Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

The Shawnee District of Greater St. Louis Area Scouting will host the First Annual Pintwood Derby on Oct 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Roost Market in Cape Girardeau—an adults-only event that features wooden car races, local food and drinks, and interactive youth activities to support scouting programs.

The Saint Francis Foundation will host its annual Color Dash 5K and Fun Walk at Arena Park on Saturday, Oct.

4, starting at 10 a.m.—the race will raise funds for the Dig for Life program that screens for lung, prostate, colon and breast cancers. Participants will pass eight color stations—where they will be splashed with a rainbow of hues.

The Fruitland Area Fire Protection District will dedicate a new Safe Haven Baby Box Tuesday at 7273 U.S. 61 in Jackson—offering a secure, anonymous option for parents in crisis.

Community partners led by the Jeremiah 29:11 Foundation made the project possible.

Earlier today, Ameren Missouri donated more than $25k to the Cape Area Community Foundation to aid Delta’s recovery after the tornado six months ago.

Delta Mayor Mary Jo Barlow said the funds will support park improvements—adding a walking trail and playground equipment—to help revitalize the town.

Federally funded programs remain secure through October despite the government shutdown, and families relying on WIC, Head Start and SNAP may face uncertainty in November.

Local officials say business as usual today and expect the shutdown to be resolved soon.

Two southeast Missouri veterans, Frank Robinson from Perryville and Roger Brooks Sherman from Sikeston, will be inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame on October 24 at 2 p.m. in the Rotunda at the State Capitol — the ceremony will honor their military service and community contributions and include honorary inductee General Maxwell Taylor.

Missouri hospitals trained with MU Health’s Mobile Clinical Simulator on Thursday — nurses at Lake Regional Hospital practiced handling respiratory illnesses as flu, cold, and RSV season began.

Health care providers from rural areas learned hands-on techniques behind a one-way mirror to prepare for real emergencies.

Karen Nothdorft, a Cape Girardeau mother and former nurse, battled breast cancer three times and had surgery in March—she now feels grateful for early mammograms and her husband’s support.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation says 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis.

Illinois has issued new COVID-19 guidelines that recommend all adults 18 and older get vaccinated and advise children with underlying risk factors or whose parents want them to receive the shot, including infants as young as six months.

Missouri will limit fall vaccinations to residents who are 65 or older or have underlying conditions—those who do not qualify should consult their physicians about eligibility.

Color Dash 5K and Fun Walk

10 a.m. — Arena Park — Register by September 12 for discounted entry — Participate in a colorful 5K run supporting cancer screenings.

The Next Level Fundraiser

7-11 p.m. — Buckner-Ragsdale Event Center — Enjoy a night of music with local bands and DJs while supporting a vital community cause.

Charleston Southern Buccaneers at Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Football Game

1-2:30 p.m. — Houck Stadium — Catch the exciting football match as the SEMO Redhawks take on the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.