A series of unflattering headlines have been dogging Peter Kinder’s undeclared campaign for governor for months. On Friday, Kinder said he would not run for governor and will instead seek another term as Lieutenant Governor.

In a statement, Kinder said serving as lieutenant governor is a “great honor.”

“I have the experience, track-record and desire to continue working in that capacity every day.”

He also stated his support for St. Louis packaging executive Dave Spence in the race for governor. Spence has never run for public office before, but says he is prepared to put his own money into the race. The party’s front-runner in the lieutenant governor’s race Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Saline, quickly pulled out of the race.

Kinder has raised more than $1.4 million since January for his run for governor. But controversy has dogged his trail. This spring he repaid the state more than $50,000 after billing taxpayers for hundreds of nights at the Chase Park Plaza and other St. Louis hotels.

In August, he was forced to explain why he was photographed with an ex-stripper in a bar that advertises “pantless” parties. Former Penthouse “Pet” Tammy Chapman says Kinder invited her to move into his condo — which was paid for by his political campaign.

Missouri Western presents the third annual “Lights and Tights,” Thursday December 1.

“This is the university’s holiday gift to the community,” said Dr. Laurel Vartabedian, one of the organizers of the event. “The first two renaissance feasts were well received and we’re delighted to offer another as a way to showcase the talented people we have here at Western while inviting area residents to come have a good time.”

Reservations for the dinner are needed by Monday, Nov. 28. Call 816-271-5647 or go to their web site and select “Event Registration.”

A social hour with a cash bar will begin at 6 p.m. followed by a specially prepared Renaissance Feast and merriment at 7 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Western’s Renaissance Singers and music and theater students and faculty. Guests are welcome to wear Renaissance costumes, though they are not required.

The Renaissance Singers will perform several songs appropriate for the season.

This select choral ensemble is made up of both music majors and non-music majors.

They learn the literature and performance practices of the Renaissance and early Baroque periods.

There will also be roving actors, jugglers and other performers providing entertainment during the evening.

Tickets are $50 per person, with proceeds to benefit Western’s musical theatre program, a collaboration between the theatre and cinema program and the music department.

A former marine and Kansas City cop will take on Mike Strong in next year’s election for Buchanan County Sheriff.

Pat Grove a St Joe native, will file in February. That’s according to a Facebook page that lists Ron Barbosa as treasurer.

The campaign is already accepting monetary donations:
Pat Grove for Buchanan County Sheriff
PO Box 8824
St.Joseph, MO 64508.

 

An Independence church is scrambling to get its water back on in time for Sunday services after copper thieves stole pipes from the basement. Pastor Sam Anderson says the thieves apparently struck Anchor Point Baptist Church sometime Wednesday, taking 50 to 60 feet of copper pipe. The theft was discovered Wednesday during a prayer meeting. The thieves apparently got in by breaking a window.

 

Missouri Transportation Director Kevin Keith says the state has little choice but to consider making Interstate 70 a toll road. Keith says the aging and overused highway desperately needs to be repaired and there’s no other way to pay for it.

Keith says Interstate 70 is nearly 60 years old and is so overcrowded that a mere fender-bender accident can back up traffic for miles. He says one benefit of making it a toll road is that motorists passing through from other states would help foot the bill for repairs, estimated at $2-billion to $4-billion.

Marcy Broughton of 701 North Ninth Street in St Joseph doesn’t seem to tire of talking about the obscene signs across the street from her apartment.

Several large signs, with expletives NOT Deleted, adorn a vacant rental property north of the downtown area, drawing a lot of visitors to the uptown neighborhood.

The signs accuse the city, the police, a local businessman and Heartland Regional Medical Center of all manner of public abuses.

Broughton says freedom of speech prevent the police from doing anything about the signs, since he owns the property.

“They could not stop him. It’s his land and he can do anything he wants on his land, as long as he’s got his clothes on, they said.”

CLICK HERE FOR IMAGES. WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE
Sign One
Sign Two
Sign Three
Sign Four
Sign Five

Shatto Milk Company has released two new artisan butters, Honey Butter and Garlic Butter.  These two premium butters are hitting store shelves this week just in time for the holidays.  Honey Butter combines cream from the Shatto herd with local honey from Coopers Honey in Peculiar, Missouri.  The Garlic Butter is a blend of Shatto cream and fresh garlic.  Shatto Milk Company is located in rural Osborn.

The St Joseph Conventions and Visitors Bureau is offering a series of 4 different historical themed ornaments for sale this holiday season.

The 4 ornaments featuring the Buchanan County Courthouse, Missouri Theater, Lewis & Clark, and The Journey West statue are on sale now at the CVB offices, 109 S. 4th Street and the St. Joseph Visitors Center, 502 N. Woodbine for $10 per set, or $3.00 each.

Please contact 816-233-6688 or email cvb@stjomo.com for more information.

Downtown St. Joseph becomes a winter wonderland from 5-8pm, Saturday, November 19.

The 13th Annual City Lights Festival begins at Coleman Hawkins Park.

The festival offers live musical entertainment, a lighted Christmas parade, homemade cookies & hot chocolate, coffee, pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, roaming carolers, a children’s activity tent, free carriage rides, a living Nativity, and fireworks!

Here’s the schedule.
Coleman Hawkins Park At Felix Street Square
Events:
*Holiday Parade starting at 6:30 p.m.
*MC’s Jay Kerner & Bob Schultz
*”Special Guests” from the North Pole arriving at 6:30 p.m.
*Live Nativity (Wyatt Park Christian Church)
*Free Carriage Rides
*Children’s Activity Tent & Face Painting

Live musical entertainment will be provided.
Enjoy complimentary homemade cookies, hot chocolate and coffee.
Food Vendors from local grocery stores.

Downtown Dressed In Its Finest
Lighting Display Competition
Merchants Open Late
Bring the kids to get pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus

 

Saint Joseph Animal Control has bought an emergency rescue and shelter trailer that can temporarily house up to 48 animals. A $44,785 grant from Missouri Homeland Security paid for the trailer.

The purchase was prompted by summer flooding that displaced many homeowners and their pets. City officials say the emergency trailer will help responses to disasters, evacuations, and large impoundments of domestic animals across Northwest Missouri.

The rescue trailer is equipped with a fresh water holding tank, a disposal holding tank, interior and exterior lighting, a generator, and exterior doors that open for viewing animals.