Author: News-Press NOW

Rebecca Evans

SAVANNAH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A new Milk Depot has officially opened at the Andrew County Health Department in Savannah, Missouri, expanding access for approved breast milk donors in the region.

Operated in partnership with The Milk Bank, a nonprofit milk bank serving Missouri, this site is the 18th Milk Depot in the state and the first to open in Andrew County.

The Milk Depot is now open to the public. Approved donors can drop off milk Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Andrew County Health Department, located at 106 North 5th Street, Savannah, Missouri.

A grand opening celebration will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The celebration will take place during World Breastfeeding Week, a global campaign that promotes education, awareness and community support for breastfeeding and human milk donation.

The Milk Depot provides a convenient drop-off location where pre-screened donors can contribute excess breast milk. Once collected, the milk is sent to The Milk Bank’s processing facility, where it is analyzed, pasteurized, tested for safety and distributed to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the state.

This donor milk provides essential nutrition to premature and medically fragile infants—those born too small or too sick to breastfeed.

Founded in 2005, The Milk Bank is a non-profit organization that dispenses over 600,000 ounces of pasteurized donor human milk each year to hospitals and families across the region.

To date, it has provided over 15.6 million feedings to vulnerable infants. The Milk Bank follows safety protocols guided by the CDC and FDA and is a member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA).

To keep up with growing demand, The Milk Bank screens more than 150 new milk donors every month. Just one ounce of donated milk can provide up to three feedings for a premature infant.

Those interested in becoming a milk donor can begin the pre-screening process or learn more about eligibility by visiting themilkbank.org/donate-milk.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Roadwork will begin on a section of Interstate 229 on Monday, July 14, where the road will be narrowed to one lane.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted Herzog Contracting Corp. to resurface a section of I-229 from Missouri Route 371 to I-29.

MoDOT said motorists should expect delays, with the roadway being narrowed. A 12-foot width restriction will also be in place.

Crews are scheduled to work Monday through Saturday during daylight hours. The resurfacing project is scheduled to be completed by October 2025.

All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

Information about this project is available by calling MoDOT’s 24/7 customer service number at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by visiting www.modot.org/northwest.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — For the past 35 years, Dan Meers has brought joy and laughter to countless fans as he donned the mask of K.C. Wolf.

His flashy hip dancing, paired with a wide variety of antics to distract opponents in games, is what made him an iconic fixture for Chiefs Kingdom on gameday.

His decision to pass the Wolf mantle down by transitioning to a part-time mascot was influenced by his drive to be a full-time grandfather.

“It’s funny, when I started this job, I was a single guy,” Meers said. “Then I met my wife, got married, we had three kids and now I’m having grandkids. They say time flies when you’re having fun, and I’ve had a whole lot of fun. My grandkids will see all the pictures that I’ve got hanging on the wall, the bobbleheads and great stories I’ll be able to tell for years to come.” 

His work as K.C. Wolf has led him to participate in over 10,000 events that span across 38 states and 12 countries.

However, Meers has always prioritized using his platform with the Kansas City Chiefs as a way to give back through events such as school visits, charity work, keynote speeches and even walking people down the aisle.

“The thing that I love about Dan and the job he’s done since the 1990s to now, for 35 years, no one really knew who he is,” former NFL coach and current NBC Sunday Night Football analyst Tony Dungy said. “He’s not doing it for attention. Nobody says, ‘Oh that’s Dan Meers. ‘”

Dungy gives Meers credit for staying humble during his tenure.

“It’s K.C. Wolf, that’s his character. He’s representing the (whole) Chiefs organization and Kansas City. And he’s getting no credit for it. But that’s Dan all the way. That’s who he is. He does nothing but bring joy to people’s lives.”

While he will be transitioning to part-time Wolf Meers still aims to be a part of the community with the platform he has with Chiefs.

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Abigail McCluskey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)– Over the past month, the Storm Tracker weather team has worked diligently to prioritize community safety and education.

Their outreach efforts aim to empower the next generation with the knowledge needed to stay safe during severe weather events.

As Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors appointed by the National Weather Service, the team continues to bridge the gap between meteorologists, children, and the broader community.

On Wednesday, July 9, the entire Storm Tracker team visited Safety Town to give an educational presentation focused on weather preparedness and safety.

During the session, Chief Meteorologist Jared Shelton offered hands-on learning experiences, including a demonstration featuring real frozen hail, which fell in Buchanan County two years ago.

Meteorologist Payton Counts educated children on essential safety procedures during severe weather events such as tornadoes, flooding, and lightning.

Meteorologist Abigail McCluskey guided students through disaster preparedness, showing what to include in an emergency kit and identifying the safest locations to seek shelter during a tornado.

Community safety remains the top priority for the Storm Tracker team, which continues to take proactive steps to educate and protect residents as trusted Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadors.

Events like Safety Town not only teach vital safety skills but also build lasting connections between the Storm Tracker team and the community they serve.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Tenants are navigating the aftermath after being displaced by a structure fire at the Meadows Apartments, located off South Leonard Road and Pickett. 

A large presence of first responders was seen at the complex early Tuesday morning, quickly working to combat the intense fire before it spread further.

According to the St. Joseph Fire Department, eight apartments were affected and more than 20 residents were safely evacuated; however, no injuries were reported.

Meadows Apartments tenant Martel Stewart said he was grateful to be awoken by St. Joseph Police officers before safely evacuating with his fiancée and children. 

“When we came out, this whole parking lot was just full of people and smoke,” Stewart said. “And there were about four or five fire trucks and 15 cop cars that did a really good job in assisting. I was just praying as it was spreading across other units that it wouldn’t touch ours. It’s just unfortunate that everyone had to go through all this.”

Stewart, who has lived at the complex for nearly four years, described it as a quiet, well-maintained place. The fire came as a complete surprise to him and his family. 

One family badly impacted by the fire had reportedly just moved into the complex two days earlier and lost the majority of their belongings. 

“She’s a hero in herself because she was banging on all the neighbors’ doors, telling them to get out,” Stewart said. “Anytime something like this happens, it’s just tragic. Everything’s so expensive and hard as it is, especially when somebody just moves in and you’re trying to make somewhere your home then suddenly, you wake up to a disaster.”

Caseworkers from the St. Joseph Red Cross, along with community partners, are working to support tenants and identify the next steps in their recovery. 

“They said it’s going to be maybe three or four days…could be longer,” Stewart said. “So right now, I’m just grabbing all our belongings that we need: toiletries, clothes, work stuff and making sure we can get through the week.”

JoAnn Woody, executive director of the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri, said in a statement to News-Press NOW:

“The Red Cross has established a temporary shelter for nearly 20 residents who needed a safe place to stay while they work with our Red Cross caseworkers and amazing partners in the St. Joseph community to identify the next steps. Having volunteers and partners who are committed to working together to meet the humanitarian needs of those affected by disaster is a gift, for the community and for the organizations that serve.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the St. Joseph Fire Department.

News-Press NOW will provide updates as more details become available. 

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News-Press NOW

ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One man is seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday morning.

A 76-year-old male driver of a 1997 Ford F-350 from Spokane, Washington, was parked on the shoulder of southbound I-29, near mile marker 57.

The driver then put the vehicle in drive, where it jolted and hit a 72-year-old male pedestrian.

After hitting the pedestrian, the driver then traveled off the west side of the roadway, struck a traffic sign and came to rest in a ditch, facing southeast.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the crash around 9:06 a.m. on Tuesday.

The pedestrian, from Cusick, Washington, was transported by Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A dedicated educator from Pershing Elementary School has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the classroom and community.

In a surprise celebration held on Tuesday, July 8th, one of Pershing’s teachers, Mary Sanders, was announced as one of two Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year honorees.

The special event took place at the Troester Media Center, where Pershing Elementary Principal Holly Brady announced the honor at a professional development session.

District staff, family members, and community supporters gathered to make the moment extra special for the honoree, who was visibly moved by the recognition. Sanders is coming up on her 13th year of teaching. She is currently a fourth-grade teacher within the Saint Joseph School District.

Sanders said, “I’m so proud to work for the St. Joe School District. I’m so proud to work at Pershing Elementary. I work with the best teachers, staff, custodians, engineers, kitchen staff, everybody from every part of the school works so hard for our kids.”

The honor is part of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, coordinated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Northwest Regional Professional Development Center.

The program celebrates exceptional educators who demonstrate excellence in their profession and inspire both students and colleagues.

Official statewide announcements from DESE are expected on Thursday, July 17th.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In less than a week, local organizations will host a Vietnam Era Commemoration Ceremony to recognize the men and women who served the United States.

The City of St. Joseph, the AUSA Henry Leavenworth Chapter and the St. Joseph Community Alliance will serve as hosts to the ceremony, which will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 14, at Word of Life Church, located at 3902 Riverside Rd.

Veterans who served between Nov. 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are invited to participate.

Each honoree will receive a commemorative lapel pin and certificate, which will serve as symbols of appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice.

Family members, friends and community members are encouraged to help identify eligible veterans.

To register a veteran, or to learn more, call (816) 271-4680 or email kgarton@stjosephmo.gov.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Fire Department worked the scene of a structure fire Tuesday in the area of South 19th and Olive Streets that killed one dog.

Firefighters responded to the scene just before 1 p.m. At one point, the house was completely engulfed in flames.

SJFD reported there were no other injuries and that the fire is under investigation at this time.

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Abigail McCluskey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — This week marks the beginning of Camp Invention, hosted by the Mosaic Life Care Foundation at emPowerU.

Children from Kindergarten through 6th grade have come together to explore exciting STEM-based curriculum in a fun and engaging environment.

The National Inventors Hall of Fame partners with organizations across the United States to bring programs like Camp Invention to local communities.

With over 1,500 camps held nationwide, the organization is dedicated to honoring great inventors, promoting creativity and advancing a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Camp Invention provides students with the opportunity to imagine, experiment and build through a variety of hands-on projects and collaborative activities.

Devron Brower, the director of emPowerU programs, said, “This camp will highlight the ability to be creative, and for students to dream and create things they never thought.”

Each day is filled with dynamic STEM adventures that keep kids active, engaged and inspired to explore the world of science and technology.

Joel, a future third grader, expressed excitement about learning how to build a claw for a vending machine.

“I love it- I’m going to go to the purple room…,” said Joel.

Each colored room at emPowerU is broken up into different hands-on activities.

Joel expressed excitement for returning to camp next year.

The Mosaic Life Care Foundation and emPowerU plan on holding this event again next year. Even though it is too late to sign up for this week’s camp, emPowerU is hosting another STEM-based camp in the weeks ahead.

To register for future camps visit https://www.mlcfoundation.com/steamcamps/

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