Good morning, Saint Joseph.

The YWCA St. Joseph announced its 2025 Women of Excellence nominees for the 24th Annual Awards Luncheon and Fundraiser, with winners to be named on June 18 at the Civic Arena.

The program will begin at 11:30 a.m.—Jennifer Milbourne will host and Mary Messner is the guest speaker.

The St. Joseph Symphony announced its 2025-2026 season that will kick off on October 18th with Frankenstein and a new score by Michael Shapiro—additional concerts include a Holiday Cheer event on December 20th and a finale with Anthony Glise on April 25th.

Conductor Chris Kelts said the season will deliver a unique listening experience to local fans.

Missouri Western State University is working to improve its image in the community, as President Elizabeth Kennedy said a survey shows locals see the school as an asset but know little of its full story.

The university is adding new programs and language courses to meet local workforce needs while its new branding aims to embrace MoWest.

Officials from the school district said attendance was 83% as of April 17 and they expect a six-percent improvement over 2024 for the 2024-25 school year—notes for the Board meeting confirmed this projected gain.

During Monday night's council meeting, City Manager Mike Schumacher said sewer rates might increase to fund planned sewer system upgrades as part of the budget process.

A public hearing on the proposed change is set for June 9 at City Hall—if approved, the adjustment will be merged into the July 1 budget.

SJPD is recruiting local officers to fill 16 vacancies; applicants must be over 21, have a high school diploma or GED, and no felony record.

Testing will be held on May 17 — it will include a written exam and several physical tests.

North 22nd Street will close on both sides of Frederick Avenue in St. Joseph beginning at 8:00 a.m. on May 5 for crews upgrading the traffic signal system with mast-arm poles.

Traffic will follow detour routes, and the street is expected to reopen on June 27 with the project costing about $350,000—drivers should plan their trips accordingly.

The St. Joseph Safety and Health Council reminds residents to drink water and wear wide-brim hats as summer quickly approaches while warning that heat stroke and exhaustion can occur fast.

The council also cautions locals not to leave children or pets in parked cars— a practice that can become deadly in rising temperatures.

The City of St. Joseph and its Health Department are partnering with Animal Services and Friends of the Animal Shelter to offer rabies vaccination clinics this spring on May 5, May 6, May 8, May 13 and May 15 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The clinics will charge $5 per vaccine, $10 for microchips and a $10 combo (all pets over three months old must be vaccinated) with payments accepted in cash or check.

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.