Author: News-Press NOW

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — An independent audit of the City’s financial statements, Police Pension Fund and compliance with federal awards showed a clean bill of health for the latest fiscal year.

City councilmembers and staff were given a review of the latest audit for the City during a work session Feb. 2 by Hood and Associates, an Oklahoma-based firm with offices in more than a dozen states, including in Kansas City.

The key takeaway: a comprehensive review of the City’s financial statements, internal controls and compliance showed its financial statements were presented fairly in all material respects and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The audit comes during a fiscal year that saw multiple changes designed to improve internal processes and transparency, including streamlined electronic bidding procedures, consolidating procurement across all departments and eliminating fund transfers.

No illegal acts were discovered during the course of the audit, as well as any significant deficiencies.

“The auditors recommended that the City continue to monitor, update and maintain its financial policies and procedures and to evaluate and adopt new accounting pronouncements as they are established,” the city stated in a news release.

One significant policy change documented in the audit was the City’s adoption of the Governmental Account Standards Board State No. 104: Disclosure of Certain Capital Asset, a standard used to improve financial reporting transparency for state and local governments by requiring separate, detailed note disclosures for non-traditional capital assets and assets held for sale.

During the auditor’s presentation, continued prioritization of cybersecurity was emphasized, an area of growing concern for government agencies nationwide. The city was impacted by a large cyberattack last June that heavily impacted technology and communication across multiple departments. The city invested more than $1 million to upgrade information technology and cybersecurity infrastructure.

While no evidence suggested any information was misused, more than 11,000 residents were potentially impacted.

“The City has been implementing multiple new security measures in the last year to protect the integrity of its data and cyber infrastructure,” a City press release stated.

The City has earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 34 consecutive years, the highest achievement a city can earn, and is expected by its independent auditor to receive the award again for fiscal year 2025.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Optimum customers in St. Joseph may have noticed a network outage over the weekend, one that was caused by vandalism, according to officials.

“Vandals blatantly cut Optimum’s fiber-optic network infrastructure in search of copper to steal- resulting in consumers and businesses losing their internet connectivity,” according to a news release.

Optimum line cut in St. Joseph. Courtesy of Optimum.

Optimum said it reported the incident to local authorities and emphasized the unnecessary disruption to not only itself and customers but also to law enforcement.

“These crimes disrupt vital services such as 911 emergency calling, putting public safety at risk and highlighting a growing challenge for service providers and residents alike,” the release detailed.

Because of the incident and the area affected, Optimum is now urging the community to stay alert, suggesting for residents to keep an eye out for unmarked vehicles or individuals working near infrastructure without proper identification.

Optimum said, if residents notice someone who can’t provide official credentials or seems out of place, to report it to local authorities, as well as Optimum’s Customer Support, who will inform its Security Operations team.

Reports can be made by visiting Optimum.com or the My Optimum app and connecting with the company via its 24/7 chat support.

In a statement to the public about the incident, Optimum expressed its apologies:

“We sincerely apologize to our customers who experienced an internet service disruption. Our teams responded immediately and restored service after our network was deliberately damaged by criminal activity. We appreciate the customers’ patience and urge the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.”

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Missouri Department of Transportation said access to and from Messanie Street at U.S. Route 169 (Belt Highway) will be closed beginning Monday, Feb. 16.

RS Electric, working with MoDOT, will complete traffic signal upgrades at the intersection through March 8.

MoDOT said traffic from Messanie Street will not be able to access the Belt Highway, traffic on the Belt Highway will not be able to access Messanie Street; however, drivers will be able to continue to use the Belt Highway in both directions.

The upgrades will include replacing the current southbound U.S. Route 169 traffic signal mast arm with a longer one, which will allow for the addition of a dedicated left turn signal.

During the project, all left-turn signals will be upgraded to flashing yellow arrows.

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News-Press NOW

The theme for this month’s book from the St. Joseph Public Library is Missouri Heritage. The books are available at the St. Joseph Public Library, at other Missouri Evergreen libraries, or from one of the SJPL eContent vendors. Visit the library’s catalog at https://sjpl.modiscovery.org to find these or other great books to enjoy.

Play Me Something Quick and Devilish: Old-Time Fiddlers in Missouri by Howard W. Marshall. Opening the cover of this book you find a CD of fiddle music featuring 39 tracks from Missouri fiddlers.

Some of the sections in the book include fiddle music of the old French district, African American fiddlers, German-speaking Missourians, Civil War Era, Irish and the railroads, Indian fiddlers, Victorian times, traditional fiddling and the dawn of jazz. Included in each section are a history of the music, photographs of musicians and sheet music of some songs. 

Show Me Missouri Women: Selected Biographies by Mary K. Dains. Over 200 Missouri women are divided into categories covering a wide range of individuals, from pioneer women, writers, educators, artists, reformers, entertainers, athletes, to club women.  Biographies of each are written by a variety of authors and include pictures of many of the subjects. The women included range from early Missouri pioneers to modern movers and shakers. The articles are written in a variety of easy-to-read styles.

Orphan Trains to Missouri by Michael D. Patrick. It has been estimated that 150,000 to 400,000 children rode the orphan trains.  Of these nearly 100,000 came to Missouri. The huge numbers of uncared for children in the city of New York cause the orphan train solution from 1854 to 1929. The first orphan trains were not well thought out but the process evolved and improved. Firsthand stories from the orphans and their descendants in Missouri are told.  Reunions of their descendants are still held. 

A Living History of the Ozarks by Phyllis Rossiter. Not completely in Missouri, the area referred to as the Ozarks makes up a large section of southern Missouri.

It is both a geographic designation and a cultural one. Divided into areas separated by geography and ancestral groupings, the author shows how the Ozarks developed into an area that is both homogenous and diverse. Photos, maps and appendices round out a well-presented account of a unique part of both the state of Missouri and the United States. 

Missouri Caves in History and Legend by H. Dwight Weaver. The bones of a variety of ice age animals have been found in Missouri caves. Later the caves were used for saltpeter, gunpowder, mushroom, and wine production. Guano and Onyx were mined in the caves. 

War and outlaws saw Missouri caves used for storage and hideouts. Families used the caves on their farms to keep food cold and as shelter from storms. Many surprising stories and facts from the history of Missouri caves are in this little book. 

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Local families looking for a day filled with activities and history this February will want to head down to the Pony Express Museum next week.

The Pony Express Museum is set hold their “Pony Express Family Day” on Monday, Feb. 16 for all to enjoy. Every child in attendance at the museum will receive a free bandanna, while the first 200 families will get a free book.

From button making to wood working, the event will have a variety of activities for attendees to participate in, including lunch.

Community Room

East Rise and Shine Breakfast & Games (8 a.m. – 10 a.m.)

Wood Workers Guild Fun Time (10 am – 1:00 am)

Day Camp Kickoff 2026 with crafts (10 a.m. – Noon)

Lunch Available in Community Room, Menu & Prices Available (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Day Camp Kickoff 2026 with crafts (1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.)

Button Making with River (1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.)

Pony Express Museum, 914 Penn St.

Self-guided tour with Docents (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Pioneer Wagon, Stories about wagons. Meet OCTA members (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Community Room – West

Piece Corp Quilters, stories, displays and demonstrations (9 a.m. – Noon)

Come Rope with us for Real with KC (1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.)

Event Center, 1220 S. 10th St.

Activities along the Pony Express Trail (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

Pony School, 1219 S. 9th St.

School Marm – Kay Dunlap (10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

Mary Herzog (12:30 pm – 3 p.m.)

Admission for the museum will be throughout the day, with food available to purchase. The event will run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will primarily be held at the Pony Express Museum located on 914 Penn St.

For more information visit https://www.ponyexpress.org/.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Upwards of $50 million in tax credits could be made available beginning next year under a new bill aiming to spur economic development and housing in Missouri’s Downtown and Main Street areas.

A Senate committee for Economic and Workforce Development gave its approval to Senate Bill 896 on Jan. 21, sponsored by assistant minority floor leader Sen. Steven Roberts (D-St. Louis), called the “Revitalizing Missouri Downtowns and Main Streets Act.”

Under the measure, projects meeting the criteria would receive tax credits between 25% and 30% for costs associated with redeveloping qualified non-residential office property to primarily residential use — particularly upper floor housing — as well as some commercial use. The measure would take effect for fiscal years beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2027 for eligible taxpayers.

The measure specifies 50% of credits would be reserved for converting buildings of more than 750,000 square feet and will be allocated to the annual limit over a period of 10 years, an additional 25% of the tax credits would be set aside solely for projects located in a qualified Missouri main street district.

Applicants would have to apply for credits through the Missouri Department of Economic Development, including showing proof of ownership or site control, project plans, anticipated costs, estimated project start dates and other reviews.

The Department would be tasked with determining the overall economic impact to the state from the rehabilitation of eligible property.

If approved, the act would sunset on Dec. 31, 2034, unless reauthorized by the General Assembly.

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Prajukta Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Being named the 139th Airlift Wing’s Outstanding Airman of the Year was a dream come true for Reagan Walker. 

Walker, a sophomore at Missouri Western State University, serves as a healthcare administrative specialist with the 139th Medical Group.  

She said joining the military was something she’d always wanted to do, even if she wasn’t sure which branch was right for her at first. 

“So I always wanted to enlist. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go Army or Airforce, but being so close to the National Guard, I thought that it was a great opportunity for me still be a civilian as a nurse but still serve my country,” Walker said.  

Balancing military service with nursing school isn’t always easy. Walker admitted the demands of academics can be challenging, especially with the expectation to show up and perform well during drill weekends.  

To manage the stress, she focuses on staying ahead with schoolwork. Something that makes the hustle worth it is having a great unit.  

“I think my unit is my favorite part. I am in the medical unit, and I have a great supervisor, some great friends from that unit. I just love getting to be here and spend time and I also love my job working in the front office at the clinic,” Walker said.  

Receiving the award was especially meaningful to Walker since she’s only been enlisted for two years. She said it was an honor to be recognized so early in her career.  

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Crane, public affairs superintendent, said awards like this help highlight the important work airmen do—work they may not always realize is being noticed.  

“Her supervisor saw that and they decided to put her forth of this Airman of the Year competition and that’s important because what we are doing out here is paid for by the taxpayers, so it’s letting them know about the work these airmen are doing,” Crane said.  

Crane explained the Outstanding Airman of the Year program takes place across every wing in the Air Force and focuses heavily on mission execution.  

“Airman Walker is responsible for over 900 medical records, which is virtually all of our folks on base. So anytime our members have to go to the clinic, whether it be for dental-related or medical, her role is to ensure all of our folks are medically ready to get in the plane,” Crane added.  

Walker said she was eager to participate in the interview because she hopes to encourage high school students or others who may be looking for help paying for college and an opportunity to be a part of this honor.  

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Among the topics discussed at United Way’s 2026 Directors’ Symposium, a key learning opportunity for many local professionals, was the theme of finding ways to adapt and thrive as leaders in child care.

On Friday, United Way of Greater St. Joseph held its annual professional development day to provide early care and education leaders the opportunity to network and gain knowledge about a variety of leadership and management topics.

Organizations in attendance included the St. Joseph Health Department and Mosaic Life Care. Guest speakers from respective organizations also provided advice and guidance and insight into working with younger children.

“For anyone in the early child care program and early childhoods awareness program, it’s important to educate them about the resources available and show them where to go when they have questions,” UCP Children’s Program Director Kim Cordonnier said. “I think attending helps us as directors gain knowledge, strengthen our leadership skills, and learn strategies and techniques we can bring back to our staff. We always want to improve our overall quality of care that we’re giving to children.”

The Symposium featured presentations from Carolyn Sullivan, Founder and CEO of New Chapter Consulting, as well as Jenni Gaddie, Director of Employee Relations and Leader Development for Mosaic Life Care.

Sponsored by Community Action Partnership Head Start and Missouri Western State University, the event allowed up-and-coming leaders to share their experiences, gain perspectives and have access to the resources available, including breakout sessions on conflict resolution and self-care.

“Today is day of learning for our child care leaders. Those who are leading, managing or aspire to be in positions in our early education centers child care organizations here in town (St. Joseph),” Bobbie Cronk, director of children’s initiatives at United Way of Greater St. Joseph, said. “They have been learning a variety of leadership and management topics all day, visiting with different resources in town that can provide assistance in their fields.”

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — City of St. Joseph officials said the City received a clean audit opinion for fiscal year 2025.

Hood and Associates conducted an independent audit of the City’s financial statements, as well as separate audits of the City’s Police Pension and Fund and the City’s compliance with federal award expenditures, commonly referred to as the Single Audit.

The audits concluded that the City’s financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, according to a news release from the City.

The audit included a comprehensive review of the City’s financial statements, internal control and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

No material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified, per the release.

The auditors recommended that the City continue to monitor, update and maintain its financial policies and procedures and to evaluate and adopt new accounting pronouncements as they are established.

The city said that during the last year, it has implemented several new financial processes, including streamlined electronic bidding procedures, consolidating procurement across all departments and eliminating fund transfers.

During the auditor’s presentation, continued prioritization of cybersecurity was emphasized as this has become a growing concern for government agencies nationwide.

The City said it has been implementing multiple new security measures in the last year to protect the integrity of its data and cyber infrastructure.

It has also earned the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 34 consecutive years and is expected by its independent auditor to receive the award again for fiscal year 2025.

The certificate is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, honoring entities which exceed the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — City Council approved an ordinance last month, authorizing an agreement with Missouri Western State University to provide free transportation on St. Joseph Transit buses to all students and employees.

In 2013, the City and MoWest previously entered into an open-access agreement to provide transportation to students and employees of MoWest, without having to pay a fare for each ride.

During COVID-19, ridership dropped, as well as prices. As a result, the program was discontinued.

John Vanderpool, interim dean of students, said this is definitely an agreement the university wanted to reimplement.

“We see the value in that, especially for our students and staff to be able to utilize this,” he said. “I think this partnership between us and the city regarding transit was something that we really wanted to happen again. It was great communication between the two of us to make this come to fruition.”

Vanderpool said one of MoWest’s focuses is on providing the best resources and student support.

“I really think this is an opportunity for that. We do have students who have transportation issues, and this gives an opportunity for even if a student comes in with a transportation issue or finds themselves in that, if they’re with MoWest, a really easy way for them to be able to use the city transportation to get to or from,” he said.

In order for students and staff to get their free ride, they would need to show their Griffon I.D.

“If there was a deviation from the course that is set up by transit, there might be an additional nominal fee,” said Vanderpool

Overall, the agreement and partnership are to make sure the MoWest family is cared for.

“The main thing that us and student affairs, or MoWest in general, really are trying to make sure it happened- this agreement, whether it be students or staff,” he said.

The agreement will last until the end of 2026.

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