Region briefs 06/12/03

Rains flood a few county roadways, recede fast

Heavy rains falling across Southeast Missouri Wednesday created a few flooded roads in parts of Cape Girardeau County.

The sheriff's department reported that parts of U.S. 61 and Highway D flooded around 4 p.m., but the waters receded quickly as the rain stopped.

In Jackson, police said high water at East Main at Tracy Street and water flowing across a bridge on East Independence created temporary closings, but by the early evening everything was back to normal.

In Cape Girardeau, police said all streets were open and had not been notified of any problems.

Dogs can show off good manners at fairgrounds

Dog owners are encouraged to bring their well-mannered pets to take part in the Southeast Missouri Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen Test Friday night at the A.C. Brase Arena Building at the Cape Girardeau County Fairgrounds.

Each handler and dog team who pass 10 tests will receive a patch and be named "Canine Good Citizen" by the American Kennel Club.

The test is open to all dogs, regardless of breed or registration with AKC. There is no maximum age, but owners must show proof of their dog's current vaccinations. Register at the gate beginning at 7 p.m. The fee is $10. Entries are limited to the first 20 dogs.

For more information and a list of the 10 tests, call Janice Miller at 651-3439 or visit online www.akc.org/love/cgc/ index.cfm.

Sikeston school board gives OK to budget

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Although state education budget cuts remain unclear, the Sikeston Board of Education approved expenditures required prior to July 1 -- with the understanding district officials will come back to the board for some amendments in the future.

"This is truly a work in progress," Sikeston superintendent Steve Borgsmiller told the board at Tuesday's meeting. "And as the state becomes clear on their revenue picture, we then will have a better idea of recommendations we can make to the board in regards to FY04 amendments."

Borgsmiller said the 2003-2004 budget proposal did not include any salary adjustments for the district's instructional and support staff.

"We took the revenues in this year's budget and adjusted it to the best prediction" the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has given at this point, said treasurer Lori Boardman. "We reflected any adjustments to revenues such as foundation formulas and categorical cuts based on projections from DESE, and we will continue to update those as we are given numbers from DESE -- whether it will be for the better or worse."

A budget hearing is scheduled for August.-- From staff, wire reports