Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

After a fire Monday amid extreme heat, the Essex Fire Department thanked local emergency personnel including teams from Dexter, Bloomfield, Advance, Bernie, Morehouse, and Stoddard agencies (noting their teamwork) for their hard work.

It urged responders and residents to stay safe and remain hydrated.

The VFW Post 3838 Auxiliary assembled 100 care packages for homeless veterans this week and delivered them to the John J.

Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff — a community effort by 17 volunteers and one child.

A SEMO graduate student turned his first-place hackathon project into TrustFall, an AI tool that scans texts, emails, links and screenshots to spot online scams.

Developed during an April hackathon with faculty support, TrustFall is online and will expand soon.

On Tuesday morning, June 30, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 2.3 magnitude earthquake in southeast Missouri (about 3.9 miles east-northeast of Steele) with a depth of nearly 5 miles.

Missouri hunters can apply online today for over 140 managed deer hunts (including 14 draws in Cape Girardeau) until July 31.

The department uses a random drawing to select applicants who will later receive maps, hunt details and a mandatory pre-hunt orientation on Oct. 3.

Construction on the Cape Rock Drive sidewalk project will begin on July 6 in Cape Girardeau, with contractors working near the Kingshighway intersection and lanes narrowed for traffic safety + Phase 1 extends to Brookwood Drive and is set to finish by late October.

After Friday's flash flood stranded cars and prompted rescues, Cape Girardeau Public Works inspected the drainage system to check for blockages — officials advised residents to keep runoff areas clear during lawn care.

The American Red Cross is urging residents to take heat safety steps as dangerous temperatures are forecast during July Fourth week.

The organization advises staying hydrated, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and seeking cool indoor spaces to prevent heat-related illness.

Experts advise local pet owners to bring pets indoors or provide consistent shade and water during the peak heat.

Diane Daugherty (President of St. Francis Care) noted that signs such as unusual panting, red or pale gums, and lethargy mean it’s time to visit a vet.

Licensed esthetician Rae-Ann Lance advises Cape Girardeau families today to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before outdoor play and reapply it every two hours to guard against harmful UV rays in rising summer heat.

Experts from Rural Health Inc advise Cape Girardeau residents to stay hydrated and check for heat-related signs like dizziness, nausea, and headaches as temperatures rise above the 90s.

They urge keeping an eye on vulnerable neighbors & seeking shade or a cooler spot when necessary.

Scott County Health Department warns residents of heat illness risk as dangerous heat sweeps Missouri over the next several days.

Officials advise people—especially those outdoors—to stay hydrated, rest in cool places (and call 911 if symptoms of heat stroke occur).

The PORCH Initiative received a $15,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation to expand its homeownership programs in South Cape Girardeau, and the nonprofit will use the funds for homeowner education, financial readiness, and mentorship that will serve up to 90 residents.

Jackson Rockabillys vs Cape Catfish

6:35 – 8:35 PM — Capaha Field (SEMO Baseball) — Free entry — Celebrate the return from the All-Star break with a fun game and giveaways for the fans.

Jackson Rockabillys at Cape Catfish

6:35-8:35 p.m. — Capaha Field — Enjoy some Friday night baseball with special gifts from local sponsors.

O'Fallon Hoots vs Cape Catfish Baseball Game

4:05 – 6:05 PM — Capaha Field — Tickets required — Catch the excitement of the MRV Banks Show Me Slugfest with the Hoots taking on the Catfish.

Jackson Rockabillys Face Off Against Cape Catfish

6:35 – 8:35 PM — Capaha Field (SEMO Baseball) — Free entry — Celebrate the final Bark in the Park with the Jackson Tribe baseball program at Capaha Field.

Danville Dans vs Cape Catfish: Throwback Jersey Night

6:35-8:35 p.m. — Capaha Field — $ — Celebrate nostalgia with the Catfish in their throwback jerseys from the 2021 championship.

Cape Catfish vs Dubois County Bombers

4:05 – 6:05 PM — Capaha Field — Tickets available — Catch the last Sunday game of the season as the Bombers face off against the Catfish.

Camp Playmo: Pirate Adventure Week

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — A C Brase Arena — Child care available — Join a fun-filled week of adventure for kids ages 6-12 at Camp Playmo.

Cape Catfish vs O'Fallon Hoots Doubleheader

5:35-10:35 p.m. — Capaha Field — Ticket prices vary — Don't miss the final showdown of the summer as the Catfish take on the Hoots in an exciting doubleheader.

Dubois County Bombers at Cape Catfish

6:35 – 8:35 p.m. — Capaha Field — Ticket prices vary — The Bombers aim for victory in their final summer visit as the Catfish eye postseason success.