Parks Tax Surprise, Chamber Success, Super Science Saturday, Winter Wellness

Good morning. Today in St. Joseph, we find a community catching its breath after a weekend of high-society galas and grassroots activism. As the work week begins, the conversation is turning toward the long-term health of our city—both in the balance sheets of our small businesses and the green spaces of our public parks.

The Parks Tax: A Surprising Surplus

In a development that is catching many by surprise, St. Joseph’s dedicated parks tax is performing significantly better than projected. According to News-Press NOW, the 10-year tax approved by voters to restore the city’s parks system is on pace to hit its $60 million revenue goal as much as three years early.

While the extra $2.8 million in annual revenue sounds like a windfall, Parks Director Jeff Atkins warns that soaring construction and labor costs are quickly eating into those gains. The city is now pivoting toward establishing a “contingency fund” to ensure that as we build new pickleball complexes and renovate Bode Ice Arena, we also have the funds to maintain them for decades to come. (News-Press NOW)

Chamber Success: A Night to Remember

The city is still buzzing from Saturday’s 106th Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Held at the Civic Arena, the “Garden Gala” saw Nancy Potter Lyle take the helm as the 2026 Chairwoman. Beyond the awards, the event served as a powerful reminder of the longevity of St. Joseph’s business community, honoring dozens of businesses for decades of local membership. It was a night that underscored the city’s economic resilience as it heads into the new year. (St. Joseph Post)

Justice and State-Level Trials

On the legal front, two major stories are drawing local eyes toward Jefferson City and beyond:

• Abortion Regulations on Trial: A landmark case regarding Missouri’s abortion regulations begins today. With widespread access at stake, local advocates are watching closely to see how the ruling will impact reproductive health access in Buchanan County. (St. Joseph Post)

• Spiritual Advisers in Death Chamber: A new report from KCUR highlights an ongoing debate in the Missouri Department of Corrections regarding the presence of spiritual advisers during executions. The report cites inconsistencies in how these rights are applied, a story that is sparking deep ethical conversations across the state this morning. (KCUR / St. Joseph Post)

Community and Culture

• MLK Day Soul Food: Looking ahead to next week, the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion has announced it will host a soul food buffet on MLK Day. It’s a moment for the community to connect over a shared meal and reflect on the legacy of Dr. King. (St. Joseph Post)

• Super Science Saturday: Planning is already underway for the 26th annual Super Science Saturday at Missouri Western State University. It remains one of the area’s most beloved educational events, bridging the gap between young students and the world of scientific discovery. (St. Joseph Post)

• Winter Wellness: At the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, line dancing lessons and women’s wellness workshops are kicking off today. These programs are a quiet but vital part of the city’s effort to keep its older residents active and connected during the isolated winter months. (stjosephmo.gov)