Category: knpn-local-news

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A new piece of legislation has been introduced by Congressman Sam Graves to protect small businesses from sue-and-settle schemes.

The bill is formally known as the Protecting Small Businesses from Predatory Website Lawsuits Act, which will safeguard small businesses when they seek to create or update websites to make them accessible for Americans with disabilities.

According to an announcement for the bill, small businesses in North Missouri and across the country are being hit with copy-and-paste demand letters, claiming their websites aren’t ADA-compliant. In a growing number of cases, trial attorneys are demanding cash or threatening to drag mom-and-pop shops into years of expensive litigation instead of giving small businesses a chance to make corrective action in a suitable timeframe.

“Small businesses should not be targeted and exploited for a quick cash grab. They should not have to choose between paying a lawyer or paying their employees,” Graves said in a press release. “These lawsuits are not about helping or ensuring access for customers, they are about making money off hardworking business owners. This bill gives small businesses much-needed protection.”

The bill also amends the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so a civil lawsuit regarding website compliance cannot be filed until the owner or operator of the website is given notice of their website not having noncompliance with ADA standards and regulations.

In the event of this happening, the owner or operator of the website is given 180 days to make the necessary changes for their website to be in compliance.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced its Driver Examination Stations will be closed statewide for holidays in February.

Stations will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 12, in observance of President Lincoln’s birthday.

Stations will also be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of President Washington’s birthday.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A coalition of public transit providers and organizations across Missouri are sounding the alarm about ‘dire’ impacts of proposed cuts in state funding for public transit if implemented.

A group of more than 30 businesses, organizations and city governments have signed on to a letter urging Missouri legislators and Gov. Mike Kehoe to reconsider sizable cuts in proposed General Revenue funding for public transit providers in 2027, arguing the changes would negatively impact transit access for countless Missourians as demand increases statewide.

According to top transit groups like the Missouri Public Transit Association, the state is proposing a $5 million decrease in public transit funding for the next fiscal year in 2027, a 42% decrease from this year when $6.7 million was budgeted.

“The current proposal to cut an additional $5 million from general revenue leaves just $1.7 million to be split among 30 transit providers statewide for operating assistance. This would deliver a significant blow to transit access and economic opportunities across the state,” the letter states. “If adopted, state transit funding will have been reduced by 85% since 2024 even as demand continues to grow.”

The state’s recommendation represents a significant drop in funding from 2024, when more than $11 million was allocated for public transit funding that year. Data shows that altogether, public transit providers help deliver nearly 40 million rides annually across both rural and urban communities — a rising figure — while also stimulating billions in economic activity.

“This proposed cut will carry very real and tangible repercussions. For countless Missourians, public transit is the only reliable way to reach destinations. Service cuts and cessation will disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities and those living in rural and underserved areas,” the letter further states.

According to the group, the loss in state funding would put significant pressure on operational costs for transit providers throughout the state, comprising local matches needed to qualify for key federal funding.

Beyond that, the group argues the measure would lead to a notable decrease in overall spending per-capita by reducing transportation and the ability to engage in the local economy.

“The impact will also be felt by employers across Missouri. Over half of the state’s transit rides are work commutes. OATS Transit — which serves 87 rural counties in this state — reports employment as its leading trip purpose and the demand is growing.”

“Now is not the time to cut additional funds from a critical element of Missouri’s Transportationsystem,” the latter adds. “It is time to invest in it. Without action, Missourians will be left behind.”

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The race for St. Joseph’s next mayor will come down to incumbent John Josendale and challenger Larry Miller following the outcome of Tuesday’s primary election.

Unofficial results for St. Joseph’s Municipal Primary Election held on Tuesday show candidates John Josendale and Larry Miller received the top two vote totals among the field of four candidates, with all 15 precincts now reporting.

Josendale (1,839 votes) and Miller (1,170 votes) will now advance to the General Municipal Election on April 7, an election that also includes multiple races for at-large and district City Council seats.

“With this type of election you just don’t know where it’s going to go. I appreciate everybody coming out, I appreciate the voters. This was their opportunity to have their voice heard and I think we heard it today,” incumbent Mayor John Josendale told News-Press NOW after the vote. “I’m excited about continuing to run and showing the community why I should be elected in April.”

It was a tight race throughout the night for who would finish as the runner up, as McClain and Miller alternated between the second and third spots multiple times as each precinct reported in, with Miller ultimately making the final push to earn the spot.

Tuesday’s election results also show a notable decrease in voter participation compared with the last municipal primary in St. Joseph in 2022.

Roughly 10.5% of registered voters participated in Tuesday’s primary, which was higher than anticipated, but less than the 2022 Municipal Primary when 18.7% of registered voters turned out. A total of 3,303 fewer ballots were cast this year compared to 2022.

Municipal Primary Election results:

John Josendale: 1,839 votes | 40.4%

Larry Miller: 1,170 votes | 25.7%

Jonathan McClain: 1,120 votes | 24.6% of vote

Kenneth Reeder: 418 votes | 9%

Josendale said the plan is to set up town hall meetings between now and April to give local voters the chance to interact with and evaluate the candidate’s positions.

“I want to continue to talk to the people. I think what we’ll try to do is set up some town hall meetings and get Larry involved in those so that they can see us one-on-one and how we interact,” Josendale said.

News-Press NOW will continue to update this story, including post-election comments from Larry Miller.

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Leah Rainwater

CAMERON, Mo. (KQTV) — No injuries were reported in one of the largest structures fires to occur in Cameron, Missouri, history on Tuesday.

Cameron Police Department Captain Ryan O’Boyle said a call came in around 2 p.m. Tuesday for a structure fire on West Third Street.

Police arrived on scene at 2:02 p.m. and the Cameron Fire Department arrived at 2:04 p.m.

Smoke and flames were still seen across the city, over six hours later.

O’Boyle said the fire caused a complete loss to several buildings, which included businesses and the apartments above them.

A news release from the Cameron Police and Emergency Management said, “This was likely the largest structure fire to occur in Cameron in the past 20 years.” 

O’Boyle said the fire wouldn’t have been contained without the help of several other surrounding fire agencies, as an incident of this magnitude could not have been managed by one department alone.

“It was a great effort though…Had multiple agencies from all around. (Central) DeKalb County, St. Joe, of course, the Cameron Fire Department,” said O’Boyle. “They had seven total that showed up.”

The Osborn Fire Protection District, the Hamilton Fire Department, Union Star Fire Department, Clarksdale Fire Department, Sweartsville Fire Department and KAW Fire District also assisted in the mutual aid response.

O’Boyle said the fire was about 95% contained just before 8:30 p.m.

All animals, including an iguana, multiple cats and multiple dogs were also accounted for.

The news release detailed that the Cameron Utility and Street crews played a vital role throughout the incident, while additional law enforcement agencies provided traffic control, barricades and helped keep onlookers safe at a distance. 

During the response, Cameron Police and Emergency Management said businesses and organizations like Walmart, Casey’s General Store, Wood Shed, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and others provided supplies.

“A huge thank you to…local businesses and community members who stepped up with food, drinks, handwarmers and other supplies to help take care of crews on scene,” said the news release.

The Cameron Area Chamber of Commerce issued a statement on its Facebook page about the incident.

“Our hearts are heavy as the impact of the fire on 3rd Street continues. We are keeping the business owners, employees and families affected in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Cameron United Methodist Church also said, as of 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, the families affected by the fire are working with the Red Cross, and a list of needs is being compiled.

The church said it will post a list on its Facebook page and other places when it becomes available. 

Other individuals and organizations are also working on collecting items for those affected by the fire. 

The cause of the fire is now under investigation. 

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Amid changes to event production, St. Joseph Retro Con will still be held as initially planned.

Hawkins Event Consulting and Logistics, based in Kansas City, will now be overseeing all aspects of Retro Con which will be held from Saturday, May 2, to Sunday, May 3 at Civic Arena on 100 N. Fourth St.

The decision to change event production comes after a fallout with an individual no longer associated with Fanarchy Media.

“This is a community driven event and we really want to show that. Events like Retro Con are big and need to continue to happen especially in places like St. Joseph,” Matthew Hawkins, the owner of Hawkins Events Consulting, said. “We don’t want to disrupt and let people down even more, I think it would be a bigger disservice. You can’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch. It would be easier to refund vendors (their) money and call it quits, but it’s not fair to everyone else.”

Despite the changes in leaderships, Retro Con will still be held as is with all previously announced guests and vendors still set to be in attendance. The only changes will be new policies made to protect attendees and not alter the function of the event.

When the change in Retro Con’s leadership was first announced, a few vendors had questions and concerns promoting the details of refund policies. The message Hawkins Events echoed during this time was providing transparency and honesty.

“We wanted to provide full transparency moving forward. It’s really important to utilize upfront honesty to have trust established,” Matthew said. “I don’t understand why it’s such a hard concept for people to understand. If you are honest with people, it will go a long way. We had a couple vendors reach out asking what our refund policy will be if they choose to leave. I told them I have to go through all the contracts and see what the verbiage says, but we also don’t want to pressure people to come if they don’t feel comfortable.”

Anyone seeking additional information or questions regarding the changes can visit their Facebook Page or email staci@hawkinsevent.com.

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Leah Rainwater

SAVANNAH, Mo. (KQTV) — The City of Savannah, alongside other Missouri small towns, will be featured in the 2026 Missouri Humanities Small Town Showcase: Show Me 250 digital storytelling initiative.

After a month-long voting period, the City announced it came in first place, with a total of 16,693 votes, in the running to be featured in the showcase.

Waynesville, Neosho, Excelsior Springs and Perryville will also be featured, after being runner-ups in the competition.

Small towns like Lexington, Weston, Ozark, Blackwater, Jackson, Mineola, Kirksville, Sedalia, Sikeston, Belle and Caledonia were also nominated to compete.

Stories of Savannah will be told through podcasts and short films highlighting its heritage and culture, commemorating 250 years of American history.

In 2025, Missouri Humanities featured Tarkio, Sainte (Ste.) Genevieve, Potosi, Elsberry and Prairie Home as its “Featured Five” communities.

In the announcing Facebook post, Missouri Humanities encouraged interested viewers and listeners to “tune in,” as it works on releasing the features about each community.

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Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph Police Department issued a social media statement via Facebook, warning of ongoing jury duty phone scams.

The department said scammers may call and claim the recipient has missed jury duty and may owe fines or face arrest.

The scammers often pressure victims to pay immediately using gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

The department said courts and law enforcement will not call to demand payment or threaten with arrest over the phone for jury duty.

Legitimate jury notices are sent by mail and not by phone or text.

Residents who receive calls like this are encouraged to hang up immediately, not send money or share any personal information and report the call to local law enforcement.

SJPD said to contact its non-emergency line by calling 816-271-4777 or report online at www.stjosephmo.gov/597/Online-Crime-Reporting.

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Prajukta Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)– Bob Long, director of Jazz Studies and professor of saxophone at Missouri Western State University, has been named the 2026 Jazz Educator of the Year at the Missouri Music Conference.  

When asked how he felt about receiving the honor, Long said he was humbled, especially because of the award’s long-standing legacy.  

“When you look at the list of people who have been given this award in the past 45 years, there’s a lot of my mentors and a lot of my old teachers that are on that list so to be listed with them is quite an honor,” Long said.  

This year marks Long’s 22nd year at MoWest, where he serves as the director of Jazz Studies and teaches saxophone.  

Before coming to St. Joseph, Long spent about 16 years in Iowa, teaching at Valley High School, which had an extensive jazz program. 

He said his love for music began back in junior high, where a music director first introduced and guided him into jazz.  

“I guess you can say the music spoke to me, and listening to the jazz and all its great classics and recordings and everything that just stuck with me, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do,” Long said.  

According to Long, several factors fueled his passion for music over the years.  

“It was the energy of the music, the rhymical drive of the music, the excitement and then also the freedom to say what you want to say and as I grew older and studied music, the historic part of the music,” Long said.  

Long added that teaching at the collegiate level had always been a goal of his.  

He got his start at Truman State University, teaching privately for several years before a friend encouraged him to try teaching at the high school level.  

“This job came along and I wanted to take it because I wanted to share the knowledge I had gained in teaching public schools with new music educators coming out,” Long said.  

His favorite part of teaching, he said, is watching students learn new things and seeing how they grow from their failures. 

Long also emphasized the importance of pursuing education if it’s something students truly love.  

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The polls for St. Joseph’s Mayoral Primary Election are now open, a chance for voters to narrow down the field for a key government office for the next four years.

Polling places opened at 6 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m. Individuals arriving after a polling place had closed will not be allowed to vote. However, those individuals in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

St. Joseph voters will see a four-man field on the ballot, including first-time candidates like Jonathan McClain and Larry Miller, as well as incumbent mayor John Josendale and former St. Joseph School District Board of Education member Kenneth Reeder.

A list of polling places can be found at www.co.buchanan.mo.us/february-3-2026-sample-ballot.

John Josendale

Josendale comes in with a campaign of continuing on four years of steady job growth and economic development, including large capital investments in public safety departments, Rosecrans Memorial Airport, Downtown and improved efforts to engage the community through communication and public safety.

Larry Miller

Miller, a well-known local figure, hopes to improve communication between residents and local government if elected, including a focus on retaining residents through increased amenities and implementing an open-door policy.

Jonathan McClain

McClain, a former Lafayette High School graduate and local entrepreneur, plans to prioritize economic development and improve the effectiveness of city services, pinpointing inefficiencies and eliminating factors that cause population decline. Communication and improved marketing of the city’s amenities are two priorities of his.

Kenneth Reeder

Reeder, a former St. Joseph School District Board of Education member, is seeking public office once again with a focus on prioritizing support and community access for local residents, particularly by preserving tax dollars and reducing what he describes as unnecessary and wasteful spending.

Reeder believes the city needs to make it easier for residents, companies and others to do business to address it. 

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