Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

A free conference for men, Be That Man, is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb.

14 in Cape Girardeau (its location will be confirmed later due to severe winter weather). It will feature local pastors and former New Orleans Saints player Keno Hills.

United Way of Southeast Missouri has received a transportation grant from United Way Worldwide to expand its United We Work program.

The grant will provide 250 free rides to job interviews, linking job seekers with employment opportunities in Cape Girardeau (partners include Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority and Healthy Blue).

AAA Missouri advises drivers to keep their tanks at least half full amid winter storms to avoid being stranded & maintain warmth if help is delayed.

Gas prices average $2.49 per gallon statewide, with St. Louis at $2.62 and Joplin at $2.37.

Notre Dame Regional High School held a prayer observance Wednesday during theology class; students gathered in the gym to symbolically march while praying a Pro-Life Rosary (a sign of solidarity with the dignity of human life).

Firefighters in Cape Girardeau are preparing for winter weather by readying equipment (including on-spot chains) as rising storms may slow response times.

Fire Chief Randy Morris urges residents to stay off the roads to help public works clear them.

City of Jackson activated its Winter Operations and Emergency Response Plan ahead of an expected winter storm set to impact the area Saturday morning.

Public Works crews have begun pretreating roads with salt brine + will deploy snowplows using a tiered clearance plan to keep essential routes clear.

Local health officials warn that winter chores like snow shoveling may trigger heart attacks and advise using gradual pacing and proper technique (as recommended by the American Heart Association), while urging parents to ensure children are bundled against hypothermia.

Rural Health Inc. is promoting heart health during American Heart Month by urging community members to talk with health care providers, schedule screenings, and wear red on Feb.

6 to support women's heart health; appointments can be made by calling (618-833-4471).