November 21, 2009
Jennifer Hall - Business Reporter
Pain at the pump returns?
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
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 openMonday, May 11, 2009
The St. Joseph Downtown Farmers Market will not be open this year.
East Hills renovation nearly done
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.
Friday, May 8, 2009
The rumors have been put to rest.
Staying home not an option for many sick workersWednesday, 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.
Nixon announces work force development program
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Gov. Jay Nixon announced a program Friday that could get thousands of Missouri students introduced to more high-tech, high-paying careers.
Dillon enjoys lottery positionSaturday, May 2, 2009
Pat Dillon hadn’t been on Missouri’s Lottery Commission very long before he got to make someone’s day.
A profitable cycleFriday, May 1, 2009
A few bucks here and there for your used cans can’t be a bad thing in a tough economy.
St. Joseph's jobless rate highest since 1995Thursday, April 30, 2009
The growing unemployment rate is putting a strain on aid agencies.
“Our goal is to assist as many as possible, as many who are eligible and get them on board,” said Arleasha Mays with the Missouri Department of Social Services.
St. Joseph, at 8.5 percent, was just below the national and state unemployment rates in March, according to information the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released Wednesday. The local jobless rate was 8.5 percent in February, and 5.1 percent a year ago.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Mounds of sweet hotcakes with piles of strawberries and warm maple syrup are almost here.
Eatery owner caters to small townFriday, April 24, 2009
KING CITY, Mo. — Chris Wenell went from big-city catering to rural America’s family nights out and T-ball pizza parties.
Prime Tanning allegation raises new fearsFriday, April 24, 2009
News of a possible link between a local tannery and a string of cancer and tumor diagnoses has hit home for many South Side residents.
Administrative assistants honored at YWCATuesday, April 21, 2009
Receptionists, secretaries, administrative assistants.
Plant lover buys Rau’sFriday, April 17, 2009
Bill Manville bought his plants and flowers from Rau Florist & Greenhouse years ago.
Ever After: Wed 67 years, pair couldn’t go on without each other
Friday, April 17, 2009
Lyle Yingling died of a broken heart.
He had congestive heart failure, but his family and close friends contend that the news of his beloved wife’s death led him to heaven to be with her.
The scene in Troy, Kan., is much like one from “The Notebook,” a romantic story of two lovers who spent a lifetime together and now ever after in death.
1,800-plus job seekers descend on Civic Arena
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
St. Joseph’s unemployed are taking their jobs seriously. About 200 job seekers lined up outside the doors of Civic Arena on Tuesday at the St. Joseph Employment Coalition Career and Resource Fair. Another 1,000 unemployed visited the center within the first hour. All were dressed for an interview, with resumé in hand. By the time the event was over, more than 1,800 job seekers had passed through — about the same number as participated last year, officials said.
Tax deadline looms
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The clock is ticking and thousands of taxpayers won’t file their taxes on time.
The deadline to file federal and state income taxes is Wednesday. The U.S. Postal Service and the Downtown office of the Internal Revenue Service will be open until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Returns must be postmarked by April 15.
“It is critically important to file by the deadline,” said Michael Devine, a spokesman with the IRS. “The best thing is don’t wait till the 15th.”
Residents’ reaction heated
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Reactions were heated on Wednesday. Both sides of a failed ballot issue were vocal about Tuesday’s outcome.
“I’m extremely embarrassed by my community,” said Terri Kropf. The St. Joseph mother said the “no” voters basically told the children of St. Joseph that they’re not worthy.
The St. Joseph School District’s 63-cent operating levy failed, as well as the bond initiative that would have built two new schools.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
It can be tough to associate earth-friendly with trash, but one local company is giving it a try.
Tax filers encounter long wait for refundsSaturday, April 4, 2009
Taxpayers are asking the Internal Revenue Service to “show me the money.”
“No, they’re not imagining things,” said Ted Farnan, public information officer with the Missouri Department of Revenue. “It is taking longer.”
Many Missourians who filed earlier this year are still waiting on a refund from the state, despite already receiving their federal income tax refund.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Ashley Cruz recently left her job in the credit card industry to open her own home-based day care. In a troubled economy, the St. Joseph woman wanted more stability.
Career fair planned as jobless rate jumpsThursday, April 2, 2009
The unemployment rate in St. Joseph increased again, from 7.8 percent in January to 8.2 percent in February, according to information released Wednesday from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“It is a very difficult time right now,” said Jodi Bloemker, director of community investment at the United Way.
Ms. Bloemker said that an upcoming job fair could really benefit the community.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
It’s been a long time since Gwen Barber paid a visit to the high school guidance counselor’s office to have help with job skills.
Typing tests, resumes, interview skills and wardrobe were just a few of the things she remembers discussing with her counselor in the 1980s. Ms. Barber is now one of the thousands of unemployed in St. Joseph looking for work.
“It stinks cause we all want the same jobs,” she said.
The unemployment rate in St. Joseph was 7.8 percent in January, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There were 5,175 unemployed in January, compared to 3,936 in December 2008.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
For many in the audience, Bill Millett offered a moment of nostalgia. The keynote speaker at the Spring Chairman’s Breakfast on Friday spoke of a time when the United States led the way, well ... in pretty much everything.
Used vs. new cars: You may be surprised at the costFriday, March 27, 2009
Many Americans are cutting back on their spending, but now might be a good time to buy a new vehicle.
An increase in pricing and decline in inventory of used cars have led many shoppers to new car dealerships, according to local dealers. It’s a decision most wouldn’t have thought about in a struggling economy.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
So I was pretty impressed to hear that Orscheln Farm & Home collected 3.7 million pounds of batteries to be recycled into new batteries. The company held their first battery exchange recently at all 152 Orschelin locations in nine states.
Smokers brace for big increase
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Smokers may have another reason to quit — it’s expensive.
The federal excise tax on cigarettes will jump from 39 cents per pack to $1.01 per pack. The change takes effect on April 1 and includes all tobacco products.
“It’ll affect everyone’s business,” said Brian Dickens, owner of St. Joe Distributing. “Orders for cigarette prices will be down.”
Workers starting to see stimulus
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The stimulation has begun.
Millions of Americans will notice a little more dough on their paychecks by April 1. The Making Work Pay credit is 6.2 percent of a taxpayer’s earned income with an annual maximum credit of $800 for a married couple filing a joint return and $400 for other taxpayers, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
A taxpayer making $30,000 a year would receive about $10 a week. The credit is phased out for higher-income taxpayers.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Vern Perkins could have retired. At 76 years old, most of his peers are already there. Instead, Mr. Perkins recently started a new venture and opened his own insurance office.
5,175 out of work in St. Joseph
Friday, March 20, 2009
The local job market is feeling the ache of a national recession.
Unemployment in St. Joseph jumped two points, from 5.8 percent in December to 7.8 percent in January, according to information released Thursday from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The national unemployment rate in January was 7.7 percent, an increase from 7.3 percent in December. Missouri unemployment is at 8 percent for January.
According to the report, there were 5,175 unemployed in St. Joseph in January, compared to 3,936 in December 2008.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Chick-fil-A is still coming . . . just not now. The southern chicken eatery should break ground by the spring of 2010, according to Brenda Green, a company spokesperson.
Maryville native leads ‘big, bold experiment'Thursday, March 19, 2009
A Maryville, Mo., native led the largest newspaper to cease printed publication and go online only. Roger Oglesby didn’t like being the bearer of bad news.
Debt woes riseSaturday, March 14, 2009
Millions of Americans are in debt. So, it’s not surprising that debt consolidation agencies are popping up all over the country to help.
“It is a huge market out there,” said Mike Hanneman, a certified financial counselor with Consumer Credit Counseling Service in St. Joseph.
Mr. Hanneman said his nonprofit agency has grown in the past year because of debt, especially with mortgage payments and payday loans.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The St. Joseph Internal Revenue Service office is moving this summer.
Chinese restaurant to locate in East HillsThursday, March 12, 2009
A second chinese food restaurant is in the works for the East Hills Shopping Center.
County sales tax revenue down
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It’s a slow start to consumer spending in 2009.
Sales tax revenues following the holiday season are down almost 6 percent, according to a general fund comparison report from Buchanan County. Revenue totals were at $386,155 for January, compared to $409,756 in January 2008. For February, revenues were down 2 percent at $603,028, compared to $618,564 for the same month in 2008.
“City revenues aren’t down, but they aren’t up, either,” said Carolyn Harrison, the city’s financial director. “They’re maybe a tiny bit increased.”
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The region is vying for a new assembly plant. Smith Electric Vehicles struck a deal with Ford Motor Co. earlier this year to begin manufacturing all-electric, zero-emission commercial vehicles. The Ford Transit Connect is a battery-powered, light-duty van and is scheduled for production next year. Smith’s parent company, Tanfield, also owns Snorkel International in Elwood, Kan. Smith has a temporary headquarters based in Overland Park, Kan. Now the Kansas City metro area is competing against other locations in the country for the electric vehicle plant.
Casino admissions and revenues up for FebruaryTuesday, March 10, 2009
Admissions and revenues were up last month for Terrible’s St. Joe Frontier Casino, according to the monthly financing report by the Missouri Gaming Commission.
End of an era in St. Joe: D&G closesTuesday, March 10, 2009
A St. Joseph icon closed Monday.
A sign on the door at the D&G Restaurant at 1918 Frederick Ave., told customers that owners had closed the restaurant for retirement. Owners Pete and Pam Miner bought the old eatery in 1975 after Mr. Miner began working at the restaurant in 1971.
By some estimates, the restaurant has been around since the 1940s.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Judy’s D&G Restaurant at 1918 Frederick Ave., closed today. Owners Pete and Pam Miner are retiring after 38 years in business.
Prime Tanning changes handsSaturday, March 7, 2009
Prime Tanning officially became part of National Beef Packing Co. on Friday.
No severance for Smurfit workersFriday, March 6, 2009
Vacation pay and unemployment are all that await former Smurfit-Stone Container workers.
Prime Tanning soldSaturday, Feb. 28, 2009
Dozens of Prime Tanning employees applied for new jobs at the plant Friday.
Fence company opens on PearFriday, Feb. 27, 2009
Josh Bundy has given about $1,000 worth of estimates since January, but no one is spending right now.
Program aims to help struggling homeowners
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009
The ink is too fresh to know if the stimulus package signed last week will save the housing crisis. St. Joseph, like many communities, is still seeing a number of foreclosures, despite low interest rates on home loans. “Statistically, the foreclosure rate has jumped dramatically,” said Jerry Reeves, a foreclosure intervention counselor with Catholic Charities in St. Joseph.
An opportunity, not an eyesoreTuesday, Feb. 24, 2009
Downtown is showing progress. Some businesses are new, some have relocated and others are expanding.
Medical lab relocates to new complexSaturday, Feb. 21, 2009
A St. Joseph medical business will get a new home after 18 years.
Laser hair removal emerges as latest trend
Friday, Feb. 20, 2009
Hair removal can be scary and painful. From shaving, tweezers and waxing, now comes laser hair removal. Popularity with the procedure has many businesses cashing in.
Stoney Creek ready for buildersFriday, Feb. 20, 2009
The water is gone and Stoney Creek is gearing up for construction.
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