COMIC BOOK PROBLEM SURFACES AT CLOSE OF YELL CAMPAIGN

A small number of comic books for mature audiences was inadvertently distributed as part of the YELL campaign.

YELL coordinators first learned of the problem after 10,000 newspapers were sold by volunteers Tuesday morning.

Southeast Missourian Publisher Wally Lage said, "Even though I am convinced a very few mature-audience comics were distributed, I feel even one is too many. I am very sorry this happened. I take full responsibility."

This marked the fourth year for the Youth, Education, Literacy and Learning program. This year contributions are approaching $18,000, said Kim McDowell, United Way YELL committee chairman. That compares to $17,248 raised last year.

Proceeds are divided between the Missourian's Newspaper In Education program and the Area Wide United Way literacy grants.

The comic books, which were provided free by a local business, were shipped to the Southeast Missourian and mechanically inserted into the YELL editions. It was determined the presence of these mature books in the shipment was purely accidental.

Lage said this was the first time for such a problem, even though the comics have been included all four years of the program.

"From now on, we will screen each and every comic book. It just never crossed our mind to look for this among the regular bulk of super hero and Archie comics."

All comic books left in the newspaper plant were reviewed after the problem arose, and only one was found among several hundred copies. Most of the comics in question are marked at the top left-hand corner with a mature-audience warning.

Lage personally fielded all complaints about the comics. He received eight calls in the last three days. He said, "I would think that most people who saw even one of these would feel compelled to complain."

Parents were understandably upset by the books.

As a parent, Lage said he doesn't blame them. "When I was shown a copy of one of the books -- which we did not see until distribution was completed -- I was shocked," he said.

Lage called this dilemma one of the toughest he's faced in his 25 years in the publishing business.

"A lot of folks worked hard for this worthwhile project. I would hate to see the United Way or local literacy projects impacted by something that was so bizarre and unexpected," he said.

The Missourian will replace the misdirected comics to anyone who requests them.

McDowell encouraged anyone to call the newspaper directly, at 335-6611, with any concerns or comments.

She said, "This program is so valuable to our community. We are so very appreciative of everyone's support, efforts and understanding. The YELL special edition speaks so highly of the integrity of the literacy programs in our community, its sponsors, volunteers and contributors."