MORE BENEFITS TO BE HELD FOR NISWONGER

Danny Niswonger, the Cape Girardeau police officer injured in an accident this spring, might be out of the hospital, but that doesn't mean his troubles are gone. To help him offset medical expenses, several area groups are sponsoring benefits for Niswonger this month.

Niswonger was injured while patrolling an area running event April 2 and was just released from St. Francis Medical Center on Tuesday.

TCI Cable and News Radio 960 KZIM plan a benefit golf tournament at Bent Creek on July 11. The tournament is a four-man scramble, costing $65 per person. Area businesses and individuals can also sponsor holes for $100.

Outdoor Sports Center has donated a Yamaha golf cart to the first hole-in-one winner. The winners of the tournament will also receive prizes. Registration begins at 10 a.m., then lunch at 11:30 a.m. and tee-off will be at 12:30 p.m.

"This tournament has gotten bigger than I expected," said Todd Runkwitz, marketing manager for TCI. "This man definitely deserves our help. And I am very proud of the reaction this tournament has received."

In addition to the golf tournament, several area car clubs are sponsoring a Bike and Car Show Benefit on July 16 at Arena Park. The entry fee is $5 and registration will be held from 10 a.m.-noon. At 3 p.m., awards in each of the 13 categories will be announced.

Classes for the show are antique, street rod, street machine, stock production, truck stock, truck modified, truck 4 X 4, truck mini, pro street and race car, late model '81 and up, Harley Davidson, touring bikes and sports bikes.

Following the awards ceremony, the participants will drive their cars in a parade from Arena Park to downtown Cape Girardeau. Niswonger himself is expected to ride in the parade along with police escorts.

A poker run, which also costs $5, will be held from 4-6 p.m for motorcycles only. This event involves riding through the countryside, stopping at designated areas to pick up playing cards and returning with the best hand possible.

The event will conclude with a dance at the Arena Building from 8 p.m.-midnight. Admission is $5 per person.

Sponsors hope to raise $10,000 at the event. And there could be as many as 150 cars in the show.

"The community has been really super," said Sonny Minor, one of the organizers of the event. "Everyone has pitched in and helped out."

For more information contact Minor's Harley Davidson at 334-7716, Gary's Car & Truck at 334-1410 or Sample Carpet at 335-3184.

All proceeds for both benefits go to Niswonger and his family.