Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Southeast Missouri State University's Sikeston campus is partnering with Saluna—a St. Louis-based tech startup that tests hemp as a sustainable crop alternative—to lease field space for seed trials and hire SEMO students for research.

The collaboration gives students practical training while providing Saluna access to a productive agricultural region.

Bell City R-2 School District announced it will offer a new preschool program for up to 20 four-year-olds in its elementary building for the 2025-2026 school year after the Head Start Center closed + the district will add a classroom for three-year-olds when building projects finish, with enrollment based on a first-come, first-served system.

SEMO has partnered with a Saluna tech start-up to use its Sikeston campus land for hemp research aimed at finding a renewable energy resource—SEMO students help with seed trials and the project seeks to revive a historic cash crop.

This collaboration is set to boost local agriculture and innovation.

A bear cub was spotted near the intersection of County Road 418 and N Highway outside Leopold today — residents are advised to keep a safe distance as a mother bear is likely nearby.

City Engineer Jake Garrad said drivers often bypass road closure barricades around construction sites, which creates dangerous conditions for both workers and residents — he added repairs on Lexington and Perryville roads will finish by the end of August.

This measure aims to keep the work zone safe during the construction process.

The Cape Girardeau City Council unanimously recommended that American Airlines offer six weekly round-trip flights to Dallas-Fort Worth and six to Chicago O’Hare at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport + airport manager JoJo Stuart said the new service may expand destination choices and help the airport become self-sustaining + the move depends on U.S. Department of Transportation approval as Contour Airlines' contract ends Oct. 1.

Mercy Southeast has expanded its gastroenterology services with the addition of Mimi Kingery, a physician assistant who joins the Mercy Clinic Gastroenterology team at 1723 Broadway, Suite 315 in Cape Girardeau — she will also provide care at Mercy Hospital Stoddard in Dexter.

Dr. Mark E. Farrenburg at Saint Francis Healthcare System now offers specialized care for complex epilepsy cases.

He manages anti-seizure medication regimens, local workup for epilepsy surgery, and neurostimulator treatments—plus he is available by phone or email for case discussions.

The Page Turners Book Club

6-8 p.m. — Cape Girardeau Public Library — Registration encouraged — Explore popular fiction and bring a snack to share.

Dad's Day Train Adventure

1-3 p.m. — St Louis Iron Mountain & Southern — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate Dads Day with a thrilling train ride and a playful encounter with the James Gang.

Breakthrough Essential Skills Basketball Camp

June 17-19 — Cape Girardeau SportsPlex — $97 fee for observing coaches — Focus on skill development for youth basketball players in grades 3 to 8.

Rick Faris Band Live at Port Cape

8 p.m. — Port Cape Girardeau Restaurant and Lounge — $20 at the door — Enjoy a lively performance from the Rick Faris Band in a great new venue.

Summer Slam 2025

8 a.m. - 8 p.m. — A C Brase Arena — Skater registration starts at $45 — Participate in scrimmages with individual skill levels and a chance to join the Main Event mixer!