Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Rolling Hills Library in St. Joseph is building a new facility on South Riverside Road near Mosaic Life Care that will cover 36,000 square feet and cost $17 million from bonds and reserves.

Construction began in January and the board expects the new building will open by March next year—designed to increase space and natural light—and the current library will then be put up for sale.

At a community forum held in St. Joseph by the League of Women Voters of Northwest Missouri, four elected officials—Missouri State Reps Bill Falkner and Brenda Shields, Buchanan County Presiding Commissioner Scott Nelson, and Sheriff Bill Puett—each spoke for five minutes on issues like the I-229 Bridge and Lake Contrary and answered resident questions; several officials remained to engage further with the community.

Persisterhood of St. Joseph will host a 'May Day Strong' march on May 1 along Frederick Avenue and North Belt Highway from 4:00-6:00 p.m. The protest will challenge the current administration — the group held a similar event earlier this year.

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce is hosting National Small Business Week events from May 4 to May 10—activities include a local business crawl, workshops, and a virtual summit with the SBA for small business owners to learn and network.

This series of events will offer a mix of in-person and online sessions designed to boost local business growth.

A judge sentenced a St. Joseph woman to four months in jail after she drove the wrong way on I-229 and crashed into a motorcycle that killed 33-year-old motorcyclist (Ryan Coffman) on May 17th; she is also ordered to avoid alcohol, use an ignition interlock device, and complete 250 hours of community service.

Local writer Alexa Boehler held a book signing in Dearborn—she introduced her first book, 'Emmanuel Emu God is with You,' which includes a QR code that plays a song she wrote and sings.

Boehler, inspired by her faith and children, also shared plans for a second book and a series.

The St. Joseph Public Library will host the Beauty Around Central Mexico program at the Downtown Library on May 3 at 11:00 a.m. (Master Gardener Tracy Svec will share pictures and videos of monarch butterflies, tropical plants, and local architecture in this free event).

St. Joseph’s new arena football team — the Goats — will begin their season at the Civic Arena with their first home game on Saturday, June 17.

The team, coming off a 7-1 season and a championship appearance, plans a hard-hitting defense and a high-scoring offense.

2024-2025 Downtown Sculpture Walk

6:30-8 p.m. — St Joseph Downtown Partnership — Free entry — Experience a year-long exhibit showcasing stunning outdoor sculptures by national artists in Downtown St. Joseph.

Apple Blossom Parade

9:30-10:00 a.m. — St Joseph Aquatic Park — Free entry — Experience the vibrant kickoff of the annual Apple Blossom Parade with a community-focused 5K run/walk.

2024-2025 Downtown Sculpture Walk

6:30-8 p.m. — St Joseph Downtown Partnership — Free entry — Experience a year-long outdoor gallery of stunning sculptures throughout Downtown St. Joseph.

C.J. Newsom’s Classic Country & Comedy Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Scottish Rite Temple — Dinner menu available — Enjoy an entertaining mix of classic country music and comedy with acclaimed performances and laughter.

We The Kingdom Unplugged

7:30-9 p.m. — Missouri Theater — Tickets from $28 — Experience an intimate concert with We The Kingdom, delivering heartfelt music and electrifying performances.

Recreation Fair

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center — Free entry — Discover the fun recreational opportunities available for adults in St. Joseph and surrounding areas.