Month: October 2025

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Police Department is putting a special focus on keeping impaired drivers off the road through something called the Substance Awareness Traffic Offender Program, or SATOP.  

The program is part of a saturation effort, where officers from different agencies come together to target one issue on a particular night. In this case, it’s drivers under the influence.  

“Officers are out focusing on one topic in that particular night from different agencies and get in one area to patrol cars that violate regulations,” said SJPD Sgt. Patrick Zeamer.

Zeamer said the program has been around since the 1980s. Before officers hit the streets, they receive a briefing and presentation on the night’s enforcement plan.  

The main goal, he said, is education and prevention — helping keep the roads safer by reducing impaired driving.  

“We put them out a couple of times a year. We as a department have money from the state of Missouri through MoDOT that allows us to do enforcement programs throughout the year,” Zeamer said. 

He added, most of these violations tend to happen during bar hours — when alcohol is being served — which is why enforcement ramps up at night.

Nationally, programs like this have helped lower crash numbers over time, but Zeamer said St. Joseph hasn’t seen a clear trend one way or the other.  

Resident Dawn Pickett said she’s noticed safety improvements in her neighborhood, especially with new stop signs being added.  

Pickett said it would make a big difference if drivers just slowed down a bit, and hopes SJPD continues to put more time and effort into programs like this.  

“We have invested a lot of our tax dollars into the police department for these safety features so they definitely need to have their eyes open and pull drivers out if they aren’t following the rules,” Pickett said.

Pickett also said she hopes the department continues investing in safety programs like this and reminds drivers to stay alert, especially in areas known for crashes or hazards. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Music lovers will get a jolt this Halloween season as a third annual Halloween show brings punk and metal bands from St. Joseph and Kansas City, Missouri, to the Good Times Event Center.

Organized by solo artist Tim Leland, the event has become a Halloween tradition for the region’s heavy music fans. Full Metal Z, known for their zombie-themed performances, will return, joined by GrimmStalkeR and Beneath the Skin.

Leland said the difference between seeing a local concert versus a larger concert is incredible.

“A local show, you go to a dive bar and pay five bucks for a beer and get in for five or ten dollars and you’re seeing not just one person, but probably four bands at a time for a minor fraction of the price.”

Courtesy of Tim Leland

The all-ages show will be held Friday, Oct. 24, at the Good Times Event Center, 3414 S. 22nd St. Doors open at 8 p.m., with music starting at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Josh Bowles with Beneath the Skin said, “It’s all just rock and roll. It all started way back with Chuck Barry, you know, people like that. It’s all the same stuff just a different flavor.”

A costume contest with prizes will also be part of the evening’s festivities.

Mike Riley with Beneath the Skin said, “I would say just give it a chance. People often get intimidated or turned off by the more aggressive stuff but listen to what they’re talking about.”

Leland, who has lived and performed in St. Joseph for nine years, will take the stage with the Tim Leland Band, joined by bassist Juniper and drummer Corbin.

The lineup features Kansas City favorites Beneath the Skin, with Josh Bowles and Mike Riley, as well as GrimmstalkeR, with Brandon “The Grimm One” Holly and guitarist Keegan “Goosifer” Goosey, who have both played in St. Joseph several times in the past.

Member of GrimmstalkR said, “If you wanna understand it, I truly feel like you should come out to a show and experience it first hand. That’s the best way to experience it, looks can be deceiving.”

Full Metal Z is a Kansas City “zombie metal” band with KC Corpse and Dayvid of the Dead. The band formed about 10 years ago, inspired by Dayvid’s time performing at Worlds of Fun’s Zombie High haunted house.

“You know it looks scary, it’s metal, it’s zombies,” said KC Corpse, “But there’s also a lot of serious content as well. Its a creative outlet not only for myself but our whole band.”

They released their debut album, “Made Me a Zombie,” in 2019 and are now working on their next record, set for release in 2026.

Dayvid of the Dead said, “It’s a lot of fun to put on the theatrics and the show and you know get everyone involved. We’re here for you to have fun.”

The band’s elaborate horror looks are created by special effects artist Brian Wells of Wicked Wounds Effects.

With venues closing across the region, events like this help keep the local heavy music community alive.

Click here to follow the original article.

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The United Way of Greater St. Joseph focused on employment opportunities during its monthly PACE meeting.

Different strategies and scenarios regarding opening employment opportunities were discussed, with an emphasis on jobs in technical and utility industries.

“For any job make sure your on time, dressed appropriately and be on time to interviews” Express Employment Professionals Owner Vern Patterson said. “Be willing to share what you’re looking for in a job.”

Multiple local organizations were in attendance, including Family Guidance Center, Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Express Employment Professionals of St. Joseph.

They also provided insight on the challenges of finding job opportunities during the government shutdown, with one of the challenges being the I-9 verification process.  

“If somebody is getting a tentative non confirmation, or a tnt then we have to contact social security to try to get that clarified,” Patterson said. “And sometimes that’s a little bit of a delay. What they’ve got us doing right now is just continuing to let the people work okay. until they get squared away.”

The next United Way Pace session will be held in November. For more information visit United Way’s website.

Click here to follow the original article.

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Woodbine Road from Karnes to Cook Roads is scheduled to be closed for a bank stabilization project.

The section will be closed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, until the work is complete.

The work is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes during these hours. Local traffic will have continuous access throughout the project duration.

Click here to follow the original article.

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol wants to remind drivers to be more alert on Halloween.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Halloween involves potentially deadly crashes and impaired drivers on the road.

In 2023, nearly half of all crash fatalities on Halloween night were alcohol-related.

MSHP Sergeant Shane Hux said adults should avoid driving on Halloween if they plan on drinking and smoking recreational marijuana.

“If you’re in a big populated area like Saint Joe, there are several rideshares here in town. You know, you have Uber, Lyft, so any type of transportation have a plan in place before you get to where you’re going,” Hux said.

Hux gave tips for adults who plan to drive while wearing a costume.

“If you are wearing a costume, any type of a work situation, or even an adult get-together. Just make sure that it does not block your vision so you can still see the road. That’s very important,” Hux said.

Hux also said the public should be extra cautious when driving on Halloween.

“Expect slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods and a significant increase in pedestrian traffic. Kids could dart out into the roadway, but it’s also very important for parents to talk to the trick or treaters and make safety a number one priority,” he said.

St. Joseph resident Kali Maloney said she tries to keep her kids close to her while trick-or-treating.

“There’s always cars everywhere, especially on Ashland. It gets really busy and crazy. So to stay close to us, always make sure you don’t go too far and definitely watch the roads down the sidewalk,” Maloney said.

Overall, Hux said safety should be everyone’s top priority.

Click here to follow the original article.

Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of YWCA renovations.

The non-profit organization just finished the construction of its new bathrooms. The project began back in September of 2024.

The YWCA originally had two communal bathrooms for those who utilize the facility. Now they have eight individual bathrooms.

YWCA CEO Danielle Brown talked about the impact these renovations have already had.

“The look on people’s faces when they went into brand new bathrooms. Just to know, this is for me. The staff even, like, it was a boost to the staff to know that we were investing in those people that we serve,” said Brown.

To learn more about the YWCA and its programs, visit www.ywcasj.org.

Click here to follow the original article.