Post Staff – Page 909 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Lt. Gov. Colyer to address adult abuse forum

Posted on June 24, 2014

Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer. Photo by Phil Cauthon — Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer.
Photo by Phil Cauthon

KHI News Service
June 24, 2014

TOPEKA — Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer is scheduled to address a Wednesday forum on adult abuse and government’s obligation to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

The forum, a project of the Kansas Department for Children and Families, begins at 1 p.m. at the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, 2910 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka.

In the past year, DCF has logged about 16,000 reports of suspected neglect and abuse involving vulnerable adults, mostly frail seniors and people with disabilities.

According to DCF’s website, about 60 percent of the reports warranted investigation. Of these, more than 40 percent involved public officials, neighbors, friends or family members calling with concerns that someone in their community appeared unable to care for himself or herself.

The remaining categories: abuse, 20 percent; exploitation, 12 percent; fiduciary abuse, 8 percent; and non-self-neglect, 17 percent.

Peter Jouras, a Kansas City man whose elderly and disabled mother was exploited by her caregiver, also is scheduled to speak at the forum, which is free and open to the public.

In Kansas, DCF is charged with administering the state’s hotline (800-922-5330) for fielding reports of both adult and child abuse.

Obituaries for June 24, 2014

Posted on June 24, 2014

ST. JOSEPH – Opal Marie Falkenbach, 84, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2014 at a local health care center.
Marie was born September 22, 1929 to Elroy and Hattie (Palmer) Hiskey in Iowa.
Marie lived most of her life in St. Joseph where she spent 47 years of marriage with Wilbur Falkenbach until his passing in 2012. She was a seamstress and worked for several companies.
Marie was a Christian. She had a very kind heart of loved all of her family and friends. She also enjoyed dancing.
Preceding her in death is her husband Wilbur; her parents; four brothers, Edward, Galen, Walter, and Wayne Hiskey and two sisters, Florence (Adams) Cunningham and Mary Iva Banks.
Survivors include two sisters, Laura Ripper of St. Joseph and Verla Jean Newton of Wathena, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ms. Falkenbach has been cremated under direction of Clark-Sampson Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be at 7 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2014 at Clark-Sampson Funeral Home with visitation prior to service from 5 to 7 p.m. A private inurnment will take place at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery. Online obituary and condolences at www.clarksampson.com

ST. JOSEPH – Shirley Ann Alder, 78, died Saturday, June 21, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
She was born June 19, 1936 to John and Ruth (Robison) Hoffman in St. Joseph.
Shirley married Thomas Clifford Alder on July 17, 1955. He preceded her in death on October 27, 1989.
She graduated from Lafayette High School in 1955 and was a housekeeper for the St. Joseph School District for seven years and Country Squire for nine years. Shirley was the Pledge Center Coordinator for Muscular Dystrophy Association for six years, and Past President for the St. Joseph Firefighters Auxilliary.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sherri Alder; and brother-in-law, Roy Jacobs.
Survivors: daughter, Lisa Hemphill (James), Atlantic, Iowa; grandchildren, Jessica Pritchett-Chapins (Kevin), Columbia, Mo., Emily, Olivia, Logan and Carter Hemphill; and sister, Naomi Jacobs, Amity, Mo.
Services: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 too 8 p.m., Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, they may be made to the family. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

WATHENA, Kan. – Gary M. Walts, Jr., 46, died Saturday, June 21, 2014 at his home.
He was born December 29, 1967 to Gary and Judy (Duckworth) Walts, Sr., in St. Joseph.
He married Michelle Marie Merritt in 1989. She preceded him in death in August 1991.
Gary was a handyman and worked as a painter. He was an avid hunter, mushroom hunter, and fisherman. Gary lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. He was a good man who would give the shirt off his back to help you. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his grandparents; Uncle, Bill; and cousin, Billy.
Survivors: children, Amber and Kory Walts; five grandchildren; sister, Kelly Casey (Duane); parents; cousin, Jon Walts (Lisa) and their three children.
Services: 1 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m. Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to the America Liver Foundation. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

SAVANNAH, Mo. – Harry B. Frock, 90, died Sunday, June 22, 2014 at his home.
He was born December 7, 1923 to John and Bertha Frock in Hale, Mo.
He married Helen McCush on October 6, 2004. She survives of the home.
Harry proudly served in the United States Army during World War II and worked at Burlington Northern Railroad for thirty-five years. He was a member of St. John’s Church and the Lion’s Club in Amazonia, Mo.
Mr. Frock was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Birdeen Frock; and daughters, Mary Kay Fox and Dorothy Plaster.
Additional Survivors: son, Ed Frock (Suzanne); daughter, Terry Wilson; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Graveside Services and Interment: 3 p.m., Tuesday, Memorial Park Cemetery. The procession will leave from Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to be made to St. John’s Church in Amazonia. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

SKIDMORE, Mo. – Dennise Elaine Mace, 52, passed away Monday June 23, 2014.
She was born February 10, 1962 in St. Joseph, daughter of Mary and Dennis “Ed” Mace.
Dennise was preceded in death by her father; paternal grandparents, Homer and Loraine Mace; maternal grandparents, Harry High and Elsie Hughesand; a niece, Melissa Lawrence.
She is survived by mother, Mary Mace of the home; four brothers, Dennis (Jackie) Mace, Alan (Lyn) Mace, Jimmy Mace, and Joey Mace; a sister, Dena Kay; many nieces, nephews and cousins and friends.
She will be cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. There are no scheduled visitation or memorial services at this time. She under the care of the Hospice of St. Francis Hospital. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

ST. JOSEPH – Roger Wayne Wolfing, 80, died Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.
He was born February 13, 1934 to Tom E. and Eurith E. (Palmer) Wolfing.
Roger married Sandra Ann Glauser on January 22, 1964. She survives of the home.
Mr. Wolfing worked as an engineer at Goetz Brewery, St. Joseph State Hospital, and Laverna Village Nursing Home in Savannah, Mo. He proudly served in the United States Army in Korean after the Armistice.
Roger was a Christian and member of the St. Joseph Gruetli Verein Swiss Lodge. He was a loving and kind husband and father.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors: wife, Sandra Ann; son, Colonel Bradley T. Wolfing, US Army, Vicenza, Italy; daughter, Audrey G. Wolfing, Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; sisters, Barbara J. Wolfing, St. Joseph, and Carol R. Rice (Bobby Joe), Stewartsville, Mo.; sister-in-law Rhodie Schottel, St. Joseph; nieces, Rebecca Young, Conyers, Georgia and Amy Clark, Princeton, Mo.; and aunts, Wilma Waterstradt and Jean Riley, St. Joseph.
Services: 3 p.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Ashland Cemetery. The family will receive friends 4 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. 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.

GOWER, Mo. – Don Walters, 92, formerly of St. Joseph, died Monday, June 23, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
He was born June 3, 1922 to Albert and Della (Cline) Walters.
Mr. Walters proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII. He worked as an airline mechanic at TWA for 35 years. Following his retirement he returned to farming. Don was a very hard worker and always kept busy with new projects.
He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Walters; first wife, Evelyn Crump; second wife, Helen Bomar; parents; sisters, Cleva Yager and Helen Poe; and brother, Jim “Bus” Walters.
Survivors: sons, David Walters (Sharron), Gower, and Darryl Walters (Debbie), St. Joseph; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Margie Gilmore and Hazel Miley.
Services: 10 a.m., Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory, where friends may call after 5 p.m. Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contribution be made to Disabled Veterans. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

ST. JOSEPH – Gary Lister, 56, died Saturday, June 21, 2014 at a local healthcare facility.
Survivors: brother, William Lister, Statesville, N.C.; and sister, Diana Rogers, Omaha, Neb.
Care provided by Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory. A register book is available at the funeral home. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Community Alliance Of St Joseph Survey Results

Posted on June 24, 2014

The Community Alliance of Saint Joseph has received the results of its third effort to survey St. Joseph and Buchanan County residents about issues that relate to community livability.

Surveys were mailed to 1,800 randomly selected residents of St. Joseph and Buchanan County and collected during May and June.

The surveys were received by residents in all geographical portions of St. Joseph and throughout Buchanan County. The residents were randomly selected for statistical validity of +/- 4.5 percent, meaning that if the survey was given 100 times, the results would be the same, +/- 4.5 percent.

The major ﬁndings include:
• 68 percent of the residents surveyed, who had an opinion, indicated they were satisﬁed with St. Joseph and Buchanan County as a place to live; 66 percent were satisﬁed with the community as a place to raise children; and 66 percent were satisﬁ ed with the feeling of safety in St. Joseph.

• 75 percent of the residents surveyed, who had an opinion, indicated they were satisﬁed with the quality of police and ﬁre services; 74 percent were satisﬁed with the city’s parks and recreation programs and facilities; and 53 percent were satisﬁed with the maintenance of buildings and facilities

• Residents think the city should increase the maintenance of city streets and the quality of police and ﬁre services.

These ﬁndings will be compared to results from the 2010 and 2012 surveys.

“Community input is critical to the growth and success of St. Joseph and Buchanan County,” said Steve Johnston, Director of the Community Alliance of Saint Joseph.

“We appreciate the valuable input of residents. Survey results never move the needle forward as quickly as we would like. In 2014, there is a combination of positive movement forward in some areas, lateral movement in other areas, and some areas with lower trends.”

To see the complete report, and the ﬁndings from the previous two surveys, click here.

Kansas to help fund replacement of small bridges

Posted on June 24, 2014

Transportation Secretary Mike King at Tuesday’s meeting

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A new state program will help Kansas counties and cities finance replacement of small local bridges that have become unsafe for large, modern farm equipment.

KDOT Secretary Mike King announced the $10 million program Tuesday in Hutchinson.

The agency says the program will provide local jurisdictions up to $120,000 to replace deficient bridges that are 20 to 50 feet long and carry fewer than 100 vehicles a day. King says despite the low traffic numbers, the bridges are critical for farmers to get equipment into fields and crops to market.

KDOT says about 1,800 to 1,900 of the roughly 20,000 bridges in the state’s local road systems would qualify for the funding.

Local jurisdictions will be required to provide a 10 percent match of the state funds.

Cold Core Funnel Prompts Emergency Sirens In Atchison County

Posted on June 24, 2014June 24, 2014

Photo courtesy of Atchison County 911/Emergency Mgt.

If you heard the emergency sirens in Atchison County Monday you were likely curious as to why they went off. The county’s 911/Emergency Management Department says a cold core funnel cloud appeared near Rock Port at about 2:30 pm.

A cold core funnel is spawned during non-severe storms and can occur when you get a tightly wrapped rush of rising air. They can appear as funnels.

Cold-core funnels rarely reach the ground, and if they do, are very weak and rarely cause any destruction.

Four From Northwest Missouri Among “50 Missourians You Should Know”

Posted on June 24, 2014

A business magazine has named four Northwest Missourians among its “50 Missourians You Should Know.” Near the head of the list is Saint Joseph Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Patt Lilly.

Ingram’s Magazine cited Lilly’s “keen understanding of the way things work at for profit business, a non-profit economic development organization, and in the public sector.” Lilly was chief administrative officer at Triumph Foods, Saint Joseph City Manager, and is now serving for a second time as head of the Chamber.

Larry Lee is the director of Northwest Missouri State University’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Mary Hinde set up the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri in 2009 to give area residents a way to use philanthropy to help develop communities in their home region.

Also among the 50 is Missouri Agriculture Director Richard Fordyce, a fourth-generation farmer from Bethany.

MSHP Academy Graduation Ceremony Scheduled Friday; Three Grads Will Be Assigned To Troop H

Posted on June 24, 2014June 24, 2014

The latest graduating class from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy includes 34 new state troopers.

A commencement exercise is planned Friday at the State Capitol. Governor Jay Nixon will give the commencement address, and then Chief Justice Mary Rhodes Russell of the Supreme Court of Missouri will administer the oath of office to the new troopers.

Superintendent Colonel Ron Replogle says 13 of the new troopers will receive an associates of applied science degree based on their work at the academy.

Three of the new troopers will be assigned to Troop H in Northwest Missouri. Keenan J Cool of Newton, Missouri will be assigned to Daviess and Dekalb counties, Krystalyn Davis of St Joseph will be assigned to Andrew and Buchanan Counties. Shaun Sprague of Agency will be assigned to Andrew and Buchanan counties as well.

Here is the complete list of 34 new state troopers who will graduate on Friday, along with their home towns and their initial assignments:

Matthew P. Acord, Bonne Terre, MO, Troop F, Miller County
Ruthanne A. Altaffer, Springfield, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Grant A. Ayres, Jefferson City, MO, Troop I, Crawford County
Daniel R. Becker, Athens, IL, Troop A, Platte County
Logan M. Bolton, Salem, IL, Troop C, Jefferson County
Jeffrey J. Burnett, Sparks, NV, Troop C, St. Charles, County
Keenan J. Cool, Newton, MO, Troop H, Daviess/DeKalb Counties
Cathryn L. Davis, Wright City, MO, Troop G, N. Howell/Shannon Counties
Krystalyn H. Davis, St. Joseph, MO, Troop H, Andrew/Buchanan Counties
Iris R. Elfrink, Leopold, MO, Troop E, New Madrid/Mississippi/Scott Counties
Matthew R. Freeman, Kennett, MO, Troop E, New Madrid/Pemiscot Counties
Mark A. Frigy, Decatur, IL, Troop C, Franklin County
Gregory T. Hackett, Springfield, MO, Troop I, Pulaski/Maries County
Landon J. Haggett, Dexter, MO, Troop E, New Madrid/Pemiscot Counties
Jacob R. Hardy, McKenzie, TN, Troop F, Camden County
Brandon L. Harris, Jefferson City, MO, Troop F, Boone County
David W. Henley Jr., Nevada, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Kyle L. Huggins, Poplar Bluff, MO, Troop E, Butler/Ripley Counties
Nicholas W. March, Columbia, MO, Troop C, Ste. Genevieve/Perry Counties
Brian N. Marquart, Ballwin, MO, Troop A, Clay County
Thomas W. Meyer, West Plains, MO, Troop D, Greene County
Tyler W. O’Brien, Springfield, IL, Troop B, Randolph/Monroe Counties
Matthew R. Parker, Springfield, MO, Troop F, Camden County
Matthew H. Riley, Atlanta, MO, Troop B, Clark/Scotland Counties
Roberto A. Rizo, Rolla, MO, Troop I, Phelps/Maries Counties
Jose Sanchez Jr., Glendale, AZ, Troop C, North St. Louis County
Keith D. Scruggs, Overland, MO, Troop C, South St. Louis County
Spencer D. Sears, Gravois Mills, MO, Troop A, Clay County
Alex J. Shibley, Desloge, MO, Troop C, Ste. Genevieve/Perry Counties
Shaun P. Sprague, Agency, MO, Troop H, Andrew/Buchanan Counties
Tyler R. Stults, Branson, MO, Troop B, Marion/Ralls Counties
Cody D. Tucker, Corning, AR, Troop E, Wayne County
Gregory T. Ulm, Dexter, MO, Troop G, Carter/Reynolds Counties
Ethan N. Wilson, Aurora, MO, Troop A, Platte County

‘Northwest Kansas fared the worst’ in farm income study

Posted on June 24, 2014

K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN — Kansas farmers took a one-two punch with drought and lower grain prices in 2013 and the result was a drop in average net income to its lowest level since 2009, according to data from the Kansas Farm Management Association’s annual PROFITLINK Analysis.

Net income across 1,194 KFMA-member farms averaged $135,429 in 2013, down from $159,352 in 2012 and $166,375 in 2011. The figure is also below the five-year average of $145,096.

The biggest drop was primarily in western Kansas, which experienced the worst of the state’s drought conditions, said Gregg Ibendahl, Kansas State University associate professor of agricultural economics. However, the major grain-producing areas of the country did not experience drought and as a result U.S. grain production was good and this pushed down prices.

Not all Kansas farmers are members of the KFMA, but the annual report provides a glimpse of financial conditions for producers across the state, especially when comparing one year to the next.

The data showed that about 23 percent of the farms had net income of $200,000 or higher, while 42 percent had income of $50,000 to $200,000. Twenty-nine percent had net farm income of $0 to $50,000 and almost 14 percent operated at a loss.

“A big chunk of our farms are making $0 to $55,000 a year. Most people are not getting rich,” Ibendahl said. “Even in the best years, the majority of farms make under $100,000.”

A tale of six regions

“Northwest Kansas fared the worst, partly because of the drought, but also because grain prices went down so much,” Ibendahl said. “All of a sudden the value of the grain inventory was down. Because the study considers net income on an accrual basis, the lower inventory was reflected in lower farm income.”

The average price of U.S. corn in 2013 was $4.50 a bushel, down from $6.89 in 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The average price of soybeans last year was $12.70 per bushel, down from $14.40 a bushel in 2012.

Net farm income numbers varied widely by regions across the state, with northwest Kansas averaging $35,791, southwest at $71,633 and southeast at $161,776. Income in north central Kansas averaged $136,045; south central at $151,303; and northeast at $154,867.

Dryland net farm income across 855 farms was $156,991, down from $169,061 a year earlier and about the same as $157,296 two years earlier.

Net income for the 59 farms that irrigate crops averaged $118,974, well below $347,315 in 2012 and $449,115 in 2011.

Yields on irrigated farms typically don’t vary that much, Ibendahl said, so last year’s lower grain prices and inventory values weighed them down.

“That will be a factor in this coming year,” he added. “With crops in some of the bigger producing states — Iowa, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio – we’re on track to have pretty good U.S. production next year. We were looking at pretty good grain prices for a few years but will probably be lower next year.”

Livestock a bright spot

Last year’s lower grain prices meant trouble for grain growers, but gave livestock producers a boost.

“Anything to do with livestock did pretty well, compared with the year before,” Ibendahl said, noting higher meat prices and lower grain prices. “Those in the cattle background feeding and finishing went way up. They had a really good year.”

The 2013 average net income for backgrounding-finishing operations was $162,459, well above $46,193 a year earlier, but below $397,138 two years earlier.

Net income for farms in the “Crop – Sow & Litter” category averaged $206,724, up from $166,809.

Overall, the report showed the average value of livestock produced in 2013 at $92,241, compared with $88,507 a year earlier and $106,280 two years earlier.

Family living expenses

Total family living expenses rose to an average of $71,377, up from $70,242 in 2012. Family living expenses have increased every year since the 2009 average of $54,981.

“If you look at our family living expenses and the fact that they were higher, even though net income fell, there’s a two- to three-year lag before families are able to make the adjustment after income has been up,” Ibendahl said. “When you have money, you’ll tend to spend more of it. With the potential for lower grain prices this coming year, farm families will need to monitor their family living to avoid eating into their net worth.”

Democrat proposals changes in Kansas voting rules

Posted on June 24, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The presumed Democratic nominee for Kansas secretary of state says voters whose registrations are on hold because of the state’s proof-of-citizenship should be allowed to cast ballots despite their status.

Democrat Jean Schodorf also proposed Tuesday that Kansas not require proof of U.S. citizenship from people who’ve had valid voter registrations in other states or people who use a national voter registration form.

Schodorf released her plan to fix what she calls voter registration problems.

She is criticizing Republican Secretary of State Kris Kobach because voter registrations of nearly 19,000 Kansas residents are on hold for failing to meet the proof-of-citizenship requirement. Kobach championed the rule as a measure to prevent election fraud.

Schodorf is a former state senator from Wichita and voted for the proof-of-citizenship requirement in 2011.

Parole considered for schoolteacher’s killer

Posted on June 24, 2014

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man convicted of beating a 36-year-old teacher to death in 1990 in Topeka is among several prison inmates under consideration for parole.

Peter E. Spencer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the September 1990 death of Sherryl Crowder, who was from Manhattan and had been a sixth-grade teacher in Wamego. An autopsy report said Crowder died of internal bleeding from a massive blow to the head, suffered when she was “savagely and extensively beaten.”

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the Kansas Prisoner Review Board will accept public comments about Spencer’s possible parole and those of several other eligible inmates on July 25 in Topeka, July 16 in Wichita and July 21 in Kansas City, Kansas.

Comments also may be emailed to the parole board at prb@doc.ks.gov.