SOUTHEAST MISSOURIAN TAKES A LOOK AT THE FUTURE IN 1997 PROGRESS EDITION

The 21st century is no longer the stuff of daydreams. It is taking shape today in our own neighborhoods -- in schools, businesses, hospitals and homes.

In today's annual progress edition, the Southeast Missourian takes a look at what the next century might bring to our region.

The special issue, "Snapshot of Tomorrow: Looking Toward the 21st Century," features five sections covering 62 pages.

City and civic leaders, educators, business owners, government officials and others see a promising future for the region.

Like the rest of the nation, our future will be a high-tech one, whether in the classroom or the living room.

Vocational schools and colleges are developing programs to train workers for tomorrow's high-tech jobs.

Industries of the future may be smaller, pay higher wages and have more trained technicians.

Long-distance learning through computers and interactive television will become an increasingly important component of higher education at Southeast Missouri State University and the nation's other colleges.

The Internet already has made its way into the region's classrooms.

Farming increasingly has become high-tech too, from computers in air-conditioned combines to computerized feeding systems.

Future homes may be smaller, but include more gadgetry.

President Clinton talks about a bridge to the 21st century. But the real bridge is taking shape in Cape Girardeau.

The four-lane Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge will span the Mississippi River soon after the turn of the century. It will replace the narrow, two-lane span that has linked Missouri and Illinois since 1928.

Parochial and private schools expect growing enrollments as parents choose an education that includes moral development.

Southeast Missouri State University may build a performing arts center after the turn of the century that could boost cultural life in the region. The medical community will focus on preventing health problems by encouraging healthy living. There will be an expanded role for family nurse practitioners and more outpatient care.

Bank mergers will continue. The stock market could be bullish into the next century.

Local business owners say it will be essential for stores to have computer web sites in the 21st century.

The Southeast Missourian is developing its own web page that should be on line this spring.

There still will be a war against crime in the next century and an increasing need for more prison space.

As society becomes more computer literate so, too, will criminals, law enforcement officials say.

Technology also will give us picture phones, better quality television and more TV programming.

Tourism will remain a major industry in Missouri.

Toll roads and two-lane super highways could be part of the region's transportation network as we seek to make travel easier.

Area churches will take a more businesslike approach to recruiting members.

People will work longer before retiring.

The future also offers new opportunities for collectors. Everything from designer ties to hotel keys could be valuable to tomorrow's collectors.

Whatever the future holds, the Southeast Missourian will be there to chronicle it.