Author: News-Press NOW

Leah Rainwater

Maryville, Mo. (KQTV) — Amazon announced its new Maryville facility is open for business just in time for Christmas.

The site will be a new 11,800-square-foot last-mile facility, enhancing delivery speeds for customers throughout Nodaway County and the surrounding area.

The site opened with approximately 20 employees and is still hiring for roles starting at $19 per hour, as the facility plans to ramp up operations during the next several months.

Interested members can visit amazon.com/jobs and also flex.amazon.com to view opportunities, which are updated weekly.

The first delivery for the Maryville facility was a Genuine OEM Sunroof motor assembly for Honda Civic and CRV.

The Maryville leadership team also began its support of the local community by volunteering at Lettuce Dream, which creates training and career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The team was able to help with the hydroponic growing of produce, which is done year-round to provide training and sustain the organization.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Newly-proposed legislation in the U.S. House could significantly benefit current and future drill-status members of the Air National Guard, including those stationed at the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Representative Sam Graves (MO-06), Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Eric Sorenson (IL-17) in December would mandate the Secretary of the Air Force issue a permanent federal tuition assistance program for DSG members of the ANG.

Known as the Air Guard Standardizing Tuition Assistance to Unify the Services (STATUS) Act, the bill provides Air National Guard members the same federal tuition assistance currently offered to members of the Army National Guard.

“It’s only fair and it makes sense (to have tuition assistance),” Graves told News-Press NOW. “It’s hard to understand just exactly why this happened. Most people don’t realize that there’s a disparity between the Army and the Air National Guard. When you tell them, they’re a little surprised and everybody agrees, we should correct this and make it right.”

Currently, drill-status Army National Guardsmen are eligible to receive Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) for up to $4,000 annually (or $4,500 in some sources), covering 100% of tuition up to $250 per semester hour for degrees like Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s, with lifetime limits on credit hours, and can be combined with state benefits and GI Bill programs for significant education funding.

Those enrolled as drill-status guardsmen are part-time service members that typically train one weekend a month and two weeks per year. Prior to the introduction of STATUS, DSR members were not eligible to receive tuition assistance.

Graves highlighted how closing the gaps on benefits would provide a boost to recruiting at a local and national level, both for the 139th Airlift Wing and for Air National Guard stations across the country.

“They’re (139th) is trying to continue to grow and recruit more members. Having tuition assistance allows those individuals, young folks to be financially supported and serve their country at the same time,” Graves said. “That’s the trade off. It’s going to be a big help to St. Joe, the 139th and for that matter, all Air Guard units across the country.”

With strong support from other congress members in Finstad and Sorenson, Graves stated he is “very optimistic” of the legislation being passed.

“I’m proud to join Reps. Sorensen and Graves in introducing the Air Guard STATUS Act, which will deliver much needed educational assistance to the brave men and women serving in the Air National Guard and create parity with the benefits afforded to the Army National Guard. This legislation will ensure deserved benefits and recognition reach all DSG members of the National Guard who have answered the call to serve our great nation,” said Rep. Finstad in a news release.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Missouri Western State University will celebrate the achievements of 204 graduates during its Winter Commencement ceremony.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the MWSU Fieldhouse in the M.O. Looney Complex. Doors open to guests at 10:15 a.m.

The university will confer 172 undergraduate degrees, 51 of them with honors and 32 graduate degrees this semester.

Graduates come from Missouri and 11 other states, as well as five foreign countries.

The ceremony will feature graduates from the College of Science and Health, General Studies, the College of Business and Professional Studies and the College of Liberal Arts.

A brief reception, sponsored by the Missouri Western Alumni Association, will follow the ceremony in the Looney practice gym.

Lee Tieman, the managing partner of Tieman, Spencer and Hicks, as well as the Chair of the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors, will be the guest speaker for commencement.

Patty Lashbrook is the student representative who will speak at the ceremony. Lashbrook is an applied communications and journalism major from Faucett, Missouri.

In addition to the ceremony, nursing graduates will also receive a pin, symbolic of their training and new profession, at a pinning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the Fulkerson Center.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A popular Subway store has officially closed its doors on North Belt Highway in St. Joseph, the restaurant confirmed.

Subway has confirmed the permanent closure of its North Belt Highway location at 3114 N. Belt Hwy, next to Sonic and across the street from Ray’s Green Hills. The location was one of six stores in St. Joseph.

A sign has been posted on the front of the store confirming the closure. No information was provided as to why the decision was made.

A sign on the now-closed building encourages customers to try nearby locations at 501 N. Belt Highway and 4623 N. Village Drive in light of the closure.

Additionally, the company announced its store at 6101 Lake Ave. has reopened after sustaining damage from a vehicle collision earlier this year.

A sign informs customers that the North Belt Subway location is now permanently closed.

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Danielle Bailey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A new batch of Griffon graduates will soon receive their long-awaited diplomas.

Missouri Western State University confer degrees to 172 undergraduates — 51 of them with honors — and 32 graduates during their Winter Commencement ceremony. Eleven states are represented in the graduating class in addition to Missouri. Graduates also came from five foreign countries.

Lee Tieman, managing partner of Tieman, Spencer and Hicks and Chair of the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors, will be the keynote guest speaker. Student representative and Faucett native Patty Lashbrook, an applied communications and journalism major, will also give a speech.

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in the MWSU Fieldhouse in the M.O. Looney Complex. Doors open to guests at 10:15 a.m. The public is welcome to attend. A brief reception will follow.

Nursing students will also be celebrated during a pinning ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the Fulkerson Center.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Wayward Dreamers Guild is hosting a full day of holiday cheer and mischief to benefit the Noyes Home for Children.

The 5th Annual Krampusnacht Festival and Fundraising Ball will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, in Downtown St. Joseph, according to Evan Banks with the Wayward Dreamers Guild.

Krampusnacht’s origin comes from tales of how Nicholas is a saint and it wasn’t logical or deemed saintly behavior for him to deliver punishments.

“Krampus” was paired with St. Nicholas as a helper on visits to children during the night of Dec. 5, also known as Krampusnacht, or “Krampus Night”, immediately before the Feast of St. Nicholas on Dec. 6.

The event will feature hayrides, toy drives and the annual Krampuslauf (Run of Krampus) Downtown.

Discounts will be available at several participating shops for families looking to snag stocking stuffers or any last-minute gifts. More discounts will be available for participants who come dressed as the Christmas goat.

Kids will be able to participate in craft activities and book readings. Special cocktail menus will be available for those “young at heart” when the sun goes down.

After the kiddos are tucked in for the night, adults can slip away to the Krampus Ball dressed in their seasonal best.

Dance lessons start at 6 p.m., the Ball kicks off at 7 p.m. in the historically renovated Trail Theater. A costume contest will be held during the ball; admission is the only purchase required to participate.

Tickets for Ball admission can be purchased at www.givebutter.com/HVsfvM.

Interested participants are encouraged to bring gift donations to either the Festival or Ball. Donation bins will be located throughout Downtown and at the Trail Theater. Donors are encouraged to check the Noyes Home Current Needs and Current Wish Lists.

Monetary donations will also be available through QR code on the bins at the Ball, or by visiting www. givebutter.com/noyeshome4children.

Noyes Home Current Needs list:

Baby Wipes & Flushable Wipes

Body Wash & Shampoo/Conditioners for all ages and genders

Body Lotion (Eucerin, Aveeno, Nonscented/Sensitive Skin Varieties)

ALL Free & Clear (or an equivalent store brand) of laundry soap, pods and dryer sheets

Pedialyte (liquid and popsicles)

Lice Kits & Fairy Tale Brand Products for Lice Treatments for our Younger Residents

Ethnic Hair Care Products (Cantu is a favorite) & Hair Bonnets/Wraps

Hair Brushes

Batteries (AA, AAA, C and D sizes are always appreciated)

New Underwear All Sizes, but especially Women’s XS-3X sizes

New Bras & Sports Bras (All Sizes Youth & Adult)

Pull Ups sizes 2T/3T, 3T/4T, 4T/5T, Youth XS-XL and Adult Sizes S-XXL for Overnights

Bathtime Toys & Supplies like Bathbombs, Bathtub Crayons, Paints & Playdough to help make bathtime more enjoyable for our little ones with sensory issues.

Noyes Home Current Wish List:

Diamond Art, Sticker by Number & Craft Kits

Special Snacks (Individual-sized is great for packing lunches for school or field trips—Goldfish, cookies, crackers, Little Debbie snacks, fruit snacks, Etc.)

Gift Certificates to Local Restaurants for Birthdays, Good Grades Celebrations & Incentives

Gift Certificates for Outings to local Movie Theaters, Bowling Alleys, Skating Rinks, Etc.

Gift Certificates to Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, Walgreens, CVS & Grocery Stores for emergent needs

The Wayward Dreamers Guild is a humanities education group of scholars and performersdedicated to creating thoroughly researched and inclusive events for the community.

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Danielle Bailey

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The American Legion Department of Missouri BSA Committee announced the Eagle Scout of The Year program to award scholarships is now underway.

The program will grant a $10,000 scholarship to one national winner and $2,500 scholarships to three other Scouts. The winner from Missouri will receive a $750 scholarship.

Prospective nominees must be an active membership of Scouting America unit that is chartered to an American Legion post, American Legion Auxiliary unit or Sons of the American Legion squadron; or a registered active member of any chartered Scouting America unit and have a parent or grandparent possessing up-to-date membership in the American Legion, Sons of The American Legion or American Legion Auxiliary. In the case of a recently deceased member, the membership for the year immediately prior to the current year may be used.

Applicant must meet the following qualifications:

Received Eagle Scout Award

Received a Scouts BSA or Venturer Religious Emblem

Demonstrated practical citizenship in church, school, Scouting and community

Turned 15 and will be enrolled in high school at the time of selection

Applied through the Department (state) in which their Scout unit is chartered

Have current documentation of Scouting America membership

Applications can be received from local Scouting America Councils or American Legion Posts. Forms must be submitted no later than March 1, 2026, to The American Legion Department of Missouri, BSA Committee, P.O. Box 179, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Three local museums will be the recipients of sizable financial gifts this holiday season thanks to a passionate community of local runners.

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that more than $15,000 was raised and presented to Robidoux Row, Patee House Museum & Jesse James Home and Mount Mora Cemetery as part of the popular 5k run/timed walk hosted by the Chamber.

St. Joseph runners showed out in force this year with approximately 400 people joining the race, a notable increase from around 300 runners in 2024. Just over $5,000 will now go to each of the museums.

The Donut Dash is a family friendly run through the streets of downtown St. Joseph, featuring Mount Mora Cemetery, Patee House Museum and Robidoux Row. Along the route, participants can stop at designated areas for beverages and donuts courtesy of Gold-N-Glaze Donut & Coffee Shop.

A donation raised from the 2025 Donut Dash is presented to Mount Mora Cemetery.

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Prajukta Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — An online safety seminar at the East Hills Library brought parents together to talk about one big topic—how to protect kids online.  

The session, held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., focused on what signs to look for when a child’s behavior suddenly shifts, what types of games attract online predators and how parents can stay ahead of potential dangers.  

Cybersecurity Specialist Byron Gorman said over 9,000 predators are active on Roblox, an online platform and game-creation system primarily used by the youth, and stressed that his job is to make sure families know what their kids might be exposed to.  

“Australia banned their youth. Anybody under 16 can no longer be on social media. It is good in some respects, but in other respects it’s not,” Gorman said.  

He urged parents to take the time to really assess what’s going on if their child seems upset or withdrawn—especially when it comes to cyberbullying.  

One of his biggest pieces of advice, according to him, is to create a safe space for kids to open up.  

“Never make your child feel as though they’re going to get in trouble if they tell you. So if a child comes, most of the time, they’re scared because the parent wants to take their device away. We don’t want to do that,” Gorman said.  

Gorman told parents to take three steps if something happens: make sure the child feels safe, record what’s going on and then report it to authorities so legal action can be taken if necessary.  

“Technology is so fluid right now. Everybody’s connected. There’s nothing we do on a daily basis that we’re not connected to technology,” Gorman said.  

Gorman said his mission is to help protect anyone who spends time online—and to make navigating the digital world safer for kids and teens. 

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News-Press NOW

By: Darren Doyle

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — A local Domestic Violence survivor is advocating for a Colorado woman’s petition to establish a registry for Domestic Violence Offenders.

Depending on laws and location, a Domestic Violence Offender can get certain charges expunged from their record. Renee Lopez from Denver, Colorado, wrote a petition calling for a nationwide registry to keep individuals safe.

Lopez caught inspiration for this possible countrywide registry from Clare’s Law in the United Kingdom. Although some details aren’t quite worked out for how the registry would work, it is hoped to provide an open-access resource to partners or potential partners to find out if their partner has a history of Domestic Violence.

Getting the law established is not only for anyone who has already survived traumatic relationships, but also for those who haven’t had the experience, according to Lopez.

“A lot of people, thankfully, were brave enough to leave their stories, you know. When you look at these stories, you realize, I’m not alone in this,” said Lopez. “But also that’s really staggering that this many people have, at least once in their life, experienced some form of domestic violence”.

One local woman has been highly vocal about this possibly life-saving tool, which she hopes will be developed.

Cassandra Brandon said she is a survivor of an 11-year traumatic relationship where she endured abuse from her then-partner. After being made aware of the petition, she’s been doing what she can to spread awareness and help make it a reality.

Not being able to search her partner’s past is one of the factors she said led her into her situation.

“My abuser was able to, after two felony charges, he was able to remove those and keep them off public record. For me, I think that was the biggest shock, but also like the biggest blow,” Brandon shared. “There was nothing to hold him accountable or prevent him from doing that to somebody else, and you just kind of feel like you’re just invisible in some ways.”

Since the petition began three weeks ago, it has received over 12,000 signatures.

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