Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

At Cape Girardeau Walmart, dozens of local children paired with first responders for the Shop with a Hero Program on November 2—children enjoyed a morning of Christmas shopping as officers, firefighters, and EMS from several counties joined to help them pick out gifts.

Officials said the event spread holiday joy and allowed kids to share their excitement by picking items like bikes and toys.

South Side Farms in Cape Girardeau has received up to $50,000 from the state’s Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant Program to help grow food year-round.

Executive director Maurice Terio said the 7-acre farm will upgrade its structures in the new year—aiming to raise production from 6,000 to 15,000 pounds and plan a future cafe and grocery store.

Scott City Elementary reported a ceiling heater overheating on Tuesday, which led staff to call the fire department and prompt a safety check; emergency crews confirmed there was no fire—officials said seasonal temperature changes can cause such issues and all students remained safe.

Southeast Missouri State University will hold two commencement ceremonies on December 13 at the Show Me Center to honor 708 graduates, with the first ceremony at 10 a.m. for the Harrison College of Business and Computing and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The second ceremony at 2 p.m. for the Holland College of Arts and Media, the College of Education, Health and Human Studies and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences will feature a keynote address by Saint Francis Healthcare System President and CEO Justin Davison—he will speak at both events.

The Missouri Veterans Commission will host Wreaths Across America at several cemeteries including Bloomfield Veterans Cemetery.

The ceremony will honor veterans and will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13—bringing a quiet tribute to local heroes.

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.

SEMO Women's Basketball vs. William Woods

11 a.m. — Show Me Center — Tickets available — Watch the SEMO Women's Basketball team take on William Woods in a thrilling matchup.