MoDOT awards contracts for road improvements

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded three contracts Wednesday to improve roads in Southeast Missouri. The commission awarded a $7.12 million contract to Apex Paving Co. of Cape Girardeau to resurface 16 miles of Interstate 55 from Fruitland to Scott City. The contractor also was awarded a $7.7 million contract for diamond grinding the driving lanes and resurfacing the shoulders of 22 miles of Interstate 57 in Scott and Mississippi counties, and a $11.9 million contract for resurfacing of various sections of I-55 in Scott, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties, officials said. Construction is expected to start this summer and be completed by fall 2006.

Robbery suspects nabbed in Perry County

PERRYVILLE, Mo.-- Two suspects wanted for robbery in St. Louis County were caught and arrested by members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Perry County Sheriff's Office and the Perryville Police Department Wednesday night. The suspects, Charles R. Cook, 32, of St. Clair, Mich., and Jason C. Payne, 22, of Santa Maria, Calif. fled south on Interstate 55 and then on U.S. 61 toward Perryville. They abandoned their stolen van at the T.G. Missouri plant and went into the woods, where they were apprehended after direction from plant employees, officials said.