Latest news with #St.JosephNews-Press
American Military News
16-05-2025
- General
- American Military News
From the front lines to 100: A WWII veteran's journey
On his 20th birthday, Lawrence Ralston knew that his small beginnings as a son of a farmer were no comparison to the war he faced. Fighting in the 20th Infantry during World War II in Germany, Ralston said that his mind was already made up on not returning back home. So, he would fight with everything in him to make his service count. I had been drafted and then (went) on to basic training in Texas,' Ralston said. 'We knew that we were going to Germany because everything pointed to there. I prepared myself to not be coming back.' Ralston recalls his first combat mission taking place on his 20th birthday in 1944, but more than that he remembers the many men that lost their lives, men who he says shouldn't have. 'I remember at first we were being attacked in battle, they pulled back and then they started again,' Ralston said. 'The rest of the battle was basically over, so much of our work involved trying to clear towns.' With less than 70,000 Americans remaining of the 16. 4 million who served in World War II, the opportunity for veterans of this time to share their stories are few and far between. Making the choice to give up his life, Ralston recalls what being in the military meant for him. 'Well, it's a terrific honor for me to be in the service,' Ralston said. 'If I were younger, I would still attempt to do the same thing because America was a wonderful country.' After the war, Ralston returned to his farming roots and went on to sell sewing machines, a career that spanned nearly 70 years. Today, he enjoys life at an independent living facility in St. Joseph. 'I don't know how to put this into words but I just appreciate we did,' Ralston said. 'We were in a lot of trouble there and we still may be now, but I believe the good Lord will stop it. ___ © 2025 the St. Joseph News-Press Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
GOP congressman claims ‘God has a plan' for fired federal workers at yet another hostile town hall
Another Republican congressman has provoked fury from fired federal workers by telling them that "God has a plan" for their lives. At a town hall meeting in Missouri Monday, GOP representative Mark Alford drew angry shouts of opposition from a dozens-strong crowd as he tried to defend Donald Trump sweeping government cutbacks. It was the latest in a series of riotous town halls in red districts across the U.S. where voters expressed their frustration about Trump's policies, as well as the influence of Elon Musk. Those reports — encompassing Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Wisconsin, and beyond — were a sign of gathering anger at Trump's radical seizure of power and near-demolition of entire government departments. "Just because you have a government job, doesn't mean it's a lifetime appointment like a Supreme Court," Alford scolded his constituents on the outskirts of Kansas City, according to the local St. Joseph News-Press. "So I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in this situation to realize that we are going to get this economy turning again. There are jobs available. God has a plan and purpose for your life." The last remark reportedly triggered an incandescent response, with one person screaming: "We don't want your god!" and another shouting: "Our god is Christian!" As the heckling mounted, Alford said: "Government employees are going to be let go and that's just the reality. I feel bad that people have been let go, I understand that." Asked about whether he would support cuts or changes to Medicaid, he said he believed there were "some things that can be reformed,' provoking even more shouts, including: "Do it through Congress, not Elon!" At one point, the congressman reportedly attempted to quiet things down by saying: "Can I have your attention, please? Class? Class?" One person yelled back: "You work for us!" According to the Office of Personnel Management, about 75,000 federal employees had accepted a buyout offer as of February 12, on top of an estimated 20,000 layoffs across multiple departments. In Georgia last Thursday, Republican representative Rich McCormick got a hostile reception from voters who asked him what he was doing to "reign in the megalomaniac in the White House.' In Idaho on Saturday, a Republican meeting descended into chaos when a protestor was pulled from her seat, wrestled to the ground and dragged out of a packed auditorium by three unidentified private security guards. Many of the hostile comments and questions came from Democrats and independents, though not all. The numbers have suggested a level of motivation among blue voters reminiscent of the early stages of the Tea Party movement against Barack Obama in 2009. "I wake up every single day just wondering if I have a job tomorrow," one woman who works for the Social Security Administration in Kansas City told the News-Press. "This is hurting, and I think he was kind of dismissive."
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
GOP congressman claims ‘God has a plan' for fired federal workers at yet another hostile town hall
Another Republican congressman has provoked fury from fired federal workers by telling them that "God has a plan" for their lives. At a town hall meeting in Missouri Monday, GOP representative Mark Alford drew angry shouts of opposition from a dozens-strong crowd as he tried to defend Donald Trump sweeping government cutbacks. It was the latest in a series of riotous town halls in red districts across the U.S. where voters expressed their frustration about Trump's policies, as well as the influence of Elon Musk. Those reports — encompassing Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Wisconsin, and beyond — were a sign of gathering anger at Trump's radical seizure of power and near-demolition of entire government departments. "Just because you have a government job, doesn't mean it's a lifetime appointment like a Supreme Court," Alford scolded his constituents on the outskirts of Kansas City, according to the local St. Joseph News-Press. "So I would encourage anyone who finds themselves in this situation to realize that we are going to get this economy turning again. There are jobs available. God has a plan and purpose for your life." The last remark reportedly triggered an incandescent response, with one person screaming: "We don't want your god!" and another shouting: "Our god is Christian!" As the heckling mounted, Alford said: "Government employees are going to be let go and that's just the reality. I feel bad that people have been let go, I understand that." Asked about whether he would support cuts or changes to Medicaid, he said he believed there were "some things that can be reformed,' provoking even more shouts, including: "Do it through Congress, not Elon!" At one point, the congressman reportedly attempted to quiet things down by saying: "Can I have your attention, please? Class? Class?" One person yelled back: "You work for us!" According to the Office of Personnel Management, about 75,000 federal employees had accepted a buyout offer as of February 12, on top of an estimated 20,000 layoffs across multiple departments. who asked him what he was doing to "reign in the megalomaniac in the White House.' In Idaho on Saturday, a Republican meeting descended into chaos when a protestor was pulled from her seat, wrestled to the ground and dragged out of a packed auditorium by three unidentified private security guards. Many of the hostile comments and questions came from Democrats and independents, though not all. The numbers have suggested a level of motivation among blue voters reminiscent of the early stages of the Tea Party movement against Barack Obama in 2009. "I wake up every single day just wondering if I have a job tomorrow," one woman who works for the Social Security Administration in Kansas City told the News-Press. "This is hurting, and I think he was kind of dismissive."
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Winter Storm Warning goes into effect tonight
Residents in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas should prepare for heavy snowfall with a Winter Storm Warning in effect Tuesday evening and through the day Wednesday. The warning goes into effect at midnight and continues until 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 8 inches are anticipated across the warning area, stretching from the Iowa border south to the Kansas City metro, encompassing the entire Highway 36 corridor. Travel conditions will be difficult through the warning period due to snow-covered roadways and reduced visibility. Wednesday's morning and evening commutes likely will be impacted by the hazardous conditions. Consider avoiding travel on Wednesday if possible. Those who must drive should do so with caution and have extra supplies on hand, including an ice scraper, a full tank of gas, a medical kit and an emergency blanket. © 2025 the St. Joseph News-Press (St. Joseph, Mo.). Visit Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Winter storm to bring impactful snow late tonight, Wednesday
An impactful winter storm is forecast to bring moderate to heavy snowfall to the Mid-Missouri River Valley starting late Tuesday night, through much of Wednesday. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect for all of Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas from midnight Tuesday, Feb. 11 to 9 P.M. Wednesday, Feb. 12. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are anticipated across the warning area from the Iowa border southward to the Kansas City metro, encompassing the entire Highway 36 corridor. The highest snowfall totals are most likely along and north of Highway 36, where 5 to 8 inches of snow is forecast. Locations south of Highway 36 to the I-70 corridor are expected to receive 4 to 7 inches of snow, including the Kansas City metro. While snow is forecast along and north of I-70, a light glazing of ice will be possible in parts of central Missouri, well south of the I-70 corridor. Difficult travel conditions are expected through the warning period due to snow covered roadways and reduced visibility. Wednesday morning and evening commutes will likely be impacted by the hazardous conditions. Consider avoiding travel Wednesday if at all possible. If you must travel, do so with extreme caution and have extra supplies on hand. Bitterly cold air is forecast to arrive Wednesday night through much of Thursday, resulting in minimal melting and a likely continuation of tough travel conditions. © 2025 the St. Joseph News-Press (St. Joseph, Mo.). Visit Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
