Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Fastgas adopted Carriage Square Rehab and Healthcare Center this holiday season to deliver over 100 gift bags to 92 residents filled with puzzles, hygiene products, clothing, and other stocking stuffers.

The gifts were funded by the chain and donated by customers — a yearly act of community support.

Bishop LeBlond High School students collected over 4,000 cans and $590 in donations for Second Harvest Community Food Bank — a contest that saw freshmen win and volunteers help load donations during the holiday season.

St. Joseph retired Army Lt. Colonel Milt Toratti is writing books to preserve veteran stories and has completed Larry Ralston’s World War II account plus helped 102-year-old Harold Searcy record his Navy service.

He has assisted over 100 veterans in sharing their personal histories.

The AFL-CIO reported a shortfall in gifts, adopters, and over $80,000 needed for the Adopt-A-Family program that helped 110 families while more than 150 remain unadopted; the Gift Room, open since Dec.

17 through Christmas Eve, accepts donations until Dec. 23 (including toys, clothing, and winter wear).

The St. Joseph Symphony will present its Holiday Cheer concert today at the Missouri Theater at 7:00 p.m. The event features classic and modern songs and includes a pre-concert reception at six with complimentary wine (and treats).

The St. Joseph School District made several leadership changes last Friday to support academic and operational needs at various schools.

Officials said additional placements will be announced in January and are subject to change if resignations occur.

Missouri Western State University’s foundation assets grew from $62 million to nearly $67 million by year-end, driven by donor contributions and strong investment returns; these funds will expand financial aid for students.

The St. Joseph School District changed Board filings this week after candidate Geoffrey Sollars retracted his application on Dec.

15 and Kimberly Dragoo filed on Thursday. Candidates have until 3 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 30 to file at 1415 North 26th Street during regular business hours.

Day 1 of the Holiday Hoops Classic ended with Bishop LeBlond girls and boys beating Macon and the Lafayette girls defeating Park Hill South at Civic Arena.

The tournament continues later today with five more contests scheduled.

Local Special Olympics medalist Charlie Phillips is preparing for the Arnold Sports Festival Empower ID invitational on March 8 in Columbus, Ohio.

Phillips, a powerlifter who won four medals in Berlin, will work with coach JP Price to try and improve his current records (410, 300, and 500 lbs for squat, bench, and deadlift).