Good morning, Saint Joseph.

The Salvation Army begins its annual Red Kettle Campaign today in St. Joseph stores and will run until Dec.

23. Volunteers will ring bells at select locations—Hy-Vee, Price Chopper, and Sam's Club—to gather funds for programs like emergency shelter, the food pantry, and disaster response.

The AFL-CIO Community Services’ Adopt-a-Family Christmas program in St. Joseph is in its 43rd year and has received over 300 applications since it began on Monday.

Applications for adopters will open on November 14—paper forms cost $2 and online forms cost $3 as the program works to help local families during a tough economy.

St. Joseph School District improved its state test scores to 74.7% from 63.2% and raised the graduation rate to 91.9% as every school showed gains.

School leaders plan to boost reading skills by giving teachers more support—ensuring students learn at grade level.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released Annual Performance Reports for the 2024-2025 school year, with the St. Joseph School District rising from 67.5% to 74.7% in academic performance—improvements were seen across secondary schools and several elementary schools through enhanced teaching support and coaching.

The Campus Cupboard at Missouri Western State University offers food and hygiene items to students facing food insecurity — director Megan DeShon-Runge said rising visits are linked to reduced SNAP benefits.

Student worker Morgan Saavedra said the pantry helps students concentrate on studies when meal plans run low.

The St. Joseph Health Department has provided a tool that directs tobacco users to youcanquit.org for quit plans, coaching and nicotine replacement therapy during Lung Cancer Awareness month — health educator Kay Smith noted the service offers support for teens and adults with improvements in breathing seen within weeks of quitting.

MoWest Athletics hosted its 5th Annual Play Unified Day at MWSU Fieldhouse — the event featured basketball drills, games, pizza, and commemorative t-shirts while new coaches continued a tradition started in 2021.

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.

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.

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.

Turkey Trot 2025

9-11 a.m. — St. Jo Frontier Casino — Registration fees vary — Wobble before you gobble at this family-friendly 5K run/walk.

Shane & Shane Christmas Tour

7 p.m. — Missouri Theater — Celebrate the season with beautiful Christmas hymns and songs led by Shane & Shane with Grayson Kessenich.