SHELTERED WORKSHOP COVERAGE EARNS AWARDS FOR JOURNALISTS

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Awards of recognition were presented to two Cape Girardeau journalists by the Region IX Council on Developmental Disabilities for their coverage of issues involving the mentally and physically handicapped.

Tony Hall of the Southeast Missourian and Amy Jacquin of KFVS-TV 12 were honored Friday at the council's annual awards banquet.

Council director Lee Trankler thanked the journalists for all their work to benefit those with developmental disabilities and their families.

Both reporters have covered issues surrounding operations at Perry County's Sheltered Workshop, which was placed under new management last year after 24 years with VIP Industries of Cape Girardeau.

Accusations of poor management led to drastic changes at the workshop and eventually led to the restructuring of the Perry County Senate Bill 40 board, which appropriates $190,000 in tax money annually to organizations that serve the handicapped.

Today, the workshop's average wage is $2.95 an hour, about $1 more than a year ago.