Author: News-Press NOW

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One of St. Joseph’s top employers and a global leader in battery production is engaging key cities and potential sites for development as it prepares to invest billions to advance energy manufacturing in the U.S.

Representatives with Clarios, the Chamber of Commerce and local media gathered for a meet and greet Thursday at the Chamber as an opportunity to strengthen ties with longstanding company cities and learn about its ambitious $6 billion U.S. energy manufacturing investment plan announced in March.

The long-term strategy is multifaceted — vastly expand the company’s footprint as a global leader and innovator in advanced battery production and other energy manufacturing, and strengthen the country’s manufacturing prowess and workforce.

“It’s almost a generational opportunity that we have here. There’s a combination of demand in the marketplace for advanced batteries that we produce and then this resurgence in U.S. manufacturing and bringing manufacturing back to the United States,” Clarios Chief Communications Officer Tom Downie told News-Press NOW.

The company has more than 900 employees in St. Joseph across its assembly plant and distribution center on Pear Street and Lower Lake Avenue, producing advanced batteries that are found in one out of every three cars worldwide.

Thursday’s meet and greet included discussions about the city and the key role its facilities play in Clarios’ domestic and global operation.

“St. Joe’s a huge part of it. St. Joe is one of our larger facilities and probably one of the top three sites in the U.S.,” Downie said. “That’s the key part of this … to better understand what their needs are and how we might be able to work together in the future.”

A vital component of Clarios’ investment plan includes a new state-of-the-art Manufacturing Technology & Training Center, designed as a hub for workforce development and the next generation of manufacturing research and development, including critical technologies like robotics, AI-augmented vision systems, autonomous material handling and manufacturing software.

Clarios views those technologies as key to improving its battery production network and energy storage capabilities for the years ahead.

“As vehicle technology advances, vehicles are becoming software dependent … those vehicles require more input from the low voltage network,” Downie said. “Part of the $6 billion, there’s $1 billion we’ve set aside to come up with new types of batteries to be able to serve those vehicles.”

The company is actively working to identify a location for the manufacturing and training facility and hopes to make a decision by the of the year.

Clarios is eyeing locations that may include public-private partnerships, incentives and existing workforce development initiatives, particularly in states where it has a presence today like St. Joseph.

The facility is one part of Clarios’ $6 billion plan, which includes a massive $1 billion critical minerals processing and recovery plant, which is likely to be located in either Indiana, Texas and Utah, the company’s first in the U.S.

“Keeping the battery components and the critical minerals that are in those batteries in the U.S. in our supply chain is very important,” he said.

The processing plant will utilize advanced technologies to extract antimony and other minerals from recycled materials for use in defense and military production, boosting the country’s supply of critical minerals and reducing its dependence on foreign sources.

Antimony is central to the production of advanced technologies like night vision goggles, infrared sensors, precision optics and even ammunition.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Fire Department received a Military Community Reinvestment Grant aimed at assisting communities that provide support to military programs and bases.

The $117,000 grant was awarded by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The grant funds, along with matching funding from the city, will be used to build a live fire training facility near Rosecrans Memorial Airport. The starter facility is expected to be complete by May 2026, according to a City of St. Joseph press release.

Firefighters with SJFD currently have to use other facilities for this type of training, which makes it difficult for all of them to earn the desired three hours of live fire training a year.

“The St. Joseph Fire Department, City of St Joseph as well as the 139th are very excited about this opportunity to build a live burn training facility here in St Joseph,” St. Joseph Fire Chief Ivan Klippenstein said. “This is a tool our fire departments have always been in need to have an accessible facility. We are not only excited about the opportunity to train, but to create relationships with old and new partners in the emergency services.”

SJFD is advocating for the future facility to be made the regional training facility that can be used by other area entities such as the 139th Airlift Wing and Missouri Western State University, according to a press release.

SJFD working with 139th Airlift Wing to develop new joint training facility

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The City of St. Joseph has shared its holiday hours in observance of Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 1.

City Office, the Recycling Center, Landfill and the REC Center will be closed.

The Remington Nature Center will be open during its normal hours.

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990 with the intent to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Now, in modern day, internet accessibility has become just as important as physical accessibility, meaning websites also need to, by law, accommodate the roughly 55 million Americans who qualify under the ADA.

In order for websites to become compliant, they need to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

“A lot of times what happens is, folks are not very well aware of what the issues on the websites are, how to fix those issues, how to test for those things, how to audit them,” Ecomback President Nayan Padrai said.

Ecomback is an “Expert website accessibility services” company that helps businesses ensure their websites are accessible to people with disabilities.

According to Ecomback, 132 websites nationwide were sued do to lacking ADA compliance. This number skyrocketed to a high of 4,334 lawsuits in 2022.

In 2024, the total number dipped down to 3,188, with 1,600 coming from New York. A trend Ecomback has followed is, 1,619 cases filed last year were from 35 plaintiffs, while the rest of the 1,569 cases were filed by 196 plaintiffs.

“A lot of times, a law firm mans this space for a number of years and then after they get a lot of heat, they move out of this space or they might lay low,” Padrai said. “Or an associate or former employee might start their own firm. But it’s typically the same players.”

Here in Missouri, one of the main plaintiffs in website ADA compliance lawsuits is Robert Glen Myers. Myers is a blind veteran and has been involved in over 90 cases since 2024, according to PACER.

In an emailed statement to News-Press NOW, Myers said, “I pursue this advocacy because blind Americans, especially fellow blind veterans, are being systematically excluded from today’s digital world. Every website we make accessible is one fewer barrier for someone trying to apply for a job, order dinner, access healthcare, or simply live with dignity.”

Myers is represented by Attorney Kevin Puckett of ADA Legal Team.

Puckett, when questioned on the number of cases he has been a part of, representing Myers, said in an emailed statement, “We are just attorneys and bring lawsuits when we are retained by a client to file same. We can confirm that our client’s intent is not to pursue volume for volume’s sake, but rather to enforce longstanding federal law, be an advocate for the blind community that is so drastically marginalized in digital spaces, and to always provide notice to businesses prior to filing suit. The volume of claims will directly correlate with the claims we are hired to pursue and the continued lack of compliance.”

These lawsuits in Missouri stretch from Kansas City, Mo., to St. Louis. Padrai said that when a small business gets sued, most of the time, they don’t have many options.

“When small businesses get hit with a lawsuit, they have two choices,” Padrai said. “Either figure out the quickest, simplest, cheapest way to solve the problem or go to court in a protracted legal case, which drains a lot of energy and resources, and people are intimidated by the process.”

News-Press NOW contacted over 20 businesses in Northwest Missouri and all denied an interview.  

Some of the businesses claimed they didn’t know if their website was in compliance with the ADA, and some even expressed the fear of being sued.

In court documents found on PACER, a nearby dairy farm, Shatto Milk Company, in Osborn, was sued.

According to the court documents, the suit was filed due to the “defendant’s failure to make defendant’s online platform compatible with screen access software, thereby denying blind individuals, including Myers, full and equal access to defendant’s products and services.”

This case would end in a settlement a few months after being filed. The settlement is unknown for this specific case. Padrai said settlements can range from $2,500 to $25,000 or even more.

Puckett said all businesses are notified they are being sued ahead of time.

“Every company we’ve pursued on behalf of our clients were and always are given prior written notice and a meaningful opportunity to remediate its website before any lawsuit is/was filed,” Puckett said in an email statement.

Adjacent to Missouri, Kansas adjusted its legislation to combat “abusive litigation” in ADA lawsuits. Missouri has no such law. To Puckett, this change is “Unconstitutional.”

“Kansas’s statute is entirely unconstitutional and likely violates the anti-retaliation laws of the ADA, as they have a substantial chilling effect on disabled individuals attempting to assert their civil rights. Such laws weaken enforcement (contrary to Congress’s intent) and harm disabled citizens, all while contradicting the ADA’s core purpose,” Puckett said.

Padrai believes it is a great model for states to follow. If a business is concerned about its website and would like to have it audited, Ecomback offers a free audit.

“I believe that until accessibility is the norm rather than the exception and companies comply voluntarily, litigation will be a necessary component of our various clients’ enforcement efforts,” Puckett said.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A shooter opened fire on a Minneapolis church window, killing two children and injuring 17 others. Now, the local Catholic community is sharing its thoughts and condolences with those involved.

The shooter was identified as a 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene after firing through the windows of the Annunciation Church.

According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, in 2025, there were 148 school shootings nationwide.

“Any time I hear about school shootings, it’s just heartbreaking,” said Karen Kroh, the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. “The fact that this occurred during the first back-to-school mass for the school year at Annunciation was devastating.”

In a statement to Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Pope Leo XIV expressed his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child.”

As a “pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus,” Pope Leo imparted his Apostolic Blessing upon “the Annunciation Catholic School Community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area.”

Father Steve Hansen, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, said his secretary informed him of the shooting yesterday.

“You know, that while children are praying at Mass, actually singing the songs of King David, that this would happen. A great sadness overcame,” he said

Hansen expressed how all the pastors and schools agreed to pray yesterday for Annunciation. He said the whole world will be praying about this tragedy.

“I assure you that all of the churches in town and throughout the probably the country, if not the world, will be praying,” said Father Hansen.

Hansen had a few words for the families in Minneapolis that have been affected by the shooting,

“I say to our parents and to our grandparents and to all of our adults to really watch off, watch over our young people who are having difficulties and never be afraid to intervene and to ask others for help on how to help a young person who could be troubled,” he said. “That’s a good thing for all of us to be aware of, myself included, just to be reminded of our important role and looking after those who are struggling.”

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — It’s back to the drawing board for the city of St. Joseph after a planned agreement with one KC-based airport operator was suddenly withdrawn following claims by a local businessman of an improper selection process by city officials.

Apex Aero Center, a leading Midwest airport operator, was previously in line to become the next fixed base operator at Rosecrans Memorial Airport after an agreement for first reading was introduced at the Aug. 18 City Council meeting.

A city spokesperson and ACC confirmed separately to News-Press NOW that the agreement is now off after the company rescinded its proposal. The company declined to provide a specific reason as to why the decision was made.

Now, the bid award process remains open with the other vendors who submitted proposals. Councilmembers will decide at the next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, how to proceed.

“The city appreciates the outstanding effort put forward by Apex throughout this process,” a city spokesperson said.

The development comes after local businessman and FBO bidder Steve Craig accused the city of improperly selecting Apex during the last council meeting despite reports that the operator did not receive the highest evaluation among multiple proposals submitted, allegedly on multiple rounds of voting.

Craig’s group — which includes local partner Gary Patterson, president of Express Flight, LLC — was one of two local bidders who submitted plans to become the next FBO.

FBOs are organizations or companies granted the right to operate at an airport and provide a broad range of general aviation services for private and recreational flying, including refueling and maintenance services.

At the Aug. 18 meeting, councilmembers opted not to take up Craig’s request for an independent commission to examine the proposals, including a request to table the measure.

According to city documents, Apex was initially selected as the awardee after receiving the highest overall score in the evaluation process, consistently ranking at or near the top in qualifications, operational ability and preparedness.

The document indicates that the city’s Purchasing Department utilized a panel of outside aviation professionals to conduct an independent evaluation of the proposals. The panel included Melissa Cooper, A.A.E., Aviation Director for the City of Kansas City, Missouri; Dave Schaumburg, A.A.E., Springfield-Branson National Airport; and Joe Peska, Aviation Consultant, Woolpert.

“Collectively, these evaluators brought decades of leadership in airport management, commercial development, and aviation infrastructure, ensuring an impartial and industry-informed selection process,” the document reads.

Evaluators highlighted Apex’s proven success operating multiple FBOs in the Midwest, its readiness to begin operations at Rosecrans Memorial Airport without delay and its well-defined operational plan. Apex had also committed to making significant financial investments at Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Labor Day weekend is approaching, and many families will be visiting their local rivers and lakes for some recreational activities.

Although the weekend before Labor Day is a time for families to have fun, it is also important to stay safe on the water this weekend.

Having the proper equipment on your water vessel is imperative for keeping yourself and others safe.

The number one thing to always have on the water is life jackets.

Sgt. Shane Hux, the public information education officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said life jackets are vital.

“Make sure you have enough lifejackets for everybody on board of your vessel. And make sure those kiddos wear them at all times, even when they’re on the vessel,” said Sgt. Hux.

Boat driving etiquette is also very important, not just for you, but also for others. 

According to Hux, there were four boating crashes statewide during the 2024 Labor Day weekend, resulting in two fatalities. 

If you need help on the water or notice anything illegal, *55 on your cell phone will get you in contact with your nearest troop headquarters. 

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Starting Thursday, Missouri residents will no longer pay sales tax on essential hygiene items like period products, diapers and incontinence supplies, following the enactment of a new state law signed by Governor Mike Kehoe in July.

“I think this is going to be great for Missouri families. If you have a baby or toddler, diapers can be expensive. This is going to let them keep more in their pocketbook,” said Trish Vincent, the director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The change reclassified these products from “luxury” items to necessities. This change cuts the tax rate from 4.225% on luxury goods to the 1.225% tax rate on necessities. 

“I think that it’s good they did away with the taxes because it’s not a luxury item for women to have to go through their menstrual period every month,” said Allen Gregory Jennings, citizen of St. Joseph, “That’s no luxury, that’s painful, and babies need diapers because they need to be changed.”

Missouri now joins 22 other states in exempting these basic health products from sales tax.

Governor Kehoe said in a July press release, “…We are protecting the people who make Missouri work- families, job creators, and small business owners- by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates.”

“It’s a good thing for individuals with kids and without,” said St. Joseph resident Chris Robertson. “I wish it was that way when I had my kids and they were that age.”

The Missouri Department of Revenue’s website provides a full list of what items are exempt under the new law.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The City of St. Joseph Health Department held an International Overdose Awareness Day event to recognize loved ones lost to overdose.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the highest overdose death rate in Missouri within the past four years was in 2022, with 2,180 overdose-related deaths. That number decreased to 1,948 deaths in 2023, according to the most recent report.

“We attribute that to naloxone being readily available through the health department,” Health Educator Stephanie Malita said. “Along with other agencies here in town, (like) the treatment and recovery centers, the libraries, the City of St. Joseph, and the Health Department. We all have naloxone available for people to take.”

The event started with an International Overdose Awareness Day Proclamation and closed with a prayer and a circle of light to honor loved ones who were lost to overdose.

The event also featured an Open Mic for attendees to remember their loved ones and to share hope and inspiration that recovery is possible.

Educational booths, memorial rock painting, free International Overdose Awareness merchandise, Naloxone and tuition assistance in pursuing a career as a Certified Peer Specialist were also part of the celebration.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  The St. Joseph School District has just wrapped up sidewalk improvement projects, which kicked off back in the fall of 2024. 

Elementary schools like Pickett and Parkway, as well as Spring Garden Middle School, were on the list for the much-needed upgrades

SJSD officials said the work is expected to be complete in about three weeks.

In the meantime, the sidewalks are still open and safe for the public to use.  

“The sidewalk projects are 95 percent completed. There’s some small dirt work, grass things like that are left to be finished,” said Casey Housman, SJSD’s director of operations.  

Housman explained that the upgrades were necessary not only to make school areas more accessible, but also to build on improvements made last year. 

The project was funded through the 2022 no-tax-increase bond, which is also covering other upgrades across the district. For example, the Oak Grove site circulation plan is underway, creating an access road that loops around the entire building.  

“We have three turf football fields that are close to completion. Central just started with the installation of the shock pad, so hopefully we will have some turf down there in the next coming week,” Housman said.  

Fine arts facilities are also getting attention. Updates are planned for auditorium lighting, stage painting and sound systems at 24 schools. Middle schools will even see brand-new stages installed.  

“People are very happy, they think it’s a nice, safe spot to go because it’s new and not uneven,” Housman said.  

Housman also said more improvements are expected throughout the rest of the school year.  

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