Category: knpn-local-news

News-Press NOW

By: Matt Sanders

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri’s attorney general filed a lawsuit Wednesday to stop a vote on a new congressional map passed by the Republican supermajority during a summer special session.

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in federal court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The lawsuit was filed against People Not Politicians, a group that has raised more than $1.7 million in contributions since forming.

The group’s leadership said in a news release Wednesday that it has collected more than 100,000 signatures on its petition to get a question repealing the new map on a statewide ballot. The group’s first initial petition forms were rejected, but Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins gave them the go-ahead Wednesday to start collecting signatures.

In a release, Hoskins said signatures collected before Wednesday could not be used.

Lawsuit against People Not PoliticiansDownload

In it, Hanaway asserts that the effort to get the map before voters is unconstitutional because the Missouri and U.S. constitutions give the power to redraw districts explicitly to the legislature.

Hanaway says in a statement that the lawsuit “is about protecting Missouri’s constitutional authority from being hijacked by out-of-state dark money groups.” Missouri Republicans have long complained that Missouri’s initiative petition process allows for groups that don’t report their donations to have an outsized impact on the process.

Republican lawmakers passed the new map, which eliminates one of two Democrat-friendly districts in the U.S. House, during a special September session. The map splits up the Kansas City area and the current Fifth District, a seat held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

Several lawsuits have been filed to challenge the new map, claiming maps can only be redrawn every 10 years after the census.

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TaMya Bracy

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Medical staff are urging an increase in donations amid a platelet shortage.

According to the Community Blood Center, platelets are very fragile, short-lived blood cells, essential for normal blood clotting.

Platelets must be transfused within seven days of donation, and are always needed in hospitals.

Chelsey Smith, senior director of public relations at the Community Blood Center, said the reason for the shortage is due to a decrease in donor turnout across the country since COVID-19.

“So following the pandemic, what we saw were fewer high school and college blood donors being held, fewer workplace blood drives being held,” she said.

Donating platelets is a much longer process than donating blood. The blood is pulled out, put into a centrifuge then the blood is separated from the platelets.

At the end of the process, blood cells are given back and the platelets are kept by the donation center.

“So when it comes to traumas where people are bleeding out or oftentimes they’ll need platelets in order to help their blood clot, additionally, cancer patients actually represent about a quarter of the blood supply is used to treat cancer patients,” Smith said

Blood and platelet shortages can go hand in hand. When blood donations decline, platelet donations also decline. Smith said the platelet and blood shortage can force hospitals to make difficult decisions.

“This could be postponing elective surgeries,” she said. “It could delay some cancer treatments or treatments for sickle cell patients who rely heavily on blood products. It could also strain trauma and obstetric care. Overall, we work very diligently to maintain the blood supply in such a way that patient care isn’t impacted.”

Smith said donors can provide platelets much more throughout the year than they can red blood cells.

“So you can donate blood every eight weeks up to about six times per year. With platelet donations, you can donate every seven days up to about 24 times per year,” she said.

Not every donor can provide platelets, making collection a little more difficult.

“Women who have been pregnant can sometimes produce a virus known as HLA,” she said. “It doesn’t affect them and it doesn’t affect their baby, but it could impact a patient receiving their platelet product. So we do a lot of testing to determine first whether or not this donor is able to donate platelets,” she said.

Blood centers and hospitals have outlined procedures in place to reduce the effects of blood shortages.

“So when we are in a significant platelet shortage, if we can’t actively in full supply or households with the platelets that they need, we kind of go into that mitigation mode where we determine which patients are the most critical, which patients need these platelets right now. And we make sure those hospitals always have those blood products for them,” she said.

Smith said the Community Blood Center is relying on the community to make donations because it provides over 95% of the hospital’s needs locally.

“So we have been well below that for this entire year. We have not seen a seven-day blood supply at all during 2025,” she said. “That also applies to our platelet supply as well. It’s been critically low for much of the year. So if anybody takes anything away from this, we hope that it’s that we’re relying on you.”

Interested donors can visit the Community Blood Center for more information.

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News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A local organization is celebrating its planting of 100 trees at a tree walk and dedication.

The St. Joseph Persisterhood invites community members to attend the event from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, beginning with a meet at the arbor with stone benches, just off the sidewalk on the west side of Northwest Parkway.

“Walkers, children, dogs, and nature enthusiasts are welcome to join our biannual ceremony.  We’ve been holding these since 2017 when we raised money and planted our first trees,” said Jane Frick, Persisterhood facilitator. “It’s so exciting because this Saturday, we’ll dedicate our ‘centennial’ 100th tree near the trees we planted eight years ago.”

Elizabeth Latosi-Sawin, Persisterhood’s “tree guru,” will lead the tree walk and dedication. She’ll lead the group in a walk along the Parkway, pointing out previously planted Persisterhood trees.

At each newly-planted tree, donors and/or family members will say a few words about those being honored and remembered.

“This is our way of making our community a better, greener place that will be enjoyed for generations to come,” said Frick.

The tree walk and dedication event is open to the public. More information can be found on the Persisterhood’s Facebook.

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) —  A local workforce development and education group is gearing up for its My Success Event at the St. Joseph Civic Arena.

The event aims to help high school seniors explore post-secondary options, whether jumping into the workforce or continuing their education. 

Students will get the chance to talk one-on-one with local businesses to learn what career paths are available.  

Colleges and technical centers are also on-site, offering information about training programs and higher education options. 

The My Success Event is offered to Northwest Missouri area high schools and has been taking place since Tuesday, Oct. 14. The final session will take place at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

News-Press NOW will update this story.

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Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Demolition crews are moving forward on the removal of two longstanding and out-of-service features of the St. Joseph Aquatic Park.

Drivers commuting along Messanie Street and South Noyes Boulevard will see crews disassembling both of the large dual slides starting today. Demolition of the lap pool is expected to occur early next week.

The move comes after City Councilmembers approved a $239,000 demolition contract Sept. 2 to remove the aquatic features at 402 S. Noyes Blvd., two features that have long been out of service. The city intends to recycle the slides and other usable materials.

Despite plans for the slides and lap pool, the existing shallow activity pool and lazy river will remain in place and be available for residents in future pool seasons.

A remaining section of the green slide at the Aquatic Park is shown on Wednesday in St. Joseph as work commences.

Councilmembers previously approved a contract last August for preliminary services related to demolition of the Aquatic Park lap pool, a project that hinged on whether the city agreed to a partnership with the YMCA for a $15 million indoor aquatic center up north, a state-of-the-art 35,000 square foot facility set to open in 2027.

That partnership — formally approved by councilmembers in May — will see the city contribute $7 million toward construction. Prior to the decision, the city had left open the possibility of using funds for the outdoor Aquatic Center if the YMCA agreement didn’t come to fruition.

In early 2023, City councilmembers opted to postpone improvements to the lap pool portion after officials balked at a price tag that was beginning to reach $8 million, well past initial estimates for repairing a summer facility open for just three months out of the year. 

Crews work to demolish the dual slides at the Aquatic Park on Wednesday in St. Joseph.

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Payton Counts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – With open burning season inching closer, fire officials have tips to keep the burning under control.

Open burning begins Nov. 1 for the St. Joseph area and is only allowed twice a year, once in the fall and again in April.

Burning is permitted between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and fires must be completely extinguished by 6 p.m.

Open burning is limited to residential yard waste only. Fires must be contained in an upright container with a volume equal to no more than 55 gallons. Only dry yard waste such as leaves, brush and logs grown on the property may be burned.

Burning trash, paper, lumber or building debris is prohibited, according to City of St. Joseph regulations. A full list of regulations is available on the city’s website.

Unattended fires can quickly get out of control and cause wildfires  — uncontrolled fires that burn vegetation, often in rural areas. 

Wildfires can burn vegetation located both above and below the soil and can start naturally from lightning or from human activity, such as a dropped cigarette. 

Ground fires or “muck “fires can ignite in soil that is rich with organic matter, like dead plant roots. Surface fires can burn dry vegetation just above the ground, often fueled by parched grass or fallen leaves.

“Large brush piles that have just been dozed over and have a lot of dirt on them, it sat over winter, its got some snow on it and you think, ‘Hey, I’ll go burn that brush pile.’ Those roots can burn, and then they’ll burn through underneath the ground and pop up over in another area and start a surface fire,” said Timothy Wolfe with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Fuel moisture — the amount of water in vegetation — determines how easily fires ignite and spread. Low fuel moisture allows fires to start quickly and burn intensely.

Weather plays a major role in wildfire danger. The National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning when sustained winds reach at least 20 mph for two hours, relative humidity drops to 25% or less, and fuel moisture is 9% or lower. Drought conditions are always considered, too, when forecasting.

While wildfires aren’t frequent in Missouri, they can still happen. Brett Williams, a National Weather Service meteorologist, recalled a large fire in Wooldridge, Missouri, back in October 2022.

“It was after a hard freeze, and we were in a severe drought, so pretty much all the ingredients were present for a big fire,” said Williams. “There was a combine that was harvesting and it created a spark. Then the field went up in flames, and with those strong winds, it actually took the fire into the town

To help prevent wildfires, keep gutters, decks and porches clear of leaves and debris, and use fire-resistant materials around your home. Know where your outdoor water source is in case of an emergency.

If a wildfire occurs, listen to NOAA Weather Radio alerts, keep an emergency kit ready, close all vents and windows to keep out ash, and evacuate immediately if ordered.

For non-emergencies, responses to “open burning” or to report unsafe burning in the St. Joseph area, call 816-271-4623.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Nutrition services will be updated at Community Action Partnership of Greater St. Joseph (CAPSTJOE), thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The $1.18 million in supplemental nutrition funding was made possible through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The grant was applied for back in July and received prior to the government shutdown. 

According to a press release from CAPSTJOE, the funding will allow its nutrition services to be updated with modernized kitchen equipment, a new demonstration kitchen space and small community gardens at Head Start centers.

“We’ll be able to give families the opportunity to do cooking classes, canning classes. Anything that can help around nutrition be able to stretch their dollar.” CAPSTJOE Community Relations Director Kayla Marmaud. “We’re also hoping to create take-home community garden kits for Head Start children and their families. They would be able to take some home and then create those gardens at their house.”

For more information on funding, visit the CAPSTJOE Facebook page.

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Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Halyomorpha halys, also known as the stink bug, is an invasive insect that originated from Asia.

Since the start of fall, people may have noticed an increase in this bug outside and in their homes.

A Natural History Biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation explained why these bugs keep appearing in and out of homes.

“They’re born in the spring. They mature through multiple nymph stages over the summer, and in the fall, the adults look for places to overwinter,” said Lisa San Diego. “Which is why they end up in our houses. So they overwinter in the house, in which they don’t eat, and they don’t drink. They just kind of hibernate.”

To prepare for the winter season, stink bugs target homes to have their hibernation-like state called diapause.

San Diego said it’s better to take care of the bugs outside because of their smell.

“Get a small Tupperware container or a bag, put them in the bag, and either crush them outside. I know people like to use vacuums as well. You can also vacuum them up and then dispose of them,” said San Diego.

Stink bugs like eating plants, so San Diego urges people who farm to not use insecticides on all their crops because of the stink bug’s ability to be resistant to the repellent.

The insecticide may also kill the good insects, like bees, that help plants grow. Instead, San Diego suggests planting sunflowers or licorice plants to use to attract the stink bugs and then to use insecticide on those to help protect other plants.

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Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — It’s been a little over a week since the City of St. Joseph launched its new means of residents providing informational feedback.

The signs with QR codes attached are stationed at multiple city-run facilities where the community normally interacts with employees. When scanned, the code will open up a link to a brief survey with questions.

The early indications have been positive from the data the city has gathered, with there being appreciation for having an accessible feedback service.

“Going into the City, especially to get licenses and permits, we’re down there quite a bit,” Seventh Street Cafe Owner Brennon Calvin said. “There’s always things that can be improved. For me personally, I love the idea of the giving praise to the people I worked with, they crush it. Now I can suggest the little things that I think could be tweaked because they don’t see it from our side a lot.”

St. Joseph City Manager Mike Schumacher explained some of the data trends the City will be looking at, including wait times for services and the interactions people have with City staff.

“Let’s say, for example, the lines for gas or utility billing are too long. We don’t want to hire more staff or make changes based upon one or two comments,” Schumacher said. “After a year, if we have a couple hundred of them, then I think it warrants a conversation.” 

As the survey becomes utilized on a more frequent basis, the City may consider making changes to the questions based on the responses.    

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Praji Ghosh

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Following a public hearing, the St. Joseph School District Board of Education met Monday at Benton High School to go over a few important items on their agenda. 

Board President LaTonya Williams said the district is working to cut costs wherever possible, especially after recently learning it is over budget by more than a million dollars.

She mentioned it came as a surprise to see that number first appear in a Facebook post, but emphasized, the district is doing everything it can to stay financially responsible. 

“I want for everybody, you know, to understand it’s nothing nefarious,” said Williams. “Things are already very, very difficult. We’re doing the best that we can, you know, to navigate through everything.”

Williams called for a financial audit in an August Board meeting. According to SJSD Superintendent Ashly McGinnis, an update on the audit will come in November.

Another key topic was a Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant provided to Hosea Elementary School, which aims to boost reading programs for kindergarten through fifth grade.  

This grant aims to strengthen literacy support statewide and ensure students have access to evidence-based learning practices. 

“I love reading and I love books, so I hope that extra resources will also instill a love of reading and education in our students,” Williams said.

Board members also discussed a new contract with Ro Health — a company that provides private nursing services.  

With growing medical needs among students and several unfilled nursing positions in the district, the board decided to bring in additional help to make sure students get proper care. 

“I would think it’s pretty dire, especially if children need extra care on top of your normal nurse assignments and hopefully it gets approved on the (Oct.) 27,” Williams said.  

Williams said SJSD is bringing in outside help for some students in the district who need a little extra care. She also said the support cannot currently be provided in-house at the moment, enhancing the need for a third party.

The BOE addressed a playground project, replacing the rubber tile surface with turf to make room for a new access road and improve safety at Oak Grove Elementary.

The change, however, comes with an extra cost of just over $9,400 and could push back the playground’s reopening until mid-winter. 

“I don’t think it’s a major concern. I actually asked about that last night in the meeting, but things do happen all the time, and as long as we are being financially responsible and keeping track, I am okay with them,” Williams said.  

The board also discussed a federal programming position that’s currently open. Williams said this isn’t a new role — it’s simply filling a vacancy that’s already part of the system. 

She said the goal is to bring in a qualified, experienced person who can help secure more federal funding for the district — ideally balancing out the cost of the position itself.  

“If you’re looking at it as if you’re using this extra expense. To be able to get a qualified, trained individual, to be able to bring in more money in my mind, it’s my hope that it will offset each other,” Williams said.  

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