Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

First State Community Bank will host a free back-to-school bash in partnership with the Saint Francis Foundation and Saint Francis Clinic Farmington on Aug.

12 from 5-7 p.m. at Saint Francis Clinic Farmington, 515 Maple Valley Drive—families with pre-kindergarten and elementary-age children will enjoy hot dogs, games, storytelling, activities, and free school supplies while supplies last.

The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas is seeking local disaster response volunteers and will host a training session on August 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its chapter office (20 S.

Mount Auburn Rd.) to prepare helpers for events like home fires, floods, and tornadoes with lunch provided.

Two 14-year-olds, Paris Duncan and James Ward, were reported missing after being last seen near W.

9th at 11:30 p.m.—Paris wore a yellow shirt with black shorts and James wore a dark shirt with black shorts—and authorities ask anyone with information to call 573-888-2409.

Jackson R-2 School District has adopted a color-coded system for guiding students on AI use in assignments - green permits brainstorming, yellow requires teacher permission for outlines, and red mandates work done solely by the student.

Assistant superintendent Janelle Pope said the new policy will help everyone use AI correctly and avoid cheating.

The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association is hosting a training session for jail administrators today in Cape Girardeau to cover HIPAA laws and medical documentation—aiming to improve safety and professionalism in jails across Missouri.

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce backed a proposal to amend the city charter so that utility rates may rise up to 15% to fund upgrades to the water system.

The chamber urged members to support the measure and will hold a Sept. 3 luncheon + featuring Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Renae Koehler from Mercy Primary Care said that back-to-school checkups help spot problems early even when children appear healthy.

The exams build a complete record of each child's health over time — checking the eyes, heart, lungs and joints.

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.