Stories from June 2006

June 1, 2006 Dear DC, A few Saturdays ago I left the house mad at you over something or other and went to the annual Demo Day at the driving range. On Demo Day, the major golf companies send representatives who let golfers try out the latest clubs. With all the company canopies and banners flying, the atmosphere is festive. Sort of like an Arthurian joust...

When Dr. Martin Jones arrived at Southeast Missouri State University as the new dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 1989, the university had no online classes and the River Campus arts school wasn't on the drawing board. The university had an open admissions policy. Some students, Jones said, weren't really equipped academically for college...

Southeast Missouri State University music professor Dr. Gary Miller will serve as director of the River Campus School of the Visual and Performing Arts. The two-year appointment comes as the university considers possible restructuring of the College of Liberal Arts and replacement of Dean Dr. Martin Jones, who retired Wednesday...

A 10-year-old girl alleged she was sexually assaulted by a family member in Cape Girardeau, according to police Sgt. Barry Hovis. The girl told her mother that the family member had sodomized her on multiple occasions since February on the city's southeast side...

Cape Girardeau city officials hope new sidewalks in the northwest part of town will make it safer and easier for children to walk to school. The city engineer's office put out for bid a project that will add 4,600 feet of sidewalk, much of it in the area surrounding Alma Schrader Elementary School at 1360 Randol Ave...

By Peter Kinder May is Older Americans Month. In recognition of Missouri seniors, I honored our best older workers and senior service award winners at the Capitol in early May. These individuals are actively working and volunteering in their communities long past retirement age, some 100 years and older. They are an inspiration to us all because they do whatever they can to make Missouri better. I salute these men and women who define good citizenship...

EL PASO, Texas -- Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas' bedroom is nothing short of a shrine to the Marine whose death in an Iraqi roadside explosion preceded a firefight that now is the focus of a criminal investigation. On one wall is a Marine Comfort Quilt, a blanket sewn by strangers who heard of the 20-year-old's November death in Haditha, Iraq. ...

JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Indonesia averaged one human bird flu death every 2 1/2 days in May, putting it on pace to soon surpass Vietnam as the world's hardest-hit country. The latest death, announced Wednesday, was a 15-year-old boy whose preliminary tests were positive for the H5N1 virus. It comes as international health officials express growing frustration that they must fight Indonesia's bureaucracy as well as the disease...

ST. LOUIS -- After the Houston Astros re-signed Roger Clemens, the St. Louis Cardinals put some more distance between themselves and their top rival in the National League Central. So Taguchi's bases-loaded single in the 11th inning off Mike Gallo gave the Cardinals a 4-3 victory on Wednesday, spoiling Houston's first game since re-signing Clemens. The Cardinals took two of three from the Astros, who beat them in the NL Championship Series last year en route to their first World Series...

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands -- Lance Armstrong called it a "witch hunt" from the very beginning, saying a French newspaper used dubious evidence to accuse him of doping -- even charging that lab officials mishandled his samples and broke the rules. According to a Dutch investigator's findings released Wednesday, he may have been right...

Carl Edwards, coming off a third-place finish in Charlotte that equaled his best performance of the year, is trying to shake off what for him has been a slow start to the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. Heading into Sunday's race at Dover, the 13th race of the season, Edwards is 14th in the standings, trailing series leading Jimmie Johnson by 530 points. More important, though, last year's third-place Cup finisher trails 10th-place Kevin Harvick by 95 points...

SAN DIEGO -- The FBI has opened an investigation into a fledgling San Diego sports marketing firm that tried to recruit Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, the attorney for the football star's family told The Associated Press Wednesday. Attorney David Cornwell of Atlanta said FBI agents interviewed him about "potential federal crimes" last week by phone. Cornwell said he intends to make Bush and his parents available to the FBI...

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Shaquille O'Neal was about to throw down another backboard-shaking dunk. Ben Wallace wasn't having it. The 6-foot-9 Wallace leaped and stuffed O'Neal -- forcing a jump ball, putting the 7-1 O'Neal on his back and sparking Detroit's defense that refused to let the Pistons' season end...

WASHINGTON -- There's no prize for filing the longest tax return, but General Electric Co. could probably beat any competition. The company filed a 24,000-page tax return to the Internal Revenue Service this month. If it were paper, it would stack up 8 feet high. But instead of sending boxes to the tax collectors, GE filed its return electronically -- all 237 megabytes of it...

WASHINGTON -- The United States said Wednesday it would join in face-to-face talks with Iran over its disputed nuclear program once Tehran puts its atomic activities on hold, a shift in tactics meant to offer the Iranians a last chance to avoid punishing sanctions...

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly First Friday Coffee at the Show Me Center this week. This month, state Sen. Jason Crowell and state Rep. Nathan Cooper will present an update on legislative issues before the legislature. The program will begin at 7:40 a.m. Friday after a continental breakfast. The room opens at 7 a.m...

The statistics about child abuse in our area are shocking. The stories of the pain and suffering endured by youngsters are horrifying. If anything good can come from the darkness of such agony, it is the light of public awareness, along with the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies and organizations like the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence...

Part two of a series "Cancer is an education you can live a lifetime without." This is what Angela said when she sat down to discuss the education she didn't sign up for when she was suddenly diagnosed with breast cancer. This lovely 43-year-old has her trademark wide-open smile at full throttle. She has lots to grin about these days. She just made it past her three-year cancer-free anniversary...

To the editor: Dog-slapping the Democrat-Socialist (Dazi) Party and associated useful Himmlers is a noble endeavor. But I am obliged to contract the sphincters of liberal-socialists (libsocs) with a fair and balanced flogging of the current Republican-in-name-only Grand Old Party...

Marble Hill UFO?; City landscaping; National knowledge; County sales tax; Hiroshima museum; Shaping opinion; Excessive speed

Sybil Mae Loos, 86, of Jackson passed away Friday, May 26, 2006, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home. She was born July 13, 1919, in Advance, Mo., daughter of Ray and Rosebud Shaner Brown. She and Emil Loos were married May 11, 1937. He passed away Aug. 10, 1992...

Ethel Dora Park Coleman, 91, of Cape Girardeau, died Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She was born Sept. 22, 1914, in Collinsville, Ill., daughter of Howell Wright and Clara Candice Kershaw Park. She graduated from Greenville High School and attended Greenville College in Greenville, Ill., and Hanover College in Hanover, Ind...

Richard G. Joplin, 52, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Dec. 9, 1953, in Salem, Ore., son of David G. and Ruth Thomas Joplin. He and Debra L. Peters were married July 22, 1978...

John D. McClard Sr., 88, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, May 30, 2006, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. He was born Sept. 7, 1917, at Pocahontas, son of the late Albert and Ora Unger McClard. He and Addie "Billie" Craft were married Sept. 15, 1950, in Old Appleton, Mo. She preceded him in death Dec. 20, 1986...

Dr. Max E. Cordonnier, 71, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at his home. Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Ronald "Ron" Newcomb, 54, of Sikeston, formerly of Charleston, Mo., died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at his home. He was born Aug. 31, 1951, in Cairo, Ill., son of Clarence Halton and Mary Lou Newcomb. He and Diane Rolwing were married Oct. 26, 1974...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Terry Randall Simmons, 43, of Charlottesville, Va., died Wednesday, May 31, 2006. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee is in charge of arrangements.

25 years ago: June 1, 1981 MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The future of ambulance service in Bollinger County likely rests on the outcome of a special election tomorrow on whether to establish an ambulance district which would rescue the financially strapped county government from having to subsidize the service...

Due to a mistake in the information provided to the newspaper, Juanita Cook's name was misspelled in Wednesday's club news.

Retired Southeast Missouri State University professor and well-known local artist Max Cordonnier took his own life at his home, Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton said Wednesday. Cordonnier, known for computer-enhanced art filled with images from literature and mythology, was 71. He had retired from the university in 1992 after 31 years as professor of English teaching courses in Romantic- and Victorian-era English literature...

Scott County's long wait for a drug-sniffing dog is nearly over following the donation of a $5,000 check. Nestle Purina PetCare Company of Cape Girardeau presented Sheriff Rick Walter with the donation Wednesday afternoon that will go toward buying the department the new animal. While the sheriff's department has a tracking dog, this will be the county's first drug-sniffing dog...

Letter guidelines for the Southeast Missourian. 1. Letters on topics of general public interest are welcomed. 2. All letters must be signed. The name of the writer will be published. 3. All letters to be considered for publication must include the name of the town where the writer lives and a daytime telephone number where the writer may be reached during normal business hours...

Cape Girardeau...

Cape Girardeau...

Local families hold reunions n Overbeck -- The William H. Overbeck family reunion will be held June 11 at shelter No. 22 at Cape County Park, South. There will be a covered dish meal at 12:15 p.m. Democratic group to meet The Cape Girardeau area democratic meetup group will meet Wednesday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. ...

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (known as CARF) has awarded the Community Counseling Center a three-year accreditation. This is the second consecutive three-year accreditation outcome that the international accrediting commission has awarded to Community Counseling Center. ...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The shooting death of a pregnant Iraqi, apparently by U.S. troops, as she was rushing to a hospital threw an intense spotlight Wednesday on the troubling issue of Iraqi civilian deaths. Iraqi police and witnesses said the troops gunned down the woman and her cousin in their car. The U.S. military said the car entered a clearly marked prohibited area but failed to stop despite repeated signals; shots were fired to disable the vehicle, it said...

DILI, East Timor -- Machete-wielding youths battled in East Timor's capital Wednesday amid burning and looting as more foreign troops bolstered a force struggling to stop the unrest that has destabilized the country. More than 100,000 residents of Dili have fled their homes to escape the violence, an aid official said...

KABUL, Afghanistan -- A U.S. military spokesman said Wednesday that American soldiers used their guns in self-defense after rioting Afghans opened fire during a melee that broke out after a deadly road crash. President Bush spoke with the Afghan leader and pledged a full investigation into Kabul's worst unrest since the Taliban's downfall. The anti-foreigner riots were sparked by an accident Monday in which a U.S. truck plowed into a line of cars, killing up to five Afghans...

PARIS -- Roger Federer was better than the weather. On a third consecutive damp, chilly day at the French Open, the top-ranked Federer endured two rain delays while beating Alejandro Falla 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 in the second round Wednesday. The two delays totaled 1 hour, 31 minutes, while the match lasted only 1 hour, 26 minutes...

Kimbeland teams compete in scramble Five two-woman teams from Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson played Tuesday in the scramble at Hidden Trails Country Club in Dexter, Mo. The team of Vicki Long and Harriet Myers led the way by finishing second in the championship flight...

ST. LOUIS -- Jim Edmonds missed his fifth straight start Wednesday with what St. Louis Cardinals medical officials again suspect is a sports hernia, and manager Tony La Russa expects to be without the outfielder for a while. Edmonds was scheduled to be examined by a specialist later Wednesday after undergoing an MRI on Tuesday. Team doctors have struggled to pin down a diagnosis...

As a volunteer assistant coach in 2002-03, John Ishee helped B.J. Smith's first Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team put together a breakthrough season. Now Ishee hopes to help the Redhawks continue their impressive run of success under Smith as a full-time assistant coach...

The Jackson American Legion team and visiting House Springs were evenly matched in all but one inning Wednesday. The fifth inning made the difference. House Springs scored six runs in the top of the fifth to open an eight-run lead and held off Post 148 for a 10-5 victory...

The Cape Girardeau Ford and Sons American Legion baseball team continued their winning ways Wednesday night at Capaha Park, posting a five-inning 11-1 victory over visiting Plaza Express from Fulton County, Ky. Cape Girardeau starting pitcher Lance Young, a recent Central High graduate, went the distance to record the win, giving up only three hits...

HOUSTON -- The memory of his mother pushed Roger Clemens to come back. The chance to play with his oldest son persuaded him to pick the Houston Astros. "We'll see what happens," Clemens said Wednesday. "Here we go." Clemens agreed to a $22 million contract to pitch for Houston for the rest of 2006, ending months of speculation around baseball and in his own mind whether he could -- or even wanted to -- play a 23rd season...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Oran did not commit an error in either of its first two games in the state playoffs. The state final four is a different animal, though, and despite Oran's state tournament experience, the Eagles made six errors in Wednesday's Class 1 semifinal at Taylor Stadium...

Calvin Williams didn't have to look long to find a familiar face when he decided to transfer from the University of Colorado. Williams knew about Scott Edgar from the time Edgar was an assistant coach at Alabama-Birmingham and tried to recruit Williams, then a high school basketball star in Memphis, Tenn...

Summertime events are in full swing, from barbecues to the opening of local swimming pools to hiking at Trail of Tears State Park. But some caution is needed during these activities. The most obvious danger to look out is damage from the sun...

The final stop Tom Neumeyer made in downtown Cape Girardeau Wednesday morning before returning to his studio was the May Greene Garden. Rumors abound concerning the garden's fate if the Cape Girardeau County government gets control of the current federal building. The garden sits behind the building, on the site of the former Greene estate. But some worry that the garden's location could move...

Cape Girardeau and Jackson's municipal bands are kicking off another season over the next few days. Jackson's band will have its first show tonight, while Cape Girardeau's band performed its first show last Monday. The bands perform once a week, with Cape Girardeau's band playing at 8 p.m. on Wednesday nights at Capaha Park Municipal Bandshell. Jackson's band usually plays at 8 p.m. Thursday nights at Jackson City Park, with a few of its performances beginning at 7 p.m...

Debra Baughn's research into her family history unearthed an interesting nugget: Her ancestors were married by Cape Girardeau founder Louis Lorimier in 1801. And, Baughn surmises, since there were no churches around, the nuptials very well may have taken place at Lorimier's home, the so-called Red House along the Mississippi River...

Most of you know what a big fan I am of the Mississippi River. And most of you know I am not shy about expressing my concern that Cape Girardeau, a river town with deep historical roots, is too disconnected from the river. In the past dozen years or so, there have been some shifts that indicate a renewed interest in the river and its importance to our fair city...

A woman convicted of lying to police on the whereabouts of an accused murderer was sentenced to 20 days in jail and two year's probation Thursday. Erica N. Ward, 19, of 2218 Good Hope St., was convicted in April by Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp for misdemeanor attempting to hinder prosecution. According to prosecutors, she provided a false alibi for Bernard Richards, 19, who is charged with second-degree murder in the Jan. 25 shooting death of Jacob Bowers, 17...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A 68-year-old man was accused this week with molesting two minor teenage girls in a Bollinger County campground. Charles P. Davis, of Grassy, Mo., was charged Wednesday with felony first-degree statutory sodomy, first-degree child molestation and sexual misconduct with a child...

After several months without interaction with municipal and county governments in Scott County, a Union Pacific Railroad representative says the company will soon reopen its dialogue. Chris Peterson, head of government affairs with UP, visited Southeast Missouri on Thursday and said the company was ready to start talks again with local governments...

A Cape Girardeau-area lawyer was arrested in Cape Girardeau on suspicion of driving while intoxicated over the Memorial Day weekend. Derrick R. Williams, 47, was arrested Saturday morning by a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper on charges of driving while intoxicated, speeding and failure to provide valid proof of insurance, according to patrol Lt. Steve Niederkorn...

Two men were arrested on drug-related charges after being found having illegal substances in Capaha Park, Cape Girardeau police said. Douglas W. Guyton Jr., 25, of 1143 S. Pacific St., was charged with felony first-degree drug trafficking and Brent S. ...

A Scott City resident awoke Thursday morning to find an intoxicated, nearly naked stranger sleeping on his couch. Police responded to a call of a burglary around 5 a.m. Thursday and found an underwear-clad man asleep on the couch inside an 11th Street home in which he did not live, police chief Don Cobb said...

By Carol Daniel It's been almost a year since my husband quit his full-time job and started his own company. It's something he says he has always wanted to do. And to watch and listen as he talks to clients, draws up proposals and world around the clod is nothing short of inspiring and, yes, exhausting...

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- Twice-convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad was sentenced Thursday to six consecutive life terms in prison with no possibility of parole, a sentence prosecutors consider insurance in case his Virginia death sentence is ever overturned...

ATHENS, Greece -- The burnt remains of a 2,400-year-old scroll buried with an ancient Greek nobleman may help unlock the secrets of early monotheistic religion -- using new digital technology. A team of U.S., British and Greek experts is working on a new reading of the enigmatic Derveni papyrus, a philosophical treatise on ancient faith that is Europe's oldest surviving manuscript...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq's government launched an inquiry Thursday into allegations that U.S. Marines killed two dozen unarmed civilians in the western town of Haditha, with the prime minister calling the bloodshed "a horrible crime." The probe, which will also look into other incidents involving American troops, came as the U.S. military ordered coalition troops to undergo special training in ethics and "the values that separate us from our enemies."...

PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. -- The funeral included a magician doing card tricks and an organist playing Broadway tunes. And the woman who was being remembered enjoyed it all. After she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in January, Rosemary Rhoades of Prairie Village decided to plan her own funeral -- and attend...

Steve Flesch was one of the few players who had no issues with the bunkers at the Memorial, and for good reason. He wasn't in any of them Thursday, which might explain why he was atop the leaderboard. Flesch made sure he kept his ball in the lush grass of Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio, playing his best golf of the year to reach 6 under through 17 holes when the first round was suspended because of storms. He was in the 18th fairway, typical of his day...

ST. LOUIS -- Every successful outing seems to distance Jason Isringhausen from his spotty start to the season. The St. Louis Cardinals' closer has 11 saves in a row, leads the National League with 17 in 19 chances and showcased his workhorse mentality by working two strong innings in Wednesday's 11-inning victory over the Houston Astros...

WASHINGTON -- A 13-year-old New Jersey girl making her fifth straight appearance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee rattled off "ursprache" to claim the title of America's best speller on prime-time television Thursday night. Katharine Close, an eighth-grader at the H.W. Mountz School in Spring Lake, N.J., is the first girl since 1999 to win the national spelling title. She stepped back from the microphone and put her hands to her mouth upon being declared the winner...

When disasters strike, rescue workers and aid providers aren't the only ones who step up their activity. Politicians also react to calamities that cause death and property destruction. In some instances, legislative remedies are indeed needed -- an unfortunate consequence of corporate strategies that cut corners and put the safety of workers at risk...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The disappointment of Wednesday's semifinal loss had not left Oran's baseball team as it took the Taylor Stadium field for Thursday's Class 1 third-place game. Oran had never finished fourth in seven previous final four appearances, and the Eagles made sure Thursday would not be the first time with a 6-4 win over Silex...

Dr. William Thorpe likes to tell people that he came to Cape Girardeau for the weather but stayed because of Southeast Missouri State. On Saturday, Thorpe's nearly quarter of a century involvement with Southeast -- namely the university's athletic department -- will be recognized with his induction into the Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association Sports Medicine Hall of Fame...

No difference; Bring back the roses; Arriving on time; It isn't broke; Tall grass; Need street lights; Other opinions; Enjoy life

Woodrow Lenual "Woody" Colyer, 81, of Jackson passed away Thursday, June 1, 2006, at the Monticello House in Jackson. He was born Nov. 28, 1924, in McClure, Ill., son of Jesse "J.A." and Jenny Murphy Colyer. He and Ruth Dockins were married June 16, 1946, at Burfordville...

Dr. Max Edward Cordonnier, 71, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 19, 1934, at Carthage, Mo., son of Harold James and Edrie Marie Schopf Cordonnier. Mr. Cordonnier retired from Southeast Missouri State University in 1992, where he taught 30 years. He also taught a year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and also taught at the University of Kansas while working on his doctorate in English language and literature...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Urban L. Winschel, 81, of Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at the veterans home. He was born May 17, 1925, in Perryville, son of August A. and Helen T. Ernst Winschel. Winschel had been a diesel mechanic. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Apple Creek, Mo., American Legion Post 133, and Western Catholic Union...

Shirley T. Warren, 64, of Jackson died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at Monticello House. She was born Feb. 9, 1942, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of John and Bertha Scherer Kirn. She and Jack Warren were married Feb. 16, 1972. He died June 27, 1993. Warren attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson...

Dorothy G. Fehlings, 92, of Sun City Center, Fla., died Tuesday, May 16, 2006, in Sun City Center. She was born Aug. 14, 1913, in St. Louis, daughter of John C. and Rosalie Lewis George. She and Marvin John Fehlings were married July 3, 1934. He died Feb. 20, 2002...

Koch; Dykes; Coomer

25 years ago: June 2, 1981 Two Cape Girardeau County jail trusties who escaped from a County Farm Park detail yesterday are back in custody; the 17-year-old escapees are captured shortly after 10 a.m. by Cape Girardeau police at the home of a friend of one of the boys...

'Break Up'; 'The Omen'; STILL PLAYING; 'The Da Vinci Code'; 'Ice Age: The Meltdown'; 'Just My Luck'; 'Mission Impossible III'; 'Over the Hedge'; 'Poseidon'; 'RV'; 'See No Evil'; 'Stick It'; 'United 93'; 'The Wild'; 'X-Men: The Last Stand'

Marble Hill woman publishes book; Oran holds 11th annual car show Saturday; River City Players hold auditions for Lorimier play; Bicentennial book discussion Tuesday; Family fun day at Wickliffe Mounds set for June 10; St. Louis Art Museum shows landscape films; Lewis and Clark perform at Wappapello; Muny single tickets go on sale Saturday

Six Flags can be a thrilling place -- even when you're not on The Boss. Blake Driskell can attest to that fact. He recalls clearly the day of May 12, when he was standing in line waiting for the thrill of riding The Boss. Another burst of excitement came out of the blue when he received a call from his good friend, Todd Obergoenner...

The sixth annual Perry County Community Rodeo begins tonight and concludes Saturday at East Perry Fair Grounds in Altenburg, Mo. Pre-rodeo activities begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening and the competition starts at 7:30. Competition includes bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding and team roping...

CALEDONIA, Mich. -- In one small Michigan town, they are talking excitedly about welcoming home a beloved friend they had thought they had buried. In another, the news is still sinking in that a young woman believed to have survived a horrific crash five weeks ago is dead...

A 30-day jail sentence was handed down Thursday for a woman who admitted to attacking a man charged with leaving his infant daughter home alone for nearly a day. Tiffany N. Wilkins, 25, of 824 Good Hope St., pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault for the May 4 attack, and Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp sentenced her to 30 days in jail...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A suburban Kansas City couple accused of the videotaped sex killing of an Independence woman have admitted that they videotaped and killed a second woman, court documents released Thursday show. Investigators say Richard D. Davis, 41, and Dena D. Riley, 39, admitted their involvement in the deaths of 41-year-old Marsha Spicer and Michelle Huff, also known as Michelle Ricci...

By Miki Gudermuth The Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative appearing on the November ballot has become a target for misinformed opponents leaning toward twisting the facts to defeat the measure. Some have gone so far as to incorrectly associate stem-cell research with the abortion of a fetus, conjuring up phony or confusing scientific data to frighten people about the initiative...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- It's been two years since Arkansas schools started sending letters home to parents with their children's report cards -- letters telling them if their children were fat. Plenty of parents weren't happy. But a lot of them did something about it...

ST. LOUIS -- Attorney General Jay Nixon is pressing two state agencies to estimate the total cost of damages from the Taum Sauk reservoir collapse, fueling speculation that he is in settlement talks with Ameren Corp. just more than a month after he said he would file criminal charges or a lawsuit against the utility...

WASHINGTON -- Women now earn the majority of diplomas in fields men used to dominate -- from biology to business -- and have caught up in pursuit of law, medicine and other advanced degrees. Even with such enormous gains over the past 25 years, women are paid less than men in comparable jobs and lag in landing top positions on college campuses...

Cape Girardeau...

Cape Girardeau...

State of emergency in effect in Basra, Iraq BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Police set up roadblocks Thursday around the oil-rich southern city of Basra as a monthlong state of emergency declared by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki went into effect. Basra Gov. Mohammed al-Waeli said army troops and police fanned out around Iraq's second-largest city as part of a crackdown on rampant violence that has increased in recent weeks as rival Shiite militias fight each other for power. ...

VIENNA, Austria -- The United States and international partners are close to a deal that would offer Iran economic incentives if it suspends nuclear activities that could produce a bomb, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says. Iran's foreign minister welcomed the idea of direct talks, but rebuffed the U.S. condition that Tehran first must suspend uranium enrichment...

LAS VEGAS -- If you've ever wanted to dive into the Octopus's Garden or meet a psychedelic Sgt. Pepper, the creators of a new Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show are offering a little help from their friends. The theatrical interpretation, "Love," is based on 130 songs and song fragments. It debuts at The Mirage hotel-casino in June and takes audiences through a dreamlike journey that tracks the Fab Four's career...

PALM DESERT, Calif. -- Sounds like the plot of "The Princess Diaries III," but it's true. Jazmin Grace Grimaldi is the 14-year-old out-of-wedlock daughter of Monaco's Prince Albert II and a California woman who reportedly worked as a waitress. ...

NEW YORK -- Top-selling rappers Kanye West and Ludacris won a copyright infringement trial Thursday when a jury concluded their 2003 hit "Stand Up" did not copy a tune by New Jersey musicians. "I hope the plaintiffs enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame," Ludacris said after the verdict was announced. "This whole experience is proof to me of why I will always fight for what I believe in."...

NEW YORK -- The 24-hour BBC World news channel broke into the U.S. market on Thursday and is soon launching a one-hour morning newscast available to a wider audience that is being done with Americans in mind. The "World News Today" newscast will be broadcast live from London at 6 a.m. to compete with morning news programs in the United States., and will be simulcast on BBC America. That channel reaches nearly half of the 110 million U.S. homes with television...

Three stars (out of four) Great balls of fire! I thought one and two were good but not like this. "X Men III" starts with Magneto and Professor Xavier as friends going to Jean Grey's house to talk to her and her parents -- who seem to think that their daughter has an illness instead of a powerful gift...

Jess Bolen has a simple explanation as to why he has been a fixture on Cape Girardeau's summer baseball scene for so long. "I'd rather be doing this than sitting at home and watching TV," he said. So Bolen will begin his 40th season as the manager of the Plaza Tire Capahas tonight when the Valmeyer (Ill.) Lakers visit Capaha Field for a 7:30 p.m. first pitch. The squads also will have a 1 p.m. doubleheader Saturday in Cape Girardeau...

PARIS -- Gael Monfils hopped out of his changeover chair and stood with his back to the stands, raising his arms to join the French Open fans -- his fans -- as they did the wave. All of 19, Monfils is giving locals hope of a long-awaited homegrown champion, and he was part of a pack of youngsters who brought some exuberance to another dreary, rainy day at Roland Garros...

CHICAGO -- Warm winds blow across Wrigley Field and the ivy that covers the brick walls is a lush green. Summer baseball has finally arrived on the North Side, and the fans are turning out in big numbers. The Cubs, however, are hardly blossoming. May proved one tough month for a team that three years ago was five outs from the World Series...

It's only starting to make its way to showrooms, but the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500 is already appreciating in value. Potential buyers at eBay are bidding more than $10,000 above the starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $42,975 to get the modern version of a Shelby Mustang, one of America's famous muscle cars of the 1960s...

As much as Mike Chavez enjoyed coaching football, he also relished the several years he spent in law enforcement during the late 1990s. When an opportunity to rejoin the latter field recently came up, Chavez took it, meaning his days in charge of the Southeast Missouri State offensive line are over...

Two Cape Girardeau County commissioners believe creating a plan for paving county roads will help encourage voters to pass a half-cent sales tax increase in August. But the other commissioner believes a road plan may cause long-term problems for the commission...

Forget McDonald's. This summer, a handful of area college students are getting a jump on their business careers by starting their own companies. Instead of flipping burgers for quick cash, the budding entrepreneurs say they want real-world training that will give them an edge once they enter the work force for real...

When Rep. Scott Lipke, R-Jackson, sponsored a tough new law aimed at sexual predators who target children and young teens, he included something extra that hasn't received much notice -- the bill repeals Missouri's law banning consensual gay sex. The law is unenforceable because of a 2003 U.S. ...

Jake Wells sat back in a chair inside the Fountain Street Gallery, glancing at several paintings and ceramics he created. He was wearing a brown Missouri Speleological Survey T-shirt, which is appropriate only considering more than half of the paintings he is glancing at are inspired by caves and cave formations...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state's unemployment rate edged up in April to 4.6 percent but remained below the national rate, state economic officials said Thursday. That seasonally adjusted rate compares with 4.5 percent in March and is below the 5.5 percent rate a year earlier. The national rate in April was 4.7 percent...

An agreement local government leaders made over lunch to take a unified stance on the sales-tax holiday has not gone according to plan. The Cape Girardeau City Council voted May 15 on the first reading of the ordinance to opt out of the holiday, with Mayor Jay Knudtson saying Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Cape Girardeau County would maintain a "united front" on the issue...

With warmer weather, local police officials are gearing up to deal with more complaints, more crime and more work. "You can expect an increase in violence," Jackson police Lt. Rodney Barnes said. After months of being cooped up inside, criminals, like everybody else, take to the streets and enjoy the warmer weather, he said...

The only dentist operating in Scott City will have his license to practice suspended for 30 days beginning next Friday. Gary Riddle, 51, had been on a five-year probation that started Sept. 1, 2005, for ethical violations, including a conviction of spousal abuse and suspicion of use of a controlled substance. ...

MIAMI -- A year ago, the Miami Heat simply weren't good enough. Shaquille O'Neal knew it. Dwyane Wade knew it. So Pat Riley fixed it. And now, the Heat are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time. O'Neal had 28 points and 16 rebounds and Wade -- who spent part of his day in a hospital battling dehydration and flu-like symptoms -- added 14 points as the Heat ended the Detroit Pistons' two-year reign as Eastern Conference champions with an 95-78 win Friday...

HAMBURG, Germany -- Only a few minutes after the team arrived, it was easy to pick out the United States at the World Cup. The Americans got enhanced special security at Hamburg Airport early Friday, and their team bus -- unlike the other 31 -- didn't have the national flag on its rear...

MALIBU, Calif. -- Barry Enright pitched 7 1-3 strong innings, Brett Hunter got out of a ninth-inning jam and Pepperdine defeated Missouri 3-2 in Friday's second game of the NCAA's Malibu Regional. UCLA beat UC Irvine by an identical 3-2 score in the opening game...

GROTON, Conn. -- A Learjet registered to religious broadcaster Pat Robertson crashed in Long Island Sound while flying in heavy fog Friday, killing both pilots, authorities said. All three passengers escaped without serious injury. Robertson was not aboard...

BOSTON -- The Sevens, a beer-and-wine tavern with an oak bar worn smooth by decades of drinkers, has two amenities that set it apart: a real cork dart board and arguably one of the best jukeboxes east of the Mississippi River. From early Bruce Springsteen and Patsy Cline to rare Rolling Stones tunes, the jukebox -- more than the darts or the dark wood benches -- sets a rollicking mood that pulls people through the door...

WASHINGTON -- Airbus SAS on Friday asked a U.S. court to remove Boeing Co. lawyers from World Trade Organization deliberations on aircraft subsidies, saying one of the partners in Boeing's law firm has inside knowledge of Airbus strategy. Marco Bronckers, a partner in the Brussels office of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, used to be an Airbus lawyer, according to the firm's motion in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia...

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Allstate Insurance Co. says it is dropping earthquake insurance to most of its 407,000 quake customers nationwide as a part of a larger move to reduce exposure to catastrophic losses. Allstate spokesman Mike Siemienas said four states require the company to offer earthquake coverage, but the company is in various stages of talks with regulators there...

ABUJA, Nigeria -- Eight foreign workers, including one American, were kidnapped from a drilling rig off Nigeria's oil-rich southern delta Friday in the latest incident highlighting the tenuous security of oil operations in Africa's largest crude producer...

DAMASCUS, Syria -- Syrian anti-terrorism police fought Islamic militants near the Defense Ministry on Friday in a gunbattle that killed five people and wounded four, the government said. The shootout came after the police heard an "extremist terrorist unit" was in the area and engaged it, the Interior Ministry said. One police officer was killed and two were wounded, it said...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A military investigation into allegations that American troops intentionally killed civilians in Ishaqi, a village north of Baghdad, has cleared them of misconduct, the United States said Friday -- even though it acknowledged the deaths of up to 13 Iraqis in the March raid...

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- A couple already accused of the videotaped sex killing of a suburban Kansas City woman were charged Friday with kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 5-year-old southeast Kansas girl. Richard D. Davis, 41, and Dena D. Riley, 39, were charged with one count each of kidnapping. ...

ALTON, Ill. -- Services are set for Monday for a St. Louis-area doctor and the two young sons he threw from a Florida hotel balcony last week before plunging to his death -- a tragedy investigators still are trying to unravel. Edward Van Dyk, a radiation oncologist at Alton Memorial Hospital, died with his two boys -- Carl, 8, and Spencer, 4 -- May 27 in falls from a 15th-floor balcony at the posh Loews Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla., police there have said...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Fulton woman is accused of injecting a chemical into her husband's IV bag while he lay in his hospital bed recovering from surgery. Millie R. Edwards, 35, was charged Thursday with first-degree assault hours after a duty nurse at a Jefferson City hospital discovered around 1:30 a.m. that someone had tampered with the man's IV bag...

MONTREAL -- World Anti-Doping Agency chairman Dick Pound said Friday that a Dutch investigator's report clearing Lance Armstrong from doping allegations made by a French newspaper is full of holes. "They put as fact things that are suppositions, suspicions and possibilities," Pound said...

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals delayed making a move with injured Jim Edmonds on Friday, at least for the weekend, although they added an outfielder to the roster. Edmonds hasn't played since Sunday and hasn't started in a week due to what the team described as a mild to moderate abdominal strain. He visited a specialist in sports hernia's on Wednesday, who ruled out that injury...

Carl Pettersson would have to consider this a good day. He made five birdies in the five hours he spent on the golf course on a rainy Friday at the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio. The best part of all was that he finished his round and was atop the leaderboard...

The Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau has released the schedule for the summer Steamboat and River Barge Dockings at Cape Girardeau. n June 2: River Explorer, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m...

Cape Girardeau...

Cape Girardeau...

Each year since 2003, the Spirit of America Award has been given by the Southeast Missourian to an individual who best embodies this nation's bedrock ideals. The honor, presented during Cape Girardeau's annual Fourth of July celebration, is the region's highest of its kind...

Saturday; Sunday; Monday; Wednesday; Auction, dinner planned at La Croix on Tuesday

When La Croix United Methodist Church youth director Mike Fitzpatrick announced his idea to invite acclaimed author/speaker Brennan Manning to Cape Girardeau, other leaders in the church were skeptical that it would happen. But thanks to a cancellation in Manning's schedule, it did...

For Ken and Nancy Strong, it never felt so good to be back in Father's Arms. The Scott City couple returned this week to the church they founded 12 years ago after a year at The School of Pastoral Ministry in Tulsa, Okla. On Sunday, the couple will return to the pulpit at Father's Arms Fellowship, where interim pastors Webster and Opal Eaker have served since last June...

And Jesus came and spoke to them (his disciples), saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20...

To the editor: It saddens me to see the topic "Cairo woes" and the number of articles written in the last six months about the place where I grew up. While it is indeed your responsibility to report the news, one would think that this city has been condemned and there are no newsworthy stories talking about the good that may be going on there. ...

To the editor: Last week I had a doctor's appointment for 10 a.m. I arrived at that time and waited until 11 a.m. before being called back to the first room. During that hour of waiting, seven sales reps came in, and five were taken back. I waited until 12:25 p.m. ...

To the editor: How blessed the students of Central Junior High School are to have the opportunity to work under Mike Dumey. He gives more than 100 percent of his time and effort as if he would make the profits of a Broadway production. Mike's profit is in the devotion of his students...

Double platinum; Don't get soft; Marriage vote; Dangerous sale; Thanks for help; Driving privilege; Wake-up call; Waiting for bulb; Government debt; Take a good look

PUXICO, Mo. -- Patsy Croy, 77, of Boynton Beach, Fla., passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2006. She was born April 19, 1929, daughter of Lelland and Ella Townsend Kinnaman. She married Clarence Croy, who died Oct. 13, 1982. Croy was formerly of Puxico and Advance, Mo...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Terry Randall Simmons, 43, of Charlottesville, Va., died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, at his home. He was born Nov. 26, 1962, at Chaffee, son of Charles Franklin and June Harrell Simmons. Simmons was a truck driver with CR England Trucking Co. He was a member of New Caney Family Worship Center in Cleveland, Texas...

Pearl Statler, 98, of Jackson died Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau. She was born Sept. 19, 1907, in Mayfield, Mo., daughter of David and Eva Ethel Mayfield Green. She and Grealey P. Statler were married Sept. 3, 1927. He died Feb. 27, 1980...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Lester Leo Loucks, 76, of Norman, Okla., died Thursday, June 1, 2006, at Norman Regional Hospital. He was born Nov. 17, 1929, at Malden, Mo., son of John Henry and Clara Mable Kincade Loucks. Loucks retired as a maintenance supervisor with the U.S. Post Office and was a retired mechanic with York Air Conditioners, both in Norman...

Alfred Kaiser, 93, of Gordonville died Friday, June 2, 2006, at the Lutheran Home. Arrangements are incomplete at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

25 years ago: June 3, 1981 The ribbon is snipped in the morning at the new J.C. Penney store in West Park Mall before a crowd of shoppers and dignitaries; cutting the ribbon is Mrs. Lester Marlin, a former Penney employee who cut the ribbon for the first Penney store in Cape Girardeau in 1924...

Connell wins PGA Junior Series event The Southeast Missouri PGA Gateway Junior Series played its first of eight summer events on Wednesday at the Kennett Country Club. Jack Connell won the Tour division for boys ages 16 to 19 with an 83, while Kassie Walker shot an 89 to win the 16-19 girls flight...

The balls have been selected for the First Annual Downtown Golf Tournament in Cape Girardeau and they look just like napkin rings. The Birdie Ball Limited Flight Golf Balls are hollowed-out plastic doughnuts with a maximum flight of 40 yards. That's as far as they'll go and they don't tend to roll when they hit the ground...

With a theme of "we delivered," Missouri lawmakers Jason Crowell and Nathan Cooper on Friday touted several achievements of the most recent legislative session, including combating violence against children, finding funds for high-profile projects and cutting back on government waste...

A man who fell asleep on a stranger's couch in Scott City while drunk was cited with trespassing Friday. Brandon S. Czik, 22, of Scott City, was found asleep on the couch around 5 a.m. Thursday, according to police chief Don Cobb. ...

PARIS -- As officials of the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext celebrated their proposed -- and revolutionary -- $9.96 billion union Friday, rival bidder Deutsche Boerse AG said it has no intention of abandoning its pursuit of Euronext and its four European stock exchanges...

ANKARA, Turkey -- The death toll from a methane gas explosion in a Turkish coal mine rose to 17 on Friday after firefighters, troops and miners worked through the night to recover the bodies. Another five miners were hospitalized with methane gas poisoning and 35 escaped unharmed. The blast collapsed one of two shafts in the mine near the western town of Dursunbey in Balikesir province late Thursday...

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Four years ago, the Carolina Hurricanes surprised just about everyone by reaching the Stanley Cup finals. To listen to Rod Brind'Amour, that included themselves. "Looking back, we didn't really believe we could be there," he said...

MASKIOT, West Bank -- Israel has begun laying the foundations for a new Jewish settlement deep in the West Bank -- breaking a promise to Washington while strengthening its hold on a stretch of desert it wants to keep as it draws its final borders. The construction of Maskiot comes at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert seeks U.S. backing for eventually annexing parts of the West Bank as part of a plan to set Israel's eastern border with or without Palestinian consent...

KENNER, La. -- The five Gulf Coast states have good evacuation plans in place for tropical storms, but more work is needed to prepare for another major hurricane, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said Friday. "I feel the region has more work to do to ensure that all groups would know where to go, when they should leave and whether they should go by plane, train or bus if they cannot drive," Mineta said...

Cape Girardeau's Red House Interpretive Center and downtown murals have been honored with Legacy Awards from the Missouri Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission. The awards recognize projects that keep alive the legacy of Lewis and Clark's journey...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Seven family members, the youngest just 5 years old, were shot to death in their home during what appeared to be a robbery attempt, officials said Friday as police searched for at least two suspects in the attack. Police reached the house shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday after a witness saw one of the victims being dragged into the home and then heard gunfire...

ANKARA, Turkey -- Authorities at a Turkish Mediterranean oil port Friday loaded the first Caspian oil shipment from a new Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline onto a tanker for Western markets. The shipment from Ceyhan marks a crucial step in completing a project designed to create alternative oil routes to ease the West's dependence on Middle East crude...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Department of Insurance has filed a complaint against a West Plains insurance dealer for allegedly selling fake policies. The complaint filed with the Administrative Hearing Commission was announced Friday. It alleges that licensed insurance producer David LaFevers accepted more than $17,000 for worthless insurance policies...

From staff and wire reports COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Episcopal Church is poised to apologize for failing to oppose slavery, but making up for its 19th-century inaction won't come without 21st-century controversy. At its national convention beginning June 13, the church is expected to approve a resolution expressing regret for supporting slavery and segregation. ...

LOS ANGELES -- Luis Hernandez just laughs as he sells fake driver's licenses and Social Security cards to illegal immigrants near a park known for shady deals. The joke, to him and others in his line of work, is the government's promise to put people like him out of business with a tamperproof national ID card...

ATLANTA -- Doctors are reporting a disturbing rise in the number of cancer patients getting chemo and other aggressive but futile treatment in the last days of their lives. Critics of the practice say doctors should be concentrating instead on helping these patients die with dignity and in comfort, perhaps in a hospice...

MADISON, Wis. -- A federal judge dismissed a Roman Catholic pharmacist's claim that he was fired by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for refusing to fill birth control prescriptions and that the dismissal violated his religious freedom. The ruling Thursday said Wal-Mart had accommodated Neil Noesen's religious opposition to birth control by having other pharmacists fill prescriptions...

America has a proud history of immigration. We are a nation of immigrants, but we are also a nation of laws. Like all sovereign nations, America has the right to determine who may enter our country and who may not. The American people have chosen to strike a balance in their laws between their desire to provide opportunities to new residents of diverse backgrounds and the economic reality that too much immigration too fast will depress the wages and diminish the hopes of millions of our own citizens.. ...

PARIS --American James Blake moved into the third round of the French Open by beating Nicolas Almagro of Spain 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 Friday in a match suspended the night before. Blake, the final U.S. man left in the tournament, had never advanced beyond the second round in three trips to Paris...

NEW YORK -- During pre-Katrina visits to New Orleans, Steve Lyons set aside a few hours for an errand that would probably only occur to the Weather Channel's hurricane expert. He'd wander through the city and ask residents whether or not they would evacuate if a hurricane was on its way. Last spring, he walked into a fast food restaurant and put the question to the young woman serving his soda...

ST. LOUIS -- Justin Knox bit down on the bitter-tasting wafer, probably not realizing the medicine in his mouth was more powerful than morphine and strong enough to kill pain for three days. As the gel on the fentanyl pain patch dissolved on his tongue, his craving for pain drugs was relieved. ...

The Jackson American Legion team won its opening game at the Dyersburg Tournament in Tennessee, while the Cape Girardeau Ford and Sons and Scott County Legion teams lost their pool-play openers. Cape Girardeau lost for the first time this season, dropping a 14-4 decision in six innings Friday night against Gallatin, Tenn...

ST. LOUIS -- Todd Walker's RBI grounder scored Juan Pierre with the go-ahead run in the 14th inning, lifting the Chicago Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night. Closer Ryan Dempster (1-3) worked three innings and Pierre and Michael Barrett each had three hits for the Cubs, who got this month off to a better start than May, when they were an abysmal 7-22...

According to Plaza Tire Capahas manager Jess Bolen, it almost never fails. A player who has basically been idle all year is the team's top hitter during its opening game of just about every season. "We talked about that the other night," Bolen said. "It happens every year. A guy that hasn't hit all year will lead us in hitting that first game."...

There is nothing so frustrating as finding trash strewn all over the lawn. Or an empty hole in the spot where a flower bulb was planted the day before. With the onset of warm weather in Southeast Missouri comes the wildlife welcome wagon -- squirrels and deer in the garden, raccoons in the garbage cans, ants in the picnic basket and a host of other critter problems...

HE SAID: "You can wear my pajamas, honey." Oh, yeah. You read it right. Perhaps the six most feared words in the weekend trip vocabulary. Callie and I had just made the 2-hour trip to Van Buren, Mo. It was a late Friday night, and we had just said our good-nights to Callie's parents. We were staying in my in-laws' camper outside their house, getting ready for bed...

When Chautauqua rolls into town in about two weeks, organizers hope the weeklong event will hold a special appeal for area residents. "We hope the sheer novelty of it will really draw people," said Dr. Joel Rhodes, Southeast Missouri State University history professor and member of the local Chautauqua organizing committee...

I wrote last year at about this time how, because he doesn't compete in the high-profile sports of football or basketball, track and field athlete Miles Smith flies under the radar when it comes to recognition by area fans. I still feel that way -- and I still feel it's a shame, as I wrote last year -- because Southeast Missouri State's junior sprint sensation continues to stamp himself as one of the most accomplished athletes in not only school but local history...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A lawyer who had several relatives among 24 Iraqis allegedly slain by U.S. Marines last fall and is representing kin of other victims complained in a videotape Saturday that American compensation paid to the families was inadequate...

LONDON -- A raid on an east London house where anti-terrorism police shot and wounded a man was prompted by fears that a suspect had built a bomb designed to release a cloud of toxic chemicals, British police said Saturday. Officers, many in protective clothing, were still conducting a detailed search of the row house where two brothers were detained Friday, police said. Police also searched the workplaces of the two men Saturday...

Children like to be outdoors in the summer, especially in the yard or at the beach. But what about the rainy days? Or the long hours in the car getting to one of those utopias? Maybe the craving for soil or sand could be satisfied with a good book. A brother and sister build their own boat and go on an adventure -- using a map provided by sturdy and salty sea captain Bart -- that takes them by a whale who waves with his tail and to a private island. ...

NEW MARKET, Va. -- Remember the clumps of iris and daffodils you saw flowering along rural roadsides while on that cross-country trip last year? The brilliant poppies and butterfly weeds blooming in interstate medians? Real dazzlers, weren't they? And that's exactly what they're supposed to be -- eye-openers. Think of them as attention-getting, accident-preventing displays for drowsy drivers...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A crash on Interstate 70 killed four members of a family, sending shock waves through the local labor and education communities. Among the dead were Beverly Garrett, head of the local federal government employees union and a United Way board member, and her niece, Anita Gibbs, principal of Askew Elementary School. Also killed in the crumpled Ford 500 were Garrett's mother, Beulah Hunter, and aunt, Elois Jeans...

ST. LOUIS -- The owner of a fireworks distribution company has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally shipping explosives and other fireworks components. Frederick A. Ellis, owner and president of PyroWorks LLC, pleaded guilty Friday on six misdemeanor counts of illegally shipping banned substances through the mail. The case was investigated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission...

ST. LOUIS -- State clean-air officials hope changes likely to be made to the vehicle emissions tests in the St. Louis area will make it harder for people to cheat the program. St. Louis area residents must have their vehicles tested for emissions because the air doesn't meet federal standards for ground-level ozone...

CHICAGO -- A U.S. air marshal removed himself from a Southwest Airlines flight Thursday after dropping a clip of bullets on the floor just before the plane was to leave Midway International Airport, an airline spokeswoman said. The marshal arrived at Midway on a flight from Philadelphia and he was boarding the Southwest flight bound for Kansas City when the clip fell to the floor, scattering bullets, Southwest spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger told the Chicago Tribune for a story on its Web site...

Ai Miyazato idolizes Annika Sorenstam. To win her first-ever LPGA Tour title, though, the young Japanese star will have to hold off the woman who has 67 titles. Miyazato shot a 5-under 66 on Saturday and leads by one heading into today's final round in the ShopRite Classic...

ST. LOUIS -- Chicago has been playing without its All-Star first baseman for more than a month. The Cardinals are concerned they might be without theirs for a while, too. Aramis Ramirez hit a grand slam in the second inning to spark the Cubs in an 8-5 victory Saturday...

PHOENIX -- The Dallas Mavericks headed to the NBA finals for the first time in the franchise's 26-year history. Dirk Nowitzki shook off an awful start to lead a Mavericks' second-half comeback that beat the Phoenix Suns 102-93 on Saturday night to win the Western Conference finals 4-2...

DENVER -- Chinese ballet dancers in Vail. Jazz in Aspen and bluegrass in Telluride. When ski slopes become blanketed with grass and wildflowers in the summer, the towns in the mountains west of Denver stay bustling with crowds looking for an unusual mix of culture and outdoor experiences...

WILDWOOD, N.J. -- The Lollipop and The Starlux. The Shalimar and The Caribbean. The Imperial 500 and The Tangiers. With garish neon signs, multicolored exteriors and sweeping deck overhangs, the "Doo Wop" motels of the Wildwoods are the architectural equivalents of a Vitalis-slicked pompadour...

WASHINGTON -- Is Tuesday's date -- 6-6-6 -- merely a curious number or could it mean our number is up? There's a devilishly odd nexus of theology, mathematics and commercialism on the sixth day of the sixth month of the sixth year. OK, it's just the sixth year of this millennium, but insisting on calling it 2006 takes the devil-may-care fun out of calendar-gazing...

WASHINGTON -- Social Security numbers and other personal information for nearly 17,000 Medicare beneficiaries could have been compromised when an insurance company employee called up the data on a hotel computer and then failed to delete the file. An auditor for the Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general came across the information a few weeks later when using the same hotel computer in Baltimore, Medicare officials disclosed Friday...

GOLCONDA, Ill. -- The Illinois Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association will hold its summer annual membership meeting and program today at 1:30 p.m., at the Historical Society Building in Golconda. It will be hosted by the Pope County Historical Society...

n A suicide attacker blew up his car bomb at the main market in the oil-rich southern city of Basra on Saturday, killing at least 15 people and injuring 30, police said. The explosion occurred in the late afternoon when a large number of people were in the square, police Capt. Mushtaq Kadhim said. Hundreds gathered around the blast site, which was drenched in blood and the charred remains of several vehicles...

Spam king settles with Texas, Microsoft...

Pope joins youths in St. Peter's Square for rally; Iran : Breakthrough in nuclear talks possible

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A one-car accident in Bollinger County on Saturday injured a Marble Hill man, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said. The driver, Joseph Long, 22, suffered serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, the patrol said...

Cape Girardeau...

Cape Girardeau...

The decision by the Cape Girardeau County Commission to ask voters in the August primary to approve a half-cent sales-tax increase leaves barely two months to persuade taxpayers that the extra revenue is needed and that it will be put to good use. The commission proposes to use the revenue for roads and to upgrade the sheriff's department. ...

NEW YORK -- For the third straight summer, Stacey Weiss will be sending her 11-year-old twin boys to Camp Echo in Burlingham, N.Y. But even though they'll be away for eight weeks, Weiss can keep tabs on her children through photos on the camp Web site...

To the editor: ArtsCape 2006, sponsored by the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, was an enormous success. On May 20, thousands of people of all ages filled Capaha Park to celebrate the arts. So many people have told us how much they enjoyed the festival and that it truly offered something for everyone. Dedicated arts council board members, community support and the assistance of our many sponsors and volunteers made this year's ArtsCape festival possible...

Spending to save; High-calorie menus; Kids aren't hungry; Bannerless byway; Healthy backfire; Something to hide?; Behavior tactic; Speaking English; Photograph litterers; Rigged elections; Where we live; Unctuous motives; Football tithe; Catching speeders; Public employees; No sacrifice; Local fuel; Arthritis pain

Gerald Lyle Sielert, 90 years of age, of Cape Girardeau, died Friday, June 2, 2006, at Chateau Girardeau. A private service for the family will be held in Ames, Iowa, with the Rev. Cindy McCalmont officiating. The body will be cremated, and burial will be in the Ames Municipal Cemetery...

ORAN, Mo. -- Emma L. Schlosser, 76, of Oran died Saturday, June 3, 2006, at her home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnertt Funeral Chapel in Oran.

McCLURE, Ill. -- A memorial for Kenneth E. Darnell, 65, of Kingston, Tenn., formerly of McClure, will be held at 2 p.m. today at McClure Baptist Church. Darnell died Oct. 14, 2005, at his home in Kingston. He was cremated. He was a retired supervisor with D.M. White Construction. He was a veteran of the Air Force, serving in the Vietnam War...

Annie Mae Lattin, 75, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Cairo, Ill., died Friday, June 2, 2006, at Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau. She was born on Nov. 17, 1930, at Columbus, Ky., daughter of Rufus and Myrtle Berry Summers. She and the Rev. Josh Dowell were married in 1952 in Cairo. In 1960, she married the Rev. Willie Lattin. He died in 1985...

Alfred W. Kaiser, 93, of Gordonville died Friday, June 2, 2006, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 25, 1912, in Friedheim, son of Henry and Louise Dickman Kaiser. He and Delpha Koch were married Sept. 29, 1940, in Gordonville...

Theresa Rochelle Diebold and Ryan Christopher LeGrand were married Aug. 13, 2005, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, Mo. The Rev. Oliver Clavin performed the ceremony. Organist was Betty Ressel of Kelso, aunt of the groom. Vocalists were Rebecca Kluesner of Scott City, sister of the bride, and Bob Ressel of Benton, Mo., cousin of the groom...

Anna Elperina and James Michael Higgins were married June 4, 2005, in a morning ceremony at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church by the Rev. J. Friedel, and again later in an evening ceremony by Rabbi Joseph Rosenbloom. The bride is the daughter of Mila and Aleksandr Elperin of Creve Coeur, Mo. The groom is the son of Mike and Mimi Higgins of Cape Girardeau...

Marcy Mattern and Micah Emmons of Cape Girardeau announce their engagement. She is the daughter of Terry and Pat Kepley of Washington, Ill., and John and Marsha Mattern of Peoria, Ill. Emmons is the son of Don and Mary Sue Emmons of Cape Girardeau. Mattern is a 1995 graduate of East Peoria Community High School. ...

Mark and Sherry Snider of Dexter, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Snider, to Jeremy Lee Heise. He is the son of Debbie and Tony Pickett and John and Jane Heise of Cape Girardeau. Snider is an attorney with the firm of Bradshaw, Steele, Cochrane & Berens, LC...

Kelly and Nancy Mills of Springfield, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Katie Lee Mills, to Brian Gregory Spencer. He is the son of Ted and Sherry Spencer of Sparta, Mo., formerly of Cape Girardeau. An Aug. 5 wedding is planned at Sparta Church of Christ...

Jim and Retha Fanning of Grandin, Mo., and Alton Clark of Piedmont, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Tara J. Clark, formerly of Cape Girardeau, to Brent Wynn. He is the son of Terry and Teresa Wynn of Hartville, Mo. Clark is a 1998 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. She is a registered nurse at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Mo. She formerly worked at Southeast Missouri Hospital...

KELSO, Mo. -- Michael and Renee Murphy of Puxico, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy Murphy, to Randy Essner. He is the son of Norman and Dorothy Essner of Kelso. Murphy is a 1997 graduate of Puxico High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Southeast Missouri State University in 2002. She is a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau...

ORAN, Mo. -- Alfred and Phyllis Darlene Pearson of Oran announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Lyne Pearson, to Jesse Cole Rush. He is the son of Rita J. Rush of Dyersburg, Tenn., and the late Ronald J. Rush. Pearson is a 1995 graduate of Oran High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in child development from Southeast Missouri State University in 1999. She is a targeted case manager in children's services at Bootheel Counseling Services in Sikeston, Mo...

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Vogel of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 60th anniversary with a reception and party May 21, 2006, at Saxony Village Manor. The couple hosted the event. Vogel and the former Inell Mason were married May 24, 1946, at First Methodist Church in Rule, Texas, by the Rev. Lloyd Hamilton...

Mr. and Mrs. Stan Popp of Cape Girardeau celebrated their golden wedding anniversary May 20, 2006, with a social event at Celebrations Restaurant. Hosts were their daughters and sons-in-law. Popp and Shirley Suedekum were married May 20, 1956, in Gordonville, by the Rev. G.B. Seboldt. Members of the wedding party in attendance were Marjorie Suedekum, Jean McHenry, Bernice Smith and Bill Haman...

KELSO, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Robert of Kelso were honored with a dinner and dance May 28, 2006, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jackson. Hosts were their children and grandchildren. Robert and Lolly Welter were married May 30, 1956, at St. Augustine Catholic Church...

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Peetz Jr. of Jackson were honored with a surprise dinner in celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary. The event was held April 22, 2006, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jackson. Hosts were their sons and daughter-in-law. Peetz and the former Elsie Nitsch were married April 16, 1966, at the United Church of Christ in Jackson, by the Rev. ...

25 years ago: June 4, 1981 The Cape Girardeau Police Department may get into the polygraph business; last night, the city council gave first round approval to an ordinance that could lead to city police polygraphists administering polygraph examinations to employees of Farmers and Merchants Bank as a service requested by the bank, and making the service available to other businesses in the city...

More than 50 children gathered at the pond in Capaha Park on Saturday to participate in the 17th annual Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Youth Catch and Release Fishing Day. Winner of the biggest fish was Allen Carver, who reeled in a 17 3/4-inch catfish that weighed 2 1/2 pounds. Hunter Hodgkiss landed the littlest fish, a 2 3/4-inch bluegill that weighed 1/10th of a pound. Each received a tackle box...

About 30 youths competed in the annual Hershey's Track and Field Youth Local Meet, sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department and hosted by Central Junior High. Event winners qualified for the state meet, June 30 in Jefferson City, Mo...

The scent of tobacco lingered in the air, beer was being served and Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" belted from the jukebox. Not a typical Saturday morning at the Arena Building. Players young and old alike packed the Cape Girardeau venue on Friday and Saturday for the American Poolplayers Association local team championship eight-ball tournament...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A portion of a former two-lane highway bridge that was being demolished collapsed Saturday, killing one member of the construction crew and injuring another, police said. The accident occurred about 1:30 p.m. as one portion of the old bridge fell onto a lower section, said officer Darin Snapp, spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. Snapp said the victim's identity was being withheld, but that he was about 40 years old and lived in the Kansas City area...

RAMADI, Iraq -- Marine Capt. Andrew Del Gaudio walked down the battered staircase, past the dusty American flag strung from a wire fence in the hall, past the windows crammed with sandbags that obscured daylight and the world outside. In the ground-floor corridor of Government Center, Marines rested on cots and worn sofas, some smoking in silence as they waited to head out on a mission. ...

ATLANTA -- Women with advanced breast cancer soon may have another treatment option: A novel experimental drug delayed the growth of tumors nearly twice as long as standard chemotherapy did in patients who had stopped responding to Herceptin, doctors reported Saturday...

WADMALAW ISLAND, S.C. -- Green-yellow tea plants reach into the distance at the Charleston Tea Plantation as a green harvester slowly makes its way down one row, gently cutting the youngest leaves from atop the bushes to make them into American Classic tea...

PODGORICA, Montenegro -- Montenegro's parliament declared independence from Serbia for the tiny Balkan republic Saturday, forming Europe's newest country and dissolving the last vestiges of the former Yugoslavia. The assembly adopted a declaration of independence, verifying the results of a May 21 referendum in which Montenegrins supported a split from Serbia by a slim margin. ...

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Backed by warplanes, U.S. and Afghan troops recaptured a town from suspected Taliban rebels in heavy fighting as violence across southern Afghanistan left at least 35 militants dead, officials said Saturday. The Afghan government, meanwhile, announced a shake-up of the country's top police commanders Saturday after the worst anti-foreigner riots in years shook the capital. Kabul's police chief will be replaced, along with 85 others across the country...

WASHINGTON -- If the chips fall right for Democrats and their party seizes control of the House, President Bush's agenda on Capitol Hill would fall into the hands of some of his most dogged opponents. It's not just would-be Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California, but a boatload of Democrats newly running committees who would determine what legislation gets debated and which programs and agencies get scrutiny...

TORONTO -- Canadian police foiled a homegrown terrorist attack by arresting 17 suspects, apparently inspired by al-Qaida, who obtained three times the amount of an explosive ingredient used in the Oklahoma City bombing, officials said Saturday. The FBI said the Canadian suspects may have had "limited contact" with two men recently arrested on terrorism charges in Georgia. About 400 regional police and federal agents participated in the arrests Friday and early Saturday...

WASHINGTON -- When Donald H. Rumsfeld became defense secretary in 2001, he posted a chatty list of rules to live and work by on the Pentagon's Web site. "Rumsfeld's Rules," as they were called, are long gone now. But two of them in particular resonate during this time of war and recrimination...

Central track and field coach Lawrence Brookins had a number of reasons to be happy about the 2006 track season. The Tigers girls finished sixth in the Class 4 state meet, and the boys placed ninth. "We represented Southeast Missouri well," he said. "I'm extremely proud of these kids."...

Thinking back on her championship track season, Nicole Jackson has a hard time holding back the tears. And they're not all filled with joy. "I've had a rough season," Jackson said Thursday. That's not a word she throws around loosely. The 17-year-old Central junior was shot seven years ago and was a passenger in a car accident on Interstate 55 two years ago...

Plaza Tire Capahas manager Jess Bolen said before the season that he believes pitching will be the strength of his team this summer. If the first two games are any indication, Bolen's assessment will be accurate. The Capahas recorded their second shutout in as many days Saturday, rolling past the visiting Valmeyer (Ill.) Lakers 7-0 at Capaha Field...

U.S. Sen. Jim Talent stressed his bipartisan efforts in Washington even as he painted Democratic challenger and State Auditor Claire McCaskill as a tax-and-spend liberal during his re-election rally in Cape Girardeau on Saturday. The noontime visit to Cape Girardeau was part of a two-day, eight-city tour of the state to kick off his re-election campaign. The tour was scheduled to end Saturday evening in Hannibal, Mo...

BANTUL, Indonesia -- The Mount Merapi volcano spewed lava and hot clouds Saturday and a strong aftershock hit the region, sending fear rippling through the southern Indonesian area devastated by an earthquake only a week ago. The mountain's lava dome has swelled in the past week to 330 feet, raising fears that it could collapse, said Subandriyo, a government scientist who uses one name. ...

The Republican primary for county clerk is a "family feud" that will end when the winner is declared Aug. 8, a supporter of one candidate said last week. Large signs proclaiming support for candidates Kara Clark and Paul Sander line all the major roads in Cape Girardeau County, with some standing side by side. That competition for prime space is mirrored in the two camps' rivalry for supporters prominent in area politics...

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- A fan blew hot, humid air through Aaro Hayes' Federal Emergency Management Agency mobile home one day last week. The mobile home's air conditioner quit the day after FEMA officials delivered the home to her lot Tuesday. "It could be worse," Hayes said as she fanned herself on an 88-degree afternoon...

Cape Girardeau County Commission discusses $5.9 million sales tax The Cape Girardeau County Commission on Monday directed county highway administrator Scott Bechtold to prepare a list of paving projects that would be completed during the first five years following approval of a proposed county sales tax increase...

Within the next three years, John Latecki Jr. hopes to have canoed 30,000 miles of waterways through 48 continental United States, break a record for the longest canoe trip in the Guinness Book of World Records and raise awareness for multiple sclerosis...

Cape Girardeau public school administrators will pocket more money in the coming school year and superintendent Dr. David Scala says they deserve it. Most of the district's 24 administrators, including principals and assistant principals, will receive pay raises of more than 3 percent in the coming school year. Most will receive pay raises of $2,100 or more, salary records show...

With methamphetamine use in women increasing, politicians seek to provide more funding for some treatment facilities, something local centers can hardly wait to see. "Meth is a big problem," said Jim Ray, clinical supervisor for Family Counseling Center Inc., 20 S. Sprigg St. "We turn people down all the time because funds are not available to increase the size."...

ST. LOUIS -- Jim Edmonds probably was headed for the 15-day disabled list with an abdominal injury, before Albert Pujols beat him to it. Instead, he filled Pujols' position, and the offensive void, in the St. Louis Cardinals' 9-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. Edmonds can't play center field yet because of all the running that's required, but the sudden vacancy at first base could allow him to contribute as he recuperates...

ST. LOUIS -- This is a much larger challenge for the St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols will be out indefinitely with a strained muscle on his right side. Pujols, last year's NL MVP and this season's major league leader in home runs and RBIs, was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday...

DALLAS -- Like most longtime Dallas Mavericks fans, Mark Cuban remembers the bad old days, when "postseason play" meant being part of the draft lottery. Boy, how times have changed. Injected with Cuban's cash, Dirk Nowitzki's jumper and Avery Johnson's leadership, the Mavs are headed to the NBA finals for the first time, starting Thursday night at home against the Miami Heat...

Two weeks before his new restaurant opens, Sam Massarweh is watching as two downtown Cape Girardeau eateries close their doors. On the same day last week, Gatherings Cafe at the Marquette Towers and Sidewalk Sandwich Co. closed up shop for good. The restaurant climate here makes Massarweh nervous...

The Associate Press YUMA, Ariz. -- The first National Guard troops sent to assist immigration agents prepared Sunday to work on projects near a fortified stretch of desert along the U.S.-Mexico border. The 55 Utah National Guard members on Monday plan to begin extending fences, improving gravel roads and working on border lighting near the town of San Luis, Ariz., which is part of the nation's busiest U.S. Border Patrol station...

CULVER CITY, Calif. -- Jessica Alba played starring roles in "King Kong," "Mission Impossible: III" and "The Da Vinci Code." At least she did on Saturday, when she parodied the three blockbusters as the host of the 2006 MTV Movie Awards, known for taking a lighthearted look at the industry it honors...

RAMADI, Iraq -- Amid the flames and smoke and smell of burning diesel, there was little left of the Humvee but a blackened knot of scalding, twisted steel. It looked bad -- what troops call a "K-Kill" -- a catastrophic event that claims the life of everyone on board...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Masked gunmen stopped two minivans carrying students north of Baghdad on Sunday, ordered the passengers off, separated Shiites from Sunni Arabs and killed the 21 Shiites "in the name of Islam," a witness said. In predominantly Shiite southern Basra, police hunting for militants stormed a Sunni Arab mosque early Sunday, just hours after a car bombing. The ensuing fire fight killed nine...

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- The U.S. Army has opened its first mock detention facility at Fort Leonard Wood, where role-playing is the newest part of basic training at the Fort's Military Police School. About 3,500 soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood will get hands-on training this year at Camp Charlie, which is modeled after Camp Bucca, a detention facility in southern Iraq. Next year, that number will double, said Brig. Gen. Rodney L. Johnson, commandant of the U.S. Army Military Police School...

Handy with the wedge and hot with the putter, Carl Pettersson picked up a prestigious trophy, a salute from Jack Nicklaus and a welcome break from U.S. Open qualifying by winning the Memorial on Sunday. Pettersson turned a potential bogey into birdie by chipping in on the par-5 11th and got up-and-down on three straight holes to eliminate any suspense at Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio, closing with a 1-under 71 for a two-shot victory over Brett Wetterich and Zach Johnson...

Green family to reunite Sunday at county park; Historical society holds fund-raiser in Anna; Local AARP to meet at Grace UMC today; Historical group holds panel discussions

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- Ste. Genevieve is celebrating its 270-year-old history this week with the 10th annual French Heritage festival. Promenades, videos and lectures, cemetery theater, wine tasting and street dances are all part of the planned activities, which kick off Saturday...

7 p.m. today Study Session at 5 p.m. Public hearings Consent ordinances New ordinances Appointments Liquor License Other...

7:30 p.m. today Action Items Street Committee...

Cape Girardeau...

The following items were released by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Arrests do not imply guilt....

FOSTER CITY, Calif. -- The 25-year fight against AIDS has been good to Gilead Sciences Inc., a Bay Area biotechnology company that makes the world's hottest-selling HIV treatment. The popularity of the treatment, Truvada, is soaring because it has almost no side effects and requires patients to take only a single pill once a day. ...

Group names financial adviser of the year D. Joseph McKeon of Cape Girardeau has been awarded the M Luther Hahs, CLU Insurance and Financial Advisor of the Year Award. The award was presented in May by the River Heritage Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, which is in Cape Girardeau, Perry and Ste. ...

Lillian Jewell Garrett, 77, of St. Louis, formerly of Marble Hill, died Sunday, June 4, 2006 at the Scenic View Nursing Home in Herculaneum, Mo. She was born Sept. 22, 1928, in Scopus, Mo., daughter of William D. and Lillie M. Cook Garland. She and Calvin Headricks were married and he preceded her in death. Later, she and Claude R. Garrett were married on April 30, 1981...

Perry J. Yount, 76, of Perryville, Mo., died Saturday, June 3, 2006, at the Perry County Nursing Home in Perryville. He was born Jan. 29, 1930, in Yount, Mo., son of Jesse and Ella Seabaugh Yount. He and Betty Jean Lukefahr were married on Sept. 7, 1952...

Jerry Ray Davis, 64, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, June 3, 2006, at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He was born Sept. 13, 1941, in Cape Girardeau, son of Raymond R. and Covella Spurlock Davis. He and Olivette Jackson were married in August 2005 in Cape Girardeau...

Sabrina White, 18, of Thebes, died Sunday, June 4, 2006, at her home after a two-year battle with cancer. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.

25 years ago: June 5, 1981 "Human error" is being blamed for the escape of three prisoners from the Cape Girardeau County jail last night -- the first escape from the two-year-old facility; two escapees, captured Saturday in Cape Girardeau after their May 22 escape from a Georgia prison, escaped the Jackson jail with the help of a fellow prisoner who overpowered a guard...

ALTENBURG, Mo. -- J.T. Taylor hates wild rides in safety-latched seats on rollercoasters. He'd rather just get jerked around on the bare back of an uncontrollable horse for 8 seconds. He's pretty good at it, too. "I hate heights," Taylor said Friday during the first of two nights of the Perry County Community Rodeo in Altenburg, Mo. "I won't ride anything at the fair. I love buckin' horses, though."...

Emma Louis Schlosser, 76, of Oran, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 3, 2006. She was born March 10, 1930, to loving parents Ella Louise (Schwab) Job and Arthur J. Job of Cape Girardeau. She attended Campster Grade School and College High School in Cape Girardeau. She married Wesley Schlosser on Sept. 12, 1950...

CHICAGO -- "Clean your plate or else!" and other authoritarian approaches to parenting can lead to overweight children, a new study finds. Strict mothers were nearly five times more likely to raise tubby first-graders than mothers who treated their children with flexibility and respect while also setting clear rules...

To say it was teetering would have been kind. When Lydia Dewees joined the Cape Girardeau Jaycees three years ago, the group was on the verge of extinction. "The chapter was getting ready to fold," said Dewees, who now serves as president of the service club when she's not working at her day job as retail director of Chartwell's Dining Service...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- "Read these directions carefully. Failure to precisely comply could thwart the will of hundreds of thousands of Missourians and waste millions of dollars." Missouri's instruction manual for citizen-initiated ballot measures does not actually come with a warning label. But the hypothetical one above could be appropriate...

RALEIGH, N.C. -- If it takes awhile to get into the spirit of these Stanley Cup finals, don't blame it all on the NHL lockout or a pair of unlikely contenders. Muggy weather and Muppets are culprits, too. On the eve of the NHL championship opener Sunday, the Edmonton Oilers were adjusting to the weather down South, where temperatures in the upper 80s felt more like a day at the beach than a skate on a frozen pond...

PARIS -- Irritated by the home crowd's heckling, James Blake took the unusual step of inviting a spectator out of the stands to see for himself that one of French teen Gael Monfils' shots landed out. In truth, Blake's biggest obstacle Sunday wasn't the fans, it was Monfils himself, a 6-foot-3 blur on the baseline who advanced to the fourth round with a 6-2, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (1), 5-7, 6-4 victory over the last U.S. man in the French Open. Venus Williams is now the only American still playing...

One run over 14 innings Sunday led to the first two losses of the season for the Capahas, as Plaza Tire suffered 8-1 and 5-0 setbacks to the Tradewater Pirates in Dawson Springs, Ky. The Capahas, who fell to 2-2, could muster just a fourth-inning RBI single by Jamie McAlister in the opener, one of six hits in the game. The Capahas had just four hits in the second game...

DOVER, Del. -- Matt Kenseth and Jamie McMurray made it a 1-2 finish for Roush Racing. And what a thrilling finish it was. McMurray was the driver to beat, holding the lead for most of the final 90 laps Sunday until the patient Kenseth made his move, passing two drivers late before the leader was firmly in view...

SEATTLE -- Researcher David Baker believes the key to an AIDS vaccine or a cure for cancer may be that old PC sitting under a layer of dust in your closet or the one on your desk doing little else but running a screen saver. Those outdated or idle computers may be just what Baker needs to turn his ideas into scientific breakthroughs...

Two years ago, Arkansas public schools began sending out letters letting parents know whether their children were overweight. Suddenly these students began seeing their pediatrician more and attending fitness classes. Pennsylvania, Florida and California now have programs that do much the same...

Thanks for food; Tell the story; Know the Constitution; Immigration law; Bible lesson; Full accountability; For the tax holiday; Searching for Hoffa; Like summer camp; Getting to the polls; Our offices; The other side; Family pride; What's drug abuse?; War reporting

David Kieltsch, formerly of the Jackson Fire Department, first strapped on boots 10 years ago. For him, firefighting is an adrenaline rush and he says he loves the ability to help others the work provides. "If you do it and you discover you love it, it just gets in your blood. You never want to do anything else," he said of the job...

A Cape Girardeau man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Monday for his part in an armed robbery at Kentucky Fried Chicken in July 2005. Jimmy L. Walker, 30, was on the lam for seven months before he was finally arrested in Charleston, Mo. in April on charges of first-degree armed robbery and armed criminal action...

Seven area organizations have received nearly $900,000 in grants from Missouri Foundation for Health as part of its basic support funding effort. The two-year grants help organizations maintain existing programs and services, the agency said Tuesday in a news release. Locally, these organizations received funding:...

Scott City will hold its 30th annual Mid-Summer Festival on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Scott City Park. Events open Thursday with a special early opening of carnival rides from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday events kick off with the gates opening at 4 p.m., followed by the Mid-South Fair Talent Show at 5 p.m. The washer contest begins at 8 p.m. along with the adult karaoke contest...

Scott City will now have more authority to clean up nuisance violations in the city limits more quickly. Monday night the city council voted 7-0 to pass an ordinance expediting the process of cleaning up nuisances. Under the old rules the city had to wait 60 days before it could take the initiative to clean up a nuisance like high grass with city labor or prisoner labor...

Four or five bear sightings have been reported north of Jackson this year. The latest occurred much closer to home Sunday, when a car struck and killed a 200-pound black bear on East Jackson Boulevard in the city limits. Two 16-year-old girls from Jackson in the car were not seriously injured in the 9:30 p.m. accident...

A Cape Girardeau man accused of peeking at the patron of a tanning salon through a hole in the wall was charged Monday with invasion of privacy. Bradley T. Isaac, 33, of 2300 Jane Drive, was issued a summons to appear in court on July 3 for arraignment, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said...

A former employee of Project Hope, a Cape Girardeau-based faith organization, was in jail Monday evening on charges of forging $22,582 worth of checks on the charity's account. Sherma S. Wilks, 38, of 3916 Hopper Drive, must post a $22,500 cash bond to be released, an amount set to deliberately mirror her alleged thefts, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said. ...

The long-awaited final act that will give Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority control of public transportation inside Cape Girardeau city limits should be completed today. A contract detailing what parts of Kelley Transportation Co. Inc. the authority will purchase for $360,000 was finished Monday and, barring any last-minute glitches, will be signed today, said Jeff Brune, executive director of the authority...

Bill Eddleman says whoever shot and wounded a Canadian goose with an arrow needs to know one thing: "They're idiots, what can I say?" Eddleman said. "I get bothered when people do stuff like that. The fact that somebody would do something like that is just cruel."...

Jackson's Board of Aldermen unanimously voted against the approval of the preliminary plat for Jackson Ridge Estates Subdivision at its regular meeting Tuesday night. An original plat of the subdivision, which is off Route PP and behind Cathy, Hillcrest and Carolyn streets in Jackson, was previously approved by the aldermen in March. ...

Saying he was responding to phone calls and not "Speak Out," Mayor Jay Knudtson and a majority of the Cape Girardeau city council changed their vote on the contentious sales-tax holiday. "Perception is power," Knudtson said. "I've come to the conclusion that there is no way we can get to enough people this year to make our case," he said...

Dr. Harley Rutledge, 80, former chairman of the physics department at Southeast Missouri State University and UFO expert, died Monday at the Missouri Veterans Home. Rutledge first joined the physics department at the university in 1963. He was department chairman there from 1964 to 1982. He retired from teaching in 1992...

It's amazing how entertaining gravity can be when you plunge down a steep, steel track at 93 mph. Our family just returned from a Memorial Day weekend at Cedar Point amusement park on the Ohio shore of Lake Erie. It's billed as the roller coaster capital of the world. It boasts 16 roller coasters, most of them seemingly designed to be the world's fastest torture chambers...

A 91-year-old Cape Girardeau man lost thousands of dollars in an apparent identity-theft case discovered by the man's caretaker, police said Monday. Cape Girardeau police spokesman Jason Selzer said 13 incidents of withdrawals and online payments to a credit card were reported during a period between March and the end of May...

Hunger. Disease. Homelessness. Poverty. Between the words -- written in a visually stark white against a black background -- images flash of starving children with huge eyes, homeless men and other representations of the millions of people living on the verge of death daily...

The outcome of the Republican primary for Cape Girardeau County clerk could open up the seat for mayor of Jackson. Paul Sander, who has served as Jackson's mayor for the past 13 years, is in a race for county clerk against Kara Clark, director of sales for the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau...

The Cape Girardeau County Commission on Monday directed the county's road chief to present them with a list showing which roads would be paved during the next five years if voters approve a sales tax hike. The list, based on which roads are ready for paving under the county's rules, will also show which roads would be delayed if voters reject the tax. Commissioners plan a public hearing on June 19 for input on the road plan...

Even though Southeast Missouri State's compliance director has stepped down, athletic director Don Kaverman said that should not affect the NCAA's ongoing investigation of the university's women's basketball program. Alicia Scott recently resigned after more than 20 years at Southeast, including the past 10 as assistant athletic director for compliance and student services...

ST. LOUIS -- Two years ago, Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 500th home run at old Busch Stadium. His first game at new Busch was pretty memorable, too. Griffey hit a go-ahead three-run homer off Jason Isringhausen in the ninth inning after tying a major league record by homering in his 43rd stadium earlier in the game, leading the Cincinnati Reds past the St. Louis Cardinals 8-7 Monday night...

The Associated Press MALIBU, Calif. -- Brock Bond went 4-for-5 with an RBI as fourth-seeded Missouri advanced to the super regionals for the first time with an 8-3 victory over top-seeded Pepperdine in the Malibu Regional on Monday. Derek Chambers went 2-for-4 with an RBI and scored twice for the Tigers (35-26), who took an early 7-0 lead and became the first No. ...

By Jack H. Knowlan Sr. Recent articles promoting ethanol make it sound like a good investment, good for the corn growers and good for consumers by reducing the need for gasoline. Although in Brazil ethanol is produced from treetops and brush, in the U.S. it is only produced from corn. Two of the main expenses in growing corn are nitrogen fertilizer and diesel or gasoline for fuel...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- It seems that a name, after all, isn't everything. A state audit of taxes paid by telephone companies to various municipalities, released Monday, found some discrepancies in the figures reported -- including a mistake that has cost the city of Augusta thousands of dollars...

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University's troubled lacrosse team will play next season, but under strict rules and close monitoring after three players were charged with rape, school President Richard Brodhead said Monday. "I am, I know, taking a risk in reinstating men's lacrosse," Brodhead said in a statement. "The reinstatement is inevitably probationary."...

RALEIGH, N.C. -- After a stirring comeback, the Carolina Hurricanes won Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals with a gift of a goal. Rod Brind'Amour scored off a flukey mistake with 31.1 seconds remaining after Edmonton's backup goalie botched an exchange behind the net, and the Hurricanes, after falling behind 3-0, rallied to beat the Oilers 5-4 Monday night...

NEW YORK -- Major league teams looking to stock up on college pitching in this year's draft could be in luck. Clubs searching for potential stars at other positions might not be so fortunate. Many scouts consider this year's draft, which starts today, one of the weakest in years when it comes to trying to find impact position players...

Action Items Street Committee...

When the Missouri State Board of Education announced several weeks ago that it was considering a requirement for all high school students to take a college-entrance exam like the ACT, it scheduled meetings across the state to get feedback on the plan. After seven meetings, only four parents and 14 students were among the more than 500 persons attending. Why was parent and student interest in the proposal so low?...

Colleges...

To the editor: A bumper sticker read "Had enough? Vote Democrat." I've had enough of those who feel hindsight should have bearing on political legitimacy. Case in point: Iraq. President Bush alone did not send us to war. The Senate voted 77-23 and the House voted 296-133 authorizing military action in Iraq. Included in the record are "yea" votes from Democrats Clinton, Daschle, Feinstein, Gephardt, Kerry and Schumer...

No-smoking policy; Dangerous trucks; Work opportunities; Hold your judgment; Talent and Bush; Cape's roses.; Proud Americans; Not the same country; Kissing the hand; It's our money; Enforce beauty; Water park plan

Nelson Herman Thompson, 75, of Oak Ridge, passed away Sunday, June 4, 2006, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born June 18, 1930, in Oak Ridge, son of the late Virgil and Ada Ruesler Thompson. On Sept. 2, 1954, he was inducted into the United States Army. He was honorably discharged Aug. 21, 1956, as a private first class...

ORAN, Mo. -- Emma Louise Schlosser, 76, of Oran went to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, June 3, 2006. She was born March 10, 1930, to loving parents Ella Louise (Schwab) Job and Arthur J. Job of Cape Girardeau. She attended Campster Grade School and College High School in Cape Girardeau. She married Wesley Schlosser on Sept. 12, 1950...

Dr. Harley D. Rutledge, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, June 5, 2006, at Missouri Veterans Home. He was a retired professor of physics at Southeast Missouri State University. Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Minnie Russell, 64, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, June 5, 2006, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ORAN, Mo. -- Imogene V. Phillips, 91, of Oran died Monday, June 5, 2006, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Lee Palisch, 86, died Sunday, June 4, 2006, at the Lutheran Home. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, and Thursday after 9 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Lillian A. Sauer, 84, of Perryville died Monday, June 5, 2006, at Perry County Nursing Home. She was born Dec. 2, 1921, at Biehle, Mo., daughter of August J. and Clara J. Zoellner Sauer. Sauer was a 1940 graduate of St. Vincent's High School. She worked in the office at International Shoe Co. 42 1/2 years, retiring in 1987...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Alexander Molis, 92, of Advance died Saturday, June 3, 2006, at his home. He was born Oct. 10, 1913, in Providence, R.I., son of Dominic and Antose Zikas Molis. He married Doris Wondel, who died Dec. 24, 1994. Molis had been an archivist...

Cynthia Chasteen, 46, of Cape Girardeau died suddenly Sunday, June 4, 2006, at her home. She was born Dec. 13, 1959, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Harry A. and Joan Lee Fletcher Siemers. Chasteen was a graduate of Central High School and Sikeston School of Cosmetology. She worked at Famous-Barr and Dillards and was a hairstylist in Jacksonville, Fla...

THEBES, Ill. -- Sabrina L. White, 18, of Thebes died Sunday, June 4, 2006, at her home after a two-year battle with cancer. She was born Feb. 13, 1988, in Carbondale, Ill., daughter of Gary and Mollie McCoy White. White attended Lighthouse Apostolic Church and McClure Pentecostal Church. She was a 2006 graduate of Egyptian High School. She was a member of Thebes Junior Volunteer Fire Department...

Patrick Neal, 55, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, June 5, 2006, at his home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete with McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. -- Jessie R. Hamilton, 93, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, June 5, 2006, in Warner Robins. Hamilton, a native of Cape Girardeau, was the daughter of John and Effie Alexander Reed. She married Kenneth Hamilton, who preceded her in death...

Holder; Miller; Morphew; LaBruyere; Schilling; Ringwald; Mahnke

25 years ago: June 6, 1981 Numerous law enforcement officers, acting on tips provided by alert citizens, make pre-dawn captures of the three men who had escaped Thursday night from the Cape Girardeau County jail in Jackson; one of the men is captured in Jackson and the other two in Gordonville...

Southeast Missouri State baseball coach Mark Hogan feared the Redhawks might suffer through their share of growing pains this season. That turned out to be the case, but perhaps it was even more extreme than Hogan envisioned. Southeast posted its worst overall and Ohio Valley Conference records of Hogan's 12 seasons at the helm of his alma mater...

ST. LOUIS -- The timetable for Albert Pujols' return was as open-ended on Monday after he underwent an MRI exam as it was the day before. The St. Louis Cardinals have no firm idea when Pujols, last year's NL MVP and the major league leader in home runs and RBIs this season, will be ready to play again. ...

The Cape Girardeau American Legion junior team split a home doubleheader with Scott County on Monday. Scott County won the opening game 6-1, and Cape used a pinch-hit single in the bottom of the seventh for a 6-5 win in the second game. Trey Miller came off the bench for the game-winning hit for Cape (3-4). Nick Allen had three hits in the second game for Cape, and Alex Shell and Blake Smith had two hits apiece. Tyler Brandt picked up the win...

A Salvation Army disaster canteen or mobile feeding kitchen from Cape Girardeau is providing food and beverages to a search party of about 175 people in and around Lodi, Mo. The group is searching for an elderly woman with Alzheimer's disease who has been missing for 48 hours. The Salvation army will remain as long as it is needed...

Here are some odds and ends I think you'll find interesting: n Age difference: A college student at a USC football game challenged a senior citizen sitting next to him, saying it was impossible for their generation to understand his. "You grew up in a different world," the student said loud enough for everyone around him to hear. ...

PARIS -- If it all seems so long ago, that's because it was. Five years since Martina Hingis was last in the French Open quarterfinals, seven years since she was a sobbing, petulant mess while losing in the final of the only major she hasn't won. Back on tour after a three-year injury hiatus, Hingis suddenly is a title contender again, playing all the right angles and flashing that familiar wry smile Monday as she wrapped up a 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 victory over No. 31 Shahar Peer in the fourth round...

SUMMIT, N.J. -- Michelle Wie failed in her bid to become the first woman to play in the U.S. Open, teasing a frenzied gallery for 27 holes until three straight bogeys Monday afternoon sent her to a 3-over 75 and into the middle of the pack. "Obviously, I'm disappointed I didn't make it," she said. "I'm satisfied with the way I tried. I played my hardest out there."...

Parents, you may want to sit down for this. Pornography has officially reached the books your very own children read! This came as quite a shock to me as well, and although I see myself as a very understanding, compassionate and forgiving person, I hope to all things holy that the publishers of these books are justly punished...

Min named to Boys State; The following students were named to the spring semester dean's list at Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo.:

The war over music downloads is hotter -- and more confusing-- now than ever. As of February, more than 17,850 people have been sued by the Recording Industry Association of America on charges of downloading music without paying for it, or sharing music files in violation of copyright rules. The RIAA says breaking the law must have consequences...

The final transactions needed for the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority to purchase Kelley Transportation Co. Inc. will take place Thursday, said Doug Richards, chairman of the transit authority board. Richards plans to sign the contract for the $360,000 purchase after the Cape Girardeau County Commission votes approval of a loan guarantee to back up the sale. ...

Jackson officials have converted the intersection of Greensferry Road and East Deerwood Drive to a four-way stop. The change in traffic control takes place immediately. The intersection has experienced several accidents in the past and there are sight distance limitations, said Rodney Bollinger, Jackson public works director. In addition to the permanent stop signs, a temporary stop sign and barricade have been installed at the intersection to ease motorists safely through the intersection...

Attorney General Jay Nixon's campaign contributions from AmerenUE are "clearly disturbing" as the state attempts to hold the utility accountable for the disastrous rupture of the Taum Sauk reservoir, Gov. Matt Blunt said Tuesday. During a news conference in Cape Girardeau, Blunt said Nixon hasn't been sharing information about the case Nixon's office is preparing against Ameren. ...

Producers of the CBS "Early Show" hope Cape Girardeau will show its patriotic spirit on Flag Day as a backdrop for a live broadcast. Next Wednesday "Early Show" weatherman Dave Price will roll into Cape Girardeau for the show's Great American Vacation giveaway. Price will broadcast weather segments live between 6 and 8 a.m. in Cape Girardeau and announce the winner of a paid vacation to a location in the United States...

Seven area health-related organizations that serve those with low incomes are receiving a boost of nearly $900,000 in grant money that is intended pick up the slack where other grants and private donations fall short. "Organizations usually can find money for the programs, but we found they were having a problem meeting those daily operational costs," said Bev Pfeifer-Harms, a representative of the Missouri Foundation for Health. "This grant is intended to defray those costs."...

The Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority awaits a decision from a board that spends tax money raised on behalf of senior citizens to finalize a deal to buy Kelley Transportation Co. Inc., transit board chief Doug Richards said Tuesday. The authority has requested the Senior Citizens Service Fund Board provide up to $40,000 annually to help retire the bank loan that will finance the deal, Richards said...

A tough new law aimed at sexual predators who target children will administer severe sentences for "terrible crimes," Gov. Matt Blunt said Tuesday. During the last stop of a two-day statewide tour touting the new law, Blunt said the measure will be the harshest in the nation. "This bill will protect children at school, at home and on the Internet," he said...

The third and final accomplice in a Cape Girardeau KFC robbery from last summer was sentenced to 15 years in prison this week for his role in the crime. Jimmy L. Walker, 30, of Village on the Green, pleaded guilty Monday to first-degree robbery and was sentenced by Circuit Judge William Syler...

ST. LOUIS -- A six-game winning streak built mostly against their biggest competition has the surprising Cincinnati Reds only a game back in the NL Central. Eric Milton threw seven sharp innings and the Reds got homers from Felipe Lopez and Adam Dunn in a 7-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night...

NEW YORK -- Luke Hochevar held out for a year, gave the draft another try and came out on top. The Kansas City Royals made the big right-hander the overall No. 1 pick Tuesday, a year after Hochevar and agent Scott Boras failed to reach a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers...

When Southeast Missouri State moved up to Division I with the 1991-1992 school year, the days of the university's athletes challenging for national titles seemed to be a thing of the past. But Miles Smith has other ideas. Smith, Southeast's sensational junior sprinter, is getting ready to take another crack at a national championship this week...

The "Mad Hungarian" will help spice up the third annual Joe Uhls Memorial Golf Tournament and Dinner. The event -- named in honor of Southeast Missouri State's late, legendary baseball coach -- is a fund-raiser for the Redhawks' baseball program...

While Miles Smith enters this week's NCAA outdoor championships with a legitimate shot to finish toward the top in the 400 meters, Southeast Missouri State's other two entries in Sacramento, Calif., are much less heralded. But coach Joey Haines doesn't see any reason why Alonzo Nelson in the 400 meter hurdles and the Redhawks' 1,600 meter relay team can't challenge for berths in the finals, which would mean top-eight finishes and All-American honors...

By Matt Blunt This week I signed House Bill 1698, modeled after Florida's Jessica's Law, fulfilling a promise to enact tough mandatory minimum sentences against sexual predators who destroy our children's innocence. We need to be honest with ourselves. ...

HOUSTON, Mo. -- A Republic, Mo., man pleaded guilty Tuesday to hitting and killing a state trooper last year who had stopped a speeding motorist in southwest Missouri's Texas County. Forrest Larry Ghan, 65, withdrew a plea of not guilty and admitted taking his eyes off the road to retrieve some papers that had fallen to the floor of his pickup truck...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Two peacocks have been sentenced to life on a farm after recent attacks on visitors at the Kansas City Zoo. A 3-year-old boy from Gardner, Kan., was clawed seriously enough to need stitches on Memorial Day, the second attack in the past few weeks, zoo officials said. They did not release details on the other attack...

MIAMI -- Dwyane Wade was in the hospital, and Shaunie O'Neal was rightly concerned. The biggest game of the Miami Heat's season -- maybe the biggest in franchise history -- was only hours away. Wade, the team's leading scorer, had IVs pumping fluids into his body, the Detroit Pistons' confidence was growing by the second, and memories of Miami's missed chance in 2005 crept into her head...

BERLIN -- Brazil is so loaded with talent that it could probably field the best two teams in the World Cup. Lucky for host Germany, the upstart United States and a handful of other upset hopefuls, the rules for soccer's big party -- the world's most popular sporting event -- only allow one team per country...

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A group of Edmonton players swarmed around Ty Conklin, peppering him with rubber and looking to expose any vulnerability. Upper left corner. Lower right post. Stick side. Glove hand. Between the pads. At the other end of the rink, Jussi Markkanen faced a similar barrage, managing to stop some of the shots with various parts of his heavily padded body...

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals took a right-handed pitcher with the last pick in the first round of Tuesday's draft, then a pair of U.S. National teammates from Miami. Adam Ottavino, a 6-foot-5 right-hander from Northeastern University who struck out 120 hitters in 93 2/3 innings this season, was the team's top selection in the opening round of the two-day draft...

Sikeston Standard-Democrat SIKESTON -- Residents of the Aspen Trace neighborhood are tired of putting up with attacks by a neighbor's pet monkey. During the regular Sikeston City Council meeting Monday, Peggy Bearden showed council members a shirt belonging to her grandson that she said was damaged by the monkey during an attack...

The Salvation Army assisted in the search of a missing Wayne County woman who was found alive Tuesday night. Hazel Roach, 73, had been missing since Saturday, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's office. Roach, who has severe Alzheimer's and needs medication, was found injured; she was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center, according to the sheriff's department. ...

Officers with the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department took part in a brief car chase early Tuesday morning. Officers responded to the Whitewater area around 12:15 a.m. and attempted to pull over a vehicle for a suspected theft, according to county Lt. ...

Cape Girardeau...

President Bush touts hydrogen as the Holy Grail of alternative fuels, but investors are putting their money on ethanol and biodiesel. A new biodiesel plant will be built near Dexter, Mo., and ethanol facilities are popping up all over the state. One is scheduled for construction near Sikeston, Mo...

Golf; Soccer

To the editor: In response to the story "Organizers hope novelty a draw for Chautauqua": I think with gasoline prices being what they are that people will be thrilled to hear about this type of summer entertainment. I hope you will have notice of this in all of the other area newspapers throughout Southeast Missouri. Many thanks to the organizers...

Be consistent; Spruce up storefronts; Fear of molesters; Anti-small business; Safer Mount Auburn; True heroes; Roses slogan; Right to have sale; Biblical numbers; Amendment quandary; Patients come first

GLENALLEN, Mo. -- Omer Jesse Shell Jr., 75, of Glenallen passed away Monday, June 5, 2006, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Dec. 23, 1930, in St. Louis, son of Omer Jesse and Margaret Rush Shell Sr. Mr. Shell was a 20-year veteran, serving his country as a first sergeant with the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1968. He was a member of VFW Post 5900...

Patrick W. Neal, 55, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, peacefully departed his earthly home Monday, June 5, 2006, following a courageous battle with a lengthy illness, surrounded by loved ones. Pat was born July 19, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, son of James Robert and Yvonne Bienert Neal...

Dr. Harley D. Rutledge, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, June 5, 2006, at Missouri Veterans Home. He was born Jan. 10, 1926, in Omaha, Neb., son of Earl and Irene Hoagland Rutledge. He and Ruth Lootens were married June 26, 1954, in Taos, Mo. He served in the Army March 16, 1944, to May 3, 1946...

Dorothy Lee Palisch, 86, of Jackson passed away Sunday, June 4, 2006, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born Dec. 11, 1919, in Jackson, daughter of William Arthur and Ida Mae Browning Rose. She and Elmer Palisch were married Nov. 13, 1938, at Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas...

ORAN, Mo. -- Imogene Veleta Phillips, 91, of Oran died Monday, June 5, 2006, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born Dec. 26, 1914, at Grant City, Mo., daughter of Gilbert Silas and Jessie Abis Unsell Stacy. She and William Perry Phillips were married Oct. 21, 1950...

Mark Douglas Grasso, 42, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, June 5, 2006, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City is in charge of arrangements.

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Opal Gertrude Noisworthy, 85, of Charleston died Monday, June 5, 2006, at her home. She was born Nov. 18, 1920, in Miller City, Ill., daughter of Leslie E. and Gertrude Josephine Childers Bowers. She and Paul Noisworthy were married Aug. 29, 1937. He died July 23, 1982...

TAMMS, Ill. -- Beulah Ford, 94, of Tamms died Tuesday, June 6, 2006, at the DayStar Center in Cairo, Ill. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

LaBruyere...

Excelsior Chapter, Order of DeMolay...

25 years ago: June 7, 1981 During each of the regular services at Trinity Lutheran Church, the 25th anniversary of the Rev. Paul H. Jilg's ordination into the ministry is celebrated; the Rev. and Mrs. Jilg also celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary during the services...

Word of mouth has led another softball team into the Kelso Klassic for the first time. The Texas Stars will make their tournament debut 8 p.m. Friday against the host Kelso Fast-pitch team, marking the first time a team from the Lone Star State has played in the tournament...

If the judges in Anaheim are looking for enthusiasm, it will be hard to deny Cape Girardeau and its representatives the title All-America City. Dressed as everything from golfers to construction workers to nuns, the group representing Cape Girardeau in the Civic League's annual All-America City competition had its final dress rehearsal Tuesday. The group leaves Thursday and competes Saturday...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Sunday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday: Jackson Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday:...

WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Tuesday Iran's initial response to a package of incentives and threats on the nuclear impasse "sounds like a positive step to me. We will see if the Iranians take our offer seriously." The package includes a promise of Western technical help in developing peaceful civilian nuclear energy if Iran stops enriching uranium, a waiver of U.S. ...

A $100,000 bond was set Tuesday for a man who attempted to hide a gram of crack cocaine in his mouth during an arrest in Cape Girardeau, police said. Frederick L. Langevin, 38, of 321 Albert St., was charged felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor attempted tampering with evidence...

A trial date was set Tuesday for a woman accused of using a sport utility vehicle to run down her ex-husband and another man. Valerie A. Brooks, 46, of 914 Old Cape Road, was scheduled for a bench trial before Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp at 1:30 p.m. June 28 on misdemeanor third-degree assault...

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce won't recommend the city council relocate the Convention and Visitors Bureau to the River Campus. It is premature to decide on any site, chamber president John Mehner said. The chamber board of directors made its decision Tuesday...

Nestled in neglect, a pre-Civil War log house stands amid knee-high grass and weeds in an out-of-the-way corner of the Southeast Missouri State University farm. A wooden sign along Bainbridge Road west of Interstate 55 proclaims the "Historic Preservation Laboratory." But the log home only a short distance from historic Old McKendree Chapel has been anything but a laboratory for years...

The Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons American Legion team split a home doubleheader with Calvert City, Ky., on Monday. Ford & Sons won the opener 5-1 on the strength of a four-hitter from starter Lance Young, who struck out seven in the seven-inning complete game. Ty Craft and Blake Slattery had two hits and scored two runs apiece...

Even the toughest and roughest of men can be touched by memories. For Father's Day, Southeast Missouri scrapbooker Sue Stephens offers these ideas for homemade, memory-provoking gifts for dad. Supplies needed: Acid-free cardstock (your choice of color); acid-free ink; assortment of rubber stamps; dad-inspired phrases, quotes; 1 piece of paper (copier weight); calligraphy pens or computer for lettering; photographs/color copies (may need enlarged or reduced to suit your page size)...

We are in, or are rapidly approaching, a wonderful time of year when all of the garden produce will be in abundance. We have sure enjoyed the strawberries and other early-season crops. It makes for delicious and nutritious meals. Enjoy it while it lasts...

In story in Tuesday's edition about the life of Harley Rutledge, should have read that Rutledge had observed UFOs in Wayne County. The story also should have reported Rutledge had been quoted in an astronomy textbook. The Southeast Missourian regrets the errors...

Hine fires ace during tournament Jeff Hine of Cape Girardeau carded a hole in one last week during the Dexter Lions Club charity tournament at Hidden Trails Country Club in Dexter, Mo. Hine used a 6-iron to ace No. 4, a par 3 playing 159 yards. Witnesses were James Banken, Ron Gosche and Roger Arnzen...

In less than one week my sister, Kati, will be graduating from the University of California Santa Cruz. I know, it's late, but they do things on their own calendar out there. Since I won't be able to make it to the ceremony, I figured I should take the chance to write down several pieces of advice for graduation and beyond. It'll probably come out muddled and incoherent, but she's used to that...

The Cape Girardeau County Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a loan guarantee of up to $660,000 to support Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority's purchase of Kelley Transportation Co. Inc. and start-up costs for a fixed-route bus service...

June 8, 2006 Dear Patty, In "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek," Annie Dillard wrote of rediscovering the divinity in the natural world by opening herself to it. She likened the experience to sightless people who suddenly can see after having a surgery. One described the first tree she'd ever seen as "the tree with the lights in it."...

In a move that will create as many as 60 new area jobs, ISI Environmental and Recycling has bought one of Jackson's largest industrial buildings with plans to convert it into a new 103,450-square-foot recycling center. Tom Kelsey, commercial broker with Lorimont Place, Ltd., confirmed the purchase of the former Rubbermaid distribution center at 1900 Lee Avenue on Wednesday. Kelsey would not disclose a sales price, but Lorimont's Web site shows a $1.4 million listing price for the property...

ST. LOUIS -- Missouri's natural resources chief asked Attorney General Jay Nixon on Wednesday to recuse himself from the investigation into Ameren Corp.'s Taum Sauk reservoir collapse, saying Nixon's acceptance of more than $19,000 in campaign contributions this year that originated with Ameren amounted to a conflict of interest...

Those tired of that Mississippi River taste in their drinking water may be in luck. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says the environmental impact of a proposed $10.25 million upgrade to Cape Girardeau's water system is negligible. That means if all goes according to plan, within one year, the city will begin construction on four new wells, a water line, and perhaps a booster pump station needed to stop relying on the river for up to 20 percent of its water...

Fifty-two years ago Delta schoolteacher Bonnie Huffman was murdered. Her murder remains unsolved, making it the oldest cold case in the state of Missouri. Huffman's relatives invite the public to honor her memory at 1 p.m. June 25 at Delmonico's restaurant in Jackson. Her niece, Wanda Ross of Chaffee, would like anyone who may have photographs of her aunt to bring them along...

It was love at first sight when Jackson school teacher Tiffiney Smith saw Willow and Miss Chips. In 1998, Smith adopted her first two wild horses from the Adopt-A-Wild Horse and Burro program sponsored by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management. Since then she's adopted a total of 12 wild horses and burros through the program...

DETROIT -- Two 911 dispatchers who authorities say wrongly assumed it was a prank when a 5-year-old boy called to report that his mother had collapsed have been charged with neglect of duty By the time an officer arrived, the boy's 46-year-old mother was dead...

SALT LAKE CITY -- In the months after the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the FBI tried to buy satellite photos from a Russian company to track Timothy McVeigh's movements before the attack, a newly released FBI teletype shows. The teletype, filed Friday in federal court in Salt Lake City, is the latest disclosure ordered for an insurance lawyer who is dogging the FBI for information about its bombing investigation...

SHANGHAI, China -- A teenager's suicide after being barred from a key high school exam for not tying back her hair underscores the intense pressure on millions of Chinese who began taking annual college entrance tests Wednesday. Worries are rising about academic stress. There are 2.6 million places at China's universities, but the competition is fierce -- 9.5 million youths are taking the three-day exams that are widely viewed as crucial to career and financial success...

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A deer that threatened a jogger and injured a Southern Illinois University police officer was shot by the law enforcer and later euthanized, marking the first deadly clash in a series of run-ins between the wildlife and humans on the campus...

MARSHFIELD, Mo. -- Bone fragments, a piece of fabric and a witness' statement have led to murder charges in the deaths of a couple who disappeared more than five years ago. Richard Evans, 48, who rented their farm at the time, was arrested Tuesday on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of John "Tommy" Smith and his girlfriend, Maureen Webb. Evans was in the Webster County Jail on $1 million bond...

NEW YORK -- Nick Zito did his best to put a positive spin on Saturday's $1 million Belmont Stakes. Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and Preakness winner Bernardini are not running, meaning no Triple Crown try, no rematch, no rivalry, no buzz. But there was Zito, plugging away for the biggest race of the year in New York -- the longest and most grueling of the Triple Crown races...

PARIS -- Hopping in place in a hallway leading to the court, Rafael Nadal was drenched with sweat before he smacked a ball in his French Open quarterfinal. A study in perpetual motion, Nadal actually got a bit of a breather Wednesday, when Novak Djokovic of Serbia-Montenegro quit with a back injury after losing the first two sets. That put defending champion Nadal into the semifinals at Roland Garros with what goes into the books as his 58th consecutive victory on clay, extending his record...

Results Wednesday at Stade Roland Garros, Paris; Purse: $18.23 million (Grand Slam); Surface: Clay-Outdoor Men Quarterfinals Rafael Nadal (2), Spain, def. Novak Djokovic, Serbia-Montenegro, 6-4, 6-4, retired. Ivan Ljubicic (4), Croatia, def. Julien Benneteau, France, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3...

DALLAS -- The NBA finals are a new phenomenon in this part of Texas and in Pat Riley's part of Florida. The Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat have never been this far in the postseason, and there's plenty of rafter room for the banner to be won in the next two weeks...

ST. LOUIS -- The Cincinnati Reds kicked the St. Louis Cardinals when they were down, sweeping a team missing Albert Pujols. Rich Aurilia matched career highs with four hits and five RBIs Wednesday night, leading the Reds to a 7-4 victory that pulled them into a tie for first place with the Cardinals in the National League Central...

The Scott City First Assembly of God is planning an all-you-can-eat men's breakfast at 7:30 a.m. June 17. Men of all ages are invited to come fellowship with one another. The menu features sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, biscuits, gravy and more. The meal is free; donations will be accepted. For more information, call (573) 264-2365...

2005 graduate enlists in Army National Guard; Guardsman receives sergeant's stripes

Cape Girardeau...

Cape Girardeau...

The history of the Purple Heart dates back to the Revolutionary War when Gen. George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit in "the figure of a heart in purple cloth." Washington's aim was to recognize troops who had served under him with exceptional performance and were headed home after a long and bloody conflict...

To the editor: We recently had the honor of attending the visitation and funeral of John Wilferth. While we have been close with the Wilferth family for many years and have always been able to attest to how special they are, it was truly amazing to see the vast number of people who cared for and loved John and his family...

To the editor: Ten freedoms of man. 1. I am abomination. Every want is my god. 2. Freedom of speech enables me to take the name of the Lord in vain. 3. Remember to shop, play and party on the Sabbath. 4. Don't forget storewide sales to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day...

New meaning; Sounds impressive; Neighborly complaint; Tax concerns; Sidewalk etiquette; Culture of death; Recess penalty; Working together; Customers in line; Picking up trash; Be thankful; Higher taxation; They're murderers; Doing good in Iraq; Thanks for caring

TAMMS, Ill. -- Beulah Heater Ford, 94, of Tamms died Tuesday, June 6, 2006, at Day Star Care Center in Cairo, Ill. She was born July 7, 1911, daughter of Jack and Clara Lamburth. She married Norman "Duke" Heater March 9, 1931. He preceded her in death June 15, 1977. She later married Floyd Ford Jan. 10, 1986. He preceded her in death Dec. 29, 2003...

Helen Irene Bond, 84, of Scott City died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born Jan. 22, 1922, at Randles, daughter of Jesse and Essie Hendrickson Beklund. She and Raymond Charles Bond were married July 2, 1938. He died Jan. 24, 1989...

GLENNON, Mo. -- Dorothy F. Trankler, 85, of St. Louis, formerly of Glennon, died Monday, June 5, 2006, in St. Louis. She was born Aug. 8, 1920, at Glennon, daughter of Henry and Sophia Lawrentious Vandermierden. She and Clarence Trankler were married Oct. 12, 1938, at Glennon. He died Aug. 9, 1990...

John W. "Jack" Fuerth, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Mark Douglas Grasso, 42, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, June 5, 2006, at Saint Francis Medical Center. He was born Jan. 9, 1964, at Fort Ord, Calif., son of Gerald Grasso and Janette Sue Foulk of Marble Hill, Mo. Grasso was employed as a forklift operator by Havco Wood Products and served in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm...

Minnie Russell, 64, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, June 5, 2006, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. She was born Jan. 26, 1942, in Diehlstadt, Mo., daughter of Richard and Mary Peterson Avant. She and Jimmy Russell were married in 1992 in Lilbourn, Mo...

ANNA, Ill. -- Lois Fern Holden, 79, of Louisville, Ky., formerly of Anna, died Tuesday, June 6, 2006, at Norton Hospital in Louisville. She was born Jan. 5, 1927, in Perks, Ill., daughter of Waldo and Wilma Langston Herren. She married Joseph Holden, who died June 9, 1981...

MOUND CITY, Ill. -- Elmer L. Koen, 88, of Mound City died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at his home in Mound City. Funeral arrangements are incomplete with Barkett Funeral Home of Mound City.

Reinbold; Pryor; Pobst; Arbeiter; Webb

25 years ago: June 8, 1981 Some Cape Girardeau homes and businesses experience a brief power outage in the morning, when a tractor-trailer overturns on South Kingshighway, striking a utility pole near the Highway 74 intersection; the driver, Alex James, 26, of Cape Girardeau isn't seriously injured...

O'Brien, Moore team up for low gross crown Casey O'Brien and Liz Moore combined to shoot a low gross score of 76 at Dalhousie Golf Club to place first in the Rebecca's Run two-day golf event. The tournament featured scramble play on Tuesday and four-ball with handicap scoring on Wednesday to determine the scoring...

The financial package the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority needs to underwrite an agreement to purchase Kelley Transportation Co. Inc. should be completed today. The Cape Girardeau County Commission, which meets at 9 a.m. in the county administration building in Jackson, will consider a resolution guaranteeing payment on a bank loan for the transit authority. ...

Dental school may be put on hold for a year if Devon Lea wins the Miss Missouri crown Saturday night. Lea, who is from Senath, Mo., is no stranger to the Miss Missouri pageant -- last year she competed in the contest but didn't place in the top 10. This year the 22-year-old, who was crowned Miss Jackson in November, enters the four-day pageant with some experience...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A small group of U.S. Marines alleged to have killed up to two dozen Iraqi civilians conducted a house-to-house hunt that stretched over several hours, while other Marines in Haditha did not intervene, according to an Iraqi human rights investigator...

PHOENIX -- Pitcher Jason Grimsley was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, a day after his home was searched by federal agents following his admission he used human growth hormone, steroids and amphetamines. The raid -- and Grimsley's implication of other major league ballplayers -- was the latest sign that widespread investigations into drug use by athletes are still active, even in the era of tougher testing...

JEFFERSON CITY -- The Department of Social Services wants to improve coordination between case workers and regulators in the wake of accusations that a southwest Missouri woman fractured her foster child's skull with a back scratcher. Carle Shane of Fordland, who has had 48 foster children since 1988, is accused of breaking 2-year-old Kaylee Ward's skull in three places in March. ...

WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers expressed alarm Wednesday that personal information for nearly all active-duty military, Guard and Reserve members -- about 2.2 million total -- was among those stolen from a Department of Veterans Affairs employee last month. ...

WASHINGTON -- The best evidence yet for the oldest life on Earth is found in odd-shaped, rock-like mounds in Australia that are actually fossils created by microbes 3.4 billion years ago, researchers report. "It's an ancestor of life. If you think that all life arose on this one planet, perhaps this is where it started," said Abigail Allwood, a researcher at the Australian Centre for Astrobiology and lead author of the new study. It appears today in the journal Nature...

The quest for the American Legion District 14 title will be a little bit easier this year, since one of the programs has dropped its team, leaving five teams to chase the championship. Jackson returns as the defending champion of District 14, which was reduced to five teams this year after Twin Rivers dropped out. Local programs Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons and Scott County also compete in the district, while Sikeston and Dunklin County fill out the field...

A new age limit is in, and Jackson and Advance are out. Senior Babe Ruth Baseball imposed a new age rule beginning this season which requires players to be 18 years old or younger on April 30. Last year the players could be 19 and under on the same date...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Southeast Missouri State junior Miles Smith easily made it through the first round of the 400 meters Wednesday night as the NCAA outdoor track and field championships began. Smith had the second-fastest qualifying time, a season-best 45.41 seconds. He entered the competition with the nation's sixth-fastest time, 45.57 seconds...

PARIS -- Fourteen European nations colluded with U.S. intelligence in a "spider's web" of human rights abuses to help the CIA spirit terror suspects to illegal detention facilities, a European investigator said Wednesday. Swiss senator Dick Marty's report to Europe's top human rights body was thin on evidence but raises the possibility of a cover-up involving both friends and critics of Washington's war on terror. ...

WASHINGTON -- Congress gave notice to broadcasters Wednesday that they will pay dearly for crossing the line with offensive material like Janet Jackson's 2004 Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction," passing legislation that would multiply indecency fines 10 times...

PICKENS, S.C. -- A registered sex offender confessed to killing a Clemson University student and to sexual assaults in Alabama and Tennessee, authorities said Wednesday. Jerry Buck Inman, 35, was returned to South Carolina to face charges of murder, rape and kidnapping after his arrest late Tuesday near his parents' home in Dandridge, Tenn., said Jefferson County, Tenn., Sheriff David Davenport...

Encouraged by his teacher, 12-year-old Brock Austin collided with an opened school locker and fell to the hallway floor. And that was just the first take of a video that summer school students are making at the Jackson Middle School. Brock didn't really run into the school locker. He just pretended to do so, his every move choreographed and captured by a video camera a few feet away...

WASHINGTON -- No one was surprised by the Senate's rejection of a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage on Wednesday. After all, it had failed before. But for conservative Republicans, the defeat stung this time. President Bush and the GOP hope to use the 49-48 procedural vote -- 11 votes shy of the 60 required to succeed -- to mobilize their conservative base of supporters. ...

For students in many school districts, summer school provides a chance to catch up academically and recover from bad grades. But in the Jackson public schools, summer school is largely an enrichment program where students also have an opportunity to get oriented to the grade they'll be entering in the fall...

The Jackson American Legion team surrendered eight unearned runs Wednesday night at Dunklin County and lost a district matchup 19-9 in seven innings. Austin Morrison gave up 13 runs in three-plus innings of work, allowing just five earned runs. Bret Groening did not fare well in relief, allowing six runs -- all earned -- in 2 1/3 innings. Groening and Morrison combined for nine walks...

Briefly Take a deep breath and bike through scenic Southern Illinois with the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis for the first annual Poker Run on Saturday. Money raised during the event goes toward client programs and research projects for people with MS. ...

Paul Bradshaw of Cape Girardeau can now bite into an apple and not worry about dislodging his lower denture plate. Four implants have replaced his lower plate. Each implant into his jawbone carries enough teeth that, when bridged together, form the lower set of teeth...

It is a brave new world out there. We are no longer so easily dictated to by the experts when it comes to matters of our health. I have found that some of the most knowledgeable people on cancer are the ones who have come face to face with the Big C, rolled up their sleeves and tackled it head on...

Cape Girardeau American Legion starter Justin Myers hit the first batter he faced Wednesday night with the first pitch of the game. Myers walked the next Perryville hitter but settled down from there on his way to a three-hitter and a 3-1 win at Capaha Field...

The Cape Girardeau County Commission promised Thursday to back a loan for the expanded county transit system, but a board controlling tax money set aside for senior services declined a request for a large financial commitment. The commission voted unanimously to guarantee a loan of up to $660,000 for the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority. The guarantee covers the $360,000 cost to purchase Kelley Transportation Co. Inc. and a $300,000 line of credit for startup costs...

History is only worth what you make of it. I'd like to think that's a famous quote. But as far as I can tell, I'm the only one who has ever said it. Almost every week I read about another history-related book that's been published setting the record straight or adding elements that weren't even considered relevant when previous books on the same topic were published...

A proposal for an accelerated county road-paving program states that Cape Girardeau County could blacktop an extra 19 miles of gravel roads during the first six years of a half-cent sales-tax increase. The detailed program, presented to the Cape Girardeau County Commission by county highway administrator Scott Bechtold, is subject to change and will be discussed at a public hearing June 19...

The Cape Girardeau Public Library is seeking to garner good will for a proposed multimillion-dollar expansion project and a tax initiative by showing taxpayers what they get for their library buck. "We want to demonstrate to the public how responsible we are with their tax money," director Betty Martin said. "So if we raised taxes in order to add on to the building they would know that we will be very responsible with that money."...

Bell City school officials have filed an appeal with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education over the agency's findings that the district illegally secured more than $19,000 in state aid this school year. Education commissioner D. Kent King is expected to rule on the matter before the end of the month. The State Board of Education could ratify the commissioner's decision at its meeting on June 22, DESE spokesman Jim Morris said Friday...

Police were warning about a new scam in Cape Girardeau after a local resident was bilked out of $500. Two men showed up at the home of Billy Tate around 3 p.m. Thursday offering to spray a chemical into his gutters to supposedly fight mildew, said Tate, 85, of 2506 Ford Drive...

A wild bear was the only thing Eva James worried about Thursday morning as she prepared to camp for the next 24 hours on the front lawn of the Missouri Veterans Home. James, an activities therapist at the veterans home, used a vacation day from work to camp for 24 hours to raise awareness for Alzheimer's disease, which attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. ...

Local police were searching for an area lawyer after he failed to show up at least two court appearances for his clients. Michael Lawrence Sr., a Sikeston, Mo.-based lawyer, was issued two body attachments by two different judges last month. A body attachment is not a warrant, but allows officers to take Lawrence into custody and jail him until the next available court hearing, according to Scott County Sheriff's chief deputy Tom Beardslee...

BENTON, Mo. -- Now that Scott County has a design concept for its updated war memorial on the county courthouse grounds, organizers plan to proceed with fund-raising efforts. The first donation toward the project's completion came not from Scott County, but from Cape Girardeau...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gay rights and children's advocates on Thursday praised the attorney general's decision to drop a legal fight over gay foster parents, but the state agency said the battle isn't over. Attorney General Jay Nixon officially dropped the state's appeal of a judge's decision that a lesbian was wrongly denied the opportunity to become a foster parent...

A string of birdies over the closing holes at Bulle Rock paid off in different ways for Michelle Wie and Nicole Castrale. It spared Wie a shaky start, and it sparked the hard-luck Castrale to a career-low round of 64 and a two-shot lead Thursday in the LPGA Championship at Havre de Grace, Md...

PARIS -- Once again, Justine Henin-Hardenne rose to the occasion on her favorite stage. The two-time French Open champion earned another berth in the final, taking advantage of Belgian compatriot Kim Clijsters' erratic play to win 6-3, 6-2 Thursday...

DURHAM, N.C. -- A second stripper in the Duke University rape case told police early in their investigation that the accuser was out of her sight for only five minutes that night and that her allegations were a "crock," according to a court papers filed Thursday...

Cape Girardeau...

Cape Girardeau...

When Union Pacific Railroad announced last year that it planned to acquire a segment of track from Rockview to Sikeston through Scott County, officials and residents along the affected area expressed concern, much of it over the additional noise and inconvenience of adding 10 or more trains a day to the route...

Thanks for purse; School funding; Yard-sign policing; No higher taxes; No to sales tax; Office hours; Different story; Great painter; Stem-cell research; No answers; Money mystery; Which is it?; No signs, no sale; Spending money; Phenomenal concert; History lesson; Close scrutiny

MOUND CITY, Ill. -- Elmer L. Koen, 88, of Mound City died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at his home. He was born Nov. 21, 1917, in Mound City, son of James and Alice Parrot Koen. He married Wilma Marie Flannigan, who preceded him in death. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Edward S. Hill Jr., 80, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Cairo, died Thursday, June 8, 2006, at Walnut Place Long Term Care Facility in Dallas. Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

Mark D. Reynolds, 56, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Heartland Care and Rehab. He was born April 21, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, son of Thomas J. and Ruth I. Reynolds. Reynolds attended Cape Girardeau Schools, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1972...

Hill; Rainey; Whitfield; Navarro; Sneed; Stephens; Watson; Keith; Latham

25 years ago: June 9, 1981 Three years after its initial planning stages, Cape Girardeau's traffic signal replacement and curb reconstruction program is now 94 percent complete, according to city engineer Guy A. Lowes. The county court has reached an agreement allowing Bob Flannery to farm approximately 20 acres on the south part of the County Farm Park surrounding Memorial Park Cemetery...

'Cars'; STILL PLAYING; 'The Break Up'; 'The Da Vinci Code'; 'Ice Age: The Meltdown'; 'Just My Luck'; 'Mission Impossible III'; 'The Omen'; 'Over the Hedge'; 'Poseidon'; 'RV'; 'See No Evil'; 'X-Men: The Last Stand'

ANNA, Ill. -- Dr. Gale A. McMahan, 59, of Anna died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born Oct. 19, 1946, in Anna, daughter of George O. and Jessie L. Johnson Scivally. She and Joe H. McMahan were married Dec. 14, 1963...

Geoff Enders kicked off the Jackson American Legion team's participation in the Jonesboro, Ark., tournament by throwing a no-hitter at the host team on Thursday. Jackson posted a 2-0 win to begin pool play in the 24-team event. Enders walked four and struck out five over seven innings to improve his record to 1-1...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Tips from within Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's own terror network helped the United States locate and bomb a secret meeting among the al-Qaida leader and top associates at a safe house north of Baghdad, military officials said Thursday. Iraqis celebrated with gunfire as the battered face of the country's most feared terrorist was broadcast around the world. ...

ST. LOUIS -- Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon will return more than $19,000 in donations to his gubernatorial campaign that came indirectly from Ameren Corp., the utility he is investigating over the Taum Sauk reservoir collapse. Nixon's campaign treasurer Craig Hosmer said returning the money doesn't mean Nixon was wrong to accept it. He said Nixon wants to eliminate any appearance of a conflict of interest as he investigates Ameren...

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A former state senator was convicted Thursday of extortion for taking payoffs from a fake company set up by the FBI to catch corrupt lawmakers. Roscoe Dixon, a Memphis Democrat, was the first of five lawmakers charged in the case to go to trial. He had been charged with seeking and accepting payoffs from E-Cycle Management, which offered bribes to state and local officials across Tennessee...

BENTON, Mo. -- A woman accused of slamming her daughter's head on a doorway when the child would not sleep pleaded innocent to the charges Thursday. Susan Cabiness, 34, of Chaffee, Mo., entered her plea to two felony counts of child abuse during an appearance before Circuit Judge David Dolan. ...

ST. LOUIS -- Yadier Molina's impeccable defense behind the plate made it easy for the St. Louis Cardinals to wait out his early season stupor with the bat. The Cardinals were the last team in the major leagues without a home run from their catchers until Molina connected on Monday. He finally inched his average above .200 two days before that, beginning to provide at least a little pop at the bottom end of the order...

DALLAS -- Dirk Nowitzki sputtered and struggled in his first NBA finals game, so the Dallas Mavericks hitched a ride on the Jet to claim the opener. Jason Terry grabbed the spotlight from the three big stars in this championship series, scoring a playoff-high 32 points with a soaring grace befitting his nickname -- even though he missed an open layup that nearly erased all his achievements...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The second day of the NCAA outdoor track and field championships did not go as well for Southeast Missouri State as the opening day. After All-American Miles Smith had the second-fastest time in Wednesday's first round of the 400 meters, Southeast's two other national meet entries fell well short of advancing Thursday night...

Robyn Mainor's job falls somewhere between that of an elementary school educator and a short-haul trucker. Her classroom's bright pink, orange, green, red and every-other-color-known-to-man exterior catches the eyes of people on area roads every day...

The Toyota Camry, the car that's bought new by more Americans than any other, year in and year out, is even better now. The best-selling auto in the United States, the Camry sedan is an early-introduction, new-generation vehicle for 2007 with sleeker styling than its predecessors, new features and interior, the best Camry safety rating ever and the most powerful Camry V-6 ever...

Baseball n Federal agents tried to pressure Jason Grimsley into wearing a wire during private conversations with other players to gather incriminating evidence against Barry Bonds, an attorney for the former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher said. "It was a specific effort to target Bonds," Edward Novak told the Arizona Republic for a Thursday story. "We were told that Jason's cooperation was necessary to their case."...

Michael Johnathon performs in coffee house; Scott City holds annual summer festival; University to hold All-State Lions Band; French veillee at Ste. Genevieve Saturday; BRAG announces juried art show winners; Art Museum announces jewelry trunk show

The Southeast Explorer mobile museum is only one part of the Southeast Missouri Regional Museum's Family Fun Day activities Saturday. In addition to seeing the explorer, those who show up for Fun Day will get to participate in a variety of activities based around museum exhibits...

Three stars (out of four) This is not the usual Jennifer Aniston character, and if you are thinking that this is a really funny movie, you're in for a surprise. It's a dark comedy that will hit close to home. As the movie begins, Vince Vaughn uses an unusual pick-up line that involves hot dogs. From there on it's life as we know it...

WASHINGTON -- Women for the first time have a vaccine to protect themselves against cervical cancer. The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday licensed the vaccine, Gardasil, for use in girls and women ages 9 to 26. The vaccine works by preventing infection by four of the dozens of strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV, the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Steve McNair is the new starting quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens. McNair passed his physical Thursday and immediately jumped to the top of the depth chart ahead of Kyle Boller. The Ravens called a late afternoon press conference to announce McNair's long-awaited arrival via a trade with the Tennessee Titans...

It could almost be called an act of fate that led to the formation of the Southern rock jam band Shady Deal. Future lead singer Jesse Hammock drove into a telephone pole on Broadway. That same telephone pole would fall onto a nearby transformer, which would in turn explode and shatter numerous nearby storefront windows, ultimately causing $25,000 worth of damage...

MOUNT MERAPI, Indonesia -- Mount Merapi spewed a column of gas and sent clouds of hot ash tumbling down its slopes Thursday, causing 15,000 villagers to flee. Some jumped into rivers to escape the searing heat, and others sped off in trucks. No injuries or deaths were reported...

Dear Tom and Ray: Please define "driving a car into the ground." I realize I'm on the downside of my '93 Toyota 4Runner's lifetime. I crossed 200,000 miles a month ago but would like to keep it for at least a year more. But in the meantime, little things are starting to go wrong. ...

ORAN, Mo. -- Things seemed to have calmed down for police chief Marc Tragesser since he started his job in Oran last summer. For months after Tragesser took the post, he had to battle fierce opposition to his style of law enforcement -- one that is much more aggressive than that of former chief Howard Stevens...

Bell City school officials have appealed a finding by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that the district illegally secured more than $19,000 in state aid this school year. Education commissioner D. Kent King is expected to rule on the appeal before the end of the month. The State Board of Education could ratify the commissioner's decision at its meeting on June 22, DESE spokesman Jim Morris said Friday...

By the start of the 2007 academic year, the Southeast Missouri State University departments of music and theater and dance hope to have their new performance spaces on the River Campus ready to go. So for both departments, the 2006-2007 season of concerts and productions will serve as a prelude to what audiences can expect in new facilities...

Miles Smith's run at the NCAA outdoor track and field championships ended painfully. The Southeast Missouri State junior pulled a hamstring during Friday's semifinal and failed to qualify for today's final in the 400-meter dash. He still managed to finish sixth in his heat and had the ninth-best time overall...

"Anchors" away: In 1970, 6 percent of all births in the United States were to illegal aliens. In 2002, that figure was 23 percent. In 1994, 36 percent of the births paid for by Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid, were to illegals. That figure has doubtless increased in the intervening 12 years as the rate of illegal immigration has risen...

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- A soldier was killed exiting a helicopter during an emergency landing Friday near Fort Campbell, and four others were taken to a hospital, an Army spokeswoman said. Cathy Gramling, a spokeswoman for Fort Campbell, said the UH60 Blackhawk helicopter made a "precautionary landing" at 10:30 a.m. CDT after a warning light came on in the cockpit...

DETROIT -- A 16-year-old honor student from Michigan tricked her parents into getting her a passport and then flew off to the Mideast to be with a West Bank man she met on MySpace.com, authorities say. U.S. officials in Jordan persuaded her to turn around and go home before she reached the West Bank. She was on her way home Friday...

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Operators of the nation's coal mines will spend up to $128 million to comply with the new federal mine safety legislation, with nearly half going to equip and train 260 new rescue teams, according to the Congressional Budget Office...

ATLANTA -- The long, steady decline in teen smoking in the United States since the late 1990s appears to have come to a standstill, health officials said Friday. A survey released this week showed that smoking among high school students held steady at around one in four teenagers between 2003 and 2005. Two other surveys in the past year or so found that teen smoking has apparently plateaued since 2002...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- H&R Block Inc. is no stranger to making controversial offers to get tax clients through its doors. The nation's largest tax preparer has spent tens of millions of dollars settling lawsuits claiming its refund-anticipation loans take advantage of low-income taxpayers by charging high fees...

NEW YORK -- The Kentucky Derby winner is recovering from a life-threatening injury at a hospital in Pennsylvania, and the Preakness winner will remain in his barn for today's 138th Belmont Stakes. Without Barbaro and Bernardini, the final leg of the Triple Crown will be anything but a "Test of the Champion."...

LONG POND, Pa. -- Denny Hamlin had never seen Pocono Raceway until he arrived at the triangle track Friday morning. The rookie proved to be a fast learner, turning a lap of 169.638 mph only hours later to take the pole for Sunday's Pocono 500. It was the first pole of the season for the No. 11 Ford...

PARIS -- Awful at the start, masterful enough later to produce shots that must be seen to be believed, Roger Federer leaned back in his sideline seat and exhaled. His opponent Friday had just quit with an injury, and a smile slowly crept across Federer's face as he realized that a berth in his first French Open final...

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk is not attending the team's final minicamp this weekend while contemplating retirement because of knees that have been slow to recover from offseason cleanup surgery. New coach Scott Linehan said Friday that two weeks ago Faulk, who has undergone numerous such surgeries on both knees, expressed his concerns. Linehan said Faulk's agent, Rocky Arceneaux, told him again on Thursday that Faulk "wasn't physically ready to go."...

MILWAUKEE -- Scott Spiezio drove in three runs in a six-run fourth inning and the St. Louis Cardinals overcame a 6-0 deficit to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 10-6 on Friday night, snapping a three-game losing streak. The Cardinals, swept in a three-game series at home this week by Cincinnati, had lost three of four since first baseman Albert Pujols was sidelined with a strained muscle in his side. ...