January 3, 2016

Photos of the Year - 2015

A look back at 2015 with our photographers' favorite photos from the year.

Laura Simon, Fred Lynch and Glenn Landberg

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com People decend the stairway behind the frozen waters of the Kala M. Stroup Fountain in front of Southeast Missouri State University's Kent Library, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. Today's high temperature is expected to be 22 degrees with a low of 9 degrees.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The view looking east over downtown Cape Girardeau from the Common Pleas Courthouse, as seen Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Zarra, a traveling gypsy, tries to sell her groups alpaca, Gomer, at the corner of Mount Auburn Road and William Street, Wednesday morning, Sept. 23, 2015, in Cape Girardeau. Zarra, Gomer, three dogs and her group were traveling from Kentucky to Washington state when their van broke down. They said they did not want to sell Gomer, but needed the money to fix their van. Through funding from Mac's Mission, a local not-for-profit that helps animals in need, and Dawn Flickinger, owner of Yearning 4 Yarn, the alpaca and Suboa, a 4-month-old black labrador puppy were sold. The puppy, now renamed Rainbow, is available for adoption at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. Gomer, now renamed Unicorn, has found a new home on a farm.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Traveling gypsies Cody Church, left, Zarra and Tinker try to sell their alpaca, Gomer, at the corner of Mount Auburn Road and William Street, Wednesday morning, Sept. 23, 2015, in Cape Girardeau. The group was traveling from Kentucky to Washington state when their van broke down. They said they did not want to sell Gomer, but needed the money to fix their van. Through funding from Mac's Mission, a local not-for-profit that helps animals in need, and Dawn Flickinger, owner of Yearning 4 Yarn, the alpaca and Suboa, a 4-month-old black labrador puppy were sold. The puppy, now renamed Rainbow, is available for adoption at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. Gomer, now renamed Unicorn, has found a new home on a farm.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Tyler Lorberg makes a pass through a cornfield with a combine as he harvests the last bit of corn at his family's farm in Gordonville, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Doggy Swim Day at Cape Splash, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Cape Girardeau. Leashed dogs got to swim and play in the lazy river and swimming pools with their owners. Proceeds from event benefit the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Foundation.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Shane Bullard applies zombie makeup to Gavin Byars at the Retribution haunted house, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kaitlyn Dodd portrays a three-eyed lady at the Retribution haunted house, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Bruce King

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Matt Yount performs on keyboard with the Jazz Sultans, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at Lodo in downtown Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Davey Jackson

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com E.J. Norman

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com John Boyd

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jordan Ford

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Justin Denton

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Justin Spaeth

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Keith Seyer

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Michael Smith

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Randy Farrow

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Becky Mocherman carefully walks down the snow covered hill on Lorimier Street Monday morning, Feb. 16, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ron Mason looks over the community train model replica of Scott City circa 1945, Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, at the Scott City Historical Museum. The new train exhibit open December 12.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com "Today" show fans fill downtown Cape Girardeau's Riverfront Park as forecaster Al Roker broadcasts the weather live as part of "Rokerthon", Tuesday morning, Nov. 10, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A boater cruises through the fog on the Mississippi River Tuesday morning, Nov. 10, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Fog surrounds the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge Tuesday morning, Nov. 10, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Julia and Taylor Kohlfeld

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kasyn, left, and Adisyn Seabaugh

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Austin and Ayden Moreland

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Declan Stevens munches on the chocolate from a s'more while surrounded by his parents Vanessa and Brian, and family dog, Millie, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com People sled down the hillside outside the Common Pleas Courthouse, Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Declan Stevens hugs his mother, Vanessa, at their Cape GIrardeau County home, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jim and Anna Phillips with their son, Jack, inside their Cape Girardeau home, Wed. Nov. 18, 2015. Jack was born April 19 at 29 just weeks, and weighed only 2 1/2 pounds.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Micah Lorhan takes a bite of chicken and dumplings from his mother, Amanda Lorhan, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, during Thanksgiving lunch at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Winfred Fields takes a bite of chicken and dumplings, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, during Thanksgiving lunch at the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Randy Graviett, a train conductor with Burlington Northern Santa Fe, peers out from the window of the caboose, Monday, Nov. 30, 2015. Graviett was eating his lunch in the caboose as the train was waiting on railroad repairs north of Cape Rock Park before making its way to Neelys Landing. The train travels from Chaffee to Neelys Landing each day.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Mike Mills, brewmaster at Buckners, adds dry ingredients to the mill to be transported through the auger to the mash bin for brewing, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, in downtown Cape Girardeau. Mills was brewing a batch of Bee's Sneeze Honey Wheat beer.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jefferson Fox, who recently released his latest album, "Drawing Board", is seen in Jackson, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ron Mason, left, and Dean Coffin play with their model trains, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ron Mason, right, giggles after highjacking Dean Coffin's remote control to his train, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Justin Emmendorferer is covered with snow after sledding down the hill outside the Common Pleas Courthouse, Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Laurie Everett poses inside her latest business venture, Indie House, Monday, Dec. 7, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Local airbrush artist, Malcom McCrae, creates an original piece on glass, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Justin "Boz" Boswell

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Randy Farrow

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Brandon McArthur cruises to the finish line powered by "angels" Janice Burger, left, Kim Burger and Kristie Milam, in the myTEAM TRIUMPH Resolution 5K run Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com John Buehler hauls in a rainbow trout Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015 from Rotary Lake in Jackson. It was Buehler's first time fishing there during catch-and-release season. He normally joins dozens of anglers on the first day when trout can be harvested which will be Feb. 1. About 1,900 trout were stocked in the lake by the Missouri Department of Conservation in the fall.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Adam Rookard portrays a cheerleader during the filming for the movie, "Love Chronicles (of the Cape)" on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 at Shawnee Park Center in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Motorists brave the snow covered roads, Monday, Feb. 16, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha takes a poster to autograph for Colton Starks of Benton, Missouri at the Cardinals Caravan Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 at the Show Me Center.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com The Rev. Rodney Moody receives an offering for academic scholarships during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 at St. James AME Church in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Steve Turner salvages wood from the old Roll-O-Fun skating rink Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 in Jackson.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile turns onto South Kingshighway headed to the Walmart Neighborhood Market for public viewing Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. The vehicle will also be on dispay at the Walmart Supercenter in Cape Girardeau on Sunday.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State coach Dickey Nutt hugs J.T. Jones after their team beat Eastern Illinois 68-64 Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at the Show Me Center.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com The Southeast Sunbeams perform at halftime of the men's game with Eastern Illinois Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at the Show Me Center.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State coach Ty Margenthaler takes in the action against Eastern Illinois during the second half Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at the Show Me Center.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com "Caelifera" is a sculpture by Lexie McClanahan, Cape Girardeau Central High School, seen Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 at the opening of the 37th annual High School Art Exhibition at the River Campus.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Kellan Landgraf acknowledges the crowd as he finishes the 20-foot baby crawl at the Parks and Recreation Super Kids Race Day on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 at the Student Recreation Center.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Asher Tanz stops short of the finish line of the baby crawl to pose for pictures at Super Kids Race Day on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 at the Student Recreation Center.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson, Missouri, as seen Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State center fielder Brendon Neel, right, catches a Bowling Green State fly ball as left fielder Clayton Evans converges on the play during the first inning in the first game Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 at Capaha Field.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com The Stars and Stripes is raised in a ceremony Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 presented by Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. at the Civil War site of Fort A on the east end of Bellevue Street in Cape Girardeau. An apartment building at the site was recently razed after Limbaugh purchased the property situated above North Main Street. A fence has been installed and visitors will be able to view the Mississippi River from the site.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State's Chelsi Hamilton finishes the balance beam event in the meet with Texas Woman's University on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015 at Houck Field House.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com With the snow getting deeper, motorists work to get onto North Kingshighway near Schnucks Monday morning, Feb. 16, 2015 in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State's Marcus Wallace takes a shot as Eastern Illinois' Trae Anderson defends during the second half Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 in Charleston, Illinois.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State coach Dickey Nutt talks to his team during a timeout in the second half of the Eastern Illinois game Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 in Charleston, Illinois.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Dr. Kenneth W. Dobbins and Jeanine Larson Dobbins admire a photograph of the Kenneth & Jeanine Dobbins River Campus Center that was unveiled at a dedication ceremony Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Redhawks fans try to distract an Austin Peay free throw shot Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 at the Show Me Center.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Chad Beck returns a volley as teammate Hannah Wight looks on in a power pool match Sunday, March 1, 2015 at the Osage Invitational Co-ed Volleyball Tournament at the Osage Centre.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Joel Southwick and Ziva, a 1-year-old female pitbull, enjoy a balmy stroll Monday, March 16, 2015 at Riverfront Park in Cape Girardeau. As temperatures reached into the 60s, the river stage was rising to 23.72 feet. Flood stage is 32 feet.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Associate Commissioner Charlie Herbst takes photos inside the dome of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson, Missouri, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Len Fiedler, left, and John Stehr admire the Brown Family Quilt, a crazy quilt designed and created by Idell Brown Dockins, Sunday, March 15, 2015 at the new Cape Girardeau County History Center in Jackson.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Gov. Jay Nixon discusses his upcoming trade mission to Italy, Germany and Spain during a news conference Monday, March 16, 2015 at Buzzi Unicem in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State's Brendon Neel is congratulated after lead-off home run against UT-Martin during the second inning Friday, March 20, 2015 at Capaha Field.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Matt Palisch performs a selection by J.S. Bach on the 27-rank Schantz pipe organ at Old St. Vincent's Church during the Southeast Missouri State Organ Showcase Saturday, March 22, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. The concert was presented by the university's department of music.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Members of the Jackson Percussion Ensemble perform "Real in Rio" under black light at the close of A Night of Percussion Monday, March 30, 2015 at Jackson High School.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com "The Sacrifice," one of eight interactive stations in the "Journey to the Cross Easter Experience," invited visitors to drive a nail into the cross in worshipful reverence Sunday, April 5, 2015 at Cape Bible Chapel.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com A mounted albino buck stands in Jerry Kinnaman's home Monday, April 13, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. Kinnamon killed the 10-point, 7-year-old deer with a bow and arrow Dec. 3, 2014 in Cape Girardeau County.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com With umbrellas deployed, participants in the Walk MS continue their soggy trek around Capaha Park Sunday, April 19, 2015 in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Ozzie Smith, Baseball Hall of Famer and a former St. Louis Cardinal, speaks at a news conference Monday, April 20, 2015 before his presentation at the Show Me Center.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com The Shaving Cream Crawl at the Messy Morning event Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the Show Me Center.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Clockwork inside the dome of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson, Missouri, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State's Kayla Fortner returns to her ecstatic teammates after breaking the school's all-time single-season home run record with a shot to left field against Eastern Illinois during the first inning in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the Southeast Softball Complex.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Leopold shortstop Shelby Schreckenberg catches Advance baserunner Haleah Wallace off second base for a double out after catching an Advance popup to end the game 15-1 during the fifth inning of semifinal game of the Class 1 District 4 softball tournament Monday, May 5, 2015 in Scott City. Leopold center fielder Leah Landewee, left, looks on as third baseman Klara Beel covers the base.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Central's Joseph Baker reaches third base safely on a hit by Chase Hagerty as Sikeston third baseman Wyatt Pratt misses the throw during the sixth inning of a Class 5 District 1 quarterfinal Monday, May 18, 2015 in Farmington, Missouri.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian Southeast Missouri State coach Steve Bieser talks to his team after their 16-3 loss to Morehead State in the championship game of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament Saturday, May 23, 2015 in Jackson, Tenn.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Joan Foust, left, takes on Tammy Richardet as Tyler Chrostman starts the championship arm-wrestling match as part of the Lawless Freedom Rally Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Lawless Harley Davidson in Scott City. Richardet prevailed.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Praise and worship at the Rock N Roll Church Sunday, May 31, 2015 in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Tyler Whistler jumps off the diving board Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Harmon Field swimming pool in Chaffee, Missouri.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Rob Hale mixes watercolors for a painting of the Bollinger Mill and Burfordville Covered Bridge while set up on a sandbar in the Whitewater River Sunday, June 7, 2015 in Burfordville, Missouri.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com The Capahas' coach Tom Bolen talks with his father, manager Jess Bolen, in the first of two games against the St. Louis Bulls Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Capaha Field.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Craig Thomas works on a chalk portrait of Dr. Seuss Saturday, June 20, 2015 at the River Campus Summer Arts Festival.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Clockwork inside the dome of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson, Missouri, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Motorists drive through rising floodwaters from the Diversion Channel on Highway 74 late Monday morning, June 22, 2015 just east of Dutchtown, Missouri. The view is looking west toward the intersection of Highway 25. The river stage was 42.7 feet at Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com A motorists turns around at the barricade on Highway 177 where floodwaters cover the road Sunday, June 28, 2015 at the city limits of Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Fireworks light up the sky Saturday, July 4, 2015 over Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Ayden Church tries his hand with Giant Kerplunk at Parks and Rec Day sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department and the Southeast Missourian Jr. Friday, July 10, 2015 at the Osage Centre.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Bruce Zimmerman, left, leads the Water Street Band as Danny Rees keeps the beat in their final Sunday night gig in the Water Street Lounge at Port Cape Girardeau Sunday night, July 12, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. Port Cape has ended a 26-year run of the Sunday night music sessions.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Anthony Lanzotti of the Cape All Stars waits his turn to bat against Carthage in the 11-year-old bracket game of the Missouri State Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Shawnee Park Sports Complex.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Ann O'Neal books it to the city library on her electric unicycle Thursday, July 23, 2015 along Bloomfield Street in Cape Girardeau. O'Neal said she likes traveling on the one-wheel scooter up to a top speed of 12 mph.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Redhawks offensive line coach Jon Wiemers conducts a blocking drill during the second annual Redhawks Football Brick-By-Brick Women's Clinic Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015 at Houck Stadium.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Jamie Poteete takes a turn in a blocking drill with Redhawks offensive line coach Jon Wiemers during the second annual Redhawks Football Brick-By-Brick Women's Clinic Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015 at Houck Stadium.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Mike Stafford, 100, right, salutes after Floyd Smith presented him with an American flag during the Spirit of '45 event Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015 at the Missouri Veterans Home. Stafford presented the flag to the home where he is the oldest resident. The ceremony commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on Aug. 14, 1945.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Academic Hall sits in the background of the frozen waters of the Kala M. Stroup Fountain sit in a frozen in front of Southeast Missouri State University's Kent Library, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. Today's high temperature is expected to be 22 degrees with a low of 9 degrees.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The sun sets behind a barbed wire fence in Cape Girardeau County Tuesday evening, Feb. 24, 2015.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com A youngster jumps his bicycle off the boat ramp of Red Star Access on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. The Mississippi River stage was 19.4 feet and rising. The level is forecast to fall to 19 feet by Friday.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Evelyn Hinkle enjoys cotton candy as Fiona Dotson gives her a push on the swing during the St. Mary Cathedral parish picnic Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015 in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Adults race in the mud for the $100 prize at the Benton Mud Nationals Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015 at Benton Neighbor Days in Benton, Missouri.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Civil War re-enactors with the Turner Brigade, from left, Aric Johnson, Wyatt Willis, Tristan Watson and Mike Watson, fire a replica of a 3-inch ordnance rifle Sunday, Sept. 7, 2015 at the Fort D Historic Site in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com The Marine Corps League color guard posts the colors at the Avenue of Flags on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 at Cape County Park North.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Brayden Kneezle of Cape Girardeau pushes toward the finish line in the kiddie pedal tractor pull Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 at the SEMO District Fair.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Trace Jessup takes a swing at a BirdieBall as Mike Warren watches on the terraces of Common Pleas Courthouse Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015 at the First-Ever 10th Annual Louis J. Lorimier Memorial World Famous Downtown Golf Tournament in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Here is a view of the lunar eclipse Sunday night, Sept. 27, 2015 taken about 10:15 p.m. in Cape Girardeau. The Earth had already passed between the moon and the sun, covering the moon with the Earth's shadow. The eclipse coincided with a supermoon, or blood moon. It was also the Northern Hemisphere's Harvest Moon--full moon nearest the September equinox. The last time such a phenomenon occurred was 32 years ago in 1982. There will not be another such eclipse for 18 years.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State's Paul McRoberts hauls in a 3-yard pass from Dante Vandeven to score a touchdown against Eastern Kentucky during the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 at Houck Stadium.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Cape Central fans celebrate a touchdown against North County during the second quarter of a Class 4 District 1 first-round game Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 at Cape Central High School.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Two cows watch the sunset at a Cape Girardeau County farm, Tuesday evening, Feb. 24, 2015.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State's Tremane McCullough celebrates with Redhawks fans after his 81-yard touchdown run against Tennessee Tech during the first quarter Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015 at Houck Stadium. Officials called a penalty on McCullough for unsportsmanlike conduct by making contact with fans.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State coach Rekha Patterson directs her team during the third period of the Oakland City game Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 at the Show Me Center. Patterson is in her first year as coach of the women's basketball team.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Don and Roseanna Greenwood rehearse their version of the "Old Folks" on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015 for The River City Players Follies in the Yacht Club of Port Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Phyllis Sides presents a biography at the grave of Civil War veteran Elijah Hannibal Goodchilds, a member of the 108th Regiment, U.S. Colored Infantry, Company D, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015 at Fairmont Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Redhawks fans celebrate the first touchdown by Southeast Missouri State against UT Martin during the second quarter Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 at Houck Stadium.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State coach Rick talks to his players during a timeout against Loyola Marymount in the first half Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 at the Show Me Center. Ray is in his first year at the helm of the men's basketball program.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Equestrians ride ahead of Santa Claus Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015 in the Uptown Christmas Parade in Jackson.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Rilaynd Graham adds a vitamin mix and dehydrated vegetables on the MannaPack line at the Feed My Starving Children MobilePack event Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015 at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Grand marshal Dr. Carlos Vargas, president of Southeast Missouri State University, and his wife, Pam, ride in the 24th annual Christmas Parade of Lights Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015 on Broadway in Cape Girardeau.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Candlestick Lane connects neighbors with holiday decorations along Fairlane Drive as seen Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. David Wilson went door to door in his neighborhood with the idea inspired by a similar creation of his father, Jerry Wilson, who died in June, which David recalled as a child growing up on Dorothy Street in the mid-1970s.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Dr. Andrew Walker creates custom bicycles in his Cape GIrardeau studio.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Jackson's Carson McCord reacts after pinning Dexter's Storm Massey to win the 170-pound championship match of the Tiger Classic on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 at Central High School.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Members of the Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team react from the bench after a score against Southern Illinois to end the third quarter Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015 at the Show Me Center.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Tom Fornkohl walks through a field of repaired tow boat propellers at Missouri Dry Dock and Repair Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 in Cape Girardeau. Propellers this size can weigh close to 8000 pounds.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Lashanda Daniels walks across the Save-a-lot parking lot Tuesday evening, Feb. 17, 2015. Temperatures are forecasted to continue dropping over the next few days.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Joann Leadbetter sits with a bass guitar during open mic night at Southside Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau Saturday, March 7, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Carley House and Ryan May have their first dance after being crowned prom king and queen at the Cape Central High School prom Saturday April 25, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Tamilla House, center watches the first dance after her daughter, Carley was crowned prom queen at the Cape Central High School prom Saturday April 25, 2015. Tamilla is joined by friends and family.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Carley House kisses Ryan May on the cheek during their first dance after being crowned prom king and queen at the Cape Central High School prom Saturday April 25, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Charlie Wade pilots a four-wheeler pulling a sled with a plastic calf attached to it while Becky Menees practices roping at the Gravel Hill location of Cape County Cowboy Church Tuesday evening, May 19, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Allison Elfrink stands with Chico, a wild mustang she is training, while Leanna and Cash Menees debate petting him at the Gravel Hill location of Cape County Cowboy Church Tuesday evening, May 19, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Barb Duncan creates Ukrainian egg art, pysanky, inside her Jackson home, Monday, Feb. 22, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Pastor Jim Matthews enjoys a laugh during worship before delivering a sermon Tuesday evening, May 19, 2015 at the Gravel Hill location of Cape County Cowboy Church.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com The statue of St. Francis of Assisi is lowered into place outside the main entrance of Saint Francis Medical Center by the facilities construction crew, Thursday, June 25, 2015 in Cape Girardeau.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Members of the Sikeston Fire Department take a break from battling the blaze that broke out at Santie Wholesale Oil Co. in Sikeston Monday, July 13, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com St. Vincent football practice Wednesday, July 15, 2015 in Perryville.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Frank Bollinger, 87, winds up to throw the discus during the track and field events at the Southeast Missouri Senior Games in Perryville, Missouri Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Robert Declerck performs his third and final attempt at the arm curl during the weightlifting portion of the Southeast Missouri Senior Games in Perryville, Missouri Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Bob Maschal, 88, gets a rep in during the arm curl weightlifting event at the Southeast Missouri Senior Games in Perryville, Missouri Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Bill Cannon, 84, displays his hardware after the awards ceremony during the first day of the Southeast Missouri Senior Games in Perryville, Missouri Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Alan Schenck, 69, puts up a rep in the bench press competition during the Southeast Missouri Senior Games in Perryville, Missouri Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com John Gahan, 82, makes his way to the starting line of the 1500 meter race during the track and field events at the Southeast Missouri Senior Games in Perryville, Missouri Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. Gahan took first place in his age group.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Barb Duncan creates Ukrainian egg art, pysanky, inside her Jackson home, Monday, Feb. 22, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com John Seckman cleans off his discus after a throw at the Southeast Missouri Senior Games in Perryville, Missouri Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com James Mills, 77, focuses on his javelin throw during the track and field events at the Southeast Missouri Senior Games in Perryville, Missouri Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Students in Mr. Hines 7th grade social studies class work through an exercise on their laptops Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 at Central Junior High School.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Jimmy Long tries to coax Polly into leaping over the barrier during the mule-jumping contest at the East Perry Community Fair Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 in Altenburg, Missouri.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Luke Foltz, 3, takes a spin on the Ferris wheel at the East Perry Community Fair Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 in Altenburg, Missouri.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com John Watkins moves a red-tailed hawk to a larger enclosure at the Watkins Wildlife Rehab facility Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015 in Sedgewickville, Missouri.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Silver, a resident coyote at the Watkins Wildlife Rehab facility Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015 in Sedgewickville, Missouri.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Apollo, a male panther chameleon.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Rango, a male vailed chameleon.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Lori Simpson feeds Shelby the turtle Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Dr. Mike Cowan, principal of Cape Central High School for the past 14 years, is retiring after 40 year career in education.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Shelly the turtle Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Members of the Cape Central Middle School "K. Kids" team splash into Lake Boutin during the Polar Plunge benefit for Special Olympics Missouri Saturday, Fed. 7, 2015 at Trail of Tears State Park.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Ted Oberndorfer watches logs being unloaded after delivering them to Altenburg Hardwood Lumber Company Thursday, Feb 5. 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Gerard Fiehler, assistant director at the Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum in Altenburg Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com A confirmation room built in 1904 rests on the grounds of the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Goats meander around the grounds of the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Addison Verseman writes a letter to his friend in Mrs. Verseman's kindergarten class at Altenburg Public School Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Korby Engert shoots hoops with his father Mike at his grandmother's home in Altenburg Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna rests along Highway C Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Fog rests across a field of peach trees in Cape Girardeau, Tuesday, March, 3, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Betty Li gets a cuddle in with a bunny during the Breakfast with the Bunnies event at Discovery Playhouse Saturday, March 28, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Derrick Liddell makes the final push for a first place finish in the 400-meter race during the Missouri Special Olympics Southeast Area Spring Games Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Student Recreation Center of Southeast Missouri State University.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Derrick Liddell celebrates after his first place finish in the 400-meter race during the Missouri Special Olympics Southeast Area Spring Games Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Student Recreation Center of Southeast Missouri State University.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Dennis Manning as Captain America watches the adult division of the costume contest during the Cape Comic Con Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Osage Centre.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Destiny Matysik hunts for a Superwoman comic book during Cape Comic Con Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Osage Centre.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Russell Keller drives the ball over the pond at the sixth hole during the Kow Pasture Klassic Saturday, April 25, 2015 in New Hamburg, Missouri. Proceeds from the event benefit the Kenny Rogers Children's Center and the Missouri Veterans Home.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Yuliana Rust waits in the starting gate for her race to begin during the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club's Soap Box Derby Saturday, May 2, 2015 outside Blanchard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Cancer survivors Patricia Brewer Wallace, left, and Joyce Penny greet each other during the opening ceremony of the Relay for Life of Cape Girardeau County fundraiser at Arena Park, Saturday, June 13, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Rahhem Glover rests at the end of a bounce house slide during a block party in Cape Girardeau's ward 2 area, Saturday, June 20, 2015. The event was hosted by Overcomers Church of God and held in the 600 block of South Ellis Street.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Alicia Fowler waits for her chance to ride in the barrel races Saturday evening, August 1, 2015, at the Rockin' JK Arena in Marble Hill, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Fog hovers over Tywappity Community Lake in Chaffee, Tuesday, March, 3, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Opening night of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Sterling Crawley makes his way back to the chutes after competing in the saddle bronc riding event during the opening night of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015. The rodeo runs through Saturday.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com A wrangler and his horse take a break after the saddle bronc riding event during the opening night of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015. The rodeo runs through Saturday.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com George Joseph listens to closing statements during his double-murder trial, Thursday, July 23, 2015, at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson, Missouri. Joseph was found guilty of 2 counts of first-degree murder.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Chris Rogers starts the engine on his radio controlled airplane during the Cape Fly Hi event at Galaxy Park Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 in Cape Girardeau.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Bryce Pullen shimmies his way to the top of a pole before the greased pole contest during Chaffee German Days on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015 at Frisco Park in Chaffee, Missouri.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Models make their way down the runway during the VintageNOW fashion show at the Osage Centre on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Proceeds benefited the Safe House for Women.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Models wait in the dressing room for the start of the VintageNOW fashion show at the Osage Centre on Saturday, October 24, 2015. Proceeds benefited the Safe House for Women.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com The SEMO District Fair continues Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com The SEMO District Fair continues wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Maraya Whitney, 2, eyes Michael Whitney, 3, as he makes a silly face while the pair eat ice cream outside Hamburger Express in Cape Girardeau, Thursday, March 12, 2015.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Yael Chavez takes a break from watching a show with his family at Woody's Menagerie during the SEMO District Fair Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Brandon Strop uses chains to add weight for dips during his workout routine at HealthPoint Fitness Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015 in Cape Girardeau.

GLENN LANDBERG ~ glandberg@semissourian.com Landre Hoehne plays the part of an angle during the live nativity scene at Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna, Missouri Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Sushi chef Michael Lin cuts up a fresh octopus at Shogun in Cape Girardeau, Friday, March 13, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Max smiles for the camera while playing at the dog park at Kiwanis Park in Cape Girardeau, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Feather, a 35-year-old macaw, soaks up the last bit of Monday's sunshine with his owner, Les Eaker, in downtown Cape Girardeau. Feather has been in Eaker's family since 1985. Eaker said Feather has a big vocabulary, but is shy around strangers, and he also gets along well with dogs, but likes to chase cats.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Marya Zipoff pulls her granddaughter, Sylvia Zipoff, behind her in Sylvia's new wagon, Monday, March 16, 2015, at Cape County Park North. Sylvia Zipoff got the wagon for her first birthday, which she celebrated Saturday.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Smoke billows around Daniel Puckett as he uses a hot shoe technique while making a horseshoe for Annie Rose, a Belgian draft horse, at The Hope Center in Perryville, Missouri. The technique helps insure 100 percent contact between the horse and the shoe, and helps dry out the bottom portion of the hoof.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Daniel Puckett hammers a hot horseshoe to form it to the hoof of Annie Rose, a Belgian draft horse, Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at The Hope Center in Perryville, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Daniel Puckett fits Annie Rose, a Belgian draft horse, for new horseshoes, Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at The Hope Center in Perryville, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Hannah Elledge helps her dog Ovie cool off with a drink from the fountain at Dogtown, Wednesday, March 25, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Justin Farrar, with the Jackson Fire Department, searches a pickup truck in Little Whitewater Creek for another person that may have been trapped inside when it was swept off a low water bridge Thursday morning, March 26, 2015, on Cape Girardeau County Road 352 near Millersville. One person, who swam to the shore, was found at the scene.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Hannah Bobeen, dressed as Daenerys Targaryen from "Game of Thrones", poses with her dragon egg, Wednesday, April 8, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nicholette Tilgham and her daughters Iris, rear left, Eleora and Vivienne watch as Joan Roth bends down to let her dog, Dino, take a whiff of the daffodils she picked up, Thursday, April 16, 2015, during the first day of the Cape Farmers Market. Cape Riverfront Market kicks off its season Saturday, May 2, and Jackson Farmers Market plans to start its season May 5 at its new location at the train station near the intersection of Highways 25 and 61.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ron Unterreiner holds his dog Charlie after a play date at the dog park at Kiwanis Park in Cape Girardeau, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Azaleas begin to bloom at Pinecrest Azalea Gardens, Thursday, April 16, 2015, in Oak Ridge, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Pinecrest Azalea Gardens, Thursday, April 16, 2015, in Oak Ridge, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com An antique Italian chandelier hangs in the dining room at the Inn St. Gemme Beauvais, Sunday, March 23, 2015, in St. Genevieve.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The Inn St. Gemme Beauvais, Sunday, March 23, 2015, in St. Genevieve.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Artist Juanita Wyman inside her St. Genevieve studio, Sunday, March 22, 2015. Wyman has used many mediums in her art, but is currently using pastels for her pieces.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nick Hendricks, mayor of Marble Hill, Missouri, poses inside City Hall, Monday, March 23, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour in Makanda, Illinois.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Evan Webb and the Rural Route Ramblers rehearse, Sunday, April 26, 2015, in McClure, Illinois.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Evan Webb and the Rural Route Ramblers practice, Sunday, April 26, 2015, in McClure, Illinois.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com James Killion rides his unicycle along the riverfront of the Mississippi River, Thursday, May 7, 2015, in downtown Cape Girardeau. Killion's mother got him into riding a unicycle when he was in sixth grade. He said it took him a week to learn to ride it, and a long time to get good at it. Killion, a third year horticulture major at Southeast Missouri State University, often rides his unicycle to class. He also likes riding along the riverfront to practice jumping the steps along the flood wall.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Charlie runs alongside the big dogs at the dog park at Kiwanis Park in Cape Girardeau, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Local singer and songwriter Donetta Mason poses for a photo in downtown Cape Girardeau, Monday, May 4, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Lee Davis pushes his daughter, Kim'mijah Bruster,3, on the swing, Monday, May 11, 2015, near the House of Hope in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Visitors walk the grounds of the old Kage School, Sunday, May 10, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jackson players dog pile on the field after defeating Lindbergh 2-0 in their Class 5 sectional, Wednesday, May 27, 2015, at Whitey Herzog Stadium.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Grant Gilliard checks on his beehives in Cape Girardeau County.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Bell City's Jesse Smith jumps onto coach Justin Simpher after the Cubs 6-3 win over Atlanta to capture the Class 1 championship, Wednesday, June 3, 2015, in O'Fallon, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Notre Dame players congratulate Chase Urhahn on hitting a two-run RBI in the the top of the fourth inning of the Bulldogs Class 4 semifinal against Smithville, Friday, June 5, 2015, in O'Fallon, Missouri. Urhahn scored on an error. Notre Dame won 13-3 in six innings.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Chelsie Welker fire hoops in a Cape Girardeau County creek, Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Chelsie Welker hoop dances with an LED hoop in a Cape Girardeau County creek, Tuesday, May 26, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Tommy Egson waves to a friend as he backs his lawnmower out of its parking spot, Sunday, June 14, 2015, during the Downtown Cape Tailgate Flea Market. The flea market will take place again in October.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Charlie checks out the camera while playing at the dog park at Kiwanis Park in Cape Girardeau, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ellis Maise sets the line of his fishing pole after casting into the Mississippi River from the Red Star Access, Monday, June 15, 2015. Maise, a native of Detroit, Michigan, is studying engineering and physics at Southeast Missouri State University. Maise was using Asian carp as bate to fish for catfish, but he said, "I'll catch anything though. I just want to catch something." According to the National Weather Service, the Mississippi River level was at 31.8 feet Monday morning. Flood stage is 32 feet. With increased flow from upstream, the river is expected to rise above flood stage today and continue to rise to near 38.5 feet by Monday morning. The Themis Street flood gate in downtown Cape Girardeau is closed at 36 feet.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Youth choirs from various churches perform during youth day at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Sunday, June 14, 2015, in Cape Girardeau.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Robert Welker laughs as he chats with his son, Jason, at the Juden Creek Conservation Area, Saturday, June 20, 2015, in Cape Girardeau. The father and son were fishing from their kayaks in the floodwater.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A barge floats along the swollen Mississippi River in the background as Cody Enderle, left, Wade Keesee, center, and Cody Tuschhoff float past a flooded house, Saturday, June 20, 2015, in Graysboro, Missouri. Graysboro is located across the river from Thebes, Illinois.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Bill Keesee, right, and Terry Buel unload their catfish from the boat after fishing in the Mississippi River floodwater, Saturday, June 20, 2015, in Graysboro, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Terry Buel unloads the catfish he caught in the Mississippi River floodwater, Saturday, June 20, 2015, in Graysboro, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com A catfish rests in a bucket after being caught in the Mississippi River floodwater, Saturday, June 20, 2015, in Graysboro, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Austin Decker, left, and John Taylor, with SEMO Services, cruise along a flooded Highway C in Menfro, Missouri, Monday, June 22, 2015. Decker and Taylor, along with workers from BNSF Railway took the airboat down the flooded railway along Bois Brule Creek in Perry County to measure the depth of the floodwater on the railroad tracks. The depth in the area was five feet.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Martin birdhouses and the American flag rise out from the flooded Mississippi River, Tuesday, June 23, 2015, in Thebes, Illinois.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Kaden Mayberry looks out over the floodwater covering a portion of Highway 177, just north of Cape Girardeau, Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Mayberry and hi mother, Janine, live on the other side of the flooded area, and stopped by to check out how flooded the road was.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Haze fills the sky as the sun sets behind the steeple of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Lorenzo Allen fishes for catfish and buffalo from the new extension of the Mississippi River river walk along downtown Cape Girardeau, Wednesday evening, July 1, 2015. Only a small stretch of the south end of the river walk is not covered with floodwater. As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District reported the river at 42.5 feet, and over the next three days it will be 43.2 feet, 43.5 feet and then 43.3 feet. It is expected to crest on July 3 in the morning at 43.5 feet.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Morgan Todd, 8, works on a clay mug, Wednesday, July 8, 2015, during a Horizons storytelling with clay camp offered through Southeast Missouri State University's Continuing Education.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Members of the Cape Girardeau fire and police departments try to rescue a man floating south in the Mississippi River Wednesday, July 8, 2015. The man refused to help from first responders on two towboats and a couple fire department boats as he floated south. The man was rescued further south on the river and taken into police custody.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department opened the new 265-foot-long free-fall slide, 259-foot-long triple-drop slide and a three-Lane 319-foot-long mat racer with 30-foot tower, at Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center, Thursday, July 9, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Duke, the Hovis family basset hound, Tuesday, July 7, 2015, in Marquand, Missouri.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Aaron Hovis poses with his racing ax, Tuesday, July 7, 2015, in Marquand, Missouri. Hovis recently took third place in the national collegiate timbersports competition in New York City's Central Park.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ruby-throated hummingbirds swarm feeders filled with sugar-water in Cape Girardeau County, Wednesday, July 15, 2015. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common species that breeds in the eastern half of North America. Hummingbirds beat their wing an average of 52 times per second, with flight speeds between 30 and 63 miles per hour.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Jennifer Slinkard embraces her husband outside their home as members of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department battle a blaze in the residence, Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. The family dog was lost in the fire, but a house cat was rescued.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ruby-throated hummingbirds swarm feeders filled with sugar-water in Cape Girardeau County, Wednesday, July 15, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Dan Overbey, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority, poses for a photo, Thursday, July 2, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Cape Girardeau based musician, Ivas John.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Ray "Frog" Mills holds his fiddle between jam sessions in Marquand, Missouri in June.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Reginald Robinson looks over one of several trophies laying inside his cousin's vacant Pinhook, Missouri home, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015. Pinhook was ravaged by floodwater in 2011 when the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers breached the Birds Point Levee in Mississippi County to help relieve the swollen Mississippi River. Robinson drove from his current home in Wisconsin to be with his family as demolition began Thursday on the remaining structures in Pinhook.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Allison Elfrink and her wild mustang, Chico, at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson, Missouri, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Nineteen-year-old Logan Mirly poses for a photo with his father, Steve, at the Cape Girardeau Fire Department Station 1.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com From left, Billy Crump, his father Charlie Crump and son Noah Crump pose for a photo at the Cape Girardeau Fire Department Station 1.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Judge Benjamin Lewis gazes up into the belly of the Common Pleas Courthouse cupola in Cape Girardeau Wednesday morning, Feb. 11, 2015.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Markuice Savage, left, Tay Bender, center, and Tremane McCullough.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Rev. Ron Watts lifts Douglas Ray Norris out of the water during La Croix United Methodist Church lake baptisms, Sunday, August 30, 2015, at Cape County Park South.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Rev. Ron Watts holds on to Asia Lynn McLard after baptizing her during La Croix United Methodist Church lake baptisms, Sunday, August 30, 2015, at Cape County Park South.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Students of Southeast Missouri State University work their way through the high ropes challenge course, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015. Student Rec Services held a free day for students Wednesday to brave the 40-foot rope course.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Paul Ruehling watches as Lily Ruehling gives his quarter horse mule a peck at Ruehling's Pocahontas, Missouri farm.

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