Author: News-Press NOW

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Police Department confirms that two people were injured following an ‘accidental discharge of a firearm’ Tuesday afternoon at South Belt Walmart.

The initial call came in around 1:45 p.m. of reported shots fired inside Walmart at 3022 S. Belt Highway in St. Joseph.

A young juvenile and an adult female sustained injuries as a result of a firearm being accidentally discharged in the store.

“Both individuals were transported for medical attention with non-life-threatening injuries,” said Captain Wayne Byrom with SJPD. “There is not any danger to the public and it does not appear to be a random event. It is believed to be a negligent discharge by a firearms owner.”

According to a press release from SJPD, no names are being released at this time, due to the involvement of a juvenile.

Shoppers were not permitted to enter the store while law enforcement worked the scene.

The individuals involved in the incident were known to each other, and there was no indication of criminal activity directed at other shoppers.

SJPD said it would provide updates when appropriate.

News-Press NOW will continue to follow this story.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — After almost a week of being closed, St. Joseph Parks Director Jeff Atkins is providing an update on a project at the Noyes Complex.

News-Press NOW previously reported, the temporary closure is due to the installation of lights at the tennis horseshoe courts.

Once the service in the area is restored, the building will be available for public use. 

The plan is to take down the old metal halide fixtures and replace them with more modern LED lighting, which is cheaper and will glow brighter.  

“Update wise, the building has been shut down for at least a week now,” Atkins said. “So, hopefully within a week we can get them back up for public use again. But even when its closed you can still come play tennis.”.  

Atkins says the only reason they had to temporarily close the building is because they just finished putting new surfaces on the courts.  

“The only update I have is that they are proceeding… we have got them relighting it and they won’t be doing any trenching around the tennis courts,” Atkins said.  

Although it is an inconvenience during reconstruction work to access the park, it is in the best interest of the public as the modern facility installation takes place.

Officials are planning for a few more renovation works that are coming up in the next few months.  

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri Western State University has adopted MoWest as the primary way the university will be identified.

In a press release sent to New-Press NOW on Tuesday, the university announced its new name as part of a rebrand.

“For years, students, alumni and community members have affectionately referred to us as MoWest,” said Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, university president. “It’s familiar, approachable and reflects an authentic, personal connection. MoWest is a name that feels modern, memorable and distinctly ours.”

‘MoWest’ is a nickname commonly used by students, faculty and alumni. The change is part of a broader effort to modernize the university’s image and strengthen its identity in a competitive higher education landscape.

The MoWest name will now be the university’s primary public-facing brand and will appear across marketing materials, merchandise, social media and campus signage. The updated branding includes a refreshed version of the Griffon logo, maintaining the university’s traditional mascot, while giving it a sharper, more contemporary look.

The transition will be gradual, with updated visuals and messaging rolling out over the coming academic year. While the new name will take center stage in the university’s branding, the university’s official name remains Missouri Western State University, which is how it will appear on official documents.

“We had so many people that refer to us as MoWest, on social media, in conversations, in writings — it’s how everybody thought about us and we just kind of stopped and went, ‘if this is who we are, let’s embrace it,'” Dr. Kennedy said. “Let’s be the university of the community because that’s our goal. We want to make this a university town and really become more and more embedded into the community, so it’s really exciting for us.”

The rebrand follows a year of campus-wide surveys and community feedback, which revealed strong support for embracing the MoWest identity.

The university is also launching a new campaign aimed at prospective students called ‘More at MoWest.’ The campaign highlights how MoWest empowers every student to achieve more and speaks to the breadth of academic programs, the energy of campus life and the hands-on, career-focused experiences aimed at helping students turn passion into practice.

University leaders emphasize that while the branding is evolving, the mission remains the same — no matter what the brand looks like, the primary focus continues to be the success of students.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph residents will see the start of a new season and a new era for highway transportation when spring of 2028 rolls around.

Missouri Department of Transportation officials confirmed to News-Press NOW that the current plan is to begin construction on the Interstate 229 double-decker bridge replacement project in the spring of 2028.

The double-decker is one of numerous projects planned over the next five years as part of MoDOT’s $13.3 billion Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) unveiled last week.

Approximately $127 million is budgeted in the STIP for the I-229 project, $114 million from federal funds and $12 million from the state. However, MoDOT officials said the total cost of the project — last estimated between $70 and $80 million — will be evaluated over the next several months.

The multi-year project will see the 1.1-mile-long bridge demolished and replaced with a new four-lane arterial roadway constructed at-grade — elevated as necessary for compliance with floodplain and stormwater requirements — in nearly the same location as the existing structure between the railroad tracks and the Missouri River.

The 40-year-old Double-Decker Bridge, which has obvious signs of deterioration and requires regular maintenance, received the equivalent of a C-Minus rating during its April 2021 inspection and was initially given a lifespan of only 50 years.

St. Joseph’s Double-Decker Bridge was built between 1977 and 1986, carrying approximately 17,000 vehicles per day, a low figure compared with other interstates. More than 1,000 tractor trailers use the bridge to enter and exit the Stockyards Expressway from I-229 daily.

A key portion of the project includes the construction of a new interchange North, at St. Joseph Avenue and Interstate 229. On the South, a new signalized intersection will be installed at Fourth Street by Mitchell Avenue for Downtown access, including ramps that provide quicker access for tractor-trailers.

The project includes the construction of two main access points into Downtown, Fourth Street and St. Joseph Avenue, as well as the construction of another exit off U.S. Highway 36 that leads drivers Downtown to South Sixth Street. Existing Downtown exit/entrance ramps at Charles, Edmond, Francis and Felix streets will be demolished.

Subsequently, as part of the I-229 alternatives evaluation process, MoDOT is recommending de-designating I-229 as an interstate highway from its northern terminus at Interstate 29 to its southern terminus at Interstate 29, a distance of 15 miles through St. Joseph. The de-designation request would occur prior to demolition and construction.

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Abigail McCluskey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Mosaic Life Care Foundation’s emPowerU STEAM Camps are back in action this week, offering an exciting lineup of activities to spark kids’ interest in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

This year, emPowerU is hosting half-day camps, with morning sessions running from 9:00 a.m. to noon and afternoon sessions from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

These camps will run Monday through Friday until Aug. 1.

Students in third through eighth grades can participate in a variety of hands-on learning experiences focused on STEAM education.

Devron Brower, director of empowerU programs, said the goal for these camps is to inspire children to learn new things.

“They are half day camps and they are just designed to peak interest in science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics,” Brower said.

From LEGO robotics and Minecraft Education to virtual reality, coding and even Rocket League esports, campers have plenty of opportunities to explore and create through fun, interactive activities.

Rayna is a STEAM camper and said that her favorite activity is cooking on virtual reality.

One of the most popular activity is LEGO robotics. Addi and Eva, who are friends at STEAM camp, love playing with LEGO robotics and creating things together.

“I like building with LEGOS (and) going on computers,” said Addi, a two-year STEAM camper.

Another camper, Jaxson, also grew very found of the LEGO activity as well.

“I love being able to builds amazing things with LEGOS and motors,” Jaxson said.

There’s still time to register for camps on Monday, July 21, and Monday, July 28.

For more information and to register, visit mlcfoundation.com/steamcamps/.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A Savannah, Missouri, man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after fleeing from the scene of an accident that resulted in death. 

According to a probable cause statement, 28-year-old Steven M. Richardson was driving north on St. Joseph Avenue near the intersection of Broadway Street around 2:45 a.m. on December 1, 2024, when he drove off the east side of the road and hit a pedestrian, which led to the pedestrian’s death. 

Richardson continued driving through a yard before striking a home and causing extensive damage and he then left the scene on foot. 

Additionally, historical cell phone data placed Richardson’s cell phone in the immediate area of the crash at the time of the occurrence.

According to a probable cause statement, Richardson has been charged with 2nd degree involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident involving death and property damage. 

His bond has been set at $25,000. 

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News-Press NOW

CAMERON, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One person is dead and one child is safe after being trapped inside a structure on fire on Sunday in Cameron, Missouri.

Cameron Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched just before 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 to a structure fire call at 424 N. Nettleton St., following reports of a fire with a possible victim inside. A separate caller also reported hearing an explosion within the residence.

Cameron Police officers were the first to arrive on the scene and observed heavy smoke and visible flames coming from the front porch area of the home. During this time, a bystander was able to break a window and successfully rescue a child from inside the residence.

The Cameron Fire Department arrived moments later and initiated both rescue and fire suppression efforts. However, the structure became fully engulfed.

The fire resulted in one fatality, where the person’s identity is being withheld at this time.

Officials said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, with the assistance of the Cameron Police Detectives Division.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Osborn Fire Department and Hamilton Fire Department also assisted with the call.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Following a string of recent fire-related calls, the St. Joseph Fire Department is urging residents to stay mindful of fire safety.

The SJFD has received numerous fire‑related calls, often linked to seasonal conditions such as high temperatures and increased outdoor activities.

“A lot of times during the summer, it comes down to distractions,” said Bill Lamar, emergency manager with SJFD. “Whether it’s inattentive cooking or barbecuing out back, you’ll see a lot of fires started in the kitchen or in someone’s backyard grill.”

Overloaded electrical units are also a common cause the fire department is seeing with structure fires. These fires are a silent hazard that often go unnoticed until it’s too late and structures have already been set ablaze.

“We always preach don’t overload extension cords because those commonly overheat,” said Lamar. “And overnight, when you’re sleeping and carpets, draperies, anything that’s been covered up by those overloaded cords set fire and nobody is awake to notice, it tends to lead to those bigger structure fires.”

Residents are encouraged to make sure that all equipment is unplugged during the day and that electrical systems are being inspected regularly, as many fires also tend to start in the attic space from overheated power cords.

Smoke detector maintenance is also crucial, and Lamar recommends testing smoke detector batteries at least once or twice a year.

“If you’ve got the kind with lithium batteries rated for 10 years, then you should be good,” he said. “But if you’ve got standard alkaline batteries, check your nine-volts twice a year, which will help keep your smoke detectors functioning.”

Families are also encouraged to teach children about fire hazards and practice escape plans. 

More fire safety tips and information from the SJFD can be read at https://www.stjosephmo.gov/214/Prevention.  

 

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One Missouri Lottery Player won $50,000 from a 100X Scratcher’s ticket purchased at Casey’s, located at 401 E. Hyde Park Ave.

“I usually play the $10 ones, and it was there, so I got it,” said the winner, as he explained his decision to buy a $10 Scratcher.

He brought it home to his fiancée, and they both learned the ticket contained one of the game’s $50,000 prizes.

“We were finishing scratching the ticket, and we saw it and we were freaking out!” he said.

The winner said he and his fiancée are going to use the money to purchase their first home together.

The Missouri Lottery said 100X players have won over $12 million in prizes since the game began. Over $21.7 million remains in unclaimed prizes, including two top prizes of $1 million and three more $50,000 prizes.

The Lottery said players who purchased tickets in Buchanan County last fiscal year won more than $15.6 million in total Missouri Lottery prizes. Retailers received more than $1.5 million in commissions and bonuses and education programs in the county received more than $5.5 million in appropriated Lottery proceeds.

Just over two weeks ago, a player won $50,000 off a “$250 Million Extravaganza” Scratcher’s ticket in Gower, Missouri.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Allied Arts Council will celebrate its 62nd anniversary with a special celebration during its annual meeting and the 34th annual Mayor’s Awards for the Arts.

The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, and will be at the Benton Club, located at 402 N. seventh St.

The celebration spotlights individuals and organizations whose passion and dedication strengthen the local arts community.

“St. Joseph is known for its outstanding visual and performing arts, arts education, and advocacy,” said Mayor John Josendale in a press release. “I’m proud to support the Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, which honor the people who are making a difference in our cultural landscape.”

Awards will be presented in six categories, recognizing excellence across artistic disciplines, education, leadership and volunteerism.

This year’s nominees include:

Artist of the year: Christopher Alexander and Lory Lacy

Arts Educator of the Year: Beth McLenaghan and Lynnea Wootten

Youth Artist: Macormick Carlson and Gage Phroper

Organizational Achievement in the Arts: Art Attack Studio, Benton Club and St. Joseph Youth Chorale

Individual Leadership: Christy George and Lindsay Prawtz

Outstanding Volunteer: Val Jones, Martin Rucker and Martial Thevenot

“The Mayor’s Awards for the Arts is more than a ceremony- it’s a celebration of the people who create, support, and advocate for the arts in our community,” said Jessica Agnew, executive director of the Allied Arts Council. “It’s an inspiring night that brings together the heart of St. Joseph’s creative spirit.”

Tickets are available online at www.ticketleap.events/tickets/stjoearts/MayorsAwards25 or by calling the Allied Arts Council at (816) 233-0231.

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