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Category: Local News

Payless ShoeSource to shutter all of its remaining US stores

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NEW YORK (AP) — Paylesss ShoeSource is shuttering all of its 2,100 remaining stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, joining a list of iconic names like Toys R Us and Bon-Ton that have been shuttered in the last year.

The Topeka, Kansas-based chain said Friday it will hold liquidation sales starting Sunday and wind down its e-commerce operations. All stores will remain open until at least the end of March and the majority will remain open until May.

The debt-burdened chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2017, closing hundreds of stores as part of its reorganization.

At the time, it had over 4,400 stores in more than 30 countries. It remerged from restructuring four months later with about 3,500 stores and eliminated more than $435 million in debt.

MoDOT and SJPD advising motorists to avoid traveling Friday

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Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel on Friday because of escalated snowfall rates that at times could reach one inch per hour across parts of Missouri.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, roads are being impacted and visibility will be reduced, especially during the afternoon and into the evening commute.

The St. Joseph Police Department issued a Nixle alert shortly after 11:30 a.m. saying due to poor weather conditions and slick roads, they advise motorists to drive with caution and avoid driving at all unless absolutely necessary.

According to the National Weather Service, snow is expected most of the day on Friday. Total accumulations of 2 to 4 inches is forecast, with some locations getting even more snow. The storm will also bring sleet and freezing rain in the southern part of the state.

You can check road conditions on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/  The map is also available as an app on your mobile device through Android Google Play and Apple iTunes, search MoDOT Traveler Information.

MoDOT also provides road condition information through its Customer Service Center. Dial 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Obituaries February 15th

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Joan A. Seitz (Wilburn)
1937 – 2019

Joan Agnes (Wilburn) Seitz, 81, of Atchison KS passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019 at the Atchison Hospital surrounded by family.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home with Rev. Seth Montgomery officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Joan’s wish was to be cremated and private burial of the cremated remains will be at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the VFW Post # 1175 and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.beckerdyer.com.

Joan was born on Feb. 17, 1937 the eleventh of fifteen children to John and Mary Rose (Koester) Wilburn. Joan married Phillip Ingels on July 20, 1968. They moved to Valley Falls and raised their four daughters and one son. Phil passed away on Dec. 25, 1983. Joan was married to David Seitz on Nov. 3, 1988. Dave passed away on April 12, 2005.

With her family, Joan enjoyed horse shows; camping trips, 4th of July get together’s, play cards, making wine, salsa and relish, sewing, traveling with Dave in their trucking business; and listening to country music at full volume. With her VFW family, she played shuffleboard, participated in pitch tournaments, Sunday Chiefs games, and enjoyed sitting at the “picnic table of wisdom”.

Survivors include daughters, Audrey (Rick) Blanton, Winchester, KS, Gerri (Rick) Taliaferro, Effingham, KS and Michelle (Steve) Hamilton, Holton, KS. Step-son, Ryan (Heather) Seitz, Central City, NE, grandchildren: Heather Blanton, (Jim Davis), Ryan Taliaferro, Justin (Jennifer) McAlexander, Jacob (Jennifer) Taliaferro, Eric (Cecilia) Blanton, Cody (Amara) McAlexander, Curt (Shayna) McAlexander, Chad Ingels, Alan (Chelsey) Brown, Colby Herren, Rikki (Andrew) Kanning, Katelyn (Trenton) Cox and 20 great grandchildren, brothers: Frank Wilburn, Gladstone, MO, and Art Wilburn, Easton, KS, sister Hazel Cummings, Lancaster, KS. Joan was also preceded in death by two children, daughter Toni “Sis” Herren and son Tony Ingels, brothers: Bernard, John, Earl, Elmer, Harold, Leo, and Walt Wilburn, and sisters: Marie Smith, Lois Artibee, Shirley Sowers, and Carol Sowers.

 

Larry Wayne Garrett
1945 – 2019

Larry Wayne Garrett, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019 at his residence. Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at Central Christian Church, Pastor Pete Smith officiating, The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment with military honors will be at the Mount Auburn Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association.

 

Clint J. Willman
1983 – 2019

Clint J. Willman, 35, St. Joseph, Missouri, formerly of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph.

He was born November 4, 1983, to Sharon Lynn (Bottorff) Lawrence and Alvin Leonard Willman in Mesa, Arizona.

Clint graduated from Central High School and attended Missouri Western State University, where he wrote for the university newspaper in “Clint’s Corner.” He later owned and operated Pac-Man Moving and volunteered for the Siena/Francis House Homeless Shelter, both in Omaha, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gerald and Geneva Bottorff; uncle, Mike Bottorff; and cousin, Gina.

Survivors include his mother.

The family will gather with friends 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, February 24, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

Kyle Anthony Juhl
1989 – 2019

Kyle Anthony (Hammer) Juhl, 29, of Wathena, Kansas passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019, after being struck by an oncoming vehicle while making a heroic attempt to assist another motorist who was having a medical emergency.

Kyle was born on April 14, 1989, to Tonya Juhl & Curt Swoboda.

He was a member of the U.S. Army. He was a founding partner in Com Sol (Private Armed Security).

Kyle was preceded in death by a son, Axton King Juhl, maternal grandfather, Wallace Juhl, paternal grandmother, Alice Keller, paternal grandmother, Beverly Swoboda & Paternal grandparents, Ray & Stella Manthe.

Kyle married Amy Nester on April 10, 2009 in Troy, Kansas. She survives of the home.

Additional survivors, children, Adrik, Kwynn, Axel & Ajay Juhl;
Parents, Dan & Tonya Keller, Troy, Kansas;
Curt & Tammy Swoboda of Wathena, Kansas;
Brother, Kace Keller, Troy, Kansas;
Mother & father-in-laws; Bill & Theresa Nester & Doug & Karla Timmons;
Maternal grandmother, Nellie Juhl;
Paternal grandfather, Howard Keller Jr.;
Paternal grandfather, Eugene Swoboda;
Sisters-in-law, Jennifer, Laura & Ashlee Nester;
Brothers-in-law, Billy Nester & Tim King;
Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins & friends.

Memorial Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 18, 2019.
At the: First Christian Church in Troy, Kansas.
Visitation: 4-6 Sunday at the church. Harman-Rohde Funeral Home in Wathena, Kansas.
In charge of arrangements.
Kyle’s wishes were to be cremated with inurnment at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Kyle Juhl Memorial Fund.

St. Joseph mayor delivers first State of the City address

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Mayor Bill McMurray gave his first State of the City address Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center.

St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray gave his first State of the City address Friday morning at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Public Affairs Coffee event.

The Mayor started out by saying the State of the City is worthwhile.

“The city worthwhile, is worth your while and here’s what I’d like you to do to make it worth your while. Borrowing some phrases from Imagine St. Joseph, I’d like you to invest in people, create a better place and I’d like you to grow prosperity,” McMurray said. “That’s what we’re going to be about in the next 20 years and I think the council, the staff, the city and the community, we’ve all started already on these things.”

The mayor went on to expand on the three ideas, saying one of the things the city council did to invest in people was to raise public safety salaries. He said the economy in St. Joseph is doing well, which is a way of investing in people, as the unemployment rate in St. Joseph is 2.5 percent and St. Joseph has the third highest average wage in the state.

In speaking on creating a better place, McMurray commended the St. Joseph Police Department for being one of about eight police departments in the state that is a state certified department. He said crime in several areas, including Part One crimes and motor vehicle theft, was down in 2018 compared to 2017.

“Crime prevention is not just a police problem, crime prevention is a community problem and our community has started, has always actually, but has started to do even more in that area,” McMurray said.

He mentioned the Blue Ribbon Crime Commission bringing law enforcement and community members together and the growth of the police department’s community policing initiatives in neighborhoods.

The mayor mentioned community appearance as part of creating a better place. He said the council approved $100,000 more for vacant structure stabilization and there has been discussion about a rental inspection program and plans for developing the riverfront.

On the topic of growing prosperity, McMurray mentioned the construction of Corporate Drive connecting to the Highway 36 interchange that will spur economic development. He also commended the 139th Airlift Wing and its plans for expansion over the next ten years.

Mayor McMurray ended the State of the City address by reiterating the three points and challenging St. Joseph to be bold in plans for the future.

Snow showers expected through the afternoon with temps near 16

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Winter weather returns today after a brief respite. Most locations will receive 2 to 4 inches of snow, however, isolated areas could see up to 5. Heavier snowfall will occur mid-morning through mid-afternoon with visibilities dropping to a 1/2 mile or less resulting in hazardous driving conditions. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Snow showers, mainly before 5 p.m. High near 16. North northeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Tonight: A chance of snow showers, mainly before 7 p.m. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 8. North wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light northeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: A slight chance of snow after noon. Increasing clouds, with a high near 28. Light northeast wind becoming east 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night: Snow, possibly mixed with freezing rain before midnight, then a chance of snow between midnight and 2 a.m., then a chance of snow and freezing rain after 2 a.m. Low around 20. East wind 5 to 8 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. Northwest wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Washington’s Birthday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28.

Tuesday Night: Snow. Low around 20. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wednesday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32.

Missouri one of seven states to receive grant to test new ways to fund highways

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WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) this week announced $10.2 million in Surface Transportation System Funding Alternatives (STSFA) grants to seven states to test new ways to finance highway and bridge projects.

The program’s goal is to allow states to test user-based alternatives to support the Highway Trust Fund, which relies primarily on the federal gas tax.

“These grants provide states with the opportunity to explore innovative new ways to help pay for infrastructure improvements and maintenance,” said Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Brandye L. Hendrickson.

The STSFA grants fund projects to test the design, implementation, and acceptance of user-based alternative revenue tools.  FHWA officials selected proposals from seven states – California, Delaware, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Utah.

The seven projects will investigate and evaluate various mileage-based and road-user charges, including for trucks and automated vehicles, and the implementation and operation of the technologies at a regional level.

This is the third innovation grant MoDOT has received from the FHWA to study the future of transportation funding under the STSFA program. This week’s grant of $1.72 million follows an initial grant of $250,000 in 2017, and a second grant of $2.88 million in 2018.

MoDOT intends to use the federal grant funding to continue to work with the Missouri Department of Revenue DOR to improve the efficiency and accuracy of its data systems associated with Missouri’s registration fee system for personal vehicles. Missouri’s proposal is that the registration fee would be based on the basis of the fuel efficiency of the vehicle—measured in miles per gallon—rather than the outdated metric of “taxable horsepower” which is no longer calculated or published by vehicle manufacturers.

STSFA was established under the “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation” (FAST) Act.

 

FY 2018 STSFA Grant Selections

State (other partners) Project/Description Funding
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Exploration of California’s Road Usage Charge Program (RUC) with emerging technologies and services, such as Usage-Based Insurance (UBI), Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), and Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). $2,030,000
Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) – I-95 Corridor Coalition Use of mileage-based user fees in a multi-state region.  The project addresses the requirements for implementation, interoperability, public acceptance, and other potential hurdles across state lines. $3,028,000
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Demonstration of the feasibility of distance based user fees through the shared mobility model, such as Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) providers. $999,600
Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Deployment of innovative strategies such as a vehicle registration fee along with other used-based charges. $1,782,500
New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) Exploration of road user charges levied in conjunction with vehicle registration fees. $250,000
Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) –  Western Road User Charge Consortium (AZ, CA, CO, ID, HI, MT, NV, OK, OR, UT, and WA) Exploration of Road Usage Charge and Automated Vehicles at both the state level and in a regional interoperable system. $950,000
Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Utah will pilot a road user charge program for alternative fuel vehicles including hybrid and electric vehicles. $1,250,000

 

– Missouri Department of Transportation press release –

Obituaries February 14th

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Barbara J. (Salfrank) Freeman
1935 – 2019

Barbara J. (Salfrank) Freeman, 83, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 12, 2019 in Liberty, Missouri.

Mrs. Freeman was born May 3, 1935 in Rock Port, Missouri.

She married Eddie F. Freeman October 9, 1955 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rock Port, Missouri.
Barbara was an Avon Representative for over 40 years and was a member of Garden Club, Questors, Christian Singles and Silver and Gold. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Mrs. Freeman was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie F. Freeman; parents, Carl G. and Dorothy E. Salfrank; two brothers, Donald and Byron Salfrank.

Survivors include two daughters, Joyce Christian (Darrell), Liberty, Missouri and Janelle Albertson (Marty), Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Kyler Christian (Connie), Kaitlyn Christian, Branson Albertson (Jessica), Blake Albertson (Natalee); great-grandchild, Cecilia Q. Christian; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebration of Life 1:00 P.M. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

 

Delores Diana “Dumpy” (Ingram) Burgess
1955 – 2019

Delores Diana “Dumpy” (Ingram) Burgess, 63, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at Mosaic Life Care.

She was born November 27, 1955.

Delores loved angels, butterflies and visiting family. She enjoyed thrift store shopping, playing video games and listening to music; especially anything by Dolly Parton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Leroy and Velma Mae (Taylor) Burgess, Sr.; former husbands, Vernon Gibson, Ronald Ingram; brothers-in-law, Charles Caples and William Burris Russell.
Survivors include her sons, William George Gibson, Joseph Anthony Gibson; sisters, Sharon Kay Russell, Peggy Lynn Caples, Karen Elaine Chapman; brothers, William Leroy Burgess, Jr., George L. Burgess (Brenda), Michael William Burgess (DeLonna); numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Mount Auburn Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to American Cancer Society.

 

Elbert “Bert” Page
1930 – 2019

Elbert “Bert” Page, 88, of Hoyt, died Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born September 1, 1930 at Beverly, KS, the son of Harvey and Helen McIntyre Page. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserve.

Bert owned and operated Bert’s Painting in the Hoyt and Topeka area for many years.

He was a member of the Hoyt United Methodist Church.

A special date for Bert was September 1, 1970. His sobriety date.

He married Dorothy (Harvey) Baker in June of 1966. She preceded him in death on August 31, 2008.

Bert was also preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Stacy Ellen Page.

Survivors include two sons, Scott Page (Carola), Stuttgart, Germany and Robert A. Page (Monissa), St. Helena Island, SC; a daughter, Michelle Bosworth, Topeka; one step-daughter, Virginia Hood (Pat), Leavenworth; a brother, Dwight Page (Keiko), Los Angeles, CA; a sister, Pat Fleeman, Colorado Springs; thirteen grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 18th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hoyt. Burial with flag presentation will follow in the Hoyt Cemetery. Bert will lie in state after 10:00 a.m. Sunday at the funeral home where family and friends will meet from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Hoyt United Methodist Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 280, Hoyt, KS 66440.

Event offers help for entrepreneurs wanting to turn hobbies into careers

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By Sarah Thomack
St. Joseph Post

(This event was rescheduled due to weather. It will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28th at the Nodaway County Administration Building.)

An opportunity for makers and entrepreneurs to learn how to take their hobby to the next level is coming up in Maryville.

Maryville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lily White said they are putting together a seminar called, “From Maker to Made.”

White said the event came about because the Chamber noticed at area craft shows and through other events how many local people are makers.

“They’re making incredible things… selling earrings, makeup bags and homemade woodcraft projects, as far as whole furniture sets and they are incredibly talented, but they’re all doing it in their spare time and it’s a passion that they have,” White said. “So we are going to try to find a way to not only help teach them, but learn from them what they need from our community to better assist them, so some of them might actually be able to make this into their career.”

White said they are working with Nodaway County Economic Development, Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation, the Regional Council of Governments and more to present the inaugural seminar next week.

“What we’re going to do at that one is going to be a little bit broad, but we’re going to start talking about wholesaling to different boutiques and different small businesses and then also scaling to sell online, so we can really teach these individuals that already have this awesome skill set, to get their product out further and market themselves,” White said. “We’re hoping that it spins off into larger seminars and more ways for us to help them.”

The “From Maker to Made” event takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 19th at the Nodaway County Administration Building. For more information, go to maryvillechamber.com.

Breezy with temps near 45 and dropping through the day

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A strong cold front will move through the area today bringing in much colder temperatures this afternoon and tonight. This will set the stage for snow to develop across the entire area Friday morning into the early afternoon. Snow is expected to continue into the evening hours with 1 to 4 inches expected across the area. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. through Midnight. Here’s the 7-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Today: Mostly sunny, with a temperature rising to near 45 by 11 a.m., then falling to around 31 during the remainder of the day. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming north northwest 16 to 21 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph.

Tonight: Increasing clouds, with a low around 14. Wind chill values between zero and 10. North wind 11 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Friday: Snow, mainly after 9 a.m. High near 18. North northeast wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Friday Night: A slight chance of snow before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 8. Wind chill values between -1 and 4. North northeast wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday: A slight chance of snow after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 25. East wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night: Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 19. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29.

Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Washington’s Birthday: Partly sunny, with a high near 25.

Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26.

Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15.

Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 30.

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