1997 OFF TO SAFE START; SKIERS BRAVE RIVER TO RAISE FUNDS

Polar-bear conditions didn't materialize for the Cape River Riders Jet Ski Club, but it was still cool sailing as members of the club performed on the Mississippi River downtown Wednesday.

The Ski Freeze, which included trick skiing on jet ski crafts on the river by more than a dozen riders, including two women skiers, was conducted to raise funds for the PTO of the Parkview State School for the Handicapped in Cape Girardeau.

While many people had Wednesday off to linger over brunch or parades and bowl games on television, as many as 125 to 150 spectators crowded onto the riverfront during the more than two-hour show that featured crafts running at speeds of up to 60 mph.

New Year's Eve revelers celebrated with care at various parties and clubs throughout the Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois area Tuesday night.

Despite foggy conditions, only one vehicle accident with injuries occurred in the Troop E area of Southeast Missouri through the first 24 hours of holiday period, which started at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Two traffic deaths were reported in the state, both in Southwest Missouri in single-vehicle accidents Tuesday night.

Southern Illinois State Police headquarters near Ullin reported only a couple of vehicle accidents, both involving crashes with deer.

"We had no alcohol-related mishaps," said a patrol spokesman. "Basically, everything was quiet."

A number of law enforcement agencies throughout the area established checkpoints Tuesday. A number of alcohol citations were issued.

Many motorists apparently beat an incoming fog, which was present across a wide area in both states during the early hours today.

New Year's Day was the time in many cities for people to take a plunge, some into icy waters.

Hundreds of people jumped into the 40-degree ocean at Jamestown, R.I., for the 21st annual Penguin Plunge. Some wore top hats and bow ties and not much else as they tried to stay in for up to a minute.

Meanwhile, riders in the Cape Girardeau Ski Freeze agreed that this year's ride on the Mississippi wasn't as cold as previous years, when skiers had to cope with colder temperatures and sleet or snow.

"It was tough last year," said Tim Borgfield, who has participated in the Ski Freeze the past five years. Of last year he said: "The temperatures were in the 20s, and a drizzle of sleet was in the air. We had to de-ice the cables3on the craft several times."

Riders didn't stick around that long in 1995, about a half hour, said Borgfield.

Wednesday's temperatures were moderate. It was 52 when skiers started their program at 2 p.m., the warmest for a New Year's Day over the past five years.

The low was in 1993, when temperatures ranged from a high of 26 to a low of 17 with traces of snow.

But riders agreed that the water was still cold Wednesday.

"I know the water temperature is over 35, because it's not freezing," said Tonya Rowland, one of two women participating in the event. "But it's cold."

Most riders were wearing dry suits or wet suits for the event.

This was the first year for at least two of the riders, Cliff Wilson and Joe Niswonger, who have been involved in the jet ski sport a couple of years."

Most of the riders stuck around two or more hours, including Lora Borgfield, another woman skier.

Tim and Lora Borgfield comprised a husband-wife team during the activities, and Todd and Tonya Rowland comprised a brother-sister team.

The two women, Scott Williams, Jeff Crites and Brian Hahs teamed up for a special event that raised $100 for the benefit fund.

One of the spectators in the crowd, a relative of one of the skiers, pledged $100 to the Parkview fund if five skiers "grouped up" on one ski craft.

Lora and Tonya joined driver Scott William on the craft. As the craft sailed upriver, Hahs, driving a craft alongside the Williams craft, switched ski machines. A few minutes later, Crites "ditched" his craft to put five people aboard the Williams craft.

With five riding one craft, Tim Borgfield decided to make it six. But he was interrupted in his try as a coal barge made its way downriver.

But with five aboard, Parkview receives its extra $100 pledge.

The ride was the sixth annual Ski Freeze. Skiers collected money and pledges before the Wednesday event, and from the attending crowds.

Donations may still be sent to Jet Ski Club, Express Cycle/Kawasaki, 1407 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701. Funds will be donated to Parkview within a few days.