Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

KFVS12’s meteorologist Brian Alworth, who has served the local community for nearly 40 years, will retire next month with his final broadcast on September 19—he plans to focus on landscape photography after retirement.

Local businesses in downtown Cape Girardeau are hosting events to raise funds for survivors of the April tornado in Delta—flash art tattoos start at 11 a.m. on August 22 at Golden Eagle Tattoo, a music festival runs from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Ebb & Flow Fermentations, and a karaoke session is set for August 29 at Spectrum Record Lounge. Organizers aim to collect a few thousand dollars to help meet urgent needs like clothing and food.

Two SEMO graduates—Julie Hecht of Altenburg Public Schools and Ashley Gettinger of Bloomsdale Elementary in Ste.

Genevieve R-II—were named 2025 Regional Teachers of the Year by the Missouri Department of Elementary Education, and their principals praised their ability to inspire students.

Jackson High School launched its new Ignite CAPS program on Monday as 33 junior and senior students began hands-on learning at Saint Francis Healthcare, with 26 focusing on medicine, 4 on education and 3 on business.

The program—lasting through the school year with no cost to the district and featuring a dedicated classroom at the hospital—gives students real-world clinical training and academic credit.

Sgt. Vangennip resumed her role as School Resource Officer at Nell Holcomb School as the new academic year began—she expressed excitement after school administrators encouraged her return.

Citizens in Cape Girardeau County gathered on Thursday morning to voice concerns over a proposed homestead property tax freeze that commissioners had planned for the November ballot but may postpone to an April election to allow more time for review.

Local leaders warned the freeze could reduce funds for schools, libraries, fire departments, and public health — urging further discussion with taxing entities before any vote.

Cape Girardeau hosted a week-long training exercise where first responders from five states practiced using high-tech disaster response equipment—portable communication towers, emergency tents, and command centers designed to keep teams connected.

Richard J. Valenta said the training helps responders work together to save lives in a real crisis.

A power outage has affected about half of Jackson as electric crews work to restore service with no estimated time for repair.

City Hall phone lines are down—updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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.