Jackson man arrested on child abuse charges

A Jackson man is facing a felony charge of child abuse after his arrest Thursday by the Jackson Police Department. Police said 20-year-old Jarrett Stroder, 421 W. Adams St., was arrested after allegedly striking a 3-year-old child hard enough to cause bruising on his buttocks and legs. Police took photographs of the injuries and think numerous injuries were inflicted to the same area over a period of time, officials said, and the abuse was reported by the child's father, who noticed the bruising around March 15. According to a probable cause statement by Jackson police Sgt. Scott Eakers, Stroder admitted in a police interview conducted Monday that he had whipped the boy with a belt six times, leaving numerous bruises. The statement also said Stroder admitted he was angry when he whipped the child and that the force used may have been excessive. Police said that Stroder was the boyfriend of the child's mother.

Two unrelated rapes reported to Cape police

Two unrelated reports of rape were released by the Cape Girardeau Police Department on Thursday. The first report stems from an incident that allegedly occurred on April 3. There are no suspects in the case and further details were not available. The second incident occurred on April 12 at a private residence. The victim alleges that she was raped by an ex-boyfriend as they slept in the same bed. No arrests have been made in the incident and the case is under review.

Scott County announces plans to repave roads

BENTON, Mo. -- The Scott County Commission has announced the county will soon be laying hot-mix asphalt for its annual road paving program. Commissioners said this winter's weather took a heavy toll on the county's roads, so this year's program will be devoted solely to repaving rough spots. The county has about $300,000 in this year's blacktopping budget. The county has a total of about 150 miles of blacktop and the budget should allow repairs on about 10 miles of that. The repairs will be spaced throughout the county on stretches where the need is greatest, said Presiding Commissioner Martin Priggel.

Grand opening of Jackson senior center postponed

Unforeseen construction delays have postponed the grand opening of Jackson's new senior center. The grand opening was scheduled for Thursday, but has been put off indefinitely. Richard Aguilar, president of the board of directors, said he expects a new opening date of mid-June. The senior center provides hot noon meals, exercise classes, crafts, games and trips to adults ages 60 and over. The current building, purchased in 1983, is located at 403 E. Washington St. Senior center officials say the building and parking lot are too small and, due to the age of the building, not equipped to proper handicapped standards. The new $800,000 building will be 5,940 square feet and will seat approximately 150 people. The parking lot will provide more than 70 parking spaces.

Preservation commission plans reception for sites

The Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission will hold a reception on Wednesday that will focus on three historic sites in the city. Dr. Frank Nickell, director of the Center for Regional History at Southeast Missouri State University, will speak about Old Lorimier Cemetery. Commission member Scott House will discuss efforts to restore Fort D, the site of a Civil War fort. Bill Whitlow of Probst Builders will discuss the recent renovation of the old Marquette Hotel into an office building. The reception begins at 6 p.m. at city hall. The commission will hold its regularly monthly meeting at 7 p.m.