BLOOD DRIVES ARE SCHEDULED

Several blood drives are scheduled in the coming weeks throughout the region. Hot weather and flooding have taken their toll on blood collections, and area residents are encouraged to donate.

Red Cross officials said donations of two of the eight blood types are down by more than 40 percent.

The Pipefitters Local 562 will sponsor a drive on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. to noon at Grace United Methodist Church, Broadway and Caruthers.

Southeast Missouri State University will host a drive Sept. 21-23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. Refreshments will be furnished by Domino's Pizza and Pepsi.

Leopold High School will host a drive on Friday, Sept. 24 at the elementary school from 2-7 p.m.