Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Sharon Bryant of the Albee Farm outside St. Joseph is using her new children's book—Ezra and the Talking Cupcake—to raise funds for care for disabled horses; she will sign copies today at 2:00 p.m. at the Story Collective downtown.

After voters rejected a $157 million bond issue on April 8 — with 5,262 yes votes and 6,081 no votes — the St. Joseph School Board is reviewing its campaign strategy amid criticism over its social media posts.

Board member Mike Moore said the board will work on next steps to help voters feel like they win and to restore trust in its role.

The St. Joseph School District & the St. Joseph Lions Club held the 63rd Annual Scholastic Honors Luncheon at Missouri Western State University on Thursday afternoon to recognize local seniors who ranked in the top ten percent of their classes.

Major General Charles Hausman gave a speech and certificates were presented as the graduating Class of 2025 prepares for ceremonies on May 18.

Missouri lawmakers are seeking clarity on a 2022 email directive from Missouri Western that stopped recruiters from visiting 23 high schools in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas.

Lawmakers want answers on why the directive was issued and who authorized it — officials say the directive was later reversed and those involved left the school — as they work to support local students.

St. Joseph city leaders released the Housing Needs Assessment findings Friday morning, showing a declining population and poor housing conditions near downtown and midtown that may discourage middle-income families from relocating.

They plan to cut permit fees + digitize permitting to spur quick redevelopment and offer incentives + set a roadmap for long-term housing improvements.

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.

Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Castle Bridge Event Center — Tickets available — Experience live entertainment and artisanal crafts in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Sporting KC Summer Soccer Camp

9-10:30 a.m. or 9 a.m.-12 p.m. — St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association — $99-$199 — An engaging youth soccer camp designed to enhance skills and confidence for players aged 5-14.