DOWNTOWN DECORATES FOR HOLIDAYS

The Cape Girardeau Downtown Merchants Association plans to hang Christmas lights and decorations on Friday.

Cotner Electric will hang the decorations over Broadway, Main, Themis and Independence streets in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Dave Hutson, who serves on the board of directors of the merchants association, said 26 street decorations will be hung.

The work will begin Friday morning. Hutson said he doesn't know if the work will be completed by the end of the day. If not, Cotner may complete the job on Monday, Hutson said.

The task could cause traffic delays or force motorists in the downtown area to make detours, Hutson said.

Cotner Electric, which currently is handling street light work at various intersections, agreed to hang the lighted holiday decorations after AmerenUE backed out.

AmerenUE crews have volunteered their time in past years. But this year the utility company said it would no longer perform such work, Hutson said.