Author: News-Press NOW

Abigail McCluskey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Over the past several years, Missouri has dealt with the ongoing impacts of persistent dry conditions.

From agricultural stress to fire risks and water supply concerns, the drought has touched nearly every corner of the state at some point. But after a waterlogged July, Missouri is finally seeing long-awaited relief.

July 22, 2025 U.S. drought monitor is completely bare.

The St. Joseph region received 6.10 inches of rainfall this month—well above the July average of 4.75 inches. This boost in precipitation has played a major role in easing drought conditions across northwestern Missouri.

Earlier this summer, dry conditions were concentrated near Kansas City, Holt County, and parts of far northeastern Missouri. However, recent widespread rain, including some flash flooding events, has saturated soils and helped replenish moisture levels across much of the state.

Zack Leasor is the Missouri state climatologist and assistant professor at the University of Missouri, expressed his excitement and relief to be drought-free.

“The last time we had no D0 through D4 coverage was actually June 7, 2022. And so we have ebbed and flowed and, and even last summer came really close to recovering fully, but we did not receive zero percent coverage officially,” said Leasor.

This marks a notable change from last year, when Missouri hovered just short of being entirely drought-free around July. At the time, a sizable portion of the state’s southwest corner still struggled with severe dryness.

While the drought condition remains non-existent, further impacts of the summer heat could revert the state back into dry conditions.

The state climatologist continues to express the outlook on drought conditions over the next month,

“For the next month or so, it looks like the wetter-than-average conditions would be more likely to persist, kind of in these areas in northern Missouri,” said Leasor.

Leasor added that the risk of drought over the next few weeks remains low; however, it only takes a few weeks in the summer heat to impact soil conditions.

For more updates and a county-by-county look at drought conditions, you can visit https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?MO

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph drivers will see two of the city’s most heavily trafficked bridges overhauled and replaced with entirely new structures in 2027, with traffic impacts potentially lasting up to six months.

The Gene Field Road bridge over Interstate 29 and the Riverside/Route AC bridge over U.S Route 36 will be demolished and replaced by the Missouri Department of Transportation, two projects totalling $16.4 million.

The aging bridges are more than 50 years old and reaching their intended lifespans, with both requiring regular maintenance, including a bridge-deck repair project planned for the Gene Field bridge this month.

“It’s time to get them replaced,” said Shannon Kusilek, district design engineer with MoDOT’s Northwest District. “Both of those bridges should be under construction in the spring of 2027.”

He said the goal is to have both bridges replaced by October or November of that year, an estimated six-to-eight-month timeframe depending on the project. The Gene Field Road project is expected to start once school is out in late May, while the Riverside project could begin as early as March or April.

At $5.7 million, the new Gene Field bridge will be nearly identical to the current structure but will feature new sidewalks, unlike the current bridge, providing stronger connections for pedestrians and cyclists.

The current Gene Field Road bridge was constructed back in 1962.

“I think it’s gonna be in the same grade and maybe a little bit wider for a little bit easier movements and things like that,” Kusilek said. “The Riverside Road AC bridge is going to be a little bit bigger project that’s going to be a complete replacement as well.”

At $10.7 million, the Riverside Road bridge project comes with double the budget compared to Gene Field, driven by a notable change in the addition of two new lanes, pushing it from a three-lane to a five-lane bridge.

On and off-ramps to U.S. Route 36 will also be improved in the process of construction. The Riverside Road bridge was opened back in 1973.

“We’ve got to get that bridge replaced. As you know, it’s been closed several times over the years for repairs. That just needs to be replaced as soon as we can get it done,” he said.

The change from three to five lanes is necessary to accommodate a significant increase in traffic since the bridge first opened. The area has seen significant business, commercial and industrial growth in the time since.

Improvements are also necessary to lay the groundwork for future improvements alongside Riverside Road, including potentially widening it.

“We have looked at improvements starting at Mitchell going all the way down as far as Pickett in the future and what future plans would accommodate that five lane structure,” he said. “Traffic’s grown a lot in that area.”

While a full traffic control plan with detours hasn’t been finalized yet, Kusilek said the department is likely to use Craig Parkway as the main detour for the Riverside/Route AC project.

“We’re going to use Craig Parkway that’s to the west of Route AC as part of our detour plan. So that’s going to be our main detour for that project,” he said. “With Gene Field, we’ll have to go through that and come up with some alternate routes to get to school that following fall.”

The two projects mark the latest push by the state over the last five to six years to overhaul many of its bridges when it was revealed that Missouri had more than 900 rated in “poor” condition. Of the states 24,538 bridges, 9,663 were reportedly in need of repair.

Kusilek said they’re roughly halfway done with the comprehensive bridge project for the Northwest District, often partnering with the Northeast District in the process.

“We ran a recent evaluation of our bridges. And in our district, for the first time in a long time, I believe we have under 100 bridges that are considered to be in poor condition. And we had as many as over 200 a few years ago.”

Despite the department’s success, many bridges continue to deteriorate quickly and significant work remains.

“We’re getting ahead, but at some point they’re going to start catching up. So it’s a never ending battle,” he said.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Even with a heat advisory in effect, Kansas City Chiefs fans were out in full force at training camp Monday morning, bringing the energy and excitement that only Chiefs Kingdom can deliver. 

The gates opened at 8 a.m., and by 9:15 a.m. — the official start of practice — fans were already lining the field, eager for a glimpse of their favorite players. 

Fans at camp shared their experience of not only being present for the training but also about who their favorite player is and why.  

“My favorite Chiefs player is Patrick Mahomes because he is from Texas, and the first thing I say after I meet him would be If I can get a picture with him,” said Chiefs fan Hannah Kinard.

Despite the sweltering temperatures, crowds gathered with smiles, Chiefs gear and lots of spirit, determined to soak in every second of the experience. 

Tents around the campus helped provide shade, water, first aid and hygiene supplies to keep fans protected from the sun. 

“I haven’t been able to get any autographs yet, but I would like to tell every Chiefs’ fan to try and get his (Mahomes’) autograph,” Kinard said.  

Chiefs fan, Hannah Knight, was dead-set on Travis Kelce being her favorite player.

“He is a great tight end and knows how to take it down the field and works really well with Mahomes,” said Knight.

While training camp is about preparing for the season ahead, for many fans, it’s also about tradition, community, and their personal stories that tie them to the team.  

“Probably a whole lot of meeting new friends which we have already met, and just the ambiance of being at Chiefs training camp because I haven’t been here since the 70s,” said training camp attendee, Rebecca Adams.  

One message that was clear from the training camp- Chiefs’ fans are dreaming big and aiming for another Super Bowl.

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Ryan Eslinger

EMPORIA, Kan. (News-Press NOW) — With the college football season right around the corner, Emporia State University hosted the 2025 MIAA Football Media Day on Monday.

All ten teams in the conference made the trip to Emporia, Kansas, to speak on the upcoming season.

Many teams had new coaches, including Northwest Missouri State University’s John McMenamin, who is an NMSU alumnus.

Missouri Western State University was represented by third-year head coach Tyler Fenwick, fifth-year running back Brandon Hall, and Senior defensive lineman Grant Finley.

After a 4-7 overall record last season and a 2-7 record in conference play, Fenwick knew something needed to change.

“We worked a lot on training leadership in the off-season,” Fenwick said. “Just trying to get these kids to take some ownership in getting to the next level.”

MWSU was riddled with injuries last year. Brandon Hall suffered a season-ending injury after averaging 140 yards per game in just four games. Kane Donovan, the starting quarterback, suffered a season-ending leg injury in that same game.

Hall talked about his recovery process after the season-ending injury last year and looking to continue on the note he left off.

“Last year’s injury was a devastation for me, but it gave me time to grow and learn,” Hall said. “I’m seeing the game differently and we have the same O-line returning, so that’s usually good.”

In the first four games, the Griffons were 2-1 and continuing to grow, but after the injuries to the backfield, the Griffons would go on to win only two of their last eight games.

Defensive lineman Grant Finley is excited about the returning defensive players and said he wants the team to be physical on every play.

“I’m excited for our defense to be relentless every game,” Finley said. “We’re the type of team that’s going to punch you in the mouth every play.”

Missouri Western’s first game is scheduled for August 30, 2025, at 23rd-ranked Augustana. Fenwick is looking to learn from the mistakes of last year and lead the Griffons to their first MIAA championship since 2012.

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Ryan Eslinger

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Just after the Royals locked down Seth Lugo to a two-year extension worth $46 million, Royals Beat Writer Anne Rodgers reported that the Royals will be shutting down all-star starter Kris Bubic for the remainder of the season.

Bubic has a left rotator cuff strain and was placed on the 15-day injured list (IL) as a precautionary measure. After further examination of the injury, the Royals decided to shut him down.

This is a massive loss for the Royals as Kris Bubic was electric to start 2025. He was top ten in ERA with a sub-three ERA and 116 strikeouts, which breaks his previous career high of 114 set in 2021.

Bubic received his first all-star game selection and was on pace for over 200 strikeouts for the first time in his career, but with a rotator cuff injury like his, it is better to be safe than sorry.

A torn rotator cuff is something athletes don’t normally come back from. Bubic would have been looking at upwards of nine or more months of recovery, and if the surgery went wrong or the cuff tears again after recovery, he would most likely be forced to retire.

The Royals still have a great pitching core in Lugo and St. Joseph native, Noah Cameron, but the absence of Bubic will be noticeable.

The MLB trade deadline is on Thursday, July 31, making the possibility for the Royals to snag a starting pitcher even higher.

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News-Press NOW

KVIA ABC-7

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Federal prosecutors say that two El Paso hospital executives surrendered to FBI last week. Jose Huerta, 58, a CEO of two Long-Term Acute Care hospitals in El Paso, and Israel Navarro, 47, owner of one of the hospitals, are accused of an alleged pass-through healthcare billing scheme.

Court documents accuse Huerta and Navarro of allegedly conspiring to submit false urine drug test insurance claims to Blue Cross Blue Shield.

“Huerta’s and Navarro’s hospitals allegedly submitted false insurance claims to Blue Cross Blue Shield, indicating in those claims that the individuals tested were patients in their hospitals when they were not,” federal prosecutors explained. “The claims further indicated that UDT samples were taken from the patients and forwarded to a lab in the Dallas area. None of this was true. Over a six-month period, Huerta and Navarro submitted $16 million dollars in claims for the laboratory testing of UDTs. The actual loss to Blue Cross Blue Shield attributed to Huerta’s and Navarro’s alleged fraud scheme totals more than $12 million.”

Prosecutors say Navarro, who lives in Puerto Rico and the Dallas area, voluntarily surrendered to the FBI in El Paso and made his initial court appearance on July 22. A federal magistrate then released him on a $150,000 bond. Huerta also surrendered and made his first court appearance on July 24. He was then released on a $50,000 bond.

“They are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud,” prosecutors explained. “If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.”

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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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