Jennifer Hall
Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008
’Tis the season ... for shopping
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008
Mall optimism high despite mess
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
Friday, Nov. 14, 2008
Friday, Nov. 14, 2008
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008
Going for the guns
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008
Toy Land
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008
J.C. Penney, Sephora are first to hold ribbon-cuttings at the mall
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008
Monday, Nov. 3, 2008
Cheap is chic
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008
Friday, Oct. 31, 2008
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
Friday, Oct. 24, 2008
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008
Friday, Oct. 17, 2008
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008
Monday, Oct. 13, 2008
Safe Haven
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008
Friday, Oct. 10, 2008
Tuscany: Three years and ... nothing
Monday, Oct. 6, 2008
Friday, Oct. 3, 2008
Friday, Oct. 3, 2008
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008
Residents already feeling pinch
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008
Friday, Sept. 26, 2008
Lofts at former Mead building just about ready
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008
Buchanan County Ag Expo Center could spur business growth
Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008
A cross-country romance
Friday, Sept. 19, 2008
Realtors association may get a new home
Friday, Sept. 19, 2008
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008
Friday, Sept. 12, 2008
Benton coach opens training facility
Friday, Sept. 12, 2008
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008
Friday, Sept. 5, 2008
Friday, Sept. 5, 2008
Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
Three St. Joseph men can’t wait till weather clears this spring.
They formed Midwest Athletic Academy and recently purchased and renamed the former Bluff Woods Sports Complex. The non-profit organization plans to create a place where youth can get involved in all sports.
“The field is just an asset to fulfill our mission,” said Tony Rake.
Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
Shawn Askinosie is a defense attorney turned Willy Wonka. In just three years, the Springfield, Mo., man turned a hobby of grilling to an obsession with cupcakes to a passion for specialty chocolate.
Foreclosures up, but fail to keep national paceWednesday, Nov. 19, 2008
The local housing market is taking some hits in sales and foreclosures. Residential real estate sales decreased 20 percent in October at $8.6 million compared to the same time last year at $10.8 million, according to the St. Joseph Regional Association of Realtors. The number of units sold also decreased 19 percent, from 1,242 units in October 2007 to 1,000 units last month. But the real estate market for St. Joseph and surrounding areas has only started seeing the downward spiral in the past year. Area professionals have been setting records for the past seven years, said Don Evans, Realtor and president of the association.
’Tis the season ... for shopping
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008
Christmas is coming this week.
Today kick starts the beginning of Shop St. Joseph 2008. Shoppers can get out and start collecting tickets for a chance to win the $10,000 prize.
“I’m excited,” said Becki Long. Ms. Long and her husband, Jim Long, own Long Lighting Center.
Mall optimism high despite mess
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
St. Joseph might just be in its own little retail bubble. Despite heavy construction for most of the year, many store officials at the East Hills Shopping Center say they are doing well heading into the holidays. “We’ve been busier than usual, so it’s been pretty good for us,” said Stephanie Meyers, an employee at EyeMasters.
Snorkel will close for two weeks in DecemberFriday, Nov. 14, 2008
Snorkel International’s more than 300 employees are still at work this week, but they’ve been warned about possible layoffs.
Local jewelry store celebrates 60 years with remodelFriday, Nov. 14, 2008
Business has been good for Mark Segrist. His store, Niche of Time Jewelry, has nearly completed renovations.
Snorkel to close for two weeks in DecemberThursday, Nov. 13, 2008
Snorkel International’s more than 300 employees are still at work this week, but they’ve been warned about possible layoffs.
“We may have to make some more layoffs later this year and we have entered a consultation period with the work force, is all,” said Dan Jenkins, a spokesperson for Tanfield Group, Snorkel’s parent company.
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008
Debt is an ugly word, but not an uncommon one. With a struggling economy, it’s no wonder the average person may be broke. The Consumer Credit Counseling Service released a quick test to see just where your finances rank.
If you’ve found you need some financial help after taking the broke test, you’re not alone. One out of every 100 families in the United States will file bankruptcy in their lifetime, according to the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Department of Health and Senior Services. On average, an American couple will have about $6,000 worth of debt they carry each month and 13 different credit cards.
Even though the average person may be in debt, Dr. Rebecca Travnichek said that the CCCS test may not be intended for the average consumer.
Going for the guns
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008
Gun enthusiasts are stocking up on firearms out of fears that a Democrat-led administration will result in tougher gun control.
Last month, as polls showed a Barack Obama lead, background checks for gun purchases jumped by 108,000 compared with October 2007 — a 15 percent increase — according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Gun sales as of Oct. 26 were up 8 percent for the year.
Jerry Sharr said gun and ammunition sales have increased significantly since October.
Toy Land
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008
Retailers and Shoppers alike are trying to get their hands on the hottest toys before they’re gone. Toy makers began creating the buzz in late summer for products yet to hit the shelves.
“Toys at Christmas are like candy at Halloween,” said April McLaughlin. “You gotta have 'em.”
J.C. Penney, Sephora are first to hold ribbon-cuttings at the mall
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008
Dean Hales remembers standing outside the J.C. Penney store when it opened 44 years ago in St. Joseph. The Hamilton, Mo., businessman knew Mr. Penney and said he was honored to be at Friday’s grand reopening of the department store in the East Hills Shopping Center.
Cast a vote, get some joeWednesday, Nov. 5, 2008
What’s an election day without a cup of joe?
Joe is all around on electionTuesday, Nov. 4, 2008
What’s an election day without a cup of Joe? A St. Joseph Starbucks is giving away free coffee to celebrate the day. While the store doesn’t require proof of voting, many thirsty patrons visited Starbucks on their way to and from the polls.
Retail on the move in St. JoeMonday, Nov. 3, 2008
It may sound confusing but J.C. Penney is having a grand re-opening for its store and a grand opening for Sephora, the store located inside their East Hills Shopping Center location. Get it or are you confused yet?
Cheap is chic
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008
As wallets tighten in a new economy, more customers are tooling the aisles of the local thrift stores.
“The thing bringing those people in is that we have professional clothing too,” said Tammie Dunlap, sales manager at The Goodwill Store in St. Joseph. “Goodwill Industries has always met its projected sales, always, but we’ve really noticed quite a bit more foot traffic in the last month or two.”
Friday, Oct. 31, 2008
Chris Lange has built a business without drawing much attention to himself.
Bagel company seeking franchiseesWednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
St. Joseph keeps attracting business.
Economy won’t scare away Halloween funFriday, Oct. 24, 2008
The doom and gloom of the economy can’t break the Halloween spirit.
All in on Proposition A?Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
From classrooms and casinos to new developers and problem gamblers, Proposition A will affect a variety of people. The changes deal with four issues — the present loss limit of $500 per two-hour period at casinos, the identification of compulsive gamblers, the number of casinos allowed to operate in the state and the tax rate casinos would pay. The tax rate would increase from 20 percent to 21 percent.
Area eateries hog honors in tenderloin competitionSaturday, Oct. 18, 2008
The Missouri Pork Association asked a question earlier this year: “Who has the best breaded pork tenderloin?”
Turning valuables into cash in a tough economyFriday, Oct. 17, 2008
Drastic times call for drastic measures and many people are turning their valuables into cash.
City sees job growth, in spite of economyThursday, Oct. 16, 2008
In a tough economy, St. Joseph managed to add 900 new jobs in September, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Time to trade in your hybrid?Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Drivers creep into local gas stations these days.
They glance over their shoulders looking for signs of the store’s clerk lurking around the corner. They grab the pump handle and fill their tanks as quick as they can, before the large black numbers can change and dig deeper into their pocketbooks.
Gas prices may be down, but paranoia still reigns at the pump.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008
A St. Joseph real estate agent has been named Salesperson of the Year by the Missouri Association of Realtors.
IHOP sign of progressMonday, Oct. 13, 2008
St. Joseph is only a demolition away from getting its IHOP. A sign for the International House of Pancakes popped up sometime last week yet the structure perched on the hillside doesn’t look like the usual blue and white eatery. That’s because it’s not.
Safe Haven
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008
As credit markets tumble, borrowers are seeking safe shelter in loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration. “It is the way to go,” said Jennifer Kneib, branch manager at First Horizon Home Loans, now MetLife Home Loans. “It’s a better, easier and cheaper route for people.”
Price Chopper, Homeland Food to become Apple Market storesSaturday, Oct. 11, 2008
Three St. Joseph grocery stores will become Apple Market stores.
By Nov. 1, Price Chopper and Homeland Food stores will change to Apple Market. Local owners Mike Decker and Todd Euler said they chose the Apple Market brand so that all three locations in St. Joseph could use the same format. Apple Market is affiliated with Associated Wholesale Grocers.
Friday, Oct. 10, 2008
Tony Bogart is a people person.
Tuscany: Three years and ... nothing
Monday, Oct. 6, 2008
It’s been three years since Tuscany Village received tax-increment fund approval, and there is still no word of possible store construction.
“It’s obvious to anyone who drives by (Tuscany) that there isn’t anything going on there,” said Mike Hirter, a St. Joseph City Council member.
Although he was not on the council when it approved the TIF for Tuscany in September 2005, he has followed the project, located at Interstate 29 and North U.S. 169 Highway.
Friday, Oct. 3, 2008
The Crumbly Burger has replaced Maid-Rite. The new name may appropriately describe the loose meat sandwich, but new owner Stephanie McGarry said not much else will change. “We had to change the seasoning in the meat, but other than that, everything is still the same,” she said.
Still no word on mall tenantsFriday, Oct. 3, 2008
Less than two months away from Black Friday, and East Hills Shopping Center has no new announced tenants.
Chick-fil-A will begin construction in springWednesday, Oct. 1, 2008
St. Joseph is getting its Chick-fil-A.
Residents already feeling pinch
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008
The economy has local residents seeing red, and they see little hope from a $700 billion government Band-Aid.
“They should have done something a long time ago,” said Charmayne Conard.
The St. Joseph woman said that the urgent plea by President George W. Bush may be too little, too late.
Friday, Sept. 26, 2008
Collectors will wait with anticipation for a glass art signing at Rod’s Hallmark.
Lofts at former Mead building just about ready
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008
The former MeadWestvaco building is almost ready for new occupants.
Once known for the Big Chief tablet, the old factory on Mitchell Avenue is now home to an indoor track, atriums and a rooftop garden.
Developers and brothers Scott and Steve Foutch purchased the building in 2007 and have nearly completed refurbishing the almost 500,000-square-foot space.
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008
East Hills Shopping Center officials are closer to naming tenants and will be ready for the shopping season.
Missouri American explains requestTuesday, Sept. 23, 2008
A small group of citizens voiced big concerns over rising utility rates at a public hearing Monday.
“I don’t know how the working man can take it,” said John Phillips. Mr. Phillips, 70, said that he and other retirees struggle with the ever-rising cost of utilities, including water.
Buchanan County Ag Expo Center could spur business growth
Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008
St. Joseph is smack dab in the middle of America’s Heartland. So it’s no wonder that Buchanan County commissioners want to build an agricultural expo center on the east side of town.
“It has great merit,” said Ted Allison, president of the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. “I think the concept has so much benefit for not only the citizens in the area but the industries that we have here.”
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008
Developers might need to think twice on investments.
A cross-country romance
Friday, Sept. 19, 2008
“MIKE COWAN: ASPEN, COLORADO.” The name and address popped up on the screen like any other sales call Karen Cowan received on a daily basis. But this one was different.
“I liked the sound of his voice,” she said.
Realtors association may get a new home
Friday, Sept. 19, 2008
The St. Joseph Regional Association of Realtors says it is a good time to buy a new home and is taking its own advice.
Snorkel lays off 100 employeesSaturday, Sept. 13, 2008
Snorkel International laid off 100 workers at its Elwood, Kan., plant on Friday.
Snorkel lays off 100 employeesFriday, Sept. 12, 2008
Snorkel International laid off 100 workers at its Elwood, Kan., plant on Friday.
Snorkel’s parent company, England-based Tanfield Group, announced last month that it could lay off up to 125 workers by the end of September.
Benton coach opens training facility
Friday, Sept. 12, 2008
A longtime baseball coach is putting his skills to work.
Mike Musser, a teacher and coach at Benton High School, is opening The Sandlot. The training facility has batting cages, pitching mounds, practice stations and space for two full teams to practice at the same time.
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
East Hills Shopping Center is losing an original tenant on Sunday. Topsy’s Popcorn Shoppe will close its iconic snack shop in the mall.
“The mall isn’t trying to give me the boot or anything,” said owner David Wildman.
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008
A former St. Joseph pastor is using his personal experience with death to help others, but with a new twist.
KCP&L requests rate hikeSaturday, Sept. 6, 2008
KCP&L kept its word.
The utility company warned that electric rates would be increasing, regardless of its merger this summer with Aquila. For St. Joseph residential customers, monthly bills could go up by $10 per month by August 2009.
KCP&L filed a rate increase request that would be worth $257 million with the Missouri Public Service Commission and the Kansas Corporation Commission on Friday. The company wants to raise electric service rates in all five of its service areas.
Friday, Sept. 5, 2008
KCP&L filed a rate increase request that would be worth $257 million with the Missouri Public Service Commission and the Kansas Corporation Commission on Friday.
A twist on rural America in a small townFriday, Sept. 5, 2008
David and Lori Hearn are business savvy. Coupled with their creativity and craftiness, it’s made them successful in Dearborn, Mo.
