Stories from Sunday, April 19, 1998

To the editor: In the beginning, there was organized sports with noble goals of cooperation, sportsmanship, leadership development and character building. Each of these aspects are very useful as we play the game of life. I am all for being the best that you can be. But what happened?...

This saddle won the leatherworking classification. Jerrod Roberts of Van Buren made the saddle. This one of the entries in the architectural drafting classification. Students from 11 area high schools displayed their hard work at the 49th annual Southeast Missouri District Industrial Technology Awards Program held at West Park Mall on Wednesday and Thursday...

Just on of many historic Lutheran treasures in Altenburg. Henry and Jane (Bess) Sitzes Log Homestead in Marquand. The River Ridge Winery in Commerce. The stone commemorating the Saxon landing in Wittenberg. Old McKendree National Methodist Shrine near Jackson...

25 years ago, 1973 Growing opposition to tax-supported rural fire protection district for Cape Girardeau County was voiced at Circuit Court hearing late monday afternoon; Circuit Judge Stanley A. Grimm withheld his expected ruling on petitions calling for election on proposed district to enable opponents to file their petitions; judge also delayed action to enable promoters of district to check validity of signatures on their petitions...

The House Education Committee has been working on Senate Bill 781 this week. SB 781 is the bill known as this year's desegregation bill which Governor Carnahan is supporting. As you know, the court desegregation case has been settled in Kansas City and desegregation will end there in 1999. ...

Folk singer Tom May returns to Cape Girardeau Monday for a 7 p.m. concert at Dempster Hall. The host of the weekly national radio program "River City Folk," May entertains with original songs and stories to guitar accompaniment and the occasional Irish pennywhistle...

I WOULD like to make a comment to some people who are calling and saying we've taken God out of the schools. Now we're getting ready to take God out of the courtroom. Maybe we need to take the blindfold off Miss Justice. It's just like the Titanic. What actually sunk it was when it was leaving the dock and the guy said, "God himself cannot sink this boat." That's what caused it to sink, and maybe that's what's happening to America. ...

It was indeed a low, even a vicious blow -- one of many for which he is becoming known -- that state Rep. Joe Heckemeyer landed on House colleague Mary Kasten this week. Heckemeyer is the Sikeston Democrat and certified lightweight who is known for lack of both knowledge and the basic ability to articulate or defend a position, as well as for his cheap shots and general bubbleheadedness. ...

If there is an overriding rule on how citizens are best governed (in contrast to the earlier concept of citizens governing themselves), it is that successful public officials never mix partisanship with governing. In the minds of those who are favorably viewed as effective leaders, there is never confusion between administration and politics because the two are separable, divisible and, yes, opposites...

A recent article by Southeast Missourian writer Jack Stapleton reported that outstanding public debt owed by Missouri governmental entities has increased to nearly $15 billion. This figure includes statewide general obligation bond issues as well as indebtedness incurred by cities and school districts. ...

Bills dealing with the ugly problem of sexual predators recently received first-round approval in both houses of the Missouri General Assembly. The measures, known as involuntary commitment bills, would keep sexual predators institutionalized, even after they have completed their prison sentences, if they're at risk of committing more crimes...

The news came as a welcome surprise for volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau. Marillac's Moveables, a charity program at the church, was named the local winner in the national Make A Difference Day program. Last week, a half dozen volunteers gathered at the small garage where furnishings are stored to have their pictures taken, but they couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a little work done...

CHARLESTON -- Although the local high school's colors are royal blue and white, Charleston has been pink and white and red all over this weekend during the town's 30th annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival. Thousands of visitors from far and near are expected to attend the festival, which is held the third weekend in April each year to coincide with the prime blooming time for -- what else? -- dogwood trees and azalea bushes. ...

A 9-year-old girl and a well-known Cape Girardeau artist are the winners of the city flag contest. Samantha Roussel, a third-grader at Clippard Elementary and the daughter of Bill and Sue Roussel, and Jim Parker, the founder of the University Museum and local artist, submitted the winning flag designs for the children's and adults' city flags...

Some picked up trash. Some planted flowers. Some scrubbed the swimming pool at Capaha Park. Some 500 to 600 volunteers converged on Cape Girardeau's city parks Saturday morning for the 13th annual "Friends of the Parks" event. Jennifer Nickless, Andrea Daniels and Fran Bening, all members of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority at Southeast Missouri State University, were hard at work planting alyssum in Arena Park...

I've got another mouth to feed. No, we don't have another child. We have a dog. Yes, man's best friend has come to live at our house thanks to my wife and kids, who couldn't resist bringing home an 8-week-old puppy from the Humane Society animal shelter...

In the wild, wacky world of college baseball, things are never easy. That was certainly the case for Southeast Missouri State University Saturday as the Indians played host to Middle Tennessee State in a key Ohio Valley Conference doubleheader. The Indians appeared on their way to an easy victory in the opener as they led 8-0 after three innings and 9-4 heading into the seventh and final regulation frame...

With memories of his game-winning home run against North County High Friday night still fresh, visions of grandeur must have been coursing through Chris Bradshaw's mind when he encountered a similar opportunity Saturday. Right? "I don't think much when I get up there," Bradshaw said...

Recruiting in any sport is always an inexact science. College coaches try and sign the best players they can -- and then hope those athletes pan out. But, until a year or two down the road -- and in some cases even three or four -- you never know how good your recruiting class actually was. The proof is in how well those athletes end up performing...

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- It came down to the final event, but the Southeast Missouri State University women were able to defend their Ohio Valley Conference outdoor track and field title Saturday. With just a five-and-a-half point lead heading to the mile relay, the Otahkians' team of Candice Parker, Heather Keltner, Tammy Wenkel and Yvonne Hente won the event in a time of 3:48 to claim the women's title...

CHAFFEE -- The host Red Devils claimed their four-team tourney with two wins Saturday to improve their overall record to 5-3. Chaffee beat Advance 6-0 in a preliminary game and then knocked off Dexter 11-10 in the championship game. Jason Harrell had three hits in the finale, including a two-run double in the seventh inning that proved to be the winning runs. Trailing 11-6, Dexter scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh before Josh Hanlon came on to get the final out for the save...

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State University swept another Ohio Valley Conference softball doubleheader Saturday, whipping Morehead State 6-0 and 6-2. The Otahkians outhit Morehead 18-7 in the twin bill to improve to 31-9-1 overall and 13-1 in the OVC. Morehead fell to 9-27 and 3-9...

If you ask people what they think is the number one environmental problem occurring today, survey after survey would show that water pollution is number one. If water pollution is a problem then what is the cause? Is it industrial waste or sewage treatment plants, or could it be something else? The nation's number one water quality problem is nonpoint source pollution...

The inaugural McDowell Capahas Four-Person Scramble, to benefit the McDowell Capahas semi-pro baseball team, will be held June 19 at Bent Creek Golf Course. Cost to enter is $65 per person which includes a noon lunch, 18 holes of golf and a cart. The scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m...

CHAFFEE -- Chaffee standout catcher Brandi Foulk has signed a letter of intent to attend Florissant Valley Junior College on a softball scholarship. Foulk, who has started all four years for the Lady Red Devils, has been making her final season a banner one. She's currently batting .600 with an on-base percentage of .842 for the 5-0 Lady Red Devils...

The Cape Area Youth Soccer Association will again host a youth soccer camp with the instruction of respected British soccer coaches this summer. The camp will be held June 8-12 at Shawnee Soccer Park. Several sessions will be held: Mini Soccer for ages 4-6 (Cost $65); Half Day for ages 7-18 ($79); Full Day for age U11-U18 ($129); and a goalkeeper camp for ages U11-U18 ($79)...

The Oran Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a professional wrestling card at Oran High School on April 25. The five-match event begins at 8 p.m. The main event will feature Psycho Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten teaming up against Outlaw Don Bass and Charlie Parker...

The Perryville Knights of Columbus will hold its 10th Annual Spring Softball Tournament April 25-26 at Perryville City Park. The double-elimination tournament is open to all teams. Entry fee is $100. Entry deadline is April 23. For more information, contact Dean Elder (547-7288) or Mark Winkler (547-1993)...

The Cape Girardeau SEMO Bank Junior American Legion Post 53 baseball team will be conducting tryouts today and April 26 at Cape Central High School starting at 2 p.m. Participants must be under 16 years old. For more information, contact Kevin Crawford at 651-1359...

The 24th annual Spring Softball Tournament, sponsored by the Jackson Men's Softball League, will be held May 2-3 at the Jackson City Park. The entry deadline for the double-elimination tournament will be April 27. There will be a drawing April 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jackson men's softball field. The entry fee is $85...

RED BUD, Ill. -- Norine F. Wiegard of Red Bud died Saturday, April 18, 1998, at MariaCare Center in Red Bud. She was born Sept. 20, 1912, at Prairie du Rocher, Ill., daughter of August and Loentine Boyer Steibel. She married Joseph Wiegard on Nov. 24, 1932, at Prairie du Rocher. He died Feb. 19, 1993...

Robert Lee Ray, 66, 1105 Giboney, died Thursday, April 16, 1998, at his home. He was born March 3, 1932, in New Albany, Miss., son of Lee and Vistie Leddell Ray. He was a janitor at Louis J. Schultz School in Cape Girardeau and a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. He moved to Cape Girardeau from Brownsville, Tenn., 35 years ago...

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. -- Paul B. Claxton, 88, of Pompano Beach, formerly of Cairo, Ill., died Saturday, April 18, 1998, at his home. Arrangements are pending at the Barkett Funeral Home In Cairo.

CHAFFEE -- George A. Schwartz, 71, of Chaffee died Saturday, April 18, 1998, at St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood. He was born Nov. 30, 1926, at Benton, son of Edward and Emma Compas Schwartz. He married Bette Beahr on Nov. 22, 1944. She died March 23, 1993. He married LaVera Bucher on June 10, 1995, and she died June 18, 1997...

CHAFFEE -- Franklin Dee Reams Jr., 42, of Chaffee died Friday, April 17, 1998, at his home. He was born Nov. 25, 1955, at Chaffee, son of Franklin Dee and Hazel Marie Ausman Reams Sr. He was an assembly line operator at VIP Industry in Sikeston. He is survived by his mother; two brothers, Horace Reams of Fond du Lac, Wis., and Steven Reams of Chaffee; and nephew and niece...

SCOTT CITY -- Funeral for Geraldene Lix of Scott City will be held at 1 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City. The Rev. William Dickey will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau. Lix, 67, died Wednesday, April 15, 1998, in a hospital in Orlando, Fla...

CARUTHERSVILLE -- Homer Wilson Barnes, 79, of Caruthersville died Thursday, April 16, 1998, in Springfield. He was born Feb. 14, 1919, at Cullman, Ala., son of A.E. and Ellen Elizabeth Pike Barnes. He married Virginia Bradsher on May 16, 1982, in Hayti. She died Nov. 15, 1994...

Cape Girardeau County offers an abundance of angling opportunities for both novice and seasoned veteran. Within the county's borders, streams, lakes, ponds and the mighty Mississippi beckon to their banks men, women and children all armed with their choice of tackle for some excellent fishing...

Jean Bell Mosley's new autobiography, "For Most of the Century," is only available in serialized form in the Southeast Missourian. Return each week for her continuing story. 1950 - 1960 At first there was no other world for me but the farmhouse, the outbuildings, the near fields and pastures, my parents, grandparents and sisters, Tabby cat, Penny, the dog, the foxhounds and the farm animals and chickens. ...

The Salvation Army will serve Meals With Friends this week, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Army headquarters, 701 Good Hope in Cape Girardeau. Any individual is welcome. The meal is free. The menu: Monday: Goulash, buttered corn, salad, bread and butter, cake...