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NewsOctober 2, 2019

Both in times of joy and in times of heartache, Southeast Missourian photojournalists strive to visually tell the stories of those in our communities. Here’s a look at some of the photography staff’s best journalism from Sept. 2019.

Southeast Missourian photography staff
A Monday marked 16 years since the birth of Madison Robinson; the Tuesday was her funeral. Robinson died after being shot Aug. 24 on the front porch of her Cape Girardeau home. Scores turned out for Robinson's visitation and funeral Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, Missouri. "I'll have people remember this day, today, that a 15-year-old girl is dead in our community," Robinson's cousin Alex Gilbert said. "If you want to remember her, remember her as somebody that shouldn't have died because of the gun violence." Pictured from left: Sunnyboy Mims, 7, and Randi Jones, 9, cousins of Robinson; and Misty Robinson, aunt of Madison, mourn with Madison's mother Martez Johnson, with head bowed, during Madison's services.
A Monday marked 16 years since the birth of Madison Robinson; the Tuesday was her funeral. Robinson died after being shot Aug. 24 on the front porch of her Cape Girardeau home. Scores turned out for Robinson's visitation and funeral Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston, Missouri. "I'll have people remember this day, today, that a 15-year-old girl is dead in our community," Robinson's cousin Alex Gilbert said. "If you want to remember her, remember her as somebody that shouldn't have died because of the gun violence." Pictured from left: Sunnyboy Mims, 7, and Randi Jones, 9, cousins of Robinson; and Misty Robinson, aunt of Madison, mourn with Madison's mother Martez Johnson, with head bowed, during Madison's services.
Cousins Conner Wayon Rhodes, 11, left, and Elijah Whitener, 12, are seen while watching other children show sheep Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at the SEMO District Fairgrounds in Cape Girardeau. Rhodes and Whitener, both of Marquand, Missouri, had shortly before been named champion and reserve champion, respectively, for showing sheep of their own.
Cousins Conner Wayon Rhodes, 11, left, and Elijah Whitener, 12, are seen while watching other children show sheep Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at the SEMO District Fairgrounds in Cape Girardeau. Rhodes and Whitener, both of Marquand, Missouri, had shortly before been named champion and reserve champion, respectively, for showing sheep of their own.
Izobel Hager tries to wipe her steer-snot-covered hand on Clayton Birk while the two hung out between competition events in a stable Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at the SEMO District Fairgrounds in Cape Girardeau.
Izobel Hager tries to wipe her steer-snot-covered hand on Clayton Birk while the two hung out between competition events in a stable Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at the SEMO District Fairgrounds in Cape Girardeau.
A man, who asked to remain unidentified, mows a lawn at dusk Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, near Olive Branch, Illinois. 
A man, who asked to remain unidentified, mows a lawn at dusk Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, near Olive Branch, Illinois. 
A pedestrian looks on as Danny Rees carries his 17-foot kayak from his downtown home down the street Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, to the Cape Girardeau riverfront.
A pedestrian looks on as Danny Rees carries his 17-foot kayak from his downtown home down the street Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, to the Cape Girardeau riverfront.
Tara and Dru Reeves watch as their two sulcata tortoises, Duckie and Sheldon, as Sheldon finishes eating Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at Reeves Reptile Rescue in Jackson. The tortoises live in a custom-built gated enclosure with shaded areas to keep them cool.
Tara and Dru Reeves watch as their two sulcata tortoises, Duckie and Sheldon, as Sheldon finishes eating Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at Reeves Reptile Rescue in Jackson. The tortoises live in a custom-built gated enclosure with shaded areas to keep them cool.
Jacob Easton, left, and Noah Sparks enjoy a carnival ride as the sun sets Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at the SEMO District Fair in Cape Girardeau.
Jacob Easton, left, and Noah Sparks enjoy a carnival ride as the sun sets Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019, at the SEMO District Fair in Cape Girardeau.
Jefferson Elementary School principal Leigh Ragsdale and fourth grader Ivyana Myers share a hug after going down the runway during a school fashion show Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at the school in Cape Girardeau. Ragsdale said some of Jefferson's students "love fashion so much" and many Jefferson teachers are "inspired by fashion." "Why not bring that to light and create a fashion show and an experience that they'll remember?" she said.
Jefferson Elementary School principal Leigh Ragsdale and fourth grader Ivyana Myers share a hug after going down the runway during a school fashion show Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at the school in Cape Girardeau. Ragsdale said some of Jefferson's students "love fashion so much" and many Jefferson teachers are "inspired by fashion." "Why not bring that to light and create a fashion show and an experience that they'll remember?" she said.
Joan McPherson looks around a garage at a lifetime of accumulated auto and service station memorabilia, most of which was collected by her late husband, Wayne, who died last year after a years-long battle with leukemia, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at the McPherson's home in Cape Girardeau.
Joan McPherson looks around a garage at a lifetime of accumulated auto and service station memorabilia, most of which was collected by her late husband, Wayne, who died last year after a years-long battle with leukemia, on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at the McPherson's home in Cape Girardeau.
Brayden Strange, Cape Central junior, jumps and screams in support of the Tigers during a rivalry matchup between Jackson and Cape Central on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at  Jackson High School  in Jackson.
Brayden Strange, Cape Central junior, jumps and screams in support of the Tigers during a rivalry matchup between Jackson and Cape Central on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at Jackson High School in Jackson.
Cody Brockman holds his 5-month-old son, Parker, who wears earmuffs against the loud atmosphere during a rivalry matchup between Jackson and Cape Central on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at  Jackson High School  in Jackson.
Cody Brockman holds his 5-month-old son, Parker, who wears earmuffs against the loud atmosphere during a rivalry matchup between Jackson and Cape Central on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, at Jackson High School in Jackson.
Notre Dame catcher Kristen Barwick loses her helmet while tagging Jackson sophomore Miranda Carnell out during a play at the plate Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.
Notre Dame catcher Kristen Barwick loses her helmet while tagging Jackson sophomore Miranda Carnell out during a play at the plate Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.
Light shines off Jackson resident Bob Burnett's 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS during the River Tales Classic Car Show on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, on Main Street in Cape Girardeau.
Light shines off Jackson resident Bob Burnett's 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS during the River Tales Classic Car Show on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, on Main Street in Cape Girardeau.
Third-grader Aubrie Robinson, center right, peers around a corner as she leads Shirley Aufdenberg on a tour of the newly improved West Lane Elementary during a community open house Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, in Jackson.
Third-grader Aubrie Robinson, center right, peers around a corner as she leads Shirley Aufdenberg on a tour of the newly improved West Lane Elementary during a community open house Monday, Sept. 16, 2019, in Jackson.
Longtime editor of the Southeast Missourian Bob Miller peeks over a card to the camera shortly before delivering informal remarks at a going-away celebration Sept. 19, 2019, at Top of the Marq restaurant in downtown Cape Girardeau.
Longtime editor of the Southeast Missourian Bob Miller peeks over a card to the camera shortly before delivering informal remarks at a going-away celebration Sept. 19, 2019, at Top of the Marq restaurant in downtown Cape Girardeau.
Billie Criddle, 88, of Oak Ridge, Missouri, tends to morning yard work Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, outside her home in Oak Ridge. Criddle was about 9 or 10 when she met her eventual husband in a one-room country school near Oak Ridge. That was Charles William Criddle, although Billie said people called him Bill. "It wasn't all roses," she said of what became a 70-year marriage. "I don't think I'd change anything." Billie and Bill's story was the subject of the third installment of the ongoing photo feature series titled "Rural Routes." 
Billie Criddle, 88, of Oak Ridge, Missouri, tends to morning yard work Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, outside her home in Oak Ridge. Criddle was about 9 or 10 when she met her eventual husband in a one-room country school near Oak Ridge. That was Charles William Criddle, although Billie said people called him Bill. "It wasn't all roses," she said of what became a 70-year marriage. "I don't think I'd change anything." Billie and Bill's story was the subject of the third installment of the ongoing photo feature series titled "Rural Routes." 
Jackson Indians take the field before the start of their matchup against the Sikeston Bulldogs on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Jackson. Jackson defeated Sikeston 53-0.
Jackson Indians take the field before the start of their matchup against the Sikeston Bulldogs on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Jackson. Jackson defeated Sikeston 53-0.
Jackson seniors Alice Mansell, front middle in hat, and Ashlyn Prince, front right, do the "roller coaster" with other Jackson fans at halftime of the Jackson Indians' matchup against the Sikeston Bulldogs on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Jackson. Jackson defeated Sikeston 53-0.
Jackson seniors Alice Mansell, front middle in hat, and Ashlyn Prince, front right, do the "roller coaster" with other Jackson fans at halftime of the Jackson Indians' matchup against the Sikeston Bulldogs on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, in Jackson. Jackson defeated Sikeston 53-0.
Students Adam Smith, left, Landon Drum, center, and Brendan Beasley, right, wait with other students in USA-themed garb during a prolonged rain delay before a game against Farmington on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at the Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.
Students Adam Smith, left, Landon Drum, center, and Brendan Beasley, right, wait with other students in USA-themed garb during a prolonged rain delay before a game against Farmington on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at the Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.
Cape Central's Anthony Robinson takes a quiet moment in the locker room during halftime of a game against Farmington Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at the Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.
Cape Central's Anthony Robinson takes a quiet moment in the locker room during halftime of a game against Farmington Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, at the Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.
Cape Girardeau County conservation agent Ben Stratton speaks with Cooper Ashby, 7, of Jackson, while taking a ride on the Mississippi River as part of the Day on the River event Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, on the river near Cape Girardeau. 
Cape Girardeau County conservation agent Ben Stratton speaks with Cooper Ashby, 7, of Jackson, while taking a ride on the Mississippi River as part of the Day on the River event Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, on the river near Cape Girardeau. 
A custom-painted "ratbike" is seen parked near a Missouri State Highway Patrol vehicle during the first-ever Missouri Vietnam Wall Run on  Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, at the Missouri's National Veterans Memorial in Perryville, Missouri. 
Members of the highway patrol escorted riders to the memorial.
A custom-painted "ratbike" is seen parked near a Missouri State Highway Patrol vehicle during the first-ever Missouri Vietnam Wall Run on  Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, at the Missouri's National Veterans Memorial in Perryville, Missouri. Members of the highway patrol escorted riders to the memorial.
Notre Dame pitcher Brittany Porter, far right, shares sunflower seeds with shortstop Audrey LeGrand during a game against Jackson on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.
Notre Dame pitcher Brittany Porter, far right, shares sunflower seeds with shortstop Audrey LeGrand during a game against Jackson on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau.
Cody Carl, 13, ties a lure at his vendor station during the East Perry County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Altenburg, Missouri. 
Cody Carl, 13, ties a lure at his vendor station during the East Perry County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Altenburg, Missouri. 
Dillon Versemann removes a fan from his livestock stall near the close of the East Perry County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Altenburg, Missouri. 
Dillon Versemann removes a fan from his livestock stall near the close of the East Perry County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Altenburg, Missouri. 
California resident Paul Giboney, center left, and Virginia resident Eric Giboney step through the doorway of Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson on Sept. 22, 2019, after attending a worship service to conclude the church's bicentennial celebration. The Giboneys are descendants of James Giboney, one of the original members of Old McKendree Chapel who worked as a carpenter and assisted in the chapel's construction.
California resident Paul Giboney, center left, and Virginia resident Eric Giboney step through the doorway of Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson on Sept. 22, 2019, after attending a worship service to conclude the church's bicentennial celebration. The Giboneys are descendants of James Giboney, one of the original members of Old McKendree Chapel who worked as a carpenter and assisted in the chapel's construction.
A group of Cardinal's guardsmen engage in combat during a dress rehearsal of "The Three Musketeers" on Sept. 23, 2019, at Southeast Missouri State University's Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus in Cape Girardeau.
A group of Cardinal's guardsmen engage in combat during a dress rehearsal of "The Three Musketeers" on Sept. 23, 2019, at Southeast Missouri State University's Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus in Cape Girardeau.
St. Vincent senior Jacob Gremaud wheels the St. Vincent team's tent through gravel while helping load the bus after the Oak Ridge Invitational cross country meet Sept. 24, 2019, at Oak Ridge High School.
St. Vincent senior Jacob Gremaud wheels the St. Vincent team's tent through gravel while helping load the bus after the Oak Ridge Invitational cross country meet Sept. 24, 2019, at Oak Ridge High School.
Richard Baker leans on the hood of a 66 Ford pickup, one of half-a-dozen antique automobiles he tinkers with in his spare time Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, in a barn on his land near Scopus, Missouri. Baker, who has battled cancer for a decade despite an early prognosis of only four or five years, said he now takes it easy, leases his land for farming and occupies his time with a variety of projects, mostly fixing cars or lawn mowers for family members. 
"I do what I can now; usually take a few hours off for lunch," he said. "Today's been a pretty good day -- I haven't felt so bad today." Baker was the subject of the fourth installment of the ongoing photo feature series titled "Rural Routes." 
Richard Baker leans on the hood of a 66 Ford pickup, one of half-a-dozen antique automobiles he tinkers with in his spare time Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, in a barn on his land near Scopus, Missouri. Baker, who has battled cancer for a decade despite an early prognosis of only four or five years, said he now takes it easy, leases his land for farming and occupies his time with a variety of projects, mostly fixing cars or lawn mowers for family members. "I do what I can now; usually take a few hours off for lunch," he said. "Today's been a pretty good day -- I haven't felt so bad today." Baker was the subject of the fourth installment of the ongoing photo feature series titled "Rural Routes." 
Mylez Garms, 5, puts his hands over his ears near his mother Hayley Pobst of Cape Girardeau, holding Gabriel Pobst, 3, as Retro City performs during Shipyard Music and Culture Festival on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, in Cape Girardeau.
Mylez Garms, 5, puts his hands over his ears near his mother Hayley Pobst of Cape Girardeau, holding Gabriel Pobst, 3, as Retro City performs during Shipyard Music and Culture Festival on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, in Cape Girardeau.
American Aquarium frontman BJ Barham performs during the second-annual Shipyard Music and Culture Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, at Ivers Square in Cape Girardeau.
American Aquarium frontman BJ Barham performs during the second-annual Shipyard Music and Culture Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, at Ivers Square in Cape Girardeau.
Laurie Mitchell said she refuses to let her son's death be one people forget. "It has to stop," Mitchell, mother of 24-year-old shooting victim Marcus Dixon Jr., said. "I feel like I have to be the one to step up and make a change and make a difference." On Sept. 28, Mitchell and other family and friends of Dixon marched as part of a "Stop the Violence" march in the Sikeston American Legion Cotton Carnival parade in Sikeston. After the march, some of its participants placed march signs at a memorial for Dixon a few feet from the site on the street where Mitchell said she found him dead after being shot seven times on the night of Feb. 18. Pictured: Dixon's family from left: cousin Johnnyla Jones, 8; cousin Bryce Brown, 3; cousin Destiny Brown, 11; cousin Ajaevia Mitchell, 12; stepson Naquavion Allen, 9; and son Kayden Dixon, 2; place signs, used in a "Stop the Violence" march earlier in the day, at a memorial for Dixon on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Sikeston, Missouri.
Laurie Mitchell said she refuses to let her son's death be one people forget. "It has to stop," Mitchell, mother of 24-year-old shooting victim Marcus Dixon Jr., said. "I feel like I have to be the one to step up and make a change and make a difference." On Sept. 28, Mitchell and other family and friends of Dixon marched as part of a "Stop the Violence" march in the Sikeston American Legion Cotton Carnival parade in Sikeston. After the march, some of its participants placed march signs at a memorial for Dixon a few feet from the site on the street where Mitchell said she found him dead after being shot seven times on the night of Feb. 18. Pictured: Dixon's family from left: cousin Johnnyla Jones, 8; cousin Bryce Brown, 3; cousin Destiny Brown, 11; cousin Ajaevia Mitchell, 12; stepson Naquavion Allen, 9; and son Kayden Dixon, 2; place signs, used in a "Stop the Violence" march earlier in the day, at a memorial for Dixon on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, in Sikeston, Missouri.
Damien Helton drops to the ground to avoid being hooked as his 7-year-old sister Katelyn Brice casts a line Sept. 29, 2019, at Cape County Park North.
Damien Helton drops to the ground to avoid being hooked as his 7-year-old sister Katelyn Brice casts a line Sept. 29, 2019, at Cape County Park North.
Raymond Ziegert adjusts the order of pool balls in a rack before beginning a game Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at M & J's pool hall and buy-and-sell in Marble Hill, Missouri. This image and accompanying story were part of the first installment of the ongoing photo feature series titled "Rural Routes." These stories focus on the lives of everyday people in Southeast Missouri. The series is scheduled to appear on Mondays in the Southeast Missourian.
Raymond Ziegert adjusts the order of pool balls in a rack before beginning a game Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at M & J's pool hall and buy-and-sell in Marble Hill, Missouri. This image and accompanying story were part of the first installment of the ongoing photo feature series titled "Rural Routes." These stories focus on the lives of everyday people in Southeast Missouri. The series is scheduled to appear on Mondays in the Southeast Missourian.
Jeremy Green, left, helps bag a catfish caught by Lanie Mills, 2, bottom right, as she crouches next to her brother, Ryley Mills, 3, during the third annual Fishing Rodeo hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 51 on Sept. 29, 2019, at Cape County Park North in Cape Girardeau. The 6.49 pound catfish was the largest catch of the event.
Jeremy Green, left, helps bag a catfish caught by Lanie Mills, 2, bottom right, as she crouches next to her brother, Ryley Mills, 3, during the third annual Fishing Rodeo hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 51 on Sept. 29, 2019, at Cape County Park North in Cape Girardeau. The 6.49 pound catfish was the largest catch of the event.
Members of Scott City's offensive line are backlit by a red sunset between plays during a game against the St. Vincent Indians on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Scott City High School in Scott City.
Members of Scott City's offensive line are backlit by a red sunset between plays during a game against the St. Vincent Indians on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Scott City High School in Scott City.
Cape Central's Cameron Williams (51) walks aways from a huddle after the Cape Central Tigers' 49-0 win against the Normandy Vikings on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.
Cape Central's Cameron Williams (51) walks aways from a huddle after the Cape Central Tigers' 49-0 win against the Normandy Vikings on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau.
Sitting together in middle seats wearing blue, Gage Hutson, 7, and Sadie Hutson, 6, both of Sikeston, Missouri, ride the "Jumpin' Star" with other children during the first day of the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.
Sitting together in middle seats wearing blue, Gage Hutson, 7, and Sadie Hutson, 6, both of Sikeston, Missouri, ride the "Jumpin' Star" with other children during the first day of the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.
After running into a transparent funhouse wall, 3-year-old Lillian Prasun of Cape Girardeau continues in her attempts to navigate the mirror maze with her mother Hannah Wiggs on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, during the SEMO District Fair at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.
After running into a transparent funhouse wall, 3-year-old Lillian Prasun of Cape Girardeau continues in her attempts to navigate the mirror maze with her mother Hannah Wiggs on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, during the SEMO District Fair at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.
A helper is silhouetted through an American flag while assisting in assembling the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
A helper is silhouetted through an American flag while assisting in assembling the Avenue of Flags for Patriot Day on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at Cape Girardeau County Park North in Cape Girardeau.
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Both in times of joy and in times of heartache, Southeast Missourian photojournalists strive to visually tell the stories of those in our communities. Here’s a look at some of the photography staff’s best journalism from Sept. 2019.

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