Region/state digest 01/15/05

Water patrol offering safety class in Cape

The Missouri State Water Patrol will offer classes in boater safety education from 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28 at the Osage Community Centre, 125 N. Kingshighway. Participants must attend both nights. As a result of a new law that took effect Jan. 1, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1984, who operates any watercraft on Missouri lakes must have on the vessel a boating safety identification card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol along with a valid photo ID. The minimum age for the class is 12. The course is free, but a $15 fee will be charged for the processing and printing of the certification card. To register, call the water patrol at (573) 751-3333 or register online at www.mswp. dps.mo.gov.

Lambert passenger levels at lowest since 1982

ST. LOUIS -- The number of passengers boarding a plane at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport fell last year to its lowest level since 1982, federal statistics show. An estimated 3.5 million fewer people flew out of the airport last year. Lambert fell to the country's 32nd-busiest airport from the 19th spot in 2003, according to information the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics released Thursday. The downturn in traffic came after American Airline's decision in November 2002 to halve its number of St. Louis flights. "The ranking really doesn't mean anything" said Richard Hrabko, the airport's interim director.

St. Louis teachers union board rejects 'final' offer

ST. LOUIS -- A union board representing St. Louis teachers voted Friday to reject a district contract proposal, bringing teachers one step closer the possibility of a walkout next week by public school employees. The executive board of the St. Louis Teachers and School Related Personnel Union Local 420 voted 10-to-1 against the district's "final proposal," with one abstention. Union members will decide Tuesday whether to agree with the board and go on strike, or accept a contract offer union leadership calls unacceptable. The strike would begin midnight Wednesday if the contract is rejected, despite a state law forbidding a walkout. Union spokeswoman Mary Armstrong said the main sticking point was an increase in health insurance deductibles. The union is also disputing salary proposals, rules on paid time off and the lengthened work time.

Student withdraws suit over gay pride T-shirt

JOPLIN, Mo. -- A student barred from wearing a gay pride-themed T-shirt at his southwest Missouri high school withdrew his lawsuit Friday against the Webb City school district. The controversy involving Brad Mathewson's choice of clothing deflated with his withdrawal from Webb City High School last month. "The issue was moot," said Terry Sexton, an attorney for Mathewson. The school district has said it prohibited the T-shirts because they were disruptive and therefore a violation of school dress code.

-- From staff, wire reports