Welcome to the city of St Joseph's weekly digital newsletter. City Link is your source for timely and relevant information from your local government.
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Event

Don't forget, the Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics collection event is this Saturday, October 17, from 9am-3pm, at the MacArthur Drive parking lot (Remington Nature Center). Due to the pandemic, there is a requirement for residents to remain in their vehicles and staff will unload all materials. If you have any questions, please contact the landfill at 253-1120.

Wyeth-Tootle Mansion Exterior Repairs

The Wyeth-Tootle mansion is a historic and architectural treasure owned by the city of St. Joseph, which for several decades has served as a public museum. St. Joseph is known for its extensive number of mansions built in the 1800s and this structure, located at the intersection of 12th and Charles streets, is a prime example.
 
The mansion was originally commissioned in 1879 by William Wyeth, who over a 20-year period grew his local small business into the lucrative Wyeth Hardware and Manufacturing Company and Wyeth Saddle Factory. The Wyeth's procured the design services of prominent architect E.J Eckel, whose firm was responsible for many buildings in St. Joseph and other locations during that era. Their request was to create a mansion resembling the castles they had seen on the Rhine River in Germany. The result was the multi-storied 43 room gothic-style mansion with a tower providing a panoramic view of the city and the Missouri River. 
 
The exterior repairs project, which is in the design stage, will strive to maintain the original appearance and historical nature of the structure. This $1 million project is funded by the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) half-cent sales tax and is a continuation of previous work which began in 2012. The improvements scheduled to take place in 2021 will include, but are not limited to, repair/replacement of deteriorated stonework features and protective coatings, repair/replacement of deteriorated woodwork including the cornices, balconies, windows and doors, and painting of woodwork and windows.
 
Currently an inventory of deficiencies is being assembled. Needed repairs will be ranked in order of priority and cost effectiveness. The final scope of the project will be decided by city staff and coordinated with the city’s historic preservationist planner and the Landmark Commission.
Staying Safe in the Kitchen

With the holidays around the corner and more people cooking at home during the pandemic, it's important to be safe in the kitchen. Based on 2013-2017 annual averages, cooking equipment was the leading cause of home fires and fire injuries causing 49% of home fires which resulted in 21% of the home fire deaths and 45% of the injuries. Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. Ranges and cooktops account for 62% of home cooking fire incidents. Unattended equipment is a factor in 31% of reported cooking fires and 48% of the associated deaths. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

When cooking at home, it's important to be alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food. If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. Keep anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from your stovetop.

If you have a cooking fire, get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire and call 911. If you try to fight the fire, make sure everyone else is out and you have a clear way out. Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

When cooking with oil, always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop. Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sautéing. Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a danger sign that the oil is too hot. Again, keep a lid nearby and if you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water on the fire. If the fire does not go out or you don’t feel comfortable sliding a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. Call the fire department from outside.
Let's Talk About Your Vision

Are you squinting more? Are your arms too short to read your book? If you answered yes to either of these questions...read more
Prescription Drug Take Back

Have unused or expired medications? Bring them to the Prescription Drug Take Back event on Saturday, October 24, from 10am-2pm, in the East Hills parking lot off of Woodbine for safe disposal. You may bring controlled, non-controlled, over the counter substances and sharps. This event is sponsored by the Drug Free Community Coalition, St. Joseph Youth Alliance, Buchanan County Sheriff's Department and the St. Joseph Police Department. For more information, call 232-0050.
(816) 271-5300