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Marshall White - Reporter

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Fewer customers cost Las Palma's

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009

The closing of Las Palma’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant after 14 years in business brought a number of agonized responses from local Facebook fans, but the closing may have had more to do with financial difficulties.

Watch the bridge as it’s being built

Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009

ATCHISON, Kan. — Things are happening in this Kansas river town. You can find out on your computer or take a trip.

Pallid sturgeons released into river

Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009

A net dipped gently into the cold, dark waters of the Missouri River. About 75 wiggling pallid sturgeon fingerlings thrashed, then descended to their new home Wednesday.
The fingerlings were raised at Blind Pony Fish Hatchery at Sweet Springs, Mo., had grown to 6 to 8 inches long and were ready for release, said Darby Niswonger, a Conservation Department resource staff scientist.
Except for an occasional fish leaping out of the water and flocks of geese winging through the cold sky, it was a quiet day to work on the river.

Library expects more cuts

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

The St. Joseph Public Library instituted a hiring freeze and closed on Sundays to save money. But more drastic changes may come down the pike.
To balance next year’s budget, the board may have to reduce more services or increase revenue, said Brian Cronk, board president. There has been no decision by the board to ask voters for a levy increase, he added. The board wants to hear from library patrons first.
“The board and staff are committed to operating all four branches, but we’re a victim of our own success,” said Mary Beth Revels, library director.

Pharmacy robber faces life in prison

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009

A convicted felon faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison after entering a guilty plea Monday in the burglary of Stevenson Pharmacy. Decked out in an orange jail jump suit, Johnny Jones, 36, stood before Circuit Court Judge Patrick Robb and said he wasn’t under the influence of drugs and voluntarily pleaded guilty to the three felony charges connected with breaking and entering the South Side pharmacy on Sept. 1. Mr. Jones said he cut the wires leading to the pharmacy and broke in the back door to the building. When he saw that a new metal door had been installed leading to the pharmacy, he decided to leave for a couple of hours. He returned, saw a car in the parking lot and re-entered the pharmacy wearing a ski mask and carrying a baseball bat.

A bit of wintry weather

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009

Despite high surface temperatures Monday, vehicles littered roadways as Northwest Missouri got its first taste of wintry weather. For a time, drivers headed into a white-out, a predicament that caused accidents Monday morning. Emergency crews and wreckers kept busy as drivers attempted to navigate slush-covered roads. The St. Joseph Police Department responded to 16 accidents and five reports of motorists needing assistance, said Sgt. Bill McCammon, the department’s traffic supervisor. While no injuries were reported, this was double the daily number, Mr. McCammon said.

Property of the Past, Nov. 16, 2009

Monday, Nov. 16, 2009

This city has a rich and varied aviation history, dating back to the days of Wilbur and Orville Wright at the beginning of the 20th century. A recent talk by this reporter showed the city’s aviation history beginning in 1908.

Ready, aim, donate deer meat

Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009

Rural areas of Northwest Missouri can expect to see a lot of traffic this weekend and hear the sounds of gunshots as the 2009 Missouri firearms deer season opens today.

Air Force training center gets new leader

Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009

Col. Vincent J. Teuber assumed command Friday of the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, the Air Force’s mobility center for teaching defensive flying to airlift crews. It also is a clearinghouse for gathering and disseminating airlift tactics.

Attorney adjusts to new job as associate judge

Friday, Nov. 13, 2009

MAYSVILLE, Mo. — For more than a decade, this attorney prosecuted criminal cases for several area communities and worked as DeKalb County’s attorney. Now, Bart Spear is getting used to a new role as DeKalb County’s associate circuit judge.

St. Joseph pays tribute to veterans

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

There were a number of activities for veterans in and around St. Joseph on Wednesday, including a gathering of 765 former military men at Hy-Vee for the annual Veterans Day breakfast event. A group of about 35 cadets, veterans, staff and a few students gathered in the student union building for Missouri Western State University’s Veterans Day ceremony. Lt. Col. Marcus D. Majure, commander of the Reserve Officers Training Program, delivered the main address, thanking all veterans for their service. A parade of four marching bands, vintage military vehicles and about 400 ROTC cadets wound through Downtown streets Wednesday afternoon.

Family recalls brother’s loss

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

Veterans Day can be a time of remembrance. In the French Bottoms, a part of St. Joseph separated by the Missouri River, there is a sign that gives the barest hint of one family’s connection to Veterans Day.

Red cross provides support for troops

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

For 128 years, the American Red Cross has been serving U.S. troops at home and on the battlefields. “Most people don’t realize we are committed to be there 24 hours a day for services to the armed forces,” said Kevin Kirby, director of the Midland Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross

Andrew County seeks USDA option for jail funds

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

SAVANNAH, Mo. — Andrew County found a possible financial solution Monday for a new jail, even though there are still questions.

Property of the Past, Nov. 9, 2009

Monday, Nov. 9, 2009

As Veterans Day approaches, it’s time to remember another veteran whose work made a huge impact on Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

Enthusiasts get first shot at Geiger's new range

Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009

The sounds of multiple shotguns firing reverberated off nearby hills Saturday as the smell of spent gunpowder wafted through the ravines at Camp Geiger.

Calloway earns 5th-round TKO in "Final Conflict"

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

The details of his “Final Conflict” didn’t go as planned, but St. Joseph boxer Rob Calloway still ended his career the way he wanted: with a knockout.
Calloway claimed a technical knockout of heavyweight Clinton Boldridge in the fifth round Saturday at Civic Arena.
Calloway, the 40-year-old St. Joseph fighter who planned Saturday’s card as his retirement bout, originally planned to fight Darrin Humphrey. But Humphrey didn’t show up for the Friday weigh-in, so Calloway turned to Boldridge as a late replacement. Boldridge (9-14) is a heavyweight who weighed in at more than 240 pounds. Calloway fought at 204.

Guard group arrives home

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

A special group of airmen and soldiers returned Friday to Rosecrans Memorial Airport after a year on the ground in and around Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
The 10 airmen and two Missouri Army National Guard soldiers were part of Missouri’s second joint Army and Air Guard agribusiness team.
“You’re all heroes who had the guts to stand up for your country,” said Col. Michael McEnulty, the Wing commander.

Fire destroys South Side home

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

A mother and her two sons escaped with only the clothes on their backs as fire consumed their one-story frame home on the South Side Friday. No one was injured in the blaze.

MoDOT offers relief to farmers by allowing heavier loads

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

It’s been a wet year for many farmers in Northwest Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Transportation recently decided to offer a little relief.

Family flees as house erupts

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

A mother and her two sons escaped with only the clothes on their backs as fire consumed a one-story frame home on the South Side Friday. No one was injured in the blaze.

Suspect charged in farm thefts

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

A 48-year-old man is accused of stealing farm equipment earlier this year.

Lathrop honors fallen war hero

Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009

The war in Afghanistan came home to the front porches of Lathrop this week, and the community turned out to pay respects to its hero. Dr. James Crenshaw, Lathrop’s mayor, proclaimed Wednesday as a day to pay tribute to the memory of Sgt. Issac Brandon Jackson. The sergeant volunteered for an extra mission on Oct. 27 in the Arghandab Valley when another soldier wasn’t ready, said the Rev. Ron Malott.

Rural schools overcome economy

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009

Northwest Missouri voters in five school districts outside St. Joseph went to the polls to decide on school improvements for their children. Despite generally hard economic times, voters in three districts said yes, and in one district the issue failed. The fifth district saw the vote pass, but it must wait for a partial recount.

Army base boosts region's economy

Monday, Nov. 2, 2009

The economic engine that drives St. Joseph can be likened to a patchwork quilt, and one piece people don’t often think about is Fort Leavenworth. “The Army spends $1.2 billion a year on salaries, supplies and services at Fort Leavenworth,” said Jack Walker, deputy to the garrison commander. “Money goes across the bridge to a lot of communities within a 50-mile radius of the fort.”

Property of the Past, Nov. 2, 2009

Monday, Nov. 2, 2009

Property of the Past, Nov. 2, 2009

Area voters also head to polls

Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

The need to upgrade schools will be the most common issue Northwest Missouri voters decide on Tuesday.

BNSF gives museum $10,000 for repairs

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

Owning this community’s only National Historic Landmark means the Pony Express Historical Association always has something to repair at the Patee House Museum.
The transportation gallery roof is 32 years old and leaking in the rear portion, said Gary Chilcote, museum director.

U.S. 36 regional marketing effort under way

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

Enthusiastic supporters of an effort to promote cultural tourism and other activities along U.S. Highway 36 gathered Monday in Chillicothe to create a united regional marketing effort.

Local man serves with distinction

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Maj. Zachery Kerns is a 1993 Central High School graduate who proudly wears the Special Forces green beret.

Arrest made in home invasion

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Buchanan County sheriff’s deputies executed two search warrants and arrested one man Wednesday in connection with an Oct. 13 home invasion and robbery at Lake Contrary.

Funding for Savannah a ‘DREAM’ come true

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009

Savannah joined the growing list of Northwest Missouri communities Tuesday that have been selected to participate in the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri program, also called DREAM.

Jail plan moves forward in Andrew County

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009

SAVANNAH, Mo. — A seven-member review committee visited the Andrew County Jail on Monday and told the county commissioners to advertise for land.

Property of the Past, Oct. 19, 2009

Monday, Oct. 19, 2009

Museums document history to help us understand why things are the way they are today. So history is the study of change and the effects of change.

Students trained in situational awareness

Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

Schools, parents and even students are getting excited about a new Missouri National Guard program that has nothing to do with recruiting. Sgt. First Class Jordan Bennett and Sgt. First Class Charles Wood taught a situational awareness course to three gym classes Thursday at Mid-Buchanan School.
“You need to be aware at all times and all places, so that you’re not the victim,” Mr. Bennett told the students.
“We’re not telling you to be scared at Wal-Mart, just be aware.”

Eagle Scout plans memorial for U.S. service members

Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009

A dream will become reality for a teenager who’s spent two years making it happen. A student of military history — especially World War II — and an avid Boy Scout, Lawton Huffman dreamed about creating a veterans’ memorial. Lawton challenged himself by making the dream his Eagle Scout project.

Postal Service eyes closing Fairleigh station

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

Rumors surfaced Tuesday that the U.S. Postal Service wanted to close four local stations — Fairleigh, Pony Express, Wyatt Park and the Stockyards branches. The Postal Service is conducting a discontinuance study of Fairleigh station, 2514 Frederick Ave., because ways have to be found to improve the revenue stream, said Terry Penland, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City district office. Originally, the Postal Service wanted to close Fairleigh, Pony Express and Wyatt Park stations, Mrs. Penland said. Other communities that have the same level of income have fewer stations, she added.

Family escapes early morning blaze

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009

Screams from an expectant mother roused an extended family from sleep early Monday morning so that everyone could escape a burning house on the southwest corner of 16th and Oak streets.

10 Escape Early Morning Fire

Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

Only minor injuries.

Ten escape early morning fire

Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

Screams from an expectant mother rousted an extended family from sleep early Monday morning so that everyone could escape a burning house on the southwest corner of 16th and Oak streets.

Churches join forces to ‘meet real world needs’

Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

Three years ago, a local church came to the conclusion that while it did a good job meeting members’ spiritual needs it wasn’t dealing with real world needs.

Property of the Past, Oct. 12, 2009

Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

Property of the Past, Oct. 12, 2009

Guard to receive newer planes

Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

It will be the passing of an era Tuesday when the 139th Airlift Wing sends the first of its original, factory-fresh Hercules planes — which it has had since 1987 — to Arkansas.

Charges Filed In Platte City Cold Case

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

A man and woman are now charged with the murder of a truck driver at an I-29 rest stop.

Charges filed in 2008 killing

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

PLATTE CITY, Mo. — A 13-month investigation into the murder of a truck driver stopped at an Interstate 29 rest area has ended, with charges filed against two people from Mississippi.
Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd charged John M. Hughes, 33, and Dana K. Tutor, 34, in the shooting death of Valentin G. Kirilchuk, a truck driver from Springfield, Mo. Mr. Kirilchuk, 39, died of an apparent gunshot wound to the head on Sept. 8, 2008. A passer-by found his body in a men’s lavatory at the rest area near Dearborn, Mo.

Guard combats H1N1 among its ranks

Friday, Oct. 9, 2009

The Missouri National Guard adopted the Boy Scouts’ motto “be prepared” as it fights the spread of H1N1 virus among its ranks.

Savannah officials face tough choices on water

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009

SAVANNAH, Mo. — City officials are trying to keep water rate promises made to voters who supported bonds and building a new water plant. But the city administrator discovered some flaws that will force the city council to make some hard choices.

Group preserves national treasure

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009

The Mount Mora Preservation and Restoration Association continues to work to save and improve the city’s only cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places.

Speakers stress flexibility to ROTC

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009

Students from Fort Leavenworth had a message Wednesday for Reserve Officers Training Corps students at Missouri Western State University.

Jail planning begins

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009

The process for a new Andrew County jail kicked off recently. An advisory board of seven county residents, picked by the Andrew County commissioners, and seven guests attended a public meeting to listen to Sheriff Brian Atkins talk about the need for a jail and some of the architectural ideas.