State brifs 5a 5/18

Historical group to take part in tourism meeting

CLARKTON, Mo. -- The Clarkton Historical Society has been invited to take part in a conference Thursday on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Ark.

Scott Harrison, society chairman, said he will be a guest panelist at the African-American Tourism Conference and talk about the efforts to restore the Birthright House in Clarkton as a cultural center. The Birthrights were former slaves who rose to prominence in Clarkton.

The conference is sponsored by the ASU Delta Studies Center. Harrison is hopeful participation in the conference will help the historical society in its efforts to obtain grants and other funding to restore and develop the Birthright House into a cultural center and museum.

Kennett first-graders learn book published

KENNETT, Mo. -- Eighteen Masterson first-grade students and their teacher were surprised with news that some writers wait a lifetime to hear -- they will be published. The group of students will have their book "September 12th ... We Knew Everything Would Be All Right" published by Scholastic and sold at more than 100,000 Scholastic Book Fairs nationwide next fall.

A surprise assembly Thursday announced the news.

The Kids Are Authors competition has been publishing child author's books for 16 years.

This year Scholastic added a special America Remembers 9/11 Commemorative award.

Changes in property assessment bill passes

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Lawmakers have sent Gov. Bob Holden legislation that would prohibit property assessors from using so-called "drive-by inspections" in cases where property values are rapidly rising.

Under legislation given final House approval Friday, county assessors would be required to make an "on-site personal observation" of a home before increasing its assessed value by 15 percent or more.

Currently, a physical inspection is required if the value increases by 17 percent. But the bill says that "drive-by" inspections won't count as physical inspections.

Instead, the legislation requires assessors to look at all accessible parts of a home's exterior, including the back yard if the owner gives permission.

In addition, home owners would be allowed to request interior inspections.

State's lawmakers add tougher laws on HIV

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.-- People infected with the virus that causes AIDS could face more prison time for exposing others to the disease, according to a bill headed to the governor.

The measure, which passed the Senate by a 28-1 vote with 20 minutes left Friday in the 2002 legislative session, was sponsored by Sen. David Klarich, R-Clayton.

"This is a public safety issue," Klarich said. "This helps those who may be victims of those who have the HIV virus."

Veterans medal program extension passed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers have voted to revive a popular program honoring World War II veterans with medals.

The bill sent Friday to Gov. Bob Holden would give veterans through July 1, 2003, to apply for the special medals.

-- From Southeast Missouri News Service and wire reports