Newspapers ahead of pack as news source

Despite the popularity of social media websites, a new survey shows Americans still turn most often to newspaper sites and continue to value journalists' roles in bringin them the news.

Among 522 people surveyed by Ongo, a subscription news service delivered via apps for iPhones and iPads, 73.5 percent of respondents said they turn most often to newspaper websites, or news aggregator sites such as Yahoo! or Google News, 64.4 percent.

Social sites did not fare as well with 31.1 percent finding their news on Facebook and 11.2 percent turning to Twitter to stay informed.

Newspaper sites are still the most trusted sources of daily news and information, with 58.3 percent of respondents saying they find newspaper websites where professional editors coordinate content the most trusted news source. Only 22.6 percent said they trusted sites like Google News or Yahoo! News most. Facebook was not highly trusted, with only 2.8 percent citing friends on Facebook as their most trusted source. Twitter ranked even lower with 0.02 percent finding news from people followed on Twitter as most trustworthy.

Those surveyed also said newspaper sites save them time and make getting important news easier.

* SoutheastHEALTH is implementing new initiatives to better serve the health care needs of this region, according to a statement released by hospital administration. "We are changing the delivery of wellness services to more effectively use resources for our employees and the community," administrators said.

After an evaluation of the programs offered by the Wellness Connection at West Park Mall, hospital administrators have determined it is no longer feasible to continue to offer the educational services and programs in the way they have in the past. Effective Oct. 1, the Wellness Connection will refocus its efforts in new ways. SoutheastHEALTH will continue to provide screening services to the community, local industry and to the employees of SoutheastHEALTH, as well as American Heart Association certification programs. In addition, the SHOW Mobile (SoutheastHEALTH on Wheels) partnership with the College of Health and Human Services at Southeast Missouri State University will continue through the end of this year. SoutheastHEALTH is exploring how to best serve more of the rural, underserved population in the region. "We are reaching the underserved through our partnership with Ripley County to provide Ripley County residents with access to vital health care services," administrators said.

* The Missouri Rural Letter Carriers Association will host "A Rally to Save America's Postal Service" from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau. Representatives will discuss the financial situation at the U.S. Postal Service and explain solutions, including urging support for House Bill 1351. That measure, co-sponsored by Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, would recalculate the way employee benefits are paid by the U.S. Postal Service and mandates that surpluses be returned to the service. Last week, Cape Girardeau's mail processing facility was selected as one of 250 across the nation being studied for closure by the U.S. Postal Service, potentially eliminating about 100 local jobs.

* Patients can now use their iPhones to find physicians and doctors offices affiliated with Saint Francis Medical Center. The Saint Francis Medical Partners app, developed by Dr. Edward M. Bender, cardiothoracic surgeon and section chairman of cardiothoracic surgery at Saint Francis, allows users to search for physicians or offices by name and then call or locate the address from within the app. Users may also learn more about each physician, including specialties, medical schools attended and residencies completed. The app is available for free in the iTunes App Store and will be updated regularly as more doctors and practices are added to Saint Francis Medical Partners. This is Bender's 18th application developed for the iPhone. He also has developed two iPad apps.

* Lil Pea Patch has opened in the former Annie Kate's at 709 Broadway. The children's thrift and consignment shop offers clothing from newborn and preemie sizes up to size 14, swings, strollers, carseats, toys and more. It is owned by Misty Spencer of Jackson, who also works as a paralegal. She was a frequent customer of Annie Kates herself. Spencer said she couldn't bear to see Annie Kate's close, so she decided to take over and rename the business.

* Classic television shows from the MeTV Network have been added to the Heartland's CW (WQWQ-TV) daily lineup. MeTV is the new classic television network from Weigel Broadcasting Co. and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. MeTV's library includes series from Twentieth Century Fox Television and CBS Television Distribution as well as independent series owners and producers.

According to Paul Keener, director of marketing for WQWQ, the station will run at least 12 hours of MeTV programming each day. In addition to MeTV, WQWQ's lineup will continue to include all programs offered from the CW Network, Heartland News rebroadcasts, and current events syndicated programs like "America Now" and "Right This Minute."

* Elias Ace Hardware in Cape Girardeau now carries Clark+Kensington paint. The new paint line available exclusively at Ace Hardware, includes paint and primer in one that is 100 percent acrylic with low levels of volatile organic compounds that lead to higher ozone levels.

* Main Street Flooring and Interiors in Jackson has moved to 412 E. Main St.

* The Spot Nightclub has opened at 433 S. Sprigg St. in Cape Girardeau. It is owned by Ullanda Jackson.

Southeast Missourian business editor Melissa Miller may be contacted at 388-3646 or mmiller@semissourian.com.