Author: News-Press NOW

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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Ryan Eslinger

ST JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — After the Chiefs used four different running backs throughout the season in 2024, the Chiefs used the off-season to bolster their running back room.

You can’t talk about Chiefs running backs without mentioning Isiah Pacheco. While injuries derailed his 2024 season, Pacheco is still the number one running back on the team.

He was a projected seventh rounder going into the draft despite running the fastest 40-yard dash by a running back at 4.37 seconds.

NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein said in Pacheco’s draft profile that he “could give himself a better chance of becoming an RB2/3 if he steps up his pass protection and third down value.”

Drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL draft, Pacheco got his chance to play in 2022 when former Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was sidelined by a high ankle spian.

Pacheco took his opportunity and ran with it. Starting in 11 games in 2022 he solidified himself as the top back on the team, and he carried that momentum into 2023 and 2024.

In week two of the 2024 season, Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula which derailed his season. Pacheco talked to media about how used the off-season to get back to one hundred percent.

“I didn’t play too much football so it’s my time to get back on the grind,” Pacheco said. “Just took advantage of that off-season.”

While Pacheco was out, the Chiefs brought back a familiar face in Kareem Hunt, whom they drafted back in 2017.

Hunt’s rookie season with the Chiefs was incredible to say the least. In his first game with the Chiefs against Tom Brady’s Patriots, Hunt showed out.

He had 148 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown while adding five receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns as the Chiefs would beat the Patriots 42-27.

In his rookie season, Hunt would rush for over 1300 yards. He had every Chiefs fan believing he was the next Jamaal Charles.

After his rookie season he has yet to touch 1000 yards in a season. He was cut from the Chiefs in 2018 and has not been the same since, dealing with injuries during his time in Cleveland.

But since rejoining the Chiefs, Hunt has come full circle and couldn’t be happier.

“God must’ve had his hand on my shoulder or something,” Hunt said to media. “It’s crazy how things go full circle.”

When he rejoined the team in Pacheco’s absence, he rushed for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the team.

Hunt recently re-signed to the Chiefs in March of this year on a one-year deal.

The two new faces in the running back room are Elijah Mitchell and Brashard Smith.

Mitchell signed with the Chiefs in March after spending all of last season off the field due to an MCL tear, and Smith was drafted in the seventh round of this year’s NFL draft.

Mitchell has dealt with injuries early in his career but is a serviceable backup for if Hunt or Pacheco were to go down win an injury. He has yet to be healthy for a full season but is looking to change that.

When he spoke to media after training camp on Friday, Mitchell talked about the challenges of dealing with injuries and what you need to do to move past it.

“Any time you get injured it’s challenging. But it happens,” Mitchell said. “Once you get back out there, take it full speed.”

Brashard Smith was drafted in the seventh round of this year’s NFL draft after an outstanding season at Southern Methodist University (SMU).

At SMU Smith ran for over 1300 yards and helping lead SMU to their first College Football Playoff appearance where they lost to the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Dave Toub said that he’s excited about Smith as a punt returner.

“I’m excited for Brashard, he keeps getting better and better,” Toub said. “He didn’t do it a lot in college so it’s new to him, but he’s a really great catcher.”

All four of these running backs have received good looks in training camp and the chemistry is going to continue to build as the camp progresses through August. Every running back is hungry to improve on their game as well as make an impact in a Chiefs offense that desperately needs a great run game.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Thursday, resulting in a seizure of drugs and weapons, as well as the arrest of two wanted fugitives.

The Special Operations Division Career Criminal Unit and the Drug Strike Force, assisted by the joint St. Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Special Response Team, executed the warrant at 1810 Clay St., Apt. 210 for narcotics and fugitives.

During the search, both fentanyl and methamphetamine were located, as well as, two handguns and one AR-15 style rifle were seized.

Two wanted fugitives were also located inside the apartment and arrested for outstanding warrants. One of the fugitives was taken into custody for a failure to appear warrant in Clay County, Missouri. The fugitive’s original charge was the unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action with a $1 million bond.

The same fugitive is wanted in connection with multiple significant felony crimes in the KC Metro area.

The case was investigated by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division Career Criminal Unit and Drug Strike Force, along with the SJPD Street Crimes Unit, Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Career Criminal Unit.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A stalwart of the St. Joseph Police Department is calling it a career after years of dedication and service, both to the community of St. Joseph and the fellow officers he showed unwavering support for.

Friends, family and colleagues of Sgt. James Tonn gathered on Friday to honor and celebrate the last day for the retiring sergeant, one of the most respected men in the department, a man who led with compassion and dedicated himself to many critical positions within the department throughout his 17-year career.

A graduate of Missouri Western State University, Tonn began his law enforcement career with the U.S. Army, serving as a military police officer for six years before transitioning to the SJPD in 2008, where he started on patrol.

“You know, 23 years of law enforcement, in the military and here total, done a lot, seen a lot,” Tonn said. “I wanted to help people, and I still want to help people. I’m going to miss that.”

Tonn’s resume is a testament to his veteran leadership, skills and experience: Nine years with the department’s Special Response Team, including the position of sniper, patrol sergeant, detective, crime scene investigator and active shooter response instructor, among others.

Tonn spent the last six years of his career as a traffic sergeant, where he helped supervise the department’s traffic unit. Including working as a traffic crash reconstructionist.

“I was that guy who wouldn’t say no. I said, ‘Yes, sir. May I have another?’ And I would do whatever needed to get done,” he said. “I got the opportunity because of that to do a lot. And I’m blessed for that.”

Longtime Sgt. Brad Kerns said he was honored to give the retirement speech for one of his closest and longtime friends, someone he calls “brother.”

“From day one, I’m talking, going through the hiring process together, medical evaluation appointments, that’s where I first met James,” Kerns said. “We grew a strong friendship and a bond that later became what I would refer to as a brotherhood.”

The two worked together for many years on evening shifts — one of Tonn’s favorite experiences — until he became a detective and Kerns went to the traffic unit.

“We always kept that bond. And still to this day,” Kerns said. “James was one of those guys that if you were struggling with something, it really helped having that peer support, somebody like James to sit down with.”

Tonn’s advocacy for mental health support defined his character and compassion he showed for others, helping kickstart the department’s peer support and crisis intervention groups. He pointed to a statistic saying for every officer who is diagnosed with PTSD, a thousand are out there working and suffering with it.

“I’ve seen officers do the bravest things every day, but the bravest thing they could ever do is to say, ‘Hey, I’m not okay. I needed to talk to somebody.'”

“We’ve lost officers to suicide and one is too many. If we don’t talk about it, we’re not going to talk about it,” Tonn said. “So somebody has to be the person that says, ‘Hey, you’re not yourself today. What’s going on?’ And mean that, not just lip service. You got to love people where they’re at.”

Tonn was also an esteemed member of the department’s honor guard, serving at ceremonies, public events and funerals to honor fallen officers and promote community trust, a position reserved for those with the highest professionalism and dedication.

As he looks ahead, Tonn is relishing the opportunity to spend more time with his wife and four children.

“I’m going to relax for a while. I’m going to enjoy taking care of myself and my family,” he said. “For a long time. I put that off … because we have to do the job. But, man, at the end of the day, family’s most important.”

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In a social media post, the St. Joseph Mustangs announced that Game 2 of the MINK League Championship will be postponed, due to weather.

The game against the Clarinda A’s will now have a 7 p.m. start on Saturday, July 26, at Phil Welch Stadium.

The announcement comes after the amount of rain that has already fallen in northwest Missouri, as well as the anticipation for more rain in the forecast.

All tickets stamped for the Friday night game, as well as box seats, will still be valid for the Saturday date.

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and the first 500 guests will receive a free Hawaiian button-up shirt.

If Clarinda wins Game 2 of the series, Game 3 is still scheduled to be held on Sunday, July 27, with a 5 p.m. start time; however, if the Mustangs win, they will sweep the title of MINK League Champions for the 10th year in a row.

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