Author: News-Press NOW

Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Small business owners throughout St. Joseph gathered Thursday morning for a roundtable discussion as part of Small Business Week.

The roundtable meetings are held quarterly and hosted by the membership council of the Chamber of Commerce.

“They’re basically just conversations getting small business with small business, kind of letting them help one another and we just facilitate that conversation,” Brett Steiner, a representative of the membership council, said.

The group discussed the post-pandemic climate for small businesses, touching on online reviews, attracting new business, maintaining professional relationships and overcoming daily obstacles.

“Hearing how small business deals with different problems they’re having in their businesses kind of helps us kind of grow and how we can help them down the road,” Steiner said.

Small Business Week in St. Joseph aims to raise awareness of the many locally owned businesses in St. Joseph and support them. The week’s events include virtual summits, workshops, photo contests and challenges for customers like “Self-Care Saturday” and “Sunday Fun Day.”

“It’s a great time to go out and support your local small businesses,” Steiner said. “We need to keep them growing and thriving. They’re essential for our community.”

To learn more about Small Business Week and the week’s remaining events, visit the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce website at saintjoseph.com.

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A beautiful weekend full of sunshine and activities promises to keep things entertaining in St. Joseph. News-Press NOW’s Kendra Simpson planned this weekend’s top activities in entertainment in this week’s edition of See St. Joseph.

Most people dream of flying like an eagle at some point in their lives. The FlyTech Pilot Academy offers kids that chance this weekend with its free Young Eagles Flight program.

For over 30 years, the program has introduced and inspired kids to explore the world of aviation with free rides in an airplane. More than 2.5 million young people have experienced what it’s like to be a pilot through this program. The Young Eagles flights will go from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

After soaring with the birds, why not come back down to Earth and snuggle with the puppies? Hazel’s Coffee, with the help of the Pony Express Therapy Dogs, will host the Snuggles, Mom and Me and Lattes Saturday morning.

What’s better than spending time with moms, a bunch of dogs and enjoying a refreshing cup of coffee? Hazel’s will be accepting donations to the St. Joseph Animal Shelter, so attendees can bring food, treats, blankets, toys and other pet essentials to donate. The puppy love goes from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Hazel’s Coffee, located at 3829 Frederick Ave.

For moms who prefer a nice brunch to a bunch of dogs, the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art is hosting the Mother’s Day Brunch and Bloom.

Whether celebrating Mother’s Day, planning a girls’ day out, or craving a little beauty and creativity, this event is the perfect way to savor the season. There’s going to be crepes prepared by the museum’s Executive Director, Eric Fuson. Of course, it’s not brunch without the essentials: mimosas, bloody marys and mocktails. After brunch, get creative with a hands-on paper flower-making activity, or maybe just explore the museum’s exhibits in full bloom. The doors open at 10 a.m. and brunch will be served at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. To reserve a spot, visit the event’s webpage at albrecht-kemper.org.

Whether flying high in the sky or playing in the dirt and flowers, there’s always something to do to celebrate Spring in St. Joseph. Tune in to News-Press NOW every Thursday for more See St. Joseph.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett announced Wednesday evening that officers apprehended inmates smuggling illegal narcotics into the jail. The inmates attempted to bring the drugs into the jail by concealing them in their bodies.

In a news release, Puett said the busts came as a result of “good solid work by both members of the jail staff and drug investigators, as well as, body scanner technology.” Puett added that officers seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, and pills.

Puett confirmed that charges have been submitted to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on all individuals involved, including other inmates in the jail. The charges ranged from delivery of a controlled substance into a correctional facility and drug trafficking.

“We are committed to keeping both the staff and inmates safe,” Puett said, adding that “specific charges were filed.”

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson will release more information.

News-Press NOW will update this story with more information as it becomes available.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Allied Arts Council will host its 13th annual Beer Walk to support the arts.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 in the historic Harris-Kemper neighborhood.

Craft beers at each location throughout the neighborhood will be from a variety of Midwestern breweries, paired with food samples from area eateries.

In addition to the craft beer samples and the homes tour, live music representing a wide variety of genres will be featured throughout the event.

Tickets are $40, or guests can take advantage of the Beer Buddy special ticket package- two tickets for $60.

The event is rain or shine, and participants can purchase tickets at www.ticketleap.events/events/stjoearts.

The Beer Walk for the Arts is a benefit for the Arts Fund, which provides financial assistance for seven arts organizations in St. Joseph, including the Allied Arts Council, Creative Arts Productions, Performing Arts Association, Robidoux Resident Theatre, Saint Joseph Symphony, St. Joseph Community Chrous and St. Joseph Youth Chorale.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri Western State University honored its employees during the 2025 Faculty and Staff Awards and Retirement Reception.

Awards were presented to eight individuals in different categories.

Dr. James Carviou, an associate professor of journalism, won the award for Outstanding Academic Advisor.

Dr. Lane DesAutels, an associate professor of philosophy and Mackenzie Evans, an assistant professor of nursing, won the award for Teaching Excellence.

Regina Young, an administrative coordinator for the College of Science and Health, won the award for Staff Service to Colleagues.

Angie Caswell, a student housing assignments coordinator, won the award for Staff Service to Students.

Dr. Jennifer Elder, an assistant professor of mathematics won the Missouri Western Foundation Dr. James V. Mehl Award for Outstanding Faculty.

Angie Osborn, an administrative assistant in the Center for Service and Center for Military and Veteran Services won the Missouri Western Foundation Dr. James J. Scanlon Award for Staff Service to Community.

The reception honored 10 employees who have or will retire in the current academic year with a combined 178 years of service to MWSU.

Cathy Bryson, Student Accounts

Debbie Crisler, Marketing and Communications

CW Ford, Physical Plant

Teresa Harris, School of Fine Arts

Roy Jacobs, Physical Plant

Kathryn Lau, Counseling Center

Dr. Steven Lorimor, Chemistry

James Mulder, Library

Bradley Stephens, Athletics

Steve VanDyke, Marketing and Communications

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CNN Newsource

By Lauren Kent, CNN

Rome (CNN) — Black smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, meaning that cardinals did not elect a new pope on the first day of the conclave.

They’ll return to the Santa Marta residence, where they’ll remain sequestered until a second day of voting begins tomorrow.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will help two of its members celebrate their grand openings.

Thrive Family Chiropractic and IV Nutrition will hold grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, at 6501 and 6503 N. Belt Highway in Country Club.

Thrive Family Chiropractic doctors are trained to treat all types of patients with natural family healthcare, including children, pregnant women and more.

IV Nutrition can help patrons recover from dehydration, immune challenges and chronic health challenges, like fatigue, weight gain and inflammation. IV Nutrition also supports athletic recovery.

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Kirsten Stokes

SAVANNAH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In a Facebook post Wednesday, Savannah Parks and Recreation announced its 2025 season will be the final summer for the Savannah Aquatic Center.

As a cherished part of the community for more than 60 years, the aquatic center’s planned closure has already sparked pushback from community members.

With no chance of keeping the pool open in its current condition, Parks Director Matt Johnson said community input will be crucial in determining next steps as well as speaking with an engineer to conduct a feasibility assessment for a potential new pool.

“My hope is to have it done before the end of this summer,” Johnson said. “I don’t know how long it’s going to take but the sooner we can get them in here, the better I think.”

Stopping by to get a season pass for her family on Wednesday, local resident Debbie Storm shared she just signed her son up for the recreational swim team. They will use the facility this year but as he progresses in the sport, the news of the closure leaves some uncertainty about the opportunities he and other kids with have in the future.

“It’s just a community staple so it’s really hard to hear,” Storm said. “Just lots of emotions, and really I hope our community comes together so we can fix it up and get a new pool or whatever.”

The post cited the high cost of maintaining the aging facility and existing structural issues as the reasons for the decision. However, the post’s author emphasized that community support is needed to explore alternative solutions.

“Should the community want to pursue a new aquatic facility, it will not happen automatically,†the post stated. “It will require individuals to step forward — bringing ideas, organizing fundraisers, coordinating efforts and doing the legwork. There is no committee or agency waiting in the wings to take this on. If it’s going to happen, it will happen because residents like you decide it’s worth the effort and do the work to see it through.â€

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Buchanan County and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office officially received the Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

The honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.

The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Governor Kehoe in Jan. 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments making significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration and build strong community partnerships for public safety.

“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow,” said Gov. Kehoe. “We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating a place where people want to live, work and build their futures. A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the way in making public safety a priority.”

“The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like Buchanan County, that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,” said Mark James, director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety. “This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety.”

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