Editorials

A one-man play coming to the area will focus on the father of Methodism and his faith. Robert A. Johnson will perform “The Life of John Wesley: The Man from Aldersgate” this coming weekend in Cape Girardeau and Jackson. Wesley developed what became the Methodist faith in England during his life in the 1700s. He traveled throughout the country teaching and preaching. Wesley was ahead of his time, arguing for the abolition of slavery and in support of female preachers. His evangelism led him to America, too, specifically Georgia.

The State Historical Society of Missouri’s Cape Girardeau Research Center has recently opened its new home on the third floor of Kent Library at Southeast Missouri State University, marking a significant milestone for researchers, students and the broader community. ...

This is a back-to-school season, a tailgating season, a pre-holiday season. It’s also harvest season. Farmers have begun cutting their corn and rice fields. Soybeans and cotton will come next. The crops look to be pretty good. U.S. Department of Agriculture reports indicate the region’s row crops are close to historical averages, with this year’s wheat crop being especially strong while the cotton crop may be a bit below standard. ...

Twenty-three years ago, on the beautiful early fall morning of Sept. 11, 2001, we saw the aftermath of what we thought was a tragic accident — a plane had flown into one of the World Trade Center towers. Minutes later, though, our shock turned to horror and then fear as a second plane flew into the other tower. Moments later, both towers fell, leaving a gaping hole in the NYC skyline and a void in our collective psyche.

Southeast Missouri State University has forged new partnerships with the Cape Girardeau and Jackson school districts, expanding access to its educational programs for district employees. In addition to tuition benefits, the agreements offer faculty and staff exclusive discounts on the university’s cultural arts events, athletic games, and recreational activities, enhancing both professional development and community engagement. ...

What do you get when you combine artworks, a snapshot of the area's agricultural products, concerts, children's entertainment, a carnival and food favorites? SEMO District Fair. This year's extravaganza is upon us, running Saturday, Sept. 7, through Saturday, Sept. 14, at the fairgrounds in Cape Girardeau.

Baseball has been known as America’s “pastime”. The world’s game is soccer. But as summer ends and fall begins, football — our football — takes center stage. It’s easy to understand why: Everyone gets a role. The players and coaches work hard and give their best for each precious game. The bands and cheerleaders hype the crowds.

In every community, there exists an army of individuals whose contributions often go unnoticed, yet their impact is profound. These unsung heroes operate across various sectors without seeking accolades. But their efforts make our communities better. Each year, B Magazine dedicates an edition to recognize these individuals in its Difference Makers edition. These folks identify pressing issues and spearhead solutions, demonstrating leadership and dedication both in their professional roles and through various initiatives.

When it comes to the reasons for Monday's Labor Day holiday, the U.S. Department of Labor offers a good historical review. The first Labor Day celebration was in New York City in 1882 and organized by the Central Labor Union. Right off the bat, the holiday was associated with the first Monday in September. Other cities began to pass ordinances declaring a Labor Day holiday, and state legislatures began adopting the holiday. By 1894, 31 states were setting aside the first Monday in September for Labor Day. That year, Congress made Labor Day a holiday in the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.

Southeast Missouri is an arts-centric region. From the quality productions, exhibits and concerts at Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus, Scout Hall, Bedell Performance Hall and other venues to Cape Girardeau’s downtown outdoor artworks and the Show Me Center’s regular attractions, the arts play an important role in uplifting the area’s culture. Another facet of the local arts scene is a vibrant and varied community of authors.

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate the drama of a team winning a championship in a 1-0 game behind a stellar one-hit pitching performance. But that’s what fans got at this year’s 18-and-Under Babe Ruth World Series at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau. The Alabama Rawdogs beat the Kelso, Washington, squad to secure the title. This, after the team barely missed winning the championship on the same field last year. Will Thomas earned the win for the Alabama team, striking out seven in 6.1 innings. Center fielder Nolan Phillips drove in the only run of the game with a second-inning double. Remember those names. If you follow baseball, you’re likely to hear them again.

Some days just feel special. That first sunny, 70-degree day after a long, dreary winter. That first cool breeze of the fall slipping through the stands at the football game. That chilly evening when a cup of hot chocolate hits just right before they flip the switch on the downtown Christmas tree. Another: The first day of a new school year.

Congressman Jason Smith will be the featured interview Wednesday evening, Aug. 21, for the second installment of the Southeast Missourian’s Pints & Politics series. Hosted by Southeast Missourian editor Rick Fahr, the series provides a forum for in-depth interviews that delve into the pressing issues shaping Missouri’s political landscape. ...

Learn something. Have some fun. Maybe make a new friend or two. If that sounds like a good way to spend a few hours, join us at the TBY Active Living Expo from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Century Casino Cape Girardeau. ...

Elections are as American as apple pie and baseball. Choosing our leaders — from president down to town council — puts the power in the people’s hands. We decide who represents us, giving rise to a phrase we all know — government of the people, for the people, by the people...

As the excitement of a new school year approaches, Cape Girardeau is offering families a perfect way to celebrate with the "Back to School Bash" on Thursday, Aug. 15. This event, organized by Cape G Rocks, Historic Park Porch Sessions, Discovery Playhouse and Scout Hall, is more than just a night of fun — it’s a showcase of the community’s vibrant spirit and the resources available to families downtown. ...

Here. Literary Magazine, a publication for student writers and artists, is set to host its launch party Tuesday, Aug. 13, at Scout Hall. This year marks another milestone for the magazine, which is an engaging opportunity for the young creative community of Southeast Missouri. ...

Nashville, it’s not personal. Here in Cape Girardeau, we love you. From the tunes of the Grand Ole Opry to the NFL experience of the Titans to the free entertainment of bachelorette party after bachelorette party shutting down The District, you’re the fun aunt and uncle we love to visit a few times a year. ...

With the Olympics winding down, another global sports event is about to begin. And this weeklong competition doesn’t require a ticket to Paris. The 16- to 18-year-old Babe Ruth World Series will return to Capaha Park and Cape Girardeau Central High School in Cape Girardeau on Friday, Aug. 9, featuring a week’s worth of baseball involving players from around the country and, indeed, the world.

Get your boots and cowboy hats on for a calf-roping, bull-riding, barrel-racing and big-time concert good time as the 72nd annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo kicks off this week. ...

Many successful, confident, driven adults can point to a teacher along the way who championed and inspired and encouraged them. Might have been an English teacher who helped a student get over a fear of speaking to a group.

A ritual of late summer for parents and guardians of school-aged youngsters is a shopping trip for supplies. And those supply lists seem to get longer — and more expensive — each year. Enter United Way of Southeast Missouri.

This year’s SEMO District Fair will be here soon — Saturday, Sept. 7, through Saturday, Sept. 14, at the fairgrounds in Cape Girardeau. All the familiar attractions will be back — food and fun at the carnival, agricultural exhibits and loads of entertainment.

The Tuesday, Aug. 6, primary election in Missouri will feature local, state and federal candidates. Voters will also decide on two constitutional amendments: Amendment 1, which proposes property tax benefits for day care centers, and Amendment 4, which mandates that Kansas City allocate 25% of its general revenue to policing. ...

Few things mar a community’s reputation — and can hamper growth and prosperity — like gun violence. From a cold-blooded murder for a particular, if inconsequential reason, to a haphazard wrong place/wrong time accidental shooting, Cape Girardeau is no stranger to this societal ill. After years of talking among, and sometimes past, ourselves, a group of area residents, called together by Mayor Stacy Kinder, is aiming to take action.

Festivals usually have a star attraction — dogwoods and azaleas in Charleston or jumping mules at East Perry County Community Fair — to tie the associated events to a common theme. For the annual weeklong Jackson Homecomers in Uptown Jackson, the star is the people — current residents and those from the area who moved away over time who come together this time each year. ...

The Stars and Stripes Museum in Bloomfield stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of military journalism. This institution, dedicated to the history of the Stars and Stripes newspaper, is embarking on an ambitious expansion project that promises to enhance its role in preserving and educating the public about this significant facet of American history. ...