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Missouri Attorney General warns of IRS phone scams and more during tax season

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Jefferson City, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley is reminding Missouri taxpayers to be wary of telephone and email scams throughout tax season.

According to a press release from Hawley’s office, in past years, phone scammers have acted like IRS agents in order to steal money.

“During tax season, my Office sees a rise in complaints from consumers regarding phone calls that threaten consumers with arrest and other consequences for allegedly failing to pay a tax bill,” Hawley said. “Be alert this tax season.”

The scams usually include a con artist making unsolicited calls claiming to be an IRS agent and demanding that the victim pay a tax bill. They try to get the victim to pay cash, usually through a wire transfer or a prepaid debit or gift card. The scammer will often make substantial threats, such as the threat of arrest or conviction, as means of intimidating a victim into paying. Scammers often alter caller ID numbers to make it look like the IRS or another government agency is calling.

Tax identity theft also increases during tax season. This occurs when an identity thief uses a taxpayer’s stolen identity to file a fraudulent return and claims the refund in the consumer’s name.

Attorney General Hawley offers the following tips and reminders to avoid IRS phone scams and tax identity theft.

The IRS will NEVER:

  1. ​Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method – or ask for cash. Generally, the IRS will mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
  2. Threaten to immediately bring in the police or other law enforcement to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying.
  3. Demand that the tax be paid without giving taxpayers the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
  4. Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.​

Signs that you may be a victim of tax fraud identity theft include:

  • ​​​Receiving a notice or letter stating that: ​
    • More than one tax return was filed using your Social Security number;
    • You owe additional tax
    • You have a tax refund offset of which you were not aware;
    • The IRS or DOR records indicate that you received wages from an employer unknown to you;
    • The IRS or DOR questions your claim information pertaining to your dependents;
  • ​Learning that collection actions were taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return or did not owe money;
  • ​Being unable to process your return when using electronic software.

 To avoid becoming a victim of tax identity theft:

  • ​File your taxes as early as you are able.
  • Never give out personal information unless you know who specifically is requesting it.
  • Protect your personal information by using firewalls and anti-spam and virus protection software, updating passwords on bank and tax preparation accounts, and refusing to share personal information with unsolicited callers or authors of unsolicited emails.

For more information concerning identity theft and tax fraud identity theft visit the Missouri Attorney General’s website at ago.mo.gov.

Missouri Western hires Sundance Wicks as new men’s basketball coach

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ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western State University Director of Athletics Josh Looney announced the hiring of Sundance Wicks as the fifth head men’s basketball coach at Missouri Western State University, Wednesday morning.

“When this search process started, our mission was to find a coach who possessed two defining characteristics: a relentless recruiter, and someone who has been part of building a championship culture at the NCAA Division II level. These characteristics were non-negotiable,” Looney said. “With ‘Sunny,’ we not only found a proven recruiter and winner, but we also found someone with an unwavering commitment to engaging and motivating communities through basketball. His energy and passion for basketball are unmistakable and he is the perfect fit to lead the resurgence of our men’s basketball program. We can’t wait for St. Joseph to meet our next head coach.”

An introductory press conference will be held Friday, March 30 at 11 a.m. in the Hall of Fame Room inside Spratt Memorial Stadium. A meet and greet session will be held immediately following the press conference in the Spratt Memorial Stadium Club.

Wicks will come to Missouri Western fresh off the NCAA Division II national championship game as the associate head coach at Northern State University, his alma mater. Wicks brings extensive experience to MWSU as an assistant coach at the Division II and Division I levels.

Since 2016, Wicks served as associate head coach at Northern State. He helped lead the Wolves to the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference regular season and postseason championships this year. Northern State also claimed the central region championship en route to the program’s first-ever appearance in the national championship game.

“To say that I am jacked up to be the next men’s basketball coach at Missouri Western would be an understatement,” Wicks said. “First off, I would like to thank Dr. Vartabedian and Josh Looney for entrusting me with this awesome leadership position. The search committee consisting of Mike Halloran, Brett Esely and Eric Kramer were absolute rock stars.”

“This job, in my opinion, is a sleeping giant and I’m ready to wake up the beast and help transform this program into one the St. Joseph community will rally behind for years to come. This is an exciting time for Griffon Athletics. You can tell by all the energy and enthusiasm throughout the athletic department and the campus community that Missouri Western is ready for the fight and about to take flight.”

After lettering four years as a student-athlete at Northern State from 1999-2003, Wicks held assistant coaching positions at Northern State, Colorado (2006-07), Northern Illinois (2007-11) and San Francisco (2015-16). Wicks also built the Arizona Power Basketball Academy, serving as a skill instructor and director from 2011-15. Prior to launching the APBA, he spent five months training NBA pre-draft prospects at the Impact Basketball Academy in Las Vegas. Wicks’ draft class trainees included Kawhi Leonard, Alec Burks and Isaiah Thomas.

Wicks began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Northern State under the legendary Don Meyer. As a student-athlete, Wicks was twice named first team All-NSIC, scoring 1,174 points and pulling down 665 rebounds in his career. He was also a two-time All-NSIC performer in the 400-meter hurdles at Northern State. After graduation, Wicks played for the Sodertalje Kings in Sweden. He led the team in points and rebounding.

Wicks received a bachelor’s degree in international business from Northern State in 2003 and a master’s degree in health, physical education and coaching from Northern State in 2006.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT SUNDANCE WICKS

“Coach Wicks is a tireless worker that will bring a contagious energy to everyone around him. He will create a winning culture at Missouri Western that people will be proud of. He’s a total package coach that will be impactful not only on the court, but in the community.” – Paul Sather, head coach, Northern State University

“I have witnessed, first hand, the passion that Sundance has for teaching the game of basketball. His knowledge of the game and ability to connect with young people is second to none. The basketball program at Missouri Western is in great hands!” – Greg McDermott, head coach, Creighton University

“Missouri Western just got some serious juice! I’ve been around some of the greatest basketball people on this earth and no one will bring more energy, passion, work ethic and true team building than Sundance Wicks. Every day I was around him, I got better. Every day my family, players and staff were around him, they got better. Missouri Western just got better today and will continue to do so each day Sundance is leading, guiding, mentoring and coaching your young men. You got a great man and great coach to lead your program.” – Rex Walters, assistant coach, Detroit Pistons

— MWSU Athletics —

Temps in upper 50s with chance of rain

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A wet start to the work week will persist through today and tonight. Temperatures will continue to wallow around bit above and below normal for this time of year (mid to upper 50s). But, the later half of the weekend will see a cold front show up, bringing some chilly temperatures and a returning chance of rain to the region Sunday. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: A chance of sprinkles after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Light and variable wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: A slight chance of showers before 10 p.m., then a chance of sprinkles between 10 p.m. and midnight, then a slight chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 7 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday: A slight chance of showers before 2 p.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 51. North wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. North wind 5 to 9 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Light and variable wind becoming west 6 to 11 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: A chance of showers, mainly after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A chance of showers before 8 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28.

Sunday: A chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

SJSD Board of Education approves pay-to-participate

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The St. Joseph School District Board of Education voted Monday night to approve pay-to-participate, with some changes.

Before passing, an amendment was made to the plan which kept the high school fees at $35 instead of raising it to the recommended $50. A fee for middle school pay-to-participate was set at $25.

St. Joseph School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Newhart said the middle school fee is expected to generate $12,000.

“It’s a drop in the bucket and we don’t want to nickel and dime this thing, that’s not our approach to it, but when you look at all the other cuts and all the other programs, academically, that we’ve made, to not have included activities in some shape or form would have been not diligent on our part,” Newhart said. “It’s not the amount, in this case, currently, I wasn’t as concerned about that. It’s the sustainability and getting the ownership from parents and students that there is a cost to this program. So if that is communicated, we’ll be better off in the long run.”

According to Board of Education Vice President Lori Prussman, the $25 middle school fee will help cover the Missouri State High School Activities Association fees.

Nebraska Ave. death investigation case turned over to KC police

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An investigation that began after a body was found March 19th in St. Joseph has been turned over to the Kansas City Police Department.

As previously reported, a body, identified as 28-year-old Tyler Duane Young of St. Joseph was found March 19th at 200 W. Nebraska Ave. abandoned in a vehicle. According to Capt. Jeff Wilson with the St. Joseph Police Department, autopsy results confirmed that Young’s death was the result of gunshot wounds.

As the investigation continued, it was discovered that Young was shot when he was in the Kansas City area. The case was turned over to the police department there and St. Joseph Police Department detectives will continue to work with them on the case.

Cloudy today with temps in the upper 40s

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Much of the rainy activity from Monday will continue across southern and eastern Missouri today, with just a few showers possible in areas from east central Kansas through central Missouri. This will allow water to begin receding across portions of the region. Temperatures will be a bit cool today, warming up just a little for the rest of the work week. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Cloudy, with a high near 49. North wind 8 to 11 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. Light and variable wind becoming north 5 to 8 mph after midnight.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54. North wind 9 to 11 mph.

Thursday Night: A slight chance of showers before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Friday Night: A chance of rain showers after 1 a.m., mixing with snow after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A chance of snow showers before 7 a.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Sunday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 49.

Obituaries 26, 2018

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Gary Gene Gann
1950-2018

Gary Gene Gann 67, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 in Saint Joseph, MO after a long battle with cancer. He was born March 20, 1950 in St. Joseph, MO, son of Enid and Dale Gann. He graduated from Benton High School in 1968 and attended Missouri Western State University. He worked at the FDIC and in the banking industry prior to starting his own construction business. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and was always willing to lend a generous and helping hand. He enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing, hunting with his grandpas, metal detecting, panning for gold, and telling stories. He was an avid genealogist and a member of the former Hyde Valley United Methodist Church. He was also the author of “A Walk in the Park – The Adventures of a Four Time Cancer Survivor”. Gary is survived by his parents, Dale and Enid Mae Gann, St. Joseph, MO; daughter Janelle Gann of Kansas City, MO, granddaughter, Jillian Austin, grandson, Jeffrey Austin, brothers, Terry (Laura) Gann, Shawnee, KS, Randy (Belinda) Gann, St. Joseph, MO, sisters, Julie (Dave) Huber, St. Joseph, MO, Susan (Don) Dettman, Savannah, MO, and long time companion, Caroline Adams of St. Joseph, MO. Funeral services: 10:00 am, Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, Chaplain Alan Pruitt 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 Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Gary Gann Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Frances V. Haverkamp
1929-2018

Frances V. Haverkamp, 88, of Atchison KS died on Sat., March 17, 2018 at the North Care Hospice House, Kansas City, MO.

Funeral services will be 7:00pm on Monday, March 26th, 2018 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB officiating. The body will be cremated and burial at a later date in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison, KS. The family will receive friends following the service on Monday until 8:30 pm at the funeral home. Memorials in memory of Frances are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Frances was born on Nov. 11, 1929 in Atchison, KS the daughter of Robert H. and Nellie D. (Stebbins) Bump. She graduated from Atchison High School in 1947. Frances worked in the Dietary Department for the Atchison Hospital for over 19 years. She had also worked as a rural Globe and St. Joseph Newspress carrier for many years. She was a past member of the Order of Eastern Star and enjoyed gardening, yard work, NASCAR, the Kansas City Chiefs, KC Royals, going to tractor pulls and especially spending time with her grandchildren.

She was married to Verniss J. Haverkamp on May 24, 1952 in Atchison, KS. Mr. Haverkamp preceded her in death on May 3, 2005. Survivors include two sons, Eldon L. and Francis R (Rose) Haverkamp, both of Atchison, KS, a daughter Sharon Ann Haverkamp, Olathe, KS, a sister Flora Tucker, Leavenworth, KS and five grandchildren. Her parent, husband, three brothers preceded her in death.

Edward Aloysis Zehnder
1925-2018

Edward Aloysis Zehnder, 92, of Atchison, KS died at his home Monday, March 19, 2018.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Sacred Heart Church with Fr. Jeremy Heppler, OSB as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Atchison. A parish rosary will be recited at 10:00AM on Thursday at the church followed by a short visitation with the family until time of service. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Benedict’s Parish or St. Benedict’s School and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who is handling the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Edward was born on November 20, 1925 in Atchison, KS the only child of William “Billy” and Bernardine Columbia (Madden) Zehnder. Growing up in the Shannon area he attended Shannon School and graduated from ACCHS in 1943. He farmed with his father from 1943to 1950 when he was inducted in the United States Army where he served until 1952. The family moved to the outskirts of Atchison and Edward worked as a truck driver for Watson Bros. Truck Line, Capital Truck Lines, Schwerman Trucking, and Material Contracting. After retiring he drove a taxi in Atchison for a time, did mowing for friends and volunteered at Project Concern delivering Meals on Wheels until about 3 months ago. He was a member of St. Benedict’s Parish attending Sacred Heart Church where he had been an usher in the past.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by cousins. His greatest wish was to remain independent. He had kept in contact with old army buddies by visits to their homes. He cherished his friends and especially the kindness and thoughtful things done for him by friends Andrea and Mike Jones and Joelen Ricketts.

Quortney Faye Flint
1990-2018

Quortney Faye Flint 27, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018 in Saint Joseph, MO. She was born August 9, 1990 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Jerri and Jim Flint. She enjoyed camping and loved country music. Everybody loved her and knew when she was around. Quortney was preceded in death by maternal grandmother, Janet Russell. Survivors include, her parents, paternal grandparents, Charles & Joan Flint, St. Joseph, MO, two brothers: JJ. & Brennen Flint, a sister Amanda Flint, (Andy Creviston) nieces, Kinleigh and Keatyn Creviston, and her little dog Ace.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, with funeral services to follow at 2:00 PM Friday, at the Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating. Memorials are requested to the United Cerebral Palsey. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Billy Charles Caudill
1947-2018

Billy Charles Caudill 71, of Savannah, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born February 23, 1947 in Healdton, OK, son of the late Jimmie and Charles Caudill. He served in the Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He worked on offshore oil rigs in Gulf , and was Heavy Equipment operator, Electrician and a Steel worker. He was a passionate, caring person and loved spending time with his grandsons, watching them play baseball, in his younger years he was a Boy Scout leader. Billy was preceded in death by parents, and a brother, Terry Caudill. Survivors include, son, Ray (Gina) Caudill, grandsons; Alex and Matthew Caudill, all of St. Joseph, MO, sisters, Treva (Jimmy) Billiot, and Charlotte (Howard) Anderson-Robinson.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Johnson Bayou Baptist Church in Johnson Bayou, Louisiana. Visitation will be on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM at the church. Interment with military honors will follow in Head of the Hallow Cemetery in Johnson Bayou, Lousiana under the direction of Clayton Thompson Funeral Directors in Groves, Texas.

Local arrangements under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Joseph “Joe” Howard Furgeson
1951-2018

Joseph “Joe” Howard Furgeson 66, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2018 in a Saint Joseph, MO hospital. He was born July 7, 1951 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Alice and James Furgeson. He attended Benton High School and married Janet Woolard on January 22, 1971 in St. Joseph, MO. He was a hat maker for Stetson Hat, and worked 28 years at the St. Joseph News Press. He enjoyed fishing, turkey and mushroom hunting. He was very crafty with wood, and loved spending time with his grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by parents, and a sister, Brenda Parham. Survivors include, wife, Janet Furgeson of the home, son, Jason H, (Sue) Furgeson, daughters, Rachel Furgeson (Roger Lewis) Jennifer Furgeson, Jolene Furgeson (John Herring), God-daughter, Jodie Barnett, grandchildren Jaycie (Adam) Furgeson, Amber Vaughn, Camey Furgeson, Gage (Jamie) Herring, Shawnda Massey, Shelby (Matthew) Barns, Kendra Furgeson, Alex Herring (Jordyn Smith), Triston Witt, Seth Herring, Aubrie Furgeson, Robert Lewis, Meia Furgeson, Ceyton Furgeson, and Jacklynn Surface, great grandchildren, Landyn, Lillea, Jocelyn, Montez, Coen, Wyatt, Remmi, Levahdee, brothers, Jimmy, Arley, John, and Dick Furgeson, sisters, Patty Rahn, Carol Williams, Sherrie Smithers, and Judy Corona, and mother in law, Glennrose ” Posy” Steward. Funeral services: 10:00 AM Monday, at the Rupp Chapel, Pastor Andy Campbell officiating, The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The inurnment will be at the Mount Auburn Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Andrew Vincent “Vince” Eckert
1937-2018

Andrew Vincent “Vince” Eckert, 80 of Effingham, KS passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Benjamin Tremmel, OSB as celebrant. Burial of cremated remains will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery. Parish Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM, Monday March 26, 2018 at the church, with visitation following until 8:00 PM. Becker Chapel 402 3rd Effingham KS, will be open on Monday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for anyone who wants to sign the register book. Memorials are suggested to St. Ann’s Catholic Church and may be sent in care of Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home who has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Vince was born December 16, 1937 in Effingham, KS, the son of Andrew and Ethel (Reynolds) Eckert. He graduated from ACCHS in 1955. Vince was an Engineer for Kansas Department of Transportation for forty years. He served in the United States Army Reserves. Vince was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed farming, driving a semi-truck coaching high school softball and playing baseball and softball. Vince especially enjoyed his grandchildren.

Vince married Theresa Martin at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in 1960; she survives of the home. Additional survivors include three sons, Ken and Melissa Eckert, Ft. Worth, TX, Tom and Angela Eckert, Everest, KS, Joey Eckert, Atchison, KS, five brothers, Lee and Ruth Eckert, Atchison, KS, Russell and Carol Eckert, Effingham, KS, Jerry and Rita, Eckert, Effingham, KS, Jim and Shirley Eckert, Effingham, KS, Michael and Amy Eckert, Effingham, KS, two sisters, Karen and Ray Bell, Lansing, KS, Debbie and Mark Reiding, Easton, MO, grandchildren, Jeremy Eckert, Drew Eckert, Jackson Eckert, Sara (Leslea) Feagan, Courtney Page and Tiffany Schuler, great grandchildren, Wyatt, Rylan, Calvin, Natalee, Rhett.

He was preceded in death by his parents a brother, Dennis Eckert and a sister Evelyn Eckert.

Nellie Mae McGuire-Grace
1931-2018

Nellie Mae McGuire-Grace 86, of Rushville, MO passed away Saturday, March 24, 2018 in Saint Joseph. She was born December 19, 1931 in St. Joseph, Missouri, daughter of the late Evelyn & William Babb. She was a homemaker, and a member of the King Hill Christian Church. Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, 1st husband, Ralph B McGuire, 2nd husband, Archie Grace, daughters, Sharon McGuire and Marjorie James, and a sister, Beverly Boone. She is survived by daughter, Patsy McGuire (Buck Henderson) of Rushville, MO, four grandchildren: Michael Blanchard, Christopher Blanchard, Stacy James, and Nina Jones, 7 great grandchildren, brothers, Billy Babb and John (Debbie) Babb of Fountain Grove, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated following the visitation, and the inurnment will be at the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, MO, at a later date.

Julia Staudenmaier
1942-2018

Bendena, Kansas – Julia (Flynn) Staudenmaier, 75, of Bendena, Kansas passed away Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Shepherd’s Residential of St. Joseph, Missouri.

Julia was born on May 29, 1942 in Topeka, Kansas to David & Ruth (Moran) Flynn.

She was a member of the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church of Bendena, Kansas. Julia was a Lab Technician working at MGP for over 25 years.

Julia married Charlie Staudenmaier on May 30, 1981 in Bendena, Kansas. He preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Mary Denise, grandson, Ahren Noakes, great-grandson, Tanner Sinclair, sister, Mary Jane Suther & a brother, John Flynn.

Survivors: Children, Kevin Hager, Erin Hager, Kelli Hutchison, Angela Rutter, Michele Zeit, Shannon Jantz, Gretchen Powell, Erin York & Jayne White; 29 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren & one on the way. Numerous nieces & nephews

Funeral Mass: 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
At the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Bendena, Kansas.
Rosary: 5:30 P. M. Tuesday evening at the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church with visitation to follow at 6-8 P.M.
Friends may call after 9 A.M. Tuesday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.

Burial: St. Benedict’s Catholic Cemetery, Bendena, Kansas.

Memorials: St. Benedict’s Catholic Church

Shelly Ann Shaefer
1958-2018

Shelly Ann Shaefer, 59, of Hiawatha died Saturday evening, March 24, 2018 at the Hiawatha Community Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

Shelly was born July 28, 1958 in Hiawatha, KS to Paul and Georgia Taylor Puvogel. She grew up and attended schools in Hiawatha. Shelly graduated from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1976.

She married Jeri Shaefer November 5, 1976 at the Upper Wolf Lutheran Church. Shelly and Jeri have two children Paul and Melanie. Jeri survives of the home.

Shelly graduated from Platte Business School in St. Joseph, MO.

She attended the Christian Center in Hiawatha, KS. Shelly was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Fairview, KS, the Lion’s Club in Robinson, KS, which she participated in several Melodramas, and a leader for the Boy Scouts of America, just to name a few.

Shelly bowled in lady’s bowling and mixed bowling. She loved the outdoors, her flowers, gardening, and she especially loved spending time with her family.

Shelly worked at the Post Office in Hiawatha as a clerical carrier before working as the Postmaster for Powhattan, Fairview, and finally Horton. She worked for the United States Postal Service for 22 years.

She is survived by her husband; Jeri, son; Paul and wife Rachel Shaefer of Hiawatha, KS, daughter; Melanie Shaefer and fiancé Ricky Rodriquez of Hiawatha, KS, brother; Rick and wife Alma Puvogel of Orange, CA, and grandchildren; Joseph, Jacob, Kylee, Hope, Erica, and Georgia.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents.

Memorial Services are planned for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Christian Center in Hiawatha. Pastor Tony French will officiate. Inurnment will follow at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 8p.m., Monday, April 2, 2018 at the Christian Center in Hiawatha.

Memorials are suggested in her name to be designated at a later date and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434

Online condolences may be made to www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.

Ester Lavone Beach
1939-2018

Ester Lavone Beach, 79, of Morrill, KS died Sunday afternoon, March 25, 2018 at the Maple Heights Nursing Home where she had been a resident for a short time.

Lavone was born March 25, 1939 in Morrill, KS the daughter of Ben and Odie Ball DeBusk.

She grew up in Morrill and graduated from the Morrill High School with the class of 1958. Lavone played basketball while in High School. Lavone married Rex Beach December 3, 1960 at the Hamlin Baptist Church. He preceded her in death November 2, 2002.

Lavone worked as a housekeeper for the Apostolic Christian Home, Sabetha Country Inn, and Fountain Villa for a total of 43 years.

She enjoyed watching her grandchildren in their activities and doing things with them. She loved to sew clothes, patch jeans, and make Halloween costumes for the grandkids. In her last years she enjoyed taking care of her great granddaughter, Brystol. Lavone had a great love for ice cream. She enjoyed watching KU Basketball. She also loved her many dogs she had throughout the years.

She is survived by her daughters; Jocelyn and her husband Mark Swanson of Frankfort, KS, Kim and her husband Glen Bien of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Pamela and her husband Kevin Chadwell of Morrill, Kansas, 6 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, two sisters; Ruby and Rose both of Oklahoma, and a brother; Barney of Morrill, KS.

Funeral Services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Pastor Shane Spangler will officiate. Interment will follow at the Morrill Cemetery.

Friends may call the funeral home after 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2018 where the family will receive friends from 6 -8 p.m. that evening.

Memorials are suggested to the Maple Heights Nursing Home and may be sent in care of the funeral home 124 S 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Four-year-old injured in weekend crash

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A 4-year-old was seriously injured in a crash Saturday in Daviess County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 29-year-old Andrew G. Adkison of Jameson was driving a Chevrolet S-10 east on Route P about two miles east of Jameson at 6:25 p.m. The vehicle traveled off the north side of the road and overturned, coming to rest on the driver’s side. A 4-year-old passenger who, according to the crash report, was not secured in a child restraint, was transported by Daviess County EMS to Children’s Mercy for treatment of serious injuries. Adkison was transported to Harrison County Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt.

According to online court documents, Adkison is charged with DWI, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway resulting in a crash and failure to secure a child in a child restraint.

Rain in the forecast through Tuesday

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Storms have already begun moving into the area, and will become more widespread as the day progresses. Isolated hail up to one inch is possible for areas south of I-70 and east of US HWY 63 today and tonight. Storms should diminish tonight, but the widespread rain will continue through Tuesday evening. With the expected rainfall totals, isolated flooding is possible, especially south of I-70. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 54. East southeast wind 9 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 40. Southeast wind 7 to 13 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday: A chance of showers, mainly between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 48. North wind 9 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday Night: A slight chance of showers before 8 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 54.

Thursday Night: A chance of rain showers after 8 p.m., mixing with snow after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday: A chance of rain and snow showers before 9 a.m., then a chance of rain showers between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56.

Saturday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Sunday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

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