Good morning, Saint Joseph.

The Noyes Home for Children is a finalist for Evergy’s People’s Choice hometown grant program that awards $10,000 to boost our local environment—if selected, the home will use the funds to build a healing garden with native plants that build on previous playground updates.

A waterline burst at South 8th and Messanie Street closed the intersection when an 8 inch water main pipe deteriorated and broke the street foundation — officials have not provided a timeline for reopening.

Georgia authorities arrested 58-year-old Jon Worrell in Maryville for his alleged role in the 2006 shooting death of his wife Doris Worrell—law enforcement from Georgia and Missouri assisted in the operation as an extradition hearing is set to return him to Georgia.

Missouri Western State University held its spring graduation earlier this month and awarded degrees to 350 students.

President Elizabeth Kennedy said 43 nursing graduates received their pinning ceremony—the symbol of entering the nursing field—and nearly all already had jobs while 14 earned a master’s degree in teaching.

Dr. Daniel Marschalek of the University of Central Missouri said his study found a 22% decline in butterfly numbers over 21 years, with pesticides posing a bigger threat than habitat loss.

He warned that if this trend continues, the loss of pollinators may cut into future food yields.

A landfill task force recommended that the city raise tipping fees from $40 a ton to $50 a ton starting January and to $60 a ton in 2027.

The fee increase will be reviewed by the City Council on June 9 and discussed further on June 23 as rising trash usage has led to new construction at the landfill.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety declared Buchanan County a Blue Shield community—created by Governor Mike Kehoe to honor law enforcement support.

Sheriff Bill Puett said his office will apply for grants in July for new technology and training that will help the region work together.

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.

**FREE** Skin Cancer Screening

Stop by and get your free skin check. No appointment necessary. 9am-12pm

Swarm Chasers Gathering

6-8 p.m. — MO Dept. of Conservation — Free entry — Connect with fellow nature enthusiasts in exploring local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Ignite 5K

9 a.m. — 2500 Southwest Pkwy, St Joseph, MO — Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. — Lace up for a community-friendly 5K run supporting mentorship programs.