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Category: Local News

Missouri Western and Northwest report increased enrollment

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Classes began Monday at Missouri Western State University and at Northwest Missouri State University with both reporting increased enrollment.

Preliminary enrollment data at Missouri Western indicate more than 1,050 incoming freshmen are beginning their college career. That is an increase of approximately seven percent over last year and more than 22 percent higher than it was in fall 2016.

Overall enrollment, both in headcount and credit hours, is also projected to rise again. Enrollment numbers will be finalized after the official census date four weeks into the semester.

Convocation Aug. 2018. Photo Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University.

Northwest reported record retention and one of its largest-ever freshman classes.

Northwest entered its first day of classes Monday with 78.66 percent of its 2017 freshman class returning to the University for a second year, which breaks the University’s 2007 record of 73.51 percent. Northwest’s freshman headcount is 1,351, an 11 percent increase from last fall.

Second Missouri man charged in dog’s hanging death

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HOPKINS, Mo. (AP) — A second Missouri man has been charged with animal abuse in connection with a pet slaying case.

Dalton Peve of Hopkins has been charged with animal abuse and torture or mutilation of a living animal in connection with the April 21 case involving a dog being hung alive by a cable.

The probable cause statement says Nodaway County Sheriff’s Deputy Travis Casteel received multiple anonymous tips that said Pope bragged about hanging the black and white husky.

The statement says the county Sheriff’s Office has received numerous driving and animal abuse complaints about Peve. The statement says he’s “a threat to the community.”

Lincoln Pope of Pickering was also charged in the case in July.

Brief: Crashing a Town Hall, Boehner and KS Dems, Fake Meat

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A Kansas Congressional race features one candidate confronting the other at a Town Hall.

Rep. Ron Estes and Democratic challenger James Thompson traded fire Saturday when Thompson showed up at Estes’ sparsely attended Town Hall on veterans issues.

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“You’re a hard man to find,” Thompson said, speaking from the back of the nearly-empty meeting room at the Wichita’s Advance Learning Library.

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“So this is your gimmick, to come here and ask a question (about debates) when we want to talk about serious issues here?” Estes said. “We’re having a series of debates as you know.”

 

Is the former Republican House Speaker switching teams?

In what appeared to be a bizarre coincidence, both he and former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius were spotted checking into the convention hotel at the same time Saturday evening. What’s more, it turns out the two of them actually grew up together in the same area of southern Ohio, which Boehner represented in the House from 1991 through 2015.

Boehner, of course, wasn’t there to crash the Democrats’ festivities. In a casual conversation over coffee the next morning, he explained that he’s traveling across the country in a motor coach stumping on behalf of Republican congressional candidates, and he was in Kansas for a fundraiser to benefit 1st District Rep. Roger Marshall, of Great Bend.

 

Organic farmers turn to livestock waste for fertilizer.

To comply with organic rules, some use livestock to provide natural fertilizer. Two separate studies in Iowa are trying to quantify the soil health, yield and, eventually, economic impact of grazing animals on the fields after vegetables are harvested.

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“We’re strongly committed to having livestock on our gardens as much as possible,” Quee said.

That’s because they nurture the soil with their rooting, pecking, stomping and, yes, pooping. Quee’s seen firsthand how turkey manure increases soil nitrogen — a fact supported by commercial sales of composted turkey manure as an organic-approved fertilizer.

 

Speaking of meat…or not:

A new Missouri law prevents meat-substitute brands from marketing the products as meat. Tofurky is an example of a meat substitute.

In a lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court, a coalition of groups and companies say a law approved by the Legislature in May and signed by former Gov. Eric Greitens violates the First Amendment, as well as discriminates against out-of-state manufacturers to protect Missouri meat producers.

“Americans don’t like censorship, and they don’t like the government picking winners and losers in the marketplace. We’re confident that the Court will overturn this anti-competitive and unconstitutional law,” said Bruce Friedrich, executive director of the Good Food Institute, which represents companies that produce plant-based and laboratory-grown clean meats.

The new law goes into effect Tuesday.

 

The Brief is a daily roundup from St. Joe Post and around the web. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

“Made With Uncommon Character” campaign celebrates one year

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It’s been a year of “Uncommon Character” in St. Joseph.

The new brand for St. Joseph, Missouri, “Made With Uncommon Character,” debuted last year after being formed by a group of 12 St. Joseph creative residents in June of 2016.

St. Joseph Community Branding, LLC, is celebrating with a week full of activities to honor the accomplishment.

St. Joseph Community Branding member Joey Austin says the “Made With Uncommon Character” campaign features people, places and things in St. Joseph that make it uncommon.

“From our architecture to our residents and to the things that we have here… (the) parkway system, Parties on the Parkway, our kids in the school district, our teachers in the school district, our caregivers at Mosaic, people at Missouri Western, there are so many things that we get to feature here,” Austin said. “We’re on social media, we have a print campaign, we have a TV campaign so I think you’ll see it a lot. What we want is for people to share it, we want people to share the good things that we have going on. Drown out the negative because there’s a lot more positive than you think.”

Also, as part of the week, St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray will proclaim Made With Uncommon Character Day at the City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Monday. Also Monday, new Facebook frames will be launched for residents to display their Uncommon Character trait of choice on their Facebook profile pictures. On Tuesday, social media followers are encouraged to share their favorite business that they believe has Uncommon Character.

For more information visit uncommoncharacter.com or click here to find out more about the week’s activities.

Obituaries August 27, 2018

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Wilbur Lee Stephens
1932-2018

Wilbur Lee Stephens 86, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at his home in St. Joseph, MO. He was born April 21, 1932 in Ridgeway, MO, son of the late Leota and Clyde Stephens. He retired Missouri State Highway Department after 30 years of service. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his family. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Darryl Willis, and sister, Nina Wagaman. Survivors include, wife, Leona Stephens of the home, son, Jerry Stephens of St. Joseph, MO. Graveside Funeral Services and Interment will be conducted at 11 am Monday, August 27, 2018 at the the Zoar Cemetery, Cainsville, MO. The funeral cortege will leave the funeral home at 9:15 am. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home

Richard Dean “Rick” Siebenmorgen
1963-2018

Richard Dean “Rick” Siebenmorgen, 55, of Hiawatha, died Thursday evening, August 23, 2018, at Select Specialty Hospital in Kansas City, KS, from injuries he received July 28, 2018, on his motorcycle.

He was born February 21, 1963, one of seven children born to Louis and Lois Loyd Siebenmorgen and had lived in the Hiawatha area nearly all of his life. He grew up on a farm near Hiawatha where he attended school and graduated from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1981. After graduation, he started his work career as a farm hand, worked at Flair Fold for a number of years, Bestway, all done prior to driving a truck. Rick has driven a concrete truck for Midwest Ready Mix in Hiawatha for the past several years.

Rick was a dedicated member of Abate District #11, of Hiawatha. He enjoyed his family, loved riding his motorcycle, fishing—anything to do with being outdoors. He was a simple man!

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Lisa Mackey of Falls City, Nebraska in 2006; and an infant daughter Marilyn.

Survivors include his son Bryan Siebenmorgen (Tera Mitcham); brothers Louis Siebenmorgen (Jan), Terry Siebenmorgen (JoLynn), Brad Siebenmorgen (Heather), Tim Siebenmorgen; two sisters: Debbie Roland (Herb), and Kim Siebenmorgen (Coco); and several nieces and nephews. A long time dear friend to the family is Peggy Gibson-Siebenmorgen.

As his request, he was cremated with a visitation planned for Friday, August 31, 2018, at the Fisher Community Center in Hiawatha from 5 until 8 p.m. Private inurnment will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Mercier.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Rick Siebenmorgen Memorial Fund, sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Linda Maxine Strecker
1946-2018

Falls City, Nebraska………….Linda Maxine Strecker passed away August 17, 2018, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her son Shawn and Pamela Strecker by her side.

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 11, 1946, to Maxine and Jim Horn. They moved from Louisiana to the Horn family farm near Falls City, Nebraska; and later moved into Falls City, Nebraska. She graduated from Falls City High School, in 1964. She attended Northwest Missouri State College for a year and transferred to Southeast Community College in Omaha.

She married Michael A. Strecker on June 4, 1966, in Falls City, Nebraska. They lived their dream by starting their own business part time in 1968 out of a spare bedroom. In July of 1976, the business had become a full time operation known as Strecker Gun and Supply. Many days were spent in the gunroom with family and friends. They loved them all!

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; and loving husband Michael A. Strecker.

She is survived by her son Shawn (Pamela) Strecker of Horton, Kansas; Her two sisters Sharon Horn of Madison, Tennessee; and Karon DeRoin of White Cloud, Kansas; a brother Tom Horn of Casper, Wyoming. Her granddaughter Shawna Strecker; and bonus granddaughter; a bonus grandson; and 6 bonus great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Linda was buried with her husband Michael A. Strecker, at a private burial at Hart Cemetery, near Reserve, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be sent to, The Nebraska Children’s Home Society, in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th Street, Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Gary Eugene Jundy
1951-2018

Gary Eugene Jundy 66, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018 in Saint Joseph. He was born November 22, 1951 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He married Denise Jundy on December 15, 1977, and she survives of the home. He graduated from Faucett High School, and he served in the United States Navy. He retired from Western Regional Diagnostic and Corrections Center as a Lieutenant. He loved his dogs, cats and birds, but most especially he loved his family and grandchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Gene Jundy, mother, Elizabeth Goben, step father, Preston Goben, and his granddaughter, Molly Conz. He is survived by wife, Denise Jundy of the home, son, Jason (Jamie) Jundy, Savannah, MO, daughters, Layla (Derek) Conz, St. Joseph, MO, and Heather Diggs, eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, brother, Fred (Gina) Jundy, three sisters, Lynn (Dave) Lundin, Patty (Brandon) Lewis, and Teri (Rich) Burkhardt. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Saturday with Memorial Services to begin at 2:00 pm Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society.

Allen V. Meyer
1936-2018

Allen Victor Meyer 82, of rural Hiawatha, met his Lord and Savior Tuesday August 21, 2018 at Maple Heights Nursing Home.

Allen was born March 1, 1936 at about 10:00 am in a farm house ½ mile east and ½ mile south of Hamlin, Kansas to Arnold F. and Mable C. (Meyerholtz) Meyer. He started first grade at Hamlin Elementary in September of 1942, where he continued his education until February 21, 1946. On February 22, 1946, Allen moved with his parents to a farm 2 miles south 1/2 mile east and ½ mile north of Hiawatha. Allen enrolled in the fourth grade and finished his elementary education at Union School. He graduated from the 8th grade in April of 1950. During his youth Allen was also a member of the Hiawatha Jayhawkers 4-H club for 10 years. He had his garden for a project and won many ribbons at the county fair for exhibiting his produce.

He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in April of 1936. After moving southeast of Hiawatha in1946, Allen and his parents transferred their church membership to Zion Lutheran Church of Hiawatha. Allen began confirmation class in the fall of 1947, and was confirmed in the spring of 1950.

Allen started high school in the fall of 1950. He joined the F.F.A. and purchased a dairy heifer for a project. He also got a job at a grocery store in 1951, working after school and on Saturdays and time during the summer. He graduated from high school with his classmates, in 1954. Upon his graduation he received a Union Pacific Scholarship to Kansas State Agriculture University at Manhattan, Kansas, where he attended for one year. Allen stated at that time “I learned from the school of hard knocks”…learning from my mistakes.”

After coming back home in the spring of 1955, Allen worked for a neighbor doing farm work and also helped his dad, on the farm at home, until August at that time he went back to work at the I.G.A. grocery store where he had worked for three years during high school. He continued to work there full time until September 30, 1962, where he purchased a farm with a Grade A Dairy. Allen served with the Headquarters Battery Battalion of the Kansas Army National Guard, Hiawatha, in March 154 and was a member until his discharge in November 1962, attained the rank of E-5.

Allen and Mary Elizabeth Fish were united in marriage June 9, 1957. Mary joined the Zion Lutheran Church by confirmation in the fall of 1957. He taught junior high Sunday school from 1955 until 1962. Allen and Mary served as Walter League leaders from 1957-1962. Their marriage continued until Mary’s death April 21, 2009. When first married, Allen and Mary lived in an apartment at 509 Delaware. Then in the late summer of 1958 they purchased a home at 301 Iowa, during that time Mary taught elementary grade school at Powhattan and Union Schools.

On October 1, 1962 they made a career change sold their home at 301 Iowa. Allen quit his job and they moved to a farm they purchased a farm in the Claytonville neighborhood and would own for over 50 years, located four miles south,1¼ mile east, ½ mile south, and ¾ mile east of Hiawatha. There they would operate a Grade A Dairy, raise cattle, and farm the land. In 1988 after a fire which destroyed their dairy barn they sold their dairy cattle, but continued to farm and have a cow, calf operation. In 1976 they built a new home. On a Saturday afternoon about 4:30 a tornado destroyed the silo and all the buildings, on the farm except, the garage and the house. They both received damage, but were repairable. Allen continued to farm and build back until October of 2009. At that time he rented out his crop land, but continued to keep a few cows and take care of his hay to feed his cows. He sold his machinery due to health reasons and moved to Maple Heights in 2013, after 51 years of farming full time.

In 1999 Allen began to lead an adult bible class and he became a church Elder in 2003 a position he held for many years.

Allen enjoyed his garden and sharing his produce with his church family’s as long as he was able to care for it. He also loved watching animals, plants grow, especially in the spring with the new birth of baby calves and new plant life.

He is survived by dear friends Troy and Robyn Kolb, sister in law Eleanor “Ann” Smith; his cousins; Rick, Rod, Doug, Wes, Jeeper, Matt Meyer, Rose Newman, Sandy Howes.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents and his wife and many Aunts and Uncles.

Funeral services are planned for 11a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. Pastor Sean Kilgo and Pastor Michael Dunaway will officiate. Interment with military honor will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 am till 6pm Friday August 24, 2018. Family will meet friends from 10-11 Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church Playground Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, Kansas 66434.

Vivien Inez Venneberg
1916-2018

HOLTON – Vivien Inez Venneberg, 102, of Holton, Kansas passed away August 20, 2018 at the Community Hospital in Onaga.

She was born July 28, 1916 near Johnstown, Nebraska. She was the oldest daughter of Thomas James Graff and Ann Catherine (Zillig) Graff. Vivien graduated from Havensville High School.

She worked as a ticket clerk for the Union Pacific Railroad in Junction City during the war. After the war she and her husband Paul returned to farming south of Havensville, near the Bucks Grove community. In September 1992 she moved to Holton, Kansas.

Vivien was a member of the Havensville Christian Church and had attended Bucks Grove United Methodist Church for many years. She belonged to the Ladies Aid at Bucks Grove and had played the keyboard there.

She married Paul C. Venneberg on February 13, 1937. He preceded her in death on January 17, 1991. She was also preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Lois Dandliker, Edna Mills and Margaret Ann Osterhaus.

Survivors include one son, Paul Edwin Venneberg and his wife Toni, of Topeka, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Bucks Grove United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 25th. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Vivien will lie in state until noon Saturday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Memorials are suggested to the Bucks Grove United Methodist Church or the Havensville Christian Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436.

George “Bud” Henry Lee
1936-2018

George “Bud” Lee 82, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Monday, August 20, 2018 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born February 16, 1936 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Goldie and Wally Lee. He worked at Armour and Company retiring after 22 years, Snorkel for 15 years, and retired from the United States Army after 22 years. He enjoyed fishing, horse shoes, and bowling, and he loved serving his country. George was preceded in death by wife, Else Lee, his parents, brothers, Billy and Joe Lee, sisters, Doris “Dean” Brown, Betty “Joney” Talbott, and brother in law, Bill Talbot, and Barbara “Dot” Badgett. Survivors include, daughters, Heidi Lee and Christina Patterson of Saint Joseph, MO, son, Charley (Christina) Lee, St. Joseph, MO, five grandchildren, Blair (Mike) Darnell, Carly (Ty) Moss, Candace (Dave) Garon, Bobby Patterson, and Cody (Carah) Patterson, great grandchildren, Cody Jr, Lincoln, Tatum, Talin and Kash, sister, Janet Savage, Saint Joseph, MO.

Funeral Services: 2:00 pm Friday, August 24, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Tony McDowell officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Ashland Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Parkinson Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Barbara Dolores James
1936-2018

Barbara Dolores James 81, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018 at her home. She was born September 7, 1936 in Omaha, NE, She graduated from Benton High School class of 1954 She then graduated from the St. Joseph Junior College with accreditation in Virology, Seraology, and Bacteriology, in 1968 she graduated from the St. Joseph Beauty University, then opened a beauty shoppe and operated it for 30 years, after which she was the manager of the J.C. Penny’s Salon until she retired. She was a member of the King Hill Order of Eastern Star, where she was a Worthy Matron in 1967, and selected as District Deputy Grand Matron of the 9th district in 1977, she was the past president of the South Side Business Women’s association, St. Joseph Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and the Entre Nous Club. Barbara was very active at Hosea School, as a home room mom, the PTA, she was involved in all her children and grandchildren’s activities. She prolifically wrote plays and skits for many programs. She also belongs to the Benton Alumni website. She loved music and played many instruments, one of her hobbies was Bingo, and playing the lottery of which she won the Missouri lottery twice with the same numbers. She was a member the Wyatt Park Christian Church. A firm believer in what God Hath done in her life, with a saying always, “God is good all the time.” Barbara was preceded in death by husband Leon James, her parents, sister, Patricia Goad, brothers, James “Jim” Jerold Banks, and Dick Banks. Survivors include, daughter, Roxanne Silvey (David Budd) of St. Joseph, MO, sons, Gregory Leon James (Mary Carr) of Stewartsville, MO, and Kevin Scott James (Kim) James of St. Joseph, MO, eight grandchildren, Adrian James, Craig (Gina) James, David (Jessica) Silvey, Dustin (Laura Beth) Silvey, Trevor (Alitha) Silvey, Kyle (Kandi) Gresham, Kylee (Chris) James, and Kyndell (Alex) James, 9 great grandchildren, sisters, Jeanette (Mike) Huft, of Oklahoma and Muriel “Sissy” Underwood, of Arizona, a brother, Merrill “Junior” Bassett of Oklahoma, niece, Kendra Tetors, sister in law, Rosella Palones of Savannah, MO.

Funeral services: 2:00 pm, Thursday, August 23, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Dr. Scott Killgore officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The inurnment will be at the Ashland Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are requested to the Wyatt Park Christian Church. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

John M Kanacsky
1927-2018

John M. Kanacsky 90, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018. He was born November 1, 1927 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Anna and Joseph Kanacsky. He graduated from Benton High School and entered the United States Navy and is a veteran of the World War II. He retired from the Gas Service Company. He enjoyed bowling every Friday night, raising goats, sheep and horses, at Benton, he was the last member of the Peanut Bowl, in Georgia. He was a Christian and a member of the American Legion. John was preceded in death by his parents, son, Dennis, three sisters, Julia Slevenski, Mary Shepizon, and Amelia Miljavoc, and four brothers. Survivors include daughters, Joanie Geesing and Lorrie Kanacsky, son, Jon (Sharon) Kanacsky, all of Saint Joseph, MO, four grandchildren: Ryan Geesing, Justin (Natalie) Geesing, Nathan (Andrea) Kanacsky, and Lisa (Brian) Phipps, great grandchildren: Graham, Charlotte, Eliana, Lucas, Jacob, Skylar, Jackson, Kira, Kayla, and Michael, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials are requested to a Charity of the Donors Choice
Graveside funeral services and interment will be conducted on 11 AM Friday, August 24, 2018, at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home.

Richard Dale Pummell
1929-2018

Richard D, Pummell 89, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018 at his home. He was born January 8, 1929 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Delois and Lionel Pummell. He proudly served in the United States Navy, and spent his working life as a painter, paper hanger and carpenter, retiring from Wayne Kerns Construction company. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, gunsmithing, playing and fixing all kinds of musical instruments. He was a Christian. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ida May Pummell, daughter, Janice Johnson, brothers Ellis, Randolph, and Donald Pummell, a sister, JoAnn, and a great grandson Simon Traster. Survivors include, daughter, Audrey (James) Tolson, St. Joseph, MO, sons, Phillip (Lisa) Pummell, Richard (Paula) Pummell, DeKalb, MO, Melvin (Leslie) Pummell, Savannah, MO, and Mitchell (Joyce) Pummell, St. Joseph, MO, son in law, Max Johnson, 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 1 great great grand-daughter, and one due in February, his sister, Vivian Smith, and brother Leon Pummell.

Funeral services: 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Jacob McMillian officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Odd Fellows Public Cemetery. Military honors by the United States Navy. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Phylis Jean Lybarger
1936-2018

Phylis Jean Lybarger 82, of Saint Joseph, Missouri died Monday July 16, 2018 at her home in Saint Joseph,Missouri. She was born July 10, 1936, Saint Joseph, Missouri. She was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Elvira Lybarger. Survivors include her many friends and neighbors. There will be a memorial service at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, August 19, 2018 at Faith United Baptist, Pastor James Long officiating. Memorials are requested to the Phylis Lybarger Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Donald O. Lawson
1939-2018

Donald O. Lawson, 79, of Mayetta, died Friday, August 17, 2018 at the Onaga Health and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born May 23, 1939 at Clay Center, the son of Donald Lawson, Sr. and Thelma Hitsman Lawson.

Don had served in the U.S. Air Force for eleven years and then for eleven years in the Army National Guard. He also was the Heating and Air Supervisor for the State of Kansas in the Docking Building in Topeka.

He was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Mensa International.

Don married Nancy Hill on February 28, 1987 at St. John Catholic Church in Iola. She survives, of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marian Hughes and Thelma.

Other survivors include a son, Douglas Lawson and wife Penny, Salina; a brother, Richard Lawson, in Missouri; two sisters, Beverly Steele, Topeka and Donna Cox, Owasso, OK; and three grandchildren, Brady, Jace and Tatiana Lawson.

Memorial services with military honors will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 25th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will be later in the Highland Cemetery at Iola. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.

Cathy Prue Shanks
1947-2018

Cathy Prue Shanks, 70, of Dearborn, Missouri, passed away Monday, August 13, 2018 at a Gower Health Care facility. She was born August 24, 1947 in rural Dearborn, Missouri, daughter of Betty & J.C. Stubbs. She graduated from North Platte R-3 High School. She worked at Interserv for 35 years as a Early Childhood Education Instructor. She was a member of New Market Christian Church. Cathy loved going to animal sales, state fairs, and having picnics with her granddaughter. She also enjoyed raising chickens on her family farm. Cathy was the best mother and grandmother she could be. She had the most beautiful soul, always willing to help, and overall just loved life.

Cathy was preceded in death by her father, J.C. Stubbs, mother, Betty Lou Stubbs, son, Nathaniel Shanks, son, Matthew Beck, and sister, Saralyn Hay. She is survived by granddaughter, Maizey Shanks (Dylan Oliver), grandson, Jordan Roberds, great-grandsons, Luke and Noah Oliver and aunt and uncle, Donna and Clinton Mullendore,

Ms. Shanks has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Saturday at Rupp Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to offset expenses toward funeral costs and a memorial bench on the family farm.

Breezy today with heat index values over 100

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There may be some scattered thunderstorms that hang around through mid-morning, however, the sun will break out by this afternoon with heat index values rising into the 99 to 104 range. These hot conditions will continue into Tuesday with heat index values in the 97 to 102 range. This will set the stage for the chance for severe weather on Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday evening with large hail and damaging winds the main threats. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 94. Heat index values as high as 101. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 15 mph increasing to 18 to 23 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 32 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 98. South wind around 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South southwest wind 8 to 10 mph becoming north in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 79. North wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Planned road work for northwest Missouri, Aug. 27 – Sept. 2

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The following is a listing of general highway maintenance and construction work in the Northwest Missouri region planned for the week of Aug. 27 – Sept. 2 from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

In addition to the work listed below, there may be other road work conducted throughout the region. Many of these will be moving operations and could include lane closures with delays. All scheduled maintenance and construction projects are subject to change.

MoDOT reminds the public to stay alert, watch for road work, buckle up, slow down, and drive with extreme caution through work zones and in changing weather conditions.

For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636) or visit modot.org/northwest. You can also follow MoDOT’s Northwest Missouri District on Twitter @ModotNorthwest and on Facebook.

Andrew County

  • Interstate 29 – Bridge deck replacement project at the Nodaway River Bridge, Aug. 27 – 31. A 13-foot width restriction is in place.

Atchison County

  • U.S. Route 59 – Concrete replacement at Route C, Aug. 27 – 28. Motorists will not be able to access the turn lane from U.S. Route 59 to Route C.
  • Routes T, W and OO – Chip seal, Aug. 27 – 30
  • I-29 – Resurfacing project from the Iowa state line to Route 111, Aug. 27 – Sept. 1
  • U.S. Route 59 – Concrete replacement at the Iowa state line, Aug. 29 – 30

Buchanan County

  • Route 116 – CLOSED for a culvert replacement 0.5 miles east of Route 371, Aug. 27, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • U.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance at the 22nd Street bridge overpass, Aug. 27 – 29
  • Route YY (Mitchell Avenue) – Shoulder work from U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) to Route AC (Riverside Road), Aug. 27 – 30
  • U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) – Pedestrian crossing improvement project at U.S. Route 36, Aug. 27 – 31
  • U.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance at the 33rd Street bridge overpass, Aug. 29 – 31

Caldwell County                                               

  • U.S. Route 36 – Guardrail work from just east of the DeKalb County line to just east of U.S. Route 69 (DeKalb County), Aug. 27 – 31

Carroll County

  • U.S. Route 24 – Pothole patching from Dewitt to Carrollton, Aug. 27
  • Routes CC and FF – Pothole patching, Aug. 28 – 29

Clay County

  • Route C – Resurfacing and shoulder project from Route CC to Clinton County line, Aug. 27 – 31. A pilot car and flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone.

Clinton County

  • Route PP – CLOSED for a culvert replacement from 203rd Street to Lisa Road, Aug. 27– 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
  • I-35 – Pavement repair southbound from mile marker 52.6 in Cameron to mile marker 49.6 near Route 121, Aug. 27 – 31. This will include overnight lane closures.
  • Route C – Shoulder work from 228th Street to 236th Street, Aug. 30 – 31

Chariton County

  • Route 129 – Pavement repair from Route P to Route W, Aug. 29 – 31

Daviess County

  • Route 13 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Honey Creek Bridge. The road will be closed through September. A signed detour is in place.
  • Route 6 – Shoulder work, Aug. 27 – 31
  • Route 6 – Bridge maintenance at Grand River Bridge, Aug. 27 – 31. This will include overnight lane closure.

DeKalb County

  • U.S. Route 36 – Resurfacing project eastbound lanes from Route 31 North to Route 33 North, Aug. 27 – 30. A 16-foot width restriction is in place.
  • U.S. Route 36 – Guardrail work just east of U.S. Route 69 to just east of the Caldwell County line, Aug. 27 – 31.

Grundy County

  • Route J – Pothole patching, Aug. 27

Holt County

  • I-29 – Bridge deck replacement project at the Nodaway River Bridge, Aug. 27 – 31. A 13-foot width restriction is in place.

Linn County

  • U.S. Route 36 – Bridge maintenance at Higgins Ditch west of Laclede, Aug. 27 – 31. This includes a 14-foot width restriction.

Mercer County

  • Routes W and KK – Pothole patching, Aug. 27 – 31

Nodaway County

  • U.S. Route 71 – Shoulder work southbound from Route A to 370th Street, Aug. 27 – 29
  • Route 246 – Pothole patching from Route E to Route H (Worth County), Aug. 27 – 30

Putnam County

  • U.S. Route 136 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the West Locust Creek Bridge. The road will be closed through September. A signed detour is in place.
  • U.S. Route 136 – CLOSED for a bridge replacement project at the Elm Branch Bridge. The road will be closed through September. A signed detour is in place.

Worth County

  • Route 246 – Pothole patching from Route H to Route E (Nodaway County), Aug. 27 – 30
  • Route W – Pothole patching from one mile west of Route Z to Route W, Aug. 27 – 31

Northwest receives Wi-Fi gift for Hughes Fieldhouse, Bearcat Stadium

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Left to right: Velociti’s Jim West, vice president of operations; Ryan Powell, vice president of sales; and Deryk Powell, president. Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University.

MARYVILLE, Mo. – As construction workers take care of the finishing touches for the opening of the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse at Northwest Missouri State University, a Kansas City, Missouri, technology company headed by Northwest alumni is ensuring the building is equipped with wireless access.

According to a news release from Northwest, Velociti Inc. recently provided a gift to Northwest that includes all Wi-Fi hardware for the Hughes Fieldhouse as well as suites at Bearcat Stadium – a value of more than $100,000. The gift package included 41 access points, which provides total coverage of the Hughes Fieldhouse’s indoor field, classrooms and common areas, while providing more stable, wider connectivity for fans in Bearcat Stadium suites.

Deryk Powell is Velociti’s president, while his brother, Ryan Powell, is vice president of sales and Jim West is vice president of operations. Deryk Powell and West are 1993 graduates of Northwest, and Ryan Powell is a 1996 graduate.

As long-time supporters of the University and Bearcat athletics, they saw the opportunity to enhance the Wi-Fi capabilities at the Hughes Fieldhouse and Bearcat Stadium as the right gift.

“Velociti wanted to be part of a monumental project for the University, and the Hughes Fieldhouse was ideal since it will be used by students and the community,” Deryk Powell said. “With the addition of the Hughes Fieldhouse on the Northwest campus, the Maryville community has access to top-of-the-line facilities, but we also want to provide them with access to the best technology.”

Velociti designs and installs wireless networks and security systems in large public venues, including stadiums and schools. The company employs several Northwest alumni, including some serving on the company’s leadership team.

Upgrades to dog park rescheduled for this week

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Due to the wet weather, the upgrades to the dog park in St. Joseph, originally scheduled for August 20 – 22 were rescheduled.

Weather permitting, the dog park will be closed Monday through Wednesday, August 27 – 29, so the new equipment can be installed.

According to the St. Joseph Parks, Recreation and Civic Facilities, the new agility equipment being installed in the small and large dog park areas is funded through a donation from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica. The Buchanan County 4-H group also donated money for one of the triple hoop pieces of equipment that will be installed at a later date in the large dog park and they will also be assisting with the installation.

Woman hospitalized in St. Jo after pickup’s brakes fail

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Doniphan County — One person was injured in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Saturday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Chevy 1500 driven by Valorie Joyce Hayner, 48, Elwood, westbound on U.S. 36.

The pickup took the off ramp from U36 to Roseport Road,  lost its braking, entered the west ditch and struck an embankment.

A passenger Melinda A. Baskins, 50, Elwood was transported to Mosaic Life Care. Hayner and a second passenger were not injured.  All three were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

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