Local Honors and the Pulse of the Statehouse

Today in St. Joseph, we find a community celebrating the specialized skills that keep us safe, while keeping a close eye on the unfolding legislative session in Jefferson City. From the technical mastery of our first responders to the rising costs of public recreation, the news today reflects a city in steady motion.

Honoring Our Own: “Firefighter of the Year”

In a moment of well-deserved recognition, the St. Joseph Fire Department has named Captain Jeremy Cluck as the 2025 Firefighter of the Year. Captain Cluck, a 16-year veteran of the department, was honored at the Chamber of Commerce banquet this past weekend. His colleagues describe him as a leader who embodies the grit and heart of the city, particularly in his role as a mentor to younger firefighters. It is a reminder of the quiet, consistent heroism that serves as the bedrock of our community. (St. Joseph Post)

The Parks Tax Paradox

While the city celebrates its people, it is also crunching numbers for its parks. New reports indicate that the dedicated parks tax is on track to hit its $60 million goal three years ahead of schedule. However, as Parks Director Jeff Atkins noted on social media and in recent briefings, this “surplus” is being met with the reality of inflation. Rising costs for labor and materials mean the city must be more strategic than ever in how it prioritizes renovations for our pools and playgrounds. The “Parks Maintenance Sales Tax” will likely be a major topic of discussion in the coming months as the city seeks to maintain the momentum of its system-wide restoration. (St. Joseph Parks on Facebook / News-Press NOW)

Legislative Echoes: The View from Jefferson City

As the Missouri General Assembly gains steam, several stories are rippling back to Buchanan County:

• The “Wait and See” on Abortion: The landmark trial regarding the state’s abortion regulations has begun in the Cole County Circuit Court. Local health advocates and legal observers in St. Joseph are watching closely, as the outcome could fundamentally shift the landscape of reproductive healthcare in Northwest Missouri. (St. Joseph Post)

• Tax Cut Conversations: Governor Mike Parson’s push for further income tax cuts is a major talking point in the statehouse this morning. For St. Joseph families, the debate centers on the balance between personal savings and the funding of critical state services like rural education and highway maintenance. (Missourinet)

Community Vitality and Safety

• A Heart for Education: Missouri Western State University and the St. Joseph Museums are seeing a high volume of early interest for the 26th annual Super Science Saturday. The event, designed to make STEM accessible for all area children, continues to be a point of pride for the city’s educational community. (stjosephpost.com)

• Safety Alert: Local law enforcement is investigating a late-night burglary at a business on Frederick Avenue. While no injuries were reported, the police are reminding business owners to check their surveillance systems and remain vigilant during these early, dark weeks of the year. (KQ2 News)

• MLK Day Preparations: The St. Joseph Public Library and the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion are finalizing details for next Monday’s commemorations. The community is being encouraged to participate in the various “Day of Service” events being organized across the city to honor Dr. King’s legacy of connective compassion. (City of St. Joseph)

Social Media Trending: The “St. Joe Glow”

On Instagram and Facebook, local residents are sharing photos of the vibrant winter sunsets that have painted the Missouri riverfront in shades of deep orange and violet this week. Dubbed the “St. Joe Glow” by several local photographers, these images are serving as a shared moment of beauty for a community navigating the mid-winter chill.