Stories from Sunday, September 5, 1999

To believe in yourself, To believe in your dreams, Is like believing in you. Who's believing in me? We say to ourselves, "Self-esteem, I have that." But we hide our feelings under masks and hats. To believe in myself, To believe in I, I look at myself and wonder why...

The Jackson Noon Optimist Club is gearing up for its ninth flag football season. The "Little Indians" flag football program will begin on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. Sign-ups were recently held, but there are still some openings left, said Dee Booker-Kesterson, program chairperson. ...

Adult education classes, often known as GED classes, will begin Sept. 20 from 6-8:30 p.m. in Jackson at the R.O. Hawkins Junior High in the art room. Classes will be Monday and Wednesday evenings. The Junior High is on West Lane. Students will use the north entrance...

The Jackson/Oak Ridge area Girl Scouts are holding a fall registration for girls kindergarten through 12th grade next Thursday at 7 p.m. at Orchard Elementary School. There will be Girl Scout volunteers available to answer questions about Girl Scouting. ...

"Promising Practices for Safe and Effective Schools," a live national satellite video conference, can be seen from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the Cape County University Outreach and Extension office, 815 S. Hope in Jackson. At the conference, a six-person team from each state and most territories, will exchange information and strategies for developing safe and effective schools. ...

The Jackson Noon Optimist Club is again getting attention on the international level for its cyclist-friendly section of the Jackson City Park known as Safety City, USA. The club recently won top honors as the best safety project in the Optimist International organization. ...

Lauren Froemsdorf and Majhon Phillips have been selected as finalists in the 1999 Pre-Teen Missouri Scholarship and Recognition Program to be held Sept. 4-6 in Columbia. Froemsdorf is the daughter of Curt and Elainna Froemsdorf. Phillips is the daughter of Allen and Aleda Phillips, all of Jackson...

To the editor: It's about time our leaders in agriculture and government get their heads out of the sand and realize that the 1996 Freedom to Farm Bill can't and won't work until some controls are put on the products we farmers produce. When Newt Gingrich's committee wrote the 1996 bill, it forgot something farmers have, and that is greed. ...

25 years ago: 1974 Cape Girardeau County communities of Burfordville, Old Appleton and Caney Fork, northwest of Oak Ridge, were drenched Thursday by heavy rains ranging from 2 1/2 to 11 inches; residents along Whitewater Creek off Highway 34 at Burfordville had to be evacuated from their homes as water rushing down from flooded Friedheim-Biehle area pushed Whitewater over its banks...

"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not existed in the first place. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration. Capital has its rights, which are as worthy of protection as any other rights." -- President Abraham Lincoln, First Annual Message to Congress, Dec. 1, 1861...

The Sea of Galilee struck me as being so very small. Even calling it Lake Galilee, or Lake Gennesaret, or Lake Chinneroth, as it is sometimes also known, didn't really diminish my wonder at its small size. It's only about 14-by-8 miles (widest points). The opposite shore is easily seen from almost any other point; in fact, from many places, one can see the entire lake, and every boat on it!...

Where the Clinton administration is concerned, it is truly becoming a question of finding out just how much Americans can stand. The legacy of this administration will be a tissue of lies: Lying when it is convenient, lying when it is difficult, lying when the truth would do. ...

Since Pat Buchanan is said to be seriously considering bolting the Republican Party for the Reform Party, it is important to contemplate the potential ramifications of such a decision. His chief Adviser, sister Bay Buchanan, said, "I think it is an incredible opportunity, and there is a big cry across the country for a third-party candidate."...

Thomas Jefferson, who in the opinion of what may constitute the smallest cult in the U.S. was the greatest American who ever lived, remains virtually unknown to most of us. The irony of this is that our country's third president perhaps has more to say to each of us than anyone who has ever occupied the Oval Office...

The agreement of Gov. Mel Carnahan to meet next week with Lou DeFeo, longtime lobbyist for the Missouri Catholic Conference, to discuss differences over the bill banning partial-birth infanticide is interesting on several levels. First, it is hard to imagine that the governor is making this move from a position of strength. ...

Southeast Regional Planning of Perryville recently presented the Jackson City Council a National Certificate of Excellence for the city of Jackson long range comprehensive plan which was approved in 1998. Planning for the future is a high priority in any progressive, growing city. ...

Maybe the letters and phone calls aren't enough to convince Missouri legislators that partial-birth abortions are wrong, area Christians say. But they believe in the power of prayer. Right-to-life supporters from Southeast Missouri will be holding an ecumenical prayer service at 3 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Cemetery of the Innocent along Siemers Drive...

The Missouri Legislature may win the veto showdown with Gov. Mel Carnahan over an anti-abortion bill. If so, the outcome could hinge on the votes of half a dozen state senators, including Sens. Jerry Howard of Dexter and Danny Staples of Eminence. That's the view of state Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau...

For more than a decade, comedian Jeff Foxworthy has become synonymous with his "You might be a Redneck if..." jokes. But it wasn't until a week or two ago that he came to a realization as to why the jokes remain so popular. "They're the only one-liners out there," he drawled from his home in Atlanta, Ga. "You say the sentence, you get a laugh. Most comics don't do one-liners anymore."...

"You are so Swampest Missouri if..." Come on, let's have some fun. The Southeast Missourian has launched a new contest that will earn the winner $1,000 in West Park Mall gift certificates. These Mall dollars can be spent in any store for clothing, electronics -- you name it...

The humor is strictly Nashville, and that's fine by a weekly alternative publication called the Nashville Scene. The paper is sponsor to the wildly popular "You are so Nashville if ...." contest that drew more than 1,000 entries this year. The Southeast Missourian's new "You are so Swampeast Missouri if..." contest mimics the Nashville success. The local contest runs through Sept. 19, and entry forms are available in the newspaper each Friday and Sunday...

It really has been a labor day weekend for those preparing for the SEMO District Fair. Work began in earnest Saturday for the fair that runs Sept. 12-18 at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau. Crews were putting up fences, pouring concrete, setting out ticket booths and running wire for lights...

After standing for 190 hours and 10 minutes, Richard Redding grabbed a pole in Alton, Ill., meaning that Tom Windel in Warrenton won a standathon that began more than a week ago. The contest, which began at 7 p.m. Aug. 27, ended Saturday at 5:10 p.m...

BENTON -- Their warm-up isn't complicated -- just an ice cold frosty one in the shade while they wait for the horseshoe contest to begin Saturday afternoon. "If we didn't like it, why would be out in this heat?" said Larry Burford, a Scott City resident...

The Southeast Missouri State University Museum has announced extended evening and weekend hours for the fall 1999 semester. Beginning Sept. 11, the Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition, the Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday...

DEXTER -- Milton and Margrett Garner recently invited some friends over they have known for 70 years. Henry and Martha Borin and Ken and Bonnie Morgan visited the Garners from Chapel Hill, N.C., and Tahlequah, Okla., respectively. "I am thrilled to see everyone," Margrett said. "This will probably be the last time we get together."...

FRUITLAND -- It will be an inconvenience for awhile, but once the work at the Fruitland interchange is complete, traffic in the area will be less congested. The interchange is set to get five lanes that will go all the way from Route 61 to Route 177. The area connects traffic to major roads such as Route 61 and I-55. There also is some bridge work in the area that has to be done because of the extra weight of additional lanes...

It was 10 years ago that Southeast Missouri State University was first introduced to the cross and crescent symbol and the purple, green, and gold colors of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. It was only a small group of men who assembled and colonized the organization, but that initiative resulted not only in the official chartering of the local chapter two years later but in an organization that today has more than 230 initiated men and remains one of Lambda Chi Alpha's strongest chapter's in North America.. ...

Plastic surgery of the eye region will be the topic of "Ask Your Doctor," a special one-on-one medical show with local doctors answering questions from local viewers via telephone. Joseph Davidson, M.D., will be the featured doctor. The program can be seen 8-9 p.m. every Thursday on cable access Channel 5...

Cape Girardeau School District is developing a special directory to help alumni stay in touch with each other and with school issues. Superintendent Dr. Dan Steska said alumni names and addresses will be collected through Sept. 20. In late October, an alumni directory that ranges as far back as 1930 will be made available by a publishing company...

All I have to do is make it to the year 2013 and then the middle of the US will get to see a total Solar eclipse of our own. We may have to travel north of here a few hours, but the astronomy club will definitely make it there. If you have kept close watch of the stars at sundown you will notice they have not been changing much lately. ...

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. -- The play wasn't flashy, spectacular or -- for that matter -- really all that exciting, except for one simple variable. It made history. With a 3-yard reception early in the first quarter of Saturday's 56-36 victory over Illinois College, Westminster senior receiver Scott Pingel passed current NFL-legend Jerry Rice on the NCAA all-time receptions list with his 302nd career catch in front of 1,600 spectators at England Field...

It was a golden day for Notre Dame's soccer team Saturday. With the hot, golden sun shining down upon their bright, golden hair, the Bulldogs earned a shiny, golden first-place trophy. Notre Dame took the top honors in its own Soccerfest Saturday by dethroning the Carbondale (Ill.) Terriers 3-1...

I don't think anybody, other than maybe those close to the program, expected Southeast Missouri State University's football team to have a great season this year. Any realistic person can quickly see that the Indians have marginal Division I-AA talent at best...

JACKSON -- Eighteen high school cross country teams competed in the Jackson Invitation Saturday. The race was divided in four divisions, one for each class and the top 10 individuals in each group earned medals. The freshmen ran 1.9 miles, while sophomores through seniors ran 2.3 miles...

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Southeast Missouri's volleyball team nearly upset Colorado State Saturday in the University Park Holiday Inn Classic but was instead left looking for its first win of the season. After winning the first two sets 15-6, 15-12, Southeast saw Colorado State, ranked No. 24 in the nation, reel off the final three sets 5-15, 3-15, 11-15...

CARBONDALE -- The Southeast Missouri State University women's cross country team opened its season Saturday with a second-place finish in a five-team meet hosted by SIU-Carbondale. SIU won the meet with 22 points, followed by Southeast (35), Kansas (90), Southern Indiana (91) and Mississippi State (102)...

Laurie Laverentz sank her first career hole-in-one Friday at Cape Girardeau Country Club. Playing with her husband, Ernie, Laverentz accomplished the feat with a 5-iron on No. 2, a 135-yard par 3.

The Southeast Missouri Booster Club will hold its 10th annual golf tournament Friday, Oct. 22. at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson. The tournament is a six-man scramble that begins at 1 p.m. Cost is $65 per person, which includes lunch and refreshments...

Registration is now being accepted for a 3-on-3 basketball tournament Sept. 18 in the old Advance High School gymnasium. The double-elimination event will feature the following divisions: 10-under, 12-under, 14-under, 16-under, 18-under and open. Each division will be limited to the first eight teams to enter. Rosters are limited to four players...

Last year, Blain Swinford was the guy on the other team. He was the game-breaker who dashed into the end zone while the Red Devils watched as another game slipped away. But finally, Chaffee got the big play it needed, when it needed it the most Friday night...

SIKESTON -- Leola Huie Ruffin, 87, of Sikeston, died Friday, Sept. 3, 1999, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. She was born Aug. 19, 1912 at Choctaw, Ark., to Elisha R. and Martha McGehee Huie. She was married to Howard P. Ruffin May 31, 1936 in Sikeston. He preceded her in death Oct. 17, 1975...

Dorothy Bell Garms, 76, of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, after an extended illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, and are being handled by Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

BLOOMFIELD -- Connie Walton Parmenter, 95, of Bloomfield, died Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, at the Beverly Healthcare Center in Bloomfield. She was born Nov. 21, 1903 to John and Mary Griggs Walker in Bloomfield. She was married to Denzil B. Parmenter June 14, 1935. He preceded her in death July 12, 1962...

JONESBORO, Ill. -- George C. "Buster" Carter Jr., 73, died Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999, at his home in Jonesboro, Ill. He was born March 8, 1926, in Chicago, son of George M. and Myrtle R. Dickerson Carter. He and LaDonna R. Stoner were married Oct. 7, 1947, in Piggott, Ark...

Mr. Harley Dale Henry, 58, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, Sept. 4, 1999 at the Southeast Missouri Hospital. He was born Oct. 13, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Toby and Nola Mungle Henry. He married the former Betty Poe June 23, 1963 and she survives...

JACKSON -- Orillian Harvey Hand, 87, died Saturday Sept. 4, 1999, at his residence in Jackson. He was born Nov. 17, 1911, in Grand Tower, Ill., son of Pete Harvey and Alma May Hudson Hand. He and Clara Mattingly were married May 2, 1931, in Gorham, Ill...

The Labor Day weekend began in Southeast Missouri with two accidents, one a fatality. David G. Moore, 31, of Dexter was killed in a one-vehicle accident just after midnight Saturday morning on U.S. 60, one-tenth of a mile from Dexter. Moore was driving a 1991 Chevrolet, which traveled off the roadway and overturned...

James Arnez. John Wayne. Sean Connery. Tommy Lee Jones. All have portrayed characters representing the U.S. Marshals Service in various films, but their roles barely scratched the surface of an actual marshal's job description. "I think Hollywood has an interesting perspective of the Marshal's Service, but they've left out some very important years," said Deputy Marshal Clarence Comer of the service's Cape Girardeau office...

This is a great time of the year to observe and admire the hummingbirds. They're on their way south but stay around here long enough so that we can marvel at their swift flight, their ability to hover over the feeders, their sipping of the nectar -- and fighting for their place at the invigorating fountains...

The Horseshoe Lake Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Labor Day Festival Monday at the community center in Olive Branch, Ill. A pancake breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m. with barbecue, homemade cakes, pies, drinks and food available throughout the day...