Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Cape Girardeau officers and K-9 visited St. Francis Medical Center on Wednesday after patient Madelyn Bandermann invited them to share Christmas cheer.

Officers met with patients, families + staff while Santa helped boost the festive spirit.

United Way of Southeast Missouri opened the United for Childcare Resource Center on Nov.

19 at 16 N. Spanish Street. The center, aimed at helping at least 150 families secure childcare and support local providers, also assists employers with the Child Care Works program (currently hiring additional staff).

After a shipping delay left 89 wreaths short for Saturday’s Wreaths Across America ceremony at Bloomfield National Cemetery, local businesses and veterans groups worked quickly (with handmade and donated contributions) to fill the gap; the wreaths will be delivered Friday for volunteer placement on the day of the event.

The public will soon see a bench honoring fallen DPS officer Henry Franklin (killed in October) in Veterans Park after the Sikeston Veterans Park Committee, DPS and a local nursery laid its base on Wednesday, Dec.

10 using donated materials from area businesses.

The Southeast Hospital School of Nursing received a $150K grant to expand clinical placements and upgrade its simulation lab for training nursing students in Cape Girardeau (state funding targets improved local healthcare).

MDC and OLT acquired an 80-acre property near Perryville to restore natural habitat and protect the endangered grotto sculpin and Moore Cave system’s recharge zone (including eight sinkholes serving as a key entrance) with support from USFWS and conservation partners.

U.S. officials approved SNAP food-choice waivers for six states, including Missouri, that will let families buy healthier foods when they go into effect in 2026.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said the plan aims to support nutrition and boost the state’s agricultural industry.

Today, the Red Cross urged Cape Girardeau families to follow holiday cooking and decorating safety tips by monitoring kitchens, inspecting appliances, and testing smoke alarms (including practicing a fire escape plan) to reduce the risk of deadly home fires.

The group said quick steps can help protect loved ones.

On the busy holiday season, licensed therapist Erin Randol advises parents to ease stress by using quick responses plus creative distractions during family gatherings and by setting new traditions when old routines cause anxiety.

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.