Author: News-Press NOW

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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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Isaac Unruh’s life changed in 2013 after a diving accident placed him in a wheelchair with paralysis in the legs and a lack of ability in the right triceps and hands.

Pushing forward and discovering a paralysis recovery gym in Kansas City helped him shift mindsets.

“They kind of gave me that can-do attitude,” Unruh said. “Sisu, it’s a Finnish word that means to show strength and courage over a long duration of time, whenever the odds are against you. That’s the motto I live by.”

Keeping a strong mindset, Unruh became a co-founder of River Bluff Brewing and became a member of the Measly Mile Mafia. Currently, Unruh is over 1,100 days in a row pushing a mile every day, even competing in group challenges like the Arctic challenge.

“I couldn’t push, I went out and just sat in the snow for 20 minutes and let it snow on me,” He said. “Then I did my mile inside, and they allowed that to count.”

He also works as a real estate agent, or as he said it, “The ‘rolling realtor’ or the ‘wheel estate agent’ with Randolph Realty.”

Unruh said the reason he does it is because the cardio is beneficial for his lungs, heart and it’s important for him to stand still for bone density to make sure his body is functioning as high as it can.

For cardio, he uses a frequent electronic stimulation bike and worked his way up to using an arm bike and now a SkiErg- a cross-country Ski Trainer. For about a year, he has used a manual bike outside every day.

Challenging himself in 2024 to complete his first 5-kilometer race in the St. Joseph Marathon, he made history.

“It was fun because I had a buddy that was running beside me who had my dog who was also running the race,” Unruh said. “It was cool hearing Tara announce your name over the speaker as you’re coming across the finish line and giving you kudos for the progress I’ve made.”

This finish made him the first wheelchair athlete to finish the St. Joseph Marathon 5k, and this year, he has a new goal… To race in the St. Joseph Marathon’s 10k.

“It’ll be a mental challenge, but I’ll have a buddy walking beside me keeping the pace,” Unruh said.

Unruh has also competed in the Ignite 5k for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, as well as the Shamrock 5k.

He credits his family for always being there, as well as the group at River Bluff Brewing and the Measly Mile Mafia.

“Pushed me to actually want to do cardio daily in my situation,” Unruh said. “I just know it’s beneficial and there’s no need to stop it.”

Unruh said he hasn’t changed his training for the 10k and continues to push his mile each day.

“You can make excuses or find solutions is a big one that I go on, and when you’ve been put in a wheelchair, you’ve been given every excuse in the book that you can give somebody,” Unruh said. “I choose not to be the excuse, I choose to find a solution.”

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Kansas City Chiefs fans in St. Joseph and northwest Missouri are looking forward to watching their favorite team play the Los Angeles Chargers tonight in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The game will only be shown on NBC in each team’s local markets. It will not be broadcast on KNPG.

However, local fans can find the game on a few streaming services. It will be shown for free on YouTube. Just log on to YouTube.com and search for the NFL channel.

For fans with paid subscriptions, the game will be streamed on FUBU, NFL+, and YouTube TV. Coverage begins at 7 p.m.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — After a national search, Missouri Western State University has named a new dean of the College of Business and Professional Studies.

Suzanne Kissock, who has served as interim dean of the college since last fall, joined MoWest full-time in 2005. She’s served as assistant dean and legal studies program director in the Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies.

Prior to her faculty appointment, she practiced law for 10 years as an assistant public defender and as the supervising attorney for the Juvenile Office of the 5th Judicial Circuit of Buchanan County.

“Suzanne Kissock has served MoWest loyally for more than 20 years, and has built relationships across campus, in St. Joseph and around the state,” said Elizabeth Kennedy, MoWest’s president. “I’m thrilled that she will continue to provide outstanding leadership to the College of Business and Professional Studies.”

Kissock shared about how proud she was to accept her new leadership role.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the opportunity,” said Kissock. “I deeply believe in making higher education accessible to all. For the past 25 years, I have taught at Missouri Western, and I have found a family in the Griffon students, faculty, and staff.”

As dean, Kissock will oversee the Craig School of Business, the Departments of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, Education, Engineering Technology and Military Science/ROTC, as well as the Missouri Western State University Law Enforcement Academy.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With the St. Joseph Mustangs in the midst of their off-season, renovations to Phil Welch Stadium will have the team and fans coming back “home” with a slightly different look.

New aluminum bleachers and plastic seats for the reserve box will be installed at Phil Welch, with the same classic color scheme. To support the structures of the seats, new layers of concrete will also be applied.

In discussions with Mustang’s Owner and President, Ky Turner, he noted, the new seats will mark the second major addition to Phil Welch this year. The first came back in March, when a new video scoreboard was installed.

“A big thing we talk about when you come to a Mustangs game at Phil Welch Stadium is it’s like a high school game. A big part of your experience is where you sit,” Turner said. “I know these seats have been here for a long time. We’re pretty excited to see it being done.”

Since the stadium’s inception, dating back to 1939, adjustments and renovations have been made when necessary. However, certain areas have required more attention and extensive work.

Stan Weston, the Mustangs’ director of operations, provided additional context on what has been needed in maintaining an older stadium like Phil Welch.

“In my opinion, the seats are kind of a hazard,” Weston said. “They’re (made) with fiberglass on two-by-ten planks and put in with nails. Those (nails) also pop out. We’ve had to go around the stadium before we start (the season). And then we’ll walk through two or three times a year, just pounding nails back in. It’s so people don’t catch their clothes or their legs on the nails.”

According to recent agendas from St. Joseph City Council meetings, construction company costs totaled $674,611.00.

The purchase and installation of new seating was an additional $336,814.00, for a total cost of $1,011,425 for the overall project.

For longtime fans like Kevin Little, he views the improvements to the stadium as something to be excited about, but still appreciates the older feel of Phil Welch. 

“It reminds me of baseball. You look at all the older baseball movies, are just like this,” Little said. “It adds a little bit to the baseball lore. With the changing of times, you have an opportunity to make it a more quality experience for the participants and the spectators.”

The plan for the old seats is to make them available for Mustangs fans to purchase. Once they are officially on sale, Little intends to be one of the first people in line. 

“I might have one of those (seats) down in my basement,” Little said. “Especially since we have Mustang players stay with us. It’d be a fun little experience to put the stadium seat downstairs where they stay.”

Turner also mentioned the recent renovations at Phil Welch may only just be getting started and teased more changes and upgrades coming to the stadium in the future.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Kansas City Chiefs will play in São Paulo, Brazil, and face the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday to kick off their 2025 season.

Many local St. Joseph bars are planning for the big game. 

Jake’s Steakhouse & Sports Bar is planning a special night.

“We are expecting to have a very decent crowd in here tomorrow. We have some specials going on for the Chiefs game, and we have a KC punch, which is a specialty drink just for the Kansas City Chiefs,” said Jake’s Steakhouse & Sports Bar server Leigh Holland.

Jake’s is also planning live music at 7 p.m., with the Chiefs game also kicking off at the same time.

Local bar Tipps is planning their own special for this Friday.

Co-owner Lindsey Bernard is really excited about their new shot.

“We’re going to have the pineapple upside-down shot for $3. And we put it all together. It really represents the Chiefs’ color, so we’re excited about that one,” said Bernard.

The expectation is that the red kingdom will be well represented at St. Joseph Bars this Friday.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Marine Corps veteran and retired St. Joseph police detective Paul Gatewood has announced his candidacy for the District 10 seat in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Gatewood will appear on the Republican ballot. He will bid to replace the current District 10 representative, Bill Falkner. Falkner faces term limits and will leave the House after the next session.

“Politics was never in the forecast for me,” Gatewood said. “However, I am increasingly concerned about what kind of future my children and grandchildren are inheriting. I want to ensure that Missouri remains a place of opportunity and prosperity under the guidance of traditional American values.”

Currently, Gatewood serves as the Evidence Unit Manager for the SJPD. He said he staunchly opposes any efforts to “defund the police,” and promises to work hard to ensure police departments and sheriffs’ offices across the state are well-equipped.

In addition to coaching youth sports, Gatewood has also volunteered as chairman of the Joint Veterans Committee and serves on the St. Joseph Museums Board.

“Being involved in local activities is both a pleasure and a calling,” he said. “I believe those who are blessed are to bless others—and I have been so blessed to be a father of eight wonderful children and a grandfather of nine grandkids.”

Thus far, the 10th District race has drawn plenty of interest. Earlier this year, Republican Skylar Smith and Democrat LaTonya Williams announced their candidacies.

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