Author: News-Press NOW

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A stalwart of St. Joseph’s Public Works Department was honored Monday with a prestigious key to the city for a dedicated career of service spanning nearly four decades.

Steve Kendall, a veteran city employee with 38 years of experience working in St. Joseph’s Public Works and Street Maintenance department, was honored with a key to the city by Mayor John Josendale and City Councilmembers during Monday’s City Council meeting, paying tribute to the man first hired back in 1988.

Steve Kendall is pictured during an interview with News-Press NOW in May.

Kendall, a senior field supervisor with the department, oversees a key position supervising and coordinating with pothole patchers who make their way across 440 miles of streets in St. Joseph, among other responsibilities.

Kendall also assists with the city’s snow removal operations and training of new snowplow operators.

Kendall has come a long way from his early days in the department when he first started off as a temp before earning his stripes in various roles, moving from custodian to laborer before being promoted to operator, senior work leader and then supervisor.

Click here to follow the original article.

Prajukta Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Stores around St. Joseph are shifting from one holiday to the next, as they make room for Valentine’s Day.

According to Stacey Fisher, owner of Garden Gate Flowers, Valentine’s Day is considered the “Super Bowl” of the floral industry.  

She explained that florists often debate which holiday is their biggest, with the title usually going back and forth between Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.  

“For us its definitely Valentine’s Day, so we start planning Valentine’s Day months in advance. We use flower wholesalers, and my pre-sale order I had were around Halloween and Thanksgiving,” Fisher said.  

Fisher said the first step in preparation is deciding the overall look for the holiday. The team meets to choose color schemes, which then determines the types of flowers they order.  

She emphasized that extensive planning happens behind the scenes to manage costs and to ensure customers are not overcharged. 

“We try to make things look flawless, and we always try to do all the work behind the scenes so things for the customers look easy and simple because we don’t want people to stress out while buying flowers,” Fisher said.  

As local Downtown stores continue to set up Valentine’s Day displays, some retailers, such as Hobby Lobby, already have decorations available for early shoppers.  

Hobby Lobby Co-Manager Madelyn Helton said the store began putting out Valentine’s Day items about two weeks ago.  

She noted that this year’s rush has been slower compared to last year, when customers were calling before Christmas to ask about Valentine’s merchandise.  

“Corporate sends us our schedule for when we put things out, and then we just implement it. It does depend on the sales of the item, so depending on how quickly we sell the stuff, then we have room for setting the new stuff,” Helton said.  

Helton said Valentine’s Day items will still be available for about two weeks after the holiday, though they won’t be displayed in the main seasonal section and may instead be found in clearance areas.  

She reminded shoppers that Hobby Lobby is a seasonal store, which means items are stocked well in advance to give customers plenty of time to plan their gifts.  

“It happened on Christmas, but we literally… we had people come in on Christmas Eve at 5:30, which was when we were closing to get Christmas stuff for the next day, so Valentine’s Day will be the exact same thing,” Helton added.  

Helton encouraged customers to shop early, noting that popular items often sell out quickly.  

Both Fisher and Helton agreed that while seasonal displays may seem simple, there is significant planning and responsibility behind the scenes to make the shopping experience smooth and enjoyable for customers. 

Click here to follow the original article.

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph City Council presented a special award, announced a proclaimation and discussed other major city funding plans during its first 2026 meeting.

The meeting started with Steve Kendall receiving the Key to the City award. The mayor also proclaimed Jan. 16 as Religious Freedom Day, a recognition of the fundamental rights of all citizens to freely practice and express their faith.

On Monday’s agenda, Councilmembers voted on an ordinance that prohibits parking on the north side of Olive Street from Sixth Street to Eighth Street and the south side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street to Belt Highway.

City Council approved the allocation of over $221,000 that would go toward three local social service agencies.

Over $401,000 of the city’s Community Development Block Grant funds will go toward social service agencies. Funds will be allocated to Community Missions, Social Welfare Board’s Dental Program, YWCA, along with ten other social services agencies.

The council approved the preliminary plat of a major subdivision entitled “Venetian Falls” as requested by Ventura Homes, LLC, located on South Lenard Road and West of University Ave.

Councilmembers also approved an ordinance to authorize a payment agreement with Triumph Foods for almost $67,000 to execute a work order with HDR Engineering, Inc., for the industrial evaluation at the Water Protection Facility.

The ordinance comes as Triumph Foods looks to evaluate the City’s wastewater treatment train to determine the load ability for now and in the future, in an effort to see if any improvements need to be made.

Two bills were introduced for first reading and will be discussed in future city council meetings.

An amendment of almost $62,000 to the Capital Projects Fund could mean a cosmetic upgrade at the St. Joseph Aquatic Park.

The lump sum contract with MVP Painting LLC will provide the park with a fresh coat of paint, due to the park’s age and exposure to the elements.

Bids were received from both MVP and Mongan Painting, LLC. The St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Department recommended MVP be awarded the agreement, as they were the lowest and best bidder.

The second bill for first reading would appropriate a salary increase to the St. Joseph Fire Department.

A contract between the city and the International Association of Firefighters, Local #77 would amend the General Fund, Fire Department and the Public Safety Tax Fund.

A total of $200,000 could be appropriated from the General Fund for salary increases.

The next city council meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A local civic group is inviting residents to take part in a special two-day trip across the region to explore the legacy of a historic local artist integral to the creation of City Hall and the Missouri Theater.

In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of City Hall and the Missouri Theater in 2027, the Centennial Celebration Series committee and Friends of the Missouri Theater are organizing a unique two-day trip in April to explore art and architecture in Missouri and Kansas.

Residents who sign up for the trip will explore a number of historic sites and structures tied to the legacy of Waylande Gregory, a prolific artist and art-deco sculptor in the 1930s known for designing key elements for City Hall and the Missouri Theater.

Notable stops include the Mariana Kistler Beach Museum in Manhattan, Kansas, as well as the historic Hotel President in Kansas City and its Aztec Room designed by Gregory in 1926. The location appeared in the 1990 film “Mr. & Mrs. Bridge” starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.

Participants will get the chance to travel and explore Strong Hall in Lawrence, Kansas, including a trip through the Flint Hills on the way to Alma, Kansas. The trip includes dining at places like Jack Stack BBQ in the Crossroads Art District and lunch at the historic 1887 Brandt House in Alma, Kansas, a historic limestone hotel renovated in 2024.

The two-day trip will concludes with a tour of the 1885 Columbian Theater, the Oz Museum, and dinner at Barleycorn’s Downtown Deli in Wamego, Kansas.

The trip costs $150 and covers transportation, three meals, snacks, and admission fees. Due to limited space, interested participants are encouraged to make a reservation by Jan. 30, 2026.

Hotel accommodation is not provided and must be booked separately by calling the Oread Hotel in Lawrence, Kansas, at 785-843-1200. Trip participants should ask for a room with the Waylande Gregory group. For a trip brochure, call 816-390-6733.

For more information, email CelebrationSeries2027@gmail.com or phone Committee Chair, Lori McAlister at 402-802-2099.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri saw a notable increase in highway fatalities over the New Year’s holiday according to state highway authorities.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a total of five fatal traffic crashes occurred on Missouri highways during the latest counting period between Dec. 31 and Jan. 4, an increase from one fatality last year.

No fatalities were reported by MSHP in Troop H in Northwest Missouri during the period.

Approximately 87 people were injured in 187 traffic crashes during the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period. There were 0 boating crashes and 0 drownings over the 2026 New Year’s holiday counting period.

Troopers investigated more than 112 cases of driving while intoxicated as well.

Click here to follow the original article.

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph Police Department released its November 2025 Violent Crime Statistics, showing a major decrease compared to November 2024.

SJPD said it saw nine cases of Part 1 Violent Crimes, which consist of murder, rape, aggravated assault, robbery and human trafficking, in November 2025.

St. Joseph Part 1 Crime Statistics for November 2025. Courtesy of SJPD via Facebook.

The number shows a 42% decrease, compared to 34 violent crimes in November 2024. In October 2025, the department saw 24 violent crimes, yet it was still a notable decrease compared to the month in 2024.

As December 2025 reports have not been released yet, the SJPD has so far reported a total of 209 violent crimes for the year, a 63% decrease compared to the year prior.

In 2024, the department saw a total of 391 violent crimes, and in 2023, it saw a total of 401.

Click here to follow the original article.

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The City of St. Joseph shared it is working with Community Missions and the St. Joseph Police Department to prioritize health, safety and access to supporting services for all residents, including those currently living in outdoor encampments.

In a news release sent to KQ2, the City said, “This coordinated effort is not about punishment or displacement. It is about connecting individuals to safer alternatives.”

The City cited Community Missions’ 24-hour shelter as an available option that offers a secure place to rest, access to basic necessities and connections to supportive services. Outreach teams and service partners are also available to provide resources and individualized assistance.

Before any encampment is cleared, the City said outreach programs make multiple efforts to engage individuals living at the site. Each person received ample notice and at least three separate contacts.

During the contacts, individuals are informed of upcoming changes, offered shelter and services and given opportunities ask questions and receive support.

The City said the encampments can present increasing health and safety risks for individuals living there, nearby neighborhoods and first responders.

“Our shared goal is to reduce those risks while ensuring people experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity, respect and compassion throughout the process,” according to the news release.

The St. Joseph Police Department’s role in the collaboration is focused on safety and coordination. Community Missions and partner organizations lead outreach, engagement and service connections.

The collaboration is aimed to be a more care-centered, service-led approach, rather than an enforcement-driven one.

“We recognize that homelessness is a complex issue that cannot be resolved in a single action or agency,” said the City in a news release. “This work reflects an ongoing commitment to long-term solutions, including access to housing, behavioral health support and continued community partnerships.”

The information comes before the St. Joseph City Council is set to adopt a resolution funding around half of over $401,000 from the city’s HUD-funded Community Development Block Grants to help three social service agencies throughout St. Joseph.

City Council HUD funding ExplanationDownload

The other agencies do not need City Council approval, as the amounts don’t exceed $25,000.

Community Missions Emergency Shelter is allocated $100,000, the Social Welfare Board’s Dental Program is allocated $66, 807 and the YWCA is allocated $54,405.

Click here to follow the original article.

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol released its preliminary report of fatalities and crashes for its 2025-2026 New Year’s counting period, noting an increase in traffic fatalities.

Five people died, and 87 were injured in 187 traffic crashes during the counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

MSHP said there were no boating crashes or drownings across the state during the counting period.

Troopers also investigated 112 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases.

During the 2024-2025 New Year’s holiday counting period, one person was killed and 118 were injured in 264 traffic crashes across Missouri.

MSHP said the fatality statistics could change if later deaths occur and if other departments report fatal crashes at a later date.

Further details related to traffic crashes and arrests can be found on MSHP’s website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A local eatery originally based in Gower, Missouri, is finding success and looking ahead to 2026 after making the move to St. Joseph in December.

Tiffany’s Diner, which is owned and managed by Tiffany Parker, offers a menu filled with homemade and comfort food items for breakfast and dinner such as tenderloins, Reubens, biscuits and gravy and breakfast burritos, among others.

Tiffany’s Diner is shown at 1329 S. Belt Hwy in St. Joseph.

The move to St. Joseph marks the next step in the restaurant’s trajectory since starting out as a food truck years ago and growing to a storefront.

“I opened the restaurant in Gower where we stayed for the past couple of years,” Parker said. “I decided I wanted to move up here to be closer to my husband who runs a repair shop and to have more opportunities in a bigger town.”

The diner has seen business steadily increase as word-of-mouth spreads and more customers become aware of their location at 1329 S. Belt Highway, next to Dollar General. The restaurant officially re-opened on Dec. 2.

“We’ve being way busier here than before. The beginning was kind of hard because people don’t initially understand what you’re doing,” Parker said. “And the wait was a little longer than I was used to. But it’s getting faster and faster. The more customers we keep serving, the more will get our system system down.”

Tiffany’s Diner is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is located on 1329 S. Belt Hwy.

Click here to follow the original article.

News-Press NOW

By Darren Doyle:

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Flyers posted at the entrances to both St. Joseph GameStop locations announce that they will close on Jan. 8.

Both St. Joseph GameStop locations will have their last full day of business on January 7, according to employee posts on social media.

The flyers posted on the doors of both locations at the Shoppes at North Village and at 3302 South Belt Highway stated that reservations made with GameStop are being transferred to a Kansas City location. Customers can pick these up at the store located at 8602 North Boardwalk Ave, Suite 32, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Customers are encouraged to take a picture of the sign at closing locations to receive a 20% Trade-In Bonus on Games and Accessories from January 11 to January 31 of this year.

The reason for closure was not explicitly stated on the flier; however, in March 2025, CNN announced that the company planned to close additional locations.

Click here to follow the original article.