Search for SoutheastHEALTH CEO on hold

SoutheastHEALTH still hasn't started its search for a new chief executive, more than three months after CEO Debbie Linnes resigned.

"The Executive Committee of the board of trustees has not set a time table for a search. No search planning is taking place at this time," said spokeswoman Sally Owen in an emailed statement.

Wayne Smith was named interim CEO by the board of trustees upon Linnes' resignation in June. Smith joined Southeast in September 2010 as vice president of human resources and development. He previously worked in a similar capacity at Saint Francis Medical Center after working as Southeast Missouri State University's vice president of advancement.

Some have speculated the hospital may be sold, but Owen deflected those rumors.

"The hospital has never been involved in any discussions concerning a possible acquisition with any other organization," she said.

* Community meetings scheduled: Cape Girardeau's Community Improvement District steering committee will hold meetings with property owners this month to discuss what its establishment will mean for them.

The committee has proposed setting up a new taxing district where a new sales and property tax would fund projects in a large portion of the downtown area. The district boundaries under consideration by the committee are Broadway from West End Boulevard to the riverfront; a section of Sprigg Street; and portions of Spanish, Morgan Oak and Good Hope streets.

Under the proposal, businesses in the area would pay an additional half-cent sales tax. Property owners would pay additional property tax of 67.63 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The funds raised by the district would be spent in four categories. Half of the estimated $280,000 raised annually would go toward street upkeep. That includes picking up litter, landscaping and other improvements. Other services would be increased security, 20 percent; marketing and special event planning, 20 percent; and professional services for reports and audits, 10 percent.

Property owners were notified of the upcoming meeting times by mail. For more information, people may call Old Town Cape at 334-8085.

n Motorcycle shop now open: Classic Cycle is now open at 18 N. Sprigg St. in Cape Girardeau with parts and accessories for all makes of motorcycles.

"We're kind of like an AutoZone of motorcycles," said owner Frank Stoffregen of Cape Girardeau.

Stoffregen previously owned Cape Cycle Kawasaki for 18 years. He also has several antique motorcycles on display for people to view. In the future, he hopes to add used motorcycle and ATV sales. Classic Cycle is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

* Brick Oven opening this week: Brick Oven is expected to open later this week at 2148A William St., according to owner Nizar E. Shahwan of Cape Girardeau.

He said the restaurant will open either Wednesday or Thursday. The Southeast Missourian previously incorrectly reported the restaurant was already open, according to a business license filed at Cape Girardeau City Hall.

Brick Oven offers a carryout menu including pizza, gyros, steak sandwiches, falafel and hamburgers. It will be open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is managed by Sam A. Massarweh of Cape Girardeau.

Southeast Missourian business editor Melissa Miller may be contacted at 388-3646 or mmiller@semissourian.com.