Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Yesterday a hunting rifle was found in the trunk of a staff member’s vehicle on campus at Perry County School District 32 + administration and the school resource officer immediately secured the firearm and turned it over to local law enforcement with no sign of a threat to students or staff.

The Festival of Lights returns for its 33rd year at Redman Creek East Campground on Wappapello Lake with a self-guided auto tour open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 28 to December 7 and nightly from December 12 to 27.

Admission is free and visitors must stay in their vehicles to see displays by local businesses while park rangers answer questions about future events—children receive candy canes and glow sticks and can vote for the best display.

Notre Dame Regional High School held its FFA Charter Ceremony last Monday to launch its new agricultural program with school president Parker Lemmons leading the event—state FFA representatives, advisory board members, parents, and students joined the celebration.

The ceremony awarded Greenhand Degree pins and installed new FFA officers while setting the stage for increased junior participation in shaping the program.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has warned drivers to stay alert as 73 million people are projected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving from November 25 to December 1.

State Highway Patrol Troop E will increase patrols on the busiest days, and officials advise drivers to check their vehicles and follow safety rules — such as avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits, and wearing seat belts—to help reduce accidents.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hannaway warned that kratom is dangerous due to deceptive marketing practices—Grateful Headz owner Madison Snyder removed the extract and powder from her shop amid growing consumer concerns.

Grandparents for Vaccines began in September to help fight the drop in childhood immunizations by connecting seniors with community clinics to share stories of life before modern vaccines.

Health officials say the program aims to correct false vaccine information—protecting children from diseases that may return.

Mercy Southeast has added nurse practitioner Lindsey Baumhoer to its cardiothoracic surgery team at Mercy Clinic Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery—Broadway in Cape Girardeau to increase access to heart and chest procedures.

Baumhoer, who built her career through extensive work at major hospitals, said she is excited to return home and serve the local community.

Century Casino in Cape Girardeau will host a launch party for BetMGM Sportsbook on November 30 where the first sports bet will be placed at midnight, and it will hold a Monday Night Football Watch Party on December 1 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.—a ribbon cutting is set for December 5 to begin a weekend of sports viewing.

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.

5th Annual Mary Mingle 5k

8 AM – 2 PM — Mary Jane bourbon + smokehouse — Registration required — Participate in a community-driven run and support a good cause.

Toys For Tots 24-Hour Drive

8 AM-8 PM — Schnucks Cape Girardeau — Donations appreciated — Help make a child’s holiday brighter with toys and cash contributions for local families in need.