Post Staff – Page 796 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Kansas sees lowest tornado total in 25 years

Posted on December 29, 2014

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas officials say the state saw the lowest number of tornadoes this year in 25 years.

The Wichita Eagle reports only 40 tornadoes were recorded so far in 2014. It’s less than half of the state’s 30-year average of 81.

This year’s figure also is the fourth-lowest total since tornado statistics began being kept in 1950. It’s also the third consecutive year of below-normal tornado totals in Kansas.

But weather officials say the decline is a mixed blessing. While fewer tornadoes means fewer opportunities for deaths, injuries and property damage, they say it also increases the chances of complacency in residents’ preparation for severe weather safety.

Grain bin blast shakes houses miles away

Posted on December 29, 2014

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshall’s Office are investigating an explosion at a grain bin December 26 that shook houses miles away. Authorities believe it may be tied to other similar incidents, and they’re hoping you can help find the person or persons responsible.

On the evening of December 26 the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Hale Fire, and Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services were summoned to a location on Liv 385 north of the Livingston and Carroll County line.

The emergency responders found no one at the scene and did not receive any reports of injury.

Livingston County Sheriff Steve Cox says in a news release that their preliminary investigation shows the grain bin was completely destroyed and blown from the foundation. The debris radius was initially estimated to be over 200 yards and parts were thrown against an adjacent barn.

Various reports from citizens in both counties, including several who heard the explosion as far away as Meadville and Chillicothe while others said it shook their homes.

We have received unconfirmed information that similar incident(s) have taken place in another nearby county. If you have any information on this or similar incidents please call the LCSO at 660-646-0515 or the nearest law enforcement agency.

An investigation continues into the exact cause of the blast.

Kansas, Missouri question safety of guardrails

Posted on December 29, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri and Kansas transportation officials have suspended installations of a guardrail system over concerns about its safety.

Critics of the ET-Plus guardrail systems contend its design allows sections of metal to break off and run through vehicles that collide with the rails.

The system is manufactured by Trinity Industries in Dallas. The Kansas City Star reports a Trinity spokesman defended the guardrails and predicted new federally required crash tests underway in San Antonio will show the product is safe.

A recent study funded partly by Missouri found that ET-Plus is almost four times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than an earlier guardrail system.

Missouri suspended installations after survivors of a northwest Missouri man sued over an accident involving the ET-Plus system.

Obama: Despite protests, race relations better

Posted on December 29, 2014

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says the U.S. is less racially divided than it was when he took office, despite recent protests over police treatment of black people.

Obama says mistrust between police and minorities isn’t new. He says it’s being talked about more because the proliferation of smartphones allows more interactions to be recorded.

The president says he thinks the issue of race has surfaced in a healthy way.

Obama spoke to NPR News before leaving for his winter vacation in Hawaii. He says it’s understandable that many people feel race relations have worsened, pointing to extensive media coverage of protests in Ferguson, Missouri, and in New York. But he says minorities who have dealt with discrimination all their lives know things have improved.

Kan. Lt. Gov. spends holidays on relief mission

Posted on December 29, 2014December 29, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer is spending the holidays providing medical relief in the Middle East.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Colyer estimates he’s been on more than two dozen missions during almost 30 years of volunteering with International Medical Corps. The non-governmental relief agency is made up of doctors, surgeons and other health workers.

As a plastic surgeon, most of the medical work Colyer does involves treating people with gunshot wounds, severe burns and shrapnel injuries from bombings.

Security concerns prevent him from saying exactly where he’ll be this holiday season. But in the past, he was part of a relief mission when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. He also helped the victims of genocide in Rwanda and went to Iraq in 2003 after the U.S. invasion.

Manhattan staging New Year’s Eve ball drop

Posted on December 29, 2014December 29, 2014

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — An estimated 10,000 New Year’s Eve revelers are expected to turn out in the Kansas town known as the Little Apple for a ball-drop event modeled after the one in New York’s Times Square.

Manhattan is staging its annual New Year’s Eve celebration in the Aggieville bar and entertainment district. Wednesday’s festivities begin at 10 p.m. and include a laser light show. The event culminates at midnight with the lowering of a ball from atop Varney’s bookstore.

It’s reminiscent of the ball drop in the Big Apple, a Times Square tradition for more than a century.

The event will feature former Miss Kansas Theresa Vail. The Army National Guard sergeant was believed to have been the first Miss America contestant to openly display tattoos.

Obituaries for December 29, 2014

Posted on December 29, 2014December 29, 2014

ST. JOSEPH – William Joseph Ashby, 58, died Friday December 26, 2014.
Born September 22, 1956 in Folsonville, Ind., preceded in death by parents: Genevieve and John Ashby.
Survivors: three sisters, Carol Kraeger, Nancy Kilgore, Beverly Ashby; three brothers, Lester Ashby Dennis Ashby, and David Ashby. Cremation to be completed under the care and direction of Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – June Marie Griffin, 78, passed away Saturday December 27, 2014 at a St. Joseph health care center. She was born September 30, 1936 in St. Joseph, daughter of Ada and Ray Ball. She graduated from Benton high school in 1955. She worked at Wal-Mart retiring after 20 years of service from the pharmacy department. She loved animals and was a member of the North Church of God. June was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Griffin; and her parents.
She is survived by son, Mike (Linda) Older of St. Joseph; step-children: Phyllis (Bruce) Filley of Plattsburg, Mo., David Griffin of Idaho, and Carolyn O’Brien; numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday with a memorial service to be conducted at 7 p.m., at Rupp Funeral Home. The inurnment will be at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Modini at a later date. Memorials are requested to the St. Joseph Humane Society. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – Orris L. Langley, 82, passed away Saturday, December 27, 2014 in a Kansas City, Mo., hospital. He was born June 29, 1932 in St. Joseph, son of Nora and Thomas Langley.
He graduated from Benton High School class of 1950 and married Almeda Grable on December 31, 1953 celebrating 60 years together. He served in the Army and is a veteran of the Korean War. He worked at Seitz meat packing in the Luncheon Meat department retiring after 28 years of service. He liked to dance in his younger years and also enjoyed baseball, but most especially he was a wonderful father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family.He was a member of the American Legion, and for a short time with the Air National Guard and a member of the former Hyde Valley United Methodist.
Orris was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Dennis Ray Langley.
Survivors include, wife, Almeda Langley of the home; son, Brad (Linda) Langley of Raytown, Mo.; daughter, Karen Kennedy of Lees Summit, Mo.; three grandchildren: Thomas (Katie) Langley of Kansas City, Margaret “Maggie” Langley, and Austin Kennedy; a great-grandson, Anthony Brown; a sister, Delores Magana of Greenwood, Mo.; and a neighbor and best of friends, Virginia Neff and family; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Leanna VanZandt officiating, The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m., on Saturday at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Sparta Cemetery . Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

UNION STAR, Mo. – Gertrude Maxine Parham, 86, died Saturday, December 27, 2014 at her home.
She was born March 15, 1928 to Ora and Cora (Marquis) Brouhard in St. Joseph.
Maxine married Doyle C. Parham April 4, 1950. He preceded her in death in 1984.
She had worked for Noma Lights and Motel Six. Maxine was a religious lady who cared about others and family was the most important thing to her. She was known to feed the homeless and was always there for people in a time of need.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Edna Butterfield and Dorothy Kuzler; brother, Wayne “Pete” Brouhard; children, Jakey Cogdill and Alma Stiglic; and grandchildren, Erin and Skyler Walker, Michela Cummings, Brandon and Arieonna Stallsworth.
Survivors: children, Sharon Mitchell (William), Carolyn Mitchell (Charles), Roberta Walker, Doylene Ball (Eddie), Clifford Parham, Gary Parham, Richard Parham (Sandy) and Carl Parham; brother, Wesley “Jack” Brouhard; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Healing Farewell: 1 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Ashland Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory where friends may call after 5 p.m., Tuesday. 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.

ST. JOSEPH – Marvin D. Hawkins, 82, passed away Saturday.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Martha Hawkins.
He retired from UPS after 22 years as a truck driver.
Survivors: Wife, Mary; daughter, Carla Idlet; son, Virgil; sisters, Donna Searcy and Vernell Pierson; and several nieces and nephews.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.

ST. JOSEPH – Pamela Wineinger, 58, died Friday, December 26, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born August 18, 1956 to James and Sammy (Whitaker) Wineinger in St. Joseph.
Pamela was a waitress at Holiday Inn.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dennis and Sam Wineinger; and son, Chad Wineinger.
Survivors: brothers, Bill Wineinger and Doug (Diane) Wineinger; sisters-in-law, Janis Wineinger and Jennifer Wineinger.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to be made to the funeral home to help defray funeral expenses. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Yoselyn Adilene Marin Presto, passed peacefully in the arms of her loving parents on Saturday, December 27, 2014. Yoselyn was born October 26, 2014. During her cherished short days here on Earth she touched many lives and was loved deeply by family and friends. Her life was a brief gift to us that will lived on as her light will shine down upon us all. Yoselyn is the daughter of Jerry and Luz Marin Presto of St. Joseph.
Additional survivors are: paternal grandparents, Vince and Jackie Presto and Toni Presto (Doug Rose); maternal grandparents, Bernardo and Amparo Marin; aunts, Ana, Anel, and Jordan; uncles, Joseph, Justin, Omar and Eden.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday December 31, 2014 at Rupp Chapel, Father Eric Schneider officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., one hour prior to the service. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Yoselyn Presto memorial fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Dominique Maye, 20, passed away December 28, 2014 at his residence.
Dom was born January 28, 1994 in Glendora, Calif. He later moved to St. Joseph where he attended Benton High School.
Preceding him in death is his father; and his paternal grandparents.
Dom is survived by his mother, Tamara Maye; a son, Kamarion Maye; brother, Benjamin Phillips; and Step siblings, Harry, Nestor, Donna and Hollie Phillips; his maternal grandparents, Benjamin Maye and Linda Sanders; uncle, Joseph Harris; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Dom will be cremated under direction of Clark-Sampson Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will take place at a later date.
A memorial donation site has been set up through GoFundMe.com in the name of Dominique Maye. Click here to donate: obituary and condolences at www.clarksampson.com

ST. JOSEPH – Diana Kay (Shortle) Crowder, 56, passed away Monday, December 29, 2014 at Mosaic Life Care. She was born March 26, 1958 in St. Joseph, daughter of Virginia and Jerry Shortle. She graduated from Benton High School class of 1976 and was a member of the National Honor Society. She worked at several local businesses as a secretary. She enjoyed decorating, flee markets, antiques, and second hand stores, and was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.
Survivors include, her parents, a daughter, Jennifer Crowder of the home, four sisters, Kathy Buffey, Lisa (Mike) Gilbert of St. Joseph, Kristy (Willie) Johnson of Avondale, MO, and Michelle Shortle of Gladstone, MO, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am, on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. James Barnett officiating, The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00 AM on Friday one hour prior to the service. The Interment will be at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Wesley United Methodist Church. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Loyal M. Oxley-Smith, 96, died Sunday, December 28, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born November 10, 1918 in Prairie Home, Missouri to Herman and Olive (Meek) Kuhn, who preceded her in death.
Loyal married John W. Oxley January 20, 1939 and he preceded her in death in 1990. Loyal married George Smith in January of 1992 and he also preceded her in death in 2006.
She held a secretarial position with Quaker Oats. Loyal was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church and was an avid bridge player.
Survivors: sons, John Oxley (Cheryl) and Phillip Oxley (Brenda) all of St. Joseph; brother, Robert Kuhn; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Healing Farewell: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 9 to 10 a.m., Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Noyes Home for Children or Second Harvest Food Bank. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Sony: PlayStation back online after 3-day outage

Posted on December 29, 2014

The Associated Press

Sony says its PlayStation Network is back online after three days of disruptions that began on Christmas.

But the company said Sunday that heavy traffic might continue to cause problems for customers seeking to play their favorite games.

A group of hackers called Lizard Squad — or someone claiming to speak for it — took credit for the disruptions. In a blog post Saturday night saying service had been restored, Sony vice president Catherine Jensen added that “PlayStation Network and some other gaming services were attacked over the holidays with artificially high levels of traffic to disrupt connectivity and online gameplay.”

Microsoft’s Xbox Live service, which also went down Thursday, was back online Friday, although the company reported continuing problems.

Koch CEO vows to take on criminal justice system

Posted on December 28, 2014

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Billionaire Koch Industries leader Charles Koch is vowing to step up his effort to reform the legal system over the next year.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the Wichita-based company’s chairman and CEO says the nation’s criminal justice system needs to be fairer and the sentences “more appropriate.”

He began giving money ten years ago to support efforts by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers to help train defense lawyers. He says he’s going to give more to that effort.

Koch’s chief counsel, Mark Holden, says legislators in recent decades drifted into a habit of adding more laws every year and taking stands to show themselves as “getting tough on crime.” He says it has gone too far and that the weight has fallen most heavily on minorities.

Analysis: Some rape cases tough to prosecute

Posted on December 28, 2014

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A newspaper analysis of court records in the county where the University of Kansas is located has found that alcohol-fueled acquaintance rape cases are challenging to prosecute.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that in the past 10 years, Douglas County juries convicted three rapists. In the cases, the rapists overpowered their victims, threatened them with weapons or broke into their homes.

But in the few rape trials involving a drunken victim who had been socializing with her alleged attacker, juries acquitted the accused rapist each time. More cases of this sort never went to trial, and defendants either pleaded to lesser crimes or saw their charges dismissed altogether.

One challenge is witness accounts blurred by booze. Another issue is victims’ unwillingness to rehash a personally violating experience in public.