Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Jackson and Old Town Cape Inc. received awards from Missouri Main Street Connection Inc. for their work in historic preservation & revitalization, and the Buckner-Ragsdale Event Center in Cape Girardeau earned an award for its $4.5 million redevelopment.

Safe House of Southeast Missouri will host its annual luncheon and awards ceremony on Aug.

28 at the Century Casino Cape Girardeau at 11:30 a.m. The event will honor volunteers, partners, donors and staff and present awards to Steve Southard, Layton and Southard and First State Community Bank Jackson Branch while tickets cost $30 per person or $280 for a table with RSVPs due by Aug. 22.

Saint Francis Foundation and Saint Francis Auxiliary awarded 23 scholarships—each worth $2,000—to students pursuing healthcare careers during a recognition luncheon on July 25 in Cape Girardeau.

The scholarship program, established in 1980, supports recipients who meet academic and residency criteria within the Saint Francis service area.

The City of Jackson approved a $15,000 task order with Dille Pollard LLC to plan a potential expansion of its Civic Center— a facility used for community events and as a tornado safe room.

Officials said they will gather more information over the next four to six weeks to guide the future expansion.

On September 6, the Missouri Department of Conservation will host a 13-mile canoe and kayak float on the Mississippi River that begins at Trail of Tears State Park, stops for lunch on a sandbar, and ends at Red Star Access—participants with at least one year of paddling experience must attend a safety briefing on September 5 from 6:00—7:30 p.m. at the Conservation Nature Center and bring personal flotation devices, water, sunscreen, water shoes, and snacks—flip flops are not allowed.

Craft Activity for All Ages

2-3 p.m. — Riverside Regional Library — Free entry — Be creative with craft activities suitable for everyone at the Benton Branch.

Toddler Hour

2-3 p.m. — Oran Branch Library — Free entry — Come get colorful with stories and crafts for ages 0-5.