Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Safe House of Southeast Missouri named Kim Dixon as its new executive director.

Dixon worked with the shelter for 15 years—beginning as a child advocate then serving as operations director—and the board expressed full confidence in her leadership to support survivors.

Two Heartland restaurants have started pay-it-forward meal programs so community members can choose any meal for $12, even if they cannot pay.

Cheesecake Ninja in Jackson reported 75 meals were paid forward this morning—while Pizza Pro in Scott City raised over $500 for its donation drive and will continue to accept contributions.

Schnucks is hosting a food drive in all 113 stores from October 30 to November 11 to help local food banks and pantries+ customers can donate shelf-stable non-perishables amid increased demand from the SNAP pause during the government shutdown.

Missouri drivers paid an average of $2.69 for regular unleaded gas—2 cents less than last week and 9 cents below last year—with Jefferson City at $2.83 and Joplin at $2.58.

AAA said lower crude oil costs and reduced demand may keep prices down through the busy Thanksgiving travel period.

The Jackson R-2 School Board approved a three-year contract with Student 365 to give students, staff, and young families free mental health therapy and 24/7 crisis support—funded entirely by a federal grant.

The board also reported a drop of 155 students, shifted $1.27 million in investments to a state-focused program, launched reading events at North Elementary, renewed its long-term mowing contract, and updated board policies.

Perryville High School received a $20,000 grant from Dollar General’s Yellow Glasses Project to replace books after a March 14 tornado destroyed 90 percent of its library collection.

Representatives visited the school Thursday—PHS Librarian Heather Baskin explained the funds will buy new books.

Three free Missouri Dept. of Conservation events will let locals enjoy the fall outdoors as a 6.5-mile hike at Hawn State Park runs November 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with transportation from the Cape Girardeau Nature Center.

On November 8, residents can join Birds + Brew at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge for birding basics and a Riverfront Cleanup at Riverfront Park where volunteers will receive free gloves, t-shirts, snacks and drinks.

A sanitary sewer main collapse near Shadow Wood Lane forced the closure of Hawthorne Road until further notice.

City workers are investigating the collapse—plans for repairs will follow soon.

At the October 22 meeting, the Board of Aldermen discussed the future of Jackson's pool and the park board voted to begin plans for a new facility in 2027, following a $14,000 engineering review from a Cape Girardeau firm.

They also approved $100,000 renovations for the 2026 season—steps that weigh the cost and risks of updating the 50-year-old pool versus building a modern replacement.

Missouri’s senior services suffered as centers closed and hours were cut during the federal shutdown, and Governor Mike Kehoe yesterday transferred $10.6 million to the Missouri Area of Agencies on Aging and $5 million to food banks—providing short-term help while long-term solutions are awaited. The funding aims to keep seniors fed and safe as the shutdown continues.

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.

Missouri State Bears vs. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Women's Basketball

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Show Me Center — Cost not specified — Experience an exciting women's basketball matchup between the Missouri State Lady Bears and the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks.

The Doubted Live with Unknown And Sailing & Eternal Embers

9 PM - 1 AM — Rude Dog Pub — Check for admission details — Experience a night of music from local talents on the banks of the Mississippi.

Crowder Concert with Zach Williams

1-8:30 p.m. — Show Me Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of uplifting music with Crowder and Zach Williams in concert.

Wome

The Zonta Club of Cape is proud to host the annual Women of Achievement Luncheon, a prestigious event dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of women in our community. This luncheon brings together influential leaders, community advocates, and supporters to honor the achievements and contributions of remarkable women who have made a significant impact in various fields.

Wome

The Zonta Club of Cape is proud to host the annual Women of Achievement Luncheon, a prestigious event dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of women in our community. This luncheon brings together influential leaders, community advocates, and supporters to honor the achievements and contributions of remarkable women who have made a significant impact in various fields.

River Valley Craft Club – 50th Annual Craft Fair

River Valley Craft Club – 50th Annual Craft Fair – Multiple Crafters and Vendors with lots of handmade crafts and unique items, Santa will be joining us both days so bring your children to get a picture with Santa. Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23 at the A C Brase Arena Building, 410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO, event times are Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.

HR Manager

Sub-Contract Installer 1099 Sub-Contract Experience with Installing Cabinets Own vehicle and tools Able to read tape measure and drawings Cummunication Skills