Region digest 3/8

Emerson to keynote chamber banquet

KENNETT, Mo. -- U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, will be the keynote speaker for the 56th annual Kennett Chamber of Commerce banquet on April 8.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion building in Kennett.

Emerson is the first woman elected to the U.S. House from the 8th District.

She was elected in 1996 to serve the remainder of her late husband Bill Emerson's term and to serve her first full term.

She was re-elected in 1998 and 2000.

Gates grant helps library get computers

DEXTER, Mo. -- The "information highway" just got a bit wider and has a few more exits thanks to the completion of a project at the Keller Public Library in Dexter.

The library has just completed the installation of 15 new computers and the addition of a new room just for computer use.

Library staff member Libby Gall said the new computers will mean greater access to the Internet and availability of computer technology to the public.

The 15 new Gateway computers were purchased through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation -- a charitable organization established by the computer mogul and his wife.

One function of the foundation is to help community libraries gain greater computer technology and enhance public access to the Internet.

Camp Allen plans to form alumni group

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Ruth Burnett, director at Camp Allen, has seen children come and go through the overnight camp.

Over time, though, many have lost touch with each other, so Burnett and Camp Allen staff members are forming the first alumni association to reunite friends.

"We're trying to get those from the past to come back and get to know people they've met before," said Burnett.

"It's basically to get re-acquainted," said camp volunteer Elzena Bradshaw-Simmons. "It will be an organizational meeting."

Camp Allen, an overnight youth camp, was established in 1954 in the Mark Twain National Forest.

Bradshaw-Simmons has been involved with the camp since she was 10.

The first Camp Allen Alumni Association meeting will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the camp.

Three arrested in two shooting incidents

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Three people are in custody in connection with the shooting of two Charleston men Wednesday night at two different locations.

According to reports, the Charleston police received a call at about 10 p.m. concerning shots being fired in the 400 block of Cypress.

Officers found the first victim, Shon Watson, 23, in the 500 block of South Locust. He was shot numerous times.

The second victim, Derek Whitney, 25, was discovered in the 300 block of South Locust. He had been shot once in the lower right leg.

Both men were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Within hours of the shootings, three people were arrested in conjunction with the assault.

Two weapons were also recovered. The suspects' names were being held pending the issuance of warrants. -- From Southeast Missouri News Service

Cardiac arrest to raise funds for heart group

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Several Sikeston residents feel so strongly about the fight against heart disease and stroke, they're willing to go to jail to stand up for their belief.

The individuals will prove their point by participating in the American Heart Association's annual Cardiac Arrest from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Missouri Delta Medical Center, where those jailed will be booked, jailed and tried in a mock courtroom.

To be released from jail, participants must post a bail of $100.

Every 33 seconds in the United States someone dies of cardiovascular disease, which accounts for 36 percent of the annual deaths in Scott County and 41 percent of the deaths in Missouri.

-- From Southeast Missouri News Service