Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Local downtown small business owners from The Frog Prince and The Story Collective explained how they manage everything from cleaning and marketing to customer service while keeping their stores open over 30 hours a week—offering interactive features like a bird game with a waterfall and hosting community events to bring locals together.

St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau Director of Communications Christian Mengel won the Film Industry Champion Award at the 2025 State Tourism Awards held Oct 7-9 in Lake Ozark.

He revived the local film commission and teamed with Missouri Western State University's Cinema Program (steps that helped boost local film projects).

Missouri Western University was ranked as the top regional public university in Missouri for social mobility — the US News and World Report Best College rankings showed the school’s strong support for students from the local four-county region.

President Elizabeth Kennedy said the honor proves that local students can achieve the American Dream with a good education.

The Mosaic LifeCare Foundation’s EmpowerU campus and Leadership Northwest Missouri partnered for the second annual Take the Leap event that helps high school students explore many career paths such as trades, military service, college, and entrepreneurship—allowing them to learn from community leaders and professionals. Students can sign up through their school counselors for more details.

A local group called We the People 3 Schools PAC was formed by concerned taxpayers to challenge the district's two-high school model by proposing to preserve Benton, Central, and Lafayette schools and cut overcrowding and commute times—public meetings will give the community a chance to review the plan.

Commissioner Ron Hook provided an update on the Buchanan County fairgrounds under construction in Easton—crews have cleared trees and moved dirt to prepare a venue for livestock shows and agricultural exhibitions that will open in April.

The project marks the return of a fairground after more than 40 years.

On Monday, the city council will review a bill that proposes a $5.1 million WoodSpring Suites hotel and conference center at 3909 South 40th Terrace near San Jose Steakhouse.

Council members will also vote to approve a $5,215.53 payment for plan review services for the project.

A Missouri family turned their loss—after their son Dalton died by suicide in May 2020—into a mission to help others by speaking at the local St. Joseph Reads Book Club.

Kirk and Lisa Thacker later founded Dalton's Difference to support families facing mental health challenges.

St. Joseph Sports Commission won a bid from the Great Lakes Valley Conference to host men’s and women’s basketball tournaments at the Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph starting in 2027—officials say the move replaces Lindenwood as the tournament’s home and promises to boost local engagement with Division II basketball.

Local high school football games follow Missouri guidelines for bad weather.

The host school's manager delays or suspends play when lightning or thunder is observed and requires a 30-minute pause after the last storm before play resumes.

High school football proceeds on Friday night with many conference and district games in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.

In Wathena, the Riverside Cyclones will host the Troy Trojans as both teams hold records of 4 to 1 and are 2 to 0 in district play.

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.

Footloose: The Musical

7-9 PM — Central High School, St Joseph, MO — Tickets available — Experience the energetic journey of a young man fighting against the ban on dancing in a small town.

Wine & Beer Walk

12-4 p.m. — Allied Arts Council — Tickets required — Sip, shop, and stroll through Downtown St. Joseph with tastings and entertainment from over 40 locations.

Medical Receptionist

Medical office in Maryville, MO seeking a receptionist. Competitive salary, great benefits, and family friendly hours. Send resume to [email protected]