Editorials

With all that is happening in our nation ranging from the coronavirus to racial tensions reignited by the death of an unarmed black man by police in Minnesota, Saturday's SpaceX launch of two American astronauts to the International Space Station was a welcomed moment of American pride...

Each year the Southeast Missourian solicits nominations for the newspaper's Spirit of America Award. This is an honor bestowed on an individual who represents the American spirit through patriotism, community involvement or entrepreneurial ingenuity, among other noble traits...

If the best type of collegiate degree program is one that mixes the practical — developing knowledge and skills to prepare for a career — with the enjoyable — yes, some people DO like math — then Southeast Missouri State University’s plan to offer a bachelor’s degree in aircraft piloting ought to have a seat at that table. ...

Following in the footsteps of a legendary figure can be a difficult chore. The next principal of Notre Dame Regional High School, assuming the position held for two decades by Brother David Migliorino, would undoubtedly have big shoes to fill. Enter Tim Garner...

On Tuesday, Cape Girardeau County voters will have a chance to decide whether to enact a half-cent sales tax to fund a variety of county government functions, focusing primarily on law enforcement activities and infrastructure. Sheriff Ruth Ann Dickerson has explained the proposal would allow the county to hire patrol deputies, jailers, transport personnel and school resource officers, while also supporting jail facilities, boosting pay for staff and improving communications infrastructure, among other projects.. ...

Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial kickoff to summer, but, more importantly, the holiday is an opportunity to remember those in the armed services who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This year is different in that many of the normal celebrations have been canceled due to COVID-19. However, the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery Directors will honor the fallen on Monday and lower flags to half-staff. And we can all do our part in honoring their legacy...

On the ballot June 2 for Cape Girardeau voters is the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF6) sales tax extension. The five-year extension is expected to generate $25 million to be used on a mix of new projects, roadway maintenance and other transportation projects...

The Flourish Magazine Ladies Night Out was scheduled for this month. With the challenges brought on by the novel coronavirus, this year’s event, which regularly draws hundreds of area women, is moving online for a virtual experience that promises to entertain and inspire...

This weekend was supposed to be commencement for Southeast Missouri State University. Area high schools also planned their own ceremonies this month. COVID-19 has changed those plans. Southeast graduates will have to wait to celebrate this milestone in cap and gown, while area high schools will hold virtual ceremonies for now with hopes of hosting commencement ceremonies this summer...

Following the fire that destroyed True-Que Barbecue in downtown Cape Girardeau, owner Byron Bonner referenced Romans 8:28 from the Bible. "I know everything is going to work out for the good. It might be bad now, but you have to be wise enough -- like in this coronavirus situation -- to extract something good out of it," said Bonner, who is also the pastor of True Vine Ministries in Cape Girardeau...

Cape Girardeau lost a respected man and educator late last month in Charles C. Clippard. Clippard, 90, was a principal at Hawthorn Elementary School. When the school was renamed after him in 1991 following his retirement, he told the Southeast Missourian it was “the greatest honor any school district can bestow.” And he didn’t think he was worthy of the honor. But the many students, faculty, staff and community members who knew him correctly disagreed, knowing it was appropriate and well deserved...

It's Mother's Day weekend, a time we celebrate moms for all they do for our families and communities. Though Gov. Mike Parson's stay-at-home order has been lifted, social distancing is still the order of the day. That means more people this year won't be able to spend Sunday with their mothers. ...

Local farmers markets are opening in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, albeit with some specific COVID-19 precautions. The Jackson Farmers Market was the first to open in April. The Riverfront Market in Cape Girardeau opened on Saturday at Century Casino Cape Girardeau, 777 N. Main St. And the farmers market at West Park Mall will open on Thursday. All three are using drive-through logistics to mitigate exposure to the coronavirus for vendors and customers...

It’s nice to see businesses start to reopen following a four-week statewide shutdown in Missouri, longer in some individual municipalities. The coronavirus pandemic has not only been a health issue but an economic one. As people return to work and customers resume their patronization of businesses, it’s important to adhere to public health guidance...

The next time your child complains about being bored, have them read the stories about two local students making use of their time at home by focusing on impressive projects. The Arrow student newspaper at Southeast Missouri State University reported on Andrew B. Hyatt, a senior a Saxony Lutheran High School who made an intubation box for his father who is a doctor at SoutheastHEALTH...

Cape Girardeau's hospitals have made progress in recent weeks with new testing capabilities for COVID-19. SoutheastHEALTH recently announced it has been approved by three national testing companies to perform COVID-19 rapid result molecular and serology testing...

Cape Girardeau School District superintendent Neil Glass was recently recognized with the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) New Superintendent Award for the Southeast District. The honor is reserved for superintendents in their second or third year. Glass has been in his current position since July 2017 and previously served the district as assistant superintendent for administrative services...

An important fundraiser for Southeast Missouri State University's student athletes will be held this weekend, though in a different format than previous years. The annual Cindy Gannon Walk for Women, which normally brings folks to Houck Field House, will be held virtually due to COVID-19 guidance...

With many businesses closed and individuals observing Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's stay-at-home order, consumers are turning more to online stores for purchases. Local municipalities, which were already facing steep sales tax hits due to the pandemic, will be further challenged to fund basic government operations unless they have a use tax in place. Additionally, local retailers will continue to be put at a disadvantage compared to online competitors...

The Southeast Missourian has reported on several individuals with local ties who have battled the novel coronavirus and are now donating plasma to help other patients recover. Walter Lamkin, a Cape Girardeau Central graduate who now resides in St. Louis, contracted the virus while in Vail, Colorado. ...

The Southeast Missouri State University Fault Line Film Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Though COVID-19 has made in-person events impossible for now, the event is taking place virtually. Films have been premiered at 7 p.m. over the past week with the last one set to air Saturday evening. If you've missed the previous premiers, the films are available to enjoy on the Fault Line Film Festival YouTube page...

Codefi and the Marquette Tech District are now accepting applications for the annual 1ST50K competition. This year's competition has a focus on Southeast Missouri entrepreneurs, and winners will receive a $50,000 grant to further develop their business venture. Other benefits include mentorship from other entrepreneurs and investors, Codefi membership and additional fundraising opportunities...

You’ve seen the cartoons, viewed images and read stories, but it’s worth repeating: Not all superheroes wear capes. Some don scrubs. Our front-line health care workers have certainly met the challenge as the world battles COVID-19. Amber Morgan is a respiratory therapist who resides in Jackson. Now she’s in the midst of a 21-day assignment in New York where she volunteered to put her skills to use in one of the biggest coronavirus hot spots in the United States...

It is an unusual Easter weekend. Churches will not meet in person for Holy Week and Easter celebrations. Instead, live streamed services will be the primary vehicle with some drive-in services also planned. But it does not take away from Easter's significance...

Today is Good Friday, the day Christians observe the death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. It will be an unusual Good Friday and Easter weekend. Churches will not meet in person for Holy Week and Easter celebrations. Instead, live streamed services will be the primary vehicle with some drive-in services also planned. But it does not take away from Easter's significance...

Late last month, two dozen tornadoes wreaked havoc in northeast Arkansas. While there were more than 20 injuries, the storm did not claim any lives. Part of the reason for no fatalities can be traced to more people staying at home due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. That's the good news. But the tornadoes still caused significant destruction...