Stories from Monday, July 13, 2009

Joshua Kezer adjusting to life out of prison, reuniting with family (07/13/09)
For years, Hadley James said a specific prayer at each family gathering, asking that he would one day get the chance to have all five of his grandchildren together at dinner again.

New exective director begins work at Arts Council of Southeast Missouri (07/13/09)
Melissa Miller took over as executive director of the arts council last week, where she will oversee council events and programming such as the art academy.

Seminarian from Mexico celebrates Independence Day as U.S. citizen (07/13/09)
Alex Ascencio spent the Fourth of July alongside fellow Americans at Arena Park last weekend. Unlike most of the people there, he was celebrating his first Independence Day as a U.S. citizen.

Sikeston woman wins entrepreneurial contest, to expand rental business (07/13/09)
A Sikeston, Mo., resident was named the winner of the "You're In Business" entrepreneurial contest Friday.

Young workers push for wider web access (07/13/09)
CHICAGO -- Ryan Tracy thought he'd entered the Dark Ages when he graduated college and arrived in the working world. His employer blocked access to Facebook, Gmail and other popular Internet sites. He had no wireless access for his laptop and often ran to a nearby cafe on work time so he could use its Wi-Fi connection to send large files...

Iowa museum exhibit gives shimmering look at iconic crop (07/13/09)
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Hanging from ropes on the ceiling, 28 glass ears of corn shimmer in the dim light. Behind them, images of cornfields flicker on the walls and you hear the sound of wind and chirping birds and crickets. As your eyes adjust, you see that there's more going on here, though, than a video and a display of dazzling blown glass...

Lawmakers look to health bill despite delays (07/13/09)
WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers from both parties are telling the White House they will go on vacation next month and leave behind -- and incomplete -- President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. White House officials sought a massive reworking of the nation's health care system before Congress left on August recess, but key lawmakers signaled on Sunday the administration would be disappointed. ...

Allies' stances cited in U.S. debate over gays in military (07/13/09)
NEW YORK -- When it comes to dealing with gay personnel in the ranks, the contrasts are stark among some of the world's militaries -- and those differing approaches are invoked by both sides as Americans renew debate over the Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" policy...

Sotomayor confirmation hearings begin today (07/13/09)
WASHINGTON -- Sonia Sotomayor has advantages as she begins the next public hearing of her legal career, a nationally televised consideration of her nomination to be the first Hispanic and the third woman on the Supreme Court. She will tell her story to a jury tilted in her favor -- the Democratic caucus holds a comfortable majority on the Senate Judiciary Committee and a filibuster-resistant 60 votes in the Senate...

Rain stops, reign continues (07/13/09)
The Plaza Tire Capahas survived spotty weather and the much-improved Pine Bluff (Ark.) Braves to win their fifth straight National Baseball Congress Mid-South Regional title. In a championship-round game that spanned two days, Plaza Tire held off the Braves 5-3 on Sunday afternoon at Capaha Field...

Ludwick powers Cards to split (07/13/09)
CHICAGO -- Ryan Ludwick more than made up for Albert Pujols' rare bad game. Ludwick hit a pair of two-run homers, Adam Wainwright pitched eight strong innings and the St. Louis Cardinals salvaged a split by beating the Chicago Cubs 4-2 in the nightcap of Sunday's doubleheader...

Ji wins U.S. Women's Open (07/13/09)
Eun Hee Ji, a 23-year-old from South Korea, made a lengthy birdie putt on the 72nd hole to emerge from a Sunday scramble with an even-par 71 and claim the U.S. Women's Open in Bethlehem, Pa. She outlasted playing partner and third-round leader Cristie Kerr, who struggled from the outset in the final round and failed in her bid for a second Women's Open title in three years...

Talking shop with Wendell Miller (07/13/09)
Pizza remains a staple food of many Americans, and there's nothing like the convenience of having it delivered to your door. One friendly face greeting customers of Domino's Pizza is Wendell Miller, who was recently named the company's delivery expert of the year. He works at Credit Bureau Services in Cape Girardeau and part time at Domino's. Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell visited with Miller last week to learn more about his secret to success...

Kiwanis Membership Drive (07/13/09)
Kiwanis Membership Drive Cape Girardeau, MO -- www.capekiwanis.com Cape Girardeau, MO, July 13, 2009--The Kiwanis Club of Cape Girardeau is launching a membership drive to strengthen its base, and to encourage community and service-minded citizens to consider joining the organization, which works on community service projects, especially those that benefit children...

The Newest Canine Good Citizens (07/13/09)
Cape Girardeau was once again the site of the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen certification on July 11th. The CGC training program concentrates on basic obedience, but the certification takes the basic commands a step further to also insure the graduates are social with people and other dogs. All dogs were rescued or shelter dogs, and included the first American Pit Bull Terrier from Chaffee, Missouri to gain the CGC certification...

Lacy Lou of Winterhaven (07/13/09)
Here is our girl Lacy. Her favorite pastime is chasing squirrels and playing in her wading pool. She is a westie/bichon hybrid and of course our baby.