Corby Rardon

Few flowers signal fall’s arrival like the cheerful chrysanthemum. Known as mums, these squat, bushy plants boast long-lasting blooms that bring weeks of color while many other flowers fade for the season.

Rock Port is currently undergoing a series of changes due to a recent tax boost. A marijuana dispensary in the towns has been raising significant funds -- likely due to interstate traffic, as the dispensary is located near the Kansas and Nebraska border. The Mayor of Rock Port, Richard Chaney said the money is a windfall for the city, and they are putting it towards housing and business development projects.

The St. Joseph School District has officially opened new turf and track facilities at Benton, Central and Lafayette high schools, part of a long-anticipated upgrade made possible by the 2024 No Tax-Rate Increase Bond.

Mosaic Life Care is rolling out paperless billing and a new text messaging system for patients, a change the hospital group calls a “major” update to its communications.

The St. Joseph Fire Department has launched a new emergency alerting system aimed at improving response times and easing stress for first responders.

MoWest is starting the school year with an updated library facility.The Hearnes Center serves as the campus library is one of the original three buildings built on The MoWest Campus. The university recently invested 2.5 million dollars in the facility for a renovation. Since it was first opened in 1972 the center has been a campus hub. Library Director Sally Gibson says they had many aims for the renovation.

Tim Tanner is THE new 4-H director for The University of Missouri Extension. Dr. Tanner has over 23 years of experience in youth development and leadership. That includes 17 years in county and state extensions across the Midwest. Previously Tanner directed 4-H programs for the state of South Dakota.