Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008
In just a few days, the St. Joseph Police Department will undergo a strict inspection. Members of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) will assess the department based on four basic areas of standards: policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services.
Music fans pack into park on festival's second daySunday, Aug. 17, 2008
Hundreds of country music fans packed Civic Center Park on Saturday, some even several hours before the concerts began. Rising country music stars Kellie Pickler and Ashton Shepard performed in front of a tightly packed Trails West! crowd. The concert didn’t start until 7:30 p.m., but people were saving their perfect spots hours beforehand.
Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008
After a few manufacturer delays, the new 911 communications center should be up and running in October.
Men charged with molestation out on bondSaturday, Aug. 16, 2008
Three men charged with child molestation are now out on bond.
Carter resigns position with Sheriff’s DepartmentFriday, Aug. 15, 2008
Just one week after going head to head against his boss for a chance to become Buchanan County sheriff, Brian Carter called it quits. The former evening shift supervisor in the corrections department has worked for the Sheriff’s Department since 2000. He now plans to leave law enforcement behind after he turned in a letter of resignation on Wednesday. “I decided it would be in my best interests to pursue another career path,” Mr. Carter said.
Patrol, police gear up for back-to-school traffic increaseFriday, Aug. 15, 2008
It is about back-to-school time around the nation and students aren’t the only ones gearing up. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the St. Joseph Police Department have spent the past few days preparing for the increase in traffic and pedestrians. The Highway Patrol said that in 2007 the most accidents involving drivers under the age of 21 occurred between the hours of 3 and 4 p.m., when schools are typically letting students out for the day. More than 450 children were injured in crashes involving pedestrians.
Citizens take action
Monday, Aug. 11, 2008
Armed with radar guns, several citizens in St. Joseph now have their sights set on speeders.
Citizens who are concerned with speeders in their area can do something about it with the help of Sgt. Bill McCammon of the St. Joseph Police Department.
Wednesday night, two St. Joseph residents did just that. Danielle Hunt and Jim Korell with the Central Neighborhood Watch Group spent just more than an hour in the back of a sport utility vehicle armed with a pen, paper and a Police Department-issued radar gun.
On the scene in 9 minutes flat — or less
Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008
Vickie Pickett remembers a day when waiting for an ambulance could sometimes seem like forever. Now, sometimes they arrive before she’s ready for them. Ms. Pickett is a night medic at the Vintage Garden South assisted living center. She joined Vintage Garden South three years ago and remembers waiting several minutes with her elderly patients before an ambulance would arrive. “I just called one not too long ago, and they were here before I had the paperwork ready for them,” Ms. Pickett said.
Friday, Aug. 8, 2008
Braving the flames of a fire may have seemed easier than the intense day of tours and forums the five candidates for St. Joseph Fire Department chief went through Thursday.
Strong, Higdon win sheriff primary racesWednesday, Aug. 6, 2008
There was only one silent moment in Sheriff Mike Strong’s night Tuesday — one long enough to take in a breath before the cheers, shouts and celebration began. With celebration headquarters set up at Barbosa’s Castillo restaurant, Mr. Strong and his slew of supporters had their eyes glued to either a television or laptop for about an hour after the polls closed at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The result — Mr. Strong won the Democratic spot for Buchanan County sheriff against Ron Fisher, a marshal in the courthouse, by just 366 votes.
Night of fun to support policeMonday, Aug. 4, 2008
Police officers deal with all kinds of people and situations that often times go unnoticed. The Central Neighborhood Watch Group, along with Sherwood Neighborhood Association, plans to change that.
On Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m., the organizations will hold an event in conjunction with National Night Out. National Night Out is America’s night out against crime and is designed for communities to support local law enforcement. The event will be held at Sherwood Park located at 29th and Edmond streets.
Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008
With a tour named after his childhood hero, Harry Truman, Democratic candidate for Missouri attorney general Jeff Harris made a stop in St. Joseph on Saturday.
Taking care of good ol’ Fido
Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008
Summer, the season for grabbing a shovel of a different kind and heading out to the garden. But if you’re a pet owner, those chemicals used for luscious roses or a weed-free lawn could hurt or even kill good ol’ Fido.
Sheriff Strong runs for re-election on his record
Friday, Aug. 1, 2008
When it comes to running a sheriff’s department, Mike Strong has the know how. The Benton High School graduate and St. Joseph native has been Buchanan County’s sheriff for almost four years. Mr. Strong is up for re-election in the Aug. 5 primary against fellow Democratic candidate Ron Fisher. “It was always my intent to run again,” Mr. Strong said in regards to a possible re-election.
Getting by with what they haveSaturday, July 26, 2008
The Buchanan County Drug Strike Force’s excitement was short lived following news of a $297,000 grant at the beginning of the month.
Capt. Mike Donaldson knew the grant was less than it used to be, but he hoped the federal government would help keep that Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant alive.
The grant awarded $5.5 million to law enforcement agencies throughout the state this year. While Mr. Donaldson said Congress could restore the justice grant, the federal government left it in limbo.
Carter targets budget in run for sheriff
Friday, July 25, 2008
Campaigning with young enthusiasm, management experience and a strict plan of attack, Brian Carter, a Republican candidate for Buchanan County sheriff, is preparing for the Aug. 5 primary election. The Missouri Western State University criminal justice department graduate hails from Bethany, Mo., and has worked for Buchanan County since early 2000. Mr. Carter, an evening shift supervisor in corrections for the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, said he’s had intentions of running for sheriff ever since he started in law enforcement.
Deputy says he believes disciplinary action was politically motivatedMonday, July 21, 2008
A Buchanan County Republican candidate for sheriff has decided to speak out about disciplinary action taken against him related to a vehicle pursuit.
Battalion chief pens book on historyMonday, July 21, 2008
After 14 years of fighting fires, Battalion Chief John Q. Nelson decided to put down the hose and pick up a pen.
No cell phones allowed at pool
Monday, July 21, 2008
Cell phones are everywhere these days. Just don’t try to use one at the Maryville Aquatic Center (MAC). This summer marks the third summer the MAC has placed a ban on all cell phones. “It’s nothing that has happened to us up here, but in the aquatic industry, there has been discussion about it for a while,” MAC Supervisor Shelly Hersh said.
Atchison does it up bigSunday, July 20, 2008
Thousands of people flowed through Atchison, Kan., over the weekend. Some from hundreds of miles away.
Scooter drivers need to keep it legal
Saturday, July 19, 2008
In a society influenced by high gas prices many are turning to scooters as a new means of travel.
Scooters, like all other vehicles, come with a set of laws. But the St. Joseph Police Department says those laws aren’t being recognized by scooter riders.
Along with national and state regulations, the city of St. Joseph has several sections of laws written specifically for scooters and mopeds.
Fisher’s campaign 34 years in the making
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ron Fisher has known for most of his 34-year career that he would some day campaign to be Buchanan County sheriff. The St. Joseph native knew when he was a 21-year-old St. Joseph Police Department officer that he wanted to lead the county’s law enforcement officers. But he never anticipated such a tough race. “I filed with two minutes to go because I knew how hard an incumbent is to beat,” Mr. Fisher said.
Contributions count in race for sheriffThursday, July 17, 2008
As two Republican and two Democratic candidates for Buchanan County sheriff compete for votes, they also make a dash for cash.
A little rain can't stop the rockSunday, July 13, 2008
With a rock wall for climbing and a miniature firetruck rolling along the block, The St. Joseph Fire Museum hosted its third annual Rock and Roll Saturday.
Higdon runs for sheriff on stewardship, values platforms
Friday, July 11, 2008
With more than 29 years of experience, strong moral values and some of the biggest signs in town, Republican candidate for Buchanan County sheriff Galen Higdon hopes he has what it takes. The St. Joseph native knew at a young age that law enforcement was in his future. His father was a St. Joseph Police Department officer. After 29 years patrolling the county roads Mr. Higdon, a current sergeant with the patrol division, noticed a change in the direction the department was heading and thought he could do a better job. Mr. Higdon made his decision to run for office two weeks before filing for the position began.
New system will help locate 911 cell phone callers
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Her job involves everything from livestock on the loose, wrecks, drunken falls and shots fired. No matter what the event, Joan Clayton relies on her communications system to help her locate exactly where a 911 phone call is coming from. Ms. Clayton has worked in St. Joseph and Buchanan County’s 911 communications center for 23 years and soon, for the first time, she will be able to determine the location of an individual placing a call from a cell phone.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Music could be heard throughout much of Downtown on Saturday as seven different bands filled Civic Center Park with sound. All seven bands were playing for a good cause.
2-vehicle wreck causes 2nd accident when righted SUV rolls down hillSunday, July 6, 2008
What started as a two-vehicle accident Saturday afternoon at the intersection of North Third Street and East Highland Avenue ended up as two separate accidents.
Patrol out in force for holiday weekendFriday, July 4, 2008
The official holiday weekend began at 6 p.m. Thursday, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is using all available officers on the roadways to help deter accidents.
Last year, two people were killed and 230 were injured across the state during the Fourth of July weekend. Troopers also arrested 50 people for driving while intoxicated.
The Highway Patrol will be using Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) as a way to be visible and reduce accidents when traffic is at the highest count, said Troop H Sgt. Sheldon Lyon. The operation means additional officers during the holiday.
Vehicle smashes into building
Thursday, July 3, 2008
A wreck that occurred during the noon hour sent a vehicle through the front doors of a Downtown building Wednesday. Leigh Violett, 32, of St. Joseph, was eastbound on Felix Street when the Kia she was driving was struck by a Volkswagen driven by Erin Mead, 21, also of St. Joseph. Ms. Mead was southbound on Seventh Street when she failed to stop at a stop sign, causing the accident, said St. Joseph Police Department Sgt. Bill McCammon.
What goes up usually comes down
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The official start of fireworks season — yes, there is a season, according to the city of St. Joseph — began on June 20. Since then, the St. Joseph police and fire departments have repeatedly responded to calls regarding fireworks.
Man, 29, arrested in fatal accidentWednesday, July 2, 2008
A St. Joseph man was arrested Tuesday for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident that killed a 10-year-old boy. Michael Burgess, 29, surrendered himself at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H headquarters alongside his attorney Tuesday afternoon, said Sgt. Sheldon Lyon. The accident occurred Friday on U.S. Highway 59, two miles south of St. Joseph. Mr. Burgess allegedly was traveling south when he struck the rear of another southbound vehicle. That vehicle overturned several times, coming to rest on its wheels on the west side of the roadway. Mr. Burgess then fled the scene, according to the Highway Patrol report.
Watchful neighbors can help deter crimeTuesday, July 1, 2008
Knowing your neighbor could be the difference between being robbed and keeping your things.
Police program offers protection tipsMonday, June 30, 2008
On average, a burglar will only spend 60 to 90 seconds entering a home. Improperly secured doors and windows are the burglars’ easiest routes to their prize.
Brown says farewellSunday, June 29, 2008
Teary-eyed firefighters hugged the man who gave them a chance. After 38 years with the St. Joseph Fire Department, Fire Chief Jack Brown is retiring.
No injuries in train derailment in Atchison
Saturday, June 28, 2008
ATCHISON, Kan. — A train heading westbound through Atchison derailed at the U.S. Highway 59 and Fourth Street intersection at 5:55 p.m. Friday.
Cleanup begins following fire that gutted buildingFriday, June 27, 2008
The cause of a blaze that destroyed much of a three-story Downtown building Wednesday is still under investigation.
Smoke gets in your eyesThursday, June 26, 2008
The effects of the fire that broke out in Downtown St. Joseph Wednesday afternoon could be felt over much of the city.
Storm sirens meant for outdoorsWednesday, June 25, 2008
Buchanan County already has experienced some tornado watches and warnings this year. As thunderstorms once again appear in this week’s forecast, it bears the question: Are the city of St. Joseph’s 20 public storm warning sirens doing their job?
Residents may want to keep their ears tuned to the skies during outdoor activities to listen to the sirens. If you’re inside, however, you may have to work a little harder to get the warning.
St. Joseph Fire Department captain and Emergency Management Coordinator George Albert says the sirens are intended to be heard outside as a warning for those who aren’t near a television or radio. “Those indoors should watch television or listen to the radio for information,” Mr. Albert said.
Monday, June 23, 2008
A panic button here and an alarm there seem to be among the few details the St. Joseph Police Department has to worry about before its reaccreditation attempt.
Distractions equal disaster
Sunday, June 22, 2008
If you have sat at a stoplight and looked around recently, you probably have witnessed some accident-inducing behaviors from your partners on the road. Someone with a cell phone in hand or a fast-food bag in the passenger seat, or maybe a cigarette out the window. Distractions such as these on the roadway can lead to accidents. The intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and South Belt Highway is the most accident-prone location in St. Joseph, based on the number of calls placed to the St. Joseph Police Department communications center.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
If you didn’t get a chance to take in the sights, sounds and smells of the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival on Felix Street Square, you’re going to have to wait another year to truly allow your senses to enjoy the start of summer.
Suspect arrested in robbery, stabbing
Friday, June 20, 2008
A 19-year-old woman was in stable condition Friday following a robbery attempt at the Stop N Go Discount Store along U.S. Highway 59 in Winthrop. A suspect was being held in the case.
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