Good morning, Saint Joseph.

A 40-minute no-entry lockdown was set at Benton High School and Hyde Elementary Thursday afternoon after a report of suspicious activity—School-Resource Officers checked and confirmed there was no safety threat and classes continued normally.

Thursday evening, candidate Nathan Willett (a Kansas City councilman and teacher) spoke at the St. Joseph Fire Fighters' IAFF Local 77 Lodge 3 and received strong support from first responders.

He said he would use his experience to fight for the Northland as he begins his state senate race ahead of the August 2026 primary.

Lawmakers explored ways to ease property taxes during six hearings held this summer; the House Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform discussed ideas such as using a sales tax to fund schools (and stressed concerns about double taxation).

Members said they will meet again in January to refine the proposals.

Rep. Brenda Shields ended her Senate campaign because of health concerns.

After a brain bleed stroke in 2016 and a heart valve leak since 2020, her doctors scheduled heart surgery for next month—she plans to return next year for her final term in the Missouri House.

Hundreds of runners have registered for the third annual St. Joseph Marathon set for Saturday with the full and half marathons starting at 7 a.m. and the 5k and 10k races at 7:30 a.m.—the course runs about 18 miles along the historic parkway system with a start and finish at Civic Center Park, and registration closes Friday evening.

St. Joseph Marathon

7 AM – 1 PM — Civic Center Park — Registration required — Experience the scenic full, half, 10K, and 5K marathon routes through St. Joseph, showcasing landmarks and community spirit.

PumpkinFest 2025

5 PM – 5 PM — Pony Express National Museum — Free entry — Celebrate autumn with live entertainment, carnival rides, and the spectacular lighting of the Great Pumpkin Mountain.

St. Joseph Women’s Expo

10 AM – 4 PM — St. Joseph Civic Arena — $5 – $7 — Explore wellness, DIY projects, and a keynote on stress while enjoying shopping and furry friends.

Books, Beers, & Boos

5-7 p.m. — St. Joseph Public Library, Downtown Library — $50 — Enjoy an evening of spooky fun with books, beer, and a festive atmosphere after hours.

Donut Dash 2025

8-10 a.m. — Patee House Museum — $35 adults, $15 kids 12 and under — Celebrate the 10th anniversary with a timed 5K+ featuring delicious Gold-N-Glaze donuts.

The Rumours Live

9 PM – 1 AM — D&G Pub and Grub Brew Haus — $20 — Enjoy a night of live music with The Barrage in a lively pub setting.

East Hills Mall Event

7:30-9:30 p.m. — East Hills Mall — Varies by ticket type — Enjoy an exciting evening with multiple seating options including VIP and family packs.

East Hills Mall Community Event

2-4 p.m. — East Hills Mall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with family-friendly activities and special ticket offers.

Nightmare Before Geekmas

7-10 p.m. — Club Geek — Cost info not specified — Sing along with The Nightmare Before Christmas at this fun annual screening event.

Soaring with Kindness Skydiving Fundraiser

1-5 p.m. — Noyes Home For Children — Raise at least $500 to jump — A thrilling skydiving event benefiting children’s services in St. Joseph.