Local News – Page 190 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Missouri Academy to graduate final class on Saturday

Posted on May 25, 2018May 25, 2018

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University’s Missouri Academy of Science, Mathematics and Computing will celebrate its final class during its commencement ceremony Saturday.

The Missouri Academy – a two-year accelerated, early-entrance-to-college residential program for academically-talented students located on Northwest’s campus – is ending its operations at the conclusion of the academic year. Launched in 2000, the Missouri Academy was designed for students with career aspirations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The 17th class to graduate from the Missouri Academy, known as the Dreamers, is comprised of 46 students. The class includes 25 international students representing China and South Korea.

Thirty-two of the graduates have completed their coursework with grade-point averages between 3.5 and 4.0. Among those, 11 students earned GPAs between 3.95 and 4.0.

Thirty-five of the graduates are advancing to a college or university in pursuit of STEM-related degrees, while other graduates plan to pursue studies in the areas of accounting, finance, history, psychology and linguistics.

The commencement ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.

Individuals interested in attending the commencement ceremony should contact Susan Smith, administrative secretary at the Missouri Academy, at (660) 562-1960 or smsmith@nwmissouri.edu.

Northwest announced its decision to close the Missouri Academy in March 2017, citing several factors that include a shifting financial landscape for higher education institutions and Northwest’s need to reprioritize and reallocate resources for mission-critical priorities.

Each cohort to come through the Missouri Academy’s doors received a unique name, and the Missouri Academy celebrated its first graduating class, the Pathfinders, in the spring of 2002. Beginning in 2007, the Missouri Academy began accepting students from outside Missouri and abroad.

Missouri Academy students attended classes with Northwest’s traditional students, and professors held the same expectations for Academy students as they do for undergraduates. At the conclusion of the two year-program, graduates of the Missouri Academy receive an Associate of Science degree and a high school diploma, simultaneously.

The Missouri Academy was one of only eight publicly funded, residential early-entrance-to-college programs in the United States, and it was the only program of its kind in Missouri. Graduates have gone on to complete their bachelor’s degrees and further their education at an array of institutions throughout the country including Duke, Harvard, Stanford and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Missouri Academy alumni work in career fields such as architecture, chemistry, computer science, education, engineering, environmental biology, law and physics.

Extra MSHP troopers to patrol roadways and waterways this weekend

Posted on May 25, 2018May 25, 2018

A Missouri state trooper on the Lake of the Ozarks in August 2017. File photo courtesy of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

(Missourinet) – The Friday before Memorial Day is traditionally one of the busiest travel days of the year in Missouri, as people head to lakes and other Memorial Day holiday destinations.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Lieutenant Paul Reinsch said troopers are being stationed at 20-mile intervals Friday along Interstates 29, 44, 55 and 70, as well as Highways 60 and 61.

“We’re going to be promoting safety by looking for those aggressive drivers, particularly speeding, maybe aggressive passing and things of that nature,” Reinsch said. “And we’re just wanting to make the roadways as safe as possible.”

During Missouri’s 2017 Memorial Day weekend, nine people died and 496 were injured in 1,122 traffic crashes.

Reinsch said troopers made 107 DWI arrests during the 2017 Memorial Day weekend.

He encourages motorists to call *55 if they see impaired drivers or aggressive driving.

Missouri state troopers will also be on the state’s lakes and waterways during this Memorial Day weekend, which is the unofficial start to the boating season.

Reinsch notes state law requires children under the age of seven to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation device anytime they’re in a boat.

“Again, it’s not only important for those children, it’s important for adults, and as we learned last weekend with the tragic loss of life at the Lake of the Ozarks, it’s extremely important to wear one,” Reinsch said.

Lieutenant Reinsch said three people died and two others were seriously injured in last weekend’s boating crash, when a boat crashed into a rock bluff.

Reinsch said that deadly incident is still under investigation.

During Missouri’s 2017 Memorial Day weekend, one person died and seven were injured in 15 boating crashes.

Memorial Day weekend temps in low to mid 90s

Posted on May 25, 2018

Scattered showers and storms will remain possible both today and tonight before drier conditions return for the weekend. Along with dry conditions, temperatures will continue to warm with low 90s possible across much of the area both Saturday and Sunday. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 90. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 95. West southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South wind 3 to 6 mph.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70.

Memorial Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Bartlett playground opening delayed due to damage

Posted on May 24, 2018

The opening of the newly renovated Bartlett Park playground has been pushed back due to damage to the playground surface.

Renovations on the playground started in December thanks to a Land, Water and Conservation Fund matching grant for $250,000.

According to Julie Noel with the City of St. Joseph Parks Department, they found out Wednesday morning that someone had entered the playground area after the underlayment for the surfacing had just been put in for the park.

“This underlayment is like an asphalt material with glue and other materials, (it) can be kind of caustic to your skin, you have to be really careful about getting it on you,” Noel said. “People had actually gotten into the playground to play, even though it was taped off, and because they got in there before it was dried and set, it left a lot of holes in that underlayment.”

Noel said the plan was for the playground to open this weekend, but repairing the holes and placing the surfacing material will push back the opening date until sometime next week, weather permitting.

“We would really appreciate it if everyone would just respect the area and not enter into the fenced off area… not only because we want to protect the new playground, but also because we want to protect our residents and visitors. This stuff that they’re putting down, while it’s still wet, it will really irritate your skin if it gets on it or if you rub it in your eyes,” Noel said. “Please don’t play in that area until it’s safe to do so and you’ll know that it’s safe when we take down all of the fencing around it.”

Noel said the playground should open next week and they will hold a grand opening when the new bathrooms at the park are completed.

Temps near 88 with chance of rain and storms tonight, tomorrow

Posted on May 24, 2018May 24, 2018

Scattered non-severe storms may be ongoing Friday morning across portions of eastern Kansas and western Missouri. If so, these storms will gradually dissipate as they move south and east through the morning hours. Another round of storms are expected to develop during the afternoon with a few strong storms possible. Main threats with these stronger storms will be hail to around an inch and strong winds. Here’s your 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 6 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 6 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South southwest wind 7 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 93. West southwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 92.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69.

Memorial Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 91.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

(UPDATE) U.S. 36 in Cameron back open after tractor-trailer overturned

Posted on May 24, 2018May 24, 2018

(UPDATE) All roads have been cleared after a tractor-trailer overturned on U.S. 36 in Cameron Thursday morning and hogs were out on the road.

According to Cameron police, the roads were cleared and open to traffic around 10:30 a.m. and the driver of the tractor-trailer and a passenger were transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

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A tractor-trailer overturned in Cameron and traffic is being diverted due to hogs being in the road.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, U.S. 36 westbound at U.S 69 in Cameron is blocked due to the tractor-trailer overturning around 6:15 a.m. Thursday.

Traffic is being diverted to Bob F Griffin Road and westbound access to I-35 is not affected.

Newhart reflects on time with the SJSD

Posted on May 23, 2018

Dr. Robert Newhart attended his last high school graduations over the weekend as St. Joseph School District superintendent.

Newhart announced in August 2017, that this would be his last year with the district. The SJSD began a search for a new superintendent and announced earlier this year that Dr. Doug Van Zyl was named as the next superintendent. Van Zyl will begin his new role as superintendent with the SJSD on July 1st.

Newhart said he plans to take some time off to spend with his family after June.

“In 34 years, I’ve never been on a trip with just my wife. We’re actually taking that trip this summer,” Newhart said. “You put so much energy into your job and into your focus and other people’s lives. My family has been great supporters of me professionally.. I’m just going to step back and see what, from family and personally, would be the best situation for taking me to my next stage in life.”

Newhart said while there are many negatives talked about regarding the public school systems, he’s seen many positives far outweigh the negatives during his time with the District.

“We’ve increased our graduation requirements, we’ve upped those standards, we’ve gone to the Latin system of recognition at our graduations, you’re seeing that transition at this recent graduation,” Newhart said. “We had over $10 million combined total between our three high schools in scholarship dollars awarded. We’ve set a higher standard that these kids are now reaching and this has all been done in basically three years and those standards need to continue to increase so you do have a great school system.”

Newhart added that attendance increased in the District with Lafayette increasing its attendance by almost 10 percent this year and about 60 percent of SJSD high school students enroll in two or four year college, in a military function or job related training.

Newhart said he did reach some of his goals that he set at the beginning of his time here, including putting checks and balances in place. He said one of his regrets is not passing the tax levy issue in November.

“I do not regret going for it like we did,” Newhart said. “Throughout this time frame, I’ve prided myself in being transparent, being open, being honest. We had to find out what the community would support or not support.”

Newhart said through everything needing to be done and discussed moving forward between the new superintendent, the school board and the community, the important thing is to keep the focus on students and their success.

“That’s why we’re all in this business, that’s why the community supports the school system, (it’s) for student success.”

Trenton man seriously injured in crash with semi

Posted on May 23, 2018May 23, 2018

A Trenton man was seriously injured in a crash with a semi Tuesday evening.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shortly after 6 p.m., a Peterbilt driven by Jackie L. Peacock, 61, of Lamar had slowed down to make a right turn into a parking lot off of MO 6 about one mile east of Trenton. Jordin M. Curtis, 24, was driving a GMC 1500 pickup and did not notice the semi slowing down. His vehicle crashed into the back of the loaded trailer.

Grundy County firefighters arrived on scene to extricate Curtis from his vehicle before he was transported by Grundy County Ambulance to Wright Memorial in Trenton for treatment of serious injuries. He was then transported by Lifeflight to Truman Medical Center in Independence.

According to the crash report, Curtis was not wearing a seatbelt.

MDC to offer fishing and nature programs at Krug Park this summer

Posted on May 23, 2018May 23, 2018

Several fishing and nature programs will be offered at Krug Park this summer to help residents “Discover Nature.”

The free Discover Nature programs are offered through a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the City of St. Joseph.

The nature program part of the series starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday with an MDC agent presenting about his job and what he does to preserve natural resources.

MDC Angler Education Assistant Tori McNutt will be leading monthly programs on fishing starting June 7th. McNutt said the June program begins at 7 p.m. and will feature an introduction to summer fishing clinics.

“People can come out, we’ll have fishing poles and bait and they can just spend an hour fishing at Krug Park,” McNutt said. “Come July, this is a pretty big event, last year we had, I think, 75 people show up (for) our Kids Fishing Derby.”

Check-in for the Kids Fishing Derby begins at 5:30 p.m. on July 5th. In August, McNutt said they will host a fish cleaning demonstration and in September there will be a session on fly fishing.

McNutt said the fishing program is designed to engage St. Joseph residents.

“I’ve put on some other fishing events and they just don’t quite get the numbers that Krug Park does,” McNutt said. “Krug Park is a local commodity that people love to go there and, especially since we stocked it, we have much more public engagement. My job is to help people learn, people enjoy fishing, reconnect the older generations who perhaps have stopped fishing. So basically through this agreement with the city, we just want to engage the public and hopefully create future fisherpeople.”

Monthly nature programs offered June through September will feature topics such as mountain lions in Missouri, insects and bat watching.

Registration is required for all of the fishing events except for the fishing clinic in June. For more information or to register visit MDC’s website or call the MDC Northwest Regional Office at (816) 271-3100.

All events will be held at the parks amphitheater and Krug Park Lagoon at 3500 St. Joseph Avenue.

Obituaries May 23, 2018

Posted on May 23, 2018

Jessie M. McKittrick
1926-2018

Jessie M. McKittrick, 91, of Highland, previously of Troy, passed away on May 12, 2018. She was born November 1, 1926 in Bendena to John and Ella Roderick McKittrick. She attended Bendena schools. Jessie was a telephone operator in Bendena and Troy and had also worked at her brother’s restaurant, John’s Bakery in Troy.

She was a member of the Troy Christian Church.

Survivors include a nephew, Dennis McKittrick, his wife, Freda and their family of Troy; a niece, Lori Franken, her husband, Steve and their family of Topeka; and a sister-in-law, Carol McKittrick of Topeka. Jessie was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, John (Evelyn) and Richard.

Funeral services will be at Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy on Wednesday, May 16 at 11 AM. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Troy. Jessie will lie in state at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 15 after 12 noon with family receiving friends and relatives from 10 to 11 AM the day of the funeral.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Troy Ambulance Service, or Freedom Hospice, Hiawatha. KS.

www.harmanrohde.com

David C. Winters
1940-2018

David C. Winters, 78, of Highland formerly of Hiawatha, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday May 13, 2018 at the Highland Care Center.

David was born March 13, 1940 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Charles and Viola Griep Winters. David graduated from Ft. Dodge High School and then joined the Navy where he learned to be a machinist, discharged at the rank of E3, after serving nearly 4 years, during the Vietnam War.

David married Viola Bass on January 21, 1972, in Pocahontas, Iowa. Their family moved to Hiawatha where they made their home for 20 years.

David was a machinist for Flair Fold wood fabrication plant in Hiawatha till they closed at which time he went to work as a security guard for the Golden Eagle Casino retiring at the age of 66.

David is survived by his wife Viola; three sons Charles (Michele) of Colorado Spring, Colorado, John (Krista) of PawPaw, Michigan, and Mike (Amanda) of Pueblo, Colorado.

He has six grandchildren; David, Brett, Anthony, Chris, Dillion, and Ivan; and a great grandson; Noah.

A visitation is planned for Thursday May 17, 2018 from 11-1 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Following the visitation David will be cremated.

Memorials are suggested in his name and may be sent in care of the funeral home 124 S 7th Hiawatha, Kansas 66434.

Melba Lovelady Weis Wenger
1920-2018

Melba M. Weis Wenger, 98, of Highland, passed away May 12, 2018 at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.

She was born January 3, 1920 one of nine children to William Jesse and Della Mae (Hensley) Lovelady in White Cloud, Kansas. She grew up around White Cloud and attended Cedar Creek School.

She married John Henry Weis on February 14, 1941 at Savannah, Missouri. He passed away December 4, 1989. She later married Bud Spence of Horton who also preceded her in death. Later she married Ivan Wenger of Powhattan he also preceded her in death.

Melba worked as a CNA for a time at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

She enjoyed her family and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by a daughter-in-law Laverte Weis ”Bert”; also surviving is a sister-in-law Jean Matthias; grandchildren: Kevin( Cathy) Weis, Edward Weis, Melody( Brad) Fields, Brian( Lisa) Davis, Mary( Mike) Nuzum and John( Kaitlin) Weis; Thirteen great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, a son Gary Wayne and a daughter Donna Lee Weis, her brothers Alvin, Loren, William, Eugene and Ernest:, her sisters Naomi, Mae, and Claribel “Dot” and a great-granddaughter Alexis Weis.

.A private family graveside will be held at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland Ambulance and may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home P.O. Box 33 Highland, Kansas 66035.

Esther Koerperich
1940-2018

Esther Marie (Bauer) Koerperich, 77, of Hiawatha, Kansas passed away Monday, May14th, 2018, at Maple Heights Nursing Home.

She was born July 1st, 1940 in Dawson, Nebraska to Roy and Stella (Krenzel) Bauer. Esther attended rural Hiawatha schools and graduated Hiawatha High School in 1958. After school she worked at the 5 and Dime, Chief Theater and the Egg Plant before going to work as an operator for the United Telephone Company and holding several positions for 20 years. She worked at the Brown County Appraisers Office and became the county Appraiser. Esther then started daycare in which the children she babysat became more like extended grandkids. She loved everyone of them dearly. After numerous years Esther became a teller at the Golden Eagle Casino where she retired. Esther was also an Avon Lady for the last 24 years. She loved the time getting out seeing customers and friends.

Esther was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and was devout in her faith. Esther enjoyed being a wife to her one true love, Virgil. Together they led their family by example. They enjoyed motorcycling, camping, boating, and fishing trips. They were members of The Traveling Teepees. Esther enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, and aunt. She could usually be found in the stands or in her chair at her grandkid’s ballgames. She liked Cardinals baseball and KU basketball and would often call to remind others that a game was about to start on television. Esther enjoyed time with her siblings playing cards and always looked forward to the 4th of July family reunion.

Esther married Virgil Koerperich July 7, 1967. Virgil preceded her in death in 1993. Also preceding her in death are her parents; brothers Donald and John Bauer.

She is survived by her children, Kim (Debbie) Koerperich of Skiatook, OK, Kenneth Koerperich, Michael (Kyndl) Koerperich and Jodi Lee all of Hiawatha, KS. Grandchildren: Suzanne, Kristopher, Ann, Joshua, Krista, Delaney, Alisha, August, Marissa, Myriah, Lottie and a grandson due in August. Great Grandchildren: Alexander, Ella, Katherine, Sylvie, Eloise. Brothers: Harold “PeeWee” (Carol), Darrell (Sara), Harlan, and Arlan (Debbie); sister Darlene Covert ;and and Sister-in-laws Lamonia and Leona Bauer and Norma Jane Koeperich, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

A Celebration of Esther’s life is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, May 21, at the Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mike Dunaway officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Corning.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Sunday, where the family will meet friends from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Missy Newell Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

Dorothy A. Wing
1934-2018

Dorothy A. Wing, 84, died Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Eskridge Nursing Home.

She was born January 20, 1934 in the Garfield Township near Holton, the daughter of Everett and Clella Plantz Wing. They preceded her in death.

Dorothy had worked for the State of Kansas for five years before being involved in an accident which left her permanently disabled. She had been a long time resident of the nursing home in Eskridge.

Survivors include two sisters, Loretta Montcalm, Winter Haven, Florida and Carol Hiner, Holton, and one half sister, Evelyn Turley, Harrison Arkansas.

Cremation is planned. Private inurnment will be in the Holton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.

Marcia Jeanine Schultz
1951-2018

Marcia Jeanine Schultz 66, of Stewartsville, Missouri passed away Tuesday May 15, 2018 at her home. She was born July 17, 1951 in Mount Ayr, Iowa, daughter of the late Luella & John Abarr. She graduated from Central High School, and attended Platte Gard Business college. She worked at State Hospital as a Administrator for a number of years. She enjoyed volunteer work, and was a member of the Silver & Gold Club. Marcia was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Schultz, parents, brother, Bill Abarr, and sister, Nancy Abarr. She is survived by step daughter, Anna Rose (Tom) Mumm, Lees Summit, MO, step grandson, David, brothers, Sam (Sue) Abarr, and Jackson Abarr both of St. Joseph, MO, sisters, Judy Jones, Stewartsville, MO., and Connie McCrary St. Joseph, MO. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the 1st Baptist Church, Wathena, KS, with Memorial Services following Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the 1st Baptist Church, Wathena, KS. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the God’s Mountain Youth Camp. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

George Edgar Huyett Jr.
1949-2018

George Edgar Huyett Jr. 69, of St. Joseph passed away Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Mosaic Life Care. He was born January 14, 1949 in St. Joseph, son of Elizabeth & George Huyett Sr. He graduated from Benton High School class of 1968. He was a member of Riverside Church, and he was active in leading ministries in area nursing facilities and prisons. George also enjoyed sports, especially football and basketball.

George was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by sons, George Huyett III and Andrew (Holly) Huyett, sister, Carol Anne Kelley, daughter, Valerie Heckman, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter.

Mr. Huyett has been cremated under the care of Rupp Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Riverside Church.

Memorials are requested to the Riverside Church.

James Roy Vaughn
1959-2018

James Roy Vaughn 58, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018 at his home. He was born November 18, 1959 in Bethany, Missouri. He worked in the construction industry. James was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Wagers, father, John L Vaughn. He is survived by a niece, Julian (Charlie) McCartney, and their children, Trevor, Caleb, & Brody McCartney. Mr. Vaughn will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Paula Carol (McKay) Whitacre
1941-2018

Paula Carol (McKay) Whitacre, 77, of Highland, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 18, 2018, in St. Joseph, MO.

Paula was born on March 1, 1941, in Troy, Kansas. She attended Highland schools, graduating from Highland High School in 1959. She became a licensed beauty operator before attending college. After graduating from Emporia State Teachers College, she taught elementary and junior high school for 39 ½ years, all but two years in the Highland USD 425 school district. She retired in 2004.

Paula was an active member of the Highland Christian Church. She married William (Bill) Whitacre on March 22, 1964, in Highland. He preceded her in death in 1989. Also preceding her in death are her parents, Jacob and Leona (Smith) McKay, and brothers, Michael McKay and Phillip (Bud) McKay.

She is survived by two daughters, Lisa Larson, Salina, Kansas, and Deborah (Dale) Lukert, Clearwater, Kansas; three brothers, Jacob (Ida Lee) McKay, Lansing, KS, David (Carolyn) McKay, Woodstock, GA, and Timothy (Marcia) McKay, Shawnee Mission, KS; five grandchildren, Jordan (Kelcee) Lukert, Brett (Madison) Lukert, Tara Lukert, Melissa Larson, Brendan Larson, and one great-grandchild, Cullen Lukert.

Funeral services are planned for Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 10:30 a.m., at the Highland Christian Church, with Pastors Tom Carter and Terry Carlson officiating. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home 10 a.m. Monday where visitation with family and friends is scheduled for Monday, May 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Highland Christian Church, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 33., Highland, Kansas 66035.

Juanita Carol Eckert
1941-2018

Juanita Carol Eckert, 76, of Effingham, KS passed away Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Hickory Pointe Nursing Home, Oskaloosa, KS surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, May 24, 2018 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with Fr. Benjamin Tremmel, OSB as Celebrant. Private family burial of cremated remains will be at a later date. A Parish Rosary will be recited at 9:00 AM Thursday, May 24, 2018 with a visitation following with the family until 11:00 AM at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or Effingham 4-H or Alzheimer’s Association and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton and O’Trimble Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Words of comfort for the family may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Carol was born December 25, 1941 in Horton, KS the daughter of William Clay and Elizabeth Pearl (Moore) Hundley. She was a homemaker but in her later years worked as a Para and librarian for Atchison County Community High School. Carol also worked as a hairdresser for the O’Trimble Funeral Home. She was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and served on the Altar Society. Carol was a member of the Busy Bee Club and was very involved with 4-H during and after her sons were active. Her involvement included judging at the local and state county fairs.

Carol married Russell Eckert on July 29, 1961 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, he survives of the home. Additional survivors include their sons; Brett and Jacki Eckert, Hutchinson, KS, Todd and Janet Eckert, Effingham, KS, Chad and Danielle Eckert, Spring Hill, KS, Kurt Eckert, Overland Park, KS, Russ Eckert, Park City, KS, brothers; Bill Hundley, Lawrence, KS, Sam Hundley, Rogersville, AR, Jerry Hundley, Lawrence, KS, Larry Hundley, Liberty, MO, sisters; Mildred Horlachler, Colby, KS, Shirley Nyhart, Leavenworth, KS, grandchildren; Clay, Russell, Rick, Cooper, Keegan, Christian, Kody, Nathan, Madison, Conner, Lexie Eckert.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Jim Hundley.

Mark Alan Hoffman
1960-2018

Mark Alan Hoffman, 57, of Nortonville, KS died Monday, May 21, 2018 at his home in Nortonville, KS.

Private family graveside services will be at a later date at the Nortonville Cemetery. The O’Trimble Chapel, Nortonville is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested for Huntington’s Disease Research and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Mark was born on December 5, 1960 in Topeka, KS the son of Jack & Beverly (Bomhoff) Hoffman. He graduated from Jefferson County North High School in 1979. He attended college in Coffeyville, and then graduated from Colorado Aviation Technology School. Mark worked as an aviation mechanic for Vance Airfield, Enid, OK, Beechcraft, Wichita, KS, and Billard Airfield, Topeka, KS. He later worked for USD 341, in Oskaloosa, KS as the Transportation supervisor. Mark was a former member of the Lions Club, Nortonville and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and motorcycles.

Survivors include two sons, Blake (Chelsey) Hoffman, Nortonville, KS and grandson Kaden, Brian (Kirsten) Weishaar, Lawrence, KS, and granddaughters, Kamryn & Lennon, a daughter, Gina(Johnny) Durkes, McLouth, KS and grandsons, Brayden and Landen, two brothers, Phil (Sherri) Hoffman, Nortonville, KS, and Marty (Liz) Hoffman, Winchester, KS. His parents and sister, Dawn Hoffman preceded him in death.