The St Joseph Metro Chamber of Commerce will launch a smart-phone app Tuesday night.

The new app, named Go St. Joe, allows users to find information on all things St Joseph.

The app will be featured on iPhone, Android and Blackberry phones. The app will feature business listings, direct calling to the businesses, GPS mapping, coupons and a what’s “near me” function.

“Our staff is always looking for ways to help Chamber members grow their business,” said Ted Allison, President and CEO of the St. Joseph Metro Chamber. “Launching this mobile app is a cutting-edge way to do just that.”

The Launch party Tuesday night is for chamber members only. Check Out Our Sweet App, will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Chamber office in St Joseph.

 

 

A convicted murderer has lost a motion for a continuance in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against him by the children of his victim.

Roger Hollister is serving a life sentence for the 2009 murder of 58-year-old Patricia Kimmi of rural Horton, Kansas.

Kimmi’s children sued Hollister in September, along with their father, Eugene Kimmi, and Hollister’s wife, Rebbeca Hollister. They claim the three conspired to kill Patricia Kimmi.

Hollister is the only person charged or convicted in the case. He sought a continuance in March because he wanted to hire an attorney.

An Atchison County, Kansas judge denied the motion, saying Hollister has made no effort to hire an attorney. Hollister is now scheduled for a deposition in June.

A new restaurant is opening on the North Belt Highway. PepperJax Grill will offer quick casual dining featuring “Famous Phillies,” Rice Bowls, Giant Wraps and Fresh Salads. The Omaha restaurant chain expects to open this summer at 1908 North Belt Highway in the Rolling Hills Library building.

The chain operates seven restaurants in the Omaha area. PepperJax Grill also operates restaurants in Lincoln, Nebraska, Lawrence, Kansas, Overland Park, Kansas with more locations in Kansas City and Council Bluffs, Iowa being planned for the near future.

PepperJax Grill is a quick casual restaurant chain that’s known for its award winning made fresh to order Famous Phillies, Gourmet Rice Bowls, Giant Wraps, and Fresh Salads.

“We’re very excited to open in St. Joe. This new location is a huge part of our expansion plans in Missouri,” said Gary Rohwer President of PepperJax Grill.

“We’re also excited to offer our quality menu items including “America’s Best Philly” to St. Joe and midland empire area residents,” Rohwer said.

The St. Joseph School District has been named the “District of the Year 2012” by the National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children.

The recognition is based on the SJSD’s commitment to serving at-risk and traumatized children by implementing a district-wide initiative.

The district has 20 certified trauma specialists.

Traumatized children exhibit symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, essentially leaving them with overwhelming feelings.

SJSD Social Worker Jean West says those feelings can include terror, helplessness and hopelessness.

Such crises could be anything from a parent committing suicide, witnessing a violent act, their parents’ divorce, or even parental substance abuse.

Ms. West said it is difficult to estimate the number of students who might be traumatized.

“Last year we screened every child at the Colgan Alternative Resource Center using the TLC Institute’s pre/post test instrument that measures levels of PTSD symptoms,” she said. “There were many high scores, indicating a need for treatment. We piloted some support groups there and by the end, the anxiety scores had decreased.”

GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. (AP) – A northwest Missouri sprint car racer has died after crashing into a pole at a suburban Kansas City dirt track during a race.

Thirty-eight-year-old Jeff Osborn of Savannah crashed Friday night in front of a Grain Valley Speedway crowd that included members of his family.

Osborn’s sprint car left the track and rolled before striking the pole. He was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His wife, Tina Osborn, says he was a self-employed contractor who devoted much of his free time to racing.

Osborn was well known on the sprint car racing circuit and had spent much of his career at tracks in Nebraska. Tina Osborn says she and the couple’s two sons were considered part of his team.

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a detention officer, after Sheriff Steve Cox promoted Deputy Bobby Turner to jail administrator.

In a news release, Cox said job candidates should be able to handle stressful situations, work a variety of shifts, be at least 21 years of age and willing to cross train and assist with other law enforcement needs. Cox stresses the applicant must understand the increased level of personal risk and safety involved, must be able to remain calm, deal with aggressive and offensive behavior, interact with persons who may be intoxicated on alcohol or drugs, monitor and help people who are suicidal, and treat everyone in an equal and fair manner.

Applications may be obtained at the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, 901 Webster Street, Chillicothe, MO. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

Detention Officer Turner has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since January. He was promoted to the position of Jail Administrator. Mr. Turner has prior law enforcement and detention experience with law enforcement agencies in both Carroll and Pettis Counties.

He was selected for the position of Jail Administrator after the conclusion of the promotional process within the office. Mr. Turner is scheduled to attend the Jail Administrators Training Conference with the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy in Columbia, MO.