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Category: Local News

Holiday season will light up Felix Street Square this weekend

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Mayor’s Christmas Tree in Felix St. Square. File photo courtesy Travis Dodge

An annual event will kick off the holiday season in downtown St. Joseph this weekend.

Brian Myers with First Saturdays Downtown St. Joseph said Holidays at the Square on Saturday begins with the arrival of Santa. There will be photo opportunities with Santa, carriage rides, musical entertainment and more. 

“It’s a good opportunity to come downtown, bring your children, bring your grandchildren, catch the events and the music in the park,” Myers said. “A lot of these shops and restaurants are going to be open during and after the event and the ones that aren’t, it’s a good opportunity to walk by with your kids and see the cool window displays that our local shop owners have put up for us.” 

Holidays at the Square will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Felix Street Square.

For more information, click here.

Obituaries November 29, 2017

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Loren David Brunner
1932-2017

SABETHA, KS—Loren David Brunner, 85, of Sabetha, with family by his side, left this life late Sunday, November 26, 2017, at the Sabetha Community Hospital.

Loren was born February 9, 1932, near Sabetha, one of three children born to David and Susan Aberle Brunner. He grew up at Sabetha where he attended school, later working to earn his GED. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force June 21, 1951. He served an armorer during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from active duty June 21, 1955, as an airman second class. He was awarded and earned several medals during the War: Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal

Loren worked at Wenger Manufacturing in Sabetha for 18 years. In 1974, the family moved to Houston, TX where he worked for Shell Oil Company until retiring in 1994 to the Lake Livingston, TX area.

Mr. Brunner was a member of the Church of Christ in Sabetha. He became interested in metal working and wood working.

He married Marguerite Brown April 12, 1959 in Sabetha. From this union, a son David was born. In 2001, Loren and Marguerite returned to Sabetha and lived in A.C. West Village Retirement Village. She survives.

Also surviving is a son David Brunner (Connie) of Aurora, CO; a granddaughter Rebecca Brunner of Temple Terrace, FL; with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Loree Plattner and Mildred Strahm.

Cremation is planned with a Celebration of Loren’s life planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, November 30, at the Church of Christ, 310 Oregon St, Sabetha, with Don Fischer officiating. Family inurnment will take place at the Sabetha Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sabetha Hospital, Nemaha County Home Health and Hospice, or a charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434, who is assisting the family.

Monica “Mona Lea” Elizabeth Davis
1951-2017

Monica “Mona Lea” Elizabeth Davis 66, Saint Joseph, Missouri died Sunday November 26, 2017 in Saint Joseph health care center. Born March 19, 1951, St. Joseph, MO, graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School in 1969, and worked at the Chapman insurance agency, and finished her career at AT&T. She was a very loving, generous person with a huge personality that will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by husband, John Chapman, father, Jack G Davis, and brother, Greg Davis. Survivors include daughter, Ursula Chapman, Kansas City, MO, and mother, Adriana Davis of St. Joseph, MO. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm Saturday with a memorial service starting at 2:00 PM, Father Evan Harkins officiating. Cremation under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Sandra Kay Brown
1947-2017

Sandra Kay Brown of Agency, Missouri passed away Sunday, November 26, 2017 at her home in Agency, MO. She was born February 18, 1947, daughter of the late Hester and Wood Lamar. A graduate of Faucett High School in 1965, she married Edward Brown on October 8, 1966. She retired from IHP after 32 years of service. Sandra loved riding on the Harley trike with Ed, even traveling twice to Sturgis. She also enjoyed gardening, walking, camping, traveling, horses and country music. Her favorite pastimes included sampling Missouri wines, attending dinner theaters and most especially spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by husband Ed Brown of the home; daughter Stephanie (Dan) Batliner; son, Jason (Anessa) Brown; grandchildren Sydney, Kylie, and Hayley Brown, Bryce Batliner, Timothy, Aleksei, and James Reid; and a sister, Eleanor Hanway. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home in St. Joseph, MO. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Saturday, also at Rupp Funeral Home with Pastor Donna Bennett officiating. Interment will follow at Halleck Cemetery in Taos, MO. Family has requested that friends dress casually for the services. Online condolences may be left at www.ruppfuneral.com .

Ella Anne Hall
2017-2017

Ella Anne Hall, 2 years old, of Atchison, KS, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO.

Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 30, 2017 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS, with Fr. Jon Hullinger officiating. Burial will follow at Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, KS. Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Ronald McDonald House, Ability KC or Down Syndrome Guild of KC and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Ella was born April 19, 2015 in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Thomas and Danielle (Zeien) Hall. She was tough, strong, resilient fighter ever since she was born. Ella’s smile and laugh brought so much joy to everyone she loved and she loved everyone. She enjoyed playing with toys that played music and lights. Ella especially loved cuddles and snuggles with her mommy and daddy.

Survivors include her parents Thomas and Danielle Hall of the home, a sister; Emily Hall of the home, maternal grandparents, Norbert and Marvel Zeien, Cedar Falls, IA, aunts and uncles, Mary Schneider, Pamela Hall (Julie O’Neal), Teresa (Mark) Jacobs, Angela Zeien, Douglas Schneider, several cousins and great aunts and great uncles.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents William and Jean Hall.

Lola Jean Overby
1932-2017

Lola Jean Overby 85, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday November 28, 2017 in a Saint Joseph health care center. She was born August 3, 1932 in Waterloo, Iowa daughter of the late Grace & John Ferguson. She married Johnny Overby on July 21, 1950, he preceded her in death November 25, 2016. They shared 66 years together. She worked as an Administrative Assistant at Cessna in Wichita, KS, and at several other large corporations. She enjoyed gardening, was an avid reader and quilter, in 1950 she was voted “most photogenic wife” at Camp Pendleton, the prize was to go to Hollywood, meet and get a picture with John Wayne. Lola was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Overby, and her parents. Survivors include daughters, Connie (David) Moore, Wichita, KS, Jackie (Dave) Black, St. Joseph, MO, Pat (Gene) Kowalewycz, Lamar, AR, son, John (Theresa) Overby, Lees Summit, MO, three grandsons, Kyle (Rachel) Black, Joshua (Allison) Overby, and Corey (Jessica) Moore, three great grandchildren, brother, Robert Ferguson, Tucson, AZ, sister, Juanita Schropp , Birmingham, AL, She will be cremated under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to The Lords Store, or the St. Judes Childrens hospital.

Mary Jane Devers
1946-2017

Mary Jane Devers 71, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Sunday November 26, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. She was born February 16, 1946 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Sarah & Goldie Russell. She attended Lafayette High School, and worked as a Property Manager in the hotel motel industry. She was a member of Midwest County Music Assn., and a Past membership chair, she also was an Avon representative for many years. She loved spending time with her family, knitting, crocheting, and playing bingo. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Devers Sr. her parents, brothers, Goldie, Robert, and Donald Russell. Survivors include: daughters; Kimberlie Turnquise, and Wendy (Richard) Shryock of St. Joseph, step daughters, Cathy Devers and Amy Bledsoe, brothers, Tommy James Russell, Rushville, MO, grandchildren: Ray Hudson, James Lewis, Sara Ball, Cody Lewis, Alicia Bear Bell, Kevin Ginn, Kevin Bledsoe, Jordan Devers, and Corey Bledsoe, great grand children Sophia Lewis, and Kamiyah, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. She will be cremated under care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Randy Scott Hardin
1987-2017

Randy “Scott” Hardin 30, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, November 26, 2017 in Saint Joseph, MO. He was born October 5, 1987 in St. Joseph, MO. He attended Lafayette high school and the Renewable Energy Ecotch Trade School in Aurora, CO. He enjoyed watching football, and was a diehard Chiefs fan, he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and being outdoors, but most especially being with his boys. Survivors include, wife, Stephanie Hardin, mother, Buffy Mullen, father, Kristen (Brandy) Hardin, St. Joseph, MO, three sons: , Levi, Austin, and Brentley, a brother, Jaxon Hardin, sisters, Shelby Mullen, Rhiannon Mullen, and Ryleigh Hardin all of St. Joseph, MO, paternal grandfather, Jim Hardin, and paternal grandparents, Carol & Jim Ragland.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 am, on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Scott Hardin memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.

James “Jimmy” Walter McDowell
1966-2017

James Walter “Jimmy” McDowell 51, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed peacefully from this world Wednesday November 29, 2017 at Mosaic Life Care Hospital. James was preceded in death by his father, Pawnie McDowell Sr., mother JoAnn McQueen, and step mother Betty McDowell. He is survived by siblings, Pawnie Jr. (Patty) McDowell, sisters, Peggy (Lawrence) Frizell, Susan (Pete) Gentry, Penny (Homer) Zumwalt, and Carrie McQueen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and family members. Per his request Jimmy has been cremated and no services will be held. The family wishes to thank all those who cared for Jimmy, he was loved by many. Cremation under the care and direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

Apple software manager to address Northwest graduates

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Bilal Clarance. Photo courtesy Northwest Missouri State University.

MARYVILLE, Mo. – A software engineering manager at Apple will address Northwest Missouri State University graduates and their families during winter commencement ceremonies.

Bilal Clarance, a Northwest alumnus, will address graduates during the commencement ceremonies Friday, Dec. 15.

“What a pleasure it will be to have Bilal and his family back at Northwest to address our winter graduates,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “Bilal has an excellent story – having been an international transfer student, one of our first interactive digital media majors and a student-athlete. Further, his entrepreneurial spirit, along with cutting edge technology focus, will enable Bilal to connect well with our graduates.”

Clarance joined Apple in 2012 and works at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. He started his role as a software engineering manager in 2015 and manages, coaches and mentors a group of engineers for the Apple online store. Before that, as a software engineer, he designed and developed services, tools and platforms for the Apple online store.

Prior to his career at Apple, he was co-founder and chief technology officer of BallAbroad.com, a software engineer at Findology Interactive Media Inc. and at Verifi, a developer at GetFugu and at Clarance Creations, and a desktop app builder for Skinkers.

A native of Copenhagen, Denmark, Clarance transferred to Northwest in 2003 from Miles Community College in Miles City, Montana, and graduated from the University in 2005 with his bachelor’s degree in interactive digital media with an emphasis in computer science. As a Northwest student, he worked in the campus’ Intercultural and International Center. He also was a member of the Bearcat men’s basketball team from 2003 to 2005, including the 2003-04 team that advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight and was inducted into Northwest’s M-Club Hall of Fame in 2014.

Clarance continued his basketball career after graduating from Northwest and played for clubs throughout Europe between 2005 and 2009. He also played for the Danish men’s national team, starting at the age of 18, and was its captain from 2007 to 2009.

Northwest will host commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 for bachelor’s degree candidates representing the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, Melvin D. and Valorie G. Booth School of Business and Professional Studies, and the School of Education, and at 2 p.m. for all master’s degree candidates as well as bachelor’s degree candidates representing the School of Computer Science and Information Systems and the School of Communication and Mass Media. Both ceremonies are in Bearcat Arena.

Doors will open to guests one hour prior to each ceremony. Shuttle services will be provided from parking lots 62 and 63 to the Lamkin Activity Center circle drive.

Nearly 200 students are expected to receive master’s or specialist degrees through the University’s graduate school. More than 300 undergraduate students from Northwest’s College of Arts and Sciences and six professional schools are expected to receive bachelor’s degrees.

No tickets are necessary to attend either ceremony. To accommodate guests who cannot attend, Northwest will offer a live online stream of the ceremonies at nwmissouri.edu/live.

Complete details about commencement at Northwest are posted at nwmissouri.edu/graduation.

Sunny with temps in the 50s and 60s through the weekend

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There will be the chance for some light showers this morning south of Interstate 70 but otherwise conditions will remain dry. Skies will be mostly cloudy but temperatures will still remain above normal with highs in the upper 40s to mid 50s. Above normal temperatures will continue through the week with highs near 60 this weekend. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Partly sunny, with a high near 51. East northeast wind 6 to 10 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 5 to 8 mph after midnight.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 54. North northwest wind 6 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 34.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 57.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 60.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.

Monday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 46.

 

Lawsuit seeks damages in Fourth of July house explosion

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1109 Prospect

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP and Post) — Two people injured in a Fourth of July explosion that destroyed a St. Joseph home have filed a civil lawsuit.

Devon Wall and Kaitlyn Pennington of Platte City, are seeking damages in excess of $25,000. The owners of the former rental property and their tenant, Leslie Osborn, are named as defendants.

The lawsuit claims Osborn was manufacturing fireworks inside the residence at the time of the explosion. Osborn, Wall and Pennington each suffered injuries.

The owners filed a counterclaim, saying the suit should be dismissed. They allege Wall and Pennington actively participated or had direct knowledge of Osborn’s activities.

No criminal charges were filed against Osborn, who doesn’t have a listed phone number. A hearing is set for Wednesday in Buchanan County Circuit Court.

As previously reported, the explosion took place around 9:30 a.m. on the Fourth of July at 1109 Prospect Ave. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Joseph Police and Fire Departments investigated.

Health Department will be closed on Thursday

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The City of St. Joseph Health Department will suspend all services on Thursday, Nov. 30.

According to a press release, the Health Department, located at 904 South 10th Street, will be closed to allow staff to participate in an all-day training retreat.

Services affected are WIC, pregnancy testing and case management, TB services, immunization services, lead poison prevention services, HIV/STD testing and case management, vital statistics (including issuance of Missouri birth and death certificates), environmental services, and Animal Control & Rescue shelter and administrative offices. Only emergency services for Animal Control and Rescue will be available Thursday. On Friday, December 1, Animal Control and Rescue Shelter operations will resume and the shelter will be open to the public from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Services located at Patee Market Health Center will also resume at 8 a.m on Friday, December 1.

From 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, the immunization clinic will conduct monthly vaccine inventory and will not be available for services. All other clinic services will be open during this time.

The all-day training retreat for staff will focus on customer service, emergency preparedness and public health policy and procedure updates.

A chance of drizzle this morning with temps in the 50s

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Some spotty sprinkles will be possible today as a cold front moves through the area. However, even you do see some sprinkles they will be very light and brief. Temperatures will remain above normal today with highs in the mid 50s across the north to the mid 60s across the south. Light rain will be possible tomorrow south of Interstate 70 but again, any precipitation that does fall will be really light. Sun returns for the second half of the work week with continued above normal temperatures in the 50s. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: A slight chance of drizzle between 9 a.m. and noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 57. South southwest wind 8 to 16 mph becoming north northeast in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 26 mph.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 37. North northeast wind 7 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 51. East southeast wind 5 to 9 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 37. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 8 mph after midnight.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 54. North northwest wind 7 to 9 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 54.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 32.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 56.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 38.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 59.

Sunday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.

 

Mo. woman dies after car vaults, travels down embankment

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CLINTON COUNTY — A Missouri woman died in an accident just before 1:30 Monday in Clinton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford Escape driven by Debra D. Armstrong, 62, Kansas City, MO., was southbound in the driving lane on Interstate 35 just north of Holt.

The driver attempted to move into the passing lane and struck the front right of a southbound 2003 Toyota Camry driven by Ariel M. Prosser, 24, Kansas City, MO.

Both vehicles spun into the median. The Ford vaulted both northbound lanes of traffic, struck the guardrail and traveled over the embankment.

Armstrong was not wearing a seat belt and was pronounced dead at the scene. Prosser was not injured.

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