Editorials

There's no shortage of Christmas music in the coming weeks. Here are a few events scheduled at the River Campus: n The Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra and University Choir and Choral Union will perform Poulenc's Gloria at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. There also will music billed as "festive symphonic works to help usher in the Thanksgiving and holiday season."...

As family and friends gather in the coming weeks for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it's important to remember those who need a helping hand. The Salvation Army will host its holiday lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Chartwells Catering and the Cape Career and Technology Center usually cook about 40 turkeys, and food for side dishes is donated by individuals. Winter coats also will be distributed...

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s prayers were answered recently, albeit in a somewhat unexpected way. First Presbyterian Church, through one its members, donated a refrigerator truck to the organization, which does important work with mobile food pantries...

It's easy to take our freedoms for granted. In many countries things like going to church and voting in free elections are not a given. On Monday we will observe Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day to observe the end of World War I -- the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918...

The women of Zonta are an impressive bunch. They regularly meet and engage in philanthropic causes for the betterment of our community and women around the world. The organization's annual Women of Achievement luncheon is a joyous celebration of these ladies' personal and professional contributions to our community...

A longtime fixture at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport will retire at the end of this year. Bruce Loy has been the manager of the airport for 22 years, navigating the operation and its partners through many changes. In his tenure, the airport has added more hangers for local pilots and worked with airlines to provide commercial service to and from Cape Girardeau. ...

Former NBA player and current ESPN basketball analyst Adrian Branch has been in Cape Girardeau this week. The NBA Champion gave talks for several local schools and other organizations, and Branch will speak at 8 a.m. Saturday at La Croix Church. The event, which is free to attend, is sponsored by the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International...

The online purchase you make in the comfort of your home might be a bit more convenient, but the consequences affect our local economy through retail sales and associated sales tax revenue. In recent weeks, the Southeast Missourian has reported Cape Girardeau County and the City of Jackson sales tax revenue is flat compared to last year's number. While the county does have a use tax (passed in 2015 by only six votes), the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson do not...

If you plan to be out collecting candy with your kids Thursday night, make sure to be safe. Here are a few tips: n Stay with your child while trick-or-treating and make sure to remain visible to vehicle traffic. Flashlights, bright clothing and reflective tape are good ways to stay visible...

Get your red and black out. It's Homecoming weekend for Southeast Missouri State University. More than 10,000 alumni are expected to be in town this weekend for various events, according to a story by Joshua Hartwig in the Southeast Missourian. The Redhawks football team will take on University of Tennessee-Martin at Houck Field. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday, and the No. 24 ranked Southeast is coming off a big win at Jacksonville State...

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause represented with the color pink. According to a National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The second and third most prevalent are lung and prostate cancer, according to the NCI...

This newspaper recently had a birthday celebrating 115 years in publication. On Oct. 3, 1904, the first Southeast Missourian was published. Many things have changed over that time — both in the region we cover and the products we produced. But what has not changed is our commitment to producing journalism that matters to you, our readers...

Cape Girardeau Central High School students have immersed themselves into the magical land of Narnia as they prepare to dazzle audiences this weekend with their production of a C.S. Lewis classic "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." The story features Aslan, the great and powerful lion, and four inquisitive children -- Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy -- who enter Narnia through a wardrobe. ...

This area loves a good event. And when you can combine a cause with the party, it makes it all the better. The 10th annual VintageNOW Fashion Show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Show Me Center. This will be a night of fun with fashion to benefit the Safe House for Women. This year's theme is "Heroes and Legends" and gets its inspiration from pioneers such as Amelia Earhart and Marie Currie along with everyday heroes in our own community...

More than 700 students turned out for the Fields of Faith event Wednesday evening at Houck Field. Attendees at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes-sponsored rally heard from several speakers, most of whom were fellow classmates. Southeast Missouri State University baseball player Keegan Meyn shared how he nearly ended his life...

For 201 people in Cape Girardeau -- and many more beyond -- a letter from RIP Medical Debt was an answer to prayer. TCT Television Network recently announced $2.5 million in medical debt was being forgiven. The Christian TV ministry said this is part of their response to the many prayer requests they received about medical debt...

Returning this week is the TBY Active Living Expo at the Isle Casino Cape Girardeau Event Center. TBY (also known as The Best Years) is the Southeast Missourian’s magazine geared toward a 50-plus age audience. Each month, our folks with the magazine bring you interesting stories, fun photos and unique perspectives...

Art can be a form of therapy, a coping mechanism and form of expression. Creating that environment is what Lawrence Brookins, art instructor and retired Cape Girardeau Central High School football coach, is trying to foster with his project at Central Academy called "It Ain't Heavy, It's My Baggage."...

Cape Girardeau received good news last week when it was announced a new $47.4 million Veterans Affairs (VA) health care center is moving forward after years of delay. The 43,000-square-foot facility will be located on a seven-acre site along Interstate 55 near the SoutheastHEALTH Cancer Center. ...

National statistics paint a concerning picture. About 21 million Americans suffer from addiction, though 10% receive treatment. For many, it’s alcohol. For others, illegal drugs. Prescription drugs also contribute to the epidemic. But there’s hope. Recently, the Gibson Center celebrated its 40th anniversary of helping addicts break free from the bondage of addiction. What started as a halfway house has become a multi-location organization with out-patient and residential services...

America is 243 years old, which means Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson, which recently celebrated its bicentennial, has been around almost as long as these United States. Last weekend a grand celebration was held over two days, marking the importance of the Methodist chapel -- the oldest Protestant church west of the Mississippi River...

An outdoor music festival in downtown Cape Girardeau has been pitched many times over the years, including by Leadership Cape participants. Last September the idea became more than a concept. It actually took place -- and with rave reviews. Friday evening and Saturday, the Shipyard Music Festival returns for its second year. ...

Few rivalries in Southeast Missouri match Cape Girardeau Central and Jackson high schools. The annual football game between the Tigers and Indians is always well attended and can even become a week-long celebration. Jackson defeated the Tigers on the gridiron this year, but both schools walked away winners after the game for things unrelated to the play on the field...