CAPE POLICE TO ISSUE WARNING TICKETS RANDOMLY DURING WEEK

The Cape Girardeau Police Department has agreed to issue special warning tickets during Random Acts of Kindness Week.

Sgt. Carl Kinnison, public information officer, said the department uses warning tickets, but typically issues them only as equipment repair orders.

These special kindness tickets will be issued randomly at the officer's discretion for minor traffic infractions during May 12-18.

The police department is one of nearly 260 businesses, organizations, churches and schools participating in the kindness week.

Police officers will be encouraged to place the kindness warning tickets in a special folder about traffic safety. The brochure outlines facts on seat belt use, drinking and driving and other safety issues. It encourages drivers to exercise courtesy on the road.

Kinnison said the department wanted to be part of the kindness observance. He said officers also feel the kindness warning tickets can serve as a positive public relations tool.

If drivers exhibit more kindness on the streets, it may eliminate some of the traffic accidents, said Kinnison.

The most common causes of traffic accidents are speed and inattention, said Sgt. J.R. Davis, who heads up the traffic division for the Cape Girardeau Police.

When people are in too big of a hurry, they may follow too closely or cut other drivers off. Davis said that kind of behavior is just an accident waiting to happen.

The prime accident hours in the city of Cape Girardeau are between 3 and 6 p.m. on a Thursday or Friday afternoon, he said, when people are in a hurry.

There is still plenty of time to sign up as a Random Act of Kindness Week participant. Interested persons can call 335-6611, Ext. 121.

To date, more than 6,000 colorful kindness stickers have been distributed free of charge at the Southeast Missourian, sponsor of the local observance. The stickers proclaim: "Warning, I Practice Random Acts of Kindness."

The newspaper has also distributed more than 5,000 bookmarks.

A list of more than 60 kindness ideas is also available at the newspaper, but many organizations are formulating their own projects.

For example, the Downtown Neighborhood Association will assist the Colonial Cape Girardeau Foundation with a cleanup day at the St. Vincent Seminary on May 17. The cleanup begins at 3 p.m. and people are encouraged to bring rakes, yard tools, coolers, dogs and kids. A bonfire is planned after dark.

Brownie Troop 13 in Jackson plans to give stuffed animals earned through last year's calendar sales to the Toy Train project at Southeast Missouri Hospital's pediatric ward.

"Our first-year Brownies are learning about courtesy and helping other people. Random Acts of Kindness Week is perfectly timed to help our girls learn about service," said Marty Koeller, troop leader.

Employees at Humana Health Care Plans are formulating activities for May Greene School.

"We plan to donate some money for the school to buy jump ropes, balls, books and other things," said Dana Weber. "We also plan to take cupcakes to the school."

During the week, area residents will be encouraged to call in kindness stories on a special hotline.

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS PARTICIPANTS

Nearly 260 businesses, churches, organizations and schools have signed up for Random Acts of Kindness Week. Here are the names of the newest participants:

Humana Health Care Plans

Central Junior High

VIP Industries

Office of University Relations at Southeast Missouri State University

Kelley Transportation

Lix's Quality Nursery

Orthopaedic Associates of Southeast Missouri, P.C.

Universal Physique Flex & Tone Class

Scott City Elementary School

Clippard Elementary School

Gulliver's Travel

Otahki Girl Scout Council

Gingerbread House Daycare in Jackson

Furniture Medic

St. Augustine School in Kelso

Chester Mortgage

Brownie Troop No. 13 in Jackson

Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau

Adult Sunday School Class at Tamms United Methodist Church in Tamms, Ill.

Midwest Meter Inc.

Early Childhood Center

Office of Telecommunications at Southeast Missouri State University

Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel

Easter Seals Early Learning Center

Centenary Methodist Church

Sincerely Yours Secretarial Services, Inc.

Missouri State Teachers Association

LDD, Inc.

Noah's Ark Daycare in Jackson

Classic Real Estate Ltd., Better Homes & Garden

Orthorpedic Ward 1E at St. Francis Medical Center

Cape Girardeau Public Library

Furniture Fair

Hutson's Fine Furniture

Abundant Life Church

Andrews Chiropractic and Acupuncture Center of Southeast Missouri

Office of Executive Vice President at Southeast Missouri State University

Second Grade at Meadow Heights R-III School District

St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School

Chaffee Head Start

Community Closet in Marble Hill

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.) in Cape Girardeau and Scott Counties

MVP Communications

Heavenly Ham

Cape Girardeau County Assessors Office

Schnucks Food & Drug

Sylvan Learning Center

Cape Tree Service, Inc.

Scott County Signal

Jackson U.S.A. Signal

St. Augustine Church in Kelso

Living Water Books and Gifts

Schaefer Water Center

KINDNESS WARNING TICKETS

The bright yellow tickets are topped with the Random Acts of Kindness Week logo. It begins:

"You have violated Cape Girardeau city ordinances by:

But the Cape Girardeau Police Department is a participant in Random Acts of Kindness Week, May 12-18.

As a kindness, this officer is issuing you a warning, not a ticket.

Please don't repeat this violation, and pass a kindness onto someone else this week.

Have a great day!!!

Date:

Officer: