Photos & Video

Wrestling teams from around Missouri convened at Jackson High School for the SEMO Conference Tournament Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 in Jackson.

Grill teams from seven states convened in Cape Girardeau for the "When Pigs Fly" indoor BBQ bash Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Scenes from the Bootheel Bluegrass Festival on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at the Bavarian Halle in Fruitland. The festival continues Saturday.

St. Louis Cardinals fans fill the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, for the Cardinals Caravan featuring Tyler O'Neill, Ryan Helsley, Andrew Knizner and Seth Elledge, as well as Cardinals alumni Rick Ankiel and Kerry Robinson.

The 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. humanitarian luncheon benefit was held Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, at the Shawnee Park Center in Cape Girardeau. The luncheon hosted featured speaker Rev. Charles Norris and garnered donations for local humanitarian relief groups.

Cape Girardeau saw its first official women's march Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Capaha Park. The march was inspired by the annual similar marches which began with the of the historic demonstrations held shortly after President Donald Trump was inaugurated in January 2017.

Keynote speaker Joan Lunden helped attendees celebrate during SoutheastHealth's annual Journey Gala Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at the Drury Plaza Conference Center in Cape Girardeau. The fourth-annual gala's theme was Soiree a Paris. Lunden, who was co-host of ABC's Good Morning, America, is also a breast cancer survivor.

Jackson defeated Cor Jesu Academy 56-39 at the Jackson Lady Indians Showcase on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Jackson.

Scenes from Dexter's 60-43 loss to Miller Career Academy during the Jackson Lady Indians Showcase on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Jackson.

Scenes from the March for Life on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, in Jackson.

The Notre Dame Bulldogs topped visiting Cor Jesu 61-42 Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.

Firefighters from the Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to a house fire Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at 600 S. Louis St. in Cape Girardeau.

Notre Dame steamrolled Sikeston for a final score of 63-32 Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.

Cape Central made it interesting in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell to a physically-imposing DeSmet squad 56-52 Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2019, at Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.

Cape Girardeau Central High School defeated Kelly in a girls basketball game Monday, Jan. 13, 2020, at Kelly High School in Benton, Missouri.

Multiple generations of dairy farmers in the Schoen family participate in the evening milking of about 250 cows Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, at at the family's farm near Oak Ridge, Missouri. The family began farming in Farmington, Missouri, in 1858 and has farmed in Oak Ridge since 1956, according to John Schoen.

The Redhawks went scoreless for the last 9 minutes of the game, giving Tennessee State the chance to claw their way back in and beat Southeast 75-73 Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks easily dispatched the Tennessee State Tigers 83-54 Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

In a battle of two "Indian" teams, it was Kennett who emerged victorious, topping the Jackson squad 50-47 Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, on Jackson's home court.

Oran defeated Meadow Heights 70-34 on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, at Oran High School in Oran, Missouri.

At Franklin Elementary, students are grouped into one of four "houses" as part of a program designed to foster leadership and teamwork among students. The "houses" convened for a special assembly to recognize outstanding achievement Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, at Franklin Elementary in Cape Girardeau.

Scenes from the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Friday, Jan. 10, 2019, at the Jackson Civic Center.

A Scott County Rural Fire Protection District firetruck crashed into a passenger vehicle and overturned into a creek while responding to a structure fire Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, on Kona Drive in Benton, Missouri.

The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks stayed close for most of the game, but eventually fell to the Belmont Bruins 45-57 Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The Delta Ladycats beat the Scott County Bravettes to win the Delta New Year's tournament Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, at Delta High School in Delta.

It was close through three quarters, but Delta pulled ahead late, emerging with a win over St. Vincent's 52-36 during the New Year's tournament Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, at Delta High School.

Scott County Central moved past Woodland to advance to the championship game of the New Year's Tournament Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, at Delta High School.

Oak Ridge and Meadow Heights went into overtime, but the Bluejays pulled away with the win during the New Year's Tournament Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, at Delta High School.

The Lady Bulldogs topped Oran 53-38 Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.

Southeast Missourian photojournalists share their best images from Dec. 2019.

Oran beat Woodland 70-25 Monday in boy's basketball action in Marble Hill, Mo.

After relocating from Cape Girardeau to Jackson in April of last year, St. John the Theologian Orthodox Church held its Great Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Hubble Creek on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in Jackson. In past years, the annual ceremony has been held at Riverfront Park.

Scenes from the STEM University event Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, on Southeast Missouri State University's campus in Cape Girardeau.

Scenes from the Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation Department's winter garage sale Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, at Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. Recreation coordinator Cassie Dennis said there were 1064 paid attendees at the event with money raised going into the department's general fund.

In a rematch of the championship game of the 2019 Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament, the Notre Dame Bulldogs hosted the Charleston Bluejays Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau. This time, however, the Bulldogs emerged victorious, besting the Bluejays 73-51.

In those groggy days between Christmas and New Year’s, while some hit the movie theatre and others hit the snooze button, many area hoops fans turn to a local tradition for a thrill to cap off the holiday season: the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament. Cheerleaders, ugly sweaters and custom outfits all contribute to a quintessential winter season fan experience.

Cape Central defeated Jackson 58-39 to claim third place in the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The 10th annual St. Jude New Year’s Eve Benefit was held Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, at the Drury Plaza Hotel Cape Girardeau Conference Center.

Charleston defeated Notre Dame 64-41 in the championship game of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Monday, Dec. 30, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Southeast Missouri State defeated Missouri Baptist (74-59) in a men's basketball game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks defeated the Harris-Stowe Hornets (106-64) on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The Notre Dame Bulldogs defeated the Cape Central Tigers 70-54 in the semifinals of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

For many fans, breaking out the ugly Christmas sweaters for the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament is a holiday tradition. Scenes from the stands as teams took to the court Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Charleston defeated Jackson 61-48 in the semifinals of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Consolation, fifth-place and championship semifinals were contested Saturday, Dec. 28, at Bloomfield High School.

Despite trailing a physically smaller Oran team for much of the game, Jackson squeezed out with the victory during their day 2 matchup at the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Friday, Dec. 28, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Charleston found their way to victory over the Scott City Rams in day 2 play of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The Cape Central Tigers bested the Oak Ridge Blue Jays during the second day of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Eight games were played Friday, Dec. 27, 2019 in the quarterfinal round of the 63rd Bloomfield Christmas Tournament.

Photojournalists at the Southeast Missourian share their best sports photography of 2019.

Photojournalists at the Southeast Missourian share their best news and features images of 2019. Head to semoball.com for our best sports images of the year.

Leopold defeated Chaffee 53-44 during the teams' matchup in the second day of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Scott City bested Kelly in what was a largely close game during the first day of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Oak Ridge's depth came in clutch against a tall Advance squad after the Blue Jays' David Layton found himself in foul trouble early during the first day of the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Delta pulled away from Leopold during the second half of their opening-day matchup at the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Oran beat Meadow Heights during the Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Jackson defeated Bell City in the first round of the 75th annual Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Notre Dame defeated Chaffee (82-26) in the first round of the 75th annual Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Thusday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Cape Central defeated Woodland (82-21) in the first round of the 75th annual Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Charleston defeated Scott Central (110-29) in the first game of the 75th annual Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Southeast Missourian photojournalist Ben Matthews shares moments captured by his cameras in 2019.

Top-seeded Notre Dame comfortably bested second-seeded Jackson to win the 2019 First State Community Bank Holiday Classic tournament Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

The game to decide third place in the 2019 First State Community Bank Holiday Classic tournament was a neck-and-neck matchup between Oran and Saxony Lutheran, the latter of whom emerged with the victory Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Scenes from the Ugly Sweater Run on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. Event coordinator Shari Koenig of Marble Hill, Missouri, said the 5K event was a chance to raise money for Bollinger County students to travel to Scotland, London and Paris.

Scenes from the fifth annual living nativity event Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at First Midwest Bank in Cape Girardeau.

Cape Central defeated Farmington 59-49 on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.

Notre Dame defeated Sikeston 69-68 on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.

Complete with camels, livestock, angels and an actual 4-month-old baby, Saint Francis Healthcare System went all out staging a live nativity scene Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Vice President of Foundation and Marketing Jimmy Wilferth said the nativity was inspired by the medical center's namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, who invented what would become the modern nativity in 1223.

Jackson defeated Saxony Lutheran 59-54 in the semifinals of the 2019 First State Community Bank Holiday Classic Girls Basketball Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Notre Dame defeated Oran 49-39 in the semifinals of the 2019 First State Community Bank Holiday Classic Girls Basketball Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Twenty-five teams of volunteers from the Cape Jaycees delivered toys to 369 families -and more than 800 children- during their annual Toybox delivery program Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019, in Cape Girardeau.

Saxony Lutheran beat Woodland Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, to advance to the quarterfinals of the First State Community Bank Holiday Classic tournament. The Crusaders will square off against the second-seeded Jackson Indians Thursday at the Show Me Center.

Tough night for Meadow Heights as the Panthers, with their two-player bench, took on the second-seeded Jackson Indians Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, during the First State Community Bank Holiday Classic tournament. The Indians will now face off against Saxony Lutheran Thursday.

The fourth-seeded Oran Eagles beat the fifth-seeded Cape Central Tigers to advance to the quarterfinal round of the 2019 First State Community Bank Holiday Classic Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

In a game played largely from beyond the three-point arc, the decision came down to a final three-point heave from the Dexter Bearcats. That shot proved unsuccessful and the Jackson Indians notched a two-point victory on their home court Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019.

Southeast Missourian photo editor Jacob Wiegand shares some of the moments captured by his cameras in 2019. The photo department will continue sharing images of the year throughout December.

After holding its holiday fundraiser over the weekend, volunteers with Happy Slapowitz's Toy Bash filled two trailers with boxes of toys for the Marine Corps League's Toys for Tots Foundation on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, at Target in Cape Girardeau. By the end of the morning, the charity organization purchased 4,365 toys for donation.

Seven hundred and two Southeast Missouri State University graduation candidates earned their diplomas during commencement exercises Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

Scenes from the Cape Parks & Recreation Foundation’s Breakfast with Santa event Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau.

Local dancers performed parts of the Christmas classic "The Nutcracker" with professional ballerinas from the visiting Moscow Ballet this week at the Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. The 30 pint-sized performers, aged 5 to 14, had been practicing since September for the big show, and if the atmosphere backstage before the show was any indication, they were incredibly jazzed to have the opportunity to make a dance dream come true.

Cape Girardeau Central beat Sikeston 72-64 in Friday's SEMO Conference Boy's Basketball Tournament championship game at the Sikeston Fieldhouse.

The Oran Eagles beat the Scott City Rams at Scott City in a close game Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.

Poplar Bluff beat Jackson, Notre Dame and Saxony Lutheran in a four-way girl's swim meet Thursday at the Southeast Missouri State Student Recreation Center.

The Cape Central Tigers bested Kennett in a semifinal matchup to advance in the SEMO Conference Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, at the Sikeston Field House in Sikeston, Missouri.

Members of the Cape Girardeau police and fire departments responded to the scene of a two-vehicle collision in the intersection of Mount Auburn Road and William Street in Cape Girardeau. While turning left onto South Mount Auburn Road, a Chevrolet Equinox traveling westbound on William Street was struck by a passenger car traveling eastbound and overturned. All occupants of the overturned Chevrolet Equinox were transported by ambulance with apparent injuries, according to Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Joey Hann.

Members of the Southeast Missouri State University chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists participate in a cultural achievement ceremony to celebrate its graduating members, Jasmine Massey and Alex Bargen, and to adorn them with the Kente stole during the organization's inaugural "Donning of the Kente" ceremony held Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at the Rust Center for Media in Cape Girardeau. "Today, you join the ranks of those 44 founders who gathered on Dec. 12, 1975, to form an organization that would work to accurately reflect the lives of African Americans in mass media," Southeast Missouri State mass media professor and NABJ advisor Tamara Zellars Buck said. "Remember to follow their lead, but not by following the path. Instead, go where there is no path and begin a trail."

A 49-year-old semi-truck driver from New Madrid, Missouri, was involved in a fatal crash Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, at about 5 a.m. near Interstate 55 mile marker 88.6 in Scott County. Both northbound lanes of I-55 were closed through the morning and into the afternoon as emergency crews worked to extract the totaled vehicle from a line of trees and contain debris from the crash.

A selection of favorite images from the past year, curated by staff photojournalist Tyler Graef. Be sure to check back next week for the next installment as photo editor Jacob Wiegand and staff photojournalist Ben Matthews share their top moments as well.

The City of Jackson held its Christmas parade Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Jackson.

The annual Elf Races, sponsored by River Radio, were held Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, at West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau. Each racer received a $20 gift card to The Children's Place, and a $100 gift card was awarded to the winning racer.

The 24th annual Sounds of the Season concert was held Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, at Cape First Church in Cape Girardeau.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church members and Catholic clergymen walk in a Marian procession Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, to recognize the church's 170-year anniversary and mark the beginning of the church's capital campaign to build a new church building in Jackson. According to information released by the church, "the 'Building our Church, Sharing our Faith, Growing our Community' campaign will target parishioners and citizens of Jackson" in an effort to raise awareness of the growing facility needs.

The Jackson Indians were defeated 27-21 in overtime by Carthage in the MSHSAA Class 5 state championship Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri.

Friends and family of Madison Robinson, a 15-year-old who was shot and killed in August, demonstrated in front of the Cape Girardeau city courthouse and police station Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, to call on the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney's office to bring charges against a suspect in the case. In the hours after the shooting, police arrested Isaiah M. Lane, 29, and charged him with one count of first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon by shooting at a home and possession of a firearm by a felon. Last month, Cape Girardeau County assistant prosecutor Angel Woodruff dropped the charges due to "a lack of witness cooperation," according to previous reporting by the Southeast Missourian. Police said Saturday the case was still under investigation and progress is being made.

This year marks the tenth year La Croix Church has hosted meal packing events for Feed My Starving Children, a program which distributes meals to impoverished communities around the world. Event co-director Linda Watts said the volunteers performed work that is in the spirit of the Gospels - a work of ministry that will serve the less fortunate.

Here's a look back at the Jackson Indians' historic 2019 season from their season opener against Webster Groves to their departure from Jackson en route to the Columbia, Missouri, for the MSHSAA Class 5 state championship game. The Indians face Carthage for the title at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, at Faurot Field in Columbia.

It was a close first half of basketball between the top-seeded Bulldogs and the second-seeded Indians... and then a not-so-close half as Notre Dame progressively left Jackson behind to clinch the SEMO Conference tourney crown at Cape Central High School Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019.

Southeast Missourian photojournalists share their best images from Nov. 2019.

The Jackson Lady Indians bested Poplar Bluff 45-35 during a semifinal matchup of the SEMO Conference basketball tournament Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, at Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.

Old Town Cape hosted the 28th annual Parade of Lights on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Cape Girardeau with "Christmas Lights and Winter Nights" as this year's theme. Following the parade, judges announced winners in the following categories: The Mattress Guys for best theme, SEMO Hogs for best business appearance, Dream Factory of SEMO for best nonprofit appearance, Crossroads Church for best music, Team Noah and Cyclewerx for best lighting, Meadow Heights for best marching band, and Delta Companies Inc. for the Chairman's Award. Next year's parade is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020.