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Continued Coverage
Heartland winery closes indefinitely due to pandemic
The Barrens Winery in Perryville, Missouri announced it has closed its doors indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Cape Girardeau restaurants prepare for returning college students
Restaurants like Bella Italia and Muy Bueno are ready to serve students again.
$50K awarded to 4 startup companies in Cape Girardeau
The companies were finalists in the 1ST50K competition and pitched their startups to a committee.
Aluminum shortage affects Cape Girardeau County businesses
You may have noticed your favorite beverage is out of stock at convenience stores and that's due to another shortage caused by the pandemic. This time, it's aluminum.
Cape Girardeau Co. businesses can apply for CARES Act business grant
If approved, applicants will receive checks within 30 days of their submission.
Dollar General donates $1,000 to City of Shawneetown
Dollar General donated $1,000 on behalf of four southern Illinois employees as part of the company’s DG Kindness campaign.
Small businesses in southern Ill. impacted by coronavirus to receive $550K in grant money
The grant will be used to make loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski and Union Counties.
Gov. Pritzker announces $40M to build new inland port in Cairo, Ill.
The State of Illinois will immediately grant $4 million to the Alexander Cairo Port District to move forward with the port project.
Jackson, Mo. businesses prepare for tax-free weekend
Business owners in Jackson said they’re expecting this tax-free weekend to run smoothly like it has in the past.
City of Jackson, Mo. reminds businesses, contractors to renew business licenses
Those that conduct any business within the city limits of Jackson are required to get a business or contractor license, unless specifically exempted by state statute.
Gov. Parson holds briefing on Mo. economic recovery
He discussed new resources to help with the state’s COVID-19 economic recovery.
Southeast Mo. Regional Planning Commission to receive $1M for small businesses affected by pandemic
The businesses in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Iron, Madison, Perry, St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve Counties can receive loans to support their economic growth.
IDES: Statewide unemployment rate continues to decline, payrolls increased in June
The June payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflects activity for the week including the 12th.
New Paducah business to feature go-carts, laser tag, mini golf
It will be at 3801 Hinkleville Road in Paducah and is expected to open sometime this year.
Coin shortage in the Heartland
Century Casino has been affected by this nationwide coin shortage as well.
Former Cape Girardeau bar to reopen with new name
Last Call will reopen under the name Hypnotic. The new business will be also be a bar.
Gov. Beshear authorizes $2.6M in funding through RISE program
Governor Andy Beshear authorized an additional $2.6 million in funding to six public-private partnerships in six regions throughout the state.
Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis set to reopen
The effects of opening up are also felt throughout the city.
Illinois minimum wage workers get a pay raise on July 1; local business impacted
The state’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase an additional $1 per hour each year on January 1 until it reaches $15 per hour in 2025.
State of Ill. suspends deadline for adult-use cannabis grower, infuser, transporter licenses
The Illinois Department of Agriculture announced the July 1 deadline for issuing adult-use cannabis craft grower, infuser and transporter licenses was temporarily suspended.
Cape Girardeau Co. restaurant owner worried about closing again as COVID-19 cases rise
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in Cape Girardeau County, one restaurant owner said her biggest concern is closing her doors again.
Historically low fertilizer prices could save farmers money in the future
Bean said he thinks the pandemic has impacted demand, and the price of what he grows, but he said it is not affecting his output.
Gov. Beshear signs agreement, task force created to launch Kentucky AgriTech
Governor Andy Beshear is moving forward with plan to build America’s AgriTech capital in Kentucky.
Carbondale restaurants preparing to open for Illinois’ Phase 4 with indoor seating
Several businesses owners in Carbondale are preparing to welcome customers back.
How the job interview process has changed since COVID-19
If you are looking for a job during the pandemic, one local recruiter said to expect some changes in the process.
Gov. Pritzker releases guidelines to reopen more businesses in next phase of Restore Illinois plan
Governor JB Pritzker released plans on Monday, June 22 to safely reopen more businesses and industries as Illinois moves into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan.
IDES: unemployment decreases, payrolls rise as industries reopen
The April monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report from -762,200 to -738,600 jobs.
Ill. proposal to have 50 percent capacity at events in Phase 4 of reopening
The Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association unveiled a new plan to hold events at ballroom and event centers.
Goodwill taking safety precautions
The Goodwill staff also take time to clean the sales floor each hour.
Tipping increase in service industry following closures due to COVID-19 pandemic
Customer Lynnzie McGraw said she’s tipping more now than she did before the pandemic started.
Cleaning service regains strength after closing due to COVID-19 pandemic
Merry Maids is now adding more employees so they can take new customers.
Safely buying fireworks during the pandemic
Ordering your fireworks early is one of the ways he plans to keep customers safe.
Heartland campground reports increase in business
The manager of Castor River Ranch Campground said they have made a few operational changes due to COVID-19.
Liquor to-go approved in Carbondale, Ill.
Liquor to-go has officially been approved by the city of Carbondale.
Tru-Que BBQ reopens after fire
Thanks to the helping hands of the community, Tru-Que BBQ has reopened after a fire.
University Mall having trouble holding onto stores
The last few months have been tough economically on the mall.
Paducah’s Market Square to be closed to vehicle traffic all summer for outdoor dining
The City provided approximately 25 picnic tables for use by designated restaurants.
New salon experience in Illinois
With Phase 3 allowing hair salons to reopen Friday, things in Illinois are looking a bit different. Hot Heads Salon in Marion was one of the salons who opened.
JCPenney in Cape Girardeau reopens
The Cape Girardeau location reopened at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.
Crab Orchard Golf Club in southern Ill. up for sale
Crab Orchard Golf Club in Carterville is looking for buyers.
Heartland couple talks Coronavirus impact on their Airbnb locations
Sandy and Bill Tegel rent out Airbnb’s to customers in Missouri, Florida and Illinois.
Illinois daycares set to reopen when Phase 3 begins
Malone’s Early Learning Center has been open during the pandemic.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Cape Girardeau to close
The business shared an announcement about the closure on Facebook on Wednesday.
2 Heartland businesses to receive grant money from Heinz for Diners
Heinz is giving out 500 grants to local diners across the country and two Heartland businesses are on the list.
SIUC releases survey results on effects of COVID-19 on small businesses
A total of 224 business owners from Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry and Williamson Counties responded to the anonymous survey.
Marion, Ill. mayor issues order to help bring back local business
Marion Mayor Mike Absher relaxes city ordinances to allow additional outdoor dining.
Heartland restaurant stands up for employees after receiving negative comments
A Heartland business owner wont tolerate negativity during COVID-19.
Kentucky restaurants set to reopen May 22
Restaurants are set to open Friday, May 22 in Kentucky, but with some requirements from Governor Andy Beshear.
Hauling stayed the same, but truck driving changed during pandemic
Hauling things has stayed the same. The main thing now is cleanliness and staying healthy.
Southern Illinois restaurants keep hope alive by finding new ways to stay afloat
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted small businesses across the country, especially in the restaurant industry.
Dexter, Mo. company taking part in building U.S. border wall
A southeast Missouri company was contracted to help build a U.S. border wall.
Southern Illinois farmer’s meat sales increase
Big Muddy Hogs in Hurst, Illinois is busier than ever.
Century Casino in Cape Girardeau to reopen
Century Casino General Manager Lyle Randolph said the casino will be open in two weeks.
Path light kits recalled due to shock hazard
According to CPSC, the company received one report of the light’s power supply plug blade detaching in an AC outlet.
Baby, toddler swings recalled due to fall hazard
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 3,000 units of the Swurfer Kiwi Baby and Toddler Swings.
Businesses at Wappapello Lake prepare for campground to open before Memorial Day weekend
Businesses are eager to see customers.
Group to renovate, revitalize former hospital
The mayor of Kennett announced Thursday a group has agreed to renovate and revitalize the former Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center.
Southern Illinois small businesses find ways to increase sales despite pandemic
Two southern Illinois companies are finding creative ways to increase sales and stay afloat.
Mount Vernon, Ill. mayor not stopping businesses from opening up
Many cities across the world are waiting to reopen. Some businesses in southern Illinois, may be doing so without the governor's permission.
Blue collar workers just as essential during the coronavirus pandemic
Blue collar workers are also essential during the pandemic
Herrin, Ill. restaurant reopens, defying Gov. Pritzker’s orders
A southern Illinois restaurant decided to reopen despite Governor JB Pritzker telling non-essential businesses to stay closed.
Cinco de Mayo in the Heartland
Many people are still ordering take out and carry out options. Some are using delivery apps as well.