Good morning, Cape Girardeau.

Santa visited the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center’s Prison Nursery Program, delivering gifts beneath a 12-foot Christmas tree to nine mothers and ten babies as they celebrated their first holiday together.

Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary in Cape Girardeau is seeking gently used stuffed animals to keep local dogs active and mentally stimulated.

Residents with items to donate are encouraged to contact the sanctuary soon.

Madison County Fire Rescue reminded residents that burn permits from the Tennessee Division of Forestry are required after firefighters responded to seven brush fires in the past 24 hours, and officials urged careful burning + preparedness for dry, windy conditions to protect lives and property.

Volunteers from Student Santas will serve a free Christmas meal on Thursday, Dec.

25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Shawnee Park Center to support locals in need, with festive activities like pictures with Santa and children’s entertainment (toy requests must be postmarked by Dec. 1).

The Dorena-Hickman Ferry resumed service on Dec.

22 after over two weeks of low water closure and now runs its winter schedule (last departures are 4:15 p.m. from Kentucky and 4:30 p.m. from Missouri).

The Kellerman Foundation for Historic Preservation completed moving large cement statues on Friday+ they were set up at the Clark Kellerman House, Oliver Leming House and Kellerman Lorimier Hall.

Band, choir and science classes will return to the remodeled Perryville High School building on Monday, Jan.

5 as the district continues recovery from tornado damage. The shift lets Flex TC crews remove temporary classrooms from the bus parking lot near Pirate Stadium (and the temporary Learning Expo).

Applicants for SBA disaster recovery loans must apply by Feb.

20, 2026, for storm and flood damage from March 30 to April 8. The Cape Girardeau Public Library will host a disaster assistance resource event on Saturday, Jan. 3 (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.).

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.