Author: News-Press NOW

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.”

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

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.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — City officials announced Tuesday that they have hired their next director of planning and community development.

During a public work session on Tuesday, City Manager Mike Schumacher introduced Nathan Pare as the City’s next director, taking over for former director Clint Thompson. Pare comes to St. Joseph after working in Kansas City government for the last 29 years, most recently as a Division Manager with the city.

“Nathan has a strong background in code enforcement,” Schumacher said during the meeting.

Schumacher said Pare will be a strong asset for the city in a number of areas, particularly code enforcement, a top priority the city is working to improve following the results of a community survey, which was launched this spring.

Approximately 50% of survey respondents said they were dissatisfied with the city’s code enforcement.

Click here to follow the original article.

News-Press NOW

Haley Swaino

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The ambush killing of two firefighters in Idaho on Sunday has left firefighters nationwide shaken.

While battling a blaze in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, two firefighters were killed and another was seriously injured. The gunman is believed to have started the fire to lure and target the responding firefighters, officials said.

Fire departments across Mid-Missouri have shared messages of grief since the incident.

“It is with profound sorrow that we join our profession in honoring those lost in Kootenai County, Idaho, at the Canfield Fire,” Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer says in a CFD post on Monday. “The murders were senseless and brutal.”

Schaeffer is the former Spokane Fire Chief (Washington) and told ABC 17 News he worked closely with the Idaho crew.

“It’s been tough,” Schaeffer said. I mean, it has been pretty surreal for me.”

Though separated geographically, he said he is still bonded to his firefighting brothers and sisters in Kootenai County.

“As it [ambush] was happening, I was getting pinged from folks at the scene and it’s tough when you can’t do anything about it,” Schaeffer said. “The men that were killed were exceptional human beings, good friends, and definitely very good firefighters and battalion chiefs.”

He said his heart goes out to those affected and the firefighters now working through the unimaginable.

“You hope that you never have to experience what Kootenai County is experiencing right now,” Schaeffer said. “But hope isn’t a strategy.”

He explained that no amount of training can truly prepare first responders for something like this.

“I don’t think anybody is ever expecting to go to a fire and encounter an active shooter, somebody that has purposely set up an area where they intend to kill you,” Schaeffer said. “And that’s what they were facing.”

For the past year, Schaffer said the city has been more pragmatic in planning because of incidents like this becoming a trend.

“Football games, street festivals, even parades, you’re seeing a much more unified command,” Schaeffer said. “Now we’re recognizing that there are risks that are nefarious.”

And some of those nefarious incidents have hit even closer to home.

“Like what we saw in Kansas City with a paramedic firefighter that was killed in the back of the ambulance trying to take care of somebody,” Schaeffer said. “Those type of incidents we are seeing in the data and unfortunately, it’s becoming a trend.”

“The complexity, the risks over our entire discipline have changed significantly in the last 10, 20 years,” Schaeffer said. “Certainly within the last couple. We’re seeing a lot more abuse and physical assault and attacks on first responders.”

Schaeffer said CFD has at least one captain present at every scene they respond to.

“Their responsibility is making sure that that crew goes home at the end of the day,” Schaeffer said. “She or he will be head on swivel all the time analyzing the risk based on experience, based on training, sometimes even based on guts.” Oftentimes we’ll have officers just say, ‘You know what, we’re not comfortable here.”

But to ensure that firefighter continue to make it back home each day, he said something needs to be done.

“Now the focus needs to be, how did we get here,” Schaeffer said. “How can we identify these problems before they happen and how can we go upstream? Is it mental health funding? Is it Medicare, Medicaid funding? What is it? And that’s where my mind is. Because the reality is that we can’t protect ourselves from every incident. We can’t. We just can’t.”

The Jefferson City Fire Department also shared its grief on social media Monday, saying “our hearts are heavy.”

The “tragic loss” was “an act of senseless violence,” JCFD says.

“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Idaho as they navigate this unimaginable loss,” the post says. “Firefighters risk their lives every day to protect others — they should never have to fear being targeted for doing their job.”

The International Association of Fire Fighters is also standing in solidarity with Idahoans, calling Sunday’s incident “nothing short of horrific.”

“We mourn the loss of our two brothers, Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Battalion Chief and Local 710 member John Morrison, Jr., and Kootenai County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief and Local 2856 member Frank Harwood, and are keeping their families and loved ones in our prayers,” IAFF General President Edwards Kelly says in a press release. “Our thoughts are also with Local 710 Brother, Coeur d’Alene Fire Engineer Dave Tysdal, who was shot and remains hospitalized.”

Kelly says the IAFF ensuring first responders’ safety means holding people who make these sorts of attacks responsible.

“In no civilized nation should first responders be targets for violence,” Kelly says.

Click here to follow the original article.

Click here to follow the original article.

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Bode Ice Arena is helping the Noyes Home for Children raise funds for its after-school and field trip programs.

The “Skate for a Cause” fundraiser will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Bode Ice Arena, located at 2500 Southwest Pkwy.

Admission and skate rental will cost $10, and all community members are welcome.

Click here to follow the original article.

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol has reported that both street takeovers and sideshows are becoming more frequent on Missouri roadways.

This information comes from a social media post on Facebook, following a recent sideshow in northeast Missouri.

In addition to traffic citations, MSHP arrested seven people for DWI, made two drug arrests and one warrant arrest.

A street takeover, or a “sideshow,” is defined as an “event where a group of individuals gather using motor vehicles to engage in reckless and dangerous activities,” that’s according to the Milwaukee Police Department, which has done in-depth reports on tackling street takeovers.

Click here to follow the original article.

Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Public access to the scanner in St. Joseph will be removed as the city transitions to encrypted radio channels.

According to Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett, the change is being made primarily to comply with legal requirements aimed at protecting personal identifiable information of citizens. Broadcasting this information over open channels would violate state and federal laws.

Puett said, “If you look across the United States, most agencies have moved toward encryption.”

The transition aligns with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) regulations, which establish strict security standards for handling, transmitting, storing, and securing criminal justice information.

These regulations are designed to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data used by law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies

“We are very concerned about making sure that our citizens are protected and served at the highest level we can. And we don’t want people taken advantage of… if somebody’s sitting there listening to the scanner and we run your name, sex, race, date of birth, Social Security Number, it’s really easy to victimize that person.”

Officer safety is also a factor in the move, following national incidents where responders were targeted after their movements were tracked in real time.

“I like the fact that we’re able to protect our citizens. That’s first and foremost is that’s what we’re here to do, is we’re here to serve and protect our citizens,” said Puett. “So it is a critical factor in that we are able to protect them, to protect the deputies and the police officers and people in law enforcement absolutely.”

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Shane Hucks commented, saying that currently, their airwaves remain unencrypted. Their radios will continue broadcasting to the public unless headquarters in Jefferson City instructs otherwise.

To learn more about how you can stay connected check out this article on the Buchanan County Sheriff’s upcoming app.

This is a developing story and News-Press NOW will provide more information as it becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.