Author: News-Press NOW

News-Press NOW

COUNTRY CLUB, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Two people were injured in a Country Club, Missouri crash Thursday night.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the accident occurred around 6:47 p.m. at the intersection of Southbound Business 29 and US-59 in Country Club.

A 31-year-old St. Joseph woman driving east on 59 failed to stop at a stop sign, hitting a car occupied by two people from Mound City, Missouri — a 32-year-old man and 34-year-old woman.

The Mound City man, who was driving, suffered serious injuries, and the woman riding with him moderate injuries.

First responders took both to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph woman avoided injury.

Troopers report everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt.

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In less than a year, 650,000 people are expected to travel into the Kansas City area to watch countries around the world compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

St. Joseph, sitting just 55 miles away from downtown Kansas City, is expected to see an influx of visitors and is beginning to prepare.

“We are purely in an idea phase of what are the things we should be doing, what are other destinations doing that are similar to us,” director of communications/ marketing with St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau, Christian Mengel, said. “A lot of conversations surrounding watch parties, festivals and viewing areas and more are being discussed to figure out what would be the best experience for current residents.”

Mengel said conferences and conventions geared toward international tourism marketing, as well as conversations with international travel writers, have shared consistent feedback.

International travelers are looking for three things. They will want to travel somewhere with something uniquely American, has a hidden gem or a place with road trip possibilities.

“St. Joseph is perfect in that sense,” Mengel said. ” In that, in the Kansas City region, we check all those boxes.”

St. Joseph is currently being advertised in Kansas City International Airport as well as on buses driving around the city. Ad sizes in Visit Kansas City’s visitor guides have grown for St. Joseph as well to draw more eyes from out of country visitors.

“If we target Kansas City at that time, specifically as, ‘Hey, this is something to do while you’re in Kansas City or while you’re in the area for the World Cup,'” Mengel said. “It makes it so much more accessible for them to find out that it’s just a 45-minute trip up the road.”

The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art has planned a major exhibit of juried exhibition of the American landscape.

“We’re going to put out a national call for entries,” Executive Director of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art Eric Fuson said. “We’ll have some purchase awards so they’ll be able to purchase some of the works that are the top ones to put in the permanent collection.”

The exhibit will begin on Friday, May 15, 2026, and will run through August 2026.

Kansas City is currently making sure the hotels are prepared, as well as the residents and attractions. For the areas around, like St. Joseph, Mackenzie Wolters, communications manager for Visit KC, said they expect people to stay in St. Joseph.

A notable St. Joseph project currently being worked on is two state-of-the-art hotels and a new conference center on Frederick Ave. The city hopes this project will be finished ahead of the World Cup, but said, “It will be tight.”

“You might see people who are here in Kansas City for a match and then in between the next match, they might go up to St. Joseph to explore the Pony Express Museum or to explore more up there,” Wolters said. “We want to make sure our museum attractions all across the region are prepared for people to be exploring.”

Wolters said international travelers are interested in the “wild west vibe,” like the Jesse James experience and the Pony Express.

“We want everyone across the region to stay in their communities and be their most authentic selves,” Wolters said. “We want people, when visitors come to the area, to have great people who are great hosts.”

More information regarding specific plans for St. Joseph will come out in the future. Kansas City will know which teams will play their games in Arrowhead Stadium in December.

“Brush up on the best museum, the best restaurant to recommend to all of the visitors that we are expecting,” Wolters said. “Just be authentic, be yourself.”

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” by the U.S. House of Representatives has been met with mixed reactions nationally and locally.

In St. Joseph, about a dozen people interviewed for their initial reactions a few hours after the bill passed echoed both the praises and concerns expressed by members of the House of Representatives in their debates about the financial package.

One St. Joseph resident, who did not want to share her name, a Medicare recipient, said she is concerned about cuts to Medicare and Medicaid.

“My mother is also on Medicaid, and she is in her eighties,” she said. “I don’t think we could get by without it.”

Lynn, who did not share her last name, is a retired nurse in St. Joseph, said she is glad the bill passed and does not share the concerns about cuts to Medicaid.

“They were scaring people about Medicaid and everything,” Lynn said. “I’m a retired nurse, and I believe we need to get those who can work off of Medicaid.”

Nyls Ferguson said he supports the bill because he believes there will be benefits for senior adults and many working Americans.

“I think the fact that it doesn’t tax social security is great,” Ferguson said. “Also, removing tax for those who work overtime is good, because many have to work overtime just to get by, and that will relieve some of their burden.”

All local U.S. Representatives, as well as Senators from Missouri and Kansas, voted to support the bill, which will now go to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.

The final version of the bill passed the House by a margin of 218-214.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — To provide local students with school supplies, United Way of Greater St. Joseph and Mosaic Life Care are partnering for the 17th Annual “STUFF THE BUS” school supplies drive.

The event will be held throughout the day on Friday, August 1, to Saturday, August 2, at the North Belt Walmart, located at 4201 N. Belt Hwy, and the South Belt Walmart, located at 3022 S. Belt Hwy.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find additional information on United Way’s Facebook page.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In a press release sent out on Thursday, the St. Joseph Police Department announced it would transition to encrypted radio traffic early in July.

This change is for all law enforcement communications and is designed to protect the safety of both officers and the community, according to the press release.

The decision came after consideration of the evolving public safety landscape and the need to “maintain the integrity of law enforcement operations while ensuring compliance of all rules and best practices relating to criminal justice information systems.”

The shift allows the department to respond to emergencies without the concern of private information being intercepted by unauthorized individuals.

“The safety of our officers and citizens we serve is our top priority,” said SJPD Police Chief Paul Luster. “This move to encrypted radio traffic will help us protect sensitive operational details from being compromised, ensuring we can continue to serve our community effectively and safely.”

In addition to improving officer safety, the transition to encrypted communications will safeguard the privacy of citizens.

According to the press release, “the information shared over law enforcement radio networks often includes sensitive details regarding ongoing investigations, emergency response situations, and personal data.”

Sergeant Jeremy Peters said, “If somebody is having a mental health crisis and they’re reluctant to call for help, the last thing that they want is for their name, their address, or any of their personal details to be shared over the radio. Knowing that it’s probably going to be broadcast over social media there’s some type of stigma that they’re afraid of being attached to. And we don’t want anybody to be discouraged from calling for help.”

SJPD said, while this encryption does limit public access to real-time radio traffic, the department will continue to share information with the public through traditional channels, including: press releases, social media and regular community engagement efforts.

Sergeant Jeremy Peters stated, “Just know that we’re out here, we’re trying to do the best job that we can for the community. I would encourage people to come out and be apart of the neighborhood groups. If there isn’t one that you’re aware of, we can help get one founded. We also have message boards for people to communicate directly to the police department.” Find out more by visiting the Saint Joseph Crime Prevention Page here.

The department said open lines of communication will be maintained to ensure the public remains informed during critical incidents.

“We understand the importance of keeping the public informed, and while we must protect the security of our law enforcement officers and operations, we are committed to ensuring that the community remains engaged and informed,” said Chief Luster.

The press release also detailed, the SJPD is confident this change will contribute to a safer environment for both law enforcement officers and residents served.

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The 4th of July is a time of celebration, but one holiday staple may cause anxiety for furry friends.

The loud bangs across the country will be heard far and wide, and experts have some recommendations for keeping pets safe and calm.

“When you are taking your dog out, if you do have an inside dog, even if you have a fenced-in yard, I would take them out on a leash,” Training Manager at Fantastic Fido’s, Rushelle Willis, said. “If a firework does go off, there’s several stories that I read on social media, July third, fourth, fifth, that their dog was in a fenced-in area, they jumped the fence, now they’re lost.”

According to The Kennel Club, firework season sees an 81% increase in dogs going missing. Willis recommends always taking dogs outside on a leash during the holiday and until the eighth or ninth, in case of fireworks. She also says to utilize a crate if a dog is kennel trained.

“I would put it in a room that doesn’t have any windows,” Willis said. “A basement, if you can utilize a basement and that way the noise barrier is less.”

In extreme cases, medicine can be given to animals with high anxiety to help calm them down, but Willis said to seek advice from a veterinarian.

“Calming chews, but I would contact the vet before I administer those as well,” Willis said.

She said too much affection can make the situation worse and no specific breeds have a higher likelihood of getting anxious over fireworks.

In her seven years working at Fantastic Fidos, Willis has luckily not received any runaways from 4th of July fireworks.

“Utilize the crate, not unintentionally reward the behavior, but let them be in a quiet area,” Willis said. “Another thing they can use a sound machine, turn on their television, or radio.”

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News-Press NOW

HARRISON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Five people were injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Harrison County just before 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2.

The crash happened at the 96.4-mile marker along I-35, just four miles north of Bethany, Mo.

The vehicle, a 2015 GMC Yukon, was southbound on I-35 as it travelled off the left side of the roadway into the median and struck a drain field and became airborne.

The vehicle then landed back on the ground, overturned and came to a rest in the median on its passenger side.

Of the five people, a female child less than one year old, a three-year-old female child, a 28-year-old female and a 39-year-old male, who was driving, sustained serious injuries.

An 8-year-old female child sustained minor injuries.

All three children were transported by ambulance to Harrison County Community Hospital.

The adult female was transported by ambulance to Liberty Hospital and the adult male was transported by ambulance to Truman Medical Center in Kansas City.

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph residents will celebrate Independence Day this weekend. Luckily, there are plenty of events in town to help with the festivities. News-Press NOW’s Kendra Simpson planned out the weekend for the last time in this week’s edition of See St. Joseph.

To start the weekend off, St. Joseph, along with the rest of the country, will be celebrating the 4th of July, and what’s the 4th of July without fireworks?

Every year, the North Shoppes are lit with the glow of a grand fireworks display and this year is no exception. The St. Joseph Parks, Recreation and Civic Facilities Department will put on their annual show beginning at 9:30 p.m., or 15 minutes after sunset, Friday night, with viewing available through the North Shoppes parking lots, with primary viewing at the YMCA, Green Acres, Regal Hollywood Theatre and Kohl’s. Bring lawn chairs, snacks and drinks for an evening of patriotism and family fun.

While celebrating the fourth, why not throw in America’s favorite pastime: a baseball game?

This Independence Day, the Mustangs will be honoring veterans and active military with a military jersey auction, two free deck tickets and all you can eat hot dogs. They will also be hosting their little Mister and Miss Mustang Competition and of course, it’s not the 4th of July without a fireworks spectacular. The game starts at 7 p.m. at the Mustangs Baseball field.

Finally, after a long weekend of loud noises and performances, let’s wind things down with loud noises and a performance!

This Sunday, the Imagine Eleven concert series returns with the Revelation Band: a Journey Tribute. They’re going to be rocking Coleman Hawkins Park “anyway you want,” so “don’t stop believin'” the night is going to be “one in a lifetime.” Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy delectable treats from local vendors. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Sunday in Coleman Hawkins Park.

When out celebrating Independence Day this weekend, wear sunscreen, point fireworks up and stay safe. Tune in to News-Press NOW every Thursday for Rebecca Evans, who will be taking over See St. Joseph.

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Associated Press

MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — At least five people were taken to a hospital when a small skydiving aircraft went off the end of a runway at an airport in New Jersey on Wednesday evening, according to authorities.

The incident at the Cross Keys Airport involved a Cessna 208B carrying 15 people, according to a Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson. The administration is investigating.

Five people who were injured are expected to be transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, Wendy A. Marano, a spokesperson for the hospital, said.

Members of the hospital’s EMS and trauma department traveled to the crash site, she said. She wasn’t able to provide the conditions of the injured.

A person who answered the phone at Cross Keys Airport on Wednesday said he had no information and referred questions to Skydive Cross Keys, a commercial skydiving business located at the airport.

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