Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Lutheran Family and Children's Services in Cape Girardeau is hosting a Labor Day raffle that offers a $1,300 backyard package including a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, a cornhole set, cooler, tiki torches, Bluetooth speaker and handmade quilt—tickets are $25 each with discounts available and the winner will be drawn on Aug. 27 to support critical family services in southeast Missouri.

Old Town Cape Inc. earned three awards from Missouri Main Street Connection for redeveloping the Buckner-Ragsdale Event Center, recruiting businesses that reduced downtown vacancy to 20%, and creating a 1,000-square-foot community garden that supplies fresh herbs to local food banks and restaurants—recognitions announced at Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference in St. Charles.

Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded yesterday to a boat taking on water in the Mississippi River — two people were on board and the cause remains unclear.

Kijan Watts was arrested in Cape Girardeau for starting an apartment fire on August 3rd by piling items, pouring vegetable oil, and lighting a match in the living room—he said he did it to force his eviction while he was on probation for arson.

Mercy Health Foundation Southeast awarded over $23,000 in scholarships to 23 southeast Missouri health care students at the Scholarship Awards Luncheon on August 1 at the Jackson Civic Center—students from local colleges and universities were recognized for their achievements.

The City of Jackson will begin a sidewalk installation project on East Main Street on Aug.

18 that will cause periodic partial lane closures until Nov. 18 between Bellevue Street and Shawnee Boulevard, with one lane remaining open for traffic. The project will include grading, retaining walls, handicap ramps, crosswalks and a new concrete sidewalk—traffic control measures with signage and flaggers will assist drivers and pedestrians.

Voters in Cape Girardeau approved a temporary raise in the water and sewer rate cap—from 5% to 15%—with more than 4,300 ballots cast and 58% in favor.

City officials say the extra funds will expand the Cape Rock Water Treatment Plant, increase water production, and strengthen supply during peak times.

Gov. Mike Kehoe visited southeast Missouri on Tuesday to attend events at the Fisher Delta Research—Extension and Education Center in Portageville where he spoke at the Field Day appreciation breakfast.

The center hosted the 2025 Ag Research Expo to showcase advances in crop research, including studies on rice, cotton, corn, soybeans and soil.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released its annual report on the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis programs covering Dec.

1, 2023 to Nov. 30, 2024. The report details activities such as completing microbusiness applications, verifying license eligibility, and launching a licensee collaborative — all measures to protect patient and consumer safety.

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.

Tunes at Twilight

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Ivers Square Gazebo — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Doug Deming and The Jewel Tones along with food trucks and fun activities.