Author: News-Press NOW

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Former St. Joseph School District School Board member, Kenneth Reeder, pleaded guilty to a peace disturbance charge on Monday in St. Joseph Municipal Court.

Reeder was stopped by St. Joseph police at about 12:42 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2024, near McArthur Drive and west Highland Avenue, according to court records.

Reeder was cited for driving while intoxicated and a weapons violation charge. Missouri court records show the charge was amended to “peace disturbance”.

After entering a guilty plea, Reeder was sentenced to a $250 fine and court costs.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Saint Joseph School District Board gathered Monday evening at the Troester Center to go over key updates ahead of the upcoming school year. 

One of the main topics of discussion was a curriculum revision aimed at making sure the district’s academic goals remain well-structured, clear, and focused on student success. 

Board members also talked about ways to strengthen professional learning opportunities for educators, to support effective teaching across the district. 

Another topic on the agenda was the 2025-2026 Lau Plan, which outlines support for English Language Development students and details when students will exit the ELD program.

The board also reviewed updates to the Academic Development (AD) policy, which included plans for gathering data to define the key skills students should graduate with. 

In addition, members discussed a new agreement allowing Central High School’s boys and girls swim teams to hold practices and host competitions during both the fall and winter seasons. 

Finally, the board reviewed a change order for soil stabilization at Lafayette High School. The update calls for mixing in 140 tons of dry bulk stabilizer to harden the dirt sub-grade, allowing construction equipment to safely access the field and ensuring long-term stability for the new turf. 

News-Press NOW will continue to provide updates on upcoming meetings and any changes affecting local schools.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Friends of the St. Joseph Public Library is holding a three-day book sale for patrons to stock their homes or classrooms up with books.

The sale will begin on Thursday, Aug. 14, and will also take place on Friday, Aug. 15, and Saturday, Aug. 16, at the East Hills Library, located at 502 N. Woodbine Rd.

On Thursday, the sale will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday, it will go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Board books, picture books, fiction and nonfiction books will be $1.

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Abigail McCluskey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Training camp weather conditions proved to be especially intense for both fans and players on Monday.

Temperatures rose quickly and the heat index followed, creating potentially dangerous conditions.

A heat advisory remains in effect for the St. Joseph region through Tuesday evening, which could impact future camp practices.

With these extreme temperatures, it’s important to take proper precautions to stay safe while attending camp.

Chiefs Training Camp allows attendees to bring in one sealed 20-ounce bottle of water, and there are multiple locations throughout the grounds where additional bottles can be purchased.

Shade and cooling areas are available to help guests escape the heat, but conditions remain harsh throughout much of the day.

Dr. Jared Norman, the emergency physician on duty for training camp, explained ways to help fans prepare for the heat.

“If you’re going to come out to training camp, make sure you are hydrating, not just when you get here, but before you come, drink lots of water and electrolyte drinks,” said Norman.

He also emphasized the importance of dressing properly to help regulate body temperature.

“Make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing, you know, lightweight, light colored clothing, this will help air move and keep you cooler,” said Norman.

A thermal gun was used Monday to measure surface temperatures around the camp. The black asphalt, where many fans stand, reached 115 degrees, and metal benches measured 105 degrees.

It’s important to wear proper shoes to prevent your feet from overheating on the hot pavement. Also, bringing a towel or blanket to cover the metal bleachers can help protect your skin from the scorching surfaces.

As camp continues over the coming weeks, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat-related illness, such as dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion or fainting.

If you or someone around you begins to show signs of heat exhaustion, seek shade and medical help immediately. Staying hydrated, prepared, and aware will help ensure a safer experience in these extreme conditions.

Tuesday will also see heat indices in the triple digits, with brutally hot temperatures.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A plan to expand Buchanan County’s Juvenile Justice Center is heating up as county officials prepare to select a construction manager to oversee the expected 18-month-long project.

Commissioners and county officials gathered this past week to review qualifications and narrow down a list of potential construction at-risk managers (CMAR) that would oversee the roughly 10,500-square-foot expansion project. The project would quadruple the number of beds from six to 24 as a result.

“It’s over the last couple of months that we really just started firing on four cylinders on this,” Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson said. “We’re serious. Then they (Goldberg Architect) got on the preliminary design very quickly in the county business world.”

Construction is expected to take 18 months to complete and will be budgeted across three different fiscal years — which run from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 — meaning shovels could break ground this year and finish in the early part of 2027 if all goes accordingly.

“I don’t see it as a difficult project, I really don’t. It’s a cut-and-dry project of what needs to be done,” Western District Commissioner Ron Hook said.

While no official decisions on the CMAR are expected to be made for another 30 to 60 days, commissioners were supportive of using a local company after mulling the list of options last week, weighing factors including familiarity with the county and previous experience as a CMAR, a popular but slightly different project method.

As part of the process, the CMAR will be hired by the owner (Buchanan County) to act as the primary project manager. The CMAR will coordinate with Goldberg Group Architects to develop a finalized construction plan that fits within the county’s set price using initial preliminary designs.

“Once they have (designs) … then that design will go out to construction companies through our construction manager. And then that’s when the bid process starts,” Nelson said. “A lot of it will be done upfront. And then that construction manager at risk will be the paperwork, looking over (the subcontractors) and things like that.”

While final costs won’t be determined until the CMAR and GGA develop the plan, the county has established a $9.5 million budget to work with for the CMAR, who will then hire and oversee subcontractors to carry out construction.

“We’re using money that we receive already, whether it’s through the general fund, whether it’s through real estate interest, that sort of thing,” Nelson said. “It only made sense with three budget cycles for sure.”

By choosing the CMAR process, the county guarantees a level of cost certainty and fosters creativity by allowing the expertise of both the construction manager and design team to coordinate and create a sound and cost-effective plan.

“Because we’re the payers here. If it’s over (budget), then we say, ‘OK … we’ve got to cut something to try to get to our number. Maybe we have to do that. Maybe we don’t,” Nelson said. “We want to be able to work within our means.”

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News-Press NOW

CLINTON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One man was seriously injured in a crash involving a four-wheeler on Sunday morning on Highway A, just a quarter-mile north of Missouri Route 116.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the 26-year-old male from Cameron, Missouri, was northbound on Highway A when the Yamaha four-wheeler he was driving suffered a mechanical malfunction.

The malfunction caused the vehicle to overturn, ejecting the driver, and it came to rest on the west shoulder of the highway.

The crash happened at 2:25 a.m. on Sunday, July 27. The driver was transported by Tri-County EMS to Liberty Hospital.

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — After a day off Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs were back at training camp — and the fans showed up.

The entire team was available for autographs, and fans lined up before and after practice for a chance to get their favorite player’s signature. Keyton Reck has been a Chiefs fan his whole life and hoped to get an autograph from one of the players.

“I know there’s a lot of people here, so I might have a small chance,” Reck said. “But whatever I get I am going to be grateful for, no matter what.”

Season ticket holder, Phil Smith, has been lucky enough to collect many autographs over the years. Sunday wasn’t about the signatures for him — he was more interested in watching the offensive line.

“I’m here mostly to watch Josh Simmons and some of the players,” Smith said. “I’m here to see what kind of offensive line protection that we’re going to have for Patrick Mahomes.”

Each year, the Chiefs attract fans from all over the country to training camp. For Shaunta Griddine, said team impacts the community in ways that go beyond football.

“It is a family dynamic that’s what we do every year,” Griddine said. “That’s the reason why we get better: because it is a family dynamic.”

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Excitement is building in St. Joseph as the Kansas City Chiefs make their annual return to celebrate the start of training camp with the much-anticipated Red Rally.  

The fan-focused event takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at Civic Park in downtown St. Joseph, marking the official launch of the 2025 Chiefs Training Camp season.  

Local vendors will be stationed throughout the park, offering food along with official Chief’s merchandise for purchase.   

The event will kick off with some live DJ music, and fans are encouraged to wear their favorite red t-shirt.

The event featured a special performance by Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne, delivering a show fit for fans of all ages. 

Tailgating crews like Randy Weidner’s brought the full Arrowhead atmosphere to downtown. 

“We get invited everywhere with our tailgates — from Arrowhead to Civic Park — and I’m proud they let us be a part of this,” Widener said. 

The rally included inflatables for kids, free water stations, and space for families to hang out, make memories, and enjoy the Chiefs spirit together. 

“Honestly, it’s the people. We love meeting other fans — that’s what makes it special,” Widener said. 

Veteran fan JR Zbierski, who’s been attending training camps since 1994, said nothing compares to the rally atmosphere. 

“I’ve been to a lot of these events, but nothing like what we do here,” Zbierski said. 

Fans came from across town to show support and gear up for another exciting season. Chiefs ambassadors and Missouri Western’s Griffon Spirit Team were also on site, offering team merchandise and high-energy performances. 

For longtime fan Stacy Downie, the team is part of her family’s tradition. 

“I grew up in a Chiefs and Royals household. I’m absolutely a super fan,” Downie said. 

With hope high and spirits even higher, fans are ready to cheer the Chiefs on all the way to the playoffs.    

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the Good Times Event Center was alive with music, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of community as residents gathered to support the rebuilding of a beloved local landmark, the B & J Skate Center.

The family-friendly fundraiser is being held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m at 3414 S 22nd Street, previously the Time Out Entertainment Center. It turned into a heartfelt celebration of fun memories, resilience, and hope. With the iconic skate center heavily damaged by fire just last month, the event brought out both longtime patrons and new supporters eager to help restore a cherished piece of St. Joseph’s history.

“I would go to Friday skate night with my friends when I was younger and it was just a lot of fun. And then I also have memories with my kids, there um like birthday parties and stuff,” said Cheyenne Tuttle, the event coordinator for Good Times Event Center, “and I went with people that are no longer with us anymore, so the place is really close and dear to my heart so.”

Entry is free, making it accessible to all, while wristbands for unlimited bounce house fun is sold for $20, and game tickets cost just a dollar. Children lined up for carnival-style games while dozens of local businesses, vendors, and performers donated their time and talents to make the event a success. Bounce houses stayed busy all day, and staff worked tirelessly to keep things running smoothly.

“The rides and the games are like really fun,” said Hazel, a kid participant, “and Mickey Mouse is coming!”

For those interested in volunteering, performing, or becoming a vendor at future events, organizers encourage reaching out to 816-262-1574. So far, they have raised about $300. The wheels are in motion, and B & J Skate Center is one step closer to rolling again.

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — An anticipated annual event that provides kids with new shoes is in need of more volunteers.

Soles for Christ, sponsored by the AFL-CIO, will hold its annual shoe distribution from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both Monday, Aug. 11, and Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The annual Soles for Christ event provides shoes for an average of 1,100 students each year to help start the school year, according to executive director Nichi Seckinger.

“Right now we have about 70 volunteers signed up,” Seckinger said, “And we usually have between 110 and 130.”

Seckinger said she realizes it is summer and many people are traveling, but said the good news is, the AFL-CIO has added tools to make it easier for volunteers, givers and clients.

“We’re going to a digital format for entering everyone this year,” Seckinger said. “So, we are hoping that will speed up the process, since there won’t be as much paperwork to process.”

Givers can also go online and have shoes shipped directly to the AFL-CIO through Amazon. That link can be found on the AFL-CIO website.

Seckinger said that although she does encourage people to shop locally where possible, those who need the convenience of online ordering and delivery can easily utilize the Amazon shipping process.

There are already hundreds of boxes of shoes in all size ranges at the AFL-CIO building on 6th Street in St. Joseph; however, staff at AFL-CIO said the group is always needing as many donations as possible for this event, since shoes are provided to a wide range of age groups.

Volunteers are needed to coordinate children and parents when they arrive, to help get shoe sizes and to help students try on the shoes. The volunteers can help the large two-day event go smoothly and help ensure each child gets the shoes that are right for them.

Seckinger said the blessing of this event comes from seeing the excitement of the children when they find the right shoes for them.

“It’s so fun when the little ones run around in their new shoes,” Seckinger said. “Most of the time, they ask their parents if they can wear their shoes home, instead of waiting for the first day of school.”

The event will be held at the Scottish Rite building, located at 515 N. 6th St.

Parents must bring all children who need shoes to the distribution. Only one adult is allowed at the fitting station; other adults can wait in the exit area.

Children going to preschool through 12th grade are invited.

More information, including ways to donate and volunteer, can be found at helpmenow.org/souls-for-christ, or by calling (816) 364-1131.

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