Category: knpn-local-news

Leah Rainwater

ANDREW COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — A Facebook post asking about a shooting on the Andrew County Crime Page was dubbed a “rumor” by the Savannah Police Department.

The original post asked if “anyone had information about a shooting at Messick Park.”

A recent post on the Savannah, Missouri Police Department’s page states, “There was not a shooting at Messick Park today or in the recent past. The park is still open to public use. We are not sure where this rumor stems from, hoever we assure you that it is just a rumor.”

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News-Press NOW

By: Darren Doyle

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Local boys and girls high school basketball squads are ready to take on diverse competition this Friday and Saturday with the return of the Winter High School Basketball Showcase hosted by the St. Joseph Sports Commission. 

The showcase will feature 16 games over two days, with 12 ranked teams battling it out at the Civic Arena in Downtown St. Joseph. Making the trip will also be two No. 1-ranked girls basketball teams from Nebraska, along with teams from other parts of Missouri. 

As of now, one of those teams is Lincoln (Neb.) Christian’s girls’ hoops will take on Benton at 4:00 p.m. On Friday, Bennington (Neb.) girls’ basketball takes on Central at 5:30 p.m.

The ability to host diverse competition is what brings teams back to the St. Joseph area, according to St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely.

“Teams, like, playing in an arena-like atmosphere. We only have so many days and time slots in which to do so. And so we saw the need to create another event,” Esely shared. “You can obviously play more games; there’s more flexibility to schedule. And also, it just tends to be that time of year when other events are going on.”

Along with unfamiliar foes, fans will also have the chance to see in-town rivalry classics, such as Central boys hoops taking on Lafayette at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2.

Esely is also excited to complete this year’s showcase despite the weather changes. During its inaugural run at the beginning of 2025, the area was hit by a massive snowstorm that caused the showcase to run short.

“We played a full schedule on Friday, but we only got four games played on Saturday and lost a couple of really good matchups in the evening,” Esely said. “So, knock on wood, anything can happen this time of year, but the weather looks good this weekend.”

For tickets and updated scheduling information, fans can visit stjomosports.com or the St. Joseph, MO Sports Commission on Facebook.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)– Blood supplies often become critically low during the winter months due to the holidays, increased illnesses and severe weather cancelling drives.

According to the Community Blood Center, Blood donations nationwide typically drop by more than one-third during the winter months.

Chelsey Smith, senior director of public relations at the Community Blood Center, said seasonal illnesses are a major factor contributing to the blood supply shortage, particularly this year.

“It’s been all over the news all over the country. That flu cases are spiking very heavily and honestly pretty early for flu season this year. What that means is that a good portion of the donors typically rely on to regularly and routinely donate throughout the year,” she said. “When they get sick, they can’t donate blood. So until people start feeling better, until people recover from whatever seasonal illness they have, we’re not going to see them inside our doors.”

Smith said holiday travel usually takes donors out of the region.

“When they’re away and traveling, they’re not here to give their routine donations. We very quickly feel that strain because it’s not just one or two donors here or there that are traveling the holidays or experiencing seasonal illness; it’s hundreds and hundreds of them all at the same time,” Smith said.

Supplies of O-negative, O-positive and B-negative blood are critically low, with only a one to two-day supply on hand, creating an urgent need for donors.

Smith said those blood types are commonly used in emergency settings.

“That means, is they use a lot of blood. O-positive is actually the most common blood type in the United States; almost half the population has O-positive blood,” Smith said. “O-positive blood to receive treatment. Right now very critical need for type O-negative and O-positive. We need donations of all types of blood across the board.”

Smith said hospitals need at least a seven-day supply of blood product on the shelf at all times.

“When we’re at a three or four day supply, it means for several days behind in terms of being able to fully and safely supply our hospitals all across the Missouri and Kansas area, that means we’re 2400 units short of what we need right now,” she said. “What we’re needing is not only people that come in for those every day, 600 donations a day that we need, but we need even more than that right now to help bridge that gap and get us back to a seven-day supply.”

Smith said when blood donations decline, hospitals feel that immediately, especially since a lot of patients rely on donations.

“That can include cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy and trauma patients, gunshot wound victims. It can also include those who are chronically transfused,” she said. “So patients with sickle cell disease sometimes need weekly, but most often they need it every three or four weeks, monthly throughout their entire life.”

One blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. Those unable to donate blood are still encouraged to spread the message.

“Tell your friends, your neighbors, your family members about the importance of blood donation, and invite them to donate on your behalf,” said Smith.

Anyone interested in donating blood or attending a drive can visit the Community Blood Center website.

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Danielle Bailey

FOREST CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Wildlife enthusiasts were treated to one last holiday surprise when a record number of bald eagles were observed at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge on Tuesday in Holt County.

A record-breaking 1,012 bald eagles were counted during a survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Tuesday, the agency announced, shattering the previous record of 833 eagles set on Jan. 3, 2022.

This was an increase from 559 eagles observed during the last survey on Dec. 16.

An adult and juvenile eagles perch in a tree in December at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Holt County, Missouri.

Missouri is one of the leading states to view bald eagles, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. There were more than 600 active nests in the state in 2025. The best time to spot eagles is December through February.

Eagles weren’t the only other birds out in droves. Thousands of mallard ducks, trumpeter swans, green-winged teals and greater white-fronted geese were also spotted.

Loess Bluffs’ visitor center will be open Friday and Saturday this week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on New Year’s Day. The auto tour and trails are open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is located in northwest Missouri near Mound City. Take Interstate 29 to Exit 79 south of Mound City then travel south 2 ½ miles on U.S. Highway 159.

loess_bluffs_waterfowl_survey_20251230Download

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Prajukta Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)– A coffee shop, which started as a lunch conversation between two friends, is set to open in Downtown St. Joseph on Feb. 14.

Co-owner Elizabeth Generaux said the plan came together during one of her regular lunch conversations with her friend and the other co-owner, Maggie Johnson. 

After reaching out to several locations, the pair ended up setting up their first shop, Moony’s Coffee, at Savannah High School.  

Both Generaux and Johnson will open their new location at 510 Edmond St. in Downtown St. Joseph.

Generaux said they’ve always been involved in community-based activities, like doing henna tattoos and wanted to try something new, which ultimately led them to coffee. 

“We knew this location was in our budget and we think it’s really charming and like the way it looks. We haven’t really explored the community Downtown and we like the neighborhood, so we wanted to build a vibe here,” Generaux said.  

Connecting with the community was another major reason for the pair to open up the new shop. Generaux said they’re excited to meet people, have conversations and learn more about the lives of those who stop by.  

However, getting everything ready hasn’t been without challenges. Generaux mentioned that finding people to help set up has been difficult due to scheduling conflicts, but they’ve received a lot of support from friends and family.  

“We are definitely going to need more help when we open up. We had people reach out to interview for barista, but we may have to see what it looks like when we officially open up,” Generaux added.  

For Johnson, being part of this new venture felt like a natural fit. She said both she and Generaux are creative people, and this café gives them an outlet to express creativity while connecting with the community.  

Johnson admitted she wasn’t always a big coffee fan, but working in the shop has changed her mind.  

“I just always thought that coffee didn’t taste that good, but I enjoy the process of testing out the new flavors, and we will make a lot of teas and chai here too for those who don’t like coffee,” Johnson said.  

She hopes the shop will become a welcoming space where people can relax, enjoy music and support other local small businesses.  

The duo plans to experiment with unique recipes and encourage customers to try something new. 

“We make our own syrups, so we get to make the recipes and everything else homemade for our lattes and coffees. We want to do a lot of cereal milk lattes that people don’t normally do,” Johnson said.  

Both Genereux and Johnson are excited to open their doors and create a space where everyone feels welcome — a place that can brighten someone’s day, one cup at a time.  

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Buchanan County recorded a 35% decline in fatal drug overdoses in 2025, the fewest cases going back to 2019 according to county data. 

Data provided by the Buchanan County Medical Examiner’s Office shows 20 fatal overdoses were confirmed in 2025. The number marks a 35% decrease from 2024 when 31 fatal overdoses were reported, although cases remain elevated compared to pre-2017 data.  

The latest figure also marks the fewest overdose deaths recorded in a year since 2019, when 15 occurred in Buchanan County. 

This table shows the number of fatal overdoses each year in Buchanan County going back to 2016, according to data from the Buchanan County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Statewide, data from the CDC indicates Missouri has experienced a 29% decline in fatal overdoses compared to last year, when 1,450 people died as a result of a drug overdose. 

Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl continue to make up a large majority of cases statewide and in Buchanan County. 

Local authorities began to see a rise in fentanyl and synthetic-opioid-related cases before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, with cases skyrocketing in the years following from 2020 to 2022. The number of fatal overdoses nearly tripled from 15 in 2019 to 42 in 2022.

Cases have gradually declined in the time since, lowering to 28 in 2023 and 20 by 2025, but remain elevated compared to pre-2017 figures. The growing use of Narcan has also played a critical role in fewer overdose deaths.

Since 2016, a total of 221 people in Buchanan County have died of a drug-related overdose.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Multiple members of the St. Joseph Fire Department are moving up the ranks after receiving promotions to key positions this month, including two new captains and a fire inspector. 

The St. Joseph Fire Department announced four members were recognized this December with promotions, including honors for several long-serving members of the department. 

Fire Department promotions in December include: 

Ryan Millush 

Millush was promoted from driver to captain on Dec. 29. 

Capt. Millush has served the department for 16 years and now wears the distinguished red helmet as he moves forward in his career. 

New St. Joseph Fire Capt. Ryan Millush, left, stands with St. Joseph Fire Chief Ivan Klippenstein following a promotion announcement in December.

Andy Peterson

The St. Joseph Fire Department announced Peterson was promoted on Dec. 18 from driver to fire inspector. 

“Andy’s dedication and hard work continue to make a positive impact within our department and community,” a post announcing the promotion read.

New St. Joseph Fire Inspector Andy Peterson smiles after receiving his promotion in December.

Matt Hill

Hill was promoted from driver to captain on Dec. 17. Hill has been with the St. Joseph Fire Department for the last 14 years.

The long-serving firefighter will don a new badge and helmet as part of the promotion. 

St. Joseph Fire Chief Ivan Klippenstein, left, stands with Capt. Matt Hill following his promotion to captain in December.

Mark Haenni

Haenni will make the move up from captain to training officer, the department announced Dec. 16, helping guide new recruits among other responsibilities.

“Mark’s leadership, experience, and dedication play a vital role in preparing our firefighters for the challenges they face in the field,” a post from the department read. 

St. Joseph Fire Chief Ivan Klippenstein, left, shakes the hand of new Training Officer Mark Haenni following his promotion in December.

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Leah Rainwater

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) — Kansas City International Airport officials said the airport is back open after a brief evacuation and lockdown Wednesday morning into the afternoon.

Just before noon, the Kansas City Aviation Department became aware of a potential threat in the unsecured area of the airport terminal.

“Airport Police and FBI worked quickly to evaluate the situation to ensure the safety over everyone, including evacuating travelers from the affected area of the terminal,” according to a news release from the Kansas City Aviation Department.

Officials said law enforcement was able to determine no credible threat to the Airport or anyone inside the terminal.

Once the determination was made, KCAD staff worked to resume normal operation and minimize disruptions just after noon.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A newly-created service award was bestowed this December to one longtime educator revered for her commitment to St. Joseph and inspiring others.

Loes Hedge, retired educator and long-time St. Joseph Chapter NAACP Secretary, was announced as the first recipient of the honored Triplett-Veale Service Award at a recent NAACP annual reception held at the St. Francis Baptist Temple on Dec. 23.

The Triplett-Veale Service Award was created in remembrance of the late St. Joseph Chapter NAACP President Charles Triplett and also the late Mike Veale, NAACP Assistant Treasurer. The award will be given annually to an outstanding St. Joseph Chapter NAACP leader through an application process.

Loes Hedge was recognized for her inspiration of others. Her efforts have strengthened the NAACP’s mission and the broader community. Loes manages meeting minutes and organizational communications with exceptional efficiency and promptness. Loes actively recruits new members and several times a year assists in voter registration.

Loes is an active volunteer in Juneteenth celebrations and Black Archives Museum exhibits. During Black History Month, she visits schools to educate students about Black history, further demonstrating her commitment to community enrichment.

The honor comes after the NAACP announced the new service award in early December in honor of Triplett and Veale, two men who were dedicated to the work of the NAACP, the Bartlett Center and other agencies aimed at helping the community.

Veale was a well-known local labor leader, most recently the President of the Northwest Missouri Central Labor Council, as well as a huge supporter of public education, and a prior United Way volunteer. Mike passed in August of 2025.

Triplett was best known for his over ten years of dedicated service as President of NAACP St. Joseph Unit 4085. He was well known to travel across the state of Missouri to help those who needed guidance or support.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — Northwest Health Services announced it will host its first Mobile Mammography Bus at its Family Medicine Associates Clinic.

The clinic will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2303 Village Drive.

According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, in 2024, an estimated 5,980 women in Missouri were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Across the state, a significant majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive, with the five-year relative survival rate of around 89%, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Health experts share through a report on breastcancer.org, that getting a mammogram is often the best way to find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

NHS said appointments must be scheduled directly with Diagnostic Imaging and participants are encouraged to bring their insurance cards. Walk-in appointments are welcome, but are subject to availability.

Those interested in scheduling an appointment should call 913-344-9989. While scheduling a mammogram, NHS said to tell the scheduler that the appointment is on the mobile coach for the date listed above.

Women ages 35 to 39 are eligible for a screening baseline mammogram; however, they should check with their insurance provider prior to the screening for plan eligibility and coverage. Women 40 years or older do not need an order.

NHS said the most recent screening mammogram should be 12 months or more prior to the current mammogram for insurance coverage reasons. Interested participants are encouraged to check with their insurance provider if they are less than 12 months.

Those who schedule an appointment will be sent a Breast Imaging Form and Medical Records Release Form, which must be provided at the time of their appointment. Participants will also need a Photo ID, an insurance card and the name of a primary care physician.

Patients are also asked to refrain from wearing deodorant, lotion or perfume from the waist up on the day of their appointment, and are also asked to wear a two-piece outfit so they don’t have to fully disrobe.

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