Statue to Be Removed for New Fire Station; South Side Residents Respond 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A historic structure at 303 East Hyde Park Avenue in the south end of St. Joseph, long valued by community members, will soon be relocated. 

City officials confirmed earlier this week that the new South Side fire station will be placed at this location for efficient response times. 

However, community members say other areas within the city could have been explored without interfering with a South Side artifact - The Chief White Cloud statue.

"It doesn’t make sense, there’s plenty of other land they could be using," said resident Joyce Clark. 

According to SJFD Interim Fire Chief Jamey McVicker, the current station was placed on the east side of the railroad tracks to leave room for a second station on the other side, if one is needed in the future. 

"We chose 303 East Hyde Park over 212 Alabama because it’s farther east," McVicker said. "That way, if we ever need to build another firehouse on the west side of the tracks, they won’t end up too close together."

Jeff Atkins, director of Parks and Recreation, explained the history behind the White Cloud statue and said he understands why some South Side residents are frustrated. 

"The statue and the teepee behind it were both placed in 2004," Atkins said. "When you think about it, that’s a long time, and for some people, it’s been there their entire life. But there’s nothing historically significant about the ground where it stands."

The St. Joseph Fire Department and Parks & Recreation are in early discussions with the Iowa Tribe about relocating the statue, with plans for it to remain along the King Hill stretch. 

"The tribe doesn’t have any strong attachment to that site, and they’re okay with us relocating it," Atkins said. "Since it’s tied to the King Hill Overlook, we want to make sure it stays nearby, close to the overlook."

Still, longtime residents who grew up with the statue argue there’s no need to move it or build anything new in such a busy area.

"There are plenty of other places they could put that fire station,” said resident Lyle Hays. "Down the street or anywhere near 59—there’s a lot of open land there. Putting it here will just clutter things and make traffic worse. It’s already bad in the mornings when people are heading to school. It makes no sense."

City officials will visit tribal leaders in person to get input on relocating the statue.