Real Talk with Riggin

The We Do Recover Community Center invites everyone to celebrate Recovery Fest!, an uplifting event dedicated to hope, healing, and community support. Program Manager Lezlie Fox is leading the effort to bring together individuals, families, and local organizations for a day filled with inspiring stories, helpful resources, and fun activities. Recovery Fest! shines a spotlight on the strength and resilience of those overcoming addiction while offering encouragement and connection to anyone on their own recovery journey.

Jess Girard, Events Coordinator at UJRO, is gearing up for a lively Oktoberfest celebration that promises fun for all ages. The event will feature traditional German food and drinks, festive music, and family-friendly activities designed to capture the spirit of the season. Girard says the goal is to bring the community together for an afternoon of camaraderie and cultural appreciation, making this year’s Oktoberfest a can’t-miss occasion.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) has received a new AmeriCorps grant to support its United for Childcare program, an initiative aimed at expanding access to quality childcare across the region. Program Director Matt Ellison says the funding will help recruit and train AmeriCorps members who will work directly with childcare providers, families, and community partners to improve services and address the ongoing shortage of affordable childcare. Ellison notes that this grant will strengthen local efforts to support working parents and enhance early childhood education opportunities throughout Southeast Missouri.

Associate Editor for MRC Business Joseph Vasquez discusses Senator JD Vance’s criticism of what he describes as a Soros-funded media network that has shown open hostility toward conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Vasquez highlights Vance’s remarks pointing to financial ties and ideological motives that he says drive negative coverage of Kirk’s work and Turning Point USA. The conversation underscores broader concerns among conservatives about how billionaire-backed organizations influence public perception and target outspoken right-leaning figures.

Small business optimism is on the rise, according to Brad Jones, Director of the Missouri chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). Jones highlights how many entrepreneurs across the state are feeling encouraged by steady consumer demand and a resilient local economy, even as they navigate challenges like workforce shortages and rising costs. He notes that Missouri’s small business owners remain confident about future growth opportunities, crediting their adaptability and strong community support for sustaining momentum in an unpredictable market.

The City of Sikeston invites the community to join Bike With the Blue, a family-friendly cycling event that brings residents together with local law enforcement for a day of fun and fitness. Director of Parks and Recreation Josh Meyer highlights the ride as a great way to promote healthy lifestyles while building positive connections between officers and neighbors. Participants of all ages can enjoy a relaxed bike ride through Sikeston’s scenic routes, followed by refreshments and activities designed to strengthen community ties.

The 13th Annual Banquet for Life, hosted by Options for Women, will feature Executive Director Leah Shrum sharing updates on the organization’s mission to support women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. The event will highlight success stories, provide an opportunity for the community to contribute to life-affirming services, and celebrate more than a decade of offering compassionate care and resources to those in need.

Eighty-eight-year-old local author Don McAnally shares his experiences and reflections in his new book Collection of Thoughts: American Trucker. Drawing on a lifetime behind the wheel and on the road, McAnally offers readers a heartfelt look at the trucking life, the people he met along the way, and the lessons learned from decades of travel across America.

George “Anthony” Ohmes is a Field Specialist in Agronomy with the University of Missouri Extension, based in Southeast Missouri (Cape Girardeau County). MU Extension Since October 2001 he has run research‐based programs for crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, as well as forages, and also works with integrated pest management, fertilizer and nutrient efficiency, weed control, and training private pesticide applicators. MU Extension+1 In crop updates, he typically discusses local growing conditions (such as drought or moisture levels), pest pressures, weed resistance, and recommendations for best management practices to help farmers improve yield while protecting soil and environment

SEMO Custom Cars is hosting a special St. Jude Benefit led by founder Ken Holder, bringing car enthusiasts and the community together to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event will showcase unique custom vehicles while raising funds and awareness for children battling serious illnesses.