Welcome to the city of St Joseph's weekly digital newsletter. City Link is your source for timely and relevant information from your local government.
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Citizen's Academy Applications Underway

Interested in learning more about law enforcement? Applications are now being accepted for the annual Joint Citizen's Law Enforcement Academy presented by the St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department. The eight-week course being held from March 26 through May 14, will give participants hands-on experience while learning more about the day-to-day operations of both departments.

Class size is limited with a commitment of one night a week for eight weeks along with a patrol division ride along. Applicants must be 18 years old or older, live in Buchanan County and will be subject to a background check. Applications can be picked up at the St. Joseph Police Department lobby, 501 Faraon, and are due by March 15.
Owl Prowl

On Saturday, February 23, visit the Remington Nature Center for a chance to see owls up close during the Owl Prowl event. A barn, barred and screech owl will be featured during two programs presented by Lakeside Nature Center at 5pm, and 6:10pm. Guests can also listen for owls around the nature center led by Naturalist Shelly Cox and volunteers. Other events include an indoor scavenger hunt, an owl-themed craft and a chance to dissect and take home an owl pellet for a small additional fee. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors 60 and older and $2 for children ages 4-15. For more information, call 271-5499 or visit the Remington Nature Center Facebook page.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons which typically starts in the late fall or early winter and going away during the spring and summer. Depressive episodes linked to the summer season can occur, but are much less common than during the winter. SAD is not considered as a separate disorder, but is a type of depression which displays a recurring seasonal pattern.

To be diagnosed with SAD, people must meet the full criteria for major depression coinciding with specific seasons for at least two years. Seasonal depressions must be much more frequent than any non-seasonal depressions. The causes of SAD are unknown, but research has found some biological clues:

  • People with SAD may have trouble regulating one of the key neurotransmitters involved in mood, serotonin.

  • A person may overproduce the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep. With winter days being shorter, this could leave people feeling sleepier and more lethargic.

  • People with SAD also may produce less Vitamin D as its insufficiency may be associated with clinically significant depression symptoms.
Advances in Crime Reporting

For decades, Crime Stoppers of Greater St. Joseph has partnered with area law enforcement agencies to fight crime. They are a not-for-profit group founded to allow for anonymous reporting of crime information and to incentivize the giving of information by offering rewards. A board oversees the Crime Stoppers program and is responsible for fundraising, oversight and reward authorization... read more
Wizard of Oz Takes the Stage

Take a trip down the yellow brick road this weekend as the Robidoux Resident Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz at the Missouri Theater. There will be three opportunities to catch the show: Friday, February 22, at 7:30pm, Saturday, February 23, at 7:30pm, and Sunday, February 24, at 2pm. For more information or to purchase tickets online, click here.
(816) 271-5300