Region briefs 6/20/07

Lawyer filing a motion for Mattress Guys owner

The Mattress Guys owner Dennis McDonald, who was sentenced to five days' shock time Monday by Judge Gary Kamp for repeated violations of Cape Girardeau sign ordinances, had a motion filed by his attorney, Scott Reynolds, that may get him released from jail. Reynolds filed a motion to set aside shock time Tuesday with Judge Kamp. According to his office, Judge Kamp did not receive the motion Tuesday and will be in Perryville for court today.

Detours begin today for Lombardo Avenue work

The reconstruction of Lombardo Avenue between Clark Avenue and the Walker Branch channel in Cape Girardeau is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. today. The project is expected to take three weeks. Motorists who use Lombardo Avenue will be detoured via Clark Avenue to Broadway, Kingshighway and Cape Rock Drive. All residents will have access to their driveways. Signs will be posted, alerting motorists to use alternate routes and detours.

United Way Task Force plans fund-raisers

The United Way's River Corridor Task Force met Monday at the Salvation Army to develop fund-raisers for its south Cape Girardeau improvement project. United Way director Nancy Jernigan said that the task force would like to launch several child-oriented programs in the south Cape area, but needs to identify the biggest needs and raise funds first. The task force is collaborating with several organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, Upward Bound, the Cape Girardeau Police Department and several area churches, to raise funds and develop programs. The River Corridor Task Force hopes to start its programs in the fall.

Business journal honors 3 local elected officials

Three area elected officials were recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal for their work on business issues during the recent session of the Missouri Legislature. House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau and Sen. Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau were recognized by the publication primarily for their efforts guiding the passage of a major economic development bill awaiting a decision from Gov. Matt Blunt. The bill would provide $100 million or more worth of incentives annually to businesses for a variety of economic activities ranging from investment in distressed areas to film production.

Cape, Jackson municipal bands perform this week

The Cape Girardeau Municipal Band will perform at 8 p.m. today at the Capaha Park band shell with the Jackson Municipal Band following at 8 p.m. Thursday with a concert at the Jackson City Park band shell. Special guest performers at the Cape Girardeau concert will be the Suzuki Strings from the Southeast Missouri Music Academy. Municipal band concert selections will include marches, early 20th century pop music, American folk tunes and show tunes. Jackson's guest performers will be the acoustic duo Flood Plain, performing songs in a variety of genres from John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Incubus, the Doobie Brothers, the Bee Gees and the Eagles. Concert selections with feature the tuba section in a variety of genres.

Arts Council offers workshops for children

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri will offer its children's summer art workshops starting Monday with two classes on ceramics and pottery. Other classes offered later in the summer include drawing, painting, sculpture and murals. The deadline for registration is Friday. All classes will take place on the Southeast Missouri State University campus. For more information, call 334-9233.

-- From staff reports