Health digest 5/9/02

Students to give ideas to market Scott County

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County commissioners will meet at Southeast Missouri State University's Dempster Hall today to hear ideas on how best to market Scott County.

Jim Schwaninger, Scott County economic developer, passed out university visitors' parking passes at this week's county commission meeting and discussed what commissioners can expect during the presentations.

Since early January, seniors from a Southeast marketing class have worked with Schwaninger to develop a promotional campaign for the county.

The 17 marketing majors researched the county's strengths and weaknesses, developed logos and slogans, and prepared communications strategies for the county.

Not-guilty plea given in crash that killed trooper

HOUSTON, Mo. -- A November trial date has been set for a Texas County woman charged in the death of a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper who was hit while working a wreck on a dark and foggy highway.

Trial for Julie Hartman, 39, of Houston, was set for Nov. 20. The date was set after she pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and second-degree assault on Tuesday in Texas County Circuit Court. Authorities allege Hartman's vehicle struck and killed trooper Kelly Poynter on Jan. 18. Poynter was directing traffic at a crash on U.S. 63 near Houston.

Letter carriers to collect food for families in need

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Before dropping a letter in your mailbox Saturday, grab an extra can of food or two and help stamp out hunger.

The 10th annual letter carriers food drive is a way for residents to help families in need in their own communities.

On Saturday, residents are asked to leave the non-perishable food donations in a bag or small box beside their mailbox before the letter carrier is scheduled to arrive.

Diabetes Association to hold annual meeting

The Southeast Leadership Council of the American Diabetes Association will hold its annual meeting Wednesday at the Drury Lodge. The meeting begins at 6 p.m., and awards will be presented.

Speaker will be Katie Stewart, a nurse at St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, Mo. For information, call (800) 238-3594.

C.O.O.L. Camp helps children cope with grief

Losing a family member or friend is difficult for anyone. Helping children learn to deal effectively with grief will be the focus of a special day camp May 18, sponsored by Southeast Hospice, a service of Southeast Missouri Hospital.

The one-day retreat, C.O.O.L. (Children Overcoming Outstanding Loss) Camp, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Activity Center. The camp is for children ages 5 to 16 who have experienced the death of a friend or family member. Activities include storytelling, games, coping and recreational activities to promote education, support and fun. Lunch will be provided.

For more information or to register, call Lynn Boren at 335-6208 or (888) 397-0646.

-- From staff, wire reports