Post Staff – Page 614 – St. Joseph Post Archive

St. Joseph City Attorney heading to Kansas

Posted on September 3, 2015

200Robertston, Lisa — Lisa Robertson Photo courtesy City of St. Joseph

Long-time Saint Joseph City Attorney Lisa Robertson is moving back to Kansas.

Robertson accepted a position in Topeka as the director of the Legal Department consisting of the three sections of municipal law, litigation and prosecution. The state Capitol has a population of 127,000. She starts her new job Sept. 28.

Deputy city attorney Bryan Carter will serve as interim city attorney in Saint Joseph until a new director is named.

Robertson earned her bachelors degree in journalism from Kansas State and her law degree from KU.

She began work for the city of Saint Joseph in 1993 as an assistant city attorney. She became city attorney a year later.

“Lisa’s advice and counsel has served elected officials, city managers, department directors and staff exceptionally well during her tenure,” said City Manager Bruce Woody. “Her peers, friends and co-workers will miss her, but are excited for her new opportunity in Topeka.”

Arrests for drunk driving made during Andrew County checkpoint

Posted on September 3, 2015

Several arrests were made during an Andrew County Checkpoint last week.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a checkpoint was held from 10 p.m. Aug. 28 to 2 a.m. Aug. 29 in the county. During that time four people were arrested for driving while intoxicated, 1 person was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant, two tickets were given from driving with a revoked license and 19 warnings were issued.

“There is no room for impaired drivers on Missouri roadways. If you choose to drink and drive, you will lose,” said Captain James E. McDonald, commanding officer of Troop H, St. Joseph. “If your plans include consuming alcohol, have a sober designated driver.”

Obituaries for Sept. 2

Posted on September 3, 2015September 3, 2015

Dorothy Pearl Woods
1944-2015

Dorothy Pearl Woods 71, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015 in a Saint Joseph health care center. She was born May 18, 1944 in St. Joseph, MO. She graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School and worked as a CNA for the Veterans Administration 8 years in Leavenworth, Ks and 2 years in Topeka. She enjoyed sewing and cooking and attended St. Joseph’s Cathedral Catholic Church. Dorothy was preceded in death by father, Ora John Coleman, mother, Martha Frances Washington, husband, Jackie Wood. Survivors include daughter, Candice “Missy” Coleman of Saint Joseph, MO, sister, Nancy (Bill)Smith of Lansing, KS, and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services and interment will be conducted on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 11:00 am, at the Ashland Cemetery, Pastor Douglas Cline officiating/ The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:30 at the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Ona Marie Shuman
1924-2015

Ona Marie Shuman 91, of St. Joseph, MO passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015 in Savannah, MO health care center. She was born March 15, 1924 in Kansas City, MO, daughter of Anna and Earl Yocam. She worked as an inspector at Armour’s, and at Custom Cable as well as being a wonderful Homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, camping and going on vacations, and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren of which she loved “bunches”. Whenever asked her how she was doing she would say “Fat and Sassy”. She was a member of the St. James Alter Society and St. James Catholic Church. Ona Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl Thomas Shuman, son, Bobby Shuman, granddaughter Penney Embrey, great grandson, Michael Embrey. Survivors include three son, Denny (Pam) Shuman of Savannah, MO, Patrick (Donna) Shuman of Cosby, MO, and Michael (Sharon) Shuman of Oregon, MO, 11 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 11 step great grandchildren, 16 great great grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2015, at 2:00 pm at the St. James Catholic Church, Father Evan Harkins Celebrant. The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 pm, Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home with the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the St. James School. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Wilma L. Waterstradt
1915-2015

Wilma Louise (Wolfing) Waterstradt, 100, Savannah, Missouri passed from this life into the loving arms of her Lord, Jesus Christ on Monday, August 31, 2015.
She was born June 23, 1915 to Otto and Lois Wolfing.
Wilma married the love of her life Carl F. Waterstradt on December 24, 1937, Carl died December 28, 1997.
Wilma loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church where she was active in their women’s ministry. She loved to cook and especially baking. She had a laugh and joy that was contagious. Prior to entering Laverna Village Nursing Facility she made her home with long term caretakers and best friends Ed and Carolyn Vaughn, Savannah. Where she loved watching the seasons change and especially enjoyed watching the various birds feeding outside the kitchen window.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Tom and Ross Wolfing; and sisters, Ruth Brown and Sybil Staples.
Survivors include sister, Jean Riley, St. Joseph, Missouri; nieces and nephews; and long term caretakers, Ed and Carolyn Vaughn.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.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. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ascera Care Hospice, Savannah, Missouri. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Temperatures heating up!

Posted on September 3, 2015

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 96. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind 5 to 9 mph.

Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 95. South wind 5 to 13 mph.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind 5 to 9 mph.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South wind 5 to 13 mph.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.

Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Sunday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Labor Day
Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.

Monday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

St. Joseph man pleads guilty to solar fraud scheme

Posted on September 2, 2015September 2, 2015

The owner of a St. Joseph solar energy installation company pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to his role in a fraud scheme that totaled nearly $1.4 million in rebates through state and federal programs.

Richard Schonemann, 38, of St. Joseph, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to a two-count information that charges him with one count of conspiracy related to false statements in regard to a federal rebate program, and one count of false statements related to kilowatt updates in a federal solar rebate program.

Schonemann was an owner of US Solar in St. Joseph, which sold and installed solar-powered panel systems to businesses and home owners in northwest Missouri. Between 2011 and 2013, Schonemann and US Solar participated in two solar panel rebate programs, one authorized by the state of Missouri and the second administered by the federal government. As a result of this scheme, US Solar received a total of $1,398,236 in fraudulent rebates.

Solar Photovoltaic Rebate Program ($465,360 Fraud Scheme)

According to the plea agreement, US Solar and a co-conspirator were involved in obtaining fraudulent rebates from KCP&L as part of the state rebate program. US Solar overstated the number of solar panels installed on approximately 27 homes or businesses from December 2011 through June 2013. As a result, US Solar was paid $465,360 more in rebates than the company was entitled to receive.

KCP&L administered the state’s Solar Photovoltaic Rebate Program, which was created in 2008 by the state of Missouri and funded by a tax on power customers. The rebate allowed for a payment of $2 per watt, not to exceed $50,000, to customers that installed solar powered panel systems on their homes or businesses. US Solar was one of the larger solar powered panel system installation companies that utilized this rebate program through KCP&L. To utilize the state rebate program, US Solar submitted applications and schematic drawings on behalf of their customers via email to KCP&L. Once the application process was completed, funds were disbursed to US Solar by checks mailed from KCP&L.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ($932,876 Fraud Scheme)

During the investigation of the state rebate scheme, the FBI uncovered unexplained payments from the federal government to US Solar that led to the discovery of a second fraudulent scheme that was part of the conspiracy.

Schonemann and a co-conspirator obtained fraudulent rebates authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Under the federal program, the government reimbursed 30 percent of the cost of the installation of a solar-powered panel system leased to the property owner. US Solar received federal funds under this program from August 2011 to September 2013, because US Solar certified they installed systems and leased those systems to the property owners. The certification was false because the systems were owned by customers rather than leased. US Solar submitted forged lease contracts in order to receive the federal rebates.

US Solar received 34 payments from the federal government, totaling $932,876. US Solar was not eligible to receive any of the $932,876 paid under the federal program.

False Statements

Additionally, each year after installation, US Solar was required to certify that the installed systems were still running and report the systems’ output. Schonemann and a co-conspirator provided updates showing kilowatt usage on each of those properties to the federal government in 2012 and 2013. In some instances, Schonemann simply made up the numbers.

A co-conspirator created false paperwork and computer entries using US Solar customer information. The conspiracy involved the use of false paperwork and computer entries, including lease agreements, certification that US Solar retained ownership of the solar-powered panel systems, detailed cost breakdowns on each system and usage reports. Schonemann and a co-conspirator were involved in preparation of the false usage reports.

One of the fraudulent federal payments related to Schonemann’s place of employment, Prolific Technologies, Inc. Fraudulent paperwork was submitted requesting payment for 36 extra panels not installed or leased, resulting in a rebate overpayment of $20,028.

Penalties

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Schonemann must forfeit to the government $350,000 that he received from the fraud scheme.

During the course of the conspiracy, Schonemann received payments from US Solar that were described as profit distributions. A significant source for those profit distributions were funds received by US Solar from the federal program. A portion of those funds were used towards the construction of a new house Schonemann built, which is currently listed for sale at an asking price of over $400,000.

Schonemann’s residential property is currently named in a civil judicial forfeiture action. Schonemann will be allowed to market this property and, if the property is sold, the first $350,000 in net equity will be used to pay restitution for the federal program fraud. If there is not a signed real estate contract on the property by Oct. 1, 2015, the civil forfeiture action shall proceed and the property will be forfeited to the government to be sold by the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the government’s sentencing recommendation to the court will not exceed 15 months in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jane Pansing Brown. It was investigated by the FBI.

School of Health Science and Wellness opens at Northwest

Posted on September 2, 2015

health science and wellness ribbon cutting Photo courtesy Northwest

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University celebrated the opening of its School of Health Science and Wellness Tuesday with a grand-opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting.

Northwest’s Board of Regents gave the University its approval in June to launch the School. Beginning this fall, the academic entity is operating as a free-standing, interdisciplinary unit.

The school brings together 33 health science and wellness programs that previously were spread across multiple departments at the University. The programs are designed to prepare students to pursue graduate studies in health sciences as well as manage and provide preventative health and wellness care and services.

Previously, the school was known as the Department of Health and Human Services and operated within the structure of Northwest’s College of Education and Human Services. Now, its curriculum and instruction originates from a variety of areas including the departments of Natural Science and Behavioral Sciences.

“This just didn’t come about,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “We’ve been listening. We’ve been learning. We’ve been gathering information from a variety of inputs, and it was very clear that there are significant education needs across health science and wellness.”

Programs offered through the School of Health Science and Wellness include:

· Pre-professional programs in chiropractic, dental hygiene, dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology and respiratory therapy

· Wellness-based bachelor’s degree programs in foods and nutrition: dietetics, physical education and recreation

· Master’s programs in applied health science, physical education, recreation and sport psychology

Obituaries for Sept. 1

Posted on September 2, 2015

Barbara Saunders
1935-2015

Barbara Saunders, 79, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, March 13, 2015 at her home.
She was born July 5, 1935 in Shenandoah, Iowa.
She was a 1954 graduate of Central High School and a member of Christ Episcopal Church and a longtime member of the Amy Golding Guild.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Glen L. and Marjorie E. (Wilcox) Lawson; son, Frank M. Saunders; sister, Kathryn Lawson; and brother, Glen L. Lawson.
Survivors include son, Jon Saunders (Sun Hui); grandsons, Matthew and Samuel; great-grandson, Noah Ray; sisters, Jocelyn Smock, Dinah Cole; and several nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Amy Golding Guild of Christ Episcopal Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Doris K. (Zech) Wiederholt
1928-2015

Doris K. (Zech) Wiederholt, 86, Maryville, Missouri passed away Monday, August 31, 2015 at a healthcare facility.
She was born November 12, 1928 in Maryville, Missouri.
Doris graduated from Maryville High School Class of ’46.
She married Alphonse J. Wiederholt on June 16, 1948. He preceded her in death on August 13, 1998.
Mrs. Wiederholt was a member of St. Gregory Catholic Church and St. Benedict Catholic Church.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Elizabeth (Wilmes) Zech; sons, Gary and Stephen Wiederholt; sister, Mary Zech; brother, Ralph Zech; and grandson, Reese Wiederholt.
Survivors include son, Marvin Wiederholt (Charla); daughters, Sharon Cowden (Bill), Sheila Fuller (Jim) and Diana Honkomp (Mike); grandchildren, Mandy (Jody), Brandon (Shannon), Alissa, Ashlyn, Holly, Jesse (Valerie), Ross (Amber), Meghan, Cole, Lacey, Bethany (Jacob), and Ryan; five great-grandchildren; brother, John Zech (Shirley); and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Saturday, St. Gregory Catholic Church, Maryville, Missouri. Inurnment St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Maryville, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Friday. Doris was a member of the Missouri Cremation Service. The family requests memorial gifts to be sent to AseraCare Hospice. Online guestbook and obituary at www.missouricremation.com.

Mildred L. Nykel
1926-2015

Mildred L. Nykel, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at Mosaic Life Care following a stroke suffered on August 24, 2015.
Mildred (Mid to her family) was born on December 13, 1926, in Viola, Illinois to Foster and Gladis Warren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her two brothers, Wilbur Warren of Fresno, California, and Louis Neil Warren, of Cameron, Missouri; Kenneth Powell to whom she was married until his death in 1970, and Les Nykel to whom she was married from 1974 until his death June 19, 1987.
Mildred resided in San Francisco with Mr. Nykel until his death, and remained a resident of San Francisco until she moved to St. Joseph to assist in caring for her brother Neil Warren. Neil passed away on December 24, 2010 and Mildred remained resided in St. Joseph until her passing.
Mildred is survived by one cousin, William Hodgson (Billy) of Tuscon, Arizona; nephews, Tom Warren (Deanna) of Monet, Missouri, Tim Warren (Verla) of St. Joseph, and Roxanne (Bruce) Clouse of Amazonia; as well as numerous great nieces; and great nephews.
Mildred was catholic and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in St. Joseph.
Farewell Graveside Services & Interment 10:00 A.M. Friday, Memorial Park Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest between her beloved brother, Louis Neil Warren, and her former husband Kenneth Powell. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the Local Animal Shelter. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

John W. Newhart
1921-2015

John W. Newhart, born March 22, 1921, St. Joseph, Missouri, died August 31, 2015 at age 94.
Beginning practice in 1948, he was an attorney and business consultant. He was a former member of the Savannah, Missouri Sertoma Club; Charter member of the Lions Club; Masonic Lodge; Scottish Rite; Moila Temple; Interprofessional Club; Kansas and Missouri American Bar Association; Missouri Western State University Board for seven years, and chair of Andrew County Representative Central Committee. Mr. Newhart proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1943 to 1946.
As a member of the RLDS Church, he served in the priesthood for over 50 years and as president of the RLDS church associates.
He received a BS and Doctor of Juris Prudence from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas and graduated from St. Joseph Junior College and Stewartsville High School.
He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II for three years, and reserves for six years. He was a member of the Savannah, Missouri American Legion.
He was preceded in death by parents, Dr. C.D. Newhart and Mabel L. Newhart; brother, Maj. Dewey E. Newhart; wife, Ruth L. Newhart; and daughter, Hilda Jo Summerour.
Survivors are sons, John D. (Maxine) and Dr. Robert Newhart (Karen); grandchildren, William, Kaitlin, Jacob Newhart; Hannah Teeman (Brian), Hallie and Jacob Summerour, Abbey Meyer (Jacob) and Drew Newhart (Lauryn); and great-grandchildren, Maddy Meyers, and Kyra, Lydia and Jax Teeman.
Farewell Services 10:30 A.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Savannah Cemetery, Savannah, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Hands of Hope Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Etta M. Jeffers
1923-2015
Etta M. Jeffers, 91, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, August 31, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born October 5, 1923 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Etta married Thomas Barnes in 1942 who was later killed in World War II. She then married Logan Jeffers on August 17, 1947. They were married 54 years until he preceded her in death on February 27, 2000.
She worked at Western Tablet Factory then later at Quaker Oats as a Unit Leader. Etta was a member of First Christian Church and Circle Coterie #13 at the church. She was also a member of the Quaker Ladies Social Club and The Dune Dollies of Moila.
Mrs. Jeffers was also preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Hattie (Cavin) Aladeen; brother, John Aladeen; sister, Nellie Helsel; and step-brother, Raymond Cavin.
Survivors include sons, James Jeffers (Frances), St. Joseph, Missouri and Jack Jeffers (Carol Ann), Flower Mound, Texas; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; three nephews; and two nieces.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to First Christian Church or Moila Transportation Fund. Thanks to Diversicare for their care of Mom. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Belinda “Tarantula” Sue Baker
1964-2015

Belinda “Tarantula” Sue Baker 51, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday August 28, 2015 at Mosaic Life care. She was born February 3, 1964 in St. Joseph. She married Gene Baker on February 14, 2004, and they shared 11 together. She worked at Walmart, Tiremart, and Holiday Inn as a clerk. She enjoyed baking, cooking, reading, tigers, and loved visiting with family and friends, most especially her grandchildren. She fought a good fight and was a breast cancer survivor. Belinda was preceded in death by her previous husband, Harry Watson, Sr. and her grandma Berry who lived to be 101 years old. Survivor include husband, Gene Baker of home, father, Gerald (Vickie)Berry of St. Joseph, MO, mother Carol (Wayne) King of Wahahachie, TX, son, Harry “Ricky” Watson, Jr. of St. Joseph, three daughters, Heather Watson, Kelly Sue Watson and Amanda Watson, 11 grandchildren including Kia and Kahlia Childress her were raised in the home, brother, Jimmy (Diane) Berry, two step brothers, Dean (Charlotte) Berry, and Gene (Katie) Berry, a sister, Ruth “Curly” (Steve) Rippey, adopted daughter, Danielle Fobair of Maysville, MO. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home, with a memorial service to be conducted at 2:00pm. She will be cremated following the funeral service. Memorials are requested to the Belinda Baker Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Richard Lee Shurvington
1946-2015

Richard Lee Shurvington 69, of Rosendale, Missouri, passed away Monday, August 31, 2015 at his home. He was born April 23, 1946 in McCook, NE, son of Pearl and Charles Shurvington. He attended Savannah High School and served in the United States Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He married Frances Bucher on September 15, 1996 and she survives of the home. He was the owner operator of R&C Heating & Cooling also engineer at Heartland Hospital and chief maintenance engineer at Holiday Inn Hotel. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and tinkering with anything and everything, he loved spending time with family and friends especially his grandson, Silas and his dogs. He was a Christian. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Stanley Shurvington. Survivors include, wife, Frances Shurvington of the home, daughter, Stacy Rochester of St. Joseph, MO, son, Anthony Donaldson of Rosendale, MO, daughter, Kristine Shurvington of Rosendale, MO, stepson, John (Sandy) Kennedy of Bolckow, four grandsons, Dusty Shurvington, Sean Spring, David Stagner, and Silas Thuman, great grandchild, Zaydan Taylor, MO, two brothers, Leonard (Louise) Shurvington, and George Shurvington both of Savannah, MO, sister, Gail Briner-Shurvington of Weatherby, MO.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Friday, September 4, 2015 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Greg Smith officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Auburn Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the Disabled Veterans Organization (DAV). Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Inmate executed for death of KC teen 25 years ago

Posted on September 2, 2015September 2, 2015

BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — A man who spent nearly 25 years on Missouri’s death row has been executed for the kidnapping, rape and stabbing death of a 15-year-old Kansas City girl.

Fifty-year-old Roderick Nunley died by injection Tuesday night. Of 20 executions nationally in 2015, 10 have been in Texas and six in Missouri.

Ann Harrison was waiting for a school bus on her driveway, 20 yards from her front door, on March 22, 1989. Nunley and Michael Taylor drove by in a stolen car and abducted her. They took her to the home of Nunley’s mother where she was raped, sodomized and then fatally stabbed.

The girl’s body was found in the trunk of the abandoned car three days later.

Both men were sentenced to death in 1991. Taylor was executed last year.

Popular St Louis gorilla dies of suspected heart condition

Posted on September 2, 2015September 2, 2015

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A popular gorilla who spent his entire life at the St. Louis Zoo has died, and a heart condition is suspected.

The zoo on Tuesday announced the unexpected death of Juma, a 27-year-old western lowland gorilla. The zoo says Juma collapsed suddenly about 1:30 p.m. Monday. A necropsy suggested that a heart condition was the likely reason, but further studies are planned.

Juma was diagnosed in 2011 with irreversible heart problems, but he had responded well to treatment over the past four years.

Penalty-phase testimony to resume Wednesday after unusual display by white supremacist

Posted on September 2, 2015September 2, 2015

The death penalty phase has wrapped up its first day in the trial of a man convicted of killing three people at two Jewish sites in suburban Kansas City.

Frazier Glenn Miller Jr. called himself to the stand Tuesday.

To support his anti-Semitic beliefs, he showed news articles and played videos of himself and others marching with Confederate flags.

He also played videos of prominent figures, including Russian President Vladimer Putin and longtime Klu Klux Klan leader David Duke.

He briefly interrupted his testimony to question Alex Linder, a Kirksville, Missouri, man described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a neo-Nazi and operator of a racist website.

The prosecution called just one witness, a police detective.

Defense testimony will resume Wednesday.