SALVATION ARMY TAKES IMPROTANT ROLE LOCALLY

Despite assorted claims from the campaign stump, American govern~mental assistance to the nation's less fortunate continues to rise. Still, there are gaps to be filled in the process and pressure to be taken off governmental agencies. The Salvation Army provides such relief. In Cape Girardeau, it is nearby, it is efficient and it is effective. The organization, started here in 1915, served more than 10,000 meals last year, provided more than 500 nights of emergency lodging and stepped in more than 7,000 times to lend rental, clothing and medical assistance. The organization this week launched a campaign to raise $1 million for construction of a new facility, which will adjoin its current headquarters at 701 Good Hope. We applaud the effort and wish the campaign leaders well. The Salvation Army serves an invaluable role in this community.

Another agency that fulfills a local need is Girl Scouts of America. The Otahki Council, which governs Girl Scout activities in the area, held a celebration Sunday to mark the 80th anniversary of scouting. Through scouting activities, girls take with them lessons that last a lifetime. The Girl Scout experience was shared by more than 1,500 people who turned out for the ceremony Sunday; it has been shared by millions of girls through eight decades of service. We commend local leaders and girls who work hard at this endeavor to improve themselves and their communities.

Nothing has changed but the changes for Vince Seyer, who for 43 years mastered the switches and dials that controlled how hot, cold and illuminated people were at Southeast Missouri State University. He has directed the physical plant at the school, managing more than 2 million square feet of building space, 26 acres of paved parking and 400 acres of grounds, streets and athletic fields. His domain has been boiler rooms and utility tunnels, and his expertise has ranged from the qualities of coal to the vagaries of computer cable. His retirement was to start in December, but he stayed on the job until a replacement was found. One now has been. Seyer's dedication to the university is admirable. He will be missed on campus.