Jill Gonzalez the Executive Director of the Weston Chamber of Commerce joined us with information about the Weston Wine Festival this weekend, the Moonshiners Car Club car show, and the new additions to their 4th of July celebration. Listen to our conversation below
Category: Local News
NW Missouri teen hospitalized after pickup travels down ravine
LIVINGSTON COUNTY — One person was injured in an accident just after 6:30a.m. Thursday in Livingston County.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Blayne A. Hacker, 18, Chillicothe, was westbound on County Road 235 just west of Chillicothe.
The driver failed to negotiate a right turn. The pickup traveled off the road, down a ravine and overturned.
A private party transported Hacker to Hedrick Medical Center. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.
Route 59 re-opens between Rushville and Atchison, Kansas
By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
U.S. Route 59 in southern Buchanan County has re-opened, allowing traffic to move again between Missouri and Kansas.
The Missouri Department of Transportation says only one lane of Highway 59 is open between Rushville and Atchison, Kansas with floodwaters still over the other lane of traffic.
Traffic is being regulated by temporary traffic signals.
Click here for the latest on the flooding situation in northwest Missouri.
Obituaries May 16th
Shawn Michael Crail
1982 – 2019
Shawn Michael Crail 37, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2019 in Oklahoma.
He was born February 2, 1982 in St. Joseph, MO. He was a Car Detailer.
Shawn was preceded in death by father, Michael Dean Crail, maternal grandmothers, Ruby Quimby, and Carolyn Bloomfield, and an aunt, Stephanie Kaye Hoskins.
Survivors include, mother, Marcia Quimby, Saint Joseph, MO, daughter, Regan Crail, sister, Tanya Minter, maternal grandfather, Marvin Quimby, aunt, Marla Quimby, and an uncle, Jerry Crail all of St. Joseph, MO.
Arrangements are pending at the Rupp Funeral Home, Memorials are requested to the Shawn Crail memorial fund in care of the Tribute fund online at www.ruppfuneral.com, or directly to the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com.
Paul Emery Evans
1919 – 2019
Paul Emery Evans, age 99 + 9 months died Tuesday, April 16, 2019 after 6 months in the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron.
Born in rural Gentry County near Stanberry, MO on July 4, 1919, he grew up throughout rural Northwest Missouri. In the Great Depression, he left home at the age of 12 and found odd jobs with farmers, hitch-hiked with truckers as he followed the harvests on the Great Plains. Returning to Missouri, he worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps building the first Electric Power lines in the Missouri Ozarks. Winding his way back to Savanah where he worked and lived in a café; he learned to cook and fried steak for Harry S Truman once a week. He earned a diploma from the Savannah High School where he also played football which lead to an athletic scholarship at Northwest Missouri State College. He stayed 2 years and majored in agricultural engineering. He left to marry Alberta Elizabeth Maggard in 1941 who preceded him in death in 1996.
An Army veteran of WWII he served from Dec. 2, 1941 through October 1945. He marched across Central Europe as part of the Seventh Armored Division fighting in every major battle from Normandy to the Baltic Sea. As a Staff Sergeant assigned to a medical battalion, he fed and comforted countless fellow soldiers as a cook/medic
After the war Paul and Alberta owned/operated the Hotel Mt. Ayr [Iowa]. During this time, he spent over a year cooking for personnel building the first NORAD station in Tule, Greenland. Upon moving to St. Joseph, MO, Paul worked for the rest of his career as a supervising cook at the St. Joseph State Hospital. He retired after almost 30 years of service. He farmed an acreage near Agency, MO and continued to work a quarter-acre garden at his home in town until he was 95.
In his retirement, he became known in his extended community, as: a wonderful cook who shared food and recipes, a great gardener [especially his experimental tomato plots]; a planter of trees; his dedication to the Wyatt Park Baptist Church and its Sunday school classes for the elderly and the developmentally disabled; his generosity to all but especially to the homeless and to children in need; and, his voracious study of history, theology, biblical studies, biographies, and plant life.
Preceded in death by brothers—infant Nathan, George, and Chris; sisters– infant Louise, Betty (Westbrook), and Irene (Ellis).
Survived by brothers Emery and Larry; by sisters Maudine Wilson, Jane Treffer, Marie Burr, Ruth De Wendt, Elizabeth Stephens, and Mary Pulley. Over 100 nieces and nephews who enjoyed his chicken and noodles while he enjoyed them.
Paul leaves behind three daughters, Paula Evans Vehlow (Charles) Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Pamela Jane Evans of the home, Priscilla Jackson-Evans (Arthur) Kansas City MO; his beloved granddaughters Gretchen and Heidi Vehlow as well as his great-grandson Charlie Vehlow.
The family wishes to thank his Wyatt Park Baptist Sunday School class, especially Dr. Bob Scott and his wife Carol for their kindness and support of Paul and Pam; also to his neighbors, friends, and family who were infinitely kind and helpful to him.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday May 18, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evolution Church – A United Methodist Church at 202 W. Hyde Park Ave., St. Joseph, MO. Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
The family suggests donations in lieu of flowers to The Pamela Jane Evans Irrevocable Trust – c/o Priscilla Jackson-Evans, 6106 Charlotte St., Kansas City, MO 64110 or to Comfort Care Hospice, 1005 W. Third Street, Suite 4, Cameron, MO 64429.
Llyod Rex Anderson
1976 – 2019
Rex Anderson, 42, Wathena, Kansas, passed away Friday, May 10, 2019 at North Kansas City Hospital.
He was born on December 18, 1976 to Terrance and Kathleen Anderson in Blade River Falls, Wisconsin.
He married Nichol Harding in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, on January 24, 2003 and she survives of the home.
Rex was a welder and fabricator for over 25 years.
Survivors include his wife, children; Jazamine Harding, Andrew Miller (Stacy), Damon Anderson, Chloe Anderson, Sister; Sally Douglas Yates, grandchildren; Rose Harding, Romeo Miller, Carter Walkinshaw, Aspen Miller, uncle; Steven Anderson (Kathy), Jack M Anderson Jr. along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rex was an organ donor and donated to help save others.
Services 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 18, 2019, Central Assembly of God. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to The Ronald McDonald House. Online guest book and obituary at www.simplifycremations&funerals.com.
Margueritte Madeleine Batsell
1918 – 2019
Margueritte Madeleine Batsell, 100, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, May 10, 2019, at Living Community of St. Joseph.
She was born to Henry and Sophie Milbourn on May 11, 1918. Margueritte was married to Chester Lee Batsell on January 26, 1939. She was an occupational therapist assistant at the State Hospital in St. Joseph, MO for many years.
Margueritte volunteered at the Second Season Shop, Community of Christ Church and helped many people with difficult situations. She loved her Lord and Savior and was a light to those around her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Batsell; son, Roger Batsell; son-in-law, Richard Barmann; granddaughter, Shawn Barmann; sister, Muriel McKay, and others.
Survivors include her daughter, Catherine Barmann, St. Joseph, MO; 2 granddaughters, Stacy McCrea, St. Joseph, MO, Laurie Wall (Scotty), West Plains, MO; 5 great-grandchildren, Dylan McCrea (Rachael Duncan), King City, MO, Madison McCrea, St. Joseph, MO, Abigail Wall, Emma Wall, Bradyn Wall, all of West Plains, MO; 2 great-great-granddaughters, Kinleigh and RaeLynn, King City, MO; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family, friends and others who were touched by Margueritte are invited to attend the funeral services that will be held on Monday, May 20, 2019 1:00 P.M. Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Seventeenth Street Community of Christ Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Kansas Ag Director: It has to be one of the most frustrating years that producers have experienced
By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Kansas State Agriculture Director Mike Beam says he’s heard a lot of frustration when he talks with farmers lately.
“It has to be one of the most frustrating years that producers have experienced in recent memory,” Beam tells KFEQ Farm Director Melissa Gregory.
Beam says veteran Kansas farmers say this past winter was the worse that they could remember.
“Especially in regards to livestock. The rural road conditions and now trying to get the 2019 fall crop in the ground.”
Beam says flooding has ruined any chance for spring planting on as many as 25,000 acres of farmland in the four northeast Kansas counties.
Beam says the state will help farmers impacted by the flood as much as it can, but state resources are limited.
“The state’s role tends to be to make sure that we make application to USDA to have those counties declared federally eligible for disaster programs,” according to Beam.
Beam suggests farmers with flood damage contact their local Farm Service Agency.
In Washington, the U.S. Senate is expected next week to debate a disaster relief package approved earlier in the House.
Not just agriculture took the brunt of damage when the Missouri River flooded throughout the region. Kansas roads took a pounding.
Beam points out that the closure of Interstate 29 had a wide-ranging impact.
Flooding in southwest Iowa heavily damaged I-29 just across the Missouri state line. Missouri transportation officials closed the interstate to through traffic just north of St. Joseph. Though MoDOT urged travelers to take I-35 or U.S. 71 north into Iowa to re-connect with I-29, the bulk of the traffic, including semi tractor-trailers, drove on Highway 36 into Kansas, then north into Nebraska.
Beam says Kansas roads aren’t built for such heavy traffic. He says the state is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation to see if it can secure any resources to help rebuild the rural infrastructure.
Brief lock-down ends at St. Joseph elementary school when police arrest suspect
By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A St. Joseph elementary school went into a very brief lockdown this morning after a parent spotted a man with a rifle nearby.
The St. Joseph School District confirms Carden Park Elementary School, near Highway 36 and I-229, went into lockdown at 8:30 this morning. The lockdown was lifted seven minutes later after police officers arrested a suspect.
St. Joseph Police Captain Jeff Wilson says officers arrived and took into custody a 20-year-old white male, who had ditched the gun.
“We later learned that he did have an air-style BB gun, rifle that he had dropped as he was walking prior to the officers approaching him, but they recovered it,” Wilson tells St. Joseph Post.
The suspect is being held in St. Joseph, pending any charges which might be filed by the Buchanan County Prosecutor’s Office.
No students or staff were ever in any danger, according to St. Joseph School District officials.
Little hope left for passage of bill aimed at curbing Missouri opioid crisis this legislative session
By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Little time is left for Missouri lawmakers to approve a prescription drug monitoring program.
And, it seems unlikely they will.
State Rep. Sheila Solon of St. Joseph says Missouri is the only state which doesn’t monitor the prescribing of Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances and she says joining the other states would help Missouri combat its opioid addiction crisis.
“That’s something that we need to get passed for our state and especially for northwest Missouri,” Solon tells St. Joseph Post. “I know law enforcement has told me this will be a tool that they need to stop the selling of these narcotics and also stop folks from doctor shopping and actually coming in from out of state to buy them.”
House Bill 188, known as the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, has stalled in the Senate with little belief that it will even make its way to the floor for debate. The measure would authorize state health officials to establish a state Narcotics Control Program to monitor the prescribing of powerful pain relief medication.
Solon says area law enforcement tells her it is needed.
“Sheriffs in both Andrew and in Buchanan Counties have told me that this is really important. We do have an opioid crisis, not just in our state, but particularly in our area,” according to Solon. “It destroys people’s lives. Sometimes folks get on it innocently, to manage pain when they’ve had an operation and they get hooked on it. So, this is a bill that we need so we can monitor the folks who are abusing opioids and, hopefully, get them the help they need and also stop the doctor shopping and the selling of these medications by dealers.”
It breezed to passage in the Missouri House early in this legislative session on a 103-53 vote. Opponents in the Senate argue it is an invasion of patient privacy that has proven ineffective in fighting the opioid crisis in other states. They also contend it could lead to the release of private health information.
HB 188 sponsor, Re. Holly Rehder of Scott City, basically conceded the legislation was dead in an open letter released to her colleagues this week.
Buchanan County Jail Activity (5/14-5/15/19)
Here’s the latest booking activity from the Buchanan County Jail. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law. These are courtesy photos.
This information is provided by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The St Joseph Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information.
Obituaries May 15th
Scarlett Jane Meng
2019 – 2019
Troy, Kansas Scarlett Jane Meng was born May 7, 2019 to Jared and Katie (Smith) Meng and passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019.
She was preceded in death by her uncle Jake Meng and great-grandparents.
Scarlett is survived by her parents, Jared & Katie Meng; Maternal grandparents, Sherman & Mary Jane Smith; Paternal grandparents, Norman & Julie Meng; 2 great-grandmothers; Numerous aunts, uncles & cousins.
Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. Thursday, May 16, 2019 at the Troy Christian Church in Troy, Kansas. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service at the church. Friends may call after 9 A.M. Wednesday at the Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Troy, Kansas.
Memorials: Scarlett Jane “Letty” Meng Memorial Fund.
Ronald Ray Jennings
1953 – 2019
Ronald Ray Jennings, 65, of Atchison, KS, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 3, 2019 at the Atchison Hospital, Atchison, KS.
Ronald was born September 25, 1953 in Frankford, MO, the son of Darrell and Rosie (Lynn) Jennings. He held several job positions throughout the years. Ronald was a member of the First Baptist Church and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an avid football fan, loved the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as family and friends. Ronald married Hazel Shade on April 26, 1974.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Hazel survives of the home. Additional survivors include a son, Derek Jennings of the home, a daughter Lisa and Kenneth Kantner, Shawnee, KS, two brothers, Marvin and Barbara, Frankford, MO, Larry Jennings, Marion, IA, three sisters, Julie and James Dawson, Kansas City, MO, Mary Ann and Mark Sibbing, Quincy, IL, Carol and Tony Fink, Prescott, WA three grandchildren, Julianna, Gabriella, Kaia.
Ronald has been cremated under the direction of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Atchison, KS. The family will have a memorial service at 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Adiel Baptist Church 1032 Hwy C, Frankford, MO. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery, Frankford, MO. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until 11:00 am Saturday, at the church. Memorials are suggested to help with final expense and may be sent in care of the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, 800 Kansas Ave, Atchison KS. Online condolences may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.
Donna Lee (Calvert) Stroud
1942 – 2019
Donna Lee (Calvert) Stroud, 76, St. Joseph, Missouri, went to her Heavenly home Saturday, May 11, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born November 2, 1942 in Chillicothe, Missouri. Donna married the love her her life and best friend Wayne G. Stroud, Sr. March 23, 1961. He survives of the home. They just celebrated 58 years of marriage.
She was an active member of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church. Donna was a business owner and operator of Money on Time Payday Loans. She loved our Lord, and loved to share his great news with everyone who would listen. Donna enjoyed family time, loved to smile, had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. While we will miss her here on earth, her soul is with Jesus and is free at last.
She was preceded in death by her mother Alice (Saale) Joswick in 2007; numerous aunts and uncles.
Additional survivors include children, Wayne “Bud” Stroud, Jr. (Tara), Robert “Bob” Stroud (Jerri), Janet Christopher (Randy); 4 grandchildren, Kayce Geeting (Talon), Dustin Nauman (Shannon), Shawn and Kaylie; uncle David Saale, Iowa; numerous great-grandchildren and cousins; and her two loyal Boston Terrier bulldogs, Jody and Fancy
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. At Donna’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation. In honor of her love of animals and in lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Friends of the Animal Shelter. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Lewis “Ray” Allen
1943 – 2019
Lewis “Ray” Allen, 75, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019, at St. Luke’s Hospice House.
He was born June 22, 1943.
Ray worked for Mead Products for 39 years before retiring. He was a proud member of the union for 54 years and the Business Agent for Local #29 for 13 years. Ray was a humanitarian, served on several committees, volunteered, and was very active in the community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Elnora (Beal) Allen.
Survivors include his daughter, Amanda Switzer (Brian); longtime companion, Beth Evans; friend and former wife, Vicki Allen, and numerous close friends.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Friday, May 17, 2019, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Buchanan County Democrats.
Mabel A. Murphy
1924 – 2019
Mabel A. Murphy, 95, of St. Joseph, died May 10, 2019. Mabel was born January 27, 1924 in Perry, MO, to Joseph and Bessie (Blanssett) Murphy.
Prior to retirement in 1981, she was a cook at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School for 23 years. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in St. Joseph, and had previously been a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller, TX. Mabel enjoyed cooking, music, dancing, watching TV, playing cards and spending time with family. She was preceded in death by her parents and by a longtime friend and companion Fred J. Waris on November 26, 2009.
Survivors include a niece Julie Waris Douglas and three nephews Doug Waris, Gregg Waris, and Bob Waris; great nephews Sam and Jake Waris, Noah and Luke Douglas, other relatives and friends.
Private services and burial will be held at a later date.
Dorothy E. “Dottie” Keller
1926 – 2019
Dorothy Ellen Keller, 92, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019.
She was born on June 27, 1926 in Bowling Green, Missouri to Otto and Francis Ingwersen. Dottie married John Keller on September 3, 1946, they were married for 53 years before his death in 1999. She was a loving wife and mother, and always made those around her feel special and loved. Dottie grew up in Montgomery City, Missouri where her family owned numerous businesses. She also attended the University of Missouri, Washington University, and Missouri Western, where she majored in Art and Art Education. She was an avid artist, especially skilled at creating watercolor paintings, and interior design. She worked at Colony House and JCPenney as a decorator. Dottie was a faithful and active member of the First Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. She served on numerous committees, was a Deacon twice, and a devoted member of the choir for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and infant son Dana Brian Keller.
Survivors include Tom (Sue) Keller, Brad (Maribeth) Keller, Diane (Tom) Wanserski, Debbie (Joe) Mahoney, and daughter-in-law Debbie Keller, along with nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 24th, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 23rd, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or First Presbyterian Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Charles Frederick Mueller
1939 – 2019
Charles Frederick Mueller, 79, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 13, 2019.
He was born August 24, 1939 to Austin F. and Imogene Mueller. Charles married Vickie Sparks on October 12, 1963 and were married for 56 years. He was a machinist at Goetz Brewing for 20 years, after they closed he became an engineer at Heartland Hospital, retiring in 2005.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and father-in-law Clarence W. (Bud) Sparks.
Survivors include his wife; Vickie, son; Chaun Mueller, President of Chaun’s Catering Inc, mother-in-law; Betty Sparks, sister-in-law; Karen (Susie) Stracener, niece; Tami Stracener (Sherry Tatom), great nephews; Boston (Jordan) Archer, Brayden (Samantha) Archer, great niece; Megan (Josh) Mitchell, great-great newphews; Kyetin, Zyler, Silas, great-great nieces; Braylin, Gracelyn.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Thursday, May 16th, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 15th, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, Charles has requested donations be made to Chaun’s Catering, Inc. for a future memorial banquet facility. Donations may be made at any Nodaway Valley Bank. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.
Missouri Senate filibuster ends, measure with $50M GM tax breaks, passes
By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
A filibuster that lasted 27 hours finally ended and the Missouri Senate late Tuesday approved a workforce development bill which includes $50 million in tax breaks for General Motors to expand its factory in Wentzville.
Gov. Mike Parson acknowledged the incentives for General Motors were a late addition to a measure he has touted from the beginning of the legislative session.
“The General Motors factory came in way late in the game. It just happened to be the one that proved that what we’re trying to do in workforce development works,” Parson told reporters during a hastily called news conference at the Capitol.
General Motors will receive $50 million in tax credits over 10 years if it invests at up to $1 billion to expand its Wentzville plant which makes trucks and vans. GM plans a 150,000 square foot expansion in Wentzville.
“We know a billion-dollar investment in that plant I believe is a signal to say we’re staying here in Missouri and they could definitely go to any other state. They could go overseas,” Parson said. “That’s why this is so important to do that. And I think with the entire package that we put in there is important to do that.”
The House approved the legislation earlier, but it bogged down in the Senate with objections coming from fellow Republicans. The Senate Conservative Caucus claims the upfront business tax breaks are ripe for corruption and questions how proposed new scholarships would be distributed.
Parson said Missouri needed to act and not just to lure new jobs to the state.
“So many times, everybody is talking about new jobs, new jobs. It’s just as important to retain jobs in this state as it is to create new jobs,” according to Parson. “When you think about the thousands upon thousands of people who will be going to this site, working, on construction jobs alone, not counting your everyday people that work in that plant is huge.”
Parson defended adding the GM package to the measure, arguing it will benefit the entire state.
“This is just too big of an opportunity. It’s one we’ve never had in the state of Missouri. You just don’t want to lose that opportunity,” Parson said. “It doesn’t happen very often.”
The GM incentives were wrapped into legislation that also creates a new scholarship for adults to finish their college degrees and gives the Department of Economic Development discretion to provide upfront tax breaks to other businesses before they complete their planned expansions or hire additional employees.
Opponents have denounced the upfront tax breaks as a “slush fund” that would be ripe for corruption and also criticized the new scholarship, which could only be offered to people going into fields designated by state higher education officials.
The filibuster ended when it threatened a sweeping abortion bill that the Conservative Caucus favors. The legislative session ends Friday evening at six o’clock.
“Our desire to protect innocent human life was leveraged against us,” Republican state Sen. Bob Onder told the Associated Press.
Onder joined the filibuster even though his St. Charles County district includes the GM plant.
The GM plant in Wentzville employs about 4,250 people in three shifts to make the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size trucks as well as the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans, according to GM’s website.