Author: News-Press NOW

News-Press NOW

DAVIESS COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A Jamesport, Missouri man suffered serious injuries in a one-utility terrain vehicle crash in Daviess County Sunday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred around 4:45 a.m. at the intersection of Topper Avenue and 320th Street, a mile west of Lock Springs, Missouri.

The 22-year-old driver, headed west, lost control around a curve and overcorrected, flipping his UTV.

He was taken to Hedrick Medical Center by private vehicle for serious injuries.

He was not wearing safety gear, according to the crash report.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol is encouraging parents and students to be safe when heading back to school this August.

MSHP reports that, in 2024, seven people were killed and 345 were injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus.

In Missouri last year, a total of 843 traffic crashes involved a school bus.

When it comes to recommendations for students, MSHP said it’s important to stay alert to surroundings.

If a student is walking to school, cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street to make sure they’re aware.

Use sidewalks when available, and if it’s necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never run into the street.

If a student is riding a bicycle to school, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe, and use proper hand signals when changing directions, slowing down or stopping.

Never carry passengers when riding a bike and make sure to keep both hands on the handlebars, except when signaling.

If a student is riding the bus, MSHP encourages checking the weather and dressing accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or the sidewalk.

Additionally, students crossing the street need to walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus.

MSHP also said parents are encouraged to talk to their children about safety tips, depending on their mode of transportation.

Motorists are asked to always be vigilant, especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths and crosswalks, when school is in session.

MSHP said most traffic crashes involving young drivers, under the age of 21, occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. The agency also encourages parents to remind young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job, and that using a cell phone, texting or adjusting the radio can be a distraction that leads to a traffic crash.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The weather may have started with rain this morning, but summer in Missouri can turn sunny in no time—and it’s never too late to brush up on ways to beat the heat. 

The biggest key to staying safe? Hydration.  

“Drink a lot of water before you go to bed, and then continue to do that in the morning when you get up because they say that when you feel thristy, they you are already dehydrated,” Stephanie Malita, Health educator said.  

Sun safety doesn’t stop with water. Malita says sunscreen is a must before heading outside—along with extras like a wide-brim hat or sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.  

“Make sure its blocking UVA and UVB rays. Reapply it regularly and usually the sunscreen will have that direction on the label like how frequently you should reapply it,” Malita said.  

Don’t forget your lips, either. Whether you’re on the lake or the ski slopes, sunlight can reflect off water or snow and burn skin from underneath. Lip balm with SPF can help prevent that. 

“When you’re at the lake or in winter time if you’re going snow skiing or just playing out in the snow, that reflection off of the brighter surface of the water or the snow can get youu from beneath to. So make sure you’re covering all of your skin with sunscreen protection,” Malita said.  

Your clothing choices matter, too. Lightweight fabrics and light colors can help keep you cool while also reflecting sunlight.  

“As a parent, make sure your kids are following these tips because often time they are not going to think about the importance of applying sunscreen, so make sure to put that on your checklist,” Malita said.  

With just a few simple steps, people can enjoy the summer sun while staying safe from heat and harmful UV rays. 

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — For thousands of years, dogs have been considered our “best friend,” and the month of August is set aside to focus on them.

National Dog Month is celebrated in August, and a local veterinarian said a connection with dogs can release a brain chemical for us called oxytocin, which regulates our mood. Conversely, dogs, because they are pack animals, receive a sense of community and connection that keeps them healthier. That connection and growing knowledge of your dog can help develop a plan to care for their health needs, especially in the summer.

“You have to know what kind of breed your dog is,” Dr. Timothy Brosi of All Creatures Pet Hospital said. “For example, breeds with shorter noses should have limits on their walking, because they are not able to breathe as well as other dogs.”

Brosi also said, as we get to know our dogs, it becomes easier to tell when they are having health issues or when they have other needs.

“Dogs are creatures of habits just like humans,” Brosi said. “So, if they’re not wanting to eat like they usually do, if they’re not interested in the toys like they usually are, if you notice excessive coughing or stomach issues, it might not be a bad idea to call your vet.”

Loyalties between dogs and their owners can run deep. Longtime dog owner Roger Martin said he and his wife have owned golden labradoodles for years, and they believe this breed is among the smartest and most loyal.

“They are great with kids and elderly people,” Martin said. “They are also very smart dogs, and my wife and I have two of them, and they make our lives better.”

Brosi warned of relying on too much online advice when it comes to the care of dogs and said that summer provides some healthy opportunities for both dogs and pets. For instance, in favorable weather, both dogs and owners can get more exercise through walking and just playing in the yard.

During this month, paying special attention to your pet through special treats and by making sure their check-ups and medicines are up to date, all provide a way to make sure our furry best friends are around as long as possible.

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In a recent KC Star competition, River Bluff Brewing in Kansas City’s River Market was voted by the people as Kansas City’s favorite brewery.

General manager at the River Market location, Hootie Wales, said this was a competition they did not push for.

“To get that type of accolade without pushing the regulars to do it is kind of a really fun and exciting thing,” Wales said.

In 2018, River Bluff Brewing opened at 1224 Frederick Ave. in Downtown St. Joseph. It didn’t take long for the new business to get recognized.

In 2019, the St. Joseph location won silver with their beer “Sandy Dunes Saison” in the Great American Beer Festival in the Belgian-style pale strong ale category.

“Most brewers go their whole career with maybe never getting one of them,” Co-Founder and Director of Operations Chris Lanman said. “So we were just surprised to get one in our first year of operations here in St. Joseph.”

In 2022, River Bluff Brewing opened a location at 201 Main St., Suite 101, in Kansas City’s River Market. That year, they won “The Pitch” best new brewery in Kansas City. Also, winning silver in the Great American Beer Festival.

2024 was a golden year for the business, winning gold in the Great American Beer Festival with their Yankee Doodle Shandy. This was just the start. River Bluff Brewing won gold in “The Olympics of beer competitions.”

“Going up against over 2,000 worldwide breweries and there were over 9,000 beer entries in that,” Lanman said. “Just extremely humbling to be able to do that.”

Lanman said the wide array of beer styles allows the brewery to have a beer for everybody.

“We have amazing brewers that have always done a good job for us,” Tasting room manager Justin Alvarez said. “Our front of house staff works hard to make sure everything is on point… Every time we get recognized for anything that we do, it makes us extremely happy and we’re very proud of it.”

Both locations have 12 taps, giving a diverse set of beers to visitors. With many accolades achieved in a short time and the newest in the Kansas City location, Lanman said the company will keep “following the river.”

“Our hashtag follows the river, we can keep following the river,” He said. “Wight now we’re happy where we are, but we’re always looking forward to new things, potentially new locations. We really just want to get our beer out there to as many people as we can.”

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Rebecca Evans

For the owners of Tipps Sports Bar, opening a business together was more than a financial venture, it was a way to bring their shared love of games, community and good company under one roof.

Located at 3614 Mitchell Ave., Tipps Sports Bar is run by three couples, Chris and Lindsey Bernard, Janean and Michael Phillippe, and Ira and Ashley Jonas, longtime friends who have now collectively opened eight small businesses in St. Joseph.

“We’re really passionate about community, family, friendship, and business,” said Lindsey Bernard, co-owner, “Tying all those together here will bring something new to Saint Joe that everybody can enjoy. We hope that everybody comes out and sees us… a great atmosphere, great cold drinks, where friendship becomes family.”

Inside, visitors will find 23 large-screen TVs showing a variety of sports and a range of interactive options: four billiards tables, ten dartboards, arcade games, TouchTunes, and even cornhole. They also offer leagues for darts, and pool as well as tournaments.

Tipps Sports Bar has a unique connection to its sister company, Triple Play Accessories, which specializes in gear for darts, cornhole, billiards, and disc golf, making Tipps a one-stop destination for game lovers.

The atmosphere is casual and social, with ice-cold drinks. They offer specialty cocktails and shots. Owners say it’s a spot where both regulars and newcomers can find friendly competition or just unwind. They currently do not offer food.

Tipps Sports Bar is open 7 days a week from noon to 1am. Updates on events, specials and leagues are posted on their Facebook page.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. News-Press (NOW) — The Noyes Home for Children is holding a fundraising banquet to support its mission.

The banquet, themed “Take a Seat: Light the Way,” is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Fulkerson Center on MoWest’s Campus.

Guests will enjoy a night of live and silent auctions featuring unique treasures, exciting getaways and one-of-a-kind experiences—all while savoring delicious food and drinks.

Funds raised at the event will help provide a safe, nurturing space where children can grow, learn and heal- while supporting families with the resources they need to rebuild and thrive.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit eventsupporter.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-001C000001LZZjCIAX/events/vevt:e81586fc-3d48-4d12-88a1-68a7da443f51/home/story.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — There is no better way to start your day with a nice cup of coffee and some breakfast, but what happens when you’re hungry and so is your wallet?

With inflation in the United States on the rise, many breakfast goers and owners are paying the price with increased costs on their favorite menus.

At 7th Street Cafe in St. Joseph, owner Brennon Calvin has felt the impact of inflation and other causes in his wallet. Calvin said his menu prices have not been altered, but for some foods, he’s had to pay more.

“I’ll tell you the biggest hit we took was when eggs hiked to about 50 percent there, for a while I was paying a pretty penny for eggs,” said Calvin.

Customers like Michael Shanks said, “Yeah, I mean the, the coffee is a little more pricey, but it’s actually that way everywhere.” 

According to FinanceBuzz.com, places like Starbucks have seen a 39% price increase on their menu from 2014 to 2024 due to inflation.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph School District Board of Education President LaTonya Williams verified to News-Press NOW that one item on this coming Monday night’s board agenda will be a recommendation to hold a public meeting soon to restructure the leadership of the board.

This would include removing Williams as BOE president. 

In a telephone interview with News-Press NOW’s Charles Christian, Williams said the political leanings of the board have changed since the last election, and that a majority of the board membership does not want her as president.

Therefore, Williams said, a majority of board members added this item to the agenda, and she suspects she will be voted out as president, a role that she has held for two years. 

An agenda item for Monday’s meeting shows a Special Board of Education Meeting, requested by BOE Member Kim Miller.

The item states, “Special board meetings may be held from time to time as circumstances may demand…A special meeting may also be called by at least four members of the board.”

News-Press NOW will be live at the Board of Education meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, at the Troester Media Center, located at 3401 Renick St., and will continue to follow this story. 

Williams was elected to the school board in April 2021, then reelected in April 2024. She received the most votes in the 2024 election.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Coffee lovers in St. Joseph and Savannah now have a new stop for their morning pick-me-up: Moony’s Coffee, a woman-owned mobile coffee stand serving fresh brews and local pride.

Every cup of coffee is made using high-quality beans from Mokaska Coffee Co., a St. Joseph-based roaster known for bold flavor and a tradition of excellence dating back to 1884.

But the flavor goes deeper than the beans. Moony’s crafts all syrups and specialty flavors in-house as well.

Co-founders Liz Generaux and Maggie Johnson launched Moony’s Coffee about a year ago with one mission: to bring exceptional, on-the-go coffee to their community. The mobile stand allows customers to enjoy quality beverages from early morning coffees, to tea and lemonades aimed at getting beverage lovers through the day.

“It feels surreal sometimes,” said co-owner Johnson, ” I look at everything that we have now and the progress from last September to now is insane. I feel really grateful that we’ve had so many friends and family help us to make this possible and put it together, and then all the support online and from people that I never thought would have done that for us is insane.” 

They opened on September 20th last year at Savannah’s Homecoming, beginning with their table and tent. Then, they acquired the trailer in February and opened it in April, coinciding with Easter.

Moony’s typically operates from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays.

To keep up with their schedule and locations, customers are encouraged to follow the stand’s Facebook page, where updates, seasonal specials and event details are posted.

In addition to regular service, Moony’s Coffee is available for bookings, including community events, corporate functions and private celebrations. Interested hosts can reach out via Facebook to bring a touch of local flavor to their next gathering.

Moony’s Coffee is more than just a drink stop; it’s a celebration of small business, local connections, and hometown pride.

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