Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center will open on May 23 with hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and summer programs will start on May 26.

City officials said new security measures, including metal detectors + a clear bag policy, will be enforced.

Marion will host the Flight #16 Welcome Home Celebration on Monday, May 18 at 5 p.m. at the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois to honor 88 veterans returning from a D.C. trip (food trucks, live entertainment, and kids’ activities will be part of the event with free shuttle service available).

Rapper Rick Ross will headline the Missouri State Fair concert with Ying Yang Twins, Twista, and Murphy Lee.

The show is set for 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 21 at the State Fair Grandstand, with presale tickets on May 12 + public sales on May 19.

Trucking companies have added surcharges as Missouri diesel prices hit $5.22 a gallon while Cape Girardeau public works increases solid waste fees when prices exceed $3.75, leaving smaller operators worried about covering higher fuel costs.

Rising jet fuel prices have pushed Contour Airlines to raise fares and add baggage fees at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, where new Pensacola flights will launch on Wednesday (airport manager Jojo Stuart said travelers are staying alert to fare changes).

River Radio in partnership with EBO MD will host a free Teacher Appreciation Event on May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at AC Brase Arena to honor educators and staff with food + drinks, door prizes, and a $500 classroom supplies award; RSVP by phone or email.

Southeast Missouri State University will host two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 9 at the Show Me Center to honor 1,150 graduates.

One event is set for 10 a.m. for business and science programs while another begins at 2 p.m. for arts and education (honors graduates included).

Students at Eagle Ridge Christian School welcomed firefighters from Cape Girardeau Fire Department during a preschool show-and-share event this week.

The visiting team brought a Dalmatian (a symbol of fire service traditions) and school officials thanked the firefighters for engaging with the children.

Peregrine falcon chicks hatched in Franklin County on Monday as Ameren Missouri, World Bird Sanctuary, and the Missouri Department of Conservation advance a conservation effort, and the public can watch live via the Falcon Cam (7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through June) as the chicks prepare to fly.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has expanded its Sponsor-A-Highway program statewide, letting residents, business owners and community groups sponsor one-mile road sections to reduce roadside litter.

Each section will be cleaned monthly and display sponsor names (boosting highway upkeep).

Late last week, two bridge paving projects were completed when KY 2123 reopened Friday and Furches Trail Road reopened Thursday in nearby counties.

KY 1203 remains closed until May 6 and Route FF will have a lane restriction from May 11 through June 12 (weather permitting).

Animal advocates are debating the federal Puppy Protection Act - a bill that would require routine vet care, daily socialization and limits on breeding for dogs in licensed facilities.

They warn that enforcement issues remain, as unlicensed backyard breeders may continue to operate.

Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles vs. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Baseball

1-2 p.m. — Capaha Park — Secure your seats — Feel the thrill of college baseball with the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles taking on the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.

Cape Catfish vs. Thrillville Thrillbillies Game

6:35-9:35 p.m. — Capaha Field (SEMO Baseball) — Ticket prices vary — Kick off the weekend with a competitive game against the Thrillbillies from Marion, Illinois.

Cape Catfish vs Alton River Dragons

6:35-8:35 p.m. — Capaha Field (SEMO Baseball) — $25 buckets of beer — The Catfish aim to maintain dominance over the River Dragons on Thirsty Thursday.