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November 22, 2009

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Jimmy Myers - Education Reporter

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Keeping college kids on track
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — John Gardner managed a 0.65 grade-point average in his first semester of college. He’s now considered one of the foremost experts in laying the groundwork for freshman success.

Western sees jump in international students
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009

Sprinkled among the nearly 6,000 students who began class Monday on the campus of Missouri Western State University was a small but growing population of international students. The percentage over last year’s numbers is big, but the numbers are still tiny — 23 students from 11 countries — France, Australia, South Korea, China, Bangladesh, Germany, Afghanistan, Philippines, Kenya, Israel and Turkey attend Western on student visas. Western President Dr. Bob Vartabedian came to campus in 2008 with a goal of raising international attendance by 10 students per year until they reach their maximum allowed student visas of around 100.

Archbishop to visit Benedictine College
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009

Benedictine College will be receiving another high-ranking member of the Catholic Church in September.
The college played host to Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Vatican’s representative at the United Nations, in February. Now Benedictine welcomes Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. (the Vatican’s ambassador), who will celebrate mass at St. Benedict’s Abbey Church and deliver a keynote address on campus, talking about diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the U.S.

Area demo company cited by DNR
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009

Patrick Fee has come to realize that when times are tough, the competition gets wicked.

‘Hire a Griffon’ program boosts students’ visibility
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

If Matthew Gregg had it his way, he’d have a 3-by-3-foot sticker reading “A Griffon Works Here” displayed prominently at every business employing a Missouri Western State University student or graduate. But he’s settling for a 3-by-3-inch sticker instead.

Educators prepare for possible flu problems
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009

The hype surrounding the H1N1 virus might have died down, but the interest on college campuses has become a priority as educators prepare for the beginning of the school year and a flood of students, most of whom are in the age range that is hit hardest by the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus’s target audience is the 25 and under age group. Influenza, according to the CDC, goes dormant during the summer months, but the H1N1 virus has remained active — 43,000 cases have been reported in the U.S. since April, and 302 people have died.
Classes at Northwest Missouri State University and Missouri Western State University begin next Monday. Students will be strongly encouraged to take hygiene into consideration. They were at the end of their semester and taking finals when the virus (first known as the swine flu) made headlines in the spring.

Western team’s work gets international attention
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

Dr. Jeff Poet is a self-described “chalk and chalkboard” type of math teacher. But lately he’s been hunched over petri dishes alongside students to solve mathematics puzzles.
Accompanied by Dr. Todd Eckdahl, a biology professor at Missouri Western State University, the professors and their students are reveling in the recent success of a scientific paper they published, covering a complex experiment.

Professor conquers flu to compete in senior swimming contest
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

Dr. David Easterla’s mother was expecting nothing less than gold when her son went off to the Senior National Summer Games in California earlier this month.

Educators not slowed by adversity
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

The former teachers and staff at Neely Elementary School were a tight-knit group, and they still are.
They’d gather once a month in social settings while the school was still open — a tradition they plan to honor as each settles into a new school.

Even without biggest names, Tour of Missouri ready to roll
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

The two most talked about cyclists in the Tour de France likely won’t compete at next month’s Tour of Missouri. But interest in the race hasn’t soured.

MAP scores snare schools
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

The annual expected improvements in test scores for local students has finally “caught up” with the St. Joseph School District.
Dr. Melody Smith, superintendent of schools, and crew on Wednesday released the results of the MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) tests required in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. Despite showing improvements across the board, two schools fell below the required numbers for two consecutive years, forcing the district to observe punitive sanctions.

Cyclists restore Krug trail
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009

Mountain bikers competing in races at Crowder State Park this weekend will have to give a few St. Joseph riders some slack for being out of shape. They’ve spent the better part of their season building trails.

Schools summit stresses preparation
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009

Rick Ranier’s appearance at the Third Safe Schools Summit served as a reminder that the best-laid plans can be thwarted. But it also served as proof that without those plans, the very bad could’ve been much worse.

Where’s the water?
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009

Temperatures are expected to spike in the upper 90s today, and Jende Smith is counting on a busy weekend at the Aquatic Park.

Energizer plant keeps going
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, Aug. 7, 2009

MARYVILLE, Mo. — The concept of the Energizer Bunny was more than a decade away when the battery plant landed in Maryville in 1971.
Only 50 employees worked at the plant located just east of Maryville on U.S. Highway 136.
On Thursday, the infamous marketing mascot — a pink bunny wearing sunglasses and beating a bass drum — celebrated its 20th year and visited the 450 full-time and 150 temporary employees at the plant.

Northwest campus to go smoke free
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009

The days of smoking in public buildings are long gone at Northwest Missouri State University, but so too will be the leisurely stroll down the campus sidewalk with cigarette in hand.
The campus intends to go smoke-free in August 2010. The student senate and the president’s cabinet have already signed off on the measure.
A marketing study last year showed that about 70 percent of students and staff would support a smoking ban, yet only 13 percent of students and 12 percent of faculty and staff say they are smokers.

Locals look a year ahead with Chiefs camp under way
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009

As fans of the Kansas City Chiefs begin to trickle in to River Falls, Wis., for the last time, locals here look ahead to a year from now when the Chiefs begin their training camp in St. Joseph.
Dave Williams, athletic director at Missouri Western State University, was traveling from the Chiefs’ camp Friday to that of the Minnesota Vikings in Mankato, Min. The scenario in Mankato, which is closer to its fan base than the Chiefs’ camp currently is, will likely mimic the scene in St. Joseph, Mr. Williams said.
“It’s the great unknown,” he said of the size of the crowd that will gather at the campus next summer. “We’d sure like to think we’ll get several thousand people during the weekdays and on the weekends, we’re talking major crowds of like 5,000.”

Northwest intent on ‘building bridges’ for students
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, July 30, 2009

Dr. Max Ruhl, director of professional education and dean of the college of education and human resources at Northwest Missouri State University, has a passion for education and for an initiative called “Building Bridges.”

Forsee addresses enrollment
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The University of Missouri System’s leader made rounds in St. Joseph Tuesday to key state education leaders, politicians and a new board member.

Western, Rockhurst form MBA partnership
by Jimmy Myers
Monday, July 20, 2009

With no plans to offer an MBA of its own, Missouri Western State University is taking an offer from a private college. Rockhurst University, a Jesuit institution in Kansas City, is opening its Masters in Business Adminstration programs to qualified Western graduates who have been graduated for no more than a year. They can obtain the degree — commonly called a fifth-year degree — with 30 hours of credit, rather than the normal 36 hours required. The partnership offers a more streamlined transition into the graduate program, and for networking with peers, some of whom are already tied into the Kansas City job market.

Dodie made her mark on world
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, July 17, 2009

Derothea “Dodie” Emery never had a “Rosie the Riveter” picture in her home, but she embodied the attributes of the strong, confident, iconic World War II-era character rolling up her sleeve and flexing a bicep.

Northwest continues its mission in Downtown
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Nearly two years after opening its doors to local residents, Northwest Missouri State University continues its mission to serve graduate students at the St. Joseph Center at 706 Felix St.

Two plead not guilty in federal court
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, July 11, 2009

Two men allegedly connected to a dogfighting ring appeared in federal court in blue jumpsuits and shackles Friday, but left in street clothes.
Rick P. Hihath, 55, St. Joseph, and Cris E. Bottcher, 48, Gilman City, Mo., pleaded not guilty to three felony counts before being released on $10,000 bond.
According to the indictment, the men were part of a group with five others who acquired and bred pit bulls for use in dogfights. Two such fights allegedly occurred on Mr. Bottcher’s property at 33335 E. State Highway CC in Harrison County near Gilman City on Feb. 28 this year. Mr. Hihath fought a dog named “Black Sheep” and Mr. Bottcher handled a dog named “Pope Joe,” officials said.

Operating levy decision looms over school board
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, July 10, 2009

Voters might see another school funding issue as soon as November.
Members of the St. Joseph Board of Education’s joint personnel/finance committee met Thursday, deciding after a two-hour discussion that a 63-cent levy with a five-year sunset for the November ballot would come up again Monday during a regular board meeting. The sunset clause would include ballot language that would allow the issue to be revisited before the close of the five years.
But according to projections by Janet Pullen, chief financial officer with the district, a 63-cent levy, even if it passes, wouldn’t be enough. In five years, cash reserves would be depleted, which prompted board member Dennis Snethen to liken the situation to putting a “Band-Aid on a major injury.”

School board members leaning toward November vote
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, July 9, 2009

Voters might see another school funding issue as soon as November.

Auditor candidate begins campaign
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, July 9, 2009

Tom Schweich played nice on a campaign stop in St. Joseph Wednesday, but he made it known that he wants a local woman’s job.

Group wants to eliminate levy’s sunset clause
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Yet another camp is going public to stimulate a different line of discussion on funding issues for the St. Joseph School District.
The Alliance for Community Excellence, a small group that wants to do away with the sunset clause on the district’s operating levy and create a permanent levy, held its first meetings Tuesday. The sunset clause puts a five-year life span on the operating levy.
The school district floated a levy issue and a bond proposal in April, both of which failed.

Publisher named to UM Board of Curators
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

News-Press publisher David Bradley has been appointed to the University of Missouri System Board of Curators.

Benedictine MBA leader 'a teacher at heart'
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Dave Geenens, former president and CEO of AVP Inc., has been named executive director of Benedictine College’s Master of Business Administration program.

Rock drowns out rain at festival
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, July 4, 2009

Six months of planning for an outdoor festival often includes crossed fingers when the possibility of rain factors into the equation. But apparently not all fingers were crossed.

Jasinski hits the ground running
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, July 3, 2009

Not since 1984 has anyone taken their first steps as president on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University.
Dr. John Jasinski stepped out of his SUV Thursday morning with his family in tow and walked down the sidewalk toward a throng of employees, waiting at the entrance to the Administration Building, as the ninth president of the school.
His first day was tightly scripted (including the morning festivities, with employees sporting Bearcat green and a welcome banner hanging over the east entrance to the administration building) and included meetings with several campus and community entities.

Western announces provost's retirement
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

His time here was brief, but productive.
Dr. Joseph Bragin, provost at Missouri Western State University, retires today after three years in that role. The university made the announcement late Tuesday.

Program aims to ease burden of student debt
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Paying back a burdensome federal student loan might get easier for some, beginning today. Income-Based Repayment, a program that caps the monthly payments on student loan debt, is available depending on the amount of loan debt, adjusted gross income and family size. A calculator to determine approximate savings is available at www.ibrinfo.org/calculator_offline.vp.html. Debt that includes Parent PLUS and private loans isn’t eligible.

Ground broken for Chiefs camp
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Katy Schwartz was born into a family fanatical over the Kansas City Chiefs. The family will travel to River Falls, Wis., this summer to watch their beloved Chiefs’ summer training camp.
Next year’s commute to the training camp will be far shorter.
“Chase,” a Bichon Frise sporting a Chiefs jersey, accompanied his owner, also wearing a Chiefs jersey, Monday at the future home of the Kansas City Chiefs’ summer training camp — Missouri Western State University — for the ceremonial groundbreaking.
“I’ll be here every day,” said Ms. Schwartz, who as a teacher at Central High School has summers off.

'Millennials' meet in cyberspace
by Jimmy Myers
Sunday, June 28, 2009

Don’t be fooled — young folks aren’t trading face time with their friends for online social sites such as Facebook and MySpace. Granted, the hours once spent in front of televisions are being swapped for hours in front of computer monitors and texting friends via cell phone, according to some studies. But kids still hang out.
“Millennials,” as the current batch of 20-somethings and teenagers are known, are tied to their cell phones and often would rather text than talk.

Subcontractors selected for project Chiefs’ facility
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, June 27, 2009

Eleven local subcontractors will help build the Kansas City Chiefs’ summer training facility at Missouri Western State University.
Western released a list of subcontractors Friday that shows local companies will account for just under half of the $10.29 million project.
St. Joseph Plumbing-Heating-Cooling and Hausman Metal Works and Roofing contracted for $1.5 million and $1 million, respectively.

Kansas firm gets nod for camp contract
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, June 20, 2009

The low bidder was selected Friday to construct the Kansas City Chiefs’ indoor practice facility on the campus of Missouri Western State University.
Crossland Construction, based in Columbus, Kan., submitted a base bid of $9.4 million, the lowest of 14 general contractors to vie for the building project. Jeff Ellison, lead architect on the project, recommended to Western’s governing board to accept seven of eight alternate bids Crossland submitted, which brings the total to $10.3 million.

Unlikely pair celebrate 32 years with 'Bandit Run'
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, June 19, 2009

1977 was a good year for David Betz. A self-proclaimed car nut, Mr. Betz was thrilled when “Smokey and the Bandit” came out late that spring. But that calendar year is marked by a more significant event.
In April, Mr. Betz met up with his sister at a carnival somewhere off the Belt Highway. His sister took a friend, Nancy, along with her.
“He was a cute kid,” said a grinning Nancy Betz of her first impression of the 22-year-old man who would become her husband. “That’s all I can say.”

Heavy interest for Chiefs contract
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A high-profile building project at Missouri Western State University brought out a record number of builders, one of whom bid more than 10 percent below the estimated building cost. Fourteen contractors submitted bids Tuesday to build the future indoor practice facility for the Kansas City Chiefs, with a low base bid coming in at $9.3 million from Crossland Construction, whose corporate offices are in Columbus, Kan. Western officials say the numbers look consistent with building costs, which were estimated at $11.7 million. Total project costs, which would include furnishings and other items, is estimated at $13.7 million.

Kruse calls for 'national obsession' with education
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Lowell Kruse said in March, after his reappointment to the state’s coordinating board for higher education, that he felt a greater sense of urgency to promote education. His tune hasn’t changed as he assumes the role of chairman (again) of the nine-member board. Mr. Kruse, who will retire as president and CEO of Heartland Health this summer, said his highest level of concern as a board member has to do with the general population’s attitude toward education, and not just college education.

Faraway election hits home
by Jimmy Myers
Saturday, June 13, 2009

Two local residents with dual citizenship side with a number of their countrymen who believe Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s four years as Iran’s president were enough.
Mr. Ahmadinejad has called for the destruction of Israel, said there are no homosexuals in Iran and publicly questions the Holocaust. He has been ridiculed for his comments and parodied on “Saturday Night Live.”
Votes were still being counted Friday as Dr. Reza Hamzaee and Dr. Ali Kamali, both longtime professors at Missouri Western State University, shared their views about the election and how it will affect Iran.

Women honored during luncheon
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, June 12, 2009

Laura Bakken, like many of the women being recognized Thursday, has overcome obstacles in life.
But it wasn’t the obstacles that put them in the limelight at the eighth annual YWCA’s Women of Excellence Luncheon — It’s what they’ve given to their community.
Mrs. Bakken, who won the “Woman in the Workplace” award at the luncheon at Civic Arena, with about 1,000 in attendance, is the Spanish interpreter for the Head Start at Community Action Partnership. She recruits low-income Hispanic families to participate in the program.

Roads in region reopen as flooding worries ebb
by Jimmy Myers
Thursday, June 11, 2009

Area rivers swelled after recent rains, but hints of flooding have subsided.

Kinder predicts 'bigger and better' tour
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder made St. Joseph’s participation in the Tour of Missouri official Tuesday.

Western's police academy to continue
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Low enrollment threatened to take Northwest Missouri’s police academy out of commission recently. But officials at Missouri Western State University, which oversees the Law Enforcement Academy, found a way to keep it alive. The academy, which is a feeder for rural municipal police departments as well as county sheriff’s departments throughout Northwest Missouri, also sends graduates to larger Platte, Clay and Buchanan county law enforcement agencies. Sgt. John Walker, director of the academy, who will retire in August, said the ebb and flow of attendance usually follows the dips and spikes in the economy. But this was the first time in his 10 years at the academy that he heard mention of closing.

TIF fight brews over Rock Port grocery store
by Jimmy Myers
Friday, June 5, 2009

One grocery store is apparently not enough for a tax increment finance board in Rock Port.
A group of developers looking to establish a new 10,000-square-foot grocery store is requesting $175,000 in TIF help. The TIF board met Thursday and listened to the developers and the owners of what is currently the sole grocery store in town — Rock Port Market.
Community members spoke for and against the TIF before the board voted unanimously and without discussion to approve the financing.

Robber strikes credit union
by Jimmy Myers
Wednesday, June 3, 2009

St. Joseph police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred Tuesday just after 10 a.m. at the Goetz Credit Union at 1905 Howard St. Capt. Kevin Castle, Police Department spokesman, said the suspect passed a note to a teller who in turn handed over an undisclosed amount of cash.

Warm weather means long lines at pools
by Jimmy Myers
Tuesday, June 2, 2009

St. Joseph city pools opened Monday, appropriately as temperatures spiked to the low 90s. Sun seekers in trunks and bikinis, beach towels draped over their shoulders, waited in lines to gain entry to the St. Joseph Aquatic Park at 402 Noyes Blvd. The Hyde Pool was bustling on its first day, too, but the Krug Pool was closed and only half full of water. City officials said the Krug Pool had a failed motor and had to be partially drained. Crews were working to replace the motor Monday and hope to have the pool ready this week. The city will announce when the pool will open.

Maryville renewal project to continue this summer
by Jimmy Myers
Monday, June 1, 2009

A Northwest Missouri community continues to chip away at a multi-phase plan to spruce up the heart of its town.
Maryville’s Campaign for Community Renewal has been raising money for five years to upgrade sidewalks, streetlights, storm sewers, wiring and facades around the historic town square. A recent $10,000 donation from Kansas City Power & Light sweetens the pot.
The first phase (completed in 2007) of the project addressed upgrades on the north side of the town square along Market Street between Third and Fourth streets.