(Missourinet) – Missouri lawmakers are considering adding information about sexual predators and online predators to what school children are taught about sex.
House Bill 501 would add to what children are already taught about human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases information about sexual predators, online predators and inappropriate text messaging. It would require they be taught about behaving responsibly and remaining safe online and how to communicate with adults about inappropriate situations and abuse.
Bill sponsor Genise Montecillo (D-St. Louis) says children are often victimized online when they are seeking attention.
“They’re looking for someone to pay attention to them, they’re looking for someone who will communicate with them, and what they often don’t know is that other person on the other end of the line may be 20 or 30-plus years older than them, and they do ask to meet,” Montecillo told a House committee.
Deputy Director Emily van Schenkhof with Missouri Kids First says the proposal would give children needed information to protect themselves from the threats they face online.
“To be able to see situations where they do need to contact an adult or where they do recognize that someone is violating boundaries even in an online sense,” said van Schenkhof.
The bill is supported by the Missouri Catholic Conference and the Missouri National Education Association. No one spoke in opposition to the bill in that hearing.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) — Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) kicked off Women’s History Month March 3, by paying tribute to the trail-blazing women who have served our service and our nation including a St. Joseph native.
According to the Navy Office of Community Outreach, Cmdr Hannah Kriewaldt of St. Joseph is the only female Chief Engineer serving aboard an aircraft carrier.
Senior Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Sonya Best served as the moderator during the ceremony and presented an historical look at women and their accomplishments beginning with Abigail Adams, the first lady, to Kriewaldt chief engineer serving on board Abraham Lincoln, who also served as the guest speaker during the ceremony.
“We honor Women’s History Month by celebrating women who have shaped the value of organizations with class and bold leadership,” Best said, who then introduced Lincoln’s CHENG.
Kriewaldt shared her personal journey as a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and an officer. She advised the attendees to look at life as a journey and to look at what you can learn from it each and every day.
“I chose to focus on the small victories,” Kriewaldt said, adding that she enjoys living in the moment whether it is spending time with her department
or mentoring her Sailors.
Kriewaldt, who is one of four children, followed her father’s footsteps in joining the Navy. Her father retired as a chaplain from the Navy Reserves,
and Kriewaldt’s older brother and sister, also joined the Navy. Her youngest brother shares her interest of engineering and works at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
“Every day is an adventure working in Engineering,” Kriewaldt said. She stated that lessons learned early in her career have served as guideposts as she continued her journey as a naval officer.
According to Kriewaldt,teamwork and tenacity have guided her through her naval career. “Leverage the strengths of your teammates and you’ll never
know where you will go.”
Lincoln is currently undergoing refueling complex and overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.
Other locals also serving aboard the aircraft carrier include Petty Officer Ryan Wampler of St. Joseph, Mo. AND Petty Officer Katherine Teague from Tarkio, Mo.
Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most
modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation’s defense.
The annual United Way Allocations Process kicks off this week with 150 volunteers signed up to participate.
Throughout this week (March 9-13), volunteers are meeting for United Way Allocations Process orientation and to schedule the meetings for the rest of the process. Remaining kick-off meetings will be held at United Way on Tuesday, March 10 at 3:00pm and 5:30pm, Wednesday March 11 at 3:00pm, and Thursday March 12 at 3:00pm.
Through the United Way Allocations Process, United Way Partner Agencies are evaluated and allocation funding recommendations are made by groups of volunteers. Volunteers examine agency operations, programs, and finances, and recommend how much money should be allocated to each agency the following year. Recommendations are then presented to the United Way Board of Directors for review and final approval. The work of the volunteers ensure that donor dollars are used to achieve the greatest impact in the areas of education, health and financial stability and that United Way of Greater St. Joseph is accountable to donors.
Volunteers are placed on one of six subcommittees, and each subcommittee typically reviews three United Way Partner Agencies. The volunteers dedicate 10-15 hours of their time over a 2 month period from mid-March to mid-May reviewing the agencies, listening to presentations, and determining allocation recommendations. There are approximately four meetings for each subcommittee.
Public hearing held at D-West over the proposed closure of the Primary School. Photo by Nadia Thacker
A public hearing was held Monday night to address the issue of closing the Doniphan West Primary School in Highland, Kan.
“Because we have a decline in state aid and we’re looking at maximizing the efficiency of operations and maintenance as well,” Rex Bollinger, USD 111 Superintendent of Schools said.
Budget cuts announced by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback last month would impact D-West at $26,085 to the school’s current budget with more cuts anticipated for next school year.
Bollinger said the proposal close the Primary School and send Pre-K and Kindergarten to the Elementary School and combined 7th and 8th grade in with the High School location could save the district $70,000 to $77,000 each year.
Public comment was heard from numerous residents with concerns about the buildings and the locations that are being considered for closure.
Highland Business Owner Scott Sisk voiced his concerns about closing the Primary School in Highland and sending kids to the south location in Denton. He and several other residents suggested closing the south location instead and looking into the savings of transportation to keep the students all at a location in Highland.
Danyelle McCauley is a parent of five and said because she lives north in the district in White Cloud sending her small child to Pre-School at the south location would be too far away to send her child.
“For a bus ride it is one hour,” McCauley said. “I have contacted a different school district to get permission to allow my 3-year-old to attend Pre-school there.”
Concerns over the distance for residents sending their kids all over the county were voiced during the meeting as well as concerns about the state of the buildings at both locations including concerns over possible sewer issues at the south location and the current state of the Primary School up for closure in Highland.
“We have one portion that was built in 1895 and we really don’t house that,” said Bollinger. “We would have to negotiate with the City of Highland about what to do with that, it’s on a 90-year lease.”
School Board President Carla Johnson said the hearing was just to get input from the public and take their suggestions into consideration. She said no vote would be made at this time.
The US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families has granted the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph $850,000 as part of the Early Head Start Childcare Partnership Grant.
This grant will fund a partnership between the organization’s Early Head Start program and local childcare providers, La Petite Academy and the YWCA, to serve 48 additional children in St. Joseph, MO.
This will be the first time the Early Head Start program is able to offer full day and full week services for low income families in this area.
To be eligible for the free service parents will be required to be in school or working at 20 hours a week. Given the limited options for childcare assistance to low-income families this partnership is immensely needed in the community.
“No parents should have to choose between going to work or ensuring their child is cared for,” Whitney Lanning, Director of Early Childhood Programs for the Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph said.
Lanning also said this grant will be beneficial to the entire community by elevating the quality of care in both partnering centers.
“Dividing these paid slots at both partner centers will improve their quality of care from a funding standpoint along with them following Early Head Start standards to monitor the health, mental health, nutrition and development of each child there,” she said.
(Oregon, Mo.) -The South Holt School District has placed its high school principal Pay Ryan on paid administrative leave.
According to the district Ryan was placed on leave following its investigation and the determination by District administration that Ryan had engaged in repeated violations of Board Policy, including the District’s Staff Conduct Policy.
Based on the findings Superintendent of Schools Bob Ottman decided in the interest of students and staff to issue a Statement or Charges preferred against Ryan. The Statement of Charges initiates the proceedings necessary to terminate the District’s contract with Mr. Ryan.
In a news release issued by the school it states that, “The South Holt School District takes all allegations of staff misconduct seriously, investigates them thoroughly, and takes prompt and effective remedial action as necessary. The primary consideration in making District decisions remains the welfare of District students and staff. The District profoundly appreciates the support of the community, staff, and students during this difficult, yet necessary, process.”
Ottman and Elementary School Principal Ted Quinlin will assume the Junior High School and Senior High School principal responsibilities.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Chancellor R. Bowen Loftin announced today that Mack B. Rhoades IV has been appointed director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Mizzou. He will assume the post in late April.
Rhoades currently serves as vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Houston, where he oversees 17 varsity sports and has led a revival in academics and facilities since his arrival in August 2009. Prior to joining the University of Houston, Rhoades was director of athletics at the University of Akron.
“Mack Rhoades brings a wealth of experience as a Division I athletic director to Mizzou, and he has demonstrated a commitment to our core values of academic integrity, social responsibility and competitive excellence,” Loftin said. “I am delighted to welcome a leader with a track record of enhancing the student-athlete experience and a proven record in fundraising and facility development. We found the right fit at the right time to take Mizzou Athletics to even greater heights.”
At the University of Houston, Rhoades rejuvenated the athletics program across the board, including enhancements in the student athlete experience, academics, facilities, fundraising and competitiveness. During the 2013-14 academic year, 10 of the 17 sports programs competed in NCAA postseason competition. The football team has participated in bowl games in four of the last six seasons, including the 2011 season when the Cougars were ranked as high as No. 6 in the BCS standings and competed in two consecutive bowl games in 2013 and 2014. In almost every academic measurement, including GPA and APR, Houston reached record levels; Rhoades created the Cougar Pride Leadership Academy to provide life-long leadership skills for student-athletes.
“The University of Missouri is a world-class institution, and I am honored to serve as its next director of athletics,” Rhoades said. “Success begins with great people and I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes, coaches and staff to keep the athletics program among the nation’s elite. Amy and the girls and I are extremely excited to become members of the Mizzou family, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Chancellor Loftin and President Wolfe. I look forward to traveling the state to meet the fans who are the heartbeat of the Tigers.”
During his tenure, Houston raised nearly $100 million and built $160 million worth of new facilities, including a new on-campus football stadium and a men’s and women’s basketball development center. Rhoades also negotiated a new multi-media rights deal for the athletics program as well as one of the top five facility naming rights deals at the collegiate level.
“Mack Rhoades is a highly respected national leader who has chaired the Athletic Directors of the American Athletic Conference, served on several NCAA leadership groups, and led key committees in multiple conferences,” University of Missouri System President Timothy M. Wolfe said. “His demonstrated excellence in all facets of athletics leadership will help MU continue the unparalleled growth and success it has enjoyed over the last few years.”
Rhoades holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in athletics administration/sports management from Indiana University. Rhoades succeeds Mike Alden, who announced Jan. 29 that he will step down this year to join the College of Education as an instructor. There he will participate in the Positive Coaching Program and higher education leadership courses.
JEFFERSON CITY -If you’re planning a special celebration for St. Patrick’s Day, think first about a safe and sober ride home. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reminds motorists to “Choose Your Ride.” with special campaign messaging to designate a driver, call a cab, or the options can include a ride in a patrol car, or even worse – a hearse.
More than 200 Missouri law enforcement agencies will take part in a special impaired driving crackdown that puts additional officers on the road March 14-17. If you choose to drive impaired over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, your luck will run out.
“Statewide, law enforcement made 247 DWI arrests during a similar campaign in March 2014,” says Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Ron Replogle. “Officers are committed to removing impaired drivers from our roads.”
Throughout March, safety advertising in restaurants and bars across Missouri serve as reminders of the importance of choosing a completely sober ride, such as a taxi. However, the alternative options of a patrol car or a hearse are sobering reminders of the consequences of choosing the wrong ride.
Drinking and driving is a lethal combination. A person who causes a fatal crash while intoxicated, can be charged with involuntary manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of prison time, a $5000 fine, or both.
Tom Watson of the USA during the third practice round of the 137th Open Championship on July 16, 2008 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England. (Photo by Ian Tillbrook) Wikipedia
MARYVILLE, Mo. – Legendary golfer Tom Watson talks with Northwest Missouri State University President Dr. John Jasinski about his enjoyment of the sport and his role in making a youth golf course become a reality in Maryville during the March edition of “All Things Northwest” on the University’s National Public Radio affiliate KXCV-KRNW.
Jasinski’s interview with Watson airs at 9:06 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, on KXCV 90.5 FM in Maryville and KRNW 88.9 FM in Chillicothe.
During the interview, Watson talks with Jasinski about his decision to lend his golf course design expertise to the Junior Course at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park and his desire to ensure youth have opportunities to learn and practice golf. The interview also features Watson reflecting on how he took up golf at an early age and the influence of his parents in his life as well as some of the favorite moments of his career and how he learned from accomplished peers Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus.
The second portion of the program features Jasinski talking with local dentist Dr. Bruce Twaddle, who planted the seed for the youth course in Maryville and serves as chair of the local steering committee.
“Mr. Watson was very gracious with his time and everything was on the table from his childhood, through his storied career, charity work, design projects, and the importance of youth golf and the reason for the creation of the youth golf course at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park,” KXCV-KRNW Station Manager Rodney Harris said. “He was very candid about being in the twilight of his career and the emotions that brings.”
Twaddle was inspired to organize the drive for the youth golf course in 2011 after, during a side trip to Scotland from the British Open, he observed kids playing on a youth course. In the summer of 2012, he formed a group to investigate possibilities for the course and the group eventually began meetings with Watson and his design team to make the course a reality.
The privately-funded, nine-hole Junior Course is designed for children and beginning golfers and is set to open this summer.
“I fear we’re not creating new golfers and this facility is a place where we can do that,” Watson tells Jasinski during the interview. “It gives the opportunity to teach the game at an early level that will create lifetime golfers. My whole point … is to try to get the kids to love the game enough where they want to continue to play it when they get older.”
During his 45-year golf career, Watson, a Kansas City, Mo., native, has claimed four Missouri state amateur championships, eight PGA major championships, 39 PGA tour wins and 71 total professional wins, including three senior British Open titles. Watson, who was the top golfer during the 1980s, also is a six-time PGA Player of the Year and member of five Ryder Cup teams.
He also has made an impact with his charitable work and volunteerism. He founded the Bruce Edwards Foundation for ALS research in honor of his longtime caddie, has assisted the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins University, helped raise money for Children’s Mercy Hospital and worked in support of American troops through a variety of activities.
Watson is a member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and has designed more than a dozen courses in the U.S. and on three different continents.
“All Things Northwest,” which is underwritten by United Electric Cooperative, Atchison/Holt Electric Cooperative and Clarinda Regional Health Center, airs at 9:06 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month and features Jasinski discussing topics of interest with community leaders and University faculty and staff, among others. In addition to airing on KXCV Maryville 90.5 FM and KRNW Chillicothe 88.9 FM it is available online after its initial airing at www.kxcv.org.
KXCV, which signed on the air in 1971 as the first full-power public radio service in Missouri, provides in-depth news and information with an alternative music format. In 1993, KRNW went on the air in Chillicothe, extending its programming across most of the northern 25 percent of Missouri. While all of its programming emanates from the Northwest campus in Maryville, the radio station also serves as a training ground for Northwest students interested in broadcasting.
A retirement ceremony was held Saturday for Col. Dave Halter, vice commander of the 139th Airlift Wing to thank him for three decades worth of service.
Halter, a St. Joseph native, retires with 30 years of military service. He has logged over 6,100 flight hours as a navigator.
“He brought so much experience to the table,” says Col. Ralph Schwader, commander of the 139th AW. “I’m sad to see him go.”
The Missouri Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing is comprised of approximately 1,100 citizen-Airmen from local communities throughout the region. The unit operates the C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft and has a dual mission to the state of Missouri and the federal government. Rosecrans Air National Guard Base is located at Rosecrans Memorial Airport, St. Joseph, Mo.
