Candidates share plans, ideas with public
Campaign promises come with a price. Candidates for mayor and the St. Joseph City Council discussed methods to pay for the city’s needs and wants Friday during a debate sponsored by the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce at Holiday Inn. City staff and members of the current council have recently discussed general obligation bonds — or G.O. bonds — as a means to fund big-ticket items like sewer upgrades and road expansions. However, such bonds would require voter approval from a cash-strapped taxpayer base. Mayoral candidate Dick Sipe said the city is a strong candidate for a low interest rate.
New sewer project on track
When the budget gets tight, the extra bells and whistles become harder to justify. The City Council has decided not to pursue any expensive “extras” when it begins its Whitehead Creek storm water separation project later this year. The project’s main goal is to separate the storm water and wastewater systems near Whitehead Creek in southeast St. Joseph to meet federal mandates to cut sewer overflows into the Missouri River. However, the city investigated additional measures that could cut flooding in the area. The logic being that if they already plan to redo a section of sewer, why not install an even larger pipe to accommodate serious storms? The city could save costs by addressing both issues at the same time.
Shearin evaluates his own performance
You’ve heard what Mayor Ken Shearin has to say about the city manager’s performance. Now the mayor has turned in an evaluation of his own efforts over the past four years.
Shearin wants to review Capell
St. Joseph Mayor Ken Shearin’s personal review of City Manager Vince Capell’s job performance appears to be the only one the council will issue before it leaves office next month. Mr. Shearin wrote a memo last week criticizing Mr. Capell for shortcomings related to professional development, relations with the council, customer service, reaching goals and preparing the city budget. The mayor stands by his words, but says his broader goal was to initiate a performance review process to take place this month, as mandated in Mr. Capell’s contract.
Council approves methane gas project
That’s more than a bag of trash on the sidewalk. It’s the newest source of electricity for St. Joseph. The St. Joseph City Council approved an agreement Monday between the city and Kansas City Power & Light to develop a project that will convert methane gas into electricity at the St. Joseph Sanitary Landfill.
Winners will have difficult work ahead
The winners of next month’s City Council elections better not plan to spend too much time celebrating their victories.
City insurance rates could rise
Police officers, street workers, firefighters and other city employees could face a hike in their health insurance costs when the City Council dives into next year’s budget.
Sipe, Falkner advance in mayoral race
Just two days into March, St. Joseph has cut its final four to two. Mayoral candidates Dick Sipe and Bill Falkner soundly defeated Norma Jo Maccoux and Steve Warner on Tuesday to advance to April’s general election. Only 103 votes separated Mr. Sipe and Mr. Falkner, who received 43 percent and 42 percent of the vote, respectively. Mr. Warner received 9 percent and Ms. Maccoux gathered 6 percent.
Taxiway funding in question
A bill proposed last week in the Missouri Senate could ground repairs at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. Sen. Tim Green, D-St. Louis, introduced Senate Bill 1000 last week, which would transfer money from 23 state accounts into the state’s general fund.
Mayor ponders bid for Missouri House
Though his name does not appear on today’s ballot, St. Joseph Mayor Ken Shearin may not have given up on public office just yet. Mr. Shearin confirmed speculation Monday that he is considering a run for the 29th District seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.
Political hopefuls prepare for run at mayor’s office
Any voter looking for an anti-jobs, anti-communication, anti-Missouri Western candidate will be out of luck Tuesday. Hopefuls for mayor and 3rd District City Council have taken their buzzwords along the campaign trail in recent weeks with aspirations to survive the cut from four to two in the city’s primary election.
Council approves creation of new codes for historic properties
St. Joseph’s historic properties have attracted passionate owners who dream of restoring the homes to their former glory.
Slew of CIP projects keeping city busy
Winter weather has likely pushed most of St. Joseph’s residents to their limit. Sore backs from shoveling snow. Busted shocks from potholes. A school year that creeps further into summer with each snow day. Enough already. City Hall needs the weather to break for an entirely different reason. They have promises to keep from the city’s Capital Improvements Program.
Mayoral candidates debate business climate
Given the state of the economy, it should come as no surprise that aspiring city officeholders want to tout plans to jumpstart the local economy. Candidates in the mayoral and 3rd District City Council races pitched their ideas Thursday evening in a debate hosted by Missouri Western State University. Mayoral candidates Norma Jo Maccoux, Dick Sipe, Bill Falkner and Steve Warner joined 3rd District candidates Steve Sewell and Mike Bozarth on the stage.
‘Closed’ meeting opens to public discussion
An hour of venting may have thawed icy relations between St. Joseph firefighters and city staff Tuesday. The City Council’s personnel and finance & audit committees held a joint meeting at City Hall to discuss ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the city and the police and firefighters unions. The meeting was advertised as “closed,” but a crowd of city employees — many not involved with either union — packed the room to voice their opinion. Employees spoke up before the council could vote to clear the room, which led to an unexpected round of public discussion.
City sees $1.4 million shortfall in general fund
The local economy has not done City Hall any favors. A drop in sales tax revenue leaves St. Joseph officials in a tight spot when searching for a way to pay for the services residents expect. Halfway through the 2009-10 fiscal year, the city’s general fund faces a shortfall of roughly $1.4 million, officials say.
To smoke or not?
It’s Thursday night at the Snake Bite Club, and owner Tom Mangos prepares to try out a new idea in his Downtown bar.
Earnings tax flier misleading
A flier circulating in St. Joseph warns citizens of drastic cuts to the police and fire departments if they sign a petition from an out-of-town banker.
Fort Smith vote spurs debate
After a fight that lasted longer than Fort Smith itself, St. Joseph history buffs are poised to restore a local Civil War landmark. The St. Joseph City Council passed a trio of ordinances Monday allowing it to purchase property at 802 Prospect Ave. — the former site of a Union fort. The city will pay $85,000 for the wooded hilltop property, with $70,400 coming from cellular phone tax settlement revenue and $14,600 from the sale of park property.
Mayor urges common sense for future
From his perch atop the Mississippi River bluffs, Mark Twain once complained that common sense wasn’t, in fact, all that common. A century removed from the writer’s statement, St. Joseph Mayor Ken Shearin finds the same attribute lacking in his own river city. Mr. Shearin prescribed “common sense for uncommon times” Monday as he gave his State of the City Address at City Hall. Despite the fact that he has just two months remaining in office and will not seek re-election, Mr. Shearin chose to look ahead, not back.
Political hopefuls share their views
St. Joseph’s next mayor laid out a plan for the next four years Wednesday night. It’s up to the public to decide which plan will work best. Candidates for mayor and City Council made their pitches to the public during a Relate & Debate event at East Hills Library. Norma Jo Maccoux, Dick Sipe, Bill Falkner and Steve Warner each spoke for five minutes about the goals they hoped to achieve as mayor should they win the voters’ approval.
Costs add up for parades, festivals
The Mardi Gras brouhaha has made one fact clear: planning a parade isn’t easy. Any group that wants to put on an event that uses city facilities or streets in St. Joseph must obtain municipal permits, insurance, security and a list of necessities that change on a case-by-case basis.
Council hopefuls vie for 3rd District seat
Next month will bring the first indicator of whether City Hall should expect another house cleaning. St. Joseph voters showed incumbents little kindness in 2006 when they elected seven new faces to the City Council. Third District council member Mike Bozarth will be the first incumbent to defend his seat when he faces Steve Sewell, P.J. Kovac and Don Peters in the city’s primary election March 2. With the election a month away, the News-Press introduces the 3rd District candidates in the order they will appear on the ballot.
Four vie for mayoral post
Four years ago, many observers viewed Ken Shearin as little more than a protest candidate for voters unsatisfied with the incumbent. But when the ballots came in, Mr. Shearin landed in the mayor’s office in a result he still refers to as a total surprise. Mr. Shearin’s decision not to run for re-election means another fresh face will climb into the highest seat in city government.
Council gives green light to Downtown TIF
Downtown St. Joseph better get ready for a little bit of Brazilian sizzle. The City Council approved a tax increment financing project Monday to renovate the Eshelman Building at Sixth and Edmond streets. O Carnaval Brazilian Steakhouse will serve as the anchor tenant, with three retail shops adding variety along Edmond Street. Mid-City Partnership sought roughly $1.4 million in TIF assistance to renovate the building — referred to as the Center Building in the application, also known as the Eshelman Building.
New study finds bacteria lingering on soda fountains
Whether it’s a rumble in the stomach, a wave of nausea or any number of other unmentionable bodily functions, the symptoms of food poisoning are easy to recognize. Victims often blame an undercooked burger or perhaps an egg roll that spent two hours too many on the buffet line. A new study suggests the problem may not rest on the plate, but in your cup.
Slew of changes being reviewed for city charter
A single change to the St. Joseph City Charter may not be enough for the City Council.
Communication error causes drama
"What we've got here is failure to communicate." Like Cool Hand Luke and The Captain, Mayor Ken Shearin and the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce don't always see eye to eye.
Snow, slush, potholes, oh my!
As soon as the street department fixes one problem, another emerges from beneath.
Residents turn out to learn about proposed TIF project
Questions abound about a new Downtown development, and now a few answers have emerged. City council member Barbara LaBass hosted a meeting Tuesday where citizens could learn about a proposed tax increment financing project to open a Brazilian steakhouse and three retail businesses in Downtown St. Joseph. Mid-City Partnership seeks roughly $1.4 million in TIF assistance to renovate the building at Sixth and Edmond streets - referred to as the Center Building in the application, also known as the Eshelman Building.
St. Joseph competing for transit funds
St. Joseph's bus system hopes to grab a share of funds from a new federal transit grant program. The City Council approved an application for a $988,000 grant Monday from the Federal Transit Administration that would fund a series of capital improvements projects for St. Joseph Mass Transit. The city must contribute 20 percent in matching funds to receive the grant, bringing a potential total of more than $1.2 million in capital improvements to the transit department.
Buses experience travel difficulties
The recent round of snow has left some bus riders out in the cold. St. Joseph Transit has cut back service to side roads, with buses traveling exclusively on snow routes since Saturday. Kurt Janicek, general manager for St. Joseph Transit, said roughly one-fourth of its customers are riders who request curbside pick-up off the normal bus routes. With reduced routes, riders who cannot drive or do not own a car must rely on friends or family for transportation.
Airlines amp up security following incident
The passengers aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253 acted quickly to thwart a terrorist attack as their plane neared Detroit on Christmas Day. With tighter security in place, travelers flying home from holiday visits hope they don't have to make a heroic effort of their own. Dustin Gibson said the threat of an attack did not make him afraid to fly. He understood the reason for extra security, so he had no choice but to remain patient and stand in line.
Warm thoughts on a cold night
With St. Joseph tucked under a blanket of snow, the City Council looked ahead to warmer days. The council made room Monday for a drive-in movie theater, expanded the urban trail system and accepted funds to upgrade fairways at Fairview Golf Course.
No. 5 - City leader Mike Hirter dies unexpectedly
St. Joseph woke up July 18 to discover the loss of one of its most dedicated leaders.
No. 7 - Federal funds give a boost to businesses
Programs aimed at a rough national economy gave St. Joseph new ammunition in 2009 for its ongoing fight against Downtown blight.
Election picture shapes up
Campaign season officially began Monday after a quick vote from the St. Joseph City Council. The council passed an emergency ordinance to set a March 2 election date for the city primary, which will cut the field from four to two in the mayoral and 3rd District City Council races.
St. Joseph kicks around World Cup soccer plan
Flash forward a few years and St. Joseph could play host to thousands of fans flocking to visit their favorite football team's training camp.
Stimulus contradictions
When Richard Shuster heard about the federal stimulus, he thought he discovered a lifeline.
Group endorses Downtown TIF project
A group of local developers has secured an important seal of approval for its Downtown revitalization project.
City, golf pro iron out new contract
Even a golf pro can benefit from the occasional mulligan. Following a heated public debate in September on the future of Fairview Golf Course, golf professional Mike Habermehl and the city took a second shot at negotiations, ironing out a contract that made both sides happy. The council voted unanimously Monday to keep Mr. Habermehl as the golf pro at Fairview on a three-year contract with two additional one-year options.
St. Joseph looks to go green with sewer problems
When it comes to sewage, "green" hasn't always carried a positive connotation. The word might bring to mind memories of a stinky lagoon or a dreaded basement backup.
Railroad crossings close for Downtown quiet zone
Starting this week, it'll be a little harder to get to the other side of the tracks.
Mayor interviewed by New York Post
Ken Shearin's latest interview has pulled two St. Joseph stimulus projects into the national media spotlight. The mayor was unsure what to expect when a reporter from the New York Post contacted him Tuesday about a bar and a restaurant that received stimulus funds from the city earlier this year. When FOX News called Wednesday to offer him a slot on its morning show, "Fox & Friends," he realized the story was larger than he thought - big enough to include a quote from former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.
Agency seeking involuntary annexation of city property
The current City Council's first big annexation fight ended in a draw in 2006. Now the village of Agency wants a rematch. The Agency Board of Trustees will seek an involuntary annexation of about 200 acres of land owned by the city of St. Joseph, according to a letter from Agency's attorney, Ron Holliday, to St. Joseph Mayor Ken Shearin.
Ice storm to blame for diseased, dying trees
Damage from the great ice storm of 2007 lingers two years later in the trees of Northwest Missouri.
City to vote on more H1N1 funding
Local efforts to fight the H1N1 virus could soon receive another round of funding. The City Council reviewed an ordinance Monday to accept a federal grant worth more than $165,000 so the City of St. Joseph Health Department can implement the third phase of its H1N1 vaccination campaign. The council approved funding for the first two phases in October and will vote on the third Dec. 14.
City moves forward on Rosecrans upgrades
Groundwork is on the way for changes at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. The St. Joseph City Council approved a contract worth more than $423,000 on Monday for road improvements and demolition work at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.
Lightings are a holiday tradition, 250,000 lights at time
Families will cram into cars tonight for their first dose of winter wonder, courtesy of the magic switch that sets the scene aglow at Krug Park. The real magic that turns Krug Park into Holiday Park began more than a month ago. City employees started work Oct. 19 and will continue setting up and testing lights until moments before the cars roll in at 6 p.m. tonight. Jeff Atkins, superintendent of parks for the city, estimates workers will hang more than 250,000 lights for three lighting ceremonies across town.
Mayor has plans for a new 'Mead' Santa
When loft apartments brought the former Mead building back to life, Mayor Ken Shearin promised to restore a Christmas tradition. Santa Claus and his reindeer would once again provide a beacon of Christmas cheer shining across the blue-collar Mitchell Park neighborhood.
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