Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of July.
Good morning, Saint Joseph.
🎓 Education
The St. Joseph Public Library is accepting applications for a Teen Advisory Board that will let students (6th to 12th grade) suggest new books, movies, and graphic novels and help plan library events.
Applications are available at the Downtown Library and East Hills branch or on the library's website, with the first meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 4 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and a deadline of August 10.
On Monday, July 14th, the US Supreme Court allowed cuts to federal education funding and the St. Joseph School District began preparing for significant changes for the 2025-2026 school year as over one million dollars in funding was frozen.
District officials say the freezes for Titles I-III will hurt programs for low-income and migrant students as well as teacher development—raising concerns about future student growth.
🏛️ Government
The St. Joseph Police Department has begun encrypting its radio communications to protect tactical details and personal information—Police Chief Paul Luster said the change helps block criminals from tracking officers via cell phone scanner apps.
The department is still working on updating its live call website to remove sensitive details while keeping public access to operational updates.
Sheriff Bill Puett said that the new Sheriff App will arrive in the next 45 to 60 days to send alerts about major incidents, missing persons, and other safety news — the app is funded by the opioid settlement fund to give updates on drug trends, cybersecurity, and jail searches.
The sheriff’s office is working with St. Joseph Police Department to offer steady crime information after law enforcement scanner traffic was encrypted.
On Thursday, the St. Joseph Police Department’s Traffic Unit conducted a four-hour enforcement on Belt Highway, stopping 61 motorists and issuing 40 citations and 22 warnings for expired license plates and missing valid insurance — the effort was aimed at improving roadway safety.
Police Chief Paul Luster said the operation responded to local concerns over road safety.
🏈 Sports
Today, the St. Joseph Mustangs inducted former Missouri Western baseball player and Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Kempf into the local baseball hall of fame in recognition of his lifelong support for baseball and softball.
Kempf played locally from Little League through his coaching years and helped develop facilities like Heritage Park — he joins his sister Cheri as a hall of fame member.
🎉 Saint Joseph Events
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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.
Firefighter Memorial 5K
8-9 a.m. — St. Joseph Firefighter Memorial — Entry fee supports the Firefighter's Memorial — Participate in a 5K run/walk to honor local heroes and support the community.
🏠 Saint Joseph Real Estate
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💼 Saint Joseph Job Board
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📣 Saint Joseph Announcements
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