WELCOME TEACHERS, EHLLO DADS, GOOD DECISION SCOTT CITY

We're trained to be studious pupils, suitable workers, champion athletes and even creative in our spare time. But far too often we're not trained for the most important job of all -- that of husband and wife, mother and father.

That's the thought behind a program called "Dad the Family Shepherd." It's a men's conference sponsored by the Christian Businessmen's Committee (CBC) tonight and Saturday. It's this same remarkable group that brings us the popular Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. This year's program -- featuring nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas -- drew a crowd of more than 1,300.

Many people talk about societal woes stemming from disintegrating family values. The CBC does something about it.

Dr. Bill Terry, one of the organizers, explains that too many men are task oriented, and tend to forget the importance of family relationships.

How important is the family and the father's role? Terry puts it simply: "If the man takes responsibility for his family, realizing he is accountable to God for his behavior and responsible for his wife and children, it would turn America around in no time flat -- and it wouldn't cost any money."

People are far too quick to abdicate their responsibilities. And that's when the troubles begin -- just check the divorce dockets and criminal trials.

The CBC has sponsored about nine of these sessions the past few years. More than 600 Cape Girardeau area men have gone through the program. But this year's conference will be the biggest yet with about 130 attending. In year's past the program has been a video conference, but this year the Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas will be the keynote speaker. Mike Huckabee has a theological background, and puts family values at the top if his priority list. It should be an energizing program.

We salute the Christian Businessmen's Committee. It's a relatively small group that has accomplished some big things in our community. They bring a voice of reason and morality to our frenzied world.

Cape Girardeau will be inundated by teachers today for the 118th annual Southeast Missouri District Teachers meeting. We should all welcome them warmly.

At this time in the school year, the meeting provides an inspirational shot in the arm. The morning's main speaker is Mark Scharenbroich, who has conducted programs in more than 2,000 schools over the last 16 years. He's here not just to educate, but to motivate.

In the words of Gene Brunkhorst: "Teachers have a chance to examine themselves and what direction education is going and what part they can play. It's a time of celebrating education and for teachers to be renewed and set their vision a little higher."

The meeting also provides a chance for teachers to compare notes, and see the latest in educational supplies.

Perhaps the ultimate benefit of these annual meetings, however, is better teaching.

Welcome teachers. As you inspire our children, so may you be inspired.

The Scott City Council has agreed to pay its delinquent fees to the Cape Girardeau Area Industrial Recruitment Association.

We applaud the move. Recognition of the need to work together for the region is what led area officials to form the association in the first place. The group's executive director, Mitch Robinson, came on board last May.

The group has financial support from the cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City, Cape County and the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

Scott City's first installment was paid by an anonymous donor. Other payments were to be financed by the local chamber. But that didn't happen. So the city council corrected that situation Monday, voting to pay the dues for the first two quarters of 1994. A $2,500 payment will be made from the city's insurance and bond accounts.

The action represents more than dollars and cents. For without support from all parties involved, the industrial recruitment effort would soon give way to petty bickering.

The Scott City Council's action spells good news for the industrial recruitment association and, more importantly, for future economic development in the region.