The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced it will hold a DWI checkpoint in Clinton County sometimes during the month of December.

Captain James E. McDonald, commanding officer, Troop H, St. Joseph said “The areas selected for enforcement are based on a high number of drinking-related crashes, high number of contacts with drivers who have been drinking, and officers’ input as to probable contact with DWI violators.”

If you witness an individual driving drunk McDonald said to contact law enforcement authorities.

“Intoxicated drivers pose a real danger on Missouri roadways,” said McDonald. “Please assist the Missouri State Highway Patrol in removing impaired drivers from our roadways by contacting us toll-free at 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55.”

MARYVILLE, Mo. – The Upward Bound Math and Science program at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville – a free, hands-on learning experience for eligible high school students in grades nine through 11 – returns to campus Saturday, June 6, through Saturday, July 18, 2015.

High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors seeking to enhance their math and science skills should apply as soon as possible. The postmarked application deadline is Saturday, Feb. 14. Applications may be downloaded and completed from the Upward Bound Math and Science Web site atwww.nwmissouri.edu/trio/ubms/. Counseling Coordinator Linda Davison advises students to thoughtfully consider the short essay questions before printing and mailing the application.

Students from the following schools are eligible for the Northwest UBMS program:

Nebraska

• Falls City High School
• Nebraska City High School

 

Kansas

• Turner High School (Kansas City)

 

Iowa

• Bedford High School
• Clarinda High School
• Nishnabotna High School (Farragut/Hamburg)
• Red Oak High School
• Shenandoah High School
• South Page High School (College Springs/Braddyville/Coin/Shambaugh)
• Southwest Valley High School (Corning/Villisca)

 

Missouri

• North Nodaway R-VI High School (Hopkins)
• North Andrew R-VI High School (Rosendale)
• Worth County R-III High School (Grant City)
• Kansas City schools including:
  • Lincoln College Prep Academy
  • Northeast High School
• St. Joseph schools including:
  • Benton High School
  • Central High School
  • Lafayette High School

All student expenses are covered for the six-week camp, including round-trip mileage and admission for weekend field trips. Previously, students have participated in team-building activities and visited places such as the SAC Museum, Durham Museum and Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb., as well as Kansas City-area attractions like Worlds of Fun, Science City, New Theatre Restaurant and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, the UBMS program at Northwest has served young people from the four-state area since 1992. Students, parents and teachers agree that attending the camp can be a life-changing experience.

“Students go back to their home high schools with greater motivation, confidence, self-esteem, excitement and a direction for their lives,” Davison said.

Years after graduating from high school, former students testify that summers spent at UBMS were the best of their lives. Campers experience far more than hands-on math and science projects. They also learn to become self-reliant while developing leadership and social skills.

Participants live in a campus residence hall where they are supervised by qualified and successful college students. Skilled college and high school instructors teach a variety of math and science topics in an environment that minimizes stress and maximizes the joy of learning.

“The quick, lasting bonds that were made with people with similar interests was the part of the program I liked best,” said Rebecca Coyne, a 2014 UBMS participant from Turner High School in Kansas City, Kan. “I also like the diverse backgrounds of the instructors and students. The life lessons were and are valuable.”

Scott Coyne, Rebecca’s brother, added, “I felt accepted and loved, and it only got better as the weeks went on. The outings, the classes, the people and the bonds that were formed were fantastic the whole time.”

The program offers numerous benefits, including:

• Hands-on learning that makes the curriculum exciting and memorable
• Exposure to a variety of math, science and technology topics in a university setting
• Expert, engaging instructors who use innovative teaching techniques
• A laptop computer checked out for every student
• A TI-Nspire CX CAS graphing calculator given to each student who completes the program
• Access to Northwest recreational and academic facilities
• Educational field trips
• The chance to make new friends from other schools
• A student stipend during camp and each semester of the academic year
• Reduced anxiety about attending college after graduating from high school
• Mentoring relationships with college students and instructors
• Possible participation in the “Bridge” program, the equivalent of receiving a $2,400-plus scholarship

For more information about the six-week summer Upward Bound Math and Science camp at Northwest, call 660.562.1632 or 660.562.1538 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Send emails to Davison at davison@nwmissouri.edu or Assistant Director Karen Woodard atwoodard@nwmissouri.edu.

The St. Joseph Downtown Association lit up  Felix Street Square for the holiday season Saturday.

“Christmas at the Square” will kicked off Saturday at 6 p.m. at Coleman Hawkins Park located at Felix Street Square at Seventh and Felix Streets.

Santa will arrived by carriage at led by members of The Dance Arts Center. Kids got their pictures taken with Santa and live performances were held in the gazebo.

Fanned food donations were also collected for the Second Harvest Community Food Bank.

A countdown to the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree official marked the start of the holidays to end the festivities Saturday.

The lights will be left up through the rest of December.

The Second Harvest Community food bank announced Monday that is has received official accreditation from the Better Business Bureau making it the first Non-Profit organization in Northwest Missouri to receive that approval.

The food bank said in a news release that it is now an official BBB accredited Charity meeting the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance’s Standards.

“We are excited that Second Harvest is the first Better Business Bureau accredited charity in the St. Joseph area,” said Chad Higdon, executive director. “The Better Business Bureau accreditation is an honor, and we are pleased to announce we have met these high standards to help provide trust and confidence for our donors, partner agencies and members who depend on us for services.”

Higdon says Second Harvest participated in the voluntary program because it believes in the importance of accountability and transparency for a non-profit organization. By being evaluated by BBB’s Charity Review Program, Second Harvest allowed an outside, third-party to take an objective look at the organization. The Standards for Charity Accountability examine a charity’s governance and oversight by its board of directors, how the organization measures its effectiveness in achieving its mission, its finances, and its fundraising and informational materials.

“BBB’s Accredited Charity seal provides a clear, concise way to communicate to existing and potential donors and clients Second Harvest’s status as part of a select group of charities in the community that adhere to BBB’s strong and comprehensive standards,” says Higdon.

Second Harvest serves 19 counties in Northwest and Northeast Kansas:

Missouri

· Andrew County

· Atchison County

· Buchanan County

· Caldwell County

· Clinton County

· Daviess County

· DeKalb County

· Gentry County

· Grundy County

· Harrison County

· Holt County

· Livingston County

· Mercer County

· Nodaway County

· Worth County

Kansas

· Atchison County

· Brown County

· Doniphan County

· Leavenworth County

MugShots Bar is making headlines with its drink offering of a “Michael Brown” special.

The bar had posted a special of 6 shots of Jose Cinge for $10.

The special has drawn a lot of criticism on social media as photos circulate of the drink special.

On the bar’s Facebook page it has asked its supporters:

“I would like to ask all of our supporters, friends and bar family to refrain from arguing or giving into all the hatred on fb.
We know who we are and that our family is the furthest thing from racist in anyway.
Lets all just party and enjoy the holiday season.”

The bar also posted a comment about an individual who had planned to protest the special stating:

“Just so Everyone knows, there was a man who was planning to come protest tonite with a group of people, but since he contacted me and we talked about things, he is now coming to talk to reporters with me because he sees that this is a ridiculous misunderstanding that has been blown way out of proportion. Thankfully we were able to talk like adults and were able to understand both sides.”

However, criticism continues from the online community even with the bar’s new special of:

“The owner of MugShots is an asshole” 6 shots of Jose’ Cinge for $12″

 

20-year-old Patrick Partee has been arrested and charged with burglary in Marvyille, Mo.

According to a social media report issued by the Maryville Department of Public Safety Partee was taken into custody Thursday after officers executed a search warrant in the 300 block of N. Mulberry St. in Maryille in reference to an ongoing burglary investigation.

A search of the residence led officers to stolen property from burglaries that took place at four separate residences that took place in Maryville during November.

A weapon and other items used in the burglaries was also found.

As a result of the investigation Partee was charged with four counts of second degree burglary and four counts of armed criminal action by the Nodaway County Prosecutor.

Partee is being held on $25,000.00 bond.

The Northwest Missouri State University community and local residents marked the beginning of the holiday season Thursdayevening, Dec. 4, with the University’s sixth annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony.

A crowd of more than 150 gathered on the lawn of the historic Thomas Gaunt House for the event, which included musical performances by the Horace Mann Laboratory School’s Bearcat Choir, the Maryville High School Spectrum show choir and Dr. Don Ehlers, a Northwest psychology instructor and campus minister at the Wesley Student Center.

Prior to the lighting of the Black Hills Spruce tree, Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski encouraged the crowd to live the holiday season by the words of embrace, love and fun – or the acronym ELF.

“This holiday season, I ask you to pour out your love and your thoughts and your hearts,” Jasinski said. “Holidays should be fun, and we hope this ceremony provides a little bit of a smile to all of us as we think about the busy times.”

Maryville Mayor Renee Riedel, on behalf of the city, wished the gathering “a holiday season full of family, peace and love” after reciting an adaptation she composed of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” and noted the popular Dr. Seuss story is a favorite her father still reads to her family each Christmas Eve.

“We have had a year of unity and collaboration,” Riedel said. “While most of you finish your day at work, you donate your time to a service or community organization. We are starting to see the results of all that hard work. I’d like to say thank you, not only as the mayor of Maryville but as a citizen of Maryville.”

In conjunction with the tree lighting, Northwest and the Jasinski family annually sponsor a philanthropic effort to benefit the community. This year’s effort collected nearly 400 pounds of dog and cat food and more than $300 in monetary donations to assist the New Nodaway Humane Society.

St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity celebrated its 59th home build Friday with a house blessing for the Claycomb family.

Nick and Karla Claycomb found out their dreams of being home owners were coming true with Habitat for Humanity when they were chosen for the program just before Christmas of 2013.

“It’s a great Christmas present two years in a row,” said Nick. “There will be eight of us living here, we have 16 grandchildren so we’ll have a house full.”

A ribbon cutting and house blessing was held Friday at the new home located in the 800 block of S. 11th St.

There are five bedrooms and two bathrooms in the house which took nine months to build.

Both Nick and Karla have dedicate numerous hours of work to build the home.

“Having not just a house but a home,” said Nick. “It’s a save haven for our family.  It gives us a way to start giving back to the community instead of getting.”

Karla was in tears Friday morning during the home blessing as she received the news her family was adopted for Christmas.  She it’s been a wonderful experience working with Habitat.

“The people you meet,” said Karla. “All the new friends you make, it’s touching.”

The Claycombs said they will probably put up their Christmas tree first.

First-time St. Joseph Councilman Kent “Spanky” O’Dell was charged with excessive blood alcohol content on Nov. 21.

However, Friday Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins charged O’Dell with a misdemeanor BAC.

In a new release sent out by the prosecutor, the charge can carry a possible punishment of 0-$500 fine and/or a County jail sentence of a maximum of six months.

As we previously reported O’Dell was arrested by the St. Joseph Police Dept. in the area of 22nd and Garfield.

The release states that tests showed O’dell with a BAC of 0.08 at the time he was stopped by the officer.

Online court documents show a summons was personally mailed to O’Dell.

An arraignment is set for Tuesday.

 

Linda Burns has been named the 2014 United Way Leadership St. Joseph Distinguished Leader.

During the 2014 United Way Leadership graduation Thursday Burns, a 2000 program class alumna was recognized as the 2014 United Way Leadership St. Joseph Distinguished Leader. The Distinguished Leader Award is given at the conclusion of each United Way Leadership St. Joseph year to an alumni of the program who has gone on to use his/her leadership training as a volunteer for the betterment of our community in an especially beneficial way.

Burns, Director of Community Engagement for United Way of Greater St. Joseph, was selected to receive this honor in recognition of the community leadership she exemplifies. The award committee chose to recognize Linda this year for her role in shaping hundreds of community leaders through her oversight of United Way Leadership St. Joseph for the last 14 years. Under her leadership, the program has evolved into a year-long class, filling capacity regularly. Her efforts have given United Way Leadership St. Joseph a solid foundation and direction for the future. She has also managed United Way Volunteer Center that connects the community through volunteerism since its establishment in 2009. The most notable project has been the creation of United Way STUFF THE BUS! which has collected tens of thousands of school supplies for local children and has introduced hundreds of individuals and families to the joy of volunteering.

United Way Leadership St. Joseph builds the skills of individuals to be effective leaders in the community. The 2014 graduates join 31 preceding years of participants, more than 700 graduates over the years, who have completed year-long leadership development training. The program helps create a network of trained individuals willing to engage in leadership and community service with enhanced knowledge of our community’s opportunities, realities, and challenges.

2014 United Way Leadership St. Joseph graduates are: Michael Belding, Ally Browning, Kelsey Echterling, Brent Eddington, Josh Emberton, Bill Gall, Christy George, Jessica Gould, Tyler Graff, Jessica Hagey, Sarah Hatten, Nici Hayes, Ryan Hook, Nathan Howell, Scott Hudson, Mike Hurst, Amy Kotwani, Melissa Lawyer, Bryan LeRette, Matt Mays, Jeff McCoy, Rich Mense, Gayle Stowers, Doug Tschauder, John Voss, Connie Werner, Andy Windhorst, and Justin Wright.
Sponsoring businesses and organizations that supported individual class members for the year were: American Family Insurance; Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica; City of St. Joseph; CliftonLarsonAllen LLP; Commerce Bank; Green Acres Redevelopment; Hillyard Companies; Johnson Controls; Junior League; KCP&L; Legal Aid of Western Missouri; Liechti, Franken & Young, LLC; Missouri Western State University; Mosaic Life Care; Northwest Health Services; Polsinelli P.C.; Progressive Community Services; St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity; St. Joseph PTA Council; St. Joseph Public Library; St. Joseph Regional Association of Realtors; Second Harvest Community Food Bank; and United Way of Greater St. Joseph.

At the event, Linda Burns, alumna of the 2000 program class, was