Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

United Way of Southeast Mo. held a ribbon cutting on April 25 at 3:45 p.m. at 16 N.

Spanish Street in Cape Girardeau—leaders hosted a free family street party from 4 to 6.

Volunteers will join the ROC the Block cleanup on April 28 as work begins at 8:15 a.m. at CPSEMO’s building (40 S.

Sprigg St.) where they will pick up trash, clear brush and plant flowers. An after party with live rock music by Platinum Rock Legends will follow in the afternoon.

Community members gathered at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau for a memorial mass service to honor Pope Francis—with songs, scripture readings, and a message from Bishop Edward Rice promising to continue the pope’s legacy through works like the food pantry—and his coffin was sealed on April 25th—one day before his planned burial following the funeral.

A Welcome Home celebration will be held at the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois on May 6 for 89 veterans returning from a Washington D.C. trip—food, entertainment, and a kid’s zone are planned and the veterans will arrive at 8:45 p.m. for a ceremony; parking is limited so attendees are encouraged to use a park-and-ride service from Sam’s Club/Cornerstone Church.

Gaming Grounds, a downtown Cape Girardeau video game shop, reopened its doors on April 25 after an April 2 tornado caused major damage—removing 30% of the roof and collapsing the ceiling.

Owner Shannon Young said the store now looks different and work continues on repairs as the community shows strong support.

Police responded at about 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday to a report of shots fired in the 900-block of Jefferson Street and found gunfire that damaged two residences and one vehicle — the suspects fled before officers arrived and remain at large.

codefi and efactory were awarded a $2.94 million federal grant to expand technical assistance programs for small businesses—programs coordinated by Missouri State University’s efactory and codefi’s Foundation on Rural Innovation are set to launch in the next 8-10 weeks after a competitive selection process. The expanded network is expected to serve 500 entrepreneurs, launch 50 new businesses, create 200 jobs, and generate $20 million in new capital investment.

Today, the Cape Girardeau Police Department sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to help residents safely remove unwanted pills.

The program collects 600 to 800 pounds of pills each year — it is held for the last time as DEA sponsorship ends and drop-offs are accepted until April 27.

Today, the Cape Girardeau Police Department is promoting its Take Me Home program to help quickly return lost residents with cognitive disabilities to their families.

The voluntary program lets caregivers register loved ones through a secure online form so officers can safely reunite individuals when they are found.

Ultimate Flooring & Finishes Open House

Ultimate Flooring & Finishes is hosting an open house at their Cape Girardeau location to celebrate their new branding. Casual vibe, light refreshments, Cape Chamber ribbon-cutting at 4 pm.

Muddy River Marathon

6 AM – 12 PM — Missouri Running Co. — Registration required — Experience a scenic run through Cape Girardeau's historic landmarks.