Grandparents were invited to Oak Grove Elementary school Tuesday to have lunch with their grandchildren and tour the new facility where construction is still underway.

Students have only been attending class since August at the newest public elementary school St. Joseph has seen in four decades.  In fact, construction is still ongoing as crews work to finish building the gym floor, but the noise from the adjacent room didn’t keep grandparents from coming out to have lunch with their Grandchildren Tuesday afternoon.

“Grandparent’s Day was on Sunday September 7 and we know how important it is for grandparents to be involved with their grandchildren,”Oak Grove Elementary School Principal Mike Otto said. “So this whole week we’ve invited our grandparents to come eat with their grandchildren.”

Grandmother Janece Johnson said she came to spend time with her granddaughter and brought a treat with her.  “The most special thing is a fancy cupcake,” she said.

“They’ll be very excited to see me here today,” Sue Hodges who also came out for Grandparent’s day said.

9-year-old Andrew Gerstner said he enjoys the family event.

“They bring me food,” Gerstner said. “Subway”

“It’s another way to build community, make connections; the school it’s for kids and we’re promoting family and that’s the secret,” Otto said. “St. Joe did it right.  The administration, the community, the teachers, the staff.  It’s a state of the art school and it’s the finest school I’ve ever been in in my 29-years.”

Otto said the construction of the Gym floor is the last big project left at Oak Grove.  The architects onsite at the school told the St. Joseph post that construction of the gym floor isn’t expected to be complete until at least October 1.

 

Missouri Senator Roy Blunt stopped in at Missouri Western State University Monday to Tour the Walter Cronkite Memorial

“Walter Cronkite is certainly a great part of our national history and a great part of our history,” Sen. Blunt said.

The Senator toured the memorial with MWSU President Robert Vartabedian. However, he made time to meet with members of the media and talk about concerns he is faced with in Washington. He said he is concerned about the rising cost of health-care and government spending as well issues overseas.

“It would be a wonderful thing if others would step up and the United States would not bear all the responsibility we’ve borne since World War II,” Sen. Blunt said. “But the truth is, that just doesn’t happen.”

The St. Joseph Police Department is searching for a suspect after a woman was allegedly robbed of her jewelry Monday afternoon.

According to SJPD Captain Jeff Wilson, around 2 p.m. Monday police responded to the 2200 block of Felix street to a report of a woman who was held up when a man allegedly came at her from behind and placed some sort of weapon at her back and demanded her jewelry.

Police are currently looking for information in the case.

Anyone with information can contact the TIPS hotline at (816) 238-TIPS

New local Google Partnership is giving area small businesses in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas a helping hand.

Eagle Web Services, a division of Hays-based Eagle Communications, has become a Google Partner, teaming with the most powerful name on the Internet to offer a wide array of marketing and business solutions.

Eagle Communications in St. Joseph includes KJO 105.5, Q-Country 92.7, KFEQ 680 AM, ESPN 1550 and the St. Joseph Post.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the digital world.” said Jenny Cathcart Eagle Radio local sales manager.  “We’re always looking for ways to help local businesses grow and a digital footprint is another must have in today’s marketplace.”

The Google partnership will allow Eagle to advise businesses and place ads throughout Google’s extensive ad network, which reaches websites across the Internet ranging from popular sports and news websites to special-interest sites.

“Business know they need to have a presence on the web but a lot of times are unsure how to get started,” Cathcart said. “As a Google Partner we now have the opportunity and the resources to assist businesses all over Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas.”

The Google Partners program was rolled out in Eagle’s Salina market earlier this summer — and businesses already are reaping the benefits.

In addition to the Google ad network, Eagle Web Services also specializes in search engine optimization for clients who already have a Web presence — and creation of affordable websites for those who don’t.

“Depending upon certain criteria we craft for an advertiser, we can point advertising directly at the customers most interested in your product or service, often right at the moment they are at the critical ‘purchase point,’ ” said Todd Haskell, Eagle’s digital sales manager.

“Every day, more people become comfortable shopping and investigating businesses online. And every day, more people are shopping and checking out local businesses on their smartphone,” Haskell said. “If you are ahead of the curve and already online with your products and services, we can help you reap the benefits of technology. If you are still looking for the right time to get online, the time is now — and Eagle can help.”

For information on Eagle Web Services contact Jenny Cathcart at (816) 233-8881 Ex. 123 or by email stjoesales@eagleradio.net.

 

The St. Joseph Police Department is searching for a suspect in connection with an early Sunday morning armed robbery.

SJPD Captain Jeff Wilson said a man wearing a clown mask walked into Wiedmaier Truck Stop just off of US Highway 169 in St. Joseph shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the store clerk.

The man was described as a white man around 5’5″, thin build wearing a gray shirt and jeans with a tattoo of a cross on the left side of his neck.

Police believe the robber was driving an early 2000 model White Dodge pickup.

A vehicle matching that description was later found in the area of 135 Countryside Lane engulfed in flames.

Capt. Wilson said no one was harmed during the robbery.

However, anyone with information in connection with the case is asked to call the TIPS hotline at (816) 238-TIPS (8477).

 

Missouri Senator Roy Blunt plans to hold an open press conference in St. Joseph Monday.

Senator Blunt is expected to hold a press conference Monday at 12:45 p.m. at Missouri Western State University to give an update from Washington.  The senator also plans to tour the Walter Cronkite Memorial.

A representative from the Senator’s office told the St. Joseph Post they expect the Senator to talk about issues going on in Washington and address concerns revolving around the ISIS terrorist group.

Keep following the Post for updates.

 

The City of Saint Joseph Water Protection Facility will be performing emergency repair  work on a 60-inch effluent discharge line starting Monday, September 8, 2014.

The work which involves excavating, removing, and replacing segments of the broken 60” concrete pipe, is expected to be completed by Thursday, September 11, 2014.

During this period, domestic waste water entering the plant will receive primary treatment, and will then be discharged to the Missouri River.

Arrangements have been made for high strength industrial flows to continue to receive full secondary treatment before being discharged from the facility.

The Public should avoid contact with the Missouri River waters in the designated posted area.

Signage will be posted along the affected area.

The City does not foresee any significant impact to the Missouri River during these repairs.

 

Charges have been filed in connection with a stabbing on Northwest Missouri State University’s campus.

Nodaway County Officials confirm Demetrius Boone, 21 has been charged with third-degree assault in connection with the stabbing of a Northwest student.

Wednesday, Sept. 3 officers responded to a report of a disturbance on campus between two students. A 21-year-old male was transported to St. Francis Hospital and Health Services where he was treated and released.

The investigation is being handled by University Police and is ongoing.

The 2014 United Way Campaign kicked off Thursday morning at East Hills Mall with more than 200 people in attendance.
Missouri Western Football Coach Jerry Partridge was asked to give a motivational speech to get the campaign started. “I want to thank the people in this room,” Mr. Partridge said. “You’re the life blood, you’re the driving force.”

Football puns were thrown around the mall as this year’s campaign pacesetters announced the total amount raised for the campaign so far. With a 2014 campaign goal of $3.1 million pacesetters have given the campaign a good start with $832,914 raised to date.

“This year we’re going to go out there, roll up our sleeves and work hard and try to hit that goal,” said Campaign Chair Adam Stein. “92-cents of every dollar raised goes straight to the causes, straight to the 19 partner agencies and that is tremendous to help this community.”

The United Way campaign will conclude Nov. 6.

 

Volunteers for Missouri Western State University and Griffon Athletics turned out around St. Joseph today as part of the Paint It Gold Blitz to raise funds for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.

“It’s to help get the word out and let people know that United Way is kicking off tomorrow and celebrate the fact that the Griffs also kick off tomorrow  ” 2014 United Way Campaign Chair Adam Stein said.

Volunteers were out at six different locations collecting funds for the United Way campaign.  Including city intersections 22nd and Garfield, Noyes and Mitchell and area businesses Hy-Vee and all Apple Market in St. Joseph and Savannah.

“We’re doing a lot differently this year,” Mr. Stein said. “For example tomorrow’s breakfast is at the East Hills Mall as opposed to Missouri Western where we normally have it so that’s just one idea that we did differently and several of the venues throughout the year will be different.”

The 2014 United Way Campaign will kick off at 7:15 a.m. at East Hills Mall on Thurs., Sept. 4.