Author: News-Press NOW

TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A shooter opened fire on a Minneapolis church window, killing two children and injuring 17 others. Now, the local Catholic community is sharing its thoughts and condolences with those involved.

The shooter was identified as a 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene after firing through the windows of the Annunciation Church.

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, in 2025, there were 148 school shootings nationwide.

“Any time I hear about school shootings, it’s just heartbreaking,” said Karen Kroh, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. “The fact that this occurred during the first back-to-school mass for the school year at Annunciation was devastating.”

In a statement to Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Pope Leo XIV expressed his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child.”

As a “pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus,” Pope Leo imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon “the Annunciation Catholic School Community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area.”

Father Steve Hansen, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, said his secretary informed him of the shooting yesterday.

“You know, that while children are praying at Mass, actually singing the songs of King David, that this would happen. A great sadness overcame,” he said

Hansen expressed how all the pastors and schools agreed to pray yesterday for Annunciation. He said the whole world will be praying about this tragedy.

“I assure you that all of the churches in town and throughout the probably the country, if not the world, will be praying,” said Father Hansen.

Hansen had a few words for the families in Minneapolis that have been affected by the shooting,

“I say to our parents and to our grandparents and to all of our adults to really watch off, watch over our young people who are having difficulties and never be afraid to intervene and to ask others for help on how to help a young person who could be troubled,” he said. “That’s a good thing for all of us to be aware of, myself included, just to be reminded of our important role and looking after those who are struggling.”

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — It’s back to the drawing board for the city of St. Joseph after a planned agreement with one KC-based airport operator was suddenly withdrawn following claims by a local businessman of an improper selection process by city officials.

Apex Aero Center, a leading Midwest airport operator, was previously in line to become the next fixed base operator at Rosecrans Memorial Airport after an agreement for first reading was introduced at the Aug. 18 City Council meeting.

A city spokesperson and ACC confirmed separately to News-Press NOW that the agreement is now off after the company rescinded its proposal. The company declined to provide a specific reason as to why the decision was made.

Now, the bid award process remains open with the other vendors who submitted proposals. Councilmembers will decide at the next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, how to proceed.

“The city appreciates the outstanding effort put forward by Apex throughout this process,” a city spokesperson said.

The development comes after local businessman and FBO bidder Steve Craig accused the city of improperly selecting Apex during the last council meeting despite reports that the operator did not receive the highest evaluation among multiple proposals submitted, allegedly on multiple rounds of voting.

Craig’s group — which includes local partner Gary Patterson, president of Express Flight, LLC — was one of two local bidders who submitted plans to become the next FBO.

FBOs are organizations or companies granted the right to operate at an airport and provide a broad range of general aviation services for private and recreational flying, including refueling and maintenance services.

At the Aug. 18 meeting, councilmembers opted not to take up Craig’s request for an independent commission to examine the proposals, including a request to table the measure.

According to city documents, Apex was initially selected as the awardee after receiving the highest overall score in the evaluation process, consistently ranking at or near the top in qualifications, operational ability and preparedness.

The document indicates that the city’s Purchasing Department utilized a panel of outside aviation professionals to conduct an independent evaluation of the proposals. The panel included Melissa Cooper, A.A.E., Aviation Director for the City of Kansas City, Missouri; Dave Schaumburg, A.A.E., Springfield-Branson National Airport; and Joe Peska, Aviation Consultant, Woolpert.

“Collectively, these evaluators brought decades of leadership in airport management, commercial development, and aviation infrastructure, ensuring an impartial and industry-informed selection process,” the document reads.

Evaluators highlighted Apex’s proven success operating multiple FBOs in the Midwest, its readiness to begin operations at Rosecrans Memorial Airport without delay and its well-defined operational plan. Apex had also committed to making significant financial investments at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Labor Day weekend is approaching, and many families will be visiting their local rivers and lakes for some recreational activities.

Although the weekend before Labor Day is a time for families to have fun, it is also important to stay safe on the water this weekend.

Having the proper equipment on your water vessel is imperative for keeping yourself and others safe.

The number one thing to always have on the water is life jackets.

Sgt. Shane Hux, the public information education officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said life jackets are vital.

“Make sure you have enough lifejackets for everybody on board of your vessel. And make sure those kiddos wear them at all times, even when they’re on the vessel,” said Sgt. Hux.

Boat driving etiquette is also very important, not just for you, but also for others. 

According to Hux, there were four boating crashes statewide during the 2024 Labor Day weekend, resulting in two fatalities. 

If you need help on the water or notice anything illegal, *55 on your cell phone will get you in contact with your nearest troop headquarters. 

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Starting Thursday, Missouri residents will no longer pay sales tax on essential hygiene items like period products, diapers and incontinence supplies, following the enactment of a new state law signed by Governor Mike Kehoe in July.

“I think this is going to be great for Missouri families. If you have a baby or toddler, diapers can be expensive. This is going to let them keep more in their pocketbook,” said Trish Vincent, the director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The change reclassified these products from “luxury” items to necessities. This change cuts the tax rate from 4.225% on luxury goods to the 1.225% tax rate on necessities. 

“I think that it’s good they did away with the taxes because it’s not a luxury item for women to have to go through their menstrual period every month,” said Allen Gregory Jennings, citizen of St. Joseph, “That’s no luxury, that’s painful, and babies need diapers because they need to be changed.”

Missouri now joins 22 other states in exempting these basic health products from sales tax.

Governor Kehoe said in a July press release, “…We are protecting the people who make Missouri work- families, job creators, and small business owners- by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates.”

“It’s a good thing for individuals with kids and without,” said St. Joseph resident Chris Robertson. “I wish it was that way when I had my kids and they were that age.”

The Missouri Department of Revenue’s website provides a full list of what items are exempt under the new law.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The City of St. Joseph Health Department held an International Overdose Awareness Day event to recognize loved ones lost to overdose.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the highest overdose death rate in Missouri within the past four years was in 2022, with 2,180 overdose-related deaths. That number decreased to 1,948 deaths in 2023, according to the most recent report.

“We attribute that to naloxone being readily available through the health department,” Health Educator Stephanie Malita said. “Along with other agencies here in town, (like) the treatment and recovery centers, the libraries, the City of St. Joseph, and the Health Department. We all have naloxone available for people to take.”

The event started with an International Overdose Awareness Day Proclamation and closed with a prayer and a circle of light to honor loved ones who were lost to overdose.

The event also featured an Open Mic for attendees to remember their loved ones and to share hope and inspiration that recovery is possible.

Educational booths, memorial rock painting, free International Overdose Awareness merchandise, Naloxone and tuition assistance in pursuing a career as a Certified Peer Specialist were also part of the celebration.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  The St. Joseph School District has just wrapped up sidewalk improvement projects, which kicked off back in the fall of 2024. 

Elementary schools like Pickett and Parkway, as well as Spring Garden Middle School, were on the list for the much-needed upgrades

SJSD officials said the work is expected to be complete in about three weeks.

In the meantime, the sidewalks are still open and safe for the public to use.  

“The sidewalk projects are 95 percent completed. There’s some small dirt work, grass things like that are left to be finished,” said Casey Housman, SJSD’s director of operations.  

Housman explained that the upgrades were necessary not only to make school areas more accessible, but also to build on improvements made last year. 

The project was funded through the 2022 no-tax-increase bond, which is also covering other upgrades across the district. For example, the Oak Grove site circulation plan is underway, creating an access road that loops around the entire building.  

“We have three turf football fields that are close to completion. Central just started with the installation of the shock pad, so hopefully we will have some turf down there in the next coming week,” Housman said.  

Fine arts facilities are also getting attention. Updates are planned for auditorium lighting, stage painting and sound systems at 24 schools. Middle schools will even see brand-new stages installed.  

“People are very happy, they think it’s a nice, safe spot to go because it’s new and not uneven,” Housman said.  

Housman also said more improvements are expected throughout the rest of the school year.  

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) –Looking for something to do this weekend? There’s no shortage of excitement, community and tail-wagging fun coming your way. 

This Saturday, Dog Day Out is back, and it’s the perfect chance to spend quality time with some furry friends from the shelter. Show up at 9 a.m. to pick up a pup, and take them on an adventure they’ll never forget.

Whether you play fetch, take a car ride, go for a walk, or just relax and snuggle, it’s all about giving these dogs a break from the shelter and helping them find their forever homes.

The sign-up link goes live on Friday, Aug. 29, on the Friends of the Animal Shelter of St. Joseph’s Facebook. 

AugustFest is back for its second year. The fun begins Aug. 29 from 4 to 9 p.m., Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s all happening at the Good Times Event Center located at 3414 South 22nd St.

Inside and outside enjoy live music, local vendors, food, games, performers, bounce houses and attractions for the whole family. 70% of proceeds go directly to support the Youth Alliance. Vendors, performers and volunteers are still welcome, just call or text 816-262-1574 to join the fun.

Don’t miss Free Museum Day at the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion on Saturday, Aug. 30.

Step into St. Joe’s past with free admission to this Gothic Revival mansion.

Explore 19th-century artifacts and immerse yourself in the rich history that helped shape our city. This is part of this year’s citywide Museum Association Celebration. 

That’s Dog Day Out, AugustFest, and Free Museum Day, all happening right here in St. Joe. So grab your friends, leash up a pup and let’s go See St. Joseph.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 1200 block of North 13th Street early Thursday morning.

The initial call for the fire came in at about 1:53 a.m. Thursday, according to Fire Inspector Casey Crockett with Fire Prevention.

Crockett confirmed to News-Press NOW that the fire was contained to a vacant building at 1218 N. 13th St., and crews stopped the flames from spreading to a second building located just feet away.

In a social media update around 9:30 a.m. Thursday, the SJFD said firefighters made an aggressive attack to bring the blaze under control.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph School District have partnered to offer students direct admission to MoWest.

This is the first partnership between a university and a school district in the state of Missouri.

Elizabeth Kennedy, MoWest’s president, said this program was created to make applying for college easier.

“The reason for the partnership is to make high school students who are seeking a college career want to go to college, make the path easier, make it more of a seamless transition,” she said.

Direct admission guarantees admission to graduates of Central, Benton and Lafayette High Schools who meet minimum academic criteria.

Students can join the program by completing a shortened application and then they will receive their direct admission letter.

Once the student receives their direct admission letter, a MoWest recruiter will reach out to the student to help.

Kennedy said this program allows a personal approach to the students, especially since a lot of their students are first-generation.

“So this provides our folks an opportunity to reach out and help students who are interested, who want to come to the MoWest,” said Kennedy. “We can get them through the process much more seamlessly, a lot easier, and make them feel more comfortable as they continue to go through becoming a Griffon here at Missouri Western.”

Kennedy also said, since the program’s announcement, the university has seen around a dozen SJSD students commit to the initiative.

Samantha Davis, SJSD college and career readiness and family services coordinator, said they want to show their students that going to college is attainable.

“And what we really want to do is show them that absolutely if that is a dream of yours, that you can do that with MoWest being right in St. Joe, I just think it’s a great time to really have that partnership to show students everything that they are capable of achieving,” Davis said.

Any SJSD junior or senior interested in participating in the program can opt to do so by filling out a MoWest Direct Admission form at griff.vn/DirectSJSD. 

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News-Press NOW

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Buchanan County Clerk, Mary Baack-Garvey, confirmed with News-Press NOW on Wednesday that there will not be a 2025 November Election for the county.

The 2025 off-year election includes gubernatorial and state legislative elections; however, there were no issues submitted to be on ballots for the supposed Nov. 4, 2025, Election Day.

The final certification date for the election was on Tuesday, Aug. 26

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