Region digest 11/17/05

SBC group gives $26,000 to two area groups

The SBC Corporation Foundation gave $26,000 in grants for technology upgrades to two area groups on Wednesday. The $20,000 upgrade will allow the faith-based Project HOPE to aid people in job training and match them with mentors. Project HOPE will have access to already existing manuals and the ability to call on people from all over the United States via video conferencing for their expertise. The Safe House for Women will use its $6,000 Excelerator grant to buy four new computers and a color printer, and upgrade its Web site. Executive director Linda Garner said residents at the Safe House will now have their own computer work station to practice computer skills, do job searches and research on the Internet.

Man waives hearing on rape charges

Steven J. Ochs, 47, of Perryville, Mo., waived his preliminary hearing on two statutory rape charges Tuesday. Associate Circuit Judge Gary Kamp scheduled an arraignment for Friday. Ochs was charged Oct. 7; authorities allege he raped a 7-year-old girl twice in 2004. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

-- From staff reports