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Governor visits Dekalb farm to announce prevention grant

Touring Doug & Vicky Hickman's farm (via Twitter)
Touring Doug & Vicky Hickman’s farm (via Twitter)
Gov. Jay Nixon today visited the farm of Doug and Vicki Hickman in DeKalb to announce a $6 million competitive federal grant to help reduce soil erosion and improve water quality in communities throughout the state.

“Less erosion means more productive land; it means cleaner streams, rivers and lakes, and it means healthier, more prosperous rural communities across our state,” said Gov. Nixon. “As a result of this competitive grant, farmers will have more tools to keep Missouri’s land productive and fertile, and our communities will benefit from efforts to reduce soil runoff into Missouri streams.

It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Governor Nixon was joined by Department of Natural Resources Director Sara Parker Pauley, Department of Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce, and J.R. Flores from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Under the proposal, the $6 million federal grant will be matched with $15.6 million from public and private partners including the Missouri Association of Councils of Governments; University of Missouri Extension; Missouri Corn Growers Association; Missouri Soybean Association; Lincoln University; Women, Food and Ag Network; and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“RCPP puts our partners in the driver’s seat. Projects are led locally, and demonstrate the value of strong public-private partnerships that deliver solutions to tough natural resource challenges,” said J.R. Flores, Missouri State Conservationist for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

State, local and regional partners will join with agricultural producers to study and implement farm practices that will result in more productive soils and cleaner water.

“Environmental stewardship and the protection of the state’s agricultural land are shared goals of the Department of Natural Resources and the state’s agriculture producers,” said Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Sara Parker Pauley. “This project maximizes efforts by both groups to protect Missouri’s soil and water resources, and demonstrates the effectiveness of established runoff reduction practices.”

“Promoting and enhancing stewardship of our lands will not only improve environmental quality, but will also preserve and maintain a strong and profitable agricultural industry in this state for generations to come,” said Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce. “This project, which provides a great opportunity for Missouri’s producers, will have a positive impact on the environment, our food supply and on our local and state economies.”

Missouri has long been a leader in reducing soil erosion. Since 1984, when Missouri voters first approved a sales tax for soil and water, these projects have prevented more than 178 million tons of soil from being eroded. Reducing erosion makes soil more productive and improves water quality by preventing runoff into streams, rivers and lakes.

In his State of the State address last week, Gov. Nixon said his administration would intensify its efforts to ensure Missouri communities have access to clean, abundant water resources for recreation, industry and agriculture.

Funeral scheduled for shooting victim

Amanda Simpson and Andrew Clary
Amanda Simpson and Andrew Clary (Click for link to obituary)

Services are scheduled later this week for the victim of a shooting near Faucett, Missouri Saturday morning.

Daron Simpson, 34, of St Joseph, has been charged with second degree murder in connection with the shooting, which claimed the life of Andrew Clary. Amanda Simpson, Daron’s ex-wife, was also shot. She is being treated at a hospital in Kansas City.

According to family members, visitation is scheduled Thursday, January 29 from 6-8pm at the Harmon-Rohde funeral home at 128 North Main Street in Troy, Kansas. The funeral is scheduled Friday at 10am at the new life church in Blair, Kansas.

According to Clary’s obituary he is survived by his parents, son Sean Wardlow, Wathena, his girlfriend Amanda Simpson and her daughters Jaden and Emily, his Sisters; Amber Colclasure Atchison KS, Delyla Blackburn (Clay) Shreveport LA, Rachel Jacaway (John Michael) Columbia MO. Grandparents Dale and Betty Harness, Troy, Shirley Clary, Troy. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his Grandfather’s; Gerald Clary and Bill Wykert.

It’s not yet clear if additional charges will be filed in the case.

Investigators say Daron plowed his vehicle through the garage door at the home north of Faucett shortly before 2am Saturday. According to court documents he then entered the home, went to the bedroom, and shot the couple.

Police ask for public’s help in Kansas man’s stabbing

StabLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Lawrence police are seeking the public’s help with their investigation of a 19-year-old’s stabbing over the weekend.

Authorities say no arrests have been made as of Monday in the attack of the man, who remains hospitalized after suffering serious injuries, including at least one stab wound to his chest.

Hospital officials say neither the victim’s name nor an update of his condition could be released. The Lawrence Journal-World  reports he was in stable condition Sunday.

A police spokesman says the man was able to escape a vehicle he got into near a nightclub just before 2 a.m. Sunday. The spokesman says three people were inside of the dark-colored sedan and told the victim their intent to rob him before attacking him.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

Lenders expect higher farmland prices, more delinquent loans

FarmWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A new survey shows agricultural lenders are expecting lower farmland prices and more loan delinquencies from growers.

The Kansas State University Agricultural Lender Survey released Monday shows less optimism among lenders for the outlook for growers because of lower commodity prices that may mean more loan delinquencies.

But loan delinquencies are anticipated to decrease among the livestock sectors because of the high market prices and lower feed costs.

However, the study noted that farm loan delinquencies are now at historically low levels.

Associate professor Brian Briggeman says farm lenders also expect interest rates to increase for all types of loans. But they also figured that would occur in two to five years, not in the coming year.

Obituaries for January 27, 2015

Amanda Simpson and Andrew Clary cropped
TROY, Kan. – Andrew Allen Clary, 36 of Troy, died January 24th, 2015.
Andrew was born on December 14th, 1978 in St. Joseph, and is the son of Kim (Terry) Whitsell of Troy; and Rick (Amy) Clary of Wathena, Kan. Andrew grew up in the Troy and Wathena areas and was active in sports, scouts, and enjoyed playing video games. His favorite past time was spending time with his Grandpa, Dale Harness and the two have been in-separable throughout his life. Following high school graduation, Andrew joined the Marine Corp where he served this great country for five years. After returning to the Troy area Andrew enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He attended Missouri Western, The University of Kansas, and had been finishing classes on line in computer technology. Andrew lived his life in a slow paced peaceful manner, he was kind and gentle hearted and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include; His parents; son, Sean Wardlow, Wathena; his girlfriend, Amanda Simpson and her daughters Jaden and Emily; his sisters; Amber Colclasure, Atchison; Delyla Blackburn (Clay), Shreveport La.; Rachel Jacaway (John Michael) Columbia, Mo.; grandparents, Dale and Betty Harness, Troy; Shirley Clary, Troy; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his Grandfathers, Gerald Clary and Bill Wykert.
Funeral; 10 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2015 at the New Life Church, Blair, Kan., Burial at Mount Olive Cemetery in Troy, where full military honors will be under the auspices of the Troy American Legion Post #55. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday at Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, where friends may call after 9 a.m., Thursday. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.

Weston, Paul. obitphoto
FAUCETT, Mo. – Paul Alan Weston, 44, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at Mosaic Life Care.
He was born September 15, 1970, in St. Joseph, son of Alva G. Weston and Rose E. (Coon) Weston.
Paul attended North Platte R-1 School District in Dearborn, Mo., where he grew up. He spent several years working in the family logging business, North American Timber Company, driving a log truck.
Paul later became an over the road truck driver where he spent many years seeing the country. Driving a semi was his one true love. After becoming disabled, Paul returned home where he occupied his time helping friends and neighbors. Many of whom were a great source of comfort and happiness to Paul.
Some of his past times included hunting and fishing. He enjoyed spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks in Warsaw, Mo. Paul also liked old westerns and Nascar. He especially loved and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Paul had a big heart, an energetic laugh and a warm smile. He possessed the gift of gab, and knew no strangers. Paul will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved him.
Paul was preceded in death by his grandparents.
Survivors include: parents, Al and Rose Weston of Dearborn; sister, Marilyn (Stanley) Johnson, Lenexa, Kan.; brother, Al “Junior” Weston, Faucett; sister, Paula (David) Johnson, Faucett; sister, Jolene (Joshua) Rodriquez, Dearborn, Mo.; fourteen nieces and nephews; one great-niece; two great-nephews; and many aunts, uncles and cousins along with his girlfriend Lesia Woodson.
Memorial Service 4:30 p.m., Sunday, February 1, Dearborn Community Center. The family will gather friends from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Dearborn Community Center. Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial donations can be sent to Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, P.O. Box 271, Platte City, MO, 64079 or Child Abuse Prevention Association, 563 E. 23rd. St., Independence, Missouri, 64055. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Folks, Joan. obitphotoFolks, Joan. obitphoto2
ST. JOSEPH – Joan Marie (Kendzora) Folks, 83, died Monday, January 26, 2015 at home.
She was born July 4, 1931 to Joseph and Anna (Maslinski) Kendzora in St. Joseph.
Joan was married to Donald D. Folks for 57 years till he passed away in August of 2009.
She grew up in St. Joseph attending Cathedral School and the Convent of the Sacred Heart. She was a lifetime member of the St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. Joan worked at the American National Bank where she met her husband Don. She worked at the bank until their children arrived, and then became a nutritionist, taxi driver, and baseball mom. After the children graduated she again took up her banking interest at the Bank of St. Joseph until retirement.
Joan and Don enjoyed retirement years with St. Joseph friends, dining, theaters, and travel.
Mrs. Folks was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dorothy Green; brothers, Leo, Thomas, William, Charles, Richard and Ronald Kendzora; and many nieces and nephews.
Survivors: daughter, Mardi Smith (Dr. Daniel) Poway, Calif.; son, Curtis Folks (Jennifer) St. Joseph; grandchildren, Alex and Sophie Smith, Nathan Meers, and Chis Pederson (Sharry); and great-grandson, Kale Pederson.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m., Friday, Horigan Chapel at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:30 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 St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church or Missouri Western State University. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Guy, Jason Obit Photo
ST. JOSEPH – Jason Troy Guy, 34,died Saturday, January 24, 2015.
He was born July 17, 1980 in St. Joseph.
Simple Farewell: 10 a.m., Thursday, Green Valley Baptist Church. A covered dish is appreciated. The family requests donations to be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Martha Hendricks, 60, died Friday, January 23, 2015 at Mosaic Life Care.
She was born January 12, 1955 to Gene and Theresa (Dellasega) Hendricks in Kansas City, Mo., and spent her childhood in Mission, Kan.
Martha graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree. She worked as an Occupational Therapist which was a job that took her to many places including Tennessee, Virginia, Kansas, throughout Missouri, and for the last ten years St. Joseph. Her passion in life was working with the mentally disabled children through the school districts, and she was devoted to her job. She had many friends through work that she enjoyed spending time with and always looked forward to her Thursday night dinner group. Martha also enjoyed searching and collecting antiques and pottery.
Ms. Hendricks was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Laura Hoskins; and brother, Mark Hendricks.
Survivors: sister-in-law, Eileen Hendricks, Overland Park, Kan.; brother-in-law, Patrick Hoskins, Salina, Kan.; nephews, Jacob Hoskins and Sam (Amber) Hoskins, Salina; aunt, Betty (Virgil) Daniels, Tulsa, Okla.; dear friends, Carol McCrary, Deb Johnson, and Kay Denver. A special thank you to Renee Falkner and the teachers for their heartfelt caring of Martha.
Simple Farewell Visitation: 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to your favorite charity of choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Rich, Betty. obitphoto
ST. JOSEPH – Betty M. (Brabant) Rich, 84, died Monday, January 26, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born July 10, 1930 to Burton and Esther (Casey) Brabant in Deckerville, Mich.
Betty married William Rich on August 20, 1949. He preceded her in death on September 15, 2007.
She was a graduate of Hillyard Technical School and received her LPN. Betty was also a member of Community of Christ Church.
Mrs. Rich was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dickie, Robert and Burton Jr.
Survivors: children, Carol Gentry (David), Cathy Brandt (Robert), David Rich (Barbara), all of St. Joseph; and Denise Behrman (Scott), Overland Park, Kan.; grandchildren, Steven Curtis, Kristin Macdonald, Kelly Brandt, Valerie Brandt, Danielle Deiser, Nicole Paulie, Ryan Fee, Hannah Behrman, Zachary Behrman; great-grandchildren, Jake, Will, Wyatt, Aria, A.J., Lindsey, Trayton, Rhett, Hank, Kagney Jr., Kyler, Aubrey and Dominic; sister, Ruth Duncan; brother, Bill Brabant; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Healing Farewell: 10 a.m., Friday, Abundant Life Center. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 3 p.m., Thursday. Mrs. Rich will be removed from Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory to arrive at the church one hour prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Kansas Children and Families Department names new ombudsman

Ks Dept of Families & ChildrenTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Department for Children and Families has a new foster parent and youth ombudsman.

Kendra Baker has taken over the post and will be working to address the needs and concerns of Kansas’ estimated 2,500 foster families.

Baker previously served as a social work specialist with the department investigating reports of child abuse and neglect.

Baker replaces Niomi Burget who is now serving as director of constituent services for the Gov. Sam Brownback.

The post of ombudsman was created in May to help communicate with foster parents in the state on their rights and responsibilities.

Children and Families Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said in a statement that the department wants foster families to know that their role is challenging and important.

Drone incident renews questions over White House security

droneWASHINGTON (AP) — There are new questions today about White House security, after a two-foot-long drone crashed on the White House grounds overnight.

Officials say a man later came forward to say that he’d been flying the drone for fun, and that he hadn’t meant to fly it over the White House.

The devices have become popular, and sophisticated, toys. A lot of them were given as Christmas gifts last month. But authorities worry that the miniature flyers could also become tools for terrorists.

President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, were overseas when the quad-copter struck the southeast side of the grounds at about 3 a.m. Daughters Sasha and Malia stayed behind in Washington, but there’s no word on whether they were at the mansion.

In addition to the renewed security concerns, the incident could reinvigorate the long-running debate about the use of commercial drones in U.S. skies. At the urging of the drone industry, the administration is on the verge of proposing rules for drone operations. The rules would replace the existing ban on most commercial flights.

Royals Invite 23 Non-roster Players to Spring Training

riggertRoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Royals have invited 23 non-roster players to spring training, including former fifth overall draft pick Bubba Starling and promising youngsters Miguel Almonte and Raul Mondesi.

Starling, who grew up near Kansas City, has struggled in the minor leagues but will get a taste of big league camp. Almonte, a right-hander, and Mondesi, an infielder, are non-drafted free agents who have become two of the club’s top prospects.

Other notable players headed to camp are infielder Hunter Dozier, the eighth overall draft pick in 2013; pitcher Sean Manea, the 34th overall choice the same year; and outfielder Brett Eibner, a second-round choice in 2010.

Pitchers and catchers report to Surprise, Arizona, for the start of spring training on Feb. 19. The Royals’ first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 25.

Obituaries for January 26, 2015

Greenwald, Shirley Obit Photo
ST. JOSEPH = Shirley (Weiner) Greenwald, 92, died Saturday, January 24, 2015.
She was born April 7, 1922 to Herman and Beatrice Weiner. Shirley grew up in Clarksdale, Mo., then her family moved to St. Joseph where she graduated from Central High School and St. Joseph Junior College. She attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and graduated in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.
Shirley married Bernard H. Greenwald in 1946. Shirley’s father, Herman owned Weiner’s Department Store in south, St. Joseph, later operated by husband Bernie and herself.
She was a substitute teacher for over thirty years, retiring from St. Joseph Public Schools at age 84. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering, gardening, sewing, cooking, and decorating her home. She was an active member of Temple Adath Joseph and B’Nai Sholem Synagogue.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughters, Dianne and Sally Greenwald.
Survivors: son, Herman Greenwald, MD (Barbara), Omaha, Neb.; daughter, Joy Macherone, Overland Park, Kan.; grandsons, Adam Greenwald (Delsy), and Aaron Greenwald (Sabrina).
Healing Farewell: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Shaare Sholem Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Moila Shrine Temple, Noyes Home for Children, Open Door Kitchen or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Goldman, Esther. obitphoto
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Esther Levine Goldman passed away on January 24, 2015 in Virginia Beach at age 87.
She was born in 1927 in Halberstadt, Germany to Rabbi Israel and Bila Levine. She came to the United States via Ellis Island in 1929. She grew up in St. Joseph, where her father, Rabbi Levine served Shaare Shalom Synagogue in the 1930’s until his death in 1945.
Esther was predeceased by her husband, Rabbi Joseph Goldman, who held the pulpit of Temple Israel, Norfolk, Va., from its founding in 1959 until his death in 1983.
Esther is the mother of Shira Goldman Salzberg, Daniel Goldman, M.D., and the late Jordan Goldman of Blessed Memory. She has seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren across Boston, Massachusetts, Washington, D.C., Houston, Texas and Denver, Colo.
Esther earned her B.A. from the University of Chicago, an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia, an M. Jewish Studies from the University of Judaism, and a D.Ed. from George Washington University.
She remained throughout her life a religiously observant Jew and an ardent Zionist.
Graveside Services and Interment: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Shaare Sholem Cemetery. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Sollars, Billie. obitphoto
ST. JOSEPH – Billie Faye Sollars, 87, died Sunday, January 25, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born December 8, 1927 to Hiram and Kizziah (Poe) Sollars in St. Joseph.
She worked and retired from Wyeth Company after forty-one years. Billie was a member of Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church. She was a Christian and lived her life as a Christian. Billie was very passionate about her crossword puzzles, but especially of her nieces and nephews.
Ms. Sollars was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Ruth Jane Sollars, Pauline “Dean” Parker and Berniece “Pete” Sollars; and brothers, Clarence Sollars, Cline Sollars and Gilbert Sollars.
Survivors: nieces, Patricia Schneider (Ross), Janna Roberts and Janet Jennings; and numerous great and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Healing Farewell: 1 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 11:30 to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be sent to Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church or a charity of the Donor’s Choice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

LATHROP, Mo. – Evelyn Violett Winfrey, 98, died Saturday, January 24, 2015 at her home.
She was born February 22, 1916 to Grover and Ethelyn (Hart) Violett in Amazonia, Mo.
Evelyn married Raymond E. Winfrey on January 11, 1938. He preceded her in death on May 1, 2004.
She was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church since 1957.
Evelyn was also preceded in death by her parents, Grover Cleveland and Bessie Mae; and brothers and sisters, Jean Violett, Eva Mae Marsh, Madeline Winfrey, Bessie Simpson and Gregg Violett.
Survivors: daughter, Rayann Herndon (Ronald), Lathrop; grandchildren, Laura McFadden (Eric), Colton R. Herndon and Cliffton R. Herndon; eight great-grandchildren; brother, G.C. Violett, St. Joseph; and sister, Dixieann Curry, Gilbert, Ariz.
Healing Farewell: 1 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to City Union Mission in Kansas City, Mo., or Lathrop Community Outreach Committee in care of the Disciples of Christ Christian Church, Lathrop. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Wichita State guard Frankamp arrested on suspicion of DUI

duiWICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say Wichita State guard Conner Frankamp has been arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Wichita police Lt. James Espinoza told The Associated Press that the 19-year-old was arrested early Sunday morning after being initially stopped for failing to signal a turn and maintain a single lane.

Espinoza said Monday a breath test showed Frankamp’s blood-alcohol content was .186, more than twice the legal limit.

A phone message left Monday at his parents’ Wichita home was not immediately returned.

Frankamp transferred at the end of last semester from Kansas to Wichita State, which has been in the Top 25 all year. The sophomore must sit out this semester because of NCAA transfer rules.

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