Naturalization ceremony welcomes new U.S. Citizens in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – A celebration of naturalization took place Wednesday at the Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse, where Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe and State Treasurer Vivek Malek helped welcome new citizens of the United States of America. For many, the moment marked the end of a long journey. “It’s a pretty long journey, for ten years, and…

Orange Barrel Report August 20

(KBSI) A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is scheduled to return to U.S. 641/12th Street in Calloway County on Friday, Aug. 22, to complete final paving work. Work will start at 4 a.m. on Friday and continue during daytime hours. (NOTE: Previous work was done at night.) Paving will focus on the turn lane and crosswalk areas along…

U.S. Marshals conduct arrest warrant; suspect barricaded inside home, arrested

HERRIN, Ill., (KBSI) — The Herrin Police Department, along with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and ILEAS, executed a federal arrest warrant on August 20 as part of an ongoing investigation. The warrant was served in the 300 block of South 17th Street, and a male subject, Michael Sloan, was taken into custody. “The partnership between…

Rhodes; World’s Largest Cup of Soft Drink unveils makeover in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday to celebrate the refurbishing of the World’s Largest Cup of Soft Drink, a Cape Girardeau landmark. The ceremony, attended by Rhodes representatives and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, marked the cup’s eight-year anniversary. The makeover includes new paint, a vinyl wrap and signage featuring fun facts about the…

BBB warns of risks in online gambling, gaming

ST. LOUIS, Mo., (KBSI) – A new study by the Better Business Bureau finds that inconsistent laws and regulations have created a thriving environment for grey market and illegal gambling operations online. The study, which analyzed nearly 200 scam reports and over 10,000 business complaints related to online gambling and gaming, found that consumers are often confused and misled by…

Kentucky tornado survivors have 2 days left to apply for FEMA aid

FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Kentucky residents affected by the May 16-17 tornadoes have until August 22 to apply for federal disaster assistance. The aid is available to eligible homeowners and renters in Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union counties who suffered uninsured damage. To apply, visit 4875 | FEMA.gov, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster…

First responders train with high-tech disaster response equipment

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)— Richard J. Valenta, Public Information Officer with Central States Communication Association, talks about the importance of preparedness for emergency situations during a recent training exercise that brought together first responders from five states. Following the challenges with communication after the 9/11 attacks, there was a nationwide push to improve interoperability among first responders. This week’s training,…

Power outage hits Jackson

JACKSON, Mo., (KBSI) — A severe thunderstorm has caused a widespread power outage, leaving the entire city of Jackson without electricity. Crews from the Electric Department and Ameren Electric are working to identify and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. No estimated restoration time has been provided. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Video submitted by…

Severe Storms Tuesday afternoon and evening

There is a MARGINAL risk for severe weather Tuesday afternoon and evening. Storm timing is 2pm-11pm. Winds up to 60+ mph will be the main concern. There will be small hail with the strongest storm cores this afternoon. Strong to severe storms will develop across SE Missouri near 1pm this afternoon. These storms will have gusty winds, small hail and…

Perryville installs Safe Haven Baby Box for anonymous infant drop-offs

PERRYVILLE, Mo.(KBSI) — Perryville officials on Monday, unveiled a Safe Haven Baby Box, giving parents in crisis a safe and anonymous way to surrender their newborns. The new box is located at the Perry County Joint Justice Center, a site chosen because it is staffed by first responders around the clock. “It was the idea of our County Commission and…

Tractor-trailer carrying 40,000 pounds of ribeye steaks catches fire on Highway 174

DOOLITTLE, Mo., (KBSI) — Firefighters responded to a tractor-trailer fire on eastbound Highway 174 earlier today, where a trailer carrying 40,000 pounds of ribeye steaks was engulfed in flames. The entire cargo was deemed a total loss. The fire marked a notable moment for Probationary Firefighter Jenna Ulrich, who fought her first fire alongside her father, Firefighter Glenn Ulrich. This…

Veterans on Warrior Paddle Journey stop in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Veterans arrive in Cape Girardeau for a quick break. The Mississippi River welcomed a powerful display of resilience today, Monday August 18, 2025, as military veterans arrived in Cape Girardeau for a quick break on an inspiring journey. Veterans travel thousands of miles for weeks -months at a time by canoe down river as part…

Back to School Bash provides haircuts and more for students in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Students in Cape Girardeau are heading into the new school year with fresh haircuts and new supplies thanks to a community led Back to school Bash at Arena Park. Organizers Kenitha Pittman and Tanyana Ivy partnered with local sponsors to provide backpacks, school supplies, helmets donated by the Cape Girardeau police department, and even free…

Herrin school see’s positive Whooping Cough case

HERRIN ILL.(KBSI) – The Southern Illinois region has seen its first case of Whooping Cough just days after children returned to school and health officials warn we could see more cases. According to the Herrin Community Unit School Districts Superintendent Nathaniel Wilson they were made aware that one elementary student tested positive for the virus and they notified all parents…

SEMO food bank partners with VFW in mobile food pantry

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The SEMO foodbank partners with the Cape Girardeau VFW Post 3838 for a mobile food drive. The mobile pantry is held the second Tuesday of each month and provides nutritious food items such as canned goods, fruits and vegetables and more. This serves as a way to give back to local veterans in need. Veterans…

Kennett Fire department conducts joint training exercise

KENNETT, Mo., (KBSI) — Firefighters from Kennett Fire, Portageville Fire & Rescue, and Cooter Fire departments participated in a joint training exercise on ignitable liquids and ethanol blended fuels. The training, led by instructor Kraig Bone and LETS, consisted of two nights of hands-on instruction and live-fire simulations.   Categories: News Tags: Kennett, Missouri

Runaway cow caught near I-57 overpass

JOHNSTON CITY, Ill., (KBSI) — Authorities in southern Illinois corralled a runaway cow that escaped from a stock trailer and roamed near an Interstate 57 overpass. Johnston City police, Williamson County sheriff’s deputies and local cattlemen teamed up to catch the cow. With the help of a lasso, the cow was safely taken into custody and returned to its owner….

Minimum wage increase to benefit SEMO student workers

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Student employees at Southeast Missouri State University will soon see a pay raise for their on campus positions. The campus minimum wage will increase from the current rate of $10.50 an hour to $13.75 on August 28, the wage will later increase to $15 an hour on January 1, 2026 for on campus positions. Dan…

Cape Girardeau Regional Airport awaits DOT decision on airline contract

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport is waiting on an important bid from the U.S. Department of Transportation. “Usually the bid process is quicker than this,” Airport Manager JoJo Stuart said. “Right now, I think with the political climate going on, they’re taking longer. It’s not just us, there are a lot of airports that are…

State officials announce permanent closer of school in Dexter and 11 other state schools

DEXTER, Mo., (KBSI) – The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced the permanent closure of 12 schools for severely disabled students in Missouri. Missouri is the only state left that operates a system of separate state operated schools for children with severe disabilities and some of those schools are set to close. On that list is Crowley…

Firefighters extinguish vehicle fire in Kelso; video released

KELSO, Mo., (KBSI) — Scott City Fire responded to a vehicle fire on North Messmer in Kelso on August 11, arriving on scene at approximately 6:30 a.m. Chief 2800 reported a single vehicle with the engine compartment fully involved. Squad 2861 arrived shortly after, and the three-person crew extinguished the fire using a 1.75″ pre-connected attack line, containing it to…

Cape Girardeau business owner seeks community’s help after break-In

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — The owner of a Cape Girardeau business is asking for the community’s help after her store was broken into. Madison Snyder, owner of Grateful Headz on Broadway Street, said her security alarms went off around 11:30 p.m. Finding her glass door shattered. “There were two suspects seen on camera, and I’m just looking to get…

Dense fog Wednesday morning- Hot weekend ahead

The summer -time heat and humidity will increase through this weekend. Temperatures will stay near 90-95 degrees, with heat index values near 98-106 degrees. Wednesday and Thursday, scattered showers will continue across the region, mostly in parts of Kentucky and Tennessee. This weekend and beyond looks to be a bit hot and dry, with temperatures close to the upper 90s…

Health officials see steady decline in vaccinated children

ILLINOIS(KBSI) – August is National Immunization Month and since COVID health officials say there’s been a steady decline in parents getting their children vaccinated. According to the CDC only about 86% of kindergarteners were vaccinated this year which is below the recommended 95% needed for herd immunity and health officials say its likely this trend will increase the outbreak of…