Editorials

Southeast Missouri State University will graduate 702 students in two commencement ceremonies to be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Show Me Center. The graduates include 581 undergraduates along with 113 and eight master's and specialist degree candidates, respectively...

Dennis Vinson, president and chief executive officer of Signature Packaging & Paper, died Dec. 1. He was 63. He leaves behind a legacy not only as a successful businessman but as a visionary leader whose focus on others served as an example for all...

Clad in hairnets and plastic gloves, volunteers of all ages came out over the weekend to pack meals for destitute children in foreign lands. It was the annual Feed My Starving Children meal-packing event sponsored by LaCroix Church, which includes not only members of the church but from other churches and organizations, too...

This community has no shortage of opportunities to do good while also having a good time. Last month, the American Cancer Society held its annual gala, which raised more than $90,000 to assist patients and fund research. Held at Rusted Route Farms, 275 folks donned their best formal attire for a night of philanthropy and fun. ...

The lights shine brightly in Southeast Missouri -- Christmas lights, that is. Following last weekend's parade in downtown Cape Girardeau, a 30-foot tree lighting on Broadway, and flip-the-switch events at the county park and Jackson, there's more Christmas cheer on the way...

The Southeast Missouri State University football, volleyball and soccer teams had seasons for the books with each program winning the Ohio Valley Conference title. The football team, led by sixth-year head coach Tom Matukewicz, lost a first-round playoff game to Illinois State at Houck Stadium. ...

If you love Christmas lights and other festive events, you’ll want to visit the Cape Girardeau County History Center before Christmas. The center, at 102 S. High St. in Jackson, is hosting a holiday-themed exhibit from the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. ...

Though you likely have plenty of Thanksgiving leftovers, the Christmas season is upon us and there will be several festivities that kick off this weekend. n The Jackson City Park "flip the switch" party will take place at 4:30 this afternoon with a ceremony to begin at 5 p.m. The Jackson Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary will be collecting non-perishable food for humans and pets...

Who’s ready for some turkey and mashed potatoes? As many this week prepare Thanksgiving feasts or travel to see family and friends, it’s a good time to remember why we celebrate the fourth Thursday of November. What is commonly considered the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 following Pilgrims’ successful corn harvest. ...

Southeast Missouri State University's football team is one win away from securing at least a share of the Ohio Valley Conference championship title and the Redhawks second consecutive appearance in the Football Championship Series playoffs. The No. 13-ranked Redhawks play conference rival Murray State on Saturday at Houck Stadium. ...

In 2020, voters in Cape Girardeau will be asked to continue the Transportation Trust Fund sales tax for another five years. Council members had briefly discussed extending the tax to seven years in an effort to include more projects under one vote, but the decision was made at Monday night's meeting to continue the five-year increment -- which has been supported by voters since 1995...

There's no shortage of Christmas music in the coming weeks. Here are a few events scheduled at the River Campus: n The Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra and University Choir and Choral Union will perform Poulenc's Gloria at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. There also will music billed as "festive symphonic works to help usher in the Thanksgiving and holiday season."...

As family and friends gather in the coming weeks for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it's important to remember those who need a helping hand. The Salvation Army will host its holiday lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. Chartwells Catering and the Cape Career and Technology Center usually cook about 40 turkeys, and food for side dishes is donated by individuals. Winter coats also will be distributed...

The Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s prayers were answered recently, albeit in a somewhat unexpected way. First Presbyterian Church, through one its members, donated a refrigerator truck to the organization, which does important work with mobile food pantries...

It's easy to take our freedoms for granted. In many countries things like going to church and voting in free elections are not a given. On Monday we will observe Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day to observe the end of World War I -- the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918...

The women of Zonta are an impressive bunch. They regularly meet and engage in philanthropic causes for the betterment of our community and women around the world. The organization's annual Women of Achievement luncheon is a joyous celebration of these ladies' personal and professional contributions to our community...

A longtime fixture at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport will retire at the end of this year. Bruce Loy has been the manager of the airport for 22 years, navigating the operation and its partners through many changes. In his tenure, the airport has added more hangers for local pilots and worked with airlines to provide commercial service to and from Cape Girardeau. ...

Former NBA player and current ESPN basketball analyst Adrian Branch has been in Cape Girardeau this week. The NBA Champion gave talks for several local schools and other organizations, and Branch will speak at 8 a.m. Saturday at La Croix Church. The event, which is free to attend, is sponsored by the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International...

The online purchase you make in the comfort of your home might be a bit more convenient, but the consequences affect our local economy through retail sales and associated sales tax revenue. In recent weeks, the Southeast Missourian has reported Cape Girardeau County and the City of Jackson sales tax revenue is flat compared to last year's number. While the county does have a use tax (passed in 2015 by only six votes), the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson do not...

If you plan to be out collecting candy with your kids Thursday night, make sure to be safe. Here are a few tips: n Stay with your child while trick-or-treating and make sure to remain visible to vehicle traffic. Flashlights, bright clothing and reflective tape are good ways to stay visible...

Get your red and black out. It's Homecoming weekend for Southeast Missouri State University. More than 10,000 alumni are expected to be in town this weekend for various events, according to a story by Joshua Hartwig in the Southeast Missourian. The Redhawks football team will take on University of Tennessee-Martin at Houck Field. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday, and the No. 24 ranked Southeast is coming off a big win at Jacksonville State...

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a cause represented with the color pink. According to a National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. The second and third most prevalent are lung and prostate cancer, according to the NCI...

This newspaper recently had a birthday celebrating 115 years in publication. On Oct. 3, 1904, the first Southeast Missourian was published. Many things have changed over that time — both in the region we cover and the products we produced. But what has not changed is our commitment to producing journalism that matters to you, our readers...

Cape Girardeau Central High School students have immersed themselves into the magical land of Narnia as they prepare to dazzle audiences this weekend with their production of a C.S. Lewis classic "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." The story features Aslan, the great and powerful lion, and four inquisitive children -- Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy -- who enter Narnia through a wardrobe. ...

This area loves a good event. And when you can combine a cause with the party, it makes it all the better. The 10th annual VintageNOW Fashion Show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Show Me Center. This will be a night of fun with fashion to benefit the Safe House for Women. This year's theme is "Heroes and Legends" and gets its inspiration from pioneers such as Amelia Earhart and Marie Currie along with everyday heroes in our own community...