Stories from Sunday, March 21, 2010

"It was fun and yet it was what we expected because we expect it," Otto Porter Sr. said. "Those two have been playing together ever since kindergarten, so they've been around the ball for a long time."

After months of waiting, the deal for a Canadian investor to take over Commander Premier Aircraft Corp. in Cape Girardeau seems poised for completion. Ronald Strauss, founder of Aero-Base Inc., said that almost all remaining obstacles to securing the financing necessary to purchase the company have been cleared and he expects to obtain the money he has been seeking by the end of the week...

It was well past 3 p.m., but Cathy Kapfer's classroom at Central Middle School was full of activity. At the front of the room, Kapfer helped fifth-grade students find common denominators. In the back, clusters of students worked on spelling words. Some students bounced between activities...

They kept on running through the muscle cramps, through the cold, through the night and into the next day. Participants in the Howard L. Aslinger Foundation's 24-Hour Endurance Run at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau came from as far away as Texas, running to raise money to provide scholarships to students with disabilities...

Thousands of area residents browsed the latest products from countertops to rooftops Saturday at the Show Me Center during the 30th annual Southeast Missouri Home Builders Association Home and Garden Show, which continues today...

Increasing community involvement in public schools will be the key to the success of a group planning to increase the graduation rate in the Cape Girardeau School District. At Friday's Community Caring Conference at Southeast Missouri State University, community members gathered to hear about a model for change in schools. The Education Solutions Team, a group sponsored by the United Way of Southeast Missouri, has been working to create the model for about a year...

While Discovery Playhouse won't be open to its target audience until the end of March, the interactive children's museum welcomed the young at heart Saturday evening to a "funraiser" that gave the public its first look at the attraction. After many months of work to renovate the old Walther's Furniture building at 502 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, volunteers at the museum saw its first paying "customers."...

Early morning in March with the sun rising over the Mississippi River

Southeast Missouri Redhawks Baseball player #37 Casey Jones Hitting the ball on Friday March 19th against Valparaiso!

On Sunday, March 14, 2010 these eagles entertained us for a couple of hours fishing in the neighbor's pond off County Road 618 in Cape County!

The Big East Conference champions defeated the 10th-seeded Tigers 68-59 in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

St. Mary Council of Catholic Women met on Feb. 18 in the Huels Room. Sister Lucille Zerr opened the meeting with prayer. Pat Eftink distributed copies of the treasurer's report. About 50 people attended the Mardi Gras covered dish dinner held after the closing of 40 hours adoration on Feb. 16...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Organizers for the Tour of Missouri bicycling race launched a campaign to solicit private donations for the event while Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and his office lessen their involvement.

A broken sewer line released untreated wastewater into a section of Ramsey Branch in Jackson on Thursday morning but caused no threat to drinking water, city leaders said. The leak occurred near the intersection of Clear Creek Drive and Greenwood Circle in Klaus Park subdivision.

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Otto Porter might have upset his dad. Otto Porter Jr. beat Otto Porter Sr.'s single game final four rebound record and only needed three quarters to do it. "I didn't know about it, I might have upset him," the younger Porter said. "I just went and got everything off the glass."...

Olga Lucia Penaranda Escallon and Mark Edward Loos were married March 21, 2009, at Our Lady of Mercy Ermita del Cabrero in Cartagena, Colombia, South America. The Rev. Jose Maria Cano performed the ceremony. Pianist was Jaime Aguabara and soloist was Blanquita, both of Cartagena...

Elizabeth Day and Brian Dorenkamp exchanged vows Oct. 17, 2009, at Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson. The Rev. Rocky Tallent performed the ceremony. Violinist was Kyle Gilhaus of Cape Girardeau. The bride is the daughter of Karen and David Voshage of Jackson and Neal Day of Cape Girardeau. The groom is the son of Christine and Mike McNutt of Chesterfield, Mo., and the late Dale Dorenkamp...

Mike and Linda Brown of McClure, Ill., announce the engagement of their daughter, Jodi Melinda Brown, to Bradley Andrew Berry, both of Jackson. He is the son of Paul and Linda Berry of Cape Girardeau. Brown is a 1998 graduate of Shawnee High School. She is a 2006 graduate of Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences. She is a registered nurse in the cardiovascular lab at Saint Francis Medical Center...

Doug and Alice Johnson of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy Beth Johnson, to Jesse David Martin. He is the son of Steve and Linda Martin of Jackson. Johnson is pursuing a master's degree in healthcare administration. She is radiology systems administrator at Southeast Missouri Hospital...

Kathleen Young of St. Joseph, Mo., announces the engagement of her daughter, Lesley Michele Young, to Phillip Ryan Dormeyer, both of Cape Girardeau. He is the son of Katherine Davis of Jackson. Young is a 2000 graduate of Central High School in St. Joseph. ...

BENTON, Mo. -- Robert and Monica Burnett of Benton announce the engagement of their daughter, Rachel Elizabeth Burnett, to Robert Earl Newton. He is the son of Gaylon and Tammy Newton of Benton. Burnett is a 2007 graduate of Kelly High School. She expects to receive a degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University in May 2011. She is employed at Systems Services Inc. in Sikeston, Mo...

John and Andrea Orlovsky of Swansea, Ill., announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Kathleen Orlovsky of Cape Girardeau, to Justin Edward Moore. He is the son of Joey and Wanda Moore of Cape Girardeau. Orlovsky received bachelor degrees in vocal music performance and music education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2009. She is auditioning for graduate programs in vocal music for fall 2010...

Keith and Faye Myer of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Taylor Renae Myer, to Nathan Edward Leoni. He is the son of Debbie Leoni of Green Bay, Wis., and Edward and Abbie Leoni of Cape Girardeau. Myer is a 2007 graduate of Jackson High School. She received an associate's degree in nursing from Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences in 2009. She is a nurse at Southeast Hospital...

NO PHOTO Terry K. and Judith K. Canupp of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Kathryn M. Canupp, to Michael O. Walters Jr., both of St. Louis. He is the son of Michael Walters Sr. of DeSoto, Mo., and Ann and Tom Herides of St. Louis...

Roger and Mary Ann Tatum of Scott City announce the engagement of their daughter, Stefanie Leighanne Tatum, to Barry Dewayne Dennison. He is the son of Teresa Dennison and Terry Dennison of Portageville, Mo. Tatum received a bachelor of science degree in mass communications-advertising in 2006 from Southeast Missouri State University. ...

Larry and Sandy Gibbons of Kelso, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Valerie Nichole Gibbons, to Daniel Shane Jackson. He is the son of Jerry and Debra Jackson of Scott City. Gibbons is a 2007 graduate of Scott City High School. She expects to receive an associate's degree in radiologic technology from Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences in May. She is employed at Southeast Hospital...

Cape Girardeau Elementary MONDAY--No classes. TUESDAY--Cheeseburger or turkey & cheese on bun, fries, grapes. WEDNESDAY--Spaghetti or turkey & cheese on bun, broccoli & cheese sauce, hot roll, peaches. THURSDAY--Taco salad or turkey & cheese on bun, corn, pears...

One of the most important issues for families, businesses or industries thinking about relocating is this: What's the school system like? That's the case when Cape Girardeau is the relocation destination. Families want to know if their children will get a good education in up-to-date facilities. ...

There's a good chance that your pastor is also a bit of a relationship expert. Some churches even require premarital counseling for soon-to-be wed couples. In a recent issue of the Southeast Missourian's premiere bridal magazine, iDO asked two pastors to explain the most common issues for new couples -- and how to deal...

Perry County Middle School student Kyle Brewer wanted to help support the Perry Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and asked his school counselor, Glenda Gremaud, if he could involve his school mates. The school used one of its Spirit Days for Red Ribbon Week to have a "hat day," to symbolize tipping your hat to being drug free. ...

Dear Redhawk Nation:On behalf of everyone associated with the Redhawk basketball program and the entire Southeast Missouri Department of Athletics, I want to thank you for helping make the Show Me Sellout on Feb. 27 a great success. More than 5,500 Redhawk fans packed the Show Me Center and provided an unbelievable atmosphere for our seniors' final home game...

IS the Missouri Public Service Commission actually for the people? People have lost your jobs, and if you're lucky to have one you've not received a raise in years. AmerenUE sent out letters comparing usage and how to save. How much electricity and ink did they use to do this? We had no ice storm this year, and Ameren is pushing for a rate increase? That's ridiculous...

Much has made of the battle over Obamacare. The Democratic Party's efforts to pass the bill have taken on a new mode: a no-vote vote, that is, they deem health care reform is law without actually voting on it. Scholars of the Constitution call this action unconstitutional...

Army Pvt. John D. Foster has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training, Foster studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics. ...

For the softening days of spring, we give thanks to you, O God. Amen.

Mike is a 2-year-old neutered male cat. He is incredibly loving. For more information, contact the Humane Society at 334-5837. ...

Vixen is a 1-1/2 year-old Australian Shepherd and Welsh Corgi mix. She is a "sweetheart of a dog" who loves everyone. Vixen has been spayed and has had her shots. For more information, contact Safe Harbor at 243-9823. ...

Thomas Crites of Cape Girardeau and Janis James of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Rae Crites, to Ryan Kiel McClard, both of Cape Girardeau. He is the son of Rick and Rebecca McClard of Jackson. Crites is a 2005 graduate of Jackson High School. She is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in early education at Southeast Missouri State University...

Air Force Airman Mikalen J. Tillmon graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Tillmon completed an intensive eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. ...

Nine Cape Girardeau students from Keyboards & Kindermusik Conservatory recently received Gold Cup awards from the National Federation of Junior Music Clubs at the Junior Musical festival held in February. In order to receive a Gold Cup award, students must compete for a minimum of three years while earning top ratings. ...

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- A 16-year-old boy who police said made an announcement at Walmart ordering all black people in a New Jersey store to leave was charged with harassment and bias intimidation, authorities said Saturday. The boy, whose name is not being released because he is a juvenile, grabbed one of the courtesy phones at Walmart's Washington Township store Sunday evening and calmly announced: "Attention, Walmart customers: All black people, leave the store now," police said...

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- The earthquake not only smashed markets, collapsed warehouses and left more than 2.5 million people without enough to eat. It may also have shaken up the way the developing world gets food. Decades of inexpensive imports -- especially rice from the U.S. -- punctuated with abundant aid in various crises have destroyed local agriculture and left impoverished countries such as Haiti unable to feed themselves...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Thursday:...

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

Irene Wesa Lewis, 88, died Friday, March 19, 2010, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Mrs. Lewis was born Oct. 4, 1921, in Menahga, Minn., the daughter of William and Hilma Hilton Wesa. She grew up in the Finnish community of Hibbing, Minn., and attended the Finnish Lutheran Church...

Helen B. Simpson, 95, of Perryville, Mo., died March 19, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born Sept. 7, 1914, in Cape Girardeau, the daughter of Walter George and Eva Eagle Leher. She and James Paul Simpson were married Aug. 19, 1939, in Cape Girardeau. He died May 19, 1999...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Jon R. Limbaugh, 69, of Chaffee died Friday, March 19, 2010, at the family home in Chaffee. He was born March 8, 1941, the son of Jack and Elizabeth "Betty" Poe Limbaugh in Oran, Mo. On Feb. 2, 2001, he married Barbara Spencer. Mr. Limbaugh was a retired union pipe fitter for Local 184 of Paducah, Ky. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1965. He was a member of Chaffee Elks Lodge No. 1810...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Sophie R. Reisenbichler, 94, of Perryville died March 19, 2010, at Independence Care Center of Perry County in Perryville. She was born Jan. 24, 1916, in Cape Girardeau County, daughter of August and Louise Haertling Meyr. She was married Sept. 1, 1940, to Marvin O. Reisenbichler. He died July 9, 1982...

Harley E. Poole, 69, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Heartland Care and Rehab in Cape Girardeau. He was born Dec. 12, 1940, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Jesse and Eva Burgens Poole. He and Bonnie J. Lawson were married Aug. 28, 1958, in Cape Girardeau...

Daisy Olive Gaines, 94, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Jackson, died Friday, March 19, 2010, at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau. She was born Sept. 17, 1915, in Jackson to Victor C. and Lorena Wahl Pierce. She and Homer Gaines were married Nov. 6, 1937, in St. Louis. He died Feb. 9, 1996...

Stephanie C. McAnelly, 100, died Monday, March 1, 2010, at the Lutheran Home. She was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Cape Girardeau. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Marvin and Lenore McAnelly of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Carolyn Toomey of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Laura Morgan of Hartselle, Ala., James McAnelly of Murphysboro, Ill.; 10 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Delores Zuziak of Posen, Ill...

Virgie M. Jenkins, 92, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Thursday, March 18, 2010, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Jan. 25, 1918, in Old Appleton, Mo., daughter of Marion and Addie Dickman Myers. Virgie was an accomplished manicurist in the Forest Park area of St. Louis when she met Nelson "Al" Jenkins. They were married Sept. 25, 1946, at Zion Methodist Church in Old Appleton...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Henrietta Ferrell, 91, of Sikeston died Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Missouri Delta Medical Center. She was born Oct. 9, 1918, in Blandville, Ky., daughter of Henry and Sarah Frances Byasee Steinbeck. She and Frank Ferrell were married Dec. 10, 1938. He died Jan. 7, 2007...

Betty "Mamma Jo" Schuette, 78, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center. She was born May 21, 1931, to Everett and Leona Ourth Margrabe. She married Robert D. Hanna of Chaffee, Mo. He preceded her in death. She was loved by more than 300 "Spare Kids" whom she called "Tadpoles."...

Dolly C. Foster, 92, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, March 19, 2010, at Chateau Girardeau Health Care Center. Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Michael Paul Seabaugh, 60, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, March 20 at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Ford and Sons Funeral Home Mount Auburn Chapel.

A last-minute attempt by supporters of the Southeast Missouri State University Laboratory School to delay action to close the facility is rejected by the board of regents; following the unanimous action by the four regents present, work will begin immediately on a 17-point package that will redirect teacher education at the university...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrest Firefighters responded to the following call Friday:...

Interstate 55 in Perry and Cape Girardeau counties will continue to be reduced to one lane with a 16-foot width restriction while Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform concrete repairs. The section of roadway is in the southbound lanes from the Biehle exit in Perry County to the Fruitland exit in Cape Girardeau County...

Here he is. The sly red fox. I photographed this one in his element on a dreary evening during a light rain. This makes for a soft-focus image true to the nature of the fox. They generally prefer being out at night and during inclement weather but will not hesitate to forage in broad daylight if they are hungry...

Harold Kushner holds a special place in my heart even in disagreement. Kushner, perhaps the best-known rabbi in the United States, is a prolific author. One of his nonfiction books, 1986's "When All You've Wanted Isn't Enough," helped me decide to go to seminary. ...

When the church was young, its growth demonstrated itself to be more organic that strategic. What began with Jesus' one simple command -- to be his witnesses by telling all he was and all he did in their hometowns and beyond -- exploded into a movement...

Perryville High School students and staff are offering free computer assistance classes to community members during March and April. Classes are from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays in the Perryville High School library. Some of the remaining scheduled topics are word processing basics and practice on Tuesday, overview of software programs on March 30, and organizing and storing photos online. For more information or to register, call 573-547-7500, extension 215...

St. Paul Lutheran School raises $10,500 to benefit Melaina's Magical Playland St. Paul Lutheran School's preschoolers through 3rd grade students have raised more than $10,500 to benefit Melaina's Magical Playland. In October, students began saving coins in a special coin box and as their boxes became full, they emptied them in a special container at the school. ...

It was a risky thing, last year, to oppose the Rev. Larry Rice's bid for the old federal building to establish a very large homeless shelter in Cape Girardeau. It was risky because Cape Girardeau has had a track record of denying that there are homeless in our midst. And when the homeless keep showing up at the back doors of our churches, we have assuaged our consciences by giving them a night in a motel and inviting them to move along...

Son to Derek Justin and Angela Louise Birk of Jackson, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 1:35 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Name, Cole Bradley. Weight, 8 pounds, 15 ounces. First child. Mrs. Birk is the former Angela Weaver, daughter of Cindy Rigdon and Kim and Lisa Weaver of Jackson. She is employed at Southeast Missouri State University. Birk is the son of Brad and Saundra Birk of Jackson. He is owner/operator of Southeast Landscaping, LLC...

An overnight standoff with police has led to the arrest of a Jackson man. Around 7 p.m. Thursday Cape Girardeau sheriff's deputies received a call that a man was threatening suicide at his home off Route Y in Jackson, a news release from sheriff's department spokesman Lt. ...

Southeast Missouri State softball coach Lana Richmond knows her team has little margin for error this year. That's because the Redhawks are without pitching ace Giana Zimmerman, last year's freshman sensation who will not suit up this season due to a shoulder injury...

There has been no place like home so far this season for the Southeast Missouri State baseball team. The Redhawks finished a three-game series sweep of Valparaiso by rallying for an 8-7 victory Saturday. Southeast, which has won five straight, improved to 11-8 and is 10-1 at Capaha Field, including 7-1 on its current 10-game homestand...

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- Top-ranked Notre Dame began defense of its Class 3 state baseball championship with a 7-3 victory over reigning Class 2 champion and top-ranked Valle Catholic in both teams' season openers Friday evening at Yanks Field. Tennessee-Martin baseball signee Colton Young and Tanner Hiett both overcame shaky performances on the mound thanks to timely hitting by the Bulldogs throughout the game, which featured five collegiate baseball recruits...

The Saxony Lutheran girls soccer team opened its season with a pair of barnburners. The Crusaders fell to Southern Boone County 2-1 in their season opener Friday. Saxony followed that by playing Sacred Heart to a scoreless tie before falling 2-1 on penalty kicks Saturday...

Central's offense looked in midseason form in its baseball season opener Friday. Josh Meyer smacked a pair of doubles and Jamie Pickel drove in four runs in the Tigers' 14-5 win at Charleston. Meyer struck out six batters over three innings to earn the win...

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Missouri Tigers can describe their up-tempo, bordering-on-frenetic brand of basketball however they want. West Virginia guard Darryl Bryant is quick to point out the Mountaineers are no strangers to pressure. Playing in the Big East Conference has a way of preparing teams for just about anything. ...

NEWARK, N.J. -- Ty Conklin has gone from backup goalie to a key part of the St. Louis Blues' late-season push for a playoff spot. Conklin made 29 saves in his fourth shutout of the season, and the Blues beat the New Jersey Devils 1-0 on Saturday night...

JUPITER, Fla. -- Former Mets infielder Ruben Gotay hit a walk-off home run off Kiko Calero in the bottom of the ninth inning Saturday to give the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 win over New York. The Cardinals got five shutout innings from starter Adam Wainwright, who struck out six while scattering two hits. He did not walk a batter...

The Southeast Missouri State gymnastics team closed out its regular season in style Friday. Celebrating senior night with their final home meet of the year, the Redhawks posted a season-high score in beating Iowa 195.125-193.625. Southeast (14-3) entered the weekend ranked 37th nationally, while Iowa was 28th. The top 36 qualify for NCAA regionals and Friday's score should help the Redhawks' chances...

Kyle Gumieny has struggled early in his past two starts. It hasn't hurt Southeast Missouri State's senior right-hander, who bounced back in both of those outings to finish strong. Gumieny tossed the first complete game of his Southeast career, going all nine innings Friday as the Redhawks routed Valparaiso 17-4 in the opener of a doubleheader at Capaha Field...

LAURA SIMON~lsimon@semissourian.com Handmade teapots by Jimmy Liu of St. Louis are on display during the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri's first "Arts by the River" in the atrium and convocation center of Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. ...

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Pat Palisch accompanies Jackson High School student Austin Koenig as they perform Lawson Lunde's Sonata for Alto Saxaphone and Piano during the MSHSAA music festival Friday at Central High School in Cape Girardeau....

Several area churches want to make the Easter season memorable for children this year, and they hope to do it mostly through plays and pageants. Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau will begin holding special events March 28, Palm Sunday. ...

Pet name: Duke Owners: David and Sherri Hackworth Favorite activities: Chewing on bones and chasing the family's other dog. ...

The Rev. Dr. Grant F. C. Gillard of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson is officially 51 years old, but according to him he looks and acts like he is 357 years olds toward his dog. Ever since he can remember Rev. Gillard has been involved in the church. ...