Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Frank Allen, a local chef, uses his cooking skills to supply meals to Cape Girardeau residents and support a ministry overseas.

He began his effort in 2017 and now delivers meals frequently with help from his girlfriend and friends.

Ameren Missouri is urging customers to apply for energy assistance programs that offer up to $600 per year and include over $1.5 million in available funds — LIHEAP applications are accepted through May 31 to help households manage energy costs during the seasonal shift.

Southern Illinois organizations, including SIH (Southern Illinois Healthcare) and community partners, have launched an online platform called FindHelp Southern Illinois to help locals find services by entering their zip code; the tool lists options such as transportation, food pantries, daycare, and more.

AAA said Missouri's average regular unleaded price is now $3.38 per gallon, up 26 cents from last week with St. Louis drivers paying $3.62 and Joplin the least at $3.15.

AAA links the increase to rising crude oil prices amid Middle East conflict and advises drivers to adopt fuel-saving measures.

MDC asks landowners to check for signs of sand prairie habitat today by looking for prickly pear cactus, splitbeard bluestem, or jointweed in southeast Missouri.

Officials will offer technical and financial help through the Sand Prairie Restoration Program (fewer than 2,000 acres remain) if species are found.

Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is hosting a mass casualty training exercise today to give students and emergency responders real-world experience, so residents may notice more ambulances, police and EMS vehicles.

Officials say the exercise aims to improve coordination during future emergencies.

MoDOT crews will restrict northbound Route 67 to one lane from CR 209 to CR 302 near Coldwater from Apr.

6 to Apr. 10, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and I-55 in New Madrid County will limit traffic on Apr. 1, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jackson officials reminded residents not to place yard waste on streets or in storm drains (a violation that can cause flooding and reduce road traction) and urged the use of free curbside pickups and recycling center drop-offs.

Today, March Madness kicks off in Cape Girardeau as college basketball games — featuring early upsets — spark local excitement.

Century Casino’s sportsbook sees strong visitor interest as betting trends forecast record engagement throughout the tournament.

Sportsplex Blast March Madness

March 28-29 — Cape Girardeau SportsPlex — Check website for details — Exciting youth basketball tournament featuring various age groups and skill levels.

Educational Hair Show with Sam Villa and Anna Peters

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau — Lunch provided — Experience an engaging hair show with insights from industry experts Sam Villa and Anna Peters.

Morehead State Eagles vs Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Baseball

1-2 p.m. — Capaha Park — Secure your seats — Feel the thrill of collegiate baseball action with the Morehead State Eagles facing off against the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.

Legally Blonde The Musical

2-6 p.m. — Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall — Tickets starting at $95 — Experience the vibrant and playful journey of Legally Blonde live on stage.

Stitch & Listen Gathering

6-8 p.m. — Cape Girardeau Public Library — Registration appreciated — Stitch and listen to your favorite audiobooks with fellow fiber arts lovers.