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Category: Local News

Library offers research help with weekly Genealogy Drop-In

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Local History Librarian Jennifer Sanders-Tutt is available to help with genealogy research anytime or during Genealogy Drop-Ins every Tuesday from 2-4 p.m.

Whether it’s researching family history or learning about how St. Joseph got started, the St. Joseph Public Library offers multiple research tools.

Local History Librarian Jennifer Sanders-Tutt said whether you are just starting out with your research or need some new ideas, they can help.

“We’re here all the time for people to stop in and get help with genealogy, and not just genealogy, if they have a question about local history, St. Joseph, or the area, we’re here to answer all of those questions… we love research, that’s why we’re librarians,” Sanders-Tutt said. “But I don’t know how many people know that that’s something that we’re here for all the time, so I thought maybe setting a specific time and date would maybe help get that out there.”

Sanders-Tutt said 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Downtown Library is set aside for a Genealogy Drop-In for anyone wanting to come in for help with their research. The library features census information, local history and record books from the 1880s and earlier.

“One of my favorite items in the collection are some of the “who’s who” in St. Joseph or Men (Who) Make St. Joseph “The City Worth While,”” Sanders-Tutt said. “Those are really interesting because they’re biographical information. They compiled books and books of biographical information on business owners and important business people in general so you can go in and you can find information about their family going way back, which is really exciting. There’s usually also some sort of image, photograph or drawing of them in there too which is really cool to find that far back.”

Sanders-Tutt said, twice a year, the library offers a genealogy workshop called “Where Do We Begin.” That will be held sometime in April and is for all levels of people into genealogy research.

For more information, contact the Downtown Library Reference Department at (816) 232-8151 or click here.

Police ask for help locating person of interest in homicide investigation

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Khaury E. El-Amin

The St. Joseph Police Department is asking for help locating a man who is a person of interest in a homicide investigation.

According to police, 19-year-old Khaury E. El-Amin also known as Khaury Hawkins is wanted on a felony drug warrant and is also a person of interest in connection with a homicide investigation. Capt. Jeff Wilson with the police department said El-Amin should be considered armed and dangerous. El-Amin is 5’11” and 190 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 238-TIPS.

 

Northwest officer honored as Critical Incident Team Officer of the Year

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Officer Kyle Hoyt with the Northwest Missouri State University Police Department. Photo courtesy Northwest Missouri State University.

Maryville, Mo. – An officer with the Northwest Missouri State University Police Department was recognized recently by the Mid-America Critical Incident Team Council (MACIT) as a Critical Incident Team (CIT) Officer of the Year.

According to a news release, Kyle Hoyt was honored Nov. 9 at the organization’s annual meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, after he was named CIT Officer of the Year by Northwest University Police.

University Police Lt. Anthony Williams nominated Hoyt for the recognition after a review of reports and commended him for his compassion for students in need.

“Officer Hoyt is dedicated to being a public servant and helping individuals cope with the everyday struggles some of us possess,” Williams said.

Hoyt, who joined the University Police Department in 2014, also serves as a self-defense instructor and is a member of the local Santa Cops Committee, which raises funds for less-fortunate children to purchase gifts during the holiday season.

SJSD sees improvement in Annual Performance Report

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The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released its Annual Performance Report (APR) this week, highlighting a 2.5% increase in the overall score for the St. Joseph School District.

According to a press release, the report offers a comprehensive overview of school districts statewide through the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 5). The St. Joseph School District earned a total of 121 out of 140 points, or 86.4% of the points available.

The APR evaluates school districts on academic achievement, subgroup achievement, college and career readiness, attendance and graduation rate.

An overview of the data in the APR shows:

  • An increase in the percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced in Science (+2.1%).
  • An increase in the percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced in Social Studies (+5%).
  • An increase in the percentage of students in Subgroup Achievement scoring proficient or advanced.
  • An increase in APR points in Subgroup Achievement in ELA and Math compared to 2016.
  • An increase of 2 APR points in College and Career Readiness.
  • A decrease in the percentage of students meeting the attendance benchmark (‐0.4%).
  • Decreases in the percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced in English Language Arts (‐1.4%) and Math (‐2.7%).

“I was particularly pleased with the growth in grades 3‐8 English Language Arts; the APR growth model is one that is inclusive of state data and the SJSD’s rating was exceeding,” said Dr. Kendra Lau, Director of Assessment. “Growth is the engine for increased proficiency and this indicates we are making significant gains.”

Dr. Lau added that in terms of college and career readiness, the metrics are very encouraging.

“I’m pleased with the increase we have seen in our APR results, but recognize that we still have the need for additional improvement,” said Dr. Marlie Williams, Assistant Superintendent. “The work of our teachers and schools has led to the increases we’ve seen, and we will continue to support the goals that are in place to positively impact student learning.”

The attendance benchmark is just one area of improvement that remains a priority for the district.

“Scoring 6 of 10 points on attendance highlights the importance of the Strive for 5 initiative.  Students benefit when they are in school and working with their teachers and peers, so improving attendance has benefit far beyond points on this section of the APR, it contributes to academic outcomes and is also a workforce readiness trait,” added Dr. Williams.

Sunny and breezy today

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Showers moved through overnight, but clear skies and a breezy, cool, north wind will prevail today and into Thursday. Expect a return of southerly winds by Friday, resulting in a nice warm up ahead of the weekend; but this will also bring the chance for some showers. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service: 

Today: Sunny, with a high near 55. North northwest wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. North northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Light east wind becoming south southeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night: Increasing clouds, with a temperature rising to around 52 by 5 a.m. South wind 9 to 11 mph.

Friday: A chance of showers, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. South southwest wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 49.

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

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 50.

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

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52.

 

Health and prevention discussed during Diabetes Awareness month

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November is National Diabetes Awareness month and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the last 20 years, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes has more than tripled.

Carolyn Gronniger is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Gronniger said one of the misconceptions about diabetes is that eating sugar causes diabetes.

“There’s a misconception… people feel that persons with diabetes are not supposed to eat any carbohydrates or are not supposed to eat sugar, when in fact, carbohydrates are a main nutrient that is important in our diet,” Gronniger said. “The thing of it is, with a person with diabetes is their body is having trouble utilizing, processing, metabolizing that sugar or glucose for energy, so therein lies the problem. Their body still needs some carbohydrates, their body still needs some sugar but it’s more in moderation and it’s not necessarily evil.”

According to Gronniger, early on, diabetes doesn’t necessarily cause noticeable symptoms.

“Everybody needs to have a primary care provider. I don’t care how old you are, how young you are, everybody needs to have a primary care provider and see them on a regular basis,” Gronniger said. “Get some of those routine maintenance checks done because that’s where it’s picked up early on, subtle increases in blood sugar levels that may not cause you any symptoms at all.”

Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with Mosaic Susan Alderson said anyone 45 and older, especially if they have a family history of diabetes, should get tested. Alderson adds some preventative measures people can take include keeping a healthy weight and exercise.

Some services offered at Mosaic Life Care include individual and group diabetes classes and a diabetes self-management education program.

“Within the structure of the classes some of the things that we discuss and talk about are monitoring your blood sugar, what do those numbers mean, figuring out a meal plan for the patient, encouraging activity, going over medications and also getting support,” said Karen Wedlock, RN, CDE.

For more information on diabetes and classes, contact Diabetes Care at Mosaic Life Care by calling (816) 271-6700 or click here.

SJSD considers next step after last week’s election results

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A week after voters rejected a proposed $1.15 levy increase, the St. Joseph School District is listening to feedback and considering the next step.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Newhart said voters made a statement by rejecting the proposed levy increase by a 72 to 28 percent margin.

“If there’s anything that is positive that comes out of that election, in my opinion, is… the large voter turnout. It was one of the largest for a school issue in recent history and it should be that way. The voters should have the ultimate decision on the direction of the school district,” Newhart said. “So from that aspect, it definitely gives us a direction and that statement that we have to basically do a better job, earn their trust, become more efficient, regroup, find out even further on what exactly did they not like or did we not present or what we have to do going forward.”

Newhart said he believes trust is still an issue after the FBI investigations and all the events over the past few years. According to Newhart, the Board of Education Monday night named three board members to work with the community to discuss last week’s election and what can be done differently going forward.

“You cannot be critical of the plan, but yet unwilling to be part of the planning process and we encourage and welcome all stakeholders to help us with this,” Newhart said. “If that even takes some mediation between opposing sides, it’s going to take that type of hard discussion to get the elephants out of the room and actually get the district back on course.”

Newhart said based on some feedback and discussion with parents within the last week, they did not understand the plan or the opposition’s plan leading up to the special election.

“It was this segment in the middle that… (is) still concerned about the 40 million that was unaccounted for and we’ve tried to explain that numerous times,” Newhart said. “Right, wrong or indifferent, it was an estimated number by the state auditor, it was over the course of a decade, it was for work performed legitimately, it just was not board approved that should have been board approved and the board retroactively approved those.”

“Today, all contracts, all agreements are board approved, they’re tagged to those agenda items that is publicly placed on our website and… that is something that has changed,” Newhart said. “Going forward we’ve got to do a better job somehow to get this all communicated.”

Newhart said it is unknown at this point if there will be another issue on the April ballot. He said the needs of the district, however, will not be going away and, going forward, the district will be focused on becoming more efficient in certain areas and listening to community and parent feedback.

Obituaries November 14, 2017

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Mavis “Deanie” Fager
1930-2017

ONAGA— Mavis “Deanie” Fager, 87, formerly of Onaga, died November 12, 2017, at Vintage Park of Baldwin City, Kansas.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 16th, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Onaga. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 15th, at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga.

She was born October 8, 1930, on her grandparents’ farm north of Onaga, the daughter of Clarence “Slim” and Tressie P. (Burdette) Florence.

Deanie graduated from Onaga High School in the class of 1948. She married Marion Fager on June 13, 1948, and they had five children. They divorced in July, 1976, after 23 years of marriage. She then dated Raymond “Beans” Kokenge, who became a lifelong companion of 35 years, until his death in 2010. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Malia Jean Fager, who died shortly after birth, one brother, Wayne “Cotton” Florence, and a sister, Wilma “Pill” Meskimen.

Deanie was a stay-at-home mother for many years. She started working at the Onaga Post Office as a part-time clerk and was later appointed Postmaster after Robert Shove retired. She was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 20 years before she retired. She helped her son, Brian, raise his two children, Travis and JoAnnah.

Deanie had many loves that included music, dancing, slot machines, and eating homemade ice cream. She had a witty personality that caused infectious laughter. Sometimes that wit would shine at the most surprising of times. She enjoyed her grandchildren visiting her in Onaga for school breaks and over the summer. She spent many hours at the city pool, watching ball games, playing bingo and going to the county fair. She also had her favorite spot on “Main Street” for watching the parade.

Survivors include three sons: Keith Fager and wife, B.J., Lenexa, Mark Fager, Kansas City, MO, and Brian Fager, Lawrence; a daughter, Kathy Barr and husband, Jon, of Lawrence; two brothers, Lyle Florence, Topeka, and Marion Florence and wife, Pat, Lincoln, KS; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. Deanie had many friendships that lasted her lifetime and will be missed by all. She continued to touch the lives of many people she was connected with until the day she died.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 312, Onaga, KS 66521.

Larry M. White
1937-2017

MAYETTA – Larry M. White, 79, of Mayetta, died Sunday, November 12, 2017 at The Pines in Holton.

He was born December 11, 1937 southwest of Mayetta, the son of George and Hazel Haag White. He graduated from Mayetta High School in 1955.

Larry worked at Whelan’s Lumber Company and then at the pet food plant in Topeka for a total of forty-five years.

He was a member of Moose Lodge No. 555 in Topeka.

He married Ramona L. Cox on August 6, 1955 in the Potawatomi United Methodist Church west of Mayetta. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2011.

Larry was also preceded in death by his parents, a son, Mark White, who died in infancy, a granddaughter, Melissa Cole, and three sisters, Josephine Keller, Lucille Copeland and Lola Mae Frazier.

Survivors include three sons, Melvin White (Debbie), Holton and Michael White (Amy) and Marvin White (Brenda), all of Topeka; one sister, Georgia Daugherty, Topeka; seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Cremation is planned. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 16th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Private burial will be later in the Brick Cemetery southeast of Holton. Memorials are suggested to the Holton Community Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Department, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1034, Holton, 66436.

Susan Louise Goin
1946-2017

Susan Louise (Keaveny) Goin, 71, of Saint Joseph, formerly of Fillmore, Mo. passed away on November ll, 2017 from a brief illness. Born August 7th 1946 to parents, Thomas and Barbara (Nauman) Keaveny at Sisters Hospital in Saint Joseph, MO. Susan graduated in 1964 from Fillmore C-1 High School, where she was very active in sports (basketball and­ still holds the record for most points scored in a single game-72pts,) track and cheer leading, and her education receiving the honor of being her class Salutatorian, Editor of the Yearbook and school newspaper. Susan also performed in choir, band (trumpet) and school musicals/plays. After High School, she graduated from Saint Joseph Community College in 1966 with a degree in Business. In 1955, Susan was chosen to represent Andrew County in the Saint Joseph Apple Blossom Parade. Susan was an avid animal lover in which all animals had to have a name. You would always catch Susan with either a cat or dog beside her or atop of a horse heading off to create an adventure. Her love of sports didn’t cease after her high school career, she raised her children to be just as competitive and love all sports, 4-H and horsemanship to the point where if she wasn’t coaching her children, she was their loudest cheerleader on the sidelines. Spouses include Jerry Alan Spoonemore (1966-1974), Bernard Louis Andres (1976-1983), August Carl Nemitz Jr. (1985-1989) and Joseph Burton Goin (1990-2012). Susan was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Michael Keaveny, spouses, Bernard Andres, August Carl Nemitz J.R., and Joseph Goin, children Elizabeth Andres, Mary Andres, and Joseph Goin Jr. Susan is survived by her children: Deanna (Rob) Daniels, Katrina “Kit ” (Chet) Lindstrom, Thomas Spoonemore, Michael (Sabrina Ali) Andres, and Jessica Nemitz. Her Grandkids include: Joseph (Ashley Venema) Siela, Jacob (Ashley) Mazurkewycz, Caitlyn Lindstrom, Brooklyn Spoonemore, Andrew Lindstrom, Zachary Spoonemore, Zachery Bollinger, Kiazer Russell­ Andres, Rayne Spoonemore, Shakira Bollinger, Tori Glidewell, Nikki Bollinger, Muhammad Andres, Mihdiya Andres, and Brentlynn Davis. Great grandkids include: Mason Seila, Lillianna Siela, Emery Mazurkewycz, Braston Mazurkewycz, Atticus Siela-Venema, nieces; Anita Keaveny, Michelle McFatridge, Angela Lombardi, nephews; Mark Keaveny, and Jason Keaveny. Honorary pallbearers include: Joseph Siela, Jacob Mazurkewycz, Kiazer Russell-Andres, Andrew Lindstrom, Kyle Wardlow and Spoonemore. The family will receive friends from 6-7pm Wednesday with a Memorial Celebration of Life to begin at 7:00 pm Wednesday at the Rupp Funeral Home. In Lieu of Flowers our mother would appreciate donations made of the donors choices to the following charities that she held so close to heart: Friends of the Animal Shelter St. Joseph, MO., Carnegie Library or the Shriners of America.

Rachel Rumpf
1982-2017

Rachel Lynn Rumpf 35, of Agency, Missouri passed away unexpectedly Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the KU Medical Center, Kansas City Kansas. She was born June 8, 1982 in St. Joseph, MO, daughter of Cindy and Randy Rumpf. She graduated from Mid Buchanan and Central Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in English, then from the University of Missouri Kansas City with a Master’s Degree in English. She worked as a Free Lance Editor. Rachel enjoyed reading and writing, and translated many documents from Spanish to English. She loved to travel the world visiting 32 country’s. She also loved her dogs, Ollie & Maggie, and she was a member of the Agency United Methodist Church. Rachel was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Frank Rumpf. Survivors include, parents, Randy and Cindy Rumpf of Agency, MO, maternal grandparents, Mick (Dodie) Osborn, Agency, MO, paternal grandparents, Delores (Jim) Hodgson, Agency, MO, paternal step grandmother, Ellen Rumpf, Faucett, MO. brother, Ryan (Lucinda) Rumpf, Jefferson City, MO, and nephews, Ryland & Hayden, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Agency United Methodist Church with Pastor Donna Bennett officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church. A register book will be available at the Rupp Funeral Home Monday. The Interment will be at the Agency Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Nodaway County Humane Society.

Blanch “Eileen” Keith
1923-2017

Eileen Keith 94, Agency, Missouri passed away Thursday, November 9, 2017 in Agency, MO. She was born September 20, 1923, daughter of Frances and Henry Reed. She married Floyd E. Keith in 1941 in Atchison, KS. She was a homemaker. She was an artist and enjoyed singing, playing the accordion and electric guitar, bowling, traveling, and she was an avid Royals fan. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Eileen was a member of King Hill Christian Church. She was preceded in death by husband, Floyd Earnest Keith, daughter, Sue Huggins, her parents, Henry & Frances Reed, and 2 sisters, Orphie Reed and Helen Timmons. Survivors include: 5 children, Sandra (Jim) McCrerey of Agency, MO, Dennis (Leona) Keith of Belton, MO, Rodney (Carolyn) Keith of Kansas City, KS, Douglass (Diana) Keith of Denison, KS, and Carol Mignery of St. Joseph, MO, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral Services: 2:00 pm Monday, Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Ron McCrerey officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 PM Monday, Rupp Funeral Home. Inurnment: Sugar Creek Cemetery. Memorials are requested to Mosaic Hospice.

Sheryl Lynn Reed
1973-2017

Sheryl Lynn Reed 44, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday, November 9, 2017 at her home. She was born April 29, 1973 in St. Joseph, MO. She graduated from Benton High School class of 1991. She married Gary Reed on June 4, 1992, and he survives of the home. She worked at Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Sara Lee as a production worker. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and bowling in her younger years with Gary. Sheryl attended St. James Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by father, Jessie Mace. Survivors include, husband, Gary Reed of the home, mother, Sharon Ferris, daughters, Veronica Reed (Aaron Thompson), Victoria Reed and Georgia Reed all of St. Joseph, MO, 5 grandchildren, Neveah, Dakota, Brayden, Maverick Thompson, and Alayna Goble, brother, Tommy Nigh, St. Joseph, MO, and her beloved dog, Coco.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Rupp Funeral Home with Fr. Evan Harkins officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Sheryl Reed Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home.

John Alden Simpson
1939-2017

Troy, Ks. – John Alden Simpson, Troy, Kansas died Thursday, November 9, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born February 2, 1939, in Highland, Kansas to Alden & Alma (Walton) Simpson. He graduated from Troy High School, Highland Community College, and he attended Washburn University. He was a member of the Kansas National Guard in Troy.
John married Jean Knapp August 20, 1961. John and Jean purchased her father’s grocery store, Knapp’s Supermarket, in 1961. The name was changed in 1980 to John’s Market. John served on the Board of Directors of the AG Grocery Warehouse in St. Joseph, Missouri. After merging with Beaty Warehouse, John served on the Affliliated Foods Board of Directors, for many years.
He was a charter member of the Troy Lion’s Club and Kiwanis. He received his 50 year pin from the Masonic Lodge, and he was a former member of the Moila Shrine.
John coached Youth Baseball for many years, and he was instrumental in starting, and coaching the Doniphan County American Legion Baseball team.
John attended Troy Christian Church. John and his companion Bonnie, enjoyed many years together. They spent time traveling and especially enjoyed wintering at their home in Mission, Texas.
John loved playing cards, watching sports, and spending time at his home at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Before John passed, he became a born-again Christian, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.
He was predeceased by his parents, his younger brother Larry Simpson, and his wife Jean.
John is survived by his companion Bonnie Shank of the home; sons John Michael (Laurie) Troy, Ks.; Jeff (Lisa) Simpson Baldwin City, Ks. and daughter Julia (Bryan) Chumbley of Eudora, Ks.
John was so proud of his grandchildren. He enjoyed sharing his wisdom and advice with each of them. His beloved grandchildren are John Chumbley, Hannah (Bryce) Paden, Zac Chumbley, Reece Simpson, Ross Chumbley, Emily Simpson, Elizabeth Simpson, and he was blessed to meet and spend time with his new great-granddaughter Parker Brynn Paden.

Service will be Monday, November 13, at 1:00 P.M. at the Troy Christian Church, Troy, Ks.
Visitation: Sunday, November 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Troy Christian Church. Friends may call after 9:00 A.M. Sunday, at the Harman Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Ks.
Memorials: Troy Christian Church and Doniphan County American Legion Baseball.

Nancy Kay O’Connor-Porter
1973-2017

Nancy Kay O’Connor-Porter 44, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, November 8, 2017 in Saint Joseph, MO. She was born August 6, 1973 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was a homemaker who enjoyed camping and cooking. Nancy was preceded in death by her father, William Timothy O’Connor. Survivors include, Parents, Marilyn and Roger Fones of St. Joseph, MO, daughters, Krystle (Jacob) Elder, Agency, MO, April Porter, St. Joseph, MO, and Tabitha Porter, Troy, KS, 4 grandchildren, Melodee, Alissa, Lane, and Jonathon, sisters, Vickie Hayword, St. Joseph, MO, and Stephanie Hathcox, Savannah, MO.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Copeland Baptist Church, with Rev. James Kerns officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested in lieu of flowers to the Nancy Porter Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home.

Barbara Mary Fargo
1934-2017

Barbara Mary Fargo, 83, of Atchison KS died on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017 at the Mosiac Life Center, St. Joseph, MO.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, Nov. 14th, 2017 at the Becker Dyer Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Nancy Kollhoff officiating. The body has been cremated and burial of the cremated remains will be at 2:30pm Tuesday at the Topeka Cemetery, 1601 SE 10th Ave, Topeka, KS. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Atchison United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Barbara was born on July 4, 1934 in Topeka, KS the daughter of David W. and Ruth K. (Pease) Fargo. She graduated from Topeka High School and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washburn University, Topeka. She earned her Master’s Degree from Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS . She taught home economics for two years in Lyon, KS and thirty eight years at Atchison High School, USD# 409. Barbara was a member of the United Methodist Church, member of Chapter FT PEO, Retired School Personnel, and the Atchison Hospital Auxiliary. Barbara also volunteered at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. She enjoyed watching KU Basketball, KSU Football and the KC Royals.

Survivors include a brother, Gary D. Fargo, Topeka, KS, a nephew, Steven Fargo, Topeka, KS and four great nieces, one great nephew and a few cousins. Her parents and a niece preceded her in death.

Warren C. “Gerb” Gerber
1928-2017

Warren C. ”Gerb” Gerber, 89, long time business owner in Atchison, died on Tuesday, November 07, 2017 at the Vintage Park Assisted Living Center, Atchison.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, Nov. 13th, 2017 at the First Christian Church with Rev. Matt Broxterman officiating. The body has been cremated and interment of the cremated remains will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to services at the church. The Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Christian Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Warren was born on Feb. 22, 1928 in Atchison, KS the son of Clarence C. and Gladys (Shepherd) Gerber. He graduated from Atchison High School in 1945. Gerb worked as an electrical contractor and owned and operated Gerber Electric from 1963 to 1982. He was a member of the First Christian Church, was Past President of the Flyers Club, Member of the League of St. Maur, and Camp St. Maur, member of Bellevue Country Club, served as a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, Atchison, served as a member of the Atchison City Commission, and Board Member of the North East Kansas Technical Association. He enjoyed his family, fishing, hunting, playing golf, playing poker, computer programming, and scuba diving.

Mr. Gerber was married to Dorothy Blagg on Jan. 18, 1946 at the First Christian Church, Atchison. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2003. Survivors include a daughter, Vicki (Mike) Manly, Omaha, NE, a grandson, Michael P. (Colleen) Manly, Dallas TX, a granddaughter, Mary “Kate” (Brian) Hough, Omaha, NE, five great grandchildren, four nieces and one nephew. His parents, wife Dorothy, preceded him in death.

Alma Ida Bare
1922-2017

Alma Ida Bare, 95, of Hiawatha, KS died on November 7, 2017 at the Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha.

Alma was was born March 18, 1922 in Edgemont, South Dakota. She was the daughter of Amos William Rickell and Blanche Elva (Markham) Rickell.

She married Charles F. Bare Sr. October 11, 1941 in Highland, KS. They spent most of their married life in Frankfort, KS. They had two sons, Charles F. Bare Jr. (Linda) of Leigh, NE and William E. Bare (Mary) of Yukon, OK. Eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren also survive.

Alma was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Frankfort, KS. She was a lifetime member of the Rebekah Lodge in Frankfort. She moved to Hiawatha in 2004 after the death of her husband.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Charles, siblings; Ruth Schuetz, Zelda Kelley, William Rickell, and identical twin sister Ada (Lansdon) Brewer.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Interment will follow at the Horton Cemetery in Horton, KS.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to services from 10a.m. – 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

Joseph Smygel Jr.
1920-2017

Joseph Smygel Jr.97, of Long Beach, CA passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017 in Long Beach, CA. He was born September 9, 1920 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Anna and Joseph Smygel. He retired from the United States Post Office in Long Beach. He was a member of the Holy Cross Catholic Church & the former St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Frances Eva Smygel, and Kathryn Turbak. Survivors include cousins, Carolyn Clemens, Country Club, Cathy Young, and Bernie Swartz.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at 10:00 am at the St. James Catholic Church, Fr. Evan Harkins Celebrant. The inurnment will follow at the Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Susan E. (Snowden) Nelson
1947-2017

MAYETTA – Susan E. (Snowden) Nelson, 70, of Mayetta, died Monday, November 6, 2017 at the Holton Community Hospital.

She was born March 2, 1947 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her parents were Harry and Helen Boone Snowden. They moved to Topeka when Susan was seven and she graduated from Highland Park High School in 1965.

She married Merlin Nelson on April 19, 1985 in Topeka. He survives, of the home.

Susan had worked for the Royal Valley School District as a bus driver until her health forced her to retire.

She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta, the Altar Society at the church, and she sang in the church choir.

She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Courtney Harrop, one brother and two sisters.

Other survivors include a son, Harold Richey, Topeka; a daughter, Tammy Graves, and husband Anthony, Topeka; one sister, Beverly Quigley, Topeka; and five grandchildren, Daniel, Jordan, David, Marissa and Freya.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 10th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Mayetta Cemetery. Susan will lie in state Thursday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, followed by visitation until 8:00. Memorials are suggested to Heart of Jackson Humane Society, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 280, Hoyt, 66440.

Laurie Ann Smith
1963-2017

Platte City, Missouri – Laurie Ann Smith, 54, of Platte City, Missouri passed away Sunday, November 5, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Laurie was born on October 16, 1963 in Hiawatha, Kansas to Francis “Gib” & Ruby (Jackson) Smith.

She worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as an Engineer, of which she was very proud to be an Engineer. She was a member of the Brotherhood of Locamotive Engineers.
Laurie loved fishing, cooking, watching cooking shows & playing X-box with her grandchildren. She also loved playing jokes on her family. Laurie’s other loves in life, were her dog Bleu, working to provide for her children.

She was preceded in death by her father, Francis “Gib” Smith & her maternal grandparents & paternal great-grandparents.

Survivors: 3 daughters, Mandy Simpson of Platte City, Missouri
Grandchildren, Hayden, Gib & Miley
Terra Ferris (Dustin) of Troy, Kansas
Grandchildren, Graycen, Aubrey, Bryer & Brock
Laura Adkins (Bobby Cain) of Austin, Texas
Grandchild, Harlen
Mother, Ruby Smith (Jack Krugh) of Wathena, Kansas
Sister, Lisa Cashion of Aurora, Colorado
Brothers, Randy Smith of Wathena, Kansas
Wesley Smith (Pam) of Elwood, Kansas
Companion, Don Stout
Numerous nieces & nephews

Laurie’s wishes are to be cremated with no scheduled services.
Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice.
www.harmanrohde.com

Patchy fog and chance of drizzle today

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Clouds and occasional drizzle will prevail across the region today with widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms likely overnight, rainfall totals generally around a third of an inch or less. Otherwise, expect the temperature range through much of the remainder of the work week to be rather flat, with highs in the 50s and lows in the 40s; at least till Friday when a quick warm up will push afternoon highs well into the 60s, and maybe even low 70s. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: A slight chance of drizzle. Patchy fog. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 55. South wind 7 to 11 mph.

Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind 6 to 9 mph becoming northwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 56. North northwest wind 7 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31. North northwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday: A chance of showers before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: A chance of showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 50.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 49.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 31.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

 

Worldwide event offers hope for those dealing with loss

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A worldwide event taking place this weekend aims to offer hope and community to people dealing with loss.

The International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day takes place Saturday in over 350 locations and offers support, information and empowerment.

Cheri Dedman with Project Hope in St. Joseph said it’s a day for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.

“It’s a very different kind of grief and a lot of people feel that they are all alone,” Dedman said. “The reasons to attend are to share stories of their loss or find a supportive environment.”

The event will include the showing of a documentary produced by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The Journey: A Story of Healing and Hope,” tells the stories of a diverse group of suicide loss survivors and how their healing journey evolves over time.

Dedman said this is Project Hope’s first outreach event.

“I’m excited that it’s a place where people can find hope and so I hope to see many people on Saturday that maybe are in a place where they need to find hope and that’s what we’re all about,” Dedman said.

The International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day event will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday in the Meierhoffer Community Room located at 5005 Frederick Boulevard in St. Joseph.

Project Hope meetings are also held at 5:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at the same location. For more information, click here or visit Project Hope’s website.

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