Post Staff – Page 871 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Obituaries for October 15, 2014

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Helen Margurette Wideman Hodge Davison, 91, formerly of Hopkins, Mo., died Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Golden Living Center, Maryville.
Helen was born February 6, 1923 in Jefferson County, near Desoto, Mo., to George Wisely and Emily Dorothy (Siebels) Wideman. She grew up on a farm and attended country school in that area.
On May 25, 1943 Helen married Joseph Sydney Hodge in DeSoto. Born to this union were two boys, Joe and Karl Hodge. The family lived happily in the DeSoto area until the accidental death of her husband on September 23, 1946. Helen then went to work in a local glass factory to support her family.
On August 27, 1949 Helen married Harlan Davison and lived on a farm in the Hopkins area for forty-eight years. They raised a blended family: their son, Terry (Marsha) Davison, Hopkins; Harland’s children, Richard (Carol) Davison of Maloy, Iowa; Ken (Joyce) Davison of Maryville; Jack (Phillis) Davison of Macon, Mo.; Sharon (Sherrill) Swink of Udall, Kan.; Sue Dalles of St. Joseph; Larry (Pam) Davison of Hopkins; Joe (Lois) Hodge of Bedford, Iowa; and Karl (B.J.) Hodge of Maryville.
After Harlan’s death on October 6, Helen moved to Maryville in December 1998. Here, she raised an annual garden, grew flowers and kept her lawn and home in nearly perfect condition. Everything had a place and everything, indeed, was in its place. Helen won a Home Beautification Award for her work.
Throughout her life, Helen especially enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking, and being out of doors in general. She was an exceptional cook. Her food was often enjoyed not only by her family, but, also by friends and neighbors. In her later years, Helen took great pride in creating quilt tops and giving the finished creations to her family.
While in the Hopkins area and in good health, she attended the Hopkins Baptist Church. In later years she moved her attendance to the Maryville First Baptist Church.
In addition to her spouses, and parents, Helen was preceded in death by son, Ken Davison; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Mae. Wideman; sister and brother- in-law: Blanche and Floyd Johnson; brother-in-law: Henry Haverstick and grandson: Michael Hodge.
In addition to her children, she is survived by a sister, Opal Haverstick of Union, Mo.; 28 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation is anytime at Price Funeral Home, Maryville. Funeral Services are 2 p.m., Friday, October 17, 2014 at Maryville First Baptist Church, Maryville with burial in the Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Mo.
Memorials may be given to the Hopkins Cemetery Association or the First Baptist Church in Maryville.
Arrangements: Price Funeral Home www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

ST. JOSEPH – Dorothy Jean Pettijohn, 88, was called home to our Lord on Tuesday, October 14, 2014.
Dorothy was born September 18, 1926 to Forrest and Pansy (Walker) Castle in Jackson, Tenn.
She was a graduate of Lafayette High School in St. Joseph. Her previous employments were with the former Plymouth Clothing, Company, Southwestern Bell and twenty years as Librarian at Mark Twain Elementary School.
She was also a devoted wife to her husband, Wesley and loving mother to her four children. Dorothy loved her flower gardens and camping trips with her family.
Mrs. Pettijohn was a member of Ashland Avenue United Methodist Church. During her life she was a member of the North St. Joseph Study Club, a Girl Scout Leader and a Cub Scout Den Mother. She was involved with Friends of Education Bowling League. She volunteered countless hours to the Alzheimer’s Association and as a tour guide for the Pony Express Museum.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley; son, Brent Pettijohn; parents, Pansy and Forrest Castle; and her brother, Robert Castle.
She is survived by her three daughters, Nancy Arn (Don), Pittsburg, Mo., Karen Sparks (Larry), St. Joseph, and Jan Wood (Dave), Nixa, Mo.; six grandchildren, Ryan and Jay Arn, Marc Sparks, Heather Horton, Sheila Martin and Krystal Isringhausen; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly June Schneider; and brother, Charles Castle (Marylou).
Services: 10 a.m., Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hands of Hope Hospice. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Larry Joe Foutch, 84, died Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born July 21, 1930 to Harry and Nova (Hickman) Foutch. Larry married Harriet Branham, August 8, 1957. He was a Special Education teacher.
He played in a band in his younger years and was a member of N.R.A. and loved to shoot black powder guns. He was also a member of the Pierce-Arrow Club, had been a real estate agent, insurance adjuster and the last few years had been a Special Education teacher at Central High School.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors: wife, Harriet; son, Gary Foutch, Bellevue, Neb.; grandson, Kody Foutch (Casey), Neosho, Mo.; great-grandson, Chase Foutch; great-granddaughter, Kenzee Foutch; brother, Gene Foutch; and niece, Tara Foutch.
Graveside Services: 3 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Elaine Anna Ginn, 77, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 at her home.
She was born July 17, 1937 to Owen and Sarah (Hasten) Ginn in St. Joseph.
She was a member of Holsey Chapel ICM and liked to work puzzles.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; several sisters and brothers; and son-in-law, Cassius Jackson.
Survivors: daughter, Leona Jackson, St. Joseph; son, Leonard Ginn, St. Joseph; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; twin sister, Elatha Nunley, St. Joseph; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services: 1 p.m., Saturday, Holsey Chapel ICM. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Mrs. Ginn will be removed from Meierhoffer Funeral Home and 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 the donor’s choice. Thank you to Hands of Hope Hospice for your care of Elaine. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

MOUND CITY, Mo. – Hope Elizabeth Helfers, 96, Formerly of Craig, Mo., passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at Tiffany Heights Nursing Home.
She was born July 29, 1918 to Edgar and Maude (Davis) Gray. She married Welton Helfers, February 25, 1940.
Hope graduated from Craig high School Class of 1935. She was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and later at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. While at St. Peter she was the past president of the Ladies Aid and Dorcas Circle. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed gardening and quilting.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son-in-law, Stephen Howard; six brothers, Ralph, Harold, Dean, Carl, Donald and Emory; three sisters, Edna, Marian and Doris.
Survivors: children, Barbara Wickham (Terry), St. Joseph, Larry Helfers (Lynne), Craig, Mo., Patty Howard, St. Joseph, and Rod Helfers (Leigh), Mound City; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services: 1 p.m., Friday, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Mound City. Interment I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Craig. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Pettijohn and Crawford Funeral Home, Mound City. For those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.pettijohncrawford.com.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – Stephen K. Schneider, 74, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 at a healthcare facility in Independence.
He was born January 14, 1940 to Lawrence and Edna (Huff) Schneider in St. Joseph.
He retired from the St. Joseph Police Department. Stephen was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and spent his time after retirement fishing.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors: children, Stephanie Chatfield (Charles), Gretchen Schneider, Kansas City, Mo., Wyatt Schneider, St. Joseph, and Bradley Schneider; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Roger Easton Pankau II, 46, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2014.
He was born July 10, 1968 in St. Joseph. He graduated from Central High School and worked in the food service industry, at Perkins, and the St. Joseph School District. He enjoyed fishing, camping, football, playing pool and hanging out with his friends and family, and he was a Christian.
Survivors include: mother, Rosa (Tom) Schiltz; father, Roger Easton (Frances) Pankau; a son, Tyler Pankau (Ashley Weyer) all of St. Joseph; daughter, Adrienne Vaughn of Texas; three grandchildren, Keaton, Michael, Katelynn; a brother, Jason (Charlotte) Thomas; and a sister, Ronda Pankau (Sean Thompson) all of St. Joseph.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., on Monday, October 20, 2014 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m., on Monday at Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Blakely Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Roger Pankau memorial fund. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

MoDOT relaxes truck weight limits to prevent harvest delays

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

The Missouri Department of Transportation has agreed to allow heavier than normal truck loads of farm commodities on Missouri highways.

The ten percent weight-limit increase was prompted by heavy rains and their affect on farmers’ ability to harvest crops in many areas of the state. Governor Jay Nixon made the announcement Wednesday during a visit to BioZyme in St Joseph.

“Many farmers are seeing record harvests this year, but heavy rains over the past few weeks are making it harder for thenm to get these valuable crops out of the fields,” Governor Nixon said.

“With the prime harvest season underway, this emergency waiver will provide timely and much-needed relief to farmers affected by these conditions.

“Without action to help them harvest more quickly, many Missouri farmers faced the possibility of real financial hardship — despite producing strong yields of corn, soybeans and other crops. I thank the Missouri Department of Agriculture and MoDOT for working together to support Missouri farmers and keep this vital sector of our economy moving forward.”

The waiver will remain in effect for the next 60 days. While the waiver is in effect, participating motor carriers are limited to a loaded, gross weight no greater than ten percent above the gross licensed weight of the commercial motor vehicle. The changes affect transport of commodities from the farm to another facility, transportation between facilities and empty return trips on non-interstate highways within the State of Missouri.

MoDOT requires those drivers to slow down to 30 miles per hour when crossing a bridge, and to yield to oncoming traffic on bridges.

Toyota recalls Lexuses in US for fuel leak risk

Posted on October 15, 2014

DETROIT (AP) — Toyota is recalling about 423,000 older-model Lexus luxury cars in the U.S. because a gasket can leak fuel and possibly cause a fire. The recall is among three global recalls that Toyota announced Wednesday totaling about 1.7 million vehicles.

The recall covers the LS model from the 2007 through 2010 model years, as well as the 2006 to 2011 GS and IS. Also affected are the 2010 IS-C and the 2008 to 2010 IS-F. All have Toyota’s UR or GR engines.

The company says in a statement that a fuel system gasket can become degraded and leak. No fires, crashes or injuries have been reported.

The Lexus recall is part of a larger recall of 759,000 cars worldwide that also covers the Crown Majesta, Crown and Mark X in Japan.

Convicted Murderer Dies In DOC Custody

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

A 45-year-old convicted murderer has died in state custody.

In a news release, the Missouri Department of Corrections announced the death of Mark Beel. Officials say Beel was pronounced dead on Friday, October 10, and 3:02am at the Western Missouri Correctional Center in Cameron.

Beel was serving an 18-year sentence for second-degree murder from St Louis County. He was received in the DOC on October 31 last year.

Prison officials say Beel died of apparent natural causes.

WHAT A CATCH!!! (VIDEO)

Posted on October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

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Quotes from some key Royals on Mike Moustakas’ amazing catch in the top of the sixth inning Tuesday night.

“That’s one of the best catches I’ve ever seen in baseball, ever,” says Alcides Escobar. He then used the word “wow” several times.

Jason Frasor, the relief pitcher on the mound at the time: “We need that out,” Frasor says.

“It was pretty awesome,” Moustakas says.

One more quote, from pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, came to us from Twitter: “My intention was not to anger O’s fans or friends w/ my shirt 2night. I apologize to those offended. Did not consider this reaction. Go Royals”

He was referring to the t-shirt he wore to a post-game news conference that read “These O’s Ain’t Royal.”

Kansas names 3 new innovative school districts

Posted on October 15, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas State Board of Education has added three school districts to a program that allows them to operate with less regulation in hopes of boosting student performance.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the board approved innovative-district applications from the Hugoton, Blue Valley and Kansas City, Kansas, districts.

The board previously approved applications from the McPherson and Concordia districts under a 2013 law aimed at allowing districts to pursue creative strategies for improving student achievement.

For example, the Blue Valley district in Johnson County sought an exemption from some teacher licensing requirements.

But it’s still not clear how free of regulation the five districts will be, because the state board and the districts have adopted bylaws for the innovative schools program.

inter wheat planting, fall harvest makes progress

Posted on October 15, 2014

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Rain across most of Kansas in the past week slowed the harvest of fall crops, but farmers still made progress.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Tuesday that Kansas farmers were still busy harvesting row crops, seeding wheat and marketing livestock.

Winter wheat planting in the state is now 67 percent complete. About 42 percent of the crop has emerged.

Corn harvest in the state is 56 percent finished.

Sorghum harvest is 15 percent done, while the soybean harvest is at the 18 percent mark. About 7 percent of the sunflower crop has also been cut.

Private company takes school lunch program from red ink to black in one year

Posted on October 14, 2014

Tonya McCrea, Director of Nutrition Services

It was a year ago next week that the Saint Joseph School District turned its lunch and breakfast program over to a private company. Director Tonya McCrea says Opaa! Food Management is successfully implementing new federal nutrition standards, and students are adapting to the changes.

She says the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act will impose more new standards in two years, and another batch of new rules two years after that.

Dr. Fred Czerwonka, Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent Dr. Fred Czerwonka says Opaa! has also taken the program from a $600,000 deficit to a projected $400,000 surplus by the end of this year, a $1-million change for the better.

UPDATE: Routes Closed Due to Flooding in Northwest Missouri

Posted on October 14, 2014October 14, 2014

ST. JOSEPH – Several routes in Northwest Missouri remain CLOSED due to water over the roads and others have reopened, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. MoDOT encourages travelers to check the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org/northwest for closures before heading out.

The following routes are closed for travel until further notice:

The following routes are now open after flooding:

Motorists will need to use alternate routes. MoDOT apologizes for any inconvenience these necessary closures may cause. MoDOT encourages everyone to pay attention to barricades and Turn Around! Don’t Drown!

For more information about this and other MoDOT projects, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636 ) or visit www.modot.org/northwest and view the online Traveler Information Map. In addition, MoDOT provides updated information on Twitter @MoDOTNorthwest and Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MoDOTNWDistrict.

KDOT announces plan to repair a bridge near you

Posted on October 14, 2014October 14, 2014

Kansas Department of Transportation

Cities and counties receiving funding under a Kansas Department of Transportation program designed to reduce the number of deficient bridges on local road system have been selected. The recipients of 77 local bridge projects were announced by KDOT Secretary Mike King today in Hays.

Seventy-five counties and two cities will receive a combined total of more than $10 million in state funding under the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program. Under this new program, the state contributes 90 percent of the total project cost, and the local public authority contributes 10 percent. The state funds are capped at $120,000 or $160,000 if the local jurisdiction chooses to remove a second structure.
KDOT is providing funding to improve, replace or rehabilitate locally-owned, deficient bridges in order to improve the overall transportation system in Kansas. This bridge program targets bridges with a daily vehicle count of less than 100 and a length of 20 to 50 feet.

**Includes funds for Doniphan County. (click to enlarge)**

“This program proved to be extremely popular,” King said. “Every local community that applied for funding and was qualified is receiving funding. These bridges might have low traffic numbers but they are important to the farmers that use them to get their equipment to fields and crops to market.”

There are approximately 20,000 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems and about 18 percent of those are structurally deficient. Of those, about 1,800 to 1,900 bridges fall within the target range for length and traffic.