Stories from Monday, December 31, 1990

Dear Sen. Jack Danforth: (continued from Sunday's edition) I remember as if it were yesterday a call I received from you that day 14 years ago. It was June 1976, just days before the state Republican Convention to be held in Springfield. Missouri was holding the first state convention after California's balloting days earlier had concluded the nation's primaries. ...

Life was simpler when all we had to worry about was whether someone was going to like our Christmas gift. Now we have to make sure it's wrapped in recycled paper. --- Governor Ashcroft says Missouri's low taxes are overcome by competency in government. That's why Jefferson City is known for its northern hospitality and southern efficiency...

Each 365 days, we come to this fragile moment in time. We stand poised at the start of a new year - a time of resolutions, anticipation, and celebration. But as we look ahead, so many of us pause to review the year just ended. There's little doubt 1990 was a year filled with extraordinary events...

With the knowledge that not all Christmas wishes were found fulfilled under the tree this past Tuesday, we've compiled a list of our own holiday wishes for some of the people in our neighborhood. Some of these holiday wishes are all in fun, others are semi-serious. It's up to the reader to tell the difference...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Funeral service for Wilford W. (Bill) Back, Cape Girardeau Route 1, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Centenary United Methodist Church. The Rev. Neil Stein will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park. Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Funeral service for Mrs. Lera Majors Tidwell of East Prairie will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Shelby Funeral Chapel here. The Rev. Dave Bowden will officiate, with burial in East Prairie Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home after 5 p.m. today...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Miss Shirley L. Crites of Sun City, Ariz., died Friday, Dec. 28, 1990, in a hospice in Phoenix, Ariz. She was 56 years old. She was born Aug. 21, 1934, in Cape, daughter of Lewis O. and Anna M. Crites. The family moved to Jackson in 1949, and she graduated from Jackson High School in 1952...

Son to Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Henry of Jackson, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 3 a.m. Friday, Dec. 14, 1990. Name, Evan Jeffrey. Weight, 5 pounds 15 ounces. First child. Mrs. Henry is the former Brenda Gerler, daughter of George and Anna Marie Gerler of Jackson, and is a customer service representative with R&M Fabrics\Coco Designs. Henry is a sheetmetal worker at A.E. Birk and Sons Plumbing and Heating, and is the son of Harley and Betty Henry of Jackson...