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Category: Local News

St. Joseph community encouraged to read banned books during Western event

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(News release) – Missouri Western State University will hold its 21st annual Reading of Challenged and Banned Books in recognition of the American Library Association’s National Banned Books Week at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, in the Enright Community Room, Spratt Hall room 214. The event is free and open to the public.

Missouri Western students and faculty will be joined by members of the St. Joseph community to read from books that have been either banned or challenged in U.S. schools in recent years. Refreshments will be served following the reading.

The event is sponsored by the Department of English and Modern Languages, the Department of Education, the Missouri Western State University Library, Prairie Lands Writing Project and SNCTE.

Missouri American Water donates thousands to local responders

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Missouri American Water has donated a total of $3,600 in grant funding to three local emergency response agencies.

According to a release, this past week checks of $1,200 each were presented to the Regional H Hazmat Team, the St. Joseph Fire Department and the South Central Buchanan County Fire Department.

The Region H Hazmat Team is using the funds to purchase a projector for training.

The St. Joseph Fire Department will use the grant to purchase supplies for the Training Division to keep fire fighters current with the constantly changing standards and guidelines for both fire and medical services.

Missouri American said the Fire Fighter Grant Program is an annual program that provides grant opportunities to fire departments in its service area.

Volunteers sought for disaster exercise at Mozingo

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Photo courtesy Northwest

MARYVILLE, Mo. – Northwest Missouri State University will host its fifth annual disaster response field training exercise Oct. 13-15 and invites students, community members, and local and state responders to work in volunteer roles during the exercise.

The Missouri Hope 2017 Disaster Response Field Training Exercise, an intensive three-day domestic disaster relief training exercise that is required for students studying majors or minors in emergency disaster management (EDM), takes place at Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area (MOERA) and the Mozingo Youth Camp.

Volunteers of all ages are needed to play the roles of disaster victims and spontaneous volunteer community members as well as apply moulage and assist behind-the-scenes. Individuals interested in volunteering should register online at https://goo.gl/forms/DWJj8wnY2JDK6vW32.

Missouri Hope is a full immersion field training exercise sponsored each fall by Northwest’s Consortium for Humanitarian Service and Education. Partner agencies include Maryville Public Safety, Nodaway and Buchanan County Emergency Management, Nodaway County Ambulance District, LifeFlight and LifeNet Air Ambulances, SEMA Region H Marine Hazmat Team, the 1-129th Field Artillery Battalion Missouri Army National Guard and the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri National Guard. The exercise also attracts students from colleges and universities throughout the country.

Participation in the hands-on disaster response training is available to all Northwest students, regardless of major or minor. Students do not need to receive academic credit to participate, but credit may be earned by any student who desires it.
The domestic disaster response exercise challenges students to overcome fears and hone skills as emergency responders. Students work together with teams in mass casualty situations, high-angle rescues and water rescue operations.

Participants are expected to attend the entire exercise. Participants are assigned to disaster response teams and will rotate leader and follower roles.

Update – Grandson charged in Yale Street homicide investigation

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(12:41 p.m. Update) – A murder charge has been filed against a St. Joseph man in connection with the death of his 77-year-old grandmother.

Robert Ray Forrester, 28 was charged Friday with a class-A Felony of second-degree murder.

The St. Joseph Police Department said Thursday around 10:30 p.m. officers responded to the 312 Yale St. in reference to a disturbance call. After arriving they found Beverly J. Forrester deceased and began investigating the death as suspicious. It has since been ruled a homicide investigation.

According to court documents filed in the case, when officers entered the home they found Robert inside with what appeared to be blood on his person.

“Officers interviewed a civilian witness who earlier made a 911 call reporting the suspect assaulting the decedent,” said Det. C. Davis with the St. Joseph Police Department.

Court documents state Robert has a criminal history that includes two convictions of second-degree assault and more then half a dozen arrests.

Robert is currently being held in the Buchanan County Jail.  He’s scheduled for an arraignment on Tuesday.

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(9:47 a.m. Update) – Police are now investigating the death of a 77-year-old woman on St. Joseph’s south side as a homicide.

Capt. Jeff Wilson with the St. Joseph Police Department said the victim found deceased at a home located at 312 Yale St. Thursday night has been identified as Beverly J. Forrester. Initially the case was being investigated as suspicious, but police have since ruled it a homicide investigation.

Wilson said the woman’s 28-year-old grandson has been taken into custody in connection with the investigation.

As we learn more we will update this post.

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(Update 9:30 a.m.) – A man is in custody following a suspicious death investigation on St. Joseph’s south side.

As we previously reported, Thursday around 10:30 p.m. officers with the St. Joseph Police Department responded to the 300 block of Yale St. in reference to a disturbance call. After arriving they found a deceased 77-year-old woman and began investigating the death as suspicious.

Capt. Jeff Wilson said more information in the investigation will be released to the public later today.

As we learn more we will update this story.

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(6 a.m. Friday) – The St Joseph Police Department is investigating a suspicious death.

Sgt. Brad Kerns said officers responded to the 300 block of Yale around 10:30 Thursday on a disturbance call. After arriving, they located a deceased 77-year-old woman. Kerns said the death is being investigated as suspicious. The woman’s name is being withheld until next of kin are notified. Friday morning, Kerns said officers were still on scene.

Update: missing person alert canceled

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ST JOSEPH PD: Cancel missing person locate for Shannon Burgess, contact has been made.

Update: The St. Joseph Police Department said the try to locate for the children has been canceled. Police said the children have been found. Shannon Burgess has not yet been located. Anyone with information as to her whereabouts is asked to contact authorities.
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The St. Joseph Police Department is asking the public for help locating a mother and her two children.

According to an alert issued at 10:50 a.m. Friday, police are searching for the family to check their well-being. Police said 39-year-old Shannon Burgess, her son 3-year-old Tracen Burgess and her daughter 1-year-old Christina Tabor are missing.

Anyone with information as to there whereabouts is asked to call authorities.

Bluegrass Battles Hunger kicks off Friday

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The 8th annual Bluegrass Battles Hunger to support hunger relief efforts takes place this weekend in St. Joseph.

The event Friday and Saturday will support Second Harvest Community Food Bank which serves northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.

Chad Higdon with Second Harvest says 51,000 individuals in the 19 county area that Second Harvest serves are identified as food insecure.

“That’s about one in seven individuals and… it’s about one in five children, so families with young children are actually really hurting a little more than others,” Higdon said. “I think it’s events like this and opportunities for us to make sure that we don’t forget about how families are out there and could use our help. So for us that have organized this, to be able to put together something that is really enjoyable and a benefit for our community but to do it for a cause is really something that we believe in and are excited about anytime we get together and start planning for this event.”

The Bluegrass Battles Hunger event is free and open to the public. Those who attend are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or cash donations for Second Harvest. Higdon said the donations help the approximately 100 agencies Second Harvest works with in the area, including Backpack Buddies, a summer feeding program and USDA commodities for Missouri and Kansas.

Higdon said last year Second Harvest distributed about 5.6 million pounds of food and 653 pounds of that, along with $3,000, was donated at last year’s Bluegrass Battles Hunger event.

Bluegrass Battles Hunger kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday at Coleman Hawkins Park in downtown St. Joseph.

For more information, click here.

First day of Fall feels like Summer! Warm weather continues this weekend

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Another unseasonably hot and humid day is expected for your first day of Fall. Expect highs in the upper 80s to lower 90s with heat index values between 95 and 100 percent. Temperatures are expected to remain warm through the weekend with highs in the mid 80s to near 90 which is 10 to 15 degrees above normal. Fortunately, the humidity will not be quite as bad this weekend as it will be today!
Today
Sunny, with a high near 91. Heat index values as high as 98. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South southeast wind 6 to 10 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 9 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South southeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 5 to 8 mph.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.
Monday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Monday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55.
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 72.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73.

Obituaries September 22, 2017

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Tina Marie Gill
1961-2017

Tina Marie Gill 55, of Saint Joseph, Missouri died Tuesday September 19, 2017. She was born December 30, 1961 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of the late Sharon & Robert Kunzler. She graduated Benton High School, and was a homemaker. Survivors include husband, Charles Gill of the home, daughter, Lacey Gill, grandchildren, Sophia and Joseph, brothers, Scott and Carl Kunzler, sisters, Debbie Kunzler, Tammy Damgar, and Tracy Roberts. She will be cremated under the care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Tina Gill Memorial Fund in care of Rupp Funeral Home.

Shelly Jean Athay
1968-2017

Shelly Jean Athay, 49, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at her home.
She was born January 16, 1968 to William and Mary (Borden) Athay. Shelly enjoyed walking, cooking, and baking and loved animals.
She fought a courageous battle for the past eight years with Stiff Person Syndrome, an auto-immune disease.
She was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, Alfred and Irene Borden.
Survivors include her mother, Mary (Ruth) Athay; sister, Kelly Jo Chaney; nephews, Preston, Brandon and Alex Chaney, Scott Huff, Scott and Chris Borden.
Farewell Services 3:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Whispering Pines Cremation Garden Garden at St. Joseph Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family request donation’s to The Friends of The Animal Shelter. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Agnes Leahy
1940-2017

Agnes F. Leahy, 77 of Atchison, KS, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2017 at her home.

Memorial service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Atchison, KS, with Rev. Dinah Dutta officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, Atchison, KS. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolence may be left at www.beckerdyer.com.

Agnes was born on March 24, 1940 in Atchison, KS, the daughter of Alvin and Florence (Patterson) Thomas. She graduated from Atchison High School 1958. Agnes worked for USD 409 in food services and also was a Para for preschool at the Atchison YMCA. She was lifetime member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, having served on Altar Guild and WELCA. Agnes was also a member of Retired School Personnel. She enjoyed cooking and going to Coffee Club every Wednesday.

Agnes married Lawrence L. Leahy in September of 1963; he preceded her in death in 1990. Survivors include a daughter; Lynnette and Scott Shannon, Fairway, KS, a son, Shawn Leahy, Atchison, KS, and a sister Alice and Jim Murray, Atchison, KS.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, Lawrence Leahy and an infant daughter, Theresa Leahy.

Monty Ray Sellers
1968-2017

Monty Ray Sellers was born August 5, 1968, in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Pebel Odelia Sellers.

Monty was known for his love of music and movies, and his friends knew they could always go to him with any questions they had with movie or music trivia.

After high school, Monty enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Somalia, Korea, and Operation Desert Storm. He served from November 18, 1986 until he was honorably discharged on April 25, 1994.

Monty worked for 12 years at the Hiawatha Community Hospital and enjoyed bringing joy to the patients that he encountered while he worked there. He also enjoyed DJ’ing and was the owner of Mo and T DJ Service, serving many weddings and school dances.

Monty passed away on September 11, 2017, leaving behind his wife Teresa Sellers and sons, Liam Sellers, Gage Sellers, and step-daughters Cortney Joslin, Desiree Herling, and Katelyn Herling.

A memorial service is planned for Sunday, September 24th, from 2-4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center, at 210 Lodge Road in Hiawatha, Kansas. Family and friends are invited to bring stories and memories of Monty to the service.

Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers, and can be sent to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, who is assisting the family.

Hubert “Hank” Henry Macier Jr.
1929-2017

Hubert “Hank” Henry Macier Jr. 88, of Saint Joseph, Missouri passed away Thursday September 21, 2017. He was born February 20, 1929 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska son of the late Hazel & Hubert Macier. He graduated from Central high school, and served in the United States Marine Corp and is a Veteran of the Korean War. He was a Truck Driver for Leonard Brothers Trucking and retired from the Teamsters Union. He enjoyed woodworking, loved yard work, and was very involved with his grandchildrens activities. Hank was a member of Scottish Rite, and the Moila Shrine Temple. He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Margaret Louise Macier. He is survived by daughter, Denise (Chuck) Sims, Saint Joseph, grandchildren, Joshua, Alison, Amanda Sims, cousins, Jeff and Hot Rod Drennen, nieces, Patricia (Tom) Ashlock, St. Joseph, MO, and Gigi Binnicker, Kansas City, MO, his special caregiver, Samantha Brown, as well as several other cousins. Mr. Macier has bequeathed his body to science, there will be a graveside inurnment service at the Leavenworth National Cemetery at a later date. Services under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home.

John E. Kessler, Sr.
1942-2017

John E. Kessler, Sr., 75, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday September 20, 2017 at his home.
He was born January 9, 1942 in Buchanan County, MO to Raymond and Gertrude (Till) Kessler.
John married Brigitte Raciborski July 21, 1962, she survives of the home.
He was owner and operator of Kessler Sales. John was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and St. Joseph Boat and Yacht Club.
He enjoyed fishing, boating, antique cars, and most of all telling stories.
John was preceded in death by his parents.
Additional survivors include children, Julie Capoot (Steve), Patty Bullimore (John), Donna Bullimore (Joe) and John Kessler (Marites); 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Kessler (Charlene); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery. Parish Rosary 6:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather with friends 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family request donations made to Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Wanda “Aunt” Beth Davis
1925-2017

Wanda “Aunt Beth” Davis, 92, Maryville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at Maryville Living Center..
She was born July 25, 1925, to Martin Hurvey Weston and Ora Frances Burchett in Graham, Missouri.
Wanda was a graduate of the 1943 class at Graham High School.
She married Robert Turner Davis on October 24, 1946. They were married over seventy years.
Many people remember Aunt Beth from the children’s ministry she and Uncle Bob conducted for over forty years. They began their ministry at the Maryville Assembly of God, where they served for several years. Then in 1963 they moved to Miami, Florida where they served as Children’s Pastors on staff at Central Bible Church for 18 years. During that time they also traveled around the USA and to the Bahama Islands, conducting kids crusades and camps. After returning to Missouri they served as children’s pastors at Maitland Christian Church for several years.
Wanda was a member of the Maitland Christian Church.
She enjoyed crafts and made many of the visual aids they used in children’s ministry.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter, six brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include a son, James (wife, Bonnie) of Maryville; a daughter, Terry Morris (husband, Jerry) of Broken Arrow, OK; six grandsons, Joseph, Robert, Mark, Michael, Madison and Matthew, fourteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren, and one sister, Marcine Blume.
Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Saturday, Maitland Christian Church. Interment Bethany Christian Church Cemetery, Barnard, Missouri. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, at Maitland Christian Church, Maitland, MO. Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to Maitland Christian Church. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Fire forces road closure in Downtown St. Joseph

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(Update) – The St. Joseph Fire Department responded to a working structure fire near downtown St. Joseph Thursday afternoon.

According to an alert issued around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, drivers were being asked to avoid the area of N 10th and Lincoln streets due to the fire. Multiple fire crews were on scene. Reports indicate the structure was fully engulfed.

The road has since reopened.

Company agrees to $5M settlement in butter flavoring case

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A company has agreed to pay $5 million to settle claims that its butter flavoring chemicals harmed the lungs of a worker who handled the product at a Missouri plant.

Carmi Flavor and Fragrance Corp., of Commerce, California, agreed to the settlement Monday as a Buchanan County jury was being selected to consider damages.

George Giles of Clarksdale, Missouri, claimed in the suit that he was sickened with a pulmonary disease. He blamed his illness in part on his exposure to diacetyl, a chemical used to make the butter flavoring. The suit said the exposure happened from 1997 to 2003 while he was working for the Ventura Foods facility in St. Joseph.

Carmi Flavor didn’t immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.

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