Going Public: Recent Episodes
Dan Woods
Covering everything from education and politics to conservation efforts and health/science, nothing is off-limits on KRCU's Going Public. This locally-produced program provides a space for officials and community members to speak on the latest news in - and issues facing - the southeast Missouri region.
One business is considered a total loss after a large fire in uptown Jackson on Thursday night, June 5, 2025, fellow business owner Christie Blessing of Stitched and Stamped, describes her account of the blaze.
In a recent interview, we spoke with Leslie Washington, the local organizer of 'SEMO Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense' in the Cape Girardeau area. This year's event will be held at Peace Park in Cape Girardeau, where two survivors will share their stories, along with musical tributes from area youth, and a proclamation from the Cape Girardeau Mayor, Stacy Kinder.
In this episode of 'Going Public,' we speak with Heather Collier, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank Donor Relations and Communication Manager, about the upcoming 'Stamp Out Hunger' Food Drive and its impact on the local area.
April 2, 2025, is a date that few in Southeast Missouri will forget, especially in Delta, MO. One month since the destructive EF-2 tornado, a MARC (Multi-Agency Resource Center) is scheduled for residents with ongoing recovery needs in Cape Girardeau County on Sat. May 3rd.
The deadline for the REAL ID in Missouri, the entire U.S., and all U.S. territories is Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Trish Vincent, the Missouri Department of Revenue Director, explains the delays in the requirement, who needs it, why it is needed, and how to obtain one.
After a tornado tore through Delta Missouri just two weeks ago, residents of the town are working through the long road to recovery with the help of neighbors, volunteers, and schools that quickly became hubs for shelter and support.
On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Heather Collier, Donor Relations and Communications Manager at the Southeast Missouri Food Bank. She discusses their efforts to support communities affected by recent severe storms and tornadoes in Southeast Missouri. The food bank serves 80,000 individuals monthly across 16 counties, working with 140 partner agencies. They have conducted seven food distributions since March 14, with more planned despite challenges posed by flooding.
Voters in Cape Girardeau County will decide on a 25-cent property tax increase per $100 of assessed valuation in the upcoming local election
Matt Bowyer, Southeast Region Administrator for the Missouri Department of Conservation, provided an update on the wildfires in southern Missouri. The fires are primarily in Wayne, Reynolds, and Iron Counties, with some scattered throughout the Ozarks. The fires started before a tornado, with high fire weather conditions contributing.
In response to the devastating and widespread damage caused by tornadoes across Southeast Missouri, the United Way of Southeast Missouri has created a Heartland Recovery Fund to assist residents in Bollinger, Perry, Cape Girardeau, and Northern Scott counties.
The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport will host a Veterans Honor Flight Send-Off event on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The event will feature activities designed to celebrate these veterans and their sacrifices.
Dan Woods speaks with Kelly Downes, Director of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, about the Council's upcoming move to Scout Hall.
Dan Woods speaks with Shad Burner (SEMO REDI) and Dustin Whitworth (City Manager of Scott City) about the new Amazon last mile delivery station in Scott City that was announced on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Voters in Cape Girardeau County will soon determine the future of the Cape Girardeau Public Library’s funding as Proposition L appears on the April 8 ballot.
A surge in flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus cases has prompted multiple school closures in Southeast Missouri.
A few days before the second Cape Girardeau City Council meeting of 2025, Leslie Washington, an advisory board member on the Gun Violence Task Force, talks about the progress over the past eight months, and the challenges that lie ahead.
Dan Woods talks with NPR's Chief Economics Correspondent Scott Horsley. Horsely shares about his career in journalism and public radio, his time at the Cape Chamber's SEEDS event, as well as his thoughts on the economic impact of the upcoming administration.
Cape Girardeau’s water system is facing significant challenges after a crucial ballot measure, designed to fund necessary water infrastructure improvements, was voted down.
Cape Girardeau’s water system is taking important steps to address lead service lines, following the Biden-Harris Administration’s final rule that will require the replacement of lead pipes from drinking water systems within 10 years.
Dan Woods talks with Dr. Patrick Hopkins, Assistant Professor of Low Strings and Director of Orchestra. Dr. Hopkins shares about what brought him to Southeast Missouri State and the Symphony Orchestra.
Dan Woods talks with Dr. Rich Flotron, Director of Public Safety at Southeast Missouri State University. Dr. Flotron, shares about his career in law enforcement and his return to SEMO.
On this episode of 'Going Public,' we speak with Leslie Washington, who shares information about the upcoming Community Fellowship Memorial Balloon Release at Capaha Park Sept. 21st, and discusses the progress of the Cape Girardeau Gun Violence Task Force at recent meetings.
Dan Woods talks with Meredith Knopp, President and CEO of the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Meredith shares about her career with the St. Louis Area Foodbank and work with veterans.
Dan Woods talks with Maxine Clark, Founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop. Maxine shares about her career with Build-A-Bear, as well as her mentoring of women and minority entrepreneurs.
Dan Woods talks with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of United Way of Southeast Missouri. Elizabeth shares about the organization, its programming, and upcoming 70th birthday.
Cape Girardeau's water treatment plant has been a vital aspect of the city's infrastructure since its first water system was established in 1894.
Dan Woods talks with Shad Burner, new CEO of SEMO REDI. Shad shares about the organization, how he got to be CEO, and plans for the future.
Recently, we spoke with a local representative of 'Moms Demand Action' Leslie Washington, about the upcoming national event 'Wear Orange Weekend', the recent shooting at a high school graduation in Cape Girardeau, and statistics of gun violence across the state.
In Missouri, students' FASFA submissions are down nearly 32 percent from the last academic year. But, it's not too late—the June 1st Access Missouri deadline is approaching, and help is still available at MOFAFSA.org.
HB 1545 was introduced by Rep. Bill Allen (R-Dist. 17), and would allow more incarcerated people who are considered "geriatric" by correctional standards to become eligible for parole consideration, and was crafted with advice by Maria Goellner of FAMM.
On Wednesday, (Feb. 21), Rep. John Voss, a Republican representing Cape Girardeau Co. in the 147th District, introduced HB 2777, which aims to establish clear qualification standards for Missouri Coroners, and would ensure that individuals in these roles are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills for the job.
When the total solar eclipse occurs on Monday, April 8, most of us will be watching the celestial event with our ISO approved glasses but what about those who are visually impaired? Perryville is hosting “Hear the Eclipse” that will allow them to experience the eclipse, too.
Southeast Missouri State University's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design has received another six-year accreditation from the Council for Interior Design accreditation. Southeast’s Interior Design program first earned accreditation in 2017. I spoke with Dr. Michelle Brune. She's professor and Interior Design program coordinator at Southeast.
United We Work came about because of data that United Way collects. One of the obstacles to employment that always comes back from employers, as well as job seekers, is transportation.
The emergency overnight warming center in Cape Girardeau was open seven nights in January at the Salvation Army and in that time, they had 103 stays.
In 2024, National Gun Violence Survivors Week will be observed from Mon. Jan. 22 - Fri. Jan. 26. This will be the sixth annual event, and this year's theme is "Moments That Survive", which will highlight the role of gun violence survivors as 'changemakers who are leading efforts to end gun violence by building, strengthening and unifying their communities'.
Leslie Washington recently participated in the 'Take Back the Night' event held on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University on Thurs. Dec. 7th. It was part of the '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence', which ran from Nov. 25th - Dec. 10th, 2023.
Before the most popular part of deer hunting season—firearms portion— begins in Missouri, Nov. 11th - 21st, we spoke with Russell Duckworth, the SE Region Protection Branch Captain with the Missouri Dept. of Conservation, about what hunters need to know about Chronic Wasting Disease, testing during opening weekend (Nov. 11-12), and how to prevent its spread among the deer population.
Kent Library will host a film screening of Faulkner: The Past Is Never Dead in November on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. The 2023 documentary is the first-ever about William Faulkner created with the authorization and cooperation of his estate and offers insights into Faulkner’s life, struggles, and literary works.
During our interview, Leslie Washington recapped the recent 'Vintage NOW' Fashion Show fundraising event held Sat. Oct. 21, 2023, the various services offered for those who need help in domestic violence situations, and the upcoming Domestic Violence Awareness Month Candlelight Vigil at Southeast Missouri State University, Wed. Oct. 25, 2023.
Leslie Washington spoke with KRCU Public Radio shortly after gun violence in the downtown Cape Girardeau area, the frequent issue with solving gun crimes, especially in domestic violence cases, as well as witnesses willing to talk to police. The interview was recorded in late September and references recent events.
In celebration of Southeast Missouri State University's Sesquicentennial Year, Homecoming will look a little different and include a Homecoming Kickoff Block Party.
Christine Wielgos, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist, and Keith Cooley, the Senior Forecaster at the Paducah, KY National Weather Service stopped by KRCU to discuss what it means to be a 'weather ready nation', and their Fall Severe Weather Safety and Preparedness Campaign, which runs from Sept. 25th to Sept. 29th, 2023.
For the first time in Missouri Unclaimed Property Auction history, Cape Girardeau will be the host site. SEMO Alum and Missouri State Treasurer, Vivek Malek talks about the importance of this occasion and his time at Southeast Missouri State University.
KRCU Public Radio recently sat down with Alix Gasser, Development Director with Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO-NASV) to learn more about the organization and its services.
On Sunday, September 10th, 2023, St. James A.M.E. Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri will celebrate 160 years in the community.
The Cape Girardeau Public Library recently joined Missouri Evergreen, a consortium of more than 60 library systems statewide.
Southeast Missouri State University has announced plans to remove a large Beech Tree located on the university's River Campus grounds due to safety concerns.
KRCU spoke with Liz Haynes and Brennon Todt about the re-development efforts around the Broadway Theatre.
Now in it's eighth year, Wear Orange is observed across the country and honors the victims and survivors of gun violence. KRCU spoke with Leslie Washington about "Wear Orange Weekend" that will be held in Cape Girardeau June 2-4, 2023.
Dan Woods talks with Dr. Robert Hamblin and Dr. Brooke Hildebrand Clubbs about the book of poetry titled "Friend to Friend."
KRCU Public Radio spoke with Mia Ponder and Teddy Stone, both Prevention Specialists with the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, or SEMO-NASV.
KRCU Public Radio spoke with Mia Ponder and Teddy Stone, both Prevention Specialists with the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, or SEMO-NASV.
April is National Volunteer Month. We sat down with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri to learn more about the importance of volunteers to non-profits in Southeast Missouri.
The Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology at Southeast is bringing the Reverend Wheeler Parker to campus this week. Rev. Parker is the cousin of the late Emmett Till who was beaten and killed in Mississippi in August of 1955 at the age of 14. Parker was one of the last people to see Till alive.
The United Way of Southeast Missouri partners with the Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross to help prevent home fires with the "Sound the Alarm" program.
On March 8th, 2023, Cape Girardeau Public Schools announced that they had chosen to promote from within the district, and hire the current Deputy Superintendent of Elementary Education for the CGPS District Superintendent position. A search for the position began after the announcement of Dr. Neil Glass' retirement earlier in 2023. Dr. Benyon officially begins his role as the new Cape Girardeau Public Schools Superintendent on July 1st, 2023.
On this edition of Going Public, Dr. Carlos Vargas shares plans for Southeast Missouri State University's sesquicentennial celebration which kicks off on March, 22, 2023.
The Poplar Bluff Library will hold its 8th Annual Author Fair on Saturday, March 4, 2023.
KRCU sat down with Wendell Snodgrass. He is the new Vice President of University Advancement at Southeast Missouri State University.
KRCU sat down with Nora Bouzihay. She is the new Assistant to the President for Equity Initiatives at Southeast Missouri State University.
Special Olympics Missouri will host their annual Polar Plunge fundraising event on February 4.
On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Leslie Washington with 'Moms Demand Action', about the upcoming 5th Annual 'National Gun Violence Survivors Week', from Feb. 1st—7th, 2023.
Over 40 non-profit organizations in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson area are in need of volunteers. Residents are encouraged to check out what groups need their help and learn more about area non-profits to find an organization that is a fit.
Late in December 2022, KRCU Public Radio spoke with BJ Tanksley, the Director of Broadband Development about the nearly $3 million received in federal grants through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), to enhance the ongoing efforts of the Office of Broadband Development to expand high-speed internet access statewide. Residents are asked to 'map' their broadband access through Jan. 13, 2023.
Southeast Missouri State University's Board of Governors gave approval to proceed with awarding a contract to Faber-McGee Commercial Construction for the construction of the first phase of the Houck Multiuse Complex on August 23, 2022.
The Salvation Army will not be serving a Thanksgiving meal in Cape Girardeau this year however they are in need of donations to their food pantry to help those in need as well as volunteers to ring the bell during their Red Kettle Campaign. We spoke with Salvation Army Captain Lily Reinier and Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri.
'Share the Harvest' is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation, and processing costs of the donated meat is covered by the program. Once a deer has been donated and processed, the meat is distributed to one of the Southeast Missouri Food Bank's partner agencies to be shared with families and individuals in need. Throughout the Holiday Season, multiple food distribution sites in the 16-county area will also be available to help those in need.
Dan Woods recently sat down with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri to talk about their efforts to find shelter for the homeless in Cape Girardeau County this winter.
Dan Woods recently sat down with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri to talk about their efforts to find shelter for the homeless in Cape Girardeau County this winter.
On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Missouri Department of Conservation agent, Clarissa Lee, about Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and 'Mandatory CWD Sampling Weekend', which is Nov. 12th and 13th. The disease is deadly among the deer population, and there is no cure. The sampling program aims to monitor and reduce the spread in Missouri and the region.
On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Missouri Department of Conservation agent, Clarissa Lee, about Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and 'Mandatory CWD Sampling Weekend', which is Nov. 12th and 13th. The disease is deadly among the deer population, and there is no cure. The sampling program aims to monitor and reduce the spread in Missouri and the region.
On this edition of Going Public, we talk with United Way of Southeast Missouri Executive Director Elizabeth Shelton and their efforts to tackle transportation issues in the region.
Kara Clark Summers, Cape Girardeau County Clerk and President of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities discussed the changes for voters in the state, as well as the new voter ID law and what it means in this election cycle.
Kara Clark Summers, Cape Girardeau County Clerk and President of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities discussed the changes for voters in the state, as well as the new voter ID law and what it means in this election cycle.
We recently spoke with Miranda Sullivan, Director of Aviation and Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering and Technology at Southeast Missouri State University about SEMO's Professional Pilot Program.
We recently spoke with Miranda Sullivan, Director of Aviation and Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering and Technology at Southeast Missouri State University about SEMO's Professional Pilot Program.
Southeast Missouri State University is now offering a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness that combines horticulture and cannabis. The degree option is brand new and SEMO is one of the few institutions and perhaps the only school that offers it. Students who complete the degree will be familiar with agribusiness, horticulture and cannabis and the chemistry side of the plant.
Ahead of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health on Wed. Sept. 28th, Feeding America released “Elevating Voices to End Hunger Together: Community-Driven Solutions to Address America’s Hunger Crisis”. The report included insights and anti-hunger policy recommendations gleaned from listening sessions held across the country, including in southeast Missouri.
Ahead of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health on Wed. Sept. 28th, Feeding America released “Elevating Voices to End Hunger Together: Community-Driven Solutions to Address America’s Hunger Crisis”. The report included insights and anti-hunger policy recommendations gleaned from listening sessions held across the country, including in southeast Missouri.
On this edition of the program, Dr. Carlos Vargas, President of Southeast Missouri State University, discusses the recently released economic impact report.
The month of March will be a busy one at the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library with an author fair and a city-wide read taking place. We spoke with Adult Services Librarian Alora Bauer to learn more about the upcoming events.
SEMO Athletic Director Brady Barke discusses the plans to renovate Houck Stadium and what it could mean for the region.
Everytown’s National Gun Violence Survivors Week is February 1 through February 7. The week is designated for individuals to come together and share and amplify the stories of survivors who live with the impact of gun violence every day.
SEMO History Professor shares some background on Southeast Missouri railroad pioneer Louis Houck.
The Southeast Missouri Food Bank reports that in Southeast Missouri food insecurity rates have reached 17% overall and 21% for households with children.
Over the summer, students from Southeast Missouri State University traveled to Montana on a dinosaur fossil dig.
Dr. Steven Hoffman is a Professor of History and is coordinator of the Historic Preservation program at Southeast Missouri State University. He was recently named the Director of the university’s Bollinger Center for Regional History.
The new spacious shelter will feature additional amenities and safety benefits for animals, as well as opportunities for community involvement.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1.6 million Americans are affected by tricuspid regurgitation of the heart. One common treatment for this is the reinforcing or replacing of heart stem valves with artificial rings. However, according to Kate Appleman and Awab Esaid, this specific treatment is severely under researched.
Southeast Missouri State University To Celebrate International Diversity With 'Carpe Diem' 2021
In early September, Southeast Missouri State University President Carlos Vargas notified the community of Cape Girardeau that due to a recent structural assessment, Houck Stadium would be closing to the public. Vargas explained that the structure's south grandstand had surpassed its original useful life and the rate of the concrete’s deterioration had accelerated.
The Southeast Missouri Food Bank has joined Feeding America and a network of food banks across the US to celebrate their annual Hunger Action Month Campaign throughout September.
Southeast Missouri State University’s Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility will host a Health and Wellness Resource Fair on Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to mark National Suicide Prevention Month.
The Census Bureau recently released the raw numbers for the 2020 count. Among other things, the data is used to determine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and determine how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed.
Southeast Missouri continues to struggle with broadband accessibility in remote and rural areas.
At the August 16th city council meeting, The Gibson Recovery Center of Cape Girardeau was awarded a proclamation by Mayor Bob Fox, designating September 2021 ‘Recovery Month’.
Natural wildfires across the US are common in the summertime, however, more severe wildfires can become invasive and pose a threat to nature, animals, infrastructure, and entire communities.
The American Red Cross has been searching for new interested volunteer members in the Missouri-Arkansas area as common summertime disasters such as flooding and wildfires increase.
Codefi is hosting their annual 1ST50K Startup Competition this August, and recently announced their list of finalists, which includes innovations in artificial intelligence manufacturing, and application programs to benefit fashion, housing, and medical industries.
On Sat. July 10th, Southeast Missouri experienced a series of severe weather events, along with an EF2 tornado touching down and damaging parts of Stoddard County.