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Two seriously hurt in unusual crash on I-29

wpid-mshp-logo111.jpgTwo people were seriously hurt in a traffic accident Monday night on I-29 in St Joseph.

According to the crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Richard Palmer (63) of St Joseph was stopped in the driving lane with his caution lights on when a vehicle hit his trailer from the rear.    Mr Palmer was standing outside his vehicle.  The truck hit him after the impact.

The accident happened at 8:41 p.m. Monday in the southbound lanes of I-29, two miles north of the south junction with I-229.

Mr Palmer and the other driver, 55-year-old Craig Spencer of Kansas City, Missouri, were transported to Mosaic Life Care with serious injuries.    A nursing supervisor tells us both are in stable condition this morning.

UPDATE: Teen charged after school lockdown

Tri Tran
Tri Tran

An 18-year-old has been charged after Lafayette High School was placed under lockdown Friday.

Tri Tran of St. Joseph has been charged in Buchanan County with a misdemeanor for making terrorist threats.

Lafayette was placed under lockdown Friday after police began investigating threats of possible violence against the school.

“According to witness statements and police reports, the suspect Tri Trans sent several messages to students at Lafayette High School making them believe that he was in the school,” Det. Greg Ogdahl with the St. Joseph Police Department said in court documents. “He has made threats to other students in the past and was believed by school personnel and Law Enforcement that the suspect had access to guns by social media photos.”

School officials said everyone in the building was directed to shelter because of the threat of a weapon inside. The school was placed under lockdown for nearly two hours.

Tran was detained by police for questioning at another location.  He was charged Saturday in connection with the case.

Tran is being held on $10,000 bond.  An arraignment is set for Tuesday.

Obituaries for 9/25-9/17

Thelma G. Courtin
1924-2015

Courtin, Thelma. obitphoto Thelma G. Courtin, 90, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born November 26, 1924 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Thelma married Jerry Courtin on May 28, 1949. He preceded her in death on March 10, 1996.
She was a member of Mooselodge and South Park Methodist Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Irene (Pittaway) Presnell; son, Jerry Christopher Courtin; and a brother.
Survivors include grandson, Matthew Courtin, St. Joseph, Missouri; caregiver and Matthews mother; Ann Fulton, St. Joseph, Missouri.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Cecil Johnston
1922-2015

Johnston, Cecil. obitphotoCecil Johnston, 93, Maysville, Missouri passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Cameron Regional Medical Center.
He was born September 14, 1922 in Latimer County, Oklahoma.
Cecil married Hazel Robinson on May 24, 1940.
He worked for KU Medical Center as a Biomedical Engineer for 20 years. Following that he was an entrepreneur which included publishing, music, and inventing, from which he had several patents.
Cecil was a member of Cameron Restoration Branch Church where he served as an elder.
He was an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and received other various honors throughout his career.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ray Johnston.
Survivors include wife of 74 years; son, John Johnston; grandson, Ian Johnston (Sonrisa); 5 great-grandchildren, Mayli, Gavin, Elena, Sophia, and Zoey.
Farewell Services will be held at a later date. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Blinda Simpson
1969-2015

Blinda Simpson, 46, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born January 7, 1969 in Kansas City, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Glenna (Spencer) Stafford; and daughter, Melissa Sisk.
Survivors include sons, Christopher and Dean Moses and Nathan Sisk; daughters, Kimberly and Gabrielle Hitzelberger; five grandchildren; sister, Deborah Rials; brother, Robert Dudley, fiancé, Jeffrey Sisk; and niece, Deana Dudley.
Natural farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Jacqueline Sue Ferguson
1966-2015

Jacqueline Sue Ferguson 49, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away unexpectedly on Saturday September 26, 2015 at her home. She was born February 12, 1966 in Independence, Missouri daughter of Betty & William Johnson who precede her in death. She graduated from Fort Osage High School and worked as a nurse. She loved nursing, her church but most especially her grandchildren. She was a Southern Baptist. Jacqueline is survived by daughter, Lacy Steeby, son, William “Ryan” Richardson, of the home, as well as daughters, Laura (Zach) Helton, and Beth Garrison (Jamie Hutchison), a sister, Joyce (Michael) Lindsey of Lees Summit, MO, and two grandsons, Jason Steeby Jr., and Logan Sifford. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Charles Lee Dynes
1932-2015

20150927-143327_dynescharlesCharles Lee Dynes 83, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2015 at his home. He was born September 21, 1932 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Alice and George Dynes. He graduated from Central high school and served in the United States Army. He owned the Savannah Avenue Market and worked at Kovaks Market for 20 years. He was a member of Retail Clerks Union, American Legion Post # 11 and the Grocery Union. Charles was preceded in death by 1st wife, Imogene Dynes, his parents, two brothers, Richard and James Dynes, two sisters, Janet Chandler, and Juanita Reno. Survivors include, wife, Betty Lou Dynes of the home, three sons, David (Nancy) Dynes of Saint Joseph, MO, Kenny Dynes of Colorado, and Roger (Kim) Dynes of Willard, MO, a daughter, Theresa Green of Manly, IA, five step-sons, Dennis Angle of CA, John (Joanie) Compton of Savannah, MO, Carl (Carol) Compton of St. Joseph, MO, Bruce Compton of Olathe, KS, and Paul (Linda) Compton of St. Joseph, MO, brother, Bob (Myrtle) Dynes a half brother, Jack Babcock, a sister, Pat (Dennis) Davis all of St. Joseph, MO., 15 grandchildren, Eleven great grandchildren. the family will receive fiends from 3-5 PM Wednesday, with a funeral services to be conducted at 5PM Wednesday, at the Rupp Chapel, Tim Saxton Officiating. Private graveside interment, Ashland Cemetery. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to St. Joseph Humane Society, or to Mosaic Hospice. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Mary Lou Batley
1932-2015

Mary Lou Batley, 83, Kansas City, Kansas passed away Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Research Medical Center.
She was born April 26, 1932 in Savannah, Missouri.
Mary enjoyed working at the Eagles Lodge, loved gardening and flowers, especially Easter lilies, and made several doilies.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Alfred Keeney, Loyd Keeney; sister, Betty Jean Jordan; brother-in-laws, Clarence Wiltz, John Kretzer, and Max Rayhill.
Survivors include sons, Russell and Wesley Williams; daughter, Sylvia Jackson (Christopher); 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; sisters, Helen Wiltz, Christina Rayhill, and Ruth Kretzer; sister-in-law, Patricia Keeney; friend Christie Hodson; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Private Family Services will be held at a later date. Mrs. Batley was a member of the Kansas Cremation Service. Online guestbook and obituary at www.kansascremation.com.

Police report identifies suspect in bar brawl and standoff

The Brown Bear at 2028 St Joe Ave. (Google Maps)
The Brown Bear 2028 St Joe Ave. (Google Maps)

A police booking report confirms the identity of the man arrested after a disturbance at a local bar and a standoff at his home last week.   The report lists five possible charges against Kendall Randolph, a well-known businessman in St Joseph.

Witnesses indicate the fight Wednesday night at the Brown Bear on St Joseph Avenue involved a dispute over a woman between Randolph and another man.

The St Joseph Police Department booking report shows Mr Randolph was booked, but later released, on charges of second-degree assault with a weapon, second-degree vehicular assault, second-degree domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and resisting arrest.

Police last week said their suspect had left the bar before they arrived shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday night.  When officers arrived at his home at 1418 North 22nd Street he refused to come out. The Special Response Team was called and a standoff ensued that lasted until about 3 a.m. Thursday. (read more here)

No formal criminal charges have been filed.

County considers new seat-belt ordinance

Seat beltA public hearing is scheduled this week in which Buchanan County Commissioners will take comments on a proposal to enact a “primary” seat belt ordinance in the county. Officials say the current state law requires seat belts, but requires another violation to be enforced.

Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins says the current state law is unique.

“They can see the violation, and yet, unless that person is doing something in addition to that, something else that’s a violation, the police officer can’t enforce the law,” Scroggins said in an interview.

“That’s the only law of which I’m aware on the books that exists like that.”

Mr Scroggins supports the new proposed ordinance. It was made possible by a ruling from the Supreme Court of Missouri that upheld a primary seat belt ordinance in St John, Missouri. Since that ruling several other jurisdictions have implemented local, primary ordinances. Those include the town of Weston, Missouri.

Buchanan County Sheriff Mike Strong also supports the measure, which he says is all about safety.

“This is about reducing the number of fatalities in Buchanan County,” Strong said in an interview. “I think it could save several, not only in Buchanan County, but statewide.”

Both Scroggins and Strong say the new proposal is not about further controlling people. Scroggins points out that the debate over requiring seat belts in Missouri happened years ago, and resulted in the current ordinance. Seat belts are already required. Strong says its not about the money either, in fact, quite the opposite.

“We are not trying to be all-controlling. We will make nothing from this. It will actually make more work for us, and probably cost a little more money,” Strong said.

“We’re not in this for the money. We’re in this strictly for lowering our number of injuries and fatalities in Buchanan County.

A public hearing is scheduled Thursday, October 1st, from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., in the County Commission office on the first floor of the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Two injured in midtown accident early Monday morning

wpid-wpid-sjpd-patch1.jpgA single-vehicle accident in midtown Saint Joseph injured two people early Monday morning.

Police Sergeant Brett Kelly says the vehicle was headed south on 13th Street near Sycamore at 1:11 am when the driver lost control.  The vehicle hit a telephone pole and a tree.

Both occupants were taken to Mosaic Life Care for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation into the accident continues.

History of Israel tackled by St. Joseph Museum program

Israel.  Photo courtesy St. Joseph Museums
Israel. Photo courtesy St. Joseph Museums
September 21, 2015 — The St. Joseph Museum will host a program for residents to hear from a local Professor of Archeology talk about a journey to Isreal.

To discover more about the land of Israel, the St. Joseph Museum will host speaker Dr. Jimmy Albright on Tuesday, September 29. Dr. Albright has taught “Introduction to Archaeology” and “Mediterranean Archaeology” for over thirty years at Missouri Western State University, while also making regular trips to Israel to work on excavations in the region. During this event, guests will have the opportunity to see images of Israel from his many archaeological excavations as well as artifacts from the region. The program will include information on exploring Israel from Dan in the north to Beer Sheva in the south. If you are a traveler, learn about what essentials to pack, proper etiquette, and the not-to-be-missed aspects of a trip to Israel, a journey that many report to be a “life changing experience.” Dr. Darrell Jones and Dr. Jimmy Albright will be leading a tour of the region from May 10th to the 19th in 2016, and brochures on the trip will be available.

The program will take place at the St. Joseph Museum, 3406 Frederick Avenue, at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and admission is free. Call the St. Joseph Museum at 816.232.8471 for more information or visit www.stjosephmuseum.org.

Library collecting Halloween costume donations

rolling hillsThe Rolling Hills Library is collecting costumes for children who may not have an outfit to wear this Halloween.

The Library is asking for gently used or new costumes of all sizes to give to children who may not have one this Halloween.

The costumes will be distributed to the kids Oct. 24 at the library’s Boofest at its Belt Branch.

Complete costume or parts like fairy wings and astronaut gloves are being collected until Oct. 24, at both the Belt Branch location and the Savannah Branch.

The library said the costumes will be distributed so children can keep them and have something to wear Halloween night.

Boofest will run 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature safe trick-or-treating, games, crafts and a free hot dog lunch provided by the Kiwanis Club for the first 200 children.

Conservation to hold public auction on vehicles, boats, etc.

These vehicles are among the items for sale at the Missouri Department of Conservation's public auction on Oct. 17 at its Salem Maintenance Center located at the junction of HWY 72 and HWY 32 in Salem. Photo courtesy MDC
These vehicles are among the items for sale at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s public auction on Oct. 17 at its Salem Maintenance Center located at the junction of HWY 72 and HWY 32 in Salem. Photo courtesy MDC26

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a public auction of various used Department vehicles and equipment on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 10 a.m. at its Salem Maintenance Center located at the junction of HWY 72 and HWY 32 in Salem.

The auction will feature vehicles, trailers, tractors, ATVs, UTVs, farm equipment, boats, outboard motors, shop equipment, office equipment, and other items.

Those interested can view auction items on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Salem Maintenance Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Preregistration on Oct. 16 is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration the day of the sale begins at 7:30 a.m.

Cash, check, and credit/debit cards will be accepted. As required by state statute, MDC must charge a convenience fee to all customers who pay by credit or debit card.

For a list of auction items and procedures CLICK HERE. A complete lot listing and terms of sales will be available at the registration desk the day of the auction. For more information or questions, call MDC at 573-522-4115 ext. 3283.

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