Category: knpn-local-news

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The United Way of Greater St. Joseph held a session on Thursday, covering the basics of addiction and tips for working with individuals with a substance use disorder.

Peer Support Specialists reviewed strategies for working with individuals facing substance use disorders.

“It is a struggle, I think the boundaries are the hardest thing,” Family Guidance Substance Abuse Counselor Eric Stone said. ” When I first started working at Family Guidance, I had about 18 months in my own recovery, I knew a lot of the individuals that were coming in to services. Being able to set those boundaries was a struggle for me. What helped me was just taking suggestions and advice.”

Narcan and fentanyl test strips were available on-site at the event; however, those in need of Narcan and substance abuse resources can get them for free at places like Family Guidance, the St. Joseph Health Department, Northwest Health Services and more.

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Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho judge has lifted a sweeping gag order in Bryan Kohberger’s quadruple murder case.

Kohberger avoided a potential death sentence by pleading guilty earlier this month to the brutal stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students at a rental home near campus in 2022.

Prosecutors said he spent months carefully planning the attack, and that his studies as a criminal justice graduate student at Washington State University helped him take steps to cover up his tracks.

Kohberger admitted to breaking into the rental home through a sliding door and killing the four friends, who had no connection with him.

A judge in Moscow, Idaho issued a sweeping gag order early in the case, barring prosecutors, defense attorneys and other officials involved in the investigation from talking to reporters or others about anything not already included in public court documents.

A coalition of news organizations, including The Associated Press asked the judge to lift the gag order, but he refused, saying additional publicity could harm Kohberger’s right to a fair trial.

However, the gag order was lifted Thursday.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — An ongoing project to improve the intersection at U.S. Route 59 and Alabama Street, located in South St. Joseph, will head to phase two in October.

The project aims to improve tractor-trailer turning movements and increase capacity for vehicles stopped at the Route U train to cross.    

Authorities say they are planning to incorporate more sidewalks along the route.

“So, there are impacts, but they are fairly minimal as people can still use Route 59. As far as I have heard, I think people are excited about having a new intersection,” said Jessica Salyer, the project engineer from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The project is anticipated to be completed by November 2026. Any information about changes made should be updated on MoDOT’s website at www.modot.org/projects/.

Salyer said accessing Route 752 would be difficult, and recommends taking detours.

Some sidewalks along Route 52 will continue to remain closed as well.

“There are impacts because it’s just stage one and it’s closed, and Route 752 is also closed between Route 59 and Sherman Street, which makes it hard to navigate,” Salyer said.   

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — For more than two decades, the Soles for Christ program has helped thousands of children in Northwest Missouri start the school year on the right foot.

The program provides a brand-new pair of tennis shoes to students in kindergarten through 12th grade who live in Buchanan, Andrew, Dekalb, and Clinton counties in Missouri, and Doniphan County, Kansas. The goal is simple but powerful:

Boost children’s self-esteem and enthusiasm for the school year ahead.

Provide families with some financial relief during the costly back-to-school season.

Unlike many assistance programs, Soles for Christ services are not based on income. Any child meeting the residency and grade requirements is eligible.

There’s no pre-registration; families simply attend the distribution event in mid-August.

This year, the dates for distribution are: Monday, Aug. 11, and Tuesday, Aug. 12. Both distribution days will run from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The shoe pick-up location will be 515 N 6th St.

To receive shoes: 

Parents must bring all children who need shoes to the distribution

Only one adult will be allowed at the fitting station; other adults can wait by the exit area

One document proving residency:

Utility bill

Rent/Mortgage receipt

Lease/Mortgage contract

One form of ID for each child to verify age:

School ID

Report card

Birth certificates

Other legal documents proving the child’s birth date/age

Preschoolers must have proof of enrollment in a preschool and be at least four years old

“You know this is one of our favorite programs because we have kids who they’re just so excited about getting the shoes,” said Nichi Seckinger, Executive Director of AFL-CIO Community Services, “Their appreciation is all over their face when they get the shoes they really like. And it’s great because their excitement is contagious.”

How to Get Involved

Volunteer registration for Soles for Christ is now online. To sign up, visit: aflciocommunityservices.ivolunteer.com/solesforchrist.

Volunteers are needed for the following dates:

Friday, Aug. 8 – Set-up (1–5 p.m.)

Monday, Aug. 11 – Distribution Day 1 (8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.)

Tuesday, Aug. 12 – Distribution Day 2 (8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.)

Wednesday, Aug. 13 – Tear-down (1–5 p.m.)

Tasks include loading/unloading shoes, organizing tables, registering families, fitting children, and more. Volunteers must be 18 or older for distribution days and are encouraged to sign up for at least two shifts.

If you would like to donate shoes, you can drop them off at AFL-CIO Community Services at 1203 N 6th Street St. Joseph, MO, 64501, or some local churches will be collecting them. The last day to drop off shoes is August 7th.

T-shirts are also available for purchase for $20–$24 with an order deadline of July 21st.

For questions, contact Ashley Luthans at ashley.luthans@helpmenow.org or 816-364-1131.

This program began in August 2003, when a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church learned of a similar effort at another parish and recognized a need in St. Joseph. That first year, 210 pairs of shoes were distributed. Since then, the program has grown tremendously. To date, 18,832 pairs of shoes have been given to local children, representing more than $481,000 worth of support for families.

What started as a small parish effort has become a community-wide mission of compassion. Each pair of shoes represents more than just footwear, it’s a step toward confidence, dignity, and success in the classroom.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A Dallas judge has officially sentenced Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice to five years’ probation and 30 days of jail time, per a report from ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.

The 30 days of jail time can be served at any time, and it was confirmed that Rice also received deferred adjudication. Meaning, the case will be dismissed if he completes the probation.

The sentence is a result of Rice’s participation in a multi-car collision on May 30, 2024, in Dallas, TX 2024.

ESPN also added that the NFL can expedite the disciplinary process, with the expectation being that Rice will be suspended for multiple games for the upcoming 2025 season.

Rice issued a statement on Thursday, via his attorney, Royce West:

“Last March, I was involved in a high-speed accident in Dallas. There have been a lot of sleepless nights thinking about the damages that my actions caused, and I will continue working within my means to make sure that everyone impacted will be made whole. I urge everyone to mind the speed limit, drive safe and drive smart. Last and certainly not least, I am profoundly sorry for the physical damages to person and property. I fully apologize for the harm I caused to innocent drivers and their families.”

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph is strengthening its parking enforcement capabilities with the hiring of two new positions designed to target illegally parked vehicles, efforts that will ramp up beginning next week.

The St. Joseph Police Department announced the hiring of two new civilian parking enforcement officers on Thursday to patrol the city and issue tickets and tow tags for vehicles not following city traffic ordinances.

All vehicles parked on a city street must display valid license plates, have current insurance, be operational and be parked properly following all road signage and in the direction of traffic flow. Vehicles failing to meet these requirements will face a fine and may be towed.

The new civilian officers started enforcement measures over the last few weeks during a recent training period. Their efforts will increase as they begin patrolling streets throughout the city full-time next week. The officers will be driving marked cars that differ from the look of the police department’s patrol vehicles and in a uniform that designates their role.

The new program is part of an effort to improve customer service related to frequent parking concerns.

“This program reflects our continued commitment to keeping St. Joseph’s neighborhoods safe, clean and accessible,” St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster said in a statement. “By addressing abandoned and improperly parked vehicles, we’re not only enforcing the law but also responding directly to the concerns of our residents. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life and ensure our streets remain welcoming for everyone.” 

While the officers will be looking for violations and issuing tickets and tow orders accordingly, citizens can also help by reporting illegally parked vehicles on the city’s website at www.stjosephmo.gov.

After clicking the “Report a Concern” button on the home page, residents can enter information about the vehicle and its location for officers to respond. Citizens can also call the police department’s non-emergency number at 816-271-4777 to report a concern.

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Rebecca Evans

Are you not entertained? The lights are on, the stage is set, and the weekend is ready to steal the show. Let’s take a front-row seat. Here’s what to look forward to in this week’s edition of See St. Joseph. 

FRIDAY JULY 18TH

27th Annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series – Vinyl Revival.

The night will be packed with good tunes and good people. Enjoy amazing live music under the summer sky in the heart of downtown brought to you by the Downtown Association of St. Joseph. 

6:30-9:30pm

at Coleman Hawkins Park for free.

Enchilada Lady and The Crossing at Concessions

There will be a beer tent open with refreshing beverages available for purchase. No coolers or outside beverages are allowed.

SATURDAY, JULY 19TH 

FIRE AND FLOW JAM

This is a family friendly, Leave No Trace, drug and alcohol free event focused on building community, making connections, practicing art, and lifting each other up. Invite your friends and make sure you bring a blanket or chair to sit on. These performances are every month, weather-permitting, and are different each time with a variety of performers of all ages and abilities.

Fire performers start at sunset. 

In the parking lot of Remington Nature Center. 

Everyone is invited to bring your skates, hover boards, and  longboards, an hour early to skate and hang out while the performers set up. 

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY – JULY 18TH, 19TH, 20TH 

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK MOVIE SCREENING

The Saber Arts Club of St. Joseph and the Trail Theatre join forces for a special premiere night of The Empire Strikes Back to celebrate the movie’s anniversary.

This Friday: Doors open at 6:30pm, at 6:45pm a special performance of the Force and martial arts will take place. The movie will play at 7pm. 

This Saturday: Screening 1-4pm

This Sunday: Screening 1-7pm 

Admission is $10 for adults and $7.50 for children.

Popcorn, soda, and movie treats will be available at the concessions. Bring the whole family for this one of a kind cinema experience.

That’s all for this weekend. Be sure to tune in every Thursday for more ways to See St. Joseph. 

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News-Press NOW

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — An event hosted by the wives and significant others of Kansas City Royals players aims to raise funds to grant life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses across the region.

The inaugural “Royals Wives for Wishes” event, taking place on Wednesday, July 30, at Kauffman Stadium, will provide an exciting lineup of activities for Make-A-Wish children in Missouri and Kansas.

Activities include: silent and live auctions, exclusive experiences and the opportunity to meet Royals players, their families and other local celebrities.

“We’re honored to partner with the Royals family to bring this event to life,” said Stephanie Hampton-Boeglin, Chief Operating Officer of Make-A-Wish Missouri and Kansas. “The compassion and dedication of the Royals’ Wives, paired with the support of the Kansas City community, will help us bring joy and hope to more local children when they need it most.”

All proceeds from the Royals Wives for Wishes will benefit Make-A-Wish Missouri and Kansas, directly supporting wish-granting efforts for children across the region. Every wish granted brings renewed strength, emotional healing and lasting memories for kids and their families.

To reserve a spot or learn more, visit wish.org/mokan/royals or email Stephanie Hampton-Boeglin at shampton-boeglin@mokan.wish.org.

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Kirsten Stokes

ST. JOSEPH, MO (News-Press NOW) — Buchanan County EMS and the St. Joseph Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash, resulting in minor injuries, around 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the corner of South 35th and Duncan Streets.

Officer Jill Green, with SJPD, described the details of the incident. 

“The white car was traveling south, stopped at a stop sign. The black car was traveling west, had the right of way. The white car began to go and the black car struck the white car as they began to go to the stop sign,” Green said.

Green confirmed there were minor injuries.

When News-Press NOW arrived on the scene, a woman was taken to the hospital for minor injuries and another person was able to walk out of their car. 

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Rebecca Evans

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Missourians will join a nationwide movement on Thursday, July 17, to honor the legacy of the late Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis.

Under the banner “Good Trouble Lives On,” peaceful rallies will take place in both Maryville, Missouri, and St. Joseph as part of more than 1,500 events happening across the country.

The coordinated effort includes marches, rallies, teach-ins, and voter registration drives aimed at promoting democracy and social justice.

The nationwide day of action echoes the message of John Lewis, who famously urged citizens to get into “good trouble” in the fight for civil rights.

In Maryville, participants will gather between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the public sidewalk at the intersection of Wal-Mart Drive and South Main Street.

In St. Joseph, two separate events are planned throughout the evening:

The St. Joseph Persisterhood will host a rally from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Belt Highway and Frederick Avenue.

EM-PAC (Empowering People – Ensuring Participation) and the St. Joseph NAACP will hold an action rally from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Baptist Church parking lot, located at 1610 Angelique Street.

According to organizers, the rallies are intended to be peaceful, powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

“These times are not normal,” said Dr. Jane Frick, co-facilitator of the St. Joseph Persisterhood and a long-time member of St. Joseph Christian Church. “Our faith calls us to stand up peacefully—while we still can—against what’s happening in our country. John Lewis was right when he said we must make ‘Good Trouble’ to redeem the soul of our nation.”

More information on the “Good Trouble Lives On” campaign can be found at goodtroubleliveson.org, and details on the St. Joseph events are available at facebook.com/PersisterhoodSJ.

For questions or further details, contact Dr. Jane Frick at mjanefrick@gmail.com or 816-294-4410.

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