Editorials

An event that normally draws thousands for free food and a demolition derby is taking on a new look this year. Cape First Church hosts its Family Day in Arena Park each summer. This year, however, with a pandemic and its related challenges, the church is reshaping the event to be more service focused...

Today is Election Day in Missouri with primaries for state and local positions on the ballot along with a constitutional amendment that, if passed, would expand Medicaid eligibility in the state. This is a different kind of election. Because of COVID-19, there's a spike in mail-in and absentee ballots. ...

Expanding access to Medicaid will appear on Tuesday's ballot as Constitutional Amendment 2. Medicaid is the federal health program that covers those who meet certain income, age or disability requirements. Missouri adults with dependent children are only eligible currently if their household income doesn't exceed 22% of the federal poverty level, or about $3,792 annually for a two-person household. ...

Cape Girardeau police have made two arrests in connection to the recent homicide of Anthony Miller. Miller, 21, was killed July 20 in a Cape Girardeau apartment. Video surveillance showed five people entered the apartment through the kitchen door. Cape police reported that Brandon M. Pratt, 32, of Cape Girardeau was apprehended Friday and Robert E. Simmons Jr., 40, of Cape Girardeau was peacefully taken into custody Monday...

A day on the water nearly turned deadly for Jody Owens. While at Whippoorwill Lake Family Campground recently, Owens tried to stand up in his kayak to look at some of the fish in the water. In doing so, the boat flipped and Owens submerged under water. He was not wearing a life jacket...

It's the four words so many of us have been waiting to hear: Cardinals. Baseball. Is. Back. This will be a different kind of Opening Day for baseball, with precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Still, the Redbirds return to action today as they host the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 1 of a 60-game regular season...

Shriners Hospitals for Children-St. Louis recently received a generous donation from the estate of a prominent Dexter businessman who died in 2017. Norman Harty, former bank president and founder of N.B. Harty Contractors, donated more than $8.4 million to the children's hospital, according to a recent story in the Daily American Republic. The funds, according to officials, will help support orthopedic care...

If you are a small-business owner in Missouri, there is grant money available to help mitigate the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Small Business Grant Program through the Missouri Department of Economic Development is designed to assist small businesses and family-owned farms...

Over the last few weeks, the Southeast Missourian has profiled valedictorians from area high schools. More stories are on the way. We're always impressed with the caliber of students in our area schools. These men and women have excelled in the classroom over a four-year period, with some having also participated in sports or other extra-curricular activities. We commend each one and wish them well in the next phase of life...

Saturday night's Semoball Awards, held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was a bit different from previous years. But it was still an inspiring evening where many high school athletes and coaches were recognized for their efforts on the field and in the classroom...

Each summer, B Magazine solicits nominations for its Newsmakers edition. And the window for this year’s nominations — coined the Difference Makers of 2020 — is open until July 20. Newsmakers are those individuals who go above and beyond in business and community. ...

For high school students, there were many things this year that didn’t happen because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Southeast Missouri’s top awards show for high school athletes and coaches will still be held — albeit in a different format...

Last week, the Cape Girardeau County Commission authorized the use of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to purchase up to $100,000 worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) for county agencies. The county received $9.2 million in federal funds earlier this year meant to address expenses related to COVID-19, and PPE is an approved use of the money...

As we celebrate the Fourth of July weekend, there's several fun events coming up in the area. n On Monday, the SEMO Conference Senior Showcase will be held at Capaha Field. Senior baseball players, deprived of their final high school baseball season, will suit up one final time. Eight teams are scheduled to participate with the first game beginning at 1 p.m. Similar senior showcase events are also being held in the coming week for track and field, golf and tennis...

As we near Independence Day, it's important to consider the things that make America exceptional. The American experiment focuses on freedom, the inalienable rights endowed by our Creator. Preserving that freedom takes men and women of courage. Yes, those individuals who defend the nation in the armed services. But also those who get involved in their community through service and others who lead through business enterprise...

The state and nation continue to reopen under a new normal due to the coronavirus pandemic, but many people seem to think COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror as evidenced by the lack of social distancing and refusal to wear masks in public places. On today's Opinion page, columnist Adrienne Ross writes about her experience traveling to New York and being reminded to bring her mask everywhere she goes. ...

The August and November elections will have a new twist. Because of the coronavirus, Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation allowing those concerned about going to the polls the option of voting absentee or by a new mail-in option. “Normally, we receive between 700 to 800 absentee requests for an August election,” Cape Girardeau County Clerk Kara Clark Summers told the Southeast Missourian. “I anticipate three to four times that many (requests) this time.”...

Fireworks will go on sale Saturday in Cape Girardeau. Some towns have already started selling the Independence Day staple, though individuals must adhere to local rules and regulations regarding when they can be deployed. Both Cape Girardeau and Jackson will host professional fireworks displays on the Fourth. These are great opportunities to enjoy tremendous displays while maintaining proper social distance as we continue to battle the coronavirus...

It's not often that government bodies reduce costs to customers, but the Jackson Board of Alderman did just that recently when it reduced electric rates by 11.5% on average. The reduction was based on a recommendation by 1898 & Co., a subsidiary of Burns & McDonnell Engineering in Kansas City. The city's wholesale price of electricity has decreased, and the reduction takes into account cash reserves built up for maintaining the electrical distribution system...

The coronavirus pandemic has given us all more time at home. But that doesn’t mean people should remain inactive. Mind + Body, a health and wellness magazine produced by the Southeast Missourian and rustmedia, is encouraging area residents to get outside and exercise. And to make it a bit more fun, there’s a virtual event, Movement Mind + Body, where participants can collectively engage online and compete for prizes...

Editor's note: The following is our annual Father's Day editorial. The best fathers are the best teachers. They teach us how to throw a fastball, set a hook, tie our shoes, ride a bike. They teach us right from wrong, good from bad. They teach us humor and humility, discipline and decency...

The best fathers are the best teachers. They teach us how to throw a fastball, set a hook, tie our shoes, ride a bike. They teach us right from wrong, good from bad. They teach us humor and humility, discipline and decency...

If you watch "Shark Tank," the ABC show that features entrepreneurs who pitch their ideas to well known business moguls, you know good ideas don't come with an age prerequisite. Likewise, not all good ideas need a national TV show get started. Just ask Judson Mayfield, 18, of Marble Hill, Missouri...

Despite delays because of coronavirus precautions, area pools have started to open for the summer. Others are enjoying the warm weather in their private pools. Before jumping in the water, take a moment to review safety tips for you and your children...

Beneath the flag, we may disagree on specific paths forward. But the best ways to improve our country are those countenanced in our Constitution, symbolized by the flag, including freedom to peaceably assemble -- and protest -- and freedom of speech. It is for this Constitutional system and its rights -- and in gratitude of those who fought and died for such freedoms -- that we proudly stand: Out of many, one.

Area voters gave several tax measures a yes vote last week, giving schools and municipalities a mechanism to fund projects ranging from law enforcement to roads to capital improvements. And races for city council, board of alderman and school boards proved once again that every vote does count...

Swimming pools and parks are beginning to reopen in the area, including the Jackson Swimming Pool and Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center. The Jackson Swimming Pool reopens today. Jackson parks director Shane Anderson told the Southeast Missourian there are three main things in place to keep public health a priority while simultaneously opening the pool: Social distancing, increased signage and enhanced cleaning...