Region digest 05/17/06

Cape teen's trial moved to Mississippi County

A Cape Girardeau teenager will be tried in Mississippi County on charges of shooting a man during an attempted drug buy. George A. Henry, 18, of 805 Ranney Ave., is accused of first-degree assault, first-degree robbery and armed criminal action. During a preliminary hearing in April, his half-brother, Brandon Depree, testified that he set up a meeting between Henry and Steven May so May could purchase marijuana. Depree testified under immunity that he knew Henry planned to rob May. They met at 503 S. Benton St. on Feb. 14, and Henry pulled out a gun and shot May as he attempted to run away. Circuit Judge William Syler ordered the change of venue. No new court date has been set.

DNR has loans for storm-struck areas

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is preparing to offer $3 million in interest-free loans to communities hit by spring storms. Under the loan provisions, applicants may apply for up to $500,000 in loans that may be used to improve the energy-efficiency of buildings owned by a city, county, school district or higher education entity. That means replacing systems like furnaces, boilers and air conditioners with higher efficiency versions. For more information, call the DNR Energy Center at (800) 361-4827.

-- From staff reports