NEW BUSINESS: CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP

A half-century-old company in Cape Girardeau is under new ownership.

Rhea Optical Company, 1105 Broadway, which produces lens for optometrists in a four-state area -- Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Arkansas -- has been acquired by Chuck Ross, who has served as sales manager of the company the past quarter-century.

"Owner Jerry Pind is retiring," said Ross. "He asked me if I was interested in buying the company. I was."

Rhea Optical, which has been in business almost 60 years, is in only its third location. It was founded in 1942 on Main Street in downtown Cape Girardeau.

"We've been here for a number of years," said Ross, who has watched the company grow over the past 14 years.