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November 07, 2009

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Jennifer Hall - Business Reporter

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InterServ celebrates 100th birthday
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

Staff members at InterServ have been sorting through 100 years of memories this week. A birthday celebration is planned from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Wesley Center, 200 Cherokee St.

United Way surpasses fundraising goal by $56,000
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

As campaign chairman for the United Way campaign, Bill Severn knew this year was going to be a tough one.
But despite a bad economy, the United Way of Greater St. Joseph surpassed its $3.32 million goal. Campaign volunteers announced the agency’s final numbers at a victory dinner Thursday evening at the Fulkerson Center at Missouri Western State University. More than 200 community leaders attended the event.

Teachers receive Apple Seed Grants
by Jennifer Hall
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009

Educators know best that if at first you don’t succeed, try again. Three Coleman Elementary School teachers did just that.

Voter turnout higher than expected early on
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009

There was a steady stream of voters at several Buchanan County precincts Tuesday morning. A good turnout in comparison to April, the last time voters came to the polls for a levy issue.

Big Brothers Big Sisters off to strong start
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater St. Joseph made its first match in December 2008. Almost a year later, the organization has successfully paired 47 children with mentors.

Speaker: 'I was not a victim'
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

Jessica Cox isn’t different. She just does things in a different way.
She sits comfortably in her chair, sipping on her water. The flimsy plastic cup rests perfectly between her big toe and the next two. As she makes casual conversation, she sips her drink while the toes on her left foot squirm with gestures. This is how people without arms “talk with their hands.”

Celebrate for less
by Jennifer Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

Whether you’re entertaining the masses or hosting an intimate dinner, the budget always comes to mind. Decide on your budget first, then make your guest list — and not the other way around.

South Belt Blockbuster location closing doors Nov. 1
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009

Customers can expect some good deals on movies and video games as Blockbuster closes one of its stores in St. Joseph.

Boy Scout program offers juveniles a second chance
by Jennifer Hall
Monday, Oct. 26, 2009

Kids occasionally get in trouble. When they do, the Buchanan County juvenile office and the Boy Scouts of America want to give them a second chance.
“These aren’t criminals,” said Mike Flowers, director of Northwest Missouri Learning for Life with the Boy Scouts, a United Way agency. “They just made poor choices.”
For about 10 years, the local organization has been putting elementary through high school students through its juvenile diversion program. The 13-week program gives the offenders an opportunity to face reality and learn about the real world and the skills needed to succeed, Mr. Flowers said.

Albany parents deal with school closing
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

The Albany R-III School District’s custodial staff is working diligently to sterilize the schools in Albany, Mo., after the district canceled classes Thursday and today due to the spread of general flu-related illness throughout the system.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” said Superintendant Bryan Prewitt. “Timing was a huge issue.”
Mr. Prewitt met with other faculty members before making the decision, and said options were deliberated — that closing for only one day, or a day in the middle of the week, would be pointless.

House Fire at 17th and Penn Streets
by Jennifer Hall
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Despite a slow and steady rain, a two house fire has broken out at 17th and Penn Streets.

Classic car unites two couples
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

“What in the world is in Lubbock, Texas?” That’s the big question Pat Frye was asking herself when her husband’s surprise anniversary trip took a turn at Dallas. Gene Frye wanted this anniversary to be different. The Lake Viking, Mo., couple celebrated 50 years of marriage on Sept. 20.

United Way campaign gaining on goal
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph added a step to its campaign on Thursday: Dance United.
During the agency’s progress luncheon at the Wyatt Park Baptist Church, attendees learned a few new moves.
Hadley Douglas, 8, and her mother, Dottie, led a presentation showing how Children’s Mercy Hospital, a United Way agency, has helped the little girl with juvenile diabetes.

Local locksmith warns consumers of scam
by Jennifer Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

A nationwide locksmith scam that’s lasted two years has at least one local locksmith concerned. “They’re not locksmiths,” said David Haun, owner of St. Joe Locksmiths. “They’re giving all locksmiths a bad name.” Dependable Locks, a Florida-based company, was doing business all over the country, even in Northwest Missouri.

Running toward success
by Jennifer Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009

Ed Douglas couldn’t be prouder. More than 2,000 copies of his book will be given away to fellow marathon runners in Kansas City on Saturday.

Wheelchair doesn't slow down student
by Jennifer Hall
Monday, Oct. 12, 2009

Drew Paxton was the healthiest of Joy Paxton’s four children. But Ms. Paxton soon realized little Drew wasn’t rolling over, wasn’t crawling, wasn’t doing the things she thought babies were supposed to do. The doctors told her to give it time. After all, Drew had been premature. “She just needed to catch up,” Ms. Paxton said she was told. The Savannah, Mo., family was told their daughter had cerebral palsy when she was 10 months old. Her life is now led from a wheelchair, except for weekly physical therapy at United Cerebral Palsy, a United Way agency.

Career fair sets students up for 'success'
by Jennifer Hall
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009

Josie Crow is thinking about journalism. The aptitude test the 15-year-old Rock Port High School student took recently reinforced that idea.
High school sophomores from around Northwest Missouri attended “My Success” on Wednesday. The event is a two-day career fair hosted by the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce at Civic Arena.

Habitat for Humanity looks to boost its cause
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009

Rhonda Stockton didn’t have her own place until last year. She and her five children were often separated as the St. Joseph mother struggled to provide for her family. But that’s before her dream of a white picket fence came true. After working on the project herself, Ms. Stockton moved into her dream house, built through the Habitat for Humanity program. The organization is hosting fundraisers this week to collect funds, recruit volunteers and engage the community.

‘Frigid’ winter ahead?
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009

Cooler weather is here, and a much different winter could be just around the corner.
The impact of El Niño on weather patterns over North America is expected to be the greatest during the winter months, according to the Climate Prediction Center, a sector of NOAA’s National Weather Service.
The agency says that mean winter temperatures in the area have most often been above average in the last decade. But that’s about to change with developments in El Niño.

CAP offers energy-bill help
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Oct. 2, 2009

Despite a light drizzle and a cool breeze, a simple line formed outside the Community Action Partnership building.
There is hope for those in need.
The local agency began accepting applications for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) on Thursday. It was the first day for the elderly and disabled to apply. Regular households can apply after Nov. 1.

Parents scour shelves following Tylenol recall
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009

Keri Brostine figured she had a 50/50 chance that the bottles of Tylenol she had at home were safe.
Tylenol’s manufacturer voluntarily recalled certain lots of Children’s and Infant’s Tylenol liquid products on Friday because of concerns about one of the inactive ingredients.
Ms. Brostine found about four different versions of Tylenol products used for her three small children. Luckily, only one had to be thrown out.

Peace Keepers program targets youth anger
by Jennifer Hall
Monday, Sept. 28, 2009

Kids can get mad, too. It’s a rising issue among St. Joseph youths, and Debbie King wants to change that. “There is a tremendous need,” said Ms. King, manager of the Catholic Charities’ T-CAP (Teen Community Awareness Program).

How scary is too scary?
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Sept. 25, 2009

Halloween is that one time of year where scary and fun meet.
From haunted houses and princess garb to candy and pumpkin carving, all ages find the fall holiday a scream. But just how scary is too scary for kids?

Tommy Hoffman, come on down!
by Jennifer Hall
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009

Tommy Hoffman can’t tie his shoes. So what.
Rocking softly, he rattles off every host of “Family Feud” in less than two minutes. And that includes the dates on which they hosted.
He knows that the first game show wasn’t even on television but the radio in 1949. Now filter in that he can tell you the day of the week of your birth date.
He hasn’t missed a beat. He pushes back his glasses with one finger and quickly returns to the constant sway. It’s soothing and approachable.

Is clean energy bill bad for business?
by Jennifer Hall
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009

While millions of Americans are paying close attention to health-care reform, another policy is quietly moving forward. The American Clean Energy and Security Act barely passed through the House of Representatives in June and is now headed to the Senate. The bill could cost taxpayers up to $200 billion a year, according to documents released by the Competitive Enterprise Institute, a group critical of the proposal. Broken down, the average utility cost per household would be an extra $1,761 a year.

New faces show up at food banks
by Jennifer Hall
Monday, Sept. 21, 2009

More donations, more volunteers and more in need.
Food banks across the country are seeing increases in demand and giving. According to the Feeding America organization, 99 percent of food banks in the United States are reporting a surge in emergency food assistance, and 56 percent are seeing more children as clients.
InterServ’s Calvin Center, a United Way agency, sent three times the average number of needy to its food pantry this year. After the agency runs out of funding for utility assistance, it moves on to helping feed those in need. There were about 83 calls for assistance in April and 321 calls in September, said Bridget Supple, executive director of the InterServ Foundation.

Building has served city for a century
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009

One of St. Joseph’s oldest buildings celebrated its 100th birthday Thursday. But it was more than 150 years ago that John Patee laid out his plans. While he was a businessman, content on developing a flourishing community just outside of St. Joseph’s Downtown, the land Mr. Patee donated at Tenth and Lafayette streets was for one purpose and one purpose only.

American Family kicks off hunger campaign
by Jennifer Hall
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009

More than 800 employees at American Family Insurance enjoyed the nice weather with a barbecue and music on Tuesday.

Pharmacy owner attacked; incident under investigation
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009

A St. Joseph businessman was assaulted with a baseball bat during a robbery attempt early Monday morning. Police answered an alarm call at Stevenson Family Pharmacy at 6201 King Hill Ave. around 3 a.m., according to Kevin Castle, a St. Joseph Police Department spokesman. The pharmacy’s owner, David Stevenson, was later notified and arrived at the scene. At around 6 a.m., Mr. Stevenson was met at his door by a suspect wearing a ski mask and armed with a baseball bat. The suspect attacked Mr. Stevenson, 64, but ran off as Mr. Stevenson’s wife pulled into the parking lot. Mr. Stevenson decline medical attention.

Photo contest aims to shed a light on poverty
by Jennifer Hall
Monday, Aug. 31, 2009

A local service agency wants to spread the message of hope through a contest showcasing poverty in Northwest Missouri.
The Community Action Partnership is hosting a photography contest where amateurs, students and professionals can showcase their talents.
“The whole goal is to maybe shock people with real photos of real families living in pretty sad conditions,” said Rachel McCoy, director of development at CAP.

Local service agency receives award
by Jennifer Hall
Monday, Aug. 31, 2009

The Mo-Kan Regional Council has been honored for its effort to help other service agencies.

Homeless numbers remain steady in St. Joseph
by Jennifer Hall
Monday, Aug. 24, 2009

The homeless population in St. Joseph remains steady, according to results of a new survey.
The St. Joseph Continuum of Care found increases in several areas of the city’s homeless. The group conducts the counts in compliance with Housing and Urban Development regulations of shelters at least every two years.

Officials stress importance of safety
by Jennifer Hall
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

Safety was left off school supply lists, but law enforcement and school officials stress its importance as students head back to school this morning. “We’re going to be out in the school zones,” said Keith Dudley, traffic officer with the St. Joseph Police Department.

Stolen memories
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009

Jacob and Katie Kimble agree they’ll never forget their wedding day. They just wish everyone else could see it.
The couples’ wedding pictures were stolen last week from their photographer’s home in St. Joseph.
“The biggest bummer is we didn’t even get to see them,” said Mrs. Kimble.

Eww ... just what is that smell?
by Jennifer Hall
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009

At one point or another, everyone in St. Joseph has said those three little words.
“What’s that smell?”
It’s a common question that may have a simple explanation.

Shoe giveaway kicks off
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009

As soon as the shoebox was laid at his feet, Connor Burke began to smile. He got even more excited when he saw the shiny white tennis shoes inside. “I’m going to wear them home,” he said. Connor was among hundreds of school-age children to receive free shoes Monday from the Soles for Christ program held at the St. Joseph AFL-CIO Community Services’ building. AFL-CIO and its partner organizations and churches sponsor the annual event that provides new shoes for needy school children.

Belt Bowl shoots for 300
by Jennifer Hall
Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Belt Bowl complex has been around for at least five decades.

Mr. Goodcents’ new digs will include drive-thru
by Jennifer Hall
Thursday, May 28, 2009

Mr. Goodcents is trying something new: Adding a drive-thru lane to its first restaurant in St. Joseph.

Hot Dog!
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, May 22, 2009

Robert Wilson Jr. remembers the days of Der Weinerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog chain that had a store in St. Joseph.

Boyles Motors appealing decision
by Jennifer Hall
Tuesday, May 19, 2009

General Motors is questioning its relationship with Boyles Motors in Maryville, Mo.

Region spared auto cuts
by Jennifer Hall
Saturday, May 16, 2009

General Motors announced Friday that 1,100 of its dealerships are not economically viable.
Northwest Missouri dealers, however, will continue with business as usual.
The company notified the affected dealerships a day after Chrysler announced it was closing 700 of its poorest performing dealerships. GM has about 6,000 dealerships nationwide.
The decision is part of a reorganization in a troubled economy, said Mark LaNeve, GM’s vice president in a conference call with reporters.

New Dip Stix shop keeps Patee Town humming
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, May 15, 2009

When Leaverton’s Auto Supply closed its shops in November, it created a void in a vital section of Patee Town.

Pain at the pump returns?
by Jennifer Hall
Thursday, May 14, 2009

Drivers headed to the pump aren’t happy about what they’re seeing.
“I just knew this would happen once it got warmer,” said Derek Minter.
Gasoline prices jumped this week to more than $2 a gallon at gas stations in St. Joseph, with the lowest prices per gallon at $2.06. The national average on Wednesday was $2.26 and Missouri’s average was $2.15, according to AAA.

A green thumb can save some green
by Jennifer Hall
Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Leslie Ebling Jr. is in his second year of planting popcorn. The sixth-grader at Hosea Elementary School said he enjoys learning about planting gardens from his family and is looking forward to harvest. “It’ll be up in about three months,” he said about the seeds he planted on Tuesday with his father. While he hasn’t learned how to run his grandpa’s tiller, his grandmother, Alma Keith, said Leslie is going to be the farmer of the family.

Downtown farmers market will not open
by Jennifer Hall
Monday, May 11, 2009

The St. Joseph Downtown Farmers Market will not be open this year.

East Hills renovation nearly done
by Jennifer Hall
Saturday, May 9, 2009

Another deadline has passed.
The East Hills Shopping Center is nearly complete, but there is still a significant lack of expected tenants.
The $131 million project received tax-increment funding approval in January 2008 and was anticipated to be completed by Oct. 1, 2008. That date was pushed back to November 2008, and then to April 2009.

Walgreens coming to Maryville
by Jennifer Hall
Friday, May 8, 2009

The rumors have been put to rest.

Staying home not an option for many sick workers
by Jennifer Hall
Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Sick days can affect more than just “your” health. When Tonya Millens feels under the weather, she usually stays home. “Personally, I just don’t feel like working if I don’t feel good,” she said.