Author: News-Press NOW

Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The school year is now over a month in and Superintendent Ashly McGinnis has her focus on many areas.

Academics is her number one priority for St. Joseph School District students specifically, which involves attendance as well.

“We landed at 81.2%, we’re in the 85% range now. Historically that attendance percentage drops throughout the year, trying to hold on to that 85% for as long as we can…,” McGinnis said. “This is the first year since I’ve been in the district office that we’ve actually got points on our annual performance report for attendance.”

‘Slow and steady progress’ is how McGinnis described it. Going back to 2022, attendance levels were 76%, now above 80%.

The annual performance report, also known as APR, listed SJSD at 67.5% — McGinnis wants to get that number up to 70%.

“We haven’t been there in the last three years,” she said. “We are hopeful we are going to get there because we have seen some academic gains, but it’s been a battle to come back from COVID.”

A collaboration between MoWest and SJSD was announced during the first week of the academic year granting high school graduates access to a direct admission program.

Currently, McGinnis said SJSD is in the process of updating its continuous school improvement plan (CSIP). Board policy states it must be updated every five years through community focus groups, staff feedback, academics committee meetings and feedback from stakeholders on goals and priorities for the district.

Finance is another key area of focus for McGinnis and the school district. She said board policy states financial reserves should not be lower than 20% — currently reserves stand at 10.02% for fiscal year 2025.

It was previously announced an audit is being conducted for the latest approved budget. McGinnis said an update on that audit will come in November.

“We know we have inefficiencies within our district and so looking at those pieces but also being mindful of climate and culture,” McGinnis said. “When we are put in this situation, where we are at financially, we want to make sure we are mindful and sensitive with how it impacts our people.”

McGinnis said they have ‘a lot going on right now with facilities’ and she can see the vision of the possibility of a new high school, but trying to get to the other side of that is a challenge.

“It’s not something that people take lightly, it’s not something that’s going to be pain free in getting there because we know that our schools and buildings are more than just structures. There’s heart, there’s culture, there’s traditions and removing those pieces are very difficult,” McGinnis said. “I’m tasked with looking at the bigger picture of our entire district and making sure we’re sustainable and can maintain efficiency for years to come.”

Pointing to the declining enrollment, now at 9,969 K-12 students, compared to 30 years ago when the number was above 12,000.

“With change comes growth, and I know that is challenging for everyone but we are at a point right now where we need to take some action,” she said.

The Eugene Field Elementary alumnus McGinnis, with now 19 years working in the district, thinks there’s ways to preserve some of the history, culture and heart of the facilities but continue to move forward.

“I understand the ties but we also have to be cognizant of our financial situation and this hope for three high schools just isn’t sustainable.”

Pointing around the state, she mentioned no city with student enrollment under 10,000 has three high schools. McGinnis said a decision regarding facilities will come during the October board meeting.

When asked why the district upgraded three football fields if three high schools are not a guarantee, McGinnis countered ‘those facilities are being used right now.’

“Those kids deserve to have that opportunity right now,” she said. “We have to plan sometimes, for not only the future, but to make sure we’re doing right by kids right now.”

Acknowledging the current situation did not happen overnight, and now the district is at a point it has to take action.

“We walked into these new roles as new leaders… We walked into this situation, we are going to be the cleanup crew that gets us out of this situation,” McGinnis said. “I’m blessed that I have great people that are going to get us out of this situation, who care deeply, who are intelligent. I hear what people are saying and they can point the finger at me. I’m still going to make the right decisions that will best serve our district for years to come, I have to.”

The SJSD Board of Education announced McGinnis as the new superintendent in December 2024 and she replaced Gabe Edgar on July 1.

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Ryan Eslinger

ST. JOSEPH, Mo (News-Press NOW) — Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas are officially halfway through the high school football season. Here are the matchups for week five of the high school football season.

Every game will be played at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, unless otherwise stated.

Sports Zone’s game of the week is the Mid Buchanan Dragons (4-0) vs the Lawson Cardinals (3-1)

East Buchanan Bulldogs (1-3) vs. Lathrop Mules (4-0)

Savannah Savages (4-0) vs. Benton Cardinals (2-2)

Riverside Cyclones (2-1) vs. Maur Hill Prep-Mount Academy Ravens (1-2)

Central Indians (3-1) at Liberty Blue Jays (4-0)

Lafayette Fighting Irish (0-4) at Summit Christian Academy Eagles (0-4)

North Platte Panthers (3-1) at Penney Hornets (1-3)

St. Joseph Christian Lions (3-1) vs. North Andrew Cardinals (1-3)

Bishop LeBlond Golden Eagles (1-3) at Archie Whirlwinds (3-1)

DeKalb Tigers (0-4) vs South Holt Knights (1-3)

News-Press NOW will update this article with halftime and final scores.

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Payton Counts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Runners have been training for months to prepare for the 26.2 miles in the St. Joseph Marathon this weekend, but when it comes to running outdoors, the weather can add extra challenges.

There is a connection between your body and the weather. Performance during workouts can depend on the temperature.

Conditions below 45 degrees or above 60 degrees Fahrenheit can have an impact.

“Usually when you’re running in hotter conditions, your body loses fluid faster, your heart rate goes up, your blood pressure rises and it causes a lot more physical stress on your muscles,” said Jeff Hughes, a personal trainer at the St. Joseph YMCA.

In hot weather, experts recommend staying hydrated by drinking 6 to 8 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes.

On the flip side, colder weather makes it important to monitor core body temperature. Ideally, athletes want to stay around 98.6 degrees before and during the marathon. 

Hughes offered this advice: “Always warm up. Always have some activity first to get your body warm. Dress in layers.”

Dry weather is always preferred, but if rain moves in, slick pavement can make footing tricky. That’s when the right shoes become critical for maintaining grip.

As for the most favorable running conditions, most runners have the same consensus.

“Crisp early fall, when the humidity is low and temperatures are in the upper 50s to low 60s, is just kind of that perfect weather,” said Tera James, an experienced marathon runner.

No matter the highs or lows, the feeling of a long, daunting run can be overwhelming — but also rewarding.

For runners participating in the St. Joseph Marathon, Hughes shared some encouragement.

“It’s not just, ‘Oh, this is going to be miserable.’ No, it’s going to be fun. There are going to be people on the course cheering for you,” said Hughes.

At the finish line, runners will be greeted with not only a medal but also a new sense of pride.

No matter what Mother Nature brings, safety should always come first. Always make sure to check weather conditions before the race.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — On Thursday evening, the Optimist Clubs of St. Joseph hosted its 11th annual Respect the Law banquet.

The banquet is hosted every year to recognize the efforts of local law enforcement agencies.

Multiple law enforcement agencies were in attendance, including the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Joseph Police Department and the Missouri Western State University Police Department.

The banquet was originally hosted to recognize the efforts of the MSHP, but over time, the club expanded to all city agencies.

Harold D. Stewart said it touched his heart to see all of the city agencies attend the banquet.

“Our program has been going on for, like I say, now, the 11th year, it is an honor that definitely does not need to be overlooked,” he said.

The banquet started with a short speech, followed by a prayer. After the prayer, dinner was served to all guests.

St. Joseph Mayor, John Josendale, delivered a speech and proclaimed Sept. 25 “Respect the Law” Day.

State Representative Brenda Shields delivered a speech thanking law enforcement for the daily work they do.

Each law enforcement branch received an award sponsored by each member of the Optimist Club.

Stewart said we should try to help our fellow officers in the community.

“Just whenever you get an opportunity, if you’re called into a situation where you see an officer need some physical help, step up and don’t turn your back on that officer,” he said.

The banquet ended with a closing remark and readings from the Creed.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Local seniors will see new and improved pathways constructed for a popular activity center in Downtown St. Joseph.

Sidewalk and entryway reconstruction work for the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center officially kicked off Thursday at 100 S. 10th St., a $31,000 project to address deteriorating concrete, safety and improve ADA access for pedestrians and customers.

Improvements will be carried out on the east side/front entrance and along most of the 10th Street sidewalk, including reconstruction of the ramp at 10th and Edmond streets and guardrail improvements.

“For those people who park in the front or use the bus, we hope it’s going to be a big improvement and make the building look better too,” facility manager Julie Noel said. “We have areas where the rebar is rusting through and it makes people wonder how safe it is.”

Construction workers make repairs to damaged sidewalks outside the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center on Thursday in St. Joseph.

She said poor sidewalk conditions have caused problems for some customers, especially those who use walkers, canes or wheelchairs for assistance.

The 22,000-square-foot facility offers a variety of recreational and fitness-related activities for local citizens age 50 and older, averaging more than 5,500 visits each month.

“They struggle on the sidewalk because it’s been pretty beat up. It’s more gravel in some places, especially the entrance areas,” she said. “We’re excited to get those fixed, that way people will have an easier time.”

The project is expected to be complete in short order, likely within a week according to St. Josephs Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Atkins.

Street parking out front will be impacted as construction unfolds. The entrance will be blocked on Monday, meaning users will have to park below the building and use the stairs or elevator to come up to the main level.

Built in 1978, the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center has seen a number of renovations carried out or planned in recent years, including $300,000 for significant restroom renovations, kitchen equipment replacements and paint work.

A new elevator system is also in line to be installed this winter.

Construction workers using a walking saw to cut into concrete outside the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center on Thursday in St. Joseph.

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Ryan Eslinger

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The top two teams in Class 2 District 8 are set to face off Friday night in a matchup that could decide who places first in the class.

In week five of high school football, the undefeated Mid-Buchanan Dragons will host the 3-1 Lawson Cardinals in Facuett, Missouri, for News-Press NOW SportsZone’s Game of the Week.

The Dragons have been electric, posting a 4-0 record to start the season for the fifth time in six seasons. The fast start is helped by an offense led by senior quarterback Raife Smith, averaging 44 points per game, and a defense headed by senior defensive tackle Ledger Mignery, who only allows four points per game.

For the first time in almost a month, the Mid-Buchanan Dragons are back at home, and this game means a little bit more for the community as the Dragons prepare to celebrate homecoming.

Aaron Fritz, Dragons head coach, said the stadium will be packed, and the team needs to show out for fans to make sure homecoming is presented in the best way.

“We’re excited to be back here. It’s going to be a big crowd,” Fritz said. “There is no homecoming if you don’t go out there and play your best and give a good effort.”

While the Dragons are undefeated so far this season, the Lawson Cardinals will not be a pushover opponent — posting a 3-1 record and coming into this matchup on a three-game winning streak led by junior running back Grayson Smith and senior quarterback Brogan Crawford.

Smith ranks fourth in the state of Missouri in rushing yards with 670 and is tied for first in the state in total touchdowns with 11.

Despite the running ability from Lawson’s Smith, Mid-Buchanan’s Mignery said the defense just needs to do what they have been learning for years.

“We know he (Grayson Smith) is a very good running back, but that won’t affect how we play,” Mignery said. “We just got to stick to what we’ve been taught, what we’ve been doing for the past four, three, two years.”

Even though the Dragons have started off hot this season, coach Fritz said it does not matter when you go up against a powerhouse school like Lawson.

“Our kids are working hard, all the little stuff we want to do, we’ve done well so far, but none of that matters now,” Fritz said. “We’re about to play a giant Class 2 from decades ago and are still really good. We’re going to be in for a battle Friday night.”

Fans can tune in to News-Press NOW SportsZone this Friday, Sept. 26, for highlights from this game and updates from other games around the area.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In the heart of St. Joseph, the Twin Spires Complex towers above its surroundings, not just in height, but in craftsmanship.

Built during a time when architectural ambition met deep religious devotion, the Gothic Revival-style church and its accompanying buildings now serve as a striking contrast to modern construction.

Courtesy of Richard Mahoney

The centerpiece of the complex, now the Pro-Life Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Church, otherwise known as Twin Spires, was completed in 1908 after a fire destroyed the original structure.

Designed by famed local architect Edmund J. Eckel, the church features soaring twin spires, pointed arched windows, a grand, symmetrical entrance and a steeply pitched gable roof. Hallmarks of a time when buildings were designed to inspire.

The limestone exterior features hand-carved tracery, detailed stonework guiding the eye skyward. This wasn’t just a building; it was an expression of faith, craftsmanship and permanence.

Inside, the artistry continues. Ribbed vaults stretch across the ceiling, creating design while also supporting structure.

Slender columns branch like trees, forming elegant fan patterns above. Every detail is deliberate, rooted in centuries-old cathedral design tradition.

“Sacred architecture reflects what it signifies, and so our faith is known by what we see,” said Richard Mahoney, the current owner of the Twin Spires. “The churches all face east because in the Bible, our Lord Jesus will return in glory from the East. And they are also built in the shape of a cross.”

Courtesy of Richard Mahoney

The Twin Spires complex once served St. Joseph’s German Catholic community and included a convent, rectory and school, two of which remain among the oldest buildings in the city.

Though the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph later considered closing and demolishing the site, but parishioners and preservationists formed Twin Spires Inc., securing ownership and funding for restoration.

The stained-glass windows were imported from Innsbruck, Austria, nearly 5,000 miles away from here. They are embedded 18 inches into the walls and depict the life of Mary, Mother of Jesus. 

Courtesy of Richard Mahoney

Mahoney hopes to restore the church to its former glory.

“It’s one of two churches that have windows dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the United States,” said Paul Helmer, architect. “It really is something to be very, very proud of, it’s something you don’t get in a lot of cities.”

According to construction experts, today’s materials prioritize efficiency and cost.

“The cost is always a huge driving factor. People want as nice and as much quality as they can get for as cost-effective as possible,” said Lucas Weaver, owner of Epic Construction. “Buildings like that, there was a tremendous amount of time, effort, and craftsmanship that went into it.”

Ornamentation becomes impractical. Modern building codes add additional constraints, including fire safety, insulation and accessibility. All crucial, but often at the expense of aesthetic detail.

Few clients today have the budget for hand-carved stone or custom stained glass. The artistry of the past has become a luxury many simply cannot afford.

“The guys that were building back then were true craftsmen,” said Weaver, “A lot of the commercial buildings today, they’re kind of LEGO sets, you just put them together. Back then, their hands were on every aspect of it.”

Twin Spires wasn’t just constructed; it was crafted. Every element serves both a structural and aesthetic purpose.

In an era focused on speed and efficiency, these Twin Spires stand as a quiet testament to what we can create when we build not just for function, but for beauty.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — According to the St. Joseph Police Department, Benton High School went on a soft lockdown on Thursday due to a parental threat and not an active shooter situation.

The lockdown was lifted before 2 p.m. on Thursday, according to the St. Joseph School District. Students were able to resume normal activities and students and staff remain safe.

Just after noon on Thursday, News-Press NOW received calls that Benton High School was on lockdown.

Captain Todd Derr with SJPD confirmed to News-Press NOW that a parent had called Benton High School and made threats of violence.

Capt. Derr said there was never a weapon involved, and this is not an active shooter situation.

In a released statement, the St. Joseph School District said, “Benton High School and Hyde Elementary School are currently in a No Entry lockdown due to suspicious activity reported near the buildings. This means no one is allowed to enter the schools at this time. The School Resource Officers are aware and on alert. Students and staff are safe inside the buildings. We will provide an update as soon as the situation changes.”

The above statement was also sent to the families of Benton and Hyde students.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph YMCA officials provided the latest timeline on the anticipated kickoff for construction of a new community indoor aquatic facility on North Village Drive.

Construction is expected to begin on the 35,000-square-foot facility in early 2026, with design work on the $15.6 million project ongoing. The community facility will be located on the YMCA’s campus at 3601 N. Village Drive and is currently scheduled to open in 2027, an estimated 18-month project.

Plans for the facility include a 50-meter pool with 10 lanes, capable of hosting local, state and even national events, as well as a second four-lane wellness pool, a multi-purpose room, locker rooms, spectator seating, offices and on-site food and beverage concessions, among other amenities.

The wellness pool is a dual recreational and therapeutic pool that includes a play area and four lanes for water safety and swim lessons. The aquatic center will also have the ability to offer lifeguard training year-round.

Residents will be able to access the facility by purchasing day passes for $8, while YMCA members will have access to the pool using their membership. St. Joseph residents will receive a $2 discount and children under 3-years-old will get in for free.

A hybrid indoor/outdoor section is also in the works to provide a level of outdoor recreation.

The YMCA will remain open during construction. When finished, the plan is to have it open seven days a week with similar hours as the YMCA.

The latest developments come after City Councilmembers approved an agreement in May with the YMCA to provide $7 million toward construction of the community facility. including $270,000 a year for operational costs for a 20-year term.

The ongoing design phase includes coordination with local companies such as E.L. Crawford Construction Inc. and Ellison-Auxier Architects, as well as an outside aquatic design consultant.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Police Department is inviting community members to check out its Citizen Ride-Along Program. 

It’s a chance to spend six hours in the passenger seat with an officer, seeing firsthand what a typical shift on patrol really looks like. 

“Our citizens can sign up to do a ride-along on our website two times a year and catch six hours of our shift. They can attend the roll calls and understand what our shift briefing is like,” said Sgt. Jeremy Peters, with SJPD.

Residents can hop in with an officer for a shift, riding along as they respond to calls and getting a real feel for how officers interact with the community  

Peters said anyone who participates in the ride-along might even see officers making arrests, checking out crime scenes or handling traffic stops. Giving them a clear, firsthand look at what the job is really like.

“A lot of times this is utilized by people that are interested in careers in law enforcement and they get hands-on experience if this is something that they want to do,” Peters said.  

Peters points out, while there can be some action on the job, it’s not quite like what you see on TV shows.  

“There’s a lot of hard work that goes in behind the scenes and a lot of paperwork that’s involved in the process which we follow,” Peters said.  

There’s no deadline to sign up for a ride-along. Anyone can apply anytime through the department’s website, and after a quick background check, they’ll be cleared to ride along with an officer.  

Officers work different day and night shifts, meaning calls can be very different depending on the shift. That gives ride-along participants a real sense of how daytime patrol compares to overnight shifts. 

“I think it’s a benefit to the department because they get to interact with people who are more than likely not having contact with the police or not know much about the job,” Peters said.  

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