Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

The Cape Girardeau Public Library has removed overdue fines to help families access books and resources without fear of charges.

Library Director Katie Earnhart said the change removes financial barriers and encourages community use of the library.

SEMO Food Bank in Sikeston is hosting two donation challenges this September to help feed thousands of families, with rice farmers donating 12,000 pounds on Tuesday, Sept.

1 (local proclamations urge community participation).

Grace Coffee & Cafe opened inside Hope Lutheran Ministries with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that launched a renovated space for coffee, study, and meeting spots — inviting neighbors to connect as Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce joined the event.

Cape Chamber Women’s Network will host its fourth annual Women in Business celebration on Sept.

18 at Drury Plaza Hotel Conference Center. Doors will open at 10:15 a.m. + local leaders will join keynote speaker Amy Phillips to discuss business and leadership.

MoDOT is hosting its 23rd annual bridge building contest this fall for high school juniors and seniors in the Southeast District.

Free kits will be mailed the week of Sept. 14 and bridges will be tested on Thursday, Nov. 5 at Southeast Missouri State University + cash prizes and scholarships will be awarded.

Students at SEMO are concerned after an email announced a planned power outage during Labor Day weekend due to repairs following a wildlife incident, which will cut AC, water and Wi-Fi.

Backup generators and shuttle services + campus activities are scheduled to help students during the four-hour outage.

Kids & teens up to 18 are invited to design new library cards for Cape Girardeau Public Library.

A drop-in program runs Friday, Sept. 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with winning designs featured on cards to be issued Sept. 30.

Nell Holcomb R-IV teacher Katrina Shelton (working with at-risk readers) said early literacy is key to building language skills and improving reading scores after the pandemic.

Communities honor Dolly Parton eight days after her death with millions of books given through her Imagination Library program.

Ameren Missouri will start work on North Pacific Street near the Broadway intersection and move north to College Hill starting Sept.

8 plus drivers will face one-lane traffic with periodic closures until about Oct. 13 while the project connects with updates at Southeast Missouri State University.