Author: News-Press NOW

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A bridge closure originally scheduled on Monday, Aug. 18, has been delayed.

The Buchanan County Route AC bridge over U.S. Route 36 in St. Joseph is now scheduled to close on Monday, Sept. 8, and will remain closed around the clock until Thursday, Sept. 11.

Road crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation will be repairing the bridge deck.

Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during the closure.

A project to replace the bridge is currently scheduled for 2027 in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Project (STIP).

More information on the closure can be found by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  The summer is a perfect time to go around and enjoy local parks.

For St. Joseph locals, Kim and Mark Hubbard, this can be a struggle. The Hubbards both have cerebral palsy, which impacts their day-to-day lives.

Both Mark and Kim enjoy visiting their local parks, but have struggled to enjoy the parks to their full extent.

“The parks around town don’t feel like they are very considerate of people who have disabilities,” said Kim Hubbard.

At Patee Park, the couple expressed their frustration with the playground areas having a lack of equipment for disabled children to enjoy.

Kim, who uses a wheelchair, and Mark, who uses a cane, both struggled with parking and crossing the street.

The couple hopes to get in contact with the City of St. Joseph Parks Department to express their concerns.

News-Press NOW also reached out to the city for comment, but did not get a response.

Although a park may meet ADA requirements, it could still lack inclusivity to disabled persons of any age.

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Ryan Eslinger

ST JOSEPH, Mo (News-Press NOW) — Since Patrick Mahomes became the Chiefs’ starting quarterback in 2018, his favorite target has always been Travis Kelce and the tight end group.

With retirement looming for the 13-year veteran, the Chiefs have bolstered the tight end room with a veteran presence in Robert Tonyan and two younger guys in Noah Gray and Jared Wiley.

“The possibilities with the guys in that room seems endless,” said tight end Jared Wiley.

Jared Wiley was drafted in the 2024 NFL draft in the fourth round and missed most of his rookie season due to an ACL injury. Wiley touched on the injury recovery process and how hard it was to watch every game.

“You really feel like you’re missing out, getting to watch these guys play on Sundays while you’re just at the house with you’re feet kicked back,” Wiley said. “It sucked.”

Wiley is listed as tight end four behind newly signed Robert Tonyan.

Tonyan is entering his ninth season after spending the first eight years of his career in the NFC North. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2018 and spent six seasons there, then signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears in 2023, and spent the 2024 season on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad.

Travis Kelce talked about how much it means to have Tonyan in the room and the energy he brings to work every day.

“It’s just a pleasure to have that guy in here, man,” Kelce said. “Always a high-energy guy, always in a good mood, and ready to play some football the right way.”

Tonyan broke out in 2020 with the Packers, where he had 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has yet to break 500 yards or double-digit touchdowns since his 2020 season.

Tonyan provides another veteran leader in the tight end room with Jared Wiley and Noah Gray.

Noah Gray was drafted by the Chiefs in the 2021 NFL draft and has been learning behind Travis Kelce ever since. Gray has always been consistent when the Chiefs needed him most. If Kelce were to go down with an injury, Chiefs fans knew Gray would be able to handle the spotlight.

Gray has been slowly improving his stats throughout his four-year career, accumulating more receiving yards and receiving touchdowns as the years progress.

Gray talked about how Chiefs Training Camp can help players pull out energy they thought they might not have had.

“Digging deep, finding that second burst of energy. You have to push past the tiredness and mistakes can happen when you’re tired,” Gray said. “I think it’s a huge benefit that you’re out here with the guys, that you’re pushing past that and you’re trying to focus while you’re tired.”

Noah Gray is the contender to replace Travis Kelce if he were to retire after the 2025 season.

You can not mention tight ends without talking about Travis Kelce. Kelce holds many of the Chiefs’ franchise records for a tight end, including:

Career receiving yards (12,151)

Career receptions (1,004)

Career receiving touchdowns (77)

Most consecutive and most 1,000-yard seasons for a tight end (7)

Travis Kelce has solidified himself as one of the best tight ends in franchise history and is considered one of the greatest tight ends of all time, and his career could be coming to an end very soon.

The speculation on whether Kelce was going to retire or not before the 2025 season was the only thing people could talk about.

But Kelce decided to come back for another season and another training camp in St. Joseph.

When he was asked what his favorite memory of training camp in St. Joseph was, Kelce kept it light-hearted and said, “Ask me that when I retire.”

The tight ends all know it could be Kelce’s last year in the red and gold, so they have their sights set on getting back to the Super Bowl to give Kelce one last ride.

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Board of Education President LaTonya Williams has asked the board to consider an outside financial audit. 

With changes in the administration for the new fiscal year, including a new superintendent and a new assistant superintendent of business and finance, Williams said new estimates and adjustments in SJSD’s new fiscal budget have raised questions since its approval in June.

Since the budget approval, the BOE has had difficulty answering any questions.

“For whatever reason, there were issues that arose we were unaware of,” Williams said. “So, the call for an audit is not about accusations or blame, just for clarification.” 

This issue was discussed in the Monday, Aug. 11 Board of Education meeting.

New Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance, Robert Hedgecorth, used an updated budget tracking system to explain why questions have arisen in the last two months.

The new software takes into consideration more elements, including changes in enrollment and state funding in more detail. Hedgecorth then advised the board they must choose between a full state audit, in addition to the audit already paid for each year by the board, which is set for September through December by an outside firm.  

“A state audit would look beyond finances and at procedures,” Hedgecorth said. “This is more time-consuming and may be more than the board has in mind.”  

After more discussion, the board decided to pursue the option of an outside party that would concentrate on the finances and best practices for budgeting.  

“I told the board I would ask the finance director from the Missouri School Board Association,” Hedgecorth said. “She is a former CFO and has experience in working with boards about finances and planning.”  

Both Hedgecorth and the BOE agreed that this plan would be ideal for focusing on questions and for establishing practices that would save time and make the best use of resources for the future.

Hedgecorth said changes early on and mid-year are not uncommon, because some of the largest factors in regard to income are unknown until after summer. These include final student enrollment numbers and the amount of state funds the district will receive.  

“You are presenting a preliminary budget in June, so there are a lot of things you don’t know,” Hedgecorth said. “So, you are estimating at that time.” 

Hedgecorth emphasized that the best way to address a concern or issue is to name it.

BOE members have brought questions forward about the process and the numbers associated with the budget, even advocating for a third set of eyes to be brought in.

Hedgecorth stated, he hasn’t had confirmation about the availability of an auditor, but would have more answers to present at the next BOE meeting on Monday, Aug. 25.

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Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Increases in rent and medical costs drove Midwest inflation in July compared to the year before, but prices for food and energy fell for the month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Year-over-year inflation in the Midwest, including Missouri, was up 2.6% in July, the bureau stated in a news release Tuesday. That increase was driven largely by a 5.1% increase in home ownership costs, a 3.6% increase in medical costs and a 5% increase in rent.

Those increases were balanced by falling food and energy prices that pegged inflation at just 0.2% compared to June. Natural gas and gasoline prices decreased, while electricity prices were up in July, according to the release.

Food prices were down 0.2% compared to June. Grocery prices fell 0.5% while food consumed away from home increased 0.3%.

Energy and food prices were all higher compared to last year, with natural gas prices rising 14.6% during that time.

The Midwest numbers were similar to those reported nationally, with prices up 0.2% compared to June and 2.7% compared to the year before.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The pathway to becoming a pilot and taking to the skies will be easier than ever under a new and long-awaited aviation rule change set to take effect this October.

U.S. aviation officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, unveiled widespread changes this July for light sport aircraft and sport pilot privileges, the largest overhaul in more than 20 years for a growing sector of recreational aviation.

Among a wide range of changes, the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule now allows those with Sport Pilot certification to operate a broader range of larger and more traditional aircraft, such as the Piper Cherokee and Cessna 182, essentially cutting the amount of time in half that it takes to fly one.

“It’s amazing. It’s one of the best things I’ve seen happen to aviation in the 15 years I’ve been flying,” FlyTech Pilot Academy co-founder Lute Atieh said. “The sport license basically says if you’re a recreational pilot, you can get this license. It’s half the time, half the money, half the effort of a full license.”

With proper training, sport pilots will be allowed to fly at night and operate more complex aircraft. The rule will also reduce weight restrictions, enhance landing gear capabilities and allow for constant-speed propellers.

Used primarily for recreational aviation, a sport pilot’s license requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight time while also being more affordable than a standard pilot’s license, which requires twice the amount of flight hours.

“If you possess the ability to have a driver’s license, you can then start earning your sport pilot’s license,” Atieh said.

Atieh said it took five years for him to get a standard pilot license, a long and slow process, with a number of areas not consistently utilized by sports pilots.

“We limit a few things that most of you will never use … so it’s really right-sizing the steps toward becoming a pilot,” Atieh said. “Most of us are just going to be at the sport license level. Fly around, enjoy, go do little vacations. And this is a perfect license for it.”

The FAA created the initial LSA category and the Sport Pilot certificate in 2004. Officials pointed to a solid safety record of LSAs during that time, showing the FAA could safely expand the aircraft category.

With more pilots potentially taking to the skies in the years to come, industry advocates are hopeful the rule will have a chain reaction that inspires aircraft manufacturers to enhance or create new aircraft that support a growing market.

“This is going to really inspire manufacturers to do more. It’s going to take older aircraft and retrofit them to do more,” Atieh said. “This is a huge. I think it’ll take a few years to realize how important this was for aviation.”

New MOSAIC rules also open the door for older pilots who were previously discouraged from flying due to certain types of medications or health issues.

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Abigail McCluskey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Being located in Missouri, Kansas City Chiefs fans know they have to be ready for any weather coming their way.

Whether it’s the blistering heat of training camp or the freezing, snowy conditions at Arrowhead Stadium, Chiefs fans stick it out to cheer on their team. They’re some of the most dedicated fans in the NFL — no matter the season, no matter the weather.

This summer, fans at training camp once again had to deal with Missouri’s unpredictable climate. Several camp days saw heat index values soar above 100 degrees.

On top of that, a few sessions were moved indoors due to thunderstorms and heavy rain. But for die-hard fans, it’s all part of the experience — a kind of preseason training for what they’ll face during the regular season.

Arrowhead Stadium, famously open-air, offers no protection from the elements.

During the 2023 AFC Wild Card game against the Miami Dolphins, fans faced wind chills near -27 degrees. Some battled frostbite, and a few even suffered severe enough exposure to require amputations.

Yet, they showed up, bundled in layers and loud as ever.

Extreme weather may be part of the Chiefs fan experience, but it’s also part of what makes it so memorable.

Mike Numan was a former male chiefs cheerleader in the 60s. Numan was also able to participate in the first Chief’s Superbowl in Los Angeles in 1967.

Mike Numan recalls memorable moments of a foggy Super Bowl.

“So we went to the Super Bowl, and then we got fogged in out there and so we ended up spending the night and got to go to the all the parties, it was really fun.” Said former cheerleader Numan.

Another die hard Chiefs fan, Dustin Chestnut, went to the 2022 AFC championship game against the Bengals and experience the bitter cold.

“During that game it was freezing cold. I couldn’t feel my toes, my wife hated it but it was amazing.” Said Chestnut.

Whether sweating it out in July or freezing in January, fans create unforgettable moments — together with family and friends — that go far beyond the game.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Dating back to the 2019 season, Gardner Minshew has made a name for himself in the NFL with his strong play, along with his iconic mustache and mullet.

The 178th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft has been a steady presence on many teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders and now the Kansas City Chiefs. Entering his 6th season, Minshew has completed 1,094 passes for 11,950 yards, 68 passing and 5 rushing touchdowns.

As training camp as progressed, Minshew has drawn praise from the Chiefs coaching, Andy Reid included. Reid specifically noted Minshew’s experience in starting multiple games as something that has been noticeable.

“He’s smart. He’s got good accuracy, poise,” Reid said. “You kind of have a heads up because he’s actually started in games. You kind of know how he handles the pressure. We liked what we saw on tape and I’ve seen the same thing here.” 

The the skill in his accuracy and poise that Reid mentioned dates back to his high school days with the Brandon Bulldogs in Brandon, Mississippi. When his former Brandon offensive coordinator, Wyatt Rogers, started working with Minshew after his 8th grade year of school, he immediately took notice to Minshew’s attention to detail.

“Probably the biggest thing that foreshadowed his success was his attention to detail,” Rogers said. He was always hungry for more. He would ask the right questions. After he got home, maybe two hours after we had watched film, he would shoot me questions over text.” 

That same attention to detail has played a role in Minshew getting more comfortable and familiar within Kansas City’s offense.

“They communicate very well on like potential looks,” Minshew said. “You can understand how the play might adjust on the fly, really give the guys opportunity to play ball and be successful. That’s what has been a lot of fun”

Of the aspects of his game that have grown over the years, Rogers has seen Minshew’s running ability being put on more on display.

“He makes plays with his feet now,” Rogers said. “He didn’t really do that in high school. He was more of a a guy that was going to drop back and stay in the pocket. He ran some, but you particularly saw it once he got to Washington State (Cougars). It was like he found a new gear in his athleticism.”

The ‘new gear’ Rogers mentions was seen in the Chiefs’ preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. Minshew completed 6 of his 9 passes for 54 yards, rushing 3 times for 4 yards and 1 rushing touchdown.

When the Chiefs signed Minshew back in March, they were looking for a reliable backup if Patrick Mahomes had to miss time. His early success in training camp and the preseason is showing exactly why they wanted to bring him to Kansas City.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With the first day of school just around the corner, St. Joseph families are busy checking off their back-to-school shopping lists. 

One local effort, Operation Christmas Child, is stepping in to help make sure every child has what they need.

Volunteers are filling empty shoeboxes with school supplies and personal care items, with a goal of reaching 12.6 million families worldwide. 

It’s a simple idea with a big impact—turning a small shoebox into a package of hope for children who are in need.

“We work on a mission that is filling shoeboxes, and through the shoebox, we get to bless children all around the world with the contents that we put in the shoeboxes, that makes a difference in their lives,” said Kristy Smith, a coordinator for Northwest Missouri. 

Operation Christmas Child, part of Samaritan’s Purse, works to reach as many children as possible with these boxes of joy. St. Joseph has been part of the effort since 1994, filling shoeboxes with school supplies, toys and personal care items for kids who might not otherwise have them. 

Smith said the project began when Franklin Graham saw a need in war-torn Bosnia, where children were struggling without basic items. From there, the idea grew into a global mission. 

Teams across the U.S. and around the world pack shoeboxes with items that are both fun and useful. Local volunteers also work to set up drop-off locations where community members can bring filled shoeboxes.

“We put lots of toys so that makes it fun and we also put school supplies l;ike paper, pencils and pens with hygiene items and stuffed animals,” Smith said.  

The volunteer team works in the U.S and other parts of the world to pack these boxes that are fun and have lots of items for the little ones.  

The National Leadership team around the world comes together to decide who receives this items.

“It’s fun to buy something for someone else and let them get excited about that and share their excitement by seeing them receive a bouncy ball,” said Raydena Allison, a logistics coordinator.

There are nearly 10 drop-off locations in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas, with two in St. Joseph. One of the central locations being the Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church, located at 5502 Frederick Ave.

“Sometimes I take my grandkids and we go shopping and they will buy stuffed animals because the two little girls I have loved stuffed animals, so that’s so easy to pack,” Allison said.  

The hope is simple: keep filling shoeboxes and keep bringing smiles to children’s faces around the world. 

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News-Press NOW

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A coalition of law enforcement agencies led efforts to identify offenders and tackle human trafficking in communities north and east of Kansas City.

Twelve arrests were made in the multi-agency operation, that took place on Aug. 7 and 8, according to the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.

Seven people were arrested for attempting to buy sex with a child and three were arrested for attempting to buy sex. Two suspects were taken into custody for promoting prostitution/recruiting a person to engage in prostitution, with one of the offenders being booked for kidnapping and sexual assault.

According to a press release, a victim-survivor was recovered during the operation, and eight potential survivors met with Value Unconditional and RPOR advocates. The victim and potential survivors are all receiving support.

“I commend the actions of every agency involved in this operation,” said Platte County Sheriff Erik Holland. “No community is immune to these types of crimes. Law enforcement must continue to work together and share resources in a commitment to fight sex trafficking.”

The agencies involved included sheriff’s offices in Clay, Clinton, Platte and Ray counties, as well as the Kearney Police Department. Other regional agencies in Missouri and Kansas provided assistance, along with technical support from departments in Kansas, Arizona and Nevada.

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