Local News – Page 242 – St. Joseph Post Archive

Chiefs and Missouri Western agree to extend Training Camp through 2018

Posted on January 4, 2018

St. Joseph, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Western State University have reached an agreement that will keep the Chiefs in St. Joseph for training camp in 2018.

The agreement also includes an option for an additional one-year extension term that would cover training camp in 2019.

“We are quite proud of the recent success of the Kansas City Chiefs and are looking forward to continuing our relationship with them,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “Our campus and the St. Joseph community take great pride in hosting the Chiefs, and I’m pleased they will return in 2018.”

“We have been engaged in positive, constructive discussions with Missouri Western State University representatives for months and are pleased to reach this agreement to keep Chiefs Training Camp in St. Joseph,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “When we moved training camp back to the state of Missouri in 2010, we could not have imagined the reception and support that Missouri Western and the entire community have provided us. It’s an exciting time in Chiefs Kingdom and we look forward to returning to St. Joseph next summer.”

Under the extension, the Chiefs and Missouri Western have agreed to cost-reducing measures related to rental equipment and labor expenses to help drive down operating costs. Other conditions of the 2015 contract amendment and the original 2009 contract remain in place.

The Chiefs have held training camp on the campus of Missouri Western State University every year since 2010, when the club returned its training camp to the state of Missouri for the first time in 20 years. The 2018 version of Chiefs Training Camp will mark the ninth year at Missouri Western State University. Of the five total training camp sites used throughout franchise history, the nine-year tenure in St. Joseph is the third-longest at any one location.

Artists needed for Art Experience Galleries at Mosaic

Posted on January 4, 2018January 5, 2018

The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art is partnering with Mosaic Life Care for the Business + Art = Inspired Workplaces program.

According to a press release, the Mosaic Art Experience Galleries will include individually themed and innovative art galleries at Mosaic Life Care.

Mosaic and the AKMA invite artists 16 years of age and up who reside in the 27-county area of Mosaic to participate in the juried exhibition. The 27-county area includes northwest Missouri, northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska.

Participating artists will have the artwork displayed for six months starting March 22nd. The Art Experience Galleries Opening Event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22nd.

Each work submitted for the Exhibition should follow one of these themes:

-In the Woods

-My Home Town

-Escape

-My Hero

Each artist may submit an unlimited number of works. For more information and guidelines, click here.

The deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 5th.

Obituaries January 4, 2018

Posted on January 4, 2018

John Charles Coufal
1939-2017

John was born on March 17, 1939 at Sparks, KS, the son of John and Etta Yost Coufal. He grew up on the family farm south of Troy, KS and graduated from Bendena High School, the second to last class to ever graduate from that school. Growing up, John enjoyed fishing and hunting, two activities that he instilled in his two sons as they grew up.

John was a Navy veteran, serving from 1957-1961 with the majority of his enlistment being served at Argentia Naval Base in Newfoundland. When his enlistment was up, he returned to school, earning a teaching degree from Northwest Missouri State University and taught Industrial Arts classes at East Topeka Jr. High. He then went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Emporia State University and became an administrator at the Youth Center of Topeka, and eventually finished his educational career at Flint Hills Special Education Coop in Emporia.

John married Marcia Doris Fleck on December 16, 1961 in Clarinda, IA. She survives, of the home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Clifford (Bud) Coufal, and a sister, Margaret Marcell.

Other survivors include his two sons, David Coufal (Cynthia), Holton, and John Howard Coufal (Molly), Dover, FL, one sister, Ruth Thielbar, Michicot, WI, and five grandchildren, Guy Coufal, Ty Coufal, Janelle Hearn (Brandon), Joshua Coufal (Christal), and Jacob Coufal

John willed his body to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Netawaka, KS. Military Honors will be conducted at the church. Memorials are suggested to Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT), Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center (Topeka), or Immanuel Lutheran Church (Netawaka), in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, KS 66434.

Edward Sewell Lawrence Jr.
1930-2017

Edward Sewell Lawrence Jr. 87, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, December 29, 2017 in Saint Joseph. He was born October 25, 1930 in Rushville, Missouri, son of Christine & Edward Lawrence Sr. He married JoAnn Moberly Lawrence on February 10, 1950. He graduated from Rushville High School. He worked at Rushville Service Station, Rushville Grocery Store, VP for Ferrill Propane Gas as a small business owner, and he was a Vice President in charge of loans at the Park Bank (now UMB). He served in the Army one year and the Air Force for 4 years during the Korean War, where he received the National Defense Medal. He enjoyed singing in barber shop quartets and family quartet, and he was the young persons choir director for the Rushville Christian Church. Edward was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn Lawrence, father, Edward Sewell Lawrence Sr., and mother, Christine Gladys Lawrence. He is survived by son, Chuck Lawrence of Tucson, AZ, son, Kirk (Lorna) Lawrence of St. Louis, MO, daughter, Sandra Flocks of Houston, TX, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, great nephew, Jonn-Thomas Casey, and niece, Myrna Hopkins of St. Joseph. A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his wife, JoAnn. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Carlos Berto Negron
1952-2017

Carlos Berto Negron 65, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 at his home. He was born July 4, 1952 in Ponce, Puerto Rico, son of Milagro & Carlos Negron III. He worked at Triumph Foods in maintenance, and as an Interpreter. He served in the United States Air Force. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends, barbecuing, and his dog, Luey. He is survived by wife, Mary Negron, 9 children and 4 step children, numerous grandchildren, 4 sisters-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law, his numerous Brookside friends, and he had several brothers and sisters. He will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Carlos Negron Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home

Anna Pearl Eaton
1941-2017

Anna Pearl Eaton 76, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Friday, December 29, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born September 10, 1941 in DeKalb, MO, daughter of the late Margaret and Richard “Russell” Ogden. She graduated from DeKalb High School, and married Lee Eaton on July 22, 1960 at the DeKalb United Methodist Church. She enjoyed working with orthopedic and handicapped children at the Truman Middle School, then as the bookkeeper at Benton High School. She also worked in the print shop at the St. Joseph School District and at Eye Candy Graphics & Arts. Anna enjoyed cooking, baking, spending time with her family, and Christmas was her favorite holiday. Anna was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include: husband, Lee Eaton of the home, three sons, Dale (Janice) Eaton, Brian (Jenna) Eaton, and Eric (Rose) Eaton all of St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Rhonda (Jim) Luck, 12 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and brother, Ted (Dorothy) Ogden Buhl, ID.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home. Pastor Jim Longe officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Westlawn Cemetery, DeKalb, MO

Michael “Mike” T. Pitts
1947-2017

Michael T. ” Mike” Pitts 70, of St. Joseph, MO passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017 at his home. He was born May 21, 1947 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Elsie A (Fry) and Michael J. Pitts. He graduated from Benton High School in 1965. He was a lifelong farmer, a life which he loved. He also loved hunting, fishing, spending time with his wife, Mary, and being around his children, grandchildren, and his dog, Sassy. He was a member of the St. James Catholic Church. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Kathryn Frances Nurski, and granddaughter, Bricklynn Pitts. Survivors include wife: Mary Pitts of the home, three children: Terri (Scott) Mears, Mike (Laura) Pitts, and Tracy (Denny) Shifflett, grandchildren, Marli, Tracer, Cierra, Michael, Emma, Sammie Jo, Quinton, and Karlee. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 11:00 am at the St. James Catholic Church. The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 pm, Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home with the family to receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the St. James Renovation Fund or American Heart Association.

Gary Dean Liechti
1946-2017

Gary Dean Liechti 71, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born October 25, 1946 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Betty and Edward Liechti. He graduated from Central High School class of 1964, and he served in the United States Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He married Fonda Kelley on May 20, 1995, and she survives of the home. Gary worked at the Goetz Brewery until it closed, then retired after 34 years of service from the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier. He was an avid bowler, participating in many leagues around the area. He was also very active in the Postal Union, and a member of Midway Baptist Church. Gary was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include, wife, Fonda Renee Kelley-Liechti of the home, daughters, Rene (Tom) Hill, St. Joseph, MO, Rebecca Jean (Nathan) Carroll, Maryville, MO, and Gabi Liechti, St. Joseph, MO, son, Dustin (Heather) Kelley, Springfield, MO, grandchildren, Alyson Hill, Ashley Hill, Alycia Hill, Dalton Hall, Melissa Hall, Jade Parker, Teagan Bayer-Kelley, and Zane Kelley, stepgrandchildren, Makya, Alex, Hannah, and Shyann, and a sister, Sherri (Lee) Abell. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home with Pastor Ryan O’Donnell officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery . Memorials are requested to the Shepherds Residential House, 5702 Amazonia Road, St. Joseph, MO.

Patty Ann Barnett
1940-2017

Patty Ann Barnett 77, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born May 10, 1940 in Bethany, MO, daughter of the late Vena (York) and Wesley Barnett. Patty was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Mary Jane Burton. Survivors include, sister, Faye (Dennis) Brown, Saint Joseph, MO, brother, Wesley L. (Gayle) Barnett, Hiawatha, KS, as well as several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be conducted at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Burton officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Highland Cemetery at 1:00 PM Thursday. Memorials are requested to the Highland Cemetery Association.

Patricia Ann Owens
1949-2017

Patricia Ann Owens 68, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday December 31, 2017 at a local health care center. She was born March 5, 1949 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Susie & Thomas Wright. She married Donald Owens on July 30, 1976, he precedes her in death. She attended Lafayette High School, worked seasonally at Kovacs Fireworks and was a Homemaker. She loved cooking and playing board games. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and two brothers William “Billy” Lough, and Thomas Wright. She is survived by son, Charles Owens of St. Joseph, MO, grandson, Spencer Owens, step granddaughter, Sadie Jolly. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated following the visitation services under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Patricia “Pat” Edna Beahler
1942-2017

Patricia “Pat” Edna Beahler 75, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 in Kansas City, MO hospital. She was born September 10, 1942 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of the late Margaret and Donald Osteen. She graduated from Benton High School 1960 and married Edward Beahler on February 26, 1982 at Miami, Oklahoma. She worked at Stetson Hat Company until it closed. She enjoyed flower gardening, and networking with her family and friends via face book, she loved spending time with her grandchildren. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Donald Osteen. Survivors include, husband, Edward Beahler of the home, sons, William (Kimberly) Smith, St. Joseph, MO, Michael (Heddi) Smith, Darmstadt, Germany, step sons, Edward Frank (Wendy) Beahler Jr., Troy, KS, and Brian D. (Jennifer) Beahler, Newark, DE, sister, Peggy Patrylak, St. Joseph, MO, 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman 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 Bethel Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Doris Judy Robinson
1944-2017

Doris Judy Robinson 73, of Faucett, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017 in Faucett, MO. She was born August 25, 1944 in Agency, MO, daughter of the late Doris and Bob Lytton. She graduated from Faucett High School and married Jim Robinson on August 21, 1965. She worked at Whitaker Cable, Geco, and managed the DeKalb Folks home for years. She enjoyed reading, keeping up with the world on her computer, and she was a Christian. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, and a grandson, Bret Lawson. Survivors include, husband, Jim Robinson of the home, son, Danny (Amy) Robinson, daughters, Stacia (David) Lawson, and Karia Robinson all of Faucett, MO, grandchildren: Dalton Robinson, Mackenzie (Donald) Jones, Coleman Lawson, Kolby Korell, Kayleigh Huss, great grandchildren, Sadie Gentry Zoey Jones, and her brother, Bob (Carolyn) Lytton, Agency, MO. and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Friday, January 5, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. James Barnett officiating, The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Halleck Cemetery. Memorials are requested to Halleck Cemetery Association. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

Kathy Burgess
1959-2017

HOLTON – Kathy Burgess, 58, of Holton, died Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Community Hospital in Onaga.

She was born December 30, 1959 at Holton, the daughter of Jack and Mary Ann Servaes Robinson. She graduated from ACCHS at Effingham in 1977.

Kathy was a nurse with Jefferson County Home Health.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Zachary Gilliland, and a brother, Joseph Jack Robinson, who died in infancy.

Survivors include two sons, Andy Gilliland (Amy), Berryton, and Jacob Gilliland (Kathleen), Emporia; her significant other, Sam Dillon, of the home; three sisters, Sue Havel (Joe), Larkinburg, Robin Whitten (Mick), Theodosia, MO, and Becky Robinson, Lawrence; and three grandchildren, Abby Gilliland, Kaylee Gilliland and Blaine Gilliland.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Larkinburg Cemetery. Kathy will lie in state Thursday and Friday at the funeral home where family and friends will meet from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Memorials are suggested to Friends of Hospice of Jefferson County, and may be sent in care of the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.

Donna Lane
1937-2017

Donna Lane 80, Saint Joseph, Missouri died December 29, 2017. Born March 13, 1937 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Preceded in death by; husband, Wilbur Lane, parents, Arthur & Mabel Pitts, son, Donald Ferris, daughter, Lisa Ferris, brother, James Pitts, sisters, Opal Joy Sample, and Lorretta June Sample. Survivors are 7 children; Roger (Marsha) Ferris, Ed Ferris, Cindy (Cecil) Coffee, Sharon (Johnny) Goodpasture, Debbie Lynn Ferris, Robert Allen Ferris, and Summer Dawn Giles. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews. She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Donna Lane Memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home

Bula Rose Lett
1931-2018

Bula Rose Lett 86, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, January 1, 2018 at a local health care center. She was born June 16, 1931 in Des Moines, IA, daughter of the late Bula Pate-Collins and Harold Collins. She graduated from Convent of the Sacred Heart and married Charles Lett on January 27, 1961. She was a homemaker, and worked at the Ferbert Nursery, and at the Rupp Funeral Home as Funeral Assistant. She was a consummate volunteer, for many local southside organizations as well as church organizations. She was a former President of the St Joseph, MO FireFighters Auxillary. She was a member of the St. James Altar Society, the Daughters of Isabella, a former member of St. Patricks Catholic church, and a member of St. James Catholic Church. She was once awarded the Diocesan Bishop’s Service Award. She was also a cat lover. Rose was preceded in death by husband, Charles Lett, her parents, and daughter, Roselee Faust. Survivors include, daughter Patricia (Wayman) Spangler, St. Joseph, sons, Harold (Cindy) Lett, Smithville, MO, and Vincent (Christy) Lett, St. Joseph, MO, son in law, Russ Faust, Bozeman, MT, grandchildren:, Kate & Joshua Faust, Jared (Emily) Spangler, Garret (Natalie) McDowell, Charlie V, Lett, Ryan & Amy Lett, and great grandchildren, Kincaid & Piper, and her beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm, on Friday, January 5, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Fr. Evan Harkins officiating, The Rosary will be recited at 5:30 pm, at the Rupp Funeral Home. 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 Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the M’Shoogies Animal Rescue. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com

John F. Meier
1949-2017

Troy, Kansas – John F. Meier, 68, of Troy, Kansas passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at his home

John was born on August 19, 1949 in Mound City, Missouri to Eugene & Pearle (Drake) Meier.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Pearle (Drake) Meier, brothers, Edwin “Butch” & Michael Meier.

Survivors: sisters, Linda Wilkerson and Teresa Lopez;

Sisters-in-law, Linda Bennett and Debbie Meier;

Very dear aunt, Jorgine Drake;

A family of very close friends, Steve Adams, Jerry Jones, Paul Gronniger, Jeremy Blanton, Jim Ricklefs and Trudie Dean;

Special cousins, Ricky, Roger and Ronnie Drake.

Many nieces , nephews, cousins and friends.

John graduated from Troy High School in 1967. He graduated from Northeast Kansas Area technical school with computer repair technology. Worked for Sears Repair Service and later started his own business, John’s T.V. Repair. John was a volunteer fireman and EMT for Troy, which he was very proud of. John had a very interesting life, doing “John Meier” stuff. He will be missed by many.

Memorial service: 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 6, 2018
At the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy.
There will be no scheduled visitation.
Inurnment: Mount Olive Cemetery in Troy at a later date.

Memorials: John Meier Memorial Fund.

SERVICES
Memorial Service
Saturday, January 06, 2018
11:00 AM

Harman-Rohde Funeral Home
128 N. Main St.
Troy, Kansas 66087

Sandra Marie Donelson
1950-2018

Sandra Marie Donelson 67, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 in a Saint Joseph, MO health care center. She was born October 11, 1950 in St.Joseph, MO, daughter of Helen and John Brown. She graduated from Benton High School, and was a homemaker. She enjoyed watching TV, and loved to swim and fish in her younger years. Sandra was preceded in death by father, John I Brown. Survivors include, mother, Helen Brown, St. Joseph, MO, daughter, Angie Wuest, St. Joseph, MO, three sons, Shane (Ramona) Brown, Troy Brown and Charles Donaleson of St. Joseph, MO, brothers, John (Norma) Brown, Jack (Ruth) Brown of St. Joseph, MO, sister, Nancy Brown, grandchildren: Lee Wuest, Travis Wuest, Selena Hayes, and Logan Pettis, great-grandchildren: Waylyn Hayes, and Ivy Rose Wuest.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating, The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Phillip Steven Kirschner
1939-2018

Phillip S Kirschner 78, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at his home. He was born May 6, 1939 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Katherine and Earl Kirschner. He graduated from Benton High School, and farmed for most of his life. He enjoyed going to his grandkids ballgames and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed playing cards and going to the casino. Phillip was preceded in death by 1st wife, Eunice Sue Kirschner, and 2nd wife, Cathy Kirschner. Survivors include, son, Scott (Charlene) Kirschner, and daughter, Cindi (Don) Meers both of St. Joseph, MO, step-daughter, Sarah Pedersen, five grandchildren: Taylor, Cayce and Kyle Kirschner, Abbie and Jacob Meers, and 3 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Rupp Funeral Home, with Rev. Scott Wineinger officiating, The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the King Hill Cemetery. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

Cause of Wednesday night fire under investigation

Posted on January 4, 2018

The cause of a house fire Wednesday night is under investigation.

According to the St. Joseph Fire Department, the report of a fire at a vacant house in the 1000 block of South 17th Street came in at 9:19 p.m. The house was totally destroyed and fire crews were on scene until 1:40 a.m. Thursday.

There were no injuries and the cause of the fire is undetermined at this time.

Warmer temperatures on the way this weekend

Posted on January 4, 2018

Morning temperatures will remain below zero to single digits with wind chill values near or below zero for the next few days, but high temperatures will slowly start to climb up each day topping out Sunday in the 40s! Most areas south of the Missouri River will actually rise above freezing Saturday with everybody joining the above freezing party on Sunday. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 19. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 7. Wind chill values between -6 and 4. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 20. Wind chill values between -5 and 5. East northeast wind 6 to 9 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 5. Wind chill values between -4 and 1. East northeast wind around 7 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday Night: A slight chance of snow showers between midnight and 2 a.m., then a slight chance of rain showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday: Showers. High near 41. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.

Thursday closings and delays

Posted on January 4, 2018

Four appointed to Northwest Missouri State Board of Regents

Posted on January 3, 2018

Maryville, Mo. – Gov. Eric Greitens has announced his appointments to the Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents.

The appointments of Jason A. Klindt, of Kansas City; George R. Speckman, of St. Joseph; and Roxanna R. Swaney, of Liberty; as well as Student Regent Janay N. Orange which the governor’s office announced Dec. 22, must be confirmed by the Missouri Senate before they can become official.

If confirmed, Klindt, a Republican, fills the Board seat of Gene “Francis” Dorrel, a Republican of Maryville. Dorrel’s term expired Jan. 1, 2017, but he continued to serve as the University awaited new appointments. Klindt’s Board term will end Jan. 1, 2023.

Speckman, an Independent, fills the Board seat of Jerry Genochio, a Democrat from Kansas City. Genochio was appointed to the Board in 2016 by former Gov. Jay Nixon, but was not confirmed by the Senate before a Jan. 31, 2017, deadline. As a result, Greitens withdrew Genochio’s appointment so he could remain eligible to serve on the Board. Speckman’s Board term also will end Jan. 1, 2023.

Swaney, a Republican, and Orange, the non-voting student member, are regaining their previous appointments to the Board. They also were part of the 2016 appointments by Nixon and had their names withdrawn last January so they could remain eligible to serve. Expiration dates for their new terms have not yet been determined.

Klindt, who earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations at Northwest in 1999 and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University in 2002, is senior manager of customer intelligence at KCP&L, where he has been employed since 2014. His professional experience also includes 10 years as a communications director in the U.S. Congress.

Speckman, a 1989 graduate of Northwest, operates Touchdown Publications, which owns, operates and publishes the Savannah Reporter, a weekly newspaper in Savannah, and The St. Joseph Daily Courier, a daily legal publication in St. Joseph. He also owns and operates Pinnacle Valuation Services, a real estate valuation company serving the Kansas City and St. Joseph areas. He formerly worked in city management and served as city administrator for the cities of Savannah, Plattsburg and Maysville.

A 1984 graduate of Northwest, Swaney has worked for CenturyLink since 1999, serving in multiple positions within the company, including her current role as lead sourcing analyst. She is past president of the ArtsTech Board, a past president of the Institute for Supply Management-Kansas City and the former president of the Clay County Parks and Recreation Board.

Orange, a graduate of Oak Park High School in Kansas City, is a senior public relations major with a minor in criminal justice. She is active at the University in the Northwest Dance Company; the Student Activities Council; the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and the TRIO mentoring program.

Northwest’s nine-member Board of Regents is responsible for sound resource management of the University and determining general, educational and financial policies.

According to state statutes, six of the Board’s members must live in the University’s 19-county district. They must include one member living in Nodaway County and two living outside the district but no more than two voting members residing in the same county. One member must be a non-voting student representative.

Dr. Patrick B. Harr (R), of Maryville, serves as Board chair. Dr. Marilou Joyner (D), of Kansas City; John W. Richmond (D), of Albany; and Richard N. Smith (R), of Coffey; round out the Board, which has one open seat remaining.

Project seeks to inspire others through Amelia Earhart’s story

Posted on January 3, 2018

Chasing Earhart Project Creator Chris Williamson and Project Coordinator Vanessa Williamson interviewing Mark Hall Patton. Photo courtesy Chasing Earhart | Chris Williamson.

A project is underway to tell the story of how Amelia Earhart lived.

Chris Williamson is the creator of the Chasing Earhart Project. Williamson said his interest in Earhart goes back to third grade.

“My teacher, I remember, put up all these 8x10s all around the room of all these famous Americans and you had Martin Luther King, you had Harriet Tubman… Theodore Roosevelt, all those great Americans and then you had this woman who, at the time I had no idea who she was, it was the famous bomber jacket photo with her hands on her hips,” Williamson said. “I did a history day project on (Earhart), I just kind of fell in love with her life and the way she was and the obstacles that she overcame and just her story. Then, of course, you get this incredible 39 years of living and all the stuff that she went through and all the stuff that she did and that’s before you get to the disappearance, which is probably the juiciest disappearance of all time.”

Williamson said he did multiple school projects throughout the years and continued to have an interest in Earhart’s life. Williamson’s background is in Information Technology (IT) but about nine years ago, he started researching with the intention of doing some sort of project about Amelia Earhart. What eventually started out as a podcast project turned into also working on a documentary. Williamson said he originally didn’t want to do a documentary because there are already so many, until his wife changed his mind with one sentence.

“If you look at the documentaries, they either sway two ways, they’re either completely biased toward one hypothesis or they’re about how she died, but what if you flipped it and talk about how she lived instead.”

Williamson said the plan, because of the amount of content and interviews so far, will be to make a documentary series of 14 installments or episodes about an hour-long each. The estimated completion date for the documentary is in Fall 2019. The podcast is still a part of the project, offering in-depth discussions with the guests of the documentary.

Gary LaPook being interviewed. Photo courtesy Chasing Earhart | Chris Williamson.

Williamson said he and his wife are originally from southern California. They do a lot of traveling because of the project and traveled to Atchison, Kansas, for the Amelia Earhart Festival.

“While we were out here, my wife really fell in love with the ambiance. She has been wanting to get out of southern California for quite some time and she wanted to go to a place that you could experience all the seasons and kind of have a change in her life and we have an eight-year-old son we wanted to raise somewhere different than southern California,” Williamson said. “We were out here shooting and we fell in love with the place and decided to move out here. I think for us it’s really twofold, not only is it a personal decision but it really helps the project to be based out of Atchison, Kansas, because Atchison really is the “Mecca” of Amelia Earhart.”

Williamson said as part of the project, he and his team are putting together a Chasing Earhart discussion panel which will be July 21st at this year’s Amelia Earhart festival. The first two guests were announced Tuesday and they are Abigail ‘Astronaut Abby’ Harrison, Founder of The Mars Generation and International STEAM and Space Ambassador and Shaesta Waiz, the youngest civilian pilot to fly around the world solo in a single engine aircraft. Waiz also launched the Dreams Soar foundation which encourages young girls and young women who have an interest in the fields of aviation and STEM to pursue their dreams.

For more information, go to chasingearhart.com.

Listen to the full interview with Chris Williamson below:

Sunny with a high near 19 today

Posted on January 3, 2018

Temperatures will start out cool this morning but 20-30 degrees warmer than yesterday morning. Temps will climb into the lower to mid 20s this afternoon for areas south of the Mo River and into the teens to the north. Temperatures will remain consistent through the end of the work week with highs in the lower 20s and lows in the single digit to teens with Thursday morning being the coldest this week. Wind chill values tonight do look to drop down into our wind chill advisory criteria ( less than -15°F) over north central Missouri so caution should be taken if in that area Thursday morning. A real warm up finally moves into the area this weekend as temperatures climb above freezing for the first time in two weeks. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Scattered flurries before 7 a.m. Sunny, with a high near 19. Wind chill values between -3 and 7. North northwest wind 9 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around -2. North northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 16. Wind chill values between -9 and 1. Light north wind.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. Wind chill values between -1 and 4. Light east wind.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 24. East southeast wind around 6 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 8.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 34.

Saturday Night: A chance of rain after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Sunday: Rain likely, mainly between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 43. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 11 p.m., then a chance of snow between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 18.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 31.

Patrol reports seven fatalities during New Year’s counting period

Posted on January 2, 2018

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that there were seven fatalities during the New Year’s holiday counting period.

The counting period runs from 6 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2017 to 11:59 p.m. Monday, January 1, 2018.

According to a news release, troopers investigated 229 traffic crashes, which included 77 injuries and five of the seven fatalities. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Sullivan (MO) Police Department each investigated one traffic crash fatality during the counting period. In addition, troopers made 129 arrests for driving while intoxicated and 49 drug arrests during the 2018 New Year counting period. There were no boating crashes or drownings during the 2018 New Year’s holiday counting period.

Last year over the New Year’s holiday counting period, Missouri law enforcement agencies reported 539 traffic crashes, which injured 302 people. There were eight fatalities during the 2017 New Year’s holiday counting period. In addition, troopers made 103 arrests for driving while intoxicated and 67 drug arrests. There were no boating incidents or drownings during the 2017 New Year’s holiday counting period.

Three traffic crash fatalities occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring, area; two traffic crash fatalities occurred in the Troop E, Poplar Bluff area, and one traffic crash fatality occurred in each of the Troop G, Willow Spring area and the Troop H, St. Joseph area.

There were no traffic crash fatalities during the counting period Friday, December 29, 2017.

Three people died in traffic crashes on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Gregory A. Reynolds, 73, of Clarkton died when the vehicle he was driving began sliding, ran off the roadway, and overturned. The crash occurred in Dunklin County on Missouri Highway 25 north of Clarkton. Dunklin County Coroner James Powell pronounced Reynolds dead at the scene of the crash. Reynolds was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Gary D. Greenwood, 19, of Mountain Grove died when he overcorrected, causing the vehicle he was driving to travel off the roadway and overturn. Greenwood was ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred in Texas County on Missouri Route AM east of Mountain Grove. Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater pronounced Greenwood deceased. It is unknown whether or not Greenwood was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Phillip G. Hoenig, 49, of St. Charles died when another vehicle ran a red light and struck Hoenig’s vehicle as he was turning left. The crash occurred in St. Louis at the intersection of Hall Street and Adelaide Avenue. Hoenig was transported to St. Louis University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Dr. Jennifer La’Plant pronounced Hoenig deceased at the hospital. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the crash.

Two people died as a result of traffic crashes on Sunday, December 31, 2017. Bonita D. Fuller, 67, of Jackson died when the vehicle she was driving traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and a ditch, went airborne, then struck a tree and a house. The crash occurred in Cape Girardeau County on U.S. Highway 61 in Fruitland, MO. Cape Girardeau County Deputy Coroner David Taylor pronounced Fuller dead at the scene. Fuller was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Cole Watson, 20, of Sullivan died when the vehicle he was driving drove off the roadway. Watson was ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred on Vine Street in the city of Sullivan. Watson was pronounced deceased at Missouri Baptist Hospital. Watson was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The Sullivan Police Department investigated the crash.

Two people died as a result of traffic crashes on New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, 2018. Brandon M. Scott, 28, of Independence died after the vehicle he was driving failed to stop at the intersection of Missouri Route A and Missouri Route H in Turney in Clinton County. The vehicle then traveled off the edge of the intersection and struck a hedge post, coming to rest on its driver’s side. Clinton County Coroner Lee Hanks pronounced Scott dead at the scene. Scott was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Clinton County Sheriff’s Department and Lathrop Fire Department also responded.

Gerald J. Beers, 79, of Festus died when the vehicle he was driving failed to yield while attempting to cross northbound U.S. Highway 67. A northbound vehicle struck Beers’ vehicle which rotated counter-clockwise into the left lane and was struck by a second vehicle. The crash occurred in Jefferson County on U.S. Highway 67 at Montauk Drive. Dr. Evans at Mercy Hospital pronounced Beers deceased at the hospital. Beers was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The driver and a passenger in the first vehicle that struck Beers’ vehicle sustained minor injuries; neither were wearing seat belts. The driver of the second vehicle that struck Beers’ vehicle was not injured; he was wearing a seat belt.