Local News

According to the unofficial count from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), hunters took the smallest number of deer during the Nov. 14 to 24 firearms season since 2014. Show Me State hunters took 176,604 deer during the 11-day 2020 season: 95,654 were antlered deer, 16,045 were button bucks and 64,905 were does...

Ron Duff saw the unexpected Tuesday morning as he drove southbound on Perryville Road not far from St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau -- an antlered buck whitetail deer standing in the street. "It was a very foggy day; the buck held [its] position in the middle of the road," said Duff, an independent video producer, "so I slowed down to a crawl, and he held his ground."...

Area health officials reported 10 COVID-19-related deaths in recent days. Six of the deaths came from Cape Girardeau County, marking the county's 67th virus-related death since the pandemic began. Officials reported more than 300 new virus cases this week, pushing the county's total to 5,537, while 4,089 county residents have recovered from the virus. As of Friday, there were 1,379 active cases in the county...

In his free time, you can find Jacob Beine near his offset smoker practicing his barbequing skills in a kilt. "Barbeque is just one of those things I always loved to do," Beine said. The idea for the kilt came from the costume he wears for reenactments of the Seven Years War as a soldier of the 42nd Sterlings Company, a Scottish regiment...

Cape Girardeau County Commission 9 a.m. today 1 Barton Square, Jackson Approval of minute n Minutes from Nov. 23 meetings Communications/reports -- other elected officials n COVID-19 Update: In an effort to keep Cape Girardeau County residents safe and aware regarding the status of the virus, Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director Mark Winkler will be issuing an update at County Commission meetings. ...

Her story, though unusual, wasn't extraordinary. A single mother raising a teenage son. Another single mother with a teenage son comes to visit and asks to borrow her car to run errands. She never returned. Two mouths to feed were now three. Into the void -- the FISH emergency food pantry. As the mother and two teens were leaving with their box of food, overheard joy and gratitude...

Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center officials have continuously tracked and posted COVID-19 data on social media throughout this ongoing pandemic, but that virus isn't the only health threat they are watching. With the influenza season still in the beginning stages, they will also be posting data on the flu...

Sean and Nancy Barnes used to hold conventional jobs but now devote themselves to a business fixing mechanical clocks. Called S&N Clock Repair, the couple works out of a shop next to their home in Cape's Rolling Hills Subdivision. Sean, a Jackson High graduate, says early American timepieces used to be their specialty, but the fledgling business has since broadened its focus...

Standard Democrat SIKESTON -- Two Bertrand, Missouri, residents were killed in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday morning. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a vehicle driven by Delbert R. Parsons, 78, of Bertrand, was northbound on US 61, two miles south of Sikeston at 11:18 a.m., when he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck by a semi-truck driven by Dennis W. Swink, 52, of Anna, Illinois...

Santa Claus arrives at West Park Mall Friday, but this year his visits with boys and girls on his "naughty" and "nice" lists will be "socially distanced" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Visits with Santa is such a time-honored tradition, and while 2020 has been challenging for everybody, we are glad to be able to offer Santa visits this year even if it will look different that it has in the past," said Stacey Keating, senior director of corporate communications with CBL Properties, the mall's management company.. ...

Capturing the essence of Gen. Seth McKee of the U.S. Air Corps, Jerry Ford and Dr. Frank Nickell tell the story of the Cape Girardeau native in their newly released book, "Seth: The Life and Journey of General Seth Jefferson McKee." McKee, who died Dec. ...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Veterans' organizations are encouraging individuals not to forget our military heroes this holiday season. With most veterans' homes not allowing visitors because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Christmas will be tough this year for many...

By Rick Fahr Southeast Missourian Nine COVID-19-related deaths were reported Tuesday and Wednesday by area health officials. Four of the deaths came from Cape Girardeau County, marking the county’s 67th virus-related death since the pandemic began. Officials reported 66 new virus cases Tuesday and 117 Wednesday, pushing the county’s total to 5,414, while 3,958 county residents have recovered from the virus. As of Tuesday, there were 1,389 active cases in the county...

Thousands of Cape Girardeau County residents are opening their county real estate tax bills this week and wondering whether they need to write a check to the county even though their taxes were held in escrow. The county’s tax bills typically include a statement explaining no payment is necessary because the tax will be paid by the taxpayer’s bank or escrow company...

While on one of my lunch-hour trips down to Annie Laurie’s antique store a few weeks ago, I came across a unique photograph. The mounted image appeared to date from around the turn of the last century and was found among a group of known Cape Girardeau items. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — As research and development of multiple COVID-19 vaccines continue to show promising safety and effectiveness findings, Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday announced the launch of a new vaccine website for Missouri residents. www.MOStopsCOVID.com provides Missourians with information regarding the safety of the vaccines, research and production processes, and when they may be eligible for vaccination, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). ...

It is difficult to imagine a school district sans a moniker, without a name to identify it beyond its location. For that reason, virtually every school, be it public, private or parochial, has such an appellation. Notre Dame Bulldogs, Oak Ridge Blue Jays, Delta Bobcats, Scott City Rams, Kelly Hawks, Nell Holcomb Hawks, Jackson Indians, St. Vincent DePaul Indians, Perryville Pirates, to name but a few...

As he waddles around his domain, Narwhal can see the good he is doing. Perhaps the most famous beagle-dachshund mix in the world, the "unicorn puppy" with a tail growing out of his forehead has helped expand Mac's Mission in two big ways, according to co-founder Rochelle Steffen. Narwhal's online fame has not only generated tens of thousands of dollars in donations to the animal rescue but has also sparked interest in special-needs animal adoptions...

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, intubation was often a precursor to death. Patients sick enough to require help breathing usually didn't live. Dr. Keith Graham of Cape Girardeau was one of those patients. The pulmonary/critical care/sleep medicine physician works with patients who suffer a variety of respiratory problems, and his first coronavirus symptoms manifested as such...

Five COVID-19-related deaths were reported in the region Monday. Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center officials reported 5,231 total cases Monday, with 3,761 recoveries and 63 virus-related deaths. There were 1,407 active cases in the county as of Monday...

The Cape Girardeau County Commission voted Monday to accept an adjustment of nearly $50,000 in the county's 2021 workers' compensation cost -- in the county's favor. "We received our annual work comp invoice for 2021 and the premium came in at $124,368, which is a 38.3% reduction in our premium from last year," county payroll director Gina Snyder told the commissioners during their Monday morning meeting...

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri held the 50th annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Extravaganza this past weekend, marking the first year the event was held virtually. The craft fair was held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on boothcentral.com and featured one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items from 26 vendors located all over the United States, including Catapult Creative House, Mistletoe Memories, Russian Winter and more...

"To give unto them beauty for ashes." --Isaiah 61:3. In the wee hours of the morning of Oct. 4, a blaze lit up the darkness that had enveloped Adult & Team Challenge Mid-America campus. Staff and students witnessed a fire engulfing the campus' academic building...

Speak to Carlos Vargas-Aburto, the 18th president of Southeast Missouri State University, for just a few minutes and variations of the same word pepper his conversation. Challenging. Vargas is missing this weekend's commencement ceremonies at the Show Me Center...

Missouri Bishop Robert Farr, in an email Wednesday to Missouri Conference clergy and others, made a direct appeal for virtual worship only. "I strongly encourage that in-person worship services be suspended until further notice," said Farr, "for congregations located in counties with a critical status related to the COVID-19 pandemic."...

Cape Girardeau County's COVID-19 cases topped 5,000 Friday. Officials with the county's Public Health Center reported 149 new cases to push the total number of cases to 5,002. Nearly 3,600 county residents (3,591) have recovered from the disease associated with coronavirus, and 63 have died from the virus. As of Friday, there were 1,348 active cases in the county...

Cape Girardeau County Commission 9 a.m. Monday, 1 Barton Square, Jackson Approval of minute n Minutes from Nov. 19 meetings Communications/reports — other elected officials n COVID-19 Update: In an effort to keep Cape Girardeau County residents safe and aware regarding the status of the virus, Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director Mark Winkler will be issuing an update at County Commission meetings. ...

Members of Kage FCE met for lunch at IHOP on Nov. 12 with five members attending. Some members are choosing not to attend meetings due to the pandemic. Minutes were read and approved and the treasurer's report was given by Judie Herbst. Discussion was held concerning the club's community service projects for the rest of the year. Any further contributions will be discussed in January. Recent contributions have been to the Safe House, Salvation Army, Fish Food Pantry and Alzheimer's Association...

Robbie Guard does not mince words about the job he and his colleagues on the Cape Girardeau City Council have in the next few months. “Choosing a new city manager is the most important thing this council ever does,” said Guard, Fourth Ward councilman and mayor pro tempore...

Southeast Missouri State University president Carlos Vargas confirmed late Thursday afternoon he is in quarantine after coming into close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Vargas, Southeast president since 2015, said in a campus-wide email the contact happened over the weekend and did not occur at Saturday’s commencement for spring and summer graduates...

The new southbound bridge on Interstate 55 over U.S. 61 at Center Junction will open to one lane of traffic as early as today, weather permitting. The bridge is a major component of the $17.4 million diverging diamond interchange construction project between Cape Girardeau and Jackson...

A Cape Girardeau County landmark has been chosen to represent the state on a U.S. Postal Service stamp commemorating Missouri statehood. The Postal Service unveiled several 2021 stamps this week, and among them is a stamp marking Missouri becoming the nation’s 24th state, which occurred Aug. 10, 1821...

Cape Girardeau County will reimburse eligible county employees up to $500 to cover qualified 2020 medical expenses. The Cape Girardeau County Commission voted Thursday to make reimbursements available out of the county’s health care fund. “This is to offset any expenses not covered by our insurance company,” explained Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy, who said the county has done this in previous years as long as the county’s health care fund has a sufficient balance to accommodate the reimbursement payments. ...

Kelly Birk, a nurse with the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center’s Cape Girardeau clinic, has been honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize nursing care. Birk was nominated by a veteran patient who said she “not only did her job but went above and beyond” with his care. ...

Water from the Mississippi River crashes on rocks near the river walk because of high winds creating current Thursday in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Southeast Missouri State University student directors Randi Sargent and Jasmine Jones won a total of three awards at this year’s Truman State University Film Festival. Sargent’s film “The Alibi” won the award for best editing and the people’s choice award, while Jones’ film “Missing” won the award for best cinematography. ...

The cast and crew of “The New Normal” decided to embrace COVID-19 in their production, instead of letting it take away from the performance. According to Kitt Lavoie, assistant professor of theater, acting and directing, and director of “The New Normal,” the production team decided they didn’t want to shy away from the challenges COVID-19 presented them, so they incorporated their own problems as the characters’...

Repair work will close the U.S. 60/62 bridge at Cairo, Illinois, beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 30, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The bridge will remain closed throughout the duration of work, which will include pier repairs and temporary shoring. ...

This story is updated, Gov. Mike Parson, fresh off his decisive election victory Nov. 3, was in Cape Girardeau on Wednesday to view the new Patriot Medical Devices facility and to repeat his philosophy of “personal responsibility” for dealing with COVID-19. Once again, Parson said no to the notion of a Jefferson City-imposed requirement for all Missourians to wear a face covering...

This year started in promising fashion for Colby Jones. Owner of Farrar Out Farms near Frohna, Missouri, Jones raises cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and turkeys. He has the beef, pork and lamb prepared for sale at a meat processor. He — with help from an employee and his two younger brothers — processes the chickens and turkeys (one batch each year in time for Thanksgiving). ...

Area health officials reported eight COVID-19-related deaths Wednesday, along with several hundred new cases of the virus. Officials with the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center reported the county’s 61st, 62nd and 63rd virus-related deaths and 217 new cases (4,755 total cases, 3,551 recoveries). As of Wednesday, there were 1,141 active virus cases in the county. Active cases in the county have more than doubled since Nov. 1...

The Salvation Army has had to adjust its plans because of the pandemic, but will continue its annual traditions with a few alterations. ...

The doors at the Orscheln Farm & Home store at 338 Christine St. in Cape Girardeau were locked for the final time at the close of business Wednesday. At 8 a.m. Thursday, Orscheln will open at its new location, Cape Girardeau’s former Kmart building at 11 S. Kingshighway...

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce will host a pair of ribbon-cuttings today. ...

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday next week, Cape Giraradeau and Jackson will close offices and alter trash and recycling pickup. All City of Cape Girardeau offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, and Nov. 27. Next week, trash and recycling routes usually run Thursdays and Fridays will be run Wednesday, Nov. 25...

The Southeast Missouri Symphony will join forces with the University Choir and Chamber Choir to present "Holiday Concerts for Symphony and Choirs" on Monday and Tuesday. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University. Face coverings will be required, and social-distancing guidelines will be in place. Due to capacity limits, patrons are encouraged to reserve their seats early...

Cape Girardeau County Commission 9 a.m. today 1 Barton Square, Jackson Approval of minute n Minutes from July 2 and Nov. 16 meetings Communications/reports — other elected officials n COVID-19 Update: In an effort to keep Cape Girardeau County residents safe and aware regarding the status of the virus, Emergency Management Agency (EMA) director Mark Winkler will be issuing an update at County Commission meetings. ...