Category: knpn-local-news

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Remington Nature Center held a training session for owners of stormwater control facilities.

Among the topics covered in the training are required maintenance for post construction stormwater control facilities, the process of submitting annual reports to the City, and the deadline for submitting reports to the City in 2025. 

The recent storms that passed over St. Joseph were also discussed as they relate to how flooding may impact stormwater control facilities.

“There is a lot of flooding events that you’re hearing about now,” water resource scientist Kaitlyn Loeffler said. “Stormwater detention facilities and green infrastructure help control flooding by releasing it downstream at a controlled rate that doesn’t overwhelm our stormwater infrastructure. It helps prevent flooding from occurring in our city streets and in people’s yards.”

Facility owners will be required to have inspections and submit the reports to the City this year.

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Charles Christian

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — St. Joseph Board of Education President Latonya Williams has announced she is running for District 10 state representative in the next election.

Rep. Bill Falkner (R) of District 10, will reach his term limit after this term, and Williams said she was approached awhile back and asked to consider running for the seat.

“Running has always been in the back of my mind,” Williams said. “So, everything seems to be aligning, and it’s the perfect opportunity to go for it.”

Williams said she will continue her leadership on the Board of Education in St. Joseph until the end of her term, which would end in April of 2027, five months after the statewide elections.

“I would just have to do some juggling to complete the term if I were elected,” Williams said. “But I think I can do it.”

Williams is in her second term as Board of Education president, and said she has already begun campaigning for state representative and will be involved in a special speaking engagement at the end of the week.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Dance Arts Center is celebrating its 40th season of teaching dance with its ’40 and Fabulous’ recital on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7.

The recital will feature future and former stars of dance in St. Joseph and northwest Missouri.

The Senior Showcase, DACPAC Competition Revue, VIP Dance and Adult Tap will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6.

The performance is free and open to the public. DAC’s high school seniors will perform their Senior Solos. Attendees will also enjoy creative dances by the DACPAC Competition Team, along with a fun, special dance performed by the Adult Tap Dance class and the VIP student/parent dance.

On Saturday, June 7, all shows from beginning dancers and level four to level seven dancers will take place. Tickets range from $15 to $17 and can be purchased online at JoMoTickets.com or at the door.

The 10 a.m. recital will be beginning dancers ages three and four years old in level two performing Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Musical Theater.

The 2 p.m. recital will be beginning dancers ages three and four years old in level two performing Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater and Contemporary dances.

At 6 p.m., level four to level seven dancers and alumni will be the stars of the show. DAC Alumni will perform ‘Legacy in Motion: 40 Years of Dance’ featuring 60 alumni.

DAC’s current, most experienced dancers will perform Ballet, Pointe, Tap Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical Theater pieces.

The DAC was founded by Lynn Fankhauser in 1984. Fankhauser operated the studio from 1984 to 2004, when Marla Heeler, a former student, purchased the studio.

Throughout its 40 years of teaching dance, the studio has been a member of Dance Masters of America, an international organization of certified dance educators.

“We’re excited to celebrate our 40th Anniversary with these stunning performances and very happy so many of our DAC Alumni are able to come back and celebrate with us,” said Heeler, in a press release. “I’m very proud The Dance Arts Center has grown into one of the most recognized names in our community and is known for our outstanding staff, organization, creative production and age-appropriate costuming.”

The DAC offers over 80 classes for children ages three and older, pre-teens, teens and adults, comprised of Ballet, Tap, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theater, Tumbling and Hip Hop.

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Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Sports Commission held a press conference releasing the names of individuals inducted into the St. Joseph Sports Hall of Fame.

Bob Boyles, a seven-time AAU powerlifting champion, was one of the 10 individuals inducted.

“It means a lot, I’ve spent my life here,” Boyles said. “I have been to other places and competed, got acknowledgement being at those places but in your own home town it means more.”

Supported by his grandchildren at the press conference Boyles shared he still lifts and trains others at Body Image Personal Training gym.

“I work with people every day, 10 hours a day still doing it, almost 68 years old and still in the gym business,” Boyles said.

The message he spreads in his gym is “No matter what age you get, you can always make yourself a little bit better.”

Nine other individuals and a team were recognized as well.

Director of Development and Sports Commission Brett Esely said the depth of the class is what makes this year stand out.

“We’ve got our first men’s tennis player, we’ve got our first boxer, we’ve got a golf coach/teacher/mentor,” Esely said. “We’ve got two national football leaguers in this class.”

The enshrinement ceremony will take place Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center at 5 p.m. Tickets will go on sale in late June for $25.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce has launched a new series of informational sessions for emerging leaders.

St. Joseph Young Professionals will serve as a way to connect emerging leaders through creative, engaging events that celebrate both professional growth and local pride.

“Establishing a Young Professionals (YP) group is a strategic move to ensure the long-term viability of the Chamber and the business community,” said Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. “We continue to cultivate all professionals in St. Joseph, but want to particularly focus on young professionals this year.”

The four sessions are targeted at professionals between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.

The first session will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16 at Parkway Distillery, located at 415 N. 13th St.

The event is free and serves as a way for emerging leaders to “network on tap”. Attendees can enjoy light appetizers and purchase drinks at the bar. The first 20 attendees will receive a ticket for a complimentary drink.

The second session will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Room 108, located at 722 Felix St.

The event will be a Q&A panel discussion on networking. Attendees will then transition to implement what they have learned by connecting over different topics. The first 20 attendees will receive a free drink ticket. Light appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

A third session will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center located at 1201 N. Woodbine Rd.

The event will be a Keynote lunch, where the keynote speaker will be Dr. Kasi Lacey, who will speak on the topic: “You Don’t Need Permission: Confidence, Connection, and Career Growth for Young Professionals.” Lunch will be provided and there is a $20 registration fee.

The final session will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Hi-Ho Bar and Grill, located at 1817 Frederick Ave.

The event will be Music Bingo, Holiday Edition and will feature light appetizers and a cozy, yet hideous, ugly sweater contest. The first 20 attendees in a sweater will score a complimentary drink ticket. The event is free to attend.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Juneteenth Planning Committee will present the production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder to celebrate the holiday.

The performance will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 15, at the Missouri Theater, located at 717 Edmond St.

Tickets are available by going to the St. Joseph Museums website.

The production underscores the universal experiences that connect us all through life, love and loss, while emphasizing the importance of community and shared stories.

Audiences can expect a deeply moving theatrical experience that resonates across generations and backgrounds.

According to a press release from the St. Joseph Museums, “This production is a celebration of connection, reminding us of the profound beauty in the ordinary moments of life.”

For more information, visit the St. Joseph Museums Juneteenth page on their website, or contact Sara Wilson at sara@stjosephmuseums.org or (816) 232-8471.

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Chris Fortune

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Monday’s special session announced by Governor Mike Kehoe last week honed in on funding for the Chiefs and Royals. 

The General Assembly met at noon Monday to discuss Kehoe’s agenda, which included providing incentives to retain the local professional sports teams. The state of Kansas developed incentives to encourage the teams to cross the state line. 

St. Joseph resident Larry Stafford said he would rather see the Chiefs and Royals stay in Missouri, but he isn’t worried the potential move if they stay in the Kansas City Metropolitan area.

“Kansas isn’t that far away where they’d be,” he said. “It’s not like they’d be over in Topeka or Wichita or someplace like that.”

Senate Bill 3 was first read by legislators on Monday and would allow the state to invest in large stadium projects and potentially cover up to 50% of the costs. 

But not all St. Joseph residents are open to the teams moving to Kansas. Rita Davis would like to see the Chiefs and Royals continue playing in Missouri because it’s a tradition she remembers as a child.

“I have had friends take me to a football game down there or a baseball game, and it was—just the memories of it are fun,” she said. “It was tradition, and I think it’s good to know it will still be close, but I still like the idea that it’s part of Missouri history.”

SB 3 would allow the sports teams to use tax revenue generated at the stadium to pay off construction bonds. Any tax revenue received after the bonds are paid off would then go to the state. 

“That doesn’t bother me,” Stafford said. “I mean, if they weren’t there, you wouldn’t have (tax revenue from the stadium) anyway.”

The terms apply to construction or rehabilitation projects that cost $500 million and serve professional baseball or football teams. 

“This isn’t a giveaway—it’s a strategy to ensure Missouri remains competitive with other states that would gladly take this opportunity for themselves,” Governor Kehoe wrote Monday in an opinion letter through his office. 

It is unclear how long the special session will last, but the Missouri Constitution says the Governor may convene the General Assembly for a maximum of 60 days. SB 3 was second read and referred to the senate Fiscal Oversight Committee on Tuesday.

“They’re our teams, they’re Missouri’s teams, they’re our history and we want to keep them here,” Davis said.

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Jenna Wilson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Charges have been filed against a St. Joseph woman following a wrong-way crash that killed a St. Joseph man in Andrew County.

According to a probable cause statement, 37-year-old Chelsea Robison-Ingino has been charged with multiple offenses, including driving while intoxicated resulting in death (a Class B felony), first-degree involuntary manslaughter, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and driving the wrong way on a highway causing an accident.

On Tuesday, May 27, several drivers and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper reported seeing Robison-Ingino traveling in the wrong direction on Business 29 near John Glenn Road. Witnesses observed her swerving to avoid oncoming vehicles before she struck another vehicle head-on, killing the driver.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time of the crash, Robison-Ingino’s minor child was also in the vehicle. Both Robison-Ingino and her child, who was a passenger, sustained serious injuries and were transported to the hospital. The child is reported to be in stable condition.

During the investigation, troopers discovered numerous full and empty bottles of “99 Brand Liqueur” in Robison-Ingino’s purse, on the driver’s seat, the driver’s side floorboard, and the rear passenger floorboard.

Robison-Ingino was reportedly unconscious upon arrival at the hospital.

The Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney, Monica Morrey, shared the following statement with News-Press Now following pending litigation.

“We will not forget the life lost and the many individuals who are and will be forever affected by this crash. We are deeply grateful to local first responders and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their prompt and professional response. Further information at this time cannot be released due to the pending criminal charges.”

News-Press NOW will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Residents could see a variety of new destinations for shopping, housing and food as part of a multi-million dollar project at the corner of North Village Drive and Rochester Road in north St. Joseph.

The large-scale development project is planned for a seven-acre property adjacent to Tuscany Village and east of the North Shoppes, and is expected to include a new 50-unit senior housing complex, a 10,000 to 11,000 square foot strip shopping center with multiple retailers and one or potentially two new fast-food restaurants.

The project is spearheaded by property owner and local developer BR & JR Development, LLC, and includes nearly $2.2 million for numerous public infrastructure improvements, including grading, sidewalks, storm sewer, lighting, landscaping and two new turn lanes, among others.

“We’ve sold the back four and a half acres to an apartment builder,” Margaret Bruce with BR & JR Development said. “We close the sale with the apartment folks I believe on June 27 … we anticipate starting (construction) fairly soon after we close.”

Phase one of construction will begin with site development and the apartment complex, followed by the shopping center/restaurant, an anticipated yearlong process. Developers are hopeful to have retailers open for business by the end of 2026.

While the exact businesses haven’t been disclosed, due to pending contract negotiations, Bruce said the company is in discussions with a variety of national retailers and quick-serve restaurants to support the up-and-coming center.

“Two (restaurants) that we’re looking at now that we’re talking with are not currently in St. Joe, so we’re really excited about that,” she said. “We’re thinking of maybe splitting that site to where maybe we can either get two drive thrus.”

Bruce said they haven’t ruled out other types of businesses potentially going in, particularly with the automotive and healthcare industries showing strong interest.

The entire project is estimated to cost $7.7 million, $5.5 million of which will come from private funding.

The remaining $2.2 million in needed public infrastructure upgrades will be paid for by the developers upfront and later reimbursed over a 27-year period through a one-cent sales tax on future sales from businesses on the property only, part of a new Community Improvement District (CID) approved by City Council on May 12.

The additions will not only provide a variety of new amenities for residents but help create jobs and expand sales tax opportunities, efforts designed to improve the city’s population.

“I think with the apartments coming that will create even more business,” she said. “It’s a great site, great exit off of I-29, easy access.”

The CID will impose a $2 annual special assessment per building square foot on all retail and commercial uses within the district. The current assessed value of the property is $70,570.

Community development officials said the opportunity for additional public infrastructure improvements made it an attractive partnership.

A five-person board of directors appointed by the mayor will oversee the CID with staggered terms. As part of the CID agreement, City Council will have control over development costs in accordance with state law.

North Village Drive and Tuscany Village have seen significant economic growth in recent years, including new hotels, an Urgent Care Express, a planned Community Aquatic Center, the newly-opened VA Clinic, Swing365 golf simulator and upcoming Oasis Face Bar.

A full list of public infrastructure improvements funded by the CID can be found below.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — After a decade long discussion, a project to relocate the St. Joseph Animal Shelter is set to begin this month.

In a press release, the City of St. Joseph confirmed a ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at the site area of the $5 million project at 3409 S. Belt Highway.

St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale, Animal Services staff and volunteers will be in attendance. Members of the public are welcome.

The project is supported by $3.4 million in Capital Improvement Program funds and $1.6 million raised by the Friends of the Animal Shelter.

Ellison-Auxier Architects provided design services for the new facility, which utilizes an existing city-owned building on the property that will be significantly expanded with new construction. E.L. Crawford is the construction contractor for the project.

The plan for the new shelter includes an increase from the the current 8,000-square-foot facility as the new location is set have 13,000 square feet of space. It will also feature separate holding spaces for cats and dogs, an infirmary, a designated intake spot and additional parking spaces for visitors.

“We’re really excited about the space and having flex areas for the animals,” Animal Service manager Holly Bowie said. “It will increase the health of our animals because we’ll be able to separate sick animals from healthy ones.

Bowie said the new shelter will help with, not only having more space for animals, but space for community engagement.

“Right now, we just don’t have the ability to do that,” said Bowie. “The visibility of the location is really exciting for us. We’re hoping that we can engage the community more and have more visitors at the shelter.”

Public services, including adoption processing, at the current animal shelter location will not be available on June 17, so staff can attend the groundbreaking. However, priority field service complaints will be answered.

If weather conditions become an issue, the ceremony will be moved inside the existing building on the site.

The project is slated to be completed by June 2026.

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