Month: September 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Civic Leadership Academy celebrated the 139th Airlift Wing during a reception and visit, which will take a deeper dive into the inner workings of the Missouri Air National Guard.  

A visit on Friday, Sept. 5, served as a chance for community members not just to learn more about the 139th, but also to see how they can help support and advocate for the military in the region.  

“It’s designed to be a way for them to interact with leadership at the 139th, and there will be businesses with opportunities to learn about potential partnerships and learn how to better serve St. Joseph,” said Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

This marks the third year for the annual celebration, which Hawn said is all about showing the economic and community impact of keeping the 139th in St. Joseph. 

Hawn also said residents don’t realize the global role the unit plays — including training NATO nations on weapons systems.  

“It’s a chance for them to go and learn what happens at the 139th and how we can be proud partners here in St. Joe and be proud of having our air force base,” Hawn said.  

Information on college and trade school incentives, plus details on the financial benefits available to young people.  

“The Air Force provides a lot of training and opportunities to where we can teach somebody to be a welder or a mechanic or a plumber or a pilot,” said Barrette Golden, Wing Commander of the 139th Airlift Wing.

Organizers say the overall goal is to highlight leadership opportunities and show the value the Air National Guard brings not just to the region, but to the nation. 

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  September is acknowledged as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

The month serves as a time to raise awareness, acknowledge those who have been affected by suicide and connect individuals with treatment services.

According to USA Facts, the suicide rate in Missouri has increased by 59.9% over the past 20 years.

Beth Crumpler, a coordinator for integrated behavioral health, said there’s a lot reasons for the rise of suicide in Missouri can be due to a lot of reasons.

“A lot of the reason for the increase is due to socioeconomic reasons,” she said.  “The economy is not doing so well, especially in our rural areas, mental health issues. There’s a limited access to resources in the state of Missouri,” Crumpler said.

Crumpler said it’s important to bring awareness to suicide because it will help fight the stigma.

“Talking about suicide helps to share the burden that somebody may be going through and can help to give them a resource to not commit suicide,” Crumpler said.

Crumpler also mentioned different signs to be aware of to look out for someone who is at risk of committing suicide.

“Previous attempts to suicide, a history of depression, withdrawing from friends if they’re given away things that are very important to them, saying their goodbyes,” Crumpler said. “Those are all signs to look out for and to be kind of kind of cautious about,” she said.

There are many resources to reach out to if someone is considering suicide. Crumpler said 988 is a big and valuable resource to reach out to.

They will come out and see you if that’s what you need at the time and talk to you and help you get through wherever you’re at, whatever you’re going through,  just call 988,” she said.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One of the top websites for nursing is recognizing MoWest’s nursing program with the No. 1 rank in the state among more than 40 schools analyzed.

MoWest’s nursing program was recently ranked No. 1 by RegisteredNursing.org as part of its 10th annual list of the best nursing schools in the state of Missouri this August.

MoWest was one of 46 schools, including both public two- and four-year universities, analyzed during the research and rankings process.

“This recognition comes at a time when nursing is more important than ever. With ongoing workforce shortages and rising patient needs, programs like Missouri Western State University’s are critical in preparing highly skilled graduates who can immediately make an impact in local hospitals, clinics, and community health settings,” a website spokesperson said.

Missouri’s Top Ten Best Nursing Schools of 2026

1. Missouri Western State University2. UMKC3. St. Charles Community College4. Missouri Southern State University5. Ozarks Technical Community College6. Saint Louis University7. Bolivar Technical College8. College of the Ozarks9. Missouri State University10. University of Central Missouri

Rankings focused exclusively on NCLEX pass rates, offering an objective measure of program success. The NCLEX-RN exam is used by all state boards of nursing across the United States to help assess a student’s competency and is required for licensure.

Research by RegisteredNursing.org found that MoWest’s top program strengths include high-tech nursing simulation labs, senior capstone courses for real-world prep and research opportunities with experienced faculty.

“Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum integrating general education and specialized nursing courses, supported by state-of-the-art simulation labs and diverse clinical experiences in St. Joseph and Kansas City. The program boasts remarkable NCLEX-RN pass rates, with 98.8% in 2023 and a perfect 100% in 2024, demonstrating exceptional student preparation.”

Additional program strengths:

Combines general and nursing education.

Small class sizes for personalized learning.

Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Accredited by CCNE.

Missouri State Board of Nursing approved.

“With small class sizes ensuring personalized learning, experienced faculty, and CCNE accreditation, the program provides robust training for aspiring nurses,” the report read.

Military-friendly and focusing on practical skills, students receive comprehensive preparation for professional nursing practice through a senior capstone course and opportunities for faculty-guided research.

The need for nurses is expected to become even greater over the next 10 years, with Missouri projected to see a 7% increase in nursing positions due to an ongoing shortage.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In February of this year, crews began installing turf on all three high school football fields, a project that was supposed to be finished before the start of the school year and football season.

Now, installation is wrapping up; however, Central’s football game against Benton High School is being played on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Missouri Western State University, after originally being scheduled to be played on Central’s turf.

News-Press NOW spoke to Central High School’s Athletic Director, David Lau, for an update on the field.

“It is coming together nicely. They’re making some really good progress. They have been working on laying down the logos, the end zone lettering. The hash marks they are tying in and cutting in the soccer lines. And so it’s coming together pretty nicely,” said Lau.

Lau said the delay in the field’s completion came because of the weather.

However, Lau is hopeful that the field will be ready for Central’s next home game, against North Kansas City on Friday, Sept. 19.

Lafayette High School officials told News-Press NOW that their field is ready for the home football game against Richmond High School on Friday, Sept. 5.

Benton’s home field is also ready for their games for the season.

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