Written by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

Cape Girardeau, Missouri – There are many fun summer events coming up at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for people of all ages. With this great Missouri weather, it is the perfect time of the year for days spent in the outdoors with family and friends.

The Conservation Nature Center will be hosting Outdoor Adventure Camp on Thursday, June 6^th at 8:30am to 4:30pm on Friday, June 7^th. The Adventure Camp will give children ages seven through eleven a chance to explore the outdoors with expert tour guides. The camp will include fun activities like hiking, canoeing, and fishing at local areas. The groups will visit local conservation areas so they can discover wildlife such as birds, flowers, and other animals. The children involved will get a chance to study habitats and ecosystems that they can find in their own backyard in Southeast Missouri.

Children that attend are required to bring sack lunches for both days and are required to register and attend both sessions on both June 6^th and 7^th. Registration began weeks prior, but is currently still open until the session takes place. You can register your child (age 7-11) by calling the Conservation Nature Center at 573-290-5218.

If the Outdoor Adventure Camp is currently full, there is a second session that will take place the following week on June 11^th and 12^th. The same information and guidelines apply for the second session.

Another great activity that the Conservation Nature Center is offering is the First Aid Basics Course. For families or individuals who enjoy hiking, bike riding, or being outside, this would be a great course to attend. The course will include the details of basic first aid taught by a professional so hikers or families never have to worry about any accidents that may take place outdoors. Attendees of this course will learn about splints, how to control mild bleeding, and care for other minor injuries that may take place outside. This hands-on course will get children and their family prepared for upcoming summer activities. This course is for anyone who is seven years old or older and you can register for this event that takes place on June 6^th, by calling 572-290-5218.

For families that love nature and would love to teach their children more about it, the Conservation Center is offering Families in Nature Day, which will take place this Saturday on June 8^th at 8am to 4pm. Attendees will learn about habitats, nature in Southeast Missouri, and discover new things at local conservation sites. The families that attend should plan to stay all day and should bring a picnic lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, and other items that may be needed for a day spent outside. The idea of Families in Nature is to stop the sudden growth of nature deficit disorder, which is a massive study proposed in the early 2000s that many behavioral problems found in children today are caused by the lack of nature in their daily routines. Many children spend time indoors playing video games or watching TV, so Families in Nature Day will help get families outdoors and help them spend time together as a group.

One week from today, on Wednesday, June 12^th, there will be an Outdoor Hazards seminar held at the Conservation Nature Center. This activity will allow people of all ages to learn different scenarios that will help them use correct precautions to keep them safe outdoors. The main idea is to teach people about common hazards here in Missouri and how to handle them properly in safe manner. There is no registration required for this and youth, young adults, and adults are all welcomed to join this event. 

Written by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

Essex, Missouri – Emergency tests are currently being administered throughout the area during the first Wednesday of the new month. City Hall will be testing tornado sirens as well as other alerts over the speakers placed near the fire station. The short tests will give local citizens the opportunity to hear the sirens from their property, to insure that they will be able to hear them during springtime storms or other natural disasters and town emergencies.

Submitted by

Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri - East and Westbound US 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. 

The westbound section is located from Route F to one mile west will be performed on Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4 from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The eastbound lane is located from Butler County line to Route H  will be performed on Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The work zone will be marked with signs.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

For additional information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

Written by

Bloomfield, Missouri – In the backwoods of Stoddard County over looking a beautiful lake there is a perfect little place to spend an evening.  The Boat House Wine Company offers that perfect retreat and is not your average winery.

With live entertainment on the weekends and an outdoor stage, the Boat House is the place to be.  The Boat House also offers an assortment of foods, wine and beer. 

There are currently six wines offered on the menu.  One wine called “Masters’ Estate”, named after Dr. Ed. Masters from Sikeston.  He was the former owner of the land prior to it becoming the Boat House back in 2010.  As a tribute to the late physician, the specialty Merlot bears his name.

There are even RV hook-ups, cabins, and tent camping available.  Fishing, no problem!  You can even stand at the edge of the water and feed the catfish.  They love tasty treats!

The outdoor movie theater is almost complete.  Jared expects to show two movies each month beginning June 7^th.   Live bands will be performing each weekend with THE BUZZ appearing at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8^th, the following Saturday will be the HUMAN ZOO BAND at 7:00 p.m. and on June 22^nd will be the JOHN D. HALE BAND, also at 7:00 p.m.

Want a romantic outdoor wedding? No problem, it’s beautifully landscaped with covered seating areas and outdoor lighting for that perfect nighttime ambiance.

“We have had lots of high school reunions, birthday parties, and church groups come out and enjoy the Boat House,” stated new owner Jared Chandler.

“It’s absolutely beautiful and so very peaceful out here, who wouldn’t want to come and enjoy nature, eat great food and visit with friends.”

The Boat House is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week.  It may be hidden away, but is relatively easy to get to.  Just take Highway 25 to Quila, turn west on route M, turn north on route BB and then a quick right on County Road 252.  Watch for Boat House Wine Co. signs!  If you would like more information about the Boat House contact Jared Chandler at 573-722-3760, find them on Facebook or check out their website at www.boathousewineco.com.="">

Shown in the picture are Alice Chandler, Jared Chandler (Owner), Marie Chandler, Sandy Chandler, John Allen, Dan Chandler, Cheryl Allen, Jerry McElrath, Benjie Ferguson, Sam Cook, and Janet Coleman.