April is Digital Spring-Cleaning Month

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – April is Digital Spring-Cleaning Month   Better Business Bureau Regional Director Whitney Quick says that taking some time to clean up your data can help a lot.   Quick suggest taking some time to protect your computer with antivirus software and clean up files.  “So, make sure that you’re using antivirus software to protect your…

Gem, Mineral, Fossil, and Jewelry Show brings all generations together

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) – A Megalodon tooth found in South Carolina is just one of the many, many interesting things you can find at the Southern Illinois Earth Science Club Gem, Mineral, Fossil, and Jewelry Show. This unique find belongs to Laurence Nuelle, a geologist by trade and owner of Fall Creek Rock Shop in Rolla, Mo.  “I do this,…

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

(KBSI) – As the weather starts to get warmer and more people are driving the likelihood of crashes goes up.  That’s why before summer begins April is dedicated to Distracted Driving Awareness Month.  Illinois State Police Public Information Officer Josh Robinson says that being distracted plays a part in almost every crash.  “It’s a contributing factor in almost every crash…

55th annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival comes to Charleston, MO

Charleston, Mo. (KBSI) – The 55th Annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival came to Charleston, Missouri and brought out the crowds for some hometown fun.  Dogwood trees and azaleas bushes weren’t the only highlights to bring people from all over the region. There were food stands and homemade lemonade for everyone to try, even for the pickiest eaters.   Bill Kirk, manager of Bill’s…

Parent Protech; How learning about technology can keep your children safe

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- Do you feel like your child knows more about social media and technology then you do? Well, a new program, Parent Protech helps you to navigate those social media apps and teaches you about the technology your kiddos might be using. “We started building Parent Protech, to be a resource to families and to help them,…

Severe Weather Risks increase for Saturday

Strong storms and possible Severe Weather expected for Saturday afternoon throughout the evening, large hail and damaging winds are likely with possible tornadoes. Storms continue Sunday before drying up on Monday. Temperatures in the in the 70s on Saturday followed by a cool down into the 50s and 60s Sunday and Monday as a passing cold front makes its way…

1 injured in Cape Girardeau shooting

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – One person was injured in a shooting Thursday night in Cape Girardeau. Police were called to the 900-block of William Street about 9:45 p.m. on April 13. Officers found a male victim with an apparent gunshot wound. The male was treated for his injuries and taken to an area hospital. A vehicle was found with…

Remaining warm, storms over the weekend

We will hang on to the warm temperatures for the next couple of days. However, a cold front is going to move though Saturday and that will give us storm chances Saturday evening and cooler temperatures by Sunday. We’ll warm back up as next week progresses. Highs of Friday will be above average once again. Highs will be in the…

Help for Bollinger County businesses could be on the way, rebuilding process already underway

GLENALLEN, Mo. (KBSI) – Holley Huker said the focus of the last week has been rebuilding her father’s business.  “Slowly but surely, it’s just a process, you know, you find what’s the most important thing to deal with right now, and for us, that is getting up and running,” she said. Last Wednesday’s tornado severely damaged Precision Roofing and Supply…

Cape Girardeau Citizens Police Academy a great turnout

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- Have you ever been interested in learning about your local police department? “It’s not always a criminal setting that we’re visiting them.” The Citizens Police Academy in Cape Girardeau started last week, and Officer Newton says they had more people sign up, than they could take. “The citizens get to come in, learn a little bit…

New art sculpture in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Cape Girardeau has a new piece of jewelry to show off. A public sculpture in downtown Cape sits on Broadway. An event was put on by the City of Cape and Old Town Cape. Musicians and artists gathered for the new display and celebrated with food and a little bit of music. “It’s great,” said…

Springtime brings seasonal allergies to sufferers

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Warmer temperatures bring flowers blooming and trees sprouting their green leaves, but it also brings plenty of pollen. Seasonal allergies can be problematic for sufferers and pharmacist Jenny Ash tells what symptoms what to look for. “That brings on watery eyes, sneezing, even though it’s so nice outside, it really makes a lot of people…

MO Gov. Parson requests SBA disaster assistance for Bollinger County

Bollinger County tornado damage (Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol)BOLLINGER COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – Missouri Governor Mike Parson requested on Thursday the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issue a disaster declaration to make available low-interest loans in response to the April 5 severe storms and EF-2 tornado that caused extensive damage in Bollinger County. “Joint assessment teams have documented extensive damage to…

$30 million awarded to Missouri tourism industry projects

(KBSI) – The Department of Economic Development awarded a $30 million through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program for 26 projects across the state. The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and part of Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan. It is focused on supporting projects that further the recovery of the…

Cape Girardeau Fire Department helps boaters taking on water on Mississippi River

Cape Girardeau Fire Department helps boaters on the Mississippi RiverCAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Cape Girardeau Fire Department assisted some boaters on the Mississippi River Wednesday night and Thursday. Crews were dispatched Wednesday night for a 40-foot pleasure craft taking on water, but the boaters were able to secure the boat themselves, according to Cape Girardeau Fire Department Battalion Chief…

Notre Dame Regional High School announces 2023 valedictorian, salutatorian

Valedictorian Evelyn Jones and Salutatorian William Dodson (Source: Notre Dame Regional High School)CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Notre Dame Regional High School announced the Class of 2023 valedictorian and salutatorian. Evelyn Jones has been named Notre Dame Regional High School’s valedictorian for 2023. She is the daughter of Liza and Bryan Jones of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jackson. Jones is…

Bollinger County multi-agency resource center provides help to tornado victims

MARBLE HILL, Mo. (KBSI) – During the April 5 tornado, 37 people took shelter in the safe room inside Bollinger County Health Center. Now, this room is being used as a Multi-Agency Resource Center for those affected by the storm. Debi Meeds manages the Multi-Agency Resource Center or “MARC” and she described how these centers help the victims of disasters…

Citizens Academy gets a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Facility

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)- Ever wonder where your water is coming from? This week the Citizens Academy for the City of Cape started with a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Facility. “The overall should develop an appreciation for how we get clean water.” Todd Fulton, the City Plant Manager for the treatment center gave the tour to a couple groups…

Children’s Division Presents first annual Child Abuse Prevention Family Fun Day

PIEDMONT, Mo. (KBSI) – April is child abuse awareness month and the Children’s Division in Piedmont, Missouri will be hosting their first ever Family Fun Day to increase awareness.   It will feature law enforcement vehicles, a fire truck, helicopter, and ambulance for the kids to look at and explore, along with lots of other activities.  Children’s Division Supervisor Dawn Fuller…

Southern 7 Health Department opens new health clinic in Pope County

GOLCONDA, Ill. (KBSI) – Southern 7 Health Department held a ribbon cutting for the Pope County Public Health Clinic in Golconda. “Having this clinic closer to home makes the access just a little bit easier,” said Hilary Meisenheimer, assistant program manager with Southern 7. This comes following the move of the clinic last year to 106 N. Market Street. “So…

Carbondale receives two grants to improve the city

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The city of Carbondale will receive half a million dollars in grant money from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).  The grant is part of a 22.5-million-dollar investment from the DECEO for nearly 90 local tourism festivals and attractions across the state.  In Carbondale, the money will go to the city’s Superblock.   Carbondale…

Above average temperatures continue Wednesday, staying dry through Friday

Wednesday and Thursday will continue the trend of mostly sunny skies with above average temperatures. Mid to upper 70s are expected for Wednesday and Thursday Friday cools into the lower 70s. Wednesday and Thursday temperatures will continue to be cooler in the 40s before warming up again over the weekend. Friday will be partly sunny with a slight chance for…

Greenhouse experts give tips on planting this season

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – These beautiful warm days have homeowners getting excited about planting. With warmer temperatures in the forecast, nurseries and greenhouses are getting ready for all your planting needs.  Cold crops can be planted. Those include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. More tender vegetables should wait at least two more weeks. Nursery experts say the beginning of may…