SUMMER JOBS AWAIT AREA STUDENTS

The help-wanted signs are everywhere in Cape Girardeau, some almost begging for applicants to come inside. The employment ads fill newspaper sections, offering promises of above-minimum-wage salaries, bonuses and benefits.

It's a worker's market, Job Service people say. In a county where unemployment figures hover around 3 or 4 percent, it seems everyone who wants to work is working.

Statistics from the Cape Central High School guidance counselors' office indicate 48 percent of all juniors and 53 percent of all seniors work while they attend school. But summer sends a rush of high-school students into the job market, hoping to earn money for clothes, entertainment and college.

"I'm trying to get a job, just something that will make money," Meleia Dunn, a 16-year-old Cape Central junior, said. "I put in my application at Brangus because I heard they were pretty flexible, and I do a lot of activities."

Marshall Marietta, another 16-year-old junior student, planned to spend his summer as a lifeguard at the Central Pool, while 17-year-old junior Kristy McClain will continue her part-time job in the Lutheran Home's kitchen.

High-school students are welcome additions to the workforce, Employment Securities representative Frank Rayburn said, adding that he will help them find jobs. Graduating seniors with driver's licenses are especially welcome.

Most employers are willing to work with high-school students with other summer activities, he said, as long as the teen-agers are honest about them. If the students want to spend a week on a family vacation, that's usually OK, but Rayburn advises against giving a long list of days they need off while on the job interview.

Taco Bell on Route K already is seeing relief thanks to summer employees. The restaurant almost constantly advertises for workers, attracting them with quick raises up from the $4.25-an-hour minimum wage if they work hard.

"Things are better now, but in August, we'll start all over again," general manager Scott Coleman said. "Getting people to work during the day is always the problem."

Other fast-food restaurant owners don't see summertime employees beating down their doors. Robert Peeler, who owns Dairy Queen on Broadway, said hiring qualified people is a constant battle.

"Last year, we ran an ad all summer long looking for people," he said. "I've called the employment office numerous times to get help, but I got the idea they didn't have the people to provide."