City Connect 2026 Spring

In the issue Contact Us City Hall

1100 Frederick Avenue Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

816-271-5300

City Clerk

City Hall, Room 303 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

816-271-4731

City Manager

City Hall, Room 307 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

816-271-4680

Civic Facilities

Civic Arena 816-271-4838 Missouri Theater 816-271-4628 Nature Center 816-271-5499

Customer Service

Utility Billing City Hall Room 101A Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

816-271-4751

Fire Department

Headquarters 401 South Seventh Street 816-271-4603

Health Department

904 South 10th Street Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

816-271-4764 Animal Services 701 Lower Lake Road 816-271-4877

Human Resources

City Hall, Room 101C Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

816-271-4674

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Municipal Court

County Courthouse 411 Francis Street 816-271-4688

Parks & Recreation

1920 Grand Avenue Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

816-271-5500 Bode 816-271-5506 Fairview golf 816-271-5350 REC Center 816-271-5512 JRP 50+ Center 816-271-4666 Aquatics 816-271-5519

Planning & Community Development

Community Development 816-271-4609 Building Development 816-271-4645 Planning 816-271-4658

Public Works & Transportation

Landfill 816-253-1120 Recycling Center 816-232-4401 Rosecrans Memorial Airport 816-271-5374 Street Maintenance 816-271-4848 (24/7, 365 days) Transit 816-233-6700

Police Department

501 Faraon Street Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: 816-271-4702 Code Enforcement 816-271-5342

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Letter from City Manager

4

Partnership Spotlight

6

Work in progress

8

Homeless initiatives

9

Student Voice Alliance

10 Parks project update 11 Parks shelter reservations 12 Police department drones 13 Code enforcement relocates 14 Fire department updates 15 New General Services department 16 Understanding your sewer bill 17 St. Joseph Transit 18 Animal Services programs 20 Around Town 22 Explore the city’s budget and financial information 23 Join the City of St. Joseph

Cover photo: Along with the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion, the Museum Hill Historic District contains numerous historic homes and beautiful landscaping, making it a frequent stop for visitors to St. Joseph.

A new season of progress in St. Joseph From City Manager Mike Schumacher

With spring upon us, another growing season has begun. We look forward to growth in our community, both in the business sector and in our residential market. A 178-unit apartment complex will break ground soon, becoming the first large apartment complex built here in 22 years. Significant upgrades and a full remodel are planned for another existing apartment complex, and a formerly vacant structure is being converted into apartments, adding 91 units. Infill housing starts are increasing, with 53 new housing permits issued over the last 12 months. We continue to work closely with our Chamber of Commerce to expand housing options for current residents and for those who are discovering the beauty of our community.

Business growth remains strong, with new and expanding companies expected to announce more than $600 million in investments in our community this calendar year. None of this would be possible without our strong partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and our other partners. We look forward to supporting these businesses as they prepare their announcements.

In partnership with our local high schools, we have formed the Student Voice Alliance to help guide the city’s future planning efforts.

This impressive group of students has brought insight and energy to the issues they believe matter most to our community. Please watch for updates about their work and the positive impact that can occur when young adults become engaged. This effort reflects the strength of collaboration between the city and our education partners.

City of St. Joseph, MO Government

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As a result of this collaboration, and in partnership with the St. Joseph School District and Mosaic Life Care, our City Health Department will offer required school enrollment vaccines on-site at schools. This will create a smoother process for students, parents, educators and our Health Department.

We thank our key partners and emphasize the importance of working together for you, our customers. The City of St. Joseph, SJSD, Buchanan County, our business partners and others must remain engaged and united to address challenges and seize opportunities.

Our mayor and council have made it clear that we will work as a team to identify opportunities for collaboration, cooperation and constructive relationships that make our community even stronger. We are fortunate to have partnerships dedicated to that shared goal.

On a personal note, over the past year I have often been asked, “What do you think of St. Joe?” My answer is always the same. Our community is filled with incredible people who truly care about their city. Like every city in America, we face challenges and opportunities.

What sets us apart is how we come together as one community to grow stronger and better. One thing is certain: We all believe in St. Joseph.

citystjosephmo

City of St. Joseph

www.stjosephmo.gov

Spring/Summer Edition · 3

Partnership Spotlight Submitted by the St. Joseph School District

We Believe in St. Joseph: Strong schools, stronger community The quality of our schools is central not only to student achievement, but also to the strength and vitality of the St. Joseph community. Strong public schools are a cornerstone of economic growth, workforce development and overall quality of life.

During the 2024–2025 school year, the St. Joseph School District engaged in a comprehensive process to define the essential skills and dispositions we want to see in our graduates. Input from students, staff, families, business leaders and community members shaped our Portrait of a Graduate and refreshed our mission, vision and core values.

These commitments reflect our belief in every student’s potential to learn, grow and thrive. They also guide how we teach, lead and partner as a community.

This year’s theme, “We Believe in St. Joseph,” reflects that shared commitment. We see that belief in action through strong 4 · CITY CONNECT

partnerships with the City of St. Joseph and local businesses that provide students with meaningful, real-world experiences.

Last fall, students from across our district participated in Student in Government Day hosted by the city manager. Middle and high school students came together to discuss community issues, collaborate on solutions and learn directly from city leaders about how municipal government works.

Student Government Days brought our Portrait of a Graduate to life. Students practiced problem-solving while developing solutions to real challenges. They strengthened communication skills by presenting ideas to peers and officials. They demonstrated courage in sharing their perspectives and respect by collaborating across schools. Most importantly, they grew as engaged citizens, recognizing that their voices matter in shaping the future of St. Joseph.

and the difficult process of reorganization and consolidation. While these decisions have not been easy, they are rooted in a commitment to long-term sustainability and improved outcomes for students.

Partnerships with local employers such as Altec, Gray Manufacturing and MO Family Sports further extend learning beyond the classroom. Through client-connected projects and hands-on experiences, students innovate, solve real problems and make an impact in their own community. At Hillyard Technical Center, expanded career pathways and participation in the NWMO Regional Apprenticeship Program give students practical experience in highdemand fields.

• Graduation rates climbed from 76.88% in 2022 to 91.9% in 2025.

This past year has included significant change for our district, including financial challenges

• A first-of-its-kind Direct Admission agreement with Missouri Western guarantees admission to qualifying graduates beginning with the Class of 2026.

We’re proud of the good work being done across our district: • Annual Performance Report scores increased from 63.28% in 2023 to 74.7% in 2025, maintaining full accreditation.

• Attendance improved from 76.8% in 2022 to 81.2% in 2025.

• All 34 Pre-K classrooms successfully completed the Committing to Quality phase of the UMKC Quality Assurance process.

• Five educators earned National Board Certification as part of the district’s first cohort.

Together, through strong schools and strong partnerships, we are preparing students not just to graduate, but to lead, contribute and succeed.

We Believe in St. Joseph!

Spring/Summer Edition · 5

Work in progress Krug Park Truly a legacy project, work continues at our largest park of nearly 164 acres.

Restoration of the castle exterior and surrounding stonework is ongoing, along with interior renovations. The summer construction season will include significant work beginning in the area of the amphitheater with the new concession and restroom building. Construction will also begin on the new restroom building at the upper level of the park.

This $12.8 million project, funded by the voter-approved Parks Sales Tax, brings elements of the park’s former glory together with modern and accessible amenities.

Animal Shelter We’re getting closer! The north side of the building, which was the existing structure, now has paint, cabinetry and epoxy flooring.

Additional painting and flooring are happening throughout the facility, which really gives a sense of what the areas will become.

Installation of the kennels will be happening soon, and we’re excited to see how they look in the space with more natural light than before.

Shelter staff is organizing, packing and meeting weekly to plan the actual move. This project is supported by $3.4 million in Capital Improvements Program funds and $1.6 million raised by the Friends of the Shelter.

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Air Traffic Control Tower Physical construction of the new Air Traffic Control Tower and surrounding grounds is getting its final touches. The next step is installing the new tower equipment. That process will include decommissioning the original 1952 tower, as some equipment will be transitioned to the new tower.

Throughout the process, the airport team is updating operational manuals, regulations, emergency procedures and getting familiar with the new building’s infrastructure, utilities and systems. All air traffic control personnel are members of the 139th Airlift Wing, and they will receive training on the new modern equipment.

The new tower is another step in bringing Rosecrans Memorial Airport up to the level of a modern, state-of-the-art facility. Along with the new terminal building, rebuilt runway and perimeter wildlife fence, St. Joseph has a general aviation airport positioned for long-term growth.

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Initiatives support homeless individuals and address community concerns On any given day in St. Joseph, many people sleeping in doorways or living in encampments are facing loss, mental health challenges, job setbacks or medical crises. Their struggles are visible, and so are residents’ concerns about safety and public health.

That is why the City has launched two initiatives grounded in a simple belief: We can lead with compassion while creating safer, more stable conditions for everyone. Both efforts connect people to shelter, services and long-term stability while supporting the well-being of the broader community.

The first focuses on helping people move out of outdoor living situations by improving coordination between Community Missions, the City of St. Joseph, and the St. Joseph Police Department. Together, they’re working to address unsheltered homelessness through a care-centered approach that prioritizes health and safety and treats people with dignity and respect.

This effort is not about punishment or displacement but about connecting individuals to safer options and supportive resources, including a 24-hour shelter that offers a secure place to rest, basic necessities and access to services, with outreach teams providing direct assistance. Before any encampment is cleared, teams make multiple contacts and at least three visits, offering notice, shelter and support so no one is left without options.

Encampments can create health and safety risks 8 · CITY CONNECT

for those living in them, nearby neighborhoods and first responders. The shared goal is to reduce those risks through a service-led process. The Police Department focuses on safety and coordination while Community Missions and partner organizations lead outreach and connections to care.

The second initiative, Community Cares Court, is a new Municipal Court program for individuals experiencing homelessness who face nonviolent charges. It brings together the court, law enforcement, health and mental health providers and social service agencies to address underlying needs instead of relying on fines or jail.

Participants charged with minor offenses such as theft, trespassing and nuisance complaints are paired with a case manager. They receive help with housing, mental health care, employment and essential services including identification documents, insurance and medications.

By focusing on stability and support, Community Cares Court aims to reduce repeat contact with the justice system and ease demands on police, courts and service agencies. Cases may be dismissed for participants who engage and show progress. The pilot will include two to five participants.

Together, these initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to thoughtful, compassionate solutions that support people experiencing homelessness while promoting safety and stability across the community.

Student Voice Alliance brings youth ideas to City Hall What happens when you put 90 motivated students in a room and ask them how to make St. Joseph better? Big ideas, bold conversations and now a brand new organization that is ready to get to work.

This winter, high school students claimed a seat at the table with the formation of the Student Voice Alliance, a group dedicated to shaping the future of St. Joseph. The alliance grew out of two gatherings organized by the City of St. Joseph and supported by community partners at emPowerU in November and January.

At the first event in November, about 90 students from all of St. Joseph’s public and private middle and high schools spent the day talking about what matters most to them. They met peers from other schools, shared experiences and identified areas where they see room for growth in our community. By the end of the day, students were presenting their ideas directly to city leaders.

In January, they returned with a clear purpose.

Their large list of ideas was narrowed to a focused set of initiatives, and the group chose a name that reflects their mission: the Student Voice Alliance.

Their priority areas include: • Improving homeless shelters and addressing homelessness • Beautifying downtown and increasing space to lease for additional businesses • Expanding youth entertainment options • Improving parks cleanliness • Creating a summertime city festival Each high school selected its own representatives, forming a board of a little more than a dozen members. After an initial ramp-up period, members will serve staggered two-year terms before rotating off, giving new students from their schools the opportunity to step into leadership roles.

The alliance officially kicked off with a meet-andgreet on Feb. 11 in the Council Chamber at City Hall. Fittingly, students will hold their monthly meetings in the same chamber where City Council meets and will sit in the council seats as they discuss their ideas and next steps.

City department directors and community leaders will attend meetings as needed to answer questions and help students move their initiatives forward.

The Student Voice Alliance is more than a student group. It is a direct line between young residents and city leadership, and a reminder that the future of St. Joseph is already thinking, planning and stepping up to lead.

Spring/Summer Edition · 9

Phil Welch upgrade As the home of the 10-time MINK League champion St. Joseph Mustangs, Phil Welch stadium is getting a much needed facility upgrade. The stadium, named in honor of former mayor and U.S. Representative Phil Welch, has hosted minor-league and collegiate level baseball since 1939.

This project was selected by Parks Sales Tax committee in 2021. The project scope includes: • Replacement of precast concrete along the elevated portion of the stadium, extending down both the 1st and 3rd base lines.

• Repair and replacement of any structural beams supporting the precast concrete, as needed.

• Select concrete replacement at the base entry level.

• Installation of new bench seating throughout the entire elevated portion once all new concrete work is complete and secure.

• Replacement of all ground-level seating with new stadium seating.

The total cost for the project is $1.7 million. The project is scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2026 St. Joseph Mustangs season.

Scan the QR code to view the full 2026 St. Joseph Mustangs schedule

10 · CITY CONNECT

Park shelter reservations From birthday parties to family gatherings, shelters located throughout the city’s parks are a great option for your next event. Between April 15 and October 15, reservations can be made at six locations: the Kiwanis Shelter at Bartlett Park, the Hyde Park gazebo and shelters 1 through 4 at Hyde Park. All other park shelters are first come, first served.

All reservations are $35, plus a 3 percent processing fee if using a card. Beginning July 1, reservation fees will increase to $50. All reservations must be made at least eight days in advance and are for the full day. Reservations are posted weekly in the shelter locations.

There are three ways to make a reservation: 1. Make a reservation online at https://bit.ly/3YaKWUV. Click the “Park Shelter/Gazebo” tab, select the park location and choose the shelter or gazebo you wish to reserve. Select a date on the calendar, sign in or create an account and submit your payment. Note: All pre-reserved dates will be marked as unavailable.

2. In person during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Parks Administration building,1920 Grand Avenue. Payment options include card, check or cash.

3. Reserve over the phone by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 816-271-5501. The only payment accepted over the phone is card.

The Treehouse for Everyone at Bartlett Park and the Liberty Oak Splash Park at Hyde Park are not able to be reserved. For the 2026 season, the shelter at Krug Park will not be available for reservations due to the ongoing construction.

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New drones helping keep St. Joseph safer Residents may be noticing new eyes in the sky as the City of St. Joseph has deployed nine Skydio drones to protect lives and property while making faster and more strategic use of its personnel.

What does that mean for residents? Better real-time information for first responders and City staff, helping them make smarter decisions, improve safety for everyone involved and use personnel and resources more effectively.

Two hives, each housing three drones, have been placed at strategic locations in the city.

These drones can be deployed directly from desktop computers, allowing them to launch almost instantly. Two additional drones are designed for tactical and indoor operations and include two-way communications, which means they can assist in negotiations when needed.

A final drone is dedicated to crash and crime scene reconstruction, helping reopen roads and impacted areas more quickly after incidents.

Unlike traditional drones already in use by the St. Joseph Police Department that require several minutes to set up and must stay within the operator’s line of sight, these new models can be dispatched immediately and are not bound by that same restriction. That time savings can make a difference in an emergency.

Multiple drones can fly at once and stream live video back to dispatchers and decision makers.

In many cases, they can arrive on scene before officers, firefighters or other crews. The drones’ live view allows supervisors and dispatchers to assess the situation in real time and determine exactly how many personnel are needed and what equipment to bring. It also helps identify potential dangers before first responders arrive, keeping both staff and residents safer.

The drones are equipped with thermal technology for nighttime use, so they remain 12 · CITY CONNECT

effective around the clock.

While police will use the drones for search and rescue operations, missing persons cases, public event threat assessments, apprehension of fleeing suspects and disaster response, they are not the only department benefiting from this technology.

The fire department can use the drones to confirm fires, pinpoint their location and dispatch the right number of units. Public Works can monitor snow routes and identify vehicles that need to be towed and inspect infrastructure quickly and safely without needing to send crews into potentially hazardous areas. Transit can inspect its bus stops and shelters and scan routes for any hazards.

Because drones can reach locations faster than vehicles, they provide valuable information that leads to smarter decisions. That means the right number of personnel are sent at the right time, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary strain on city resources.

There are clear policies and procedures governing how these drones are used. Their purpose is to protect lives and property, not to conduct random surveillance. The live video they provide also supports openness and transparency in city operations.

Operators from several departments completed training in March to ensure the technology is used safely and effectively.

The five-year cost of the drone program is $1,373,616. This investment shows the City’s commitment to modern tools that boost safety, provide better information for responders and make the most of city personnel. These drones help ensure responders have the insight they need to act quickly and keep the community safe when it matters most.

City brings code enforcement into police department to improve safety, community appearance When residents raise concerns about overgrown lots, trash or other property issues, they want action. The City of St. Joseph is responding by moving property code enforcement into the police department, strengthening coordination and improving service for neighborhoods citywide.

This change is designed to better address resident concerns while helping neighborhoods stay cleaner, safer and more welcoming.

The Property Maintenance Division, formerly part of the Planning and Community Development Department, includes four code enforcement inspectors, one clerk and a manager. Officers will continue enforcing property codes, addressing issues such as overgrown vegetation, trash, stagnant water, temporary signs and other conditions that impact neighborhood quality of life. They will not have additional law enforcement authority and will not carry firearms.

Like police officers, code enforcement inspectors are public servants, and citizen complaints, particularly property issues that correlate to crime, remain the highest priority.

Code inspectors are expected to communicate professionally and in a timely manner with both property owners who are in violation and

residents who file complaints, keeping all parties informed of actions being taken.

The division has relocated to the Law Enforcement Center at 501 Faraon St. to allow closer day-to-day collaboration with police staff.

Residents can visit the police lobby for in-person services, including filing code complaints, submitting consent-to-tow forms, coordinating abatements or requesting right-of-entry for yellow-tagged properties. Phone inquiries can be directed to 816-271-4620.

To increase visibility, code enforcement inspectors have new vehicles and wear uniforms that make them easy to identify. The St. Joseph Police Department will also share statistics and before-and-after cleanup highlights on social media to keep the community informed.

This realignment reflects a commitment to listening to residents and providing a more consistent, structured approach to quality-of-life issues that improve daily life across St. Joseph.

Substandard housing and dangerous buildings will continue to be handled by the Planning and Community Development Department, including red-tagged structures affected by fire, accidents or weather damage.

Spring/Summer Edition · 13

Fire’s new

5 & 10 An unwavering commitment to safety and continuous improvement is at the heart of the St. Joseph Fire Department’s service to our community. Firefighters will always do their best with whatever tools and resources they’re given, but, like anyone, they welcome something new and shiny.

Ladder 5 After more than three and a half years in the making, meet the new Ladder 5. Weighing in at more than 85,000 pounds and nearly 50 feet long, this engineering gem has some reach. With its 100-foot telescoping platform bucket mounted at the rear of the truck, it can get firefighters into places a mid-mount ladder can’t always go.

What’s even better is the platform’s larger size with entry gates on both sides, allowing safer rescue operations from multiple angles.

Fire Station 10

14 · CITY CONNECT

With funding provided by the voter-approved CIP Sales Tax, construction of the new Fire Station 10 is ready to begin. This will be the first station built post-implementation of the Westnet Fire Station Alerting system, including the capability to operate functions within the station, such as turning off stovetops, activating special lights for certain alarms and opening doors automatically for quicker response. The facility will also have an elevated training area for rope rescue and ladder training. Located at 303 East Hyde Park Avenue, the station will have a digital sign providing information and updates to the public.

City launches General Services Department to streamline operations The City of St. Joseph has created a General Services Department to improve coordination and oversight of key municipal operations.

The department centralizes services to make city projects more consistent, resources easier to manage and operations more efficient.

City officials say the General Services Department supports the City’s strategic plan by improving collaboration across departments, enhancing asset management and helping ensure city services meet residents’ needs now and in the future.

Responsibilities such as capital project management, engineering, procurement, contracting, fleet operations, building maintenance and risk management, previously spread across multiple departments, are now managed under one roof. City leaders are confident this consolidation strengthens accountability and ensures projects and services are delivered effectively.

The department is led by Laurie Thompson, who previously served as the city’s human resources programs and risk manager, and started with 13 employees reassigned from other departments to ensure a smooth transition. Reporting to the city manager, the department serves all City divisions from a central office, focusing on quality project execution, smart contracting and long-term care of assets.

Spring/Summer Edition · 15

Understanding your sewer bill: Where the money goes If you’ve ever opened your sewer bill and thought, “Why does this cost so much?” we get it. Let’s take a clear, honest look at where that money goes and how it keeps things running safely.

All money collected from your sewer bill stays dedicated to maintaining St. Joseph’s sewer system and protecting its water supply. It is not general revenue and is not used to fund other city services or departments.

Much of your sewer bill’s cost comes from maintaining and upgrading St. Joseph’s 415 miles of sewer lines, many of which were installed before 1920. These improvements are not optional. They are mandated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and the environment.

A major focus of these requirements is reducing the amount of untreated sewage that flows directly into the Missouri River during rain events because our aging combined sewer system carries both stormwater and wastewater in the same pipes. When heavy rains overwhelm the system, overflows can occur, and state and federal enforcement actions require the city to significantly reduce those discharges. Since 2008, DNR and EPA regulations, including stricter treatment standards and limits on pollutants entering the river, have been the primary driver of sewer rate increases.

16 · CITY CONNECT

Since 2013, the city has invested $250 million in major sewer improvements, including the Blacksnake Creek and Whitehead separation projects. Bonds for that work are still being paid off, and an estimated $300 million in upgrades remain necessary under current regulations.

To manage costs, the city has worked with state and federal agencies on a long-term integrated plan that spreads improvements through 2050.

This approach keeps bills more manageable, with average residential charges expected to be around $80 by 2035 compared with a potential $120 per month under previous timelines.

New environmental rules, including limits on phosphorus discharge, will drive much of the city’s sewer improvement costs over the next five years. Last year, the city treated 7 billion gallons of wastewater while maintaining compliance with modern safety and environmental standards.

While St. Joseph’s sewer rates are higher than in some communities, they are comparable to other older river towns. The average residential bill is currently $67.55 a month compared with $60.12 in Omaha and $79.01 in Kansas City, according to a recent study.

City officials emphasize that every dollar from sewer bills goes directly toward keeping the system safe, reliable and in compliance with state and federal mandates and that residential customers are not absorbing costs owed by industrial businesses.

On the go St. Joe Providing safe, convenient and affordable transportation for riders is the mission of GO St. Joe, our community’s public transit system.

During peak periods, 17 buses operate on the eight fixed routes, with multiple buses providing transportation to and from Demand Response Zones and deviations outside the fixed routes. This approach connects riders from St. Joseph and Elwood to key destinations throughout the city. That’s great coverage and convenience for a city our size.

Bus stops are placed throughout the city, and with the help of the transit system’s scheduling software, routing is improved along with communications and automated visual/voice stop announcements for sight- and hearing-impaired passengers.

If reaching a bus stop is difficult, curb-to-curb pickups can be scheduled for an additional fee with 30 minutes’ advanced notice. A new transfer station located off Woodbine Road near the public library will provide more space for buses to park, improving efficiency and connectivity between routes. Are you a new rider? A Travel Ambassador program is available to help all customers learn how to use the public transit system.

Affordability is a key component of GO St. Joe’s mission. In addition to low fares and monthly passes, the service offers half-fare photo IDs for seniors (60+) and disabled riders, youth discounts (ages 6-18) and free rides for children under 6. An Open Access agreement with Missouri Western State University (MWSU) provides free transportation on the buses to all MWSU students and employees. Under the agreement, MWSU pays a fixed quarterly fee for the service.

Recycling Center 3405 S. Belt Highway 816-232-4401 Wednesday through Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Accepted Items Newspaper Magazines Mixed Paper Paper Shredding Corrugated Cardboard Glass Plastics (PET#1 & HDPE#2) Tin/Aluminum Motor Oil or Antifreeze We do not accept Styrofoam or plastic bags at this time.

Know before you go

Scan the QR code for guidelines and restrictions

Ready to get started? The Token Transit mobile fare app is a great way for riders to purchase and manage bus passes, including fees for deviations. Let’s go take a ride together!

Spring/Summer Edition · 17

Pantry helps pets stay with loved ones The Pet Pantry Food Clinic is a monthly community outreach program designed to support local pet owners experiencing financial hardship. Through generous donations, the shelter provides supplemental pet food to help families keep their pets healthy and at home during difficult times.

The clinic operates on a first-come, first-served basis during a designated two-hour distribution window.

Food and supplies are donation-based and available while supplies last. While specific brands or types of food cannot be requested, pre-packaged portions are prepared in advance to ensure fair and efficient distribution. Each household may receive assistance once per month, with one portion provided per reported pet.

Basic information, such as contact details and number of pets, may be collected to help ensure fair distribution and track community impact. The program maintains simple monthly records to measure the number of households served and the approximate amount of food distributed, helping demonstrate need and guide future donation efforts.

The Pet Pantry Food Clinic reflects the shelter’s commitment to supporting both pets and the people who love them, strengthening the human-animal bond and preventing unnecessary surrender due to temporary financial hardship.

For more information about this program or how to donate, please call Animal Services at 816-271-4877.

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Animal Services

Program focuses on shelter resources The St. Joseph Animal Shelter’s Progressive Field Services and Marketing Program is a proactive, community-centered initiative designed to increase returnto-owner rates, reduce shelter intake and strengthen public trust. By shifting away from a solely enforcementbased model, Animal Service Officers focus on resolving situations in the field whenever safely possible by keeping pets with their families and preserving critical shelter resources.

Program components include providing free microchips and vouchers in the field, partnering with veterinarians and local organizations and utilizing social media networks to quickly reunite lost pets. Public safety remains a priority, with safeguards in place for high-risk animals.

The program integrates marketing and outreach to increase awareness and accessibility. In 2025 alone, 85 dogs were returned to owners in the field, 29 microchips were provided during calls and 145 free microchips were distributed at outreach events, including UPCO vaccination clinics and community clean-ups.

Future plans include partnering with additional agencies, such as police and fire departments along with other community organizations, to create alternative public locations for scanning lost pets, further improving accessibility and speeding reunifications.

By combining innovative field strategies with intentional community engagement, the program builds trust, increases pet identification and reduces unnecessary shelter intake, creating a more compassionate and effective animal welfare system.

“Where are you taking me?”

Spring rabies vaccination clinics The annual Rabies Vaccination Clinics are back this spring. These clinics ensure pets stay healthy, protected and legally registered, while helping families manage rising pet care costs. Rabies vaccination is required annually for city registration protecting both pets and people from a deadly virus commonly found in wildlife. Microchipping provides permanent identification and proof of ownership if a pet becomes lost.

• Rabies Vaccine: $5 • Combination Vaccine: $10 • Microchipping: Free during 2026 clinics Monday, May 4 Lindbergh Elementary 2812 St. Joseph Avenue Tuesday, May 5 Hosea Elementary 6401 Gordon Avenue Thursday, May 7 First Church of the Nazarene 2102 South 22nd Street Tuesday, May 12 Skaith Elementary 4701 Schoolside Lane Thursday, May 14 Mark Twain Early Learning Center 801 South 31st Street All clinics are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m.

Spring/Summer Edition · 19

Around Town Upcoming events at City facilities

Figure Skating Club “Cinderella” May 1-3 Bode Ice Arena

St. Joseph Goats vs. Grand Island June 20 St. Joseph Civic Arena

John Foster August 8 Missouri Theater

Apple Blossom Parade May 2 Frederick Avenue

St. Joseph Goats vs. Eau Claire June 27 St. Joseph Civic Arena

High School Volleyball Classic August 28-29 St. Joseph Civic Arena

The Drifters May 2 Missouri Theater

Story in the Park July 2 Bartlett Park

Retro Con May 2-3 St. Joseph Civic Arena

RRT’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” July 10-12 Missouri Theater

Pony Express Figure Skating Competition September 18-20 Bode Ice Arena

National Kids to Parks Day May 16 Corby Pond

St. Joseph Goats vs. Iowa July 11 St. Joseph Civic Arena

Story in the Park June 4 Hyde Park

Foam Party July 25 Northside Complex

St. Joseph Goats vs. Ozarks June 6 St. Joseph Civic Arena

Story in the Park August 6 Northeast Park

Herp-O-Rama June 13 Remington Nature Center

Insect-O-Rama August 8 Remington Nature Center

20 · CITY CONNECT

Free Museum Day September 19 Various Locations St. Joseph Marathon September 26 Civic Center Park Womens’ Expo September 26 St. Joseph Civic Arena Spider Sniffing!

September 26 Remington Nature Center For a full calendar of events, visit www.stjosephmo.gov

Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center

There is always something happening at the JRP 50+ Activity Center! Programs and services include line dancing, fitness classes, presentations on numerous topics, billiards, mah jong and so much more. The cafeteria serves lunch, carry-out or dine-in, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Scan the QR code for the latest schedule.

REC Center League Sign-Ups

As the temperatures start to warm up, many head outdoors to enjoy recreational opportunities including summer softball leagues through the Parks & Recreation Department. Scan the QR code for league registration information and signups.

St. Joe FIT

Lace up your walking shoes and explore our great trails systems during this year’s St. Joe FIT program. This free 10-week program will begin May 31 and runs through August 8. Inperson walks will be available Tuesday nights at the week’s featured trail. Scan the QR code for registration and weekly trail information.

Parks & Recreation Month

July is National Parks & Recreation Month.

Check out some of the fun things planned during the month at the numerous parks and facilities throughout the city. Scan the QR code for more information.

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Explore the city’s budget with transparency you can click on Have you ever wondered exactly where your tax dollars go or wished there were an easier way to explore the City’s budget without flipping through pages of financial documents?

The City of St. Joseph has been working to make that process simpler, clearer and more transparent for everyone.

The City began using ClearGov, a cloud-based budgeting software, starting with the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Behind the scenes, this tool has helped streamline how the City plans and manages its finances.

Now, we’re excited to take the next step. The City of St. Joseph has launched ClearGov’s Public Transparency Center, an interactive online portal designed specifically for residents.

This new tool, which can be found at https://bit. ly/STJMOClearGov, uses easy-to-read charts and graphs to present financial and budget information in a clear, visual format. You’ll be able to explore: • City revenues and expenditures • Year-to-date financial data • Historical data going back to Fiscal Year 2013 • Breakdowns by department or by category (such as sales tax, salaries, supplies, public safety, parks and more)

Scan the QR code to begin exploring the city’s budget and financial information

22 · CITY CONNECT

The site begins with an overview section and includes additional tabs residents can click to see exactly where revenue comes from and how expenditures are made.

You can view information across all City funds or focus on a specific fund. Once you make your selections, interactive charts will appear with historical comparisons and budget details. For those who prefer working with spreadsheets, raw financial data will also be available for download.

One of the most engaging features is a personalized property tax tool under the expenditures heading. Residents will be able to enter the amount of their property tax bill and see exactly how their contribution is allocated across City services. For example, you can choose to view your contribution by department and see how your dollars support public safety, sewer services, parks, streets, general government and more.

It’s a simple, interactive way to connect your tax dollars to the services you rely on every day.

The portal also includes a demographics tab with key information about St. Joseph, including population trends, household characteristics, income levels and housing data.

The City of St. Joseph Finance Department remains committed to making financial information accessible, understandable and transparent. This transparency portal is another step toward ensuring residents have the tools they need to stay informed and engaged.

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1100 Frederick Avenue St. Joseph, MO 64501

Have you seen the new look? stjosephmo.gov