Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Fruitland Area Firefighters and local organizations will host a free Back to School Bash on August 10 from 2–6 p.m. at Cape County Cowboy Church at 220 Orchid Lane—activities include school bus safety information, fire truck tours, meeting Marshal the Fire Dog, and fun attractions—to help families and students prepare for the new school year.

Saluna, a startup from St. Louis, is testing hemp as a sustainable crop in Southeast Missouri today.

The company works with Southeast Missouri State University's Sikeston Campus and local farmer Jeff Limbaugh to trial varieties for oil production — aiming to reduce fossil fuel reliance.

Two former financial advisors from a Perryville business that closed in April will plead guilty in federal court at 11 a.m. on August 15 at the Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau—attorneys confirmed a plea deal while clients have been alerted to attend the hearing.

On August 19, the Missouri Job Center at SEMO will host a free job fair and resume event at Catapult SEMO on Broadway (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) where job seekers can meet local employers, get professional headshots, and receive help with their resumes; online registration is required.

The Class of 1979 donated a pavilion to St. Vincent Catholic Schools to honor teachers who taught the values of St. Vincent de Paul.

Members including Jim Wengert, Lulu Pingel, Julie Blandford, Sandy Paulus, Patty Wengert, Dean Elder & Alan Lankford visited the pavilion during the Seminary Picnic weekend.

Cape Girardeau officials plan water system improvements after voters approved an increase to the annual water rate cap.

The city will expand its water treatment plant and repair aging water mains with design underway and construction set to begin within the next year—public works director Casey Brunke said the rate change will cost households using 5,000 gallons about $4.71 more—ensuring a reliable water supply as the city grows.

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.