DON'T ALLOW MINERAL PROSPECTING

To the editor:

Doe Run Co.'s mineral prospecting permit should not be approved.

Mineral exploration drilling may do no long-term damage to its surroundings, but the exploration drilling leads to lead mining, which does permanent damage to its surroundings.

Roads and drill pads which open areas of dense forest cover to sunlight do lead to drilling operating and diversify the environment but do not benefit plants and animals.

Since William F. Jud of Fredericktown knows so much about how many thousands of holes have been drilled and their effect on the environment, it leads me to think he has been connected with this drilling.

Forest land does exist to be used by people trained to protect the land for all citizens, not just the miners.

I am not a radical, nor do I have a doomsday vision. I am pro-corporate as long as the corporations protect our environment, as many corporations do. Mining companies must mine away from our national scenic riverways where the Current, Jacks Ford and Eleven Point rivers give pleasure to Thousands who float and boat on them.

CHARLOTTE SCHUMACHER

Cape Girardeau

To the editor:

We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the groups and individuals who helps make a difference in a child's life in the May Greene Elementary School neighborhood.

The pilot session of the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Summer Module was recently culminated at the Greater Dimension Church. The summer modules was organized by the Caring Communities Program located in the May Greene neighborhood to give neighborhood youths a positive alternative during the summer months. The 30-plus neighborhood youths learned during their GREAT lessons how to continue to be a positive force in their family as well as in their community. They also participated in first-aid training, recreational activities and career exploration.

The program was the result of brainstorming by the Caring Communities' May Greene Neighborhood Advisory Board. It was the decision of the group that the neighborhood youths were in need of some type of positive summer activity as an alternative some of the influences that are in our community. It was decided that the GREAT Summer Module would be used as the organizational component for the program.

This program would not have been successful without the community partnerships that were formed to take on this important task. Thus, a collaborative alliance was formed to bring together the following groups: Caring Communities, AmeriCorps, Greater Dimension Church and parent support. Guest speakers during the program included representatives from the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, Cape Girardeau Police Department, Cape County Private Ambulance, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Proctor & Gamble Paper Products.

We would like to express our appreciation to the Caring Community staff, AmeriCorps volunteers, Greater Dimension Church and the guest speakers for making this pilot program a great success. It is because of the sincere commitment and dedication displayed by these groups that Cape Girardeau will continue to be a great place to live, work and play.

OFFICER IKE HAMMONDS

CPL. CHARLES HERBST

Cape Girardeau Police Department

Cape Girardeau