and breezy day today with a few flurries flying around. This weekend looks spectacular for late February with highs in the mid to upper 60s. But this time of year, pleasant warmth tends to be balanced out at some point by a return to cold. And that may be the case Tuesday night into Wednesday. We’re watching for the potential for snow in the early to middle part of next week. It’s too early to be more specific and the forecast will likely change.

Today

Isolated snow showers before 11am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 41. North northwest wind 13 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 25. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. South southwest wind 5 to 11 mph.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 30. West southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 65. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 11 to 16 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 48.

Sunday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Breezy.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Monday

Sunny, with a high near 61.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.

Tuesday

A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday Night

A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Blustery. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Wednesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 43.