Former Pemiscot County School Employee Admits Embezzling

(Cape Girardeau, Mo.) A former employee of the North Pemiscot County R-1 School District is admitting embezzling $1.46 million from the district. 64 year old Tammy Louise Barnes,of Pemiscot County, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to three counts of bank fraud. Barnes admitted that between December 13th of 2018, and June 3rd of 2024, she transferred money from the district’s bank account to her own account in about 57 different electronic transactions. According to her plea she stole a total of $1,467,247.49. As an employee, Barnes had access to the district’s bank account in order to pay legitimate school expenses. The Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) covered $1 million of the loss. At sentencing, Barnes will be ordered to repay the money. She’ll first have to reimburse the district $467,247 and then repay the Insurance Council. Barnes is scheduled to be sentenced on February 18th. Each charge carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both prison and a fine.

Ameren plans three more Missouri battery plants

Utility company Ameren has received the green light to add a new-to-Missouri type of infrastructure to the electric grid: batteries. The utility is expanding energy storage in the state. It is currently building its first battery facility in Missouri and recently received approval from state regulators for three more. Last...

CCC introducing new program in 5 southeast Mo. counties

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Heartland News) - The Community Counseling Center (CCC) is introducing a new program that will serve Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry and Ste. Genevieve Counties. The Early Diversion program will help people facing mental health challenges get treatment and support before an arrest or being booked into...

"Don't Give Up the Ship" Flag Arrives In Annapolis

MISSOURI HERO: After Two Tours In Iraq, This Veteran Gave His Life Protecting Missourians

Officer Henry Franklin served two tours in Iraq, but it was back home serving his community of Sikeston, Mo., where Franklin lost his life in the line of duty. This fall, Franklin was posthumously awarded Missouri's Red, White, and Blue Heart Award by Governor Mike Kehoe. The Red, White and Blue Heart Award is conferred upon first Missouri responders seriously injured or killed in the line of duty.

Ceremony in Sikeston recognizes veterans with new 2027 Honor Banners

The Sikeston Honors Veterans Banner Program held a ceremony to recognize veterans and display the new 2027 Honor Banners.

Cape Girardeau hemp shop to close as new Missouri law takes effect

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Heartland News) - A Cape Girardeau hemp shop is preparing to close its doors as a new Missouri law changes where many hemp-derived THC products can be sold. The law takes effect Thursday, November 12. The new law gives the state’s regulated marijuana system authority over many...

Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority to remove Town Plaza bus shelter

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority announced plans to remove the bus shelter at Town Plaza, but bus service at the location will continue. According to the transit authority, the shelter is being removed because of ongoing concerns surrounding the location. Officials did not...

Planned power outage scheduled for Jackson residents Nov. 18

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – Some Jackson residents will experience a planned power outage Wednesday, Nov. 18, as city crews work to replace an electric transformer. According to the city of Jackson, the outage is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. and will affect properties in the following areas:. –...

Farmington Inmate Dies at St. Louis Hospital

St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - A Missouri Department of Corrections inmate has died at a St. Louis hospital. According to the Missouri Department of Corrections, 39-year-old Terry Benson was pronounced dead at Mercy Hospital St. Louis at 4:48 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2026. Benson was serving a five-year sentence at...

Budweiser Clydesdales coming to Southern Illinois for holiday appearances

MARION, Ill. (KBSI) – The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are coming to Southern Illinois this November, giving residents several opportunities to see the horses up close during the holiday season. The Clydesdales will be available for free stable viewing at the Pavilion in Marion on four dates:. – Tuesday, Nov....

Holiday-themed historic sites tour in Cape Girardeau County

CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY, Mo. (Heartland News) - The Cape Girardeau County History Center and Legacy Preservation Enterprise are coming together to host an eight-stop, holiday-themed tour. It’s set for noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 29 and will take tourists on a journey through the Jackson area. Abraham...

This Charming Little Missouri Town Is So Budget Friendly It Feels Almost Too Good To Be True

Most things that sound too good to be true actually are, but Farmington, Missouri keeps being the exception that breaks that rule. Sitting comfortably in the rolling hills of St. Francois County, about 70 miles south of St. Louis, this town has quietly assembled a combination of affordability, charm, and genuine quality of life that most people spend years searching for and never quite find.

Warming centers, shelters in the Heartland 2026

(Heartland News) - Some warming centers in the Heartland are open as temperatures get much colder in the area. You can email us information about a warming center in your community at news@kfvs12.com. We’ll continue to update this list as learn of more. Missouri. Cape Girardeau County. The Cape...

Perry County to install seven Trail of Tears historic markers

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) – Perry County plans to install seven official Trail of Tears National Historic Trail signs along county roads to recognize routes traveled by Cherokee people during their forced removal in the 1830s. The project is a partnership between the Perry County Commission, Perry County Heritage Tourism,...

Land for new Dollar General approved

The final plot of land for a new Dollar General Store was among the resolutions approved during the City of Perryville’s regular Nov. 3 meeting. The plot is located on South Kingshighway at the former site of the old Bailey Stave Mill property, which has been subdivided to allow for construction of the store. The plans for the plot were recently revised to show the sewer line easement, as recommended by the planning and zoning commission, before they were approved at the meeting.

Green wins District 146 state representative seat in midterm

Republican Lucas Green won the race for District 146 state representative during the 2026 midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The election saw a 50.0% turnout rate in Cape Girardeau County, with 28,074 of 56,162 registered voters casting a ballot. According to the unofficial election results, Green won with 72.35%...

Porter Takes Over as Farmington City Administrator

(Farmington, Mo.) Tim Porter will take over as the new City Administrator of Farmington as current Administrator, Greg Beavers, retires. Porter, who works as the Developmental Services Director for the city, says he’s grateful the Mayor and City Council has confidence in him to handle the job. My MO...

Missouri National Veterans Memorial unveils Gold Star monument in Perryville

Perryville, Mo. (Heartland News) - The Missouri National Veterans Memorial unveiled a new Gold Star Memorial Monument in Perryville. The monument represents families who have lost a loved one serving in the armed forces. Judy Redmond, a veteran and a Gold Star sister, called the event an emotional experience. She...

Commission Hears Updates on Downtown Revitalization

The Madison County Commission discussed progress on a proposed downtown revitalization grant, county road improvements and preparations for the general election at its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 2, at the courthouse in Fredericktown. Although no new or old business was scheduled on the agenda, commissioners heard updates from county officials...