Briefly

Southeast's enrollment down slightly this year

Southeast Missouri State University had 8,848 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in classes at the start of the spring semester Tuesday. That was 34 fewer students than began spring semester classes a year ago, school officials said. Undergraduate enrollment stood at 7,965, down one student, officials said. Total graduate enrollment stood at 883 students, down 3.6 percent from a year ago. Final census figures will be issued in four weeks. University officials said enrollment typically increases during that time.

Red Cross helps Springfield neighbor

The Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross answered the call to neighboring Greater Ozarks Chapter in Springfield, an area still recuperating from the major ice storm last weekend. Many people are still without power. The Southeast Missouri Chapter of the Red Cross deployed members of its Disaster Action Team along with the Emergency Response Vehicle for assistance in feeding and sheltering needs on extensive routes throughout southwest Missouri.

STEP program having an impact on violations

Selective Traffic Enforcement Program patrols are designed to focus on speed and occupant restraint violations. Illinois State Police District 22 officers worked the majority of the patrols on Interstate 24.

Results:

Total citations: 452

Total written warnings: 32

Total speed citations: 429

Total speed written

warnings: 23

Total occupant restraint

citations: 4

Drug/alcohol citations: 1

Wanted on warrant

arrest: 1

Criminal arrest: 1

Suspended driver: 5

Motorist assists: 2

District 22 Cmdr. Harold Masse said that since Governor Rod Blagojevich has enacted primary enforcement seat belt legislation, Illinois has experienced the fewest number of fatalities in the last 60 years.

-- From staff reports