State digest 03/27/04

University of Missouri considers tuition increase

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Tuition rates at the University of Missouri may be on the rise again. University of Missouri president Elson Floyd on Friday recommended a 7.5 percent increase in tuition for the 2004-2005 academic year. The higher fees would begin with summer classes, pending approval of the four-campus university system's board of curators, which is to consider the plan Thursday. If curators approve, the undergraduate fee per credit hour would rise by $14.60, to $209.20 for in-state undergraduates and $524.10 for out-of-state students.

Jeff City man accused of pimping teenager

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Prosecutors have charged a Jefferson City man with using a 15-year-old girl as a prostitute. Errol Isom, 40, has been charged with one count of promotion of prostitution, a felony, for "procuring or soliciting patrons." Isom was released from the Cole County Jail on Tuesday on $50,000 bond. Jefferson City police said officials from the Division of Family Services informed police of Isom's alleged activities on March 11. If convicted, Isom could face up to a 15-year prison term, Cole County Prosecutor Bill Tackett said. The girl likely won't face charges.

-- From staff reports