Storefront on Kingshighway getting a makeover

A Cape Girardeau shopping center is getting a facelift. The building at 1733 N. Kingshighway is being extensively remodeled, according to Ralph Hendrickson of ERA Cape Realty. Its front and part of the sides are being replaced with a new dryvit, a stuccolike exterior. New windows also are being installed. A new marquee sign and parking lot upgrades also are planned. Negotiations are ongoing with several businesses interested in locating there, Hendrickson said. The inside of the building will be remodeled to suit tenants' needs, he added.

* Get some Roxy music: A new country-themed bar has opened in downtown Cape Girardeau. Roxy's Big Country Saloon recently opened at 107 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau. According to owner John Wyman, the new bar features bands on Saturday nights, a country DJ on Friday nights and country karaoke on Thursday nights. Future plans include mechanical bull riding and food service including barbecue.

* Area black belt opens martial arts school: A Perryville, Mo., man has opened a new karate school in Cape Girardeau. The Academy of the Martial Arts is now open at 709 William St. Owner Matt Wright previously taught classes at the Perry Park Center. Wright is a fourth-degree black belt who has been practicing martial arts for 35 years. He is offering classes in karate and self-defense at 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays. The academy also features a retail sales area including new and used books and martial arts supplies. To sign up for a class, contact Wright at 573-547-3747.

* Extended office hours for struggling taxpayers: The IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, 137 S. Broadview St. in Cape Girardeau, will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. During the expanded Saturday hours, taxpayers will be able to address economic hardship issues, make payment arrangements or get help claiming any of the special tax breaks in last year's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including the homebuyer tax credit, American Opportunity credit, Making Work Pay credit and Expanded Earned Income Tax Credit.

~Southeast Missourian business reporter Melissa Miller may be contacted at 388-3646 or mmiller@semissourian.com.