Susan Mires
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
Loaded up and truckin’
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008
Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008
Incubator lands first tenant
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008
St. Joe ready to get in swing of things
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
Homeowners, KCP&L prepare for winter
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008
Monday, Oct. 20, 2008
Harvest lags
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008
Hulshof talks agriculture
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008
Local Price Choppers changing names
Friday, Oct. 10, 2008
Friday, Oct. 10, 2008
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008
Monday, Oct. 6, 2008
Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008
Friday, Oct. 3, 2008
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008
Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008
In the data stream
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008
Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008
Friday, Sept. 5, 2008
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008
Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008
Cool, wet weather affects research crops
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008
I want my... I want my... i want my... DTV
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008
Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008
Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008
Economy takes toll on small business
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008
Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008
It’s a great place to raise a family.
Come on, consumers, you can do itSunday, Nov. 16, 2008
I saw you at Wal-Mart.
You were at the gas station, too, and in line at the grocery store, holding a fistful of coupons.
If I may say so, you were looking a little frazzled.
It seems, dear American Consumer, that the pressure is getting to you. First of all, you are being blamed for getting us into this financial mess by recklessly spending like there was no judgment day coming.
Loaded up and truckin’
Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008
Drivers are rejoicing that gasoline prices are down. Truckers don’t have as much to celebrate. “Prices are still high,” said Tavio Headley, an economist with the American Trucking Association. Diesel has consistently been 60 to 70 cents per gallon more than gasoline this year. Gasoline prices have been sliced in half since the national peak $4.11 in July. In St. Joseph, gas was selling for $1.77 or less last week.
Triumph celebrates three yearsSaturday, Nov. 15, 2008
Triumph Foods invited vendors and community leaders into the plant to thank them on Friday.
The pork processing facility was celebrating three years in business.
“We’ve had good support,” chief executive officer Rick Hoffman said. “I’d say we’ve had a big impact on local business.”
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008
Water rates are going ... down?
That’s right. The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a rate adjustment for Missouri American Water on Friday.
For St. Joseph customers, it figures out to a 2 percent decrease, a rather unusual scenario in a city used to escalating utility bills.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008
Many companies use the Pony Express approach to manage employees: Ride one horse till it wears out, then replace it.
Chase your dreams and pay the billsSunday, Nov. 9, 2008
No matter what else people do, they have to eat. This little truth was an effective tool for recruiting agriculture majors in college. It also contributed to my decision to earn a degree in agriculture science with a journalism minor. There may come a day when people don’t buy newspapers, but they will always demand bread and milk. And if things get really bad, I’ll know how to grow my own. In this economy, people are thinking more practically. Everywhere, it seems, but on college campuses.
Animal health, energy take focusSaturday, Nov. 8, 2008
Animal sciences and alternative energy are the future, Kansas City regional leaders believe.
Incubator lands first tenant
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008
St. Joseph’s animal health field expanded by one Friday with the addition of Imulan BioTherapeutics.
Imulan will be the first tenant leasing space at Missouri Western State University’s Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator.
Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008
Consumer confidence. It’s hard to spot a can-do, upbeat attitude among many shoppers these days.
I just got promoted to run the bankSunday, Oct. 26, 2008
This new job is wearing me out. Late at night, I’m stressing over all the decisions that could alter the lives of employees, borrowers, business owners and shareholders. One false move and the global economy goes swirling down the tubes.
St. Joe ready to get in swing of things
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
A state softball tournament will draw many visitors to St. Joseph this weekend. Sixteen girls teams are playing in the Missouri State High School Activities Association tournament at Heritage Park on Friday and Saturday. “It’s awesome,” said Mike Halloran, senior recreation supervisor with the city of St. Joseph. “We’re really excited about showcasing not only our facility, but our community, as well.”
Homeowners, KCP&L prepare for winter
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008
The effects of December’s devastating ice storm linger in the region. “There are still hundreds, maybe thousands, of trees in St. Joseph that have damage,” said Charlie Owens, owner of Charlie’s Tree Trimming and Removal. More than a half-inch of ice coated trees and power lines across the region. Power was knocked out to 90 percent of St. Joseph; some entire communities were without electricity. Some remote households didn’t get power restored for two weeks.
Regulators sue JBS, National Beef over dealMonday, Oct. 20, 2008
Regulators filed a lawsuit Monday to block the world's largest beef processor from buying the nation's fourth-largest operation, saying such a deal could push up beef prices for consumers and drive down prices paid to ranchers and feedlots. The Department of Justice and attorneys general for 13 states filed the suit against Brazilian beef producer JBS S.A. and National Beef Packing Co. of Kansas City, Mo.
Harvest lags
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008
If it’s not one thing, it’s the other. If it’s not the weather, it’s the market that’s causing problems for farmers this fall. Corn harvest is about 40 percent complete across the state, more than three weeks behind normal, according to the Missouri Agriculture Statistics Service. Rain last week will likely push it back further.
Bright spots on the horizonSunday, Oct. 19, 2008
Cheer up, things could be worse. My mom, who was a year old when the stock market crashed in 1929, admonished us with these words often while we were growing up.
Hulshof talks agriculture
Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008
Kenny Hulshof got back in touch with his rural roots Friday. “I’m a farmer. I’m the son of a farmer. I’m the grandson of a farmer,” Mr. Hulshof said at a campaign stop in St. Joseph. “I grew up in the state of Missouri with my hands in the dirt.”
Triumph delays project in IllinoisThursday, Oct. 16, 2008
Triumph Foods has indefinitely delayed construction of a new plant in East Moline, Ill.
Triumph delays East Moline projectWednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Triumph Foods has indefinitely delayed construction of a new plant in East Moline, Ill. “It’s no surprise given the current economic climate in terms of the financial sector and commodity markets that the timing is just not right to pursue a project of this size,” said Patt Lilly, chief administrative officer.
Rainy days in the forecastSunday, Oct. 12, 2008
When a hurricane blows across the Gulf of Mexico, homeowners on Faraon Street don’t have to board up their windows. But Northwest Missouri quite often gets soaked with wind and rain associated with the storms.
Pain felt far from Wall StreetSaturday, Oct. 11, 2008
It was a bad week.
Make that one of the worst weeks. Ever.
The Dow Jones industrial average lost 1,874 points, or 18.2 percent of its value this week. That’s the worst drop on record, both in point and percentage losses, and tops the previous record of a 17 percent drop in July 1933.
Local Price Choppers changing names
Friday, Oct. 10, 2008
Local Price Choppers will soon have a new name but all product lines will remain the same.
Price Chopper, Homeland Foods to become Apple MarketFriday, Oct. 10, 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.
Local sales tax revenues steadyThursday, Oct. 9, 2008
The latest sales tax revenues reflect a failing economy.
Johnson Controls worker dies at plantThursday, Oct. 9, 2008
A Johnson Controls Battery Division employee died during a meeting at the plant.
Gas below $3Monday, Oct. 6, 2008
There may be one good thing to come out of the market crash on Wall Street. Gas prices are below $3 per gallon in St. Joseph with many stations posting prices at $2.99 per gallon on Sunday.
Living above the bailout fearSunday, Oct. 5, 2008
It may be the only thing we have to fear. And when fear loomed large over the nation last week, we saw how frightening it can be. We twittered back and forth between which would be worse: Congress passing the $700 billion bailout. Or Congress not passing the bailout.
Region’s economy stable, officials sayFriday, Oct. 3, 2008
The region is holding up through the credit crisis, but local business leaders hope for federal action soon.
“I continue to believe we’re fortunate in St. Joseph that we’re somewhat — somewhat — isolated from the negative impact,” said Ted Allison, president of the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce. “But at some point, we are going to feel the impact of this.”
The House of Representatives is expected to vote today on a $700 billion bailout. The House rejected it earlier this week, but another version was approved by the Senate.
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008
As Washington debates a $700 billion bailout of the nation’s finances, ordinary Americans wonder what it will mean for them.
Nobody knows.
“This has never been tried before. It’s brand new territory,” said Dr. Pat McMurry, economics professor at Missouri Western State University. “If anybody tells you they know exactly what’s going on, don’t believe them.”
Political analyst Mary Matalin, speaking at Western’s Convocation on Critical Issues Tuesday morning, told students they were part of a paradigm shift on the political and economic scenes.
Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008
The sign on the refrigerator in the office break room offers a firm rebuke. “Everyone works hard for their money,” it states. “Please only eat what you have brought in for yourself.”
MetLife Home Loans buys part of First HorizonThursday, Sept. 25, 2008
MetLife Home Loans has purchased First Horizon’s residential mortgage business.
The business at 1807 N. Woodbine Road in St. Joseph has been operating as MetLife Home Loans since Sept. 2, said Jennifer Kneib, branch manager in St. Joseph. Otherwise, the lender continues to operate as usual.
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008
Tighter credit rules may be affecting the local housing market. Sales so far this year are down nearly 17 percent compared to 2007, according to the St. Joseph Regional Association of Realtors. Last month showed signs of improvement with sales of $15.7 million, up more than 5 percent from August 2007. Don Evans, local real estate agent and president of the association, said many people postponed purchases earlier in the year due to poor economic news. That has created some pent-up demand that caused more houses to move last month.
In the data stream
Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008
Talking on your cell phone? That is so last year. Since 84 percent of the U.S. population now uses cell phones, wireless companies are getting more creative in their offerings.
Somewhere between Alaska and a hurricaneSunday, Sept. 14, 2008
This week, I’m going to write about Sarah Palin. Not that I have anything new to contribute to the public discourse. But any article that mentions the vice presidential candidate rockets to the top of the discussion board. I’m all about shooting for attainable goals these days.
Chick-fil-A looking to land in St. JosephWednesday, Sept. 10, 2008
The site at the Shoppes at North Village just wasn’t working. That’s what a Chick-fil-A spokesman said. The spot, right at the entrance near Chili’s, has had a troubled life.
Pedaling out of the Pony Express eraSunday, Sept. 7, 2008
Professional bicyclists will gather in the shadow of the Pony Express statue tomorrow. It seems unlikely that an Old West town became the starting point for the Tour of Missouri, a cycling competition of international fame.
Smurfit Stone workers reject pactSunday, Sept. 7, 2008
Employees of Smurfit Stone Container rejected a proposed labor contract in a vote Saturday morning.
Smurfit Stone to vote on labor contract todaySaturday, Sept. 6, 2008
Workers at Smurfit Stone Container will vote today on a new labor contract.
St. Joe ‘on to something good’Friday, Sept. 5, 2008
It’s great to brag about St. Joseph’s No. 1 ranking for business recruitment and retention, advises Frank Spano.
“But you’ve got to back it up,” he said at the Economic Summit Luncheon on Thursday.
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008
New York is convinced it’s the center of the universe.
They can’t imagine why any one would want to live anywhere else. As Eva Gabor told Eddy Albert, “Dah-ling, I love you, but give me Park Avenue.”
Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008
Gas prices headed up this week ahead of Hurricane Gustav, but farmers got a bit of a break.
Cool, wet weather affects research crops
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008
ALBANY, Mo. — A cool wind blew and rain dampened the field day at Hundley-Whaley Farm Research Center on Wednesday.
Utility rates going up againWednesday, Aug. 27, 2008
Utility rates only know one direction: Up. And more hikes are on the way. Consumers already bearing the burden of higher fuel and food prices are doing their best to adjust. St. Joseph sewer rates will go up in October; a water rate adjustment is pending and Kansas City Power & Light expects to request a rate increase in the near future.
Build one convention center, for the sake of historySunday, Aug. 24, 2008
St. Joe loves us some history.
We don’t just keep it in the past, either. From the Pony Express to the Civil War, this city often recreates history.
I want my... I want my... i want my... DTV
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008
In 177 days, digital television becomes the law of the land.
Broadcasters say they’re prepared and viewers are urged to get ready, as well.
Hundreds of people have bought digital converter boxes from St. Joseph Electronics. You don’t even need to wait to February to use it, said Aaron Swett, a sales representative at the store.
Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008
St. Joseph’s sewer problem represents a $450 million tab and years of investment.
5 groups to benefit from software grantTuesday, Aug. 19, 2008
They started out to help one organization.
Saw dust, excitement in the air over East HillsSunday, Aug. 17, 2008
Construction workers in reflective vests outnumber teenagers at East Hills Shopping Center these days. There’s something else at the mall that hasn’t been there for a long time. Excitement.
Economy takes toll on small business
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008
Closing the store was a tough decision. David and Linda Laderoute bought Designs by Gordon with high hopes in 2002. Bringing her expertise in horticulture and his business experience to an established floral shop seemed like a winning combination. “We spent a lot of time and research, but unfortunately we didn’t have a crystal ball,” Mr. Laderoute said.
Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008
Cell phones dazzle us with their repetoire of high-tech tricks. They can take pictures, read maps, send e-mail and play music. But one thing remains that I really want out of my cell phone. I wish I could hear it.
