On the Street

Victim advocates

The Victim Center is accepting applications for volunteers to assist victims of violent crimes. The Victim Center will conduct interviews and background checks on all applicants prior to acceptance. Advocate training will be held Oct. 8-9 at The Library Center auditorium, 4653 S. Campbell.

Victim advocates are on call about twice a month, at night or on weekends and holidays, to respond to hotline calls from victims or calls from local health care and law enforcement agencies. Most calls require only a telephone response, but sometimes advocates are summoned to local hospitals or crime scenes to assist victims. Applications and additional information are available by calling Paula Tindell, victim advocate/volunteer coordinator at 417-863-7273.

Electric dividend

Joplin-based Empire District Electric Company's board of directors declared July 22 a quarterly dividend of 32 cents per share on the company's common stock. The dividend is payable Sept. 15 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 1.

Empire District Electric reported earnings of $2 million, or 8 cents per share, for the second quarter. By comparison, during the second quarter of 2003, Empire reported earnings of $2.7 million, or 12 cents per share.

Hospice help

St. John's HospiceCare is looking for volunteers. A two-day training class will be held 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 13-14 at 1378 E. Republic Road.

Volunteers perform a range of tasks that includes providing respite relief for caregivers. Craft volunteers work in their homes making lap robes and other items for patients. Also, volunteers who play musical instruments donate their time and talents to play at patients' homes.

Office staff volunteers provide assistance for a few hours each week. For more information about volunteering, call 417-820-7550.

Slice of Nice

Springfield Ballet's Fifth Annual Tutus & Clues scavenger hunt fundraiser will be held 6-10 p.m. Aug. 20 at Mille's Caf, 313 S. Jefferson.

The event is a photo scavenger hunt that takes place in downtown Springfield. Participants are provided with Polaroid cameras and film, courtesy of local State Farm Insurance agents, to take pictures of the answers to 30 clues. A mystery panel of local celebrities will decide the winner based on the number of correct photo answers, photographic creativity and team spirit.

The registration deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 19.

Entry fees are $20 per person, with a minimum of four people and a maximum of eight people per team. To register or for more information, call Springfield Ballet at 417-862-1343.