Category: knpn-local-news

Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Most people know their birthstones, but many don’t know that the concept has a variety of origins.

According to the International Gem Society, birthstones had their origin in the ancient world.

The Breastplate of Aaron (brother of Moses) mentioned in the Book of Exodus had twelve gems, one for each of the tribes of Israel.

As the Western calendar developed with twelve months, each month had a different stone. By the early 20th Century, jewelers through various groups formalized the modern version of birthstones.

Craig Obermier, jeweler for Creviston and Son Jewelry for the last 55 years, said the popularity of birthstones has remained consistent.

“I notice that both older and younger customers still come in to buy birthstones for themselves or family members,” Obermier said. “Of course, the older customers tend to buy more expensive versions, but all age groups are still attracted to the idea.”

He said the most challenging aspect of birthstones involves what jewelers call “the big three.” These are: diamonds (April), rubies (July) and sapphires (September).

While all stones can vary in price based upon size (carats) and smoothness, the “big three” have the biggest price flux, and buyers should be aware that not all stones are alike.

“For instance, because of the price of stones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires, it has become more common for people to consider lab-made versions, which look nice, but are less expensive,” Obermier said.

Smaller stores usually specialize in higher quality stones, whether it be pearls for the month of June or an emerald for the month of May.

However, asking a professional jeweler for recommendations based on occasion and price range is the best way to make your birth month shine.

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A man released from prison for murder due to a false conviction will speak at a Constitution Day event at Missouri Western State University.

Floyd Bledsoe of the Midwest Chapter of the Innocence Project will speak at 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the MoWest’s Fulkerson Center.

According to a press release by MoWest, Bledsoe spent over 16 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Convicted of murder in 2000, he was later fully exonerated in 2015 after DNA evidence identified the real perpetrator.

According to its website, the Innocence Project works to free wrongfully convicted prisoners, prevent wrongful convictions and advocate for a fair and compassionate justice system.

The event is sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement at Missouri Western. For more information, contact Crystal Dowdell at (816) 294-5975.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) –North Church of God was celebrating its 95th anniversary on Sept. 14, with a cookout, inflatables and games.   

From bounce houses to backyard games, the event was packed with family-friendly fun, kicking off at 11 a.m. and rolling into a potluck picnic by 12:30 pm. 

 “Its my home church and I just think its important to celebrate this day with our church family. There’s a potluck and we will have a little luncheon since we have the tent set up,” Max Haywood, community member said.  

Haywood has been part of the congregation for eight years, joining alongside his wife and parents.  

He shared how the church began humbly in an office building, started by Pastor David and Carrier, with his sister Carrie among the first members.  

“So me and my family congregated here eight years ago to be with them and we have been going strong since then,” Haywood said.  

While kids bounced around in inflatable playhouses, adults caught up with friends and neighbors, soaking in the sense of community that’s been growing for nearly a century.  

Aubree Drake, another member of the church, said she was especially excited about the speakers who shared stories from the church’s rich history.  

“There’s something so special about community and coming together with other people especially because now more than ever it can be a lonely place and having a church family helps in that,” Drake said.  

Looking ahead, Drake said she’s eager to see what the next 95 years hold—not just for the church, but for the entire community.  

The message from the congregation was clear: everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and no one should feel alone. 

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News-Press NOW

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Two lanes on northbound I-29 are backed up due to a crash involving a box truck.

The truck was flipped over, facing southbound in the northbound lanes at the 34 milemarker, right outside of Faucett, Missouri. Traffic was backed up just north of Dearborn.

According to Sgt Hux with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the driver of the truck was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the crash occurred as the northbound vehicle crossed the centerline on I-29. The vehicle went off the west side of the roadway, returned to the highway, and then crossed the centerline again. It traveled off the east side, began to skid, overturned and came to rest on its passenger side facing south.

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Ryan Eslinger

ST JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Eight Softball teams traveled to Heritage Park in St. Joseph on Saturday morning to play in the Benton Softball tournament.

Four teams represented St. Joseph: Benton Cardinals, Central Indians, Lafayette Fighting Irish and Bishop Leblond Golden Eagles.

The four out-of-city teams included the North Platte Panthers, West Platte Blue Jays, Maryville Spoofhounds and Trenton Bulldogs.

Here were the results for each round of the tournament.

Round 1

Benton Cardinals vs. Trenton Bulldogs: Benton wins 11-5

Central Indians vs. Maryville Spoofhounds: Central wins 3-1

Lafayette Fighting Irish vs. West Platte Blue Jays: West Platte walk-off win 6-5

Bishop Leblond Golden Eagles vs. North Platte Panthers: North Platte wins 8-1

Round 2

Benton Cardinals vs. North Platte Panthers: North Platte walk-off win 3-2

Central Indians vs. West Platte Blue Jays: West Platte wins 3-1

Lafayette Fighting Irish vs. Maryville Spoofhounds: Lafayette wins 13-1 (5 Innings)

Bishop Leblond Golden Eagles vs. Trenton Bulldogs: Trenton wins 8-3

Placement Games

Championship Game: West Platte Blue Jays vs. North Platte Panthers: West Platte wins 8-4

Third Place Game: Benton Cardinals vs. Central Indians: Benton wins 9-4

Fifth Place Game: Lafayette Fighting Irish vs. Trenton Bulldogs: Fighting Irish win 5-1

Seventh Place Game: Bishop Leblond Golden Eagles vs. Maryville Spoofhounds: Maryville wins 18-10

The West Platte Blue Jays finished with the top spot, winning the tournament with a 3-0 overall record.

The North Platte Panthers came in second at 2-1 on the day, and the Benton Cardinals secured third place with a 2-1 record as well.

News-Press NOW will update this story.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Noyes Home for Children will host its largest annual fundraiser, Take a Seat 2025: Light the Way, Saturday evening offering an elegant gala in support of children and families in need.

The event, which helps fund critical programs and services, will feature live and silent auctions, including unique items, travel packages and one-of-a-kind finds. Guests will also enjoy food, drinks and opportunities to connect with others who support the Noyes Home’s mission.

This event is crucial to Noyes Home’s yearly budget. Proceeds will benefit the Noyes Home’s efforts to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children while offering support to families working to rebuild stability.

Chelsea Howlett, Executive Director of the Noyes Home for Children said, “Our single biggest expense is to be able to provide care, but then of course it’s the safety, the shelter, the food, the clothing, all of the things that every family knows, but our family size is often times 30 or 40 children at a time.”

Noyes Home provides 24-hour care, even on holidays, for families in need. For more information, visit Noyes Home for Children’s One Cause website here or noyeshome.org.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Over 40 volunteers gathered Saturday, Sept. 13, to assemble hygiene kits for local teens in need.

The hygiene kits will be distributed to area schools to support students who may lack access to essential personal care items.

“Sometimes it is as simple as just like the sheer joy when a kiddo walks in at the beginning of August, and we get to hand them a backpack with school supplies,” said United Way’s of St. Joseph’s president, Kylee Strough, “To see their excitement for school and their new stuff, and to be a part of that is amazing.”

Volunteers participated as a part of United Way’s monthly Caring Connection crew, a monthly volunteer project.

Strough spoke about the importance of donating items, especially more uncommon ones, to help support families in need.

“Often times food pantries don’t have a lot of extra hygiene items and things. It’s pretty simple stuff, but it makes a really significant impact when you don’t have these things.”

The event took place from 1 to 3 p.m. at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, located at 118 S. 5th St.

Those interested in volunteering for the United Way of Greater St. Joseph can visit their website here.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One local staple is coming back, this time, with a Roaring 20s theme.

The 36th Annual Southside Fall Festival will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, through Sunday, Sept. 21 at 402 East Hyde Park Ave.

The weekend will feature local food, entertainment and vendors to kickstart the start of fall.

Additionally, the 36th Annual Southside Fall Festival parade will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. The parade will begin at Green Hills Grocery and will continue on to King Hill Avenue to Missouri Avenue.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A crash on eastbound Highway 36, about a half-mile from the 22nd street exit, caused a shutdown of the left lane of traffic Friday afternoon as emergency crews worked the scene.

According to a firefighter, Ely Martinez, on the scene, there were no injuries reported.

One vehicle, driving in the left lane, traveled into the right lane and another vehicle struck the guardrail attempting to avoid a collision, according to Traffic Unit Officer John Foster.

News-Press NOW will update this story.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – On Friday morning, the YWCA hosted its 29th annual day of Commitment to Eliminate Racism Breakfast.

The day of commitment is a time to make a stand against racism of all kinds in the community.

Danielle Brown, YWCA chief executive officer, said the event is a chance for the community to stand together without any labels or titles.

“So whether it be race or gender biases that divide us in so many different circles that were in, we’re able to come together today without all of those labels and all of those titles and really try to stand together and to take that back out into our community,” Brown said.

The event featured different speakers, a music performance and two awards being presented to members in the community.

The 2025 Kelsy Beshears Racial Justice Award was won by LaTonya Williams.

Williams said she felt amazed and grateful when she found out that she won the award.

“A lot of times we do things in the community and I wonder if people are looking, if they’re noticing, or if they’re even appreciative of your work. And when I got the call, I was just really, really thankful,” she said.

There was a scholarship awarded to a MoWest student at the event. The 2025 Kelsy Beshears Scholarship was awarded to Jessica Laws.

The event ended with everyone reading the pledge to climate racism. This pledge was granted to use from Birmingham, AL.

Brown said her favorite part of the event is reading the pledge with the entire community.

“But the unity that comes from the pledge to eliminate racism when we all stand and say that together, it is very powerful and it’s something that, you know, I almost envision think just moving out into the community as we’re standing here taking it together,” Brown said.

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