Author: News-Press NOW

Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  The St. Joseph Bucks aren’t just about football. This team is all about coming together, not only on the field but also out in the community. 

Their program is designed to make a positive impact—supporting the city, backing each other up, and preparing players to give back in meaningful ways.  

Quarterback Keante Green says being part of the Bucks is about much more than football. 

“They do a lot of events back to schools, book-bag drop  offs and I love giving back and being part of it and so the bucks embrace us like a family, culture and has a community vibe,” Green said.  

The Bucks play in a semi-professional development league, open to anyone 18 and older who has a passion for the game. For some, it’s a way to build friendships and de-stress  

For others, it’s a stepping stone toward higher-level competition.  

“Some people look at it like if they want to get away from their everyday life or work or stress, they can just take it out on the field and have some fun with it,” White said.  

While the next full season won’t kick off until next year, the team has a Halloween ball game scheduled in early November, complete with a cheer team dance-off. They’re also preparing for an arena matchup in March against the Omaha Beef.  

“We just create a vibe where the community loves to be around so people are encouraged to come watch us play and everybody wants to win and bring success,” Green said.  

Green says the team is always looking for fresh talent, especially recent high school graduates who didn’t get enough recruiting attention.  

He also highlights how players like Austin White have been going to for tryouts to different places which helps them expand their skills.  

“I love being part of this community and meeting new faces and getting to know people who are really just there to smile and also to help other people connect with one another,” White said.  

The Bucks hope to keep building that legacy — creating opportunities for athletes while strengthening the bond with their community. 

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The historic homes built long ago and now preserved in the Museum Hill neighborhood have a new eye-catching piece.

Homeowner Karen Hauser wanted a mural painted on the side of her garage that pays homage to the historic district.

“We struggled to find the right mix,” Hauser said. “My daughter said, ‘Well he is putting it on the carriage house,’ my garage was a carriage house in the day, so we said, why not a horse and carriage.”

That horse on a carriage was placed on a cobblestone road and complemented with vibrant colors to draw the eyes of people passing by. Artist Devin Halbirt added Hawthorn flowers (the Missouri flower) to the ends of the mural as well.

“With the cobblestone road, giving that old timey feel, vintage feel…” Halbirt said. “I’m a visionary, so I really have to look at everything first and think about it in my mind and then it’ll come down on paper. It was step by step and then it came together.”

He said it took about a month to finish. Hauser moved to St. Joseph and into the house in 1994. She has a bachelor’s degree in art and an appreciation for the arts and the beauty of historic homes.

“I love the murals Downtown, I think they’re such an asset,” Hauser said. “It’s good for the economy, it’s something that brings people to town and it beautifies the community.”

She finds the Museum Hill Historic District to be a great spot in town because of its historic nature. St. Joseph Museums complex social media/tour guide Jerrad Hardin said the architecture is described as Victorian, but there’s much more to it.

“Some Islamic, Moorish influences, there’s just all kinds of interesting tidbits and of course an incredible example of what can be done with architecture,” Hardin said. “When people walk into the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion, they always remark, ‘Wow I can’t believe people do this.”

The Museum Hill walking tour consists of 34 historic homes and now at stop 22, the Vineyard-Kirby House, built in 1881, will have new art in front of the home.

“Hopefully it will inspire more people to buy up some of these homes that need a little TLC and some renovations,” Hauser said. “It’s quite an asset to this town and it’s lovely to live in.”

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Local residents and businesses have raised nearly $34,600 before the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, on Saturday morning at St. Jo Frontier Casino.

More than 300 participants, representing 50 teams, participated, many wearing purple or personalized shirts in honor of loved ones affected by the disease.

“What I want people to know is, don’t be quiet. If you think something’s going on, it’s a doctor visit and testing,” said John Anderson, Chair Committee with Alzheimer’s Association, “Even though you might feel like you’re on an island, you’re dealing with the same thing hundreds of thousands of people are dealing with everyday, and there’s so many resources that can help people.”

The event carries new hope as recent treatments have progressed. There are medicines that can help slow the progression of the disease, and new blood biomarker tests approved by the FDA to help in early diagnosis.

“My mom passed away from Alzheimer’s, and my grandma and I was her caregiver,” said Mary Hopkins, Edward Jones, participant since 2016, “If I didn’t have the support of my family helping with my mom, I don’t know what I would have done.”

The Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America chapter will be fundraising through the end of the year to hit its goal of $1 million. Funds raised through the event will support local care programs, services and research. To register or learn more about services provided, visit alzwalkstjoe.org.

“We wished we’d known for our family members,” said Liz Rowe, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, “Our goal is to provide awareness across the community through this walk, as well as raise funds for care, support, advocacy and research. Every dollar helps.”

If you or a family member are experiencing unusual memory issues, don’t wait; call 800-272-3900. This is a nationwide number, open 24/7, staffed by licensed social workers and clinicians.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 7 million Americans are living with the disease, including about 122,300 Missourians and 54,500 Kansans. Nearly 12 million family members and friends nationwide provide unpaid care for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri Western State University will be hosting its 43rd Annual Alumni Awards banquet to celebrate its 2025 Alumni Award winners.

The Alumni Awards feature six award categories. MoWest had announced 11 recipients.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given to MoWest Alumni. The 2025 winner is Jim Reinert. The award recognizes alumni for professional and career achievements.

The Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award recognizes individuals early in their careers who have achieved outstanding accomplishments. The 2025 winner is Colton Saunders.

The Herb ’35 and Peggy Iffert Award for Outstanding Service to the University winners are Dr. Robert and Kimberly Sigrist. The award is given to recipients who show outstanding and continuous commitment to MoWest’s mission, vision and legacy.

The Distinguished Faculty Award winner is Teddi Deka. The award is given to a current faculty member in recognition of a lasting influence on students, excellence in teaching, career accomplishments and professional and ethical standards.

The Great Griffon Awards winners are Terry Brock, Phallin Thornton and Tona Williams. The award is given to those alumni from each college and school who exhibit outstanding contributions to the workforce, society or the university. 

The Alumni Student Leadership Awards winners are Mackenzie DeVine, Lauren Nylund and Mariana Casadiego Morales. This award recognizes students graduating from the current academic year who have made an impact on the University through leadership, volunteerism or humanitarianism. 

The award show will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, in MoWest’s Fulkerson Center.

For more information on the banquet and to RSVP online, visit the Alumni Awards Banquet page.

For more information about the awards and their winners, you can visit the MoWest award winners page.

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The love of music transcends skill levels and age levels, and a local music academy provides a musical experience for all ages.

The St. Joseph Arts Academy, located at 2027 N. 36th St., just off the Belt Highway, has been providing private lessons and music classes for all ages for eight years.

Academy Founder, Jason Riley, a longtime professional musician and guitar teacher in the St. Joseph area, said his hope has always been to help people engage with music at their level and to grow in the knowledge and appreciation of music.

“Music has meant so much to me in my own life,” Riley said. “I met my wife through music, music allowed me to become a teacher and it has allowed me to connect with so many people. So, I wanted to help create a community that fostered that kind of environment.”

Riley added that he has seen this kind of community among the growing number of teachers, students, parents and community members over the last eight years.

“Our students often get asked to participate in events like Bluegrass Battles Hunger and Hawkfest at Coleman Hawkins Park,” Riley said. “We really want to encourage the next generation of musicians who can make music fresh and in person and live. Music is for everyone.”

The Academy takes the idea of “everyone” seriously, now offering infant and toddler music classes that can begin as early as age one.

“It’s one of the most important things we do,” Riley said. “We do early childhood classes from age one to about five or six, and by five or six, they’re probably getting interested in piano, violin, or guitar. We have qualified teachers for all of those instruments.”

Classes are open for skilled musicians who want to gain proficiency on their instrument, as well as those of all ages who want to take up a musical hobby or to reacquaint themselves with music.

Those interested should begin by checking out the website at stjosephartsacademy.com or by calling 816-974-7656.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The City of St. Joseph was awarded $252,000 in federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to improve pedestrian safety across the community.

The project, known as “Safe Crossings St. Joseph”, will install pedestrian safety technology at three high-risk locations across the community.

The total cost of the project equates to $315,000; however, with the $252,000 provided through the federal TAP grant and a $63,000 local match from the City of St. Joseph, the project budget is covered.

One of the locations receiving new technology will be St. Joseph Avenue at Krug Park and Parkway Trail. The technology will include a new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) will enhance safety at the busy trail crossing.

The installation will include pedestrian push buttons, dual-sided LED flashers and high-visibility crosswalk markings.

The investment will complete the City’s ongoing $12.8 million revitalization of Krug Park

Hyde Park Avenue near Hyde Park and Benton High School will also get a new RRFB.

An outdated pedestrian signal will be replaced with a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) at Spring Garden Middle School (22nd Street).

Implementing the PHB has been proven to reduce pedestrian crashes by more than 50%.

The City said the Safe Crossings project was developed in direct response to concerns raised by community members during Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee meetings and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan public engagement process.

Parents and staff with the St. Joseph School District also identified the need for safer crossings in a Safe Routes to School survey.

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Rebecca Evans

ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Andrew County Museum will commemorate the 180th anniversary of Greenwick Cemetery on Saturday with a program highlighting its history and recent restoration.

Local Historian Kurt Jordan will present at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the museum, sharing details of the cemetery’s preservation and stories of some of the people buried there.

At 11 a.m., visitors are invited to tour Greenwick Cemetery to see the restoration firsthand, hear more about its past residents and enjoy apple cider.

For more information, call 816-262-5178.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Three people were taken into custody on Friday morning in relation to multiple crimes throughout St. Joseph.

One person was taken into custody in relation to an ongoing investigation connected to a recent shooting in the St. Joseph community, which resulted in injury.

SJPD also obtained three firearms, multiple narcotics and served two arrest warrants.

At 8:30 a.m., the St. Joseph Police Department sent out an Nixle alert to the community to avoid South 21st and Angelique Streets.

At 8:48 a.m., the SJPD Street Crimes Detective Unit, Special Response Team, Buchanan County Drug Strike Force Unit and the Missouri State Highway Patrol executed a search warrant in the 500 block of South 21st Street.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Flu season is right around the corner, and the St. Joseph Health Department has now made the influenza immunizations available.

The department is encouraging everyone ages six months and up to get the vaccine.

Insurance is accepted, but not required, and those who have privately provided healthinsurance, Medicare or Missouri HealthNet (Medicaid) must provide their card at thecheck-in window.

The vaccines are available at the health department clinic from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday, except for the last afternoon of the month.

The City of St. Joseph will also conduct its annual Free Flu Clinic from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Civic Arena, located at 100 N. 4th St.

The health department said residents and those employed in Buchanan County, ages 19 and older, are encouraged to participate.

For more information regarding the flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine or the upcoming Public Flu Clinic, call 816-271-636.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  The 36th Annual South Side Fall Festival is underway in Hyde Park from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, bringing food, fun and entertainment to the community.

Visitors can shop for unique handmade items and enjoy classic fair foods like funnel cakes and root beer. The festival also features live entertainment throughout the weekend, along with dozens of local vendors.

“We’ve got turkey legs; we’ve got brisket,; we’ve got chicken; we’ve got pulled pork; everything we do is homemade,” said Ryan Polsgrove, Co-owner of CR BBQ. “All the barbecue is wood-fired. we cut the wood ourselves and make our own rubs. If you don’t believe us, we’ve got free samples. come on out and try it.”

Hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.

“For four years we’ve been coming out here, said Jeff Bailey, vendor with Designs to LOL, “It’s a great time, love the music, love the people that come in and read our signs and laugh. It’s great!”

A parade, one of the festival’s highlights, steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, rain or shine. Admission to the festival is free.

This year, there will be a tribute ceremony on Friday at 6 p.m. to Gary Pettis, the previous chair of the event, who passed away in March, to honor his memory.

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