Stories from Wednesday, May 26, 2004

McALESTER, Okla. -- Terry Nichols' state murder trial went to the jury Tuesday after defense attorneys argued that he was set up to take the blame for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The jury got the case after hearing eight hours of closing arguments and was to begin deliberating this morning...

Southeast Missouri State University's men's basketball program has lost three players and another assistant coach. Head coach Gary Garner announced Tuesday that Cole Grapperhaus, Norman Prather and Adam Crader will not return for the 2004-2005 season. Also, assistant Kevin Williams has resigned to accept a position with Hancock High School in St. Louis...

In trying to recap the events of the last week I was torn as to what to share with you today. Do I choose the last day of school when I left the school crying because our fourth-grader will be moving into the middle school? Or the first of some 24 ballgames to be played over the next six weeks? Or an evening filled with excitement as Ross received the Terrific Tiger award at the board of education meeting?...

My first recollections of squirrels involve hunting. As a young "hunter-warrior," I loved to spend summer and autumn mornings in the squirrel woods stalking those elusive furry creatures. I usually carried a .22-caliber rifle with me. Combining the fact that I couldn't walk very quietly on dry leaves, and the fact that I was a poor shot, most squirrels in the woods were safe from danger...

My new apartment and new job have raised a few etiquette questions of late. Before now, I've never had access to a hot tub or used elevators every day. First, the hot tub. It seats seven and is near my apartment, making it convenient for a little after-work dip now and again, just to wind down. I always look out my window to make sure nobody is in there first, because hot tubs have a certain reputation, and I don't want to walk up on that, if you get my drift...

CHICAGO -- Aspirin, the wonder drug that can help prevent heart attacks and strokes, also appears to reduce women's chances of developing the most common type of breast cancer, a study found. The authors of the study said that the findings are tantalizing but that more research is needed before doctors can recommend that women take aspirin to ward off breast cancer...

BOSTON -- The weight of a priest shortage, shrinking collections and the clergy sex abuse scandal combined to force Boston's archbishop to announce Tuesday that his Roman Catholic archdiocese will lose 65 parishes by year's end. The archdiocese, the nation's fourth-largest with more than 2 million Catholics, now has 357 parishes...

The Associated Press SNELLVILLE, Ga. -- One thing is for certain. A teenage singer from the South will be the next "American Idol." The question is which one: 16-year-old Diana DeGarmo of Snellville, Ga., or 19-year-old Fantasia Barrino of High Point, N.C...

JIMANI, Dominican Republic -- Sobbing villagers tore through heaps of mud with their bare hands Tuesday, searching for loved ones as the death toll from flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti rose to at least 363. Trucks dumped scores of corpses into a mass grave...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Supreme Court has scheduled a June 1 hearing on a politically charged dispute over when Missourians will get to vote on a proposed state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. The court's order Tuesday also put election authorities on notice that they may have to scramble to assemble ballots, if Democratic state officeholders succeed in placing the measure on the August ballot as opposed to the November vote favored by Republicans...

ST. LOUIS -- A vicious spring storm walloped St. Louis and parts of eastern Missouri on Tuesday, knocking out power to thousands, flooding interstates, shattering windows, and postponing the Cardinals game. Around 2:30 p.m., the skies over St. Louis grew dark as night, and unleashed torrents of rain, high winds, and hail as large as golf balls. There were no tornado sightings, but the National Weather Service issued tornado warnings south of St. Louis, including in Ste. Genevieve County...

PARIS -- Martina Navratilova hit an ace Tuesday, a nifty achievement for a 47-year-old player at the French Open. She needed more than one. Martina Navratilova's French Open comeback lasted barely an hour, ending with an opening-round loss to Gisela Dulko, 6-1, 6-3. The match was Navratilova's first in Grand Slam singles since 1994...

For a variety of reasons, the regular season did not go quite as well as Southeast Missouri State University had hoped. But the Indians have a chance to rectify that this week as the six-team Ohio Valley Conference tournament begins at Brooks Stadium in Paducah, Ky. The winner of the double-elimination event advances to the NCAA regional playoffs...

Oran is the only school to participate in the Class 1 final four the past two years. The Eagles would like to make it three straight, and they begin their final four run at 4 p.m. today in a sectional game against North Pemiscot at Oran. Oran defeated North Pemiscot 3-2 in eight innings last season in the sectional round...

FENTON, Mo. -- The Jackson girls soccer team received a little of its own medicine Tuesday night in the Class 2 sectional game. After posting 17 shutouts during the 2004 season, the Indians (22-4-1) were blanked 2-0 by Nerinx Hall on a rain-drenched field at the Anheuser-Busch Center...

A 3-year-old United Way study found that 91 percent of Cape Girardeau's housing units are occupied and that the $400 average monthly rent in the city is beyond the means of most low- to moderate-income families. Part of the problem is that the city lost low-income housing to flooding in 1993 and 1995. Most new housing is not affordable for families in these income categories...

The love of freedom is at the heart of America. To showcase that spirit, the Southeast Missourian is sponsoring the Spirit of America Award and will publish a Spirit of America edition on July 2 with stories about patriotic and veterans organizations...

WASHINGTON -- Brand-name prescription drug prices rose at more than three times the rate of overall inflation last year, two groups pressing for lower prices said in studies Tuesday. The reports by the 35 million-member AARP and the consumer group Families USA said the gap between prices for prescription medicines and general inflation has widened in recent years, diminishing the purchasing power of older Americans who receive increases in Social Security based on the Consumer Price Index. ...

ST. LOUIS -- Just in time for the summer tourism season, St. Louis has snagged a plum. A survey of family attractions by Zagat Survey, best-known for its restaurant surveys, says the St. Louis Zoo is tops among the nation's animal parks. More surprising, the guide crowns The Magic House in the St. Louis suburb of Kirkwood as the national attraction with the most child appeal -- over Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom...

Some in a crowd of senior citizens came away with more questions than answers at a seminar in Cape Girardeau Tuesday attempting to explain the changing Medicare prescription benefits program and discount drug cards. The seminar speaker, Diane Hall, associate state director for the AARP senior citizens organization, told the crowd of about 60 people at Southeast Missouri Hospital that they might want to research the matter on the Internet sites of AARP or Medicare...

Don't tell anyone, but Highway 25 between Jackson and Kennett stretches for 97 miles. It's not a secret, it's just that for five days out of the year that section of road is known as the 100-Mile Yard Sale. Its creators fudged a little on the distance, said organizer Ellen Lowe of Bloomfield, because calling it a 100-mile yard sale has more marketing value...

In an early-morning sweep Tuesday, the Cape Girardeau Police Department teamed up with the SEMO Drug Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department to serve warrants on people who were wanted for illegal drug activity in Cape Girardeau...

Jackson and Cape Girardeau will save at least a year by providing upfront financing for the Center Junction lighting project. The cities expect to light up the Interstate 55 and U.S. 61 junction at the city limits anywhere from 12 to 18 months ahead of the Missouri Department of Transportation's schedule for 2007...

Business leaders and community developers from five surrounding states were in Cape Girardeau Tuesday for a forum intended to get them talking about economic development on a regional level. David Sampson, an assistant secretary of commerce for economic development, was joined by 75 others for a discussion about the needs and goals of local businesses and the possibility of regional cooperation among businesses and government. ...

Missouri's top two legislative leaders touted a new jobs bill Tuesday that would set up a statewide enterprise zone designation that would extend tax abatements to manufacturers in areas of high unemployment bordering neighboring states. Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, and House Speaker Catherine Hanaway, R-Warson Woods, signed Senate Bill 1155 at three signing ceremonies around the state including one in Scott City. ...

FENTON, Mo. -- Notre Dame keeper Katie Palmer enjoyed her position for the first 65 minutes of Tuesday's Class 1 quarterfinal contest at the Anheuser-Busch Center. The last 15 minutes were a little more hectic around the Notre Dame goal. Palmer came up with two saves in the final minutes, as the Bulldogs defeated Bishop DuBourg 2-1 and earned their second straight trip to the state's final four...

ST. LOUIS -- Big numbers in the minor leagues earned John Mabry his third stint with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals on Tuesday purchased Mabry's contract from Triple-A Memphis, where he was batting .338 with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs in 39 games, and plan to put him to work immediately...

WASHINGTON -- Another arrest in a high-profile crime, another pullback by the FBI. The release of Oregon lawyer Brandon Mayfield after the FBI acknowledged it had mistakenly matched his fingerprint to one found near the scene of the deadly Madrid train bombings is the latest illustration of what critics say is a flawed U.S. anti-terror policy that threatens Americans' civil liberties and privacy...

WASHINGTON -- The United States and Britain appeared at odds Tuesday over how much control Iraq's caretaker government will have over American-led military operations after the handover of political authority on June 30. Secretary of State Colin Powell said U.S.-led troops will do "what is necessary to protect themselves." In London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Iraqis should have the final say over any major military operations...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Thomza Zimmerman, 99, of Advance died Monday, May 24, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born Oct. 12, 1904, at Millersville, daughter of Robert and Louise Caroline Moll Drum. She and Lyman Zimmerman were married Oct. 25, 1927, at Bloomfield, Mo...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Kimberly Gaye Ring, 41, of Tucson, Ariz., died Monday, May 24, 2004, at her home. She was born Sept. 2, 1962, in Sikeston, daughter of Edgar R. and Eloise Gilliland Ring. Ring was a member of North Acres General Baptist Church and sang in the choir. She attended New Dawn State School...

ANNA, Ill. -- Daniel G. Downey, 63, of Anna died Monday, May 24, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale in Carbondale, Ill. He was born Nov. 13, 1940, in Chicago Heights, Ill., son of Frantz and Rosamond Yando Downey. He and Faye Runge were married Oct. 3, 1984, in Jonesboro, Ill...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Flossie M. McGinness, 93, of Cairo died Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo.

Jackson Heritage Association The Jackson Heritage Association met Wednesday at the Oliver House Museum in Jackson for the monthly meeting of the board of directors. Members are encouraged to donate items (no clothes) for the 100-Mile Garage Sale on Saturday at the South Elementary School parking lot. For more information on donating items or having items picked up, call Kevin Schearf at 243-0761...

10 years ago: May 26, 1994 One hundredth birthday party for E.L. "Hap" Goodman is held in afternoon at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau; he is one of four surviving World War I veterans at home. Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission will recommend to city council most of proposals made by Boyd Gaming Corp. to handle increased traffic and need for additional parking for its casino...

Daily Statesman DEXTER, Mo. -- A million-dollar check has guaranteed the creation of more than 250 jobs for the Dexter area. On Monday, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development David Sampson visited the expanded facilities of ArvinMeritor, an automotive supplier, to present the city with the check crucial to financing the company's expansion. The money will go toward the purchase of the former Purolater building to serve as a new plant. The city will lease the building...

Landscape designers are busy these days turning things inside out for many of their clients -- people interested in spending more leisure time with nature. Outdoor living is in, with garden rooms sprouting up all over the country. "One of the reasons why they're so popular is people's lifestyles," says Emily Nolting, a horticulturist with Kansas State University Research and Extension. ...

To the editor: Thank you for making Missourian readers aware of the hazards of candles and of leaving sanitary lines open while commodes are being repaired. Our fire district has already received questions about how to reduce the risks of bathroom repairs and candles. We thought our recommendations might be of interest to other readers...

To the editor: I am grateful the Southeast Missourian's story included comments from some who disagree with the conclusions of the Institute of Medicine's report saying there is no connection between the mercury-based vaccine preservative thimerosal and rising numbers of neurological disorders among children. The institute's report not only flies in the face of common sense, but it ignores the overwhelming scientific data presented at the institute's February meeting...

To the editor: Defending the Bush war for global domination is becoming increasingly difficult without promoting lies or absurd arguments. Twice now, Gary Rust has embedded his promotion of lies by offering them as reprinted letters. This offense against reason is only exceeded by Rush Limbaugh's likening the humiliation and torture of Iraqi prisoners to harmless fraternity pranks resulting from soldiers needing to let off a little steam...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Merriel Lee "Mary" Henderson Cross, 83, of Cairo died Monday, May 24, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born April 9, 1921, in Hughes, Ark., daughter of Verge and Bertha Wiley Henderson. She and Bennie Cross Sr. were married Nov. 2, 1941...

Herbert Paul "Herbie" Rauh, 59, of New Port Richey, Fla., died Sunday, May 23, 2004, at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey. He was born July 12, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, son of Herbert M. and Ida Stueve Rauh. He and Mia Esposito were married July 9, 1966, in New Haven, Conn...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Dale Richard Sipult, 78, of Sikeston died Monday, May 24, 2004, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. He was born Nov. 25, 1925, in Goddard, Kan., son of Bud and Elizabeth Poschen Sipult. He and Legretta Belle Fausett were married July 6, 1963...

Wind, dry conditions fan New Mexico wildfires CAPITAN, N.M. -- A fast-moving wildfire fueled by dry forest land grew to more than 23,000 acres Tuesday, forcing the evacuation of dozens of homes, officials said. No injuries were reported in the fire in the Lincoln National Forest in south-central New Mexico, said fire information officer Beth Wilson. The blaze was sparked by lightning May 15...

In order to honor Southeast Missouri veterans, the Southeast Missourian is compiling "Heartland Heroes." Carol Robert is compiling the items for the book and can scan or photograph the items either at the Southeast Missourian offices or at an individual's home...

In addition to being a Cape Girardeau councilwoman, Evelyn Boardman can also be called published author now that her debut book, "Chocolate Dancing," awaits release. "It's totally a local production," Boardman said. The book was published by Concord Publishing, edited by Dr. Jenny Cooper at Southeast Missouri State University and the cover was designed by local artist Don Greenwood...

Thirty years after the Meals on Wheels program began in Cape Girardeau, representatives from the 24 participating churches who volunteer to deliver the meals gathered Tuesday evening for a celebration. More than 250 people attended the banquet at Centenary United Methodist Church's Family Life Center...

Law enforcement got an assist from technology in recovering a stolen vehicle and arresting a suspect. On Tuesday, Sean Poole of 1111 Harmony, Cape Girardeau, waived his preliminary hearing in Judge Gary Kamp's courtroom in connection with the theft, and was bound over to Division 1 to appear again June 7...

Students at Jackson High School will have access to a new course science course next year. The Jackson School Board voted to add human anatomy and physiology II to the high school course schedule at its Tuesday meeting. Assistant superintendent Dr. Rita Fisher said the prerequisite class, human anatomy and physiology I, has attracted more students in recent years, which is why the district wanted to add the second part of the course...

TOURNAMENT TEAMS AT A GLANCE AUSTIN PEAY Seed: No. 1 Record: 35-19, 20-7 OVC Coach: Gary McClure (492-469-4 in 17 years at AP) Batting average: .303 Earned-run average: 4.39 Hitters to watch: Chris Poynter .404, 3 HR, 27 RBIs; Jared Walker .370, 5 HR, 23 2B, 50 RBIs; Alfredo Burkeen .336, 4 HR, 4 3B, 22 RBIs, 18-21 SB; Matthew Ledbetter .326, 2 HR, 22 RBIs, 18-20 SB; Chris Hyde .304, 11 HR, 39 RBIs...

Baseball Baseball's River City Rascals considered it lighthearted -- a promotion dubbed "Sports Criminals Night," where the stadium would be transformed into a giant prison. Snacks would be bread and water for $1, and a fan each inning would get tossed into a "dugout jail." But the gimmick -- planned for June 2 -- got scratched from the promotions lineup not long after it was made public...

Melvin Edward Allen went to be with Jesus on May 24, 2004, at 10:15 p.m. He fought an impossible fight, endured longer than any human should, but grew too tired to continue. He married Mildred Toler in Benton, Mo., on Oct. 7, 1937. He is preceded in death by his father, Jack Allen; his mother and stepfather, Calvin and Sadie (Fisher) Hoover; two brothers, Homer Allen and Herbert Hoover; a son, Robert Allen; and two daughters, Shirley Allen and Melba Jean Carlton-Heiman...

Michael L. O'Connell, 52, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, May 24, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center. He was born Dec. 27, 1951, in Cape Girardeau, son of Elmer and Ann Reed O'Connell. O'Connell was a 1969 graduate of Central High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University. He was employed in the maintenance department at St. Francis Medical Center. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel, Elks Loge 639 and Eagles Aerie 3775...

Virginia Lee Rose, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, May 24, 2004, at her home. She was born June 6, 1918, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Joseph H. and Cora Hopkins Zoellner. She and George S. Rose were married Aug. 31, 1955, in Las Vegas, Nev. He died Sept. 7, 1978...

You're appreciated I WANT all the police officers and firefighters to know that, despite a few nasty comments in the paper, you are very much appreciated by the people of Cape Girardeau. We have become a city that does nothing but make negative comments about jobs that we know nothing about. ...