Category: knpn-local-news

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Two people are in custody following a monthslong narcotics investigation in Northwest Missouri that led to the seizure of various controlled substances.

The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that two suspects were arrested on drug and weapons charges after search warrants were carried out in Clearmont, Missouri, and Atchison County in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation that began last year

The operations were carried out with the help of the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force and led to the seizure of controlled substances, multiple firearms and materials tied to distributing narcotics.

The subject, a convicted felon, was taken into custody and held on $100,000 bond for charges including distribution of a controlled substance in a protected location, driving while revoked/suspended, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession and use of a firearm.

According to the department, the investigation initially began with a traffic stop that lead to a search warrant and seizure of approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and packaging material from a residence in rural Nodaway County.

This Clearmont investigation led to another search warrant and the arrest of one person in Atchison County, Missouri. Charges filed in that case include:

Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Protected Location

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Tampering with Physical Evidence

Resisting/Interfering with an Arrest for a Felony

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The City of St. Joseph announced it is partnering with the St. Joseph Police Department to improve the safety and appearance of neighborhoods through property code enforcement.

The City stated that the move reflects its ongoing response to resident feedback and addressing concerns throughout the community. Bringing code enforcement and law enforcement together, the City aims to improve coordination, efficiency and overall impact.

In a news release, City officials noted that blight, vacant properties, and crime often go hand in hand. The realignment positions staff to address issues more comprehensively. Improving neighborhood appearance and safety were among the top priorities identified by residents in a community survey conducted last year.

The Property Maintenance Division, formerly part of the Planning and Community Development Department, consists of six staff members: four code enforcement officers, one clerk and one manager.

The division is responsible for identifying overgrown weeds and vegetation, trash and debris, insect or vermin breeding, dead or diseased trees, excessive exterior lighting, noxious or offensive odors, stagnant water, temporary signs and any surfacing sewage.

The division has relocated from City Hall to the Law Enforcement Center at 501 Faraon St.

The move supports closer day-to-day collaboration with police officers. Residents needing in-person assistance should visit the police department lobby to speak with an inspector or supervisor.

Services available include right-of-entry requests for yellow-tagged structures, consent-to-tow forms, filing in-person code violation complaints, tax sale assistance and coordination with contractors dropping off invoices or picking up work orders related to property abatements.

Residents with questions or wanting to speak with an inspector by phone can contact the code enforcement clerk at 816-271-4620.

As part of the transition, the City said code enforcement officers had been assigned newly branded vehicles and will soon begin wearing uniforms that increase visibility and reinforce their role in neighborhood improvement efforts.

Code enforcement statistics before and after the cleanup highlights will be shared through the St. Joseph Police Department’s social media channels.

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster said residents can expect a more consistent and structured approach to code enforcement moving forward.

“This realignment allows us to focus more holistically on quality-of-life issues,” Luster said. “Code officers will be looking beyond individual properties to address broader neighborhood concerns, helping us create cleaner, safer and more welcoming areas for everyone.”

Substandard housing and dangerous building concerns will continue to be addressed through the city’s Planning and Community Development Department.

Buildings that are red-tagged due to fire damage, accidents involving vehicles, weather damage and other structural concerns are also handled by the Planning and Community Development Department.

City leaders said the change underscores a commitment to listening to residents and delivering responsive, effective services aimed at improving daily life throughout St. Joseph.

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NPG Content Share

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) — Several organizations around the state are coming together for the “Stand Up, Fight Back” rally Wednesday at the State Capitol to protest actions taken by Missouri lawmakers.

According to a press release from Abortion Action Missouri, thousands of protesters went to the Capitol is September 2025 to protest lawmakers taking away paid sick leave, the right to abortion, access to health care and the redistricting of the congressional map.

Missourians plan to protest the same issue on Wednesday as lawmakers head back to the Capitol following their break.

According to the press release, 17 statewide organizations will be represented in the rally:

Missourians with SEIU Healthcare

SEIU Local 1

Missouri Workers Center

Abortion Action Missouri

Missouri Jobs With Justice

Action St. Louis

PROMO Missouri

Beacon Reproductive Health Network

Heartland Alliance for Progress

Indivisible KC and Indivisible STL

Planned Parenthood Great Plains Vote

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers Action

UAW Local 31, UAW Local 249 and UAW Local 2250

Wednesday’s rally will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Capitol rotunda.

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Leah Rainwater

KEARNEY, Mo. (KQTV) — An 81-year-old man was injured after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening in Kearney, Missouri.

The crash occurred just before 5 p.m., according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash report.

The 39-year-old female driver of a 2022 Ford Expedition Max was traveling south on the 17000 block of Endicott Road.

The 81-year-old pedestrian was standing near the edge of the roadway, according to the report, when the vehicle struck him.

The man was transported to Liberty Hospital by EMS.

The driver of the Ford was wearing a seatbelt and the car received minor damage.

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Patrick Holleron

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The American Red Cross is facing a significant shortage in blood supply in the early phases of 2026.

Requests from hospitals have exceeded the current blood supply, leading to a drawdown of blood products by 35% within the past month.

The shortage is severely impacting blood requests for platelets and type O, as well as A negative and B negative blood types.

The Red Cross believes high flu cases across the country may be reducing available donors and thus further increasing the shortage. Experts have described this year as one of the worst flu seasons in 20 years.

About 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather last month alone — more than three times the number of blood drives impacted during the same time the previous year.

As a thank you to donors for helping tackle the blood shortage, those who come to give through Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area.

All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details. 

Anyone wanting to donate blood or platelets can book an appointment through the Blood Donor App by going to RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Bode Ice Arena is set to join in on National Skating Month with free ice skating for community members to enjoy this weekend.

On Saturday, Jan. 25, Bode Ice Arena will hold an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. for all skaters of all levels to enjoy free ice skating, learn basics from instructors and earn prizes.

For more information visit https://bit.ly/BodeIceArena.

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Danielle Bailey

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Museums invites the public to attend a series designed to offer thrills and twists for Valentine’s Day.

“Nothing Says Love Like Murder,” a three-event series designed for couples, friends and curious minds, features hands-on investigations, historic intrigue and exploration within the museum’s spaces.

Guests can participate in the following events:

Forensic Night — 6 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Frederick Avenue Complex for guests who want to test their detective skills.

Murder at the Mansion — 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion. The mansion transforms into a living game board for a classic ‘Whodunnit’ case.

Glore After Hours — 9 p.m. on Feb.14 at the Glore Psychiatric Museum. A guided paranormal investigation of the museum.

For more information and to register, visit stjosephmuseum.org/events, or contact Kami Jones at kami@stjosephmuseum.org or 816-232-8471. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph City Council bid farewell to a long-time employee and approved a few bills during its meeting Tuesday evening.

The meeting started with a farewell to the City Clerk, Paula Heyde. She has served the City of St. Joseph for over 40 years. Heyde also received the Key to the City Award.

On Tuesday’s agenda, council members voted on an ordinance to authorize an agreement with Missouri Western State University to provide free transportation on St Joseph Transit buses to all students and employees.

In 2013, the City and MoWest previously entered into an open-access agreement to provide transportation to students and employees of MoWest, without having to pay a fare for each ride. During COVID, ridership dropped, as well as prices. As a result, the program was discontinued.

City Council approved a salary increase for the St. Joseph Fire Department. 

The City approved a contract with the International Association of Firefighters, Local #77, to adjust fire department budgets to set aside $200,000 for firefighter pay raises and related benefits required by the contract.

The City and union have agreed to terms extending the contract through June 30, 2028.

All department employees are projected to get a 4% increase in pay, retroactive to July 1, 2025, for fiscal year 2026. Employees will also see a 3% increase in fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

SJFD Fire Chief Ivan Klippenstein said the department is really excited to have a new contract and a pay increase.

“Our firefighters work hard, and the city certainly recognizes that. There doing what they can to get that increase. We’re just glad and thankful we’re here, he said.

Klippenstein said he has high hopes that the pay increase will improve staffing and retention.

“People from outside come to want to work here, and they can see a continual support from the City that their firefighters will be cared for the best they can,” he said.

The council also approved an ordinance allocating $61,590 to MVP Painting LLC, which beat out Mongan Painting LLC’s $63,200 bid.

MVP will perform the removal and replacement of all expansion joints surrounding the pool, as well as complete surface preparation and repaint the pool interior.

All work will be conducted in accordance with industry standards, applicable codes and manufacturer specifications.

The next city council meeting will take place on Monday, Feb. 2.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Salary increases for St. Joseph firefighters and free bus rides for MoWest students and faculty are now in effect after passage by St. Joseph City Councilmembers this evening.

A pair of measures approved at Tuesday’s City Council meeting will pave the way for a three-phase firefighter salary increase and the reinstatement of free bus rides for students, faculty and staff at Missouri Western State University.

A new $200,000 working contract with the International Association of Firefighters, Local #77, will see firefighter pay increase by 4% in 2026, along with future raises of 3% in both 2027 and 2028, an agreement that received strong praise from leaders with the local firefighter union.

“This agreement represents a significant investment in public safety. It provides stability for our families in need, allowing us to focus entirely on our mission of protecting the lives and property of our neighbors,” IAFF Local 77 President Skyler White said at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The agreement also includes longevity raises to increase salaries above the base salary for every five years of continuous service completed, with the breakdown as follows:

5 years of service: 5% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.

10 years: 10% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.

15 years: 15% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.

20 years: 20% above base salary, plus accumulated cost-of-live-adjustments.

“We know that budgets are tight and decisions are rarely easy, but by prioritizing this contract for us, you have chosen to invest in the people who are there for this city on its worst days,” White said to City Councilmembers.

The agreement also updates EMT compensation by converting certified EMT pay from a lump-sum payment to an hourly rate through an adjustment to base pay prior to the application of longevity, and revises out-of-title compensation.

City reinstates free bus ride program for MoWest faculty and students

Free bus rides for students, faculty and staff at Missouri Western State University are back once again after approval by councilmembers on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s meeting saw the approval of a measure to reinstate a free bus transportation program between the City and Missouri Western State University, one that will provide unlimited bus rides to faculty, staff and students without having to pay a fare. 

Students and staff will have to present a current, valid MoWest identification card at the time of boarding to be accepted. 

Tuesday’s approval marks the return of the program for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic halted it. Prior to that, the agreement had been in place since 2013.

The new agreement is for one year but could be extended to 2027 depending on performance goals. The contract will automatically renew in 2027 if roughly 4,800 riders are registered. 

Other bills approved by City Council

An ordinance authorizing an amendment to the capital projects budget and the execution of a lump sum contract with MVP Painting LLC in the amount of $61,590 for the St. Joseph Aquatic Park Pool painting project

A resolution authorizing a services agreement with Insurica/Palomar insurance company, Allied World Surplus Lines Insurance and Mount Claims Service for vehicle and general liability insurance, comprehensive insurance coverage and third-party administrator services in the amount of $449,920 for the Mass Transit Division.

Nominations and appointments

Mayor John Josendale nominates Mary Kottenstette, North 19th Street, to serve as a member of the Land Bank Board for a term expiring Jan. 20, 2030; she will be replacing Tara Horn, whose term has expired.

Councilmember Kenton Randolph nominates David E. Humbert, Jr., South Fourth Street, to serve as a member of the Landmark Commission for a term expiring Sept. 29, 2026; he is filling a vacancy on the Commission.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A longtime city employee described by many as the life and soul of City Hall was honored with an array of accolades Tuesday as she nears the end of a decades long career supporting local government.

City leaders dedicated an early portion of Tuesday’s City Council meeting to recognize retiring City Clerk Paula Heyde with multiple honors for her commitment and leadership over a 40-plus year career, including a special recognition award, a prestigious key to the city and a resolution signed by the Missouri State House of Representatives.

Heyde is set to retire next Friday, Jan. 30, after 43 years working in the City Clerk’s Office, a journey that began back in 1983 for the Stanberry, Missouri, native.

“I want to thank the Council for their support and all these recognitions and their kindness over the years,” Heyde said to those in attendance.

The state resolution presented Tuesday was ordered by former St. Joseph mayor and current District 10 House Rep. Bill Falkner, as well as District 11 Rep. Brenda Shields and House Speaker Jonathan Patterson. 

“There’s probably no one in this building that deserves it more,” St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale said.

From managing vital city records and public documents to maintaining City Council meetings and agendas, preserving ordinances and responding to public records requests, Heyde played an invaluable role supporting staff and assisting numerous city government functions, from local elections to compliance with local and state laws.

“Her career has spanned generations of city leaders and stands as a testament to her steadfast commitment to public service,” Josendale said. “Paula leaves a legacy of dedicated public service and a lasting positive impact on the city and its residents.” 

Heyde began her work with the city clerk’s office through an employment agency in January 1983 before becoming an official staff member the following year. She was appointed city clerk on Oct. 31, 1988, succeeding Walter Welsh, who had served for 34 years starting in 1954.

Deputy Clerk Kaycee Garton is set to assume the City Clerk’s role beginning Feb. 2, 2026, marking just the third change in city clerk leadership in the last 70 years.

Heyde said previously that she looks forward to traveling and spending more time with family and friends in retirement.

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