Stories from Saturday, July 17, 1999

To the editor: During the months of June and July, Community 2000 volunteers and staff from across the state have visited retailers in every community to remind them of the importance of keeping kids healthy by not selling them tobacco products. We remind them that Missouri's law is intended to prevent young people under the age of 18 from purchasing tobacco products or rolling paper. ...

In today's fast-paced society, it's hard to tell the Sabbath from the rest of the week. It's a sad commentary on society, says the Rev. John Owen, pastor of Cape Girardeau's First Baptist Church. "We have to be busy every minute. If we get a day of rest, so often we spent it being busy," said Owen...

TO THE person who said the wealthiest pay the most taxes: Give me a break. They have more loopholes and more exemptions. The caller said she and her husband are on Medicare, which she scorned as a socialist program. If your conscience is bothering you, just don't use that Medicare card. Just pay out of your pocket. Sell anything you've got and use your own money...

My nagging ambivalence positions me to address a question framed by a journalist e-mailer I respect: "David, are you going to write something about Bob Smith leaving the GOP? I'm interested in your thoughts." I continue to believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle to promote the cause of freedom in this country. But I also empathize with the mounting frustration of fellow conservatives, including Senator Smith...

There are a lot of young girls in Cape Girardeau and around the country who either know or are learning an awful lot about soccer. Along the way, quite a few parents are starting to get the hang of a sport that is far more commonplace in Europe or South American than in Southeast Missouri...

For workers at the low end of the wage scale, paying the bills can be quite a struggle. But the U.S. Census Bureau finds that it isn't just the poor who are in financial trouble. A fifth of all Americans say they can't make the dollars stretch every month. The interesting thing is that those folks are spread over just about all income categories...

To the editor:We want to thank the Cape Girardeau Police Department for working with us on the Kohlfeld Riverfest Run June 11. Sometimes our local races are logistically interesting, and the police have always been great to work with. We had 225 runners this year, and they all knew they were safe on the course because of all the officers who were helping. We truly appreciate all that the police department does. Thanks again, guys.RON and VICKY KELLERCape Girardeau...

On Nov. 23, 1803, Meriwether Lewis came ashore at the trading post owned by Don Louis Lorimier in Cape Girardeau while William Clark continued with their boats the three miles north to Cape Rock. Lewis dined with Lorimier, his wife, Charlotte, and their large family...

When the economy is good, college graduates look to the private sector for employment opportunities and good salaries. John Miller, director of teacher certification for Missouri's Department of Education, said the nation's teacher shortage can be blamed in part on a good economic environment that pits schools against private-sector employers...

The Cape Central High swimming pool was made pool was made possible in party by a $200,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant in 1980. A federal funding program that helps communities purchase park land and develop recreational facilities passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week...

Six months ago, I reported my husband had been replaced by some kind of a Mr. Do Right-Dr. Feel Good drone. I'm happy to report he's still missing and I don't mind. Cooperative. Romantic. Understanding. Those are the words I used to describe the man who invaded my husband's body back in January. ...

CHARLESTON - Jim Blumenberg, presiding commissioner, proposed that Mississippi County obtain a temporary fuel reserve tank and stockpile 12,000-15,000 gallons for the road and bridge department and law enforcement in preparation for the year 2000 during Thursday's commission meeting...

CHARLESTON -- A lease-loan to cover the cost of construction of Mississippi County's new courthouse will be sought. The Mississippi County Commission authorized attorney Cliff Banta to contact Michael O'Rourke, attorney for Citizens Bank, and Jack Farmer, Citizens bank president, on behalf of the county to arrange a lease-loan...

Southeast Missouri State University's first women's soccer team will feature three local players and have five home games. The roster and schedule for the Otahkians were announced earlier this week. Among the 15 players listed on the roster are Nicole Thiele of Cape Girardeau Central High School; Dana Eakins from Jackson; and Becky Naeger from Perryville...

The McDowell Capahas used one of their patented comebacks to move into the driver's seat of the National Baseball Congress Mid-South Regional Tournament. McDowell wiped out a 7-3 deficit and defeated the Saline County (Ill.) Monarchs 9-7 Friday night in the winner's bracket final at Capaha Field...

BALLWIN -- A day after the Chaffee Junior Legion team got a no-hitter from Matt Stroup, Justin Simpher tossed a one-hitter Friday in a 10-0, six-inning romp of Anheuser Busch in the zone tournament. Simpher walked two, one which was erased by a double play, and fanned eight. He gave up his first hit in the sixth inning...

SIKESTON -- Funeral for Mary Kathryn "Kay" Regelin of Sikeston will be held at 2 p.m. today at Blanchard Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Mike Quillman will officiate, assisted by Leon Lamb. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the chapel from 11 a.m. until service time...

FRUITLAND -- Graveside service for Helen Arnold Howard of Fruitland was held July 6, 1999, at Cape County Memorial Park in Cape Girardeau. The Rev. Cy Smith officiated. Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau was in charge of arrangements...

Mary Belle Clippard, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, July 16, 1999, at St. Francis Medical Center. Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

COMMERCE -- Lovetta J. "Tina" Jackson, 68, of Commerce died Friday July 16, 1999, at St. Francis Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be handled by Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

SIKESTON -- Tommy Lee Lane Jr., 71, of Sikeston died Thursday, July 15, 1999, in Sikeston of an apparent heart attack. He was born Feb. 28, 1928, in Blodgett, son of the late Tommy and Rosie Harris Lane. He married Ruby Meeks in 1953. She preceded him in death. He married Jessie Marshall in 1968...

ANNA, Ill. -- Mabel E. Smith, 97, of Anna died Friday, July 16, 1999, at Union County Hospital in Anna. She was born July 22, 1901, in Modoc, daughter of Napoleon B. and Mary Ella Thrope Phegley. She married Stewart P. Smith. He died in 1978. She is survived by a niece, Betty Doiron of Maryville...

Addie Irene Miller (nee Stovall), 82, passed away Friday, July 16, 1999 at Perry Oaks Care Center in Perryville, Mo. She was born July 5, 1917 at Whitewater, Mo., daughter of the late Joseph and Elmina Stovall, she was a member of the Smith Avenue Church of God at Sikeston...

Daughter to Generro Anthony and Donna Sue Martin of Patton, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 7:43 a.m. Sunday, June 13, 1999. Name, Samantha Marie. Weight, 6 pounds 12 ounces. Second child, first daughter. Mrs. Martin is the former Donna Strong, daughter of Matt Strong of Marble Hill and Mike and Lorna Sappington of Annapolis. Martin is the son of Dave and Delores Martin of Marble Hill. He is an auto body technician at VanMatre Buick...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Wardell Greer Sr., 78, of Cairo died Tuesday, July 13, 1999, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 1, 1920, in Tiptonville, Tenn., son of Alvin and Katherine Donloc Greer. He and Ola Mae McClain were married in 1946...