Author: News-Press NOW

Payton Counts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Monday kicks off a stretch of back-to-back-to-back supermoons.

Weather permitting for northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri, the full moon will reach peak illumination around 10:47 p.m. CT. 

Even if the clouds are blocking our view, Monday’s full moon holds a special meaning. 

Every full moon has a name that dates back to Native American and Colonial times, passed down through generations, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. The Old Farmer’s Almanac began publishing these names in the 1930s.

Some of the more well-known full moons from earlier this year include the Sturgeon Moon in August, the Strawberry Moon in June and the Flower Moon in May.

Monday’s full moon is known interchangeably as the Harvest Moon and the Hunter’s Moon. The Harvest Moon is tied to the timing of the autumnal equinox, while the Hunter’s Moon is the full moon that follows it.

Because this moon falls closest to the fall equinox and appears in early October, it’s being recognized as the Harvest Moon.

Brian Bucklein, associate professor of astronomy and physics at Missouri Western State University, said, “Each moon has this kind of traditional name associated with it…September’s is the corn moon, the October full moon is usually called the Hunter’s moon….whichever one the Harvest Moon falls into replaces that one.”

The Harvest Moon got its name because farmers once used its bright light to work later into the night during harvest season. The Hunter’s Moon, meanwhile, signified a time to prepare for winter by hunting and gathering food.

Both names are used interchangeably this year. Major outlets like USA Today are calling it the Harvest Moon, while ABC News is using Hunter’s Moon.

Even if you miss Monday night’s supermoon, Bucklein said, “You’ll still be able to catch the full moon, the day before and the day after. It’ll still look pretty full. It’s just a sliver off from being fully illuminated, so, it’ll still be good for viewing”

Either way, the moon will shine bright — even if clouds end up obscuring the view. But don’t worry, two more supermoons are still on the way, with the next one appearing in early November.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Oct. 5 marked the start of Fire Prevention Week, signaling homeowners to go over certain fire safety protocols.

This year’s theme is ‘Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.’

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the campaign emphasizes the importance of buying, charging and recycling safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.

Andy Peterson, inspector with St. Joseph Fire Department, said you should get out of your home quickly if a fire is caused by a lithium-ion battery.

“The thing about these fires is they burn fast and usually you can’t put them out. So, the best thing is to get out and then call 911 as quick as you can,” Peterson said.

Peterson also suggested trying to charge electronic devices in a safe area that might not catch fire.

“You don’t want to plug your phone in and then stick it under your pillow when you go to bed at night. A lot of times those will take off,” he said.

For the entire month of October, SJFD will be visiting local schools to meet with children and teach them about fire safety.

“We like to hit on the hot points — call 911, have a safe place to meet outside your home when there’s a fire so that everybody knows that the rest of the family is out,” Peterson said.

Lowes and Home Depot in St. Joseph have bins to recycle any lithium-Ion batteries.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — First recognized as the “Day of Unity” in 1981, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is observed every October, with the goal of unifying efforts to end domestic violence and raise awareness.

DVAM is recognized nationally by advocacy groups all across the United States.

The YWCA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The group also provides domestic violence support, childcare and youth services.

YWCA Youth Programs Manager, Zach Ellis, said the organization has a few different things they do to recognize DVAM.

“Every Thursday, we are inviting everyone to wear purple and then go ahead and snap a selfie, grab a couple friends who are wearing purple and take a picture and post on social media. We have Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, just hashtag YWCA St. Joseph and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”

The color purple is used to symbolize unity against domestic violence, and can often be seen with the purple ribbon.

The YWCA plans to do other events this month, such as its resource fair, which will take place later in October.

For more information about the YWCA and its events, you can visit the YWCA website.

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News-Press NOW

HARRISON COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A child was taken to the hospital after a dirt bike crash in Harrison County Sunday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred around 4:25 p.m. in a pasture near the intersection of Route T and 182nd Street, a mile south of Blythedale, Missouri.

An 11-year-old boy riding a dirt bike hit a ditch and was ejected.

First responders took him to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa for serious injuries.

He had safety gear equipped, according to the crash report.

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Alec Pascuzzi

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Trail Alliance is hosting an upcoming outdoor event at the St. Joseph River Bluff Trails Park.

The event will feature a 5K and 10K trail run, followed by a mountain bike race, as well as a group trail run and nature hike.

There will be food trucks, an obstacle course for kids, community fun and so much more.

“So, I think the most important thing is that it’s inclusive for everyone. It’s family-friendly. We’ve got kids’ events. There’s something for the mountain bike racers or something for runners. There’s something for people that just want to be outside enjoying nature and hiking,” said Blake Hoppe, a St. Joseph Trail Alliance board member.

With an array of activities scheduled to take place, Hoppe said the event provides fun for everyone.

“I think it’s something that anybody could have a good time at. A relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Food trucks. Just a fun way to spend a weekend,” said Hoppe.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With flu season officially underway, health experts highlight the importance of staying alert — because this time of year often brings a mix of unpredictable illnesses. 

Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who now directs the Health Equity Action Leadership Center at Purdue University said COVID-19 is still very much part of that conversation. 

“The weather is cooling off. And so its important that we all protect ourselves and understand the important tools available to keep us safe,” Adams said.  

Adams said it’s crucial to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine — not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones — since most adults have at least one risk factor that could lead to a more serious case of the virus.  

He said that this is the time of year when cases usually start to rise, so it’s better to talk about prevention now rather than wait until the virus hits home.  

“I think its better to just talk about cold and flu season. The most important things are clean, cover and contain. Make sure you’re washing hands, covering the mouth while coughing and staying at home when sick,” Adams said.  

He pointed out that about seven in ten adults have a health condition — like being overweight, having high blood pressure or diabetes — that could lead to more serious complications from COVID-19.  

He emphasized that it’s especially important for pregnant women to get vaccinated since they face a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 — and vaccination helps protect both their health and their baby’s.  

“There are many measures you should take but the most important is to important to talk to your provider and understand the risk,” Adams.  

Adams said that risk isn’t only tied to age — it also depends on how much exposure someone has at work or in daily life — making it even more important to take preventive steps and protect our health.  

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Residents hoping to test and obtain their driver’s license or permit will have to wait an extra day this month.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, in observance of Columbus Day, a federal holiday.

Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

In St. Joseph, residents can obtain a driver’s license at the downtown St. Joseph State Office Building located at 525 Jules St.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The “It’s All About You!” Women’s Expo is underway Saturday at the St. Joseph Civic Arena, celebrating women’s health, wellness and community.

The event runs until 4 p.m. and features workshops, seminars, shopping, food trucks and even a mimosa and bloody mary bar. Attendees can also take part in a silent auction and enjoy a fashion show during the day.

The event is designed to be inclusive for women of all ages, with activities and attractions for everyone.

“I think that this kind of expo is encouragement for women,” said Leameana Davis, a stationary vendor at the event, “I think this is something good, and definitely I will be back next year.”

Admission is $7, or $5 with a donation of two canned food items to benefit Second Harvest. Admission is free for those ages 16 and under.

The Women’s Expo continues until 4 p.m. Saturday at the Civic Arena located at 100 N 4th St. For more information, visit www.stjowomensexpo.com.

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Kyle Schmidt

MARYVILLE, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The voice behind Bearcat Radio Network on KXCV/KRNW, John Coffey, announced his 500th consecutive football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, in Joplin, Mo.

The Northwest Missouri State University graduate in 1982 started announcing for the Bearcats in September of 1985.

“A period of about over 40 years, but it seems like it just started yesterday,” Coffey said. “It’s been such a fun run.”

Not missing a single game over the last four decades, Coffey said it wasn’t until a broadcast partner a couple of years ago counted up the games and told Coffey he was close to 500. He was recognized by fans and given a football for the milestone.

“It’s nice to be recognized and the comments that people had, that’s been really nice to hear and see,” Coffey said. “It really makes me feel very special that people, I think, have enjoyed what I do and hopefully will continue to for a while.”

Play-by-play is something Coffey has wanted to do ever since he was a kid. Growing up a St. Louis Cardinals fan, he listened to Jack Buck, Harry Caray and Mike Shannon.

“If you enjoy sports and getting paid to watch the games and I’ve been very fortunate that throughout my life, I’ve been able to do this,” Coffey said.

The Bearcats are 365-136 in games Coffey announced, with game 501 in the books after Northwest defeated Central Oklahoma 38-16.

Coffey feels special and lucky to not only have this opportunity but to be a part of winning programs.

“I say it’s one of the best jobs, probably in division two if not division one in the country,” he said. “Because of, just all of the success that these programs have had.”

Coffey also announces during basketball season. He said he’s missed only some of the basketball games, due to the football season running late when the team makes it into the playoffs.

As for his favorite game, Coffey mentions the 1996 playoff win, the first under coach Mel Tjeerdsma.

“That was kind of a statement game that Northwest kind of announced that they are ‘here’ and then they have been here ever since, from that point on,” he said.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Construction of more than a dozen new single-family homes is set to move forward in St. Joseph following approval by City Councilmembers this week.

Located on South Creek Woods Drive adjacent to U.S. Route 169 and Southeast State Highway FF, the housing development project approved by City Council on Monday includes 15 lots and one detention basin.

All housing developments will be single-family units.

The subdivision is the third phase of development planned for the area. A 1,500-square-foot home at 4909 S. Creek Woods Drive with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, part of plat 2, is currently listed for $300,000.

Once constructed, the new homes will help provide a much-needed boost to St. Joseph’s lagging housing scene. Data unveiled this year showed critical gaps in the availability of low, moderate and above-moderate income housing in St. Joseph.

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