Author: News-Press NOW

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — “For every meal that a food bank serves, SNAP serves nine meals,” CEO of Second Harvest Community Food Bank Chad Higdon said.

After two judges ordered the Trump administration to use contingency funds for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments Friday, local food banks are rejoicing in the fact that individuals can now be provided food assistance during November.

An estimated one in eight St. Joseph residents relies on SNAP, which helps low-income families purchase food.

With the Government still shut down, SNAP users were worried about a lack of access to benefits, leaving individuals to rely on food pantries and other resources.

Higdon made mention that families were preparing for the worst.

“The phone has been ringing nonstop, and that ranges from families who have utilized our services in the past, some haven’t,” Higdon said. “Really just seeing what can be done as everybody kind of anticipates higher demand and more individuals seeking out food resources.”

One local pantry manager at Patee Park Baptist Church Pantry, Cheryl Meeks, said they saw a lot of upset and concerned individuals.

“(The goal) To be able to survive and get through it and feed everybody that’s coming in,” Meeks said. “It may not be the same as what they always get, but I believe we’ll have enough to go around.”

Meeks added that food delivered from places like Chick-fil-A, Red Lobster and Natural Grocers was a huge help.

Higdon said he’s seen a “tremendous call to action” from groups looking to help bring in more food for pantries as well as volunteers stepping up.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced Wednesday an “order of $5 million distribution to Missouri food banks using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding.”

“Whether it’s a government shutdown, it’s a national pandemic, natural disaster… That’s why our network exists,” Higdon said. “It just helps families where we are.”

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Northwest Health Services invites the St. Joseph community to its mobile flu shot clinic.

The clinic will be hosted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Open Door Food Pantry, located at 615 S. 8th St.

Support staff will be available to meet with community members privately and will also be available to help with social services needs.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Mitzi Teliczan at mitziteliczan@nwhealth-services.org.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Hallows Eve Festival took place at the Good Times Event Center, inviting trick or treaters to see a haunted house, trunk or treat stands and Halloween games.

The event also gave back to the community, with admission for the event for adults being free if they donated baby formula, while kids got in free if a hygiene product was donated.

“My goal, like l’ve always said, is to help out the community and give them something fun and safe to do,” Event Coordinator Cheyenne Tuttle said. “The fact that I get to see kids with smiles on their face just makes it all worthwhile.” 

Anyone who donated will be also be entered into a raffle with winners announced at the end of the night.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — On Friday evening, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s office conducted sex offender compliance checks on Halloween.

Two officers were split up into 16 groups to check the city and county.

According to Missouri Law, sex offenders must stay at his or her residence between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or medical emergencies.

The law also states to avoid all Halloween-related contact with children, leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5 p.m. and any person required to register as a sexual offender under sections 589.400 to 589.425 who violates the provisions will be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Before heading out on patrol, the officers had a meal and a quick briefing going over the protocols they need to follow during the checks.

Each group was assigned a route and given a list of all the offenders in the area. The officers went to each offender home asking for their ID and made sure they were following the law.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett said the sex offender checks are important because the law is very specific.

“The sheriff’s office always wants to make sure that we’re providing the best service to our community and making sure that we’re keeping everybody as safe as we can keep them,” he said.

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s office checked over 300 homes on Friday evening.

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Associated Press

By MICHAEL CASEY, GEOFF MULVIHILL and KIMBERLEE KRUESI – Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) — Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must to continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown.

The rulings came a day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program because it said it could no longer keep funding it due to the shutdown.

The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nation’s social safety net. Word in October that it would be a Nov. 1 casualty of the shutdown sent states, food banks and SNAP recipients scrambling to figure out how to secure food. Some states said they would spend their own funds to keep versions of the program going.

The program costs around $8 billion per month nationally.

Democratic state attorneys general or governors from 25 states, as well as the District of Columbia, challenged the plan to pause the program, contending that the administration has a legal obligation to keep it running in their jurisdictions.

The administration said it wasn’t allowed to use a contingency fund with about $5 billion in it for the program, which reversed a USDA plan from before the shutdown that said money would be tapped to keep SNAP running. The Democratic officials argued that not only could that money be used, it must be. They also said a separate fund with around $23 billion is available for the cause.

A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled from a bench that the program must be funded using at least the contingency funds – and asked for an update on progress by Monday.

A Massachusetts-based judge also gave the administration until Monday to say whether it would partially pay for the benefits for November with contingency money or fund them fully with additional funds

It wasn’t immediately clear how quickly the debit cards that beneficiaries use to buy groceries could be reloaded after the ruling. That process often takes one to two weeks.

The rulings are likely to face appeals.

In a hearing in Boston Thursday on a legal challenge filed by the Democratic officials from 25 states, one federal judge seemed skeptical of the administration’s argument that SNAP benefits could be halted.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani told lawyers that if the government can’t afford to cover the cost, there’s a process to follow rather than simply suspending all benefits. “The steps involve finding an equitable way of reducing benefits,” said Talwani, who was nominated to the court by former President Barack Obama.

Talwani seemed to be leaning toward requiring the government to put billions of dollars in emergency funds toward SNAP. That, she said, is her interpretation of what Congress intended when an agency’s funding runs out.

“If you don’t have money, you tighten your belt,” she said in court. “You are not going to make everyone drop dead because it’s a political game someplace.”

Government lawyers say a contingency fund containing some $5 billion cannot legally be used to maintain SNAP, a program that costs about $8 billion a month. The states say it must be used for that purpose and point to more money available in a second federal account with around $23 billion.

Talwani said her ruling would apply nationwide, not just in the states that are part of the challenge. That could defy the intentions of the U.S. Supreme Court, which has limited the use of nationwide injunctions, though it hasn’t prohibited them.

Meanwhile, states, food banks and recipients have been bracing for an abrupt shift in how low-income people can get groceries.

The majority of states have announced more or expedited funding for food banks or novel ways to load at least some benefits onto the debit cards used in the program.

Advocates and beneficiaries say halting the food aid would force people to choose between buying groceries and paying other bills.

At a Washington news conference Friday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, whose department runs SNAP, said the contingency funds in question would not cover the cost of SNAP for long. Speaking at a press conference with House Speaker Mike Johnson at the Capitol, she blamed Democrats for conducting a “disgusting dereliction of duty” by refusing to end their Senate filibuster as they hold out for an extension of health care funds.

A push this week to continue SNAP funding during the shutdown failed in Congress.

To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a family of four’s net income after certain expenses can’t exceed the federal poverty line, which is about $31,000 per year. Last year, SNAP provided assistance to 41 million people, nearly two-thirds of whom were families with children, according to the lawsuit.

Mulvihill reported from Haddonfield, New Jersey; and Kruesi from Providence, Rhode Island. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington, D.C., contributed.

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Payton Counts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Come Sunday, Nov. 2, clocks will fall back an hour, bringing daylight saving time to a close.

For example, when the clock goes to strike 2 a.m. on Sunday, it will actually fall back to 1 a.m., which means you’ll gain an extra hour of sleep, and mornings will be brighter.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the sun will rise at 7:48 a.m. By Sunday, it will rise at 6:49 a.m.

However, sunsets will come earlier, with the sun setting around 5:15 p.m.

Daylight saving time began with the passage of the Standard Time Act, the first U.S. law to establish standard time zones and institute daylight saving time. The act was designed to conserve fuel and provide uniform timekeeping across the country during World War I.

In 1966, the Uniform Time Act established a consistent daylight saving schedule nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which oversees time zones. Under that act, states that observe daylight saving time must follow federally mandated start and end dates.

Debate continues over whether to end the biannual clock changes. The Sunshine Protection Act, introduced in January 2025, proposes making daylight saving time permanent, but the legislation has not yet been brought to a vote.

Some people have mixed opinions about the end of daylight saving time because it means less sunlight and darker evenings.

Peggy Wheeler, a St. Joseph resident, stated, “I like this daylight saving time because as an older person, I really enjoy the extra hours in the evenings with less daylight.”

The time change can also affect the body, especially for children. Experts recommend that parents and caregivers begin adjusting sleep schedules a few days in advance to help kids acclimate.

“Seasonal depression” is a term often discussed on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

The Mayo Clinic identifies seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as a type of depression related to seasonal changes.

SAD typically begins and ends around the same time each year. For some people, symptoms start in the fall and continue through the winter months, often causing fatigue, mood changes, low energy, weight gain and changes in appetite.

People with bipolar disorder are also at increased risk of developing seasonal affective disorder. For some, episodes of mania may be linked to specific times of the year.

Tausha Taylor, a therapist with Tailored Counseling, defined SAD further.

“It’s really, you know, a mood that interferes with maybe your social life, getting your home chores done, homework, or maybe interferes with your relationships with other people,” said Taylor.

People can manage seasonal affective disorder include exercising, developing new hobbies, using a sun lamp and maintaining a consistent sleep routine.

Although Daylight saving time brings an extra hour of sleep, it’s also a good time to reset, both physically and mentally, for the darker and colder days ahead.

On Saturday night, don’t forget to change your clocks, so you’re not running behind on Sunday morning.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The community is invited to line the route and support local Girl Scouts during a community-service parade.

The parade will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 2500 Southwest Parkway. Participants will collect donations for people and animals in need.

Organizers encourage the public to bring travel-size hygiene items such as shampoos, conditioners, soaps, toothbrushes and women’s hygiene products.

Other requested donations include hand warmers, cotton swabs, Band-Aids, stocking caps, gloves and non-perishable foods. Supplies for the animal shelter, including toys, food and non-clumping litter, are also needed. Donations may be dropped off during the event.

“Girl Scouts helps a lot with putting yourself out there,” said Malaney Deckard, Girl Scout of 13 years, “I just really would love for the community to all come together and help out these organizations so that everyone can get the supplies that they need to survive.”

Courtesy of YWCA

This is the sixth year Girl Scouts Troop 5026 has planned the parade. They’ve invited local organizations and will spend their Saturday volunteering to support the community.

The effort is meant to highlight service, kindness, and the importance of youth leadership.

“I’ve definitely learned a lot through Girl Scouts,” said Kaitlyn Moranville, Girl Scout for 9 years, “Like how to communicate with those who are different, whether it’s age, race, gender, whatever.”

The Girl Scouts encourage dropping off donations the day of the event, but also year-round, as these organizations always need help. If unable to help with donations, the community can always volunteer their time.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced its driver examination stations will be closed twice in November in observance of holidays.

The closings will be statewide and will be on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans’ Day and on Thursday, Nov. 27, in observance of Thanksgiving.

For more information and updates on MSHP news and initiatives, visit @MSHPTrooperGHQ on X.

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Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A program started by the Missouri Department of Corrections in 2010 provides incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to work with rescue dogs.

The program also serves as a way to increase a dog’s likelihood of finding a home through adoption.

Selected residents at The Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph have the opportunity to work with dogs, thanks to a partnership with the Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS).

“So the program is all about second chances. You know, it gives residents the opportunity to learn skills that will benefit them in the future and help make them more, you know, productive citizens when they return to the community. And, you know, it gives our dogs opportunity to receive some training and be adopted,” said Jennifer Kline, a FOTAS volunteer

The shelter provides the correctional center with dogs who need training. There are 14 dogs enrolled in the program at all times. The Puppies for Parole program lasts up to 14 weeks, where the dogs are taught behavioral skills.

Now, a new batch of dogs is set to graduate from the program and will be up for adoption at a discounted price.

These puppies will be featured this weekend at a local mini-festival event, which is being put on by the St. Joseph Trail Alliance and the Friends of the Animal Shelter.

“We’ll be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and have puppies for parole dogs that are available for adoption there with us,” said Kline.

The River Bluff Trails mini Fest will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1st, at the River Bluff Trails Park, located at 4101 Huntoon Road.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A longtime staple in Downtown St. Joseph is undergoing changes

The Montee family, who runs Mokaska, informed employees of changes being made to the store, including the L-shaped counter at the front of the store being moved and a new pastry case.

The changes were met with strong resistance and requests from workers, according to the Montee family.

Employees expressed interest in having greater say in changes made to the store. Almost two weeks ago, former Mokaska employees shared through Facebook posts, they had been dismissed due to unsafe work conditions, such as crumbling walls, growing mold and dead gnats.

Courtesy of Tayo Williams via Facebook

Courtesy of Tayo Williams via Facebook

Courtesy of Tayo Williams via Facebook

Courtesy of Tayo Williams via Facebook

Courtesy of Camille Rene via Facebook

Courtesy of Camille Rene via Facebook

These concerns were noticed by the St. Joseph Health Department, which detailed what they investigate when allegations such as these are made.

“Sometimes we’re aware that a previous employee is the one reporting or complaining,” Assistant Health Director Kendra Bundy said. “Honestly, for us, if it’s something within our jurisdiction, we’ll definitely come out and take a look. It can be a matter of educating the vendor, or sometimes it’s just a check-in and having a conversation to look around. We’re going to take it seriously regardless of why we receive a complaint.” 

Public Health Records are submitted to News-Press NOW every month. The most recent record, including Mokaska, was from July of 2025, citing a noncritical violation that the “restroom door must be self-closing.”

According to owner Susan Montee, some of the instances posted on Facebook, like a hole in the front wiring, needed to be addressed. However, she also stressed that the company’s first priority is safety.

Montee referenced a 10-year history of cooperating with the health department and city zoning, while also adding that the social media situation was disappointing.

“It all really had been addressed and treated before this person put all those posts out there,” Montee said. “I understand when people are upset about the change in circumstances. I understand lashing. I think it’s a shame.” 

In reaching out to a Mokaska employee, they explained the motivation for making the posts came from multiple disagreements with a former worker and an owner.

“They had been butting heads for a while. Small arguments, big arguments, sometimes in front of customers,” Events Coordinator Zoie Reynolds said. “Camille would bring up things that she felt were unsafe, like a saw being on a table where we have open seating. Andi didn’t feel like that is something to urgently take care of or was a danger for customers or ourselves. A lot of factors leading up to the staff meeting that resulted in the Facebook posts to the whole city.” 

Montee said Mokaska is currently closed, with renovations and changes being made. They are expected to open again in November.

Employees, like Reynolds, wanted to make sure safety concerns were addressed. Not just for workers alike, but customers who come to Mokaska.

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