Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

SEMO Industrial Park in Scott City earned the first Platinum designation from the national REDI Sites program, confirming its readiness for new industrial investment.

The 380-acre site near Interstate 55 and the regional airport already hosts a 61,000 sqft Amazon facility (opened in 2025).

The Cape Girardeau County Historical Society will celebrate its 100th anniversary with its third annual Arts, Crafts & Music Festival on Saturday, Aug.

22. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jackson Civic Center — featuring arts demonstrations, live regional music, and food trucks.

Southeast Missouri State University hosts Fall move-in week as the marching band begins on Saturday, Aug.

25, and most students shift into the Towers on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A move-in bash is planned Thursday at Dempster Hall before classes start Monday, Aug. 24.

Jackson R-2 School District's summer projects are nearly finished as the $1.2 million roof at Jackson Middle School is 85% complete, the high school turf is 80% done, and a new accessible playground and sensory rooms have been installed — improvements set to enhance school facilities before the new term.

City officials say a sinkhole has formed in the south end of Boardman Parking Lot near the Meriwether Pump Station, and drivers should avoid the area + repairs are pending.

Crews blamed old stormwater leaks but offered no timeline for fixes; no homes or businesses are affected.

More than a year after the April 2025 tornado damaged its fire station, Delta Fire Protection District is preparing to rebuild at its current location (temporary equipment relocation is planned) as confirmed federal funding moves the project forward.

Fire Chief Randy Morris said firefighters left Station 1 on Monday, Aug.

17 when city officials ordered a shutdown after detecting mold issues, and engineers plus contractors are working on repairs. Officials expect test results within 48 hours to determine when the station can reopen.

As students return to classrooms today, local optometrist Dr. Alan Branson advises Cape Girardeau parents to schedule comprehensive eye exams for their children because early screenings may miss critical vision issues — vital to reaching 20/20 by age 10.