Salvation Army opens up Cape Girardeau cooling center

The Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau opened its doors as a cooling center at 6 a.m. today, according to a news release from the organization.

The facility, at 701 Good Hope St., will be open all week from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., the news release said.

Maj. Ben Stillwell of the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau said the organization is also giving away fans during the current heat wave. To donate new or used fans, bring them to the Salvation Army office. Those needing a fan should call 335-7000.

The entire region is under an excessive heat warning until 9 p.m. Tuesday. The National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., predicts temperatures in Cape Girardeau to reach 99 degrees today and 96 degrees Tuesday, with heat indexes as high as 108. For more local weather information visit www.semissourian.com/weather.