Author: News-Press NOW

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Local residents will soon be able to enjoy the taste of authentic Indian cuisine in St. Joseph once again.

Clay Oven Indian Cuisine announced it will officially re-open for business on Tuesday with its normal hours of operation at 1209 N. Belt Highway, next to Panera Bread and Anytime Fitness.

The restaurant has been closed since June 18 due to damage caused by a fire sprinkler going off. The fan-favorite restaurant opened in February 2024 after operating as a food truck for multiple years in Fallon, Nevada.

Clay Oven Indian Cuisine is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

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Abigail McCluskey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) –The death toll in Texas continues to rise after deadly flash flooding turned what was meant to be a celebratory holiday weekend into a devastating and life-altering event.

In the Texas Hill Country, more than 20 inches of rain fell in a short period, causing the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in under an hour.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in San Antonio worked to communicate the severity of the incoming weather. Despite their efforts, many residents did not receive or hear the warnings in time.

According to the NWS website, forecasters began highlighting the potential for heavy rainfall as early as Sunday, June 29.

By Tuesday, July 1, the forecast included warnings about the risk of dangerous flooding due to excessive rainfall. On Thursday, July 3, at 1 p.m., a flood watch was issued for a large portion of the Texas Hill Country.

Just after midnight on Friday, July 4, an additional flash flood watch was issued for Kerr County, warning that rainfall totals could exceed 10 inches.

Less than an hour later, a flash flood warning was issued due to life-threatening conditions.

These alerts continued throughout the early morning hours and ultimately escalated into a flood emergency.

While this tragedy happened in Texas, it’s a sharp reminder that flooding can happen quickly and without much warning — even in our local communities.

It’s important to understand the flood-prone areas in your neighborhood and be aware of nearby rivers and streams that are likely to overflow during heavy rain.

Throughout the St. Joseph area, city officials are continuing to implement preventative measures to help combat flash flooding in the local area.

Colleen Armstrong from the City of St. Joseph’s stormwater department explains that putting detention systems in place will help with stormwater flooding.

“Put in stormwater controls, whether those are basins, rain gardens, or underground stormwater detention to help hold back that peak flow during a heavy rain event,” said Armstrong.

Beyond knowing which areas are most vulnerable, it’s critical to have multiple ways of receiving weather alerts — especially at night. A NOAA weather radio or the Storm Tracker Weather App can help ensure you stay up to date with watches and warnings specific to your location, even while you sleep.

Scott Watson, chief hydrologist at the NWS, said it’s common for people to believe severe weather won’t affect them. This is when tragedy can strike—people may go to sleep unaware of the situation unfolding outside.

“Most people don’t think it’s going to affect them,” said Watson. “Then there’s some people that just, you know, they’re not paying attention to what the weather forecast is.”

If you find yourself in a situation where floodwaters are rising, take immediate precautions. Always remember the phrase: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Move to higher ground as quickly as possible, and never try to outrun or drive through floodwaters. As little as two feet of moving water can sweep away a vehicle or knock a person off their feet.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — City Councilmembers took additional steps Monday to ensure timely completion of a critical new landfill cell following impacts from a recent storm in St. Joseph. 

Monday’s City Council meeting saw the approval of multiple landfill-related contracts ranging from ongoing construction work for cell 8, consulting services and equipment purchases.

One key measure was a $152,300 change order with cell construction company M-Con, LLC, for the landfill cell 8 emergency excavation project. With the excavation portion of the project now complete, the company is in the process of installing a series of protective ground liners.

However, during the installation of the geosynthetic liner, a significant storm event caused soil and debris to wash onto the liner surface and accumulate in the sump pit. As a result of the debris buildup, MCON, LLC utilized a long-reach excavator to remove the excess sludge from the east hole. To maintain progress and ensure safe access for construction vehicles, additional sand was brought in to stabilize the roadways, allowing equipment to maneuver safely throughout the cell. 

A second contract will authorize a $45,775 change order with Texas Environmental Plastics, LTD for additional cell 8-liner installation services.

City officials reported at the last council meeting on Monday, June 23, that the hope is for cell 8 to be complete in August, a move that would alleviate ongoing landfill capacity concerns that have lingered since last fall.

In addition, councilmembers also signed off on a change order with Stearns, Conrad and Schmidt Consulting Engineers (SCS) in an amount not to exceed $49,350 to provide additional Stage 8 construction quality assurance services at the St. Joseph Sanitary Landfill. 

Monday’s meeting also saw the approval of an amendment to the Landfill Fund Budget for $35,331, and authorizing the balloon payment due for one 326 Hydraulic Excavator from Foley Equipment for a total amount not to exceed $68,240. 

Council OKs new billing/collection agreement between City and County

Councilmembers unanimously approved a new agreement that allows for special tax bills issued by the city to be collected in the same manner as real property taxes collected by the county and collector.

The City of St. Joseph issues special tax bills when amounts owed by property owners for nuisance abatement fines, property maintenance penalties, demolition costs and other expenses remain unpaid by the property owners.

However, the City has very few mechanisms available to attempt to collect the special tax bill amounts. The new agreement between the City, County, and Collector will allow the City to submit a certified list of unpaid special tax bills to the Collector on an annual basis.

The Collector will then add the unpaid special tax bill amounts to the real property tax rolls. The county may withhold a sum equal to 2% of special tax bills and other fees collected as compensation for the services provided to the City and will remit the remaining 98% to the City.

Contracts and funding agreements approved for 2025-26

City Councilmembers signed off on a trio of funding agreements for the following fiscal year on Monday, including contracts with local service organizations like the Social Welfare Board and Samaritan Center:

Agreements include:

Funding agreement with the Social Welfare Board — Stuber Health Center, in an amount not to exceed $546,617 to provide ambulatory and other health and wellness services for qualified persons. 

Funding agreement with the Samaritan Center in the amount of $50,000 to provide mental health services for qualified persons. 

Contract with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce for economic development services for the total amount of $210,000. The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce works closely with the City to assist existing businesses in maintaining and expanding their current operations in St Joseph, including various retention and recruitment programs. In addition, the Chamber of Commerce works with the City to help recruit new business to St. Joseph. 

September City Council meeting canceled 

City Councilmembers voted to cancel the regularly scheduled meeting set for Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. due to multiple members of the City Council and City staff attending the annual Missouri Municipal League Conference on Sept. 14-17 in St. Charles, Missouri. 

City Hall to have parking lot resurfaced

Add City Hall’s parking lot to a long list of improvements occurring at the historic administration building in Downtown St. Joseph.

City Councilmembers on Monday approved a $79,935 agreement with Herzog Contracting, Corp. for the city hall parking lot resurfacing project. 

As part of the project, the deteriorating parking lot at City Hall will be repaired. Herzog Contracting, Corp. has been contracted to perform a 2” mill and overlay of the parking lot surface, replace any curbs that are also in need of repair and install pavement markings.

Funding for the enhancements was included as part of the 2025 Capital Improvement Program. 

Other bills approved by City Council

St. Joseph’s Park’s Maintenance division will see the addition of two new John Deere mowers to help maintain the city’s parks, trails and boulevard systems. 

Councilmembers signed off on a resolution on Monday to purchase two John Deere mowers from Deere & Company using $44,717 in parks sales tax funds. 

Nominations and Appointments

Mayor John Josendale nominates Eric P. Samaritoni, 2610 Meadow Ridge Drive, to serve as a member of the Tourism Commission for a term expiring July 7, 2028; he is filling a vacancy on the Commission.

Mayor John Josendale nominates Bobbie Cronk, 2305 Chambers Ave., to serve as a member of the Library Board for a term expiring June 30, 2028; she is being reappointed.

Mayor John Josendale nominates Kathie L. Brunner, 3219 Lafayette St., to serve as a member of the Library Board for a term expiring June 30, 2028; she is replacing David E. Jordan, whose term expires on June 30, 2025.

Mayor John Josendale nominates Patricia (Kathleen) Davison, 1812 Francis St., to serve as a member of the Library Board for a term expiring June 30, 2028; she is replacing Joshua Bachman, whose term expires on June 30, 2025.

Mayor John Josendale nominates Christy George, 201 S. Noyes Blvd., to serve as a member of the Tourism Commission for a term expiring on July 7, 2028; she is filling a vacancy on the Commission.

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News-Press NOW

ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One person suffered serious injuries, while another suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Sunday in Andrew County, near Country Club Village.

A 2012 Honda Crosstour, driven by a 51-year-old male with a 49-year-old female passenger, both from Utica, Nebraska, was traveling north on Business 71 and slowed down to enter the median crossover to turn onto northbound I-29

The male driver failed to yield as a 21-year-old female driver of a 2010 Ford Focus was traveling south on Business 71.

The female driver slowed down; however, the vehicle did end up hitting the Honda vehicle in the front passenger door.

After impact, the Honda overturned and traveled ff of the south side of the roadway and came to a controlled stop on the northbound I-29 ramp. The Ford vehicle came to a rest on its passenger side facing northwest.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Andrew County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene at 7:49 p.m.

The 49-year-old female passenger suffered serious injuries, while the 51-year-old male driver suffered minor injuries. They were both transported by Andrew County EMS to Mosaic Life Care.

The 2012 Honda Crosstour endured extensive damage and the 2010 Ford Focus was totaled. Both were towed away by Blue Knight Towing.

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News-Press NOW

HARRISON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One person was pronounced dead on Saturday after being struck by a vehicle in Harrison County.

The 61-year-old male driver of a 2019 Lincoln MKT was driving in the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 136 when a 71-year-old female pedestrian walked into his path.

The front of the driver’s vehicle struck the pedestrian and came to rest in the eastbound lanes, facing east, on its wheels.

The pedestrian, from Santee, California, was pronounced dead on the scene by the Harrison County Coroner at 11:45 p.m. and was transported by the Harrison County Coroner to Roberson Funeral Home in Bethany, Missouri.

The driver did not suffer any injuries; however, his car had minor damage and was towed by Southside Auto and Towing.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrived on the scene at 11:28 p.m. and was assisted by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and the Bethany Police Department.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Animal Shelter is hosting an artwork contest, allowing community members to foster creativity and support pet adoption.

Both Missouri and Kansas residents can enter in three age categories.

Children ages 4-12

Teens ages 13-20

Adults 21, plus

Participants can use any medium, paint, crayons, markers, pencil, etc. for a 2D piece of art that showcases animals, pet adoption or the bond between people and pets.

Other guidelines include that artwork cannot be AI-generated, the finished piece must be 8″ x 10″, artwork will not be returned and there is a three-entry limit.

Artists can drop their pieces off at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter, UPCO or River Bluff Brewing during business hours.

There will be a first and second place prize in each age group, with the first-place prize being a $25 gift card and the second-place prize being a $10 gift card.

Submissions are due at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15. Anyone with questions should email kellyp@outlook.com.

Selected artwork may also be featured on Animal Shelter merchandise, like T-Shirts, stickers and more to help promote pet adoption and support the St. Joseph Animal Shelter.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) –Even with firework prices slowly creeping higher this year, the excitement to light up the night sky shows no signs of slowing down. Shoppers may be relieved to find that costs haven’t climbed too high—at least not yet.

Despite concerns about ongoing tariffs on goods imported from China (the source of nearly all fireworks sold in the U.S.) one retailer, PJ Fireworks, says prices this year remained fairly stable compared to last summer. Most customers were still able to find options that fit their budgets.

“I’ve got great help and great customers they’re all real friendly,” PJ’s Fireworks owner PJ Kovac said. “It just works out fantastic. And we’ve had real good success. We’ve been in business since 88’ and every year just seems to do a little better.”

Across the country, fireworks sales remain strong. This year was bigger and better than ever. 

“I have orders ranging from $5,000 to $6,000, it’s unbelievable what people spend,” Kovac said. “I appreciate all the business and just hope everybody stays safe.”

Industry experts, however, warn that next year could tell a different story. With ongoing trade tensions and the potential for higher tariffs on Chinese imports, fireworks costs could rise significantly by the summer of 2026, just in time for America’s 250th birthday celebration.

For now, though, fireworks remain a must-have tradition for many families, with sparklers, fountains, and grand finales lighting up neighborhoods across St. Joseph and beyond.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — United Way of Greater St. Joseph is looking for volunteers to help assemble meal kits for households in need.

Kids being out of school calls for an increase in the need for food in some households.

According to moveforhunger.org, “In 2023, just over 28 million children participated in the National School Lunch Program, making it ‘the nation’s second-largest’ food and nutrition assistance program behind SNAP.”

Volunteers are needed between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9, at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, located at 118 S. 5th St.

The meal kits will be shared with local households.

Visit United Way’s website to sign up or call (816) 364-2381.

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A summer youth program designed to help teach kids tennis as well as life skills outside of the sport, begins Monday, July 7.

The program is led by a junior at Central High School, Sara Gupta.

“We just want to help students become student athletes, essentially,” Gupta said. “Which have those main skills like teamwork, confidence, athleticism and just using tennis to help achieve those.”

Gupta will lead the program for the first time after her older sister, Alisha, started the program and led it for two years.

The program is for kids ages 11-14 and was created after Alisha noticed the kids dropping out of school weren’t part of any teams or clubs.

“She really wanted to start early during middle school,” program director of youth volunteer corps Misty Coyle said. “So, 11 to 14 years old and get them ready for high school by giving them some pillars of strength.”

The program runs from Monday, July 7, through Monday, July 24, on Mondays through Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We have games, activities and actually this year, I am fortunate enough to find a psychology student from Missouri Western to help with mental health,” Gupta said. “Just incorporating all aspects of that with tennis and fun activities.”

Gupta said a lot of students in the past have gone on to play tennis in high school, and hopes they can use the skills learned outside as well.

Supplies, rackets and everything for students in the program are provided from sponsorships and other businesses supporting Youth Alliance.

Tennis for Success will be a “pay if you can” program, thanks in large part to fundraising efforts.

To sign up visit the Youth Volunteer Corps website.

“Tennis has been my passion from the age of nine or 10,” Gupta said. “It’s been something to look forward to, something to have to be active and I have been fortunate to be on the tennis team and see it grow and that’s really important to me.”

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