Stories from November 2009

PIEDMONT, Mo. -- The Scott City volleyball team could have traveled to Clearwater High School on Saturday and played OK, all right, average, pretty well, not all that great or anywhere in between and the result almost certainly would have been the same...

Budding scientists took control of Southeast Missouri State University's laboratories Friday for the university's Halloween Science Night. "We were interested in children imagining themselves as scientists, and Halloween is the time when children dress up and pretend. It seemed the perfect time to get them to pretend they were scientists and see what scientists do," said chemistry instructor Dr. Marcus Bond...

When Cape Girardeau selects its 44th person to serve as mayor in April, he or she will find a city doing better financially than many in the region but with pressing issues requiring action over the four-year term. So far, two candidates -- former councilman Matt Hopkins and two-time candidate Walter White -- have said they want the job and filed petitions with the 50 required signatures needed to be on the ballot. ...

DE SOTO, Mo. -- After it ran onto the court before Saturday's Class 3 sectional match, Notre Dame's girls volleyball team huddled and yelled in unison, "All for one and one for all." Three hours later, its play echoed that rallying cry when it used teamwork to overcome a late five-point deficit and defeat Rosati-Kain in the Class 3 state quarterfinal, earning a spot in the final four...

My nephew Canyon dressed up as a cop on Halloween, you gotta love this expression!

Blackjack fits in perfectly on this Halloween evening with his mistress Tara. With his shiny black coat he needs no costume.

November 7th and 8th PETCO at 266 Seimers Drive in Cape Girardeau Missouri will host FOSTERING HOPE, an educational seminar and workshop for all area animal welfare organizations. This workshop is open to the public and will be the first of its kind. ...

Zoe, 5, decided to be a badd fairy for Halloween, but way too cute to pull it off!

While having lunch last Tuesday (rainy Tuesday) at Popeye's in Cape, an older lady, who uses a walker, was preparing to leave. She had no raincoat and no way to hold an umbrella. I looked up to see a Popeye's worker-Lonnie-walk her to her car carrying an umbrella for her. If you know Lonnie, or see him at work, please let him know how much you appreciate his selfless gesture...

10/31/09

WASHINGTON -- From his home and on a friendly network, Rush Limbaugh lobbed pot shots across the airwaves Sunday at President Barack Obama -- "immature, inexperienced, in over his head," offering the country "radical leadership" and laying siege to the economy...

The second grade class at Cape Christian School is doing a mission project to raise money for St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital. The class has one student in their class that has Pre B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. A parent of one of the students will be running the St. ...

The two men accused of murder in the Cape Girardeau deaths of a woman and her son early Tuesday will also face attempted arson charges, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said today. Ryan T. Patterson, 28, and Samuel R. "Ray Ray" Hughes, 25, will be charged with felony attempted arson for bringing a full can of gasoline with them when they went to 1224 N. ...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- A Perryville demolition company faces possible civil penalties following a Missouri Air Conservation Commission vote to seek legal action by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster. The commission sent the case to Koster during a meeting Thursday in Jefferson City, Mo. ...

Kayla Lynn Begemann and Spencer Anthony Hobeck were married March 21, 2009, at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson. The Rev. Samuel Roethemeyer performed the ceremony. Organist and pianist was Christy Shinn of Jackson, and soloist was Meredith Lape of St. Louis...

Rick and Sarah Ross of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Layne Diebold, to Mark David Berkbigler. He is the son of Tom and Kathy Berkbigler of Cape Girardeau. Diebold is also the daughter of the late James Diebold. Diebold is a 2001 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School. She received a doctor of pharmacy degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 2007. She is a pharmacist at Schnucks...

Lanny and Monique Watson of Holcomb, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Diana Jo Watson, to Jeremiah David Townsend, both of Scott City. He is the son of Jon and Tonyua Townsend of Cape Girardeau. Watson is a 2005 graduate of Holcomb High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University in 2008. She is an accountant with Hillin and Clark, PC...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Larry Horrell of Chaffee recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends. Their children hosted a dinner and reception Oct. 10, 2009, at Chaffee Elks Lodge. Horrell and Mary Ziegler were married Oct. 10, 1959, at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, Mo., by the Rev. Donnelly...

GALE, Ill. -- Gene and Diana Edwards of Gale recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with their family. The couple was married Oct. 20, 1984, at First Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau, by the late Rev. Keith Grahams. ...

Mr. and Mrs. E. Dewayne Francis of Jackson celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with a dinner Sept. 4, 2009. Francis and Glenda Barks were married Sept. 4, 1954. He is pastor of Southside Baptist Church. They have two children, Steven and Terri Francis of Fredericktown, Mo., and Deana and Jerry Myracle of Jackson. They have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren...

Arnold and Sandy Nagel of Jackson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sept. 26, 2009, with a dinner for family and friends at Mollies Cafe and Bar in Cape Girardeau. The couple was married Sept. 26, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church in East St. Louis, Ill...

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Marberry of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Oct. 21, 2009, at Chateau Girardeau, with a party hosted by their children. Marberry and Vera Hensley were married Oct. 21, 1939, in Cape Girardeau, by Justice Gus Schultz...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. William "Bill" Griffith Sr. of Chaffee recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. Griffith and Karen Fay Moore were married Oct. 15, 1960, in Cairo, Ill. The couple resided in Irving, Texas, during their working years where they raised their family. After retiring they moved to Chaffee to be near her mother and sister...

One of the best things about living in Cape Girardeau is the connection many residents have with each other. They see each other at church, while volunteering, on their jobs and at the schools attended by their children. Organized events also bring neighbors together. Last month, several of these get-togethers occurred on the same weekend:...

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri's Otto Dingeldein Award, recently given to Mike Dumey, was a well-deserved tribute. Mike's positive influence on his many students, especially the love of musical theater, cannot be measured. A teacher who had the biggest single influence on my life passed away this week in Baton Rouge, La. ...

State Sen. Jason G. Crowell, who represents the 27th District in the Missouri Senate, sent this letter to statewide elected officials and to members of the Missouri General Assembly. Looking at the state's current fiscal situation, it is my opinion that the General Assembly should provide itself with as many options as possible as we begin to make the tough decisions inherent in our state budget. ...

As a cancer caregiver and advocate, I know that our nation's current health care system does not work well for many people with cancer. Cancer patients are often denied coverage or find that the cost of coverage is far beyond their means. One in four cancer patients has delayed necessary care due to cost, according to a recent poll from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network...

Holidays and mail; Medicaid request; Missing vaccine; Great show; Illinois corruption; Bureaucracy at work; Headlights on; Considerate mowers; Proud of team; Bus concerns; Public smoking; Poor examples

By Rudy Maxa The Daily Beast Almost 11 years ago, somewhere over Canada, a small fire began in the ceiling of Swissair Flight 111 near the cockpit's rear wall. Seventeen minutes after the crew determined the fire was a serious problem and radioed a distress message, the plane plummeted into the ocean, disintegrating and immediately killing all 229 on board...

Editor's note: This is the ninth in a series of stories with an introduction from Nancy Jernigan at the United Way highlighting volunteers and agencies who are active in or funded by the United Way of Southeast Missouri. To get involved, visit the United Way online at www.unitedwayofsemo.org, at its offices at 430A Broadway or by phone at 334-9634....

If people stop to smell the roses in spring, then fall is the time they stop and see the leaves. Provided last week's rain hasn't blown all the leaves off the trees, this week will be the perfect -- and possibly last -- time to enjoy the colorful palette of fall...

A walk through the woods can sometimes bring you into close contact with interesting man-made things. I believe these man-made things can be relevant and offer powerful and interesting photo opportunities. In this case I was directed by a friendly lady to get a closer look at an old, long-abandoned schoolhouse. ...

Give us grace, O God, to follow the examples of all your blessed saints. Amen.

Brian Renaud, a quartermaster in the U.S. Navy, recently achieved the appointment of chief petty officer. The appointment carries with it the obligation that he will exercise increased authority, willingly accept greater responsibility and strive toward the valued ideal of service with honor. Renaud is the son of John Renaud of Cape Girardeau and Theresa Renaud of St. Louis, and the grandson of Cordelia Conn and Catherine Renaud, both of Charleston, Mo...

Jeff Owens, an Allstate Insurance agent, recently earned the Agency Hands in the Community award from Allstate for his commitment to community service through volunteer work in the local community. Owens, who operates in Jackson, received $500 from the company to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association where he volunteers...

Nov. 2-6 Cape Girardeau Elementary MONDAY--Corn dog or turkey & cheese on bun, candied carrots, mixed fruit cup, vanilla wafers. TUESDAY--Crispito with nacho cheese sauce or ham & cheese on bun, corn, pears. WEDNESDAY--Breaded pork chop with gravy or turkey & cheese on bun, whipped potatoes & gravy, hot roll, cinnamon applesauce...

Efforts benefit three charities The J.C. Penney Salon in Cape Girardeau has combined its efforts with the J.C. Penney retail store to raise money for two charities. The salon needed to clean out a stock room and decided to sell some of the products to employees to raise money for the United Way. ...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Wednesday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Thursday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Friday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Saturday: Jackson Firefighters responded to the following calls Friday:...

Cape Girardeau: DWIs; Arrests; Summonses; Burglary; Theft; Miscellaneous; Jackson: Arrest; Thefts; Miscellaneous; Cape Girardeau County: DWI; Arrests

CRESTWOOD, Mo. -- William E. "Bill" Eastwood, Jr., 83, of Crestwood died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009 at his home. He was born Aug. 12, 1926, in Cape Girardeau to William Earl and Lillie Reed Eastwood Sr. Mr. Eastwood was a veteran of World War II, serving as a merchant seaman, and a veteran of the Korean War serving in the Army...

William Thomas Ogle, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Oct. 8, 1924, in Big Piney, Mo., to Dorsey and Mabel Derry Ogle. He and Betty Jane Reinbold were married July 24, 1948, at East St. Louis, Ill...

Ralph S. Thorpe, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born July 23, 1916, in Oblong, Ill., to J.R. and Della Siler Thorpe. He graduated from grade school and high school in Oblong and from the University of Illinois in 1938. In 1940 he received a master's degree from Penn State University...

KELSO, Mo. -- Ervin Stephen LeGrand, 84, of Kelso died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Dec. 31, 1924, in Chaffee, Mo., son of Michael Samuel and Frieda Katherine Koelzer LeGrand. He and Gertrude Grace Scherer were married Aug. 7, 1945, in Kelso. She preceded him in death Aug. 7, 1996...

Margot Atwood, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Dec. 21, 1920, in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, to Nicholas Bernard and Cecelia Gertrude Topf Theobald. She and William H. Atwood were married Aug. 19, 1944, at Chicago. He died Nov. 8, 1984...

ANNA, Ill. -- Mr. Robert "Bob" Franklin Fuller, 80, of Anna, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at the City Care Center in Anna. He was born Nov. 30, 1928, at Cobden, Ill., the son of Robart Franklin and Virgie Mae Verble Fuller. He was married to Betty Lou Carlile, who preceded him in death March 24, 1993. He later was married to Norma McCann on April 11, 1999...

ANNA, Ill. -- Wesley L. "Wes" Boie, 73, of Anna died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at his home. There will be no visitation or funeral, and burial will be private. Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Ill., is in charge of arrangements...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Larry D. Henderson, 61, of Cairo died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at his home in Cairo. The funeral and burial will be private and conducted at a later date. Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Frank Lee Estep, 52, of Chaffee died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Aline Marie Hess, 78, of Delta went peacefully to be with our heavenly Lord on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, surrounded by her three loving children.

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- Venus G. Frissell, 86, of Ste. Genevieve died Oct. 28, 2009 at Ste. Genevieve Care Center.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Veda E. Scott, 91, of Perryville died Oct. 29, 2009, at Independence Care Center of Perry County.

n Friday's story about the salary commission should have said the raises approved go into effect only if the raises for all county employees are approved at the budget hearings. The potential raises the salary commission voted on for county office holders would go into effect in 2011...

ST. LOUIS -- A tow boat collided with a bridge Saturday, causing 15 barges to break free in the rain-swollen Mississippi River near downtown St. Louis. The U.S. Coast Guard said the coal-loaded barges were being towed on the river when the collision happened around 11:30 a.m...

7:30 p.m. Monday Jackson City Hall Action Items Power and Light Committee Street Committee Study session 8 p.m. Discussion items ...

7 p.m. Monday City hall 401 Independence St. Action Items Public Hearings Consent ordinances New ordinances Resolutions Liquor licenses Other...

Clover is 4 years old. She is spayed and declawed. For more information, contact the Humane Society at 334-5837...

NEW YORK -- A man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of setting a small fire at the temporary home for the remains of thousands of World Trade Center victims, police said. Police announced the arrest nearly 12 hours after the fire, which was set following a break-in. Charges against the 26-year-old were pending, police said...

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- It's one thing for shoplifters to hide plunder in their pants. But a live ferret? Police say a homeless man in north Florida did just that. And he made it out the door before being challenged. Rodney Bolton, 38, is charged with theft over the $129 animal that police say he took from a pet store in Jacksonville Beach...

SALT LAKE CITY -- A rap by four teenagers at a McDonald's has gotten them a bad rap in one Utah city. The teens were cited by American Fork police last week for disorderly conduct after they rapped their order at a McDonald's drive-through. The teens said they were imitating a popular video on YouTube. They rapped their order, which begins with, "I need a double cheeseburger and hold the lettuce ..." once quickly before repeating it more slowly...

Whether it's diluting dish soap to get the last drops or using free samples, I use up items I have on hand before purchasing something new. This is a way of life in our household. With prices climbing, I'm happy to share a few reader-submitted tips for using what you already have or are doing without...

When I was a child, nobody I knew had ever heard of polenta. Nobody outside of my northern Italian family, anyway. Essentially, it's cornmeal mush served with some kind of meat with a sauce. Then the world seemed to discover northern Italian cuisine, and polenta was suddenly on the fanciest menus, commanding astronomical prices. For home cooks, the dish took on a "this is a really big deal" quality, as it was rumored that polenta took hours of stirring over a hot pot...

25 years ago: Nov. 1, 1984 Southeast Missouri State University is seeking two students to portray two historical ceremonial figures -- Chief Sagamore and Otahki; outfits for the mascots have been provided by the University Foundation. The morning's heavy rains in Jackson cause flash flooding, closing a number of roads; Goose Creek along Old Cape Road is out of its banks at several places; roads around West Lane Elementary School are closed, as are others...

The day Josh Kezer was turned over to the Missouri Department of Corrections, four men bet cigarettes on how long it would be before he was raped or murdered. He survived, but lived in a violent environment while serving 15 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit...

"Keep a good grip on it." That's one of my favorite lines from the 1966 film "A Man for All Seasons." Here's the prelude to that climactic phrase:Sir Thomas More: Why have I been summoned to this court? Lord High Judge: To answer to a charge of high treason...

In case you missed it, somewhere in the middle of the night you gained an hour of sleep. I'm not sure about you, but it seems to take me several weeks to physically adjust to the ending of daylight saving time. Sometimes the fall back seems more like a fall down...

Registration open for annual Zoomday The second annual Hot Wheels Zoomday lets children ages 4 to 10 come out for snacks and prizes as they race their favorite and fastest Hot Wheels race car on specially built racetracks from the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department. The races will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Registration ends Nov. 9. Cost is $12 for residents; $15 for nonresidents. Call 339-6340 or e-mail swelter@cityofcapegirardeau.org for more information...

Southeast Missouri State's inability to consistently move the football on offense doomed the Redhawks' chances against Eastern Kentucky on Saturday. The Redhawks were limited to 245 yards of offense in their 20-6 loss in Richmond, Ky. Southeast fell to 1-7 overall and 0-6 in the Ohio Valley Conference as the Redhawks suffered their seventh straight loss...

Reports on how Southeast teams did Friday and Saturday.

BELL CITY, Mo. -- The Lesterville volleyball team wasn't even favored to win its district tournament. Yet the Bearcats are headed to the Class 1 final four after posting two comebacks victories Saturday at Bell City High School. Lesterville lost the first game in both its sectional and quarterfinal matches but rallied past Leopold 22-25, 25-20, 25-22 and Bell City 20-25, 25-22, 25-22...

ST. LOUIS -- This was one time that Travis Schiwitz was glad that he did not calculate his numbers correctly. Schiwitz is a math teach at Scott City High School as well as the coach of the first-year Rams cross country team. Schiwitz was lamenting the fact that according to his preliminary numbers, his boys team just missed out on making it to the state meet...

The Saxony Lutheran girls spent Friday night dancing away at the school's Halloween dance. Coach Larry Cleair wasn't too worried about it. "It got over early," Cleair said. "I told them to have a good time but use your head. They're great kids so I wasn't too worried."...

Oak Ridge didn't have the experience most teams would like heading into a district race. It didn't seem to phase the Blue Jays on Saturday. Freshman Ethan Seyer took second overall with a time of 19 minutes, 3 seconds to lead Oak Ridge to the Class 1 District 1 boys title at Jackson City Park. Oak Ridge will compete in the Class 1 boys race at 9:40 a.m. Saturday at Oak Hills Golf Center in Jefferson City, Mo...

KIRKWOOD, Mo. -- Playing on a sectional stage for the first time since 2002, and on Halloween no less, the Jackson Indians volleyball team appeared a bit spooked Saturday at Kirkwood High School. The Indians saw their season end with a two-game loss to Cor Jesu as the Chargers rolled into the Class 4 quarterfinals with a 25-8, 25-15 victory...

Notre Dame found itself in familiar territory Saturday, but there was a different runner atop the Bulldogs' leaderboard. Ryan Johnson ran to a second-place finish to help the Notre Dame boys team qualify for the state cross country meet. The Bulldogs took second at the Class 3 District 1 meet in Farmington, Mo...

Andrea Talley was a little nervous that her team might not make it through Saturday's Class 4 Sectional 1 meet. Her nerves were calmed when the final results were announced. The Indians placed fourth, good enough to send the team to state. "We knew with a healthy squad we had the potential to win it, or finish eighth," Talley said. "The caliber is so high at this level, one runner going down is the difference. This is considered the hardest sectional in the state."...

PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Scott City setter Jordan McFall's mouth was wide open, her eyes big as if the shock was setting in for the first time. "Oh. My. God. Our faces we're all, 'Ahh,'" she said, dropping her jaw. "It was crazy." McFall wasn't talking about either or her team's victories Saturday at Clearwater High School. She wasn't talking about a return to the final four or anything else related to the Rams' play...

BELL CITY, Mo. -- Leopold volleyball coach Sandy Davis didn't want to detract from the play of a strong Lesterville team. But Davis thought her squad failed to perform up to its ability. The result was a tight three-game Class 1 sectional loss Saturday at Bell City High School...

The following men have served as Cape Girardeau mayors since 1843, when city was incorporated:E. Mason, 1843-1844 G.W. Juden, 1844-1845 E. Mason, 1845-1846 Thomas Johnston, 1846-1849 P.H. Davis, 1849-1851 Alfred T. Lacey, 1851-1852 Thomas Baldwin, 1852-1853...

Gov. Jay Nixon visited Three Rivers Community College as part of a recent tour seeking to identify ways the state can invest in putting Missourians back to work quickly through vocational and technical training. "We're not going to cut our way out of the recession, we're going to build our way out," said Nixon during a roundtable discussion with area education and business leaders Friday...

The Rev. Timothy Wade Lee first came to the Pentecostal church at age 17 in North Carolina. After that service, he changed his ways and joined the church. He spent many years holding revivals -- including one at The Apostolic Promise Church in Cape Girardeau. Now, at 40, Lee has been the pastor at The Apostolic Promise Church for six years. Being a pastor "is all I do," Lee said...

DETROIT -- The St. Louis Rams beat the Detroit Lions in each phase -- offense, defense, special teams and coaching -- to snap their 17-game losing streak. Steven Jackson's 25-yard touchdown run with 1:38 left lifted the Rams to a 17-10 win Sunday over Detroit...

POPLAR BLLUFF, Mo. -- Drowning was the cause of death for all three Poplar Bluff High School students who died when a car overturned in a flooded creek at 7:31 a.m. Friday, according to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers. The victims were identified as Kyle Rose, 16, Jeremiah Klein, 16, and his brother, Christopher Klein, 15, all of Poplar Bluff...

Route E in Scott County is closed due to water over the road, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation. The closed section of road is between Spring Street and Missouri Street in Commerce, and it will be closed until further notice...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Six juveniles were arrested last week for burglary and property damage following an investigation by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. Sgt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for DPS, said the investigation began when a concerned parent spoke with a school resource officer about her son...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Two Poplar Bluff Junior High students were suspended Thursday morning for having a BB gun on a school bus. The BB gun was discovered when staff members reviewed a video taken Wednesday afternoon by bus cameras after receiving a tip about an unrelated matter, according to Superintendent Ernie Lawson...

During its meeting Monday the Cape Girardeau County Commission opened bids for its annual audit for 2009 to 2011. Two companies -- Stanley, Dirnberger, Hopper & Associates and Van de Ven LLC -- placed bids. The commissioners referred the bids to county auditor David Ludwig and county clerk Kara Clark-Summers for their evaluation and recommendation...

Here's Foxy dressed up like a hippie which reminds me of days gone past, lol!! She loves playing with her sisters and her new brother!! She does tricks for treats daily!! She's the best dog!! We adopted her 8 yrs. ago from the Humane Society.

Poor Reesie was NOT a happy camper after Justin kept dressing her up in all her outfits!! She's very stressssed out!!

Justin is proudly showing off Cinnamon in her Princess outfit! She's such a sweet dog and has the biggest heart!!

Here's Gizmo in his clown outfit ready to go trick or treating!! Isn't he the cutest little puppy? He should've been a devil instead cuz he's meaner than heck!! This innocent look of his is FAKE!!

Copperhead snake in our garage.

Toffee is a Bloodhound being fostered at Silverwalk Beagle & Hound Sanctuary for American Black & Tan Coonhound Rescue. She is about 2 years old, very friendly to both people and dogs. She was found a stray with a male bloodhound around Union, MO. Toffee is very soft and loves to have all her loose Bloodhound skin petted. Welcome to Cape G., Toffee!...

Logan Lewis went hunting with his Grandfather, Jack E. Hawk, for his very first time during the Youth Hunting Weekend early Saturday morning and bagged a 3-pt. buck with his first shot! After just two days of target practice and gun safety instructions from his grandfather, Logan went hunting for the first time. They hunted on private property where only his small hunting party was allowed to protect the youth from other hunter's who might have been in the same area...

This is the second year that Megan has gone deer hunting with her father, Jason Hawk. She and her cousin, Logan Lewis were both trained in gun safety and shooting by their grandfather, Jack Hawk and Meg's Dad, Jason. All four went hunting early Saturday morning during the Youth Weekend Hunt. Meg and Logan both shot a deer. Logan got his that morning. Meg and her father returned that afternoon at which time, Megan shot her deer...

BLODGETT, Mo. -- Two Cape Girardeau men died when their small single-engine airplane crashed during takeoff from a private landing strip, Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said this evening. Paul Fisher, a former U.S. DEA agent, and Robbie Rollins, president of Delta Express Inc., were unable to escape their small airplane after it clipped a small shed with its wing, somersaulted and burst into flames, Walter said. The first emergency call came in shortly after noon, Walter said...

In 2008, St. Andrew Lutheran Church raised enough funds to build 18 homes at St. Andrew Fishing Village in Les Iroises, Haiti. These simple cinder block homes are being built now; the fishing boats purchased from fund raising in 2007 are in full use; and the goal is to build more homes as well as build a school. Life groups within the congregation have participated in a variety of fund raisers to help raise funds to rebuild the village...

The Navy's elite demonstration flying team, The Blue Angels, at an airshow in 2007 at Chesterfield, MO.

After too many hours of rain in Bollinger County, the Friday evening sunset was beautiful! It looks as though the skies were making ready for Halloween!

With "old Glory" flying in the background this reminds us of one of America's favorite summer past times.

Tibbit was our loving companion for ten years. He was killed October 3, 2006 by an evil, unkind neighbor. We will love him always and cherish his memory.

First place winner for Trunk or Treat at Bethany Baptist Church's Fall Festival

Seoond place winner for Trunk or Treat at Bethany Baptist Church's Fall Festival

This is my 7mo old lab named River. Hes just like any other young lab; full of energy, loves the water and can be a hand full at times haha. All in all, hes a great dog.

Since he joined First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau in 1965, Robert Hamblin has seen the congregation experience its ups and downs. Even with such changes as a move to its present location and the controversial ordination of women deacons, the church's willingness to show the love of Christ for Cape Girardeau has remained constant, Hamblin said...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Many whose lives intertwined with those of Jamie Orman and her son Derrick came to say their final goodbyes Sunday afternoon at Miller Family Funeral Home in Perryville. Jamie Orman, 30, and Derrick Orman, 15, were shot to death in the early morning Tuesday in the home she shared with her fiance John Lawrence at 1224 N. Missouri Ave. Three suspects are in custody and face charges...

Two new programs at Southeast Missouri State University will give more options to students in environmental and agriculture studies. The environmental studies program is establishing a master's degree in environmental science program and the Department of Agriculture will offer agribusiness degrees at the university's Bootheel centers. ...

Fewer daylight hours means more of us will be driving after dark. And this is the mating season for the plentiful deer in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. This combination means motorists needs to be on the lookout for deer darting onto highways...

Please, whoever took my white stuffed duck with the little bonnet on its head out of the back of my car: Would you please return it? It meant so much to me. My beloved sister, who died of lung cancer, gave that to me long ago. Why did you steal it? The Bible says, "Thou shalt not steal." It's one of the Ten Commandments, if you've never read the Bible...

Protecting the unborn; Try peace surge; War blame; Good information; Need new voices

For all the faithful departed, we pray to you, O God.

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y. -- A church made famous by Washington Irving's short story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," has rejected a couple's request to hold a Halloween-themed wedding. Lisa Panensky and Jim Nieves signed a contract 13 months ago to get married on Halloween at the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y...

CHICAGO -- For millions of Americans the rule is simple: If you don't come to work, you don't get paid. That idea drives an untold numbers of carpenters, day care workers, servers, shopkeepers and small-business owners to their jobs each day. Sniffles or not...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Summonses Thefts Miscellaneous...

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

25 years ago: Nov. 2, 1984 With varying degrees of damage to businesses and temporary traffic problems, west Cape Girardeau spent most of yesterday treading water after receiving a record rainfall; several businesses along Kingshighway from Bloomfield Road to just north of Independence Street, and a section of Kingshighway near Route W received water damage when Walker and Cape LaCroix creeks overflowed, spreading out in the several-block business district...

If the Ohio Valley Conference preseason basketball poll is accurate, both Southeast Missouri State squads will struggle this year. One week after Southeast's women were picked seventh in the 10-team league, Southeast's men were tabbed for a last-place finish...

For the second time in less than a month, Brett Favre sliced up his former team and stuck it to the franchise that cast him aside as the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 38-26 at Lambeau Field on Sunday. If walking out to waves of loud jeers from his former fans threw Favre off his game, it didn't last long. ...

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- NASCAR demanded drivers be on their best behavior at Talladega Superspeedway, where a ban on bump-drafting sanitized what's usually one of the most spectacular races of the season. In the end, chaos reigned, just like always...

Sam Gramling earned a pair of third-place finishes to pace the Central boys swimming team at a meet in Springfield, Mo., on Saturday. Gramling bettered his state-cut time in the 200 freestyle. He also helped the 400 freestyle relay take fifth and the 200 freestyle relay finish seventh at the 18-team meet...

A section of Route A in Perry County between County Road 460 and County Road 444/447 has been closed until further notice by the Missouri Department of Transportation because of water over the road from last week's heavy rains. MoDOT urges motorists to use extreme caution while traveling near the area...

Leon Powell was considered the gem of Southeast Missouri State basketball coach Dickey Nutt's first recruiting class. The Redhawks won't be able to take advantage of Powell's talents this season, but that hasn't diminished Nutt's enthusiasm for the St. Louis native...

LONDON -- To fight pneumonia, the world's top killer of children, United Nations officials say they need $39 billion over the next six years. On the first World Pneumonia Day today, the World Health Organization and UNICEF are releasing a global plan aiming to save more than 5 million children from dying of pneumonia by 2015...

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama isn't on the ballot. Neither are all members of Congress, nor most governors. But to varying degrees, the outcome of a few elections Tuesday could provide clues about how people feel about their country, their president and the party in power one year after Democrats won the White House...

McCombs Funeral home in Jackson has opened its crematorium. Situated behind the funeral home at 640 W. Independence St., the crematorium includes an office, a handicapped-accessible restroom and a room for viewing the cremation if desired. The facility also has a receiving area to hold the body until cremation...

PHILADELPHIA -- Alex Rodriguez waited all game long for this hit. Heck, he waited his whole life. Rodriguez delivered the biggest hit of his career, a go-ahead, two-out double in the ninth inning off Brad Lidge and the New York Yankees took advantage of Johnny Damon's daring dash to beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-4 on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in the World Series...

As concerns about the H1N1 flu virus mount, some area churches are examining their practices to help reduce the spread of germs. "We have temporarily suspended the exchange of peace -- the handshake -- until further notice," said Linda Boxdorfer, secretary at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. She said the common communion cup used during the Eucharist is also suspended...

Sipe joins Cape Electrical as chief operating officer James Sipe has joined Cape Electrical Supply in Cape Girardeau as chief operating officer. A South Carolina native and graduate of the Citadel, Sipe is responsible for the overall operations of the company with special emphasis on branch management, vendor relations and customer service. He previously worked for Cameron & Barkley and Hagemeyer North America in Charleston, S.C. in a number of key executive positions...

CONCEPTION, Mo. -- Northwestern Missouri monk Michael Marcotte knows the use of calligraphy might seem outdated as more of the world's writing is done on computers and cell phones. But brother Michael Marcotte has been practicing calligraphy for close to 40 years, and he's continuing to teach...

LAMAR, Mo. -- This southwest Missouri city, tucked amid endless fields of winter wheat and soybeans, felt the recession ahead of the rest of the country, when furniture-maker O'Sullivan Industries closed in mid-2007. That threw 700 employees out of work and turned an economic cornerstone into a million-square-foot vacancy...

Daryl E. Johnson, 81, of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at his home. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home...

Wanda J. (Skaggs) Louden of Jackson, formerly of Perryville, Mo., died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at her home. She was 69. She was born Nov. 6, 1939, in Perryville, Mo., daughter of the late Roy R. and Ruby A. Hand Skaggs. Survivors include a brother, Calvin L. Skaggs of New York City; a niece, Sylvia Skaggs McTague of Madison, N.J.; and a nephew, J. Adam Skaggs of New York City...

KABUL -- President Hamid Karzai was effectively handed a second five-year term Sunday when his only challenger dropped out of the race, and the Obama administration said it was prepared to work with the man it has previously criticized to combat corruption and confront the Taliban insurgency...

I would like you to clear some things up with your readers and our constituents. I usually do not respond to articles, but the way the Oct. 30 article "County officials approve increase in their salary" was written is very unsettling to me. The elected officials will only get a raise if the county employees receive raises also. ...

SENATH, Mo. -- In recognition of National Red Ribbon Week, members of the Kennett Police Department presented an anti-drug program, "The Downward Spiral," at Senath-Hornersville High School on Thursday to show the students the effects of drug use and how to recognize drug-related behavior...

DEXTER, Mo.-- Her talents continue to take her to new heights. Dexter High School senior, Diana Lanpher, has been the focus of previous articles in The Daily Statesman for her numerous musical accomplishments, many of which are unique to a student her age. Lanpher is an accomplished violinist. ...

KENNETT, Mo.--While other kids were trick-or-treating on Halloween night, thanks to the generosity and thoughtfulness of a local 10-year-old, pediatric patients at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center received a special treat. For the past couple of weeks, most kids have been looking forward to donning their Halloween costumes and collecting candy. Instead of anticipating the treats she would receive, Whitney Miller, worried how others kids might be spending their holiday...

Oran Elementary School A Honor Roll 3rd grade: Claire Ramsey, Calen Read, Jacob Shoemaker, Samuel Smith, Katelyn Streeter 4th grade: Kamryn Graviett, Layne Johnson, Klayton Gosche, Allison Holt, Malia LeGrand, Cole Priggel, Maddy Williams 5th grade: Brenna Hahn, Cheyanne Dobbs, Gabrielle Krapf, Destiny Cook...

The Poplar Bluff School District signed a contract Thursday night hiring the Missouri School Board Association to assist with the district's superintendent search. Board president Dr. Mike Price and board members Hardy Billington, Dr. Cynthia Brown, Dr. Matt Riffle, Steve Sells and Roger Strickland approved a motion in favor of the contract. Board member Gary Simmons was absent...

Immaculate Conception School 2009-2010 1st Quarter Honor Roll A Honor Roll 4th grade: Kate Appleman, Shelby Bauwens, Allison Bray, Claire Essner, Ehtan Gatzemeyer, Harper Guilliams, Megan Jansen, Bailey Mayfield, Parker Nugent, Grace Pehle. 5th grade: Gus Guilliams, Katie Hanners, Emerson Outman, Elizabeth Spooler...

MOREHOUSE, Mo. -- Some Sikeston elementary students will have a new BFF beginning Friday and lasting throughout the school year. Southeast Missouri Food Bank's new child feeding program, "BFF," which stands for "Backpacks for Friday," is a program that will provide children in need with a backpack filled with about 10 pounds of nutritious food each Friday. ...

The scenery of a drive just about anywhere in the United States will include signs advertising businesses or causes. From the mom-and-pop store down the street to a plea to visit a church on a particular Sunday, signs remain a vital part of reaching the consumer. ...

EMCON Technologies, formerly Arvin Industries, will have yet another name in the near future. It was announced Monday that a European-based company, Faurecia, has acquired EMCON, making the company the world leader in emissions control technologies...

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A Turkish-Canadian man was sentenced Tuesday to two years in federal prison for stealing a plane in Canada and flying over three states before landing along a dark southern Missouri highway.

The Mississippi River will crest Wednesday three feet below the level predicted immediately after last week's heavy rains, the National Weather Service predicted Tuesday. The river is projected to reach 39.5 feet on the Cape Girardeau gauge, 7.5 feet above flood stage. ...

The Cape Girardeau School Board will hold a special meeting tonight to discuss budget and finance issues. When the board approved the district's $42.9 million budget in June, it used $1.3 million in reserve funds to balance the budget. The district took similar steps in 2008 when it approved the budget in late July, after the start of the fiscal year...

Three Cape Girardeau men were sentenced in federal court in Cape Girardeau today, according to news releases from the federal prosecutor's office. Nathaniel Carter Worley, 36, of Cape Girardeau was sentenced to 180 months in prison on a felony count of possession of pseudoephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine and a count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He will be placed on a three-year period of supervised released on his release from prison...

Well-known Cape Girardeau businesswoman Kathy Swan filed today as a candidate for the Ward 6 city council seat. Swan, 58, is president and owner of JCS Wireless. She is a two-term member of the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education and a member of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors...

Budget cuts could force a Missouri school to close midway through the academic year, leaving students with half-earned credits scrambling to complete their education. The school in question is the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program, which offers Internet-based courses for everyone from kindergartners to high school seniors. The online public school began three years ago and already has served a few thousand students...

Samuel R. "Ray Ray" Hughes asked for and was granted more time to find a defense lawyer in his initial appearance in a Cape Girardeau County courtroom Monday on three counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of attempted arson in the shooting death of Jamie Lynn Orman, her 15-year-old son Derrick and her unborn child.

Who says trick or treating is just for kids!? This is my daughter, Montana and her pet hamster Penny. She dressed up as a honeybee, along with Penny as a super hamster.. Notice the cape on Penny?? Needless to say, each of them recieved some treats!!...

Automated trash collection is on the way, the Cape Girardeau City Council decided Monday night. The council approved spending $2.36 million from the sale of bonds to purchase six new garbage trucks, 22,000 new trash and recycling bins and a public education campaign to promote the switch. Public works director Tim Gramling said he expects the service switch to be made sometime in the spring, perhaps as early as the first weeks of May...

Entertainer Barbara Fairchild and husband Roy Morris will be the special guests at the Heartland Pops 2009 Christmas Show on Mon. Dec. 7 at 7:15P.M. at Academic Hall. In addition to performing, Barbara will also serve as guest narrator for "The Nativity Story". ...

When teachers and students said goodbye to Washington School in 1999, they did not know what would happen to the building that served the Cape Girardeau School District for 85 years. Students, staff and alumni held a closing ceremony and set their sights on the district's newest addition, Blanchard Elementary School, which opened in 2000...

Connecting parents with available community resources is the goal of an upcoming resource fair organized by school social worker Kayleen Shaw of Cape Girardeau School District. The fair is set for November 10, 3pm -- 7pm at the Junior High School old gymnasium at 205 Caruthers. ...

Bentley (with the white on his nose) is 7 years old. Merle just turned 3. They are sitting there waiting for me to throw the frisbee again. They are 2 of the most beautiful American Pit Bull Terriers I have ever seen. They love us and they love our grandkids...and our 3 Chihuahuas...

Debrocks, Schreckenbergs and Schweinbold families gathered for some trick or treating and family fun on Halloween night.

A spooky sight, from a glowing Jack-O-Lantern on Halloween night.

This tree is behind my home and really is an attention getter just before sundown

These exposed roots add some character to the cypress tree behind my home.

On Saturday, October 17th, the Perryville High School Marching Buccaneers, under the direction of Jay Peters and Eric Seibel, competed in a marching competition hosted by the Central R-III Rebels in Park Hills, Missouri. In the preliminary round, the Buccaneers placed 1st in the 3A division and won trophies for "Outstanding Auxiliary" and "Outstanding Music." By winning first place in their division, the Buccaneers were invited to compete a second time in the finals round against the top schools in the competition, including several 4A, 5A, and 6A bands. ...

Oran High School 1969 basketball players and cheerleaders 40 year reunion Where were you 40 years ago? Times were simpler then, Oran High was 35-0, and our infamous head coach, Gene Bess was well on his way in becoming the winningest coach in the nation in Jr. College history!...

We wash our hands to keep the germs away, but sneezing is nature's way of cleansing the system of foreign contaminants. A sneeze, or sternutation, occurs when something -- dust, pet dander or other allergens -- enters and irritates the inner lining of the nasal passages...

There won't be a big marketing campaign right away to introduce Cape Girardeau's new passenger airline to the community, but a major push to attract more passengers isn't far off.

The Scott City volleyball team has put on an offensive show nearly every time it's stepped onto the court during its run to a second consecutive final four in Kansas City, Mo. The ball is slammed to the court by no fewer than six different players and the kills come from all along the net and from just over as well as high above the top of it. They attack from the front row and the back...

One of the most important decisions Cape Girardeau voters will make next April is their choice for mayor. The current mayor, Jay Knudtson, is nearing the end of this eight years as mayor, a term limited by the city charter. Individuals interest in becoming a candidate for mayor have until Nov. 17 to complete the filing process...

School discipline; Iraq promises; Debate winner; Misleading cartoon; Use your vote; Taking precautions; Comfy shoes; Available vans

The mercy of the Lord is everlasting: O come, let us adore him. Amen.

NEW YORK -- Prime-time newcomer Jay Leno said he would have rather stayed put at "The Tonight Show" -- and if NBC offered him that job again, he'd take it. In an interview with Broadcasting & Cable magazine published online Monday, Leno hastily added that such a decision isn't his to make...

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

25 years ago: Nov. 3, 1984 Crowds line Broadway for the annual Southeast Missouri State University Homecoming parade; yesterday, at a banquet at the University Center, Dr. Charles E. Sharp, a faculty member in Southeast's Department of History, and Dr. Robert E. Kelly, a Southeast graduate who teaches theoretical physics at the University of Missouri, were presented Faculty Merit Award citations...

DWIs; Arrests; Thefts; Burglary; Miscellaneous; Jackson: Thefts; Burglaries; Miscellaneous

DEARBORN, Mich. -- One of the troubled Detroit Three automakers, Ford, is making money again and looking for better times in no more than two years. Emerging from a three-year makeover with popular cars and trucks, Ford said Monday it earned nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and will be solidly profitable by 2011, a more optimistic forecast than earlier...

Route D in Scott County will be reduced to one lane today while Missouri Department of Transportation crews patch the road. The section of road is between Highway 77 and Route N. Crews will be working from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., weather permitting. The work zone will be marked with signs.

PHILADELPHIA -- Put those parade plans on hold, New York. The Phillies are coming back. Desperate to hang onto their World Series title and hounded by the Yankees to the very last swing, Philadelphia somehow held on for an 8-6 win Monday night in Game 5...

NEW ORLEANS -- The Saints have tied their best start to a season. Drew Brees had 308 yards passing, Pierre Thomas scored two touchdowns and Jabari Greer returned an interception for a score to help the Saints improve to 7-0 with a 35-27 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. Only the 1991 Saints began a season with as many wins...

ST. LOUIS -- As Steven Jackson rambled into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 1:38 to go, St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo felt no sense of elation. Here's what was on the rookie head coach's mind: "I hope we didn't score too soon."...

Southeast Missouri State will try to take advantage of three straight season-ending home games in an attempt to salvage something from this tough year. But making the task difficult for the reeling Redhawks is the fact two of their final three opponents are ranked nationally...

For a basketball player, Szandra Pal has turned out to be a pretty good runner. Pal, a four-year member of the Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team, made quite an impression during her lone season with the Redhawks' cross country squad. Pal, a senior, earned second-team all-Ohio Valley Conference honors by finishing 12th at Saturday's OVC meet in Nashville, Tenn...

Robert "Robbie" Rollins, 48, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, in an airplane crash near Sikeston, Mo. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Lynwood Baptist Church...

ANNA, Ill. — Mary Jeanette Kern, 92, of Anna died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at Rehab and Care Center of Jackson County in Murphysboro, Ill. Crain Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Gordon Fisher III, 55, of Jackson died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, in an airplane crash near Sikeston, Mo. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. to service time at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. The funeral will be at noon Friday at the funeral home...

Evelyn Marie Sewing, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Ratliff Care Center. Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Virginia Louise Kitchen, 79, of Chicago died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago. Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Monday Cape Girardeau city hall 401 Independence St. Action items Public hearings Consent ordinances New ordinances Resolutions Liquor licenses Other...

Farrel Lufcy, 93, of Scott City died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau. McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Daryl E. Johnson, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at his home. He was born Dec. 18, 1927, in Reynolds, Ill., to Harry E. and Ella Anderson Johnson. He was married to Helen Cole of Alpha, Ill., and then married Marilyn Hedges on Oct. 17, 1969, in Springfield, Ill...

Frances Wunderlich, 61, of Pocahontas died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at her home. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson. McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements...

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Irval L. "Bill" Sadler, 83, of Jonesboro died Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at his home. The funeral was held Sunday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, with the Rev. Robert Fear officiating. Entombment was in Jonesboro Cemetery, with military rites conducted by VFW Post 3455 of Anna, Ill...

Carol Sue Riehn, 70, of Marietta, Ga., died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Austell, Ga. She was born Sept. 7, 1939, in Perryville, Mo., daughter of Chester O. and Mildred Julia Abernathy Lincoln. She married Doyle C. Riehn on Feb. 23, 1958. He died Feb. 23, 1988...

Cletus Chandler, 77, of Jackson died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Jan. 25, 1932, in Bixby, Mo., son of Jim and Evie Turner Chandler. He and Rose Marie Cambron were married Aug. 16, 1952...

Eugene W. Schrader, 86, asleep in Jesus on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. He was born Feb. 22, 1923. Beloved husband 42 years of Louise Peacock Schrader. Dear son of the late Albert and Magdalene Schrader of Cape Girardeau; brother of Wilma Grossheider, the late Marvin and Norman Schrader, Alberta Loos and Cleo Schrader; uncle of Alice Loos Wessel; great-uncle of Adria Meyr; dear uncle of numerous nieces and nephews and their children...

Harold "Butch" Bollinger, 66, of Jackson passed away Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born Jan. 20, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, son of Roy A. and Maggie Alene Goehman Bollinger. He and Karen Rastl were married Dec. 1, 1962...

Wanda J. Skaggs Louden, 69, of Jackson, formerly of Perryville, Mo., died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at her home. Visitation will be from noon to service time today at Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at the church, with the Rev. Don Estes officiating. Burial will be in Home Cemetery in Perryville...

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Renaldo "JoJo" Borgna, 87, of Jonesboro died Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Oak Grove Rehab and Care Center in Carbondale, Ill. Graveside service was held Monday at Jonesboro Cemetery. Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements...

All the local high school action from Monday that was reported to the Southeast Missourian.

Egyptian High School High Honor Roll 9th grade: Bryce Bigham, Kyle Bigham, Jimberlea Bledsoe, Corika Coleman, Kaitlyn Heinrich, Skylar Morgan, Austin Murphy. 10th grade: Cedar Buero, Shyah Buero, Austin Caldwell, Tyler Holshouser, Darmez Nelson, Steven Salzman...

Egyptian Middle School High Honor Roll 6th grade: Alyssa Fox, Kaylie George, Valencia Holloway, Olivia Khourie, Blake Mix, Dristin Rose, Kimalee Story, Emma Webb, Kimber White. 7th grade: Cambria Bigham, Ellen Petty. 8th grade: Gina Adams, Aaron Bigham, Katherine Eatmon, Cameron Grueninger, Hannah McClarney, Jeri McKee, Kayde Wood...

Kelly Elementary School Third grade: Isabelle Allen, T.K. Babers, Kameryn Bryant, Brendan Cruse, Jacob Foster, Zach Glastetter, Anna Goering, Abby Hupp, Jamie Ivie, Courtney Jarrett, Sabrina Krauss, Olivia Lofton, Jaycee Loomis, Angie Samples, Tray Rapert, Katherine Wade, Levi Watkins, Kaylee Backfisch, Kodi Chidester, Arienne Counts, Alison Hise, Gavin Hutson, Brooke Johnson, Lauren Lambert, Lacey McBride, Marshall Meeks, Bridgett Morris, Wyatt Standridge, Grace Ward, Christian Worley, Kylie Cagle, Jaci Crank, Gavin Childers, Evan Ebert, Taylor Ferrell, Landon Hahs, Nathan Kiehl, Kenzi Koepp, Caitlin Latham, Hannah Menz, Heather Myer, Mallory Poat, Matthew Tackett, J.C. ...

ELLINGTON, Mo. -- Southern Reynolds schools in Ellington are closed until next Monday after administrators saw district attendance fall below 80 percent Monday, the Daily American Republic reported. Problems began Thursday, said Superintendent Mike Redlich...

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis public school officials are investigating after security guards sprayed tear gas to break up a fight at Sumner High School. The incident happened around noon Tuesday. Media reports say at least seven students were treated for the exposure to the tear gas. Details of their injuries were not available...

A fire early today moderately damaged a fourth floor apartment on West End Boulevard. Fire chief Rick Ennis of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department said crews responded around 6:15 a.m. to 45 S. West End Boulevard. Ennis said that the fire occurred inside apartment No. 411, though smoke spread to other nearby apartments.

DEXTER, Mo. -- A Dexter man died just after midnight Tuesday night in a house fire, apparently of smoke inhalation. According to Dexter Fire Chief Al Banken, J.H. "Bo" Taylor, 77, was found dead on the kitchen floor of a residence at 714 W. Oak St. after the fire department received a call from a neighbor reporting that the house was on fire.

GREENVILLE, Mo. -- Weapons-related charges were filed Monday against a Greenville man who is accused of shooting into a Shook-area man's home. Donald Ray Holbert is accused of shooting into the home of a neighbor, David Kellick, on whose property he was previously accused of trespassing and hunting...

The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America will take the stage for a patriotic concert Friday at the Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus at Southeast Missouri State University. The band's free performance is geared toward Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and features songs like "America the Beautiful" as well as more contemporary selections like "Suite of Old American Dances" and a tribute to Tom Jones...

Route P to be reduced to one lane today Route P in Cape Girardeau County will be reduced to one lane today while Missouri Department of Transportation crews seal the pavement with liquid asphalt. Crews will be working on the section of road between Highway 25 and the Scott County line from 8 a.m. ...

SIKESTON, Mo. ­-- Yearly trash bills for Sikeston residents will go up by about $50 in 2010.

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Zalma man was sentenced to 10 years in prison last week after pleading guilty to a manslaughter charge in connection with a crash in which his passenger was killed. Nickolas J. Jackson, 22, pleaded guilty as charged to the Class B felony of first-degree involuntary manslaughter before Presiding Circuit Judge Stephen Sharp on Oct. 26, according to Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Briney Welborn...

On Friday evening(10/30/2009) in Jackson just after 6 pm and the sky was clearing, to the East was a beautiful rainbow!!

On Friday evening(10/30/2009) in Jackson just after 6 pm and the sky was clearing, to the East was a beautiful rainbow and to the West the sky was glowing with the setting sun!!

CHAFFEE WILL BE HOSTING IT'S 6TH ANNUAL YOUTH CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT ON DEC 14- DEC 19TH. iT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CHAFFEE ELEM ACTIVITY CENTER. WE ARE INVITING GRADES 3RD, 4TH AND 5TH GRADE BOYS. THE ENTRY FEE THIS YEAR IS $100 PER TEAM. IT WILL BE A AROUND ROBIN TOURNEY TAKING 5 TEAMS IN EACH GRADE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUT YOUR TEAM IN OUR TOURNEY PLACE CALL MIKE OT TINA JOHNSON AT 573-887-9168...

I read a story on your online newspaper a few months back called, Fifty Years Of Love And Dreams Turns Into "For Wags And Whiskers" Thrift Store, written by Captain Glenn Volkerding's daughter, Mary Porter. My family was one of the lucky families that received two of the 29 dogs that Officer Volkerding rescued and cared for. I would like to share my story with you...

St. Andrew Lutheran Church has offered a $15,000 challenge matching grant to provide seed money for Love In the Name of Christ's transitional housing campus. They are challenging congregations, businesses and individuals to match this amount. "We have asked our members to step out in faith to continue their tithes in spite of the tough economic times," said congregational director Larry Cleair. ...

FRIENDS OF THE CROSS, the fund raising organization for BALD KNOB CROSS restoration, has just launched a new holiday campaign to seek additional donations for the restoration. $90,000 has been spent to this date on the repair of the Cross and work is ongoing each day. ...

2 of the greatest boxers ever tj and petey

Judi Brey of Cape Girardeau, Mo., is the Best in Show winner of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri's Regional Juried Art Exhibition. Her watercolor painting featuring vibrant blue glass vases and yellow daffodils is titled The Call of Spring. As the Best in Show winner, Brey will receive a $500 cash prize...

Outgoing Arts Council of Southeast Missouri Chair Utahna Hancock, left, received the Maguire Friend of the Arts Award Monday, Oct. 26, during the organization's annual meeting at Buckner Brewing Company's Riverview Room. Presenting the award is Arts Council Executive Director, Melissa Miller...

Local music teacher, worship leader and performer Mike Dumey received the Otto F. Dingeldein Award for outstanding acheivement in the arts Monday, Oct. 26, during the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri's annual meeting at Buckner Brewing Company's Riverview Room. Presenting the award is outgoing Arts Council Chair Utahna Hancock...

John Lawrence wants his wife, Michelle R. Lawrence, to pay dearly for allegedly urging her boyfriend, Ryan Patterson, to murder him. The attack at his home last week that killed his fiancee, Jamie Lynn Orman, 30, her unborn child and her 15-year-old son, Derrick Orman, occurred because Michelle Lawrence wouldn't accept that their marriage was over, he said Tuesday...

Taken Monday October 26 at Trail of Tears park, just before our 7 mile hike.

Melvin loves to catch snowballs. This was taken after our 12" snow/ice storm last winter.

Exhausted after their long hike.

We couldn't pass up this puddle reflecting the fall colors in the Jackson park.

We love you baby, Wishing you a Happy Birthday! We cant wait to see you sweety! Have a fun and magical birthday Elijah!!

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2010 Educator of the Year. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Dec. 4. Forms are available at the chamber's office and website at www.capechamber.com/onlineforms/Educatorsform.aspx...

Paul Gordon Fisher III, 55, of Jackson died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. He was born Oct. 22, 1954, in Scott County. Paul has been married to Peggy (Tetrick) Fisher more than 30 years. They met while attending Drury College in Springfield, Mo. Paul later attended St. Louis University and graduated with a degree in business administration and aviation maintenance management...

Robert "Robbie" Rollins, 48, of Cape Girardeau was called to his heavenly father Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. Robbie was born Jan. 1, 1961, in San Diego to Paul and Nora Koury Rollins. The family moved to Missouri in 1963. His love and passion for trucks started as a young man...

Virginia Louise Kitchen, 79, of Chicago died Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago. She was born July 12, 1930, in Chicago, to John and Eulalia Bergdahl. She and Eugene Kitchen were married Aug. 29, 1964, in Chicago. She was of the Lutheran belief. She had been an assistant program manager with NBC-TV Channel 5 in Chicago. Virginia received an Emmy Award for her work as a program manager at Channel 5...

Evelyn Marie Kiehne Sewing, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Ratliff Care Center. She was born Jan. 9, 1920, in Jackson, daughter of Otto C. and Clara B. Ahrens Kiehne. She married Wallace Nelson Sewing on Dec. 17, 1938, at Christ Lutheran Church parsonage in Gordonville. He died Feb. 5, 1967...

Farrell Lufcy Craig, 93, of Scott City passed away Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born March 14, 1916, in Vanduser, Mo., the sixth of eight children to Charles C. and Susia Williams Cronenbold. She and Norman Lufcy were married March 31, 1934, at the courthouse in Benton, Mo...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- John F. Harper, 70, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Feb. 19, 1939, in Harrison, Ark., son of the late Roy and Jane Leet Harper. He and Linda Bollinger were married Aug. 12, 1960, at Oran Baptist Church in Oran, Mo...

Brenda Joyce Shell Grant passed away Oct. 24, 2009, in St. Cloud, Fla. She was born Nov. 3, 1948, at Sank, Mo., to the late Truman Dale Shell and Betty Shell Jordan of Patton, Mo., who survives. Other survivors include a son, Richard Schramm of Jacksonville, Fla.; a daughter, Shannon Samson of St. ...

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Margaret A. Hyte, 85, of Mounds died Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of service Thursday at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. The funeral will be at noon Thursday at the church, with Garlin White officiating. Burial will be in Spencer Heights Memorial Park...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Flora M. Chambliss, 83, of Cairo died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. The rosary will be recited at 7:30. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Revs. Jerome Fortenberry and John Agbasiera officiating. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens at Villa Ridge, Ill...

25 years ago: Nov. 4, 1984 Members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau observe Reformation Day; Dr. Waldemar Degner, chairman of the Department of Exegetical Theology and associate professor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill., and Fort Wayne, Ind., is the guest preacher...

NEW YORK -- The biggest name in investing is making what he calls an "all-in wager" on the U.S. economy -- $34 billion to own a railroad that hauls everything from corn to cars across the country. The acquisition of Burlington Northern Santa Fe, the nation's second-largest railroad, would be the biggest ever for Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway investment company...

KABUL -- President Hamid Karzai promised to stamp out corruption. The image suggested otherwise. Standing at Karzai's side on Tuesday were his two vice presidents -- both former warlords widely believed to have looted Afghanistan for years...

MEXICO CITY -- Mauricio Fernandez couldn't have been happier. Here he was, being sworn in again as mayor of one of northern Mexico's most exclusive communities, and he had wonderful news to share: "Black Saldana, who apparently is the one who was asking for my head, was found dead today in Mexico City," he told his cheering supporters Saturday in San Pedro Garza Garcia, near Monterrey...

WASHINGTON -- Independents who swept Barack Obama to a historic 2008 victory broke big for Republicans on Tuesday as the GOP wrested political control from Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey. Conservative Republican Bob McDonnell's victory in the Virginia governor's race over Democrat R. ...

WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers are moving to ban the use of computer laptops and other personal electronic devices in airline cockpits to prevent another incident like the Northwest Airlines plane that overshot Minneapolis by 150 miles. Sen. Byron Dorgan, chairman of the aviation subcommittee, said his staff is working on a bill that he expects to introduce in about a week. ...

Olson; Silavent; Crain

ST. LOUIS -- On Sunday, Missouri became the only state to enforce a sales tax on what many see as a spiritual pursuit -- the practice of yoga. The debate between Missouri's yoga community and the state centers on whether yoga is a spiritual practice or just exercise. If it's one, it's constitutionally protected and can't be taxed. If it's the other, Missouri's cash-strapped budget has a new source of revenue...

ST. LOUIS -- A Turkish-Canadian man was sentenced Tuesday to two years in federal prison for stealing a plane in Canada and flying over three states before landing along a dark southern Missouri highway. Adam Dylan Leon might have received 12 to 18 months. But U.S. District Judge Charles Shaw went beyond federal sentencing guidelines in deciding punishment...

How good are your cookies? Once again, the Southeast Missourian's Sunday section, Good Times, is teaming up with the special publications division for the Season's Best holiday cookie contest. Readers are invited to submit their recipes for holiday cookies and bars by e-mailing charris@semissourian.com or writing to Season's Best Cookie Contest c/o Chris Harris, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702...

Fall is a busy time for decorating, second only to Christmas, and it's the period when vegetables are valued more for their beauty than their flavor. Back when America was largely rural, bringing in the harvest was cause for celebration. Corn stalks were bundled into "fodder shocks" -- stalks, ears, tassels and all -- and stacked upright around light poles and near entries, and fed to livestock. ...

I was recently loaned a cookbook to read and learn about "White Trash Cooking." Yes, the name says it all, and just about anything you can imagine made it into "White Trash Cooking." A friend loaned me the book but was a little shy about giving it to me in public and did not want her name to appear in the newspaper. ...

Dealing with victims of sexual assault in a way that is compassionate while providing forensic evidence that will hold up in court is service provided by the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, based in Cape Girardeau and serving counties throughout the region. At the Zonta Club's recent Women of Achievement luncheon, the co-founder of the NASV, Kathy Blevins, was honored with this year's award. The special recognition is a tribute both to Blevins and NASV...

Thank you, Jackson Area Youth Football, for making a difference for my two boys. My oldest son has played for years and is an athlete, but coaching was key. He learned more than fundamentals. He learned to love the game. Thanks, Ronnie Hobeck, Kevin Schneider and Todd Schneider, for treating him like one of your own and taking care of him on and off the field...

Thanks for the Oct. 28 Opinion page dominated by the Howard Dean and Newt Gingrich articles on the health care issue. This reader agrees with the main point of each. Those positions:Dean -- We need the public option. Gingrich -- Whatever we have must be paid for within budgeted revenue...

I believe past and current administrations are in the process of destroying my beloved country. I, like many others, spent four years in the armed forces. I am sad because we should have the ability to have freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We are on a path right now to destroy all those beliefs...

Great Halloween; On all cars; On the money; Double standard; Hug a smoker; Stop the murders; GOP civil war; Bad comic; It takes time; Mow those leaves

Give us patience, O God, to listen to those who share their burdens. Amen.

I realize it's a tad bit premature for Thanksgiving, but I am working on my list of items for which I am thankful. Doesn't hurt to get a head start. And speaking of Thanksgiving, when did retailers start displaying their Thanksgiving wares in August? Probably had to clear out the Halloween gear that went on display in July. Oh, well, I digress...

My broadcasting friends who run and own radio stations in this country are struggling right now. It's all about legislation called the Performance Rights Act (HR 4789). This bill would levy yet another tax, this time on local radio. The government wants to tax local radio for the music stations play for free on the public airwaves. Then they want to take the revenue generated from that tax and send it to the record companies...

NEW YORK -- Andy Pettitte leaned forward in his chair and recounted a recent chat he had with Derek Jeter as soon as they realized what was next in this World Series. Pettitte vs. old foe Pedro Martinez, with the Yankees one win from ecstasy. Still chasing that elusive 27th championship, New York turns to Pettitte once again in Game 6 tonight, hoping he can pitch his team past the Philadelphia Phillies on only three days' rest...

Notre Dame senior Jane Morrill ended the suspense early. The 6-foot-1 post player plans to sign a national letter of intent to play basketball at Arkansas State of the Sun Belt Conference. "In the end, it ended up being the best," she said. "It's decently close and they're a great conference to play in. It also has an athletic training program and that's what I'm looking to go into. It was kind of all that together."...

The Notre Dame volleyball team doesn't have a superstar. Instead the Bulldogs have 14 girls with an assortment of skills who work hard and enjoy one another's company. And the combination of work ethic, skills and cohesion have taken Notre Dame all the way to the Class 3 final four. The Bulldogs needed every facet as they handed De Soto just its second loss of the season in Saturday's sectional, then held off Rosati-Kain in a three-set quarterfinal thriller...

The Notre Dame boys soccer team is making a habit of working overtime in the Class 2 District 1 tournament. That's fine with coach Brad Wittenborn as long as the Bulldogs keep winning. Second-seeded Notre Dame outlasted third-seeded Hillsboro 2-1 in sudden-death penalty kicks during Tuesday night's semifinals in Farmington, Mo...

St. Vincent and Paris both bring 5-5 records into their first-round Class 1 regional game tonight at St. Vincent High School. While St. Vincent swept its three District 1 opponents and has won four straight, Paris went 2-1 in District 2 play and was 2-2 over the last four weeks of the regular season...

The Southeast Missouri State volleyball team picked up a road win Tuesday night in its final nonconference match of the season. Southeast rolled past future Ohio Valley Conference member Southern Illinois-Edwardsville 25-18, 25-14, 22-25, 25-20. The Redhawks improved to 11-15 while the Cougars fell to 1-24...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Wrapping up a successful year touring off the strength of a Billboard No. 1 country album, Dierks Bentley said he plans to "give it all (he's) got" in Poplar Bluff. "We're coming there to blow this thing up one more time," Bentley said during a recent interview with the Daily American Republic...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A friend and the ex-husband of Missouri Auditor Susan Montee have amassed millions of dollars of contracts from Gov. Jay Nixon's administration under a new competitive bidding system that was supposed to eliminate political favoritism in awarding state license offices...

Cape Girardeau: Arrests

When the U.S. Army Field Band performs for the crowd on Thursday evening, 12 students from the Kennett High School band will join them, the Daily Dunklin Democrat reported. Joining the U.S. Army Field Band will be Amber Dawes on piccolo, Vickie Panousis on first flute, Yiota Panousis on first clarinet, Katie Goebel on second clarinet, Will Caldwell on first trumpet, Allyson Luce on second trumpet, Jody Vancil on third trumpet, Laurel Jones on first French horn, Jonathan Rooney on first trombone, Heather Armstrong on baritone, Travis Gentry on saxophone, and Ethan Seats on Tuba.. ...

As the Cape Girardeau School District works to balance its budget, it is reaching out to its staff. The school board met Tuesday to discuss the status of the district's finances. Superintendent Dr. Jim Welker and district finance director Misty Clifton gave board members a rundown of projected revenue and ways to cut expenditures for the upcoming year...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- When the former director of the South Scott County Ambulance District resigned in July, the district's board of directors knew they wanted to move in a different direction. And Brad Golden fit the bill for what they wanted. Joy Cauthorn, chair of the ambulance district's board of directors, said she's known Golden for several years. "When he called I was really thrilled," she said. "When he interviewed, he just stood out amongst the rest."...

EAST PRAIRIE -- For new mother Brittany Helms, having the Tiny Touch program available to her is making all the difference when it comes to caring for her 1-month-old son, Carson. The 18-year-old high school senior from East Prairie enrolled in the program offered through the Mississippi County Health Department shortly after learning she was pregnant. ...

Kyle Rollet decided he wanted no regrets when he looks back on his senior year at St. Vincent High School. He's leaving the regretting business to others ... such as opposing teams.

HILLSBORO, Mo. -- Nick Rangel hit a streaking Ryan Schlick in stride in the middle of the field. Schlick accelerated past the Central defense and deposited a low shot into the corner of the goal. It was exactly what Jackson coach Zack Walton wanted to see...

Even though community leaders did not meet as scheduled to move forward with community college options in Cape Girardeau County, officials from participating schools met to create a more detailed plan. Leaders from Three Rivers Community College and Southeast Missouri State University met Tuesday in Cape Girardeau. They combined feedback from meetings with their governing bodies concerning a recently established partnership plan to offer joint classes...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- An enhancement to Veterans Park may be the first step toward a community walking trail. During Monday's regular City Council meeting, council members approved pursuing funding for a walking trail project with an estimated cost of $139,000...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Don White, longtime Stoddard County Clerk, announced this week that he would retire following 23 years in office. After nearly six terms, and overseeing countless elections, White has decided it is time to hang up his vote counter...

I took this 2 days after the tremendous rainfall we got last Friday. I had to wade out through mud in order to get this shot of the Burfordville Covered Bridge. I couldn't believe the water was still this high!! What a sight it was!!

Upper Beaver Meadows - Rocky Mountain National Park

Looking west from Estes Park, CO

Bull with his harem - Rocky Mountains

Red in the morning. . .

Sky Pilots - Rocky Mountain Tundra

Horseshoe Park - RMNP

Pigmy Nuthatch -

West of Boulder

Mountain Farm Barn

Melvin laid his head on the keyboard to get some attention and it worked..

If they aren't playing outside, they still enjoy looking out!

The "Patriots", led by head coach Francis McClard, won the Senior league CYTF Championship at Houck Stadium on Sunday, November 1 by defeating the Buccaneers 20-6. The Patriots finished the fall season with a 5-1 record.

Area emergency responders grouped at the Highway 25 bridge over the Diversion Channel this afternoon after a call of a capsized boat in the water, but found no sign that a human was actually in the boat when it overturned.

After raking the leaves in my back yard. Peanut decides it is time for a break.

MAGGIE IS ALWAYS READY FOR ANYTHING WITH HER HOODIE ON. SHE IS LOYAL AND TOTALLY AWESOME

LJ and Ariel go camping for the first time. As you can see they were very comfortable in "their" chairs. What a pair!

Officers with the Illinois State Police are seeking a suspect involved in a double shooting in Thebes, Ill., Tuesday night. Dion L. Meadows, 24, of Carbondale allegedly shot two people in the parking lot of Mary Alice Meadows Public Housing at about 9 p.m. The Alexander County State's Attorney issued a warrant for aggravated battery with a firearm...

Martin, one of our golden doodles goes to work everyday with Mom and really works hard. Andy, the other one goes to work with Dad at PMac Music. They are both works of art!

Mylie is an 8 month-old Rat Terrier. She is available for adoption at The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, 573-334-5837. See more pets available at www.semopets.org

Everyone who comes to our shop knows Cleo! She greets everyone, and then goes back to lay in the sunshine in the window. She is a Havanese/Poodle cross, and is the sweetest little dog we have ever had. She is my shadow, and is so smart that we are constantly amazed...

Cast of Wizard of Oz Front row from left to right Jada (Dorthy), Brionna (Good Witch), Jaylen (Tin Man), Isaiah (Scare Crow), Byron (Lion), Danielle (Dorthy) Back row from left to right Ashley (lollipop kid), Melissa (lollipop kid), Aiyana (Bad Witch) and Jamie (lollipop kid)...

Cast of Wizard of Oz

Cast of Wizard of Oz

Cast of Wizard of Oz

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Buying a home is about to get cheaper for a whole new crop of homebuyers -- $6,500 cheaper. First-time homebuyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year. ...

she was entered in the cutest dog competition, so far she has'nt won anything, buts thats ok, we know shes special.

Open Letter to: Senator Claire McCaskill Federal Building 555 Independence Room 1600 Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703 Our constitution says we are a representative republic, to be governed by 'We, The People.' But, what do we do when the Senator elected to represent "We, The People" slanders us, ignores us, impugns us, misinforms us, deceives us, and hides from "We, The Tax Paying People" she has sworn to represent and protect? On Thursday November 5, 2009, a group of a approximately 40 or 50 people out of their own volition, expense, and passion decided to pay a visit to Senator Claire McCaskill's District office in Cape Girardeau, MO. ...

It's the time of year again to sponsor wreaths for the Veterans Graves. I am a SEMO patriot guard rider and last year we were proud to say we were able to cover the whole cemetery with wreaths and then some. This year however we will be only covering the MO Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield MO. ...

Construction on new multimillion-dollar facilities to fight deadly diseases remains on schedule for Cape Girardeau's two largest health care providers. Once complete, patients seeking care no longer will have to travel far from home to receive the same level of treatment, hospital officials said...

Bailey was busy doing laundry as you can see but heard us working in the yard and had to come investigate. Anyone have any spare socks???

Notre Dame senior Meghan Dohogne will tell you that she loves shopping for dresses with her mother almost as much as she enjoys smashing a volleyball. Or shooting a basket. Or scoring a goal in soccer. Or beating someone in just about anything. "Even Rock, Scissors, Paper, she has to win," said Alyssa Ruopp, one of her best friends and teammate on the volleyball team. "If she loses best out of three, we have to play best out of five."...

The Southeast Missourian concludes its series of profiles of local National Merit semifinalists this week. These scholars scored big on the PSAT. Out of more than 1.5 million juniors who took the test in 2008, 16,000 were named semifinalists. They will now compete for finalist standing by taking the SAT and submitting an application and recommendations -- with the hope of winning a scholarship.

A Cape Girardeau County couple lost a barn to fire this afternoon, and their nearby mobile home was damaged by the heat from the blaze. The fire happened in a barn on property owned by Jay and Tammy Maloney on County Road 335. The barn was near their mobile home, and the heat of the fire melted some of the skirting on the home...

Friday "The Box," rated PG-13 @ Town Plaza Cinema "The Fourth Kind," rated PG-13 @ Town Plaza Cinema "A Christmas Carol," rated PG @ Cape West 14 Cine Saturday Sunday Next Week "Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage," Wii...

Two deserving individuals have been honored with awards from the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. Mike Dumey received the Otto Dingeldein Award for outstanding achievement in the arts, and Utahna Hancock received the Jeff Maguire Award for her special contributions to the arts council...

County raises; Voting for raises; Higher rent; Eco-smoking

Bless those, O God, who seek peace and an end to human suffering. Amen.

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve pledged Wednesday to keep a key interest rate at a record low for an "extended period," signaling that the weak economy remains dependent on government help to grow. The Fed said economic activity has "continued to pick up" and that the housing market has strengthened -- a key ingredient for a sustained recovery...

NEW YORK -- Standard & Poor's warned Wednesday that Warren Buffett's bid for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. could sap the liquidity and capital position of the legendary investor's insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway Inc., jeopardizing the company's AAA rating...

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A 13-year-old Iowa cat has been infected with swine flu, veterinary and federal officials said Wednesday, and it is believed to be the first case of the H1N1 virus in a feline. The domestic shorthaired cat was treated last week at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames and has recovered, officials said. The virus also has been confirmed in two ferrets -- one in Oregon and the other in Nebraska -- but they died...

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture said pigs in a commercial herd in Indiana have tested positive for the swine flu virus. This is the first instance of swine flu in a commercial herd in the United States. The USDA said it discovered four tissue samples that tested positive for the virus using its swine surveillance program...

CHICAGO -- Just hours after a state board voted Wednesday to allow the enforcement of a long-debated Illinois law requiring a teenage girl's parents be notified before she has an abortion, a judge issued a temporary restraining order putting the measure back on hold...

JERUSALEM -- Open crates from a cargo ship seized Wednesday by Israel revealed dark green missiles inside. Containers from the vessel bore writing in English that said "I.R. Iranian Shipping Lines Group." Israel alleged that the shipment of hundreds of tons of rockets, missiles, mortars, grenades and anti-tank weapons -- the largest it ever seized -- was headed for Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon...

TOKYO -- Alarmed by a rise in people jumping to their deaths in front of trains, some Japanese railway operators are installing special blue lights above station platforms they hope will have a soothing effect and reduce suicides. As of November, East Japan Railway Co. has put blue light-emitting diode, or LED, lights in all 29 stations on Tokyo's central train loop, the Yamanote Line, used by 8 million passengers each day...

WASHINGTON -- What we learned from the off-year elections: The president's influence is limited, independents rule, incumbents beware, issues trump ideology and, once more, "It's the economy, stupid." Also: Republicans can win -- even if they lack a leader and their base is cracked. And this certainly isn't the Democratic-friendly political environment of 2006 and 2008 when the party captured control of Congress and the White House...

Nov. 5, 2009 Dear Julie, When the writer Annie Dillard asked a painter she knew how he came to be a painter, he answered, "I liked the smell of the paint." Maybe it's as simple as that, what we become. We are drawn to it, like salmon to their river, like clouds to a mountain pass. Other ways offer resistance. Going our own way feels more like rowing a boat gently down a stream, maybe even for salmon...

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A federal court jury has ruled in favor of Knox County Schools in a lawsuit in which a student claimed he could not read and discuss Bible passages during recess. School officials had argued before the decision was reached last week that it was a misunderstanding of policy...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Officials examining how Missouri handles drunken driving cases agreed Wednesday that record keeping must improve to ensure drunken drivers get the right punishment and are less likely to repeat. More than a dozen prosecutors, judges, activists, law officers and state officials met at a summit convened by Gov. ...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Wednesday: Jackson Firefighters responded to the following call Tuesday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Wednesday:...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Assault Thefts...

The H1N1 flu (swine flu) continues to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths worldwide. The virus was first detected in humans in the United States in April. Since then, the virus continues to spread from person to person here in America. By using a few ingredients from around the house, you can see how quickly germs can spread...

Hente; Luttrell

Work continues on Independence Street Fronabarger Concreters is finishing construction of new sidewalk, curbs and gutters on the south side of Independence Street between Sprigg and Spanish streets. The work is scheduled to take one to two weeks, weather permitting. Only westbound traffic will be allowed through the construction area. Eastbound traffic will be detoured to Merriwether Street...

The Redhawks host Harris-Stowe State at 7 p.m. today as their two-game exhibition schedule tips off.

Trevor Mabuce sent a pass to Logan Sprandel, who didn't miss. Sprandel's goal in overtime lifted the Saxony Lutheran boys soccer team to a 2-1 victory against Bayless in a Class 1 District 1 semifinal Wednesday. The Crusaders advanced to Friday's 6 p.m. district championship game against host school John F. Kennedy...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Paris backed St. Vincent into a big first-half corner Wednesday night. The Indians battled their way out of it briefly, but in the end had few answers for a hot Coyotes team. Paris made the bus ride of more than four hours well worth it as the Coyotes steamrolled St. Vincent 42-14 in a Class 1 regional playoff game...

Considering he is less than a foot tall, Carlos doesn't seem like he'd be much of a volleyball player. And he isn't. The strings that serve as his arms and legs don't allow him to stand, let alone withstand a blow from a spiked volleyball. His large head and small body make staying upright a challenge and, well, he is a dude on a girls team...

WASHINGTON -- The most common deals under the government's $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program, aimed at putting more fuel-efficient cars on the road, replaced old Ford or Chevrolet pickups with new ones that got only marginally better gas mileage, according to an analysis of new federal data by The Associated Press...

NEW YORK -- Paint the town in pinstripes! Nearly a decade after their dynasty ended on a blooper in the desert, the New York Yankees are baseball's best again. Hideki Matsui tied a World Series record with six RBIs, Andy Pettitte won on short rest and New York beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 in Game 6 on Wednesday night, seizing its 27th title. It was the team's first since winning three straight from 1998 to 2000...

25 years ago: Nov. 5, 1984 Cape Girardeau County voters may go to the polls in record numbers tomorrow; according to county clerk Rodney Miller as many as 27,000 voters, or 77 percent of the county's 35,000 registered voters, may cast ballots; along with the presidential race, a plethora of state and local ballots, from parimutuel betting and state lottery proposals to Blue Law repeal, are sparking interest in the election...

WASHINGTON -- You're afraid your cancer is back, and a health insurance company just turned you down. Under the health care bills in Congress, you could apply for coverage through a new high-risk pool that President Barack Obama promises would immediately start serving patients with pre-existing medical problems...

NEW YORK -- October sales reports from major retailers ranging from Target Corp. to Macy's Inc. are expected to offer more evidence of a spending recovery when they're released today. That's helping to lift hopes for a slightly merrier holiday season and for the health of the overall economy...

George E. Peo, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center. He was born George Edwin Hammond on Dec. 7, 1923, in Wheaton, Ill., to Fern Peo Hammond and Archibald Hammond. He was orphaned at age 8 and was adopted and raised by his grandparents, John H. and Cordie A. Peo. He and Margaret Boghosian were married March 11, 1945...

Georgia Burgfeld, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at her home. She was born Oct. 23, 1929, in Dexter, Mo., daughter of Albert Joseph and Mary Felix Buelow. She and L.R. Burgfeld were married March 19, 1950, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau...

Dr. Leeman Phillips "Phil" Maxwell, 59, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Son of Leeman M. and Lenora J. Phillips Maxwell, he was born Dec. 31, 1949, in Clarksburg, W.Va. He was first married to Lou Ann Gum, who died in 1996. He married Linda DeJong on May 16, 1997, in Mesa, Ariz...

Doris Theo Haring "Dorrie" DiLucchio, 83, loving and sweet mother of Lori Ann Kinder (Frank), passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, in her room at Chateau Girardeau with loved ones by her side. Dorrie joined her youngest daughter, Lori Ann, in Cape Girardeau last November when she moved from her home of 40 years in Kalamazoo, Mich. ...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- James M. "Jimmie" Lincoln, 73, of St. Louis passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at De Paul Health Center in St. Louis. He was born May 14, 1936, at Lutesville, Mo., son of Odell and Eula Trentham Lincoln. He and Betty Cook were married July 28, 1956...

ANNA, Ill. -- Afton Gurley, 96, of Anna died Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at Salem Hospital in Salem, Ill. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anna, with the Rev. Federico Higuera officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery...

NEW YORK -- A late-day slump left stocks mixed Wednesday as investors couldn't hold on to their optimism after the Federal Reserve gave an encouraging assessment of the economy. The Dow Jones industrial average, up more than 150 points after the Fed described the economy as showing more signs of recovery, closed up 30. The broader indexes were narrowly mixed...

KABUL -- The killing of five British troops by a rogue Afghan policeman underlines concerns about training and discipline within the ranks and possible insurgent infiltration of a police force that the U.S. hopes will be its ticket out of Afghanistan someday...

SAN FRANCISCO -- National gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scaremongering ads -- and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement -- for an election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate...

MILAN -- An Italian judge found 23 Americans and two Italians guilty Wednesday in the kidnapping of an Egyptian terror suspect, delivering the first legal convictions anywhere in the world against people involved in the CIA's extraordinary rendition program...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Only a few other U.S. cities have a higher percentage of students than Kansas City and St. Louis enrolled in charter schools. That's according to a report from the Washington-based National Alliance for Public Charter Schools...

Photo submitted by Linda Boxdorfer On Oct. 17, the Perryville High School Marching Buccaneers, under the direction of Jay Peters and Eric Seibel, competed in a marching competition in Park Hills, Mo. In the preliminary round, the Buccaneers placed first in the class 3A division and won trophies for outstanding auxiliary and outstanding music. ...

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Pushing for a link between student test scores and teacher pay, President Barack Obama on Wednesday dangled $5 billion in federal grants to states willing to undertake a top-to-bottom overhaul of their schools in support of White House priorities...

Two months ago Jo Duff wrote a one-page letter to her nieces and nephews about her maternal grandfather. Soon afterward she heard back from two of the nephews, who are in their late 20s, that it was the first time they had ever received a letter from anybody...

Getting families connected to the resources they need is a big part of what Kayleen Shaw does on a daily basis as the Cape Girardeau School District's social worker. Shaw is bringing social agencies together for an event Tuesday so families and members of the community can learn about opportunities for housing assistance, counseling and transportation...

The Kennett Board of Education decided to start accepting letters of interest from superintendent applicants, during a closed session meeting on Oct. 28, the Daily Dunklin Democrat reported. Superintendent Jerry Noble will resign at the end of the 2009-2010 school year...

Late Friday the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center received a shipment it never expected to receive again this year -- additional doses of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

BENTON -- Brianna Buchanan, a second grader at Kelly Elementary School in Benton, is happy about the newly installed wooden benches that sit in the corner of her school library. "You don't have to sit on the floor (to read) anymore," Brianna said. Trent Kelsey, also a second grader, said because the benches were added, students can see "more high up" when sitting and reading. ...

Apparently, hell hath no fury like a high school soccer team scorned. One year after a well-placed penalty kick by Seckman prevented the Jackson Indians from winning their third consecutive district title, the Indians got their title back.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- An 18-year-old Chaffee man was charged Thursday with making a false bomb threat against the Rhodes 101 convenience store, Chaffee police chief Jim Chambers said in a news release.

A Cape Girardeau man faces child pornography charges after his girlfriend allegedly found explicit photos on his home computer.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Cape Girardeau man on death row for a 1992 triple homicide is mentally disabled and should not be executed, his attorney told the Missouri Supreme Court. Andrew A. Lyons, 52, was sentenced to two death sentences in 1996 for the shooting deaths of Evelyn Sparks and Bridgette Harris, an ex-girlfriend. He also received a seven-year sentence for the shooting death of his 11-month old son Dontay Harris...

KENNETT, Mo. -- A rally Nov. 16 in Kennett is in support of a woman accused in a racially charged case with assaulting two police officers, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace. The now-24-year-old Heather Ellis has said she moved into a check-out lane at Walmart to join a cousin whose line was moving faster Jan. 6, 2007. Other customers said she cut ahead of them...

Johnnie Taber was losing strength with each passing day. Getting out of bed became a struggle. Putting makeup on and combing her hair required more energy than she could muster. After work, she'd come home and spend the rest of her evening asleep on the couch...

KENNETT, Mo. -- A combine and a truck collided near Kennett Thursday night, igniting a fire inside the combine. The Kennett Fire Department received a call at 7:10 p.m. that a tractor had run over a pick-up truck and was on fire on County Road 553. The driver of the pick-up truck, Mike Faught, and the operator of the combine both escaped the incident unharmed, according to officials. ...

I was so pleasantly surprised to see a second on-line newspaper article about the policeman in Cape who helped rescue and save so many dogs. I thought the one by his daughter was so sweet. After the second one I had to write and tell you about the dog that my mother received from Marys' father, Officer Volkerding. If she were here she would be telling this one herself...

These gorgeous red berries were found on a hike through our pasture. The brilliant color of sky, pine and berries begged to be photographed.

A Wednesday morning fire that damaged a Cape Girardeau apartment is now considered arson. Sgt. Jason Selzer of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said an investigation continues into a fire that moderately damaged a fourth floor apartment at 45 S. West End Boulevard around 6:15 a.m. No suspects are in custody...

The gorgeous colors as these seeds burst through their covering caught my eye as I walked through the pasture.

Wilhelmina Harker Von Der Leirer, or Mena , for her call name. Mena's gorgeous coloring really stands out against the beautiful fall backdrop on our walk today.

With the Cape Girardeau City Council's decision to move ahead with automated trash and recycling pickup, the publicity campaign to educate residents about the change is underway. On Monday evening, the council approved spending $2.3 million to buy six trucks and 22,000 new trash bins for distribution to residents. The switch won't require a rate increase to pay the bonds that will finance the program...

Some of the last remaining leaves are the oaks along the Crooked Creek which change to an 'eye popping' red against the shoreline of the Crooked Creek.

When Natalie King decided to major in communication disorders at Southeast Missouri State University, she considered the prospects for jobs after graduation. King, a sophomore, said more of her peers are thinking more about majoring in a subject that will produce a job, an effect of the economic downturn...

As teens face increasingly complex issues, the voice of many of those struggles, author Alex Flinn, will be in the area to address students at two schools and the public. Libby Wilson, a librarian at Central Junior High School, said Flinn writes realistic fiction that many students at her school can relate to. This perspective and understanding makes her work popular among adolescents, even those who do not always enjoy reading...

The Jackson High School Speech & Debate team opened their competition season with a First Place overall win at Clearwater. Individual winners included: (Front Row) Taylor Poore, Holly Bollinger, Lydia Meece, (Back Row) Morgan Caldwell, Jessica Stearns, and Eric Miller...

Dr. Raymond Ritter sees the world in the terms of a painting -- the light on someone's forehead or the shine of her hair. The retired orthopedic surgeon started taking art classes from Cleda Curtis-Neal seven years ago at his wife's urging, and the couple been painting ever since...

LOS ANGELES -- Rod Stewart grew up idolizing soul singers like Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson and Otis Redding. On his new album, "Soulbook," he gets a chance to pay tribute to his childhood idols in song -- and even gets a chance to sing with one of them on the CD...

A man is making his way to the Mississippi Mud House from Kansas City today. He's a grandfather, military veteran and a Texas-born, down-to-earth guy who almost always wears a cowboy hat. He's also an entertainer; more specifically, a black comedian who is breaking the barriers of what the world expects from black comics. His name is Longhorn, and his hybrid blend of countryboy attitude and life observations is taking the country by storm...

On Saturday, the high-definition broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera will be Giacomo Puccini's "Turandot." The performance will begin at noon at the Town Plaza Cinema. The opera is set in the ancient Chinese city of Peking. It tells the story of the Princess Turandot who is bent upon avenging the wrongs done to her ancestress. Turandot has declared that any man who can answer the three riddles she asks him can marry her. Of course, no man has been able to do this and her suitors are beheaded...

A classic play from the historically controversial American playwright Lillian Hellman will be the second full-length performance to feature the talent of Southeast Missouri State University actors this season, following the musical "Little Shop of Horrors."...

A list of November's First Friday gallery receptions

Carrie Underwood opens her third album with an audacious stomper, "Cowboy Casanova," a put-down of a playboy that slyly references a famous quarterback Underwood briefly dated. But everything else about the bold, sassy tune looks forward, a reflection of "Play On," which aims to illustrate Underwood's maturation and growth...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Wednesday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Thursday: Jackson Firefighters responded to the following call Wednesday: Firefighters responded to the following call Thursday:...

Cape Girardeau: Arrests; Thefts; Miscellaneous; Jackson: DWIs; Arrests; Summonses; Property damage; Miscellaneous

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Loraine Halter, 98, of Chaffee died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at Chaffee Nursing Center. She was born Oct. 17, 1911, at Chaffee, daughter of Sylvester and Anna Elizabeth Owens Matthews. She and Leo M. Halter were married Nov. 16, 1929. He died Dec. 1, 1973...

Allen George Koelzer, 64, of Scott City died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at his home. He was born Oct. 17, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, son of George and Ethel Held Koelzer. Allen grew up in Cape Girardeau and worked at Superior Electric many years. He also worked at Procter & Gamble as a security guard and then at Kelly School District in maintenance. He was a member of Eisleben Lutheran Church in Scott City...

ANNA, Ill. -- Blanche Maxine McDonald, 83, of Anna, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at City Care Center of Anna. She was born Sept. 2, 1926, in Scott County, Mo., to the late Ellis Kessner and Wrista Lou Fulkerson Alcorn. She and Lester McDonald were married July 8, 1944, in Piggott, Ark. He preceded her in death...

Frances Wunderlich, 61, of Pocahontas passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at her home. She was born June 26, 1948, in Mitchell, S.D., daughter of William K. and Eilene I. Tripp Ettleman. She and Oliver P. Wunderlich were married Sept. 20, 1975. He passed away Sept. 13, 2001...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Flora M. Chambliss, 83, of Cairo died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born March 4, 1926, in Rick Square, N.C., daughter of Lazarus Pope and Ada Reba Smallwood Tann. She married Dr. Homer H. Chambliss, who preceded her in death...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Catherine Cave, 81, of Cairo died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. There is no visitation. Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City, Ill...

Harper; DeJournett; Aufdenberg; Segraves; Lentz; Birk; Watson; Golden; Dorris; Kreighbaum; Nunley; Diebold; Wayman; Haines; Roth

25 years ago: Nov. 6, 1984 The forecast of a large voter turnout today is apparently coming true in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, although the rate of ballots being cast in the area this morning is still well behind the record pace of the 1980 presidential election...

NEW YORK -- Some of New York's biggest companies, including Wall Street giants Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, received doses of swine flu vaccine for at-risk employees, drawing criticism that the hard-to-find vaccine is going first to the privileged...

NEW YORK -- October's retail sales results, the best performance since April 2008, show that Americans are spending a little more. But will they be willing to pay full price this holiday season? Stores are heading into the period with slashed inventories, determined not to have the fire sales that characterized last Christmas. ...

Disgraced ex-New York Times reporter Jayson Blair talking to college students about ethics? What's next? The former head of Lehman Brothers on financial risk management? Such was the blogosphere's snarky tone last week when Washington & Lee University in Virginia announced Blair would speak today at a journalism conference there...

SINGAPORE -- Oil prices rose above $80 a barrel Friday in Asia as crude investors eyed a surge in global stock markets. Benchmark crude for December delivery was up 47 cents to $80.09 a barrel at midday Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 78 cents to settle at $79.62 on Thursday...

The planning commissions of Cape Girardeau and Jackson recently held a joint meeting to discuss issues of mutual concern. Among those issues was how subdivisions are developed outside each of the two cities. Jackson and Cape Girardeau both have subdivisions requirements. ...

We are over 65 and have been attempting to get seasonal flu shots. My doctor does not have the vaccine. We encountered a ridiculous situation at the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center. Shots supposedly were available from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ...

Pure greed; Use your blinkers; Profound words; Greedy for treats; Bank protection; Admit the mistake; On the money; Working together; County pay raises

Missouri Auditor Susan Montee will be the guest speaker Friday morning at the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee. Montee will discuss the work of the auditor's office. The program will begin at 7:40 a.m. at the Show Me Center, and a continental breakfast will be available...

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's not unusual to see a deer or a cow crossing Oklahoma's rural highways. But an elephant? A couple driving home from church nearly slammed into a pachyderm that had escaped from a nearby circus late Wednesday. "Didn't have time to hit the brakes. The elephant blended in with the road," driver Bill Carpenter said Thursday. "At the very last second I said 'Elephant!'"...

WASHINGTON -- Missed out on Cash for Clunkers? Congress has another deal for you: Buy a home before May 1 and collect up to $6,500 from the government. If you're a first-time homebuyer, get up to $8,000. As part of the government's efforts to encourage people to spend money to help revive the economy, the House voted 403-12 Thursday to expand a popular tax credit for homebuyers. ...

Bless, O God, our efforts to feed the hungry and care for the needy. Amen.

ST. LOUIS -- Dion Phaneuf's goal 2:~ Calgary won 3-2 on a goal by Dion Phaneuf 50 into overtime gave the Calgary Flames a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night. Calgary won in overtime for the second time in two nights. The Flames broke a two-game losing streak Wednesday with a 3-2 victory at Dallas...

NEW YORK -- Pitcher John Lackey and outfielder Matt Holliday were among 79 players who filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day. Outfielder Jason Bay, first baseman Carlos Delgado, pitcher John Smoltz and reliever Billy Wagner also filed as did pitcher Jon Garland after the Los Angeles Dodgers declined his $10 million option. He will receive a $2.5 million buyout...

The weekend forecast for Jefferson City, Mo., calls for temperatures in the high 50s with little chance for rain. That is welcome news for Scott City cross country runner Brandon Shemonia. Shemonia had some battle scars Saturday from his run at the Class 2 District 1 meet at Jefferson Barracks Park in St. Louis County, in the form of mud on his legs, arms and face...

The Notre Dame boys swimming team won only one event at the Show Me Conference meet Thursday at Central Pool, but the Bulldogs came away with the team title. Notre Dame finished with 303 points and was followed by John Burroughs (302), Central (250), Jackson (229) and Saxony Lutheran (12)...

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Jacob Pewitt knew Farmington scouted him during Notre Dame's district semifinal. Pewitt used that to his advantage Thursday in the shootout for the Class 2 District 1 boys soccer championship. "I just looked in the right upper 90," Pewitt said. "I know he was watching [Tuesday] and I went left last night so it was time to switch it up a little bit. I knew exactly what I was going to do."...

Notre Dame junior Allyson Bradshaw admits her team is dealing with a lot of emotions as it prepares for the Class 3 state volleyball championships. "We're really excited," Bradshaw said. "We want to win, but we're nervous at the same time. We'll try and do our best."...

For a second consecutive year, the Scott City volleyball team is in the Class 2 final four, and today, for the second consecutive year, it enters play in Kansas City, Mo., with the No. 1 ranking in the state. For a second consecutive year, the Rams expect Hermann to be the opponent that's hardest to beat, mostly because both teams lost only one key player who participated in last year's state championship match...

Not many people will give Southeast Missouri State much of a chance Saturday when powerful Jacksonville State visits. But JSU coach Jack Crowe said what happened to the Gamecocks the last time they played in Cape Girardeau is proof they can't afford to overlook the reeling Redhawks...

The Dickey Nutt era at Southeast Missouri State began with a win Thursday night. It wasn't pretty and it officially won't count, but the Redhawks weren't about to complain. After ending last season with 19 straight defeats -- the nation's longest losing streak among NCAA Division I men's basketball teams entering this year -- the Redhawks were pleased to experience any type of victory, even in an exhibition...

Three Southeast Missouri State soccer players have earned all-Ohio Valley Conference honors as voted on by the league's coaches and sports information directors. Freshman defender Hayley Abbott made the all-OVC first team, with junior forward Ashley Runion on the second team and freshman forward Bobbi Jo Schlick on the all-newcomer squad...

Cape Girardeau County is among the state's 114 counties scheduled to receive thousands of dollars less annually from the state in payments to county assessors. The State Tax Commission has reduced the parcel reimbursement rate for county assessors from $5.99 to $4 for each parcel of land. The $6.117 million in payments for reassessment is part of $204 million in cuts announced Oct. 28 by Gov. Jay Nixon...

Handmade pottery can be expensive. Or, it can cost only $12 and come with Sunday lunch. The annual Empty Bowls Banquet will be from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Salvation Army, with a variety of soups, bread and a dessert on the menu. Diners get this modest meal to remind them that food can sometimes be hard to come by and many people only get a small amount -- sometimes not even daily. Diners also get a handmade bowl of their choosing to take home to remind them of the need every day...

When I was growing up on the farm on Killough Valley in the Ozarks over yonder, my life was organized by animals. Lulu, the milk cow, had to be milked every morning and every evening. In winter, hay had to be delivered to hungry cattle. Horses had to be tended...

FORT HOOD, Texas -- An Army psychiatrist set to be shipped overseas opened fire at the Fort Hood Army post Thursday, authorities said, a rampage that killed 12 people and left 31 wounded in the worst mass shooting ever at a military base in the United States...

KABUL -- The United Nations is sending about 600 foreign staff out of the country or into secure compounds because of the deadly Taliban attack on U.N. workers, warning the Afghan government Thursday that international support will wane unless it cracks down on corruption fueling the insurgency...

Commission approves firm to conduct audit The Cape Girardeau County Commission has approved a Cape Girardeau accounting firm to conduct the county's annual audit. During its meeting Thursday the commission chose Stanley, Dirnberger, Hopper and Associates LLC to perform the audit from 2009 to 2011. The accounting firm was the low bidder, with a total not to exceed $47,900 for the years it will do the audit...

Oak Ridge Elementary 4th grade: Brianna Amschler, Jordan Barker, Kaitlyn Carter, Brianna Harrison, Alexis Johnson, Jordan Layton, Amanda Meyer, Coltin Reimann. 5th grade: Kyle Keller, Steven Masterson, Madison Mewhirter, Beth Mize, Brynn Myers, Katelyn Oehl, Scott Palmer, Collin Reimann, Olivia Ruiz, Maci Schamburg, Jarett Seabaugh, McKenzie Slinkard...

St. Vincent de Paul Parish School A Honor Roll 4th grade: Sophie Wojdylo, Alexis Welter, Tyler Bruns, Kendall McGarr, Chase LaValle, Drew Beussink, Noah Merideth, Leanne Alpers, Collyn Rouggly, Elise Bruenderman, John Paul Schuchardt, Hannah Landewe and Victor Lanzotti, Alaina Baumgart, Hattie-Lou Burdin, Troy Carman, Madison Arpin, Hogan Coad, Drew Eudy, Taylor Higgins, Nikki Wrape, Brandon Pappas, Grayson Mueller, Dawson Dohogne, Kristen Alvey, Cy Young, Makenzi Kinder, Cassandra Caragine and Samantha Saba.. ...

WARRENSBURG, Mo. (AP) -- The future of education from preschool to beyond graduate school united four state senators and top state educators for a hearing at the University of Central Missouri. About 30 percent of students entering college need remedial education, prompting a question from a west St. Louis County Republican, Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-Chesterfield...

Notre Dame student Robby Hinson, left, Food Bank staff member Danny Stotler, student Mollina Stallings, right, and Notre Dame teacher Daniel Strohmeyer unload a portion of the school's donation of more than 5,600 cans of food collected for the Southeast Missouri Food Bank on Thursday at the facility on Nash Road. In all, 70,834 pounds of food were donated, about 30,000 raised by schools and 41,000 donated by Tyson Foods. Notre Dame Regional High School won the Division A contest among schools with more than 250 students. Eagle Ridge Christian School won Division B, schools with 250 or fewer students. Read more about area schools at semissourian.com/schools.

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com The United States Air Force Band of Mid-America performs for 661 people Friday night, November 6, 2009, at the Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University....

Buddy (my pet) or Moondog (alien in disguise)....you decide.

25 years ago: Nov. 7, 1984 U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson swept all but one county of the 8th Congressional district yesterday, easily warding off a challenge by Democrat Bill Blue on his way to winning re-election to a third term. A powerful tide of Republican support in Cape Girardeau County knocked one local incumbent out of office and created several other close races, as voters elected a new sheriff and narrowly kept the county coroner and a state representative in voting Tuesday; Republican challenger Dwight Thomas beat Democratic incumbent Herman "Bob" Gribler by less than a single percentage point in the sheriff's race.. ...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Jo Alice Orr, 90, of Marble Hill died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at her home. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Hutchings Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Grace Fellowship Family Worship Center in Marble Hill. Burial will be in Baker Cemetery...

Jami Lyn Wolak, 23, of Jackson passed away Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born June 10, 1986, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Wayne and Kay Scholz Wolak. Jami was a 2004 graduate of Jackson High School and was a 2008 graduate of Metro Business College in Cape Girardeau. ...

The Rams defeated Hermann, a team that they hadn't won a game against in three previous matches, to win the the school's first volleyball championship.

Tommy Sowers, the Iraq war veteran mounting the first well-funded challenge to U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson in more than a decade said Saturday that he plans to make the economy -- and Emerson's record on economic issues -- the centerpiece of his campaign.

Area farmers are working furiously to complete fall corn harvests before the predicted return of wet weather around the middle of November.

I found this amazing truck on myspace. The father of a missing child ( Trenton Duckett) made this for all the missing children. It was the most amazing thing i had ever seen.This is the webpage to view the truck and the family desperatly trying to find their child...

This is a picture of a sailboat on the Mississippi River. We saw it when we were on a picnic at Trail of Tears State Park.

At sunset, the leaves seemed to glow.

Wyatt Durham walking on the road at Trail of Tears.

I took this picture of my son, Wyatt Durham playing with a leaf at Trail of Tears.

With the housing market hitting rock bottom in parts of the country, some analysts predict the commercial real estate sector could be next. However, those familiar with the local commercial market are optimistic Southeast Missouri won't suffer the same fate...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The members of the Notre Dame volleyball team reluctantly left the line in which they were standing when they received their medals. Their trip to the Class 3 final four had not ended as they hoped, but there still were droves of parents wanting one last photo of the team -- this time with the latest state trophy for the Notre Dame athletic program...

Dexter Daily Statesman Another H1N1 vaccination clinic is set for Thursday, Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. until noon and from 1-4 p.m., according to Amy Hector BSN, RN at the Stoddard County Health Center in Bloomfield. "We will continue to vaccinate all those as we've been doing in previous clinics," Hector said, indicating they would serve pregnant women with a physician's order and children 6 months to 18 years old...

Heidi Marie Jansen and David Allan Girard were married June 26, 2009, at the home of Ron and Marcia Clark of Jackson, uncle and aunt of the bride. Tim Winborne performed the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Stephen Jansen of Jackson and Cheryl Jansen of Caruthersville, Mo. The groom is the son of the late Roy Girard and the late Loriane Kenny, both of Michigan...

Shirley Reeves and Thomas Whittard were married July 29, 2009, at Common Pleas Courthouse gazebo. Karen Sander was matron of honor. Best man was Frank Bertrand. A dinner was held at Applebee's. A reception and family dinner was held at a later date...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Emily Sue Davis and Todd Wayne Leslie were married June 6, 2009, at First General Baptist Church in Jackson. The Rev. Luther Rhodes performed the ceremony. Harpist was Amy Enroth of Quincy, Ill., and pianist was Cindy Burger of Millersville. Soloists were Lindsay Bell of Lafe, Ark., and Sydney Keith of Marble Hill...

Greg and Brenda Unsbee of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Kay Unsbee, to Germond Mictel Cobb. He is the son of Debaroh Larry and Don Cobb of Sikeston, Mo. Unsbee is a 2002 graduate of Central High School. She is employed at Kids Korner Daycare and Infant Center...

Bob and Judy Stricker of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Katie Stricker, to Ron Mayberry Jr., both of St. Louis. He is the son of Ron and Sandy Mayberry of Jackson. Stricker is a 1995 graduate of Central High School, and is attending Southeast Missouri State University. She is employed at St. Anthony's Urgent Care in St. Louis...

Roger and Nadine Mainor, formerly of Cape Girardeau, announce the engagement of their daughter, Robyn Alana Mainor, to Clayton William Anderson. He is the son of Michael and Peggy Anderson of Oxford, Ala. Mainor is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. She is preservation services director at Historic Augusta Inc. in Augusta, Ga., and field staff for the National Trust for Historic Preservation...

Mr. and Mrs. James Welter of Cape Girardeau recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception, dinner and dance at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Scott City. Welter and Carol Ann Hamm were married Oct. 10, 1959, at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran, Mo. Matron of honor was Luella Kielhofner, and bridesmaids were Marian Holder and Lillian Angle. Best man was Bud Holder, and groomsmen were Melvin Hamm and the late Gilbert Hamm...

Missouri's revenue for the current fiscal year is far below budget projections, and the forecast for the next fiscal year shows the gap widening to well in excess of $1 billion. As a result, state funding is being held or withdrawn for many programs. In the process, funding for the second semester of this school year for the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program has been eliminated. This leaves hundreds of students in the lurch...

Don't look; Expensive trash; Stop burning; Not common sense; Big containers; Medicare for all; Lost tradition

In 1981, Cape Girardeau voters approved a city charter. In 1993, they approved a charter amendment providing for candidates for the city council to run from wards in an effort to provide geographic representation. The predicted increase in ward candidates coming forward to represent their districts has not happened...

By JOHN STEELE GORDON Valerie Jarrett, senior adviser to President Barack Obama, recently explained the White House war on Fox News as an example of "speaking truth to power." Much of the American political world collapsed in laughter, pointing out that her boss was president of the United States, the most powerful man on earth. ...

Zeus is a 1-year-old dog. He is neutered and housebroken. For more information, contact the Humane Society at 334-5837...

Weddings often are costly affairs, but with enough advance planning and a little homegrown ingenuity, you can make things instead of shelling out for them. Wedding magazines and Web sites help, too. "There's nothing you can't craft for your wedding," says Darcy Miller, editorial director of "Martha Stewart Weddings" magazine. Among other items, she mentions gifts, decorations, flowers and the cake...

This is a photo I shot focusing upon the reflected limbs of a soft maple tree in the clear water of a pond. Various kinds of fallen leaves had accumulated in the water and wind was making them drift. Being someone who loves impressionist paintings, I am especially drawn to colorful autumn scenes such as this. Although this is a photograph taken in real time and not enhanced or manipulated, it could pass for a well-painted impressionist landscape...

Wednesday is Veterans Day. A day set aside to remember men and women of every generation who have served our great nation in the military. They have sacrificed much -- some their lives -- for each of us to enjoy and savor the freedoms that we enjoy on a daily basis...

Life can be strange and hard to understand sometimes. What makes people treat others the way they do? Is it tradition, what you've been taught or what you genuinely want to do? Most people make it a point to visit relatives, observe certain holiday traditions and get along with those they don't even like. ...

Editor's note: This is the 10th in a series of stories with an introduction from Nancy Jernigan at the United Way highlighting volunteers and agencies who are active in or funded by the United Way of Southeast Missouri. To get involved, visit the United Way online at www.unitedwayofsemo.org, at its offices at 430A Broadway or by phone at 334-9634. ...

A friend of mine has been losing sleep. Not because of the economy and not because of violence on the news. He's kept awake by the squirrels that seem to be winning the territorial battle for his attic. Other than the bothersome clatter of squirrel movements throughout the evenings, squirrels can be destructive when they get into an attic because of their gnawing habits and the collections of nest materials they leave behind...

The United States had a banner year in 1969. NASA put a man on the moon. Hundreds of thousands of music lovers gathered at Woodstock and "Sesame Street" made its television debut Nov. 10. During the show's season opener Tuesday, celebrating its 40th anniversary, a rapping real estate agent convinces Big Bird to find a new habitat (the show's word of the day). Big Bird tours different areas and ultimately comes to his senses and finds his way back to Sesame Street...

Parenting class at MU extension center The University of Missouri Extension has planned a free Conscious Discipline Parenting Workshop to explore and explain the methods of Conscious Discipline, which teaches that if you make life predictable for your toddler and set limits to make him or her feel secure, he or she will know what to expect and what is expected. Learn more at the free workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 16 at the MU Extension Center in Jackson. Register at 334-9634 by Monday...

The Saint Francis Foundation named Lisa Newcomer Rookie of the Year. Newcomer received the new award for being a new board member of The Friends who shows great leadership skills. She is the director of the Sleep Disorders Center and Home Medical Services at Saint Francis Medical Center...

Nov. 9-13 Cape Girardeau Elementary MONDAY--Popcorn chicken & bread or turkey & cheese on bun, corn, oatmeal-cranberry cookie. TUESDAY--Cheeseburger or ham & cheese on bun, potato tots, grapes. WEDNESDAY--Spaghetti or turkey & cheese on bun, green beans, hot roll, peaches...

In your creation, O God, you have given us reasons to sing out in praise. Amen.

Friends of Saint Francis honor Spell The Friends of Saint Francis honored Mary Spell as its 24th Honorary Lifetime Member at the October banquet dinner. Spell retired from Saint Francis in 2005 after more than 20 years. She serves as the Saint Francis Auxiliary president and devotes many hours a week as a volunteer at the medical center...

LAURA SIMON~lsimon@semissourian.com Carson Barnes, left, listens as Ben Krewston, right, attempts to spell the word "illustrating" correctly for first place in the fourth- and fifth-grade bracket of the Lutheran School spelling bee Saturday at St. ...

No matter what electronic gadget consumers are looking for this holiday season, they'll find quality products at unusually low prices as retailers and manufacturers try to entice purchasing in this tough economy. "Consumer Reports" rated 448 electronics products including LCD and plasma TVs, Blu-ray players, laptops and desktop computers, point-and-shoot cameras, new music players and headphones. Highlights of CR's findings include:...

The winter months can drag on. Holidays and utilities increase your expenses. Add that it's cold and flu season, and it's not uncommon to get the winter blahs. Before you go stircrazy for spring, prepare yourself with a few blah-busting tips. What frugal activities do you do during winter months?...

Cape Girardeau: DWI; Arrests; Summons; Thefts; Property damage; Miscellaneous; Cape Girardeau County: DWI; Arrests

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following call Thursday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Friday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Saturday: Jackson Firefighters responded to the following call Thursday:...

Cassie Knight Cassie Ann Knight, 38, of Oak Ridge, Mo., passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2009. She was born May 28, 1971, in St. Charles, Ill. She and Richard "Richie" Knight Jr. were married Aug. 9, 2009, in Diehlstadt, Mo. She moved from St. Charles to Jackson in 1997, and worked at Red Lobster in Cape Girardeau...

Josephine Schnurbusch Josephine A. Schnurbusch, 73, of Perryville, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Dec. 9, 1935, in Chester, Ill., daughter of Paul Berkbigler and Elta Miget Berkbigler...

Irene Carr ORAN, Mo. -- Irene Elizabeth Carr, 87, of Oran passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Dec. 14, 1921, at Malden, Mo., to the late Aaron Pearce and Rilla May Thompson Wagoner. Irene married Chester "Chet" Carr on Sept. 21, 1945, at Fredericktown, Mo. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oran...

Margaret Mann ST. LOUIS -- Margaret Lucille Mann, 81, of St. Louis passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in St. Louis. She was born Nov. 2, 1928, in St. Louis, daughter of John and Madge Farney Cottrell. She and Charles F. Mann Jr. were married June 5, 1948. He passed away Dec. 9, 2008...

Heuring; Lea; Dunker

25 years ago: Nov. 8, 1984 With the planned removal of seven houses along North Sprigg Street by Southeast Missouri State University, one of those homes hits the road; crews are moving the frame residence to Northwoods Court; the property will be the site of a proposed new mental health treatment center for children and adolescents...

In the Nov. 1 anniversary article for Mr. and Mrs. Gene Edwards, the name of the minister who married them was submitted incorrectly to the newspaper. It should have been the Rev. Keith Grams.

Curtis Huge would have preferred not to get his opportunity because of Doug Spada's injury. But Huge, Southeast Missouri State's redshirt freshman kicker, has taken full advantage. Huge accounted for the Redhawks' only points during Saturday's 24-3 home loss to Jacksonville State with a 33-yard field goal late in the third quarter...

The Southeast Missouri State volleyball team was forced to wait one more day for its final home match. A campus-wide power outage Saturday afternoon caused the postponement of that night's scheduled volleyball contest against Eastern Kentucky. The match will be played at noon today. If power has not yet been restored to the Southeast campus, the senior day affair will be held at Notre Dame Regional High School...

It took nationally ranked Jacksonville State less than one quarter to open a 21-0 lead. To Southeast Missouri State's credit -- primarily its defense -- the Redhawks kept JSU from running away and hiding. But the Gamecocks never seriously were threatened Saturday as they sent Southeast to its eighth straight loss, 24-3 at Houck Stadium...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- As her sister Brooke Simpson was handed the state championship trophy Saturday, Mikah Simpson stood at the end of a line of Scott City players with her right arm stretched above her head, one finger up to denote the Rams' place in Class 2 volleyball...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Scott City volleyball team's second trip to the final four did not start as planned. The Rams entered pool play Friday morning knowing they first would face Hermann, which defeated them in the state championship match a year ago...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The first thing Chaffee junior Luisa Boschan did after winning the girls Class 1 cross country championship Saturday morning was run over to the sidelines. Boschan went to cheer on her Red Devils teammates as they finished the race. That's because Boschan feels like they're family after leaving Germany in August to spend the year as a foreign exchange student...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Long johns were required to view the races at last year's state cross country meet. This year, it was the opposite, with the temperature topping out at 78 degrees by the time the final race concluded. The championships featured a 45-minute delay before the start of the Class 4 boys race due to medical complications from an earlier race and concern for the safety of the runners...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The streak lives. The Notre Dame boys captured their seventh consecutive trophy at the cross country championships Saturday. "We did what we had to do, that's basically it," Bulldogs coach Bill Davis said. "It makes it a good day when you do that."...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Scott City sophomore Brandon Shemonia knew the duel was coming. Shemonia and Arcadia Valley junior Caleb Sutton already had battled three times on the cross country course this season. Shemonia had won two of the three races against Sutton entering Saturday's Class 2 boys race at the state meet. But Sutton won districts last week and was hitting his peak...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Senior Meghan Dohogne said after her team's loss in the Class 3 third-place match Saturday that it was too early to think about what the team had accomplished this season. The state-tournament experience she could discuss. "It was pretty neat," she said, holding her team's fourth-place trophy. "It's not what I expected. It was intense."...

MANCHESTER, Mo. -- While the championship pairing in the Class 1 District 1 soccer tournament Friday night was a bit confusing, it did guarantee one outcome: An upset. Top-seeded Saxony Lutheran entered the contest with credentials that included defending district champion and the No. 5 ranking in the state...

FORT HOOD, Texas -- There was the classroom presentation that justified suicide bombings. Comments to colleagues about a climate of persecution faced by Muslims in the military. Conversations with a mosque leader that became incoherent. As a student, some who knew Nidal Malik Hasan said they saw clear signs the young Army psychiatrist -- who authorities say went on a shooting spree at Fort Hood that left 13 dead and 29 others wounded -- had no place in the military. ...

WASHINGTON -- In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous...

BERLIN -- Massive colorful dominoes painted by German students were placed along the former path of the Berlin Wall on Saturday to mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the barrier that divided the city for nearly three decades. Many of the upright 7.5-foot-high plastic foam dominoes carried messages, including "We are one people." The approximately 1,000 dominoes stretching for 1 mile will be toppled Monday as part of wider celebrations of the wall's fall...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- In a special meeting, the Advance Board of Aldermen chose a new mayor Thursday night. Alderman Keith Kimmel was elevated to the new position after a previously planned Nov. 3 election was found to violate state statutes. Kimmel was completing his second term of office as alderman and was scheduled to retire on April 6. He had no plans to run again when his fellow aldermen asked him to take the new position until a permanent mayor could be elected in April...

Southeast Missouri State University lost power on its entire Cape Girardeau campus Saturday. According to university spokeswoman Ann Hayes, power went out about 3:45 p.m. The outage resulted in the rescue of a 19-year-old student who was trapped in an elevator. ...

Southeast Missouri State University is reporting that classes will be in session beginning at noon Monday on the main campus because of a power outage that began Saturday and continues to affect most of the campus. The university reports the campus community can expect to remain without power until approximately 6 a.m. Monday...

Jonathan Paul Hendren has been ministering in churches in some form of a pastoral role since about the age of 18. He came to Cape Girardeau in summer 2008 and now serves the congregation at Cornerstone Assembly of God in Cape Girardeau as the senior pastor...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Oak Ridge coach Jason Niswonger wants to put the Class 1 cross country community on notice. After his team finished second at the state meet Saturday, Niswonger said Oak Ridge is going to stay in the top tier of teams. Plus, he thinks the view from the top of the award stand is pretty good...

Editor's note: The following story has been edited to correct the spelling of Leo T. Klump's name. PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- A Perryville man sustained moderate injuries in a crash Saturday afternoon. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at 4:10 p.m. on Route E. A 1986 Buick Park Avenue driven by Edward J. Wood, 56, of Perryville was traveling westbound on Route E when the vehicle struck the rear of a Massy Ferguson 235 tractor driven by Leo T. Klump, 78, of Perryville...

Crews have restored power to the Southeast Missouri State University campus. According to university spokeswoman Ann Hayes, electricity was restored this morning. The campus had been without power since 3:45 p.m. Saturday after the university's main power transformer failed...

ST. LOUIS -- The first of several multi-jurisdictional civil trials that involve two Southeast Missouri rice farmers got underway Nov. 2 in St. Louis in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri with Judge Catherine D. Perry presiding...

BENTON, Mo. -- This is the first year Scott County general revenue taxes are abated but residents should still look for and open the statement from the county collector. "The county general revenue tax was abated due to the half-cent sales tax approved by voters," said Mark Hensley, Scott County collector of revenue. "There is no county tax. As you look your statement over, in the area where the taxing districts are listed, the county will have the words 'NO TAX' instead of a dollar amount."...

When the Cape Girardeau County Commission discusses the 2010 budget it could do so in the evening hours. During Monday's commission meeting, District 2 Commissioner Jay Purcell proposed placing on the Nov. 16 agenda the idea of holding meetings at night. Purcel, who has long advocated meetings during the evening hours. said the move would allow for more constituents to attend the budget hearings...

My Granddaughter Miranda having so much fun in a pile of leaves at lake Tywappity near Chaffee Mo.

This photo was taken November 8th near Turners Mill on the Eleven Point River while on a 14 mile canoe float. There are several Eagles nesting in the area called "The Irish Wilderness". A great trip for those who love natural beauty.

Southeast Missouri Hospital employees who have served in the military recently gathered for a group photo on the Nature's Landing hillside on the Hospital campus in advance of Veterans' Day. The Hospital salutes the military contributions of its employees...

Fall Foilage by Capaha Park and SEMO University 2009

The Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation Department would like to congratulate the Adult Flag Football League Regular Season Champions and Playoff Champions. Powers Electric took first place in the Division I playoffs, and Kohlfeld/Coors Light finished at the top of the Division I regular season standings. ...

Carolyn Fiedler was just two weeks away from celebrating her 10-year anniversary of being cancer-free when she noticed her right arm started swelling. "I thought it was rheumatoid arthritis," she says. After consulting with Philip W. Taylor, MD, of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, he diagnosed her with lymphedema, a condition in which the lymph nodes are damaged during the treatment of cancer. ...