Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

SEMO Food Bank sees growing community support during Hunger Action Month as Cape Girardeau businesses and volunteers host food drives, fundraisers, and donation challenges.

The food bank will hold a golf tournament on Sept. 21 and Hunger Action Day is set for Sept. 29 (pantries remain open despite heat).

Two nonprofits in southeast Mo received a combined $74,490 in Taco Bell Foundation grants; the Boys and Girls Club secured $66K (Summer Camp) and Junior Achievement got $8,490 (Career Readiness) funding.

After a 2021 fire destroyed its former meetinghouse, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is opening its new stake center at 4450 LaSalle Ave in Cape Girardeau.

The center hosts an open house today from 3 to 6 p.m. and a dedication Saturday (2 p.m.) before Sunday worship.

Heartland artists are finishing a 360-ft mural near Century Casino and Hotel along the Mississippi Riverfront that shows 43 themed images celebrating Cape Girardeau's manufacturing past (from the 1800s to early 1900s), a project underway since May.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center today to review its career training programs.

She enjoyed a lunch prepared by Culinary Arts students (chef Yount) and toured the Construction, Automotive, Electrical and Welding training facilities.

Southeast Missouri State University will host Homecoming with tailgating, parades and football.

The celebration starts with a kickoff breakfast on Monday, Oct. 12 at Kem Hall + continues on Saturday, Oct. 17 with an alumni reunion, parade on Broadway and the game at Houck Field.

Cape Girardeau Public Safety Communications officials said the 911 operator shortage has strained local dispatch centers since 2020 due to high stress and long shifts.

They noted that addressing staffing challenges is a priority to support the vital work behind the scenes.

The VA is awarding over $17.1 million to 17 Missouri organizations to help veterans facing housing challenges in fiscal 2027 & the grants will fund transitional housing and supportive service centers.

Ameren Missouri warns Cape Girardeau and Dexter customers about scam calls falsely claiming to be from the utility company.

Customers should not share personal information or payment details and are urged to contact Ameren directly at 800-552-7583.