Local briefs 12/8/05

BENTON, Mo. -- The Scott County Commission voted Tuesday to accept the sole submitted bid for 22 handicapped accessible voting machines for a total of $99,000 from the Elkins-Swyers company in Springfield, Mo.

One machine will go in each precinct. The machines are required under the terms of the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center will distribute 270 doses of the flu vaccine to anyone with no restricions. The shots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the health center at 1121 Linden St. The cost is $20 and Medicare and Medicaid are accepted. The flu season typically lasts from November through March, sometimes April, said Carol Jordan, RN and communication disease coordinator, so now is the time to be vaccinated.