Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Brandon Gregg — a Lafayette High School junior — started a food drive in St. Joseph to help local families have a hearty Thanksgiving by collecting holiday staples, and he plans to distribute the donated food today after sharing flyers and posting on social media to boost support.

Evergy is warning its customers about a rise in utility scams and has partnered with United Utilities Against Scams to share tips that help avoid fake websites and gift card requests—customers are urged to use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication and to report suspicious activity to both Evergy and local law enforcement. The Federal Trade Commission noted a 25% increase in cyber scam thefts last year, showing how scams target everyone.

During Monday night's meeting, the St. Joseph School District Board of Education approved Plan 4BR with a 5–2 vote to keep Benton and Central as high schools and use a four-middle-school model — the board heard more than an hour of public comments from students, teachers, parents, and taxpayers.

Eight individuals graduated Monday morning from the 11-month Buchanan County EMS Paramedic program in St. Joseph—this program, running for three years, now prepares graduates to take the National Registry exam for state licensure.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe visited St. Joseph Christian School to speak with students about education and leadership.

He recalled his private school experience—emphasizing the value of hard work and parental choice—and stressed that public schools must improve to compete with private options.

MSHP announced it will honor fallen officers by displaying blue lights at headquarters—division offices and troop headquarters—from Monday, Nov.

24 until Friday, Jan. 2, recognizing 31 troopers and more than 700 Missouri law enforcement officers who lost their lives on duty. This Project Blue Light tribute serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served.

Midland Empire Conference coaches named the All-Conference honorees for the 2025 high school football season—Savannah head coach Anthony Hays was awarded Coach of the Year.

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.