Good morning, Saint Joseph.

A St. Joseph woman Sandy Smith has published several books over the past ten years that share the stories of individuals facing homelessness—she said many experience job loss, broken relationships, and other hardships that force them onto the streets.

Vietnam War veterans will be honored at a ceremony Monday morning at Word of Life Church on Riverside Road in St. Joseph.

City Manager Mike Schumacher said more than 55 veterans who served from November 1 to May 15 will receive an official pin from the federal government + the event is part of a program to thank those who served.

Just after noon on Thursday, a 73-year-old man from Braddyville lost control of his 2001 Freightliner on U.S. 71 near Bolckow—his front driver's side tire blew out, sending the semi off the road and into an embankment, and EMS transported him to Mosaic as he was not wearing his seat belt.

City officials said crews made progress on Krug Park renovation with erosion control, demolition, tree protection and clearing work around the lagoon (including exposing utilities) after recent rains and steep terrain challenged the work.

Crews will soon fill the bowl with soil and install stormwater piping as part of a multi-phase project that will finish in the fall of 2027 with upgrades to the amphitheater, castle, children's circus, picnic shelter and restrooms.

MoDOT unveiled a five-year plan for road and bridge upgrades statewide with a focus on the Northwest District, including Buchanan County projects on the I-229 double-decker bridge, Highway 169, and the Gene Field Bridge that will begin in the next few years.

District Engineer Marty Liles said the plan was developed with community and partner input—drivers should check for potential road closures and detours during construction.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a bill that repeals mandatory paid sick leave and ends annual adjustments to the minimum wage; workers who began accruing leave on May 1 will lose it on Aug.

28. Business groups lobbied for the measure that passed with 58 percent support, and a constitutional amendment to restore worker benefits may appear on the 2026 ballot—raising concerns among state lawmakers.

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed into law a school safety measure that requires districts to adopt emergency plans, conduct annual security assessments, install anti-intruder door locks, and keep Stop the Bleed kits—legislation pushed by Rep. Brenda Shields.

The law also bans students from carrying cell phones during school hours to promote classroom engagement.

Today, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released an online map & text number to help families locate local summer food programs that provide free meals for children during the summer.

The map shows sites where meals are served as well as rural noncongregate multi-day pick-up locations with no registration needed.

Afroman Live Performance

6-9 p.m. — Good Times Event Center — From $31.29 — Come enjoy a live performance with Afroman and a vendor fair prior to the show.

The Addams Family Musical

7 p.m. — Missouri Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy the hilarious antics of the Addams family as they navigate secrets, love, and a dinner with the in-laws.

Imagine Eleven - TriLemma

6-8 p.m. — Coleman Hawkins Park / Felix Street Square — Free entry — Enjoy live music and local food vendors in a community atmosphere.

Summer Sizzler 5k/10k/15k

7-10 a.m. — Bode Ice Arena St. Joseph — Registration required — A fun summer race event perfect for the whole family with great swag and chip-timing.