Editor's Note: This story has been changed to reflect that Regional Counseling and Employee Assistance Services is operational.

Cape Girardeau County commissioners approved the purchase of two hand-held radios by the Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management Department. The cost will be $4,767.90 and includes the radios, software, chargers and repair service. The software included with the purchase will allow the department to be able to communicate with other agencies throughout Missouri, no matter where the radio broadcasts from within the state.

The money will be taken from the emergency management department's budget.

In other business

• A contract with Personal Assistance Services to provide an employee assistance program for county employees was not approved, due to a lack of motion. Commissioners said county employees traditionally have not used program services enough to justify the cost. The county's current provider, Regional Counseling & Employee Assistance Services will continue to operate, but the county's contract with them will end Dec. 31. Commissioner Paul Koeper said should the demand for the program increase, the subject will be re-evaluated. Employee assistance programs traditionally offer counseling and other related resources to employees and their qualified dependents.
• Odis Rubel Jr., of Pocahontas, addressed the commission during the public comment portion of the meeting to compliment the county on recent blacktopping efforts near his house. He said it was a great improvement.

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1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO