Author: News-Press NOW

Steve Booher

PLATTE CO., Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A Platte County jury has convicted a Fort Wayne, Indiana man of rape in the second degree for having sex with a 20-year-old woman while she was passed out. Christopher John Heath was found guilty on Thursday, May 22, after a four-day jury trial.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, “Having sex with someone who is unable to consent is a crime. This victim had the courage to speak out, and the jury answered her call for help.”

At trial, prosecutors proved the victim, Heath, and a group of others had gone to a winery and a bar on May 14, 2021. 

When the victim returned to her step-mother’s house, she eventually went to bed in an upstairs bedroom. Her step-mother checked on her, and found her sleeping heavily.

The victim later awoke to Heath asking, “Do you know who I am?,” while he was on top of her, having sex with her.

The victim got away from Heath and locked herself in another bedroom for the rest of the night. She reported the crime to authorities the next day. 

Heath’s DNA was found on sheets taken from the victim’s bed. 

Heath faces up to seven years in prison. He is currently being held in lieu of a $100,000 cash bond and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Megan Benton on August 8, 2025.

Zahnd said, “While DNA helped prove this defendant was in the victim’s bed, this case turned on the victim’s compelling testimony. Sex crimes happen behind closed doors, and this jury believed the victim when she told them the truth about what happened to her.”

The case was investigated by the Platte County Sheriff’s Department. It was tried by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Justin Kalwei and Lynnette Lockhart. 

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — As the temperature starts to rise in the coming summer months, pet owners are encouraged to prioritize the health of their outdoor pets.

To help these animals, the St. Joseph animal shelter is continuing its “Digs for Dogs” program, which provides shelter and suitable environments for outdoor pets.

“Over the years, we’ve probably helped hundreds of dogs,” St. Joseph Animal Services Manager, Holly Bowie said. “Not always with the dog house because the funding for that is limited, but in other ways.

“Whether it’s providing a tether or sometimes we’ll assist them in repairing a dog house. The officers have what we call toolkits where they can go out and if the dog house needs a little bit of repair, they can provide that.”

The program is accepting new or used dog houses and donations to provide to dogs in need of outdoor shelter.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri drivers are seeing some relief at the gas pump as the Memorial Day travel period kicks off.  

According to AAA, gas prices in the state are down 34 cents per gallon, compared to this time last year. 

The latest AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch reports the statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel is $2.87. That’s just one cent higher than a week ago, but significantly lower than the $3.21 average recorded on this day in 2024. 

One resident said, gas prices dropping before the holiday weekend is a welcome sight. 

 “I’m happy that gas prices are going down ahead of a holiday weekend,” said Gary Haer. “We all know gas is never cheap.”

As gas prices drop, local travelers like Nicholas Radka are taking advantage before hitting the road.

“Gas prices will certainly play a role in my weekend travel,” Radka said. “I’m heading to the East Coast and saving six bucks at the pump matters when you’re constantly filling up.”

AAA Spokesperson Nick Chabarria, states the decline is linked directly to crude oil prices.

“Crude oil makes up about 60% of what drivers pay at the pump,” Chabarria said. “So as crude oil goes, so do gas prices.”

In Missouri, AAA expects 2.3 million people to travel over the year-end holidays, with 2.1 million driving. That’s a 3% increase from last year, though still 4% below 2019 levels.

As the long weekend begins, officials are reminding drivers to prepare for heavier traffic and to follow Missouri’s new Hands-Free law.

“This is the first major travel holiday with full enforcement of the Hands-Free cell phone law,” Chabarria said. “Drivers in Missouri can’t hold their phones while driving. You can still use navigation or music apps if your phone is mounted, but it’s best to let a passenger handle any texting.”

To avoid traffic delays, travelers should steer clear of peak commuting hours and consider leaving early in the morning or after the evening rush.

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Stuber Health and Heart to Heart International have teamed up to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings at the Sisters of Solace coffee shop.

Once a month, the mobile clinic travels to a new location in St. Joseph to ensure women across town have access to life-saving health care and treatment.

Since the mobile clinic started screenings in February, two patients were identified as needing further in-depth testing, proving the screenings made an impact.

Any woman 21 years or older is eligible for a screening, regardless of residence status or insurance, except Medicaid.

The mobile clinic will accept walk-ins, or patients can schedule appointments ahead by calling 816-344-5233.

The screenings will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 23 in the Sisters of Solace parking lot, located at 3024 Frederick Ave.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — To motivate increased physical activity, the MU Extension is hosting a statewide initiative to motivate movement during the 100 days of summer.

‘100 Miles, 100 Days’ includes Andrew and Buchanan counties and is a no-cost movement program, which will begin on Monday, June 16.

Participants just have to start moving in whatever way they enjoy, whether it be: biking, running, dancing or strength-training.

Participants are encouraged to keep a log of their progress and set goals to keep them moving. Weekly reminders and motivators will be sent out to give participants fresh ideas.

The program is encouraged for groups, coworkers, friends and families to hold each other accountable or to even compete for the most miles.

Those interested can register online on the MU Extension website and searching for “100 Miles, 100 Days” at your local office.

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Goodwill held a grand reopening ceremony Thursday morning, complete with a blue ribbon cutting, donuts and coupons for shoppers.

After lengthy renovations to the store, including new fixtures, lighting, painting and products, the Goodwill of St. Joseph, located at 3615 Faraon St., celebrated its grand reopening on Thursday, May 22.

“The store needed a refresh,” Kelly Garrett, chief operations officer for Goodwill, said. “The store has been here for over 20 years and we felt a need to just refresh the store (and) modernize the store.”

The renovation moved offices in the store, enhanced the employee break room and added an additional restroom for customers. The thrift store saw the renovation as an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported them for over two decades.

“The community supported us wholeheartedly over the last 20 years, so we get a lot of donations here from the community, we turn those donations into revenue, which supports our mission,” Garrett said. “Our mission is to just give folks a hand up, to help them to get a better job…so the revenue we make in these stores goes back to that mission for our agency.”

The store remained open during the renovation process, which Garrett said was thanks to the general contractor, Larry Goforth, the Goodwill team members and the loyal customers.

“It’s been really challenging and our customers have been very loyal for us,” he said. “They’re still showing up even though we’re making it a little messy and loud for them, but it’s been great. The community supports us wholeheartedly and we really appreciate them.”

As a sign of that appreciation, the first 25 shoppers on Thursday received an additional 25% off their purchase, refreshments and donuts. Everyone after the initial 25 shoppers will receive 10% off their purchase all through Thursday.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The City of St. Joseph announced which facilities won’t be available on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.

All city offices, the landfill, recycling center and the REC center will be closed.

The Remington Nature Center will be open during its normal hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day.

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Noyes Home for Children has been named a finalist for Evergy’s Hometown Grant, which rewards $10,000 to non-profits in its service area.

The grant will help three non-profits across Missouri and Kansas with community improvement projects. Noyes Home hopes to win and use the earnings to create a sensory garden, introducing gardening, harvesting and musical instruments for the children staying at the Home.

“We want to create a really serene, calm space for our kids to be able to come and just enjoy nature and not have to think about the adult worries that they carry with them, that are oftentimes the reason they need the Noyes Home in the first place,” Executive Director of the Noyes Home, Chelsea Howlett, said.

The $10,000 will assist in planting the pollinator garden, purchasing musical instruments and putting in pavers to create a pathway. As children leave the Noyes Home, they will paint on the pavers to leave a permanent memorial of their time there.

“They can come back and come to our block party and say ‘I was here and that’s my stone,’ to be part of their story,” Howlett said.

The grant alone will most likely not cover the entire cost of the sensory garden, but the Noyes Home encouraged residents to designate donations for the garden.

“But most importantly, we need people to vote for us because essentially it’s a popularity contest on social media,” Howlett said. “I am just so grateful that we have this opportunity from Evergy but we need our community support. So please vote, please share, please encourage everybody in St. Joe to help support us.”

Votes from the community will decide the three winners and are open to the public until May 30.

To cast a vote, visit Evergy’s Facebook post and like the photo of the contestant’s project.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Contractors are preparing to begin a more-than two-year project to upgrade one historic park in St. Joseph in the coming weeks.

E.L. Crawford and Construction plan to begin the $11.75 million project on Monday, June 2. The project is weather-permitting. Residents will notice fencing and signage- there will be a sign at the entrance of the park to show where work will take place.

Traffic through the park will be restricted at times and some areas will be closed during construction to keep crews and members of the public safe.

Features, including the fountain and waterfall at the Krug Park lagoon will not be in service during construction.

The Holiday Park Christmas attraction is still planned to operate during the construction period.

The project will be done in multiple phases and include significant renovations to several areas of the park.

Work will begin on the Krug Bowl amphitheater, with the castle, children’s circus, picnic shelters and restrooms to follow.

This design shows the planned phases of construction for the Krug Park renovation project, an estimated $12 to $13 million project. Design renderings courtesy of Eliison Auxier, West 8 and E.L. Crawford Construction

The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027. Funding for the renovation comes from a half-cent parks sales tax approved by voters in 2021.

For additional information about the project, visit www.Krugparkproject.com.

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The longer weekend promises to be an entertaining one full of celebrations, laughs and community happenings. News-Press NOW’s Kendra Simpson found the weekend’s top entertainment in this week’s edition of See St. Joseph.

What’s spring in St. Joseph without the community markets? Well, the wait is over because this Saturday is the return of Market Days.

Supporting local businesses has never been easier with a wide selection of flowers, baked goods, pottery, jewelry and more. These markets are an excellent opportunity to find the perfect gifts for yourself or a loved one, get to know local businesses and engage with the St. Joseph community. The first community market of the season goes from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Center for Joy, located at 1202 Felix St.

St. Joseph is officially entering the wedding season with the warm weather, but St. Joe’s Comedy Wedding is no typical ceremony.

St. Joseph residents have been cordially invited to the most outrageous wedding of the year. Lora and Billy are tying the knot, despite a long-standing, bitter and hilarious feud between the groom and the bride’s family. What could go wrong? Get ready for an evening of dancing, laughing, auctions and an incredible meal. This isn’t just a wedding, it’s an experience! Guests should arrive between 7 and 7:15 p.m. with the nuptials beginning at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 515 S 6th St. Regular and VIP table tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 816-279-1225.

What better way to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend than with a party hosted by one of St. Joseph’s most popular pubs?

D&G Pub is hosting its first-ever Memorial Day celebration. There’s going to be a free fireworks display, an ice-cold beer station, grilled brats, a campfire pit and roasted marshmallows. Come for the celebrations and stay for the bonding and camaraderie. The celebration goes from 7:30 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. at D&G, located at 1918 Frederick Ave.

Tune into News-Press NOW every Thursday for more See St. Joseph.

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