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Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Soles for Christ: Providing new shoes and new confidence for local students
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: 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 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. Solve the daily Crossword

Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Savannah man charged after fatal hit-and-run in St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A Savannah, Missouri, man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after fleeing from the scene of an accident that resulted in death. According to a probable cause statement, 28-year-old Steven M. Richardson was driving north on St. Joseph Avenue near the intersection of Broadway Street around 2:45 a.m. on December 1, 2024, when he drove off the east side of the road and hit a pedestrian, which led to the pedestrian's death. Richardson continued driving through a yard before striking a home and causing extensive damage and he then left the scene on foot. Additionally, historical cell phone data placed Richardson's cell phone in the immediate area of the crash at the time of the occurrence. According to a probable cause statement, Richardson has been charged with 2nd degree involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident involving death and property damage. His bond has been set at $25,000.

Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
News-Press NOW joins NOAA's 'Weather Ready Nation'
ST. JOSEPH. Mo. (News-Press NOW) — News-Press NOW's Stormtracker Weather Team is your Weather Ready Nation Ambassador! The Weather Ready Nation Ambassador program is designed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to strengthen partnerships with external organizations toward building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather, climate, and water events. Johnathan Kurtz, the warning coordination meteorologist at the NWS in Kansas City, explains that this program helps bridge the communication gap between broadcast meteorologist, the National Weather Service and vulnerable populations in our community. Over the last few years, News-Press NOW has stayed committed to keeping Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas Weather Ready through weekly Weather Wise segments, annual Severe Weather Preparedness Week specials as well as community outreach aimed at severe weather and safety education through local programs like Safety Town and Safety Acres. We also use the value of our daily forecasts in tracking threats for severe or impactful weather across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. Through this program, News-Press NOW aims to help make the community ready, responsive and resilient to extreme events. We also aim to inform and empower communities, businesses and people to be better informed and make life-saving decisions that may also prevent or limit devastating economic losses. To learn more about the Weather Ready Nation program, go to

Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Tracking the potential of severe t-storms late tonight and Monday
Today has been a pleasant day so far, with seasonable temperatures and plenty of sunshine. But by later tonight, there is a chance for some strong storms in our area. Tonight's storms could bring damaging winds and hail locally, mainly after 6 p.m. and into the overnight hours. Multiple rounds of thunderstorm activity still appear likely on Monday, posing a secondary severe threat with all hazards possible — including damaging winds, hail and tornadoes — through Monday evening. Heavy rainfall is also not out of the question over the next couple of days, with 2 to 4 inches of rain possible across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas through Tuesday. Tonight and tomorrow, you'll need to stay weather aware and make sure you have a way to receive alerts. You can catch the full forecast at 9 and 10 p.m. tonight on News-Press NOW. Lingering rain and thunderstorms are possible Tuesday, which will also mark the start of a cooldown lasting through midweek.