MEMO

Missouri construction activity rose 29 percent in February, with the big increase in nonresidential construction more than doubling February 1994 totals.

The F.W. Dodge Division of McGraw-Hill, an authority on the construction market, reported construction for February at $406,345,000, up from the $316,110,000 for February 1994.

The state's nonresidential construction during the year, which includes commercial, manufacturing and other buildings not designed for shelter, was reported at $162,277,000, more than doubling the $73,770,000 figures of February a year ago.

Residential construction for the month was $153,761,000, down 14 percent from the $179,090,000 in January 1994.

Nonbuilding construction, which includes streets, highways, bridges, river and harbor developments, airports and a few other projects, was reported at $90,307,000 for February, up from the $63,250,000 million from February 1994.

Construction for the first two months was up 39 percent. Overall totals for January and February were $860 million, compared to $616 million a year ago. Nonresidential construction was reported at $410 million, more than double the $193 million a year ago; residential construction was reported at $277 million, down 16 percent from the $328 million of 1994; and nonbuilding was reported at $172 million, 84 percent more than the $94 million of a year ago.

Members of Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) Branch 7076 of Cape Girardeau have received a Gold Star rating from the fraternal benefit society in recognition of exemplary volunteer services to the community.

AAL branches are ranked in eight performance categories. To achieve a Gold Star rating, branches must sponsor at least one AAL benevolent activity (fund-raiser or work project), conduct at least 12 meetings, sponsor one educational activity and one member awareness event.

Officers of the Cape Girardeau branch are Leonard Dreyer, president; Paul Gerlach, vice president; Sarah Lah, secretary; and Larry Cleair, treasurer.

AAL, headquartered at Appleton, Wis., provides its members with life insurance and retirement products.

Manpower Inc., a temporary help company, will hold a grand opening for its new office Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Manpower, previously on Farrar Drive, has moved into new quarters at 1909 Beaver Creek Drive, off Mount Auburn Road.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m.

Word processing, data entry and other computer operations will be demonstrated during the open house.

Manpower, the world's largest temporary help firm with more than 2,000 offices in 36 countries, opened its Cape Girardeau facility in February 1991.

The Illinois Department of Corrections will conduct a recruitment seminar Tuesday for people interested in applying for correctional officer trainee and other positions at the Tamms Super Maximum-Security prison.

The session will be held at Anna-Jonesboro High School, 608 Main St., Anna, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Information will be provided concerning applications and testing process. The Department of Corrections emphasized the seminar isn't a job-screening session. That will be announced later.

The starting salary for a correctional officer trainee is $22,908 a year.

The week of April 23 to 29 is Professional Secretaries Week.

The role of the secretary and the need for continued professional education and training, will be highlighted during the week. Many area PSI groups will hold special seminars in their communities.

The eighth annual Secretaries Briefing will be held at Perryville this month.

Dr. Kathleen Krohne, a noted authority on leadership, and Wally Allstun, director of the Regional Employee Assistance Program, will be guest speakers for the April 26 seminar to be held at the Perryville American Legion Hall.

The event is s sponsored by the Perryville Area Career & Technology Center, University Extension, Miraculous Medal, Perry County Memorial Hospital and the American Legion.

Cost of the workshop is $15, which includes lunch.

Additional information is available by calling (314)-647-4504.

WASHINGTON -- Congress is considering turning the tables on the Internal Revenue Service. Proposed legislation would force the agency to prove taxpayers are wrong in disputed cases, rather than requiring filers to prove they are right.

IRS Commissioner Margaret Milner Richardson warned the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee Friday the change would destroy the tax system.