Area digest 07/21/04

Man reported missing from Cape care center

Cape Girardeau police are looking for a man who is believed to have walked away from the Ratliff Care Center at 717 N. Sprigg St. Vernon Gerler, 58, has not been seen since 9 p.m. Thursday. He is diabetic and does not have insulin with him. He also needs medicine for high blood pressure, said his brother, Edgar Gerler of Jackson. Vernon Gerler is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs about 185 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark Hawaiian shirt and dark khaki pants. Anyone who has any information is asked to call the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621.

Governor's wife visits Cape to give out videos

First lady Lori Hausen Holden visited Cape Girardeau on Tuesday to present the Kids Korner Daycare and Infant Center with "Baby Einstein" videos, which are to be distributed among low-income parents in the area. The videos were donated by Walt Disney Co., First Artist and Holden, partnered with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Social Services.

-- From staff reports