Region digest 04/09/05

MoDOT awards contracts for I-55, I-57 resurfacing

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, state highway officials said. Construction is expected to start this summer and be completed by fall 2006, MoDOT district engineer Scott Meyer said.

Police: Pellet or BB gun used to break windows

The windows of several vehicles at a Cape Girardeau business were broken this week, Cape Girardeau police said. The police received a call Thursday reporting the damage at Car-Mart, 134 S. Sprigg St. The damage was apparently caused by a BB or pellet gun. The damage is believed to have happened between Sunday and Wednesday.

Christian concert in Jackson will benefit NASV

Christian contemporary group Restless Spirit will play a benefit concert at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Davis Banquet Center on Highway 25 in Jackson. Admission is free, but donations will be taken for the SEMO Network Against Sexual Violence.

Missouri's jobless rate down slightly in March

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's jobless rate dipped slightly in March but remained above the national average, the state Department of Economic Development reported Friday. Missouri's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the month was 5.7 percent, down from 5.8 percent in February and 6 percent in January. The national rate for March was 5.2 percent.

-- From staff, wire reports