Fair ~ 66°F   River stage: 26.02 Rising Monday, July 6, 2009

Economy has impact on the business of camping, canoeing (03/04/09) The economic currents have flowed down to the business of recreation, causing Southeast Missouri river outfitters to search out new ways of attracting customers. "The year before last, we were at full capacity," says Sharon Sellinger, co-owner of Driftwood RV Park in Van Buren, Mo. "Last year, we had half as many. It did affect us."... U.S. auto sales hover near historic lows during February (03/04/09) DETROIT -- Offers of huge rebates and tempting low-interest loans weren't enough to entice car buyers out of their bunkers in this economic crisis, causing U.S. auto sales in February to hover near historic lows. General Motors' sales tumbled 53 percent from a year earlier, while Ford's U.S. sales fell 48 percent and Chrysler's dropped 44 percent. The major Japanese automakers fared only slightly better... Southeast Missouri leagues offer after-hours opportunities for co-workers (03/04/09) Fred Flintstone had it right: bowling is a great way to de-stress when the day is done. Bowling alleys in Cape Girardeau and Jackson are home to several leagues formed from local businesses. Joe Seib, manager at West Park Lanes in Cape Girardeau, says bowling is a great way for employees to socialize outside the workplace because it's a fun, year-round activity that doesn't require much skill... Names in the news (03/04/09) Eilers joins SEMO Medical Equipment staff Andrea Eilers has joined the respiratory staff of SEMO Medical Equipment, 1417 N. Mount Auburn Road, Suite C, in Cape Girardeau. Eilers has more than five years of experience in respiratory therapy, most of which was at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter, Mo. ... Health news in brief (03/04/09) Stoddard Co. fares well in nursing home ratings STODDARD COUNTY, Mo. — A new website by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has released ratings for skilled nursing facilities across the nation, and two Stoddard County facilities received five-star ratings. Cypress Point Skilled Nursing by Americare received a five-star rating, as did Golden Living Center in Bloomfield. Additionally, Golden Living Center in Dexter received four out of five stars... Teeing off in Southeast Missouri: A round-up of the local courses and what they have to offer, for business or pleasure. (03/04/09) Bent Creek Golf Course Location: 2200 Bent Creek Drive, Jackson Phone: (573) 243-6060/(888) 495-8282 Web: www.bentcreekgc.com Opened: September 1990 Type: Semi-private, family-owned Par: 72 Length: 7,000 yards Holes: 18 Features: Snack bar, pro shop, driving range, banquet hall... Business news in brief (03/04/09) Mexican restaurant opens in East Cape EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU, Ill. — A new restaurant, El Mexicano, has opened in East Cape Girardeau, Ill. The restaurant, located at 107 Iroquois St. off Highway 146, offers daily specials and a salsa bar. The phone number is (618) 661-9330... Letter to the Editor: The Clean Air Act and how it is affecting Perry, Cape Girardeau, and Bollinger counties (03/04/09) In March 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established a new, stricter air quality standard for ground-level ozone. This is the second time the standard has been lowered (made stricter) since the 1990 federal Clean Air Act Amendments. Ozone in the stratosphere forms a protective layer against harmful rays from the sun. ... Southeast Missouri bankruptcy filings (03/04/09) Bankruptcies filed through January for the Southeastern Division of the Eastern District of Missouri's U.S. Bankruptcy Court are listed below with their corresponding case number. The Southeast Division includes the counties of Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Dunklin, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Wayne. Court is held in Cape Girardeau... Business updates (03/04/09) Fitness facility has new owners, options SIKESTON, Mo. — Ozark Fitness in Sikeston will soon offer a new variety of options, including a shake bar, expanded hours, and a competitive fitness program. The center was purchased in summer 2008 by Austin Tinsley, who also owns the Dexter and Poplar Bluff locations. Manager is Amy Johnson... Southeast Missouri developments spare no expense on recreation (03/04/09) In the ever-competitive real estate sector, new housing developments are boosting their marketability with recreational features. "People expect these extras nowadays, so we try to provide them," says Donna Bowlin, leasing manager at Cape La Croix Apartments in Cape Girardeau. ... Tax liens (03/04/09) Tax liens and lien discharges recorded at the office of Kay Asbell, recorder of deeds, during the month of January are filed by the Missouri Department of Revenue, except as indicated by IRS designation. For more information, contact the recorder's office at (573) 568-3444... Business development news (03/04/09) Bernie council approves City Park improvements BERNIE, Mo. — The Bernie Board of Aldermen has approved the purchase of materials to install a new electrical system at the Bernie City Park at a cost of $1,960.04. Alderman Ivan Mekan told board members that he had priced materials to upgrade an electrical box, run a new aluminum wire main and install new electrical outlets at the Bernie City Park. ... Obama suggests purchasing stocks, defends economic plan (03/04/09) WASHINGTON -- The stock market reminds Barack Obama of a political tracking poll. "You know, it bobs up and down from day to day," the president said Tuesday. "And if you spend all your time worrying about that, you're probably going to get the long-term strategy wrong."...

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