Stories from Friday, April 16, 2004

LONDON -- Key European nations, including Iraq war opponents Germany and France, vigorously rejected a truce offer purportedly from Osama bin Laden on Thursday, saying there could be no negotiating with his al-Qaida terrorist network. Many saw the audiotaped offer as a blatant attempt to drive a wedge between the United States and its European allies, exploiting their differences over Iraq. ...

Dr. Robert Gifford stands at the podium, in front of the Southeast Symphonic Wind Ensemble, like he has done many time before. He guides them through the difficult music of Percy Granger's "Lincolnshire Posie" to be performed at the ensemble's concert Thursday, their last concert of the school year. However, this is unlike Gifford's previous rehearsals with the ensemble because it is one of his last...

Jackson's baseball team entered Thursday's home game against Sikeston riding a three-game winning streak, including two this week over a pair of strong Class 3 teams in North County and Notre Dame. Unfortunately for the Indians, they could not make it three quality Class 3 wins in four days, dropping a 10-1 conference game to the undefeated Bulldogs (13-0, 6-0)...

When Southeast Missouri State University football coach Tim Billings approached Caleb Daniel about switching from defense to offense just a few days before the start of spring practice, the Jackson High School graduate wasn't very excited. After all, Daniel had spent his first three seasons at Southeast as a key defensive tackle, turning in solid if unspectacular performances as a starter for much of that period. Spending his final collegiate campaign at offensive tackle didn't appeal to him...

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The San Jose Sharks' incredible regular season was no mistake. They're deep, fast and a little bit lucky -- and they're moving ahead in the playoffs. Injury replacement Mark Smith scored his first NHL playoff goal, and Evgeni Nabokov stopped 21 shots in the Sharks' 3-1 series-clinching victory over St. Louis on Thursday night...

The good news this week is that April 15 is behind us. The bad news is that there are only 364 days left until Tax Day 2005. Speaking of taxes, some opponents of the tax cuts approved by Congress a while back are claiming all of the benefits went to the rich while middle-class taxpaying slobs like me didn't get any of the breaks...

McDonald's adds healthy adult Happy Meals CHICAGO -- Striving for a healthier image in the age of obesity, McDonald's is rolling out new Happy Meals specially for adults with salad, bottled water and pedometers -- and coming soon for the kids, fresh fruit instead of fries. Now it's up to the patrons of Big Macs and fries to decide how big an appetite they have for a healthier McDonald's, which unveiled its latest low-fat offerings Thursday...

It's an improved, more stylish and more powerful version of the early 2004 model By Ann M. Job ~ The Associated Press Kia's best-selling nameplate, the Spectra, is all new, almost. The compact four-door car arriving now in showrooms rides on a new platform, has improved engine power, new styling, a bigger trunk and an updated, quieter interior...

LOS ANGELES -- Nia Vardalos still has bridal jitters, even though her big-screen wedding went off without a hitch. Everyone came, they showered her with gifts, and Vardalos' low-budgeted "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" turned into an underdog sensation that took in $241 million...

Tornadoes kill dozens overnight in Bangladesh NETROKONA, Bangladesh -- Tornadoes swept through northern Bangladesh, killing at least 55 people, injuring hundreds and blowing away thousands of flimsy huts, officials said Thursday. The twisters hit nearly two dozen farming villages on Wednesday night. Thousands were left homeless and spent the night in open fields, witnesses said...

NAJAF, Iraq -- Gunmen assassinated an Iranian diplomat in Baghdad on Thursday just as Iran, with tacit U.S. approval, attempted to mediate with a radical Shiite cleric defying American forces in this southern Iraqi city. Diplomat Khalil Naimi was shot in the head by unknown assailants while he drove near his embassy in the center of the capital. ...

SEOUL, South Korea -- Vice President Dick Cheney challenged Asian powers Thursday to do more to contain North Korea's nuclear program, saying that letting it grow unchecked could spark a new arms race in the region and create a weapons bazaar for terrorists...

SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korean voters broke the conservatives' four-decade grip on parliament Thursday, bringing to power a liberal party that opposed the president's impeachment and may seek closer ties to North Korea. The election completes a momentous shift in South Korean politics, where conservative-dominated legislatures have checked its few progressive presidents, including President Roh Moo-hyun...

A project to provide Golden Books to babies born at Cape Girardeau hospitals has won a national Make A Difference Day award. USA Weekend Magazine is recognizing more than 550 volunteer efforts that took place around the nation on Oct. 25 as part of the 13th annual Make A Difference Day. ...

The Missouri Department of Transportation has awarded a demolition contract on Phase 2 of the Highway 34-72 widening project in Jackson. The $130,388 contract calls for the removal of 10 residential structures in the second phase, which is approximately a one-mile stretch, beginning about one mile west of Highway 25. ...

Every weekday morning at 11, Jared Ritter walks through the double doors of the Central Middle School library in Cape Girardeau. He grabs a chess set from the antique Coca-Cola cooler-turned-makeshift-bar and sits down at the 1950s diner-style table to match strategies with a couple of his friends. This is his recess...

Dr. Melvin C. Kasten, who died Thursday morning, will be remembered as a dedicated doctor, a civic leader and a devoted friend to many. He was 79. Kasten opened his surgical practice in Cape Girardeau in 1955 and practiced medicine for 40 years. He was one of the original 20 physicians who began Doctors' Park in 1971...

A week ago, Cape Girardeau's Dean and Dorothy Campbell became the proud great-grandparents of not one, but six great-grandchildren when the Campbells' granddaughter, Tina Otten of Granite City, Ill., gave birth to sextuplets. "Everyone is excited," Dorothy Campbell said. "I think my daughter (the sextuplets' grandmother Donna Reckert) is just on cloud nine, she's always loved babies and Tina's always loved babies."...

The developer of a proposed ethanol plant in Cape Girardeau couldn't convince corn farmers to invest in a similar venture in Marshall, Mo., and has had trouble securing financing for both projects. Developer Phil Danforth, who lives in an upscale Kansas City suburb, has proposed building an ethanol plant in Marshall that would produce 30 million gallons of ethanol. Ethanol plants produce grain alcohol which is added to gasoline to make a cleaner-burning fuel...

Air Evac Lifeteam and St. Francis Medical Center both confirmed Thursday that the helicopter service will leave the hospital property and relocate, possibly in June, to a location in Sikeston. The hospital's expansion plans and a shift in patient needs have made the move necessary...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri State University would be barred from recruiting high school students eligible for free community college tuition from the state's A+ Schools program under legislation the Senate debated Thursday. However, university officials expect little practical impact should it become law...

Nationwide, at least 23 Army National Guard units have been ordered to extend their tour of duty in Iraq up to 90 days, based on greater demands to stabilize the country by military officials. Missouri is extending the largest number of National Guard soldiers, with over 850 soldiers from three Missouri units having been called to extend their duty beyond 12 months of service. ...

Cape Girardeau police chief Steve Strong was elected Tuesday as chairman of the board of directors for the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad. He succeeds Doug Richards, director of Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Public Safety. ...

Whether they filed their returns two months ago or the taste of the envelope glue is still fresh on their tongues, the last thing most people want to do on April 15 is talk about taxes. But Missouri U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof stopped by Cape Girardeau on Thursday to do just that...

For Phil Jackson, this could be the perfect playoffs. If the stars align and the earth rotates right, he can humiliate Jeff Van Gundy in the first round, de-deify Jerry West in the second round and torment Sacramento, Dallas or Minnesota in the conference finals...

ST. LOUIS -- Getting swept by the Houston Astros wasn't the end of the world for the St. Louis Cardinals. They've been living by the mantra that it's early since dropping three of four to the Milwaukee Brewers to start the year. They were saying it again after losing three straight to the Astros to fall to 1-6 at home, their worst start at Busch Stadium since they also won one of their first seven in 1973...

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- Cameron Beckman handled the windy conditions at the MCI Heritage on Thursday, shooting a 4-under-par 67 for the highest leading score in opening round at the Harbour Town Golf Links since 1992. Beckman made a 16-foot birdie putt on his last hole, the ninth, to complete his round at the 6,973-yard, par-71 seaside layout that often yields spectacular rounds...

WASHINGTON -- The Environmental Protection agency told officials in 31 states Thursday they must develop new pollution controls because the air in some of their counties, home to more than 150 million people, does not meet federal health standards. The EPA, acting under court order, identified all or parts of 474 counties that either have air that is too dirty or that contributes to neighboring counties' inability to meet the federal air standards for smog-causing ozone...

People looking to be entertained by the exploits of a family that is potentially more messed up than their own should enjoy the River City Players' presentation of "Dearly Departed." It is a bare-bones production, with an unadorned set, few props and no fancy costumes...

PATTON, Mo. -- Denzel Fadler, 79, of Farmington, Mo., died Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at Southbrooke Skilled Care Nursing Center in Farmington. He was born March 17, 1925, at Patton, son of Charlie and Etta Conrad Fadler. He married Dolly Rose Yount...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Louis H. Fortenberry, 67, of Cairo died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

ANNA, Ill. -- Mark Humphrey, 40, of Anna died Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at his home. He was born Nov. 21, 1963, in Chandler, Ariz., son of Tom and Mildred Holdman Humphrey. Humphrey was a lawn mower repairman and tree trimmer. Survivors include two sons, Wesley Humphrey of Cambria, Ill., Brandon Humphrey of Jacksonville, N.C.; his father of Lepanto, Ark.; a stepson, Stephen Evans; a sister, Jacqueline Bolton of Anna; and his fiancee, Mary Golden of Anna...

John Edward Stephens, 69, of Scott City died Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at his home. He was born June 1, 1934, in Cape Girardeau, son of John and Flora Tune Stephens. Stephens was a construction worker, and member of Church of God Fellowship in Cape Girardeau...

Vernie F. Langdon, 96, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at the Lutheran Home. He was born Feb. 3, 1908, in Wright County, Mo., son of John and Lillie McKeel Langdon. He and Beatrice Calvert were married Nov. 1, 1937, at Amity, Mo. She died Oct. 20, 2001...

Richardson Son to Stanley Chandler Richardson and Melanie Rose Heilig of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 5:21 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2004. Name, Kamden William. Weight, 6 pounds 9 ounces. Third son. Ms. Heilig is the daughter of Billy and Debbie Heilig of Villa Ridge, Ill. Richardson is the son of Gene and Susie Adams of Ullin, Ill. He is employed at Wireless Retail...

In Thursday's edition, a review of "Crazy For You" should have included Steve Wissinger, who plays Bela Zangler, in the list of cast members. The Southeast Missourian regrets the error.

Regarding the car accident that killed two Bollinger County teenagers, the Missouri State Highway Patrol wants to confirm that David Light, 16, was the driver of the second vehicle involved in the accident and Brandon Surprise was the passenger. Another source gave incorrect information that countered the patrol's report. Also, Jennifer Lincoln was driving a 1998 Pontiac; the year of the vehicle was misstated...

10 years ago: April 16, 1994 Line of severe thunderstorms with powerful winds lashed parts of Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky early yesterday, causing extensive property damage; at eastern edge of Frohna, high winds tore part of roof off lumber storage shed at East Perry Lumber Co...

One star (out of four) The stakes in this sequel to "The Whole Nine Yards" are even higher. Lazio Gogolak, the elderly crime boss, seeks revenge for the murder of his favorite son, Yanni. He kidnaps Oz's new wife, Cynthia, confident that Oz will turn to Jimmy, the hit- man that killed his son, for help. ...

'Kill Bill: Vol. 2' Starring Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Michael Madsen, Darryl Hannah and Samuel L. Jackson. In the follow-up to Kill Bill, Volume 1, The Bride is closing in on the man who shot her at her wedding, Bill, her former boss and lover. Before she gets a chance to fight him, though, she must face The California Mountain Snake and Sidewinder. Rated R for violence, language and brief drug use, running time 137 minutes. (Town Plaza Cinema)...

Singer-songwriter Robert Hoyt returns to Cape Girardeau today as part of the Underberg House Concert series. His acoustic music is infused with social commentary. He has released three albums. Hoyt's environmental activism is documented in the film "Travels With Claude." The performance will run from 7 to 9 p.m. A donation of $8 is recommended. For more information and directions, call 334-7692...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Lois Christy, 80, of Chaffee died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at her home. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee is in charge of arrangements.

Carol A. Martin, 65, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, April 15, 2004, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Sept. 16, 1938, in St. Louis, daughter of Ollie and Fran Franz Dielschneider. Martin was manager of Lamplighter Mobile Home Park and an usher at the Show Me Center...

Cape Girardeau The following items were released by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI James Arthur Deberry, 42, 905 S. Pacific, Cape Girardeau, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of DWI. Arrests Bao Xian Lin, 36, 13 Richardet St., Perryville, Mo., was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of stealing...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following items on Wednesday: At 6:16 p.m. a motor vehicle accident on Highway D. At 7:03 p.m., a medical call at 814 N. Henderson. At 10:15 p.m., a medical call at 611 Sycamore. Firefighters responded to the following items on Thursday: At 12:32 a.m., a medical call at 2075 Corporate Circle...

A prominent theme of President Bush's remarks during his televised press conference earlier this week was that the United States is committed to finishing the job of stabilizing Iraq's internal affairs and handing over the reins of government to Iraqis...

Lee Essner remained unbeaten for Notre Dame, gaining a complete-game victory to lead the Bulldogs past Poplar Bluff 7-4 on Thursday in a SEMO Conference game at home. Essner (4-0) allowed six hits, struck out eight batters and walked three, as Notre Dame improved to 8-4 (4-2 conference)...

Basketball Scottie Pippen said Thursday he will probably retire following an injury-shortened season in his return to the Chicago Bulls.Pippen was brought back to give a young Bulls team leadership and experience but he had knee surgery in December and played in only 23 games, starting just six. Pippen will be 39 in September...

To the editor: The infantile antics of state Rep. Rod Jetton and state Rep. Jason Crowell, in addition to bringing shame upon the people of Southeast Missouri, demonstrate once and for all why term limits are a bad idea. With term limits we end up with kindergartners running the legislature and, in the case of Crowell and Jetton, immature kindergartners at that. ...

To the editor: Cross Trails Medical Centers, with the sliding scale based on income, could be a feasible partial solution to having so many on Medicaid. Apparently, though, many of the area dentists are against more funding, saying that Cross Trails Dental Clinics are costing them patients. ...

To the editor: I was very sad to hear that the skateboard park in Jackson was going to be another metal atrocity like the one here in Cape Girardeau built by people who have no hold on what skateboarding is. They associate skateboarding with X Games and Tony Hawk and know nothing about it. ...

To the editor: I just completed my taxes. What a disappointment I had when I discovered there was no difference in my tax bill. You had to make over $350,000 a year to get a real tax cut (rates down almost 4 percent). Add in the drop in dividend taxation to 15 percent, and our multimillionaires get a huge tax cut...

Wonderful musical WHAT A wonderful review of the Notre Dame Regional High School musical, "Crazy for You." The kids have been working hard on the play and deserve a big audience. Embarrassing remark ROD JETTON has embarrassed his district again. His remarks that he is glad Gov. Bob Holden took his idea to release the money for the schools is ridiculous. Holden did this on his own, not because of Jetton. This is a laughing matter for the people Jetton represents...

Melvin C. Kasten, M.D., F.A.C.S., passed on to his heavenly reward Thursday, April 15, 2004. Dearly loved and respected by many, he served his God as a charter member, the first treasurer, and a very active member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church since 1957...

DIEHLSTADT, Mo. -- Mary-Jo Regina Duty, 58, of Diehlstadt died Tuesday, April 13, 2004, at her home. She was born March 20, 1946, in East St. Louis, Ill., daughter of Robert L. and Evelyn R. Herzog Weeks. She and David G. Duty were married Nov. 6, 1993, in St. Louis...

Southeast Missouri will be buzzing with sports activity this weekend. In addition to the usual high school contests and home series for both the Southeast Missouri State baseball and softball teams, the sporting schedule includes some events out of the ordinary:...