Daily
Saint Joseph
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Saint Joseph. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local World War II veteran Private Lawrence Ralston celebrated his 101st birthday this week in St. Joseph as neighbors honored his service as the last living member of Company K from the 115th Infantry Division. The veteran, who served from 1944 to 1946, was recognized for his humble military record—author Milton Toratti shared his story in a newly published book. KQ2
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Albrecht Kemper will host the annual Sugarplum Festival on November 7th and 8th where over 30 vendors will offer unique crafts + holiday gifts for shoppers. A preview party is scheduled for November 6th + tickets cost $40 while Second Harvest will lead a food drive for local families in need. St. Joseph Post
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Work groups led by former finance chief Kari Monsees reviewed changes to Missouri’s public school funding formula by examining the adequacy target, local funding adjustments, and enrollment-based counts—proposals will be presented to the task force in December for governor review. St. Joseph Post
- ➤ On Tuesday night, St. Joseph School District administrators and board members met with 36 residents at Lafayette High School to discuss shifting to a two-high school model amid financial pressures — many speakers expressed concerns over changes to facilities and family impacts. A follow-up town hall is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct 27 at Central High School before the board makes its final decision. KQ2
- ➤ The St. Joseph school district’s fiscal plan for this school year projects about $154 million in revenue—mainly from property taxes and Proposition 13 sales tax—as federal funds decline. District officials warn that dropping enrollment and ongoing state funding battles will further strain revenues as the long-range plan is implemented. KQ2
- ➤ Local officials in St. Joseph stressed school bus safety during National School Bus Safety Week this week. They urged drivers, parents, and riders to follow simple rules like staying seated and keeping aisles clear (with safety inspections done each February) and to use tablet monitoring systems (which help ensure no child is left on board) for safer rides. KQ2
- ➤ The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering hunter education classes in St Joseph that teach firearm safety and hunting ethics for both new and experienced hunters—participants must complete a required online or physical booklet, with the online version costing $24.95. KQ2
- ➤ The St. Joseph School District is considering consolidating schools and Bessie Ellison Elementary draws attention for its long history. The school has been part of the district since 1967—after a public vote led to its annexation from a smaller rural district—and was renamed to honor retiring superintendent Bessie Ellison. KQ2
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A frost advisory for this morning urges plant enthusiasts in St. Joseph to cover and water tender plants before temperatures drop—Adam Burkart from Earl May Garden Center said using a blanket when it is warm can trap heat to protect buds and leaves. KQ2
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A Missouri Lottery player in Buchanan County claimed a $167,000 Show Me Cash jackpot when his ticket purchased at Hy-Vee Gas (205 N. Belt Highway) matched all five numbers drawn on September 30. He later gave a $500 tip (as a thank you to the helpful clerk) after the ticket scanner displayed 'Contact Missouri Lottery Office.' KQ2
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Missouri Department of Social Services explained that due to the federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits will not be issued because federal funds are insufficient + participants are encouraged to use any remaining October benefits while DSS closely monitors the situation. St. Joseph Post
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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.
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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.
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Witches Tea
12-5 p.m. — Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art — $40 — Enjoy a magical and mysterious Halloween tradition with tea and enchanting experiences.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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Mamma Mania - ABBA Tribute
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Performing Arts Association — Cost not specified — Experience the high-energy tribute to ABBA with dazzling costumes and timeless hits from the 1970s.
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MIAA Volleyball Championship
12 PM – 8 PM — St. Joseph Civic Arena — Passes required — Come witness thrilling volleyball matches as teams compete for the MIAA championship title.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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