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Alison Patton

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The first meeting of Gov. Mike Kehoe’s special session starts Thursday at noon with the special redistricting committee.

This committee will hear testimonies from the public on House Bill 1, and then go into executive session right after to discuss the proposed legislation, committee chair Richard West (R-Wentzville) said Wednesday.

The meeting will proceed despite the NAACP’s attempts to stop the session with a temporary restraining order, according to previous ABC 17 reporting. The organization argues it’s illegal to redistrict outside of the 10-year census.

Republicans claim the Missouri First Map splits fewer counties, but Democrats argue the new map would dilute Democratic votes.

The Missouri First Map would expand the Fifth District, which is primarily Kansas City’s district, to also include portions of Boone County north and west of Columbia.

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City) filed her own proposed map on Thursday. That proposal keeps the Fifth Congressional District within the Kansas City area. Audrain, Boone, Cole and Miller counties would mark the westernmost counties of the Third Congressional District, stretching west to St. Charles County.

Rep. Aune map, HB2Download

The National Democratic Redistricting Committee met Thursday morning to breakdown the intentions of the map.

“Despite overwhelming opposition from the people, Missouri Republicans are proposing a congressional map that would split apart the state’s most populous city and turn the Show-Me state into one of the most egregiously gerrymandered states in the country,” said John Bisognano, president of the NDRC.

The election committee will discuss initiative petition reform Thursday at 1 p.m. to take up House Joint Resolution 3.

Several proposed legislations have been submitted regarding initiative petition reform.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri Western State just hosted an esports jamboree, bringing together students from Benton, Central, Lafayette and Mid-Buchanan R-V School District.  

The teams faced off in popular games like Smash Bros and Rocket League. Central High came out on top in several rounds, snagging first and third in Fornite and second in Smash Bros.  

“It was really fun, if I remember correctly I did smash bros and I also watched some of the other people do their matches and people at fortnite are insane,” Darren Henderson, Junior from Central highschool said.  

Henderson says these matches happen every two weeks which was the norm two years ago.  

The district plans to keep these tournaments going every couple of weeks, with students able to compete in-person or online—even from their phones at home.  

“It was the first time for me to experience an esports type of area and it was really amazing to meet new people there and see how competitive playing video games is,” Fernando Maldonado, Junior said.  

Anyone can stop by and sign up—each school has its own players who get to decide if they want to compete against other teams.  

“They can do them daily but we don’t have as much as I would like. I am hoping to see that grow with Missouri Western’s involvement in this,” Ashley Murawski, E-sports coach said.  

Murawski also says this is a great opportunity that enhances the ability to contact with people that they wouldn’t normally have an interaction with.  

Players can either meet up at each other’s homes for scheduled matches, or connect online ahead of time to plan things out.  

“I have always really liked playing video games and i am a very competitive person so I hope to continue doing esports and playing related stuff in the future as well,” Naomi Noble, Junior said.  

Students say they’re looking forward to more tournaments, where they can make new friends, boost their confidence, and face off against teams from other schools .

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (New-Press NOW) — Migraines can strike without warning and can ruin an entire day.  

According to the Mayo Clinic, migraine headaches produce throbbing pain and are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. They can last for hours or even days, and can affect all age groups, including children and teens.  

Hamilton, Missouri, physician, Dr. Greg Dean, said there are definite distinctions between what would be classified as a migraine headache and a “normal” tension headache.  

“If you have a headache and you become very light sensitive… and it’s accompanied by nausea, that’s more likely to be a migraine,” Dean said. “But if you have muscle tension in the back of the head that seems to come forward and can be relieved by Tylenol or Ibuprofen, it is more likely to be a tension headache.”  

Dead added that if you experience one migraine, they are likely to return. However, if you experience migraines as a child or teen, it is not uncommon to outgrow them as an adult. Migraines can be triggered by physical, environmental and psychological factors.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it is common to combine medicines with other remedies that include therapy and even lifestyle changes to best manage them.  

Once a migraine occurs, regardless of how long it lasts, it is common to feel drained and even a bit despondent for a period of time afterward. Warning signs for a migraine may occur days before.

Signs often include water retention, constipation, neck stiffness and mood swings. Once a migraine occurs, taking medications for symptoms or prescribed medications for migraines should be accompanied by avoidance of bright lights and noise until the migraine has passed. Also, because of after effects, doctors recommend gradually building back up to your normal daily functions.  

For more information about symptoms and other details, visit mayoclinic.org, and consult a physician to determine the best approach for long-term treatment.  

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, MO. (News-Press NOW) — One local church will host a special gathering next Thursday to support veterans of the Vietnam War and hear firsthand experiences from prominent veterans.

A Patriots Day Tribute to honor Vietnam vets, prisoners of war and those missing in action will take place at 5 p.m. at Wyatt Park Baptist Church at 2902 N. Leonard Road on Sept. 11.

The event, sponsored by the Veterans Assistance League, offers the chance to not only support and honor veterans but also educate themselves about the history of the 20-year period. Approximately 2.7 million American men and women served in Vietnam.

Prominent speakers will be in attendance, such as Air Force Capt. Guy Gruters, a former POW and cellmate of late Arizona senator and presidential candidate John McCain.

A large mobile Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be on display along with additional guest appearances and a musical performance by popular local artist Phil Vandel.

Local veteran and author Milt Toratti will have books and other memorabilia on display.

Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for children, with all of the proceeds going to provide for veterans at the Veterans Home in Cameron, Missouri.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 816-632-6010 or visit the Veterans’ Assistance League on Facebook.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Uncommon Life Leadership Event to introduce the community to new local leaders.

The event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Parkway Distillery located at 415 N. 13th St.

With recent changes in leadership within the City of St. Joseph, Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph School District, the event serves as a chance for residents to meet new leaders and have conversations with them about issues that are important to individuals and their businesses.

Registration is requested, but not required and the event is free to attend.

Those interested can register by going to the Chamber of Commerce’s website at saintjoseph.com.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  A dozen museums across St. Joseph, and one in Savannah, will open their doors for free on Saturday as part of the community’s annual Free Museum Day.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at these locations: the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, Andrew County Museum, Mount Mora Cemetery, Pony Express Museum, Robidoux Row, and the Walter Cronkite Memorial.

Some sites will stay open until 5 p.m including: the Black Archives Museum, Doll Museum, Remington Nature Center, Glore Psychiatric Museum, and the St. Joseph Museum.

The goal is to make local history, culture and art more accessible to families, students and visitors.

“We want to make sure that we have access for everyone,” said Sara Wilson, Executive Director of St. Joseph Museums, “I don’t think that people always realize that we have people coming from across the world to visit us every single day and so it’s important for us to showcase our history and culture here in St. Joseph and share that with everyone.”

Wyeth-Tootle Mansion, which is part of St. Joseph Museums, hosted its own free day last weekend as a preview to the larger citywide event.

One museum patron shared what a privilege it was to see a family member featured on the museum’s walls.

“My great great great grandfather’s in this museum and grandma,” said Nejeila, St. Joseph citizen, “It makes me feel excited and proud and like I’m apart of history.”

Free Museum Day has become a tradition in St. Joseph, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The day encourages residents to rediscover history in their own backyard.

Young museum patrons expressed their excitement about the variety of museums in town. Whenever they visit the Glore Psychiatric Museum, they can’t help but think of the woman who ate all the strange objects.

“It’s disgusting!” said Akarah, Liliana, Havalynne, and Dawson, “Come to the museums!”

A photograph of the many buttons, nails, and other items at Glore Psychiatric Museum swallowed by a patient suffering from Pika.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo (News-Press NOW) — Local high school students will have the opportunity to compete for prestigious and long held scholarships through Cotillion for Achievement, with applications now open.

In its 39th year, the Cotillion for Achievement offers scholarships, enrichment opportunities, leadership training and recognition for high school seniors pursuing college or other post-secondary education.

As designated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, scholarship applications are currently being distributed to public and private high schools in the area. 

Students are asked to contact a school counselor to request a Cotillion Application form and all applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, or postmarked on this date.

Information can also be obtained by visiting the Cotillion for Achievement website at cotillionforachievement.org.

Completed applications will be scored on each student’s scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, plus a written essay. 

A panel of five community leaders will then serve as judges to review each application. All finalists are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship and will be recognized at a reception on Dec. 7, 2025.

Finalists will participate in three Adventure in Achievement seminars during January 2026. The Adventures promote leadership skills, self-image, communication abilities, and community engagement.

The Cotillion, a non-profit organization run by volunteers, relies solely on generous contributions from individuals, organizations, and businesses to honor these well-rounded students.

Those with questions may direct them to Cotillion Board Vice President Darcy Wing by email at darcywing@gmail.com.

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — When Anne Spry graduated from the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri in December of 1970, she had no way of knowing that a few months later, she would be part of a life-changing experience in the Peace Corps.

Spry’s new book, called “Taking the Long Way Home: A Peace Corps Memoir of Brazil,” in which she chronicles a three and a half year time period with the Peace Corps, which gave her skills and passion she would utilize for the rest of her career.

Spry, the longtime publisher of the Caldwell County News based in Hamilton, Missouri, said her recent retirement, along with the urging of close friends, prompted her to reflect on those days.

She hopes to remind people of the importance of now underfunded organizations like the Peace Corps and to remind younger people that serving others can enhance whatever career they choose to enter.

“I actually began writing this book over fifty years ago, after I returned to the U.S. from my Peace Corps service,” Spry said. “But, becoming a newspaper publisher and editor consumed me, and only lately have I had time to finish.”

Spry noted the importance of the Peace Corps in providing face-to-face connections with people throughout the world in a way that benefitted all involved, while giving a positive reputation to the U.S.

“Part of the push to finish this book recently, after all these years, came from the turmoil that the world is now in,” Spry said. “The protests that are occurring all over the country remind me of the late 60s and early 70s protests that took place on college campuses and elsewhere.”

She said the message of the Peace Corps, which she continued to support even after beginning her job in Missouri in 1974, is just as relevant now as it was when she participated over 50 years ago.

“I believe so strongly in the role of the Peace Corps for promoting understanding,” Spry said.

She also said she believes not only the rewarding service people experience in organizations like the Peace Corps, but the life skills those opportunities in remote places provide can prove to be life-changing.

“The teaching I had the opportunity to do was an important skill for me,” Spry said. “Also, the opportunity to oversee a team, to organize projects and to oversee employees helped me throughout my life and career.”

The book is available on Amazon and in a variety of bookstores in the area in hardcover, softcover and e-book formats.

Spry will have a book signing and reading at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Hamilton Federated Church in Hamilton, Missouri.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Civic Leadership Academy celebrated the 139th Airlift Wing during a reception and visit, which will take a deeper dive into the inner workings of the Missouri Air National Guard.  

A visit on Friday, Sept. 5, served as a chance for community members not just to learn more about the 139th, but also to see how they can help support and advocate for the military in the region.  

“It’s designed to be a way for them to interact with leadership at the 139th, and there will be businesses with opportunities to learn about potential partnerships and learn how to better serve St. Joseph,” said Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce.

This marks the third year for the annual celebration, which Hawn said is all about showing the economic and community impact of keeping the 139th in St. Joseph. 

Hawn also said residents don’t realize the global role the unit plays — including training NATO nations on weapons systems.  

“It’s a chance for them to go and learn what happens at the 139th and how we can be proud partners here in St. Joe and be proud of having our air force base,” Hawn said.  

Information on college and trade school incentives, plus details on the financial benefits available to young people.  

“The Air Force provides a lot of training and opportunities to where we can teach somebody to be a welder or a mechanic or a plumber or a pilot,” said Barrette Golden, Wing Commander of the 139th Airlift Wing.

Organizers say the overall goal is to highlight leadership opportunities and show the value the Air National Guard brings not just to the region, but to the nation. 

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  September is acknowledged as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

The month serves as a time to raise awareness, acknowledge those who have been affected by suicide and connect individuals with treatment services.

According to USA Facts, the suicide rate in Missouri has increased by 59.9% over the past 20 years.

Beth Crumpler, a coordinator for integrated behavioral health, said there’s a lot reasons for the rise of suicide in Missouri can be due to a lot of reasons.

“A lot of the reason for the increase is due to socioeconomic reasons,” she said.  “The economy is not doing so well, especially in our rural areas, mental health issues. There’s a limited access to resources in the state of Missouri,” Crumpler said.

Crumpler said it’s important to bring awareness to suicide because it will help fight the stigma.

“Talking about suicide helps to share the burden that somebody may be going through and can help to give them a resource to not commit suicide,” Crumpler said.

Crumpler also mentioned different signs to be aware of to look out for someone who is at risk of committing suicide.

“Previous attempts to suicide, a history of depression, withdrawing from friends if they’re given away things that are very important to them, saying their goodbyes,” Crumpler said. “Those are all signs to look out for and to be kind of kind of cautious about,” she said.

There are many resources to reach out to if someone is considering suicide. Crumpler said 988 is a big and valuable resource to reach out to.

They will come out and see you if that’s what you need at the time and talk to you and help you get through wherever you’re at, whatever you’re going through,  just call 988,” she said.

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