Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Albany residents and local groups raised $200,000 to start restoring the 111-year-old Rigney Theater by securing its roof, brick, windows and doors—donations and matching grants began the work in 2020.

The theater will be restored piece by piece to serve as a home for the school district fine arts program and community events.

St. Joseph police say shoplifting is on the rise as nearly 363,000 incidents were reported in 2024—if the trend continues, citizens are urged to note suspect details to help with investigations.

Missouri Western State University and St. Joseph School District signed an agreement that will simplify applying for college by reducing paperwork and ensuring direct admissions for eligible graduates from Central, Benton and Lafayette High Schools—this direct admissions program will start with the class of 2026 and may encourage more local students to enroll while connecting them to new workforce opportunities at the Houlne Center for Convergent Technology.

The St. Joseph School District held a tax-rate hearing Monday at the Troester Media Center where officials proposed keeping the 2025 rate the same as the $4.9163 set for 2024—documents detailed the Normal, Temp, and Debt Service levies and allowed public comments at 5:15 p.m.

The St. Joseph Police Department has launched the Shield Check program to enhance security for local businesses when closed—door hangers now list officer details and alert owners to any concerns.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed St. Joseph's LeAndra Beauford to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council and Frank Kruse to the Conservation Commission.

Beauford, a family navigation manager with Progressive Community Services and former substitute teacher, and Kruse, president of Martin Hill Advisors with business development experience, are set to support state initiatives in disabilities and conservation — strengthening governance.

The Worth County Tigers will open the season Friday night at home against the Rock Port Bluejays — they will travel to South Holt in week two.

The Lathrop Mules will open their regular season on the road in Lexington this Friday — they will return home in week two to face Plattsburg.

2025 Inaugural Pony Express Girls State High School Volleyball Preview Tournament

2:30-8:45 p.m. — St. Joseph Civic Arena — Ticket info pending — Witness exciting high school volleyball action from 16 teams as they gear up for the season.

Missouri S&T Miners vs Missouri Western Griffons Football Match

6:00 PM — Spratt Memorial Stadium — Tickets starting at $72 — Catch an exciting football clash between the Griffons and the Miners at Spratt Memorial Stadium.

Toddler Time at the Library

9:15-9:45 a.m. — St Joseph Public Library, Downtown Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and crafts designed for toddlers aged 1-3 years.