Category: knpn-local-news

Kirsten Stokes

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — As Molly Rodriguez approaches her senior year of high school, she’s not just preparing for graduation, but the chance of a lifetime: to open for Christian artists Caleb & John and Colton Dixon.

Rodriguez, a vibrant and faith-filled student at Savannah High School, has been singing and playing the guitar since the second grade.

“I got a pink guitar for my birthday one year and at first I didn’t like it,” Rodriguez said. “I took lessons with Jason Riley at St. Joseph Arts Academy and he taught me a lot of what I know.”

Since then, her passion for using her voice to glorify God has only grown stronger.

Now, at 17 years old, she’s on the brink of a major breakthrough with the Life 88.5 radio contest as a semifinalist along with two other artists.

“My mom was listening to the radio one day on her way home from work, and she came in and she’s like, I heard this thing on the radio that I think you should try,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez entered the contest, forgetting about the semifinal announcement until it was time. She recalls reading an email on the last day of school about her placement and feeling excited about the opportunity.

“I opened it and I was excited,” Rodriguez said. “I’m just sitting in my class and I was with my best friend and I leaned over to her to tell her because I hadn’t even told anyone. She’s like, ‘oh my gosh that’s so cool’.”

The Life 88.5 contest is a tradition in the Kansas City Christian music community offering local artists the chance to open for a major Christian headliner at an upcoming concert.

For Rodriguez, it’s not just about music, it’s about the message. She hopes her story and her songs will inspire others, especially young people, to boldly share their faith.

“When I first started, it was a lot of nerves but now I’ve had to learn to just put the focus fully on God,” Rodriguez said.

As she waits for contest results, Rodriguez continues to lead worship at her church something she’s done since 7th grade, and does Sunday worship a few times a month.

Win or lose, she’s determined to keep singing and sharing the gospel, but of course wants to finish high school first.

“I think this would be a great first start in my career,” Rodriguez said. “I do need to finish high school first, but after that I think I want to start pushing for something in music.”

To vote for Molly Rodriguez in the Life 88.5 contest, go to https://www.life885.com/2025/05/vote-for-the-first-annual-life-88-5-opener/. Results will be announced on June 5th.

Rodriguez will open for Caleb & John and Colton Dixon at the Life 88.5 Free Concert in Kearney on June 21 if she wins.

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News-Press NOW

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A former member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club pleaded guilty on Friday, May 30 for his involvement in the armed theft of a firearm from a member of a rival motorcycle club.

Michael R. Browell, also known as “Dirtbag”, 35, of Savannah, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting in the possession of a stolen firearm.

A member of the Border Saints Motorcycle Gang was chased down and confronted by Pagan’s Saint Joseph Chapter President Jeremiah Z. Hahn, also known as “Pass Out,†and former Pagan’s St. Joseph Chapter Sergeant at Arms, Browell, in St. Joseph, Mo., on April 25, 2023.

The Border Saints member had previously been requested by Hahn and other Pagan’s members to set up a meeting with the Outlaws Motorcycle Gang over their possible presence in the St. Joseph area. 

The Border Saints were a support club for the Outlaws and the victim was deemed responsible by the Pagan’s for arranging the meeting. 

After the victim said he had failed to do so, Hahn and Browell told the victim to remove his Outlaws support shirt.  The victim refused, and Browell, then, got an axe handle from his motorcycle and threatened the victim with it. 

As the victim was giving up his support shirt, Hahn took the victim’s firearm from him.  The firearm was a Smith & Wesson, model M&P Shield, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. 

Hahn and Browell left with the firearm and support shirt.  Hahn was later found in possession of the firearm when arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on May 3, 2023.

Hahn pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of the firearm, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and one count of attempting to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

Browell is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison without parole, under federal statutes. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office,

This case is being prosecuted by the Assistant U.S. Attorneys 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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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — One event aims to bring together retro-lovers from all over, as St. Joseph’s first Retro Con has something for everyone.

Retro Con will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at the Good Times Event Center, located at 3414 S. 22nd St.

General admission is $2 and VIP admission is $3, where VIP members can attend the convention from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Retro Con is open to all video game enthusiasts, costume play (cosplay) lovers, toy and comic fans and more.

Retro Con will feature a cosplay contest, idolfestival, various panels, over 25 vendors and more.

Guest appearances include: Paul E. Niemeyer, the original artist of Mortal Kombat, Tron, some Pac-Man games and more will be in attendance. Also, Crystal Starlights, Wolfio, Cherri Dragon Cosplays, Fancy Jen Cosplays, Mavey Wavey, Blazing Bliss, Strawdog and more will be in attendance.

A convention after party will also take place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Good Times Event Center.

The after party is for adults age 21 and older and admission is $5 for Retro Con attendees and $10 for general admission.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A Wathena, Kansas, woman will face about a year in county jail for animal abuse for causing a cat’s death.

On Friday, May 30, 2025, in the circuit of Buchanan County, Missouri, Kylie Barmann was charged with a Class A misdemeanor for animal abuse and, under law, will be confined in the county jail for a term of 12 months.

Barmann pleaded guilty to the abuse and was also given credit for 75 days served.

In March, News-Press NOW reported, Barmann, 31, reportedly abused the cat at a St. Joseph residence on Jan. 20.

According to a probable cause statement, she caused the animal’s death by throwing it repeatedly on a concrete floor, kicking it several times while it was on the ground and standing on its head for several seconds. 

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Health Department announced it would close its clinic from Monday, June 2 through Monday, June 9.

Due to the closure, certain services will be unavailable. Those services include: infant, child and adult immunizations, HIV/STI testing and test results, communicable disease monitoring, tuberculosis testing, pregnancy testing and temporary Medicaid enrollment.

Immunizations records and scheduling for future appointments will be available.

All other divisions of the health department will be open, and the clinic will re-open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10.

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Chris Fortune

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Buchanan County Commission is taking steps to remove the vegetation at Lake Contrary next month.

A statement from Buchanan County said Clearcast Aquatic Herbicide will be used to remove weeds in the area on June 9 and 10. It is an EPA-approved product that helps manage aquatic vegetation.

“Residents and visitors at Lake Contrary are advised to be aware of the scheduled application and to use caution around treated areas during and shortly after spraying,” the statement said.

Residents interested in more information can reach Buchanan County at Commission@buchmo.gov.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — From outdoor fire safety to water precautions, firefighters are reminding residents to make safety a priority this summer.

With the start of summer quickly approaching, firefighters said, it’s not a season of rest, it’s a season of risk.

“We seem to have a lot of problems with folks using their grills this time of year,†said Bill Lamar, Emergency Management Manager with the St. Joseph Fire Department. “Next thing you know, something’s gotten out of control with the wind, and their deck or railings are on fire.â€

For those using gas grills, fire officials urge residents to inspect them carefully for leaks.

“It’s not uncommon for people to miss something as small as a rotted hose on a gas grill. That can lead to a dangerous gas leak,†Lamar added.

Residents are also being warned to prevent grass and debris fires by properly discarding cigarette butts and only participating in open burning when weather conditions permit.

“Fortunately for us in this region, the rain has helped with some of the open burning issues and wildfires,†Lamar said. “But we still need residents to remember that stray cigarettes and other combustible items can start a fire. You may not even realize it at first. Sometimes it takes a while to catch, but once it does, it can spread out of control quickly.â€

In addition to fire safety, officials are stressing the importance of water safety for children during the summer. 

“This is the time of year when everyone’s out playing in pools and lakes,†Lamar said. “Always make sure someone around you knows how to swim, keep a close eye on your kids, and have life preservers handy.â€

When visiting crowded pools, officials also suggest taking a quick photo of your children at the beginning of the outing. This can help authorities identify them quickly if they get lost.

For assistance or any questions, residents are encouraged to contact their local fire department.

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Chris Fortune

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missouri Western rewarded a recent graduate with the opportunity to own and operate a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Every year, Craig School of Business graduates compete for a business ownership opportunity through the Center for Franchise Development.

Taten Piepergerdes was announced as the winner at Friday’s ceremony. He will operate a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Corpus Christi, Texas.

“I think my life has kind of been like pointing towards this direction at getting something, especially south,” he said. “I love Hispanic culture, and that’s big there.”

Piepergerdes prepared a 50-page business plan that he presented in the fall in the preliminary round of the process. After a business internship, he returned with a polished plan to show in the final presentation.

“A lot of times they will put some of their other responsibilities on hold because this really is such a unique opportunity,” Pam Klaus, Missouri Western Director for the Center of Franchise Development, said. “It’s a once in a lifetime type of deal to be able to own a business right out of college.”

Klaus said competitors heard from seven alumni franchisees at a celebratory dinner on Thursday night.

“The growth they’ve seen in just a few years is really phenomenal,” she said. “They actually gave some advice to these young people, so it really does launch that career in ways that is really unmatched.”

Piepergerdes said he is grateful for the Center for Franchise Development program’s leaders and everyone that dedicated their time and effort to prepare him for the moment.

“My whole life has kind of oriented me to this position,” he said. “So it’s a combination of bits and pieces from my entire life that has led me to this opportunity.”

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Bluffwoods Renaissance is kicking off on Saturday, May 31, with sword fights, food and medieval games for people to enjoy.

This year’s festival will be themed around two kings waging war, making anyone in attendance have to pick a side.

“The support that the saint joseph’s community has gave us is amazing,” cast director Dave Edwards said. “We have a lot of sponsors from the area. A lot of our vendors are from that area. We have a lot of promo stuff in town and out of town, people are so nice. They come up and said, ‘we never thought we would get to have this in our town’. And that really makes us happy and we’re pretty excited about that.”

The festival will start on Saturday, May 31, at Castle Bridge Event Center at 8403 B US Highway.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Public Library East Hills branch will host one local, retired veteran who specializes in interviewing and writing stories of veterans’ oral histories.

Retired Colonel, Milt Toratti, who is also a Vietnam veteran and author has written numerous veteran oral histories.

Adults are invited to attend the program to hear some of the stories at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 at the East Hills Library, located at 502 N. Woodbine Rd.

The presentation will be followed by a book signing, where proceeds will go to benefit the Cameron Veterans Home.

For more information or questions, those interested are encouraged to contact Elizabeth Murray at (816) 236-2136.

Persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the program should contact the ADA coordinator at (816) 232-4038. Log on to sjpl.lib.mo.us for more information about other library services and programs.

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