KIDS AND `5-0' SOON WILL BE HOOPIN' TO GET ACQUAINTED

Area law enforcement officers helped by Southeast coaches Ed Arnzen and Ron Shumate once again are offering basketball camps to youngsters age 14-16 who are out of school on Christmas break.

The "Hoopin' With 5-0" camps Dec. 27 for girls and Dec. 29 for boys will last from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Recreation Center at Southeast Missouri State university.

Officials point out that "Hoopin'" means basketball and "5-0" means police.

A coordinator of the event, Cape Girardeau police officer Charlie Herbst, said officers arrive at the beginning of the camp in full uniform. After introductions are made, the officers change into basketball-playing attire.

"This is an effort to familiarize youth with police officers," he said. "And to have fun."

Participants are limited to students enrolled in Cape Girardeau schools, Herbst said. Only 70 people will be randomly selected to participate in each session.

In addition to officers representing law enforcement agencies from around the area, Arnzen and Shumate also will be on hand to offer suggestions.

At the end of the day, teams are formed by the teens and a mini-tournament takes place.

Applications should be turned in no later than this week at the Cape Girardeau Police Department, 40 S. Sprigg. Applications are available at the Salvation Army, Civic Center, Cape Girardeau elementary schools and the police department.

Due to athletic regulations, students already participating in junior high or high school basketball are prohibited from playing.

For more information about the camps, contact Sgt. Carl Kinnison, Ike Hammonds or Charlie Herbst at 335-6621.