Stories from Saturday, October 23, 2004

Cape Girardeau teachers could think of no better way to make a difference in the community than turning an empty room into a fully stocked library for disadvantaged children. That's the goal members of the Community Teachers Association have been working toward for the past month in honor of today's national Make A Difference Day, an annual challenge to individuals and organizations to help others...

Throughout the past week students boarding their school buses have had a guest riding with them -- a Cape Girardeau police officer. The police are riding the buses randomly to watch for motorists not stopping when the buses flash their red stop lights and extend their stop arms...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A reported attempted abduction and attempted forcible rape made earlier this week has turned out to be a hoax. Sikeston Department of Public Safety director Drew Juden announced that the accusation made by a 14-year-old girl was unraveled by an intense investigation and with several tips provided by the public. ...

A 20-year-old Scott City man was arrested following a chase involving a city patrol car and a four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle reported stolen from the garage of a Scott City residence. According to police chief Don Cobb, Chad Weatherspoon is in the Scott County jail in lieu of a $15,000 bond. He has been charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest by flight...

Southeast Missouri State University embarked on a new future as the Redhawks after officially saying goodbye to its Indian nicknames at a retirement ceremony Friday. About 200 people attended the outdoor ceremony near Academic Auditorium to hear what school officials and invited guests had to say on this historic occasion. The men's sports teams have been called the Indians since 1922, and the women's sports teams have been the Otahkians since 1972...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With the races for Missouri governor and most other statewide offices still considered tossups, the next 10 days will be critical for candidates working to sway undecided voters and urge supporters to the polls. But with the St. Louis Cardinals playing in the World Series and dominating news coverage and water-cooler conversations, will anybody in Missouri be paying attention to politics?...

Some say the hardest job is looking for employment. It's full of drudgery -- ironing the same interviewing suit two to three times a week and scanning the classified pages every morning. Wouldn't it be nice if there was just one central location, a virtual supermarket of employers just waiting to receive applicants, where a job seeker could go to essentially shop for a job opportunity?...

To the editor: In response to "Cape council agrees to preserve part of old bridge": Thank you so much for your Web site. Although I do not get to log on very often, I certainly enjoy it. As a former resident of Cape Girardeau, it is a very special place to me. I am enjoying the articles on the old bridge...

To the editor: Just say no. That's right. Vote against Amendment 3. It robs our state of money that has historically gone to schools, colleges, prisons, health care, mental-health services and highways. Sales taxes on vehicles never belonged to highways before 1979. They received over half then and are now back for the rest...

To the editor: In response to "Meeting focuses on outsourcing in Southeast Missouri": Thanks for the good article covering Tuesday night's event on job loss in Missouri. One important fact that was left out was that the job losses I catalogued in my study were only the ones that qualify for trade adjustment assistance and not all jobs that have been offshored. ...

To the editor: I have noticed new billboards in the area supporting Amendment 3 promising to "Repair the roads. No new taxes." It sounds too good to be true: better roads at no cost to the taxpayers. The problem is that it is too good to be true. Nothing comes without a cost, and the cost to Missouri's children is going to be high if Amendment 3 passes...

To the editor: While driving around Cape Girardeau lately, I've noticed many yards and other property with no campaign signs except "Vote Pro-life," as if this election were a one- issue election. It isn't, but let's just pretend it is for a minute...

Helen L. Wulfers, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Sept. 20, 1923, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Otto J. and Leona T. Haas Wulfers. Miss Wulfers had been an accountant at car dealerships in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau. She was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Lewis F. McRoy, 85, of Cairo died Friday, Oct. 22, 2004, at Daystar Care Center. He was born Nov. 21, 1918, in Carterville, Ill., son of Fred and Lillian Redd McRoy. Mr. McRoy was a retired salesman with DuQuoin Packing Co. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and Cairo Elks Lodge 651...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Diana Lee, 51, of Cairo died Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Friends may call at 12th Street Baptist Church from 10 a.m. today until time of service. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the church. Burial will be in Spencer Heights Cemetery...

To the editor: Since Sen. John Kerry is blaming the president for the large job loss in America, where does the blame actually lie? Under President Clinton, there were many tens of thousands who lost their jobs, many due to corporate downsizing -- not to mention the tumble the stock market took six months prior to Clinton's leaving office. I don't hear any blame on Clinton...

To the editor: I was disappointed to read Randy Morris Jr.'s letter about the volunteer firefighters. I know for a fact that volunteers are true heroes. This is not to say paid firefighters aren't. My father has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 25 years and a fire chief the last four years. ...

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A long-lost briefcase full of notes and lyrics that were intended for the 1981 U2 album "October" has been returned, 23 years after it was stolen at a Portland concert. U2 frontman Bono made the announcement Wednesday during an appearance before the World Affairs Council of Oregon, saying the returned notes were "an act of grace."...

In one of his tirades against John Kerry, President Bush called John Kerry a liberal, as if it is a bad thing to be. Actually, it is a good title to have, for which Kerry should be proud to bear. The dictionary's definition is that they are broad-minded, unbiased and are open to news ideas, whereas the dictionary defines a conservative as one who is disposed to maintain the existing conditions, is opposed to innovations and wants to maintain the status quo...

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Ticked off by the TV? Turn it off -- anywhere. A new keychain gadget that lets people turn off most TVs -- anywhere from airports to restaurants -- is selling at a faster clip than expected. "I thought there would just be a trickle, but we are swamped," said the inventor, Mitch Altman of San Francisco. "I didn't know there were so many people who were into turning TV off."...

Bush signs $136 billion tax-cut legislation WASHINGTON -- President Bush showered $136 billion in new tax breaks on businesses, farmers and other groups Friday, quietly signing the most sweeping rewrite of corporate tax law in nearly two decades. Though the legislation provides new tax breaks, Congress' Joint Committee on Taxation says it has no impact on the deficit because it also closes corporate tax loopholes and repeals export subsidies. ...

Bekki Cook n Party: Democrat Age: 54 Home: Cape Girardeau Family: Husband John and two children Occupation: Lawyer Education: Bachelor's degree in political science and law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia Public offices: Member of the Missouri State Board of Education, 1990 to 1994; secretary of state, 1994 to 2001...

At first, fans of Southeast Missouri State University's sports teams didn't believe the university was serious when it announced that the days of calling the teams the Indians and the Otahkians were numbered. Then some fans became angry, denouncing the decision in public forums. That anger began to dissipate as the university asked supporters to help choose the new nickname for both men's and women's teams. The teams will become the Redhawks in January...

"My Lord," he said, "If it pleases you, stop here for a while. Rest in the shade of this tree while my servants get some water to wash your feet. Please stay awhile before continuing on your journey." (Genesis 18:3-5). One evening I watched a television movie whose story revolved around Annie, an old woman living in the woods in a makeshift shanty -- a lean-to fashioned from old boards she had scrounged. ...

Southeast Missouri State University's cross country program will have its only opportunity to display its talents in front of a home crowd today. The annual Southeast Invitational at Capaha Park will begin at 11 a.m. with a 3.1-mile women's race. The 3.1-mile men's race will follow at 11:45 a.m...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Rosemary Burnett, 85, of Murphysboro, Ill., died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, at Jackson County Rehab and Care Center in Murphysboro. She was formerly of Cairo. She was born Dec. 7, 1918, in Bardwell, Ky., daughter of Robert and Thelma Lee Halteman. She married William Tanner Burnett, who died in 2000...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Ellen N. "Sis" Harrell, 90, of Greenwood, Miss., died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Miss. She was born Feb. 21, 1914, in Monette, Ark., daughter of John H. and Lula Calhoun Bailey. She and Phines R. Harrell were married Sept. 3, 1931, in Charleston, Mo. He died Nov. 18, 1998...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Charles Hobart Bollinger, 85, of Marble Hill died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, at his home. He was born April 2, 1919, at Zalma, Mo., son of Charley Lorenzo and Lottie James Bollinger. He and Beverly Carroll Roggensack were married June 5, 1940. She died Dec. 29, 1978. He and Vera Holloway Perry were married Nov. 20, 1983...

BOSTON -- Reggie Sanders and the other St. Louis Cardinals outfielders spent a lot of time looking around Fenway Park on Friday. They paid particular attention to the Green Monster in left, the low fence in right and the odd angles in between. While Scott Rolen and the Cardinals took batting practice, a fungo hitter tattooed the 37-foot wall, letting Sanders get a gauge on how to play the crazy caroms...

BOSTON -- Woody Williams is a constant in a St. Louis Cardinals rotation that manager Tony La Russa keeps juggling. The right-hander will make his third straight series-opening start in Game 1 of the World Series on Saturday night. La Russa said he was considering using 15-game winner Matt Morris on three days' rest in Game 2 on Sunday because Morris has coped with the postseason better than the other choice, Jason Marquis. ...

Central prepared for Friday's district football game with Poplar Bluff by bringing in two guest speakers -- Southeast Missouri State professor Dr. Tim Rademacker and Southeast baseball coach Mark Hogan -- and having scout team running back Garrett New impersonate Todd Tinsley all week...

Scott City's football team bounced back from its first loss of the season, as the Rams opened Class 2 District 2 play with a 37-6 win over visiting Grandview on Friday night. The Rams (7-1), who lost to Hayti last week, got two rushing touchdowns from both Matt Schaefer and Dane Gibson...

Rockwood Summit starting quarterback David Mazar struggled Friday night at Jackson, completing less than 50 percent of his passes with no completions in the second half. Even with Mazar's struggles, his 85-yard touchdown pass to Dante' Crockett with less than 50 seconds left in the first half gave the Falcons a 21-7 halftime lead and put the game out of reach in a 34-14 win in the opening week of Class 5 District 1 play...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Notre Dame wasn't intimidated Friday in its first appearance at the Class 3 state tournament. But Webb City still hasn't tasted defeat this year. Webb City posted a 2-1 victory against Notre Dame in a state semifinal game at the Rainbow Sports Complex...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Prior to Kelly's Class 2 state softball semifinal matchup with Putnam County at Rainbow Softball Complex on Friday, the seniors made it a point to have a little chat with the rest of the team. The focus of the conversation was just to stay focused no matter the situation...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Republican Matt Blunt and Democrat Claire McCaskill clashed during their second televised debate Friday over who has the most pertinent experience in life and as a state officeholder to serve as Missouri's next governor. Blunt, 33, touted his efforts to reduce the staff and budget of the secretary of state's office. He also noted the passage of new elections laws, including provisional ballots and expanded voter identification requirements...

Trying to be heard in a race that's often lost among the contests for president and governor, the two candidates seeking to be the state's next lieutenant governor point to their professional experience as a reason they're best suited for the job...

Any way you look at things, it has so far been a very disappointing Southeast Missouri State University football season. But coach Tim Billings knows things would improve in a hurry if Southeast (1-5, 1-2 Ohio Valley Conference) can beat Murray State (3-4, 2-2) today. The kickoff in Murray, Ky., is set for 1:30 p.m...

BOSTON -- The World Series logo was back on the field at Fenway Park, just like last year. Only this time, it's for real. That's right, the 100th World Series opens tonight in the city where the Fall Classic began in 1903 with Cy Young pitching a complete game against Pittsburgh for the Boston Pilgrims, predecessor to the Red Sox...

WASHINGTON -- More than 800 former soldiers have failed to comply with Army orders to get back in uniform and report for duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, the Army said Friday. That is more than one-third of the total who were told to report to a mobilization station by Oct. 17...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Steven Todd Vincent, 39, of Shreveport, La., formerly of Sikeston, died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, in Keithville, La. He was born Oct. 10, 1965, in Sikeston, son of Carl A. "Jack" and Bonnie R. Hale Vincent. Vincent attended Southwood High School and graduated from Graywood Baptist School in Shreveport...

25 years ago: Oct. 23, 1979 Ouster of Circuit Judge Lloyd G. Briggs from the bench has been recommended by a judicial commission, which found him guilty of all or part of seven counts, including one involving a Cape Girardeau County case sent to Scott County on a change of venue...

Mills Daughter to Stephanie Yvonne Mills of Sikeston, Mo., Saint Francis Medical Center, 8:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, 2004. Name, Zemauriah DeShae. Weight, 3 pounds 11 1/5 ounces. First child. Ms. Mills is the daughter of Veronica Mills and Ronnie Mills of Sikeston...

Early voting confusion I AM so confused. What's up with early voting? I always thought that the nation voted as a whole on Election Day, and that candidates could not campaign during the voting time. They are still campaigning during early voting. What's the use of having an Election Day if a big chunk of the country can stop and vote anytime in the next two weeks when it's handy? What happens if something relevant comes up next week? Can all those people change votes?...

Golf n Briny Baird shot a 6-under 66 for a one-shot lead over Tom Lehman after the second round of the Funai Classic at Disney on Friday. Baird, at 13-under 131, had seven birdies, six par saves and only 23 putts on the Palm course. Winless for almost five years, Lehman put himself in contention for the third straight week with a 66 on the Magnolia course. ...

Today Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at 6 p.m. at the Church of the Redeemer in Cairo, Ill. Guest will be the Rev. Peter Hess Beckwith, bishop. A reception will be held following the service. Sunday The Pullen family will sing during morning services at the Jackson Church of the Nazarene. A dinner will follow the worship service...

Cape Girardeau The following items were released Friday by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Amy Ladawn Stone, 32, 1367 County Road 254, Advance, Mo., was arrested on a Cape Girardeau County warrant for probation violation for possession of a controlled substance...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following items on Thursday: At 5:14 p.m., emergency medical service in the 100 block of South West End Boulevard. At 6:20 p.m., detector sounding at 2601 Independence St. At 7:26 p.m., vehicle accident at 153 Lexington Ave...

A position-by-position look at the St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox going into the World Series, starting Saturday night at Fenway Park: ------ First Base Cardinals: Albert Pujols. Voted MVP of the NLCS, hitting 14-for-28 with four homers and a team-high nine RBIs, and is hitting .442 in postseason with six homers and 14 RBIs, both team highs. ...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Trembling, haggard and weeping into a tissue, Margaret Hassan, the kidnapped British aid worker who has spent nearly half her life delivering food and medicine in Iraq, begged Britain on Friday to help save her by withdrawing its troops, saying these "might be my last hours."...

DOTHAN, Ala. -- Like the other worshippers at the newest church in this southern Alabama city, Rich Elder listened intently to the sermon -- showing not even a hint of annoyance that the pastor wasn't in the building, or even in the state. The image of pastor Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church appeared on a large screen at the front of the hotel conference room where the Wiregrass Church meets. Stanley's church, meanwhile, is near Atlanta -- and he had recorded the sermon months ago...