St. Joseph Weekly

Jul 20
3 min read

Local News for July 13–19, 2026

From the continuing debate over data centers to new developments at Rosecrans and the Civic Arena, here are the St. Joseph stories residents were talking about last week.

Data-Center Debate Continues to Grow

The proposed Pickett Road data center remained St. Joseph’s biggest local story.

During a July 13 work session, the St. Joseph City Council agreed to stop accepting new data-center applications while the city reviews and updates its zoning regulations. Council members also supported bringing in outside expertise to help establish rules addressing the size, resource demands and potential effects of future projects.

Opposition continued Saturday when nearly 100 residents gathered for a protest connected to a national day of action against data-center development. Organizers said their local Facebook group has grown to approximately 2,500 members, and a petition effort is underway to potentially place the issue before St. Joseph voters.

The City Council is expected to consider an emergency ordinance formally pausing new data-center projects during its July 20 meeting.

New Law Could Bring Rosecrans Airport Into City Limits

A new Missouri law gives St. Joseph the ability to annex Rosecrans Memorial Airport into the city limits.

The airport is already owned and operated by the city, but it sits across the Missouri River outside St. Joseph’s official boundaries. Previous law generally required newly annexed property to connect directly to existing city limits.

City leaders say annexation could provide more options when recruiting businesses and planning future development around airport property, particularly as the Missouri Air National Guard prepares for changes involving the 139th Airlift Wing. The law does not automatically annex the airport; the City Council must still complete the local process.

St. Joseph Prepares for Chiefs Training Camp

Missouri Western State University spent last week preparing dormitories, security operations, practice areas and other facilities for the Kansas City Chiefs’ return.

University employees said preparations begin months before players and fans arrive. The work includes reorganizing residence halls, coordinating crowd control and preparing the campus to host thousands of visitors.

Chiefs training camp has been held in St. Joseph since 2010 and remains one of the city’s largest annual tourism events. The first practice open to the general public is scheduled for July 30.

Volunteers Pack 1,800 Meal Kits for Local Families

United Way of Greater St. Joseph’s Caring Connection program organized volunteers to prepare meal kits for residents experiencing food insecurity.

Approximately 45 volunteers participated during each packing session. Organizers expected to assemble about 1,800 meal kits over six days. Each package contains shelf-stable ingredients that can be prepared kits over six days. Each package contains shelf-stable ingredients that can be prepared using only water and heat.

The meals are being distributed through food pantries, Community Action Partnership, InterServ, Specialty Industries Actions. Some kits are also available directly through United Way.

Women’s Indoor Soccer Coming to Civic Arena

The Astras, a team in Major Arena Soccer League Women, announced plans to make the St. Joseph Civic Arena their new home.

The team previously had connections to Kansas City and also played games in Des Moines. Team leaders said St. Joseph’s arena, location and community support made the city an attractive place to establish a permanent home.

Indoor soccer is played at a fast pace with six players per side. The ill being finalized, but games are expected to begin this winter.

Family and Pets Escape Wilshire Drive House Fire

St. Joseph firefighters responded to a house fire in the area of 4700 Wilshire Drive North shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday.

Firefighters arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the home. Everyone inside escaped safely, including the family’s pets. The American Red Cross was contacted to assist the household.

The St. Joseph Fire Depatigating the cause of the fire at the time of the initial report.

Coming Up This Week

The St. Joseph City Council is scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 20. Agenda items include the temporary pause on new data-center projects, 55 additional parking spaces near Bepproximately $59,000 in security cameras for Felix Street Square.

Residents should also watch for continuing Chiefs training-camp preparations, upcoming community events and information ahead of Missouri’s August 4 primary election.

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