Good morning, Saint Joseph.

InterServ kept its Thanksgiving tradition alive by distributing 150 vouchers that let local families pick up a turkey and sides on Wednesday.

The program ran from 1 to 3:45 p.m.—any unused food returned to the pantry.

The Salvation Army in St. Joseph is asking volunteers to ring bells for its Red Kettle campaign, which began earlier this month and will run until December 23rd except on Sundays and Thanksgiving.

Social Services Director Emily Bravo said volunteer shifts can be as short as one hour or last 4 to 5 hours — efforts that support programs for shelter, food, clothing, and camp opportunities.

Earlier Wednesday morning, a tractor-trailer crashed on I-29 when its driver fell asleep, and Buchanan County authorities said drowsy driving (OSHA shows 17 hours awake is like a .05 blood alcohol level) is as dangerous as drunk driving.

St. Joseph School District scored 74.7% on the state Annual Performance Report as Superintendent Ashly McGinnis said this marks a slow recovery from the bad habits formed during COVID-19 remote learning + the district is still working to improve student attendance.

After a heated public hearing where board members and community members debated the future of Benton/Hyde and Central High Schools, the St. Joseph School District agreed to move forward with Plan 4BR—its chosen option—and will vote on the plan on Monday Nov.

24. Board members stressed that the upcoming financial audit will help address questions raised about district finances.

The St. Joseph School Department is searching for more bus drivers as winter approaches to ensure students ride safely.

First Student manager Mark Alexander said drivers play a key role—helping families without reliable vehicles access education.

Starting December 1, the Animal Services Shelter on Lower Lake Road will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.—it will be closed on Sundays and Mondays except for animal redemptions by appointment.

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.

Christmas In Killarney

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Missouri Theater — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy an evening of Irish traditions and festive Christmas songs with vibrant Irish dance performances.

Holiday Homes Tour

10 AM – 4 PM — 1100 Charles St, St Joseph, MO — Ticket purchase required — Explore beautifully decorated holiday homes in the heart of St. Joseph.

Lafayette Varsity Basketball vs. Mid-Buchanan

6-7:15 p.m. — Lafayette High School — Entry fee may apply — Catch the high-energy basketball action as Lafayette faces off against Mid-Buchanan in this thrilling home game.

2025 Holiday Tutu Trot

4:30-5:55 p.m. — Krug Park — Free entry — Have fun walking or running under beautiful holiday lights in a festive atmosphere.