Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Local pumpkin growers report that this is the best pumpkin season in years thanks to 2025’s favorable weather—farmers plan to bring abundant produce to community markets this fall.

Today, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Main Street St. Joseph host a free business workshop at 801 Felix Street led by Annette Weeks from Aspire Business Consulting starting at 2 p.m. A tour of available business sites will begin at 3 p.m. and end with a networking reception at 5 p.m. at The Den — 519 Felix Street.

Benton High School's speech and debate team is hosting its second annual Rhetoric Rumble to give students a chance to compete on home turf in Saint Joseph.

The tournament needs judges for Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 — the event aims to grow local debate opportunities.

St. Joseph School District officials are planning staff cuts after enrollment fell below 10,000, which has lowered funding—officials are meeting with teachers to address transfer options while the board studies reducing public high schools from three to two.

The district will use attrition to lower staffing costs as contracts and letters of intent are already in place.

Missouri State Highway Patrol warns drivers to watch for deer as fall pushes them out onto roadways—especially at dawn and dusk—and says that swerving to avoid the animals can lead to dangerous crashes.

They advise slowing down and calling the patrol if a deer hit leaves a carcass on the road.

Missouri Department of Social Services filed a federal waiver to ban SNAP benefits on candy, soda and desserts while expanding help for healthy purchases.

The waiver will need USDA approval and is set to take effect in October 2026 + critics warn the changes may limit options for low-income families in food deserts.

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.

Witches Tea

12-5 p.m. — Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art — $40 — Enjoy a magical and mysterious Halloween tradition with tea and enchanting experiences.

Halloween Party & Costume Contest

7 p.m. — Do It A’Ginn Event Hall — $15 entry or $25 per couple — Celebrate Halloween with a costume contest and enjoy snacks and BYOB fun.

Sugarplum Festival

5-4 p.m. — Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art — Free entry — Celebrate the season with handcrafted goods, local delicacies, and unique gifts at this beloved holiday fair.

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