Former publisher/columnist. Comfortable in awkward situations.
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Articles by Ivan Foley
Between the Lines Archives
Times, they are a-changing. I'm old enough to remember when political campaigns in Platte County were about speaking on the...
Signature collection process questioned
EDITOR: Platte County voters deserve answers about the recent petition drive that allowed four candidates—Dale Brouk, Kevin Robinson, Holly Cayer and Chris Kendall—to return to the November ballot as independents after failing to properly file required personal financial disclosures. A review of the petitions has raised serious questions about how signatures were obtained.
Goodbye doesn’t mean forever
This is it. As you may have noticed on the front page, my wife Linda and I have sold The Landmark and I’m retiring from the newspaper business. Welcome to the last Between the Lines. There will be no more. During one of our conversations over the past four years, Stacy Wiedmaier, soon-to-be-owner of your Landmark, asked if I’d like to continue my column after the sale. “If not every week, maybe every other week or once a month,” is how she presented it.
15 Years Ago–Aug. 24, 2011
Ruth Courtney of Camden Point celebrated her 104th birthday. Since she turned 100, she has had two broken hips, but that has not stopped her from going out to lunch once a week with her three children. She still “loves ham” and “sitting out on the porch in the evening.” Even in the heat of the summer, her daughter, Shirley Hill, would take a fan out on her porch so her mom could sit and listen to the birds. Born in 1907, her memory is still sharp.
30 Years Ago–Aug. 22, 1996
Kansas City area sports bars usually see a big increase in business on Chiefs game days and that was the case Saturday night at the Final Score at Sam’s Town Casino. The bar’s big screen television, 12 ft. by 12 ft., is the largest TV/video wall in Kansas City. The University of Missouri-Columbia College of Education and the Platte County School District are working hand-in-hand to develop an innovative curriculum for high school students.
A trip down memory lane
Walk with me, if you will, through a bit of Landmark history this week. Over the weekend I took on the daunting task of cleaning out several of the file cabinets in what I call our “history room.” All kinds of interesting–or at least formerly interesting–topics caught my attention as I made my way through hundreds of manila folders. There was one file I had labeled “Kansas City Star legal threat.” That was a fun one.
Lahn drops bid for county treasurer
GOP TO NOMINATE REPLACEMENT Elliot Lahn has withdrawn his name as the Republican candidate for treasurer of Platte County on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. A Lahn supporter told The Landmark this week that Lahn was dropping out “because he has a job offer he couldn’t refuse.” But Lahn’s political history has been the subject of scrutiny.
30 Years Ago–Aug. 15, 1996
Ward B. Stuckey, circuit judge of Platte County, has sentenced Michael Koenig, 30, to 30 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for a series of car break-ins at the KCI Airport. A jury found Koenig guilty on July 9 of three counts of felony stealing. According to prosecutors, Koenig took car stereos and other property to support his drug habit. Brian S. Manville left his parents’ house in Dearborn about 4 a.m. on July 30 with a tent, a canteen of water and $5. He hasn’t been seen since.
45 Years Ago–Aug. 14, 1981
Mrs. Deon Johnson and Rev. Donovan Johnson of Dearborn have announced the engagement of their daughter, Valerie Dawn Johnson of St. Joseph, to Ronald A. Engelken, D.V.M., of DeKalb, Mo., son of Mrs. Pat Engelken and Ben Engelken of Goff, Kan. The future bride received an associate degree in animal health technology from Maple Woods Community College and is employed by W.E. Vets of the St. Joseph Stockyards in St. Joseph.
15 Years Ago–Aug. 17, 2011
Hannah Rickman, this year’s Platte County Fair Queen, finished fourth in the competition for Missouri State Fair Queen at the State Fair in Sedalia last week. Former Platte County assistant prosecutor Rob Willard has announced his candidacy for treasurer of Platte County. Willard, a Republican, is seeking to replace Bonnie Brown, Democrat, who will be hanging it up at the end of her current term in 2012. “I will be 66 next year.
Republicans may be clearing a Lahn, 80s music, Flock talk
Election quickies: Biggest eye opener? Newcomer Mary Calvillo’s convincing win for the Republican nomination for county clerk. Wondering if incumbent Jera Pruitt would do anything differently in her campaign if she had the chance to do it again. Biggest loser? Gov. Mike Kehoe’s legislative agenda. Amendment 5 (income tax phase out) was the centerpiece of Kehoe’s agenda. It was absolutely crap-canned by voters, losing statewide by an incredible 83% to 17% margin.
Be kind to the teachers
EDITOR: I had only asked for one dollar. Granted, that was several years ago. It was to help replace student calculators, used in the classroom. Maybe school districts provide more of those kinds of things nowadays, but back then I purchased many things like this for my math classes. In fact, as a high school math teacher, I routinely spent at least $1,500 of my own money for supplies and equipment that I needed. That’s not unusual for a classroom teacher.
Water slide, live music, pyro show set
SATURDAY, AUG. 15 IN PLATTE CITY A Hot Summer Night celebration is back. The Downtown Platte City activity is planned for Saturday, Aug. 15 from 4-10 p.m. on Main Street. It will be an evening packed with free family fun, including a bubble station, a 46-ft. long water slide, water bounce house, free henna tattoos, live music, and a free pyro show (fire dancing by a performance art group) at dusk.
30 Years Ago–Aug. 8, 1996
Travelers spent $595.1 million in Platte County last year, according to the Missouri Division of Tourism. This spending generated roughly $8.7 million in state tax receipts and another $5.2 million in local tax receipts. Also, travel spending directly supported 9,143... The search continues for Highway Patrol Officer Fred Guthrie Jr. who was last seen Aug. 1 while performing flood patrol duty in Holt County. The 17-year veteran of the force is presumed to have drowned after the body of his...
45 Years Ago–Aug. 7, 1981
Travelers spent $595.1 million in Platte County last year, according to the Missouri Division of Tourism. This spending generated roughly $8.7 million in state tax receipts and another $5.2 million in local tax receipts. Also, travel spending directly supported 9,143 jobs in the county, with an annual payroll of $139.4 million. Darrell Springs, 13, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Springs of Camden Point, shows his form in weightlifting.
15 Years Ago–Aug. 10, 2011
The search continues for Highway Patrol Officer Fred Guthrie Jr. who was last seen Aug. 1 while performing flood patrol duty in Holt County. The 17-year veteran of the force is presumed to have drowned after the body of his K-9 partner, Reed, was found in the flooded area near Guthrie’s abandoned patrol car and boat. Guthrie had been patrolling the northern Missouri area where the flooding Missouri River left residences and businesses abandoned and open to looting.
Celebrity sighting and a contract extension that got a little weird
I don’t want to say it has been a busy summer but at my house we recently went 13 consecutive days without a television being turned on. That has to be some kind of record. Wanting to see a celebrity during Chiefs training camp? Maybe try the Pizza Ranch, of all places. Here’s a tidbit for you, the details of which are brought to you courtesy of reporter Stacy Wiedmaier, whose parents live in St. Joseph.
City administrator granted contract extension
FOUR ALDERMEN IN FAVOR, TWO ABSTAIN Bryan Richison, city administrator for Platte City, has been awarded another year onto his employment contract. Platte City Board of Aldermen met in closed session on July 20, and by a vote of four in favor and two abstaining, approved extending Richison’s contract for an additional year. Voting in favor of the extension were aldermen Vickie Atkins, Dan Laxson, Scott Poague, and Debbie Kirkpatrick. Abstaining were Jesse Bennett and Ken Graham.
45 Years Ago–July 31, 1981
Ward B. Stuckey, circuit judge of Platte County, sentenced David H. Myszka of Weston to life imprisonment plus 50 years on Thursday. On June 19, a jury convicted Myszka, 40, of murder in the second degree and armed criminal action... An audience participant who volunteered to be apprehended by a military dog as part of a police dog demonstration was taken away by ambulance during the Platte City Police Department’s National Night Out event Tuesday evening. Det. Al Devalkenaere of...
15 Years Ago–Aug. 3, 2011
An audience participant who volunteered to be apprehended by a military dog as part of a police dog demonstration was taken away by ambulance during the Platte City Police Department’s National Night Out event Tuesday evening. Det. Al Devalkenaere of the Platte City Police Department said shortly after the ambulance left that he had not yet received an update and so was not sure exactly what injuries the volunteer had suffered. Can a county elected official pay bonuses to county employees?
30 Years Ago–Aug. 1, 1996
Ward B. Stuckey, circuit judge of Platte County, sentenced David H. Myszka of Weston to life imprisonment plus 50 years on Thursday. On June 19, a jury convicted Myszka, 40, of murder in the second degree and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Janice I. Rodriguez, 47, formerly of Weston. Judge Stuckey followed the jury’s recommendation of life imprisonment for the murder charges plus 50 years imprisonment for the armed criminal action charge.
Social media bots and AI, Amendments, the night shift
Times, they are a-changing. I’m old enough to remember when political campaigns in Platte County were about speaking on the issues and comparing viewpoints, positions and stances with your opponent. Apparently those days are gone. Instead, this campaign cycle has featured: *Threats of ‘investigations’ of anyone associated with an opponent. *Dozens if not hundreds of social media bots and fake social media accounts.
Voter turnout of around 27% predicted for primary
POLLS WILL BE OPEN 6 A.M. TO 7 P.M. ON TUESDAY A much-discussed day on the calendar is almost here. Tuesday, Aug. 4 is Election Day in Platte County, with primary battles and state amendment questions facing voters. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day. For a complete list of polling locations, check the primary election legal notice published in this week’s print edition of The Landmark.
Independent candidates form ‘Neighbors First’ effort
FOUR QUALIFY TO BE PLACED ON NOVEMBER BALLOT The Platte County Board of Elections completed verification of petition signatures for four independent candidates, and the four later announced they are calling themselves the Neighbors First Coalition.
45 Years Ago–July 24, 1981
Pageantry, ceremony and celebrities all played a part in making the 133rd annual Platte County Fair a success. The annual celebration was held Wednesday through Saturday at the fairgrounds in Tracy. Organizers believe attendance was up this year, particularly for... A 20-year-old Platte City man is facing second degree murder charges after his girlfriend’s father was found beaten to death early Friday morning.
15 Years Ago–July 27, 2011
A 20-year-old Platte City man is facing second degree murder charges after his girlfriend’s father was found beaten to death early Friday morning. Just after midnight, police arrived at the Platte City home of 45-year-old Kerry Deyo on Gates Drive West and found him unresponsive and lying on the floor between the hallway and a bedroom, according to police. Deyo was pronounced dead at the scene. Brandon Lyn Church is charged with second degree murder and is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond.
Current recorder ‘makes no apologies’
EDITOR: In response to last week’s letter to the editor which was clearly a hit piece against me that was obviously not written by a constituent but what I am guessing by someone in this courthouse because I continue to stand against the circus and ineptness of some of my colleagues. So, I wanted to clear the air about some very misleading information from that letter. I spoke last year at the State Tax Commission hearing and the letter asked what does taxation have to do with my office?
Former recorder endorses Palmer
EDITOR: Having served as your Recorder of Deeds, I understand firsthand the importance of protecting property records, preserving public trust, and ensuring that the office remains focused on its core mission. That is why I am proud to endorse Nick Palmer for Recorder of Deeds. I had the privilege of training and working with Nick Palmer and I can personally attest to his knowledge, professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service.
Standing up for conservative values
EDITOR: My name is J. Marie Nemeth, and I am honored to be running for the Platte County Republican Central Committee, District 13-2. Many people have asked why I decided to run, and the answer is simple. Like many Republicans, I watched the news and wondered why more people were not standing up for our conservative values. I cared deeply about what was happening, but I realized that lasting change begins right here at home.
Looseleaf lettuce, World Cup ‘over-preparedness’
So, is it political season? It sure is. It’s a big reason why you see so many letters to the editor in this edition, including several on this page with a couple spilled onto the bottom left of page 3. Oh, and one more arrived just past deadline and we couldn’t fit it in the print edition so it’s on our website at plattecountylandmark.com/opinion/. Happy reading.
Over 90 properties listed for delinquent tax sale
BIDDING WILL BE CONDUCTED AUG. 24 Around 90 properties are on the Platte County Delinquent Tax Sale list and will be up for sale on Monday, Aug. 24. The list of properties is published in The Landmark this week, the final edition of its three-week run. Each year, newspapers within the county submit a bid on printing of the three-week notice. Platte County Collector Sheila Palmer says this year’s sale will begin at 10 a.m. Aug.
Independents Day
FOUR SEEKING INDEPENDENT STATUS ON NOVEMBER BALLOT Four candidates seeking to be on the November ballot as independents filed their signature petitions with the Platte County Board of Elections Friday morning, July 17. Filing paperwork with their gathered signatures were Holly Cayer, running for collector; Chris Kendall, running for treasurer; Dale Brouk, running for presiding commissioner; and Kevin Robinson, running for auditor.
15 Years Ago–July 20, 2011
There’s a new alderman in Weston. Approved by a 2-0 vote Monday night, Weston Mayor C.R. Carter has appointed Tim Hill to complete the term of alderman Amiah McCaulley who resigned, citing personal reasons, on June 27. Hill was one of two applicants for the position. The other was Joyce Burch.
30 Years Ago–July 18, 1996
A man from rural Smithville in Platte County drowned over the weekend during a fishing excursion to the Little Platte River. The victim has been identified as James Stephens, 72. Major Greg Crader with the Platte County Sheriff’s Department said the victim’s wife called authorities about 5:30 Friday evening to report that her husband had not come home after a fishing trip at Little Platte near Hwys. B and KK. Stephens’ wife had been to the site and found her husband’s pickup, fishing tackle and dog.
45 Years Ago–July 17, 1981
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Beste have announced the engagement of their daughter, Barbara Ann Beste, to David Ralston, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ralston. Barbara is a 1981 graduate of Platte County R-3 High School and is now employed at the Gift Horse. David is a 1977 graduate of Pleasant Hill High School and is currently employed with Ed Grisham’s Construction Company of Platte City. A late August wedding is planned.
Political tempers, restaurant reviews, Facebook figures
Interesting nugget for you. By the time I got to the scene in hopes of grabbing a photo she was gone, but I was told Platte City Mayor Amber Brune was at the Welcome to Platte City sign near the intersection of I-29 and HH near Exit 18 (next to the NW Audio location) putting some fresh spackling on the well-worn monument. That’s literally being a hands-on mayor, you could say.
Your vote, your schedule: Early voting runs July 21-Aug. 3.
Don’t want to wait till Election Day (Aug. 4) to cast your ballot? You can soon take advantage of an early voting opportunity in Platte County. Beginning on Tuesday, July 21, what is known as “no excuse absentee voting” opens to all registered voters. The practice is more commonly known as early voting. It is an option from 8 a.m. on July 21 through 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3.
Football is getting closer: Chiefs camp dates set
IT’S THEIR 16TH YEAR AT MISSOURI WESTERN The Kansas City Chiefs have announced dates for 2026 Chiefs Training Camp presented by Mosaic Life Care at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. This is the 16th training camp that the club has held at MWSU. All times and dates are subject to change. All practice sessions will take place on the Mosaic Training Fields. Open practices begin on Wednesday, July 29 and conclude on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Greater Kansas City Firefighters endorse Maki for commissioner
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 42, representing more than 1,800 firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and public safety officers across Greater Kansas City, has unanimously endorsed Jason Maki, Republican candidate for Platte County Presiding Commissioner, in the 2026 primary election.
30 Years Ago–July 11, 1996
The group recognized nationally as being the 1996 Country Music Association’s best new vocal group is on its way to next week’s Platte County Fair. Lonestar will be appearing in concert at the fair on Friday, July 19 at 9:30 p.m. The group has already had a couple of big hits in “Tequila Talkin’” and “No News,” which went all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Top 40. Their latest release, “She’s Runnin’ Away With My Heart,” is currently climbing the charts.
15 Years Ago–July 13, 2011
Under fire. That’s where the West Platte Fire Department finds itself this week. A week after a fire at Old Geezer’s Mantiques in downtown Weston left 65-year-old shop owner George Treese dead, several local residents attended a meeting of the city’s aldermen to air questions and concerns about the fire department’s response to the blaze. Recently hired Platte City police officer Matthew McCombs was sworn in for duty Tuesday night by Amy Hubbard, city clerk.
45 Years Ago–July 10, 1981
The group recognized nationally as being the 1996 Country Music Association’s best new vocal group is on its way to next week’s Platte County Fair. Lonestar will be appearing in concert at the fair on Friday, July 19 at 9:30... Under fire. That’s where the West Platte Fire Department finds itself this week. A week after a fire at Old Geezer’s Mantiques in downtown Weston left 65-year-old shop owner George Treese dead, several local residents attended a meeting of the...
The Fourth, the mayor and Warpaint
World Cup fever is over for some of us. Well, to be blunt, it’s probably over for the majority of Americans who have a casual, once every four years interest in the sport of soccer. That’s because the U.S. Men’s National Team got knocked out by Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday night in a match that really wasn’t close, with Belgium topping an overmatched American team 4-1.
Prosecutor says incident involving mayor ‘under review’
WOMAN MAKES PHYSICAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION Police were called to the scene of a disagreement involving Parkville’s mayor at a car wash in the city on June 22 around 7:30 p.m. Parkville Police Chief Kevin Chrisman says the mayor of Parkville, Dean Katerndahl, was involved in a situation that began as “a verbal thing” at a vacuum hose at the Go Car Wash located at 8717 NW 63rd St. along Hwy. 9.
Police probe car wash incident involving Parkville’s mayor
3 hours ago The man who made his fortune in air has quietly built a second one in dust: 36,000 acres, a robot strawberry farm, and one of Britain's largest and least visible estates. Inside a glasshouse the size of roughly 20 football pitches, on the flat black soil of Lincolnshire, strawberry plants ride a …
45 Years Ago–July 3, 1981
Last Tuesday, members of the Platte County Sheriff's Department and the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office began serving 20 narcotics-related warrants. Twenty five officers were used in the operation, and 20 drug arrests were made. Zed Martin Days proved to... A downtown Weston business owner who lived in his shop was killed in a fire at the structure Monday evening. George M. Treese, 65, owner of Old Geezers Mantiques at 540 Main in Weston, died in the blaze, which was...
30 Years Ago–July 4, 1996
Last Tuesday, members of the Platte County Sheriff’s Department and the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office began serving 20 narcotics-related warrants. Twenty five officers were used in the operation, and 20 drug arrests were made. Zed Martin Days proved to be a success, drawing a good-sized crowd to Platte City’s downtown Friday night and Saturday for fun, frolic and in the case of the Truman Glenn Award, to honor residents for their service to the community.
Fireworks, gasoline and interpreters
Somebody just told me “I hope your Fourth of July is a bang” and I didn’t know whether to smile or cringe. A media outlet called The Action Network has some interesting numbers are on backyard fireworks risks, as far as ranking which states have the greatest risk for “oopsies” to happen on July 4. Kansas is ranked as the fifth highest risk state in the country. I was prepared to make fun of Kansas but then read that Missouri is even worse.
45 Years Ago–June 26, 1981
Since March, a small group of Platte Countians have been working to develop a new organization dedicated to helping youth become tomorrow’s leaders.
30 Years Ago–June 27, 1996
Donna Sue Miller, Gower, and Charles (Loren) Reed, Dearborn, are announcing their approaching marriage. The wedding will be held Saturday, June 29, 1996 at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Dearborn, Second and July Streets. The future groom is the son of Charles and Wilma Reed of Dearborn. His fiance’s parents are deceased. Carl and Cliffie Goodin, Platte City, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 8, 1996. The couple has two daughters, Mrs. John (Carlene) Coffey and Mrs.
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