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Winter Storm Watch
Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2015

Local News

Jackson issues snow route proclamation for today (03/03/15)
The city of Jackson has issued a snow route proclamation in anticipation of tonight's weather event. Residents whose vehicles are parked along designated snow routes will have from 8p.m. today to 8 a.m. tomorrow morning to move their vehicles elsewhere. Any vehicles impeding city crews' ability to plow designated streets will be subject to tickets or towing...
One lane of I-55 reopens following crash (03/03/15)
Interstate 55 near the 96 mile marker has reopened.
Southeast president will be announced Wednesday (03/03/15)
The 18th president of Southeast Missouri State University will be announced Wednesday at a news conference, university officials said. Jay Knudtson, president of the university's board of regents, and Doyle Privett, chairman of the presidential search and screening advisory committee, will announce the university's selection at 4 p.m. in Glenn Auditorium of Robert A. Dempster Hall...
Cape council agrees to authorize design of new roundabout (03/03/15) 4
The Cape Girardeau City Council unanimously voted Monday night to approve a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Koehler Engineering and Land Surveying for the design of a single-lane roundabout at Independence Street and Gordonville Road...
Southeast student charged after alleged threats to roommates (03/03/15) 9
A Southeast Missouri State University student faces charges after he allegedly threatened to rape and kill his roommates. Sinuo Li, 25, of Cape Girardeau has been charged with third-degree assault in the Saturday incident. Li's roommates, Yuangianzi Yan and Qiu Zinn, said Li got angry about 5 p.m. Saturday at their home on South Park Avenue in Cape Girardeau and threatened multiple times to rape Yan and kill Zinn, according to a probable-cause statement filed in the case...
Winter storm watch set for Wednesday, Thursday (03/03/15)
The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, has issued a winter storm watch for Wednesday and Thursday, with four to six inches of snow possible. Heavy rain and a few storms are possible today. Today's high will reach 50 degrees, but temperatures will plummet into the 20s. Rain will change to sleet and snow early Wednesday morning...
Jackson OKs traffic signal near new school (03/03/15) 1
The city of Jackson is one step closer to finalizing plans to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Lacey and East Main streets after Monday night's board of aldermen meeting. After reviewing four bids from independent contractors, the board accepted one from Lappe Cement Finishing of Perryville, Missouri...
Assault suspect's remark leads to additional charges (03/03/15)
A man faces drug and assault charges after a Saturday incident in Perry County. Joshua Buza, 31, of Perryville, Missouri, is charged with second-degree domestic assault, a felony, and possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors...
Last Transportation Trust Fund meeting is tonight (03/03/15)
The next and final Transportation Trust Fund 5 public meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. today at the Osage Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway. Cape Girardeau voters will be asked in August to renew the half-cent, pay-as-you go sales tax dedicated to transportation projects. A committee has proposed a list of eight projects to be funded by TTF 5, but the city is asking for public input before finalizing and formally approving the list...
Blunt's staff to host mobile office (03/03/15)
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt's staff will host a mobile office from 8 to 9 a.m. March 12 at the Scott County Courthouse, 131 S. Winchester St., in Benton. The mobile office allows members of the public to discuss their questions or concerns about the federal government directly with members of the senator's staff. Blunt's Columbia office also extends one-on-one service to Missourians who have an issue with a federal agency or need additional assistance...
Scott City may be underequipped for snowfall (03/03/15)
Snow was a main topic of concern during Scott City's city council meeting Monday night. The city has three snowplows and a sand spreader. But with the spreader being repaired, city employees will be underequipped if Scott City gets the four to six inches of snow the National Weather Forecast in Paducah, Kentucky, is forecasting for Wednesday...
VA town hall meeting set for March 10 (03/03/15)
The John J. Pershing VA Medical Center plans to hold a meeting about veterans affairs' services and benefits to gather feedback from patients, family members and the community. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. on March 10 at the VFW Post 3174 in Sikeston (709 Smith St.). The meeting will begin with refreshments, until the actual meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. It is expected to last an hour...
Power of Women expo set for March 11 (03/03/15)
The fourth annual "Power of Women" luncheon and expo is set for March 11 at Southeast Missouri State University. Sponsored by the University Foundation, Department of Athletics and Student Government, the event connects female students with opportunities, women mentors and community resources...
Scott City students' efforts are adding up (03/03/15)
Students at the Scott City School District have raised nearly $100,000 over the years to benefit the patients of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by participating in the annual Math-A-Thon fundraiser. And during the next few weeks, elementary students will be doing their part to make sure that amount keeps climbing...
Catch me if you can (03/03/15)
Brandon Henderson runs away with the ball from Vercorea Cooper, left, Alyssa Brown and Meah Henderson as they enjoyed outdoor play in 40-degree temperatures Monday afternoon at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau. More snow and cold, however, are on the way this week. Story on Page 3A...
Picking up trash (03/03/15)
Sean Fego, right, and Owen Ullrich pick up litter along Broadway in Cape Girardeau on Monday afternoon. The duo, with Teen Challenge International of Mid-America, were among several people who helped clean the sidewalks from downtown to Southeast Missouri State University...
Last Transportation Trust Fund meeting to be held Tuesday (03/02/15)
The next and final Transportation Trust Fund 5 public meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Osage Centre, 1625 N. Kingshighway. Cape Girardeau voters will be asked in August to renew the half-cent, pay-as-you go sales tax dedicated to transportation projects. A committee has proposed a list of eight projects to be funded by TTF 5, but the city is asking for public input before finalizing and formally approving the list...
Scott County residents will vote whether to renew sales tax (03/02/15) 3
On the Scott County ballot for the April 7 general municipal election, county residents will decide whether to renew a countywide half-cent sales tax in exchange for no county-imposed property taxes. Scott County Clerk Rita Milam said when this sales tax was approved for fiscal year 2008, it initially was to help maintain the Scott County Jail...
Regional panel urges no change in air-quality rules (03/02/15) 8
A regional commission of business and government representatives wants air-quality standards left alone. Last week, the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission approved sending a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency indicating its position on proposed new standards for ground-level ozone in Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties. The EPA proposed Nov. 25 the levels be reduced to a range of 65 to 70 parts per billion from the current 75 ppb...
Cape Council to try again to hear opinions on infrastructure plans (03/02/15) 4
The cancellation of the Cape Girardeau City Council's previous meeting has left a full docket of items to consider Monday night. February's final meeting was supposed to focus on a discussion about the city's 2015-2020 Capital Improvements Program, but inclement winter weather caused the conversation to be delayed. To allow enough time to consider the matter and hear public input, tonight's study session will begin at 4:30 p.m...
Man's weight loss earns spot on 'Rachael Ray Show' (03/02/15) 4
NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Having his story featured on "The Rachael Ray Show" was a memorable experience, but that isn't why New Madrid County Central High School's band director lost 370 pounds. "I did it for myself and for my band students so I wouldn't keel over," said Ryan Blocker, a Farmington, Missouri, native...
Chaffee City Council agenda 3/2/2015 (03/02/15)
Chaffee, Missouri, City Council City hall 222 W. Yoakum Ave. 7 p.m. today Tentative agenda n Minutes n Building permits n Police department n Fire department n Judge's report n Emergency preparedness n Collector's report n Monthly bills n City clerk: New business -- bills...
Dog that's subject of book, film will be at Jackson school (03/02/15) 1
The producer and author of an award-winning film and children's novel about bringing an end to bullying will visit West Lane Elementary School in Jackson on Monday along with the star of the film -- her dog named Marshall. Marshall is a three-legged, scar-faced rescue dog from Marshall, Missouri. He was rescued by producer and author Cynthia Willenbrock, who now tells his story all across the state...
Man jailed after alleged baseball bat attack (03/02/15) 2
A man was arrested for an assault with a baseball bat after his alleged victim near Oran, Missouri, tied him up until police arrived. Thomas Rust Brown, 31, of Bell City, Missouri, is charged with first-degree assault and two felony counts of armed criminal action, all felonies...
Cape Girardeau County Commission agenda 3/2/15 (03/02/15)
Cape Girardeau County Commission 1 Barton Square, Jackson 9 a.m. today Communications/reports -- other elected officials n None at this time Public comments n Items listed on agenda Routine business n Purchase orders n Payroll change forms n 2014 Railroad & Utilities tax distribution...
Cape Girardeau City Council agenda 3/2/15 (03/02/15)
Cape Girardeau City Council City hall 401 Independence St. Study session, 4:30 p.m. today n No action will be taken during the study session. Items for discussion n Capital Improvement Program discussion n Dean Lynn retirement presentation n Annual audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2014...
Scott City Police to increase seat-belt enforcement (03/02/15) 5
The Scott City Police Department announced Sunday it is joining with statewide law enforcement March 15 through March 31 to increase awareness about seat-belt safety in young adults. The police hope these efforts will decrease the number of seat-belt violations issued and reduce highway fatalities...
Woman found slain in Cairo (03/02/15)
A homicide in Cairo, Illinois, is being investigated, according to Alexander County Coroner Willie Bingham. Gloria Faye Wiggins, 25 was found dead in Cairo early Friday morning. Bingham completed an autopsy Saturday and said the results are pending until after the investigation is complete...
Poplar Bluff strikes out with financing requests (03/02/15)
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The city of Poplar Bluff may need to put its fire departments up as collateral after failing the first two times it attempted to secure financing for $3 million in technology and equipment purchases, according to documents secured through an open meetings request...
Finance group appointed in Poplar Bluff (03/02/15)
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff city manager Heath Kaplan has offered the creation of a finance committee to serve as a "litmus test" for city spending policies. The committee is his attempt to respond to residents' concerns over city spending, he said...
Setting up (03/02/15)
Chad Beck returns a volley as teammate Hannah Wight looks on during a power pool match Sunday at the Osage Invitational Co-ed Volleyball Tournament at the Osage Centre. More photos from the tournament are in a gallery at semissourian.com.
Estate-planning end game: Wealth strategist Tyler Cuba offers guidance to help avoid outliving your assets (03/02/15)
Tyler H. Cuba is a certified wealth strategist at Cuba Financial Group in Cape Girardeau, creating comprehensive financial plans for clients to help them protect their wealth. Cuba essentially serves as chief financial officer for his clients, and through a five-step consultative process, develops for them appropriate wealth-management solutions, including the significant component of estate planning. He holds a degree in finance from St. Louis University. We asked him to share his expertise...
Plan for Greek housing advances, but draws fire from preservationists (03/01/15) 17
An idea to create a housing option specifically for Greek students at Southeast Missouri State University was advanced by the board of regents Saturday but is drawing fire from residents who worry Greystone Estate and the Shivelbine House will be demolished...
Armed suspect seriously hurt in officer-involved shooting (03/01/15) 30
An aggravated assault suspect was seriously injured in a police-involved shooting Saturday morning. James Wilkins, 28, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries after the shooting, which occurred about 10:50 a.m. Saturday at Town House Inn, 505 N. Kingshighway...
Southeast regents approve new logo (03/01/15) 29
Southeast Missouri State University has used its logo of the Academic Hall dome since 1988. But on Saturday, the board of regents approved a new design as part of a rebranding initiative. The current logo has too many variations and is difficult to place in some materials because of intricately drawn details, the university's communications and marketing staff said...
County buys Cape building to consolidate juvenile court services (03/01/15) 1
The Cape Girardeau County Commission announced Friday the purchase of a building in Cape Girardeau to provide office and court space for juvenile department employees of the 32nd Judicial Circuit. The building at 2137 Rust Ave., off South Kingshighway and near the Shawnee Parkway intersection, allows the department to provide services and court proceedings in one location. It has been operating out of county-provided space in two locations since 1990, according to a news release from the county...
Driver cited after colliding with police car (03/01/15) 25
A Cape Girardeau woman received four citations for not yielding to an emergency vehicle and causing an accident. Jacqueline Parker, 30, was driving north on Kingshighway near the North Cape Rock Drive intersection at 12:28 a.m. Friday when she struck the patrol vehicle of Cape Girardeau police officer James Zeidler...
House burns on North Benton Street in Cape Girardeau (03/01/15) 5
A woman and a child escaped a fire that started Friday afternoon on North Benton Street. The situation was contained shortly after firefighters arrived on the scene at 1:09 p.m. Capt. Ray Warner of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department said the blaze was under control by 1:15...
Home a total loss after Friday fire in Pocahontas (03/01/15) 1
A home is a total loss after a fire Friday night in Pocahontas. The Fruitland Area Fire Protection District responded to a fire about 7 p.m. at 649 Jackson Road, where light flames and heavy smoke were showing from a two-story home, assistant chief Gene Kerns said...
Programs help ex-convicts try to re-enter society (03/01/15) 1
EDITOR'S NOTE: Each year in Missouri, about 20,000 felons are released, having served their time. But they face roadblocks in re-entering society, particularly the workforce. "Raise your hand if you don't have anyone in your family -- or any friends or if you're not impacted in any way -- by someone who has been to prison or been convicted of a felony."...
River Campus Center named after retiring university president, wife (03/01/15) 5
Southeast Missouri State University staff, students and community members Friday celebrated the official naming of the Kenneth & Jeanine Dobbins River Campus Center. "There really are no words that can capture how I feel," Jeanine Dobbins said during a dedication ceremony at the River Campus. "Some people will say, 'It's so well-deserved.' And I say, 'So many people deserve so very much.' I look at it as grace."...
Union County prosecutor appointed to state appellate prosecutor board (03/01/15)
Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds has been appointed to the board of governors of the Illinois State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor. Edmonds was appointed during a special board meeting Thursday in Springfield, Illinois, according to a news release...
Jackson city hall suffers minor water damage (03/01/15)
Cleanup is mostly complete at Jackson City Hall after last week's winter weather caused minor water damage, confirmed Jackson Public Works director Rodney Bollinger. Bollinger said in an email a small section of the gutter drain froze on the roof, affecting a couple rooms in the west wing of the building...
Man, woman jailed on drug, weapons charges (03/01/15)
A man from Oran, Missouri, and a woman from Benton, Missouri, are in the Scott County Jail after various drug and weapons charges. Glen Adams, 56, of rural Oran was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm silencer...
Scott County deputy honored for rescue at Rockview train crash (03/01/15)
A Scott County sheriff's deputy received more recognition Friday for his role in the aftermath of the May 2013 train collision near Rockview, Missouri. State Sen. Wayne Wallingford and state Rep. Tila Hubrecht presented Sgt. Justin Wooten resolutions from the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives, a news release from the Scott County Sheriff's Office said. The resolutions were in reference to Wooten's Medal of Valor presentation by Gov. Jay Nixon in December...
Man arrested for shooting gun into the ground near boy (03/01/15)
A Sikeston, Missouri-area man was arrested by Scott County sheriff's deputies on a charge of unlawful use of a weapon after he allegedly shot a gun at the ground near a boy in Oran, Missouri. Timothy Jarvis, 37, of County Highway 529 near Sikeston, was charged Saturday, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. ...
Club news (03/01/15)
The Nancy Hunter Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recognized DAR Good Citizen recipients from three area high schools at a reception Wednesday at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Shown from left are Chelsea Seyer, Oak Ridge High School; John Fennewald, Notre Dame High School; Christian Retter, Cape Central High School; and Carolyn Webb, DAR Good Citizen chairwoman. Each student was presented with a certificate, a recognition pin, and a monetary gift from the chapter.
MoDOT warns of possible hazardous road conditions this weekend (02/27/15)
The Missouri Department of Transportation cautions drivers that road conditions could become hazardous over the weekend. Motorists could experience a mix of snow, freezing rain and rain, a MoDOT news release said. The mix is forecast to start as snow Saturday and conclude as rain Sunday...
Southeast grad returns as costume designer for 'The King and I' (02/27/15) 1
For Tom Vaughn, a 1984 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, returning to the campus as costume designer for "The King and I" represents coming full circle. Since graduation, Vaughn has forged an impressive career in the theater business...
Elderly couple lose home in early morning fire (02/27/15)
An elderly couple lost their shelter after a mobile home fire occurred at 1:10 a.m. Thursday. Crews from Whitewater, Delta and Gordonville responded to the fire, which Delta Fire Protection District chief Alvin Frank Jr. said was on Route N, two and a half miles outside Delta...
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