Model airfield

It would be hard to find hobbyists more serious about what they do than the adults who build and fly radio-controlled model aircraft. Now members of the Southeast Missouri Modelers Association have an airfield and flying area that's up to par with their interest and devotion to flying small aircraft.

SEMMA members have transformed 90 acres of what used to be Cape Girardeau's solid-waste landfill just off Highway 177 north of town into a modelers airfield and flying space that attracts not only enthusiasts from this area, but from as far away as Arkansas and St. Louis. The area includes such amenities as carport shelters and electrical hookups.

The group had an airfield just past Gordonville for several years, but it was prone to flooding in wet seasons. The new airfield is high enough to stay dry year around.

SEMMA recently held an open house at the airfield in Galaxy Park, which is the name the city gave the old landfill. Visitors got to see how dedicated these folks are -- as well as watch some of the amazing flying stunts these model airplanes are capable of.

Anyone interested in radio-controlled aircraft is invited to visit the airfield. More information may be obtained at monthly meetings (7:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month) at the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

Happy flying.