We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Western’s President to testify on suicide prevention bills

MWSU, Missouri WesternSt. Joseph, Mo. ——Dr. Robert Vartabedian, president of Missouri Western State University, will provide testimony in support of two bills related to suicide prevention before a Missouri Senate committee on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

The Senate Education Committee will hear two bills: Senate Bill 646, which requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop training guidelines and school districts to adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention education, sponsored by Sen. Jill Schupp of St. Louis; and Senate Bill 627, which requires each public institution of higher education to develop and implement a policy to advise students and staff on available suicide prevention programs, sponsored by Sen. Jamilah Nasheed of St. Louis.

“From my practical experience working with secondary and college students and my scholarly experience studying suicide from a communication perspective, I am convinced that training can help caregivers in various educational settings recognize people who may be at risk,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “Educators are uniquely positioned to observe those who may be at risk and intervene appropriately.”

As a professor of speech communication in 1988, Dr. Vartabedian delivered a paper to the National Communication Association titled “The Dialogue of Desperation: Toward a Communication Perspective on Suicide.” After a student committed suicide in 2013, Dr. Vartabedian created a chart titled “A Model of Suicidal Communication,” which has been used by staff members at Missouri Western to better understand the communicated signs and possible responses to suicidal communication.

End of January bringing in above normal temperatures

FileL

One more cool day is expected today with highs in the mid 30s under mostly cloudy skies. However, we will close out the rest of January with above normal temperatures. In fact , highs may be pushing 60 degrees on Friday and Saturday. The next chance for precipitation won’t come until Sunday when a few light rain showers might be possible with a back door cold front moving through the area.

Today
Cloudy, with a high near 32. West northwest wind 9 to 13 mph.

Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 18. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. South wind 6 to 13 mph.

Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph becoming west northwest after midnight.

Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 45. West wind 5 to 8 mph.

Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

Friday
Sunny, with a high near 53.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Saturday
Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33.

Sunday
Partly sunny, with a high near 46.

Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Monday
A chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Jury selection begins in murder trial

Primalton Peterson
Primalton Peterson

Jury selection was expected to begin Tuesday in the murder trial of Primalton Peterson, charged in connection with the death of a man whose body was dumped in a river last April.

Mr Peterson, 22, was one of three people charged with what investigators called a failed robbery that led to the murder. His body was found in the Third Fork of the Platte River near Easton.  He had been stabbed multiple times.

The defendant is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse.

Also charged in the case were Kelli Hoard of Elwood, Kansas, and Sean Liechti of St Joseph.  Ms Hoard, 44, pleaded guilty in October to a charge of second-degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.  Mr Liechti, 25, also pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree, and was sentenced to ten years in prison.

 

Not all funding solutions are created equal (Opinion)

Stephen R Miller
Stephen R Miller

The following was submitted by Stephen R. Miller, chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission

Not all funding solutions are created equal
January 25, 2016

The recovery from the Great Recession of 2008 has resulted in increased economic activity in Missouri and an increase in general revenues. So why not just dip into general revenue to address our transportation funding needs – and avoid increasing fees or taxes?

It is not the province of this Commission to determine how transportation will be funded; only to educate regarding the need and to use wisely the revenues received. But, as part of our obligation to educate we have a duty to speak clearly regarding what revenue sources work best and why.

Transportation funding is complicated. And operating a 34,000-mile highway system costs much more than many people would expect (e.g. over $1 million to build one mile of just one lane of interstate highway; $46 million budgeted annually for snow removal, $23 million per year for mowing.) The planning process can take well over a decade: identifying the need, public discourse on the solution, acquisition of right of way, design, public bids and construction.

Local jurisdictions and political leaders work annually with MoDOT professionals in each of the seven MoDOT districts to assemble a transportation improvement program for a five-year period. So right now, they are working to develop the regional programs for 2017-21. Seven programs emerge from the process and are rolled into a state transportation improvement program (STIP) which is reviewed by senior management and then ultimately presented to the Commission for approval. We review the draft in May and typically approve it in July following a public comment period.

When the Commission approves the STIP, it makes a commitment to Missourians that the project will be built – no unfulfilled promises. In order to make this commitment, the Commission must rely on financial projections of the funds that will be available over the next five years and beyond.

Because our ability to plan for the future relies upon a predictable source of revenue, you have heard us emphasize the importance of long-term funding. Short-term fixes – or revenue that may be available one year and gone the next – wreak havoc on planning.

That’s why for decades, federal funding for transportation was subject to six-year programs, thereby allowing planners to more accurately project future revenues and plan accordingly.

The last six-year federal program ended in 2011. Since then Congress enacted 37 different extensions of funding. As the original program ended planners wondered what, if any funding, would be next. And, that process repeated itself over and over again. As a result, planners had to walk a tightrope: how to keep transportation programs moving forward without promising projects for which there would be no funding. In Missouri, this precarious situation was exacerbated by a lack of state funding.

To make matters worse, federal funding comes in the form of reimbursements, meaning that a state must first spend the money, by paying contractors for instance, and then seek reimbursement from the federal government. A delay in one of these extensions could cause a cash flow crunch for a state DOT.

Keeping the public trust was essential, so MoDOT did two things to avoid getting caught short. The STIP was programmed conservatively. First, years 4-5 of each STIP were not fully programmed; a full complement of projects was not put on the list in outer years to guard against making a commitment that could not be honored. Second, to better assure that those projects in the STIP could be completed if there was a “hiccup” or interruption in funding, MoDOT held cash in its operating account as a kind of “rainy day fund” which could be available to dip into if Congress failed to come through with the same level of funding to construct a project on the STIP or to provide cash flow if reimbursement funds were delayed.

The recent enactment of a funded five-year federal program – the FAST Act – has allowed the Commission to authorize filling out more completely the STIP which is being prepared for 2017-21 and to pay down some of those cash reserves. The Commission acted at our last meeting to set this planning process in motion.

What does this have to do with the type of state transportation funding that should be considered? Dipping into general revenues this year is equivalent to those short-term funding extensions at the federal level. General revenue funding for a year does not allow planners to plan as they should, because there is no guarantee that the same level of funding will be available the next year, or the year thereafter, or the year after that.

For instance, we have said that $160 million dollars in new state funding is needed to adequately operate and maintain the existing highway network; make progress on bridge conditions and reinstitute the cost-share program to encourage transportation projects that foster economic development. That is an annual figure. SB 623, currently on the Senate floor awaiting debate, would yield approximately $56 million annually for state transportation needs. The amount could fluctuate a little each year based upon the number of gallons of fuel consumed, but for planning purposes this represents a relatively reliable long-term funding source. The monies are constitutionally protected from being diverted for other purposes and will recur year after year. If this year’s legislature would appropriate the same $56 million – or less – from the general fund it would be assured for only one year. This legislature cannot bind future legislatures which could decide to provide no general revenue funding next year – and so on. Further, dipping into general revenue pits transportation against other state funding needs, making the outcome even more uncertain.

For planning purposes and for the long-term health of the system one revenue source is clearly preferable over the other.

Not all revenue sources are created equal. In choosing how to fund transportation it is important to choose wisely.

Let’s get it done, but let’s be smart about how we do it.

Suspect gets two-year sentence for exposing marshals to PCP during arrest

USDOJ colorA Kansas City, Kansas man will serve two years in federal prison for causing a struggle that exposed U.S. Marshals to the drug PCP.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom sayes Frederick E. Pendleton pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal employee. In his plea he admitted the incident occurred Dec. 30, 2014, when U.S. Marshals attempted to arrest him for violating supervised release in a criminal case.

The marshals went to Liberty Fruit Co., in Kansas City, Kan., where Pendleton was working. Pendleton, 32, resisted arrest, struggling with the marshals. During the struggle, a vial of PCP Pendleton was carrying in his waistband leaked, soaking his groin in the chemical. Two marshals suffered injuries on their hands that came into contact with the PCP. They were treated at a hospital for exposure to the drug.

PCP, also known as angel dust, can cause numbness, loss of motor control, convulsions and hallucinations.

The 24-month sentence will be consecutive to an 18-month sentence in the previous case.

Suicide threat closes highway

MSHP logoA traffic stop on U.S. highway 36 in Caldwell County wound up shutting down the highway after the driver threatened to kill himself.

In a news release, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said a Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department deputy pulled over the motorist for speeding approximately two miles east of Hamilton, Mo. After the vehicle was stopped, officials say the driver brandished a weapon and threatened suicide.

The Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Officials say U.S. 36 was closed in both directions as negotiations with the suspect began. At approximately 10:16 a.m. negotiations were successful, and the suspect agreed to exit the vehicle. The 39-year-old man from Hannibal, Missouri was taken into custody by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department.

The highway has since reopened for normal use.

Obituaries for Jan. 22-25

Wendell Cole
1934-2016

Cole, Wendell obit photo Wendell Cole, 81, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016.
He was born August 24, 1934 in Turon, Kansas.
Wendell graduated from Pretty Prairie high School, class of 1952, and attended Kansas State where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
He served in the Army Medical Corps.
Wendell started as a bridge designer in Iowa and later became involved with structural engineering in projects all over the world, including Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico as well as every state except Hawaii.
He was very active in his church. He attended Central Christian and Bible Studies at Three Angels Seventh Day Adventist. Mr. Cole also served with the American Red Cross and The Crossing Ministries.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Burley and Gertrude (Kelman) Cole; sisters, Lenora Haney and Cleora Zink; and brother, John Cole.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou (Murry) Cole; children, Ronda Otway, Michael Cole, Jonna Horn (Rick), and Debra “Debbie” Cole-Gerber (Jim); grandchildren, Lisa Otway (John Stine), Megan Otway, Ricky Horn, Angela Horn, Ryan Horn, Amanda Gerber, Alyssa Gerber, and Alexa Gerber; Great grandchildren, Medow, Nick, Alex, and Hunter Stine; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Central Christian Church. Interment 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, Lerado Cemetery, Reno County, Kansas. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 5:00 P.M. Monday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Central Christian Church, Three Angels Seventh Day Adventist Church or The Crossing Ministries. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Shirleen K. Rath
1948-2016

Rath, Shirleen. obitphoto Shirleen K. Rath, 67, Savannah, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born November 6, 1948 in Abilene, Kansas and graduated from Harvard High School in Harvard, Nebraska.
Shirleen married Bernard L. Rath on November 24, 1967.
She was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.
Mrs. Rath was preceded in death by her parents, William and Betty Jo (Wilson) Colwell; and step-mother, Darline Colwell.
Survivors include husband; sons, Daniel L. Rath and Randy A. Rath, St. Joseph, Missouri; stepbrothers. Kenneth Colwell (Sherry), Columbia, Missouri, Keith Colwell (Sally), Bismarck, Missouri and Larry Colwell, Harvard, Nebraska; stepsister, Barbara McNerney (Bill), Grant, Nebraska; and an aunt and numerous other relatives and friends.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Harvard Cemetery, Harvard, Nebraska. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

William J. “Bill” Coker
1929-2016

Coker, William. obitphoto William J. “Bill” Coker, 86, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016.
He was born March 4, 1929 in Dearborn, Missouri.
Bill married Marilyn Woodruff on October 30, 1948. She preceded him in death on September 13, 2012.
He was a graduate of Agency High School.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Lela (Finney) Coker; daughter, Vickie Coker; two brothers, Harold and Diz Coker; and three sisters, Lou Ellis, Maxine Stanton and Dorothy Coker.
Survivors include daughter, Linda Pendleton (Dennis), Union Star, Missouri; grandchildren, William Pike and D.J. and Jeff Pendleton; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Frances Prescher, Ann Curran and Marge Mullens; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, where friends may call after 3:00 P.M. Sunday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Mosaic Life Care Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

James (Jim) Jarrett, Sr.
August 26, 1930 – January 20, 2016

Jarrett, James. obitphoto1

Jarrett, James. obitphoto2In the years just prior to dementia stealing Jim’s memories he wrote an extensive family history and autobiography that will always be treasured by his family. His book “Just Ramblin’ Through A Family Odyssey and Autobiography” reminds all who knew him of just how interesting a life he led, how he always respected and cared for those who came from all walks of life and how much he cared for his family.
Jim, the son of the late Lester and Gladys (Slater) Jarrett, was born in Savannah, Missouri. His family soon moved to St. Joseph, Missouri where they lived in the Ayrlawn Addition. While in St. Joseph, Jim attended McKinley Grade School and Benton High School. Following his junior year in high school, his family moved to Clarksdale, Missouri. While there he joined the Clarksdale Methodist Church, graduated from Clarksdale High School in 1948 and attended St. Joseph Junior College. He also worked at several varied jobs before joining the Marine Corp to serve his country during the Korean War. He was a rifleman on the front lines with the 1st Marine Regiment. After several intense battles he was wounded in action above the 38th parallel and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Jim maintained a lifelong love for his country and greatly respected those who also sacrificed for their country. Although a brave and tough warrior he had a very tender heart. He even demonstrated compassion for those he had to fight against.
After his discharge from the Marine Corp, he married the love of his life Eva Maurine Heinz on April 6, 1952 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church (Zion United Methodist Church) of Cosby, Missouri. He declared this the “smartest move he ever made.” They were husband and wife for nearly 64 years until his death. After their marriage, they settled on a farm in rural Cosby, Missouri. Jim again delved into a variety of careers before deciding to attend Moller Barber College in Kansas City. After becoming a barber, he owned and operated the St. Francis Barber Shop and the Robidoux Hotel Barber Shop both in St. Joseph, Missouri during the 1960’s and 1970’s. For the remainder of his barber career he built and operated a rural barber shop next to his home in rural Cosby, Missouri. His barber career spanned over a period of 48 years. He had side careers that further enriched his life. He was an inspector for the Missouri State Board of Barber Examiners and was appointed by Governor Christopher Bond to serve as Secretary/Treasurer of the State Board of Barber Examiners. He also was elected to four terms as an Andrew County Judge/Commissioner and served on the Board of Directors of the Missouri Association of Counties. In all his many careers he strove to dutifully and honestly serve, just as he did in the Marine Corp, those who entrusted him with a job or elected him to a position.
He enjoyed promoting and serving his community and was a member and volunteer of many organizations. He was a life member and charter member of the Northwest Missouri Detachment of the Marine Corp League, a past commandant and member of the Military Order of Devil Dogs, past member of the Marine Corps League ceremonial firing squad, life member of The 1st Marine Division Association, member of the veterans of H Company 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment, had life memberships in the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the American Legion Post 359, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1668 and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of the California Oregon Trails Association and former charter member and president of the Cosby Lions Club. He was a member of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing of America, St. Joseph Chapter. He was a past president of the Bethel Cemetery Board. He was the founder and first president of the Cosby Lions Volunteer Fire Department and the first fire chief of the Fire Department.
Jim’s past experiences, strong interest in his country’s leadership and devotion to his country led him to actively participate in politics most of his life. He was a lifelong Republican and kept active in the Republican Party most of his life.
His recreation times were as varied as his careers. His many interests included singing, flying airplanes, reading, golf, camping with his family, sailing, travel, writing, and relaxing outdoors on his farm. His most enjoyable hobby toward the end of his life was riding a golf cart on his family’s farm with his family at his side.
Jim enjoyed rural life on his farm and helped his wife raise two sons, James (Suzan) Jarrett of Cosby, Missouri and Gary Jarrett of Kansas City, Missouri. Today along with his sons he is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Eva Maurine Jarrett. She did an amazing job caring for him as dementia slowly took his life. She was with him in his own home holding his hand when he took his last breath. Jim is also survived by three grandchildren, Nicholas (Lindsey) Jarrett, Cora (Edward) Leahy and Nathaniel (Alyssa) Jarrett; one step – grandchild, Camille Hendren; and three great – grandchildren, Troy, Eva and Dayton Jarrett. He is also survived by a brother, Jerry (Shirley) Jarrett; and sister, Susan (Jerry) Arnold; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. His brothers and sisters that preceded him in death were two half-sisters, Dorothy Valentine and Harriet Fellows; two brothers, Robert (Bob) and Donald (Bud) Jarrett; and a sister, Janie Daring. Jim loved all his immediate and extended family and cherished the times he could spend with them. His parents had instilled in their children a love for each other that has been passed down through several generations and persists today. He was an amazing Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother and Uncle and will be greatly missed by all his family.
The family has chosen not to have a memorial service or visitation, however; cards would be appreciated.
Among Jim’s memoirs, a slip of old note paper was found. On it read this verse he recited in church each Sunday as a young boy – “Many blessings on the day of your birth, may sunshine and blessings be given, and may the dear Lord prepare you on earth, for a beautiful birthday in Heaven.”
Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book at www.meierhoffer.com.

Kim Tunks
1962-2016

Kim Tunks, 53, Maysville, Missouri passed away Sunday, January 17, 2016.
She was born December 24, 1962.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Judith Archer.
Survivors include father, Gary Tunks (Barb); sister, Cindy Killgore; brother, Michael Riebesell; several nieces and nephews; two dogs, George and Daisy.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Bettie Libel McGarry
1913-2016

McGarry, Bettie. obitphoto Bettie Libel McGarry, 102, Atchison, Kansas formerly of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Dooley Center in Atchison, Kansas.
She was born August 23, 1913 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Bettie worked at 1st National Bank for many years, retiring as an Assistant Vice President. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church and volunteered at the hospital.
She was very bright, independent with a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. She could do most anything and was a wonderful seamstress, knitter, cook and baker.
Bettie attributed her long life and good health to having walked every day to work, rain, sleet, snow or shine and after retiring, walking her beloved dog, “Pepper” every day down Lovers Lane.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Effie (Smith) Libel; husband of 47 years, George; and daughter, Sr. Georgia McGarry, O.S.B.; grandson, Lonny Lisenbee; and sister, Bernice Gabriel.
Survivors include children, Mary McGarry and John McGarry (Connie); grandchildren, Tammy Santos and Richy Lisenbee; four great-grandchildren; and ten great-great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial 1:00 P.M. Monday, St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Mount St. Scholastica. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Charles L. Burton
1947-2016

Burton, Charles. obitphoto Charles L. Burton, 68, St. Joseph, Missouri changed his address to heaven on Wednesday, January 20, 2016.
He was born September 4, 1947 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Charles married Jacquelyn Jo Battreall on July 9, 1977.
He was a machine operator for BHA and later at GE for 31 years until retiring in 2009.
Charles liked to fish and hunt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilber and Mary (Butterfield) Burton; and an infant brother.
Survivors include wife; children, Leland Scott Burton, Kevin Michael Burton and Bobbie Jo Sissel (Mike); two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mari Beth Battreall and Nancy Battreall; and several nieces and nephews.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Robert J. Simpson
1934-2016

Simpson, Robert. obitphoto Robert J. Simpson, 81, Cameron, Missouri passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Cameron Regional Medical Center.
He was born February 17, 1934 in Mt. Pleasant, Utah.
Jay married Kathleen Truscott on September 30, 1960.
He was a Battalion Chief with the Salt Lake City Fire Department and he proudly served in the United States Air Force.
Jay loved to travel and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
He was preceded in death by his son, Cory T. Simpson; and parents, Harry and Edith (Madson) Simpson.
Survivors include wife; sons, Ben Jay Simpson (Mindy), Kingston, Missouri and Bradley Steven Simpson, Cameron, Missouri; daughter-in-law, Kristine Simpson; grandchildren, Erin Galbraith (Caleb), Jamie Patterson (Dusty), Brent Simpson (Kristie), Scott Simpson (Justina), Heidi Cunningham (Chance), Sarai, Apoima, Craig (Whitney), Mailey, Colton, Liana and Hailey Simpson; seventeen great-grandchildren; brothers, Harry David and Peter M. Simpson; sister, Paula Louise Matthews (Dene); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial donations to Wounded Warriors Project. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Wagner accepts position with Truman Medical Center

unnamedKansas City, MO – Truman Medical Centers (TMC) has named Tama Wagner as Managing Director, Marketing.

Wagner most recently served as Chief Brand Officer at Mosaic Life Care in Saint Joseph, where she also held several other marketing and communication roles since joining that organization in 2002. In addition to brand management she was part of the rebranding of Heartland Health System to Mosaic Life Care and management of the organization’s membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

In her new role, Wagner will manage corporate brand strategy, implement marketing campaigns to expand TMC brand awareness and use data to develop communication plans, among other duties.

Johnson Controls to merge with Tyco

johnson controls logoJohnson Controls Inc and Tyco International have formally announced plans to merge, creating a company with revenue of more than $40 billion that will be based in low-tax Ireland – a sign that market volatility has not derailed strategic mergers.

Mikwaukee-based Johnson Controls, which has a market value $23 billion, makes heating and ventilation systems and car batteries, while Cork, Ireland-based Tyco, valued at $13 billion, specializes in fire protection systems.

Johnson Controls operates a facility at 4722 Pear Street in St. Joseph.

(Read the company announcement here)

The combined company will save about $150 million a year in tax by basing in Tyco’s legal domicile, the companies said.

Johnson Controls’ shareholders will own about 56 percent of the combined company and receive a cash consideration of about $3.9 billion.  The merger will create savings of at least $500 million in the first three years, the companies said.

The companies didn’t provide an exact value for the merger.

The new company, to be called Johnson Controls Plc, will be headed by Johnson Controls Chief Executive Alex Molinaroli and will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange.

Johnson Controls has been preparing to spin off its automotive seating and interiors business and said on Monday the spinoff was on track for early first quarter of 2017.

St Joe woman in fair condition after weekend crash

MSHP badge goldA St Joseph woman is in fair condition after she was seriously hurt in a single-vehicle crash on I-229 north of St. Joe early Saturday.

The crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicates Frances Gingerich, 25, lost control of her SUV on the interstate just south of the north junction with I-29.  The accident happened at 1:40 a.m. Saturday morning according to the report.

The vehicle left the roadway, went airborne, hit a tree and overturned several times.  The vehicle came to rest on its roof in a ditch.

Ms Gingerich was transported to Mosaic Life Care with serious injuries.  A nursing supervisor says she is now listed in fair condition.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File