Author: News-Press NOW

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — First recognized as the “Day of Unity” in 1981, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed every October, with the goal of unifying efforts to end domestic violence and raise awareness.

DVAM is recognized nationally by advocacy groups all across the United States.

The YWCA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The group also provides domestic violence support, childcare and youth services.

YWCA Youth Programs Manager, Zach Ellis, said the organization has a few different things they do to recognize DVAM.

“Every Thursday, we are inviting everyone to wear purple and then go ahead and snap a selfie, grab a couple friends who are wearing purple and take a picture and post on social media. We have Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, just hashtag YWCA St. Joseph and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”

The color purple is used to symbolize unity against domestic violence, and can often be seen with the purple ribbon.

The YWCA plans to do other events this month, such as its resource fair, which will take place later in October.

For more information about the YWCA and its events, you can visit the YWCA website.

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News-Press NOW

HARRISON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A child was taken to the hospital after a dirt bike crash in Harrison County Sunday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred around 4:25 p.m. in a pasture near the intersection of Route T and 182nd Street, a mile south of Blythedale, Missouri.

An 11-year-old boy riding a dirt bike hit a ditch and was ejected.

First responders took him to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa for serious injuries.

He had safety gear equipped, according to the crash report.

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Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Trail Alliance is hosting an upcoming outdoor event at the St. Joseph River Bluff Trails Park.

The event will feature a 5K and 10K trail run, followed by a mountain bike race, as well as a group trail run and nature hike.

There will be food trucks, an obstacle course for kids, community fun and so much more.

“So, I think the most important thing is that it’s inclusive for everyone. It’s family-friendly. We’ve got kids’ events. There’s something for the mountain bike racers or something for runners. There’s something for people that just want to be outside enjoying nature and hiking,” said Blake Hoppe, a St. Joseph Trail Alliance board member.

With an array of activities scheduled to take place, Hoppe said the event provides fun for everyone.

“I think it’s something that anybody could have a good time at. A relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Food trucks. Just a fun way to spend a weekend,” said Hoppe.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With flu season officially underway, health experts highlight the importance of staying alert — because this time of year often brings a mix of unpredictable illnesses. 

Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who now directs the Health Equity Action Leadership Center at Purdue University said COVID-19 is still very much part of that conversation. 

“The weather is cooling off. And so its important that we all protect ourselves and understand the important tools available to keep us safe,” Adams said.  

Adams said it’s crucial to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine — not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones — since most adults have at least one risk factor that could lead to a more serious case of the virus.  

He said that this is the time of year when cases usually start to rise, so it’s better to talk about prevention now rather than wait until the virus hits home.  

“I think its better to just talk about cold and flu season. The most important things are clean, cover and contain. Make sure you’re washing hands, covering the mouth while coughing and staying at home when sick,” Adams said.  

He pointed out that about seven in ten adults have a health condition — like being overweight, having high blood pressure or diabetes — that could lead to more serious complications from COVID-19.  

He emphasized that it’s especially important for pregnant women to get vaccinated since they face a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 — and vaccination helps protect both their health and their baby’s.  

“There are many measures you should take but the most important is to important to talk to your provider and understand the risk,” Adams.  

Adams said that risk isn’t only tied to age — it also depends on how much exposure someone has at work or in daily life — making it even more important to take preventive steps and protect our health.  

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Residents hoping to test and obtain their driver’s license or permit will have to wait an extra day this month.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, in observance of Columbus Day, a federal holiday.

Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

In St. Joseph, residents can obtain a driver’s license at the downtown St. Joseph State Office Building located at 525 Jules St.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The “It’s All About You!” Women’s Expo is underway Saturday at the St. Joseph Civic Arena, celebrating women’s health, wellness and community.

The event runs until 4 p.m. and features workshops, seminars, shopping, food trucks and even a mimosa and bloody mary bar. Attendees can also take part in a silent auction and enjoy a fashion show during the day.

The event is designed to be inclusive for women of all ages, with activities and attractions for everyone.

“I think that this kind of expo is encouragement for women,” said Leameana Davis, a stationary vendor at the event, “I think this is something good, and definitely I will be back next year.”

Admission is $7, or $5 with a donation of two canned food items to benefit Second Harvest. Admission is free for those ages 16 and under.

The Women’s Expo continues until 4 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Arena located at 100 N 4th St. For more information, visit www.stjowomensexpo.com.

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Kyle Schmidt

MARYVILLE, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The voice behind Bearcat Radio Network on KXCV/KRNW, John Coffey, announced his 500th consecutive football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, in Joplin, Mo.

The Northwest Missouri State University graduate in 1982 started announcing for the Bearcats in September of 1985.

“A period of about over 40 years, but it seems like it just started yesterday,” Coffey said. “It’s been such a fun run.”

Not missing a single game over the last four decades, Coffey said it wasn’t until a broadcast partner a couple of years ago counted up the games and told Coffey he was close to 500. He was recognized by fans and given a football for the milestone.

“It’s nice to be recognized and the comments that people had, that’s been really nice to hear and see,” Coffey said. “It really makes me feel very special that people, I think, have enjoyed what I do and hopefully will continue to for a while.”

Play-by-play is something Coffey has wanted to do ever since he was a kid. Growing up a St. Louis Cardinals fan, he listened to Jack Buck, Harry Caray and Mike Shannon.

“If you enjoy sports and getting paid to watch the games and I’ve been very fortunate that throughout my life, I’ve been able to do this,” Coffey said.

The Bearcats are 365-136 in games Coffey announced, with game 501 in the books after Northwest defeated Central Oklahoma 38-16.

Coffey feels special and lucky to not only have this opportunity but to be a part of winning programs.

“I say it’s one of the best jobs, probably in division two if not division one in the country,” he said. “Because of, just all of the success that these programs have had.”

Coffey also announces during basketball season. He said he’s missed only some of the basketball games, due to the football season running late when the team makes it into the playoffs.

As for his favorite game, Coffey mentions the 1996 playoff win, the first under coach Mel Tjeerdsma.

“That was kind of a statement game that Northwest kind of announced that they are ‘here’ and then they have been here ever since, from that point on,” he said.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Construction of more than a dozen new single-family homes is set to move forward in St. Joseph following approval by City Councilmembers this week.

Located on South Creek Woods Drive adjacent to U.S. Route 169 and Southeast State Highway FF, the housing development project approved by City Council on Monday includes 15 lots and one detention basin.

All housing developments will be single-family units.

The subdivision is the third phase of development planned for the area. A 1,500-square-foot home at 4909 S. Creek Woods Drive with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, part of plat 2, is currently listed for $300,000.

Once constructed, the new homes will help provide a much-needed boost to St. Joseph’s lagging housing scene. Data unveiled this year showed critical gaps in the availability of low, moderate and above-moderate income housing in St. Joseph.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In St. Joseph in the 1990s, Steve Schomburg and his father, Cliff, built and sent a 1947 speedliner boat to Boston.

Around 25 years later, the boat is back here in St. Joseph due to Ryan Schultz and Steve Robertson.

As a child, Schultz spent his days wanting boats just like his dad had, and one night online, he found the Schomburg speedliner for sale in Boston and knew he had to have it.

“It was built in St. Joe. I love St. Joe. And I talked to Steve about it, and he wanted to get it back, and I wanted to get it back. Then Steve Roberts and I talked about it, so I just thought it was the perfect boat to purchase to get back home,” said Schultz

This boat means a great deal to Schultz, but it also holds sentimental value for Schomburg.

“My father was the main designer of all the wood speed liners. And it means something to me that we built this boat,” said Schomburg.

The brewery will be hosting Speedliner Day from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Oct. 4, at River Bluff Brewery, located at 1224 Frederick Ave.

The event will feature an array of speedliner boats, including Schultz’s 1947 speedliner.

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Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Bode Ice Arena is celebrating its anniversary of serving St. Joseph for half a century this weekend.

The Arena opened its doors in 1975. Over the many years, it has served as a home to local figure skaters and hockey teams.

The rink has had a lasting impact on the community and those who have spent time there.

“Another thing about this program that’s just so amazing is watching these kids go through the program when they’re players, and then they grow up, they go away, and then they come back as adults, and then they just make a huge difference in the community itself,” said Martial Thevenot, a former youth hockey coach and skater at the Arena.

Thevenot explained the sentimental power Bode has on those who grew up skating at its facilities.

“Anyone who actually comes in here and leaves, leaves with something extra that they can give back to the community and that’s been just one of the powerful things that’s come out of this rink,” said Martial Thevenot, a former youth hockey coach and skater.

Bode Ice Arena is inviting the community of St. Joseph to come out for their 50-year anniversary to celebrate this milestone and experience all the fun that their rink has to offer.

“It’s $5 admission, so that everyone can come and experience what our rink has. We wanted to make it affordable, and we wanted it to be a place where people could come and celebrate memories that they have while they shared years of experiences through Bode Ice Arena,” said Christine Feuerbacher, programs and concession coordinator.

Visitors can participate in ice skating from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. On Sunday, the rink will hold free public skating from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Bode Ice Arena is located at 2500 Southwest Parkway in St. Joseph.

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