Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

After more than twenty years with SADI, executive director Donna Thompson is retiring and leaving behind expanded programs (including a pioneering driving school) and national recognition.

Ashley Blakey will take over the role to continue advancing services for residents.

A southeast Missouri family is near finalizing a childhood cancer awareness license plate that will fund research and support programs for families.

They need 93 more applications to reach 200 and are calling on community members to complete the Friends of Wyatt campaign.

Mike's Mowing and More owner Mike Ketcherside said rising gas prices are squeezing local lawn care businesses as spring begins.

He explained that if gas stays above 4 dollars a gallon, a small fuel surcharge may be added to service calls while his team shops for lower prices in Cape Girardeau.

Kate Cooper has been named the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri's new executive director (her murals are displayed around town), and the public will meet her at a special First Friday reception on May 1.

Local mechanic Matt Seyer from Seyers Garage in town shares simple maintenance and driving tips to help boost fuel efficiency as gas prices continue to climb.

He advises checking oil, tire pressure, and avoiding hard acceleration for better mileage.

A local certified financial planner advises residents to avoid common tax mistakes when filing 2025 returns by April 15; checking child tax credits, reporting all 1099 income correctly, adjusting cost basis, and securing an identity theft PIN will help avert penalties + protect refunds.

Cape Girardeau finished a $1.7M stormwater improvement project (replacing sidewalks, curbs, gutters and storm sewers) that upgraded drainage at Arena Park and nearby streets, with funding from a voter tax renewal and an American Rescue Plan grant.

Mercy Hospital Southeast named Dr. Joseph Hayes as its new chief medical officer as part of its effort to enhance care in the community; he brought leadership experience from SGMC Health (where he helped develop physician training programs) and earned recognition from the American College of Physicians.

SEMO’s Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment began expanding testing on April 1 by raising the age limit for using the EarliPoint eye-tracking system to 8 (it was limited to children up to 30 months).

Families need a professional referral to schedule an evaluation.

Jackson native Kaleb Green won the SCA Rib World Championship at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth after scoring 204.3 points in the international rib competition held March 12 to 15.

He used a new drum smoker from Smokin’ Brothers in Cape Girardeau, earning a championship ring plus $1,500.

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.

Jurassic Quest: Cape Girardeau

1 p.m. — Show Me Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the wonder of life-sized dinosaurs in an interactive setting for all ages.