Stories from Sunday, June 26, 2005

John Hrabar is with family in Jackson for two weeks of rest before returning. John Hrabar picks up his tiny Savanna, gazes at her warmly, and asks a question. "Who do you love?" From the way the 3-year-old smiles at her daddy, no answer is necessary. Instead, she puckers up, sweetly offering a kiss...

They're friends because of shared history. They have the common blood of saving each other in times of real need. In 35 years, their system of values hasn't changed. Vietnam veterans of Bravo Company, platoons 1, 2 and 3, gathered Saturday at John and Joyce Seabaugh's farm in Cape Girardeau for their fifth-annual reunion. ...

On any given warm day in Jackson's city park, children and youths can be found splashing and stomping through Hubble Creek. Occasionally, fishermen may try their luck in the knee-deep water at one or both low-water bridges. Last Thursday, Rebecca McAtee strolled along the southern bank of Hubble, watching her three children and niece hop from one dry rock to another. The children giggled as they explored, hopping ankle deep into the creek...

Southeast's Miles Smith clocked 45.25 seconds in a 400 race teeming with professionals. CARSON, Calif. -- Southeast Missouri State's Miles Smith concluded a brilliant series of performances at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships with a sixth-place finish in Saturday's 400-meter finals...

The Longhorns defeated Florida 4-2 in the Game 1 of the CWS championship series. OMAHA, Neb. -- Adrian Alaniz and J. Brent Cox combined on a four-hitter, and Will Crouch and David Maroul homered, leading Texas to a 4-2 win over Florida in Game 1 of the College World Series championship round Saturday night...

CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, Colo. -- Those who came to Cherry Hills wanting to witness history only had to adjust their view Saturday in the U.S. Women's Open. Annika Sorenstam's bid for the Grand Slam was still a possibility. Perhaps even more amazing was the sight of two teenagers in pinks shirts and ponytails -- 15-year-old Michelle Wie and 17-year-old Morgan Pressel -- grabbing a three-way share of the lead and standing 18 holes away from a chance to become the youngest major champion in golf history.. ...

St. Louis won 8-0 behind a complete-game four-hitter from its ace. ST. LOUIS -- All June, the story was the same with Chris Carpenter. Dominant pitching, followed by predictable self-analysis. Carpenter pitched a four-hitter and Yadier Molina, Jim Edmonds and Albert Pujols homered Saturday night to lead the St. Louis Cardinals over the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-0...

WASHINGTON -- The government hopes DNA analysis can pinpoint the herd of the cow that tested positive for mad cow disease and lead investigators to the source of the animal's brain-wasting illness, the Agriculture Department's chief veterinarian said Saturday...

A Missouri senator is asking the Justice Department to create a special unit for cold cases. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Talent is calling for the creation of a Justice Department unit focused on unsolved civil rights era killings. The Missouri Republican's proposal comes days after an 80-year-old former Klansman, Edgar Ray Killen, was handed a 60-year prison sentence in Mississippi for orchestrating the slayings of three civil rights workers in 1964...

There are a few things that the average teenager absolutely must have in 21st century America. A license to drive is one. A cell phone is another. But police officers, parents, and, increasingly, lawmakers are coming to the conclusion that those essentials are a dangerous mix when combined with inexperience on the road. A growing number of states are creating legal barriers to keep young drivers from using cell phones, even as few ban adults from talking -- at least handsfree -- while driving...

CAMDEN, N.J. -- As their parents frantically searched for them, three small boys were tucked quietly into the trunk of a beat-up car, where any noise they may have made was muffled by insulation or drowned out by the sound of driving rain, officials said Saturday...

MAGNOLIA, Ark. -- At age 81, Fola Coats might seem a little old to join the Navy. But the great-grandmother recently received a letter inviting her to enlist in the Seabees of the Naval Reserve. "I laughed when I got [the letter]," she said. "I told [my family], I can't wait to get my uniform."...

BOSTON -- A woman who apparently stuffed $46,950 in cash in her bra before trying to board a plane to Texas for plastic surgery has sued a federal agency, demanding the return of her money. The money was seized from Ileana Valdez, 26, after a security check at a metal detector at Logan International Airport on Feb. 3. Valdez told authorities she was heading to Texas for plastic surgery on her buttocks and breasts...

The wooden bed in the upstairs River Room of the Glenn House looks as though it was made for the space. In truth, the bed and several other pieces of furniture are recent additions to the historical mansion, part of a legacy left to the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau, Inc. by Cape Girardeau philanthropist B.W. Harrison...

Some campers opt for five-star cuisine NEW YORK -- Sushi, fine wine, table linens -- and a tent. Welcome to the world of luxury camping. The July issue of Outside magazine profiles a trend in which some campers opt for five-star cuisine served tentside. ...

ORLANDO, Fla. -- I consider myself something of a hardened, jaded reporter. I was gassed during the raid to seize Elian Gonzalez. I spent weeks watching officials look for hanging chads during the 2000 presidential recount. I've seen more autopsy photos than the combined "CSI" casts...

Irish star Padraig Harrington grabbed a share of the third-round lead at the Barclays Classic, shooting a 3-under 68 to match Jim Furyk at 9-under 204 on the sun-baked Westchester Country Club course in Harrison, N.Y. Furyk, the leader after each of the first two rounds, had a 70. The 2003 U.S. Open winner is winless since returning from a serious wrist injury a year ago. Brad Faxon (66) and Brian Gay (71) were two strokes back at 7 under...

WIMBLEDON, England -- Two-time champion Serena Williams lost Saturday at Wimbledon one round shy of another showdown with sister Venus. Still rusty following a layoff and slowed by an ankle injury, Serena was upset by fellow American Jill Craybas 6-3, 7-6 (4)...

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio -- Paul Kramer took the slow lane to get to his niece's wedding. Kramer, who lives in Southern California, hopped onto his bicycle on April 12 and pulled into his brother's driveway here on Tuesday -- 71 days and 4,250 miles later...

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba -- American lawmakers on Saturday toured the U.S. prison for suspected terrorists for the first time since recent harsh condemnation of Guantanamo detainees' treatment and renewed demands that the camp close. Lawmakers from both parties fear that the prison at the U.S. Navy base has become an image problem because of claims that U.S. interrogators abuse and torture inmates...

SONOMA, Calif. -- Everything was going so smoothly for Jeff Gordon. Coming off a second-place finish at Darlington early in May, the four-time NASCAR champion was second in the season points standings, trailing only Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson, and seemingly cruising toward a spot in the Chase for the Nextel Cup championship...

Clifford West George Clifford West, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, June 23, 2005, at Saint Francis Medical Center. He was born July 20, 1921, in Elco, Ill., son of Elmer E. and Retta Benefiel West. He and Algene Hartline were married May 17, 1942, in Cape Girardeau. She died in August 1990...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Friday: n At 4:12, wind damage at Cape Regional Airport. * At 7:52 p.m., a motor vehicle accident at Kingshighway and Interstate 55. Firefighters responded to the following calls Saturday:...

Cape Girardeau...

At a meeting earlier this month, the board that decides how more than $6 billion in the Missouri State Employees Retirement System will be invested was evenly split on a concern raised by State Treasurer Sarah Steelman regarding investments that may be going to organizations with ties to terrorism...

Floodwall pleasure; Fighting in the war; Implied rights; Waiting for close-ups; Fuzzy figures; Power of prayer; Cutting too close

Cara Brooke Ervin and Michael David Probst were married May 28, 2005, in an outdoor ceremony at Von Jakob Orchard in Alto Pass, Ill. Tony Hammack of Scopus, Mo., performed the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mike Ervin and Carolyn Ervin-Mobley of Cape Girardeau. The groom is the son of Dr. David and Maggie Probst of Cape Girardeau...

Bruce and Betsy Odle of Columbia, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Elissa Odle, to James Gladish, both of Columbia. He is the son of Jim and Sally Gladish of Jackson. Odle is a 1997 graduate of Hickman High School, and received a degree in cosmetology from Merrell University in Jefferson City, Mo. She is owner of Studio E Hair Salon and Day Spa...

Calvin and Evelyn Diebold of Scott City announce the engagement of their daughter, Theresa Rochelle Diebold, to Ryan Christopher LeGrand. He is the son of Ronald and Sharon LeGrand of Scott City. Diebold is a senior at Southeast Missouri State University, pursuing a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She is employed at Saint Francis Medical Center...

John and Diane Bolen of Oak Ridge and Donna Bolen of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Jeanna Bolen, to Colby Lohman. He is the son of Bob Lohman and Debby Litz of Jackson. Bolen is a 2002 graduate of Jackson High School, and is pursuing a degree in physical education at Southeast Missouri State University. She is employed at Watch Me Grow Daycare...

ORAN, Mo. -- Karen Rene Harris and Robert Shane Dirnberger were married June 4, 2005, at Dirnberger Farms in Oran. Lee Horton of Chaffee, Mo., performed the ceremony. Reader was Gary Blocker of Oran. Parents of the bride are Mr. and Mrs. George Stanley of Morley, Mo. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Butch Dirnberger of Oran, and the late Carole Dirnberger...

Candis Kay McKinney and Roger Dean McNeely were married April 8, 2005, at Church of God Fellowship in Cape Girardeau. The Rev. Tommy Morris performed the ceremony. Soloist was Mary Smith of McClure, Ill. The bride is the daughter of Larry and Carole McKinney of Cape Girardeau. The groom is the son of the late Don and Nell Francis McNeely and the late Carl and Juanita Ratliff...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Denise Nichelle Baker and Casey Ryan Myers were united in marriage May 28, 2005, at First Baptist Church. The Rev. John Alexander performed the ceremony. Parents of the couple are Denny and Marilyn Baker and Robert and Terry Myers, all of Marble Hill...

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald O. Staten of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Malaika Nikol, to William Timothy Chavous III. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Jones of Lindenwood, N.J. Staten is employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri in St. Louis, and is a member of the management team...

Late results; Congrats to Riverdogs; More to the story; More softball; Cliff note

Ted and Lisa Hooker of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Eloise Hooker, to Wayne Aaron Sykes, both of Cape Girardeau. He is the son of Janet Sykes of Scott City and the late Wayne Sykes. Hooker is a 1999 graduate of Central High School. She is employed at Bank of America...

Brian and Lisa Burger of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Ashley Ann Miller, to Matthew Theodore Diebold. He is the son of Gary and Diana Diebold of Jackson. Miller received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University in May. She is employed with Woodland School District in Marble Hill, Mo...

Patricia Powell of Cape Girardeau and Mr. and Mrs. Randy Copeland of Matthews, Mo., announce the engagement of their children, Carrie Dawn Powell and Robert Lee Copeland. Powell is a 1996 graduate of New Madrid County Central High School. She expects to receive a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Southeast Missouri State University in December. She is a respiratory therapist at Saint Francis Medical Center...

25 years ago: June 26, 1980 An open-air market for local fruit and vegetable growers is held from 4 to 8 in the evening in the Main Street parking lot south of Montgomery Ward; the Farmer's Market of Carbondale, Inc., a not-for-profit organization which consists mainly of growers and some consumers, is working with the Downtown Metro Merchants organization to get the Cape Girardeau Community Farmer's Market underway...

Excelsior Chapter DeMolay...

SIKESTON, Mo.--Lois Ann Rhodes Morgan, 55, of Sikeston died Friday, June 24, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. She was born Dec. 16, 1949, at Matthews Mo., daughter of Charles F. "Shorty" and Inell Moore Rhodes. She and Jerry E. Morgan were married July 21, 1970 in Matthews...

ST. LOUIS -- Authorities on Saturday searched for what caused a chain of explosions at an industrial plant that sent huge fireballs shooting into the sky and forced neighbors to evacuate. A team from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board was leading the probe, one day after the explosions at the Praxair Inc. facility where propane and other gases are processed for industrial use...

Marvin Robert Koechig Sr., 76, of Cape Girardeau died at 1:46 a.m., on Friday, June 24, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girar-deau. He was born on Thursday, Oct. 18, 1928, in Cape Girar-deau, the son of Henry F. and Minnie Peetz Koechig. He and Joyce Bradshaw were married on Oct. 22, 1949, in Piggott, Ark. She preceded him in death on Sept. 24, 1996...

VALENTINE, Neb. -- He still is a mound of a man, but his blue eyes widen with delight as he presses his chest with his fingertips, smiles mischievously and makes the grand announcement: He can FEEL his ribs. To Patrick Deuel, this small moment is huge. Headline huge...

There are few things in which you can invest your money and at the same time enjoy the investment as your money grows. One of those few things is your home. The right home in the right neighborhood is not only a sound investment, but you actually get to enjoy the home...

SANDESTIN, Fla. -- A 14-year-old girl was killed Saturday in a shark attack near Camping on the Gulf Holiday Travel Park in Walton County. She and a friend were swimming about 100 yards off shore, authorities said. Coast Guard spokesman Shawn McGivern in Mobile, Ala., said authorities were trying to track down the victim's relatives...

A high-traffic area with a large amount of trash received VIP treatment Saturday as members of Cape Girardeau and Jackson city government grabbed bags and picked up litter around the Interstate 55-Highway 61 interchange. The group of about 15, which included non-government volunteers too, cleaned up an eighth of a mile from the I-55 overpass to the beginning of Cape County Park...

Bertha Mary LeGrand, 94, of Benton, died Friday, June 24, 2005, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born March 16, 1911 near New Hamburg, daughter of William M. and Lucy H. Grojean LeGrand. LeGrand, formerly of Chaffee, was a retired secretary at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee. She was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton...

MINER, Mo.--Leta Mae Scott Bailey, 70, of Miner, formerly of Wyatt died Friday, June 24, 2005, at her residence. She was born Sept. 21, 1934, in Piggott, Ark., daughter of Robert and Zora Mongomery White. She and Fred Bailey were married. He died...

Margaret Elfrink, 93, of Jackson died Friday, June 24, 2005, at the Monticello House in Jackson. Arrangements are incomplete at Craycraft-Miller Funeral Home.

John Kabat, 67, of Patton, Mo., died Friday, June 24, 2005, at the Perry Oaks Manor in Perryville. He was born Sept. 3, 1937 at St. Louis, Mo., son of Anthony J. and Emily Frances Kowalski Kabat. He and Martha Mae Stracner were married Aug. 9, 1974...

Frances Marie Brown Dodge, 78, of East Prairie, died Thursday, June 23, 2005, at the home of her sister in St. Louis. She was born April 13, 1927 in East Prairie to the late Cashus Joseph and Mary Margaret Oliver England. She and G.W. Brown were married and later she married John R. Dodge. Both preceded her death...

LAGUNA BEACH, Fla. -- Willie E. "Billy" Eaker, 74, of Laguna Beach, Fla., died Thursday, June 23, 2005, at the Gulf Coast Medical Center. He was born Aug. 3, 1930, near Glenallen, Mo., son of Raymond and Lillie Mouser Eaker. Before retirement, he worked for Bunny Bread in Cape Girardeau and the Sunbeam bakeries in Florida...

Braun Son to Josh Steven and Heather Renee Braun of Scott City, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 8 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2005. Name, Brayden Joshua. Weight, 7 pounds 7 ounces. Mrs. Braun is the former Heather Stevens, daughter of Steve Stevens and Linda Stevens of Scott City. She is a dental assistant for Dr. Danna Cotner. Braun is the son of John Braun and Donna Braun of Scott City. He is employed at Spartech Plastics...

TORONTO -- Canada, which two years ago was prohibited from exporting its cattle to the United States after a mad cow scare, has no intention of closing its borders to U.S. beef after Washington announced that a cow tested positive there, Canada's agriculture minister said...

With two new movies due out in 2006, residents expect even more visitors. METROPOLIS, Ill. -- In this sleepy Ohio River town that claims Superman as its favorite son, 50-year-old Jim Hambrick has landed somewhere between reality and fantasy. All things Superman rule here, from the 15-foot bronze statue of the buff comic-book hero standing sentry in Superman Square to the Metropolis Planet newspaper to the T-shirts emblazoned with "S" that can be found just about everywhere...

The Plaza Tire Capahas suffered a rare doubleheader loss Saturday as the host St. Louis Printers posted 2-0 and 5-3 victories. "It's the first doubleheader loss for us in six years," Capahas manager Jess Bolen said. "But the Printers put a good team on the field and we just couldn't get our offense going."...

CAMDEN, Maine -- Edna St. Vincent Millay wrote a poem that would bring her fame, "Renascence," about the view from Mount Battie in Camden. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in 1850 while living in a house near Bowdoin College. And tiny Bucks Harbor, in South Brooksville, still looks a lot like the drawings in Robert McCloskey's beloved 1952 children's book, "One Morning in Maine."...

Weak, weaker, weakest are three words to describe the condition of Missouri's economy the past few years. And, truth be told, there was no reason to describe it in any other way. Doctors were leaving the state. Employers were frustrated with an out-of-balance workers' compensation system. ...

With a 1,229-314 career record prior to this year -- along with 23 consecutive National Baseball Congress World Series appearances -- Jess Bolen has fielded his share of outstanding teams as the longtime Plaza Tire Capahas' manager. This season's squad figures to fit right along those lines as the Capahas are looking fairly impressive during the early stages of the campaign, despite Saturday's rare doubleheader loss at the St. Louis Printers...