Post Staff – Page 578 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Veterans Day meals and activities

Posted on November 10, 2015November 10, 2015

Veterans Day will be celebrated around the area and we have a look at some of the activities and celebrations taking place.

Several restaurants around the area will be offering free meals to Vets.

HyVee will offer a free breakfast during regular breakfast hours. On the menu, scrambled eggs, hash brown casserole, sausage, bacon, sausage gravy, biscuits, coffee and more.

Denny’s is honoring active, inactive and retired military personnel by inviting them to stop by for a free Build Your Own Grand Slam® on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 5 a.m. to noon.

“As America’s Diner, it is important for us to thank and pay respect to those who served our country and give back to those who have given so much for us,” said John Dillon, chief marketing officer for Denny’s. “We’re incredibly grateful for the courageous service and sacrifice of our past and present heroes, and we hope they’ll join us on Veteran’s Day and enjoy a small taste of our gratitude.”

Olive Garden is also inviting veterans and active duty military to enjoy a free entree. Veterans will be able to choose from six meal options during normal business hours on Nov. 11. CLICK HERE for more details.

Nearly 40 stores at the East Hills Shopping Center will be offering special discounts for veterans. Some of the specials include a free lunch from Texas Roadhouse, free dinner from Golden Corral and a free haircut from Great Clips. For a full list CLICK HERE.

Many other restaurants and businesses around town will also be participating.

The Veterans Day parade in St. Joseph is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. starting at Civic Center Park located at 1100 Frederick Avenue.

In Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University will commemorate Veterans Day by placing wreaths at each of its military markers as a tribute to the men and women who have served our country.

University leaders will place the wreaths at 11:11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Military markers on the Northwest campus consist of the Memorial Bell Tower, the Persian Gulf War Memorial just north of the J.W. Jones Student Union, the Bell of ’48, the World War I Memorial Plaza at the corner of College Park Avenue and Memorial Drive, the Roll of Honor on the third floor of the Administration Building and the Navy Room under the west grandstand of Bearcat Stadium.

Veterans Day marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I in 1918.

Another subpoena issued to the St. Joseph School District

Posted on November 10, 2015November 10, 2015

The St. Joseph School District has been presented with another subpoena in connection with an FBI investigation.

According to the district, the Superintendent’s Office received a subpoena late last night to produce records from the St. Joseph School District to the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

The request is for documents relating to former employees of the district.

It’s the sixth request for information so far. The last subpoena request was in August.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Newhart will address the media at 3pm today in the Board of Edcuation room at 925 Felix Street.

The St. Joseph School District said it continues to fully cooperate with the investigation.

Forums at Northwest to present findings of campus planning study

Posted on November 10, 2015November 10, 2015

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Open forums will be held this week at Northwest Missouri State University to talk about a campus master plan.

Northwest will host representatives from Baltimore-based Ayers Saint Gross Architects for a series of open forums.

The forums, which are open to the public, are scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, and 9 a.m. and noon Friday, Nov. 13, in the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Ayers Saint Gross has visited Northwest several times since early 2015 to interview a cross-section of students, employees and community members, and the firm will present its findings thus far.

Northwest entered into a contract with Ayers Saint Gross, a global company with expertise in campus planning, to develop a campus master plan. The year-long process is designed to help Northwest align its physical campus with its strategic plan and guide investments in the campus.

The campus master plan is expected to be completed next spring.

New features added to Cronkite Memorial at Western

Posted on November 10, 2015November 10, 2015

Cronkite CBS set camera. Photo by Gary Exline

The third phase of the Walter Cronkite Memorial at Missouri Western State University includes expanded features.

A reception was held Monday evening for the dedication of the new features. Phase III includes a replica of the newsroom from which Cronkite anchored the CBS Evening News.

CBS President and CEO Les Moonves and Senator Roy Blunt took part in the presentation.

In addition the premiere of the new live multimedia presentation, “Harry & Walter: Missouri’s Native Son” was also held in the Kemper Recital Hall.

Cronkite Replica Set. Photo by Gary Exline

The 5,000 square-foot Walter Cronkite Memorial was dedicated at Missouri Western State University on Nov. 4, 2013, the 97th anniversary of Cronkite’s birth in St. Joseph. It is open seven days a week and admission is always free.

Obituaries Nov. 6-9

Posted on November 10, 2015November 10, 2015

Helen B. (Carter) Young Wilson
1922-2015

Helen B. (Carter) Young Wilson, 93, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, November 2, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born on August 3, 1922 in Gentry County, Missouri.
Helen married Wilbur Young on February 20, 1943. He preceded her in death on December 3, 1972. She then married Joseph Wilson in 1978. He preceded her in death in 2004.
She was a graduate of Albany High School and attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College for two years. Helen taught school for several years, and then was a homemaker for many years, raising her family.
She liked to garden and play cards and dominoes. Helen was a great cook and a good seamstress that sewed and quilted for her entire family.
Mrs. Wilson was also preceded in death by her parents, Hobart and Laura (Hulet) Carter; three brothers, Donald, Delmar and Lowell Carter; and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Gasper Young.
Survivors include sons, Ron Young, St. Joseph, Missouri, Jim Young (Mary Ann), Liberty, Missouri and D. Edward Young, St. Joseph, Missouri; grandchildren, David and Robyn Young; great-granddaughters, Taylor Jestes, Dara and Devan Young; sister, Virginia Peter; step-son, Ronnie Wilson, Gallatin, Missouri; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial donations to Harvesters or any food bank or the American Heart Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Dorothy A. Gnuschke
1931-2015

Dorothy A. Gnuschke, 84, Cosby, Missouri, passed away Friday, November 6, 2015, at a local healthcare facility.
She was born August 30, 1931, in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Dorothy married Lloyd Gnuschke on March 10, 1951. He preceded her in death on May 27, 2015.
She was a life-long member of Hope United Church of Christ and Women’s Fellowship, where she had been a Youth Fellowship Sponsor. She was a former member of the Ellison PTA.
Mrs. Gnuschke loved flowers, sewing and crafts and helped Lloyd with Gnuschke Sales & Service.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Minnie (Sommer) Stuber; and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors include children, Don Gnuschke (Rodema), Cosby, Missouri, Katherine Bauer (Jim), Faucett, Missouri, Wayne Gnuschke (Joy), Cosby, Missouri and Jean Schneider (Wayne), Cosby, Missouri; grandchildren, Aaron Gnuschke, Tara Brown (Adam), Tammy Archdekin (Scott), Matt and Nick Bauer, Mary and Nicholas Gnuschke and Leah and Andrew Schneider; great-grandchildren, Henry and Margaret Brown and Alexandria and Aurora Archdekin; brothers, Paul (Phyllis) and George Stuber; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 3:30 P.M. Monday, Hope United Church of Christ. Interment 3:00 P.M. Monday, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Cosby, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 2:00 P.M. Sunday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Hope United Church of Christ or Oak Ridge Cemetery Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Stanley B. Brown
1953-2015

Stanley B. Brown, 62, Clarksdale, MO passed away Thursday November 5, 2015.
Survivors include wife, Lynn; sons, David Southern (Jill) and Michael Lawrence; three grandchildren, Chelsie, Haylee, and Cooper; sister, Georgia Jones (Scott); and brother, Jack Brown.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

Norma L. “Dee” Jordan
1924-2015

Norma L. “Dee” Jordan, 90, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born November 20, 1924 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Dee grew up in the South Park area, where she went to St. Patrick Catholic School and graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart. In her younger years she worked as a sales lady at the downtown dress stores and later at Tootle’s Dry Goods. Later in life she worked part-time at Townsend & Wall.
Dee met James R. Jordan after the war in 1946. It was love at first sight and they were married in 1947. James preceded her in death in 1995 after 48 years of marriage.
Dee was a member of the St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. She was very active in the church, including St. Ann’s Altar Society and the Sewing Club.
She devoted her life to the two things that mattered most to her, her family and her faith.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Doris Gilbert; and brother, Richard Zagrodzky.
Survivors include children, Terry Jordan, St. Joseph, MO, Denise Lewis, St. Joseph, MO, and Michele Jordan (Mark Roberts), Beaverton, OR; grandchildren, Lexi McGuire (Corey), St. Joseph, MO and Krissi Kretzer (Dave), Pensacola, FL; great-grandchildren, Breanna and Trey Kretzer; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank Riverside Place, formerly Saxtons for taking such good care of Mom in her struggle against Alzheimer’s.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Monday, St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory where friends may call after 4:00 P.M. Sunday. The family suggests memorial gifts to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Diane Davis Acuff
1934-2015

Diane Davis Acuff, 81, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, November 7, 2015.
She was born January 14, 1934 in Homewood, Alabama.
Diane received her Associate of Arts Degree in fashion design from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri in 1953.
Diane married R. Philip Acuff on July 19, 1955.
Mrs. Acuff was a certified scuba diver and had soloed from the right seat of a single engine aircraft. She enjoyed making ladies hats, tole painting, needlepoint, smocking and taught classes in silk flower manufacturing. Diane also loved fishing with friends and family at the family fishing camp on Great Slave Lake in Canadas Northwest Territories. She was also a duck-hunting observer, enjoyed travelling to every continent and adored her grandchildren.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Junior League, LUBA, Missouri State Medical Association Alliance, Allied Arts Council, former Sweet Adeline, Lifetime Sponsor of Ducks Unlimited and formerly a member of the PEO Chapter EE. While attending the University of Missouri she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Social Sorority.
Diane and her husband are long-time members of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society of the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. They endowed a professorship in medical research at the School of Medicine of University of Missouri, Columbia and in 1995 dedicated the Acuff Auditorium, also at the School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia. Along with their son, Michael. Diane and her husband established the Acuff handicapped-accessible duck blind at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area in Boone County, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelson and Mary (Johnson) Davis; and son, Robert Philip Acuff, Jr.
Survivors include husband, R. Philip Acuff, M.D., St. Joseph, Missouri; son, Michael E. Acuff, M.D. (Milly), Columbia, Missouri; grandchildren, Ruth Acuff Mueller, Abigail Diane Acuff, Mary Acuff Leibovich, Robert Davis Acuff, Silas Johnathan Acuff, Nelson Davis Acuff, Susan Danielle Acuff and Sarah Catherine Acuff; six great-grandsons; and one great-granddaughter.
Private Farewell Graveside Services & Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Richard V. Lukens
1932-2015

Richard V. Lukens, 83, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015 at his home.
He was born September 6, 1932 in Marion, Ohio.
Richard married Marjorie Diane Foos on September 11, 1955.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force. After serving in the military he worked for the federal government in different capacities until retirement.
Richard was a member of the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Ohio, Grand Chapter of Ohio, Grand Council of Ohio and Marion Commandery of Ohio. He enjoyed reading and gardening.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Thelma (Davis) Lukens; infant brother, John Alfred Lukens; brothers-in-law, James Otis and Melvin Foos; and father and mother-in-law, LeRoy and Vineta Foos.
Survivors include wife, Marjorie; sons, Matthew Lukens (Marianne), St. Joseph, Missouri and Mark Lukens (Kathie), Greensboro, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Alex Lukens, Denver, Colorado, Elizabeth Lukens, Jonathan Lukens, all of St. Joseph, Missouri, Courtney Lukens, Jordan Lukens and Bailey Lukens, all of Greensboro, North Carolina; and sister, Dorothy Otis, Toledo, Ohio.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Price Cemetery, Richwood, Ohio at a later date. The family requests memorial donations to Mosaic Life Care Hospice or the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Clifford Lee Gregory
1927-2015

Clifford Lee Gregory, 88, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Mr. Gregory was born August 16, 1927.
He graduated from Gower High School in 1945. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947 and spent nine months in Nuremberg, Germany, as a Railroad Security Military Policeman.
On May 13, 1950, he was united in marriage with Lila Corinne Hessemyer at Easton, Missouri. They lived in St. Joseph, Missouri, since 1951.
Mr. Gregory was employed by the Wire Rope Corporation of America for 30 years and retired as a foreman in 1982. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lila (Hessemyer) Gregory; an infant son, Larry Lee Gregory; infant twin daughters, Cheryl Ann and Cheri Lyn Gregory; his parents, Ward and Olly (Harris) Gregory; four brothers, John, Ray, Leonard and Joe; and four sisters, Ida May Grooms, Marie Nothhouse, Thelma Schaefer and Virginia Smith.
Surviving is his companion, Beverly Bowers; two daughters, Cindy Smith (Rolland) and Cathy Guess (Lynn); two grandsons, Ryan Smith (Michelle) and Brandon Collins; step-grandchildren, Ryan, Keaton and Jaclyn Guess; great-grandson, Ethan Smith; and several nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Blakely Cemetery, Easton, Missouri. Parish Rosary 6:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Three Rivers Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Alfred Franklin DeSpain
1935-2015

Alfred Franklin DeSpain Sr. 80, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015 in Saint Joseph, MO health care center. He was born June 7, 1935 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Cassie and Alfred DeSpain. He worked at Jack Venneman Construction, and System Builders. Alfred enjoyed fishing, mushroom and coon hunting., and was a member of the former Carnegie Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by 1st wife, Betty DeSpain, 2nd wife, Judy DeSpain, his parents, a son Alfred DeSpain Jr, two brothers, Roy and Ben DeSpain, two sisters, Rose Boyles, and Mary Arnold. Survivors include, three daughters, Roxanna DeSpain, Betsy DeSpain, and Gloria DeSpain all of St. Joseph, MO, two sisters, Goldie Baldwin and Sally Tietz of St. Joseph, MO, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Armstrong Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the American Heart Association. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Forecasters: 63 million should have eye out for bad weather Wednesday

Posted on November 10, 2015

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Forecasters are warning 63 million people in the central U.S. to have an eye out for bad weather this week as colliding air masses threaten to generate high winds and possibly tornadoes. The threat Wednesday stretches from San Antonio to Chicago to Cincinnati. Missouri, southern Illinois and northern Arkansas face the greatest severe weather threat.

The Storm Prediction Center said Monday that the storms’ severity would be dictated by how much warm, humid air can funnel into the area before a cold front approaches from the west. It was too early to pinpoint where the strongest storms might hit.

November storms aren’t unusual, but the nation most often sees its worst storms in the spring. This year, there have been 10 deaths from tornadoes, but none since May.

Stealing suspect caught red-handed

Posted on November 10, 2015

Saint Joseph police caught a thief in the act Tuesday morning.

Officers responded at 3:23 am to an alarm at Seaman and Schuske Metal Works at 1215 South 4th Street. Sergeant Brett Kelly says a suspect was inside the yard throwing items over the fence to be picked up later.

Officers surrounded the area and made the arrest after a short foot chase. The suspect was jailed for investigation of stealing.

NW Missouri man killed in weekend skydiving accident in Kansas

Posted on November 10, 2015November 10, 2015

A vigil is planned in St Joe this Friday for a skydiver who died following mid-air collision over the weekend. Fifty-four year-old Mark Jungk was killed during a jump over Osage County, Kansas Saturday afternoon, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Mr Jungk was from St Joseph, and graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School. He lived in Platte City at the time of his death.

Jungk was one of two skydivers whose lines became entangled during a jump. His colleague Adam Hett was able to break free and deploy his reserve chute, but Jungk was unable to do so.

Jungk was a longtime jumper with SkyDive Kansas, which offers jumps from the Osage City Airport.

SkyDive Kansas owner Jen Sharp says the accident happened around 4:30 p.m. Saturday near the airport when the victim collided with another skydiver in mid-air shortly after jumping out of a plane. She says both jumpers were experienced skydivers and were licensed.

A life celebration is set for Friday, November 13, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stoney Creek Conference Center, in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph School District IRS audit released

Posted on November 9, 2015

(November 9, 2015)—The Internal Revenue Service released their findings from the recent audit of the St. Joseph School District completed in July.
“The district, overall, did well during this audit process. The findings are minimal and the fees assessed are marginal with the amount of documents reviewed. We will look at amending any policies or procedures that will prevent these issues from happening in the future and use this as a learning opportunity,” said Dr. Robert Newhart, Superintendent.

The district will agree to the payment of additional taxes owed in 2013 of $15,460.68 and in 2014 of $11,789.16. The total amount is $27,249.84. Reasons include:

• Six employees that Medicare taxes were not withheld in 2013 ($9827.06)
• Five employees whose Medicare taxes were not withheld in 2014 ($7255.38)
• Three employees that were paid through accounts payable and not through payroll
($797.63)
• Thirty-two vehicles taken home by staff on a nightly basis without proper documentation-
2013 ($4836.16)
• Thirty vehicles taken home by staff on a nightly basis without proper documentation-
2014 ($4533.90)
*(Due to rounding from the IRS, the amount is off by $.29)
A separate penalty fee from the IRS also included:
• Eleven W-9’s that were incorrectly filed or provided to the payee ($2200)
In June 2015, the Superintendent’s Office received a letter from the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, to examine federal tax returns for the 2013 calendar year. The EDUCATING EACH CHILD FOR SUCCESS examination of documents took place July 21-24, 2015.

The request was to examine, among other documents:
1. Completed Authorization and Declaration form.
2. Organizational Chart for calendar year 2013 including identification of principal executives.
3. Minutes of the meetings of the School Board for calendar year 2013.
4. Audited financial statements covering calendar year 2013.
5. Independent auditor letters to management and internal auditor reports to management relating
to calendar year 2013.
6. Chart of Accounts including a description of each account in use during calendar year
2013.
7. Copies of all employment contracts including, but not limited to, individual executive officer
contracts and union contracts in effect during calendar year 2013.
8. Copies of all termination agreements.
CLICK HERE to see a copy of the report.

State officials respond to resignation of Mizzou president

Posted on November 9, 2015November 9, 2015

State leaders on Monday were quick to respond to the resignation of University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe. Wolfe says he hopes the school community uses his resignation as a way to “move forward together.” At a special meeting of the system’s governing board he said he takes “full responsibility for the frustration” students had expressed regarding racial issues and that it “is clear” and “real.”

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement:
“This was the right decision to help the University turn the page, and for its leaders to recommit to ending racism on campus. Tim Wolfe loves the University of Missouri, and his action today was a reflection of that. I’m confident that my alma mater will work to create a stronger community of acceptance and equality.”

Gov. Jay Nixon today issued this statement:
“Tim Wolfe’s resignation was a necessary step toward healing and reconciliation on the University of Missouri campus, and I appreciate his decision to do so,” Gov. Nixon said. “There is more work to do, and now the University of Missouri must move forward – united by a commitment to excellence, and respect and tolerance for all. The University of Missouri is an outstanding institution that will continue to play a vital role in our efforts to provide a world-class education to every Missouri student.”

A University of Missouri graduate student says he will end his hunger strike now that Wolfe has resigned. Jonathan Butler, who started his hunger strike Nov. 2, told CNN that he welcomes President Tim Wolfe’s resignation announcement Monday but that the university still has a long way to go to make minority students feel welcome.

(Staff and wire reports)