Author: News-Press NOW

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Backpacks for students were distributed on Thursday at the Salvation Army center.

In order to be eligible to receive a backpack, parents must provide a valid birth certificate and a Social Security card. If one of the documents is not readily available, a tax document or Medicaid card will suffice.

“It’s absolutely amazing to be able to have this resource available for our community,” local parent Bethany Sexton said. “It’s very much appreciated.”

Roughly 100 families came to the distribution event, with 300 backpacks picked up in the morning alone.

“It feels good to see the kids get their their backpacks,” Salvation Army Social Services Director Emily Bravo said. “They are so excited to receive backpacks. We love doing this and we plan to keep do it for many years to come.”

Extra backups will be made available at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph. For additional information on the backpack distribution or questions, call the Salvation Army at (816) 232-5824.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A multi-million dollar expansion effort for St. Joseph’s largest private school is quickly rounding into form on Gene Field Road.

Students and faculty at St. Joseph Christian will be welcomed back this school year to a large-scale, 23,000-square-foot facility nearing completion, a long-term boost for academics, athletics and the school’s growing enrollment.

“We’ve had various remodels and expansions and changes over the years, but this is definitely our largest to date,” said Glory Fagan, St. Joseph Christian director of development. “Our current enrollment is a little over 500, and with this, our capacity will actually rise to about 700.”

This rendering, courtesy of St. Joseph Christian and Creal, Clark and Seifert, shows how the $10 million facility will look once complete.

Called Nehemiah 2.0, the project is headlined by a new 1,100-seat gymnasium with a mezzanine, a facility that will pair with a 650-seat gym already in place, in addition to new locker rooms, a commons area, concessions and five new classrooms, including a music room.

Once finished, spectators will be able to stand on the mezzanine and view both gyms, which will be partially separated by a wall, providing enough space for three different games to take place concurrently.

“The hope is that our Christmas program will be able to be held here. So that’s in December. That’s the big hope,” she said.

Two new video scoreboards will also be constructed on the southwest and northeast corners of the gymnasium, allowing for instant replay and fan engagement opportunities.

“If we have a graduation or a program, they’ll be able to see, you know, little Johnny on the big screen,” Fagan said.

A lead construction worker with Lee Grover Construction works on the gymnasium’s mezzanine on Tuesday in St. Joseph.

Fundraising efforts for the project kicked off in October of 2023 with an initial budget of around $9.3 million, a price that grew with the addition of an elevator for improved accessibility. Fagan said the school has roughly $300,000 in funds left to secure.

The interdenominational school provides biblically-based education for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, growing from around 300 students pre-2020 to roughly 500 students now.

“When COVID-19 hit, we didn’t know if the bottom would drop out or what. But as it turned out, we had exponential growth. And so we soon saw the need for expansion. And, you know, we’re building for the future.”

The 2025-26 school year is scheduled to begin Aug. 19 for grades first through 12th. Kindergarteners will start school the next day.

Fagan praised an extensive list of donors for helping make the project possible, to the benefit of current and future classes of Lions.

“We’ve had some generous donors, we’ve had some grants, we’ve had people who’ve given a little bit monthly, just in every fashion,” she said. “Every bit of it has been donated.”

Two construction workers with Lee Grover Construction work on the west-facing wall of the new gymnasium on Tuesday in St. Joseph.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Educators from across the region came together in St. Joseph for a special summer training hosted by the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM). 

The two-day event focused on helping teachers strengthen their classroom instruction and improve how students learn math. 

By working together and sharing ideas, the goal is to help students better understand mathematical concepts—and do so more efficiently and effectively. 

“There were a group of teachers to boost student thinking and their engagement, it not about giving the kids tricks or tips but conceptual understanding so they know what they’re doing in class,” Shantell Cross, instructional coach said.  

At MCTM summer training, the focus was on changing how math is taught—starting with how teachers approach problem-solving in the classroom. 

Instead of simply giving students the answers, instructors were encouraged to dig deeper—guiding students to understand the why behind each step. The idea is to strengthen comprehension from the ground up. 

More than 250 educators from across Missouri took part in the two-day event, which is part of an ongoing statewide effort to improve math instruction.  

“The way that I look at this that teachers gain their skill set and they start to think about mathematics differently than what they have in the past and opening up that mindset can help them teach the kids about math,” Cross said.  

Cross says that when students are encouraged to use less traditional problem-solving methods, they tend to grasp the concepts more clearly—and often see better results on tests.  

“Whenever it comes to long term success with math, it helps kids understand  what I am learning now is going to be applicable to what I do in the future regardless of what they do in the future educationally,” Cross said.  

The training aims to move teachers away from giving flat answers when students struggle, and instead support them in building their own understanding.  

Ultimately, the hope is to help students become critical thinkers and confident problem-solvers—skills that go far beyond the classroom.  

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News-Press NOW

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Voters passed a proposition for Buchanan County R-IV schools during a Special Election on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Proposition K.I.D.S. increases the current debt service property tax levy and would allow the district to borrow $2,000,000 to use on school upgrades.

The vote passed by 91.98%, with 218 voters in favor and 19 voters not in favor.

The upgrades include:

Expanding track facilities

Repair roofs

Upgrade lighting on athletic fields

Increase safety and security upgrades at Rushville Elementary School and DeKalb High School

Replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units

Exterior building improvements

To the extent of the funds available, they would also acquire equipment and complete other repairs, renovations and improvements.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) –The YWCA of St. Joseph is collecting school supplies through Thursday, Aug. 14 to help provide confidence and excitement to children staying in its shelter and heading to school.

The organization is seeking donations of fun, colorful items designed to boost students’ confidence and help them feel proud and prepared on their first day of school.

Suggested supplies include themed backpacks, glitter pens, bright folders, bold notebooks, silly erasers and cool lunchboxes.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the St. Joseph YWCA, located at 304 N. 8th St.

Organizers said creativity is welcome, and items that bring joy—such as fun stickers, character folders, unique pencil cases or even encouraging notes tucked inside backpacks—can make a big difference.

The goal is to remind each child that their community supports them and that school can be a celebration.

For more information, visit the YWCA St. Joseph website at ywcasj.org or its social media pages.

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Kirsten Stokes

ST. JOSEPH, MO (News-Press NOW) — Young adults with the YouthBuild program at Youth Alliance are continuing their work to turn a St. Joseph structure into a home.

Back in December of last year, News-Press NOW interviewed a group of young adults striving for a better life, using construction and teamwork as a way to make improvements in St. Joseph.

Nine months later, what was once just bones and frames is now one step closer to becoming an affordable home for a buyer by August of next year.

Ben Girard, YouthBuild Construction Supervisor, said it’s always rewarding to help the younger generation find purpose.

“Whenever young people find their way and you help them find their way, that feels good, right?” Girard said. “I mean, at the end of the day, that is why we’re all here.”

The home, located at 2522 S. 11th St., is one of the featured homes in the Housing Improvement Initiative.

For the young adults involved, this project is more than just construction, it’s a path to success and purpose. Every six months, a new group of adults joins the program. For Andrew Fields and Michael, this opportunity is helping push their careers and lives in a positive direction.

“It’s not just construction, it’s not just building a house, it’s a whole lot more than that,” Fields said. “I’m starting my own lawn service business, ‘Fields Care,’ and it’s a no-brainer to enter this program.”

“I took my big step and did it, and you know, it’s been amazing so far,” Michael said. “I’ve had no problems or anything.”

The home is projected to be finished by August 2026, and News-Press NOW will continue to provide the community with updates on its progress.

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Residents, family members and community members can enjoy a free country music concert on Tuesday, Aug. 12, as part of the Benedictine Living Community’s “Summer Nights Live” concert series.

Country performer Andy Campbell will perform from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, in an outdoor concert at 1202 Heartland Road in St. Joseph.

Benedictine Marketing Director Karen Cannon said even though the series is only in its second year, it’s sure to become a mainstay.

“It’s an event where you can just come outside and enjoy the evening,” Cannon said. “It’s nice and cool and in the shade.”

The series began in June with the Kim Osborne band performing classic sing-along hits.

In July, Ben and Lauren Johnson performed during a “Memory Lane Night.” The series culminates on Aug. 12, “Country Comfort Night” will feature local artist Andy Campbell.

The concert is open to the community, and attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the one-hour concert. Because of its growing popularity, Cannon said that she and Benedictine Activities Director Whitney Zoubek hope to continue the series.

“My favorite part is seeing all our residents smile,” Cannon said. “They clap, sing along and even dance.”

For more information, contact Karen Cannon at (816) 671-8542, or visit the website at benedictineliving.org/st-joseph-mo.

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Wednesday was the final training camp practice open to the public ahead of the Chiefs’ first preseason game.

Despite it being an exhibition game, fans still look for a Chiefs win.

“We got to see what we are made of,” Vicky Ford said. “After that Super Bowl thing last year, we got to make sure we are on our game this year.”

For Chiefs fan Bruce Roberson, he traveled from California to watch his Chiefs in training camp. He said he’s looking forward to watching the new faces on the team play.

“I like to see the new guys, how they jell with the team,” Roberson said. “See who is going to make it or who’s not. From what I see, I like Brashard Smith. I think he is our secret weapon.”

In 2021, the NFL eliminated one preseason game, reducing each team’s exhibition schedule to three games ahead of the regular season.

Roberson agrees with the decision, stating players’ health and safety are important. Other fans seemed to agree as well.

“I think they’re necessary to see how our players are doing,” Lawrence White said. “Three is a good number.”

Like Roberson, White hopes the offensive line will improve this year.

Thursday training camp will be open to only season ticket holders and fans will have to wait to watch their Chiefs on Saturday.

“It’s so fun and exciting to watch the games,” Julie Elliott said. “I get a little distracted, but just watching my husband and how excited the kids get, and we want to win.”

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The inspireU Children’s Discovery Center is holding a Back-to-School Bash, featuring fun activities for kids.

The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at inspireU, located at 521 Felix St.

Admission to the Bash must be purchased separately from general admission. InspireU will close at 2 p.m. on Aug. 9, in preparation for the big event.

Tickets will be $20 online and $25 at the door. For members, tickets will be $10 online and $15 at the door. They can be purchased online at www.inspireu.com/program/back-to-school-bash/.

The event will also feature a cookout dinner and activities like: a Mad Science Shaving Cream Lab, Enormous Bubbles on the Rooftop, Club 521 Dance Party and Backpack buttons.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — As summer hits its peak, the month of August also brings a timely reminder to focus on personal well-being.

August, recognized as National Wellness Month, encourages individuals to prioritize their physical, mental and spiritual health. 

The month serves as a chance to embrace self-care routines, reduce stress and explore new wellness strategies. 

From healthier eating habits to staying properly hydrated, small lifestyle changes can lead to meaningful improvements in overall health.  

“It’s not always about taking care of your body. It’s also definitely your mental health, and for me, that doing a lot of housework whenever I have the energy, Olivia Stewart said.  

National Wellness Month serves as a reminder to hit pause and focus on yourself — even when life gets busy. For many, especially caregivers, it’s easy to get caught up in daily responsibilities and forget to take a moment to breathe.  

Stephanie Malita shared a few small habits that help her stay grounded. 

“It’s always important to take care of yourself, be it getting the right amount of sleep or drinking enough water or getting up every hour from your desk,” Malita said.  

Wellness could also mean doing what brings joy in stressful times — like connecting with someone you care about.  

Maybe talk with a friend or a family member on the phone and friend or a family member on the phone for 15 mins or write a letter to them,” Malita said.  

The idea of wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about what makes you feel good — physically, mentally or emotionally. 

For Suzanne Weipert, that means practicing yoga and staying mindful of screen time. 

“Make sure you get regular eye checkups just like you take care of your teeth while going to a doctor,” Weipert said.  

As August continues, individuals are encouraged to take time for the little things that bring peace — because often, those small acts of self-care become the greatest gift one can give themselves. 

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