The first day of classes began for the St. Joseph School District Wednesday morning. 

At Lafayette High School, the halls were mostly empty around 8 a.m., which Principal Chris Early said is a good sign. 

“That means kids are getting where they need to be,” Early said. “This is actually really promising because usually on the first day you’ll see kids everywhere and it’s not because they’re skipping or anything on the first day it’s just there’s a little confusion, there might be a mistake on their schedule, so when I walk in the hall like this and see that it’s empty I’m thinking, ‘We’re doing great. We’re firing on all cylinders this morning.’” 

This is Early’s first school year as Lafayette’s principal. Early had been serving as Lafayette’s assistant principal since 2013. He replaced Dr. Tyran Sumy who announced her retirement earlier this year after more than 20 years with the district. 

Early said one of the changes this year is their attendance policy which is an effort to raise attendance. 

“The gist of it… is that basically if you miss more than eight class periods, and this is outlined in the handbook, you don’t get credit for that class,” Early said. “We’re trying to teach kids accountability and I support the attendance initiative because my biggest concern is that we send kids out into the real world… I think sometimes we send these bright, academically prepared kids, but they don’t understand you’ve got to show up… So we’re trying to just instill good habits in them from the get go.” 

Early said he’s excited for this school year, especially since it’s Lafayette’s 100th year. Celebrations are planned throughout the year including a parade in the middle of the year and an all-school project. 

“(There’s) a lot to celebrate, a lot of involvement with our community and our alumni,” Early said. “It’s going to be a really fun year.”

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Authorities are asking the public for help locating a vehicle in connection with a burglary investigation in Livingston County.

According to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, Tuesday the office began investigating a burglary and theft from a building in the 2000 block of Liv 408 in the Mooresville area. The burglar(s) forced entry to the building and removed at least the following items:

1 Echo Chainsaw, 1 Belt Sander, 1 Black and Decker Jig Saw, 1 Skill circular saw, 1 Kobalt drill bit set, 1 Stanley socket set and 1 Stihl weedeater.

The LCSO is searching for the vehicle shown in the photo provided and any information about this vehicle as the driver is a person of interest. Anyone with information is asked to call the LCSO at 660-646-0515, dispatch at 660-646-2121, or submit a crime tip on line at www.livcoso.org.

Classes begin on Wednesday for the St. Joseph School District and the district has some bus safety tips for riders and their parents.

According to a press release, on the first day of school, bus drivers will send home communication with students that includes bus expectations and rules. Drivers will also make sure to have contact information for students.

The school district has some tips for parents for a low stress first day include:

• Have your child to the bus stop five minutes early. This helps keep everything on schedule and makes sure students don’t miss the bus. It also eliminates safety issues from students running to catch the bus.
• Meet your kindergartner or first grader at the bus stop. Bus drivers cannot drop off or pick up kindergartners or first graders without a parent present at the bus stop. If a parent is not present, the driver will return the student to the school.
• Be patient the first week. The first week can be hectic at the schools at the end of the day, which may delay buses. Buses may drop off a little later for this reason.
• Double check that you have the correct stop at the correct time. Apple Bus and SJSD have worked hard to make routes efficient and safe, while still keeping bus stops within 1-2 blocks of each student. Bus routes may change from year to year, or as the bus drivers get more information about ridership. Find more information on the SJSD website.

Some bus safety tips include:

Stay back off the road, and do not approach the bus until it comes to a complete stop. If crossing in front of the bus, make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver to give the okay to cross.

Always cross in front of the bus – never behind the bus, which is a blind spot. Walk 10 feet in front of the bus.

The City of St. Joseph is taking public input on projects for the next Capital Improvements Program.

According to the city, the half-cent CIP sales tax is the only current source of funding for major public infrastructure in the city of St. Joseph. On average, 80% of the funding for capital projects comes from the half-cent tax.

Projects funded through the CIP sales tax have included the reconstruction of the Riverside
Road and Gene Field intersection, Remington Nature Center, REC Center, replacement of
public safety radio infrastructure, renovation of Patee Market, improvements to Krug Park,
the renovation of the baseball fields at Hyde Park, and two new fire stations currently under
construction. Approximately 60% of the current CIP program is dedicated to street
maintenance.

Projects submitted must be for a public purpose, i.e., to build, improve, maintain or repair
public facilities which can include roads, bridges, buildings, sewers, drainage, etc. CIP sales
tax revenues cannot be used on private facilities.

Those interested in submitting a public project for consideration can access a form on the
city’s website at http://www.stjoemo.org/DocumentCenter/View/5831 or by contacting the
city manager’s office at 271-4610. At a minimum, the information required includes the
type, location, and justification for the project as well as an estimate of the cost involved.

The completed form needs to be submitted to Mary Robertson, Communications & Public
Relations Manager, City Hall, Room 305, 1100 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64501,
no later than 5pm, Friday, September 15, 2017.

A man appeared in court Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of Anthony Minor last week in St. Joseph.

Raydel Cespedes is charged in Buchanan County with a first-degree class-C felony charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Minor’s death.

As we reported, court documents stated Cespedes was in a verbal argument with the victim outside of the residence located at 2010 Edmond Street, then went inside his home and got a gun and returned to the front door. Det. Greg Ogdahl said while holding the gun Cespedes again began to argue with the victim then shot the unarmed victim at least one time while the victim was standing outside of the residence.

Cespedes appeared Tuesday for an arraignment in front of Judge Rebecca Spencer. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for Aug. 24.

Cespedes remains behind bars in the Buchanan County Jail on $50,000 bond.

The St. Joseph Police Department is investigating after multiple reports of shots fired overnight.

According to Sgt. Brett Kelley, they received a report around midnight of shots fired in the area of 12th and Sacramento. Officers found a vehicle had been hit. Shortly before 1 a.m., officers responded to another report of shots fired in the 1100 block of South 12th Street. Officers located two vehicles on the street and a residence that had been hit. No one was injured.

Sgt. Kelley said there are no suspects at this time and anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 238-TIPS.

People were lined up for several blocks Monday at a St. Joseph agency waiting for help outfitting their children with new shoes for the start of the school year.

AFL-CIO Community Services held the Sole for Christ shoe distribution Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its location at 1203 N. 6th St.  Penny Adams, the agency’s executive director said hundreds were lined up when they opened up the doors.

“They were wrapped around our building and up Powell Street,” Adams said.

She said some of the first people in line said they had been there since 8 p.m. Sunday.

“They camped out the night before to get these shoes.  That’s how important and valuable these shoes are to these families,” Adams said. “For some of us that can afford it you don’t realize how hard it is to get kids in school and the cost.  When there’s programs like this to help them save a little bit of money the parents really appreciate it.”

Students from preschool through 12th grade in Buchanan and Andrew counties and Doniphan county in Kansas are eligible for a free pair of tennis shoes through the program. Adams said parents need to bring their children with them, proof of residency and a school ID or birth certificate.  Around 1:30 p.m. Monday, Adams estimated around 500 children had already been outfitted for the school year with a new pair of shoes.

“Last year we served 1,006 kids so we expect to serve that many this year and we wouldn’t be surprised to see an increase,” Adams said. “Every year all the prices of school supplies and school clothes and the fees all go up and wages aren’t doing the same thing…This program saves some families quite a bit of money depending on how many kids you have.”

The agency will be open again, Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the shoe distribution.

Community donations have made the shoe distribution possible. Adams said around 2,500 pairs were donated and that it’s not too late make a donation.

“We always have a little bit left at the end of the program but we save it for start up for next year and for anybody that doesn’t make the program throughout the year,” she said. ” We always hear about kids that need shoes and we still try to help them out.”

For more information contact AFL-CIO Community Services at (816) 364-1131.

(News release) – A second man has been charged with the November 1, 2014 murder of Francisco Vargas III in Platte County.

Kevin Joseph Hardin, 30, of Kansas City, Kansas, is accused of acting alone or with others in shooting Vargas to death at Vargas’ house on Twin Springs Road. Zakary F. Mergy was charged with Vargas’ murder in 2014; his case is still awaiting trial.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said the charges against Hardin were filed August 11.

“In 2014, we alleged Zakary Mergy may have had a partner in his crimes,” Zahnd said. “We have now charged Kevin Hardin with being that person.”

According to court documents, on November 1, 2014, a friend and family members of Vargas found him dead in his home, where he had been shot several times. Vargas was selling drugs, primarily marijuana, from the house, according to several witnesses. A neighbor reported seeing a gray vehicle at Vargas’ residence on the day he was shot. Investigators later determined that a 2008 gray Dodge Charger reportedly seen at the house was registered to a relative of Mergy.

During the course of the investigation, investigators obtained cell phone records and historical cell tower site records. Hardin’s and Mergy’s cell phone records allegedly indicate that both of their phones were in the immediate proximity of the Vargas’ residence at the time of the murder.

When interviewed by detectives, however, Hardin allegedly said he had earlier left the area of Vargas’ residence.

Mergy allegedly told detectives that Hardin admitted to Mergy that he had killed Vargas. Hardin also allegedly told Mergy to get rid of the murder weapon, a handgun.

Investigators recovered a handgun buried in Mergy’s mother’s back yard. Court documents indicate that the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory found a fingerprint on the gun’s magazine allegedly matching Hardin. In addition, cartridge cases and bullets recovered at the crime scene were allegedly fired from that gun. And DNA test results allegedly show Mergy as the major contributor and Hardin as the minor contributor of the DNA found on the gun.

Hardin is being held on a $500,000 cash bond. He is charged with second degree murder and armed criminal action. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory. It is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Mark Gibson and Hannah Herring.

(News release) – The entertainment schedule for the City Stage and Family Stage at Trails West!® 2017 has been released and features a wide variety of acts.

Entertainment on the City Stage and Family Stage ends before the Main Stage entertainment. Main Stage entertainment opens with funk rock fan favorite, Here Come the Mummies, who take the stage Friday night; music stars Trace Adkins and Clare Dunn entertain crowds Saturday; festival attendees Sunday will enjoy the musical talents of Stars Go Dim and Grand Funk Railroad. And don’t forget the Eclipse on Monday!

The City and Family Stage schedule is full of local favorites, mixed in with some brand new acts.

“We can’t wait to introduce this fantastic lineup for the 2017 festival,” said Shana Meyer, Trails West 2017 Co-Chair. “It will be a great weekend, full of talented musicians and performers. We are proud of the lineup we were able to secure this year, and we are really looking forward to showcasing these artists and highlighting them for their incredible gifts.”

City Stage

Friday, August 18^th, 2017

5:30 p.m. – Under the Big Oak Tree. Under the Big Oak Tree describes their musical style as heartfelt, picturesque, and timeless. Band members include Kristin Hamilton, Doug “Sluggo” Ward, and Simon Fink. American Roots Magazine described their first album as “A strong group of original songs that are perfect for warm summer nights, a classic country feel, and a sophisticated repertoire of music played by excellent musicians.”

6:30 p.m. – Flannigan’s Right Hook. This popular band, out of Kansas City, has been called a combination of country and Irish music. The band trio performs high energy concerts, and their instruments include a fiddle, a guitar, and a set of drums.

 

Saturday, August 19, 2017

10:15 a.m. – The Dance Arts Center. For thirty years the Dance Arts Center has taught students the art, discipline and joy of dance. The studio was founded in 1985 by Ms. Lynn Fankhauser. In 2005, former student and professional dancer Marla Heeler returned home from Chicago to carry on the tradition Ms. Lynn instilled in many students during her twenty-year career. The Dance Arts Center offers a wide variety of dance, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, musical theater, contemporary, hip-hop and tumbling. Students at the Dance Arts Center not only learn grace, poise and confidence, but they also gain a lifelong appreciation of dance, and develop skills such as team work, time management and problem solving.

11:15 a.m. – Stephanie Gummelt. This American Idol contestant is quickly becoming a Saint Joseph favorite. Stephanie Gummelt first began teaching herself guitar at age 12 and to date has written over fifty tracks. Her mix of pop-folk with a touch of rock topped with powerful vocals is sure to delight.

12:30 p.m. – Like Rabbits. Americana, Bluegrass, Folk

1:30 p.m. – The Sons of Brasil. In Kansas City, there is a popular jazz group that has performed every week since their inception in 1991. This would not be so remarkable, as Kansas City is renowned for its tradition of great jazz since the days of Count Basie and Charlie Parker. What is remarkable, is that this group of native Kansas Citians plays nothing but Brazilian jazz, with a flavor and passion one might think could only be found at a night club in Ipanema or Leblon. The Sons of Brasil invite you to sample these sounds, which stem from their love and admiration of “musica bem brasileira.”

2:30 p.m. – Oxymoron. Oxymoron is an up and coming band with funny antics and off-the- cuff interactions with their audience. They play a unique variety of music from multiple genres and multiple decades, appealing to most any crowd. Oxymoron has played at a variety of venues including Kauffman Stadium, Civic Arena, and several local venues including regular visits to The First Ward House in St Joseph, MO. However, the band’s most common performances have been private parties amongst the community due to their personable interactions with their crowds.

3:30 p.m. – Retro Active. RetroActive is a high energy classic rock cover band that brings back the memories with songs you will remember that you’ve forgot from the 70’s and 80’s. Over nine decades of combined experience, RetroActive has played at numerous festivals, private parties, and many local hangouts including Stingers in Wixom, Plymouth Roc, Baker’s in Milford, Captain Joe’s Lounge in Whitmore Lake, Northwood in South Lyon, Dam Site Inn in Hell, Pinckney Pub and Grill. Expect an energetic set list that gets people up and dancing.

4:30 p.m. – Oxymoron.

5:30 p.m. – Retro Active.

6:30 p.m. – State Line Drive. This band is made up of Micah and Mason Marrs along with Joel and Jordan Mills. The four play a mix of folk-pop with a country influence and is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

1:30 p.m. – Valentine & The Ticklers. Valentine & The Ticklers are Mark Valentine, (guitar & vocals) Jay EuDaly (guitar & vocals) and Phil Brenner (alto and tenor sax, flute, clarinet and vocals). The band plays covers from artists including Johnny Cash, CCR, Eric Clapton and others. Their mix of high energy and musical talents is sure to keep the crowd on their feet and singing along.

3:30 p.m. – Das Furbender. This new comer to the festival stems from Lawrence, KS and offers a mix of music including jazz, rock, and funk. Their high energy and crowd involvement is sure to delight festival goers.

4:30 p.m. – Under the Influence. Rock

5:30 p.m. – Casey Brett Acoustic. Casey Brett is a singer and songwriter from Savannah. He says his unique sound rides the line between Red Dirt and Texas Country. Casey performs over 250 shows a year in various cities and towns, giving a not to miss performance laced with energy, excitement and great music. He’s toured the Midwest circuits in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska as well as performing in Alaska, Texas and Tennessee. Casey won the 2007 Missouri State Talent Show, 2008 Kansas City’s Q-104 Country Crooner Contest, and performed in the 2009 Country Stampede.

6:30 p.m. – Under the Influence.

Monday, August 21, 2017

10:30 a.m. – Eclipse! Musical revue with songs associated with the eclipse.

11:30 a.m. – The Baker Family. The Baker Family is a high energy bluegrass band located in south central Missouri. We perform at bluegrass events throughout the United States from Maine to California.

2:00 p.m. – The Baker Family. The Baker Family is a high energy bluegrass band located in south central Missouri. We perform at bluegrass events throughout the United States from Maine to California.

3:00 p.m. – Wooden Nickell Studios. Join Wooden Nickell Studios for a family friendly art class. Leading the instruction is Megan Thomas, a local painter. Born in 1985 in Trenton, Missouri, she studied art throughout her high school career and continued her art education at Missouri Western State University. She is the owner and operator of Wooden Nickell Studio. Currently she has been working on Abstract pieces, but also takes special requests form clients. Including but not limited to landscapes and portraits.

Buttons (tickets) are on sale now through August 16. They are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. All festival guests under the age of 10 are free while accompanied by an adult. Buttons will grant admission to all four days of the festival.  Purchase your festival buttons at the Allied Arts Council office, your local bank, online or at one of the many local businesses listed on the Trails West!® website, www.trailswest.org.

 

Trails West!® is an outdoor arts festival, celebrating the unique cultural heritage of St. Joseph, Mo. Hosted by the Allied Arts Council, the festival is coordinated by a volunteer steering committee and receives financial assistance from the Saint Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city of Saint Joseph, and the Missouri Arts Council; a state agency. Now in its 25^th year, the festival features fine arts, folk arts, culinary arts, music, dance, and theatre. The 2017 festival will be held August 18-21 at Civic Center Park.