Post Staff – Page 874 – St. Joseph Post Archive

New Prosecutor, New Judge; Is New Venue Next?

Posted on October 7, 2014

Complications have arisen in the case of a former Caldwell County evidence officer accused of stealing evidence. Brett O’Dell was scheduled for Circuit Court arraignment in Caldwell County Monday. But the case has been transferred to a new judge.

Officials say Daviess County Circuit Court Judge Daren Adkins will take over in the matter. A special prosecutor has also been appointed in the case. It’s not yet clear where, or if, the matter will go to trial.

O’Dell is free on $25,000 bond on two counts of stealing and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was charged a just over a year ago, accused of stealing pills and cash from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s evidence vault.

Last month he waived his preliminary hearing. But before Circuit Court arraignment could occur, O’Dell’s defense lawyer asked for assignment of a new judge. The Presiding Judge in the 43rd Judicial Circuit, Thoman Chapman, appointed judge Adkins to take over. Douglas Roberts was assigned as special prosecutor earlier.

KC Man Faces Life In Prison As Accused Sex Predator

Posted on October 7, 2014October 8, 2014

A four-year long episode of child sex abuse, and the child pornography images that resulted, land a Kansas City man in jail facing a life prison term as a predatory sex offender

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd says Charles Burge is a prior sex offender. Burge, 35, was charged last week with first degree statutory rape, sexual exploitation of a minor, enticement of a child, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Zahnd says the investigation began with a request to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for help identifying a series of child porn images. The Department of Homeland Security in Boston began attempting to identify the victim in the images last March.

The series consisted of approximately 140 images which Zahnd says chronicle approximately four years of abuse of an 11-year-old girl. The images were altered electronically to hide things in the images that might reveal the perpetrator’s identity or location.

Authorities were able to identify the victim in the photos as a girl living in Platte County. They executed a search warrant at a residence, and found both the defendant and the victim, along with numerous items depicted in the background of the online images.

Prosecutors say Burge was convicted of rape in Arkansas in 1996. He is currently on probation in Platte County for failing to register as a sex offender. Burge has been charged as a predatory sex offender, which carries a mandatory life sentence. He is currently being held under $500,000.00 cash only bond.

Guilty Plea In NW Missouri Murder Case

Posted on October 7, 2014October 7, 2014

A 36-year-old Galt, Missouri man was ordered to serve 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of another man two years ago.

The case had been scheduled to go to trial in Grundy County Tuesday.

According to online court records, Patrick Courtney pleaded guilty Monday to charges filed in connection with the death of Christopher Molloy on September 20, 2012.

A judge sentenced Courtney to serve 20 years in prison for 2nd degree murder, and three years for armed criminal action. Judge Jack Peace ordered the two terms to be served concurrently, or at the same time.

Central High School Celebrates 150 Years; Wikipedia Edit In Progress?

Posted on October 7, 2014October 7, 2014

Someone at St Joseph Central High School needs to edit the Wikipedia entry for their school. According to Wiki,the school “was first established on May 8, 1895, when St. Joseph High School was built at 13th & Olive Street.”

But according to the school history provided by the St Joseph School District, three students started classes in 1863. The school is celebrating 150 years this Friday, and might want to use its planned events to bolster a new Wikipedia entry.

There will be a special proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives. School officials will unveil two new banners to hang from the columns at the school. Sky divers will land on the football field prior to Friday’s game.

Students from Truman and Bode Middle Schools will be “trekking” to the game.

Kansas man sentenced for bank fraud in apartment deal

Posted on October 6, 2014

United States Attorney’s Office

A Topeka man was sentenced Monday to 57 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud charges in connection with a plan to build an apartment complex in Junction City, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

John Wyatt Duncan, Jr., 53, Topeka, pleaded guilty to two count of bank fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of making false statements in documents required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act

In court documents, Duncan was alleged to have obtained a $15.2 million construction loan for the purpose of building Quinton Pointe Apartments in Junction City. He was required to provide $1,225,000 in collateral. He signed a letter to the lender, University National Bank of Lawrence, Kan., falsely stating that lumber for the construction of the apartment complex, representing collateral for the loan, was prepaid in full and being held by Schmidt Builders….a company for which he was chief executive officer. He instructed employees of Schmidt Builders to create a false invoice in an amount of more than $1.3 million to a company he owned called Blue Jay Properties LLC in order to create the false appearance that Blue Jay Properties had prepaid Schmidt Builders for the lumber.

In another count, Schmidt Builders acquired a $12 million line of credit loan from Kaw Valley national Bank of Topeka and agreed to provide the bank with monthly financial reports. Duncan submitted reports to the bank containing false information about the age of certain accounts receivable and the amount of inventory on hand.

Obituaries for October 6, 2014

Posted on October 6, 2014October 6, 2014

ST. JOSEPH – Jennifer Anne Crawford, 47, passed away Friday October 3, 2014 at her home unexpectedly.
She was born February 18, 1967 in St. Joseph, daughter of Anita and David Crawford. She attended North Andrew High School, and was a Homemaker. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister who had many cherished nieces, nephews and friends. She never knew a stranger and she will be missed by all who knew her. Jennifer loved collecting Angels, and she is now with them as she loved so well. Jennifer was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Oneta and Delmer Stotts; paternal grandmother, Christine Davis; paternal grandfather, Charles “Ed” Crawford.
She is survived by her parents, David and Anita Crawford of St. Joseph; two daughters, Jessica (Richard) Hughes, St. Joseph and Lorena Wallace of Seattle, Wash.; a son, Curtis Brown of Seattle; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother, Dean (Vickie) Crawford of Conception, Mo.; two sisters, Patrea (Patrick) Phipps and DaNita Crawford both of St. Joseph; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
She will be cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. There will be a graveside memorial service conducted at 3 p.m., Monday, at the Fillmore Cemetery, Fillmore, Mo. Memorials are requested to the Jennifer Crawford memorial fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – Olga (Spencer) Bates, 83, St. Joseph, Missouri went to heaven on October 3, 2014.
She was born September 26, 1931 in Clarksdale, Mo., to R. Clay and Mabel Trussell.
She went to grade school and high school in Clarksdale, and Platte-Guard Business School in St. Joseph.
Olga married Darrell Spencer on March 9, 1951. They made their home in Clarksdale, moved to Columbia, Mo., in 1960 and then to Longmont, Colo., in 1971. She later married Joseph Bates.
Survivors: daughters, Cindy VanDuyne, St. Joseph and Ann Milewski, New Hampshire; grandchildren, Stacy VanDuyne, Colorado, Jesse Nichols, Colorado, Clovis Spencer, New Hampshire, Amanda Harvey (Mike), Arthur Maguire and Matthew Maguire, New Hampshire; great grandsons, Dylan and Jeremiah Jenkins, Colorado and Connor Joseph Harvey, New Hampshire; sister, Octa Enslow, Colorado; and brother-in-law, Dennis Spencer, Missouri.
She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother and aunt. Olga will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clay and Mabel Trussell; husbands Darrell Spencer and Joseph Bates; sisters, Glenna Wood, Nita Trussell and J.W. Trussell; and son-in-law, Joseph Milewski.
Memorial Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Hawman Center, Clarksdale. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Donald R. Wykert, 72, died Friday, October 3, 2014 at his home.
He was born November 16, 1941 in Highland, Kan., to Harold and Gladys (Harness) Wykert.
Donald married Janet K. Benner September 3, 1971. She survives of the home.
Mr. Wykert served in the United States Army. He had farmed in the Amazonia area. He was a member of the Amazonia Lions Club and former Mason and Shrine member.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Kelli Wykert.
Survivors: wife, Janet Wykert; two daughters, Kari Tyree (Dave) and Traci Wykert; two step children, Kenny Tanner (Debbie) and Kelly Walls (Jeffrey); two sisters, Dixie Meng (Bob) and Pat Masters (Terry); two brothers, Johnny Wykert (Nanci) and Jimmy Wykert; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial Services: 1 p.m., Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. The family suggests memorial gifts to Hands of Hope Hospice, Green Valley Baptist Church or Amazonia Lions Club. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

AMAZONIA, Mo. – Connie Lou (Allison) Black, 66, of Amazonia, Mo., passed away Thursday, October 2, 2014 at KU Medical Center.
She was born in Maysville, Mo., on July 1, 1948 to J.W. and Louise (Smith) Allison. Connie was a 1966 graduate of Benton High School and attended St. Joseph Junior College.
She married Victor L. (Buck) Black on September 12, 1970. Connie worked various jobs including Bill Kinney Drug Store, TSC, Riss Truck Lines, and Presto-x Pest Control. Co-Owner of Country Flowers & Gifts (Maysville), Owner of the Third Street Gifts and was currently Secretary and Vice President of Black Gunite Inc.
She was a member of the Amazonia United Methodist Church, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Roubidoux Rebekah Lodge and manager of SAB LLC. She was active in the Amazonia community.
Connie was preceded in death by her father, J.W. Allison; and step father, Wayne McFee.
Surviving of the home is husband, Buck and granddaughter, Cayla; additional survivors include daughter, Buffy; grandsons, Remy and Tesla; granddaughters, Sophia and Iceland; mother, Louise (Allison) McFee of Maysville; brothers, Harold Allison (Jackie) of Weatherby, Ron Allison (Deb) of St. Joseph, Jim Allison (Joni) of Amazonia and Holley Allison (Shelly)of St. Joseph; sister, Donna Swope (Danny) of Maysville; father-in-law, Bill Black (Juanita) of Savannah; and sister-in-law, Janie Post (Rich) of Maysville.
Services: 3 p.m., Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials may be made out to Camp Quality, Noyes Home for Children or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

WATHENA, Kan. – Karen Bittiker Eberhardt, 72, passed away Saturday, October 4, 2014, at Wathena Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Wathena, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born February 16, 1942 in St. Joseph, she was the daughter of Anne Elizabeth Stiles Cole and Leman Joseph Bittiker. Karen attended Wathena School while helping her father raise her younger siblings. She worked many years as a waitress and especially enjoyed her last years at Hawkins Cafe, in St. Joseph. She also operated a daycare in her home for many years. In 1956 she was married to James W. O’Rourke, who preceded her in death in 1977. Karen later married Lyle Eberhardt, who remained a dear friend after their divorce, and survives in St. Joseph. Karen enjoyed baking and cooking homemade meals for her family, especially for holiday gatherings. She loved gardening and canning, and especially enjoyed her tradition of making homemade Christmas candy and fudge for friends and relatives.
She is survived by four daughters, Carrie Hampton of Parkville, Mo., April Arnett of California, Mo., Dawn O’Rourke of Trenton, Mo., and Terry Ebling of Kansas City, Mo.; one son, James W. O’Rourke of Gallatin, Mo.; one granddaughter, Lindsey Martin of St. Joseph, who Karen raised; one sister, Sherye Gibson of Pasadena, Texas; and two brothers, Ken Daley Bittiker of Fort Worth, Texas, and Gary Lee Bittiker of Wichita Falls, Texas; ten grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by both parents; four brothers – Lloyd Dean “Poochie” Bittiker, Wesley Lee Bittiker, Danny Joe Bittiker, and Larry Dean Bittiker; and one grandson, Christopher Martin Terry.
A memorial service for family and close friends will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m. at Rupp Funeral Home, St. Joseph, MO. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – Rosella (Boner) Ross, 79, passed away Sunday October 5, 2014 at a local health care center.
Rosella was born on December 30, 1934 in Stanberry, Mo., to John Virgil and Anna Leora (Lint) Boner.
She worked as a sewing machine operator at the Stanberry Cap Factory and retired from the Bethany Cap Factory. She attended First Baptist Church in Stanberry and loved her family and attending family events.
Rosella was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Clifford, Hobert and Bill Boner; sisters, Gertrude Shaffer Messner, Mary E. Scott and Ola Williams.
Surviving family includes sons, Larry Collings and Albert (Gidge) Ross; daughters, Rose Anna (Gary) Hughes and Lora Lea Ross, all of St. Joseph; and Sandra (Richard) Parham, of Rushville, Mo.; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Services 10 a.m., Wednesday at Heaton-Bowman-Smith and Sidenfaden Chapel. Interment High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry.
Visitation will begin after 11 a.m., Tuesday at our chapel, where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday evening.

HAMILTON, Mo. – Allen Dale Sauter, 53, passed away Sunday October 5, 2014 at his home.
He was born November 28, 1960 in Oceanside, Calif. He attended Benton High School, and worked on the construction and concrete field all his life. He was an avid Chiefs, Nascar and Royals fan.
Allen was preceded in death by his father, Dale Sauter; and brother, Larry Biggs.
He is survived by mother, Lois (Biggs) Sauter; and Mother, Charlotee Wells; a son, Allen Dale Sauter and his wife of Japan; two grandchildren; seven brothers: Ronald (Kelly) Sauter, Gary Wells, Brian (Shantell) Wells, all of St. Joseph; Randy Biggs of Florida, Tim Biggs of Arizona, and Ritchie Biggs of St. Joseph; three sisters, Monica (Eric) Shellenberger, Brenda (Bill) Goodwin of Amazonia, and Theresa Adkins of St. Joseph; and his special caretaker, Angela Mobley of Hamilton. A celebration of his life will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, October 18th, 2014 at the VFW Post 6760 at 306 Cherokee. He has been cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – John David Kemmer, M.A.I., 86, died Sunday, October 5, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center. He was born April 9, 1928 to Carl and Irene (Simms) Kemmer in St. Joseph.
John married Dona Richardson on October 6, 1951. She survives of the home.
Mr. Kemmer was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles Lee, Louis and Joseph Kemmer; and sister, Helen Roth.
Additional Survivors: daughter, Kathy Schwamberger (Thomas), Clearwater, Fla.; son. John Christian Kemmer, Clearwater; grandchildren, Christian Thomas Schwamberger, Aaron Michael and John Robert Kemmer; great-grandchildren, Ashlynn and Maverick Schwamberger; sisters, Carolyn O’Brien and Patricia Clark (Mel); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a member of Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post #359. He retired from the Missouri Department of Highway and Transportation, as a right of way appraiser during which time he was awarded designated membership in the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers. After retirement from MODOT, he opened Kemmer Appraisals Incorporated.
He enjoyed restoring cars and was an avid model railroad hobbyist. Loving nature he gardened and enjoyed the birds in his yard.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10 a.m., Thursday, St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church, where he was a member. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Easton, Mo. Parish Rosary 6 p.m., Wednesday, followed by visitation at Meierhoffer Funeral Home, where friends may call after 1:30 p.m., Wednesday. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Elinor R. Greer, 87, formerly of Arizona, passed away peacefully Friday, October 3, 2014.
She was born February 7, 1927 to Theodore and Nanny Griffy in LaVeta, Colo.
Elinor married John Greer on May 30, 1951 in Phoenix, Ariz. He survives of the home.
Additional Survivors: sons, Tom, Larry (Becky) Mick, Ted and Darrell (Vanessa), Arizona; daughter, Becky Brooner (Kirby), St. Joseph; sister, Edith Carpenter; fourteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren
Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Services will be held at a later date. The family requests memorials to Hands of Hope Hospice or Community of Christ Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Romine announces retirement from KSHSAA

Posted on October 6, 2014

KSHSAA News Release

TOPEKA, Kan.—Reggie L. Romine, Assistant Executive Director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, has announced his decision to retire from the KSHSAA staff effective July 1, 2015. He served on KSHSAA Board of Directors for eleven years and the KSHSAA Executive Board for five years. In 2005 he became an assistant executive director. Romine is in his tenth year of service to the Association. During that time, he has been responsible for the administration of music, debate, speech and drama activities, state basketball sportsmanship recognition programs, and spirit activities including cheer and dance.

In addition to conducting debate, speech, drama, and spirit rules meetings for coaches, Romine was responsible for the administration of summer cheer and dance camps, fall spirit spreader clinics and postseason championship tournaments in debate, speech, and drama. He was also in charge of regional and state festivals in music, speech and drama. Romine was also involved with general interpretation of KSHSAA rules for the member schools of the Association.

A native of Palco, Kansas, Romine earned an Associate of Arts degree at Colby Community College prior to completing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Fort Hays State University, graduating with distinction. In 1980, Romine completed a Master of Science degree in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University. Romine began his career as a mathematics teacher at Dighton High School, where two years later he became principal. After serving four years as principal of Dighton High School, Romine served an additional twenty-one years as principal of Ellis High School. In 1997 the Kansas Music Educators Association honored Romine with their “Administrator of the Year Award” for his support for music education programs.

The 2014-15 school year marks Romine’s thirty-seventh year as a Kansas educator. Romine is widely known and respected throughout Kansas and the nation for his work in the field of school activity administration. During his tenure with the KSHSAA, Romine served on national committees through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) on such issues as sportsmanship/citizenship & equity, spirit safety rules, music, speech and national debate topic selection.

“Popeye” Gets Nine Years; Overland Park Meth Dealer Previously Deported

Posted on October 6, 2014

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A man from Belize who used the alias “Popeye” to peddle methamphetamine on the streets of Overland Park was sentenced Monday to nine years in federal prison.

John Michael Hernandez, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing methamphetamine and one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony and deported.

In his plea, he admitted he was using the alias “Popeye” in December 2013 when he began selling meth to undercover investigators working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

In a series of transactions, he sold them more than a pound of methamphetamine.

After he was arrested, Homeland Security Investigations used the Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) and the integrated Automated Fingerprint System (AFIS) to determine Hernandez had previously been convicted of robbery in Los Angeles and deported from the United States to Belize in 2009.

“Claire on Campus” Tuesday; McCaskill Seeks Input on Sexual Violence

Posted on October 6, 2014October 7, 2014

Senator Claire McCaskill’s “Claire on Campus” Tour will make stops at Northwest Missouri State and Missouri Western on Tuesday.

The Missouri Democrat hopes to speak directly with students, educators and law enforcement on ways to combat sexual violence on campus.

Tuesday’s events will include representatives from the Maryville Department of Public Safety, Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, Nodaway County Prosecutor’s Office, St. Joseph’s Police Department, and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, as well as four area colleges.

Tuesday, October 7 at 2:15 p.m. CT
Northwest Missouri State University
J.W. Jones Student Union Boardroom
800 University Drive
Maryville, Mo. 64468

Tuesday, October 7 at 4:15 p.m. CT
Missouri Western State University
205 Spratt Hall
4525 Downs Drive
St. Joseph, Mo. 64507

ACLU to challenge Kansas gay marriage ban

Posted on October 6, 2014

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A decision by the nation’s highest court is expected to clear the way for the expansion soon of same-sex marriages to Kansas.

The U.S. Supreme Court turned away appeals from five states seeking to prohibit gay and lesbian unions. The American Civil Liberties Union says that since the appeals from Oklahoma and Utah originated in the 10th Circuit, the decision in those cases will affect states in that circuit, including Kansas.

The ACLU of Kansas and Western Missouri says it plans to file a lawsuit soon asking a federal judge to block the Kansas law prohibiting gay marriage.

Thomas Witt, the executive director of Equality Kansas, says marriage equality is coming to Kansas, and that it may not be this morning, but perhaps another morning very soon.