CAPE UPDATE: WARNING TO COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS OF CAPE SCHOOLS

In recent months a number of businesses throughout Cape Girardeau have been approached by Tri-State Publications soliciting the purchase of advertisement ads for calendars related to Cape Central High baseball, basketball, football, etc. Because of the supportive nature of our business community, many paid for such ads with the impression that a percentage of the money would go to Central High School. Our community patrons and supporters honestly believed that they were helping their community schools.

Unfortunately, Tri-State Publications has no contract with the Cape Girardeau public schools. They have no authorization to represent Cape Girardeau schools nor Central High School. Therefore, these solicitations, which are primarily conducted by telephone, are not what they appear to be.

This information is provided for your information and protection. Numerous complaints have been filed through the Missouri Attorney General's office, and currently the school district is working through its legal counsel to protect community patrons from this activity.

If you are approached regarding support of programs of the Cape Girardeau public schools and you have any questions or concerns related to the contact, I encourage you to contact you local school principal, coach, athletic director or contact my office: Superintendent of Schools, 61 N. Clark, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701. Further references to check are the local Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

We want to express our genuine appreciation to the community for the tremendous support for the programs we have within our school district for the children. This support is vital to the services we provide. Please help us protect this support by reporting those who would prey upon your caring generosity.