Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

AAA says that leaving on Thanksgiving Day will face fewer cars on the road, while travelers leaving Tuesday should drive before noon and Wednesday before 11 a.m. to avoid heavy traffic, and the organization warns that returning Sunday carries a 65 percent higher crash risk.

KSP Post 1 has launched its 2025 Cram the Cruiser food drive and is accepting nonperishable food donations through Dec.

5 at its 8366 U.S. Highway 45 North location in Hickory — a collection event will be held at the Kroger in Murray on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meanwhile, the Graves County Sheriff’s Office collected 236 items from a drive at a Dollar General in Mayfield through Nov. 24 to support local food pantries for the holiday season.

The 40th Annual Scouting for Food Drive in southeast Missouri collected over 100,000 canned items in one week and will benefit more than 40 local pantries in 20 counties.

Bags with missed donations can be dropped off at the Ritter Scout Service Center on Gordonville Road—near Logan's Roadhouse and St. Francis Hospital—from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Saint Francis Healthcare System completed its 2025 Saint Elizabeth Food Drive by donating 160 boxes filled with food and hygiene items to households and groups such as Community Counseling Center and Catholic Charities — a move that helps support local families during Thanksgiving.

Local business Annie Laurie’s is stocked with goods and will give away gift bags to the first 25 customers on Small Business Saturday (to boost local sales), while Pastimes Antiques is preparing an open house on December 5 (featuring a live mannequin window display) to welcome busy shoppers.

Shawnee Community College announced the passing of Willie Eason—founder of the Mounds African American Museum—who worked closely with the college for many years on Black History Month and Juneteenth displays.

Landowners are invited by the Missouri Department of Conservation to attend a free prescribed burn workshop on Dec.

6th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Horton Farm Conservation Area—online registration with a required $25 virtual course must be completed and participants should wear long-sleeved shirts, natural fiber pants, leather gloves, safety glasses and closed-toe boots—to help ensure safety during the training.

The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a new large-load rate plan for Ameren Missouri customers who use at least 75 megawatts and must sign a 12-year contract with an optional five-year ramp period.

The plan, signed by Ameren Missouri, state staff and several industry groups, protects other customers by returning half of excess revenues to low-income users — ensuring large consumers pay their fair share.

The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas is urging families to follow fire safety tips when cooking for Thanksgiving—such as staying in the kitchen, using timers, and keeping flammable items away from heat—to help prevent home fires that account for nearly half of all such incidents nationwide.

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.