Area families are invited to help celebrate the Christmas season with 'Cookies, Cops, and Santa Claus' this Sunday at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in St. Joseph.

Patrol officer with the St. Joseph Police Department and event organizer, Joey Thompson, says there are several activities planned for this Sunday, "We'll have coloring pages, people can craft a holiday ornament, there will be cookies, drinks, and of course we can't forget about Santa Claus."

The event is free and open to everyone. Thompson says free digital photos will also be available. "You can either use your own equipment but we'll have a camera set up at the lodge."

FOP Lodge #3 is located at 621 S. 36th Street and takes place from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 14.

Thompson says this is the inaugural event, "This is our very first year and we hope to continue it each year after this."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765306372997.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph PostArea families are invited to help celebrate the Christmas season with 'Cookies, Cops, and Santa Claus' this Sunday at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in St. Joseph.Patrol officer with the St. Joseph Police Department and event organizer, Joey Thompson, says there are several activities planned for this Sunday, "We'll have coloring pages, people can craft a holiday ornament, there will be cookies, drinks, and of course we can't forget about Santa Claus."The event is free and open to everyone. Thompson says free digital photos will also be available. "You can either use your own equipment but we'll have a camera set up at the lodge."FOP Lodge #3 is located at 621 S. 36th Street and takes place from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 14.Thompson says this is the inaugural event, "This is our very first year and we hope to continue it each year after this."

Celebrate the holiday season with Cookies, Cops and Santa Claus at FOP Lodge

A significant cold front is forecast to move through Missouri this weekend, bringing the coldest temperatures experienced so far this season. Residents should prepare for a sharp drop in mercury.

Overnight lows on Saturday are expected to dip into the single digits across much of the state. Coupled with brisk winds, wind chills could fall below zero, creating potentially hazardous conditions.

Northern and northeast Missouri should also anticipate accumulating snow, with up to three total inches possible between Friday and Saturday. Temperatures are expected to begin warming up early next week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1761773444972.jpg" alt="ice, crystals, frost, window, frosted, icy, winter, snow, glass, cold, snowflake, freezing, frozen, transparent, flake, clear, freeze, water, weather, snowfall, silver, white, blue window, nature, blue glass, blue snow, blue glasses" />
 <figcaption>ice, crystals, frost, window, frosted, icy, winter, snow, glass, cold, snowflake, freezing, frozen, transparent, flake, clear, freeze, water, weather, snowfall, silver, white, blue window, nature, blue glass, blue snow, blue glasses</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHA significant cold front is forecast to move through Missouri this weekend, bringing the coldest temperatures experienced so far this season. Residents should prepare for a sharp drop in mercury.Overnight lows on Saturday are expected to dip into the single digits across much of the state. Coupled with brisk winds, wind chills could fall below zero, creating potentially hazardous conditions.Northern and northeast Missouri should also anticipate accumulating snow, with up to three total inches possible between Friday and Saturday. Temperatures are expected to begin warming up early next week.

Brace for the deep freeze in Northern Missouri

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/juanvassallo/">Juan Vassallo</a>

The nation’s cattle inventory is at its lowest level in decades, the result of a long-term decline that has been pushed even lower in recent years by drought.

Much of the country endured severe dry spells in recent years, most notably in 2022. But the impact has been especially felt in the regions where America’s beef industry is most concentrated.

In November 2022, the U.S reached a drought index of 202 on the Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI), where values range from 0, meaning no dryness, to 500, indicating exceptional drought across an entire area. That month marked the nation’s second-highest drought reading of the century, surpassed only by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094715300360" target="_blank">2012-2013 North American drought</a>.

But for the top 200 cattle-producing counties — together representing roughly a quarter of the national herd — the drought index peaked at 267.5 in the same period, far higher than the national average.

A similar pattern happened in 2024, when national drought conditions intensified in October and November, and again were more severe across the top beef-producing counties. These counties span 21 states. While they are largely clustered across the central U.S. — particularly in the top five beef-producing states of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota — several are outside that core region as well, including in states like Oregon and Florida.

Ranchers in those regions have faced shrinking pastures, dwindling water supplies and the rising cost of feed, conditions that have forced many to thin their herds. And because rebuilding cattle numbers is a slow biological process, there is no quick path to replenishing the nation’s supply.

As beef prices continue to rise, meat has become a political flashpoint.

The Trump administration has ordered a review of consolidation in the meatpacking industry and lifted tariffs on beef imports from Brazil and Argentina in an effort to expand supply, while also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/us/politics/hamburger-beef-prices-trump.html" target="_blank">blaming immigrants and former President Biden</a>&nbsp;for the high cost of beef.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oklahomafarmreport.com/okfr/2025/11/07/dr-darrell-peel-cattle-market-fundamentals-havent-changed-despite-the-noise/" target="_blank">experts say</a>&nbsp;the price surge is mostly driven by drought, which has shown signs of improvement in recent months.

This year, the top 200 beef-producing counties have fared better than the rest of the country.

“Drought conditions have improved to the point where it is not a major limiting factor for potential herd rebuilding,” said Derrell Peel, professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University and one of the country’s leading experts on the cattle industry. “Drought is less of an issue now compared to the last several years.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2025/12/09/data-harvest-droughts-cattle-production-states/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722448527185.png" alt="&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association)." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Photo courtesy of Iowa State Dairy Association).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/juanvassallo/">Juan Vassallo</a>The nation’s cattle inventory is at its lowest level in decades, the result of a long-term decline that has been pushed even lower in recent years by drought.Much of the country endured severe dry spells in recent years, most notably in 2022. But the impact has been especially felt in the regions where America’s beef industry is most concentrated.In November 2022, the U.S reached a drought index of 202 on the Drought Severity and Coverage Index (DSCI), where values range from 0, meaning no dryness, to 500, indicating exceptional drought across an entire area. That month marked the nation’s second-highest drought reading of the century, surpassed only by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212094715300360" target="_blank">2012-2013 North American drought</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765538680857.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But for the top 200 cattle-producing counties — together representing roughly a quarter of the national herd — the drought index peaked at 267.5 in the same period, far higher than the national average.A similar pattern happened in 2024, when national drought conditions intensified in October and November, and again were more severe across the top beef-producing counties. These counties span 21 states. While they are largely clustered across the central U.S. — particularly in the top five beef-producing states of Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota — several are outside that core region as well, including in states like Oregon and Florida.Ranchers in those regions have faced shrinking pastures, dwindling water supplies and the rising cost of feed, conditions that have forced many to thin their herds. And because rebuilding cattle numbers is a slow biological process, there is no quick path to replenishing the nation’s supply.As beef prices continue to rise, meat has become a political flashpoint.The Trump administration has ordered a review of consolidation in the meatpacking industry and lifted tariffs on beef imports from Brazil and Argentina in an effort to expand supply, while also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/us/politics/hamburger-beef-prices-trump.html" target="_blank">blaming immigrants and former President Biden</a>&nbsp;for the high cost of beef.But&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oklahomafarmreport.com/okfr/2025/11/07/dr-darrell-peel-cattle-market-fundamentals-havent-changed-despite-the-noise/" target="_blank">experts say</a>&nbsp;the price surge is mostly driven by drought, which has shown signs of improvement in recent months.This year, the top 200 beef-producing counties have fared better than the rest of the country.“Drought conditions have improved to the point where it is not a major limiting factor for potential herd rebuilding,” said Derrell Peel, professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University and one of the country’s leading experts on the cattle industry. “Drought is less of an issue now compared to the last several years.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/2025/12/09/data-harvest-droughts-cattle-production-states/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://investigatemidwest.org/" target="_blank">Investigate Midwest</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

Recent droughts hit the top cattle counties hardest, including in Missouri

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Missouri’s request to restrict the use of food stamps for the purchase of some junk food items, according to a news release from the USDA.

Starting in 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-files-request-to-remove-junk-food-from-snap-approved-foods/article_f81709be-78a8-4671-a459-0a6ececb50d3.html" target="_blank">Missouri is set to stop allowing SNAP benefits to be used</a>&nbsp;to purchase candy, prepared desserts, soda, beverage mixes, juices and punches that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice, and concentrates intended to be made into drinks that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice.

The Missouri Department of Social Services filed the waiver request with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service in late September. The USDA administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on the federal level.

According to&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-snap-waiver-request" target="_blank">the waiver request</a>,&nbsp;the state anticipates implementing the change on Oct. 1, 2026.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the approval of Missouri’s waiver on Wednesday.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe asked the state Department of Social Services to file the request.

“We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins’ approval of our waiver,” Kehoe said in a news release from the USDA. “Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”

The USDA also approved waiver requests for Hawaii, North Dakota, South Carolina,&nbsp;Tennessee and Virginia. The waiver requests, including Missouri’s, change the statutory definition of “food for purchase” under SNAP.

This story was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-set-to-block-junk-food-from-snap-purchases-after-usda-approval/article_9b5ee7c1-213c-4f4c-9619-c2020fd91684.html" target="_blank">KOMU</a>&nbsp;via Missouri Independent

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765503998882.png" alt=" Sodas and chips are displayed at a convenience store in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens in New York. As of this month, 12 states, mostly Republican and in the South, have opted to limit SNAP recipients from purchasing foods such as soda and candy (Shalina Chatlani/ Stateline)." />
 <figcaption> Sodas and chips are displayed at a convenience store in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens in New York. As of this month, 12 states, mostly Republican and in the South, have opted to limit SNAP recipients from purchasing foods such as soda and candy (Shalina Chatlani/ Stateline).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jacobrichey/">Jacob Richey</a>The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Missouri’s request to restrict the use of food stamps for the purchase of some junk food items, according to a news release from the USDA.Starting in 2026,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-files-request-to-remove-junk-food-from-snap-approved-foods/article_f81709be-78a8-4671-a459-0a6ececb50d3.html" target="_blank">Missouri is set to stop allowing SNAP benefits to be used</a>&nbsp;to purchase candy, prepared desserts, soda, beverage mixes, juices and punches that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice, and concentrates intended to be made into drinks that are 50% or less natural fruit or vegetable juice.The Missouri Department of Social Services filed the waiver request with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service in late September. The USDA administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on the federal level.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.mo.gov/media/pdf/missouri-snap-waiver-request" target="_blank">the waiver request</a>,&nbsp;the state anticipates implementing the change on Oct. 1, 2026.U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the approval of Missouri’s waiver on Wednesday.Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe asked the state Department of Social Services to file the request.“We are incredibly thankful for Secretary Rollins’ approval of our waiver,” Kehoe said in a news release from the USDA. “Missouri is proud to partner with the Trump administration on the Make America Healthy Again movement as we refocus SNAP to maximize nutritional health for families while also supporting the abundant agricultural output of our state.”The USDA also approved waiver requests for Hawaii, North Dakota, South Carolina,&nbsp;Tennessee and Virginia. The waiver requests, including Missouri’s, change the statutory definition of “food for purchase” under SNAP.This story was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-set-to-block-junk-food-from-snap-purchases-after-usda-approval/article_9b5ee7c1-213c-4f4c-9619-c2020fd91684.html" target="_blank">KOMU</a>&nbsp;via Missouri Independent

Missouri set to block junk food from SNAP purchases after USDA approval

With temperatures dipping and the wind picking up, pet owners are reminded to take care proper care of their four-legged family members during the colder months.

Senior Animal Care Specialist at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter, Aubrey Silvey, says one of the main things to remember is, "if it's too cold for you, its probably too chilly for your pet too."

She says to keep in mind that all pets are different and may require different care in the winter, depending on age, breed and overall health. "The best thing you can do is consult your veterinarian  if you aren't sure how long your pet should be outside when it's cold."

According to Silvey, most dogs generally are comfortable if the temperature is 45 degrees or over but she adds, "anything under that and they're going to start feeling a little more uncomfortable, so that's something to keep in mind."

The type of breed is a factor in the overall winter health of dogs especially. Silvery says, "Thick-coated dogs and double-coated dogs are more apt to be in that type of weather. They are kind of designed for that."

Silvey stresses that small dogs, puppies, and older dogs are more susceptible to colder temperatures. "You really need to be aware of the type of pet you have."

She says cats are more resourcfeul, though. "If cats have a good shelter for the winter they do pretty well." But still, kittens, older cats, and felines with any type of illness may not tolerate the cold as well.

Silvey emphasizes that if you have a dog that needs to be kept outside, to provide adequate shelter and dry bedding. "If it's going to be under 32 degrees outside, and if at all possible, you need to bring them and know the signs of hypothermia."

Some of the signs of hypothermia are shivering, lethargy, weakness, stiffness, and pale gums.

"Sometimes if an animal has hypothermia they can appear confused or clumsy and have increased urination. Those are early signs of hypothermia," Silvey says.

She adds that if your pet has been outside in the cold for fifteen minutes or longer, you need to take the appropriate steps to warm them up, and if in doubt, contact a veterinarian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755793251450.jpg" alt="dog, pet, cat, pets, mammals, animals, nature, friends, animal, friendship, brown dog, black cat, domestic, domestic animals, portrait, friendship day" />
 <figcaption>dog, pet, cat, pets, mammals, animals, nature, friends, animal, friendship, brown dog, black cat, domestic, domestic animals, portrait, friendship day</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHWith temperatures dipping and the wind picking up, pet owners are reminded to take care proper care of their four-legged family members during the colder months.Senior Animal Care Specialist at the St. Joseph Animal Shelter, Aubrey Silvey, says one of the main things to remember is, "if it's too cold for you, its probably too chilly for your pet too."She says to keep in mind that all pets are different and may require different care in the winter, depending on age, breed and overall health. "The best thing you can do is consult your veterinarian if you aren't sure how long your pet should be outside when it's cold."According to Silvey, most dogs generally are comfortable if the temperature is 45 degrees or over but she adds, "anything under that and they're going to start feeling a little more uncomfortable, so that's something to keep in mind."The type of breed is a factor in the overall winter health of dogs especially. Silvery says, "Thick-coated dogs and double-coated dogs are more apt to be in that type of weather. They are kind of designed for that."Silvey stresses that small dogs, puppies, and older dogs are more susceptible to colder temperatures. "You really need to be aware of the type of pet you have."She says cats are more resourcfeul, though. "If cats have a good shelter for the winter they do pretty well." But still, kittens, older cats, and felines with any type of illness may not tolerate the cold as well.Silvey emphasizes that if you have a dog that needs to be kept outside, to provide adequate shelter and dry bedding. "If it's going to be under 32 degrees outside, and if at all possible, you need to bring them and know the signs of hypothermia."Some of the signs of hypothermia are shivering, lethargy, weakness, stiffness, and pale gums."Sometimes if an animal has hypothermia they can appear confused or clumsy and have increased urination. Those are early signs of hypothermia," Silvey says.She adds that if your pet has been outside in the cold for fifteen minutes or longer, you need to take the appropriate steps to warm them up, and if in doubt, contact a veterinarian.

Winter weather requires extra care for furry friends

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph has meal kits available for residents who need a little extra help with food costs this holiday season.

President of The United Way of Greater St. Joseph, Kylee Strough, says the agency is anticipating to assemble about 3,000 meal kits. "We are sharing the meal kits with dozens of different organizations throughout the area, including food pantries, churches, nonprofits and schools." This includes Buchanan, Andrew and Doniphan Counties.

Volunteers are donating their time to help assemble the kits. Strough notes the volunteer turnout has been great, "We have room for forty volunteers per session and most of them are full, but there are still a few openings."

The next voulnteer session is Friday, Dec. 12 at 1:00 p.m. followed by another session Saturday morning.

Strough adds, "We actually kicked off December 9th and will run through December 22nd, and we have eight volunteer sessions left."

She goes on to say that with the holidays, December can be an expensive month for a lot of people, "Anybody can benefit from this. We don't ask for any proof of anything. If this helps relieve a little stress and stretch a limited budget, its our pleasure to be a part of it."

The kits are designed to provide easy-to-prepare meals for small families (4-6 servings). Each kit is packed in a foil pan and includes all the necessary shelf-stable ingredients and a simple recipe card.

The initial recipes include: chicken &amp; stuffing, tuna noodle casserole, chili mac, and chicken taco soup.

The United Way says all food items are provided in their original packaging, ensuring recipients can easily view ingredients and adjust preparation to meet any food sensitivity or allergy needs.

If you would like to inquire about volunteer opportunites or need a meal kit, contact the United Way of Greater Joseph.

Strough gave a special thank you to Mosaic Life Care and Mosaic Life Care Foundation for their financial support with the meal kits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762972481032.jpeg" alt="United Way of St. Joseph.jpg" />
 <figcaption>United Way of St. Joseph.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe United Way of Greater St. Joseph has meal kits available for residents who need a little extra help with food costs this holiday season.President of The United Way of Greater St. Joseph, Kylee Strough, says the agency is anticipating to assemble about 3,000 meal kits. "We are sharing the meal kits with dozens of different organizations throughout the area, including food pantries, churches, nonprofits and schools." This includes Buchanan, Andrew and Doniphan Counties.Volunteers are donating their time to help assemble the kits. Strough notes the volunteer turnout has been great, "We have room for forty volunteers per session and most of them are full, but there are still a few openings."The next voulnteer session is Friday, Dec. 12 at 1:00 p.m. followed by another session Saturday morning.Strough adds, "We actually kicked off December 9th and will run through December 22nd, and we have eight volunteer sessions left."She goes on to say that with the holidays, December can be an expensive month for a lot of people, "Anybody can benefit from this. We don't ask for any proof of anything. If this helps relieve a little stress and stretch a limited budget, its our pleasure to be a part of it."The kits are designed to provide easy-to-prepare meals for small families (4-6 servings). Each kit is packed in a foil pan and includes all the necessary shelf-stable ingredients and a simple recipe card.The initial recipes include: chicken &amp; stuffing, tuna noodle casserole, chili mac, and chicken taco soup.The United Way says all food items are provided in their original packaging, ensuring recipients can easily view ingredients and adjust preparation to meet any food sensitivity or allergy needs.If you would like to inquire about volunteer opportunites or need a meal kit, contact the United Way of Greater Joseph.Strough gave a special thank you to Mosaic Life Care and Mosaic Life Care Foundation for their financial support with the meal kits.

Easy-to-prepare meal kits available through United Way of Greater St. Joseph

Missouri Western State University will once again host elementary and middle school students as the Field Trip with the Griffs returns, this year going a little bigger.  

In the inaugural year of the event, MoWest invited students from within the St. Joseph School District.  It was so well received; the district wanted to do it again. 

Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the district is planning to bring even more students to the event in the second year 

"So that led us to looking into a second game and basically saying well what does this look like for a men’s and a women’s game this year and the second date basically inviting all the surrounding counties,” Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “Because there’s almost 30 schools around St. Joseph in a 30-mile radius in eight or nine surrounding counties and we figured why not extend the invitation, because the only negative last year, we were limited on space.” 

And this year, with two games, along with the St. Joseph School District, MoWest will invite students from around the Midland Empire, all the way from Mound City to Troy, Kansas. 

Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says it's important for Missouri Western to showcase the university and get people on campus who may have never stepped foot on it. 

"I think this is a really good opportunity to build relationships with some of these schools and really some of these communities that this becomes an event,” Menley explains. 

In addition, Menley says every student who attends will receive a rally towel that acts as a season ticket, in hopes that those students will return to campus for more games.  

Menley says the hope is that following the event, students will continue to come back to campus, growing the next generation of Griffons and Griffon fans. 

"I think that’s really the focus here, yes it’s a great moment, it’s a great memory, it’s a great event, but we are trying to build something for the long term, and I think that’s the secondary goal of these two education games,” Menley says.  “And especially with the Midland Empire game, where getting the Maysville’s the Stewartsville’s, the Cameron’s, the Plattsburg’s to step foot on our campus and remember that this is your hometown university.” 

All of the St. Joseph School District will be in attendance on Monday to see the Griffon women face Livin the Dream, while several schools from the surrounding area will watch the men on Tuesday take on Avila.  

Both games will be at 11am, making it a true field trip for students.  An estimated 5,000 students from 37 area elementary schools will be in attendance over the two games. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765470899374.jpeg" alt="Students packed the Missouri Western fieldhouse during the inaugural Education Game last year.&nbsp; This year, MoWest will host two Education games on Monday and Tuesday for students from the St. Joseph School District and the Midland Empire/ Photo courtesy of MoWest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Students packed the Missouri Western fieldhouse during the inaugural Education Game last year.&nbsp; This year, MoWest will host two Education games on Monday and Tuesday for students from the St. Joseph School District and the Midland Empire/ Photo courtesy of MoWest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University will once again host elementary and middle school students as the Field Trip with the Griffs returns, this year going a little bigger. In the inaugural year of the event, MoWest invited students from within the St. Joseph School District. It was so well received; the district wanted to do it again. Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the district is planning to bring even more students to the event in the second year "So that led us to looking into a second game and basically saying well what does this look like for a men’s and a women’s game this year and the second date basically inviting all the surrounding counties,” Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Because there’s almost 30 schools around St. Joseph in a 30-mile radius in eight or nine surrounding counties and we figured why not extend the invitation, because the only negative last year, we were limited on space.” And this year, with two games, along with the St. Joseph School District, MoWest will invite students from around the Midland Empire, all the way from Mound City to Troy, Kansas. Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says it's important for Missouri Western to showcase the university and get people on campus who may have never stepped foot on it. "I think this is a really good opportunity to build relationships with some of these schools and really some of these communities that this becomes an event,” Menley explains. In addition, Menley says every student who attends will receive a rally towel that acts as a season ticket, in hopes that those students will return to campus for more games. Menley says the hope is that following the event, students will continue to come back to campus, growing the next generation of Griffons and Griffon fans. "I think that’s really the focus here, yes it’s a great moment, it’s a great memory, it’s a great event, but we are trying to build something for the long term, and I think that’s the secondary goal of these two education games,” Menley says. “And especially with the Midland Empire game, where getting the Maysville’s the Stewartsville’s, the Cameron’s, the Plattsburg’s to step foot on our campus and remember that this is your hometown university.” All of the St. Joseph School District will be in attendance on Monday to see the Griffon women face Livin the Dream, while several schools from the surrounding area will watch the men on Tuesday take on Avila. Both games will be at 11am, making it a true field trip for students. An estimated 5,000 students from 37 area elementary schools will be in attendance over the two games. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MoWest to host several area students during second 'Field Trip with the Griffs'

The annual St. Joseph Holiday Homes tour returns this weekend allowing residents to view some of St. Joseph's historic architecture.  

Organizer Sarah Wilson says the tour features new homes every single year... 

"Many, I would say most of the homes, on the tour this year I have not even had a chance to step in but every year they’re spectacular,” Wilson says on the KFEQmunnity show.  “And I’m very excited about the lineup this year because there’s some homes that I’ve definitely wanted to get to see inside that I haven’t got the chance to yet.” 

The tour features five home and one church around St. Joseph.  Wilson says there's something for everyone 

"From a very small cottage that was the home of P.E Chestnut, to really, really large mansions,” Wilson explains.  “So, I think that everybody is going to really enjoy this year.” 

The homes tour will be held on Saturday from 10am to 4pm.  Tickets must be purchased in advance for 35 dollars, or 30 for museum members.   

Wilson says viewing the homes along the tour is always a source of inspiration for her 

"I’m just always excited about the creativity of the homeowners as they solve the problems of preserving these exquisite mansions and properties and also their decorating choices, it’s always very tasteful and so interesting, it’s just really a sight for the eyes,” Wilson says.  So, it’s going to be great.” 

There will also be an exclusive preview night on Friday, limited to just 10 people. You can contact St. Joseph Museums to see if any spots are available. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe annual St. Joseph Holiday Homes tour returns this weekend allowing residents to view some of St. Joseph's historic architecture. Organizer Sarah Wilson says the tour features new homes every single year... "Many, I would say most of the homes, on the tour this year I have not even had a chance to step in but every year they’re spectacular,” Wilson says on the KFEQmunnity show. “And I’m very excited about the lineup this year because there’s some homes that I’ve definitely wanted to get to see inside that I haven’t got the chance to yet.” The tour features five home and one church around St. Joseph. Wilson says there's something for everyone "From a very small cottage that was the home of P.E Chestnut, to really, really large mansions,” Wilson explains. “So, I think that everybody is going to really enjoy this year.” The homes tour will be held on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance for 35 dollars, or 30 for museum members. Wilson says viewing the homes along the tour is always a source of inspiration for her "I’m just always excited about the creativity of the homeowners as they solve the problems of preserving these exquisite mansions and properties and also their decorating choices, it’s always very tasteful and so interesting, it’s just really a sight for the eyes,” Wilson says. So, it’s going to be great.” There will also be an exclusive preview night on Friday, limited to just 10 people. You can contact St. Joseph Museums to see if any spots are available. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Get in the holiday mood touring St. Joseph's historic homes this weekend

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1Imcv6lVTLZC5ZkGNBjZSa?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

By RYAN SKAITHSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4LJe7FHeos67fCRzpWPJle?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

With just under two weeks remaining, the Adopt A Family program is still in need of adopters for families in need this Christmas.  

Out of the 881 families in the program, 453 had been adopted as of Wednesday morning.   

AFL-CIO Community Services Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says they're happy to be at the halfway point, especially at a time where adopters typically lag 

"We’ll see it pick up again, hopefully, next week and now that we’ve got some final numbers in and we’re starting to kind of re-rally the troops,” Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “But this is probably the hardest time for us to get people reengaged, and get them back on track to adopt again, or more, or to get signed up to adopt.” 

Seckinger says now, as adopter typically hit a lag, it's all about encouraging people to adopt and points out people seeing those numbers helps 

"Some of our regular adopters will kind of step up, especially when they know we’re falling behind a little bit, I think it makes them a little more sympathetic and they understand the challenge we’re facing,” Seckinger explains.  “And for some of the groups they’re raising funds as a group and they’ll take care of the families they have, and maybe they’ll have a little bit of money left over and when they hear that we still have this many families left they’ll rally and maybe grab a couple extra families.” 

Seckinger says along with a need for adopters, there is also a massive need for volunteers to help in the gift room 

"And I’ll tell you that is one of the best ways to participate,” Seckinger says.  “Talk about a way to interact and really see the impact that you can make by participating in the program and it’s such a feel-good time to be able to spend with these families as they’re picking out items for their kids and their household, it really is just a good experience and a really nice way to see the program in action.”  

The gift room is open December 17th through Christmas Eve from 9am to 5pm, and from 9am to 1pm on Christmas Eve. 

To volunteer or adopt, you can contact the AFL-CIO Community Services offices or go online. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostWith just under two weeks remaining, the Adopt A Family program is still in need of adopters for families in need this Christmas. Out of the 881 families in the program, 453 had been adopted as of Wednesday morning. AFL-CIO Community Services Executive Director Nichi Seckinger says they're happy to be at the halfway point, especially at a time where adopters typically lag "We’ll see it pick up again, hopefully, next week and now that we’ve got some final numbers in and we’re starting to kind of re-rally the troops,” Seckinger tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “But this is probably the hardest time for us to get people reengaged, and get them back on track to adopt again, or more, or to get signed up to adopt.” Seckinger says now, as adopter typically hit a lag, it's all about encouraging people to adopt and points out people seeing those numbers helps "Some of our regular adopters will kind of step up, especially when they know we’re falling behind a little bit, I think it makes them a little more sympathetic and they understand the challenge we’re facing,” Seckinger explains. “And for some of the groups they’re raising funds as a group and they’ll take care of the families they have, and maybe they’ll have a little bit of money left over and when they hear that we still have this many families left they’ll rally and maybe grab a couple extra families.” Seckinger says along with a need for adopters, there is also a massive need for volunteers to help in the gift room "And I’ll tell you that is one of the best ways to participate,” Seckinger says. “Talk about a way to interact and really see the impact that you can make by participating in the program and it’s such a feel-good time to be able to spend with these families as they’re picking out items for their kids and their household, it really is just a good experience and a really nice way to see the program in action.” The gift room is open December 17th through Christmas Eve from 9am to 5pm, and from 9am to 1pm on Christmas Eve. To volunteer or adopt, you can contact the AFL-CIO Community Services offices or go online. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

AFL-CIO reports good progress for Adopt A Family, but adopters still needed

By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>

WASHINGTON — Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley is ratcheting up pressure on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to finish a study into medication abortion and to change its prescribing guidelines, sending a letter to Commissioner Marty Makary on Wednesday that the pace of the review is “totally unacceptable.”

The letter came just one day after leading anti-abortion groups called on President Donald Trump to fire Makary, following a report from Bloomberg Law that he planned to delay the agency’s review into mifepristone until past the November midterm elections.&nbsp;

Hawley wrote in the two-page letter he&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1998806068974240199/photo/2" target="_blank">posted to social media</a>&nbsp;that it was “unclear” whether the FDA was actually conducting a review of the current prescribing guidelines and the safety of medication abortion.&nbsp;

“There are more abortions in America now than when Roe was still law,” Hawley wrote, referring to the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling from the Supreme Court, which established the constitutional right to an abortion. “And this is largely because of the chemical abortion drug and its generics, like the one you approved.”

Hawley asked Makary to reply to three questions before Dec. 15, including whether the FDA is “conducting a comprehensive safety review of mifepristone separate from the (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) process,” if Makary delayed any safety reviews of mifepristone and if the FDA has plans to revert prescribing guidelines to require in-person dispensing.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump, asked about the timeline during a roundtable at the White House, said he would find out whether the FDA was stalling.&nbsp;

“I’ll find out. I’ll ask them,” Trump said. “I don’t think they’re slow walking anything, but I’ll find out.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the FDA, said that “FDA’s comprehensive scientific reviews take the time necessary to get the science right, and that is what Dr. Makary is ensuring as part of the Department’s commitment to gold-standard science and evidence-based reviews.”

Hawley’s letter continued the public pressure campaign from anti-abortion organizations and lawmakers that began Tuesday when leaders at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/leaders-2-major-anti-abortion-groups-call-trumps-fda-chief-be-fired" target="_blank">called for Makary to be fired</a>&nbsp;over the Bloomberg Law&nbsp;<a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/health-law-and-business/fda-slow-walking-a-long-awaited-abortion-pill-safety-study" target="_blank">news story</a>&nbsp;reporting he had delayed the review of mifepristone over political considerations related to the midterm elections.

Americans United for Life CEO John Mize released a statement after meeting with Makary, saying it “is glaringly obvious that flawed political calculations” have stalled the FDA’s review of mifepristone, but not calling for him to lose his job over it.&nbsp;

Mifepristone is one of two pharmaceuticals used in medication abortion. It is approved for up to 10 weeks gestation and can be prescribed via telehealth and shipped to patients.&nbsp;

Reducing or eliminating access to mifepristone has become a linchpin of the anti-abortion movement since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion in 2022.&nbsp;

Anti-abortion medical organizations, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Erin Morrow Hawley,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rejects-attempt-limit-access-abortion-pill-6" target="_blank">tried unsuccessfully</a>&nbsp;to have the Supreme Court revert the prescribing guidelines for mifepristone in 2024.&nbsp;

Josh Hawley and Erin Morrow Hawley are married.&nbsp;

Numerous medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dozens-friend-court-briefs-backing-abortion-pill-access-arrive-supreme-court" target="_blank">filed briefs</a>&nbsp;to the justices in that case attesting to the safety and efficacy of medication abortion.&nbsp;

“The scientific evidence is overwhelming: major adverse events occur in less than 0.32% of patients,” the groups wrote. “The risk of death is almost non-existent.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765452252565.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley talks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on June 28 (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)." />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley talks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on June 28 (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom).</figcaption>
 </figure>By:<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">Jennifer Shutt</a>WASHINGTON — Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley is ratcheting up pressure on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to finish a study into medication abortion and to change its prescribing guidelines, sending a letter to Commissioner Marty Makary on Wednesday that the pace of the review is “totally unacceptable.”The letter came just one day after leading anti-abortion groups called on President Donald Trump to fire Makary, following a report from Bloomberg Law that he planned to delay the agency’s review into mifepristone until past the November midterm elections.&nbsp;Hawley wrote in the two-page letter he&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/HawleyMO/status/1998806068974240199/photo/2" target="_blank">posted to social media</a>&nbsp;that it was “unclear” whether the FDA was actually conducting a review of the current prescribing guidelines and the safety of medication abortion.&nbsp;“There are more abortions in America now than when Roe was still law,” Hawley wrote, referring to the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling from the Supreme Court, which established the constitutional right to an abortion. “And this is largely because of the chemical abortion drug and its generics, like the one you approved.”Hawley asked Makary to reply to three questions before Dec. 15, including whether the FDA is “conducting a comprehensive safety review of mifepristone separate from the (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) process,” if Makary delayed any safety reviews of mifepristone and if the FDA has plans to revert prescribing guidelines to require in-person dispensing.&nbsp;President Donald Trump, asked about the timeline during a roundtable at the White House, said he would find out whether the FDA was stalling.&nbsp;“I’ll find out. I’ll ask them,” Trump said. “I don’t think they’re slow walking anything, but I’ll find out.”A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the FDA, said that “FDA’s comprehensive scientific reviews take the time necessary to get the science right, and that is what Dr. Makary is ensuring as part of the Department’s commitment to gold-standard science and evidence-based reviews.”<h2>Second day of pressure on Makary</h2>Hawley’s letter continued the public pressure campaign from anti-abortion organizations and lawmakers that began Tuesday when leaders at Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Live Action&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/leaders-2-major-anti-abortion-groups-call-trumps-fda-chief-be-fired" target="_blank">called for Makary to be fired</a>&nbsp;over the Bloomberg Law&nbsp;<a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/health-law-and-business/fda-slow-walking-a-long-awaited-abortion-pill-safety-study" target="_blank">news story</a>&nbsp;reporting he had delayed the review of mifepristone over political considerations related to the midterm elections.Americans United for Life CEO John Mize released a statement after meeting with Makary, saying it “is glaringly obvious that flawed political calculations” have stalled the FDA’s review of mifepristone, but not calling for him to lose his job over it.&nbsp;<h2>Access to mifepristone</h2>Mifepristone is one of two pharmaceuticals used in medication abortion. It is approved for up to 10 weeks gestation and can be prescribed via telehealth and shipped to patients.&nbsp;Reducing or eliminating access to mifepristone has become a linchpin of the anti-abortion movement since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion in 2022.&nbsp;Anti-abortion medical organizations, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Erin Morrow Hawley,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-rejects-attempt-limit-access-abortion-pill-6" target="_blank">tried unsuccessfully</a>&nbsp;to have the Supreme Court revert the prescribing guidelines for mifepristone in 2024.&nbsp;Josh Hawley and Erin Morrow Hawley are married.&nbsp;Numerous medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/dozens-friend-court-briefs-backing-abortion-pill-access-arrive-supreme-court" target="_blank">filed briefs</a>&nbsp;to the justices in that case attesting to the safety and efficacy of medication abortion.&nbsp;“The scientific evidence is overwhelming: major adverse events occur in less than 0.32% of patients,” the groups wrote. “The risk of death is almost non-existent.”

Senator Hawley amps up pressure campaign on FDA chief to limit medication abortion

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday&nbsp;an officer on patrol observed a vehicle stopped in the southbound driving lane in the 400 block River Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 Stephen Oswalt, 62, was in the driver’s seat and appeared to be sleeping or passed out. During the investigation at the scene he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the County Jail and is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765378514283.png" alt="Oswalt photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Oswalt photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 4:30p.m. Tuesday&nbsp;an officer on patrol observed a vehicle stopped in the southbound driving lane in the 400 block River Road in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Stephen Oswalt, 62, was in the driver’s seat and appeared to be sleeping or passed out. During the investigation at the scene he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the County Jail and is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;&nbsp;possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

Suspect was passed out in vehicle in driving lane of Kan. highway

St. Joseph police
have identified the person killed in that early Friday morning house fire.

The St. Joseph
Police Department reports 65-year-old Dawayne Harris died in the fire near the
intersection of Jamesport Street and Industrial Road.

Firefighters
responded to the fire around three o’clock Friday morning. Harris was taken to
the hospital, but later died of his wounds.

Two firefighters
suffered injuries severe enough to require medical attention. The St. Joseph
Fire Department reports the two firefighters were treated and released.

This story has been corrected since first published with the correct identification.&nbsp; We apologize for the error

You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostSt. Joseph police
have identified the person killed in that early Friday morning house fire.The St. Joseph
Police Department reports 65-year-old Dawayne Harris died in the fire near the
intersection of Jamesport Street and Industrial Road.Firefighters
responded to the fire around three o’clock Friday morning. Harris was taken to
the hospital, but later died of his wounds.Two firefighters
suffered injuries severe enough to require medical attention. The St. Joseph
Fire Department reports the two firefighters were treated and released.The fire remains
under investigation.This story has been corrected since first published with the correct identification.&nbsp; We apologize for the errorYou can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph police identify man killed in house fire

After more than 3 months, this morning marked the return of the South Side's Sub Sandwich Shop.

The Subway at 6101 South Lake Avenue was struck by a car September 8th, which ran through the front door of the shop, injuring two.

We also learned today that the location near Karnes road on the Belt is closed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765403092369.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>by JIM FARISAfter more than 3 months, this morning marked the return of the South Side's Sub Sandwich Shop.The Subway at 6101 South Lake Avenue was struck by a car September 8th, which ran through the front door of the shop, injuring two.We also learned today that the location near Karnes road on the Belt is closed.

South Side Subway reopens months after collision

The students of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), Northwest Missouri State University’s theatre honor society, are preparing for their winter tour to perform “The Day the Crayons Quit: An Unofficial Adaptation” at area elementary schools. 

The play, which is based on the book by Drew Daywalt and adapted by Patt Collings, is about a girl who discovers her beloved crayons have gone on strike, airing their grievances through colorful letters.

The core message of the performance is about communication and empathy. Mara Mondt, a sophomore speech and theatre education major and the play’s lead actress, explained the theme: “The show is about listening to and compromising with the people you love. Duncan loves all of her crayons, but the way she shows her love isn’t really working for the crayons. She listens to them and their complaints and finds a way to compromise that works for everyone.”

The APO cast will first perform the play for the public at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th, in the Studio Theater at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is free. As a charitable effort, APO will be accepting donations of canned food from the audience to give to local food pantries.

Following the public show, the cast will take the production on the road from December 14th through the 19th. Their tour includes performances for elementary schools in Maryville and St. Joseph in Missouri, as well as Council Bluffs, Iowa. Director Madi Richter, a junior speech and theatre education major, highly encourages the community to attend the public showing: “Not only do you help support our actors in a completely different and unique role, but you also provide to the community. We encourage people to bring canned goods, so we can donate them to local shelters.”

T he APO tour schedule includes performances on several days between December 15th and 19th. On Monday, December 15th, the cast will have two performances: one at 10 a.m. at Hopewell Elementary and a second at 3 p.m. at Hawthorn Elementary, both located in Kansas City within the Park Hill School District. The tour continues on Wednesday, December 17th, with a 9 a.m. performance at Northeast Nodaway in Ravenwood, which is part of the Northeast Nodaway R-V School District. 

On Thursday, December 18th, the group will perform at 9:30 a.m. at Pershing Elementary in the St. Joseph School District. The tour concludes on Friday, December 19th, with an 8 a.m. performance at Helena Elementary in the Savannah R-III School District.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/10/1760456105736.jpg" alt="stage, curtain, theatre, red, stage, stage, stage, stage, stage, curtain, curtain, theatre" />
 <figcaption>stage, curtain, theatre, red, stage, stage, stage, stage, stage, curtain, curtain, theatre</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHThe students of Alpha Psi Omega (APO), Northwest Missouri State University’s theatre honor society, are preparing for their winter tour to perform “The Day the Crayons Quit: An Unofficial Adaptation” at area elementary schools. The play, which is based on the book by Drew Daywalt and adapted by Patt Collings, is about a girl who discovers her beloved crayons have gone on strike, airing their grievances through colorful letters.The core message of the performance is about communication and empathy. Mara Mondt, a sophomore speech and theatre education major and the play’s lead actress, explained the theme: “The show is about listening to and compromising with the people you love. Duncan loves all of her crayons, but the way she shows her love isn’t really working for the crayons. She listens to them and their complaints and finds a way to compromise that works for everyone.”The APO cast will first perform the play for the public at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 14th, in the Studio Theater at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. Admission is free. As a charitable effort, APO will be accepting donations of canned food from the audience to give to local food pantries.Following the public show, the cast will take the production on the road from December 14th through the 19th. Their tour includes performances for elementary schools in Maryville and St. Joseph in Missouri, as well as Council Bluffs, Iowa. Director Madi Richter, a junior speech and theatre education major, highly encourages the community to attend the public showing: “Not only do you help support our actors in a completely different and unique role, but you also provide to the community. We encourage people to bring canned goods, so we can donate them to local shelters.”T he APO tour schedule includes performances on several days between December 15th and 19th. On Monday, December 15th, the cast will have two performances: one at 10 a.m. at Hopewell Elementary and a second at 3 p.m. at Hawthorn Elementary, both located in Kansas City within the Park Hill School District. The tour continues on Wednesday, December 17th, with a 9 a.m. performance at Northeast Nodaway in Ravenwood, which is part of the Northeast Nodaway R-V School District. On Thursday, December 18th, the group will perform at 9:30 a.m. at Pershing Elementary in the St. Joseph School District. The tour concludes on Friday, December 19th, with an 8 a.m. performance at Helena Elementary in the Savannah R-III School District.

Northwest Theatre Students Take Educational Performance to Area Schools

A 23,000 square
foot expansion at St. Joseph Christian School nears completion.

Once done, St.
Joseph Christian will have a new gym, new locker rooms, a vocal music room,
four additional classrooms, among other improvements.

Co-Superintendent,
Danny Maggart, says the original plan was much less ambitious.

“We were going to
build a smaller, like an elementary-size gym or a junior high size gym, with
three or four rows of bleachers, a couple of classrooms, a couple of locker
rooms; and it was paid for,” Maggart tells KFEQmmunity. “We had had the
donations for that. We were very pleased with that. We were thankful for that.”

But Maggart says a
donor met with him, urging the school to think bigger.

“Before you know
it, we put a halt on our building program and our building committee got
together and we basically put our dream together,” Maggart says. “Basically, if
money was no object this is what we would love to have.”

So, the dream
grew. Fundraising kicked off in 2023.

Soon, the dream
will become reality with an opening of the expansion approaching. It also is
nearly paid for. St. Joseph Christian reports it has to raise an additional
$20,000 to complete the $10.16 million financing of the expansion.

Maggart says the
school will keep the old gym, adjacent to the new building, creating
flexibility for school activities as well as other events.

“We have a huge
elementary league that we have over 60 teams in, from around the city,” Maggart
says. “This particular gym will allow us to play two games at once or even
three games at once as our new facility. We’ll have almost full courts going
north and south that will provide for junior high games or elementary games
that we could play as well.”

Maggart says the
school is just thankful for the support.

“Without a doubt,
the reason people have given to this is because of our statements on truth, on
biblical truth, and the fact that when we’re all gone those statements are
still going to be stronger than ever,” according to Maggart. “God does not
change. God’s word does not change. And St. Joseph Christian School does not
change.”

St. Joseph
Christian has also announced a change in leadership.

Maggart has been
serving as Co-Superintendent and Secondary Principal. Next school year, Maggart
will become the St. Joseph Christian Principal. His co-superintendent, Rose
Dunlap, will concentrate on her duties as Elementary Principal. A search is
underway for a new Secondary Principal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765388466419.jpeg" alt="New gym at the St. Joseph Christian School nears completion/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>New gym at the St. Joseph Christian School nears completion/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph PostA 23,000 square
foot expansion at St. Joseph Christian School nears completion.Once done, St.
Joseph Christian will have a new gym, new locker rooms, a vocal music room,
four additional classrooms, among other improvements.It almost didn’t
happen.Co-Superintendent,
Danny Maggart, says the original plan was much less ambitious.“We were going to
build a smaller, like an elementary-size gym or a junior high size gym, with
three or four rows of bleachers, a couple of classrooms, a couple of locker
rooms; and it was paid for,” Maggart tells KFEQmmunity. “We had had the
donations for that. We were very pleased with that. We were thankful for that.”But Maggart says a
donor met with him, urging the school to think bigger.“Before you know
it, we put a halt on our building program and our building committee got
together and we basically put our dream together,” Maggart says. “Basically, if
money was no object this is what we would love to have.”So, the dream
grew. Fundraising kicked off in 2023.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765388533204.jpeg" alt="Windows between the new gym and the current gym/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Windows between the new gym and the current gym/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Soon, the dream
will become reality with an opening of the expansion approaching. It also is
nearly paid for. St. Joseph Christian reports it has to raise an additional
$20,000 to complete the $10.16 million financing of the expansion.Maggart says the
school will keep the old gym, adjacent to the new building, creating
flexibility for school activities as well as other events.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765388620777.jpeg" alt="St. Joseph Co-Superintendent, Danny Maggart, walks along the walkway of the new gym/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>St. Joseph Co-Superintendent, Danny Maggart, walks along the walkway of the new gym/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>“We have a huge
elementary league that we have over 60 teams in, from around the city,” Maggart
says. “This particular gym will allow us to play two games at once or even
three games at once as our new facility. We’ll have almost full courts going
north and south that will provide for junior high games or elementary games
that we could play as well.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765388704104.jpeg" alt="A hallway in the new addition/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>A hallway in the new addition/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>Maggart says the
school is just thankful for the support.“Without a doubt,
the reason people have given to this is because of our statements on truth, on
biblical truth, and the fact that when we’re all gone those statements are
still going to be stronger than ever,” according to Maggart. “God does not
change. God’s word does not change. And St. Joseph Christian School does not
change.”St. Joseph
Christian has also announced a change in leadership.Maggart has been
serving as Co-Superintendent and Secondary Principal. Next school year, Maggart
will become the St. Joseph Christian Principal. His co-superintendent, Rose
Dunlap, will concentrate on her duties as Elementary Principal. A search is
underway for a new Secondary Principal.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765388747826.jpeg" alt="Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow&nbsp;Brent on X @GBrentKFEQ

St. Joseph Christian School expansion nearing its completion

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2RvMFjpOattuME22fNjHvH?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

By BRENT MARTINSt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4t6sVSlOzPq19yKsBgIsgb?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

The board’s legislative priorities appear to support legislation creating public-school open enrollment, but members are split on what the policy means

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

The Missouri State Board of Education approved&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/consideration-adopt-2026-legislative-priorities" target="_blank">legislative priorities</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that signal support for “legislation on voluntary public school open enrollment.”&nbsp;

Board members during a Tuesday morning meeting expressed differing opinions on open enrollment,&nbsp; a policy that broadly speaking would allow students to enroll in neighboring school districts. After debating the issue, the board initially seemed poised to remove it from its priorities for the upcoming legislative session but ultimately agreed to wave it through and make edits at a later date.

Board President Mary Schrag said the intention is to give the board and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education a “seat at the table” as lawmakers consider provisions that alter how open enrollment would be administered.

“We don’t have to take a stance on (open enrollment),” she said. “I do think we need to make sure that we stay as a player and are at the table.”

State lawmakers have filed open enrollment bills&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/open-enrollment-bill-clears-missouri-house-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/">for the past five years</a>, passing out of the House each time but coming to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/open-enrollment-bill-causes-schism-among-missouri-senate-republicans/">standstill in the Senate</a>. The proposal has evolved over the years, with changes like a cap on the number of students that may leave a district and who is responsible for the cost of transportation.

Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said if lawmakers move forward with open enrollment, she’d like the board to have a say in some of the details.

“(State lawmakers) continue to have conversations in the legislature about what is the best fit for Missouri and how do you create this opportunity for choice within the public system,” she said. “So, by having this board have an opinion that open enrollment is something we want to have a conversation about, it makes us relevant.”

She told state senators in a hearing about an unrelated issue last week that she “did not have a problem with” open enrollment as a concept.

“As a superintendent of schools, I can tell you that if a parent didn’t feel like that I met their needs, I want them to be able to go someplace,” she told the Senate Education Committee last Thursday.

Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, said Tuesday that she had concerns that she would like to enumerate in a clearer policy position.

“I want to be supportive of our board, but I am concerned about harming small communities, and that isn’t reflected in this language,” she said.

Board member Mike Matousek, of Kansas City, indicated that he supported the idea of open enrollment but he felt like approving the legislative priorities was premature.

“There are key issues that we just need to talk about first to understand what it is we’re actually supporting here, and what are our priorities,” he said.

He was the lone vote in opposition to approving the document.

Schrag said many of the priorities, like a focus on early childhood literacy, have come up in numerous board conversations.

“As board members, we are learning and absorbing and digging in all the time through all of our conversations,” she said. “It doesn’t require a specific agenda item, in some cases, to come to an understanding of a position.”

The board has approved legislative priorities for four years, focusing on improving the programs offered by the state’s education department.

Other priorities approved Tuesday include a recommendation to fully fund the formula that determines state aid for public schools and the creation of a program to improve math instruction statewide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765366574720.png" alt="Missouri State Board of Education President Mary Schrag and Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger lead a board meeting Sept. 17 at the Missouri Special Olympics building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption>Missouri State Board of Education President Mary Schrag and Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger lead a board meeting Sept. 17 at the Missouri Special Olympics building in Jefferson City (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The board’s legislative priorities appear to support legislation creating public-school open enrollment, but members are split on what the policy means</h2>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ahanshaw/">Annelise Hanshaw</a> <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>The Missouri State Board of Education approved&nbsp;<a href="https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/consideration-adopt-2026-legislative-priorities" target="_blank">legislative priorities</a>&nbsp;Tuesday that signal support for “legislation on voluntary public school open enrollment.”&nbsp;What this means, though, is unclear.Board members during a Tuesday morning meeting expressed differing opinions on open enrollment,&nbsp; a policy that broadly speaking would allow students to enroll in neighboring school districts. After debating the issue, the board initially seemed poised to remove it from its priorities for the upcoming legislative session but ultimately agreed to wave it through and make edits at a later date.Board President Mary Schrag said the intention is to give the board and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education a “seat at the table” as lawmakers consider provisions that alter how open enrollment would be administered.“We don’t have to take a stance on (open enrollment),” she said. “I do think we need to make sure that we stay as a player and are at the table.”State lawmakers have filed open enrollment bills&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/03/12/open-enrollment-bill-clears-missouri-house-for-fifth-year-in-a-row/">for the past five years</a>, passing out of the House each time but coming to a&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2025/04/30/open-enrollment-bill-causes-schism-among-missouri-senate-republicans/">standstill in the Senate</a>. The proposal has evolved over the years, with changes like a cap on the number of students that may leave a district and who is responsible for the cost of transportation.Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger said if lawmakers move forward with open enrollment, she’d like the board to have a say in some of the details.“(State lawmakers) continue to have conversations in the legislature about what is the best fit for Missouri and how do you create this opportunity for choice within the public system,” she said. “So, by having this board have an opinion that open enrollment is something we want to have a conversation about, it makes us relevant.”She told state senators in a hearing about an unrelated issue last week that she “did not have a problem with” open enrollment as a concept.“As a superintendent of schools, I can tell you that if a parent didn’t feel like that I met their needs, I want them to be able to go someplace,” she told the Senate Education Committee last Thursday.Board member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, said Tuesday that she had concerns that she would like to enumerate in a clearer policy position.“I want to be supportive of our board, but I am concerned about harming small communities, and that isn’t reflected in this language,” she said.Board member Mike Matousek, of Kansas City, indicated that he supported the idea of open enrollment but he felt like approving the legislative priorities was premature.“There are key issues that we just need to talk about first to understand what it is we’re actually supporting here, and what are our priorities,” he said.He was the lone vote in opposition to approving the document.Schrag said many of the priorities, like a focus on early childhood literacy, have come up in numerous board conversations.“As board members, we are learning and absorbing and digging in all the time through all of our conversations,” she said. “It doesn’t require a specific agenda item, in some cases, to come to an understanding of a position.”The board has approved legislative priorities for four years, focusing on improving the programs offered by the state’s education department.Other priorities approved Tuesday include a recommendation to fully fund the formula that determines state aid for public schools and the creation of a program to improve math instruction statewide.

Public school open enrollment wins tentative support from Missouri education board

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal damage at a museum in Atchison.

On Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, 223 North Terrace Street in Atchison, after museum staff had arrived and found that an antique glass window on an exterior door with an estimated $350 had been broken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. An investigation followed that lead officers to arrest 21-year-old Bernard M. Rempe, 21, Atchison, on requested charges of criminal damage to property. He was issued a notice to appear in court.

Police believe the damage occurred sometime between midnight and 1:00a.m. on Saturday night. &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765293134903.png" alt="Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum- Google image" />
 <figcaption>Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum- Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal damage at a museum in Atchison.On Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, 223 North Terrace Street in Atchison, after museum staff had arrived and found that an antique glass window on an exterior door with an estimated $350 had been broken, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. An investigation followed that lead officers to arrest 21-year-old Bernard M. Rempe, 21, Atchison, on requested charges of criminal damage to property. He was issued a notice to appear in court.Police believe the damage occurred sometime between midnight and 1:00a.m. on Saturday night. &nbsp;

Man accused of breaking an antique glass window at museum

Residents are encouraged to bundle up and light up their bikes for the Annual Holiday Park Ride on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669047640950.jpeg" alt="Holiday Park- St. Joseph parks and rec.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Holiday Park- St. Joseph parks and rec.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN SKAITHResidents are encouraged to bundle up and light up their bikes for the Annual Holiday Park Ride on Wednesday, Dec. 10.General manager at Horizon Cycling and board member of the St. Joseph Trail Alliance, Blake Hoppe, says the ride begins in Downtown St. Joseph. "We're going to meet at River Bluff Brewing, then do a ride around the parkway, up to Krug Park to see all the lights, take a ride down the Avenue, and end back at Riverbluff for some post ride festivites."Pizza Tascio will be on-site serving food, and drinks will be available at River Bluff.Hoppe says the ride is family friendly, but notes, "Make sure you bring headlights and taillights for your bike, and if you have kids, make sure they know the rules of the road and how to ride with traffic. We want everyone to be safe."The annual Holiday Ride has been around for several years and Hoppe says this is a way for the group to give back to the community. "We're big on community involvement and getting people on bikes and staying engaged."Wendesday night's weather outlook looks to be cold with temperatues forcast around 25 degrees, but Hoppe says he hopes a lot of people show up. "Last year we had about fifty participants. I'm looking for anywhere from 30 - 50 riders this year. As long as people are okay braving the cold, we'd love to see a good turnout."The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. at River Bluff Brewing but participants are encouraged to show up about fifteen minutes early to get their bike gear ready. Hoppe says holiday themed costumes and Christmas lights attached to bikes are also encouraged.The event is free to attend and is sponsored by Horizon Cycling and the St. Joseph Trail Alliance.

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