Stories from December 2009

The second-seeded Wildcats got all they could handle in their season opener Monday night before rallying past seventh-seeded Zalma 70-61 at the Woodland Invitational.

WASHINGTON -- Democrats called it a historic opportunity. Republicans called it a sham. Long-awaited debate over President Barack Obama's health care overhaul kicked off in the Senate with lawmakers trading bitter partisan words over the measure to remake one-sixth of the U.S. economy...

DEXTER, Mo. -- A Caruthersville, Mo., man was arrested in Dexter following a weekend stabbing incident that injured two. Matthew A. Kingston, 27, has been charged with two counts of the Class A felony armed criminal action, one count of the Class A felony assault in the first degree with serious injury and one count of the Class B felony assault in the first degree...

KENNETT, Mo. -- Three cotton modules, belonging to Bill Anderson, located on Dunklin County Road 516 between Kennett and Senath, Mo., were apparently set on fire Sunday night. The Dunklin County Sheriff's Department is currently investigating the incident in an attempt to identify the individuals responsible for creating the damage. ...

KENNETT, Mo. -- A 24-year-old Campbell, Mo., woman accused of murdering her infant daughter in May appeared in court on Monday for a plea hearing, pleading not guilty to the charges. According to the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Joanna Faucett and her attorney, public defender Charles Hirth, appeared before Judge Stephen Sharp, pleading not guilty to the charge of second-degree murder, a Class A felony...

A Cape Girardeau woman accused of receiving property stolen in two late September burglaries pleaded guilty Monday and was sentenced to four years in prison. Misty Batterton, 25, waived a pre-sentencing investigation and asked to be sentenced immediately by Circuit Judge William Syler, assistant prosecuting attorney Jack Koester said. ...

Registered nurse Gayla Tripp, Infection Control Coordinator at Saint Francis Medical Center, responded to questions from the Southeast Missourian's health community e-mail. How worried should people be about throwing a holiday party and spreading sicknesses like the flu and H1N1?...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2009 CONTACT: Linda Garner Executive Director Safe House for Women (573) 335-7745 Safe House for Women is going all in for victims of violence with its 3rd Annual Texas Hold 'Em Tournament. It will be held Sunday, December 13, 2009 at VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau...

The Cape Girardeau Parks & Recreation Dept. along with the Bank of Missouri will be holding the 21st Annual Hot Shot Basketball Contest at the Osage Community Centre on Sunday, Dec. 6th. The competition is for boys and girls ages 7-16. It will begin at 12:30p.m., with day of registration beginning at start at noon. ...

For the sights and sounds of a special season, we give thanks to you, O God. Amen.

Southeast Hospital is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the region's FIRST Level THREE NICU. Southeast hosted a reception before the parade for SEH NICU graduates and then welcomed them to walk in the parade beside the beautiful float! Congratulations Southeast on 30 Magical Years!...

Every year since at least 1987 Cape Girardeau County employees have received a raise in pay. But Cape Girardeau County Commissioner Jay Purcell said today that any increase in salaries for county employees in 2010 should be based on quantitative data, such as a cost of living index or inflation...

Amelia Earhart was a Zontian, so local Zontians went to see the movie "Amelia" to honor the life of a fellow Zonta member. Pictured from left to right: Angie Wilson, Jennifer Hendrickson, Cheryl Mothes, Laura Ritter, Carolyn Kempf, Charlotte Robinson and Lizbe Knote...

The construction crews putting together the Lazy River, part of Cape Girardeau's new Family Aquatic Center, have been anything but lazy this fall. In July, Penzel Construction Co. won the contract to build the water park and expand the adjacent Osage Community Centre. ...

A Cape Girardeau police officer who left the force early this month was charged Monday with official misconduct and making a false police report. Michelle L. Gary, an officer until Nov. 13, will be in court Dec. 14 for arraignment on charges that she falsely reported a check as stolen to avoid bad check charges and took $100 to help a wanted fugitive obtain information about whether a warrant was active on a third person. Both charges are misdemeanors...

November 20th, 2009 Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary #10495, Jackson Missouri, donated a new American Flag to the Sedgewickville Cemetary, Inc. The flag at the cemetary had been distroyed by recent storms. Auxiliary President, Pauline Nitch and Americanism Chairman, Dorthy Siebert presented the 4' X 6' Flag at Sedgewickville Missouri. The ladies installed the flag and raised it for all to enjoy. It was our honor to present this American Flag to the cemetary...

A beautiful giant tree gives a warm Christmas feeling at Saxony Manor in Saxony Village.

Christmas Carolers greet you as you enter Saxony Manor, Just a few of many beautiful Christmas decorations at Saxony Village.

A snapshot of the local Dulcimer group in Cape Girardeau entertained the Veterans recently at the Missouri Veteran's Home . Pictured from left to right : Mary Maginel, Gail Crader, Rosemary Oxley, Laura Holmburg, and Marjorie Suedekum

Is it safe to party when swine flu threatens to crash your bash? It's a question many revelers may be asking this year as the holiday party season coincides with an anxiety-provoking flu season. The good news: While it is true that mingling over punch and canapes can help spread the H1N1 virus, health and entertaining experts say it's possible to throw a holiday party without making everyone wear surgical masks and hazmat suits...

NEW YORK -- Retail websites kept amping up the deals Monday, the first day after Thanksgiving weekend's strong online sales, to try to maintain the momentum. Meanwhile, a research firm that tracks business at stores reported tepid sales and customer traffic for Friday and Saturday that confirmed a so-so start to the season for the bricks-and-mortar world...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Stressed-out workers are calling in sick more often and turning to employee assistance programs for help in greater numbers in the wake of layoffs at many firms, according to a new survey. Benefits consultant Watson Wyatt Worldwide Inc. ...

ST. LOUIS -- The FBI in St. Louis has launched a new website aimed at helping authorities investigate and solve bank robberies by posting profiles of suspects and surveillance-camera photos of robberies, the agency announced Monday. The website, www.bandittrackerstlouis.com, is modeled after similar ones with success in other cities, said St. ...

WASHINGTON -- Riven by partisanship, the Senate plunged into a widely anticipated debate Monday over sweeping health care legislation that President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats have vowed to approve and Republicans have sworn to block...

WASHINGTON -- After months of debate, President Barack Obama will spell out a costly Afghanistan war expansion to a skeptical public tonight, coupling an infusion of as many as 35,000 more troops with a vow that there will be no endless U.S. commitment. His first orders have already been made: at least one group of Marines who will be in place by Christmas...

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

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

Dorothy Willer, 91, of Jackson passed away Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born March 25, 1918, in Cape Girardeau, to Otto and Alma Hemmann Goehring. Dorothy was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. She attended Trinity Lutheran School and Central High School...

ST. LOUIS -- Robert L. Alfultis of St. Louis died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. Dearest father of Michael (Tracy) Alfultis and Bryan (Tammy) Alfultis; cherished grandfather of Caden, Maddox and Isla Alfultis; and dear brother of Judith (Earl Ackers) Fears...

Carolyn Yevon Hunt, 63, of Scott City died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Dec. 19, 1945, in Paragould, Ark., daughter of George and Curine Jacks Coyle. She married Roy Hunt, who preceded her in death. She was an assembly line worker at Lee Rowan in Jackson until her retirement. She was a member of Apostolic Lighthouse UPC in Scott City...

Dr. Jack R. Caldwell, 86, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, at his home at Good Samaritan Village in Las Cruces, N.M. He was born Jan. 7, 1923, at Fruitland, son of Ben Ruff and Oma Caldwell. Caldwell was a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II, flying B-24 and B-29 bombers. Following the war he attended Southeast Missouri State University and the Illinois College of Optometry...

Doris Anne Byrne, 92, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee, Mo. She was born Aug. 30, 1917, in St. Louis, daughter of Fredrick and Grace Wheelhouse Laskwitz. She and John Byrne were married Nov. 22, 1945, in St. Louis. He preceded her in death in 1981...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Harvey J. Petot, 76, of Perryville died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009, at Perry County Memorial Hospital. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. Milton Ryan officiating...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Kyong "Coffee" Lemons, 55, of Advance died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in Clarksville, Tenn. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Wednesday at Morgan Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ronnie Winchester officiating. Burial will be in Morgan Memorial Park...

Twin sons to David and Irene Kieffer II of Scott City, Southeast Missouri Hospital, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. Benjamin Isidore was born at 3:04 a.m. and weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces. Joseph Alvin was born at 3:06 a.m. and weighed 5 pounds, 9 ounces. The couple also has two other sons and a daughter. ...

Cape Girardeau City Council member Loretta Schneider has been elected to the board of directors of Women in Municipal Government; the national group serves as a forum for communication among women and local officials within the framework of the National League of Cities organization...

LONDON -- Gazing at the big trophy beside him, Nikolay Davydenko was awed. His name was etched next to those of some of the greats: Roger Federer, Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg. Davydenko had won the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals, beating all three Grand Slam champions of 2009 along the way. The Russian defeated U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-4 in Sunday's final...

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As the hats and caps rained down, R.J. Umberger smiled, pumped his fist and savored the moment. Umberger scored three goals for his second career hat trick to lead Columbus past the St. Louis Blues 5-2 on Monday night, ending the Blue Jackets' five-game losing skid...

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Tiger Woods withdrew Monday from his own golf tournament, citing injuries from a car crash near his Florida home. He said he would not compete again until next year. Woods said in a statement on his website that his injuries prevented him from playing in the Chevron World Challenge, which he hosts annually for a small, invited field...

OMAHA, Neb. -- Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has led the No. 21 Cornhuskers to a second straight nine-win season and into Saturday's Big 12 championship game against No. 3 Texas. An upset of the Longhorns at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, would put Nebraska in a BCS bowl just two years after the Huskers hit bottom in Bill Callahan's final year. Some might say reaching the Big 12 title game puts Pelini's rebuilding job right on schedule...

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Charlie Weis arrived at Notre Dame flashing Super Bowls rings and talking about outscheming opponents. He leaves one of college football's most prestigious programs without even matching the records of the two men who were fired before him...

NEW YORK -- The man poised to become the first new leader of baseball's powerful union in more than a quarter-century is a ballplayer's lawyer. Michael Weiner speaks plainly, wears jeans and sneakers to work -- and after more than 20 years with the Major League Baseball Players Association, knows his stuff...

WASHINGTON -- The carols around the National Christmas Tree are going to have some serious star power this year. Entertainers Sheryl Crow and Common are scheduled to perform at the tree lighting ceremony Thursday near the National Mall. Singers Jordin Sparks, Ray LaMontagne and Celtic Woman, and jazz musicians Brad Mehldau and Joshua Redman also will join the stage...

LONDON -- Iran is holding five British sailors after stopping their racing yacht in the Persian Gulf, the British government said Monday. The move could heighten tensions between Iran and major world powers, including Britain, that are demanding a halt to its nuclear program...

MUNICH -- John Demjanjuk sat in a wheelchair wrapped in a light blue blanket, his eyes closed and his face pale as his trial opened Monday on charges he helped kill 27,900 Jews as a Nazi death camp guard. Attorneys for the retired Ohio autoworker portrayed him as a victim -- of the Nazis and misguided German justice. But three German doctors testified the Ukrainian-born Demjanjuk was fit to stand trial...

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

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams' run defense has been horrible lately, even though the personnel's pretty much the same. It's becoming a weekly sore spot for rookie coach Steve Spagnuolo, who built his reputation on stopping opponents. On Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks more than doubled their NFL-low average with a season-best 170 yards in beating the Rams 27-17. Before that, the Rams (1-10) gave up a season-high 183 yards to Arizona, and 203 yards to the Saints...

CHICAGO -- The first rigorous study of behavior treatment in autistic children as young as 18 months found two years of therapy can vastly improve symptoms, often resulting in a milder diagnosis. The study was small -- just 48 children evaluated at the University of Washington -- but the results were so encouraging it has been expanded to several other sites, said Geraldine Dawson, chief science officer of the advocacy group Autism Speaks. ...

Jackson High School graduate Grant Ressel has been named the Big 12 special teams player of the week.

An article in Monday's Southeast Missourian should have stated there is an archery antlerless season in Cape Girardeau County. Those who have not filled their firearms permit may hunt with a muzzleloader during the muzzleloader season dates of Dec. 19 through 29, which occurs statewide. During the remainder of archery season, which ends Jan. 15, archery antlerless permits may be used as well as regular archery deer and turkey permits. The Southeast Missourian regrets the error...

Fishing is at the top of the favorite activities list of this family with five children. The four oldest children, ages 4, 5, 7 and 8, have asked Santa for a fishing pole and a fishing tackle box. The youngest, age 2, can't handle a pole yet but, being a boy, he'd love some toys and a small bike to ride. The 8-year-old girl would love Hannah Montana music CDs and roller skates. The three boys would like to play together with remote control cars...

The announcement last month that Missouri's state-funded colleges and universities will hold the line for a second year on tuition and fees came as good news to students and tuition-paying parents. But there are still enough uncertainties to be cause for concern...

We live on Bloomfield Road and agree with many of our neighbors that we should not disturb the beauty of this county road. The road is hazardous because people drive excessive speeds knowing they have little chance of a speeding ticket. Rather than spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to rebuild this road, why can't we install stop signs and even speed cameras to control traffic flow? I realize this solution is not as glamorous as some want, but it accomplishes the same thing for much less money. ...

I'm not alone in wondering how the electorate will respond in the 2010 elections. The 2006 congressional elections proved Democrats were no more prepared to lead than those they replaced, as they've failed to neither control the checkbook nor make substantial policy shifts matching their campaign rhetoric. The much-hyped yet poorly executed "hope and change" of 2008 seems to have lost its appeal to the Democratic base and many centrists...

SYDNEY, Australia -- John Daly doesn't want to know the reasons behind Tiger Woods' late-night car crash. He just wants Woods healthy and back on the tour. Daly, a dual major winner who has had his share of off-the-course troubles, said Monday he doesn't share the public fascination with the facts behind Woods' accident outside his Florida home...

In April, the Cape Girardeau City Council established a new advisory board. This board was charged with the task of developing recommendations to the council on cost-effective ways the city, through its day-to-day operations, can reduce its environmental impact, enhance sustainability and serve as a role model for the region in achieving these goals...

Dennis Roth of Jackson carded his first career hole in one Saturday at Kimbeland Country Club. Roth used a 9-iron to ace hole A, a par 3 playing 148 yards. Witnesses were David Hohler, Sam McCune and Gary Riggins. Susan Beth Scott of Cape Girardeau won a bronze medal in the 200 IM final Monday at the IPC Swimming World Championships 25m in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Scott was seeded seventh entering the final of the Class 10 event at the paralymic meet...

NEW ORLEANS -- Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints carved up Bill Belichick's defense, staying unbeaten with a dominant romp over the Patriots. Brees threw for a season-high 371 yards and five touchdowns, and the Saints harassed Tom Brady all game in a 38-17 victory over New England on Monday night...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Bobby Bowden says there will be an announcement on his coaching future at Florida State today. The legendary 80-year-old Florida State coach met with Florida State president T.K. Wetherell and athletic director Randy Spetman for an hour Monday...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A new study shows the number of Missourians participating in managed health care programs declined last year while the amount of premiums they paid rose. The Missouri Department of Insurance released its 2008 Health Maintenance Organization Annual Report on Monday...

WASHINGTON -- An auto parts employee laid off from his job last year has been able to hang onto his health insurance because the federal government has picked up most of the tab. That subsidy ends Tuesday for Don Hall and thousands of other Americans...

NEW YORK -- More people were late with their auto loan payments in the third quarter as job losses continued, but amid rising delinquencies there are positive signs for the economy in certain states. The auto delinquency rate -- the rate at which payments fell behind 60 days or more -- edged up in the July-to-September quarter to 0.81 percent, from 0.80 in the same period last year, according to credit reporting agency TransUnion...

Route K in Cape Girardeau County will be reduced to one lane for pavement marking starting todaytuesday. Contractor crews will be working on the section of road between Siemers and Farrar drives. Work will continue from 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. until Thursday...

BERNIE, Mo. -- The Show-Me Smiles Fantasy Pageant in the small town of Bernie has caught the attention of the producers of "Toddlers & Tiaras," a popular reality television show that explores the world of child beauty pageants. A 12-person production crew from The Learning Channel (TLC) will film the spectacle slated for 10 a.m. Dec. 13 in the Bernie Community Center. The local footage will appear in the show's third season that will begin airing the week of Memorial Day at the end of May...

After deliberations and number crunching, Cape Girardeau School District officials decided to include plans to rebuild Franklin Elementary School as it progresses toward a bond issue. The facilities planning committee met Monday to discuss district construction and renovation plans. Neil Glass, director of administrative services, presented nearly $40 million in projects, including a new 50,000-square-foot elementary school...

Organizations will be hosting several events starting Thursday to collect money and toys for Toys for Tots. Members of the Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1081 will be at Schnucks in Cape Girardeau for a 24 hour drive starting at 4 p.m. "We have a couple of guys who are pretty motivated to stay out there all night," said Charles DiStefano, local Toys for Tots coordinator and member of the league...

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) -- An Army psychiatrist was charged Wednesday with 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder in the deadly mass shooting at Fort Hood that also injured more than two dozen soldiers and two civilian police officers, military officials said.

BENTON, Mo. -- There may be a silver lining to the big gray cloud of the January ice storms after all for Scott County. The storms have qualified the entire county to become an Enhanced Enterprise Zone. A public hearing for the Scott County Enhanced Enterprise Zone was held during the regular County Commission meeting Tuesday...

Two area convenience stores face possible fines and suspension of their liquor licenses after an investigation found that workers at those establishments allegedly sold alcohol to a minor.

The public will get a look at the complete plan for Cape Girardeau road improvements next week during an open house before the city Planning and Zoning Commission votes to send the project list to the city council. The city is working on the fourth five-year plan for roads funded by a half-cent sales tax. The tax was first enacted in 1995 and has raised close to $60 million for street construction and repairs...

Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Christy M. Hency, 36, of Oran, Mo., as the new Scott County circuit clerk. Hency, who is the chief deputy clerk, replaces Pam Glastetter, who resigned effective Monday after 15 years in office. Hency has worked in the circuit clerk's office since February 2004 and was employed as a clerk in the office from 1997 to 2000. ...

Residents will have another opportunity to learn more about a charter form of government during the Cape Girardeau County Commission's Dec. 10 meeting. Representatives from the League of Women Voters of Southeast Missouri will present findings from an 11-page report that was first presented to a charter subcommittee in November 2008. ...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston businessman has been arrested on three sex charges following an investigation of an October incident. Garry L. Warner, 66, was arrested Wednesday. He has been charged with the felonies of deviate sexual assault, felonious restraint and a misdemeanor charge of sexual misconduct by Paul Boyd, Scott County Prosecuting Attorney...

Ever since Jerry and Judy Young were married Dec. 1, 1962, they celebrated their wedding anniversary by dining at the Royal N'Orleans. While the Royal N'Orleans is no longer open, the Youngs still managed to spend some of Tuesday evening sipping a glass of champagne under the restaurant's awning...

(left) 1st Runner Up, Reagan Peters (right) Jacy LeGrand Little Miss Jackson Queen

Mark A. Gill will face another jury that will decide whether he receives the death penalty for the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Ralph Lape, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said Tuesday.

WEST POINT, N.Y. -- Declaring "our security is at stake," President Barack Obama ordered an additional 30,000 U.S. troops into the long war in Afghanistan on Tuesday night, nearly tripling the force he inherited but promising to begin withdrawal in 18 months...

Empty downtown windows will soon become miniature art galleries through the Downtown Art Windows program sponsored by local merchants and arts organizations. Downtown Art Windows seeks to match local artists with vacant downtown storefront windows where they can display their works for a two-month period. The project is a joint effort of The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, Old Town Cape and The Crisp Museum at Southeast Missouri State University...

Toby is ready and waiting for Santa Claus.

Our dog, Trae, looks unimpressed at our red Christmas tree. It stands where her bed once was.

Small Town Boyz will be performing at the Ben Randolph Benefit Dance, Auction, & Dinner this Saturday, 12/5/09. The benefit will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 31 Church Street, Perryville, MO. Time: 5:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Drinks will be served...

John McLain of Boy Scout Troop 16 in Cape Girardeau has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. John's project consisted of building a bench and retaining wall at St. Joseph Parish in Apple Creek MO. He spent more than 190 hours on this project. John is a senior at Notre Dame High School and is the son of Peggy and Rick McLain...

Southeast Missouri State athletic director John Shafer has put to rest speculation regarding the status of football coach Tony Samuel. Shafer said Tuesday that Samuel will return for the 2010 season, which will mark the final campaign of his original five-year contract that expires Jan. 31, 2011...

Dr. Kathleen Rountree, one of three finalists for provost, said she believes the success of the region and Southeast Missouri State University are interdependent. "You will rise and fall together," she said during a Tuesday afternoon meeting with about 30 faculty and staff...

The news from Cairo, Ill., in recent years has mostly been negative. It was refreshing to see a front-page story last month in the Southeast Missourian touting some of the positive changes that are taking place there. One measure of Cairo's fortunes is the population decline that saw the city drop from a high of more than 15,000 residents in 1920 to just over 3,600 in 2000. ...

THERE'S a difference between Vietnam and what is going on today in Afghanistan. We're helping Pakistan if we battle the terrorists. They can't fight these terrorists alone. The French are helping us. My hat's off to them. I hope President Obama does not leave the soldiers who are there as sitting ducks. They need more man power so our soldiers are protected...

Press upon our hearts your divine message, O God, and give us hope for eternity. Amen.

Let's move Thanksgiving to September. I am becoming increasingly convinced that the narrow gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas is just too stressful. Granted, that's a personal observation, but I suspect the feeling is shared by some. Perhaps many...

SWINTON, Mo. -- An Advance, Mo., man was taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital after he was ejected from his vehicle Monday night.

Cape Girardeau firefighters responded to an apartment fire Tuesday on Fountain Street. Firefighter Matt Mittrucker said the fire was confined to a basement apartment. No injuries were reported, he said. "The apartment above it was vacant," he said. Crews responded to 513 N. ...

Seven-year-old Kim is disabled. Her mother is single. Kim could really use toys that would help her learn, such as Leap Frog and Leap Pads. Toys that light up and make noise would help the most. Educational toys that teach how to lace shoes and those that work with shapes and colors would also help this special little girl this Christmas...

Staff photo by Joshua Payne Three cotton modules, belonging to Bill Anderson, located on Country Road 516 between Kennett and Senath, Mo., were set on fire Sunday night. ...

WASHINGTON -- A Republican senator asserted Tuesday during a rancorous floor debate that President Barack Obama's health care overhaul will shorten the lives of America's seniors by cutting Medicare. "I have a message for you: You're going to die sooner," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., an obstetrician-turned-lawmaker...

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran warned on Tuesday that it will prosecute five British sailors if it is proven they had "bad intentions" when their 60-foot racing yacht entered its waters, in what Britain says was an innocent case of a vessel accidentally going astray in the Persian Gulf...

PARIS -- The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush in Baghdad last year had a taste of his own medicine Tuesday when he nearly got beaned by a shoe thrower at a news conference in Paris. Muntadhar al-Zeidi ducked and the shoe hit the wall behind him...

PRETORIA, South Africa -- South Africa announced ambitious new plans Tuesday for earlier and expanded treatment for HIV-positive babies and pregnant women, a change that could save hundreds of thousands of lives in the nation hardest hit by the virus that causes AIDS...

WASHINGTON -- As unemployment spikes, the cost of compassion is going up, too. By as much as $100 billion. That's the potential price of a push by Democrats in Congress to continue providing extra help to the jobless beyond the core 26-week unemployment insurance package provided under permanent law...

WASHINGTON -- The trouble is, the jobs just aren't there and many aren't coming back. That's not just a huge economic problem for President Barack Obama -- but a serious political one, too, as bailed-out Wall Street roars back while the already bleak U.S. unemployment rate grows worse...

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

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

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Della Jean Green, 78, of Bloomfield passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born Feb. 25, 1931, in Flint, Mich., daughter of John E. and Irean Arnold Robinson. Green lived in Dexter, Mo., and moved to Bloomfield after her marriage. She was a charter member of Bloomfield Assembly of God Church...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Leona T. Brueckner, 88, of Perryville died Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at Independent Care Center. She was born April 13, 1921, daughter of Paul and Ida Versemann Kaempfe. She and Eugene W. Brueckner were married June 17, 1945. He preceded her in death Oct. 12, 1993...

GRASSY, Mo. -- Walter Leroy Surface, 85, of Grassy died Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at Woodland Hills Nursing Home in Marble Hill, Mo. He was born June 24, 1924, in Stoddard County, son of Stanton Samuel and Eulah Beatrice Walker Surface. He was married Dec. 16, 1944, to Mildred Bill Webb...

Doris Anne Byrne, 92, formerly of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee, Mo. She was born Aug. 30, 1917, in St. Louis, daughter of Fredrick and Grace Wheelhouse Laskwitz. She and John Byrne were married Nov. 22, 1945, in St. Louis. He preceded her in death in 1981...

Katherine Jean Turner, 72, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at her home. She was born Oct. 5, 1937, in Detroit, to Raymond and Lillie Templemire Evans. She and James C. Turner were married Jan. 14, 1966, in Cape Girardeau. He died Oct. 10, 1991...

Elizabeth Hope Peterman, 63, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, at her home. She was born Nov. 24, 1946, in San Diego, to Larry and Pauline Davis. She married Neal Frederic Peterman on June 21, 1969. They happily celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year...

Charlotte Jean Slinkard, 84, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at her home. Visitation will be noon to service time Friday at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Karen Dumey officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park...

Daughter to Devron and Gretchen Bridges of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 5:49 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. Name, Alyvia Janae. Weight, 5 pounds, 6 ounces. Second child, first daughter. Mrs. Bridges is the daughter of Mike and Deb Davis of Cairo, Ill., and Bob and Loretta Thomas of Olive Branch, Ill. Bridges is the son of Carrie Bridges and Charlie Bridges of Cairo...

n Vincent Foeste was inadvertently out of the 9th grade A Honor Roll at Notre Dame Regional High School. The Southeast Missourian regrets the error.

A special service was held last Sunday at the Wesleyan Church in Scott City to dedicate a new wing of the church; the first service held in the church was a community Thanksgiving service Wednesday night. More than half of the employees at Cape Girardeau's Arkansas Best Freight System terminal will either be relocated or laid off under a proposal to move a significant portion of the operation here to a new terminal in Springfield, Ill...

ORLANDO, Fla. -- All Tiger Woods has to do is pay a $164 fine and his dealings with Florida authorities over his infamous car accident will be over. What hasn't ended is the public's fascination with his private life, which may get more complicated. Us Weekly magazine, which hits newsstands today, features a cover story alleging that a Los Angeles cocktail waitress had a 31-month affair with the world's No. 1 golfer -- and that the proof was in 300 text messages...

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas coach Mack Brown approached the 2009 season by looking back to a single second in 2008. One play with one second left on the clock on a chilly night out in Lubbock ruined any chance to play for a national championship. Brown has pushed the 2009 Longhorns to use that 39-33 defeat at Texas Tech as motivation to chase Big 12 and national titles...

The Associated Press TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Bobby Bowden orchestrated one of the great runs in college football, building Florida State into a powerhouse that produced two national titles, dozens of All-Americans and some of the most memorable missed field goals ever...

NEW YORK -- There was just one positive steroids test in the major leagues over the full first year of the toughened program, but the number of players authorized to use otherwise banned stimulants because they have ADHD rose by a small amount for the second straight year...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Chelsie Boxdorfer knocked down both of her free throws to give St. Vincent a comfortable lead in the closing minutes Tuesday. The Indians swatted away pesky Delta by hitting their free throws in the closing minutes of their 55-42 victory...

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

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- U.S. troops and military families say they have mixed feelings about President Barack Obama's plan to send 30,000 more American troops into Afghanistan. Bill Thomas, who watched the president's speech at his home near Camp Lejeune, N.C., said he supports Obama's plan as long as he doesn't send extra troops in vain. Thomas has a son headed to Afghanistan with the Marines next year...

First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau is celebrating its 175th anniversary in a grand way, including the sale of a cookbook. "A Ringing Legacy of Recipes" contains 599 recipes from church members past and present, children and in every culinary category imaginable. ...

There's nothing like a handmade gift. And one that is knit will last longer and have fewer calories than one from the oven. The recent do-it-yourself trend has given a boost to knitting, and many new knitters may be ready this holiday season to apply their skills to the holiday gift list. With the season approaching, however, how can you select a project that will be ready in time?...

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- University of Missouri President Gary Forsee's business interests are drawing attention after he recently expressed opposition to federal climate change legislation. Forsee recently urged Missouri's congressional delegation to oppose the cap-and-trade legislation...

Jared Tanz placed first in the 1-mile Toy Box Run on Sunday. Runners traveled 1 mile down Broadway before the start of the Parade of Lights. Tanz finished in 4 minutes, 30 seconds. Brandon Dragone placed second in 4:35, while Delbert Marriott was third in 4:56...

Clyde Glastetter Clyde R. Glastetter, 80, died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

ROCKVIEW, Mo. -- A fire destroyed a vacant mobile home off Route M early Wednesday.

HIGHLAND, Mo. -- A Perryville, Mo., man is in serious condition after his Chevrolet struck a vehicle that was stopped on County Road 606 Tuesday evening.

A Cape Girardeau woman was sentenced to four years in federal prison Thursday on a felony drug charge. Amie Marie Graham, 36, was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr. on one count of conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, according to a news release from acting Federal Prosecutor Michael Reap's office...

A Cape Girardeau woman pleaded guilty to a federal felony drug charge Thursday. Lindsay Gaye Bloodworth, 25, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. to one felony count of conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine knowing that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The Perry County Sheriff's Department now has a system in place to "deliver timely, relevant public safety information" to county residents using e-mail and text messages, according to a news release from the sheriff's department.

The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department is investigating two possible animal shootings in the rural area north of Cape Girardeau. The department has fielded complaints from two landowners concerned about injured or dead farm animals in recent weeks. One report, concerning two donkeys found dead weeks apart, was determined to be unfounded, Lt. David James said. A veterinarian who examined the donkeys found no gunshot wounds or bleeding typical of a gunshot...

The 1000 block of North Sprigg Street was closed to traffic for about an hour starting around 3 p.m. Wednesday while the Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to a fire at Heckler's Beer Barn and Grill, 1000 N. Sprigg St.

As we were putting up and decorating my parents Christmas tree this year, my girls, Hailey & Reaghan decided to put up their own. So they went to their play room, got out their Tinker Toys and made one! We had an extra tree-topper they managed to sneak out of the decoration box. They came running in the room so excited and were yelling "Come look at our Christmas tree" so we did and this is what we found!...

River City Players will be holding auditions for the first show of the 2010 season, "Let's Murder Marsha" by Monk Ferris. The audition dates are December 19th and 20th. We are seeking 3 men and 4 women. The time of the auditions is from 1:00-3:00 at Port Cape Restaurant's Captain's Quarters. ...

Nestled in the rolling hills of north Cape Girardeau, south Perry, and east Bollinger Counties visitors are greeted by the brilliant Christmas lights at any one of the twenty three rural churches as they arrive. Once inside the church they are greeted by members who will proudly show them around the sanctuary and give the history of their house of worship. ...

My grandson Christian McNew feeding his pet bunny "Pepper", it looked so good that he had to take a bite too!!

Chevy is a 1 year old Chihuahua mix. He is a little shy, but warms up once he gets to know you. Chevy is available for adoption at The Humane Society, 573-334-5837. See more pets available at www.semopets.org

These beautiful girls are 10 today! They are Abbie & Corrie Reece and you would not believe how little they started out by looking at them now. They were born 8 1/2 weeks premature on 12/3/1999 and weighed 3lbs 15ozs and 2lbs 14.6ozs. They are our miracle babies...

This was taken during the ice storm of 09. Not even the ice and snow could keep him in!!!

Chester is patiently waiting to go for a ride in the truck!

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- First Missouri's youngest drivers were told to quit sending cell phone text messages, and now lawmakers are going after everybody else. Lawmakers have filed several bills for the 2010 session that would extend a ban on texting while driving to all motorists. Last year, the Legislature barred just those 21 years old and younger from sending electronic messages...

Wednesday evening, Janet VanGennip played dominoes with fellow residents of her senior housing apartment complex. Today she plans to spend some of the morning celebrating residents' December birthdays in the community room at Jackson Senior Garden Apartments II...

From left, Major Ben Stillwell of the Salvation Army, Evelyn Beussink of Lutheran Family & Children's Services and Russell Burger of AmerenUE with one of the 100 $100 energy certificates that will be distributed to social service agencies in the Cape Girardeau area. Across the state, UE will distribute a total of 500 $100 energy certificates to help customers who are struggling during this year's holiday season...

First time at the beach. Daisy Blu did not know what to do with the waves.

A wonderful companion and best friend and a goofball!

Notre Dame competed in it's first wrestling competition December 3rd at Sikeston, MO high school

The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team already has ended one long losing streak this year. The Redhawks hope to have accomplished that feat again by the end of the week. Southeast (2-5) begins Ohio Valley Conference play with two road games, against Austin Peay (3-4) tonight and Tennessee State (1-6) on Saturday night. The Redhawks will have several more nonconference games after that before OVC play resumes in early January...

BENTON, Mo. -- For about an hour a day the home economics room at Kelly High School transforms into Kelly Creative Creations. Among graphs, tally sheets, pinking shears, cocoa powder and Mason jars, students plan and assemble gift jars. Three sections of special education students came together to start a business and learn skills that will help them to make the transition to life after high school, said Lisa Lee, a special-education teacher...

BENTON -- There may be a silver lining to the big gray cloud of the January ice storms after all for Scott County. A public hearing for the Scott County enhanced enterprise zone was held during the regular County Commission meeting Tuesday. Establishing the zone has been "kind of been a long struggle for us," said Presiding Commissioner Jamie Burger. But, he said, "I think it will be a very good thing for Scott County over a long period of time."...

This weekend's events

The federal government has $4 billion it wants to give to states willing to overhaul their education systems. A competition is underway to see which states get a piece of the pie. About 15 states are expected to split the funds. Missouri's governor and top education officials want the Show Me State to be in that group...

NO, the administration at Central High School did not make a mountain out of a molehill with respect to the "king" shirts. The students did. The longer the day went on, the more the students got riled up. It became the in thing to be mad about the shirts. ...

Guide us, O God, as we tend to the needs and concerns of others. Amen.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- An Army psychiatrist was charged Wednesday with 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder in the deadly mass shooting at Fort Hood that also injured more than two dozen soldiers and two civilian police officers, military officials said...

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Richard Phillips, the ship captain toasted as a hero after he was taken captive by Somali pirates, ignored repeated warnings last spring to keep his freighter at least 600 miles off the African coast because of the heightened risk of attack, some members of his crew now allege...

WASHINGTON -- House Republicans pointed to controversial e-mails leaked from climate scientists and said it was evidence of corruption. Top administration scientists looking at the same thing found no such sign, saying it doesn't change the fact that the world is warming...

Using a few items from around the house you can create a crystal Christmas tree. STEP 2: Cut the sponge into the shape of a Christmas tree. STEP 3: Place the Christmas tree sponge into the center of the saucer. STEP 4: Pour the crystal solution over the Christmas tree sponge...

A single working mom desperately wants to provide her children with warm clothing for Christmas this year, but her paycheck is barely enough to cover her bills. She asks for help to get her son, age 3, some size 5-6 pants, shirts size small and shoes in children's size 4. ...

WASHINGTON -- Amid soaring budget deficits, President Barack Obama is running into congressional qualms over how to pay for his troop buildup in Afghanistan. Military strategy aside, the $30 billion cost is causing concern on both sides of the aisle...

WASHINGTON -- The economic recovery gained traction in late fall as shoppers spent a bit more and factories bumped up production. That assessment Wednesday by the Federal Reserve marked its most upbeat view since the economy tumbled into recession two years ago...

WASHINGTON -- The Census Bureau should look to the long-term unemployed when it staffs the 2010 census, a group of Senate Democrats said Wednesday. The census "is providing a once-in-a-decade opportunity to put a good number of Americans back to work," said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y...

NEW YORK -- Oil prices dipped Wednesday with more evidence that the U.S. is using less energy while oil and gasoline stockpiles continue to grow. Demand for gasoline slumped during the Thanksgiving week, when millions of Americans take to the road and gas sales usually jump...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A central Missouri prosecutor urged the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to let him prosecute a man accused of violating restrictions on sex offenders' Halloween activities. Charles Raynor of Mexico, Mo., was charged with a misdemeanor after police saw a woman handing out candy on Halloween from his house. Raynor was convicted about two decades ago in Washington state for indecent liberties with a child who was younger than 14...

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

Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday: Firefighters responded to the following call Tuesday:...

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Clyde Raymond Glastetter, 80, of New Hamburg died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Dec. 28, 1928, in New Hamburg, to Edward "Shorty" and Colletta Glaus Glastetter. He and Shirley Holtkamp were married Feb. 20, 1950, in Cape Girardeau...

Rose M. Gregg, 91, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home. She was born Dec. 11, 1917, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Herman F. and Mary E. Volz Schabbing. She and Orval Gregg were married Nov. 27, 1954. He passed away Dec. 28, 1990...

ORAN, Mo. -- Lucille Hooe, 98, of Oran died Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Oct. 13, 1911, at Oran, daughter of James Frank and Delcie Vereba Henson Hooe. Lucille was a grade school teacher several years at Hooe School near Oran. She retired as a machine operator at Oran Hat Factory. She was a charter member of Hooe Baptist Church in Oran...

Charlotte Jean Scott Slinkard passed away Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, following a brief but courageous struggle with lung cancer. She was born Nov. 23, 1925, in Chaffee, Mo., to Charles and Alma Scott. She was the third of six children and is survived by sisters Mary Beth Garwood of Kirkwood, Mo., Margaret "Marnet" Haug of Austin, Texas, and Chuck Scott of Oak Ridge, Tenn...

FARRAR, Mo. -- Margie Ella Lohmann, 72, of Farrar died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at St. Anthony's Medical Center in St. Louis. She was born Feb. 15, 1937, in Pocahontas, daughter of Rudolph and Rosalie Kain Petzoldt. She was married Aug. 18, 1956, to Willis A. Lohmann. He preceded her in death July 16, 2006...

Dr. Dudley G. Ruopp, 92, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at the Missouri Veterans Home. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. David Hulshof officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Phillip Darrell Rothchild, 65, of Phoenix, formerly of Cairo, Mound City, and Herrin, Ill., died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, in Winslow, Ariz. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mound City...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Albert L. "Peewee" Stone Jr., 57, of Cairo died Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at Daystar Care Center. Graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens In Villa Ridge, Ill. Barkett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements...

Daughter to Brad and Angie Clemons of Wildwood, Mo., St. John's Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis, 11:08 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Name, Addison Bailey. Weight, 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Second child, first daughter. Mrs. Clemons is the daughter of Ron and Nancy Fulton of Cape Girardeau. Clemons is the son of James and Joyce Clemons of Springfield, Mo. He is employed at Enterprise Leasing in St. Louis...

Cape Girardeau City Council members express support for a new one-year agreement with the Chamber of Commerce which would provide a $120,000 operating budget for the Convention and Tourism Bureau for 1985. Cape Girardeau city officials say they will seek voter approval of a $1.4 million sewer revenue bond issue early next year, a slightly higher amount than originally anticipated; that's because the total cost of the sewer project is now estimated at $1.9 million, instead of $1.7 million...

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- The search continued Wednesday for a man wanted in a disturbance where shots were fired inside a Caruthersville home.

Dec. 3, 2009 Dear Leslie, At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of businessmen began draining the largest wetland in America. Turning the Big Swamp into fertile farmland required steam engines to extract the cypress stumps by the millions. When the project began, forests covered 90 percent of the 11 million acres. Now 95 percent of the land is cleared...

Grant Ressel earned the respect of the Big 12 Conference coaches in his first season as Missouri's place-kicker. The former Jackson High School kicker was named to the all-Big 12 first team by the league's coaches Tuesday. Ressel leads the nation in field goal accuracy (among those with at least 11 attempts) at 96 percent. The sophomore has hit 24 of his 25 attempts, including the game-winner against Kansas on Saturday...

The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team is not entering Ohio Valley Conference play with much momentum. Coach John Ishee hopes that won't be a factor when the Redhawks begin their OVC schedule with two road games this week. Southeast (2-3) visits Austin Peay (1-5) today and Tennessee State (2-3) on Saturday. The Redhawks then will have several more nonconference games before OVC play resumes in early January...

The St. Vincent girls basketball team posted its second victory in as many nights Wednesday. The Indians jumped out to a seven-point lead after one quarter and held on for the 40-28 victory against Valle Catholic. Storm French led St. Vincent with 13 points. Courtney Heberlie added 11 points while Kali Wingerter netted six as St. Vincent improved to 2-1...

ST. LOUIS -- If Kyle Boller is auditioning for a new deal with the St. Louis Rams, he has yet to impress. The backup quarterback is getting extended playing opportunity, perhaps the rest of the season, given that Marc Bulger is on crutches with a fractured left shin bone. But Boller realizes the game-changing mistakes that have marred his play must be weeded out...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A.J. Ogilvy was 11 of 12 at the free-throw line and finished with 25 points, and Vanderbilt held off Missouri 89-83 Wednesday night in the Commodores' first home game since their season opener. The Commodores (5-1) hadn't played in six days since finishing fifth at the Maui Invitational, where an opening loss to Cincinnati ended their stint at No. ...

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- All those losses in what's now the worst start in NBA history already had beaten down the New Jersey Nets. So when the Dallas Mavericks hit them with a 49-point second quarter, the Nets simply had no fight left. New Jersey was pounded into NBA infamy Wednesday night, falling 117-101 for its 18th straight loss to start the season...

VIENNA -- In a defiant speech, Iran's president declared Wednesday that his country will enrich uranium to a much higher level -- a fresh rejection of an international plan to curb Tehran's nuclear program. Experts said that could put Tehran on the road to making the material needed to arm a warhead within months...

JERUSALEM -- Israeli police arrested the mayor of a West Bank Jewish settlement Wednesday after protesters blocked security forces from entering the community to enforce a construction freeze. The showdown was the most serious incident of settler unrest since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week announced the 10-month building freeze, which bars the construction of new homes in West Bank settlements...

KABUL -- President Barack Obama is holding an uncertain hand in his high-stakes gamble in the fight against Islamic extremism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Weak partners in both countries, doubts about the speed of building up Afghan security forces and allies reluctant to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the battle all raise questions about the strategy...

I believe that the charter government presentation needs to be heard and fully evaluated by Cape Girardeau County citizens. Although I have not formally announced my support for charter government, I am very receptive to learn how this type of government would be a more effective way to manage the citizens' business...

LOS ANGELES -- Allison Iraheta has come a long way since her awkward first interview with Ryan Seacrest. The spunky 17-year-old singer, who stuttered and stammered when the "American Idol" host prodded her about school at the beginning of the eighth season, went on to win rave reviews from the judges throughout the competition, standing out early on with a rendition of Heart's "Alone" and leaving a lasting impression with her take on Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby."...

Scholarships -- From staff reports ...

Applications are available for the Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Scholarship. Applicants must be active in 4-H or FFA, have exhibited at the Missouri State Fair, plan to enroll in a Missouri university to study agriculture and did not sell livestock in any Missouri State Fair sale of champions...

Cape Girardeau's Susan Beth Scott set a world record to win the gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle Wednesday at the IPC Short Course World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Scott, 17, covered the course in 4 minutes, 38.10 seconds. It was the first major international gold medal of her career...

The following students received scholarships to attend Southeast Missouri State University for the 2010-2011 school year:

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Gov. Jay Nixon is optimistic Missouri lawmakers will require insurers to cover therapy for autistic children. A bipartisan group of lawmakers joined Nixon on Thursday to promote the legislation. That comes after House Speaker Ron Richard pledged to make it the first item for debate when lawmakers convene in January...

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County's health officials are looking for one out of five Scott County residents to be vaccinated against the swine flu.

Ford Groves recently held another Drive 4 Education event, this time in partnership with and to benefit Notre Dame Regional High School. The car dealer brought vehicles to the school in September and pledged to donate $20 dollars for every person who came to test drive a car. The event raised $3,700, which will be used to pay down the purchase of the activities bus for the school...

Six years ago, the first load of toys fit into a pickup truck. This year, Ryan Eftink said he hopes the toys will overflow a 20-foot trailer. Eftink hosted a Toys for Tots-themed party at his house six years ago to collect donations for the holiday toy drive. The party was fun, he said, but the mess was not...

Scott City High School Players present "Senior Square," the first play at the school in 27 years.

Logs sprawl across a field west of Millersville along Highway 72 Thursday morning after Bobby Gipson lost control of his truck on a curve while headed to Scott City. Gipson suffered minor injuries.

Cape Girardeau County offices and departments will have to re-evaluate expenditures in their budget requests to balance the 2010 budget. While a specific dollar amount to be cut was not given during Thursday's Cape Girardeau County Commission meeting, the adjustments must be made before the final budget hearing Dec. 17...

Special Olympics officials announced Thursday that the next four-year block of State Outdoor Championships will be held in Cape Girardeau.

Jackson and Cape Girardeau firefighters battled an electrical fire for an hour-and-a-half at 2020 Bainbridge Road in Jackson this morning. According to Jackson firefighter Ryan Davie crews were called to the scene around 5:30 a.m. and had the fire under control shortly before 7 a.m. The homeowners were inside the residence but were not injured...

SIKESTON, Mo. - A Sikeston woman was seriously injured and two Sikeston men sustained moderate injuries in a crash Thursday afternoon. The accident occurred around 4 p.m. at US 60 and Route FF, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said. A 1994 Lincoln driven by Gorman K. Hartlein, 87, was attempting to cross US 60, failed to yield and was struck by a 1987 Jeep driven by Kenneth N. Haynes, 56...

For all our errors in thought, word and deed, forgive us with your mercy, O God. Amen.

Check out the NARS web site. Chris was born in Cape and is the owner of NARSl He opened a branch of NARS in Cape and gave many residents a job. Chris is the kind of boss we all wish we had. He cares about the quality of life of his employees and their families. Chris learned how the business world works from his father and grandfather, who were salesmen...

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Eight distinction awards hang in frames above the classroom doors just inside the entrance of the Kelso School. The award, given by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is based on Missouri Assessment Program testing. ...

A multimedia worship experience presented by the Wesley Choir, directed by Mrs. Carmen Winders. Saturday, December 12th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 13 at 10:15 a.m. Admission: Free--Bring canned food items for the Jackson Food Pantry. Join us for a time of refreshment and fellowship following the performance...

There are still some tickets available for the Heartland Pops Chorus and Musicians' 2009 Christmas Show this Monday, Dec. 7 at 7:15P.M. at Academic Hall. Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased at the door or at Shivelbein's Music. Children under three are free. ...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Family members of Derrick and Jamie Orman are holding a benefit Saturday in Perryville. Derrick Orman, 15, and his mother Jamie Orman, 30, were killed Oct. 27 in Cape Girardeau. Derrick Orman was a sophomore at Perryville High School. ...

Tis the season to be jolly! At Perryville Discount Furniture in Perryville Mo they are haveing a contest for a family that deserves New Furniture for Christmas! $1500 worth of New Furniture to be exact! All you have to do is go online to www.perryvillediscountfurniture.com to enter! You can enter by text or you can enter with a YouTube Video! Its a real easy way to help make someones Christmas dream come true! with these hard economic times alot of families can not afford New furniture, so at Perryville Discount Furniture they want to help make someone's dreams come true!. ...

People organizing a Saturday Texas hold'em tournament fundraiser in Scott City hope to raise around $1,000 for an amphitheater to match money collected so far. A cluster of people and groups including the Scott City mayor, the Scott City Parks Board, local musicians and area businesses support a city amphitheater on which construction could begin by spring 2012, said Paul Shock, who is hosting the tournament at his Scott City bar, Schock's Pub...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A Bollinger County resident is in the hospital after accidentally shooting himself Thursday evening. Bollinger County Sheriff Leo McElrath said that Ronnie Burton, 57, who lives near Scopus, was in surgery Friday morning after a .45-caliber gun he carries in a belt holster discharged accidentally. ...

Cape Central High School Seniors Jace Walz and Quitman McBride III have been named to the prestigious Missouri All-State Choir for 2010. They will travel to Osage, Missouri to perform with the nationally-known choir in January at the MMEA Conference at Tan-Tar-A Resort...

Rudolph is an 8 week old kitten. He is available for adoption at The Humane Society of SEMO, 573-334-5837. See more pets available for adoption at www.semopets.org

Pre-Med students, members of the Student Medical Society at Southeast Missouri State University, delivered Christmas presents on Thursday, Dec. 3, for children in the Southeast Missouri Hospital Pediatrics Unit. Pictured from left, front row: Sarah Kapala and Veronica Schnabel; back row: Pediatrics nurse Jeanne Essner, RN; Svetlana Taylor, Niki Tomlinson and Nora Glasser...

Millersville students journeyed back in history with Mr. Bob (PaPa) Shultz on Monday, November 20. Mr. Shultz brought his collection of American Indian artifacts and talked to the students about the Indian's way of life and explained how different tools and weapons were used. The students had a chance to grind corn and crack nuts using the stones Mr. Shultz brought with him...

Dr. Ronald Rosati said tough financial times are ahead for Southeast Missouri State University but the situation is worse across the country. "Financially, this institution is much stronger than many others," he said during a Friday afternoon discussion with about 20 faculty and staff...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Bulldogs were truly pups Thursday night at the Sikeston Fieldhouse. In a double dual against Dexter and Sikeston, the Notre Dame wrestling program made its official debut. The Bulldogs, being led by former longtime Sikeston coach Marc Stevener, lost both duals but demonstrated they are a program with vast potential...

The daily newspaper serves as a slice of life. It paints a picture of daily life, but rarely is it preserved by individuals for future generations to see. The December art exhibition in the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri will put decades of Southeast Missourian images in a central location to provide patrons the chance to see important events and impressions of life in Southeast Missouri over the years...

Galleries open for First Friday

November seemed like it was missing something. Look no further; I've figured it out. The River City Players canceled its third and last play of the 2009 season. Apparently the flu took its toll on the handshake and the Players' holiday cast. The director cited illnesses and sparse practice attendance for calling off "Sorry, Wrong Chimney."...

NEW YORK -- Michael Jackson's children are among Barbara Walters' most fascinating people of the year. ABC says Walters' upcoming special, "The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009," will include a profile of the late King of Pop's kids: Paris, Prince Michael and Prince Michael II (known as Blanket)...

Arts and entertainment briefs

The Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra will accompany the Southeast Choral Union and the University Choir to bring a River Campus audience an award-winning classical musical medley called "Behold My Heart," written by Sir Paul McCartney. The piece, also known in Latin as "Ecce Cor Meum," has gained international fame since its release in 2006, selling out performances and winning the title "Best Classical Album of the Year" after its 2007 release. The orchestra will perform the piece Tuesday...

LOS ANGELES -- Tom Petty has grown up, but not too much. The 59-year-old spent a year going through thousands of hours of live concert recordings covering Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers' tours across three decades. The result is "The Live Anthology" -- not a greatest hits album, but a multiple-disc set. There are no overdubs, and the notorious perfectionist can now see why his hard-driven mates were "a good little rock 'n' roll band."...

LONDON -- A toll bridge built in 1769 across the River Thames sold for more than 1 million pounds ($1.66 million) at an auction Thursday. The Swinford bridge brings in about 190,000 pounds ($320,000) in toll payments from about 4 million vehicle crossings a year...

NEW DELHI -- India will significantly slow the growth of its climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions over the next decade as its economy keeps expanding, an official said Thursday ahead of world climate change talks. However, the developing country will not accept a binding emissions reduction target, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said...

KABUL -- President Hamid Karzai put a brave face Thursday on President Barack Obama's decision to start pulling out troops in mid-2011, saying in his first public response that it will push Afghans to take control of their destiny. But he blamed the United States for stalling peace overtures in the past and offered to talk directly with the Taliban's top leader...

Melinda, 6, and her 7-year-old brother and could use drawing materials, paper, crayons and colored pencils. Mom works, but having a single income will make Christmas meager. She said they love reading and would like age-appropriate books, puzzles and board games...

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.com Dan Penrod looks to his wife Terri for confirmation on where to hang a wreath Tuesday while preparing for the Lutheran Family and Children Services Holiday Home Tour in Cape Girardeau. The tour is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at six homes in Cape Girardeau.

KENNETT, Mo. -- During the Kennett City Council meeting on Tuesday, Mayor Roger Wheeler Sr. read a self-written letter commending the Kennett Police Department for their work in recent weeks while being scrutinized by national media. "I want to commend all of you for your professional service over the recent weeks," Wheeler said...

A fire Wednesday night damaged a Jackson home, but its owners escaped unharmed. The fire occurred began in the garage at 405 Morgan St., according to Jackson firefighter Andrew Juden. Jackson firefighters arrived on the scene around 6:30 p.m. and extinguished the fire by 7:30 p.m. Most of the damage was limited to the garage and attic. The cause of the fire is unknown.

NEW YORK -- Bank of America's surprise move to pay back $45 billion in federal bailout money ratchets up pressure on rivals Wells Fargo and Citigroup to get out from under the government's thumb. But many banks, including Citi and Wells Fargo, still face big losses on loans as people fall behind on bills -- losses that could further erode their capital and put them in danger...

MORROW, Ga. -- A man dressed as an elf was jailed after police in Georgia said he told a mall Santa that he was carrying dynamite. Police say Southlake Mall in suburban Atlanta was evacuated but that no explosives were found. Morrow police arrested 45-year-old William C. Caldwell III, who was being held without bond Thursday in the Clayton County jail. He was not part of the mall's Christmas staff...

LOCKPORT, Ill. -- Wildlife officials discovered a single Asian carp Thursday in a canal leading to Lake Michigan, the nearest the destructive species has come to the Great Lakes, Illinois environmental officials said. Environmentalists fear that if the giant Asian carp reaches the lakes it could starve out native fish species and devastate fishing...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- First Missouri's youngest drivers were told to quit sending cell phone text messages, and now lawmakers are going after everybody else. Lawmakers have filed several bills for the 2010 session that would extend a ban on texting while driving to all motorists. This year, the legislature barred just those 21 years old and younger from sending electronic messages...

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama kicked off a White House jobs forum on Thursday by saying he's "open to every demonstrably good idea" to reverse the worst job losses in the U.S. in decades. But Obama said the government's resources are limited and that growth ultimately must come from the private sector...

Arts and crafts sales the week before Thanksgiving have become a tradition in Cape Girardeau, with dozens of vendors setting up shop and featuring a splendid array of gift items. Also on display at this year's extravaganza at the Osage Community Centre was the heartfelt generosity of our community when one of the vendors had her sales receipts stolen...

First Fridays in downtown Cape Girardeau offer plenty to do. Today there are two events we'd like to call to your attention. The first is the opening, at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri's Gallery 100 and Lorimier Gallery, of the Southeast Missourian Photojournalism Exhibit featuring more than 60 photographs taken by the newspaper's photographers over the past few decades. ...

The recent health care vote in the U.S. Senate was as disgusting as it was shameless. In the process, Missouri got hosed by the vote of Sen. Claire McCaskill, but we didn't even get kissed. Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, no stranger to the ways of business conducted in that state, showed her true colors when she sold her vote for a mere $300 million. In the process, she proved what kind of woman she was, and all that was left to negotiate was the price...

Health care reform legislation is not really about your health. It is merely a tool by which government is going to take over a large share of the national economy, even more so than it already has. It is another form of taxation and monetary redistribution...

I am physically challenged and middle-aged but still want the dignity of work. I want to work, but now that I'm older, I can't work as much as I once could or as hard. WHY do people insist on calling turkey, after Thanksgiving, "leftover turkey"? Isn't it still turkey? Doesn't it still taste the same? You psyche yourself out by saying "leftover" instead of saying "We're going to have turkey."...

The noble fruitcake -- called "manna" in Exodus -- is enduring yet another year of sourpuss comments and jokes. But it will survive, just as it has since its beginnings in ancient Rome. Or ancient Egypt. Take your pick. Both claims are questionable anyway. I say the first fruitcake came from Eve's very own oven...

Cape Girardeau's Susan Beth Scott continued to collect hardware at the IPC Short Course World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Scott, 17, captured the silver medal in the 50-meter freestyle Thursday. She touched the wall in 29.44 seconds. The silver medal is her fourth at the meet. She won a gold medal in the 400 freestyle and bronzes in the 200 individual medley and 400 freestyle relay...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The Oak Ridge Blue Jays could not have asked for a better start to Thursday's semifinal match up against Perryville in the Woodland Invitational. In a game of multiple big runs, the Blue Jays (2-0) held on to beat the Pirates 63-52 to advance to tonight's championship in the boys basketball tournament. The Blue Jays will face Meadow Heights at 8 p.m. today for the title...

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Take away Thursday's first nine minutes and the Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team might have been in business. But that opening time frame was all it took for host Austin Peay to build an 18-point lead in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both squads...

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team narrowly missed out on a major upset in Thursday night's Ohio Valley Conference opener. But even in defeat, the Redhawks showed that they might not be the pushover that the rest of the league likely envisioned...

All the high school scores from Thursday that were reported to the Southeast Missourian.

According to the Jackson Police Department, a summons issued to Kaytee L. Pierce for operating a motor vehicle without a license has been retracted. The summons was listed in the police report that was published Nov. 27.

TORONTO -- Mark Sanchez threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards before hurting his right knee, and the New York Jets' defense finished the job in a 19-13 win over the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Sanchez went 7 of 15 for 104 yards and a 13-yard scoring strike to Edwards that put the Jets up 16-10 late in the first half. But the rookie first-round pick was knocked out of the game when he injured his knee diving headfirst on an 8-yard run early in the third quarter...

PHILADELPHIA -- Placido Polanco is putting aside his Gold Glove and switching positions to have a chance at winning a championship. Polanco returned to the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, agreeing to an $18 million, three-year contract. The 34-year-old free agent won Gold Gloves at second base for the Detroit Tigers in 2007 and this year, but will shift to third base, which hasn't been his primary position since 2002. ...

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas coach Mark Mangino resigned Thursday in the wake of an investigation into his treatment of his players, stepping down just two years after leading the Jayhawks to the greatest season in their checkered football history...

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- A potentially explosive news conference with an alleged mistress was canceled Thursday and more details trickled out about the car accident that started all the trouble for Tiger Woods. The news conference in Los Angeles for Rachel Uchitel, the woman who denied a tabloid report about an affair with Woods, was canceled about an hour before it was to begin...

EUGENE, Ore. -- Redshirt freshman LaMichael James ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns Thursday night to send No. 7 Oregon to the Rose Bowl with a 37-33 victory over No. 13 Oregon State in the Civil War. Oregon (10-2, 8-1) also claimed the Pac-10 championship with the victory, ending USC's seven-season hold on the title. The Ducks, who have not been to the Rose Bowl since 1995, will face Ohio State in Pasadena on New Year's Day...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrest The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrest...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Wednesday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Wednesday:...

Dr. Dudley G. Ruopp, 92, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at Missouri Veterans Home. He was born April 10, 1917, in New York, N.Y., to John and Jane Long Ruopp. Dr. Ruopp was married to Imelda Carron on Jan. 13, 1946, at Bloomsdale, Mo. She preceded him in death March 21, 2009...

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Clyde Raymond Glastetter, 80, of New Hamburg died Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Dec. 28, 1928, in New Hamburg, to Edward "Shorty" and Colletta Glaus Glastetter. He and Shirley Holtkamp were married Feb. 20, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2010...

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Joe A. Post, 50, of Jonesboro died Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Ill. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time Monday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Geoffery Bond officiating...

Son to David Anthony and Crystal Dawn Seals of Olive Branch, Ill., Saint Francis Medical Center, 7:37 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2009. Name, Billy Joe. Weight, 8 pounds, 4 ounces. First child. Mrs. Seals is the former Crystal White, daughter of Billy and Cindy White and Kenneth and the late Rebecca Behm, all of Olive Branch. ...

An advisory board has been selected by Cape Girardeau County sheriff-elect Dwight Thomas to help him screen sheriff's deputy applicants; named to the board were Stone Manes, Pat Donaldson, Dr. Robert Briner, Dr. Mike Brown and Cape Girardeau County prosecutor Larry Ferrell...

Interstate 55 will be reduced to one lane on both the northbound and southbound side today while Missouri Department of Transportation crews repair pavement. Work began at 9 a.m. Thursday and will continue through 4 p.m. today. The work is taking place from the Perry/Ste. Genevieve county line to Route M and from Route BB to Route KK in Cape Girardeau County.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- A former Springfield high school teacher who was acquitted of assaulting a female student has reached a tentative deal that could allow him back into teaching. Jeremy Anderson, who taught at Glendale High School, was acquitted in March of assault charges after a 15-year-old student filed a complaint...

Dr. Thomas Erekson said answers to the anticipated budget issues for faculty and staff at Southeast Missouri State University will require a broad approach.

Country music acts aren't rare at the Show Me Center. The venue has hosted big concerts in the past, including Reba McEntire, George Strait and Tim McGraw. But on Saturday, the Show Me Center will host a local group working hard to share its music with the world...

A Cape Girardeau woman was sentenced to four years in federal prison Thursday on a felony drug charge. Amie Marie Graham, 36, was sentnced before U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr. on one count of conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, according to a news release from acting Federal Prosecutor Michael Reap's office...

ST. LOUIS -- No matter how sorry the St. Louis Rams' season, Jason Brown wants the team to know they can always count on him. Not just on game day, either. Brown expects to make his 56th consecutive start Sunday at Chicago, a nice, long run. Even more impressive: He'd never missed a practice during his six-year career until Wednesday, when he was held out as a precaution with a sprained right knee...

Santa Claus, caroling, hot apple cider and carriage rides are among the plans for the Cape Girardeau and Jackson Christmas open houses this weekend.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Jacqueline Machelle Emerson, 42, of Chaffee died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at the family home. She was born Sept. 14, 1967, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Johnny Hanners of Troy, Mo., and Karen Mason Whorton of Cape Girardeau...

Ella Marie Petiniot, infant daughter of Chance and Tara Givens Petiniot of Jackson, died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Dec. 3, 2009, in Cape Girardeau. Survivors include her parents; three brothers, Jackson Givens of Jackson, C.J. and Andy Petiniot of Toledo, Ohio; maternal grandparents, Janene (Sonny) Givens Niswonger of Jackson; paternal grandparents, Jim and Charlene Petiniot of Toledo; and numerous other relatives...

HANNIBAL, Mo. (AP) -- Keeping kids in line is hard enough in the classroom. On a school bus, it can be an even bigger challenge. One Missouri school district has come up with a solution that is limiting disciplinary problems on the bus. Since 2003, Hannibal public schools have used two bus "coaches" who ride along, keep kids in line, and try to teach them good behavior...

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A letter to federal lawmakers from University of Missouri President Gary Forsee opposing federal climate change legislation has drawn the former Sprint Nextel CEO into a dispute with a leading Democratic lawmaker from California...

The first snowflakes of the season -- usually little more than a flurry -- fell here overnight, but led to a major storm that leaves several inches of snow on Southeast Missouri; travel is extremely hazardous throughout the snow belt, which is approximately 125 miles wide, from New Madrid, Mo., northward to Jefferson County; snow depths in Cape Girardeau measure 8 inches...

ORAN, Mo. -- Kenyon Wright hopes Stewart Johnson can develop into his secret weapon. The Scott County Central boys basketball coach liked what he saw from Johnson during Friday's Oran Invitational title game. Johnson hit for 15 points in the Braves' 99-73 victory against Advance...

Rhonda Dockins watched and waited with her daughter, Emily, for the firetrucks of the Scott City volunteer fire department to come down Main Street in Scott City. Aboard one of the trucks was her husband, who is a volunteer firefighter. Of course, she said, her favorite entries in the Scott City Christmas parade are the firetrucks...

Holiday cheer filled the streets of downtown Cape Girardeau on Friday night. Children lined up for free photographs with Santa Claus while carolers ventured throughout Main Street singing tunes such as "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World."

Jackson was filled with the sights and sounds of the holidays during its annual Christmas celebration Saturday. Festivities began with a parade through the city's uptown business district. This year's parade featured more than 70 entries, said Brian Gerau, executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. The parade, which began in the early 1980s, featured civic groups, antique automobiles and tractors, horses, high school bands and of course Santa Claus...

Brian Hasheider of Cape Girardeau, MO has been promoted to rank of Major in the United States Marine Corps. Major Hasheider is currently on a year-long deployment and serving on a MTT embedded with the 7th Iraqi Army Division. Major Hasheider is stationed in Camp Pendleton, California and will return home next summer. ...

Matthew Hileman became a zombie Thursday afternoon when he was cornered by a pack of the living dead. "My Nerf gun malfunctioned," he said. At 4:50 p.m. he became human again by orders from Southeast Missouri State University.

Darby is a tri-colored English Springer Spaniel. Her favorite activities are digging for moles, chasing squirrels, ripping out the patio screens, and cuddling with her family.

When putting up Christmas lights on the house on 11-27-09, imagine my surprise when I found this rose bloom in my garden.

In July, Cape Girardeau officials received the best news they could have hoped for to help turn around the city's ailing finances -- a buyer announced he would purchase Commander Premier Aircraft Corp. That announcement was big news because Commander Premier has been operating in a city-owned building at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport since November 2005 but the company had made only eight of 37 scheduled rent payments. ...

Reflecting on his first 157 days in office, Cape Girardeau city manager Scott Meyer said Friday morning that he's optimistic the city is doing well despite the current economic downturn. "We're thriving instead of surviving," Meyer said. "Cape Girardeau is not participating in the recession."

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team has put another negative streak in its rearview mirror. Southeast ended the nation's longest active conference losing streak Saturday night by holding off host Tennessee State 74-66...

Tiffany Marie Goehman and Chase Daniel Wright exchanged wedding vows Oct. 10, 2009, at Bethany Baptist Church. Dr. Shawn Wasson performed the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Matt and Robin Goehman of Cape Girardeau. The groom is the son of Scott and Cindy Stewart of Cape Girardeau and Dan and Jama Wright of Advance, Mo...

Jerry and Judi Brey of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Kiley Brey, to Tim Yeaglin. He is the son of Linda Warren and Tom Yeaglin of Memphis, Tenn. Brey received a bachelor's degree in graphic design from the University of Kansas, and a master's degree in typo/graphic studies from London College of Communications. She is creative director at Group 360 in St. Louis...

Jim and Beth Ham of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Leigh Ham, to Jeffrey Donald Dunaway. He is the son of Mike and Mary Etta Dunaway of Cape Girardeau. Ham is a graduate of Central High School, and attended Southeast Missouri State University...

Jerome and Beverly Essner of Scott City announce the engagement of their daughter, Renee C. Essner, to Matthew R. Scroggins. He is the son of Randy and Jeana Scroggins of Ash Grove, Mo. Essner is a 2005 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau. She received a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2008. She is a junior high teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson...

Robert T. and Joanna Krone Jr. of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Laura Jane Krone Shelton, to Weldon Lee Saupe, both of Jackson. He is the son of Glenn E. and Doris E. Saupe of Jackson. Shelton is a 1993 graduate of Central High School. She received a bachelor of science in nursing and registered nurse designation from Southeast Missouri State University in 1998. She is a registered nurse at Woodland School District in Marble Hill, Mo...

Diane Boone of Bloomsdale, Mo., and Rodney Boone of DeSoto, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Tiffany Boone, to Matthew Tidwell, both of St. Louis. He is the son of Donna Tidwell and Mark Tidwell of Jackson. Boone is a 2004 graduate of Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton, Mo. ...

Alan and Janet Burnett of Benton, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Dawn Burnett, to Brett Thomas Burger, both of Scott City. He is the son of Robin and Nancy Burger of Oran, Mo. Burnett is employed at Orthopaedic Associates in Cape Girardeau...

Dale and Donna Lane of Jackson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a party Nov. 7, 2009, at the home of Russell and Kim Lane. The couple was married Nov. 14, 1959, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Their attendants were Charles and Phyllis Gillespie. The Lanes have three children, Russell Lane of Jackson, Beverly Lane of Batesville, Ark., and Greg Lane of Springfield, Mo. They have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren...

Mr. and Mrs. Doug Austin of Cape Girardeau recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner. Hosts were their daughters, Tina (Alex) Dolbeare of Columbus, Ind., and Teri (Scott) Goodman of Cape Girardeau. Also attending were their grandchildren, Austin Doyle and Nevada Dolbeare of Columbus, Meg and John Paul Goodman of Cape Girardeau...

You'd be surprised how many Christmas shoppers say they have already purchased every item on their gift lists, thanks to good planning and taking advantage of early bargains. Others are still looking for something special or for that popular-but-not-in-stock gift. And then there's the rest of us: Christmas is less than three weeks away? You've got to be kidding!...

I want to thank everyone who helped make "Joe Aden Day" a success. I am both honored and humbled by the kind words spoken by the special guests at the event. I want everyone to know how much I appreciate the recognition given to me by those in attendance and those who sent cards and called me. It was a great evening and will never be forgotten...

I'D like to know why it's OK for Chris Rock to say we shouldn't delve into what happened with Tiger Woods, but it's OK with every other celebrity. Woods is no different from anybody else. He makes millions of dollars and he exposes himself to public scrutiny in endorsements. To treat him with kid gloves seems wrong to me...

See how we try, O God, to do good and keep your commandments. Amen.

Pet name: Woody Owner: Sue Penzel FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Licking ice cream. Pet name: Woody Owner's name: Sue Penzel...

What do a prostitute, two women who appeared to have committed adultery, a woman who very clearly had and was possibly a co-conspirator in a murder cover-up have in common with Mary, the mother of Jesus? All four are scandalous women from his family history...

The woman kept cleaning. First she cleaned the filters so water could flow through and down the rock embankment into the fish pond. Then Joyce cleaned leaves, soured algae and threw the black muddy muck into a nearby dirty bucket. "Whew," she occasionally sighed as she wiped her brow. "I'm hot." All the while, Joyce wondered how she could afford to purchase Christmas presents this year...

Pictured here is a small tree with lightweight, soft, brittle wood. It is a type of Aralia, which includes more than 250 known species world wide. Scientific records on many of these species remain to be written as documentation remains difficult and uncertain even today...

Missy is a 5-month-old kitten For more information, contact the Humane Society at 334-5837. ...

Bella is a 5-month-old black-and-white hound mix. She enjoys walking herself with her leash. Bella is spayed and up to date on shots. For more information, contact Safe Harbor at 243-9823. ...

Army National Guard Pfc. Angel C. Welker has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, Welker studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values and physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat. ...

Lanell Lange submitted her recipe for frosted sugar cookies. 2 1/4 cup margarine (Imperial works best) 2 1/4 cup sugar 6 eggs 3 tsp. vanilla 8 1/4 cup flour 6 tsp. baking powder Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. ...

In addition to her two recipes selected to be in the Bake off, Rita Burk also submitted these family favorites:Graham Cracker Cookies 24 graham crackers 1 stick margarine 1 stick butter 1 cup of brown sugar 1 cup of finely chopped pecans Place the 24 graham crackers in the bottom of an unbuttered 15-by-10 inch pan. ...

Rosalie Burnett submitted this white-chocolatey twist on peanut butter cookies. 2 1/4 cup of flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 2 eggs 1 package (12 oz.) white chocolate morsels 1 1/3 cups of chopped macadamia nuts 1 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter...

Cindy Kerber submitted this new-age cookie. "So many of my co-workers on the No Sugar/No Flour diet, I thought I should find a recipe that they would enjoy and not feel guilty. I tweaked this recipe until it turned out so people can't tell there's no sugar or flour in the cookies."...

New England Squares Cruse also submitted two of her secret cookie recipes for the Season's Best Cookie Contest. 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs 1 1/3 cup of Bordens Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk 1 1/3 cup of Borden's ready to use none such mince meat...

Michelle Otte submitted this simple cookie recipe for a Southeast Missouri favorite. 1 box yellow butter recipe cake mix 1 stick butter 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, regular or light 1 egg 2 tsp. vanilla Powdered sugar Mix butter, cream cheese, egg and vanilla until light and fluffy. ...

Submitted by Carolyn Pickens. Preheat oven to 350 Sift together: 2-1/2 Cups Flour 2 teaspoons Baking Powder 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1/2 teaspoon baking Soda 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon Ginger Set aside. ADD: 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar (firmly packed) gradually to...

Rediger also submitted these peanut and chocolate cookies. 1 3/4 cups of flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup of sugar 1/2 cup of brown sugar 1/2 cup of shortening 1/2 cup of peanut butter 1 egg 2 Tlbs. of milk 1 tsp. of vanilla 48 chocolate kisses...

Janet Ciarniello submitted this recipe for squares. She called them a chewy favorite with a nutty flavor, and said "This is a delicious, moist and chewy bar that my mother only made at Christmas. She would wrap them and give to friends and family who looked forward to this once-a-year treat. Now I make them for my friends and family and they are still a huge hit!"...

Victoria Scherer submitted her recipe for Sugar Plum Cookies to the Season's best holiday cookie contest. 1 cup butter 1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup quick cooking oats 3 dozen drained maraschino cherries...

Rita Burk submitted several recipes to the Season's Best Cookie Contest, but two caught the eye of our first round judge and made it into the bake off. This recipe 16 roll ups. They could be cut in half but freeze them first. 1 loaf (16 oz.) thinly sliced white bread, with the crusts removed...

These fruity bars submitted by Rita Burk ranked high on our judges' list, though many of them weren't fond of the coconut. One called it an "easy recipe but a good end result." Apricot Bars 3/4 cup of margarine (room temperature) 1 cup of sugar 1 egg...

This recipe was submitted by Mary Ann Cruse and chosen to be in the bakeoff. 1 cup Raisin 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups packed brown sugar 2 eggs 1 Tlbs chopped crystalized ginger 1 tsp finely shredded orange peels 1 tsp vanilla 3 2/3 Cups of all-purpose flour...

Longtime educator Helena Ruhl has been recognized by the Missouri Community College Association for 22 years of service. Ruhl, an accounting and business instructor at Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mo., received a Senior Faculty Service Award at the MCCA convention. This is the first year for the award, which was given to one faculty member from each community college in the MCCA. Ruhl began teaching at Three Rivers in 1987 after building a career in business...

This recipe was submitted by Fran Rediger of Cape Girardeau. Butter Pecan Turtle Bars Crust: 2 cups of flour 1/2 cup of oleo Combine crust and oleo using a fork. Pat into ungreased 9-by-13 inch pan...

Kim Bramlett submitted this sugar cookie recipe, which was passed down to her from her grandmother and aunt. 2 cups butter 1 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 cup powder sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Cream butter and sugars. Add vanilla and eggs. Sift dry ingredients together and add mix with above ingredients...

Tabitha Hahn of Cape Girardeau submitted two recipes. One, the Peanut Butter Balls were selected to be in the Holiday Cookie Bake off. 2 cup crunchy peanut butter 2 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla Powdered sugar Combine first 4 ingredients, mix well. Roll into 1 tsp balls. Roll balls into powdered sugar. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes...

This recipe was submitted by Verona Wilder and chosen to participate in the bakeoff. Wilder's recipe makes about 6 dozen cookies. 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 large eggs 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour...

Cheryl Reinagel adapted this shortbread cookie recipe from a December issue of "Chocolatier Magazine." She said "it's an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, and a favorite during the holiday season!" 1 1/2 cups whole almonds, toasted at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes...

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way is ringing in the holiday season with some good news: it's exceeded its fundraising campaign goal. "We're elated with that, and it speaks well for the community of Sikeston as well as all of the agencies we represent," said Greg Colwick, 2009 campaign chair...

Husband-and-wife journalists Bob Miller and Callie Clark Miller use this space to offer their views on everyday issues. The Miller house is a madhouse. With two boys younger than 2, even under normal circumstances, our days are filled with "take me away" moments where Callie and I threaten to bolt to Mexico for a permanent escape...

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department along with Jolly Old St. Nick will be holding their annual Calls from Santa program. Calls will be made from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 14 to 17 from the North Pole. To register a child, parents should call the parks and recreation department at 339-6340 or 339-6342 by Dec. 14...

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Making children behave is hard enough in the classroom. On a school bus, it can be an even bigger challenge. One Missouri school district has come up with a solution that is limiting disciplinary problems on the bus. Since 2003, Hannibal public schools have used two bus "coaches" who ride along, keep students in line and try to teach them good behavior...

ST. LOUIS -- The maker of the robotic Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters is defending itself against claims that the must-have toy is unsafe. A San Francisco-based consumer group called Good Guide has listed it as one of the top-selling toys with low ratings. It says it found a higher-than-allowed level of a chemical called antimony, which can cause health problems...

ST. LOUIS -- Bayer CropScience must pay two Missouri farmers more than $2 million in damages resulting from the company's accidental release of experimental biotech rice into the food supply. A federal jury in St. Louis issued its verdict Friday. ...

A Cape Girardeau man was arrested Friday night for allegedly having intercourse with a child younger than 12. Cape Girardeau police arrested Gary Dee Bice, 42, of 912 Perry Ave. on a Cape Girardeau County warrant. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond, said Sgt. Rick Schmidt. Bice faces three felony charges of statutory sodomy, he said. Police have been investigating the case since 2007, Schmidt said...

An affiliate of a multibillion-dollar global equity private firm has acquired St. Louis-based National Asset Recovery Service. Officials at NARS, which has a call center in Cape Girardeau, said the investment by Reprise Management Group, an affiliate of Miami-based HIG Capital, is a milestone for the company. No employees will be terminated as a result of the deal...

Jackson and Cape Girardeau firefighters battled an electrical fire for an hour and a half Friday morning at 2020 Bainbridge Road in Jackson. According to Jackson firefighter Ryan Davie, crews were called to the scene around 5:30 a.m. and had the fire under control shortly before 7 a.m. The homeowners had been inside the home when the fire started but were not injured...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A Bollinger County resident is in the hospital after accidentally shooting himself Thursday evening. Bollinger County Sheriff Leo McElrath said Ronnie Burton, 57, who lives near Scopus, Mo., had surgery Friday morning after a .45-caliber gun he carries in a belt holster discharged accidentally. ...

More than 100 pieces of antique farm equipment, including tractors and two steam engines, were featured at a public auction Saturday outside Jackson. The collection's owner, Ted Elliott of Jackson, started collecting antique farm equipment during the 1950s when he was in junior high school...

Single dad Joe would really like to make his children's Christmas special this year. He works hard to pay the bills and take care of three children, but doing it alone doesn't leave much left over to buy special toys. His two sons, ages 3 and 4, are asking Santa for G.I. Joe and Transformer toys, while his 2-year-old daughter is already into Barbie and Barbie accessories...

Firefighters responded to the following call Friday: Jackson Firefighters responded to the following calls Friday:...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWIs The Jackson Police Department reported the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Cape Girardeau County The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt...

Lloyd Dayton Bowers, 62, of Gordonville died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at his home. He was born Thursday, Dec. 5, 1946 in Advance, Mo., the son of George Washington and Victoria Eakins Bowers. He and Dorothy Baert were married Saturday, June 11, 1966. Lloyd loved being on the farm and was proudest of his two children, Michael and Marsha, and PaPa's little angels, Madison, Jenna and Lukas...

Mr. Jarol L. Garner, 72, of Cobden, Ill., passed away at 9:14 a.m., Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Dec. 14, 1936, in Carbondale, Ill., son of Lloyd Ray and Edna E. Clutts Garner. Jarol was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Jacqueline Machelle Emerson, 42, of Chaffee died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at the family home. She was born Sept. 14, 1967, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Johnny Hanners of Troy, Mo., and Karen Mason Whorton of Cape Girardeau. Emerson was a member of Cape County Cowboy Church in Oak Ridge...

Bernice H. Quade, 80, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at her home. She was born May 16, 1929, in Burfordville, daughter of Alvin and Minnie Sperling Kaufman. She and Norman W. Quade were married July 3, 1947. He passed away Jan. 9, 1980...

Iva Beatrice Proffer, 100, of Hendersonville, Tenn., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at National Health Care Center in Hendersonville. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau...

Betty A. McDaniel, 74, of Tamms, Ill., died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.

Ella Marie Petiniot, infant daughter of Chance and Tara Givens Petiniot of Jackson, died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from noon to service time Tuesday at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau...

Son to Travis Reid and Julie Katherine Kearbey of St. Louis, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, 11:33 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009. Name, Fischer Hamilton. Weight, 8 pounds, 9 ounces. First child. Mrs. Kearbey is the former Julie Lessmann, daughter of Ron and Patti Lessmann of Cape Girardeau. Kearbey is the son of Alan and Kathy Kearbey of Ellsinore, Mo. He is an attorney with Bryan Cave LLP...

In an unusually brief 50-minute meeting last night, the city council approved the Cape Girardeau Convention and Tourism Bureau's $120,000 budget under a new one-year contract with the chamber of commerce. SIKESTON, Mo. -- Despite the state blue law prohibiting Sunday sales, many stores here were open last Sunday, and store owners say they will be open every Sunday until Christmas; an effort is underway to have the New Madrid and Scott county courts place a proposition to repeal the blue law before voters early next year.. ...

Cape Girardeau's Susan Beth Scott capped her performance at the IPC Short Course World Championships swimming meet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with her second world record. Scott won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle, touching the wall in 1 minute, 2.48 seconds. She barely edged Spain's Esther Fernandez, who led by three-tenths of a second halfway home...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team had plenty of opportunities to pick up its first Ohio Valley Conference win Saturday. Southeast failed to capitalize and host Tennessee State walked away with a 54-50 victory...

Jacob Tolbert scored 20 points to help Notre Dame overcome a sluggish second quarter and put away Westminster 70-48 in the Bulldogs' home opener Friday night. Tolbert had 15 of his game-high 20 points in the first quarter, including an emphatic two-handed dunk...

All the scores from Friday night reported to the Southeast Missourian

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Call it the revenge of the stepping stone. Call it the year of the bird. Call it what you may. But please, call the Oak Ridge Blue Jays the champions of the Woodland Invitational boys basketball tournament. Yes, it has a strange sound, but Oak Ridge lived up to its rare anointment as the tournament's top seed with a 67-55 victory over Meadow Heights in Friday's championship game...

All the scores from Saturday that were reported to the Southeast Missourian.

Fran Rediger hasn't baked her Butter Pecan Turtle Bars in several years. Her children always preferred drop cookies like sugar cookies, snickerdoodles and chocolate chip cookies. Against her children's judgment, she decided to submit the family recipe for the bars to the Southeast Missourian's Season's Best Cookie Contest. Rediger also submitted her recipe for Peanut Blossoms, which were not chosen for the bake off...

Cape Girardeau Elementary MONDAY--Corn dog or turkey & cheese on bun, candied carrots, pears, vanilla wafers. TUESDAY--Crispito with nacho cheese sauce or turkey & cheese on bun, corn, pineapple. WEDNESDAY--Spaghetti or turkey & cheese on bun, green beans, hot roll, peaches...

The Rev. Jim Matthews, 54, of Cape County Cowboy Church was born and raised in Sikeston, Mo. He became the pastor of the church when it began in January 2004. He enjoys hunting and fishing on his spare time. Besides being a pastor he also trains and shows quarter horses. Matthews has been a member of a church all his life and has served as a pastor for 34 years. Jim said his favorite part of being a pastor is "watching people grow in their faith and helping start other churches."...

CHICAGO -- The way Jay Cutler started, the Chicago Bears looked as though they were headed to a lopsided win. Instead, they had to hang on to get by lowly St. Louis. Even so, they'll take this. Cutler faded after a strong start, throwing for 143 yards and a touchdown without an interception, and the Bears beat the Rams 17-9 on Sunday after dropping four straight and six of seven...

North and southbound Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau County will be reduced to one lane with a 16-foot width restriction while crews with the Missouri Department of Transportation repair pavement. This section of roadway is located from Route E at Oak Ridge to the Perry/Cape Girardeau County Line...

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. - A shout of "he's got a gun" prompted Caruthersville officers to take cover and unholster their weapons as they tried to stop a fight Saturday night. Officers had stopped at a residence after seeing several subjects fighting in the front yard. As officers exited their vehicle, according to a news release issued by City Marshal Chris Riggs, one of the individuals alerted them to the gun...

Look with compassion, O God, on those who mourn the victims of Pearl Harbor. Amen.

Troop 311 of the Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce that Austin Sutterer has earned Scouting's highest rank, Eagle Scout. Austin's Eagle Court of Honor was held on October 11th, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Jackson...

Troop 311 of the Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce that Tyler Tuschhoff has earned Scouting's highest rank, Eagle Scout. Tyler's Eagle Court of Honor was held on October 11th, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Jackson. Tyler has participated in high adventure trips to the Northern Tier, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and Sea Base in the Bahamas. ...

Nick Kluesner of Jackson, 11 years old, killed his first deer on November 17th at a farm in Cape Girardeau County. It was a spike buck. He is the son of Becky and John Northern and Robert and Brenda Kluesner. He is the grandson of Fred McLard, Carol Lukefahr, and Joe and Jane Kluesner...

My son telling Santa how good he's been all year round.

Anticipating Santa's arrival on the train.

Loyd Ivey may be a world traveler, but the chairman and CEO of Mitek Corp. still has a special place in his heart for Southeast Missouri. A native of Marble Hill, Mo., Ivey started his business before he was 25 years old and has since grown it into a multibillion-dollar company with more than 850 employees. ...

Just recently LenCrafters in Cape Girardeau hosted OneDay on December 1, 2009. OneDay is a day designated to assist children that are less fortunate with free eye exam and glassess. Thanks to the partnership of Jefferson and Franklin Elementary school nurses, we were able to make this event possible; with there partnership we were able to help a select number of elementary children with this community service. ...

Cape Central High School Commons will be the scene of the annual Madrigal Feaste on December 11 and 12 with singing, toasting, dancing and feasting. Celebrations will cater the annual event, and Choral Director Dina Casey said it "will usher in the Christmas season splendiferously!" The Town Crier's call will be at 6:45. The public is invited, reservations are $20.00 each and tables of twelve are available...

On Saturday, December 5, the Heartland Down Syndrome Association held its Third Annual Christmas Party. Over 50 children and adults were treated to a special visit from Santa, who distributed gifts to the children. The Heartland Down Syndrome Association is a support group for families of children of all ages with Down syndrome. ...

We are pleased to announce that Apple Creek Presbyterian Church will be participating in the 2009 Christmas Country Church Tour. See the article about the tour published earlier. The tour is Dec. 17 and 18 from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. Just select a church from the list to begin your self guided tour. You will receive a brochure listing the churches and a map. It was necessary for Old Salem Methodist near Millersville to drop out should that be on a list already published and posted...

Troop 311 of the Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce that Josh Sellers has earned Scouting's highest rank, Eagle Scout. Josh's Eagle Court of Honor was held on October 11th, 2009, at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Jackson. Josh began his scouting career as a Tiger Cub Scout in 1999. ...

A 16-year-old boy was seriously injured in a one-car accident Sunday on County Road 439 one mile north of Jackson. According to a report from the Missouri Highway Patrol, Jason M. Kirby of Jackson was alone at the time of the accident in a 1998 Jeep. The accident occurred about 11 a.m. when Kirby failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the road, striking a tree...

What looked like a bare tract of land proved to be anything but when Marla Ives tripped. "I have no center of balance, which is a good thing here," she said after her fall revealed a headstone. Ives, an employee of the Cape Girardeau County Archive Center, cleared chunks of grass from a marker with the last name "Shults." At Wilson Cemetery, just east of Oak Ridge, there is a cleared section of the graveyard where some headstones have fallen over and are buried under a layer of dirt...

Christmas at La Croix, an annual concert at Cape Girardeau's La Croix United Methodist Church, is designed to reach out to those who don't have a home church. This year, it reached someone special. Brad Aycock, a church member and organizer, said the concert was the most successful yet, thanks in part to a high attendance and a surprise guest...

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Ed Johann will always remember the sound of planes diving out of the sky to bomb U.S. battleships, the explosions and the screams of sailors. He still recalls the stench of burning oil and flesh. The 86-year-old retired firefighter is due to return today to Pearl Harbor for the first time since World War II to attend a ceremony marking the 68th anniversary of the Japanese attack...

COPENHAGEN -- Delegates converged Sunday for the grand finale of two years of tough, sometimes bitter negotiations on a climate change treaty, as U.N. officials calculated that pledges offered in the last few weeks to reduce greenhouse gases put the world within reach of keeping global warming under control...

WASHINGTON -- Osama bin Laden may be slipping back and forth from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Or the U.S. might not have a clue, more than eight years after the al-Qaida leader masterminded the terrorist attacks on America. Given a chance Sunday to clear away some of the mystery surrounding the whereabouts of the world's most wanted terrorist, Obama administration officials seemed to add to it with what appeared to be conflicting assessments...

Most Americans have milestone memories: The assassination of President Kennedy, the space shuttle disasters, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. For many older Americans, that defining moment is Dec. 7, 1941. That's the day Japanese bombers attacked Pearl Harbor, pushing the United States into World War II...

THE person who commented about the sloppy attire of some bank employees around town may want to check out Commerce Bank. Their employees dress professionally and are courteous to customers. MY purse was stolen. Apparently, it is one of seven that have been stolen in the Cape Girardeau area in the last three days. ...

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Eric Horvitz illustrates the potential dilemmas of living with robots by telling the story of how he once got stuck in an elevator at Stanford Hospital with a droid the size of a washing machine. "I remembered thinking, 'Whoa, this is scary,' as it whirled around, almost knocking me down," the Microsoft researcher recalled. "Then, I thought, 'What if I were a patient?' There could be big issues here."...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Assault Burglaries Thefts Property damage Miscellaneous Jackson The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt....

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

Iva Beatrice Proffer, 100, of Hendersonville, Tenn., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at National Health Care Cenetr in Hendersonville. She was born April 8, 1909, in Whitewater to Ivy Gracy and Eva Galeener Brincefield. She and Omar Glen Proffer were married March 26, 1927, at Cape Girardeau. He died Nov. 14, 1989...

TAMMS, Ill. -- Betty A. (Calvin) McDaniel, 74, of Tamms died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born May 14, 1935, in Pulaski, Ill., daughter of the late Lawrence and Dorothy Lackey Calvin. She was a member of the Tamms Community Church, a former factory employee of Anna Shoe Co., a housewife and a homemaker...

ZALMA, Mo. -- William Raymond Fowler, 62, of Zalma died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at his home. He was born Aug. 3, 1947, the son of Jessie and Kathleen Acord Freeman. He worked for VIP. He attended Brownwood General Baptist Church. Survivors include a sister, Kathy Vouderie of Zalma...

*** Hadley James Hadley James, 76, of Arbor, Mo., died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, Mo.

Richard L. Stone, 57, of Paducah, Ky., formerly of Marble Hill, Mo., died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at his residence. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill. Graveside services will be at the Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery near Marble Hill, with the Rev. Don Cox officiating...

Son to Rebecca Michelle Morales and Justin Gene Freeman of Advance, Mo., Saint Francis Medical Center, 10:32 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, 2009. Name, Dameon Gene. Weight, 6 pounds, 4 ounces. First child. Ms. Morales is the daughter of Mona Keene of Advance and Richard Morales of Flagstaff, Ariz. She is a waitress and cook at Sams Restaurant. Freeman is the son of Cindy Freeman of Advance, and the late Kelly Freeman. He is employed at Jackson Door and Window...

The Southeast Missourian, which has for the past decade sponsored Toybox with the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, is this year beginning a companion project -- Christmas for the Elderly -- specifically for seniors. According to Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court Judge A.J. ...

When Steve Majeed left Cape Girardeau to return to his native Pakistan in July, he believed the move would be for many, many years. But e-mails and phone calls from former customers of Stevie's Steakburger business at 600 Broadway prompted him to move back to the area to operate the burger joint and SEMO Gas, 40 N. Sprigg St., both of which he leased. Majeed told me he wasn't pleased with the way Stevie's Steakburger was being managed...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- It's known as "Express Lane Eligibility" -- an effort to put children on the fast track for government-run health care coverage. But in Missouri, the Express Lane has become the slow lane. Documents obtained by The Associated Press show the Missouri Department of Social Services recommended the adoption this spring of a half-dozen measures intended to enroll more children in government health care programs for low- and middle-income families...

Ms. H. is 94 years old and living on a fixed income. It is not enough to pay for her medical needs, but she doesn't qualify for Medicaid. With no family she is desperately needing help with her medical needs because she is diabetic and has high blood pressure and dementia. ...

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A lot of things have helped Deb Dormody and her partners turn their annual holiday craft show, Craftland, into a year-round permanent store: a growing appreciation for handmade goods, a desire to support the arts, and -- surprisingly -- the bad economy, which she says has pushed people to examine how they spend their money...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Wreaths Across America, a not-for-profit organization, reached its goal this year of getting sponsorship for enough wreaths to place one on each gravesite at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield. A ceremony will be at 11 a.m. ...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Several Missouri schools are complaining about notebooks and pencils with designs similar to the logos from President Barack Obama's campaign. The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that complaints from unhappy officials at three Missouri schools have prompted the company responsible for the materials to recall notebooks and pencils...

IMPERIAL, Mo. -- Using methamphetamine is a real health hazard, but the sheriff in a Missouri county with one of worst meth problems in the nation is using a computer program to show youths how the drug can affect their looks. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Jefferson County Sheriff Glenn Boyer believes appealing to the vanity of children will help prevent them from using meth. ...

WASHINGTON -- Missouri is getting a big energy investment from the federal government. The Department of Energy says Missouri is one of 15 states picked for a plan to produce advanced biofuels. The project includes up to $25 million for a St. Joseph facility that will produce cellulosic ethanol from switchgrass and energy sorghum using biochemical conversion processes...

7:30 p.m. today at Jackson City Hall Action items Power and light committee Street committee...

Two old quarterbacks with golden resumes and ageless arms took the field Sunday night. Kurt Warner was marvelous, Brett Favre was miserable. Warner, back after missing a game with a concussion, threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns and Arizona's defense stifled Favre and the Minnesota Vikings in a stunningly one-sided 30-17 victory for the Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz...

It's only nine games into the season, but right now I rate the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team a pleasant surprise. The Redhawks have already matched the win total from last year's 3-27 campaign that featured an 0-18 Ohio Valley Conference record and led to a new coaching staff along with 11 new players...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri announced Sunday that its football team will face Navy in the Texas Bowl on Dec. 31 in Houston. The Texas Bowl had the final selection of teams from the Big 12, and once the Insight Bowl passed over Missouri (8-4) for Iowa State (6-6), the faceoff with Navy (8-4) at Reliant Stadium was set...

Notre Dame got nine points, 10 rebounds, five blocks and three assists from Jane Morrill, but it wasn't enough as the Bulldogs fell to Incarnate Word 49-35 in the championship game of the Farmington Invitational girls basketball tournament Saturday...

Alabama and Texas get to play in a national title game. For TCU, Cincinnati and Boise State, the math doesn't quite add up, but they still get a spot in a BCS bowl. The quirky, often imperfect method of choosing a national champion succeeded Sunday in matching top-ranked Alabama against No. 2 Texas in the BCS championship -- a Jan. 7 game between undefeated teams that will bring together Heisman Trophy hopefuls Colt McCoy of the Longhorns and Mark Ingram of the Crimson Tide...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Peyton Manning keeps finding new winning formulas, and the Colts keep making history. Instead of another patented comeback or impressive air show, Manning opened December by playing keepaway from Tennessee and leading the Colts to a 27-17 victory over Tennessee for their record-tying 21st consecutive regular-season win...

LANDOVER, Md. -- Oh, what a charmed life the unbeaten New Orleans Saints are leading these days. There's surely no other way to explain how a Drew Brees interception that somehow morphed into another touchdown for Robert Meachem, or the fact that the Washington Redskins missed a 23-yard field goal that would have sealed a victory with less than 2 minutes to play...

Shannon Thompson has joined Elite Travel as a certified destination wedding and honeymoon consultant. A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Thompson has more than 10 years of sales and customer service experience. In addition to her wedding and honeymoon duties, Thompson will focus on public relations and marketing the launch of Elite's "Get Married Free" program...

WASHINGTON -- Casting health care overhaul as a legacy for the American people and failure as politically unthinkable, President Barack Obama on Sunday rallied Senate Democrats to deliver on their party's half-century quest to expand the social safety net by providing access for all...

I don't have a story about where I was or what I was doing on Dec. 7, 1941, but I remember Pearl Harbor even though I wasn't born yet. I heard the stories growing up. My dad remembered. He was in a bowling alley in Forest Hills, N.Y., when a buddy ran in and yelled, "Johnnie, get your gun. The Japs just invaded Pearl Harbor." "Japs" was an acceptable word back then, even if no one knew where Pearl Harbor was. But from that day forward, no one would ever forget...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A human resources official for the Kansas City schools says the district has about 1,000 too many employees. Steve Harris is the new assistant superintendent of human resources. He says the district's 3,300 employees are too many for an enrollment of about 17,000...

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A delegation of French educators will visit schools in Missouri this week as part of a plan to start a new partnership. The group will be hosted by Missouri education officials and will tour schools in St. Louis and Jefferson City...

Students in the Kennett School District's LAUNCH Program are soaring to new heights, participating in various creativity-based studies. LAUNCH-- Learners Achieving Under Necessarily Challenging Horizons-- is the Kennett School District's gifted program for students in third through eighth-grade. The program focuses on academic enrichment, according to program director Rayanna Dalton...

The cheering grew louder and louder in an immense display of school pride, as about 35 middle schools throughout the state were introduced by their representatives. More than 1,300 attendees participated in the seventh annual Missouri Junior Beta Club Convention held at the Black River Coliseum on Friday...

BENTON, Mo. -- When it comes to health insurance, Scott County commissioners want to keep their prices low, but also provide a good plan for the employees. "One thing we are trying to do is hold our insurance as best we can for our employees," Presiding Commissioner Jamie Burger said. "That is a really good benefit offered here."...

Cape Girardeau will revive its air show in 2010 with a big name -- the U.S. Navy Blue Angels precision flying team.

Senior housing developer Chad Hartle got a green light from the city of Jackson on Monday to continue with a new project in the city. The board of aldermen voted to rezone three acres at Oak Hill Road and East Main Street, converting it from residential to commercial property. The board approved the measure 7-1, with Alderman Mark Dambach voting against it...

A Cape Girardeau man faces three counts of statutory sodomy for allegedly having sex with a minor. Cape Girardeau police arrested Gary Dee Bice, 42, Friday night. Bice faces three charges of statutory sodomy stemming from an alleged incident on July 23, 2007, according to Missouri Casenet...

The plan to extend Fountain Street is on hold because the winning contractor did not do enough to find businesses owned by minorities or women to help in the project, the Cape Girardeau City Council was told Monday evening. Nip Kelley Equipment Co. in October won a $1.02 million city contract to build two blocks of Fountain Street, from Morgan Oak to William streets. ...

The man accused of first-degree murder in the October shooting of a pregnant woman and her 15-year-old son in Cape Girardeau wants his case moved to another county.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- When Lt. Col. John Oberkirsch was a high-school wrestler in Webster Groves, his coach repeatedly drilled one concept into his head: That the old idiom "practice makes perfect" is useless advice. "Practice doesn't make perfect," Oberkirsch said. "It has to be perfect practice; only perfect practice makes perfect. If you're practicing wrong, you're only getting good at doing it wrong."...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- As far as Lt. Col. John Oberkirsch is concerned, 1st Lt. Jeremy Zinn had already shown himself capable of leading a Missouri National Guard Company. "He led a Sapper Company in a time of war," said Oberkirsch, commander of the 1140th Engineer Battalion. "So I knew he was ready for this challenge and was more than up to the task. He stepped up to the plate then, and I know he will do so now."...

Southeast Missouri Hospital CEO Debbie Linnes and Vice Chairman John Thompson listen to HealthGrades representative Mary Sweet as she announces Southeast's Stroke Center as the recipient of the 5-Star Award for treatment of stroke two years in a row...

About 30 residents and county employees attended the Cape Girardeau County Commission's discussion of the proposed 2010 budget during its first nighttime meeting Monday. "This is a historic evening," Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones told those who attended. "We very much appreciate all of you being here."...

The idea to write a book about the history of Old St. Vincent's Church dawned on Grace Sullivan, Ron Kirby, and LaFern Stiver back in 1999. With the fear that this story would go untold this group put pen to paper and researched every secondary source available...

WASHINGTON -- Color-coded denim cloths cover the row upon row of black body bags atop cold metal tables. Blue means a body that eventually will go into a common grave. Tan, the family wants those remains back for burial, eventually. These are bodies donated to science. Before first-year medical students lay their hands on the living, they learn anatomy from the dead...

Heroes are all around us, and seven of them were recipients of the Missouri Medal of Valor from Gov. Jay Nixon at a ceremony last month in Jefferson City. Two of the honored heroes were recognized for their responses to emergency situations in Southeast Missouri in 2008...

I can't let 2009 end until I address the gratitude I have toward my physicians, hospitals and therapy groups that have so generously helped me this year. This hasn't exactly been a good year physically for me, and I have needed many different medical services. At one time I was making payments to 10 medical providers. Each one worked with me and was understanding of my situation...

AS a teacher myself, I am dismayed at the lack of logic in the comment from a Central High School teacher responding to the "king" T-shirt issue. The teacher explained that the shirts had not been approved. Since when do individual shirts, worn by one person or 10 or any other number, have to be approved before being worn to school? I see students wearing the exact same shirt every day, and I doubt those students got approval. ...

YEAS: Rep. Russ Carnahan D-MO (3rd), Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay Jr. D-MO (1st), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver D-MO (5th), Rep. Ike Skelton D-MO (4th) NAYS: Rep. W. Todd Akin R-MO (2nd), Rep. Jo Ann Emerson R-MO (8th), Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer R-MO (9th) NOT VOTING: Rep. Roy Blunt R-MO (7th), Rep. Sam Graves R-MO (6th)...

For all of the kind thoughts and deeds of those around us, we give thanks, O God. Amen.

WASHINGTON -- Hospitals are giving faster care to lots more heart attack patients, a speed-up sure to be saving lives. More than three-quarters of people suffering major heart attacks are getting their blocked arteries reopened within 90 minutes of arriving in the emergency room, according to a Yale University study of 831 hospitals that participated in a major campaign to accelerate that care...

LOS ANGELES -- A spacecraft designed to rocket wealthy tourists into space as early as 2011 was unveiled Monday in what backers of the venture hope will signal a new era in aviation history. The long-awaited glimpse of SpaceShipTwo marks the first public appearance of a commercial passenger spacecraft. The project is bankrolled by Virgin Galactic founder, British billionaire Sir Richard Branson, who partnered with famed aviation designer Burt Rutan, the brains behind the venture...

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Dozens of survivors of Pearl Harbor on Monday solemnly remembered those who died in the Japanese aerial assault 68 years ago as a top Navy commander said their bravery laid the foundation for the subsequent U.S. victory in World War II...

STAMFORD, Connecticut -- A woman who owned a chimpanzee that mauled and blinded a woman won't be charged because there's no evidence she knowingly disregarded any risk the animal posed, a prosecutor said Monday. State's Attorney David Cohen said it wasn't evident that Sandra Herold of Stamford had been deliberately reckless in handling the animal...

SKOWHEGAN, Maine -- There's a lot of sweet talk about regulations, tools of the trade and flavor at a maple syrup school in Maine. At the International Maple Grading School, syrup buyers, producers and inspectors from the Northeast learn about all things syrup such as government rules and equipment that measures syrup's color, clarity and density...

LONDON -- British broadcaster ITV has apologized after two contestants on a reality TV show skinned, cooked and ate a rat during filming. Chef Gino D'Acampo and actor Stuart Manning have been charged with animal cruelty after preparing and eating rat risotto on the wilderness show "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here" last month...

WASHINGTON -- Senate Democratic liberals are seeking expansion of two large federal programs, Medicare and Medicaid, in exchange for dropping a government-sold insurance option from health care legislation sought by President Barack Obama, several lawmakers said Monday...

At age 5, Tyson already wants to be a superhero. If Santa could bring him superhero costumes and action figures he would get his Christmas wish. Tyson could also use some board games and arts and crafts to round out his list for Santa this year. His older brother, who is 6, loves baseball and football and would like to have sports equipment to play with outside. ...

A St. Louis jury that found an agriculture company and several of its affiliates negligent awarded over $2 million to two Stoddard County long-grain rice farmers in the first of several bellwether trials scheduled for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The jury last week found that Bayer's genetically modified rice had harmed their crops and livelihood, a news release said...

Arrests Southeast Missouri State University The following items were released by the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Public Safety. Summonses...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Sunday: Jackson Firefighters responded to the following calls Sunday:...

BELL CITY, Mo. -- Jesse P. Scherffius, 81, of Bell City died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Jan. 30, 1928, in Portageville, Mo., to the late William and Minnie Harris Scherffius. He was a veteran of the U.S. ...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Robert E. Taylor, 64, entered the Kingdom of God Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at Zalma, Mo. He was born Sept. 4, 1945, in Sikeston, to the late Ira Lee and Edna Fern Schaffer Taylor. Robert was a devoted member of the military, receiving two Purple Hearts during his service in the U.S. Army...

SEDALIA, Mo. -- Charles W. Riggs, 71, of Sedalia died Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, at his home. He was born Oct. 17, 1938, in Malden, Mo., son of Eldon K. and Claudia Alma Bohannon Riggs. On July 16, 1959, in Wentzville, Mo., he married Judith Ann Blaylock. She preceded him in death Sept. 17, 1998...

TAMMS, Ill. -- Betty A. Calvin McDaniel, 74, of Tamms died Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born May 14, 1935, in Pulaski, Ill., daughter of the late Lawrence and Dorothy Lackey Calvin. She was a member of Tamms Community Church and a former factory employee of Anna Shoe Co...

ARBOR, Mo. -- Hadley James, 76, of Arbor went home to be with Jesus Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 13, 1933, in Bollinger County, son of Henry E. and Annie Frances James. He returned to Arbor in 1995...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Opal Mae Whitlow White Easley, 88, of Perryville died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at Perry County Memorial Hospital. She was born June 7, 1921, in Glenwood, Mo., daughter of Henry and Ida Johnson Whitlow. She and Merle E. Easley were married April 20, 1964. He preceded her in death Dec. 7, 2002...

Ellen H. Crutcher, 90, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Oct. 28, 1919, in Jamestown, N.D., to Joseph and Anna Poppel Ingle. She and Claude Crutcher were married July 4, 1937, in Deadwood, S.D. He died in July 1969...

Melvadean Kiefer Adams died peacefully in her sleep Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, in Fort Myers, Fla., following a major stroke a few days earlier. She was born April 8, 1921, in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., to Melvin and Lola Conardy. She was a 1940 graduate of Valle High School where she was a member of the volleyball team...

Ida Mae Williams, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at the Lutheran Home. Arrangements are incomplete at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Lela Viola Silman, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Visitation will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. to service time at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Mo. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Luther Rhodes officiating. Burial will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery near Marble Hill...

Frieda O. Limbaugh, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, at the Lutheran Home. Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Douglas L. Hammock, 88, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Morehouse, Mo., died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at Chateau Girardeau. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until time of service Wednesday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, Mo. The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Wyoma Estell Gregg, 71, of Marble Hill died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at her home. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill. The funeral will be Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gene Robbins officiating. Burial will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery...

n The Southeast Missourian erroneously published a report on a fire that happened at a Bellevue Street apartment building in Monday's edition. The fire actually occurred last year, and a news release was sent about the fire from the Cape Girardeau Fire Department over the weekend. The Southeast Missourian regrets the error...

After numerous delays, the first-degree murder trial of Douglas Wayne Thompson, accused of shooting a Cape Girardeau auxiliary police officer almost 24 years ago, is scheduled to begin Monday in Scott County Circuit Court in Benton, Mo. An open house is held in the afternoon at the Lindenwood Apartments, 1100 Linden St., for people to view the new apartments, which are similar to Cape Garden Apartments, 611 S. West End Blvd...

Donations for the Toybox and Christmas for the Elderly programs are coming in slow this season. "It's significantly slower than years past," said Tracy Haggerty, lead organizer of the Toybox program, which distributes donated Christmas gifts to children within the Cape Girardeau city limits. "It's kind of where the economy is at right now."...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Brad Penny's late-season pitch seems to have paid off. Fresh from an impressive showing in the final month, Penny was close to a $7.5 million, one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press on Monday...

ST. LOUIS -- Peter Budaj stopped 35 shots, Chris Stewart had two goals and an assist and the Colorado Avalanche ended a five-game trip with a 4-0 win over the St. Louis Blues on Monday night. Paul Stastny and Matt Duchene each scored goals, Wojtek Wolski had three assists and John-Michael Liles collected two assists for the Avs...

ST. LOUIS -- At least for one week, the St. Louis Rams got the defense straightened out. The offense is another story. Coach Steve Spagnuolo spent most of his Monday news conference answering questions about an attack that was held without a touchdown for the fourth time this season in a 17-9 loss at Chicago. Six times they've been held to 10 or fewer points and they've scored only 14 touchdowns, one-fourth the New Orleans Saints' league-leading total...

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes, including two to tight end Jermichael Finley, and the Green Bay Packers beat the Baltimore Ravens 27-14 in a penalty-filled game Monday night. It was the fourth straight win for the Packers (8-4), solidifying their spot in the NFC wild-card race...

The first-year Notre Dame wrestling team collected its first dual victory Monday night in a three-team meet at New Madrid, Mo. The Bulldogs defeated New Madrid 54-30, but also suffered a 54-27 loss to Dexter. "We wrestled pretty good and finally won," said Notre Dame coach Marc Stevener...

Southeast Missouri State men's basketball player Derek Thompson has been honored by the Ohio Valley Conference for the second time this season. Thompson on Monday earned his second OVC freshman of the week award. A 6-foot-3 guard from Detroit, Mich., Thompson averaged 12.5 points per game in two OVC contests last week. That includes an 18-point performance during Thursday's 76-71 overtime loss at perennial OVC power Austin Peay...

The Southeast Missouri State women's gymnastics program has completed its coaching staff with the hiring of a former Redhawks standout. Interim coach Kristi Ewasko recently announced the addition of Ashley Lawson as an assistant. She joins second-year assistant Jimmy Wickman for the 2010 season...

TEHRAN, Iran -- Security forces and militiamen clashed with thousands of protesters shouting "death to the dictator" outside Tehran University on Monday, beating them with batons and firing tear gas on a day of nationwide student demonstrations, witnesses said...

SEOUL, South Korea -- After a year of tensions, President Barack Obama is sending a veteran diplomat to North Korea today for the highest-profile talks between Pyongyang and Washington since he took office pledging to reach out to America's adversaries...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The top election officials in four Midwestern states are hailing changes in federal election rules that will allow military members overseas to receive ballots electronically. The National Defense Authorization Act, approved by Congress in October, allows troops to return their ballots through expedited mail service at no charge. It also gives members of the military a way to verify that their ballots have been received back home...

7 p.m. today Jackson Board of Education office, 614 East Adams St. Goldfish Program at South Elementary School by Dr. Rita Fisher, Bonnie Knowlan and Rob French Payment of bills Assistant superintendent for personnel and instruction report by Dr. Rita Fisher...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- In an effort to help make roads safer this holiday season, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety will conduct traffic safety checkpoints in the next few weeks. "The holiday season usually means more vehicles are out on Missouri roads. This is the time of year that people celebrate the holiday season with friends and family. Police know more traffic usually means more accidents," said Sgt. Jim McMillen of DPS...

WELLSTON, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri's education commissioner says it is time to close the academically troubled Wellston School District. Education Commissioner Chris L. Nicastro will present a proposal to close the district by the end of next summer during a state education board meeting Dec. 17...

BENTON, Mo. -- Former Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives Rod Jetton was charged Monday by Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd with second-degree assault for an incident that happened at a private residence in Sikeston, Mo., last month.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Jackson High School boys basketball coach Darrin Scott acknowledged that first-game performances are often ragged. Scott was hopeful his team could avoid that fate, but the Indians looked every bit like a squad opening its season...

Just three games into his seventh season as head coach of the boys basketball team, Amick stepped down. He also resigned his position as baseball coach.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The winter storm that blanketed northern Missouri with snow and ice has claimed at least three victims. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports at least three fatal accidents on Tuesday are blamed on roads made dangerous by ice and snow...

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- High winds have caused thousands of people to be without power in parts of Missouri and Illinois. St. Louis-based Ameren said that 5,275 residential and business customers were without power Wednesday afternoon in Missouri. The hardest hit areas are St. Louis city and county, Wentzville, Franklin, St. Charles.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Police say several burglaries are solved with the arrest of a Sikeston man.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A request by Police Chief Danny Whiteley to adopt an ordinance requiring the sale of products containing pseudoephedrine by prescription only was moved by the Poplar Bluff City Council to its Dec. 21 voting session. Whiteley told council members Monday night the proposed ordinance is based on one enacted on July 6 at Washington, Mo...

The H1N1 vaccine will be available to anyone in Cape Girardeau County who wants it beginning Dec. 16, the county public health center announced Wednesday. According to a news release issued by the center, the allotments of the vaccine are increasing and there are fewer so-named "high risk" individuals requesting the vaccine...

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle filed felony charges Tuesday against a Cape Girardeau lawyer who was disbarred in August.

Former Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton closed his political consulting firm Tuesday, one day after he was charged with assaulting a Sikeston, Mo., woman during sex. Jetton's lawyer, Stephen C. Wilson of Cape Girardeau, issued a statement announcing Jetton's decision. In the statement, Wilson said Jetton is closing the firm, Rod Jetton Associates Inc., in order to fight the felony charges and spend time with his family. The consulting firm handled mainly Republican clients...

Usage of Cape Girardeau's newest commercial air carrier was around 25 percent of capacity during its first month of operations in the area, leaving city leaders cautiously optimistic about the airline's future. "Certainly one month does not make a relationship successful," said Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson. "But from the time Cape Air was selected to their one-month track record, I don't think anyone could have envisioned it would start off the way it has."...

Southeast Missouri Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the country for stroke care, according to HealthGrades®, the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization. For the second year in a row, Southeast ranks in the Top 10 in Missouri for treatment of stroke and in the top 15 percent nationally. The Hospital is the only provider of stroke care in the southeast Missouri region to rank in the Top 10 in the state...

Shari Elfrink and Sara Gerau with 1st Class Travel and Pastor John Rice, representing the Jackson Ministerial Alliance, with the 1500 cans collected Tuesday night at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.

This albino house finch has been hanging around my mother's feeder for the past few days.

If a basketball coach ever needed a stunt double, it's Meadow Heights boys coach Tom Brown. Over the past month, Brown has encountered a series of events that range from harrowing to almost comical.

Will Cross manages his diabetes even when he literally is on top of the world. Cross was the first American with diabetes to reach the summit of Mount Everest, a feat he accomplished on May 23, 2006. Cross has climbed the highest peak on every continent. As an expedition leader, he's also walked to both the North and South poles, refusing to be boxed in by diabetes...

Around 100 people gathered Tuesday night at Creative Edge for Jackson Chamber's Business After Hours sponsored by 1st Class Travel. Everyone was in the holiday spirit, as 1st Class Travel asked those who were attending to bring canned food for the Jackson Ministerial Alliance's food pantry...

Overall orthopaedics at Saint Francis Medical Center have been ranked among the top 10 percent in the nation in a study by HealthGrades®, the nation's leading independent healthcare ratings organization. As a result, Saint Francis received the 2010 Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ and is ranked among the top three hospitals in Missouri for overall orthopedics. ...

Blue Angel 7 rests on KCGI's south ramp during it's vist to our airport a few weeks ago. Flown by Lt. CJ Simonsen, it brought Lt. Amy Tomlinson for a meeting with city and airport officials. Known as "Blue Angel 8", Lt. Tomlinson is responsible for outlining the qualifications required for a visit by the Navy's Blue Angel Flight Demonstration Team...

Toys for Tots Queen Chloe Goodwin won the title of "Queen" in her age division at the "Toys for Tots" Christmas pageant, Sunday Dec. 6 at Jefferson Elementary School in Cape Girardeau. The pageant was sponsored by the Marine Corps Reserve and Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Pictured are Angela Goodwin, Chloe Goodwin, and J.D. Goodwin, all of Marble Hill...

Gov. Jay Nixon will visit Jackson today as part of a statewide tour detailing legislation that will crack down on driving while intoxicated in Missouri. The governor, according to a news release, plans to arrive at 1:30 p.m. at the office of the prosecuting attorney in the county courthouse at 100 Court St...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Three men could face charges in connection with a break-in at the Ozark Ridge Municipal Golf Course and the theft of two golf carts after authorities tracked their alleged purchase of spray paint.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's public defenders cannot turn away certain categories of criminal defendants because of excessive caseloads, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. Instead, the high court said, public attorneys who represent the poor should work with prosecutors and judges to come up with alternatives when they believe they are so overburdened that they cannot take on additional defendants...

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration Tuesday proposed spending more than $3 billion to settle a long-running lawsuit with American Indian tribes that claim they were swindled out of billions of dollars in royalties for oil, gas, grazing and other leases dating back more than a century...

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama set out fresh plans Tuesday to reinvigorate the U.S. economy, focusing on incentives to small businesses and hiring to bring down what he called the "staggering" 10 percent unemployment rate. Obama said he wants to push money left over from a financial rescue plan -- the Troubled Asset Relief Program -- toward the small business community for investment and hiring. ...

Two brothers, ages 3 and 4, love to hear their mom read them bedtime stories, so it's natural that books, especially ones like "Goodnight Moon" and "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie," are at the top of their list for Santa. They also love monster trucks and child-friendly tools, but some stuffed animals to hug while being read to would make their Christmas. ...

Looking to make and give foodie gifts on a budget this year? Here are some easy ideas:Dry Chimichurri Rub In Argentina, this mix of herbs and spices is combined with oil and vinegar and used as a sauce for grilled meats. For best results, use dried herb leaves, not the powdered or finely ground varieties. Rub the mixture all over beef or pork before roasting. Or to make a marinade for roasted chicken, whisk 1/4 cup of the rub with 1/2 cup of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar...

If it's not there already, one name you might add to your gift-giving list is the Salvation Army. Throughout the year the Salvation Army provides care, food and other services to hundreds of individuals who often have nowhere else to turn. During the shopping season leading up to Christmas, the Salvation Army is particularly visible. But its funding must be stretched over 12 months, not just a few weeks...

FOR the last couple of months, you could see a houseboat in the Diversion Channel from Interstate 55. It moved around from day to day, but most of the time it was tied to some trees near the fishing access. Now the water has gone down, and the houseboat is sitting on dry ground. You would think the owner would want to take better care of his houseboat...

Make us instruments of your peace and love, O God, and give us compassion. Amen.

It's difficult to discuss the Tiger Woods situation because the landscape seems to change by the hour. And, to be real honest, I am ashamed that I would even address the topic because -- quite simply -- it's none of my business. We have this morbid fascination with fallen celebrities in this country. This is nothing new. You can travel back in time 100 years and find a similar fascination with the private lives of very public people...

Last weekend I found a few minutes to pull out some of my Christmas cookbooks and ran across a couple of Country Woman books that are just full of good recipes. All of the recipes are submitted by readers, so you know they are tried-and-true recipes. I had fun looking at the pretty photos, reading stories that accompanied the recipes and choosing a few recipes to include here...

I have heard story after story about birders who try all sorts of methods aimed at making sure the local squirrel doesn't get into the bird feeder. There is the one where the feeder pole is greased so the squirrel can't get a grip to climb it. This method works for a day or two until the grease dries...

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- When the news arrived, Rep. Bill Black thought at first it was somebody's lame idea of a joke. But it was true: The FBI had arrested the governor of Illinois, hauling him away wearing a track suit and handcuffs. "I thought, holy mackerel, another glorious day for Illinois government," said Black, a Danville Republican...

ALBANY, N.Y. -- When Jory Langner finds time for a field trip during an upcoming visit to Washington, he won't have to ask local birders where to find candidates to add to his life list of birds sighted. All he'll have to do to is pull out his iPhone and fire up BirdsEye, a new bird-finding application that gives users instant access to recent reports of birds spotted near their location, tells them where to look for specific birds, and keeps track of their lists of all the birds they've ever seen.. ...