Category: knpn-local-news

Leah Rainwater

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph native, Noah Cameron, is set to start for the Kansas City Royals on their home turf at 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cameron, who made his MLB debut against the Tampa Bay Rays at the end of April, assisted in the Royals’ sweep of the weekend series.

Cameron is expected to take over for Seth Lugo, who will miss Saturday’s start against the Cardinals due to finger inflammation, according to Joel Goldberg, a Royals Broadcaster.

Royals will skip Seth Lugo tomorrow due to inflammation in his right middle finger. Noah Cameron expected to make the spot start. The hope is no IL.

— Joel Goldberg (@goldbergkc) May 16, 2025

The Royals will kick off a weekend against the St. Louis Cardinals on at 6:40 p.m. Friday, May 16.

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News-Press NOW

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Three members of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty this week before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, for their involvement in a series of armed assaults against members of rival motorcycle clubs.

Christopher W. McGowen, also known as “Mac”, 41, of Platte City, Mo. pleaded guilty on May 13, 2025 to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in air of racketeering, one count of attempting to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Brandon S. Hodge, also known as “Youngblood”, 26, of Springfield, Mo., pleaded guilty on May, 14, 2025 to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

Arthur L. Reynolds III, also known as “Straight Edge”, 48, of Independence, Mo., pleaded guilty on May 15, 2025 to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and one count of felon in possession of firearms.

On May 30, 2022, McGowen and other members of the Pagan’s and their support club, assaulted a lone rival gang member at a business in Grain Valley, Mo. In addition to fists, one Pagan used an axe, causing physical injury to the victim.

On Sept. 3, 2022, McGowen, Hodge, Reynolds and other members of the Pagan’s and their support club, chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo. Various members of the Pagan’s and their support club were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle.

McGowen, Hodge, Reynolds and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearms, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg.

Following these events, McGowen, Hodge, Reynolds and other present were awarded patches for their participation.

On May 11, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant for Reynolds’ residence in Independence, Mo. Inside, officers located seven firearms, various calibers of ammunition, body armor and Pagan’s Motorcycle gang-related items.

On Jan. 24, 2005, Reynolds pleaded guilty to felony aggravated robbery in the District Court of Johnson County, Kansas, for which he was later sentenced to 61 months in custody.

Under federal status, McGowen and Reynolds are subject to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. Hodge is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a pre-sentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo. Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo. Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Outdoor and nature enthusiasts will be able to have their share of activities at the River Bluff Trails Fest.

The festival will have something for everyone to enjoy with vendors, food trucks, 5k’s, obstacle courses and more.

“We will have some kids clinics that are low cost options,” Wheels Up Owner, Cody Jones said. “And then we also have an open jump which for the first 60 riders is free to the public.”

The Fest dates back to 2022, originally being geared toward bikers and cyclists, but has grown to encompass a wide variety of activities.

The River Bluff Trails fest will have activities throughout Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. The list of activities can be found on their website.

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Leah Rainwater

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In a ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Charles D. Hausman was promoted to the rank of Major General.

The ceremony took place on Friday, May 16, where Governor Mike Kehoe expressed his congratulations to, now, Major General Hausman.

“This promotion is a testament to Major General Hausman’s remarkable leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to our state and nation,” said Gov. Kehoe. “In the months since General Hausman assumed command, he has led Missouri’s soldiers and airmen at home and abroad through both day-to-day trainings and missions to their vital assistance with multiple rounds of winter storms and flooding across the state. On behalf of all Missourians, congratulations to General Hausman and the Hausman family on this well-deserved promotion.”

Gov. Kehoe selected Major General Hausman as the next Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard on Jan. 8, 2025, where he took command on Feb. 1, 2025.

With over 36 years of service in the Missouri National Guard, the General has an extensive military career with a high level of expertise in operational leadership, military strategy and interagency coordination.

“It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility,” General Hausman said. “Leading the exceptional soldiers and airmen of the Missouri National Guard, as we carry out our mission of serving the people of Missouri and this great nation is the honor of a lifetime.”

Hausman is a St. Joseph native and currently resides in Jefferson City with his wife and two adult children.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Interfaith Community Services, Inc. (InterServ) will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting on Monday, May 19.

The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. at Ashland United Methodist Church, located at 2711 Ashland Ave.

The meeting agenda includes honoring recipients of the David G. Berger Award. The DGB Award honors and recognizes individuals and organizations for their commitment to community service. InterServ will also introduce new board member appointments, executive committee appointments and officers for 2025.

Board-approved incoming members are: Clayton Rich, Rev. Susan Hartley, Stacy Dasta, Keil Heim, Kim Brown, Bill Luce and Megan McAndrews. Rev. Susan Alley will be retiring from the board.

The Executive Committee will be: Ron Auxier- President, Clayton Ruch- Vice President, Connie Newton- Secretary and Ryan Hook- Treasurer.

During the Annual Meeting, InterServ honors those who have made the community better through their service to children, youth, families and seniors with the DGB Award. Two candidates stood out in 2024 and will receive recognition at the meeting. Tom and Susie Alderson, as well as Ken McDaniel.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Residents traded car keys for bike helmets Friday as the city marked National Bike to Work Day, encouraging sustainable commuting.

Community members gathered outside City Hall early Friday, enjoying refreshments as they promoted active transportation, community engagement and healthier commutes.

“The event has grown, not just in St. Joe, but nationwide,” said Max Schieber the transportation planner for the City of St. Joseph. “This year, we’ve had about 100 participants sign up, and they’ll be commuting or biking across the city today. It’s a great way to bring the bike community together.”

City Councilman Andrew Trout issued a proclamation recognizing Bike to Work Day and its growth over the years, as the event celebrates its 15th anniversary in the city. 

Whether cycling just one mile or several, biking provides numerous benefits, such as reducing carbon emissions, decreasing air pollution, and enhancing cyclists’ mental well-being. 

“I started three years ago, and I had never biked to work before, but now I do it regularly,” said Schieber. “Biking offers not only physical benefits but also mental ones. For me, it helps me show up to work feeling more refreshed and in a better mood.”

Bikers are also invited to the Bike to Work Day After-Party, starting at 3:00 P.M. at the Hi-Ho Bar & Grill.

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Chris Fortune

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A local nonprofit is helping expecting mothers with baby clothing and necessities.

The Pregnancy Resource Center’s Maternity Closet offers a new and gently used clothing giveaway to any pregnant women.

In the seven years it has run, community members donated clothing and funds to purchase them.

“We’ve never run out of maternity clothes, because of those generous contributions,” Executive Director Libby Owens said.

The spring Maternity Closet ended Friday afternoon. Over 20 women visited the closet between Thursday and Friday and left with around 10 items each, which helped many of them save money on maternity clothes.

“That means that they don’t have to worry about maybe the clothes that they need for work while they’re pregnant or those extra outfits,” she said. “We all know things are expensive, and especially maternity clothes are expensive.”

The Maternity Closet will be open again on August 7th and 8th. Anyone interested in donating to the Pregnancy Resource Clinic can visit its website.

“We do appreciate gently used maternity clothes,” Owens said. “All sizes are needed.”

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — An underutilized parking lot next to East Hills Library is set to become a new-and-improved hub for transit riders and drivers.

Plans are in motion to develop a new multi-million dollar bus transfer station on a 2.5-acre parking lot space adjacent to the East Hills Library.

“It will be a nice new facility for people to get on and off the bus and access the library and the mall,” St. Joseph Deputy Director of Transportation Chance Gallagher said. “It’ll be a lot easier and it’ll be more centralized as well.”

Gallagher said the new transfer station will allow them to accommodate 17 buses as opposed to seven at Hy-Vee, in addition to a wide range of system improvements, including faster wait times, less traffic congestion and a more efficient Belt Highway loop.

Buses will access the facility via the Woodbine entrance, while will have to be widened and upgraded to accommodate an increase in vehicles.

“We’re going to make some upgrades to the sidewalk and make sure this is easily accessible, and then maintain the entryway and make sure our buses aren’t in the way,” Gallagher said. “Hopefully we’re going to also improve the parking lot and the facilities around here as well.”

St. Joseph resident Ed Baker takes the bus every day and was highly complimentary of the transit system’s affordability and efficiency, particularly its new Travel Ambassador Program which provides instruction and guidance to new riders.

“I’ve seen a lot more people in the last year using it, older people mostly,” Baker said. “A lot of people have been really pleased.”

Baker was excited to hear about plans for the new facility. He hopes the facility will include a machine that allows for dollar to coin exchanges.

“I’m really pleased about that. Because right now there’ places I can’t get to. But when they start getting more buses here, hopefully that’ll change,” he said.

The city views the project as a strategic investment to help accommodate the current and future needs of the transit system, which has experienced year-over-year growth in ridership and paid passengers over the last three years.

Paid passengers jumped from 240,794 in 2023 to 267,976 in 2025, while the number of trips also increased from 299,677 to 325,460.

“It’s about a 14.1% increase. So it’s moving along and we’re up to almost full staff, which is great for our bus drivers. So that helps with being able to continue having all of our routes functioning,” she said.

St. Joseph City Councilmembers will vote on a $798,725 real estate sales contract with East Hills Properties, LLC, on Tuesday, May 27, to potentially acquire the land for development.

The station will also provide a true designated break area and restrooms for bus drivers who currently have to cross the road to use Hy-Vee Gas.

“We put money in next year’s budget, so July 1 I hope to start putting bids together and get it going,” Gallagher “We’re in the beginning design phases, and then once I get an engineer’s (cost) estimate, we’ll go out.”

Pedestrians wait at the city bus station located at Hyvee on Thursday in St. Joseph. | Cameron Montemayor | News-Press NOW

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One popular summer concert series returns for the 2025 season and kicked off its performances on Friday, May 16.

This free community event will bring live music, food and entertainment to Coleman Hawkins Park in historic Downtown St. Joseph.

“We really tried to get into the revitalization of Downtown, making sure that, you know, businesses have what they need, like foot traffic, anything like that,” Executive Director Wendy Lilly said. “This is a huge concert series that brings a ton of people Downtown to enjoy our architecture, enjoy our neighborhood and our community. So really, I think they started it because they wanted Downtown to be a hub for events and it just kind of snowballed from there.”

Lilly said her favorite aspect of the concerts is the music itself as well as the camaraderie between the musicians and the audience.

“I grew up playing instruments and in bands,” she said. “Now that I’m older and seeing the other side of it, booking bands and seeing the community engagement and their favorite bands and having them wait after they’re done playing to meet the band, it’s just really exciting for me.”

The series kicked off with local favorite, B.O.C.C., performing from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The 2025 Sounds of Summer Concert Series schedule continues with other local favorites:

June 6: Swift Kik

June 20: Phil Vandel

July 18: Vinyl Revival

August 15: The Weasels

September 19: Yachtly Groove

October 17: Dolewite

Each concert will feature food vendors, including the popular Enchilada Lady and Vogel’s Burgers, Pizza & More and concessions from The Crossing offered in the concession building.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or beach towels to enjoy the performances against the backdrop of Downtown St. Joseph’s historic architecture.

All concerts are free and open to the public and will be held at Coleman Hawkins Park from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Per state and city regulations, outside alcohol is not permitted, but concessions will be available.

For more information about the Sounds of Summer Concert Series or other Downtown Association events, visit the Downtown Association’s Facebook page or email st.josephdowntown@yahoo.com.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Just a few days before his high school graduation, Dayton Guerrero received a heartbreaking phone call, that his father was taken in to custody by Immigration Customs Enforcement.

“You see it on the news everywhere but you never think it’s going to come to your town or happen to your family,” Guererro said. “My dad (has) been here for several years now — he’s spent more time in the U.S. than in his home country — and now he’s in a detention facility with very limited ways to contact us.”

Guerrero, a Central High School senior set to graduate this weekend, sat down with News-Press NOW to recall the moment he learned his father had been arrested Monday morning.

To Guerrero, it felt like a normal Monday — he expected to go to school, come home and see his father, but that wasn’t the case after two unmarked vehicles pulled his family over.

“They had on police vests, so I thought it was just a court summons,” said Guerrero, recalling the moment agents arrived. “We’ve been dealing with some court issues between my mom and dad.”

Luis Guerrero is currently being held in a detention center in Kansas as the family works to gather more information about his case.

News-Press NOW reached out to the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department to understand how often I.C.E. operations like this take place locally.

Shawn Collie, with the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, said their office doesn’t work regularly with I.C.E. but will do so when a case warrants federal involvement. He noted that situations like this one are not uncommon when an individual has a criminal record.

“We’ve never seen I.C.E. act randomly or without reason,” Collie said. “Typically, it’s always suspect-specific. There’s usually a prior history that prompts their involvement.”

Local law enforcement emphasized that steps are taken to ensure that children and families affected by such arrests are not left unsupported. They added that their goal remains public safety, regardless of a person’s immigration status.

“Even when we arrest U.S. citizens, crimes don’t just impact the person being taken into custody — they affect entire families,” Collie said. “We try to be empathetic and support those families. At the same time, we’re committed to doing what’s necessary to keep the community safe. That might mean jail or prison, or in some cases, referral to drug court.”

For the Guerrero family, one of the hardest aspects has been the limited communication with Luis and the uncertainty around his well-being in detention.

“We’re not allowed to visit him. We can only talk over the phone and the phone lines are so bad it’s hard to understand each other,” Guerrero said. “People need to realize that this isn’t okay. These are human beings, not just ‘illegal aliens’ like people often say. They deserve the same rights as everyone else.”

The family recently received a court date for May 27. They are urgently trying to secure legal representation but say they will not give up on bringing their father home.

“We’re going to keep trying. We can’t lose hope — because that’s exactly what they want,” he said. “People in this country need to come together, not divide. We’re stronger when we stand united.”

Guerrero is also preparing for another emotional milestone, graduation on May 18, an event he had always hoped his father would attend.

“My dad is probably one of the biggest reasons I’m even graduating this weekend,” he said. “He helped me through school and now he won’t be there to see it.”

Through it all, the Guerrero family says they’re grateful for the support they’ve received from friends, neighbors, and the community.

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