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Noah Farley

UPDATE:

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (KIFI) — Authorities have identified 20-year-old Wess Val Roley as the suspect in Sunday’s ambush near Coeur d’Alene that left two firefighters dead and one seriously injured. During a press conference Monday afternoon, Sheriff Bob Norris not only named Roley but also worked to clear up several misconceptions and false information surrounding the incident.

Investigators believe Roley intentionally started a brush fire on Canfield Mountain before opening fire on the responding crews. This theory is supported by newly released evidence: a flint starter was found on Roley’s body.

Roley reportedly had prior residences in California, Arizona, and Idaho, and investigators believe he was living out of his car at the time of the incident. Sheriff Bob Norris stated that while his staff and other law enforcement agencies had “very, very minor” interactions with Roley previously, mostly involving trespassing calls and welfare checks, he has no known criminal history.

“We don’t show any criminal history for Roley,” Norris told reporters. “At this time, we can’t locate a criminal record for this individual.”

Sheriff Norris directly addressed social media speculation, clarifying that there is no evidence linking Roley’s attack to an Islamist Jihad. “We don’t have any indication of a motive at this time,” Norris explained. He did reveal that Roley had expressed a past desire to become a firefighter. “We don’t know if there is a nexus to that desire and what happened that day… but we do know that he did at one time want to be a firefighter.”

The fatal incident began around 1:21 p.m. Sunday when firefighters were called to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. Interestingly, Roley did not immediately open fire. According to Sheriff Norris, the 20-year-old made contact with the firefighters upon their arrival. “There was a discussion,” Sheriff Norris said, adding, “It had something to do with his vehicle being parked where it was.”

As the gunman began shooting from the woods, firefighters reportedly pushed Roley’s vehicle off the side of the mountain and disabled their fire trucks to prevent him from escaping or doubling back. Authorities have not found any manifesto indicating a motive for Roley’s actions and have not yet been able to inventory his vehicle.

Roley’s body was discovered by SWAT team members on Canfield Mountain at 7:40 p.m. Sunday, with a firearm found nearby. “It appears right now we have a shotgun that was used…we are still processing the scene,” Norris noted. It has not been determined if the firearm belonged to Roley or another individual.

Veterans Bridge Incident Unrelated

Sheriff Norris also dispelled rumors connecting the ambush to a separate incident on Sunday night, around 11 PM, when an individual jumped from the Veterans Memorial Centennial Bridge along I-90 near Coeur d’Alene. Norris stated that this person had no relation to the firefighter murders.

Fire Containment Update

As of today, Sheriff Norris reports that the fire remains at 26 acres and has not grown. He indicated that fire containment is a slow process due to the terrain, with fire crews establishing 27 containment points on the mountain.

UPDATE:

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho (KIFI) — The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is addressing members of the press and the public to provide an update on the investigation into the ambush that took the lives of two firefighters near Canfield Mountain.

You can watch the press conference live above.

The fatal attack began around 1:21 p.m. Sunday when firefighters were called to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, as crews arrived, a gunman began shooting at them from the woods.

“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Sheriff Norris stated at a Sunday night news conference.

Roley’s body was later discovered by SWAT team members on Canfield Mountain at 7:40 p.m. Sunday, with a firearm found nearby. The investigation into the motive behind this unprecedented attack is ongoing.

ORIGINAL:

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Authorities have identified 20-year-old Wess Roley as the suspect in Sunday’s ambush that left two firefighters dead and one seriously injured near Coeur d’Alene. Investigators believe Roley intentionally started a brush fire before opening fire on the responding crews.

The fatal attack began around 1:21 p.m. Sunday when firefighters were called to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain. According to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris, as crews arrived, a gunman began shooting at them from the woods.

“This was a total ambush. These firefighters did not have a chance,” Sheriff Norris stated at a Sunday night news conference.

Roley’s body was later discovered by SWAT team members on Canfield Mountain at 7:40 p.m. Sunday, with a firearm found nearby. The investigation into the motive behind this unprecedented attack is ongoing.

Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff

The incident quickly drew statewide condemnation, Governor Brad Little calling the ambush a “heinous direct assault on our brave firefighters” in a post on X. Monday morning, Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo held a moment of silence on the U.S. Senate floor for the firefighters killed in the attack.

To honor the fallen, Governor Little has ordered flags across Idaho to be flown at half-staff immediately. The order will remain in effect until the day after the firefighters’ memorial service, which has yet to be scheduled.

“The entire State of Idaho grieves the profound loss of the firefighters killed in the shocking ambush in North Idaho,” Governor Little said. “All our public safety officers, especially our firefighters, bravely confront danger on a daily basis, but we have never seen a heinous act of violence like this on our firefighters before. This is not Idaho. This indescribable loss is felt deeply by all those in the firefighting community and beyond. Please join Teresa and me as we continue to pray for the victims and their loved ones.”

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News-Press NOW

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A Springfield, Mo., native will be the next chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court.

W. Brent Powell, who now lives in Kansas City, will replace current Chief Justice Mary R. Russell. Powell was appointed to the Missouri Supreme Court in 2017 and re-elected to a 12-year term in 2018.

Powell earned his undergraduate degree from William Jewell College in 1992, during which he also earned a varsity letter in football. He then earned his law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia Law School.

Powell has extensive experience in law and trials. He served in the Platte County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and the United States Attorney’s office for the Western District of Missouri.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Joseph Company will host a Head Coaches’ Summit to bring together leaders who are committed to shaping culture and driving meaningful change.

The summit will take place at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at inspireU’s third-floor event space, located at 521 Felix St.

The gathering brings together leaders of the arts, athletics, business, education, government, healthcare and non-profits.

The event will begin with coffee and conversation, followed by a keynote session titled “One Team, One Mission”, featuring St. Joseph City Manager Mike Schumacher and St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Natalie Hawn.

Wes Simmons will then introduce the theme “Becoming St. Joseph: The City of Coaches,” highlighting the power of 3D coaching principles to influence individuals, organizations and entire communities.

Attendees will also hear real-world examples, such as how the St. Joseph Police Department is incorporating coaching into its leadership culture and will be treated to a walk-through of inspireU’s new Children’s Discovery Center.

The morning will wrap up by 9:00 a.m.

For more information, visit The Joseph Company’s website at thejosephcompany.com/events/head-coaches-summit/.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol has set its holiday counting period for the Fourth of July.

The counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and will go through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6.

Whether planning to visit one of Missouri’s recreational opportunities or hosting a backyard barbecue, MSHP urges everyone to make safety a part of their plans and follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws.

All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws, as well as offer assistance as needed.

MSHP will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water- which specifically targets impaired vessel operators, throughout the holiday.

During the 2024 counting period, 14 people were killed and 560 were injured in Missouri over the Fourth of July holiday in 1,366 crashes.

Troopers also arrested 149 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2024 counting period.

In 2024, there were also 10 boating crashes, which included seven injuries and no fatalities. No one drowned during the holiday weekend and Troopers made 12 boating while intoxicated arrests.

Heading into the holiday weekend, Missouri boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers and being courteous on the water.

Boaters are asked never to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol. Boaters also need to be aware that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel. Fireworks should be left in a safe place on the shore.

Boaters are also asked to share the waterway, watch their wake and use common sense, good judgment and courtesy on the water. They are also encouraged to wear life jackets at all times.

Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways or waterways should use the MSHP’s Emergency Assistance number, 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone).

For road condition reports, travelers can visit the MoDOT website to view their traveler map, download the MoDOT app or call 1-888-275-6636.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The City of St. Joseph announced which facilities will be available on the Fourth of July holiday this Friday.

All City Offices, the Landfill, Recycling Center, and the REC Center will be closed this Fourth of July.

The Remington Nature Center will be open during its normal hours and the Aquatic Park will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A local Mexican restaurant will soon be stirring up new flavors in the heart of Downtown St. Joseph.

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant Bar announced it will expand its business with a second location at 614 Francis St., formerly where Marco Polo was located, and next to Schweetz Candy Co and Mod Podge Boutique & Design Studio.

“We’re hoping July 21st,” part owner Joe Diaz said. “There’s no Mexican restaurants Downtown so we had the idea of opening one.”

The restaurant currently has a location that’s been open for several years at 815 S. Belt Hwy, next to Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Diaz said they were attracted by the opportunity to not only expand their business across St. Joseph but also to do so in a growing area of town.

“Downtown’s growing, so we wanted to help grow that even more,” he said.

Los Compadres’ menu features a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including caldos — a seafood soup — as well as traditional entrees like tamales, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and more.

Tacos can be served with beef, chicken, pork, barbacoa, chorizo and seafood options like tilapia or shrimp.

Local residents like John Gertsema think the new destination will provide a needed boost for Downtown’s development.

“I think it would benefit Downtown quite a bit. increasing the amount of traffic down here and increasing the economy,” he said. “I think it will increase foot traffic down here quite a bit.” 

The restaurant will include specials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, including $8.99 all-you-can-eat tacos on Tuesday, half-off margaritas on Wednesday and three-taco platter deals on Thursday.

Los Compadres is currently open seven days a week: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

A man walks toward a nearby alleyway to drop off trash on Francis Street by the location of the new Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant Bar in Downtown St. Joseph.

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News-Press NOW

CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A St. Joseph man sustained moderate injuries when a boat exploded at the Lake of the Ozarks on Friday, June 27.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol was dispatched at 12:15 p.m. The incident occurred when the 35-year-old man from St. Joseph started the motor, and the boat exploded.

The boat, a 1986 Wellcraft Cabin Cruiser, was docked when the incident occurred.

By the time fire crews had arrived, the boat was fully involved in the fire and eventually sank, becoming a total loss.

The St. Joseph man was transported by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital.

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Kendra Simpson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — On Sunday, June 22, the St. Joseph community awoke to the tragedy of its local roller rink, B&J Skate Center, on fire. One week later, multiple individuals and local businesses have decided to lend a hand in the recovery efforts.

Most native St. Joseph residents have memories of B&J Skate Center, whether it’s birthday parties, the Four Corners game or tripping over their own feet.

“I remember just holding on to the wall and doing my stutter-step so that I can not do the splits,” Mustangs Baseball owner Ky Turner said.

“I went as a kid. I had a birthday party there,” Joe Town Mini Golf and Speedway co-owner Katie Lane said. “I broke my pinky finger there and told that story like way dramatically for a really long time.”

The Mustangs Baseball team and Joe Town Mini Golf and Speedway are just two of many local businesses hosting fundraisers for the skate center.

On Tuesday, July 1, Joe Town Mini Golf and Speedway will donate 50% of golf tickets sold between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., and $1 for every kid kart ticket sold between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to B&J’s recovery efforts.

On Saturday, July 5, the St. Joseph Mustangs will donate 100% of general admission tickets purchased through an online package to further support the skate center.

Joe Lane, co-owner of Joe Town Mini Golf and Speedway, is a local business owner and was able to empathize with Alyson Fisher, owner of B&J Skate Center.

“In the small business community, you know, we’re there. We help each other out,” Joe Lane said. “If something happened to one of our businesses, we obviously would be devastated. Any help, you know, would be well received. So we’re paying it forward.”

Turner grew up in St. Joseph and recalled the several attempts and failures at B&J’s limbo game when he was a kid. His fond memories of the family entertainment center moved him to use his platform for good.

“The community, not just the Mustangs, but so many different places, is so supportive,” he said. “Hopefully, we can continue to use that platform to help B&J Skate Center get back on their feet and back on skates.”

Fisher said while the fire was devastating, she’s moved the community is making efforts to save the St. Joseph staple.

“Just to be a staple in the community for family entertainment is just amazing, and the folks supporting us in that has just been so awesome to see,” she said. “Thank you so much for the support. We just really appreciate it. Our employees so much appreciate it. And the Shores family, who were the previous owners as I mentioned, they’re so appreciative as well to see their legacy being held in that light.”

In addition to the two fundraisers, Good Times Event Center will also host a Good Times Carnival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26, with all proceeds going to B&J Skate Center.

To find out more, visit the event’s Facebook page entitled “Good Times Carnival: B&J Skate Center Fundraiser.”

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The two newest members of the St. Joseph School District Board of Education believe the best days are ahead for the district.

Jennifer Kerns was elected, along with Kim Miller, in the April 8, 2025, election. Miller had previously served on the board, but Kerns is a first timer.

Tom Richmond was elected by the board in May after the resignation of Rick Gehring left an open seat.

Both Kerns and Richmond said bringing fresh eyes to the board in conjunction with large-scale administration changes can bring about a new vision for the future of the district.

“The current administration leaders have done a great job and have been helpful in this transition,” Kerns said. “Although I hate to see them leave, I think the fact that we will all be learning together and sharing new ideas is a positive thing for the district.”

Richmond, whose now-grown children received much of their education in St. Joseph, agreed.

“I certainly want to be a bridge,” Richmond said. “I want to help us work together internally, and then we can work together with the administration to bridge the gap with the community. Jennifer and I are working together with other members toward those goals, and that’s my sole purpose and hope for being involved on the board.”

Richmond retired three years ago from Altec, while Kerns currently works for Oracle, after spending 17 years at Mosaic before that.

While serving, Richmond said he wants to continue to encourage teachers and staff by helping them provide what is needed to make students feel important and successful. Even with a few meetings under his belt, he said he believes the board and the community ultimately want this, too.

“I have had the opportunity to work on a number of non-profit boards, and some leadership experience at Altec in the past,” Richmond said. “After all that, I still believe the school district is central when it comes to expressing our care for people. If we are able to show compassion and care for our community through our school district, we can turn any past confusion into a positive way forward.”

Kerns, the top vote getter in the April election who ran unsuccessfully in 2023, said student advocacy, attendance and curriculum issues, as well as teacher and staff support, were key measures for her.

“I want to facilitate a positive experience on the board,” Kerns said. “I want the community, including the teachers, parents and students, to know that they are being listened to.”

This new experience for them is not without its challenges. Discussions about defunding education and the rise of school vouchers are a consistent source of conversation among teachers, staff and board members.

However, even though Kerns and Richmond have different views regarding some of these issues, both believe public education will continue to be a cornerstone of the St. Joseph community for all its residents.

“It comes down to community,” Kerns said. “The whole community wants public education to succeed, no matter what else they support. You can tell that our community is passionate about the school district.”

Richmond said even though he doesn’t have a problem with vouchers, he is not afraid of them and feels the community wants its school district to succeed.

“Every parent has a responsibility to figure out what’s the best thing for their own children,” Richmond said. “We still have so many in the community who benefit from the public school system, and our community still wants the public system to be good. We have a real chance for that to be the case in St. Joseph.”

With their experience, optimism and the passion they bring to their new positions on the board, both Kerns and Richmond believe the board and its new administrative leadership have a unique opportunity.

“We have to figure out how we use the resources we have to best serve the general public through our education system,” Richmond said.

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Downtown scene was buzzing with energy on Saturday as shoppers, artists and vintage lovers came together for the third annual Vintage and Makers Market at Mokaska Coffee Company.

Mad Mack Vintage is the organizer of this annual market.

A sign that reads Mad Mack Vintage next to a vintage watermelon picnic basket.

The event drew a steady stream of visitors eager to explore over 15 vendor booths lined up by the coffee shop. Guests browsed a curated selection of vintage clothing, handmade goods, original art and more.

The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, as live music played in the background and Mokaska Coffee kept visitors energized.

Families, couples, and solo shoppers alike took their time savoring the experience, many remarking on the quality and creativity of the vendors.

Crowds gather in the shop, chatting with vendors, sipping coffee, and checking out vintage clothes.

Madison McKinley, or ‘Mad Mack’ said, “It’s always cool to be around people that have similar interests as you and want to just support local and small and shop sustainable, especially right now.”

This year’s market highlighted the continued growth of the maker community in St. Joseph and underscored a strong local appetite for sustainable, small-batch, and handmade goods.

“This kinda gets me out there and shares all of my, you know, what I can do,” local vendor, Inbal Hazlett said. “It’s really a blast for me to connect with people, talk with them and share all my experiences. It’s really warmed my heart.”

Inbal Hazlett, a vendor, stands and smiles with her family as she holds her baby at her booth.

With another successful year in the books, organizers said the momentum is already building for next year’s market.

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