Cape Safari Park to reopen, continuing founder’s vision

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – After a difficult year, the Cape Safari Park is gearing up for its reopening, while still navigating the loss of its beloved founder, Vicki. Vicki’s passion for animals and dedication to sharing that joy with others remains at the heart of the petting zoo’s mission. While the exact opening date has yet to be announced,…

Homemade firework explosion creates crater in McLeansboro

MCLEANSBORO, Ill., (KBSI) — Police responded to a report of an explosion near the 200 block of North Locust Street at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. Officers found that a male suspect had detonated a homemade explosive device, described as a “homemade firework,” which created an approximately 18-inch crater in a ditch. An investigation revealed undetonated items at the residence, prompting authorities…

Chief Deputy Jody Cash remembered on anniversary of his death

RICHMOND, Ky., (KBSI) — Today marks the anniversary of the tragic death of Chief Deputy Jody Cash, who lost his life in the line of duty on May 16, 2022. Cash was a devoted public servant, husband and father, with an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving his community. His legacy endures through the Jody Cash Memorial Scholarship at Murray…

‘Investing in Southern Illinois,’ Gov. Pritzker visits major development site in Marion

MARION, Ill., (KBSI) – Governor JB Pritzker made a rare visit to Southern Illinois on Thursday, attending a groundbreaking ceremony for a major development site in Marion that local leaders say could transform the region’s economy. Pritzker joined officials inside the former Illinois Centre Mall, at a symbolic groundbreaking for the Oasis Fieldhouse.  Both the fieldhouse and the mall are…

Pulaski County law enforcement conducts joint warrant operation

PULASKI COUNTY, Mo., ((KBSI) — A joint operation between the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies and the Missouri State Highway Patrol resulted in the arrest of four individuals with outstanding warrants on April 7. The arrests were part of Governor Kehoe’s Relentless Pursuit Warrant Task Force Initiative. Those arrested and booked into the Pulaski County Detention Facility were: — Raymone M….

Community rallies to support Hope Children’s Home; volunteers still needed

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) – Recently. the Hope Children’s Home was seeking urgent community support after taking in five siblings ranging in age from 2 to 16. Community donations poured into the home shortly after the announcement. FosterAdopt Connect’s Hope Children’s Home provides transitional care for children in protective custody, offering nurturing environments, healthcare and essential items. The organization also operates…

Black bear killed in collision; MDC warns of wildlife risk to drivers

MISSOURI (KBSI) – As animals migrate, they increasingly crossroads, posing a risk to both wildlife and drivers. In a recent incident in Howell County, a young male black bear was struck and killed by a vehicle while attempting to cross a road at night. The driver escaped unharmed and notified local authorities. Motorists are advised to exercise caution when driving,…

Victim dies, charges amended in Cape Girardeau incident

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Charges against Casey Bright, 59, of Cape Girardeau, have been amended to second-degree murder and armed criminal action after the victim in the May 11 shooting died of her injuries. Bright remains in custody on a $1 million cash-only bond. He was initially charged with domestic assault and armed criminal action after the shooting on…

Murray woman arrested on drug-related charges

MURRAY, Ky., (KBSI) — A Marshall County sheriff’s office warrant execution led to the arrest of Kristen N. Clark, 37, of Murray, on May 13. Clark was taken into custody following a Calloway County Grand Jury indictment and is being held at the Calloway County Detention Center. She faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, first degree, first offense…

Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office honors young hero

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office has presented an award to a young individual in recognition of his courageous and calm response during a stressful situation. The office says the Mason Bourland’s quick thinking and composed actions helped prevent injuries to himself and others. Sheriff Dickerson praised the young man’s bravery, saying his response serves…

Police investigate attempted rape on Cape LaCroix bike trail

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — An 18-year-old Cape Girardeau man is being held without bond after being charged with attempted rape and assault. Noa Wonnell was taken into custody Monday evening after officers responded to a report of an assault on the Cape LaCroix Bike Trail, according to the Cape Girardeau Police Department. The victim reported being tackled to the…

Matt Carpenter announces retirement after 14-year MLB career

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI) — Former St. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter announced his retirement Thursday, bringing an end to a 14-year major league career that included 12 memorable seasons with the Cardinals. Carpenter, a versatile and consistent hitter, played a key role in the Cardinals’ success during his tenure, helping the team win two National League pennants and making…

Neighborhood roll calls return next month

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI)- With summer approaching, neighborhood roll calls are set to resume, offering residents a chance to meet with local law enforcement in a relaxed setting. The family-friendly events provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions and get to know the officers serving their neighborhood. The roll calls will take place throughout the summer in various…

Immaculate Conception students get hands-on lesson in government

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) — Third- and fourth-grade students from Immaculate Conception School took a field trip to Jackson City Hall, the Cape County Courthouse and the Cape County Sheriff’s Department to learn about government and community safety. The students met with the city administrator, three judges and the sheriff, asking questions and gaining hands-on knowledge about how local government works….

Woman charged with methamphetamine possession in Williamson County

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — Aimee E. Jordan was arrested and charged with methamphetamine possession after a traffic stop on April 29. Williamson County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped Jordan’s vehicle on Halfway Road for a lighting infraction. A K9 unit arrived and indicated the presence of narcotics, leading to a search that uncovered a plastic bag containing a substance that…

ISP squad car struck on I-290, driver cited for Move Over Law violation

CHICAGO, Ill., (KBSI) — A driver who failed to move over struck an Illinois State Police squad car on Interstate 290 on Monday, marking the sixth Move Over Law-related crash involving ISP this year. The trooper, who was investigating a previous crash, was outside the vehicle when it was struck by a Dodge Charger driven by 40-year-old Cordell Franklin of…

McCracken County Public Schools appoints Kayla Myers as foundation liaison

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky., (KBSI) — McCracken County Public Schools has appointed Kayla Myers as district foundation liaison, tasked with re-establishing and growing the McCracken County Schools Foundation. Myers brings experience in nonprofit development, fundraising and communications, having served as director of community engagement at Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center. She will work to create opportunities supporting students, staff and schools…

Mercy Health Foundation to host Independence Day 5K

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) — The Mercy Health Foundation Southeast’s Independence Day 5K is set for July 4, with a goal of attracting more than 500 participants. The event, in its 26th year, will begin at 7:04 a.m. at the Mercy Fitness Center – HealthPoint Jackson. Participants can choose from a 5K run, 5K walk, 1-mile Firecracker run/walk or a virtual…

Man arrested in Williamson County on suspended license charge

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A traffic stops on May 1 led to the arrest of a man on misdemeanor charges, with additional felony charges later filed in two counties. Raymond A. Long, whose age and hometown were not provided, was stopped by Williamson County Sheriff’s Office deputies after his vehicle’s battery died on Southern Hunt Road. Long was discovered…

23 Students graduate from Vienna High School Nursing Program

VIENNA, Ill., (KBSI) — Twenty-three new nurses graduated from the Vienna High School nursing program in a ceremony featuring remarks from local educators and officials. The graduates, who will be certified as nurse assistants, completed a program regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The program has become a springboard for students pursuing medical careers, with many graduates going…

Cape Chamber launches leadership academy for emerging leaders

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Chamber has launched the Cape Leadership Academy, a program designed for managers seeking to advance their leadership skills. The program offers a range of events, educational sessions and practical experiences focused on personal and professional development. Applications are being accepted through June 15, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit Leadership Academy…