Author: News-Press NOW

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Benton High School theatre is setting the stage this weekend for a celebration of old-fashion tunes and larger-than-life characters.

Cast and crew of Benton High School are gearing up for a local production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” this weekend, a 1920’s-themed musical about a theater-loving man whose favorite cast album comes to life before his eyes.

Winner of five Tony Awards, the popular musical introduces audiences to a wide range of iconic characters, personalities and storylines, an opportunity for local performers to showcase their range of acting skills.

“This show is a love letter to musical theatre, “ said Colton Connors, Benton High School drama teacher and director, in a press release. “It’s witty, self-aware and full of hilarity. But it’s also about how art lifts us up when we are feeling lonely. Our students have poured so much heart into this production. We can’t wait for you to see it.”

Performances are set to take place Nov. 14 through Nov. 16 in the auditorium at Benton High School with Friday and Saturday shows beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday’s performance will begin at 2 p.m.

The 45-student case and crew includes both seasoned performers and fresh new faces. Set design, choreography and costuming are student-led and created.

“The making of this year’s first musical at Benton has, so far, been the highlight of my senior year. With an amazing cast and crew, as well as a wonderful group of adults supporting us, this show is going to be one to remember,” said senior Kenna Guyer in a press release.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or ahead of time at www.bentontheatre.com. They are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) —  After Monday night’s meeting, the St. Joseph School Board has decided to hit pause on Plan E. Instead, they’re taking more time to dig into the details of two other options — Plan 2B and Plan 7B. 

The board shifted gears from its earlier decision to move forward with Plan E, now turning its focus toward the two high school models.  

Plan 2B keeps Lafayette and Central high schools, while Plan 7B supports a Benton/Hyde and Central High School setup. 

Board President LaTonya Williams said while the back-and-forth can be frustrating, the ultimate goal is to land on one plan — and stick with it.  

“If you look at the meeting from a couple of weeks ago, our board chose a plan which was unanimous, and that hardly ever happens. It is my goal, actually, to look at a plan and be able to implement it.”  

During the work session, community members once again had the floor to share their thoughts — and many voiced frustration, saying they’re eager for the board to settle on a decision that keeps the community’s best interest in mind. 

One of the original developers of the community-led Plan E, which proposed keeping all three high schools open as a more financially stable model for the district, also spoke out — urging the board to stay true to the vision that started with local input. 

He mentioned that he wasn’t surprised with the Board’s decision, although it was rough being in the room and hearing about the pause in moving forward with plan E.  

“I was told by the administration. So, to have to sit there and listen to a lot of misinformation come about. It was tough,” Jeff Leake said.  

Leake said many of the board’s concerns about Plan E could actually be addressed. He pointed out that most people in the community have voiced their support for keeping the three high school system.

Leake also said, any push to go back to two high schools has been met with resistance from a majority of St. Joseph and has even failed at election polls in the past.  

“The district needs to bring a plan that everyone can accept or work with since they need to pass a tax levy in the near future to extend the sunset or get rid of it,” Leake said.  

As the board revisits the two other plans, Leake expects Plan 7B to gain traction, since it aligns with what some groups have been advocating for.  

He also pointed out that the model will not be chosen overnight, and warned that whichever plan the board chooses at the next meeting could end up doing more harm than good for the community.  

“We really… We should get our finances in order and understand where all our money’s went and why we’ve increased spending so much on staffing and supplies over the last five or six years before we cut any buildings,” Leake said.  

For now, Leake hopes the board hits pause and digs deeper into what’s driving the district’s financial strain before making any final decisions. 

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — From North 22nd Street and Frederick Avenue all the way to City Hall, supporters lined the streets Tuesday in honor of those who dedicated their life to the armed forces.

The 2025 Veterans Day Parade took place Tuesday morning with residents and patriots alike showing out in support for the annual holiday event.

Led proudly by local units from JROTC, the parade kicked off at North 22nd Street before heading down Frederick with a wide-range of organizations, veterans and servicemembers in tow, all with the patriotic sounds of local bands from Central, Benton and Lafayette High Schools.

“It was important to show support for all their loyalty and service that they’ve put in for our country,” said St. Joseph resident Richard Swadluy, who attended the parade. “My brother Scott was in the Navy and it’s great to see people support people like him who served. It brings everybody together. We’re a big family anyway.”

Featured in the parade were VFW units with the American Legion and Marine Corps League, one of multiple branches represented, along with local organizations like the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, among many others.

Swadluy is one of many residents who came to show support and recognition to all veterans.

According to data from the U.S. Census and Pew Research Center, there are roughly 14 million veterans living in the United States currently, with an estimated 4,100 in the greater St. Joseph area alone.

Jess Chrisman and her two children Lyliana and Wyatt were in attendance to honor their family members. Chrisman served eight years in the military and knows firsthand what people have gone through and how meaningful it is to show appreciation for those individuals.

“Everybody’s got a war story of some kind,” Chrisman said. “And sometimes it’s just nice to hear what they went through because it was a choice that they made. Having people come out brings a lot to the community. It shows the depths because you never know what someone has gone through.”

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The AFL-CIO Community Services is seeking volunteers for opportunities to help with its Adopt-A-Family program.

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to call 816-364-1131, email ashley.luthans@helpmenow.org or utilize the agency’s new online volunteer system by visiting afl-ciocommunityservices.ivolunteer.com/adoptafamily.

Around 15 volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, to help shop for disabled/nursing home adoptees who did not get adopted by someone in the community.

The agency will have someone lined up at the North Belt Walmart to direct shoppers. The AFL-CIO said this volunteer opportunity is for those who like to shop but don’t want to spend their own money.

Another volunteer opportunity will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15 and Tuesday, Dec. 16. The agency will need around 15 volunteers, ages 16 years or older, each day, to help organize its Gift Room.

The process will involve sorting and organizing gift donations, so those who were not chosen to be adopted by someone in the community can shop for gifts for their family.

Volunteers are also needed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, through Wednesday, Dec. 24, to staff the Gift Room while it’s open for shopping. The agency said it needs six volunteers per hour, each day.

Working in the Gift Room will include checking families in and out, working with the families to help them pick out appropriate gifts for their family members, restocking as more donations arrive and a little “dab” of paperwork.

The agency said the Gift Room gets hectic at times and requires at least three workers per hour to keep the room under control. Volunteers may be required to move up and down, lift items and work on their feet.

Volunteers will also need to be flexible, as details change fairly often with the program, and be able to keep information about Gift Room visitors confidential. The opportunity is limited to adults only.

From 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18 and Friday, Dec. 19, eight volunteers will be needed per day to deliver gifts to shut-ins.

The agency said volunteers can deliver as few or as many deliveries as their time allows. Volunteers will also need their own vehicle.

Volunteers will also be needed from Wednesday, Dec. 17, through Tuesday, Dec. 23, to hang around the AFL-CIO building during the Adopt-A-Family program to take pictures around the agency.

Those interested are welcome to bring a professional camera or cellphone, and no professional photography experience is needed to qualify for this opportunity.

The AFL-CIO is asking for candid shots of the “happenings” surrounding the program. If volunteers aren’t busy taking photos, the agency said there are other tasks it may need help with.

Finally, the agency is looking for a few people who are willing to be “on call” during the length of the program. This is in case a volunteer cancels last minute.

“We hate to schedule too many volunteers and have them standing around with nothing to do, but we also need to be covered,” said agency officials in a press release.

If someone is willing and able to be “on call” for the listed dates and times, email ashley.luthans@helpmenow.org or call 816-364-1131.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Local organizations and community members witnessed the Joint Veterans Committee of Greater St. Joseph’s annual Veterans Day Parade Tuesday morning.

The parade started at 9:30 a.m. and made its way down Frederick Avenue, ending at City Hall.

JROTC units and school bands from Benton, Central and Lafayette high schools played a big part while marching in the parade.

The North and South VFW units from the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, the Corvette Club, the Northwest Missouri Street Rods, along with other veterans and law enforcement, were in attendance.

Paul Gatewood, chairman of the Joint Veterans Committee, served in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 until 1990.

Gatewood said it’s important to celebrate Veterans Day to recognize all those who served the country.

“Those people did so much with so little to sacrifice their time and sometimes lives to allow us to have the freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to, you know, roam around just everything they’ve done for us,” he said. “Then the newer generation is doing the same thing. They’re upholding it.”

Gatewood said his favorite part is seeing children participate in the parade.

“Those are potential future members of the armed forces. So we really like to come out and support them. So although they’re supporting us, we’re supporting them right back,” he said.

Gatewood said, to him, Veterans Day is a chance to thank other veterans around him.

“You know, whatever I can do, if I can help them, or just a simple thank you for serving. That’s what Veterans Day means to me,” he said.

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News-Press NOW

By: Rusty Summers

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — St. Joseph City Councilmembers approved a $25,000 expenditure to buy land for a new transit bus shelter.

An ordinance authorizing the execution of a real estate sales contract with Goldenho LLC was passed at Monday’s city council meeting.

A bus shelter currently sits to the east of EMI Ristorante. The new bus shelter will be located at 2001 and 2005 Fredrick Ave., just west of Lehr construction.

“We’re going to move that bus shelter, that bus stop down the road a little bit,” Public Works Director Abe Forney said. “It’s a better location for the buses. It’s easier to get in and out…And again, it’ll be a nicer area.”

The $25,000 will come from the city’s mass transit fund budget.

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News-Press NOW

By: Rusty Summers

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Monday night’s St. Joseph City Council meeting was short and sweet lasting only thirteen minutes. 

Bills for passage include:

An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the general fund Fire department budget to roll forward unspent funds donated to the city of $23,456.60 to provide funding for emergency response equipment. 

An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the general fund fire department budget to roll forward the unspent pipeline emergency response grant (PERG) funds in the amount of $37,444.27 received from the United States Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

An ordinance authorizing the execution of a real estate sales contract with Goldenho LLC for the property at 2001 and 2005 Fredrick Ave., and an amendment to the mass transit fund budget in the total amount of $25,000 to purchase the land to be used to build a new transit bus shelter. 

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News-Press NOW

By: Zac Scott

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — A new Missouri law requires schools to address cardiac issues, something the St. Joseph School District is now focusing on.

Lafayette High School Nurse Jennifer Koch, who had her cardiovascular emergency response team (CERT) plan in place, was now able to put it into motion following the passage of Senate Bill 166.

“It put it into a little bit more of a fast forward to get it done a little faster,” said Koch. “We were able to get it done fairly quickly since I’d already started it the year before, but we actually have an official CERT team as of this school year.”

The CERT team at Lafayette is made up of seven staff members from different departments to ensure the quickest possible access to emergency services.

“Our team is multi-disciplinary, we have teachers, we have secretaries, we have counselors, nurses, administrators, lots of different positions, doing lots of different things in the event of a sudden cardiac emergency in our building,” said Koch. “Our administrators are very good at contacting the authorities, contacting Downtown. Our secretaries will contact parents and contacting emergency medical services. Of course, the nurses take care of the person in trouble.”

SJSD CERT teams conduct two drills a year. Koch asked Lafayette students like Kenzie O’Callaghan to participate in the drills to test CERT members’ abilities and reaction time.

“I think it’s essential for the staff to know exactly what they’re going to do whenever they don’t know what’s going to happen,” said O’Callaghan. “You never know when someone’s just going to have an accident that is just out of the blue.”

Lafayette teachers Ike Book and Jacee Winn are a part of the CERT team at Lafayette. Both said they were pleased to join the CERT team and help students beyond what they teach.

“I definitely am always wanting to help any student that I can. So just being there and making sure everything is going as planned is something that I enjoy,” said Winn

“It feels good, knowing that you’re there for more than just your job or a paycheck,” said Book. “You’re really trying to help them out. One, with teaching, but two, if something were to go down like that, in a broader sense, like, help their life.”

With each school in the district needing a team certified by Project ADAM, schools like Lafayette hope any student can feel safe.

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Daniel Byford

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Missouri Western State University Volleyball Coach Jessica Fey hasn’t lost a match in over a month. The last time her Griffons dropped a matchup was Oct. 3.

In the midst of her team’s 11-game win streak, Fey accomplished a career milestone — claiming her 100th victory in a 3-1 win over Central Missouri Friday night.

Come Monday, Fey reflected on the kingdom she’s built so far.

“It’s been a journey,” Fey said, “I definitely, when I took this job, didn’t anticipate to make this turn that quickly. I thought it would take a few years to build it up. So to have a 20-win season on year two was a little bit of a shock for me.”

MoWest’s coach wasn’t shy about sharing credit either.

“We have the right group of kids in place for the last two years,” Fey said, “That’s really all that matters, so hopefully we can keep the streak going.”

The Griffons go for a 12th straight win on the road against Fort Hays State at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Lunch and Learn session to prepare local businesses for the FIFA World Cup taking place in Kansas City, Missouri, next summer.

Whether it’s a hotel, retail business, bar or restaurant, the Chamber said owners should being preparing for an influx of tourists expected in St. Joseph in 2026.

Businesses can register for the Lunch and Learn, taking place at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Chamber, located at 3003 Frederick Ave. The session is also available online.

The Lunch and Learn will go over how businesses can be ready for the games and the international visitors that come with them.

The session will cost $12 and lunch is included. To register, visit www.members.saintjoseph.com.

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