Good morning, Saint Joseph.

The Noyes Home for Children secured second place in Evergy’s Energize Our Environment grant after a close race that brought in 2,200 votes and $10,000—funds the home will use to build a sensory garden, although it still needs gardening supplies, volunteers, and body wash.

The home accepts donations at 801 N Noyes Boulevard.

Today the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Tee'd Up Golf — a new virtual golf simulator owned by JT and Desire Wahlgren that received a $10,000 grant from the Downtown Community Improvement District — to give families a weather-safe place to practice golf.

The venue is located at 504 Edmond Street.

HawkFest kicked off with blues performances Friday at Coleman Hawkins Park and continues today with jazz starting at 1:30 p.m.—the free event celebrates local saxophonist Coleman Hawkins and highlights emerging talent.

Andy Otto, Missouri Western State University's Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, said that the college must adjust to a drop in 16-to-18 year olds and is working to meet workforce needs by expanding programs like industrial engineering, manufacturing, and cyber security. He began his role on the St. Joseph campus in April and faces challenges such as rising college costs and student debt.

St. Joseph School District officials plan to combine public high schools from three to two after a $157 million bond failed in April because of declining enrollment and staffing shortages.

The officials will upgrade Lafayette's parking and cafeteria to hold more students — a key part of 'Plan B' — and still hope to build a new high school as they work with the Board of Education on a long-range plan.

Assistant Superintendent Ashly McGinnis of the school district was honored with the 2025 MASL Service Award for School Administrators for her support of library services during book challenges (nominated by Melissa Corey and Elizabeth Hoskins) and she will take over as superintendent on July 1.

Buchanan County Clerk Mary Baack-Garvey said on Friday morning that a mistake in following the legal newspaper notice rule made the April 8 vote on the Proposition K.I.D.S. ballot issue invalid and the school board will put the bond back on the ballot on August 5, which will need a 2/3 vote to pass. The earlier vote had 80.49% approval (165 for, 40 against) (the rule required a printed notice).

Before the Mustangs took the field, the team honored Cuban World Champion Cyclist Lisandra Guerra Rodriguez on Hispanic Heritage Night.

Rodriguez threw the first pitch and had her achievements read aloud to mark her role in representing the local Hispanic community.

Mad Science Color Exploration

11-11:45 a.m. — Rolling Hills Library-Savannah Branch — Free entry — Discover the vibrant colors in our world through exciting science demonstrations.

The Fishin' Magician

11:00-11:45 a.m. — Rolling Hills Library-OFFICE — Free entry — Enjoy a magical experience with puppets and humor as stories come to life.

Kids Summer Art Camp

9 AM – 5 PM — Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art — $150 non-members, $125 for members — Explore creative techniques in a nature-themed art camp for ages 6-13.

St. Joseph Goats Indoor Football

7:05 PM — St. Joseph Civic Arena — Tickets available — Catch the excitement of indoor football as the St. Joseph Goats battle it out on the field.