Post Staff – Page 679 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Eight St. Joseph residents indicted for meth conspiracy

Posted on May 28, 2015May 28, 2015

Eight St. Joseph, Mo., residents are among 11 defendants who have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a $1 million conspiracy to distribute at least 25 kilograms of methamphetamine.

James Michael Watts, 24, Alan Curtis Mace, 33, Robert R. Atkinson, 37, Jason Scott Valentine, 33, Walter James Kerns, 37, Courtney W. Martin, 32, Daryl Ray Watts, 40, and Kevin Martin Crossfield, 52, all of St. Joseph; Eric Scott Graham, 33, of Savanah, Mo.; and Jack Daniel Loos, 35, and Mark Alan Edmundson, Jr., 40, both of Kansas City, Mo., were charged in an indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on May 19, 2015. That indictment was unsealed and made public following the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants on Wednesday, May 27, 2015.

The federal indictment alleges that each of the defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2010, to May 19, 2015.

The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require all of the defendants, jointly and severally, to forfeit to the government any proceeds obtained as a result of the alleged violation, including a money judgment of $1,059,600. According to the indictment, this amount is based on a conservative average street price of $1,200 per ounce of 50 percent pure methamphetamine and the total distribution of at least 25 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.

Investigations were conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force.

November jury trial scheduled for child-sex allegations

Posted on May 28, 2015May 28, 2015

A St Joe man accused of having sex with a child under the age of six is scheduled for jury trial in November.

Buchanan County Circuit Judge Daniel Kellogg scheduled jury selection to begin November 17 for Terry Matson. According to court documents, the victim said sexual contact began last year and continued into this year. Mr Matson is charged with one count of Statutory Sodomy.

Trial was scheduled November 17 through 19.

Mr Matson remains in custody in the Buchanan County Jail, unable to post $25,000 bail.

Rain chances continue into Friday

Posted on May 28, 2015May 28, 2015

11219047_822527911135187_6439764770209750108_n — (Click to enlarge)

Thursday Night
Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a high near 79. South wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Friday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a low around 60. Southwest wind 8 to 10 mph becoming north northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. North wind 10 to 13 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 69.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 52.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 75.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81.

Road closure update for Northwest Missouri

Posted on May 28, 2015May 28, 2015

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Two additional routes reopened after being closed due to flooding, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. Andrew County Route C at the junction with Route 48 and DeKalb County Route W both reopened as waters have receded. The routes listed below remain closed until further notice. Motorists will need to use alternate routes. MoDOT encourages everyone to pay attention to barricades and Turn Around! Don’t Drown!

NOW CLOSED:

Buchanan County:

Route H at Agency (Platte River)

Route C at U.S. Highway 36 (Platte River)

Route MM from Loutermilch Road to Route 116 (Platte River)

Obituaries for May 28

Posted on May 28, 2015

Lloyd L. Gnuschke
1929-2015

Lloyd L. Gnuschke, 85, Cosby, Missouri passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at a healthcare facility in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He was born August 16, 1929 in Cosby, Missouri.
Lloyd married Dorothy Stuber on March 10, 1951.
He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. Lloyd was a member of Hope United Church of Christ and Men?s Brotherhood. He was also a lifetime member of American Legion Post #359 and a charter member of Cosby LIONS Club. Lloyd was an organizer and original member of the Cosby Fire Department and Board of Director of Oak Ridge Cemetery for 45 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lydia (Moschberger) Gnuschke; brother, Herman Gnuschke; and three sisters, Marie, Helen and Ruth Gnuschke.
Survivors include wife; 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, Alexandrya and Aurora; and brother, Earl Gnuschke.
Farewell Services 10:30 A.M. Saturday, Hope United Church of Christ, Cosby, Missouri. Interment 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Cosby, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 12:00 Noon Friday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Hope United Church of Christ, Mosaic Life Care Hospice or Oak Ridge Cemetery Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Patricia Ann Birkel
1943-2015

Patricia Ann Birkel, 72, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, May 23, 2015.
She was born March 6, 1943 to Bennett Sayers and Anna Appling in Mexico, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands; and two granddaughters.
Survivors include children, Marty Rieser of Moscow Mills, Missouri, Theresa Aston (James), Victoria Goll (Michael), both of St. Joseph, Missouri; three brothers; one sister; nine grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Memorial Services 4:00 P.M. Saturday, at the home of Theresa Aston. Inurnment Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, Missouri at a later date. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Senators sue to block stadium deal

Posted on May 28, 2015

State Senator Rob Schaaf of St Joseph is among half a dozen lawmakers taking the Governor to task over a proposal to build a new NFL stadium in St Louis.

Dr. Schaaf and five other lawmakers filed a lawsuit Wednesday to block the proposal. Senator Schaaf says it’s not fair for the state to go into debt over another publicly financed stadium. He also claims the project is illegal.

The proposal would cost the City of St Louis and the State of Missouri more than a quarter billion dollars. Proponents are hoping to prevent the St Louis Rams from moving to the west coast. They’d like to extend the bond indebtedness used to finance the Edward Jones Dome.

The Senators are suing the governor in his capacity as governor and not as an individual. They also named the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority as a defendant in the lawsuit filed Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court.

Senator Schaaf is listed as the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. The other plaintiffs are Senators Rob Vescovo, Jay Barnes, Mark Parkinson, Eric Burlison, and Tracy Burlison.

Nebraska lawmakers override veto to repeal death penalty

Posted on May 28, 2015

The governor says he’s appalled. Death penalty opponents were jubilant. Death penalty supporters are already moving to let voters decide. That, after the Nebraska Legislature voted to override a veto and thereby repeal the death penalty in Nebraska.

After more than two hours of emotional speeches, lawmakers voted 30-19 to repeal capital punishment, making Nebraska the first conservative state to do that in more than forty years.

Nebraska joins 18 other states and the District of Columbia in banning executions.

Supporters of capital punishment are already exploring how to put the issue of the death penalty before Nebraska voters. State Sen. Beau McCoy of Omaha announced the formation of a group called “Nebraskans for Justice” that will look at gathering signatures for a voter referendum on the repeal law.

Senator McCoy says they are also looking at a possible ballot issue to enact a new law permitting capital punishment.

Volunteers sought by Red Cross of Northwest Missouri

Posted on May 27, 2015May 27, 2015

Midland Empire Chapter of American Red Cross — American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri

The American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri is seeking volunteers to aid in disaster relief.

The agency currently has nine volunteers deployed to Texas and Oklahoma where devastating floods and tornadoes pounded the states over the weekend.

More than 220 people spent their Memorial Day in Red Cross shelters in the two states. Governors in both states declared disasters in more than 80 counties after the extreme weather destroyed or damaged thousands of homes and left thousands without power.

Since early May, Red Cross workers have opened 30 shelters, served more than 23,000 meals and snacks, handed out 31,000 relief items and cleaning supplies. Nearly 700 Red Crossers are helping in Texas along with 22 emergency response vehicles.

The Red Cross has also been helping people in parts of Oklahoma since tornadoes hit the state in early May.

The Red Cross of Northwest Missouri is looking for individuals interested in getting trained to respond to disaster like those in Texas and Oklahoma. The Northwest Missouri Chapter will be hosting Disaster Overview and Shelter Operations courses on Tuesday, June 2nd.

These courses will teach volunteers about the American Red Cross’s role during a disaster relief operation as well as cover standard operating procedures for assisting with a shelter.

If you are interested in registering for this course or would like more information about how to become involved with the American Red Cross, contact Teresa Cobb, Volunteer Specialist, at 816.232.8439.

All participants must be pre-registered and all volunteers must pass a background check and hold a valid driver’s license.

Financial donations to help with the relief efforts are also being accepted at the American Red Cross at 401 N. 12th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501.

A $10 donation can also be made to the American Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Missouri breaks ground on new psychiatric hospital campus

Posted on May 27, 2015

Gov. Nixon helps to break ground on new Fulton State Hospital campus. Photo courtesy Scott Holste

FULTON, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon joined state and local officials Wednesday in breaking ground on the new Fulton State Psychiatric Hospital campus.

The event took place in front of the existing administration building, which will eventually be rebuilt and become the front entrance of the new hospital.

“We are morally obligated to provide Missourians suffering from severe mental illness the best care and treatment possible, in a safe and secure therapeutic environment,” Gov. Nixon said. “That is precisely what they will receive here at the new Fulton State Hospital.”

Last year, the General Assembly backed the Governor’s plan for replacing the state’s outdated and deteriorating maximum-security psychiatric facility at Fulton with a new state-of-the-art mental hospital that will be safer and more conducive to modern treatment.

“The safety of staff and patients is critical to creating an environment of recovery and treatment,” said Dr. Keith Schafer, Director of the Department of Mental Health. “This will be a high security facility that will last for many generations and have the flexibility to change for future needs.”

More than 100 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony included current and former legislators, Callaway County and City of Fulton elected officials, staff from the Department of Mental Health and the Office of Administration as well as several Fulton community members.

Demolition, abatement and construction began earlier this month. Construction is projected to be complete by December 2017. The last building to be demolished will be the maximum security Biggs Forensic Center after the patients have moved into the new facility in the spring of 2018.

Fulton State Hospital, built in 1851, is the oldest state psychiatric hospital west of the Mississippi River. The Biggs and Guhleman Forensic Centers on the campus treat patients with serious mental illness who are committed by Missouri courts for evaluation and treatment related to a crime, or who have seriously assaulted patients or staff in our other state psychiatric hospitals.

Biggs is the state’s only maximum security psychiatric facility. Since 2007, the facility has taken in over a thousand admissions from 99 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis.

For the latest information on the Fulton State Mental Hospital construction visit http://fultonrebuild.mo.gov/

Obituaries for May 27

Posted on May 27, 2015

Philinda “Lyndi” Deiter-McCracken
1955-2015

Philinda “Lyndi” Deiter-McCracken, 59, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, May 25, 2015 surrounded by family.
She was born May 26, 1955 in Topeka, Kansas.
Lyndi received her Bachelor’s Degree from Pacific Lutheran University, Studied Art at Lansing Community College and worked as a Social Worker for the State of Washington. She was passionate about many things including, social justice, her community, family geneology and the KC Royals.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. John and Marjory (Hybskmann) Deiter; sister, Jane Deiter; and brother, Jerry Deiter. Survivors include: daughters, Abby McMurphy and Jessica Roth (Gerald); grandchildren, Ellen McMurphy, Alexis Noonan, Emma Roth and Hannah Roth; sisters, Dr. Pamela Deiter-Sands (Jen Rose) and Sara Deiter, many nieces and nephews; close friends, Kenny Bloch and Mary Toland; and dogs, Bonnie and Katie.
Private Graveside Services Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

John “Dick” Merritt
(06/15/1935 – 05/25/2015)

John “Dick” Merritt, 79, of Wathena, KS, passed away Monday, May 25, 2015 at his home.
Dick was born June 15, 1935 in Skidmore, MO to John Z. and Hattie F. (Hall). He enlisted in the US Navy in 1952 and retired after twenty years. In 1952 he married Jane Armstrong and remained married until her death. On April 6, 2001 he married Jackie Wyatt in St. Joseph. He was a Lifetime Member of the VFW Post 1668 and a 32 degree Mason and belonged to the St. Joseph Lodge.
Mr. Merritt was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Janie; two brothers, Eugene “Shorty” and Ron Merritt and a sister, Roma Jean Nicholson.
Dick is survived by his wife Jackie; two sons, John R. Merritt, Jr. (Debbie) and William “Buddy” Merritt (Debbie); step-daughters Cyndi Wyatt, Kay Smith (Shawn) and Joe Keller (David); a brother, Bob Merritt (Codi); three sisters, Frances Brumback (Frank), Ethel Fulk (Fred) and Sandy Gerstner (Jim); four grandchildren Michael Merritt (Bridgett), Beth Ann Scott (Nick), Kyle Merritt, Adam Merritt (Heidi); step-grandchildren, Cody, Hannah, Jarret, Camryn, Jacob and Amani; great-grandchildren Ashley, Emily, Garret, Conner and Riley; Sister-In-Law Janice Merritt and an additional survivor, “Lil” Debbie.
Visitation will begin after 9:00AM Thursday at the Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Thursday evening.
Services will be Friday, May 29, 2015 at 1:00PM at the Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Out of respect for Dick’s wishes, please come dressed as he would have normally seen you.
The family suggests contributions to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Wathena Volunteer Fire Department.

Arlene Whitmore Meyer
(03/31/1932 – 05/25/2015)

Arlene Whitmore Meyer, 83, of St. Joseph, MO., passed away Monday, May 25, 2015 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born to Elmer Whitmore Sr. and Edith Jackson Whitmore on March 31, 1932, she was among the youngest of eight children.
She was married to John Meyer. From this union, two daughters were born, Monica Meyer of Oakley, California and Michelle Correa of Colorado. She had four grandchildren; Annie, Jack, Sammy and Shawnee.
Arlene was a 1950 graduate of Central High School. She started her career in advertising at the St. Joseph News Press and Gazette, and retired from the Los Angeles Times.
She was preceded in death by her sister; Nancy McCurdy and brothers; Jimmy, Albert and Johnny Whitmore.
Also surviving are her sisters; Ruth Dykes and Thelma Deshon, and brother; Elmer Whitmore Jr.
Arlene will be sorely missed by several nieces and nephews as well as her two little dogs; Ollie and Kiwi.
Services 10:30 AM Friday, May 29, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment Ashland Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 12:00 PM Thursday at our chapel, where the family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Mosaic Hospice.

Roberta J. Sherwood
June 9, 1936 – May 25, 2015

Roberta Jo (Wille) Sherwood, 78, St. Joseph, MO passed from this life on Monday, May 25, 2015 at her home. She was born to Harold and Thelma (Jackson) Wille in St. Joseph, MO on June 9, 1936.
Roberta retired from Wire Rope Corp. where she worked for twenty-seven years. She enjoyed her summers at their cabin in Minnesota and vacationing with her family. She loved family events and gatherings that were always held in her home. Roberta was a member of Green Valley Baptist Church and enjoyed being involved with her church.
Survivors include three sons Rick (Charlene) Dean, Fontana, CA, Eugene (Sue) Dean, Robert Dean; Daughter Gail (Gary) Specht, all of St. Joseph, MO; nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Clayton Dean and second husband Elmer Sherwood.
Celebration of life will be held 1 PM Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Gladden – Stamey Funeral Home St. Joseph, MO. Public visitation with family receiving hours Wednesday 6 – 8 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO. Memorial donations suggested to Green Valley Baptist Church, St. Joseph, MO

Rita Ann Luke
1929 – 2015

Rita Ann Luke, 85, Maryville, Missouri, formerly of Conception Junction, Missouri, died Monday, May 25, 2015, at Golden Living Center, Maryville, Missouri.

Rita was born October 30, 1929, in Parnell, Missouri to John S and Carolena M (Brunstermann) Roach.

A 1947 high school graduate of St. Benedicts High School, Clyde, Missouri, Rita attended Mount St. Scholastica College, Atchison, Kansas. Rita retired as secretary to Jefferson C-123 School, Conception Junction, Missouri.

She married Ralph Luke June 23, 1948, in Maryville who preceded her in death October 31, 2002.

Rita was a former 4-H Leader, enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, flowers, playing cards and bowling and was involved in Read Across America.

Preceding in death were her husband Ralph, brothers Hubert Roach, Karl Roach and sisters Cecelia Roach and Berniece Dowell.

Survivors include her children
Carolyn (Jim) Holtman, Conception Junction, MO
Martha (Ernie) Chapman, Columbia, MO
Diane (Ken) Parks, Osage Beach, MO
Vincent (Becky) Luke, Conception Junction, MO
John Luke, Maryville, MO
Janice Luke, Kansas City, MO
James Luke, Portland, OR
22 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren
nieces and nephews
brothers Joseph Roach, Denver, CO
Jerome Roach, Denver, CO, Paul Roach, Shawnee, KS
and sister Loretta Kissinger, Maryville, MO

A visitation will be held 6-8:00 PM Thursday, May 28, at the Price Funeral Home, Maryville, Mo.

A Celebration of Life will be 10:30 AM, Friday, May 29, 2015, at Tri Meadows, Conception Junction, Missouri with burial in St Columba Cemetery, Conception, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to SSM Hospice and Home Care, in Rita’s name.