Author: News-Press NOW

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Second Harvest Community Food Bank is expecting a high turnout at its 15th Annual Turkey Day Registration event.

The expectation comes as a government shutdown looms, impacting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users in Missouri.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, Second Harvest Community Food Bank at 915 Douglas Street, St. Joseph, MO, will hold its Registration Day event.

“I think we’re going to see a lot more people turning up to the Turkey Day registration. We’ve been receiving a lot more phone calls and a lot more people walking to our doors asking for assistance,” said Mackenzie Bally, Second Harvest’s marketing manager.

Applicants may only register one household this year and must have their ID or orange Second Harvest card. If the spots fill up before the 6 p.m. deadline, Registration Day will end.

Applicants will also be given information on the time and date of the distribution day, which is planned to take place the week before Thanksgiving.

The Food Bank is seeking volunteers for its Distribution Day to hand out turkeys and food packages filled with Thanksgiving sides.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — More than a year after the departure of Big Lots in St. Joseph, plans are in motion to bring a popular new discount store to the Belt Highway.

Renovations are currently underway at the former Big Lots building at 1417 N. Belt Highway in preparation for a new Ollie’s Bargain Discount store. A large poster now hangs on the property informing residents of the upcoming business.

The company confirmed on Thursday the plan is to open in mid-February 2026, barring construction delays.

The move comes after city officials gave the green light in October for a building permit to kickstart renovations, which have now shifted inside following weeks of exterior repairs.

With more than 640 stores, Ollie’s is one of the largest discount retailers in the U.S. stocking the shelves with everything from clothing and books to cleaning products, electronics, lawn/garden items and more.

Opened in 1982, Ollie’s is also one of the fastest growing discount chains. The store recently announced it would be opening nine new U.S. locations in October — many in former Big Lots stores — including new stores in Washington, Missouri and Springfield, Missouri.

According to reporting from USA Today, Ollie’s acquired more than 40 Big Lots stores last year via auction after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The store will be located at the Northgate Shopping Center on the North Belt Highway, next to Hobby Lobby and Dollar General. Ollie’s currently operates two stores in the Kansas City area.

A timeline for completion has yet to be confirmed.

Bargain hunters line up at Ollie’s to participate in a celebration during an event in August in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

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News-Press NOW

By: Rusty Summers

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — As property tax statements hit the mail, taxpayers are noticing mistakes with their bills.

Buchanan County’s tax collector, Peggy Campbell, said one common mistake could be if a property owner owes the city money for maintenance.

In this case, the amount may have been left off the bill.

“The actual error is that the special assessments from the city were left off the tax statements, that affects about 430-some accounts; they are being worked on right now to get corrected,” Campbell said. “That’s their weed bills and their trash bills that they turned over to us to collect for them.”

Campbell said that although 92% of taxpayers pay by the end of the year, statements are also showing errors associated with late payments.

“Some statements are not showing the interest and penalties for paying after the December 31st deadline,” said Campbell.

Campbell said certain areas of Northwest Missouri may see errors.

“We tried to pull as many as we could,” Campbell said. “The ones that got out were the little towns in Buchanan County, Faucet, Agency, Gower, DeKalb, Rushville. They did not get the reprint yet.”

Another big question on taxpayers’ minds is the application of the Senior Tax Credit. 

“Some people have questioned the Senior Tax Credit because the school district inside the city limits has gone up rather than stay the same as last year,” Campbell said. “Investigating that has been… I have found that the change is based on prior bond indebtedness.”

Campbell alluded to constitutional rules associated with tax payments and bond indebtedness. She also highlights how the Missouri State Auditor’s Office plays a big part in the tax calculation process. 

“(The) Missouri Constitution says, I cannot affect bond indebtedness or the taxes that are being paid. If you owe money, I can’t go in to tell somebody, ‘Well, I’m going to pay.’ I’m going to take less than that for your payment. That’s set by the state auditor’s office. That’s not set by here, and in all the calculations on the taxes are done before it gets to me.”

For questions about tax statements, taxpayers are encouraged to call the Buchanan County Collector’s office at 816-271-1401.

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By: Zac Scott

MARYVILLE, Mo. (KQTV) — The Mosaic Medical Center- Maryville announced the groundbreaking of its new women’s clinic.

The Mosaic Medical Center is taking its next steps towards expanding access to women’s health care by providing services like preventive care, obstetrics, gynecology and wellness support.

Mosaic said the clinic will serve as a cornerstone of accessible, high-quality care tailored to women in Northwest Missouri.

“This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of construction; it’s a symbol of our commitment to the women of northwest Missouri,” said Scott Koelliker, president of Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville. “Thanks to the generosity of our community and the vision of Mosaic, we’re creating a space where women can receive the care they deserve.”

The groundbreaking will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the administration hallway of the Maryville Mosaic Medical Center.

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Leah Rainwater

ROLLA, Mo. (KQTV) — A Rolla, Missouri, man pleaded guilty to livestock theft and has been connected to other rural crimes in Missouri counties, including Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announced criminal charges against 39-year-old Melvin J. Fincher.

Fincher has pending charges in Phelps, Dent, Polk and Nodaway Counties and was arrested on Oct. 24, 2025, after an investigation conducted by DDCC’s Rural Crimes Investigation Unit (RCIU) with the assistance of area law enforcement.

In July 2024, DDCC became aware of suspicious activity involving the sale of livestock and farm equipment in Phelps County.

During the investigation, RCIU investigators were informed by Texas authorities of a cattle theft investigation involving 42 head of cattle from a livestock market in Texas. The theft occurred between Aug. 10 and Aug. 11, 2024, with the cattle valued at over $71,000.

After further investigation, it was determined the cattle were received by Fisher, a resident of Phelps County.

Investigators searched Fincher’s property and found livestock tags located in the livestock pens on the premises. Identification numbers indicated on the tags were issued to the livestock market in Texas, where the cattle were originally stolen.

On Dec. 2, 2024, Fincher was formally charged by the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney with one count of Stealing Livestock/Wildlife- Prior Offense. Fincher later pleaded guilty to this charge.

On Oct. 27, 2025, Fincher was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration with the Missouri Department of Corrections. The sentence was suspended in execution of a sentence, and Fincher is currently serving five years of supervised probation.

Fincher is also facing numerous charges in Dent, Polk and Nodaway Counties for other related criminal offenses, including identity theft, livestock theft, and farm equipment theft. The total value of damages involving these cases exceeds $219,000.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With winter fast approaching, customers of investor-owned utilities in Missouri will now be afforded a longer window to avoid utility disconnections when facing frigid temperatures.

The Missouri Public Service Commission recently announced that an expanded version of the Missouri Cold Weather Rule would take effect beginning Nov. 1, 2025 and last until March 31, 2026.

The rule prohibits investor-owned utilities like Evergy or Spire from disconnecting heat-related service for failed payment when temperatures are predicted to drop below 32 degrees, a safety net for many residents.

New rules now prohibit the disconnection of heat-based utilities anytime temperatures are predicted to fall below 32 degrees within the following 72-hour period, tripling the previous requirement of 24 hours. The changes are a result of Senate Bill No. 4, which was signed by Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe in April.

“The longer period (of time) had been discussed by those in the community for some number of years,” said Forrest Gossett, communications director with the Missouri Public Service Commission. “The cold weather rule itself was a rule that passed by the full service commission in 1977. It’s not just a rule, it’s a part of the law that’s being extended.”

Given the nature of weather forecasting, the odds of temperatures changing in that period of time are more likely. Depending on certain factors, temperatures could change from 5 or 10 degrees.

“Having a longer time frame to make a forecast will make the confidence in it go down,” KQ2 Meteorologist Jared Shelton said. “From 24 hours to 48 hours and all the way out to 72 hours, the longer timeframe is, more difficult to forecast that, but it also depends on the situation. We have some situations where it’s going to be below freezing from the next several days out and we might be super confident.”

Gossett also detailed that the main criteria for prohibiting disconnections is if the temperatures will be below 32 degrees within the time period, not if it changes.

“It’s based on the (72-hour) forecast, not the change in the forecast,” Gossett said. “I know that sometimes the forecast can go up or down a little bit. But it’s determined on what is forecasted for the area you live in.”

Under the new rules, customers can request the reconnection of service for less than the full amount owed in certain situations. The rule does not allow customers to bypass non-payment of utility payments entirely.

Additional revisions include:

More lenient payment terms, permitting reconnection of service for natural gas and electric customers.

Customers must be notified by mail 10 days before the date the utility intends to shut off service, with an attempt to contact needing to be within 96 hours before the shut off, right before the shut off and a physical notice of the service being shut off.

Requires customers be notified of possible financial help in paying the utility bill.

Senate Bill No. 4 also includes changes to hot-weather rules in the summertime. The rule forbids disconnections between June 1 and Sept. 30 between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. if the National Weather Service local forecast predicts temperatures above 95 degrees for the following 72 hours, instead of 24 as currently provided.

Those with questions are asked to contact the utility consumer hotline at 800-392-4211.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Northwest Missouri Labor Council has elected a new leadership team with a focus of rebuilding worker power and strengthening the voice of organized labor across the region.

Zack Dunn has been named the president and Daniel Robinson has been named the vice president.

The Northwest Missouri Labor Council, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, represents union members across 11 counties.

The Council brings together labor unions, trade organizations and community allies who collectively aim to advocate for fair wages, strong benefits and the dignity of work.

The leadership transition comes after the loss of Mike Veale, who served as president for the last 11 years.

“Mike was a courageous leader who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with members of the community. He never hesitated to jump in and offer his help whenever the need arose. Mike was a kind man and a strong leader,” said Jake Hummel, president of the Missouri AFL-CIO. “Mike has left big shoes to fill and I’m confident Zack’s leadership will carry that commitment forward.”

Dunn, the newly elected president, currently serves as the Government Affairs Director for the Missouri and Kansas Laborers District Council of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA).

Dunn is a Savannah, Missouri native, his career began as a Regional Field Director during Missouri’s historic campaign to defeat “right-to-work” legislation.

According to a press release, under Dunn’s leadership, Northwest Missouri became a model for labor mobilization by organizing 200 volunteers who knocked on over 15,000 doors and delivered victories in 16 of 17 counties on Election Day.

“This is about rebuilding strength from the ground up,” said Dunn. “Northwest Missouri has always had a proud union history. From the men and women who built our roads, bridges, and schools to the workers who keep our communities running today. We’re going to honor that legacy by building an organization that fights for all working people, union and non-union alike.”

Robinson, the newly elected vice president and resident of Faucett, Missouri, has been a proud member of the international Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 30 years.

After completing his five-year apprenticeship, Robinson worked as a journeyman electrician before serving three years on his local executive board and was later elected Business Manager of the IBEW Local 549 in 2019.

“Rebuilding the labor movement will help raise wages and benefits for all workers, reduce economic inequality, and improve workplace stability,” said Robinson. “This country was built on the backs of working men and women, and it’s up to us to make sure that legacy continues. The working class deserves every ounce of support we can give.”

The Labor Council’s new leadership said it aims to reestablish itself as a driving force for progress by connecting labor unions, local leaders and communities through its shared mission of strengthening the region by empowering its workers.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The courage and patriotism of those who served in the armed forces will be honored once again through the streets of St. Joseph.

Officials with the city and the Joint Veterans Committee of Greater St. Joseph announced the Veterans Day Parade will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 in St. Joseph. Parade formation is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m.

The 2025 parade route will begin at 22nd and Frederick streets before making its way down to City Hall, a slight change from last year’s route.

The parade will include units from JROTC and school bands from Central, Lafayette and Benton high schools.

A variety of different floats and vehicles will be featured with VFW units from the American Legion and Marine Corps League, as well as additional area veterans and law enforcement agencies.

Just as important, the parade also offers an opportunity to highlight or connect local veterans with support services or other benefits offered through local posts or organizations.

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day in 1919 to mark the end of World War I. The day was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to honor veterans of all wars.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Hot and fresh food is back once again at the Buchanan County Courthouse.

Chaddy’s Food Truck has officially transitioned from a food truck to a cafe, opening up shop on Monday for the many travelers and regulars who visit the courthouse.

“It’s finally here and it’s fantastic,” owner Chad Watson said. “We’ve had a lot of good feedback in the last two days. And we are looking forward to serving people at the courthouse.”

Watson said they had roughly 60 customers file in on the first day to try their signature comfort food, and many were left impressed. Popular menu items include smash burgers, chicken tenders, Philly cheesesteaks and other sandwiches like BLT’s and Reubens.

In making the move from food truck to cafe, one aspect Watson emphasized was reduced costs of having the physical space versus the automobile, which allows for lower menu prices.

“There’s lots and lots of costs (with a food truck). That’s why my menu pricing has dropped quite a bit,” Watson said. “We’re here to make money of course, but we have to be fair and we have to be honest with our customers.”

Previously a food truck in Northwest Missouri for the last year and a half, Chaddy’s quickly grew to become a fixture at local events and festivals in Northwest Missouri, Kansas City and St. Joseph, operating primarily out of the Deluxe Truck Stop on Packers Avenue until making the move Downtown.

As they continue to get settled, Watson — a longtime veteran of the food industry — hopes to start having fun events and ways for customers to get involved such as meal of the day suggestions and free meals on customers birthdays.

“When people come in, they can put their name in a basket up front,” Watson said. “Every Friday we’re going to pull the name of the basket. And whatever special meal they want is what we will try to prepare. We’re also going to do birthdays. If it’s your birthday, I’m going to buy you lunch. I think that’s birthdays are special and I want to make everybody’s birthday a special occasion.”

Chaddy’s is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located in the basement level of the courthouse.

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News-Press NOW

By: Chris Roush

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Benton Cardinals have found their new girls basketball coach. 

KQ2 confirmed with the St. Joseph School District Tuesday afternoon that Rebecca Bailey has been named the new head coach. 

Bailey has served as the Cardinals’ assistant coach and was going to be the assistant coach again this season before the departure of Ross Barelli last month. 

District officials said that they could not comment on Barelli’s departure due to it being a personnel issue. 

The Cardinals finished second in Class 4 last season with a 27-4 record.

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