Author: News-Press NOW

Leah Rainwater

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) — One person is dead and two others suffered minor injuries in a wrong-way crash Tuesday morning, according to Kansas City media outlets.

Kansas City Police said the incident happened around 5:30 a.m. at 1 Kansas City Blvd., at the Kansas City International Airport (KCI).

According to investigators, a dark gray Honda was driving the wrong way on International Circle, just south of KCI’s terminal, when the Honda collided head-on with a dark gray Subaru.

The driver of the Honda was rushed to an area hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

Both the driver and passenger of the Subaru were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries.

KCPD said the crash investigation is ongoing.

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News-Press NOW

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — In a Facebook post on Tuesday, St. Joseph School District Board of Education Member Whitney Lanning shared an email from Buchanan County Commissioners regarding their opinion on the district’s looming high school model decision.

The email included signatures from Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson, Eastern District Commissioner Scott Burnham and Western District Commissioner Ron Hook.

The email, received by Board Members and SJSD Superintendent Ashly McGinnis, at approximately 3:22 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, according to Lanning’s post, showcases the Commissioner’s stance on sticking with SJSD’s infamous long-range plan.

“With enrollments falling and birth rates continuing to decline, we can no longer rely on the status quo,” the email reads.

The Commissioners hammered on the fact that many of the district’s buildings are more than six decades old, causing the district to divert funding to maintain the buildings, rather than using funds to improve student learning and teacher support.

The email also mentioned that having a strong school system will attract more families, businesses and qualified educators, “all vital to our city’s economic future”.

Email from the Buchanan County Commissioners. Courtesy of Whitney Lanning via Facebook.

This response echoed St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Natalie Hawn, who called for the School Board to not stray from the long-range plan during a public comment session on Monday, Nov. 10.

The Board of Education held a work session on Monday, Nov. 17, to review Plan 2R, formerly known as Plan 2B, which would keep Central and Lafayette as the district’s two main high schools.

Another session, with a public comment, will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to discuss Plan 7B, which would turn Benton/Hyde into a high school campus and keep Central High School. It would also feature a four-middle school model.

The self-imposed deadline for the SJSD School Board to make a decision on which plan it will choose is Monday, Nov. 24.

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Leah Rainwater

CALDWELL COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — Three adults are seriously injured from a crash that occurred at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, in Caldwell County.

The crash occurred between a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country Van driven by a 74-year-old male with a 67-year-old female passenger and a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 driven by a 63-year-old male.

The 2012 Chrysler was westbound on U.S. 36, and the Chevrolet was stopped in the crossover on U.S. 36.

The Chevrolet began driving North and entered the westbound lanes of U.S. 36. The Chrysler then struck the right side of the Chevrolet.

After impact, both of the vehicles began skidding and sliding, and eventually began traveling off the North side of U.S. 36, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The Chrysler then became airborne and struck the ground. The Chevrolet overturned and came to rest on the North side of U.S. 36 on its top, facing South.

The Chrysler came to rest on the North side of U.S. 36, facing North.

The driver of the Chrysler was taken by Life Flight to Truman Medical Center. The passenger of the Chrysler was taken by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Hospital. The driver of the Chevrolet was transported by the Livingston County EMS to Liberty Hospital.

Both drivers and the female occupant were all wearing seatbelts.

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News-Press NOW

By: Chris Roush, News Director

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Noyes Home for Children’s Kindness Saint Joseph initiative has extended the deadline for essays to the end of the week.

The essays will be due at the Noyes Home by Friday, Nov. 21.

Noyes Home Executive Director Chelsea Howlett said the extension allows more students to complete their essays and turn them in.

The Kindness Saint Joseph initiative was created to inspire and celebrate acts of kindness throughout the community.

This year marks the second year for Kindness Saint Joseph, and the initiative has been expanded to St. Joseph and the surrounding communities. 

Local K-12 students are asked to submit essays about the kindest person they know.

In a post on Facebook, Noyes Home officials state that it doesn’t matter if a student is in public, private or homeschool, they want to receive the essays.

If the students’ essay is selected, the student and the kindest person will be honored at a banquet next spring. There will be awards for each grade level.

Scholarships can also go toward students preparing for college.

The initiative is also taking nominations for Kindness Keeper, Kindest School and Kindest Educator. The nominations are due by Sunday, Nov. 30. 

For more information about Kindness Saint Joseph, visit the Noyes Home’s website. 

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Praji Ghosh

MARYVILLE, Mo. (KQTV) — Mosaic Medical Center celebrated a big milestone as it opened a brand-new women’s health care space in Northwest Missouri. 

The clinic will be set up right inside the hospital—specifically in the administration hallway. Leaders said the project wouldn’t be happening without strong support from the community. 

Once complete, the new space will offer a full range of services, from preventive care to obstetrics, gynecology and wellness support, all designed with a patient-focused environment in mind. 

“So the whole continuum of women help women’s health services are going to be provided here, from preventative care in terms of mammography and breast cancer screening,” said Dana Anderson, the chief operating officer at Mosaic.

She added, the new space will incorporate mental-health services as well as chronic-disease management.  

She explained that this project has been in the works for several years, with support from local women ambassadors who helped privately raise funds.  

“Lucky for us, Nodaway County and the City of Maryville are extremely supportive of the hospital. And so many of our community members have been involved in the development of this project for several years,” Anderson said.  

Anderson said Mosaic looks to improve health outcomes for women across the region and help reach those living in maternity-care deserts.  

“We hope we become a place for them (women) to receive their women’s health services. Both preventative, you know, maternity. We see an increase in deliveries of babies in Maryville and beyond,” Anderson added.

During the ceremony, Mosaic staff and leaders marked the moment by literally breaking down walls with hammers to symbolize the start of construction. 

Anderson said the mid-November weather made the team rethink an outdoor event, so they held the celebration right inside the space where the clinic will eventually take shape.  

“What a better way for our community to see what it’s going to look like than to be in the space, what it looks like today,” Anderson said. 

Guests and community members enjoyed refreshments as they got a look at what’s to come.  

Mosaic hopes the new clinic will become a cornerstone for accessible, high-quality care—meeting the needs of women throughout the region. 

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News-Press NOW

By: Alexis Kuhnert

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Attendees at the 2025 St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce’s Chairman’s Breakfast might have been prepared for a meal and a keynote speaker, but were also met with a big announcement.

Jason Klindt, senior director of external affairs for Evergy, spoke on “Planning for Growth & Powering our Communities.” Specifically, about the pros and cons of a data center in the community.

In conjunction with Klindt’s message, the Chamber announced the opening of a Launch Pad located Downtown at 801 Felix St.

The Launch Pad would serve as an innovation center for co-working startups to obtain education and mentorships to start their businesses.

The facility will offer a flexible range of workspaces, including open coworking areas, dedicated desks and private office rentals. It would also feature shared-use technology, conference rooms, business-grade amenities and professional development support.

“Our region is full of builders, dreamers, and creators who simply need access to the right resources,” said Natalie Hawn, the president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. “The Launch Pad exists to provide an affordable, collaborative environment where ideas can take off and businesses can thrive.”

The funding of the new resource is made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Missouri Technology Group (MTC).

“The grant was a three-year grant to help us with technology solutions and resources for these businesses,” said Hawn.

The Show-Me Network is also helping support The Launch Pad.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce as a Regional Connector for the Show-Me Network,” said Rachel Munday, the executive director of efactory at Missouri State University and a part of the Network. “Their leadership, energy, and commitment to entrepreneurs make them an incredible partner in expanding opportunity across Northwest Missouri and the state.”

Hawn said the soft opening will be on Dec. 1 and an official grand opening in January 2026.

Along with flexible coworking and private office rentals, the space will also feature:

High-speed internet and professional meeting rooms

Shared-use equipment for AV, prototyping and technology development

Training and professional services, including legal, accounting and business development support

Networking events, pitch nights and mentorship opportunities designed to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem

The Launch Pad’s mission is to fuel innovation and support first-time founders, freelancers and small business owners across a 35-mile service area surrounding St. Joseph.

The resource’s impact goal includes hosting over 20 community and business events annually, delivering over 100 mentorship hours and supporting the creation or retention of at least 10 local jobs each year, according to a Chamber press release.

The space for The Launch Pad is being leased from Mosaic Life Care and was formerly occupied by CLA.

Entrepreneurs, innovators and community members interested in learning more contact Kristie Arthur at arthur@saintjoseph.com or 816-364-4113.

Interest forms can also be submitted at stjlaunchpad.com.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One of the top specialty cake companies is making the move to St. Joseph.

Nothing Bundt Cakes is set to open its first store in St. Joseph at 5301 N. Belt Highway in the former Bling Glamour store next to GameStop and Panda Express.

Pedestrians will see a large “Baking Soon” sign posted on the front of the building in anticipation of the store. News-Press NOW has reached out to the company for comment on a projected opening date.

Nothing Bundt Cakes is widely regarded as one of the top specialty cake companies in the U.S., with over 600 locations, including one in Kansas City, offering a wide-range of customizable cakes for different occasions.

The company offers a menu with signature and seasonal cakes, including individual-sized options, 8-inch and 10-inch cakes and tiered cakes. Catering is also available for birthdays, weddings, baby showers and corporate events.

Nothing Bundt Cakes was founded in Las Vegas in 1997 by friends Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz, quickly growing from a home kitchen for friends and family to their first official store.

Popular flavors include red velvet, lemon, and white chocolate raspberry, along with gluten-free options like Chocolate Chip Cookie and Lemon Raspberry.

A coming soon sign is shown promoting Nothing Bundt Cakes at the planned St. Joseph location at 5301 N. Belt Highway, Suite 5.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education held another special work session Monday night, as board members continued debating Plan 2R — a revised version of Plan 2B and the plan to keep Lafayette and Central as the district’s two high schools. 

This special work session had a noticeable twist… A large group of Benton High School students showed up carrying posters, quietly filling the room to show their support for keeping Benton open as a high school moving forward. 

Even though public comment wasn’t allowed, their presence sent a clear message. 

Board President LaTonya Williams said she understands how draining this process has been for families, staff and students — and she wants it to end soon.

Williams says she’s pushing for the board to make a final decision by Monday, Nov. 24.  

“I think that we had to put everybody through enough. The admin, kids and the community. If the board is not able to do the job that we are elected to do, then we should just ‘okay, we put a pause on it,’” Williams said.  

At the last meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12, four board members expressed support for Plan 2B. The remaining three members favored Plan 7B — a model aimed to merge Benton with Hyde and keep Central as the second high school.  

“I mean, logically, when you’re talking about closing schools, in my opinion, there are no winners. It’s only losers. Everybody will lose,” Williams said.  

She also acknowledged that from the outside, the board’s process can look confusing — and sometimes even scattered.  

But she stressed that nothing should be happening behind closed doors and that every step of the process needs to remain transparent to the public.  

“Finally, make a decision. And if we’re not able to come to a consensus, and do nothing. We probably will. I looked at the agenda earlier today, and it is on the agenda because we’re supposed to have a vote. Because this evening it’s only a discussion, not a vote,” Williams said.  

The board will meet again at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Troester Media Center. This time, the public will have an opportunity to speak before the board moves into another work session. 

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Griffon soccer team will march into the NCAA Tournament against a familiar foe in the opening round.

The Missouri Western soccer team, fresh of a dramatic victory in Saturday’s MIAA Championship, was named the No. 5 seed in the Central Region of the NCAA Tournament during Monday’s selection show, matching up with MIAA-rival and No. 4 Washburn University.

The Griffons (12-2-7) will face off against the Ichabods (11-3-5) on Friday at 10 a.m. in Mankato, Minnesota.

The Griffons are coming off their first MIAA Tournament Championship in program history, defeating Central Oklahoma 2-1 in overtime on Saturday after wins over rival No. 5-seed Northwest Missouri State and No. 8-seed Northeastern State to make the final.

Tournament Breakdown

The first round of the single-elimination tournament begins on Thursday, Nov. 20.

The two finalists in each region will advance to the third-round competition to be played Nov. 30. Regional champions will meet in the quarterfinal-round to be played Saturday, Dec. 6.

The semifinal and championship games will take place Dec. 11 and 13 at Switchbacks FC Stadium hosted by Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

Tournament dates:

Second round: Sunday, Nov. 23

Third Round: Sunday, Nov. 30

Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 6

Semifinals: Thursday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Final: Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. ET

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News-Press NOW

By: Alexis Kuhnert

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The King Hill Restoration & Preservation Association has exceeded its goal of repairing 40 obelisks this year.

The association has repaired 73 obelisks so far.

Volunteers worked on resetting four large Hawley obelisks, a family with no relation to United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), at King Hill Cemetery.

Twelve families coordinated and constructed the cemetery at its inception. The Hawleys included. James M. Hawley held a one-sixteenth share of the cemetery in 1868.

In the late 1960s, teenagers vandalized the headstones.

The King Hill Cemetery Restoration & Preservation Association partnered with Brooner Construction and Crane for a four-phase process.

Michael Robertson, co-leader of the association, is also related to one of the founding families that established the cemetery. 

“Those tombstones that we put up the obelisk today, weigh 1400-1500 pounds, is what they weigh,” Robertson said. “Brooner Construction volunteered to come down here with their equipment to pick them up so we can put them together and start rebuilding them.”

The association has also partnered with the Conservation Department to rid the honeysuckle and invasive species, as well as to remove hazardous trees.

Robertson and his wife are grateful for the community support and the help in taking ownership of these projects to care for the cemetery.

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