Author: News-Press NOW

Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Just a few days before his high school graduation, Dayton Guerrero received a heartbreaking phone call, that his father was taken in to custody by Immigration Customs Enforcement.

“You see it on the news everywhere but you never think it’s going to come to your town or happen to your family,” Guererro said. “My dad (has) been here for several years now — he’s spent more time in the U.S. than in his home country — and now he’s in a detention facility with very limited ways to contact us.”

Guerrero, a Central High School senior set to graduate this weekend, sat down with News-Press NOW to recall the moment he learned his father had been arrested Monday morning.

To Guerrero, it felt like a normal Monday — he expected to go to school, come home and see his father, but that wasn’t the case after two unmarked vehicles pulled his family over.

“They had on police vests, so I thought it was just a court summons,” said Guerrero, recalling the moment agents arrived. “We’ve been dealing with some court issues between my mom and dad.”

Luis Guerrero is currently being held in a detention center in Kansas as the family works to gather more information about his case.

News-Press NOW reached out to the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department to understand how often I.C.E. operations like this take place locally.

Shawn Collie, with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, said their office doesn’t work regularly with I.C.E. but will do so when a case warrants federal involvement. He noted that situations like this one are not uncommon when an individual has a criminal record.

“We’ve never seen I.C.E. act randomly or without reason,” Collie said. “Typically, it’s always suspect-specific. There’s usually a prior history that prompts their involvement.”

Local law enforcement emphasized that steps are taken to ensure that children and families affected by such arrests are not left unsupported. They added that their goal remains public safety, regardless of a person’s immigration status.

“Even when we arrest U.S. citizens, crimes don’t just impact the person being taken into custody — they affect entire families,” Collie said. “We try to be empathetic and support those families. At the same time, we’re committed to doing what’s necessary to keep the community safe. That might mean jail or prison, or in some cases, referral to drug court.”

For the Guerrero family, one of the hardest aspects has been the limited communication with Luis and the uncertainty around his well-being in detention.

“We’re not allowed to visit him. We can only talk over the phone and the phone lines are so bad it’s hard to understand each other,” Guerrero said. “People need to realize that this isn’t okay. These are human beings, not just ‘illegal aliens’ like people often say. They deserve the same rights as everyone else.”

The family recently received a court date for May 27. They are urgently trying to secure legal representation but say they will not give up on bringing their father home.

“We’re going to keep trying. We can’t lose hope — because that’s exactly what they want,” he said. “People in this country need to come together, not divide. We’re stronger when we stand united.”

Guerrero is also preparing for another emotional milestone, graduation on May 18, an event he had always hoped his father would attend.

“My dad is probably one of the biggest reasons I’m even graduating this weekend,” he said. “He helped me through school and now he won’t be there to see it.”

Through it all, the Guerrero family says they’re grateful for the support they’ve received from friends, neighbors, and the community.

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Whether taking a trip to the grocery store or going to the salon for a touch-up, St. Joseph residents are witnessing gun violence everywhere.

For many St. Joseph residents, news of shots fired isn’t news. In the last twelve months, News-Press NOW has reported on at least 14 police incidents where gunshots were fired, resulting in at least 14 injuries and four deaths. Many people are sick of it and are planning to leave St. Joseph just to escape the violence. Patrick Moore, a St. Joseph resident, was worried about the crossfire after witnessing a car chase March 27 that resulted in shots fired and the fatality of one man.

“It’s getting worse, especially even in this area. It’s prompting us to move,” Moore said. “But while we’re here, you know, we are trying to walk around and talk to people and, me personally, spread the news of the gospel to try to get people to see that there’s better ways. You know, we don’t have to do this. Things don’t have to be what we see on TV, glorified, it’s not really a glorious life, and there’s other ways to deal with things.”

However, Toni Spearman, owner of Tailored Designs by Toni, said it doesn’t matter where you move because violence can be found anywhere.

“Unfortunately, violence happens everywhere, it’s everywhere,” she said.

Spearman was in her shop with a customer when the two heard gunshots nearby. These gunshots were the stray shots that hit her neighboring business, Salon 1087, on March 27. While the incident hasn’t hurt her business, it’s made her more cautious going to and from work.

“It’s made me think different, more cautiously,” Spearman said. “I’m more aware. I’m a pretty carefree person, I just am, but it makes me come to work and I think differently. Just about, you know, just being aware of my surrounding and just maybe being a little bit more cautious.

While gun violence remains a serious concern for St. Joseph residents, many argue that the solution isn’t taking firearms away from the public, but rather preventing them from falling into the wrong hands.

“In general, most people are just wanting to have a gun for sport or they’re wanting to have a gun for fun or self-protection,” Glen Gentry, vice president of the gun shop and range, Bulls Eye Trading, said. “They’re not looking for trouble, they’re looking for entertainment more than anything.

Gentry said proper firearm training and safety can protect the average citizen if they face an act of gun violence.

“It’s people with ill intent or bad people that do bad things with guns. It’s not the guns and so they’re not scary,” Gentry said. “It’s just one of those things we need to be able to understand them so that we can be careful with them, and we can use them and have fun with them and also use them for self-defense.”

Spearman said the issue isn’t a simple issue to be solved, because even with proper gun laws and restrictions in place, it’s still difficult to presume what intentions a person buying a gun may have.

“It’s hard to know who owns the guns and what they’re going to do with their guns,” Spearman said. “So it’s kind of a tricky situation as far as how to monitor people who have guns.”

Gentry, however, was confident in his shop’s ability to discern who they should sell to.

“It’s a concern to every citizen, whenever bad people do bad things with guns,” he said. “If we felt as though we had someone that had bad intent or ill intent, those aren’t our customers and we will not serve them.”

Regardless of how people acquire weapons, St. Joseph residents need to know how to help prevent gun violence, purposeful or accidental. To start, Gentry said proper firearm and self-defense training is a must.

“If you have the opportunity to get more training in self-defense or gun safety, every time that opportunity is available to you, it’s good for you to use that opportunity and gain on your knowledge of how the gun works or how to handle guns,” Gentry said.

Those who witness an act of gun violence should get to a safe location immediately, call 911 or the St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4777 and comply with all instructions from the operator while giving as much detail as possible, including physical appearance of those involved, car descriptions and exact location.

Most importantly, St. Joseph residents can support victims, individuals or businesses, of gun violence. Spearman said that while the shooting was scary, she’s confident her business will not suffer because of it.

“There was a community concern that I was grateful for,” she said. “They did call and just checked on me. But I didn’t lose any customers because the overall understanding is that this can happen anywhere. It’s not just isolated to the Downtown area. But I just hope and pray that, you know, it doesn’t happen again.”

To learn more about proper gun handling and self-defense training, visit Bulls Eye Trading’s website at bullseye-trading.com or call 816-396-8554.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Local residents will get the chance to make a new home for balusters that were recently removed from Civic Center Park.

Kim Schutte, St. Joseph historic preservation planner, with the support of the St. Joseph Landmark Commission, will be coordinating interest from those wishing to have one of the balusters reclaimed as part of a renovation at Civic Center Park.

St. Joseph residents who are current on their taxes can contact Schutte at kschutte@stjosephmo.gov or 816-271-5349 by May 31 to be placed on a list to receive balusters.

Those receiving balusters will be announced at the Landmark Commission meeting on June 3.

The deteriorating and damaged balustrade was removed from the west side of Civic Center Park as part of a $494,000 ARPA-funded project to renovate the exterior of City Hall ahead of its centennial in 2027. The project will see construction of a new concrete stairwell complemented by natural stone veneer posts, caps, and wall panels.

The cost of a complete balustrade replacement was estimated to be $2.5 million and was one of several options considered by City Council. The structure was damaged multiple times over the years due to car accidents, while the stairwell also had significant damage due to its age.

In addition to renovating the Pony Express Monument and planning widespread sidewalk repairs to Civic Center Park, the balustrade project is one of several renovations planned in preparation for City Hall’s centennial celebration in 2027. 

A separate balustrade that adorns City Hall will remain in place and is currently undergoing a deep cleaning and repair process.

New lighting is also expected to be installed throughout the park and at City Hall to mimic the classic-period lighting found throughout much of Downtown, a separate project. Civic Center Park’s fountain is also in line for significant repairs.

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Kirsten Stokes

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — On his 20th birthday, Lawrence Ralston knew that his small beginnings as a son of a farmer were no comparison to the war he faced.

Fighting in the 20th Infantry during World War II in Germany, Ralston said that his mind was already made up on not returning back home. So, he would fight with everything in him to make his service count.

“I had been drafted and then (went) on to basic training in Texas,” Ralston said. “We knew that we were going to Germany because everything pointed to there. I prepared myself to not be coming back.”

Ralston recalls his first combat mission taking place on his 20th birthday in 1944, but more than that he remembers the many men that lost their lives, men who he says shouldn’t have.

“I remember at first we were being attacked in battle, they pulled back and then they started again,” Ralston said. “The rest of the battle was basically over, so much of our work involved trying to clear towns.”

With less than 70,000 Americans remaining of the 16. 4 million who served in World War II, the opportunity for veterans of this time to share their stories are few and far between. Making the choice to give up his life, Ralston recalls what being in the military meant for him.

“Well, it’s a terrific honor for me to be in the service,” Ralston said. “If I were younger, I would still attempt to do the same thing because America was a wonderful country.”

After the war, Ralston returned to his farming roots and went on to sell sewing machines, a career that spanned nearly 70 years. Today, he enjoys life at an independent living facility in St. Joseph.  

“I don’t know how to put this into words but I just appreciate we did,” Ralston said. “We were in a lot of trouble there and we still may be now, but I believe the good Lord will stop it.”

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Carden Park Elementary and the surrounding community came together to support a beloved teacher.

Fifth grade teacher Kristina Thomas was diagnosed with Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that develops on connective tissue such as bones, muscle, fat and nerves.

Her students along with local residents have raised $1,500 to help in her fight against cancer. With an additional donation from Pizza Ranch of $2,718 and proceeds from the t-shirts going toward donations, the total amount Thomas received from the community was $5,318.

“I had really bad grades and she (helped) turn it around,” Carden Park student Ryder said. “My grades went up and were in a good place. And I’m just happy that she was able to be a better person. I really love her.”

When Thomas entered the gymnasium, she was overjoyed by the support and appreciation shown to her by students and fellow colleagues.

“It means more than words,” Thomas said. “Obviously, combating cancer and the cost to beat it is through the roof. And so anything goes. And so anything helps. The fact that all of this was put together with Pizza Ranch, the school and kids and the donation. I’m so appreciative.”

The Udderly Unique Boutique will be taking donations for Thomas.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Fire Department’s new leader is coming from within its ranks.

Ivan Klippenstein has been named the department’s new chief.

Klippenstein joined the SJFD in January of 2002 and has served in several roles, including firefighter, first responder, confined space technician, driver and captain.

He has been a training officer with the department since October 2019.

Klippenstein began his career with the Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, Fire Company as a volunteer firefighter in 1989. He also worked as an EMT in the community.

He joined the Lewistown, Idaho, Rural Fire Service as a volunteer wildland firefighter in 1990 and has been a member of the Central DeKalb County Fire Protection District since 1998, serving as its chief from 2002 to 2005.

Klippenstein was a firefighter at Rosecrans Memorial Airport from 2001 to 2002 and taught firefighting, HAZMAT and first responder courses as an adjunct instructor at Hillyard Technical Center from 2003 to 2007.

“I’ve been involved in fire service since I was 17 in some form, and there’s a lot of good coming in the St. Joseph Fire Department that I look forward to leading,” said Klippenstein, in a press release from the City. “I want to create involvement and inspire people. I think many would like to participate, and they just need to be given the opportunity.”

Klippenstein will lead a staff of about 130 in St. Joseph and was chosen from a pool of 20 applicants, which included three internal candidates.

St. Joseph City Manager, Mike Schumacher said Klippenstein’s experience in training set him apart form other candidates.

“Ivan is the right person to move our fire department forward,” Schumacher said in a press release. “We want to take care of our professional and hardworking firefighters by making sure they are equipped with training that prioritizes their safety and that of our citizens.”

Klippenstein’s appointment is effective Monday, May 19. His salary will be $140,000. He replaces Kenny Cordonnier, who retired on April 4, 2025.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School District Board of Education has approved the appointments of two administrators for the 2025-2026 school year.

Dr. Kati Reid has been appointed as the Director of Secondary Education, replacing Dr. Lara Gilpin, who is retiring on June 30, 2025.

Reid began her career in 2009 and joined SJSD in 2010. Reid was an English teacher at the middle and high school level for 12 years. Most of her teaching career was invested in Spring Garden Middle School. She has been an assistant principal and principal at Benton High School for the past three years.

Reid earned her Ed.D in Superintendency and Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Williams Woods University.

She also has a Bachelor’s of Science in English and a Masters of Science in Assessment from Missouri Western State University.

Makayla Mekonnen has been appointed as assistant principal at Oak Grove Elementary for the 2025-2026 school year. She replaces Tom Evans, who was appointed as principal at Edison Elementary.

Mekonnen began her career in SJSD in 2015. During her 10 years of education, she has held varied k-12 roles, including special education, classroom teacher and behavior interventionist.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from MWSU and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

Mekonnen is currently pursuing her Ed.D in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from Baker University, with anticipated completion in 2025.

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Chris Fortune

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Construction on a Hilton-affiliated hotel continues throughout the spring after work appeared to go stagnant over the winter.

Home2 Suites by Hilton is accepting reservations beginning August 18 at 3701 N. Village Dr., according to its website.

It will be the latest addition to a string of hotels emerging in St. Joseph. My Place Hotel celebrated its grand opening a month ago down the street from the Home2 Suites.

Christian Mengel, director of marketing and communications with the St. Joseph Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said the additional hotel space helps when events such as the NCAA men’s golf regionals come to town and they need 100 rooms for the players.

“That’s over 10% of our total occupancy, where if the same event was happening in Springfield, it’s just a little over 1%,” he said.

Higher occupancy rates typically result in higher hotel prices because of supply and demand. When St. Joseph hosts large events, it can cause rates to increase due to a lack of hotel rooms.

“When you have a Missouri Western graduation, for example, now all of a sudden you’re talking about 200-plus dollars a room night,” Mengel said. “And families just don’t want to pay for that.”

Local hotels will prepare for another major event on the horizon in 2026. Kansas City will host World Cup matches next June and July.

“We’re well within the boundary of hotels being affected,” Mengel said. “I mean, they’re saying 200 plus miles will have some impact, like there will be somebody staying in those communities in that surrounding area for the World Cup.”

Two additional hotels and a conference center are under development on Frederick Avenue, but it’s unclear if they will be open by next summer.

A total of $237,480,031 tourism dollars were spent in Buchanan County in 2024, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue.

“We obviously want them all here by the World Cup,” Mengel said. “That’d be great. But the fact that they’re even coming in at all, we’ll be able to work with it.”

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)- St. Joseph law enforcement responded to a traffic accident at the intersection of South Belt Highway and Messanie Street around 9 a.m. Thursday morning.

Officer Alex Rich said the two-vehicle accident involved a Volkswagen minivan and a Mercedes sedan. One person sustained minor injuries.

“We believe the blue Mercedes was northbound on the belt and ran the red light,” he said. 

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph residents better stock up on sunscreen because the weekend’s top entertainment will be in the great outdoors. News-Press NOW’s Kendra Simpson found the weekend’s most exciting activities in this week’s edition of See St. Joseph.

Kicking off the weekend of outdoor adventures is the inaugural Pony Express STOL series.

Aviation fans are not going to want to miss this. The STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aviation competition gets skilled pilots to push their aircraft to the limit, taking off and landing in incredibly short distances. It’s precision flying at its finest and St. Joseph residents get front-row seats to the action. Pilots will practice from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, which will be open to the public. Then, watch as top pilots from across the country showcase their expertise from 9 a.m. to roughly 3 p.m. Saturday at Rosecrans Memorial Airport, located at 100b NW Rosecrans Road. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ponyexpressstol.com.

For those who prefer their excitement to stay on the ground, the Allied Arts Council is hosting the 13th annual Beer Walk for the Arts.

The Sip, Stroll, Support the Arts beer walk in the historic Harris-Kemper neighborhood is where history, beer, food and music all combine for a fun-filled afternoon. At every stop, walkers will receive a craft beer from a variety of midwestern breweries paired with food samples from local eateries. In addition to the food and drink samples, walkers will gon on a homes tour with live music. The annual Beer Walk benefits the Arts Fund, which provides St. Joseph will all of its fine arts entertainment including but not limited to the Robidoux Resident Theatre, Saint Joseph Symphony and Creative Arts Productions. The walk goes from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday in the Harris-Kemper Historic District. Tickets can be purchased on the event’s webpage at www.ticketleap.events/tickets/stjoearts/beer-walk-for-the-arts-2025.

For lovers of all things nature, the River Bluff Trails Park and the Saint Joseph Trail Alliance are hosting the annual River Bluff Trails Fest.

Hikes, bikes, food and more await those strong enough to step up to the plate, and that includes everyone because there are events ranging from beginner to advanced. There’s going to be bike clinics, cross country races, guided nature walks and more. This is the perfect opportunity to push yourself, enjoy nature and spend time with friends and family. There’s going to be clinics, races, rides and more starting 5 p.m. Friday and going until 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the River Bluff Trails Park located at Highland Ave. and Waterworks Road. For a complete list of events, visit the fest’s website at www.bikereg.com.

St. Joseph is the place to be this weekend for all outdoor fun and activities. Tune in to News-Press NOW every Thursday for more See St. Joseph.

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