VOCATIONAL SCHOOL TO HOLD CAR AUCTION WEDNESDAY

The ideal graduation gifts will be available Wednesday when the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center sells three late-model cars at a special auction.

The auction is being held to benefit the school's auto-collision program. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the vocational school, 301 N. Clark, in the auto-collision area. Cash or approved checks will be accepted at the time of sale.

Jones Auction Service of Jackson will handle auction services.

The school annually auctions away vehicles that have been repaired by students enrolled in auto-collision courses. The two-year program is offered to junior and senior high school students and to adults.

"We try to buy so they get experience working on late-model vehicles, which will help them when they go out in job market," said teacher Ron Baker.

Offered this year are a 2000 Ford Focus that has about 4,500 miles; a 2000 Dodge Neon that has about 10,500 miles; and a 1998 Ford Escort that has about 1,095 miles. The Escort includes power windows and door locks and a tilt-wheel feature.

The vehicles were formerly owned by car rental agencies before they were wrecked. The Escort was extensively damaged and has a salvage title. The Neon and Focus both sustained light damage and are still under warranty.

In the past, people attending the auctions have included car dealers, teachers and some students. Parents seeking vehicles for young drivers or students going away to college also frequent the event, said Baker.

Potential buyers may view the cars between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at the vocational school. For more information, contact Baker at 334-0449, extension 29.