Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Two Ameren Missouri utility workers reunited with Sparks — the stray dog they rescued near their work site this summer — after months of veterinary care by Stray Rescue, marking his full recovery.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department collects new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Toys for Tots Southeast Missouri campaign until Dec.

10 at its lobby on Maria Louise Lane. Community members can help brighten a child's holiday by donating one toy + spreading local Christmas cheer.

South Side Farms' executive director Maurice Theriot received a $200,000 award from the Missouri Foundation for Health to boost food outreach on Cape Girardeau's south side.

The unrestricted funds will help restore access to healthy food in an area that lost its last grocery store.

Downtown Cape Girardeau is bustling today as parking is restricted from 5 a.m. for the homecoming parade at 9:30 a.m. — Spanish Street is closed for the Cape Riverfront Market until noon and again for the Muddy River Makers Market from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.— residents are urged to drive carefully.

Southeast Missouri State University earned Gold Military Friendly School recognition for the fourth year in a row and was named a Military Spouse Friendly School.

The awards honor its commitment to supporting military members and families through academic, career and financial resources.

Pets and Petals Boo Bash will return to the Show Me Center on Saturday, Oct.

24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with trick-or-treating, games, vendors, food and contests; admission is $5 with free entry for children age 6 and under—donate pet supplies for a giveaway.