Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Today, the Civic Arena hosted Tiny Tot Town where children ages five and under played as bankers—librarians and doctors—to learn about community roles and enjoy time with their parents.

Leaders from Parents as Teachers organized the event to boost parent-child interaction and help kids imagine future careers.

On Oct. 7, 2025, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce hosted its Downtown Open Spaces Tour to help residents learn how to start a business, view available downtown spaces, and connect with local entrepreneurs—such as Alex McNutt who shared creative plans for a performance garage with a car-themed coffee shop.

Benton High School’s Speech and Debate team is hosting its second annual Rhetoric Rumble to bring tournament opportunities closer to home and help students avoid long trips to Kansas City and Blue Springs.

The event is scheduled for October 24 and 25 and the school is asking for local judges—who will gain valuable experience running the competition.

The St. Joseph School District is partnering with Buchanan County prosecutor’s office to boost an 85.31% attendance rate to 90% by reviewing cases where students fall below the threshold and contacting families.

School officials said the plan may lead to fines up to $750 or 15 days in jail—measures intended to hold parents accountable— while providing needed support to help students succeed.

Today, protestors gathered at Bessie Ellison Elementary to oppose a potential closure by the St. Joseph School District—parents argued that closing a high-ranking school will worsen overcrowding and hurt teacher retention.

Organizers have started a petition and urged the community to support alternative cost-cutting measures.

Sen. Rusty Black from Chillicothe has been named chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee to lead drafting of the state’s $51 billion budget.

He said he will work to manage cuts as the extra federal COVID-19 money declines—he expects the state to face a tighter budget in the next legislative session.

Anyone interested in running for Mayor, City Council, or Municipal Judge in St. Joseph must file their petitions with the City Clerk by October 28—primary elections will take place on February 3 and the general election will be held on April 7, 2026.

A former St. Joseph School District Board member has gathered petitions to run for mayor in the city.

Kenneth Reeder said he will work to save Interstate 229, stop sewer rate increases, and bring back 7:00 p.m. City Council meetings—he wants City Hall to be more open.

St. Joseph's Streets Maintenance Division will purchase a new street sweeper after City Council passed a resolution last Monday—this machine will replace an older unit and help keep debris out of storm drains to meet sewer permit requirements.

The new sweeper from Armor Equipment costs $347,117 and supports the city's environmental protection efforts.

St. Joseph city officials have placed signs with a QR code at city facilities so residents can use a short survey to give anonymous feedback on services—this initiative follows a spring survey and aims to help leaders improve customer service across departments.

The American Red Cross reminds Saint Joseph residents to check their smoke alarms and batteries during Fire Prevention Week as weather cools, because devices last about 10 years (batteries should be changed yearly).

JoAnn Woody advises cleaning alarms, testing them monthly, reviewing escape plans, and having professionals inspect fireplaces and heater cords to lower fire risks.

Jamie Donaldson—co-owner of Juniper Lane—purchased the historic building on Felix Street and is remodeling it into The Madison with two retail spaces and eight unique apartments; retail will open in early spring 2026 and the apartments will be ready in late fall.

Today, the St. Joseph City Council approved next steps for the Creek Woods subdivision across from Grace Calvary Chapel off Highway FF—an action that meets the city's strong need for more housing—and City Manager Mike Schumacher said the well-planned development will add single-family homes on larger parcels.

Missouri Western President Elizabeth Kennedy and coach Tyler Fenwick met with 14-year-old Julius Byers and his family today to honor his determination after a football injury left him with partial paralysis.

Byers, a Liberty High School freshman who once dreamed of joining the Griffons, will serve as an honorary captain on October 18th—proving that community support continues strong.

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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