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Ray Scherer - Regional Reporter

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Edgerton sets annual Pioneer Days
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009

The 2009 Edgerton Pioneer Days will be held the weekend of Sept. 11 to 13 in and around the city park in Edgerton, Mo.

Rain crimps, highlights annual Hundley-Whaley field day
by Ray Scherer
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009

ALBANY, Mo. — Wednesday’s drippy weather set an appropriate tone for Missouri Climatologist Pat Guinan’s address to a room packed with nearly 200 of the region’s farmers.

Robber strikes Platte City store
by Ray Scherer
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009

A male robber took an undetermined amount of cash and checks from a Platte City discount store late Tuesday morning and was apprehended in St. Joseph. The suspect may be connected to bank and credit union robberies in St. Joseph.
Det. Al DeValkenaere of the Platte City Police Department said the Platte City robbery occurred about 11:45 a.m., at the Dollar Store & More, 1303 Platte Falls Road.
Mr. DeValkenaere described the crime as a strong-armed robbery, without the suspect making any threats or displaying a weapon.

Man sentenced to eight years for conspiracy to kill wife
by Ray Scherer
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009

A Nodaway County man was sentenced Monday to serve eight years in state prison for conspiring to have his wife killed. Robert L. Dieker Jr., 33, of Maryville, received the sentence after earlier pleading guilty to the felony of conspiracy to commit the first-degree murder of his wife, Christina L. Dieker. Nodaway County Prosecuting Attorney David Baird had alleged that Mr. Dieker had agreed with others to carry out the murder — with a photograph, automobile license information and work schedule provided as assistance. Police arrested Mr. Dieker in August 2008 after an undercover investigation led by the Maryville Department of Public Safety.

Festival flourishes to an end
by Ray Scherer
Monday, Aug. 24, 2009

Organizers gushed over the accomplishments of the 2009 Trails West! as the annual festival wound down to its finale on Sunday.
One anecdote on the event’s success, according to Allied Arts Council director Teresa Fankhauser, was found in the means that about a dozen out-of-towners discovered a route to Downtown St. Joseph. Several vehicles stopped at Love’s Travel Stops on the South Side in hopes of landing directions. Someone offered to lead them straight to all of the activity.

Officials considering new facility
by Ray Scherer
Monday, Aug. 24, 2009

School and senior citizens’ officials in Chillicothe, Mo., are mulling the prospects of a partnership facility to house their respective programs and classrooms.

Economic workshop set for Pattonsburg
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009

The city of Pattonsburg, Mo., will host a Fundamentals of Economic Development Workshop Sept. 22.

Veteran walks on behalf of kids harmed by war
by Ray Scherer
Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

Gunnar Swanson walks through the Midwest to recruit child ambassadors to conduct diplomacy with Iraqi and Afghani children.
Mr. Swanson did well in reaching that goal Thursday after telling 16 Cameron YMCA youths why he’s making a 1,000-mile trek — A Soldier’s March For Peace — from Texas to Minnesota this summer. The former North Dakota Army National Guardsman
helps lead War Kids Relief — a charity effort that raises funds to assist overseas children adversely impacted by war.

Trained dogs prove helpful as assistant farmhands
by Ray Scherer
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

Dennis Schmitz has hired a farmhand named Roy to help corral rambunctious sheep and cattle on his Northeast Nodaway County property. He does need a chore hound like Roy — who in this case is a 3-year-old border collie specially trained to herd livestock. His four-year wait for such a service animal became reality Tuesday morning. In 1999, Mr. Schmitz was severely injured in a tractor accident that left him with a broken neck, shattered right arm, and other major injuries. A dog like Roy can come in handy for those physically limited in the aftermath of serious injuries, according to Jackie Allenbrand, AgraAbility specialist for PHARM, a program by Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living.

Maryville agrees to penalty for wastewater violation
by Ray Scherer
Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009

The city of Maryville, Mo., has agreed to pay a $33,000 civil penalty to settle allegations it failed to properly operate its industrial wastewater pretreatment program.

Last day of summer fun?
by Ray Scherer
Monday, Aug. 17, 2009

One clear and youthful refrain was heard throughout the St. Joseph Aquatic Park’s season finale Sunday afternoon.

Region’s farmland bucks wide trend
by Ray Scherer
Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009

The value of farmland in five Northwest Missouri counties is stable, despite an overall nationwide decrease in price, a university survey says.
The measurement — which depicts the first drop in farm real estate value since 1987 — serves as a mirror on the credit market during the recession and also can give insight into the state of rural prosperity.
A report recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that the nation’s farm real estate averaged $2,100 per acre at the start of the year — down 3.2 percent from 2008.

New superintendent hired for Kickapoo Nation School
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

A new superintendent has been hired for the Kickapoo Nation School in Powhattan, Kan.

Inquiry finds no evidence of buried barrels
by Ray Scherer
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009

Investigators said Monday they did not find evidence that barrels were buried near a St. Joseph tannery. Meanwhile, federal and state officials plan to test more farm fields in Northwest Missouri later this month.

Thrifty shoppers hunt during last day of bargains
by Ray Scherer
Monday, Aug. 10, 2009

Mike Grier didn’t mind taking a long drive just to make a thrifty purchase on a laptop computer for the family.
Mr. Grier, of Hiawatha, Kan., was among the throngs of shoppers jamming St. Joseph stores Sunday for the last day of Missouri’s back-to-school sales tax holiday weekend. It was the last opportunity of 2009 for shoppers to discover bargains on clothes, computers and school supplies — all free of sales tax. Kansas does not have a similar sales tax holiday ahead of the school year.
“It helps out a whole lot, actually. It adds up,” Mr. Grier said as he and his 10-year-old son, Zach, headed out of Best Buy with the laptop. It was just part of a daylong back-to-school shopping excursion for father and son.

Grants given to fight drug crimes
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009

Five law enforcement agencies in the region will receive federal Justice Assistance Grants to help combat drug-related crimes, Gov. Jay Nixon said.

DeKalb Homecoming draws large crowd on first night
by Ray Scherer
Friday, Aug. 7, 2009

DEKALB, Mo. — It’s been a long time since anyone thought a school bus was the most important reason to hold a festival.

Hog farm sets mood for St. Joe couple
by Ray Scherer
Friday, Aug. 7, 2009

Leave it to pet pigs Arnold and Orville to help bring happy matrimony to a St. Joseph couple.

Platte County voters renew parks tax
by Ray Scherer
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009

Platte County voters said Tuesday they want continued growth in a system of parks, trails and other recreational facilities they can enjoy into the future. In unofficial results from a special election, a total of 2,667 people voted to renew a countywide half-cent parks tax against 2,273 who voted against the proposal. The tax began in 2000 and has already paid for trails, new parks, community centers, playgrounds and other facilities. “We definitely appreciate the citizens of Platte County stepping forward” to extend the tax, said parks director Brian Nowotny.

‘Fellowship and camaraderie’
by Ray Scherer
Monday, Aug. 3, 2009

WESTON, Mo. — Forrest and Margaret Rowe can always count on an assortment of summertime treats when they visit Holy Trinity Catholic Church in early August.

Platte County voters to decide parks tax renewal
by Ray Scherer
Monday, Aug. 3, 2009

Trails, expanded community centers and playgrounds would be among facilities built if Platte County residents vote Tuesday to extend a parks tax.

Travel centers’ merger could affect regional projects
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009

Two of the nation’s largest travel center companies recently announced plans to merge, a move which could affect the future of two proposed Northwest Missouri construction projects.

Sex crimes trial starts for former Tarkio teacher, coach
by Ray Scherer
Thursday, July 30, 2009

OREGON, Mo. — A jury trial for a former Tarkio teacher and coach accused of several sex crimes got off to a slow start Wednesday.

Maysville school levy comes up for a vote
by Ray Scherer
Wednesday, July 29, 2009

A declining population, leaky roofs and rising utility bills all factor into next Tuesday’s special property tax election in the Maysville School District.

Grain elevator catches fire
by Ray Scherer
Monday, July 27, 2009

St. Joseph firefighters spent nearly four hours Sunday afternoon wrestling with a stubborn grain elevator fire at the Lifeline Foods plant.

‘Summer Blowout 2009’ scheduled for Clinton County
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Economic Development Council of Clinton County will hold “Summer Blowout 2009” Aug. 14 and 15 at Perkins Park in Plattsburg.

Monkey trial ends with guilty verdict
by Ray Scherer
Thursday, July 23, 2009

A Buchanan County jury Wednesday found a rural Agency, Mo., woman guilty of receiving two exotic monkeys as stolen property last year.

Jury trial over exotic monkeys gets under way
by Ray Scherer
Wednesday, July 22, 2009

A jury trial related to the recovery of two exotic monkeys from the Agency. Mo., area began Tuesday in Buchanan County Circuit Court.

Rock Port grocery owners may challenge how TIF was passed
by Ray Scherer
Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The owners of a Rock Port, Mo., grocery are considering legal action on methods used to pass a tax-increment financing proposal for a new supermarket.

PETA supporters demonstrate against circus animal care
by Ray Scherer
Monday, July 20, 2009

Circus spectators were greeted Sunday afternoon along the St. Joseph riverfront by demonstrators who find fault with the way handlers treat performing animals.

Students win at SkillsUSA nationals
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, July 18, 2009

Several area students won medals in the recent 2009 National SkillsUSA Championships in Kansas City.

New ‘government’ meets
by Ray Scherer
Friday, July 17, 2009

SAVANNAH, Mo. — A new government formed Thursday to address a lack of safe and reliable drinking water sources in parts of Northwest Missouri.

Tannery working on deal to preserve sludge records
by Ray Scherer
Wednesday, July 15, 2009

A St. Joseph tannery said Tuesday it is cooperating with victims in a civil lawsuit to retain documents pertaining to sludge spread as fertilizer for area crops.

Water commission to hold inaugural meeting
by Ray Scherer
Monday, July 13, 2009

A new, regional public water utility — the Great Northwest Wholesale Water Commission — will hold its inaugural meeting Thursday in Savannah.

Fallen helicopter pilot honored at festival
by Ray Scherer
Monday, July 13, 2009

Patriotic Northwest Missourians gave a red-white-and-blue definition to a fallen DeKalb County military hero Sunday night. Chief Warrant Officer Matthew G. Kelley of the U.S. Army received special honors at the third annual Maysville Community Veterans celebration, held at the Pony Express RV Campgrounds. Organizer Edie Lowry said the event honors veterans of the past, present, and future. “How many of us stop and think how our freedom can vanish in a blink?” she asked. “My heart is so strong for our military men and women,” she added later with tears.

Earhart-era plane on display at aviation museum
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, July 11, 2009

The type of aircraft Amelia Earhart flew when she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean is now on display in Pensacola, Fla.

Community responds to dogfighting allegations
by Ray Scherer
Thursday, July 9, 2009

Several residents were caught off guard over the possibility that a dogfighting operation could operate near their quiet farming community.
At the Gilman City Cafe Wednesday afternoon, employees Felicia Clutter and Karlee Cleaveland chatted amiably on the pros and cons of different dog breeds after hearing the allegations. Both women classified themselves as dogfighting opponents.
Ms. Clutter said the existence of a dogfighting ring wouldn’t have been a surprise to her. The potential impact on the community also would tend to bother her.

Residents seek sludge fertilizer answers
by Ray Scherer
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Tim Shields and Ellis LaFollette had different reasons for wanting to speak with officials Tuesday night about sludge fertilizer that contains chromium.
Both men were among a small crowd that attended a public availability session at Missouri Western State University to learn more about test results on sludge with toxic chromium 6. Last week, federal and state officials announced that the sludge used as fertilizer on area farms did not contain enough chromium to pose a public health concern. The sludge came from a South Side tannery now owned by National Beef Leathers and formerly owned by Prime Tanning Corp., and was offered free to farmers.

Man sentenced in stabbing death
by Ray Scherer
Tuesday, July 7, 2009

A Tarkio man was sentenced Monday to 10 years in state prison for a fatal stabbing in 2008.
Steven T. Sapp, 20, was ordered to serve a concurrent 10-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action convictions. Mr. Sapp avoided a scheduled jury trial May 13 by pleading guilty to both charges.
He and 40-year-old Steven A. Leach of Maryville were involved in a March 30, 2008, fight outside the house of Mr. Leach’s wife, Ruschia, in Pickering in northern Nodaway County. He was originally charged with second-degree murder.

Local man’s love for arts leads to PuppetFest
by Ray Scherer
Monday, July 6, 2009

CAMERON, Mo. — Matthew Burnett’s flair for everything arts could soon make room for the whimsy of puppets.

A young Michael Jackson left an early impression
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, July 4, 2009

I never would have thought that a budding music star like Michael Jackson would make it to my hometown. But he and his brothers arrived in Sedalia to perform at the 1972 Missouri State Fair.

What are the benefits of art?
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, July 4, 2009

The Zimmerman Highkin Group of Salina, Kan., will hold an informational and visual presentation Thursday in Maryville on public art and how it can benefit a community.

Officials formally break ground for new bridge
by Ray Scherer
Friday, July 3, 2009

The Missouri River was a silent, flowing backdrop Thursday morning as Kansas and Missouri officials recalled history and looked forward to a modern bridge. The formal groundbreaking for a replacement Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge happened about a month after initial preparations began on pier footings. Plans call for the four-lane span to be completed in the fall of 2011.

EPA inquiry finds sludge is not threat
by Ray Scherer
Thursday, July 2, 2009

Sludge containing a toxic chemical and used as fertilizer on area farms does not pose a public health concern, government agencies reported Wednesday.
However, a second round of soil tests is planned for 15 farms this month, officials said at a news conference held at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional office, said Bill Rice, the agency’s acting regional administrator. Those tests will attempt to determine differences in the presence of chromium 6 among fields with high, moderate and low amounts of spreading.

South Side memorial honors city’s immigrants
by Ray Scherer
Monday, June 29, 2009

The term “sweat equity” was not in vogue when immigrants Herman and Julia Fisher settled in the South Side during the early 20th century.

National music culture tour plans Northwest Missouri stops
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, June 27, 2009

Maryville and Trenton will be host cities for New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music, in 2010.

‘A lot more convenient’
by Ray Scherer
Friday, June 26, 2009

The early signs of a new Missouri River bridge already begin to stand in contrast to the aged span it will replace in two years.
Kansas Department of Transportation and Missouri Department of Transportation officials detailed plans for the new Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge Thursday morning — with the din of busy construction equipment echoing in the background.
Work began earlier in the month to begin placement of pier footings on the Missouri side of the structure. The U.S. Highway 59 bridge will be built about 78 feet south of the existing span. A formal groundbreaking ceremony is set for July 2.

Fireworks season starts off with a bang
by Ray Scherer
Monday, June 22, 2009

All indicators point to a booming fireworks sales season in the St. Joseph area with no concerns over the weak economy. Several fireworks businesses around the city expressed high optimism for 2009’s Fourth of July-related sales, and said the tally may even exceed last year. Prospects rank good for lofty sales at Kovac’s Fireworks, 7701 S.E. King Hill Road, said co-owner Becky Thomas.

Expanded highway to open by July 2010
by Ray Scherer
Saturday, June 20, 2009

A project to expand U.S. Highway 36 into four lanes through all of northern Missouri is now 60 percent complete, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Helena’s oldest citizen honored
by Ray Scherer
Thursday, June 18, 2009

Geneva Slade can’t understand all the fuss made over her role in helping Webster Park in Helena reach its centennial celebration.
In the eyes of the 98-year-old, the small eastern Andrew County community was simply the place where she and her husband, Preston, lived, attended church, farmed, raised a garden and helped folks find ways to celebrate local heritage each late June.
Geneva will be honored at noon June 27 as the oldest member of the Helena community, and people are already offering hearty congratulations. The town began celebrating the park’s first year of 1909, a festival which has remained unbroken. Her activities and contributions to Helena merited the special honor, organizers said.
“I used to help with it a lot,” Geneva said. “Those years are gone.”