Author: News-Press NOW

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Board of Education met Monday night, following a public hearing to decide its reorganization plan.

One of the big topics of discussion — the district’s Continuous School Improvement Plan. The board said it’s setting ambitious new goals — aiming to boost reading proficiency from 39% to 85% and cut chronic absenteeism in half, from 20% to 10%. 

“Absenteeism has been a major issue since COVID and just getting into the groove things again has always been a struggle,” Board President LaTonya Williams said. 

She pointed out, it’s been an ongoing challenge — especially for immigrant families — since education rules can be very different from those in the U.S.  

Board members also talked about some facility updates, including removing the cupola from the roof at Lindbergh Elementary while the school gets a new roof. The cupola, which was originally designed to help circulate fresh air through the building, will be retired as part of the project. 

“A lot of times, as the contractors are looking to make a repair as you open up things, you come across other issues, and it was an issue on a roof that needed immediate attention,” Williams said.  

The board approved the item after Williams stressed it was an urgent matter — saying they didn’t want any schools left unprotected.  

Another item on the agenda — written changes to the student dress code policy.

The Missouri School Boards’ Association is recommending that districts either adopt a full dress code or include one directly in their policy manual. 

Williams said most of these policies come from a state committee and are designed to clarify the language and make them more inclusive.  

“What I think is appropriate may not be what you think is important or like another individual, so you need like a baseline standard in which the guidelines are in a table and everyone feels equal,” Williams said.

According to district policy JFCA, the goal is to make sure schools maintain a safe, healthy learning environment — and one that minimizes classroom disruptions.  

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — City officials announced during Tuesday’s City Council meeting that they will explore options to help impacted residents if funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program freezes due to the government shutdown.

The ongoing shutdown has put millions of Americans at risk of losing SNAP benefits if funding for the program halts on Nov. 1. The program provides food and nutrition benefits to nearly 42 million people in the U.S, including thousands of St. Joseph residents.

In light of the situation, councilmembers verbally agreed to a proposal Tuesday allowing city staff to explore the viability of a plan to make funds available for impacted residents, specifically working residents.

“It’s got to be people that are just trying to get by and need a little bit of help. Maybe we work with United Way,” St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale said. “How do we help the people that are in need right now so that they can continue and not have that worry?”

The city hopes to make a follow-up announcement next week to inform residents about the status of financial assistance, if feasible.

Previous data indicate that 12,000 to 13,000 residents in St. Joseph could be significantly impacted by the loss of SNAP funding.

“That’s 1 in 8 is what they’re talking about. If you think about those people — no fault of their own — you know, not being able to make ends meet. If there’s something little we can do even to help, I think that makes a difference,” he said.

Josendale stressed that if implemented, the program would not be a simple handout of funds to any resident. The goal would be to coordinate with local organizations to help working residents who are impacted the most.

“With the idea that we use some reserved funds that we may have and be able to draw it down as needed,” he said.

New firefighter gear on the way for St. Joseph Fire Department

St. Joseph firefighters will see more than two dozen new sets of gear added to their inventory. 

City councilmembers unanimously approved a $101,954 contract Tuesday to purchase 23 new sets of firefighter gear for the St. Joseph Fire Department. 

The new gear, which includes helmets, jackets, pants and gloves, will be purchased from Globe Manufacturing Company, LLC, and used for the department’s turnout Gear Replacement Program.                                                   

The department currently consists of 51 firefighters, 33 drivers, 33 captains, three fire Inspectors, three Battalion Chiefs and five Fire Administration positions for a total of 128 personnel that require turnout gear. 

SJSD, MoDOT propose new South End school zone for City Council

Tuesday’s meeting saw Councilmembers amend the city’s code of ordinances to create a new school zone with a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit for Lake Contrary Early Learning Center along Route U.

“Route U is a very busy road and of course, the learning center is right there. So we received a formal request from MoDOT to install these flashing lights and make it a school zone,” St. Joseph Public Works Director Abe Forney said. 

As part of the project, which also includes coordination with the St. Joseph School District, the Missouri Department of Transportation will install a set of “School Speed Limit Flashers” and accompanying traffic signs to provide for the school zone. 

The new school zone will be 25 mph along Route U west of Collins Street to west of Diagonal Avenue from 7 to 7:45 a.m. and 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. on school days. This is being done to ensure the safety of students.

A timeline for the installation of the signs is unknown at this time. 

Elevator upgrades in store for Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center

Visitors to a popular senior center will see much-needed elevator improvements carried out following 

Tuesday’s council meeting saw the approval of a $239,955 contract for elevator upgrades at Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, part of a widespread facility improvement project.

The contract with MEI Total Elevator Solutions — along with a $35,000 donation from the Senior Citizen Foundation, Inc. — will be used to either replace or significantly upgrade the aging elevator, a structure that has experienced frequent maintenance issues of late. 

“There is growing concern that the elevator could soon become inoperable, potentially requiring a complete shutdown for safety or repair reasons,” an ordinance for the contract states. “Upgrading or replacing the elevator is a proactive and necessary step to prevent this disruption.”

Rosecrans to receive nearly $700,000 in grant funding

St. Joseph’s main airport runway will see widespread improvements with the help of grant funds approved on Tuesday. 

Councilmembers voted to authorize two grant agreements with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Rosecrans Memorial Airport apron reconstruction project, a pair of grants totalling $697,922. 

The project will see the reconstruction of Rosecrans’ general aviation apron and terminal apron, covering approximately 75,000 square yards. 

Construction crews will remove the existing pavement and install new concrete pavement sections to restore the area to current standards.

Other bills approved by City Council

Execution and submission of the Federal Transit Administration grant application to provide transit operating assistance in the amount of $2,088,082 for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25).

An ordinance authorizing the acceptance of payment from WoodSpring Suites for future professional service costs associated with the development of a new hotel at 3909 S. 40th Terrace for $5,215. 

Filing of a grant application with the Missouri Department of Public Safety Homeland Security Program Region H in the amount of $29,880 to be used for technical rescue training and overtime costs.

Filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Public Safety for the FY25 Emergency Management Performance grant in the amount of $45,662, with the city contributing matching funds in the amount of $45,662 for a total amount of $91,324 to provide funding that will sustain the current emergency manager position.

A resolution accepting a donation of four pieces of fitness equipment, valued at $20,168, to be used at the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, from the Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc.

Agreement with Advanced Cleaning Systems, Inc. in the amount of $36,400 for janitorial services at City Hall. 

Execution of a work order with Sprague Excavating Co., Inc., to repair the sludge line at the Water Protection Facility in the amount of $39,272.

Execution of change order with Auxier Construction Company in the amount of $24,000 for additional work for the City Hall limestone patio replacement project.

Nominations and appointments

Councilmember Madison Davis nominates Christy George to serve as a member of the Downtown Review Board for a term expiring Oct. 28, 2028; she is replacing Ron J. Olinger, whose term has expired.

Councilmember Madison Davis nominates Christopher Lanman to serve as a member of the Downtown Review Board for a term expiring Oct. 28, 2028; he is replacing Max Guenther, whose term has expired.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With trick-or-treaters heading door-to-door this Friday, local law enforcement warns what to look out for when going through Halloween candy.

The tradition of getting candy from strangers on any night other than Halloween would be considered a huge risk.

The risk still presents itself on the spook-tacular night; in 2019, a woman in New Jersey found a bag of what they believed was heroin after trunk-or-treating

A major concern now is fentanyl, which is being designed as bright and colorful to target the American youth.

Local law enforcement has urged Buchanan County residents to check their children’s candy bags due to uncertainties.

“The main thing is for parents to really be cautious and inspect all the candy. If there’s a package torn open or there’s any kind of defect, it’s better to just disregard that candy and move on,” said Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett.

Puett recommends parents reach out to local law enforcement if they find anything unusual inside their child’s candy bag, like spoof candy, also known as prank candy.

“Read the packages because a lot of them are what we would refer to as spoofed. They look very, very similar,” said Puett.

The counterfeit candies can look like your average candy, when in reality, your Smarties can actually be fentanyl.

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Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri Western State University and St. Joseph Catholic Academy announced a partnership, furthering the relationship between the college and the academy.

Students who graduate from Bishop LeBlond High School will now automatically be accepted into MoWest.

This will help students to bypass the majority of the college application process.

“This kind of partnership removes a lot of barriers and will give them some relief and ability to know they’re going somewhere great. They’re going to have a phenomenal education later. But they’re able to do it in an easier way,” said Natalie Newville, the president of St. Joseph Catholic Academy.

The goal of the partnership is to make higher education more accessible to graduates of Bishop LeBlond High School, helping to open a door to a bright future.

“Here’s a pathway for you that will lead to a better quality of life, that will lead to economic prosperity, that will lead to personal growth. What more could you want to give the younger generation than a future? And that’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Elizabeth Kennedy, MoWest’s president.

For more information on this new partnership between MoWest and St. Joseph Catholic Academy, visit www.missouriwestern.edu.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri Western State University’s Social Work Program will host and sponsor an annual Downtown tradition to raise awareness for St. Joseph’s homeless population.

The 14th Annual Walk for the Homeless will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in Downtown St. Joseph at 6th and Messanie Streets, next to the Downtown Health Center.

Check-in will begin at 4 p.m. The event is open to the public and it’s free to walk, but participants are encouraged to purchase an event t-shirt for $20. Proceeds will benefit the Downtown Health Center’s Homeless Fund.

MoWest students will receive $5 off per registration by entering the coupon code: GOGRIFFS.

Walkers will follow the migration path the homeless take through Downtown to access services designed to meet their basic needs.

All money collected will help the homeless population in the St. Joseph area with costs for birth certificates, IDs, job searches and miscellaneous needs.

Those interested in the event can visit www.stjwalkforthehomeless.org for more information and to register for the event. Volunteers are also welcome and donations can be made through the website.

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News-Press NOW

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A 26-year-old man was seriously injured after a single-vehicle crash involving a pedestrian in Chillicothe, Missouri, Saturday.

The crash occurred as the 90-year-old male driver from Chillicothe, of a 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis, turned west in the parking lot of a business located on Walnut Street in Chillicothe.

The 26-year-old male pedestrian, from Festus, Missouri, was exiting the business when the driver mistook the brake for the gas and accelerated, striking the 26-year-old pedestrian and driving through the business, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report.

The vehicle came to rest on its wheels in the building and the pedestrian came to rest southwest of the vehicle.

The pedestrian was transported to Hedrick Medical Center by the Livingston County EMS and then was life-flighted to Truman Medical Center.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph School Board decided on Plan E, one of the three plans that would shape the district’s future.

The SJSD School Board met on Monday to make a significant decision. At the last Town Hall meeting at Lafayette High School, administrators shared an impact analysis to show how different reorganization plans could affect students and staff. 

Three plans were on the district’s radar. Plan 2B would move Edison Elementary to the North, while Plan 7B would shift Stonecrest Elementary to the North instead. Both 2B and 7B bring changes to SJSD’s high school model.

Plan E, which would keep the district’s high schools as they are, was also a contender.  

A public hearing was set for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, where community members had three minutes to share their thoughts before the board moved into a work session.  

District leaders said this conversation has been years in the making. With the district’s current financial challenges, administrators are moving to find a more sustainable way to use resources. 

Sophomore Abby Kolzer from Lafayette High School shared ahead of the meeting that she hoped the school board would make a decision that benefits everyone — not just teachers and staff, but the whole St. Joseph community.  

“My opinion is that option two should pass, and they should vote yes on that. It’s the most financially sound. It affects the least amount of teachers and students,” Kolzer said.  

Kolzer said her time at Lafayette has given her opportunities she knows not everyone gets — and it was tough when the district’s initial recommendation didn’t reflect that.  

Another Lafayette student, junior Peyton Huff, also shared before the meeting that she supports Plan 2B, believing it’s backed by solid data.  

“I think a lot of us are majority plan to not just because we go to Lafayette, but because we also look at the data and we see that it’s given us right here that the plan too is the better option,” Huff said.  

When it came time to vote, the majority in the room sided with Plan E.

During public comments, several families urged the board to choose a community-led option — one that puts every student and staff member across the district first. 

Community member Andrew spoke in support of Plan E, saying it’s important to preserve the role each high school plays in its neighborhood.  

“All three high schools are important to each neighborhood. They’re not everything. These schools are a safe haven for students. They get good meals and protection from the world they have to live in at home,” Andrew said.  

Another resident, Maggie Siegmund, agreed, saying Plan E offers a fair solution with minimal disruption to staff and students. 

Some board members also called on the district to take a closer look at Plans 7B and 2B, warning that those options could deepen the divide between administrators and the community.  

“Uprooting large numbers of students, creating significantly longer communities for numerous students, overcrowding many schools are not the ways to serve our children,” one member said.  

In the end, the board voted just before 10 p.m. to move forward with Plan E. They’ll hold a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, to discuss how to refine the plan so it best serves district stakeholders.

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Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — “The well has run dry,” according to the United States Department of Agriculture, when talking about food stamps.

The statement on the USDA’s homepage explains that if the government shutdown continues until Nov. 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be available.

With the government on day 27 of a shutdown and the possibility of SNAP benefits being suspended, many questions loom.

Roughly one out of every eight people across the country depends on SNAP benefits to provide food for their families.

The program is funded by the federal government, but is administered by the states.

If SNAP benefits do indeed get suspended, Second Harvest Community Food Bank advises St. Joseph residents to seek out their local food pantries.

“There’s probably 20 mobile pantry distributions that we conduct each month. Some of those are in St. Joe. Some of those are not far away in communities like Savannah or across the river in Kansas,” said Chad Higdon, the chief executive officer at Second Harvest. “So, anybody can really come to those.”

Higdon also encourages people who are interested in helping those in need during this time to get involved through volunteering.

“We’ve got donated products to sort through that individuals can come down to the food bank and help us prepare for those distributions,” said Higdon.

For information on these local food pantries or how to get involved through volunteering, please visit www.shcfb.org.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In honor of National First Responders Day, the Community Blood Center and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will host a blood drive to encourage a friendly competition between local law enforcement.

The competition will take place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the St. Joseph Community Blood Center, located at 3122 Frederick Ave.

St. Joseph firefighters and police will go head-to-head, vying to collect the most lifesaving blood donations. SJFD was the winner of the drive last year.

Anyone is welcome to donate during the competition hours, and it only takes one hour to donate.

Roughly one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion. Some of which include: cancer patients, accident, burn or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia.

National First Responders Day is an annual observance recognizing the courage and sacrifice of all first responders, including police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.

The day, designated by the U.S. Congress, honors the bravery, selflessness and unwavering service of the heroes who protect and serve the community every day.

Blood donors can give every 56 days and platelet donors can give twice a month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit www.savealifenow.org or call 877-468-6844.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A week-long celebration highlights the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle, while commemorating those who fight against drugs.

Oct 23. marks the start of the annual “Red Ribbon Week.”.

The week was created to honor Enrique (Kiki) S. Camarena, a DEA special agent who was murdered in Mexico while investigating a drug cartel.

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this week, youth and adults around the nation will pledge to increase their knowledge by learning more about the destructive effects of drug abuse, including prescription drug misuse, and renew their commitment to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Mid-Buchanan High School is hosting its first safety fair on Monday for its students during Red Ribbon Week.

The fair is available to 3rd through 12th graders. The fair included different emergency responders along with state departments.

Aubree Raines, a Mid-Bucanan High School counselor, said the district wanted to make Red Ribbon Week personal this year.

“So in the school year, we wanted to bring it home and make it more personal, getting our kids interacting with the different exhibitors here today, to take a little bit of info about each of the different areas of safety,” Raines said.

The Buchanan County Drug Strike Force will be going to different areas in Northwest Missouri, as well.

Erica Tate, an investigator with the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Drug Strike Force, said they will also be going to different schools in Northwest Missouri, doing presentations on different topics.

“We do a lot of vaping prevention, tobacco cessation and we also talk about drug and alcohol use to different schools, Tate said.

Bridget Zabel, a Mid-Buchanan Middle School counselor, said that as the students get older, they have more unsupervised time.

“So if we can just teach them those lessons so they are making good choices when they’re not supervised by adults all the time, when they’re in groups with their peers, you know, that peer pressure definitely plays an effect as we start getting into older kids,” Zabel said.

Red Ribbon Week will run until Friday, Oct. 31.

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