Stories from Sunday, July 1, 2001

The Jackson Board of Alderman, after a discussion which explored all options available, hired public works director Jim Roach, to be Jackson's new city administrator. His hiring will be effective July 13, which is city administrator Steve Wilson's last day...

Name: Alex Anne Troxel Lives in: Jackson Family: My immediate family consists of my Dad, Bo Troxel, my Mom, Sherrie Troxel, two brothers and one sister. Job: I'm a seventh-grade student at Jackson Middle School. What do you like most about the area? Probably what I like most about the area is Trail of Tears, because it is full of wildlife and beautiful trails...

The Jackson Senior Center has been honored with the Miles for Meals Award ever since 1997. The award is in special recognition for outstanding fund-raising achievement for the Miles for Meals Walkathon, which helps to pay for the center's nutrition program...

7:30 a.m. -- Drug free council annual fun run 8 a.m. -- Mud volleyball begins 9 a.m. -- Car and truck show begins 10 a.m. -- Noon Optimist youth games begin Pony rides open Noon -- Dunking stand 1 p.m. -- Men's keg throwing -women's skillet throwing...

The last report on the bicycling duo from New McKendree Methodist Church appeared in the Around Town section last week. Their 250-mile bike ride began June 5. The Rev. John Rice, pastor of the New McKendree Methodist Church, and parishioner Jan Gieselmann organized a 250-mile bike ride as a private time for reflection and as a spiritual journey...

The St. Louis Science Center's Vanasaurus recently brought its dinosaur replica exhibit to the Riverside Regional Library in Jackson. Besides the dinosaur replicas, the exhibit had fossils under magnifying devices, three dimensional puzzles and learning activities...

This past week saw another in a long line of decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court on the subject of campaign-spending limits. The closely divided court upheld Watergate-era limits on what state political parties can spend for mass mailings, ads and other activities in support of specific candidates...

Residents of the small town of Bonne Terre, Mo., located just north of here in St. Francois County, have been looking to the opening of a new state prison as an economic boost for their community. Now it's clear that they will have to wait a good deal longer...

KENNETT, Mo. -- If the casual reader takes a moment to inspect the graphs and indexes that regularly measure the state of our happiness, he will be ecstatic at what he reads: Americans have never been wealthier, healthier and safer than at this moment in our history...

Conservative Bret Schundler's upset primary victory over Bob Franks is awfully encouraging for the conservative cause. Consider some of the factors: New Jersey is hardly considered a conservative state, nor is its Republican Party particularly conservative. The entire state's Republican Party establishment was behind Franks. The party bosses greased all the skids for Franks by delaying the primary and changing the rules to enhance his campaign war chest...

Hey, this is cool. Stroke of the pen, law of the land." -- An unidentified Clinton White House aide, commenting on their heavy reliance on executive orders to decree an outcome in what had always been contentious issues, fought over among elected lawmakers...

I SAW on TV that New York has banned the use of handheld telephones while driving cars. This is something that is ridiculous anyway. There is absolutely nobody, unless in case of emergency, who should talk on the phone while driving a car. It only massages their egos. Time is not that important. If it is, then leave earlier...

Waking up before anyone else in the household is losing its charm since nowadays it seems to be a rule rather than an exception. There was a time when waking up and remembering there was no school was the greatest thing on earth. If no one was up, the biggest thrill was to take my bowl of Cheerios and milk out to the curb and have a picnic breakfast. I guess just being independent and breaking the rules a little was my idea of fun...

Pianists Pat Palisch and Christy Shinn, music teachers in the Jackson School District, appeared Thursday as special guests with the municipal band. It was their first performance as a duet as they performed using only one piano. Both have performed with groups across the United States and Europe...

The Jackson Junior High School student council had a very busy year. "This year we tried out several new projects," said the student council's president, Justin Gibbs. The year was filled with dances, service projects and special events sponsored by the junior high's 20-member council...

Sue Bundy of Jackson has held the job description of homemaker and baby sitter for nearly two decades. Bundy began a course of study at Southeast Missouri State University in January to get a bachelor's degree in social work. More specifically, she said, "I want to be an advocate for juveniles in distress."...

The percussion ensemble, first row from left, were Zach Garrison, Travis Niswonger, Kari Fields, and second row, Melissa Walters, Missy Lane, Kelly Rees. The ensemble received a No. 1 rating at the state band contest. The flute trio, from left, Jaci Heath, Fallen Thiele and Jennifer Buckner received a No. 1 rating at the state band contest...

The Jackson Barracudas recently competed against swim teams from Scott City, Paducah and Kennett, setting several pool and team records. Most Barracudas took a big bite out of their personal swim times. The boys 13-14 medley relay and free relay teams grabbed team records. Team members were Jameson Kuper, David Welker, Adam Ansberry and Zach Statler...

"I pledge my allegiance to the United States of America." An American flag stands at the front of the church sanctuary. This flag reminds us of the greatness of our nation, of the rights and privileges we enjoy as its citizens, and of the great debt we owe to our country...

A collection of postcards, photographs and small memorabilia from Germany during World War I and from Okinawa in World War II will be on display in the "Senator's Study" at the Oliver House Museum from 1 to 4:30 p.m. today. The items are from the collection of Bernard Schaper, a longtime member of the Jackson Heritage Association...

Cape Girardeau schools were teetering on the brink of a state takeover due to overspending in years past, but officials believe last-minute cost-cutting will stave it off. Still, items omitted this year can't be put off forever, leaving them to comb through the budget for possible savings in the coming year...

It might be more difficult than expected for the judges who have to select winners in the Foto Fest amateur photography contest, one organizer says. "The entries are pouring in and they are delightful," said Joyce Hunter, marketing director at Westfield Shoppingtown West Park, a contest sponsor...

Every community's celebration of the Fourth of July on Wednesday will feature a group of men so familiar their presence is almost taken for granted. Some are in full uniform; others simply identified by quasi-military service caps. But members of veterans organizations are ubiquitous at any patriotic event...

A tour of Central High School Saturday was part trip down memory lane and part scavenger hunt for graduates attending a weekend reunion for the classes of 1960-70. More than 100 alumni and their family members searched for old classrooms and favorite haunts at the school. Many areas they frequented as students -- including the library, cafeteria and guidance offices -- moved at least once over the years. Class memorials and other gifts weren't in their original spots, either...

Forget Six Flags, those Branson shows or the Gateway Arch. The automatic hand-washing machine at the Fruitland, Mo., rest stop is the real attraction for my kids. Becca and Bailey love to stop there on our Interstate 55 journeys to and from St. Louis. They talk about it more than their final destination...

WASHINGTON -- Two Cape Girardeau woman are serving summer internships with U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Mo. Kristin McDougal and Morgan Cook are getting a first-hand look at Senate operations serving on the junior Missouri senator's staff. "The internship program provides them with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with our government," Carnahan said. "We are pleased to have Kristin and Morgan here."...

A 33-year-old Butler County man pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to make and sell methamphetamine, the U.S. attorney's office said. Robert S. Pruett, a licensed practical nurse, told federal District Judge Rodney Sippel that he had distributed a small amount of meth from his residence near Broseley, Mo., in January this year. He also said he sold pseudoephedrine pills for profit to people who wanted to make methamphetamine, said Abbie Crites-Leoni, special assistant U.S. attorney...

When 92-year-old Julia Vandivort was growing up in Cape Girardeau, she said it was small enough that you knew just about everybody, and the Vandivort family name was just another name. "We didn't have any special authority because of our name," she said. "We're all equal."...

Youth was definitely served during the 2001 National Basketball Association draft. In fact, the upper part of the selection process resembled a high school prom more than it did a gathering of future millionaires. But make no mistake about it. Those peach-fuzzed young men who were paraded on stage are going to be quite rich...

T.J. Erlacker, Cape Central's point guard last season, has signed a letter of intent with Missouri Valley College, an NAIA school. Erlacker averaged 11 points and seven assists per game last year. "I thought that was fantastic," said Brett Reutzel, Erlacker's coach last year. "I'm so proud of him."...

VALMEYER, Ill. -- The Craftsman Union Capahas found the going rough offensively here Saturday afternoon as they suffered a first-round loss in the Valmeyer (Ill.) Tournament. Granite City (Ill.) left-hander Ryan Sturgeon shut the Capahas down on seven hits during a 4-0 victory...

Exotic Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is used in landscaping and windbreaks throughout much of Missouri. Its long, slender, soft needles give the tree a graceful look appropriate for many different settings. It has been considered a good choice for planting in our climate...

DEXTER, Mo. -- Charles G. Causey, 68, of rural Dexter died Friday, June 29, 2001, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Oct. 17, 1932, at Essex, Mo., son of Russell J. and Frances Johnson Causey. He and Peggy Ellege were married Jan. 29, 1951, at Piggott, Ark...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Walter Aufdenberg, 81, of Jackson died Saturday, June 30, 2001, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Ford & Sons Funeral Home.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Alma M. Janet, 85, of Perryville died Friday, June 29, 2001, at Perry County Memorial Hospital. She was born Jan. 29, 1916, at Perry County, Mo., daughter of John and Louise Fassold Blandford. She and Vallie Joseph Janet were married Nov. 7, 1931. He died April 19, 1979...

Joseph Dwayne Goodwin, 21, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, June 30, 2001, at St. Francis Medical Center. He was born Sept. 23, 1979, in Quincy, Ill., son of Dennis Goodwin and Carol Foxall Goodwin. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau and had been a student at Central Bible College in Springfield, Mo...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Ocie Marie Davis, 85, of Sikeston died Friday, June 29, 2001, at Sikeston Convalescent Center. She was born Sept. 1, 1915, at Jasper Ark., daughter of Thomas and Tennessee Burns Holt. She and George Cecil Davis were married Aug. 14, 1931, at Lamar, Ark. He died July 5, 1979...

Crouching behind a box of explosives, John McClung takes careful aim and fires. The result is a lifeless body. Silence. Then: "Dude! You killed me! We're supposed to be on the same team!" Andrew Bard can be heard grousing from the other room before he stalks in, glaring around at the five young men seated before computer monitors...

Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Gateley of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception June 9, 2001, at Lynwood Baptist Church. About 200 guests attended the event, hosted by their children. Gateley and Ella Louise Sanders were married June 7, 1951, at Red Star Baptist Church, by the Rev. ...

In the midst of a quiet meditation when I can see clearly in my mind there came a vision of a long ago waste basket I had made from a bean basket. How account for the pictures that come into focus mentally? Remember bean baskets? They were tall, about two feet, wood slated and shaped like a flat bottomed ice cream cone. ...

Shanna Dione Guffey and Jason Todd Strickland were married Nov. 11, 2000, at Lynwood Baptist Church. The Rev. Keith Simon of Columbia, Mo., cousin of the groom, performed the double ring ceremony. William Shoemate of Cape Girardeau read scriptures. Parents of the couple are Ted and Gail Guffey and Robert and Jenny Strickland, all of Cape Girardeau...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Sunny Rae Mudge and Farris Wayne Adams exchanged vows April 28, 2001, at First Baptist Church. Carter Frey performed the double ring ceremony. Pianist was Cheryl Fortner and vocalists were Tom and Jodie Kimbell, all of Jackson. Jerry and Judy Mudge of Jackson are parents of the bride. The groom is the son of Robert "Butch" and Alice Adams of Millersville, Mo...

SCOTT CITY, Mo. -- Lesli Dawn Shelton and Timothy Alan McConnell were married April 28, 2001, at First General Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau. The Rev. Frank Bain, uncle of the bride, performed the double ring ceremony. Music was provided by Shane Steck of Cape Girardeau...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Elmer and Donna Koenig of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Susan Koenig, to Larry Ahrens. He is the son of Charles and Alice Ahrens of Jackson. Koenig received a bachelor of science degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a master's degree from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. She is a teacher at Jackson High School...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Ted Hornbuckle of Advance announce the engagement of their daughter, Tammy Renee Davis, to Jason William Holman. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Randall Collins of Sikeston, Mo., and Mr. and Mrs. William Holman of Jackson, Mo...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Rachel Ann Schubert and Jerry Robert Broshuis were united in marriage Feb. 24, 2001, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The Revs. David Johnson and John Schubert, brother of the bride, performed the double ring ceremony. Organist was Lois Fehrmann of Jackson; soloists were Bill Bonney and Tim Mirly of Jackson, Joy Schubert of Chandler, Ariz., sister-in-law of the bride; and flutist was Anna Bonney of Jackson...

Shirley Jean Haynes Stafford and Kenneth Matthew Sides of Cape Girardeau announce their engagement. She is the daughter of Malinda Haynes of Cape Girardeau, and the late W.H. Haynes. Stafford is retired. Sides is retired from Southeast Missouri State University...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Petzoldt of Perryville announce the engagement of their daughter, Tara P. Petzoldt, to Bradley J. Bowers, both of Fruitland, Mo. He is the son of Mary Bowers and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bowers of Jackson, Mo. Petzoldt is employed at TG Missouri...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Karen Cross of Dexter, Mo., announces the engagement of her daughter, Cari Dew, to Nathan Robertson. He is the son of Kenneth and Janice Robertson of Jackson. Dew is a 2000 graduate of Dexter High School, and is a sophomore at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mo...

I usually try to keep my private life separate from my professional life hoping that the mistakes I make in one won't follow me into the other. One of the things I like to do in my private life is gardening. The rules are simple: plant and pamper the things you want and slash and burn the things you don't. I wish my professional life were so easy!...