Southeast to hold Spring Dance Concert

The Southeast Missouri Department of Theatre and Dance will hold its informal Spring Dance Concert at the Parker Dance Studio on campus at 8 p.m. March 9 through 11. The department's fall concerts are held at Rose Theatre. The Spring Dance Concert is held in Parker to accommodate preparation of the upcoming theater production of "Romeo and Juliet" and to give student choreographers a more relaxed atmosphere in which to perform. The concert will feature a variety of styles from student choreographers. A maximum of 80 seats are available for each night. For more information, call 651-2265.

Gas leak temporarily closes highway

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Law enforcement officers closed U.S. 61 to traffic two miles south of Sikeston for several hours Friday after a contractor laying cable accidentally cut an underground gas line. "There is always a danger of a flash fire. That is the reason we shut off traffic," said Capt. Mark Crocker of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. DPS officers closed the road about noon. It reopened to traffic about 2:30 p.m. after workers shut off the gas line. The temporary road closure forced motorists to detour around the area. "I am sure it was an inconvenience," said Crocker.

-- From staff reports