Civilian emergency responders wanted for unit

More than a dozen nurses have joined a fledgling Cape Gir-ardeau County medical reserve corps unit. Charlotte Craig, Cape Girardeau County Health Department's director, hopes more people, with or without medical backgrounds, join the group.

Craig made the statement during her report to members of Cape Girardeau City Council during their Monday meeting.

She said the reserve unit, formed last year, will respond to major events, such as an influenza pandemic.

"You do not have to have a medical background, just the desire to help out in medical emergencies," she told the council, noting three council members -- Marcia Ritter, Loretta Schneider and Debra Tracy -- have already taken federal Community Emergency Response Team training.

Craig said by organizing the medical reserve corps unit, the county was able to get a $10,000 federal grant. By partnering with Bollinger and Stoddard counties, which also have reserve unites, they were able to purchase FEMA trailers "for a song," she said. Cape Girardeau County's trailer could be used as an emergency field office or operations center, she said.

During Monday's meeting, council members also congratulated players from the city's parks and recreation Cal Ripken all-star team, presenting them with a resolution congratulating them for winning state and regional titles. The players arrived in uniform, bearing this season's plaques and a trophy that was taller than some members of the team. Mayor Jay Knudtson also presented the team with a city flag to carry during a parade in Vincennes, Ind., where the 10-year-old boys will compete this weekend for a World Series title.

A schedule conflict kept Tom Mogelnicki, interim executive director of the Cape County Transit Authority, from his appearance before the council to discuss route changes, according to Knudtson.

Three council seats will be on the April 2008 ballot: Debra Tracy, Ward 3; Loretta Schneider, Ward 4; and Matthew Hopkins, Ward 5.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127