LOCAL SKATER JOINS `DISNEY ON ICE'

For most of a world bedazzled by the beauty and heart-stopping maneuvers of champion ice skaters, Cape Girardeau probably isn't what pops into most minds when you mention figure skating.

In fact, Cape Girardeau has an outstanding ice-skating facility, The Ice, at the Plaza Galleria in the Town Plaza shopping center. Skating is fairly popular among youths in the area, and several of them have done quite well in competitions.

One of the stars of local ice skating is Matt Buttrey, the son of Tom and Betty Buttrey of Scott City. Following an audition last March in St. Louis, Matt has signed a contract with "Disney on Ice," a dazzling professional group that showcases the best of ice skating for audiences across the nation.

Despite his achievements on ice, Matt is keeping his wits. He is planning to further his education so that he will continue to have a bright future after his professional skating career. Good luck, Matt. You are a good ambassador for the best of this area.