Stories from Sunday, July 29, 2001

Summer will be over before we know it! How many books have you read so far? Don't forget, you have until Saturday to read 20 books and turn in your blue form to get your name entered in the drawing for some awesome prizes! For every 20 books you read, your name will be put in the drawing again! So, the next time you're tempted to ask your Mom, "What is there to do? I'm bored." Grab a book and travel to someplace exciting!...

IN ONE court after another, the River Campus election has failed. It went to court and lost on a technicality. From there it went to a three-judge appellate court, which ruled unanimously against the city and SEMO. Just another technicality, we assume. Onward to court again to get their plow cleaned again. It probably will only cost another $25,000 to $50,000. So what? I would think the Missourian and the mayor would both have been so humiliated. Do they not have any pride or credibility?...

A chilling mystery is a great way to take the mind off a hot, muggy summer night. Here are a few from Jackson Public Library's extensive collection of suspense novels. "In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner," by Elizabeth George, has everything to recommend it: a fine cast, several of whom could have a motive for murder, a terrific setting, complete with spooky moors and ruined castles, and a plot that keeps readers guessing to the last. ...

I had a dream the other night. I dreamed that the 12 Disciples had gathered at one of their favorite campsites on the Sea of Galilee for their 20th reunion. Peter's hair had turned gray and he was bothered by arthritis. James and John were no longer so "thunderous"; they were beset by the aches and pains of old age. Matthew had made a fortune, only to lose it all. All of them had seen hard times, times of persecution, times of suffering, times of want...

The mall became a reality, a buzzword on everyone's lips, in about 1975. Before that our town existed with the Mom & Pop stores, a few large department stores, and easy access to "malls" in nearby towns. The malls in those nearby towns weren't originally intended to be malls. ...

At left, Grace Pyle and Emmalee attended the beginning of water babies class. Pyle had attended one class with Emmalee's sister. At left, Grace Pyle and Renee awaited the initial plunge at Jackson City Pool's water babies class. Babies have been splashing around at the Jackson City Pool learning to enjoy the water this summer. Lifeguards instruct parents on different ways to hold their babies and approach water activities in a way that makes babies feel secure and comfortable in the pool...

Children made visors, stamped paper and hula hooped during Riverside Regional Library's "Beach Party" in the Jackson City Park on June 19. Keith Haddrill, left, and Michael Graefe, his assistant from the audience, did a trick. Faith Revelle walked off stage with her put-back-together paper necklace...

To the editor: In his July 15 column, Peter Kinder neglected to inform us of the true costs of economic investments in building a power plant in western Cape Girardeau County. The problem is not that more U.S. energy plants should be built. The problem is that the proposed location of the plant could pollute the entire county and that Kinder is using his political influence to bypass the safeguards set up by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources...

The strongest man, according to the Guinness Book of World Records 2000, is Ronny Weller of Germany who can "snatch" 205 kg (roughly 451 pounds.) and "jerk" 262 kg (roughly 576 pounds.) That's a little more than half a ton of combined weight! Mr. Weller, however, is no match for the common ant. Ants have proportionately more muscle and can carry up to 50 times their weight. Mr. Weller, who weighs in at a minimum of 105 kg (231 pounds.) would have to lift the equivalent of almost six tons!...

Rick Boyd, left, store manager of the Jackson Wal-Mart and a corporate sponsor, presented a check to Chelly Lewis for Relay for Life night planned Friday and Saturday at the Jackson City Park. Jackson's Relay for Life will be held Friday and Saturday. Relay for Life is a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer...

Upcoming dates:...

Life in the United States began for the Meyr family when Josef Meyr, father of Gustav Meyr (man in middle with bow tie) married Anna Marie Starzinger and immigrated from Wells, Austria, in 1852 to New Wells. New Wells was so named for the town in Austria that the family originated from. Josef Meyr was one of the founders of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Wells...

To the editor: There exists a county-by-county map which shows that segment of the population which celebrated the successful theft of the late presidential election: Red for George W. Bush, blue for Al Gore. Without careful analysis, the resulting visual impression -- a riot of red with small blue accents -- is that Bush kicked the heck out of Gore...

Defying the disdain of his many critics, including Senate majority leader Tom Daschle, who blasted him as he left our shores, President Bush completed a highly successful trip to Europe for the summit of the world's leading industrial nations. It was quite a performance, one that saw the beginnings of the final interment of the misguided and profoundly unfair Kyoto Treaty on global emissions. ...

On June 29, late on a Friday afternoon heading into a long holiday weekend, Gov. Bob Holden issued his executive order on collective bargaining for state employees. The unwise and ill-considered action, in effect legislating by executive order, stunned veteran statehouse observers...

Some public officials just can't win. President Bush makes two trips to Europe in one month, and Governor Holden is roasted for flying from Jefferson City to Hickory Hollow. A St. Louis alderwoman urinates in the city council chambers, providing an excellent commentary on the quality of life in the state's self-proclaimed cultural center...

KENNETT, Mo. -- Someday, somewhere, somehow, a historical scholar will attempt to understand the process under which the federal government of the United States formed a more perfect union, established justice, insured domestic tranquillity, provided for the common defense, promoted the general welfare and secured the blessings of liberty...

Grand pronouncements from on high are one thing. How things play out on the ground are another altogether. How is Gov. Bob Holden's executive order that effectively unionizes state government playing at the grass roots? The answer is found in two special-election campaigns being run in Northern Missouri for state representative seats. ...

Steve Schaffner On Thursday, the Jackson Municipal Band will play a collection of hits by Elton John. The trombone section will be featured on Frank Cofield's "Trombero," with the performance concluding with "The Golden Age of Rock and Roll" and "Sorta Spiritual."...

Name: Janey Miller Lives in: Jackson Family: My son Timothy is 15 and my daughter, Teresa, is 13. We have a dog, Alex, and a cat, Chloe. Job: I'm an agent for American Family Insurance in Jackson. What do you like most about the area? The simplicity of the life, compared to living in a major metropolitan area and the wonderful friends I have made since I have been here...

Southeast Missouri State University officials say the school profited by retaining former president Dale Nitzschke as its fund-raising chancellor, a renamed position that will pay him $120,000 plus up to $45,000 in expenses under this year's contract...

The day after Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Randy Sullivan died in a flaming crash chasing a speeder, a steady stream of friends and relatives called on Brenda Sullivan and her three sons who were suddenly without a father. But among the visitors to their Fredericktown, Mo., home on Feb. 18, 1996, were four strangers...

When Cape Girardeau resident Linda Capone's telephone rang at 10:38 Saturday morning, she checked her Caller ID box instead of picking up the receiver. After reading the message "Unavailable" on the box, Capone returned to what she was doing, certain she knew who the caller was...

Forget classroom size and teachers' aides. The key to a good education is a cool backpack. As a dad, I know that's true. Why else would we buy the latest back-to-school backpacks for our children? Entering the fourth grade is no small matter for Becca. It requires a beige and black backpack with enough zippered pockets to hold a lifetime supply of gum and a girl's entire back-to-school wardrobe...

Almost three weeks after watching the execution of the man who shot her husband, Sarah Froemsdorf said her ordeal is not over. "If you ask if I have closure, I'd say yes and no," said Froemsdorf, whose husband, Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper James Froemsdorf was killed by Jerome Mallett after an arrest in 1985. "I have closure in that the court's order has been carried out, but it still doesn't change what was done."...

BIRDS POINT, Mo. -- A 54-year old Kentucky woman died Saturday when her car ran off a curve and rolled down a levee, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported. Ann Trelegan of London, Ky., was riding east on Highway 60/62 about one mile south of the Missouri state line when the accident occurred about 4 p.m., the highway patrol stated. ...

Southeast Missouri State University's football program will welcome about 30 newcomers in to camp Friday as preseason practice officially starts to get going. Normally, that group of rookies --most of which are freshmen -- doesn't cause much of a stir, especially not this early...

SENATH, Mo. -- The Poplar Bluff American Legion baseball team is not about to give up on its improbable dream of a district title without a major fight. After losing to Sikeston Monday night in the first round of the District 14 Tournament, Poplar Bluff faced the daunting challenge of having to win six straight games in order to claim the championship...

Former Southeast Missouri State University football standout Jason Witczak is ready to put his best foot forward in an attempt to carve out an NFL career. Witczak, who earned NCAA Division I-AA All-American honors as a punter during his only season at Southeast last year, has joined the Tennessee Titans as a free agent. The Titans began their training camp Friday in Nashville, Tenn...

Valmeyer, Ill. -- The Craftsman Union Capahas coasted to a 14-2 win in the opener of a doubleheader but barely snatched the nightcap -- literally -- against Valmeyer Saturday. With the Caps (30-7) leading 3-2 in the bottom of the seventh, Valmeyer had runners at first and third with one out...

The following is a listing of players from area high schools or Southeast Missouri State University who are competing in professional baseball. Included in the list are each players' local connection, his last year as an amateur and his major league affiliation (if applicable). Statistics are through Thursday...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Mary C. Moore, 94, of Granite City, Ill., formerly of Glen Allen, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2001, at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in Granite City. She was born Oct. 4, 1906, near Marble Hill, Mo., daughter of Ransom and Effie Limbaugh Garland. She and Otto Moore were married Aug. 3, 1924. He died March 5, 1971...

DEXTER, Mo. -- Mabel Marie York Ballentine, 80, of Dexter died Friday, July 27, 2001, at Crowley Ridge Care Center. She was born Nov. 9, 1920, at Dexter, daughter of George and Clora Giles York. She attended the Church of God and was a former employee of the Green Thumb program as a caretaker...

MATTHEWS, Mo. -- Kenneth Wayne "Jack" Whybark, 50, of Matthews, formerly of Anniston, Mo., died Friday, July 27, 2001, at the Parkway Regional Hospital in Fulton, Ky., after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was born Aug. 20, 1950, in Anniston, Mo., son of Guy and Leatta Grubbs Whybark. ...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Dean Crites, age 49, passed away Saturday, July 28, 2001, at his home after a courageous battle against cancer. Family and friends were at his side. Friends may call Sunday, July 29, between 4-8 p.m. at the McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral service will be Monday, July 30, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment in Russell Heights Cemetery. Rev. John Rice will officiate...

Martin L. Roth, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, July 27, at St. Francis Medical Center. He was born Oct. 16, 1907, in Cape Girardeau, son of the late Martin and Magdaline Walter Roth. On July 30, 1942, he married the former Charolette Popp, and she passed away Feb. 18, 1998...

ROSWELL, Ga. -- Col. Charles Sovern, 78, of Cumming, Ga., died Wednesday, July 25, 2001. Col. Sovern retired after 30 years of military service in the Army and became director of human resources of the Peachtree Plaza Hotel, and director of human resources of the Pine Hurst Golf Resort in Pine Hurst, N.C. ...

SEDGEWICKVILLE, Mo. -- Ellis E. Shrum, 78, of Sedgewickville died Friday, July 27, 2001, at his home. He was born April 27, 1923, at Lixville, Mo., son of Ralph and Bertha Lix Shrum. He was a member of Crossroads Methodist Church. He and Alice Marie McClure were married Jan. 5, 1952...

Cassandra Dawn Glenn and James Robert Worley were united in marriage June 9, 2001, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The Rev. Milton Ryan performed the double ring ceremony. Readers were Dustin Farrar of Gordonville, Mo., and Kirk Lohmann of Cape Girardeau, cousins of the bride...

Tiffany Lynn Miller and Larry Russell Hatfield Jr. were married June 23, 2001, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The Rev. Milton F. Ryan performed the double ring ceremony. Organist was Kristy Jansen and soloist was Gail Heuschober, both of Cape Girardeau...

Lori Ann Lester and Philip Nolan Johnson were married May 4, 2001, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The Rev. J. Friedel performed the double ring ceremony. Music was by Trio Girardeaux, and vocalists were Alan Bruns and Claire Syler. Parents of the couple are J. Doug and Nancy Lester and Dr. David and Flo Johnson, all of Cape Girardeau...

Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Irwin of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise reception hosted by their son, Stan, and daughter-in-law, Glenda Buchheit, at their home. The couple took a cruise and land tour of Alaska in June...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Linda Massey and Michael Carnell were married June 23, 2001, at First Assembly of God Church. The Rev. Dean Heady performed the double ring ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Lonnie and Gloria Massey of Sedgewickville, Mo. The groom is the son of Bill and Mabel Carnell of Jackson...

Sunday Dawn Allen and Matthew John Unger exchanged vows March 24, 2001, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, Mo. The Rev. David Johnson performed the double ring ceremony. Parents of the bride are Bobby and Wanda Allen of Cape Girardeau. The groom is the son of Bill and Janice Unger of Jackson...

Steve and Jane Lowes of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Shannon Michelle Lowes, to Lawrence Barrett Rice. He is the son of Larry and Dorothy Rice of Dexter, Mo. Lowes is a 1999 graduate of Central High School, and attended Southeast Missouri State University. She is employed at Broussard's Cajun Cuisine...

ALTENBURG, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Roger McNalley of Steeleville, Ill., announce the engagement of their daughter, Debra J. McNalley, to Stephen L. Thurm. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Thurm of Altenburg, Mo. An Oct. 6 wedding is planned.

Alan and Sandy Haman of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Brandy Lynn Haman, to Jarrod Scott Thomas. He is the son of Chris and Carolyn Thomas of Cape Girardeau. Haman is a 1996 graduate of Central High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 2001. She is a hygienist for Dr. Keith Cooper in Perryville, Mo...

BENTON, Mo. -- St. Denis Catholic Church was the setting April 21, 2001, for the wedding of Crystal Ann Hennemann and Shannon Paul Schumer. The Rev. Normand Varone performed the double ring ceremony. Music was provided by Joe Spalding of Scott City, Mo., and soloist was Renee Reinagel of Kelso, Mo...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Willard Schneider of Jackson announces the engagement of his daughter, Shannon Schneider, to Jeff Carnell. He is the son of Bill and Mabel Carnell of Jackson. Schneider is also the daughter of the late Clara Schneider. Schneider is a 1992 graduate of Jackson High School, and a 1993 graduate of cosmetology school. She is a technician at Eye Care Specialists in Cape Girardeau...

Sharon Manker of Cape Girardeau announces the engagement of her daughter, Jennifer J. Manker, to James Allen Weber. He is the son of Charles and Marilyn Weber of St. Louis. Manker is also the daughter of the late Joseph W. Manker. Manker is a 1996 graduate of Venice High School in Venice, Fla. She is pursuing an associate's degree in applied science at Metro Business College...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Roxanna Sooudi and Matthew Statler announce their engagement. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Iradj Sooudi of Birmingham, Ala. Statler is the son of Judge and Mrs. Peter Statler of Jackson. Sooudi attended Vanderbilt University, and is completing a Ph.D. at Columbia University in the department of Spanish and Portuguese...

Jerry and Mary Catherine Eddy of Dexter, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Lydia Colleen Eddy, to Petty Officer 1st Class Daniel James Holton. He is the son of Delbert Holton of Waverly, Ohio, and the late Alfreda Holton. Eddy is a 1994 graduate of Central High School. She is employed by Dr. Christopher Jung...

THEBES, Ill. -- Elvis and Kathryn Kirby of Thebes announce the engagement of their daughter, Gayla Dawn Kirby, to Jason Earl Warren, both of Miller City, Ill. He is the son of Link and Cathy Warren of Miller City. Kirby is a 1995 graduate of Egyptian High School in Tamms, Ill. She is a 1998 graduate of Shawnee Community College, and is pursuing a degree in licensed practical nursing from the college. She is a CNA/CMT at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau...