Post Staff – Page 782 – St. Joseph Post Archive

University of Kansas Medical Center gets $1 million gift

Posted on January 13, 2015

Keith and Laurie Tennant- photo University of Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A former University of Kansas professor and his wife are donating $1 million to the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Keith and Laurie Tennant, of Vero Beach, Florida, say in a news release Tuesday that the gift is thanks for life-saving care Keith Tennant received at the medical center. The gift will go toward research at the medical center’s Cardiovascular Research Institute in Kansas City, Kansas.

Keith Tennant, now 72, underwent two heart surgeries at the medical center, the first when he was 46.

Both Tennants were faculty members at the university’s Department of Health, Sport and Exercise Science. Keith Tennant was a professor from 2002 and department chair from 2002 to 2005 until he retired in 2012. Laurie Tennant taught in the department from 2002 to 2011.

Kansas birth rate in 2013 lowest since recording began

Posted on January 13, 2015

Kansas State professor Laszlo Kulcsar- photo KSU

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An annual report says the Kansas birth rate in 2013 was the lowest since the state began keeping birth records in 1912.

The Wichita Eagle reports an annual vital statistics reports says the Kansas rate was 13.4 per 1,000, a drop of 4.3 percent from 2012.

Kansas State professor Laszlo Kulcsar, a demographer, says many people are deciding to have fewer children for a variety of reasons, including the economy.

The report showed 38,805 babies were born in Kansas in 2013. The report also found teen pregnancies were the lowest in 20 years, and the abortion rate increased slightly from 2012 but is still trending downward to about 97 abortions per 1,000 live births.

New Finance Director, pay raises, at St Joseph School District.

Posted on January 13, 2015

Wesley Metz has been hired as the Director of Finance for the St. Joseph School District, replacing Kim Mulvaney. Metz has been the Director of Finance in the Schuyler R-1 School District since 2004.

He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He received his Masters in Business Administration from William Woods University.

Metz’s salary will be $89,862.

“We are thrilled to welcome Wes to the St. Joseph School District. His experience in school finance was a huge factor in our decision. We look forward to working with him very soon,” said Beau Musser, Chief Financial Officer.

Members of the St Joseph School Board wanted to give pay raises to the district’s employees, but several were not sure we could afford it. After a lengthy discussion Monday, the board voted 4-3 in favor of 2% pay raises for district staff, teachers, and administrators.

“The Ride” expands Elwood Service

Posted on January 13, 2015January 13, 2015

St Joseph Transit has expanded its services offered to riders in Elwood, Kansas.

Starting on Monday, “The Ride” began offering pickups in Elwood seven times a day, Monday through Friday, at 6:15am, 8:15am, 10:15am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm, 4:15pm and 6:15pm.

Call 233-6700 to schedule a pick up from Elwood.

Saint Joseph police help stop two-state chase

Posted on January 13, 2015January 13, 2015

Saint Joseph police deployed spike strips to help Missouri and Iowa Highway Patrol troopers catch a fleeing suspect Monday night. Police Sergeant Brett Kelly says the pursuit began in Iowa and continued down Interstate 29 into Missouri shortly after 11 pm.

As the suspect neared Saint Joseph, troopers asked city police to help with spike strips. Officers deployed them in several locations on I-29 and I-229. The vehicle was disabled near the south junction.

Sergeant Kelly says the fleeing vehicle ran over strips on I-229 near 22nd Street, and then again on I-229 at A Highway. The disabled driver continued onto northbound I-29, where the suspect abandoned the vehicle. The suspect fled on foot but troopers caught up with him and took him into custody.

The incident is still under investigation.

New director named for KDHE health care finance division

Posted on January 13, 2015

Michael Randol, new director of the Division of Health Care Finance-KHI photo

By KHI NEWS SERVICE

TOPEKA — Susan Mosier, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, on Monday named Michael Randol to succeed her as director of the Division of Health Care Finance.

Gov. Sam Brownback last month nominated Mosier, an ophthalmologist and former Republican legislator, as KDHE secretary, and that nomination awaits approval by the Kansas Senate.

Mosier also has been serving as head of the Kansas Medicaid program.

Randol has served as the director of program finance and informatics for the Division of Health Care Finance since 2012. He previously worked as the state veterans services manager for the Kansas Department of Commerce. Randol has also worked for U.S. Bank as vice president of relationship management and as deputy budget director for the Missouri Department of Social Services.

Randol earned his MBA from William Woods University and his bachelor’s degree from University of the State of New York.

The Division of Health Care Finance oversees state Medicaid finances.

Lawrence police offering sign-on bonus for Spanish speakers

Posted on January 13, 2015

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Those interested in joining the Lawrence Police Department could receive a $1,500 sign-on bonus if they speak fluent Spanish.

The city of Lawrence seeks to fill open positions at the Lawrence Police Department and encourages Spanish-speakers to apply. Those hired will be offered a $750 upon hire and a $750 bonus upon successful completion of training.

A spokesman for the police department said the desire to hire more Spanish-speaking officers is because of a growing population in Lawrence that speaks Spanish.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports law enforcement officials have cited the language barrier between Spanish-speaking witnesses and English-speaking investigators to helping slow the pace of an investigation into the November homicide of a Mexican immigrant.

KSU’s Snyder participates in college football’s title game

Posted on January 12, 2015January 13, 2015

KSU coach Bill Snyder on the field prior to Monday's Oregon -Ohio State game — KSU coach Bill Snyder on the field prior to Monday’s Oregon -Ohio State game- courtesy photo

ARLINGTON, TX -Kansas State coach Bill Snyder, Former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and others selected for induction to the College Football Hall of Fame were introduced and participated in the coin toss prior to the College Football National Championship game between Ohio State and Oregon.

For decades the champion of major college football was decided by polls and then the Bowl Championship Series. Monday, for the first time, the title was decided in the final game of a four-team playoff won by Ohio State 42-20.

Social Security won’t seize tax refunds to collect old debts

Posted on January 12, 2015

STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — People who owe old debts to the Social Security Administration are getting a reprieve this tax season: The federal government won’t be seizing their tax refunds.

Social Security suspended a debt collection program last spring in which thousands of people had their tax refunds seized to recoup overpayments that happened more than a decade ago. Members of Congress complained that some people were being forced to repay overpayments they received as children.

Following a review, the agency said Monday it will continue suspending the program this tax season while officials explore possible changes.

Last spring, the agency said it had identified 400,000 people with old debts totaling $714 million. On Monday, the agency said 300,000 people still have old debts.

Obituaries for January 12, 2015

Posted on January 12, 2015

ST. JOSEPH – John V. Joswick, 88, died Sunday, January 11, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
He was born April 25, 1926 to V. Walter and Helen (Szczodroski) Joswick in Royalton, Minn.
John proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked at Armour & Company and later at Seitz from which he retired in 1988. He was also a member of the First Church of the Nazarene and enjoyed hunting and fishing. John was “A lover of sunshine and fresh air.”
Mr. Joswick was preceded in death by his parents; 1st wife, Frances (Carmona) on January 12, 1959; second wife, Alice L. (Saale) on March 23, 2007; infant daughter, Rosemarie; and two brothers, Donald and George Joswick.
Survivors: children, Jonathan Joswick, Jeff Joswick (Judy) and Ali Maley (Gary); seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granchild; and two brothers, Raymond and Leo Joswick.
Healing Farewell: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Crossroads Hospice or The Alzheimer’s Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Lenora M. “Sally” (Bowen) Pratte, 88, died Saturday, January 10, 2015 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born January 6, 1927 in Maloy, Iowa to James and Ruby (Smith) Bowen.
She was a bartender for many years most notably at the Pioneer Room and Monty’s and was also a member of the Rebecka Lodge.
She enjoyed playing cards, especially pitch as she was known as “Mrs. Pitch.” Sally was strong-willed and outspoken, but in a way that you’d appreciate and respect. She also had a great sense of humor that will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Annie Haley, Katie Butler, Jean Herrington, and Belle Graham; brothers, James Jr. “Bobby” Bowen and Jerry “Oscar” Bowen.
Survivors: children, Donna Weston (Doug) of St. Joseph, and Arnie Bowen (Connie) of Blue Rapids, Kan.; grandchildren, Kelly, Kim, Karey, and Jackson; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Alice Johnston, Micky Routh, and Sandy Hulett; brothers, Joe Bowen (Alice) and Larry Bowen (Sharon); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Inurnment Platte River Cemetery, Maloy Iowa at a later date. Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

LENEXA, Kan. – Donnel Verne Paden (“Don”), formerly of St. Joseph and Faucett, Mo., died January 10, 2015 in Lenexa. He finished well with strength and dignity, at peace with his life here on earth and with his Lord Jesus Christ. The youngest of four children, Don was born August 14, 1933 in Elwood, Kan., to David T. and Berenice Bee (Glasscock) Paden. They later moved to St. Joseph, where Don attended Central High School and later Marshall University Preparatory School in Huntington, W.V.
He also spent his childhood summers in Cabool, Mo., with his maternal grandparents on the farm. In 1956 he married Margaret Ann Black, the love of his life, and enjoyed 50 wonderful years with her. They resided in St. Joseph until 1998 when they moved to live their country dream in Faucett. She preceded him to heaven in 2006. Don moved to the Kansas City area in early 2012.
Don was an avid outdoorsman, gun collector, gardener and craftsman. He was a hard-working man of strength and integrity who gave his best and his all for his family. Over the years, he and Margaret Ann took many road trips including to their two favorite places: Cheyenne, Wy., and Branson, Mo. Don spent 17 meaningful years in service as a brakeman and conductor for the Burlington Northern Railroad and in later years joined the team at Westlake Ace Hardware in St. Joseph.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret Ann; two brothers, Neal and Dale; and a sister, Beverly Harris.
He is survived by his four children, Darryl (Peggy) Paden of Canton, Ohio; Jennifer (Bernie) Hartman of Wathena; Jeff (Julie) Paden of Springfield, Mo.; and Rebecca (Stuart) Jones of Prairie Village, Kan., as well as his former daughter-in-law, Paula Schoen Paden of Springfield; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a very dear cousin Al (Linda) Paden of Smithville, Mo.; many cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Healing Farewell: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, where friends may call after 4 p.m. Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Faucett Baptist Church or the Kansas City Chapter of The National Parkinson’s Foundation. Or simply hang a new bird feeder near your window and remember him. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.