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Category: Local News

Mother of organ donor encourages others to consider registering

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Courtesy Polly Koelzer.

By SARAH THOMACK
St. Joseph Post

April is National Donate Life Month and a Falls City, Nebraska, woman shares her experience and encourages others to register as organ donors.

Polly Koelzer’s daughter Danielle was in a car wreck in July 2003. According to Koelzer, doctors told her Danielle was not going to survive and asked if they would consider donating her organs. Koelzer said it was not an easy decision to make in the hospital just 12 hours after the car wreck, but said she’s glad they decided to donate.

“A 7-month-old baby got half her liver,” Koelzer said. “The doctors told us (Danielle) probably saved over 100 lives, seven with major organs and the rest with skin, bones, tissue, everything else.”

Koelzer said she has kept in contact with the 7-month-old, Analiese, from Danville, Illinois. Analiese is now 16-years-old, off of anti-rejection medicine and doing well.

Post from Analiese’s mother used with permission.

“I am so grateful that they kept in touch with me all these years. I met her one time when she was probably 12, and I want to go out and see her again,” Koelzer said. “It helps the donor family a lot to know that their child or loved one lives on in someone else. The mother called me one time and asked me about traits… she said this daughter is nothing like her other two daughters. She’s more outgoing, I would say, more rebellious. That’s the way my daughter was.”

Koelzer encourages others, no matter their age or health condition, to consider registering as an organ donor.

“If you think you’re old and can’t donate, that’s not true, there are things people can use like your eyes, corneas. It’s very important to donate.”

For more about organ donation, go to donatelife.net.

Sen. Blunt says expansion of high-speed broadband essential to rural Missouri growth

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By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt wants Congress to tackle expanding broadband access, especially to rural America.

Blunt says high-speed Internet access can no longer be considered a luxury.

“High-speed broadband, I believe, is as important today as the telephone was seven decades ago and we need to make the same kind of commitment to be sure that everybody has a chance to have the information that comes with that high-speed broadband,” Blunt tells reporters during a recent visit to St. Joseph. “That’s everything from doing your homework; there’s no reason a kid who lives two miles from school should be disadvantaged from a kid who lives right next to the school.”

Blunt says broadband access is vital to tele-medicine, precision agriculture, and interacting with the world-wide economy.

Blunt says Missouri is behind the curve.

“And Missouri’s a little bit behind,” according to Blunt. “There aren’t many things like that that we’re behind on, but we are behind the average rural American in terms of access to rural broadband and it needs to be an absolute commitment, again, just like the telephone was seven decades ago.”

Blunt points out Congress imposed a universal service fee on telephones to ensure that everyone could have access to a phone.

The Delta Regional Authority recently announced it will invest $1 million to help build a fiber network in eight counties in southeastern Missouri to reach more than 11,000 residents as well as businesses and farms in the region.

Federal money also has been allocated to expand high-speed broadband in rural America. Congress has allocated $600 million for a new rural broadband pilot grant and loan program. The Federal Communications Commission has $2 billion available for rural broadband.

 

 

 

Missouri Western Board of Governors approves tuition increase

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Board of Governors at Missouri Western State University approved tuition, room and board rates for the 2019-2020 school year.

For undergraduate, in-state students, tuition will rise 5.5 percent, or about $12.70 per credit hour, while all other required fees remain flat. A student taking 15 credit hours per semester will pay $191 more per semester in tuition and fees. The 5.5 percent increase is below the 6.17 percent allowed by state law.

All other rates, including online tuition, graduate tuition, out-of-state undergraduate tuition and tuition at locations other than the St. Joseph campus, will rise 5 percent.

Room rates will increase 2 to 3 percent, or $47 to $105 per semester, depending on the residence hall. The board rates will increase about 3 percent, or from $61 to $63, depending on the meal plan chosen.

For an in-state undergraduate student taking 15 credit hours and living in Scanlon Hall with an unlimited meal plan, total costs will increase $301 per semester.

Also at the Thursday meeting:

·         The Board of Governors approved the installation of variable volume dampers on fume hoods in Remington and Agenstein Halls. The Board approved a bid of $722,600 from IHP Industrial, Inc., of St. Joseph for the dampers, which will reduce energy consumption for an annual utility savings of up to $117,000.

·         The Board formally approved the naming of the “Drew H. Brown Arts Annex,” a proposed addition to Potter Hall. Brown, a St. Joseph resident, announced earlier this month a gift of $1 million to help fund the construction project.

·         Two new board members were sworn in. Al Landes and Rick Ebersold, both of St. Joseph, were appointed by Gov. Mike Parson last month.

– Missouri Western State University news release –

Prescription Take Back scheduled for Saturday

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Local law enforcement, along with the St. Joseph Youth Alliance, will be collecting unused or expired medications for safe disposal this weekend.

The Prescription Take Back event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday in the East Hills Parking Lot by the former Sears store.

Controlled, non-controlled, over-the-counter substances and sharps will be accepted.

For more information, call (816) 232-0050.

The event is sponsored by St. Joseph Youth Alliance, the Drug Free Community Coalition, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department and the St. Joseph Police Department.

Highlights of $30 billion state budget passed by Missouri Senate

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Missouri Senate. Photo courtesy Missourinet.

(Missourinet) – The Missouri Senate passed this week a proposed $30 billion state budget for the 2020 fiscal year beginning in July.

The highlights of the fiscal plan include:

*A 3% pay increase for all state workers. Corrections workers would get another 1% pay boost for every two years of service, not to exceed 20 years.

*$8 million in state aid for rebuilding efforts caused by recent flooding

*$5 million to expand broadband internet access

*$3.5 billion for the formula used to fund Missouri’s K through 12 public schools – a $62 million increase over the current year.

*A K-12 school transportation budget of $112 million – an increase of $10 million more than the current year.

*$79 million for Access Missouri, $43.5 million for A+ and $10 million for the Fast Track Workforce scholarship programs.

Core funding for Missouri’s colleges and universities include:
$417 million for the University of Missouri System
$84.3 million for Missouri State University
$54.5 million for the University of Central Missouri
$45 million for Southeast Missouri State University
$40.8 million for Truman State University
$30.3 million for Northwest Missouri State University
$23.3 million for Missouri Southern State University
$21.4 million for Missouri Western
$20.6 million for Lincoln University
$9.6 million for Harris-Stowe State University
$5.5 million for State Technical College of Missouri

Budget negotiations will begin soon between members of a House and Senate conference committee.

Sunny today with rain and storms likely overnight

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Several chances for showers will start Saturday morning and continue into the late next week. A few thunderstorms are possible Sunday evening into Monday morning. Daytime temperatures will remain in the 60s and 70s with lows dipping into the 40 and 50s. Much of the region could see lows bottoming out in the mid to upper 30s late Saturday night into early Sunday morning with the possibility of frost over northern Missouri. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 68. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light northwest in the afternoon.

Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 8 to 13 mph in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 68. Breezy, with a south wind 20 to 28 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 37 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37. Breezy, with a north northwest wind 19 to 24 mph decreasing to 7 to 12 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph.

Sunday: A chance of showers after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 61. Southeast wind 7 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Sunday Night: A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 a.m. Low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 a.m., then a chance of showers between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. High near 65. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Monday Night: A chance of showers after 2 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday: A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 59. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday Night: Showers likely, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday Night: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday: Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Habitat for Humanity tackles ADA compliant house for man injured in accident

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By BRENT MARTIN

St. Joseph Post

New St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity house on Harvard Street.

St. Joseph Habitat for Humanity’s latest house, its 73rd, is different than nearly all its others.

The house built on Harvard Street for Kelly Derks is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

And he is thrilled.

“It was amazing. It was awesome. It was a good feeling,” Derks tells St. Joseph Post.

Derks was paralyzed in an accident and now is confined to a wheelchair.

He admits he never thought this would happen.

Kelly Derks on the threshold of his new home.

“It is the American dream. It’s the ultimate,” Derks says. “You always want to own your own home. You always think about owning your own home.”

St. Joseph Habitat Executive Director Cate Manley says it took three years and 760 hours of volunteer work to complete it.

“I think it’s an extraordinary home and we’ve been really blessed by over 100 volunteers that came out and helped us to build this home,” Manley tells us. “Tons of contractors and people from churches. Over 12 groups came out.”

Manley calls it a very special project for Habitat for Humanity. She says it has been a long time since Habitat tackled building an ADA compliant house.

Derks approves of the finished product.

“Well, I like the open floor plan and the fact that it’s all wheelchair accessible, handicapped accessible, for my needs,” Derks says. “That makes life a little easier and much better.”

Though it took three years to build when the normal construction timeline for a Habitat house is one year, the extra time was well worth it, according to Manley.

“It’s a big blessing, but a lot of times there are obstacles with that type of blessing.” Manley says. “We feel blessed by the build of the home and really blessed by Kelly and the ability of finally turn the keys over to him.”

 

2 hospitalized after crash blamed on low visibility from controlled burn

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ATCHISON COUNTY — Two people were injured in an accident just after 10a.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2010 Ford Edge driven by Betty J. Haer, 88, Tarkio, was southbound on U.S. 59 just south of U.S. 136 two miles south of north of Fairfax.

The driver crossed the centerline due to low visibility from a controlled burn on the east side of the road. The Ford collided with a northbound 2016 Honda CRV driven by Eddie L. Ridley, 63, Fairfax.

Atchison-Holt ambulance transported Haer and Ridley to Fairfax Community Hospital. Lifeflight later transported Haer to Nebraska Medical Center. Ridley was properly restrained at the time of the accident. The MSHP did not have information on Haer’s seat belt usage.

Body found at the scene of a February fire in St. Joseph

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A body has been found at the scene of a fire from February.

St. Joseph police report detectives returned to the scene of a February 20th fire at 1407 North 3rd Street after receiving a tip that a body was at the location.

Detectives did find a body. Police say they have been unable to confirm the identity or even the gender.

An autopsy has been ordered. The death investigation is on-going, according to the St. Joseph Police Department.

Obituaries April 25th

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Rose M. Newton
1933 – 2019

Rose M Newton, 85 of St. Joseph, died Monday April 22, 2019 at her home.

Rose was born December 18, 1933, in Norborne, Mo. to Alfred Clifton Hampton Sr. and Marie Elizabeth Key. She worked for many years as an executive secretary at Regal Plastic Co., International Bearing and Transmission Inc. and Hunt Midwest all located in Kansas City. She later attended Maple Woods Community College where she received the President’s Award in 1989 and received a Bachelor’s Degree with honors from Missouri Western in 1991. Rose then went on to teach troubled children in the St. Joseph school system until her retirement. Rose was a published author who loved to travel for both pleasure and Christian missions. Rose was a charter member of Strong Tower Baptist Church. She worked fervently ministering through her personal testimony, teaching Sunday School, Bible studies and recovery groups for many years. Rose was compelled to model the love of Christ in every aspect of life as was evident to all that knew her.

Rose had been receiving hospice care over two years, and for many months was severely weakened; but she patiently and calmly endured her afflictions, and anxiously desired to depart and be with Christ, and finally fell asleep in Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother A.C. Hampton Jr.; and sister Jo Ann McGuire.

Survivors include her children Jerry Clifton Matthews of Oregon, David Lee and Betty Matthews of Olathe KS, Charles Kevin and Tina Matthews of Bonner Springs KS; seven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; brother R.A.(Bob) and Margie Hampton of Tom Bean TX; sister Karen and David Blankenship of Gravois Mills, MO; sister-in-law Billie Hampton of Hardin MO, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel. Memorial service will be Saturday, April 27 at Strong Tower Baptist Church, St Joseph, MO at 2:00pm.

 

Bradley Alan Rood
1957 – 2019

Bradley Alan Rood, 61, Savannah, Missouri; passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019, in his home.

Rood was born on July 25, 1957 in Wiesbaden, Germany, to Nancy and Donald Rood. He was a 1975 graduate of Cameron High School. Following graduation, Rood enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served from 1975 to 1981, as a law enforcement specialist. Following an honorable discharge, Rood served as a deputy for the Bakersfield Sheriff’s Department. Rood was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan.

Survivors include his wife Carol, of the home; daughter, Brandi Lasure, Independence; step-children, Jessica (Shawn) Cool, Lawrence,KS, Stanley (Alex) Libby, St. Joseph and Sarah Libby, Overland Park, KS and three grandchildren.

Rood was preceded in death by his parents, son, Travis and sister, Melanie.

Mr. Rood has been cremated under the direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith Savannah Chapel. Inurnment 9:00 AM Monday at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas.

 

Bernice Day
1919 – 2019

Bernice Day, 99, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2019.

She was born November 19, 1919 in Pitesti, Romania. Bernice married Isadore Carl Day July 26, 1939. He preceded her in death December 24, 1999. She was known as the “Hat Lady” as she knitted hundreds of hats and scarves to donate for cancer patients. In prior years, she was active in B’nai Brith. Bernice enjoyed bowling and cooking.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Abe and Edith (Greenberg) Rothman; brother, Harry Rothman; sister, Bessie Glaser.

Survivors include son, Joel Day (Judith); grandchildren, Landi Day-Roche and Bria Day; great-granddaughter, Margaux Charlie Roche; numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside Farewell Services & Interment 2:00 P.M. Friday, Shaare Sholem Cemetery. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

Carole A. Danback
1944 – 2019

Carole A. Danback, 74, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019, at her home.

She was born October 24, 1944 to Joseph and Virginia Prashak. Carole married Charles Danback on July 12, 1980.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Carole enjoyed volunteering for Special Olympics, her dogs, bowling, and just being outside. She was also an accomplished poet with published writings.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings Linda Wilcoxson and Joe Prashak, Jr.

Survivors include her husband; Charles Danback, children; Charles Danback JR (Jennifer), Julie Mollett (Jim “Bub”), Jamie Blommaert (Mike), James McQueen (Tracy), sister-in-law; Pat Prashak, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Farewell Services 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 29, at Wyatt Park Christian Church. The family will gather with friends 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday, April 28, at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wyatt Park Christian Church or The Special Olympics. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

Kenneth Allen Guy Jr.
1960 – 2019

Kenneth Allen Guy Jr., 58, of Robinson, KS died unexpectedly April 24, 2019 at his home.

Allen was born September 22, 1960 in Hiawatha, KS to Kenneth Allen Guy Sr. and Elsie Mae Miller. Allen grew up in Robinson, KS. He later moved to south Dallas, TX for three years and worked construction. Allen then returned back to Kansas and worked around his house. Tinkering with his lawnmowers and mowing lawns. He was very artistic and loved to draw flowers and write poems.

He is survived by his mother; Elsie Guy of Robinson, KS, sisters; Barbara (Kennedy) Loper of Fair Hope, Alabama, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Gary) Armstrong of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Gail (Sam) Adkins of Hiawatha, KS, brother; Scott (Paula) Guy of Olathe, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Guy Sr. March 11, 2019, a niece; Amanda Jennings Knowlton, grandparents, and a dear friend; Linda Perkins.

Memorials services will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Kenneth Allen Guy Jr. Memorial Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th St. Hiawatha, KS 66434.

 

Sara Elizabeth Pollard
1933 – 2019

Sara Elizabeth Pollard went to be with her Lord April 8, 2019.

She was born on December 1, 1933 and was the only child of Paul and Janetta Cowden. She grew up on a farm near Center, Missouri. Sara graduated from Center High School in 1951. She then attended Christian College in Columbia, MO, where she met and was married in 1955 to William (Bill) H. Shirley who attended nearby University of Missouri.

Sara and Bill had 3 children; Elizabeth (Tom) of Hiawatha, Kansas, Marc (Carol), of Olathe, Kansas, and Linda, predeceased. Sara had 4 grandchildren; Denise, Jason, Gordon, and Joel, and 7 great–grandchildren; Rachel, Hannah, Jonathan, Austin, Kayla, Chole, and Erica. Bill and Sara were divorced in the 1970’s. Later, Sara married Melvin Pollard who pre-deceased Sara.

Sara was a resident of the Pines of Hiawatha for several years where she will be missed by many. Sara loved being a mom and being with her children. She wanted to hear about every little success and was ready to offer a kind word and listening ear when things did not go well. She placed high value on being polite and treating others with respect. Sara also had a life-long love for animals and always wanted to keep a pampered pet.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.

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