Author: News-Press NOW

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A longtime local barber is spreading Christmas cheer this season as old St. Nick himself, offering free hair cuts to kids as part of a unique and festive experience.

K.C.’s Barbershop and lead barber K.C. Blanchard held a special holiday haircut experience on Tuesday, offering surprise hair cuts free of charge for any kid who walked in, all while dressed as Santa Claus.

Blanchard, a barber for the last 18 years, opened the new business this April in the Green Acres building on North Village Drive and has seen notable growth in the time since, using holidays to offer memorable experiences for young customers and families.

St. Joseph barber K.C. Blanchard provides a free and festive haircut for Emmett Matthias on Tuesday at K.C.’s Barbershop at 3500 N. Village Drive, Suite 162.

“Have you heard anyone say ‘I got my hair cut by Santa as a kid?'” Blanchard, a St. Joseph native, said with a smile. “It’s just fun. It’s fun for the kids. It’s fun for me and an all around good time.”

Local parent Kelsey Matthias and her kids — including young Emmett Matthias — have been coming to K.C.’s barbershop for the last six months and couldn’t miss out on the chance to see their regular barber in a jolly big red suit on Tuesday. Blanchard even grew out a real beard to make the Santa costume more authentic.

“It was a highlight of the holiday season. But I definitely think it’s awesome for the community because I’ve seen a long line ever since I got here,” Kelsey said.

Between candy canes, holiday tunes and Christmas movies playing on TV, Blanchard set out to create as festive an experience as a kid could possibly have at a barbershop. But the main goal is providing a clean and fresh haircut that leaves them smiling and confident.

“I’ve had a couple kids that are Santa scared. But turnout has been pretty solid, a lot of new people plus a lot of my regulars, and everything has been a lot of fun,” he said. “I try to make them feel at home.”

The barbershop is located at 3500 N. Village Drive, Suite 162, in north St. Joseph. The business offers walk-in appointments, as well as online booking through their mobile app and online at app.thecut.co/barbers/KC-Blanchard-kbdf1xg.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cameron Montemayor

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A 42-year-old St. Charles man is under arrest after allegedly sending threatening online messages to Gov. Mike Kehoe and members of his family over Facebook.

On Dec. 16, 2025, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control was notified of threatening and harassing statements posted online and directed toward Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and members of his family.

DDCC investigators identified several threatening Facebook posts under a profile name of “Danny Mertz,” that were comments posted between Dec. 1, 2025, and Dec. 18, 2025.

Following an investigation, DDCC investigators, working in coordination with the Missouri Information and Analysis Center, identified 42-year-old Daniel N. Mertz, of St. Charles, Missouri, as the owner of the social media account. Through investigative leads and analysis, investigators developed probable cause linking Mertz to the threatening online posts.

On Dec. 19, 2025, Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson formally charged Mertz with one count of stalking, first-degree, and one count of harassment, first degree. Both charges are class E felonies and resulted in a nationwide arrest warrant being issued.

Operation Relentless Pursuit officers coordinated with the Daytona Beach Police Department to locate Mertz in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Dec. 19, where he was taken into custody by Florida authorities without incident. At the time of his arrest, Mertz was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm.

Mertz is currently being held in the Volusia County Jail without bond. Missouri authorities have initiated the extradition process, and Mertz will be transported back to Missouri for arraignment proceedings.

Click here to follow the original article.

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The holidays are typically filled with joy, friendship and laughter, but for some domestic violence survivors, they can be tough.

“We all think about the holidays being joyful, being full of family and fun, and you know, the kids running around,” YWCA Executive Director Danielle Brown said. “It’s not always like that.”

During the holidays, feelings of stress or anxiety may resurface for DV survivors. Especially as they try to escape a situation, manage their day-to-day schedule or if they are reunited with their abuser.

“Know your boundaries and respect those,” said Jade Lashley, the YWCA community support manager. “Nothing is more important than protecting your own peace, your own well-being…it’s ok to say ‘no’.”

First-time victims and survivors of domestic violence can call the YWCA’s 24/7 hotline at 816-232-1225. The hotline will be available on Christmas Day.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A leading profit is welcoming man’s best friend to help support and provide comfort for victims of child abuse and the many professionals fighting on their behalf in Northwest Missouri.

With the simple command of “visit,” Coco, a lovable and energetic two-year-old yellow lab and new assistance dog with Voices of Courage Child Advocacy Center, will lay her head on a child’s lap in times of stress, one of many trained commands well known by Coco as she brings a newfound layer of support for the longtime nonprofit based in St. Joseph.

“When kids come here, it can be scary. And probably a really hard day for them. To be able to see her. It’s just awesome for them,” said Carrie Watkins, a part-time forensic interviewer with VOC and handler for Coco. “She just loves everybody. No need to get to know each other. She’s a built-in best friend.” 

‘Coco’ a two-year-old yellow lab and CHAMPS certified assistance dog with Voices of Courage, is pictured next to a Christmas tree on Monday in St. Joseph.

Since joining the team in September, Coco has played an invaluable role supporting children ages 3 to 18, as well as staff, first responders and support professionals across a nine-county area, including Andrew, Buchanan, Atchison, Holt, Clinton and Nodaway counties.

Founded in 1993 as the first child advocacy center in Missouri, Voices of Courage helps investigate, treat and prevent child abuse by pulling together law enforcement, child protective services and medical and mental health workers into one multi-disciplinary team.

In the month of August alone, nearly 50 children were interviewed by VOC about allegations of abuse, including 97 therapy sessions.

“She goes to all my meetings with me now. She does interviews with me. We do a couple interviews a week, including one today,” Watkins said. “She has a really hard job and she is really good at it. She’s so sweet. She loves to sit by the kids.”

Coco was born in St. Louis at a non-profit organization called CHAMPS Assistance Dogs, which helps train dogs into skilled support specialists to improve the lives of people across a variety of different settings, from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to nursing homes and courthouses, among others.

A cape for Coco shows her official designation as a CHAMP-certified Assistance Dog.

Coco comes from a litter of eight talented puppies, including two parents who were both CHAMPS working dogs. One of her siblings is a facility dog at another child advocacy center in Wentzville, Missouri, while her brother Petey is the first-ever team dog for the St. Louis CITY soccer club.

“Coco was born and placed with Whelper Helpers. Puppy care basically. She stayed with a variety of different people so she’s used to different environments. She went and did a little bit of work at the prison that they used for rehabilitation,” Watkins said. “We thought bringing a facility dog was a “big center” thing to do. It’s something really neat that we can offer that’s not offered in our area.”

CHAMPS was able to provide Coco despite VOC falling outside of their normal coverage area. The CHAMPS training process normally takes several years to complete once a request is made by an organization or agency.

Thus far, Coco has helped sit in on more than a dozen interviews, including cheering up kids in the waiting room, relieving stress for countless families and aiding critical discussions.

The comfort Coco provides also extends to detectives, FBI agents, juvenile officers and many others working through difficult investigations in Northwest Missouri.

“The number one thing that drew us to it is just the comfort that she’s able to provide just by being there. She doesn’t have to do anything. She’ll just lay there and she just is comforting,” Watkins said. “Our multi-disciplinary team. the juvenile office, children’s division, our medical, the prosecutor’s office. She’s met with all nine counties.”

Watkins said the focus now is continued training with the young Coco so she can sit through longer interviews more consistently. Coco knows a wide variety of commands, including sit, release, jumping on the couch and more.

“She still has some fine tuning. But she’s making a huge impact with kids and is going to grow to make an even bigger impact,” Watkins said. “We’re learning and growing.”

Residents can help support Coco’s diet and dental hygiene by donating to Voices of Courage at voicescac.org/help-support-coco/. Coco has a physical condition that requires specific food, treats and supplements.  

‘Coco’ a two-year-old yellow lab and CHAMPS certified assistance dog with Voices of Courage, sits next to a Christmas tree on Monday at the non-profit facility in St. Joseph.

Click here to follow the original article.

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — With Christmas just a day away, data from the National Retail Federation (NRF) shows 50% of holiday shoppers planned to shop the week leading up to Christmas Day.

Whether shoppers purchased gifts before the week of the holiday or not, the NRF expects holiday sales to surpass $1 trillion, with sales from both November and December growing between 3.7% to 4.2% compared to 2024.

While the survey states 50% shop the week leading up to Christmas Day, around 5% of consumers are expected to do their shopping after Christmas Day, whereas 45% of consumers did their holiday shopping before Christmas week.

Courtesy of the National Retail Federation.

According to Bet MGM, Missourians will spend about 3.7% of their income, or just over $800 to $1,000, on Christmas gifts this year.

When it comes to last-minute Christmas shopping, some retail corporations have adjusted their hours, something that last-minute Christmas shoppers should keep an eye on.

Target said all of its locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day.

Walmart will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and will also be closed on Christmas Day.

In St. Joseph, Walgreens located at 2620 South Belt Highway and 4022 North Belt Highway will be open until 9 p.m. Christmas Eve, and the pharmacy will close at 5 p.m. The stores will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Day.

The Walgreens located at 3645 Frederick Ave. will be open until midnight on Christmas Eve. Its pharmacy will close at 5 p.m. The location will be closed on Christmas Day.

The NRF also shared that 70% of holiday shoppers are planning to shop a week after Christmas, citing a few different reasons shoppers might be out.

The first reason would be to take advantage of holiday sales and promotions. The NRF cited gift card usage and the fact that consumers would also return or exchange any unwanted holiday gifts or items. A final reason is social activity with friends or family.

Courtesy of the National Retail Federation.

Click here to follow the original article.

Danielle Bailey

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop A — including the greater Kansas City area — will come under new leadership at the start of 2026.

Lt. Gregory D. Primm will be promoted to the rank of captain and will serve as the commander of Troop A, Colonel Michael A. Turner with the Highway Patrol announced.

Primm was appointed to the Patrol in 2001 as a member of the 79th Recruit Class and has worked in the Platte County, Clay County and Kansas City areas.

Troop A serves the following counties: Bates, Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Henry, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Platte, Ray, and Saline.

Primm was born in Macon and graduated from Macon High School. He attended Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri, and Northwestern University School of Police and Command, where he earned the Kreml Award, a prestigious honor given to a graduating student who demonstrates exceptional leadership, ethics and dedication,

Click here to follow the original article.

Danielle Bailey

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Capt. Steve. V Wilhoit will be promoted to the rank of major and will serve as commander of the Executive Services Bureau, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced.

The new position is effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Wilhoit was appointed to the Patrol in 1996 as a member of the 72nd Recruit Class. He has served in Linn and Chariton Counties; Macon, Missouri; Jefferson City; and Lee’s Summit as the commanding officer.

Wilhoit was born in Shelbina, Missouri. He attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Click here to follow the original article.

Prajukta Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)– The St. Joseph School District reviewed its 2024–2025 fiscal year audit, presented by Jon Cummings of KPM CPAs. 

According to Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Robert Hedgecorth, the audit identified no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.  

Hedgecorth said one of the most helpful recommendations was ensuring timely reimbursement filings for Title funds and closely monitoring operating fund balances.  

“Making sure that we continue to gain back to the 20% board policy that we have. The auditor recommended 25%; our policy is at 20% with a middle area of 22 or 23%, which is a good place to be,” Hedgecorth added.  

Hedgecorth emphasized the importance of maintaining strong fiscal health as the district begins planning for the next budget cycle.  

He said the district is carefully reviewing operating decisions, particularly areas where expenses can be reduced.  

“We are actually going to start planning for our next year’s budget and that will include budget meetings with principals and directors,” Hedgecorth said.  

The district has set a goal of reducing its budget by $4 million in each of the next two years, totaling $8 million in expenditure reductions.  

Hedgecorth said projected revenue estimates helped determine the target, which he believes will put the district back on a path to financial recovery.  

“Those discussions will be hard because some of those budget allocations we reduced from last year are going through the building consolidation plan,” Hedgecorth said.  

Hedgecorth also said staff attrition, including retirements and resignations, will play a role in lowering expenses, especially with fewer buildings to staff.  

“I think people understand that we do need to get to that goal because it’s good, and I think people will come with the right mindset,” he added.  

Hedgecorth said he holds the responsibility for guiding the district out of its current financial challenges and ensuring fiscal responsibility moving into the next school year.  

Click here to follow the original article.

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The City of St. Joseph announced certain facilities will be closed or operate under limited hours in observance of the Christmas holiday.

On Christmas Eve, all City Offices, the Remington Nature Center, the REC Center and Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center are closed.

The Landfill will be open from 7 a.m. to noon and the Recycling Center will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

City Offices, the Remington Nature Center, the REC Center, the Landfill, the Recycling Center, and the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center will be closed on Christmas Day.

Click here to follow the original article.

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A room once used to store supplies has been transformed into a space to support and improve the lives of those in the homeless community.

That was the vision Crossing Outreach Ministry Executive Director Roger Lenander had in mind when planning the non-profit’s recently unveiled offices and community center at 613 S. 7th St.

For Lenander, the primary goal of the new venue is to provide help to the homeless, with new services to be offered beginning in 2026.

An inside look at the Crossings new venue taken on Dec. 23, 2025

“Starting after the first (day) of the (new) year we will have meetings once a week for those on the streets or are in need of shelter. They can come to talk in a group setting about where they are in their lives, if they want to move beyond being homelessness and ways to bring more stability to their lives,” Lenander said. “The sessions will contain not only those on the streets but also people from different agencies who can come and be a part of that conversation.”

Among the ideas planned for the center include life skills classes, bible study groups and social gatherings.

In addition to the meetings, the space will also be used to help provide food and shelter for over 1,800 individuals.

The new center marks the latest resource offered by the longstanding non-profit, including a thrift store and food bank which helps support countless people.

“The other thing we offer is our men’s Re-Entry Program, which will provide a space for them to be able to have meals or spend time together with family and friends,” Lenander said. “We believe this can help them on their road to finding stability in their lives.”

The Crossing Outreach is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located on 613 S. 7th St. For information on the services can be found by visiting their website at https://crossing-outreach.org/.

Click here to follow the original article.