Editorials

Each summer, B Magazine solicits nominations for its Newsmakers edition. And the window for this year’s nominations — coined the Difference Makers of 2020 — is open until July 20. Newsmakers are those individuals who go above and beyond in business and community. ...

For high school students, there were many things this year that didn’t happen because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Southeast Missouri’s top awards show for high school athletes and coaches will still be held — albeit in a different format...

Last week, the Cape Girardeau County Commission authorized the use of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to purchase up to $100,000 worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) for county agencies. The county received $9.2 million in federal funds earlier this year meant to address expenses related to COVID-19, and PPE is an approved use of the money...

As we celebrate the Fourth of July weekend, there's several fun events coming up in the area. n On Monday, the SEMO Conference Senior Showcase will be held at Capaha Field. Senior baseball players, deprived of their final high school baseball season, will suit up one final time. Eight teams are scheduled to participate with the first game beginning at 1 p.m. Similar senior showcase events are also being held in the coming week for track and field, golf and tennis...

As we near Independence Day, it's important to consider the things that make America exceptional. The American experiment focuses on freedom, the inalienable rights endowed by our Creator. Preserving that freedom takes men and women of courage. Yes, those individuals who defend the nation in the armed services. But also those who get involved in their community through service and others who lead through business enterprise...

The state and nation continue to reopen under a new normal due to the coronavirus pandemic, but many people seem to think COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror as evidenced by the lack of social distancing and refusal to wear masks in public places. On today's Opinion page, columnist Adrienne Ross writes about her experience traveling to New York and being reminded to bring her mask everywhere she goes. ...

The August and November elections will have a new twist. Because of the coronavirus, Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation allowing those concerned about going to the polls the option of voting absentee or by a new mail-in option. “Normally, we receive between 700 to 800 absentee requests for an August election,” Cape Girardeau County Clerk Kara Clark Summers told the Southeast Missourian. “I anticipate three to four times that many (requests) this time.”...

Fireworks will go on sale Saturday in Cape Girardeau. Some towns have already started selling the Independence Day staple, though individuals must adhere to local rules and regulations regarding when they can be deployed. Both Cape Girardeau and Jackson will host professional fireworks displays on the Fourth. These are great opportunities to enjoy tremendous displays while maintaining proper social distance as we continue to battle the coronavirus...

It's not often that government bodies reduce costs to customers, but the Jackson Board of Alderman did just that recently when it reduced electric rates by 11.5% on average. The reduction was based on a recommendation by 1898 & Co., a subsidiary of Burns & McDonnell Engineering in Kansas City. The city's wholesale price of electricity has decreased, and the reduction takes into account cash reserves built up for maintaining the electrical distribution system...

The coronavirus pandemic has given us all more time at home. But that doesn’t mean people should remain inactive. Mind + Body, a health and wellness magazine produced by the Southeast Missourian and rustmedia, is encouraging area residents to get outside and exercise. And to make it a bit more fun, there’s a virtual event, Movement Mind + Body, where participants can collectively engage online and compete for prizes...

Editor's note: The following is our annual Father's Day editorial. The best fathers are the best teachers. They teach us how to throw a fastball, set a hook, tie our shoes, ride a bike. They teach us right from wrong, good from bad. They teach us humor and humility, discipline and decency...

The best fathers are the best teachers. They teach us how to throw a fastball, set a hook, tie our shoes, ride a bike. They teach us right from wrong, good from bad. They teach us humor and humility, discipline and decency...

If you watch "Shark Tank," the ABC show that features entrepreneurs who pitch their ideas to well known business moguls, you know good ideas don't come with an age prerequisite. Likewise, not all good ideas need a national TV show get started. Just ask Judson Mayfield, 18, of Marble Hill, Missouri...

Despite delays because of coronavirus precautions, area pools have started to open for the summer. Others are enjoying the warm weather in their private pools. Before jumping in the water, take a moment to review safety tips for you and your children...

Beneath the flag, we may disagree on specific paths forward. But the best ways to improve our country are those countenanced in our Constitution, symbolized by the flag, including freedom to peaceably assemble -- and protest -- and freedom of speech. It is for this Constitutional system and its rights -- and in gratitude of those who fought and died for such freedoms -- that we proudly stand: Out of many, one.

Area voters gave several tax measures a yes vote last week, giving schools and municipalities a mechanism to fund projects ranging from law enforcement to roads to capital improvements. And races for city council, board of alderman and school boards proved once again that every vote does count...

Swimming pools and parks are beginning to reopen in the area, including the Jackson Swimming Pool and Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center. The Jackson Swimming Pool reopens today. Jackson parks director Shane Anderson told the Southeast Missourian there are three main things in place to keep public health a priority while simultaneously opening the pool: Social distancing, increased signage and enhanced cleaning...

With all that is happening in our nation ranging from the coronavirus to racial tensions reignited by the death of an unarmed black man by police in Minnesota, Saturday's SpaceX launch of two American astronauts to the International Space Station was a welcomed moment of American pride...

Each year the Southeast Missourian solicits nominations for the newspaper's Spirit of America Award. This is an honor bestowed on an individual who represents the American spirit through patriotism, community involvement or entrepreneurial ingenuity, among other noble traits...

If the best type of collegiate degree program is one that mixes the practical — developing knowledge and skills to prepare for a career — with the enjoyable — yes, some people DO like math — then Southeast Missouri State University’s plan to offer a bachelor’s degree in aircraft piloting ought to have a seat at that table. ...

Following in the footsteps of a legendary figure can be a difficult chore. The next principal of Notre Dame Regional High School, assuming the position held for two decades by Brother David Migliorino, would undoubtedly have big shoes to fill. Enter Tim Garner...

On Tuesday, Cape Girardeau County voters will have a chance to decide whether to enact a half-cent sales tax to fund a variety of county government functions, focusing primarily on law enforcement activities and infrastructure. Sheriff Ruth Ann Dickerson has explained the proposal would allow the county to hire patrol deputies, jailers, transport personnel and school resource officers, while also supporting jail facilities, boosting pay for staff and improving communications infrastructure, among other projects.. ...

Memorial Day weekend is considered the unofficial kickoff to summer, but, more importantly, the holiday is an opportunity to remember those in the armed services who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This year is different in that many of the normal celebrations have been canceled due to COVID-19. However, the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery Directors will honor the fallen on Monday and lower flags to half-staff. And we can all do our part in honoring their legacy...

On the ballot June 2 for Cape Girardeau voters is the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF6) sales tax extension. The five-year extension is expected to generate $25 million to be used on a mix of new projects, roadway maintenance and other transportation projects...

The Flourish Magazine Ladies Night Out was scheduled for this month. With the challenges brought on by the novel coronavirus, this year’s event, which regularly draws hundreds of area women, is moving online for a virtual experience that promises to entertain and inspire...

This weekend was supposed to be commencement for Southeast Missouri State University. Area high schools also planned their own ceremonies this month. COVID-19 has changed those plans. Southeast graduates will have to wait to celebrate this milestone in cap and gown, while area high schools will hold virtual ceremonies for now with hopes of hosting commencement ceremonies this summer...