Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Missouri Western State University will host its 15th Annual Walk for the Homeless on November 7 in St. Joseph—participants will pick up trash, visit social service agencies and receive support including haircuts from Unique Creations and items made by the Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center to aid local residents.

Maximize Northwest Missouri, an organization promoting economic development, is asking local residents to complete a follow up survey by October 20 to compare current community views with feedback from 2020—this data will help local leaders and organizations in decision making.

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce invites small business owners and employees to attend the annual Small Business Summit on October 29 at the Fulkerson Center — held at Missouri Western State University — where breakout sessions, a Cup of Joe presentation, and a talk by John McGraw will be featured. Registration and networking begin at 8:30 a.m. with a $25 fee that includes lunch.

The SJSD Board of Education is weighing two proposals after hearing 27 community members at Monday's public meeting and is now reviewing a community option to keep all three high schools open.

The board will decide on a new school model on Oct. 27 while more details will be shared at Lafayette High School on Oct. 21 (featuring the community-created plan).

The St. Joseph School District Finance Committee met Oct.

14 to review a proposed budget reduction plan for the 2025–2026 school year after the district’s reserve fell below expectations—aiming to cut over 87% of the central office budget and adjust high school configurations. Dr. Robert Hedgecorth explained the proposal focuses on reducing non-classroom costs such as technology and maintenance to protect core classroom learning.

Sixteen members of the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force have met three times to review and update the 20-year-old school funding formula while balancing tax relief and revenue needs for local governments (led by state Sen. Rusty Black).

The group, appointed by Gov. Mike Kehoe, will deliver its final report to him on December 1.

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.