Going Public

In the upcoming April 2026 election, Cape Girardeau County voters will consider two propositions to prevent property tax increases on primary residences. 'Proposition A' would exempt senior citizens aged 62 and older from property tax increases unless their homes are renovated or the tax levy increases. 'Proposition B' would cap annual property tax increases at 5% or the inflation rate, whichever is higher. Dr. David Yaskewich, an economics professor, explained that such measures, similar to California's Prop 13, can provide property tax relief but may limit local government revenue and create economic disparities between long-term and new residents.

In 2025, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank faced unique challenges, including tornadoes and a government shutdown affecting SNAP. They distributed over 14 million pounds of food, equating to 12.3 million meals, and served an average of 80,000 individuals monthly. Despite a 30% increase in their food budget for 2026, they received 664,000 fewer pounds from the USDA's TEFAP program. The food bank operates 300 mobile food pantries annually, each serving 200 families, and relies heavily on 4,500 volunteers. They also source produce from local farmers and retail rescue programs. The food bank encourages volunteering, donations, and social media sharing to support their efforts.

Today we're talking with Dr. Doug Koch, Interim Provost at SEMO. Doug shares information about some new programs that are in the works and the proposed 90 day credit hour degree for criminal justice. We started off by talking about SEMO aviation program, including plans for expanding to allow students to learn how to be an air traffic controller.

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, the Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri. She talks about the many challenges facing community programs in the region, after a year of funding uncertainties, economic challenges, and natural disasters.

Dan Woods talks with downtown Cape Girardeau developer Brennon Todt and Old Town Cape executive director Liz Haynes about the Broadway Theatre project's next phase.

In this episode of Going Public, we speak with Amanda Joyce, Account Manager for the Missouri Arkansas Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services about their collaboration with KRCU to host a blood drive on Tuesday, January 13, in the Hirsch Community Room of the Cape Girardeau Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Elizabeth Shelton, Executive Director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, about the organization's recent efforts to address rising needs for assistance.

With details about food assistance being quickly changing and uncertain in recent months, attention turns to non-profits as they endeavor to keep people well-fed. On this episode of Going Public we speak will Heather Collier, the Donor Relations and Communications Manager of Southeast Missouri Food Bank, about what both those in need of food assistance and those considering donating may be wondering.

Dr. Steven Hoffman talks about the historic preservation program, some of the work students do and the hands-on experience they receive as well as some of the behind the scenes work that goes into saving historic buildings.

A highlighting coverage of the Arrow's latest print product, the the special section piece "Cut Ties" discusses the decline in international students at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), noting their vital contributions to campus culture and diversity.

SEMO Chief of Police Dr. Rich Flotron sat down with Dan Woods to discuss recent changes within the University Police Department.

In this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with 'Abide In Love' board member, Susie Johnson, about the group's support for local immigrants and family members who are ICE detainees in the Ste. Genevieve County Detention Center.

On Monday, October 27, we spoke with Heather Collier, the Donor Relations and Communications Manager, about the upcoming 'Empty Bowls' funding events on Fri. Nov. 7, and the looming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cut due to the ongoing federal shutdown.

KRCU's Dan Woods spoke with Hidden Brain host Shankar Vedantam as the show celebrates 10 years on the air.

On this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Dr. Kay Kizer, with 'Kays Carry-On' and Matiss Vitols Vitolins', founder of 'Impact1More', who teamed up for the month-long clothing and essentials drive, 'Socktober', to fill the needs of foster care youth and others in the area.

Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Manager Jojo Stuart sat down with us to discuss the openings of afternoon flights to Dallas, Texas beginning in December as well as the seasonal flights to Pensacola, Florida starting in April. Stuart speaks on the Department of Transportation's decision to renew Cape Airport’s contract with Contour Airlines as well as repairs and additions to airport facilities such as the new terminal, repairs of the taxiways, and a larger hangar built for the SEMO Aviation program

On Thursday, Sept. 4, The Safe House of Southeast Missouri announced that its Executive Director, Jessica Hill, had accepted the position of Chief Public Affairs Officer with the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MOCADSV) and will be leaving the Safe House at the end of September 2025.

On this episode of 'Going Public', Ginny Smith, Executive Director of Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CTA), discussed CTA's partnership with Southeast Missouri State University to provide expanded transportation for students, replacing the SEMO shuttle program with CTA buses. CTA's ridership increased by over 100% from July 2022 to May 2023 due to efficiency and community partnerships. The new service will offer more frequent access to local businesses and amenities. Additionally, CTA collaborated with FlixBus to establish a bus stop in Cape Girardeau, offering affordable routes to cities like Chicago and Memphis. Smith emphasized safety measures, including live camera footage and driver training, and encouraged the use of CTA's new transit app for better service planning.

In this episode of 'Going Public', we speak with Jakob Pallesen, who personally conducts the trainings that will be offered during Southeast Missouri State University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) eight-week Early-Stage Business Bootcamp. This series launches the newest cohort beginning August 26 and runs through October 14 at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

On this installment of Going Public, we talk with Dr. Sarah Dietrich. She is associate professor in the Department of English at SEMO. She has been selected for the second time to participate in the U. S. State Department’s English Language Specialist program.