Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Jaclyn Sexauer from Heart of Missouri was crowned Miss Missouri Volunteer 2026 on Jan.

3 at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center and earned $11,200 in scholarships — she will serve as a statewide ambassador for service and wellness and advance to compete at Miss Volunteer America in June.

A new riverfront shelter is completed in Walker Park thanks to a Rotary grant and volunteer work (Rotary District 6060 Community Assistance Program).

The Parks & Recreation Department plans to add parking and a new path from East Cape Rock Drive to the overlook.

Downtown Cape Girardeau gains new energy as the remodeled Esquire Theater now hosts Pluck Boutique, House of CAYA, and Hip Hop Dance Studios while Main Street adds apartments to the old Broussard’s building - more upgrades are planned.

Online threats disrupted operations on Monday at Murray State and SEMO, forcing campus police to close key buildings and evacuate libraries until authorities confirmed there was no credible threat; classes resumed today.

East Prairie filmmaker Lawson Thresher will premiere his comedy short The Not-So-Great Outdoorsmen on Jan.

31 at Marcus Cape West Cinema. Tickets cost $10 and are available now by calling Leslie Bruner-Thresher at 573-450-8786.

RAD Studios in Cape Girardeau is hosting youth auditions for its spring production of Austin Zumbro's "The Rainbow Fish Musical" on Tuesday, Jan.

20 and Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church at 235 Broadway for performers ages eight to 18.

Leopold R-III School District named Dana Beussink as its next superintendent effective July 1.

The current K-12 principal (a longtime educator and alumna) will replace Matt Britt.

Notre Dame Regional High School will host its Blue & White Gala on Saturday, Mar.

14 from 5 to 11 p.m. at Drury Plaza Convention Center to celebrate 100 years of Catholic education (including dinner, dancing, live music, auctions and anniversary celebrations that support school operations and student activities).

Perry County School District 32 mourns longtime teacher, coach and bus driver Billy Pickle for his impact on students and colleagues — his legacy continues with the annual Coach Pickle Award at Perryville High School.

Perry County officials are mourning longtime assessor Larry White, who served over two decades with dedication and fairness — county leaders extended condolences to his family and colleagues.

The SEMO Food Bank’s Prescription Produce Program is open for anyone aged 18+ facing hunger and is available at two pick-up locations (Jackson and Sikeston) with prescriptions provided by Mercy Healthcare doctors through a survey.

The program is funded by a Gus Schumacher nutrition grant and lasts one year.

Cape Girardeau Roller Derby is hosting its first recruitment event on January 26 at AC Brase Arena Building.

Adults 18+ should arrive at 6:30 p.m. and bring a boil-and-bite mouthguard (no skating experience is needed as training will be provided) with limited loaner skates available on a first-come basis.

When Pigs Fly Indoor BBQ Bash

10 AM — Show Me Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fun-filled BBQ bash in Cape Girardeau.