Happy New Year! Manager’s Briefing

Happy New Year! Manager’s Briefing

City Management Briefing Dec. 22-31

 

Police Department

December 15-19

**** PLEASE NOTE POLICE INFORMATION IS REPORTED RETROACTIVELY INCLUDING INCIDENTS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS, and CALLS FOR SERVICE INFORMATION. ****

Activity

  • Nuisance – 41
  • Calls for Service – 447
  • Traffic Stops – 63
  • Arrests – 32
  • Shots Fired Cases – 1

Community Engagement

12/15 – Security assessment for the warming center at Grace Church.

12/20 – Badge of Hope Toy Giveaway event at the substation.

   

Public Works

December 29- Jan 2

  • Street crew is continuing work on a patch on Lynnwood Drive, picking up leaves, and removing low limbs along streets.
  • Stormwater crew is working on storm inlets as well as some needed work on the pump stations at Merriwether St. and Mill St.
  • Solid Waste crew is still catching up from the Christmas Holiday and preparing for the New Year Holiday pickups https://www.cityofcapegirardeau.org/departments/public-works/holiday-information/


Fire Department

December 15-19

  • 3 structure fires, 3 River Responses, 38 medical assists, 2 gas leaks, 18 aircraft standbys, 11 citizen assists, 19 Fire Alarm activations
  • All crews participated in vehicle extrication training
  • Monthly HSRT training in Jackson over structural collapse
  • Assisted Parks with Polar Strut and delivering Santa Claus for Breakfast with Santa
  • Assisted Impact 1 More ministry with handing out Christmas gifts at Eagle Ridge Christian School


Parks

December 22-31

Events

Upcoming Leagues and Events:

  • Boys and Girls Youth Basketball Leagues begin Friday January 2 (140 teams).
  • Men’s Basketball League begins Monday January 5 (44 teams).
  • Adult Co-ed Volleyball League begins January 6 (21 teams).
  • The Sportsplex will host an NSSC Volleyball Tournament Saturday and Sunday January 4 and 5.

Projects

  • The Youth Sports Complex project continues to progress. The contractor continues installation of the artificial turf on the infields, with three of the five fields completed. The fencing contractor continues installing fencing. The concession building is enclosed, with exterior finishes being installed. The lights are installed and will be provided with power after the concession building is complete. Turf installation on softball fields 1–5 has started. The project is expected to be complete in spring 2026.
  • Construction on the Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail from Bloomfield Road to Shawnee Park is expected to begin in spring 2026. The project will be partially funded by a $481,000 grant through the Missouri Department of Transportation. Parks and Stormwater Maintenance crews will stabilize sections of the creek bank along Cape LaCroix Creek prior to the start of trail construction.
  • Improvements to the Shawnee Park Sports Complex continue, including new fencing on fields 1–5, a complex-wide PA system, bleacher shade structures, and new bleachers. The project is partially funded by a $264,289 grant through the Department of Economic Development. Improvements are scheduled to be complete in spring 2026.
  • The Parks and Recreation Foundation has received an $84,000 donation from the Cape Noon Optimist Club for improvements to the Skate Park at Arena Park. Improvements include the addition of a half-pipe structure and new sidewalks to connect park amenities. The project has begun and is expected to be completed in January 2026.


Airport

December 12-18

Year to Date thru Dec 16th (YTD)

  • Contour Enplanements thru Nov 30th = 8,566
  • Charter Enplanements = 510
  • Contour Dec (pas flown out + booked) = 1,173
  • Projected Enplanements for 2026 = 10,280 (Not including other 135 Operators that may submit enplanement numbers for CGI) *

Airline

24 flights: 17 Delays and 0 Cancellations (CX)

12/12: ORD outbound flt 3083 59min

12/13: ORD inbound flt 3080 2hr 07min

12/14: ORD outbound flt 3083 4hr 55min

12/14: ORD inbound flt 3080 3hr 52min – carry over from flt 3083

12/14: DFW outbound flt 3084 3hr 37min – carry over from flt 3083

12/14: DFW inbound flt 3085 2hr 40min – carry over from flt 3083

12/15: ORD outbound flt 3083 4hr – Crew rest + Mechanical. Flew another a/c in for the flt.

12/15: ORD inbound flt 3080 3hr 40min – carry over from flt 3083

12/15: DFW outbound flt 3084 2hr 51min – carry over from flt 3083

12/15: DFW inbound flt 3085 1hr 44min – carry over from flt 3083

12/16: ORD outbound flt 3083 40min – Held at CGI for gate space in ORD

12/17: ORD inbound flt 3080 10min

12/17: DFW outbound flt 3084 1hr 10min – Held at CGI for ATC flow control into DFW

12/17: DFW inbound flt 3085 58min – DFW Flow Control carry over

12/18: ORD outbound flt 3083 10min

12/18: ORD inbound flt 3080 2hr 30min – Gate congestion and fueling delays in ORD


What’s Happening in Cape

The BetMGM Sportsbook at Century Casino officially opened on December 1, expanding sports wagering options in Cape Girardeau. Because the sportsbook is located directly on the casino gaming floor, each guest who visits the sportsbook generates admission tax revenue that supports the City.

The sportsbook is managed by Brian Pingel, a 1994 graduate of Cape Central High School. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Pingel spent the majority of his professional career in Las Vegas before returning to his hometown of Cape Girardeau. He brings extensive industry experience and deep knowledge of sports, and is readily available to engage with guests and discuss upcoming sporting events.

The BetMGM Sportsbook will host viewing opportunities for several major national and international sporting events, including:

  • College Football Playoff National Championship – January 19
  • Super Bowl – February 8
  • Winter Olympics – February 6–22
  • NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament – March 16–April 6
  • FIFA World Cup – June 11–July 19

The wide range of major sporting events scheduled throughout 2026 provides additional opportunities for residents and visitors to patronize venues across Cape Girardeau specifically for the purpose of watching these events, supporting local entertainment and hospitality establishments while enjoying high-quality shared viewing experiences.

Cape Girardeau will welcome visitors and participants from across the country in 2026 through a series of community events and nationally significant milestones. On January 24, barbecue teams and judges will gather at the Show Me Center for the When Pigs Fly Indoor BBQ Bash, bringing culinary talent and enthusiasts to the region and highlighting the craftsmanship behind competitive barbecue.

A distinctive local element connected to the event is a custom-built “Slot Machine Smoker,” designed and fabricated by Smokin Brothers of Cape Girardeau. This unique smoker will be on display in the casino lobby during the month of January offers residents and visitors an opportunity to see a one-of-a-kind piece created in our community.

Beyond this event, 2026 provides meaningful opportunities to celebrate Cape Girardeau’s history, culture, and civic pride. The year marks both the 100th anniversary of U.S. Highway 61—the historic Blues Highway that runs through the city—and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, creating a natural framework for cultural programming and historical reflection throughout the year.

Additional community highlights include the return of Riverfest, the third annual Freedom Fest on June 6 in support of the Missouri Veterans Home, and the sixth annual Muddy River Marathon on May 2. Together, these events reinforce Cape Girardeau’s role as a regional gathering place that values local craftsmanship, honors service and heritage, and brings people together through shared experiences.