MSHP shares back to school safety tips

News-Press NOW on August 10, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol is encouraging parents and students to be safe when heading back to school this August.

MSHP reports that, in 2024, seven people were killed and 345 were injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus.

In Missouri last year, a total of 843 traffic crashes involved a school bus.

When it comes to recommendations for students, MSHP said it’s important to stay alert to surroundings.

If a student is walking to school, cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street to make sure they’re aware.

Use sidewalks when available, and if it’s necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never run into the street.

If a student is riding a bicycle to school, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe, and use proper hand signals when changing directions, slowing down or stopping.

Never carry passengers when riding a bike and make sure to keep both hands on the handlebars, except when signaling.

If a student is riding the bus, MSHP encourages checking the weather and dressing accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or the sidewalk.

Additionally, students crossing the street need to walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus.

MSHP also said parents are encouraged to talk to their children about safety tips, depending on their mode of transportation.

Motorists are asked to always be vigilant, especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths and crosswalks, when school is in session.

MSHP said most traffic crashes involving young drivers, under the age of 21, occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. The agency also encourages parents to remind young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job, and that using a cell phone, texting or adjusting the radio can be a distraction that leads to a traffic crash.

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Simple summer safety tips to beat the heat and block harmful UV rays

News-Press NOW on August 10, 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The weather may have started with rain this morning, but summer in Missouri can turn sunny in no time—and it’s never too late to brush up on ways to beat the heat. 

The biggest key to staying safe? Hydration.  

“Drink a lot of water before you go to bed, and then continue to do that in the morning when you get up because they say that when you feel thristy, they you are already dehydrated,” Stephanie Malita, Health educator said.  

Sun safety doesn’t stop with water. Malita says sunscreen is a must before heading outside—along with extras like a wide-brim hat or sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.  

“Make sure its blocking UVA and UVB rays. Reapply it regularly and usually the sunscreen will have that direction on the label like how frequently you should reapply it,” Malita said.  

Don’t forget your lips, either. Whether you’re on the lake or the ski slopes, sunlight can reflect off water or snow and burn skin from underneath. Lip balm with SPF can help prevent that. 

“When you’re at the lake or in winter time if you’re going snow skiing or just playing out in the snow, that reflection off of the brighter surface of the water or the snow can get youu from beneath to. So make sure you’re covering all of your skin with sunscreen protection,” Malita said.  

Your clothing choices matter, too. Lightweight fabrics and light colors can help keep you cool while also reflecting sunlight.  

“As a parent, make sure your kids are following these tips because often time they are not going to think about the importance of applying sunscreen, so make sure to put that on your checklist,” Malita said.  

With just a few simple steps, people can enjoy the summer sun while staying safe from heat and harmful UV rays. 

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Recognizing ‘man’s best friend’ during National Dog Month

News-Press NOW on August 10, 2025

Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — For thousands of years, dogs have been considered our “best friend,” and the month of August is set aside to focus on them.

National Dog Month is celebrated in August, and a local veterinarian said a connection with dogs can release a brain chemical for us called oxytocin, which regulates our mood. Conversely, dogs, because they are pack animals, receive a sense of community and connection that keeps them healthier. That connection and growing knowledge of your dog can help develop a plan to care for their health needs, especially in the summer.

“You have to know what kind of breed your dog is,” Dr. Timothy Brosi of All Creatures Pet Hospital said. “For example, breeds with shorter noses should have limits on their walking, because they are not able to breathe as well as other dogs.”

Brosi also said, as we get to know our dogs, it becomes easier to tell when they are having health issues or when they have other needs.

“Dogs are creatures of habits just like humans,” Brosi said. “So, if they’re not wanting to eat like they usually do, if they’re not interested in the toys like they usually are, if you notice excessive coughing or stomach issues, it might not be a bad idea to call your vet.”

Loyalties between dogs and their owners can run deep. Longtime dog owner Roger Martin said he and his wife have owned golden labradoodles for years, and they believe this breed is among the smartest and most loyal.

“They are great with kids and elderly people,” Martin said. “They are also very smart dogs, and my wife and I have two of them, and they make our lives better.”

Brosi warned of relying on too much online advice when it comes to the care of dogs and said that summer provides some healthy opportunities for both dogs and pets. For instance, in favorable weather, both dogs and owners can get more exercise through walking and just playing in the yard.

During this month, paying special attention to your pet through special treats and by making sure their check-ups and medicines are up to date, all provide a way to make sure our furry best friends are around as long as possible.

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Local brewery strikes gold in Kansas City

News-Press NOW on August 10, 2025

Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In a recent KC Star competition, River Bluff Brewing in Kansas City’s River Market was voted by the people as Kansas City’s favorite brewery.

General manager at the River Market location, Hootie Wales, said this was a competition they did not push for.

“To get that type of accolade without pushing the regulars to do it is kind of a really fun and exciting thing,” Wales said.

In 2018, River Bluff Brewing opened at 1224 Frederick Ave. in Downtown St. Joseph. It didn’t take long for the new business to get recognized.

In 2019, the St. Joseph location won silver with their beer “Sandy Dunes Saison” in the Great American Beer Festival in the Belgian-style pale strong ale category.

“Most brewers go their whole career with maybe never getting one of them,” Co-Founder and Director of Operations Chris Lanman said. “So we were just surprised to get one in our first year of operations here in St. Joseph.”

In 2022, River Bluff Brewing opened a location at 201 Main St., Suite 101, in Kansas City’s River Market. That year, they won “The Pitch” best new brewery in Kansas City. Also, winning silver in the Great American Beer Festival.

2024 was a golden year for the business, winning gold in the Great American Beer Festival with their Yankee Doodle Shandy. This was just the start. River Bluff Brewing won gold in “The Olympics of beer competitions.”

“Going up against over 2,000 worldwide breweries and there were over 9,000 beer entries in that,” Lanman said. “Just extremely humbling to be able to do that.”

Lanman said the wide array of beer styles allows the brewery to have a beer for everybody.

“We have amazing brewers that have always done a good job for us,” Tasting room manager Justin Alvarez said. “Our front of house staff works hard to make sure everything is on point… Every time we get recognized for anything that we do, it makes us extremely happy and we’re very proud of it.”

Both locations have 12 taps, giving a diverse set of beers to visitors. With many accolades achieved in a short time and the newest in the Kansas City location, Lanman said the company will keep “following the river.”

“Our hashtag follows the river, we can keep following the river,” He said. “Wight now we’re happy where we are, but we’re always looking forward to new things, potentially new locations. We really just want to get our beer out there to as many people as we can.”

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First Alert Weather Alert: Tracking heat and humidity today

KESQ on August 10, 2025

Spencer Blum

Good morning! It is not only warm this morning, but also very humid! Thanks to a push of moisture from the south, dew points across the valley are quite high (in the 60s and 70s). These high dew points will help to hold back our high temperatures and keep them below 115°F. Make sure to still always be practicing heat safety when out and about, especially if you’re partying in Palm Springs at Splash House.

An Extreme Heat Warning remains in place through Tuesday at 8 PM. There is some relief in store, however! Our temperature forecast shows our high temperatures are more likely to be at or below average about 6-10 days from now.

The First Alert Weather Alert remains in place through Tuesday evening as we continue to track high heat. Temperatures will thankfully cool down a bit heading into next weekend.

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MSHP highlights school bus safety as school year nears

KMIZ on August 10, 2025

Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to be ready for traffic changes as an increased number of school buses, student drivers, and cyclists are expected to join them on the road when school starts this August.

According to the MSHP, there were 843 crashes involving school buses last year. They add that most traffic crashes involving young drivers under 21 occur during school dismissal times between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the most dangerous part of the bus ride is during loading and unloading, called the “danger zone,” with children often crossing in front of and behind the bus or running near traffic.

Drivers are reminded to slow down around school zones and playgrounds and to stop when they see a school bus with red lights and a stop-arm out. It is illegal in all states to pass a school bus when it is stopped with the stop-arm out. Driving past can result in a fine of at least $250 and a suspended license.

Based on a survey of bus drivers in 2023, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services estimated there were more than 43.5 million illegal school bus passings in the United States during the 2022-2023 school year.

Parents are encouraged to be at bus stops during pick-up and drop-off times and to remind their kids to drive responsibly and wear proper safety gear when biking to school. Cyclists are reminded to ride as near to the right side of the roadway and use the proper hand signals.

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Gabe Vincent returns to Santa Barbara to host 2-day hoops clinic

KEYT on August 10, 2025

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Gabe Vincent has some great memories as a player at UC Santa Barbara and the 2018 Gauchos graduate was more than happy to host his 2-day camp at Santa Barbara High School.

“I’m blessed to be back in SB,” smiled Vincent. “This community embraced me during my time here, probably long overdue that we came back and did a camp here so I’m excited for this to be the first one.”

Vincent is preparing for his third season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He told the campers that many of the drills they learn are the exact ones that the NBA veteran does on a daily basis.

“Parents are bringing them here and we don’t want to waste their time either, we want the kids to get better, growing in the game is one of the most important parts of our camp,” said Vincent.

The Gabe Vincent Skills Clinic has two sessions, one for 5th-8th graders and the other one is for high school players.

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Sisters Rodeo is accepting applications for its 2026 Rodeo Queen Contest

KTVZ on August 10, 2025

KTVZ

(Adding video from Monday’s broadcast)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Do you have what it takes to represent the western way of life, lead with poise and grit, and carry the rodeo tradition into the next generation? The Sisters Rodeo Association is now accepting applications for its 2026 Rodeo Queen Contest.

They invite young women from across the state of Oregon to step into the arena who are between the ages of 18-25.

This annual tradition is more than a crown; it’s a life-changing opportunity to serve as a rodeo ambassador, gain leadership and public speaking experience, and make lasting connections in the rodeo community.

The contest will be held on September 7th at the Sisters Rodeo grounds. Applications are due by Thursday, September 4th, 2025.

“We’re looking for candidates who love rodeo, are passionate about representing our sport and community, and want to grow as leaders,” said Aly Fazz, Queen Advisor. “Our queen becomes the face of our rodeo and travels to events across Oregon; it’s a year of incredible memories and impact.”

Visit https://sistersrodeo.com/queen-tryouts/ for full contest rules, application packet, and important dates.

For press inquiries or to schedule an interview with the event organizer, contact Aly Fazz at afazz@sistersrodeo.com.

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Missouri Organic Association in search of buyers for two historic Hartsburg properties

KMIZ on August 10, 2025

Olivia Hayes

HARTSBURG, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Organic Association is on the hunt for a buyer of two historic Hartsburg properties.

MOA was gifted the commercial buildings, known as the Hartsburg Grand and The Station in 2019. Jimi Washburn, President of MOA, told ABC 17 News they’ve already had some interest on the buildings. He said MOA hopes the buyers will honor the building and the community’s heritage.

“They have been restaurants, they’ve been a general store, there’s been a doctor’s office downstairs. In a 100 year old building there is a rich history,” Washburn said.

Dotty Manns and her husband built Dotty’s Cafe from the ground up, the building now being auctioned as “The Station.” Manns said the buildings represent memories of love and community. 

“My husband and I opened in 1996, late 1996. We met so many different people and all the local people… it was great, we loved them. They turned into our actual family,” Manns said.

Missouri Organics Association has used the buildings over the last five years for their outreach and education initiatives.

“Education programing, we would have conferences, mini conferences, potluck dinners with a speaker from local universities in the farming community,” Washburn said.

Washburn believes the possibilities are endless with the space both buildings offer.

“We really want to have something operating in the buildings. It will be a continuous draw to the community rather than just a periodic event,” Washburn said.

Manns said people are always ready to eat, especially bikers from the nearby Katy Trail.

“Some days there would be 50 or 60 bikers. Some days there would be a whole day full of bikers coming from everywhere,” Manns said.

Dottie added that her cafe served customers from across the country because of the trail access.

“We’ve had bikers from New York, California, everywhere that come here to ride the Katy Trail,” Manns said.

Both properties are being auctioned off separately.

The window to place a bid for auction on both properties closes Tuesday at 2 p.m.

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Chevy Fire in Madras contained, evacuation notice dropped after swift response by firefighters

KTVZ on August 10, 2025

Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: adding video)

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Chevy Fire sparked just after 12:30 Saturday afternoon on vacant land off Highway 97 in Madras. Officials say a mini excavator working in dry grass and shrubs ignited the flames.

KTVZ was there and spoke with Ludie Bond, public information officer for Central Oregon Fire Management Service, about the fire and subsequent response.

“All the resources had responded with a lot of equipment and we got this thing fully contained within about 30 minutes,” said Bond.

The fire was about a quarter of an acre when it was reported, then quickly grew to two acres within an hour — threatening homes, and the large Chevy dealership it bordered. Crews were able to stop the flames before any structures were damaged. 

“It was critical to get the forward progression stopped as soon as possible. We were in the process of ordering air resources, but the ground resources that responded got it contained very quickly,” said Bond.

After the initial attack and containment phases, firefighters began “mop up” operations — dousing hotspots to keep the flames from reigniting in the dry, windy conditions.

“They are searching out the hotspots that are still remaining out there, digging them up, putting water down to make sure that they are extinguishing all the areas that are hot and smoking. But we’re putting water down and there’s low humidity, so this water can dry up very quickly. Crews will continue to come, put eyes on this fire, continue mop up, continue monitoring for a while,” said Bond.

About 85% of wildfires in the U.S. are human-caused — mostly by accident — making awareness and preparation critical during peak fire season.

To best protect yourself, your property, and others, be sure to stay informed by signing up for local alerts. Know where your fire extinguishers, water sources, and shovels are in case you need to access them quickly. Keeping your phone on you to call 911 or receive evacuation notices is also crucial. 

During fire season, even simple activities such as mowing your lawn or hauling your boat come with risk. 

“This was an accidental fire that happened. And it just goes to show you how quickly just one spark can spread and threaten local homes and businesses. Get out, recreate, enjoy this beautiful weather, enjoy the natural areas of Central Oregon, but be careful. You’re pulling your boat down to have a good time for the weekend, make sure your chains have chain guards on them. Simple things like that can make a big difference,” said Bond.

The area was issued a short-lived level 3 evacuation notice, but returned to normal status before 5pm on Saturday.

The quick response by officials stopped the further spread of the Chevy Fire, but it’s a good reminder for Central Oregonians to stay aware and prepared as fire season is still ongoing. 

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — A quickly spreading grass fire ignited by construction equipment was stopped just short of nearby homes Saturday afternoon, thanks to a fast and coordinated response from Jefferson County Fire & EMS and partnering agencies.

Crews were dispatched at 12:37 p.m. to a reported wildfire near 2000 SW Highway 97. Upon arrival, firefighters found approximately one-quarter acre of grass and shrubs burning on vacant land near an active construction site. According to Jefferson County Fire & EMS, a mini excavator in use at the site sparked the fire, which began running toward homes on the southeast side of the fire area.

Emergency personnel, including five wildland units, one engine, one tender, and support crews, worked quickly alongside the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) to stop the fire’s forward progress. A Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation notice was issued briefly but was quickly downgraded after containment was achieved.

Fire Chief Jeff Blake praised the swift actions of responders. “We were lucky everyone was available in station and not working other calls for service when this fire came in,” Blake said. “The quick response from our on-duty staff and students saved a lot more damage from happening. Our volunteers played a key role in staffing additional resources.”

UPDATE: The evacuation level has been downgraded to a LEVEL 1.

Firefighters are making progress on containing and extinguishing the fire.

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — Firefighters are rushing to the scene of a new wildfire in Jefferson County, just south of Madras.

The Chevy Fire is currently burning along U.S. 97.

Level 3 – “GO NOW” – Evacuations are in place.

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