LOCAL JOB SERVICE OFFICE WILL MOVE TO NEW FACILITY FRIDAY

Friday is moving day for the Missouri Division of Employment Security office.

"Our office at 1219 N. Kingshighway will close following business hours Thursday," said Jackie Cecil, manager of the local Job Service office. "The office will be closed for moving Friday and will reopen Monday at 6 Girardeau Court, just off Independence."

It is adjacent to Silver Springs Road, near the Kindercare day care.

The new, one-level brick structure consists of 6,000 square feet.

"This is smaller than our present office," said Cecil. "But we have fewer people now than when the office moved here a dozen years ago. We really don't need as much space as we have at our present location," which is about 7,960 square feet.

At one time the Cape Girardeau Job Service office employed between 35 and 40 people.

"Budget cuts have resulted in the loss of some personnel," said Cecil. "Over the years computerization and modernization of the office have resulted in reducing the staff to its present 20 people."

The new facility also provides more parking.

"We should have ample parking space at the new site," said Cecil.

Plans for the new facility, which were announced in May 1991, include parking facilities for at least 60 cars.

An evaluation team from the Missouri Department of Employment Service in Jefferson City decided on the new facility and location last year.

It's standard policy for the division to bid for lease space whenever options are up on a lease. The Girardeau Court location was selected following a lengthy evaluation process.

The new facility has handicapped accessibility, as required by state law. It meets all standards set out by the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, which took effect in January.

"We're looking forward to the new and modern facility," said Cecil. "It will enable us to better serve our clients. We appreciate people's understanding during the move."

Cecil said the office would retain its present mailing address, P. O. Box 940, and the telephone number, 314-290-5766.

The Cape Girardeau Job Service office provides services in three counties Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger.

The Job Service offices moved to its North Kingshighway location more than a dozen years ago from downtown Cape Girardeau. It was previously at 231 N. Main.