Stories from Thursday, September 9, 2010

The Bulldogs rallied to win the last two games to take care of the reigning Class 2 state champs.

STOCKTON, Mo. (AP) -- A southwest Missouri school board voted to keep in place its ban on a National Book Award-winning novel about a Native American boy after hearing from parents who object to its strong language and sexual imagery. The Stockton School Board voted 7-0 Wednesday to continue to ban "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian." The board also voted against a proposal to return the book to the high school library with restrictions...

Spartech Plastics will be expanding its Cape Girardeau facility, adding equipment and jobs.

Peak Performance Tigers. Ross Jenkins, Levi McKinnie, Colby Sinclair, Brayden Upchurch, Will Hunter and Issac Turner.

Peak Performance Tigers competed in the Autism charity martial arts tournament in August 2010. Ross Jenkins (1st in form and 3rd in boards); Levi McKinnie (1st in boards and 4th in form); Master Ivie; Colby Sinclair (2nd in boards); and Brayden Upchurch (3rd in boards and 5th in form). Each did a great job and we are proud of them...

Author, columnist and Cape Girardeau lawyer David Limbaugh has taken his criticisms of Barack Obama to the top spot of several national best-seller lists with his fourth book, "Crimes Against Liberty," which calls Obama the "most destructive president in our nation's history."...

Coffee drinkers can now enjoy their morning cup of java while knowing they are helping to save lives, thanks to a new Rotary Club program. Cape Girardeau Rotary member Bill Prost said proceeds from the sales of bags of Green Mountain Coffee will go to provide sanitary drinking water to residents of countries where waterborne diseases claim the lives of thousands every day...

Local city leaders, veterans and businesses invite the public to be a part of several events scheduled for Saturday in remembrance of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Beginning at 8 a.m. at the Freedom Corner in Cape Girardeau, the Marine Corps League is hosting an all-day vigil to feature a changing of the guard every 30 minutes and participation from the city's fire and police departments...

First in Series of Releases to Keep Congressman Blunt Honest About His Record of Corruption in Washington St. Louis, MO - This week, new reports in Missouri newspapers are raising even more questions after Congressman Blunt tried to dodge the truth about his relationship with convicted felon and super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Starting today, the Carnahan campaign is issuing a series of releases to keep Congressman Blunt honest about his record of corruption in Washington...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Although emergency responders called it one of the area's worst in years, Monday's chain-reaction accident after smoke from a field fire covered U.S. 60 wasn't the first of its kind -- and it likely won't be the last. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a farmer was burning trash and started a nearby field on fire just outside of Essex. Smoke spread over the highway, and an accident involving 18 vehicles that injured 26 people occurred...

While most teenage boys turn to sports, cars and music for amusement, Matthew Meggs is easily entertained by rattles, watching cartoons and playing patty-cake with his mother, Barbara Tripp. Matthew suffers from a disorder that produces seizures on an almost daily basis. He also has been diagnosed with autism and an immune deficiency disorder. He's 14, but developmentally speaking, he has the mind of a 1-year-old. Matthew's bedroom is not just a place to sleep, it is his sanctuary...

On Friday, September 10, veterans around the 8th District will launch Veterans for Sowers, a group dedicated to helping elect Tommy Sowers. Organized by veterans around the district, this group will hold their official kickoff on Friday, September 10th by canvassing for Tommy Sowers in Kennett, Houston and West Plains. Additional events will take place next week in Poplar Bluff and Perryville. Gene Cherry, lead organizer for Veterans for Sowers, commented:...

The Hoover Center participants made Greeting Cards with their pictures and a greeting on them for the Hospice participants. Pictured from the front row are: Cherie Herbst (Hoover Center Coordinator), 2nd row: Linda Dockins, Bernice Hartman, Audrey Wooldridge, 3rd row: Barbara Warren, Norma Dawes, Helen McCarty, and Cliff Heinrick...

Some will come for the rides, others will come for the deep-fried foods, and in all about 100,000 people are expected to come to the 155th annual SEMO District Fair starting Saturday. "Last year we had about 103,000, and I would expect we'll do about the same," said Pete Poe, president of the SEMO District Fair Association...

The U.S. Department of Defense agency, Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), will host an appreciation luncheon to honor Cape Girardeau area businesses and organizations that employ National Guard and Reserve personnel. This special event, referred by ESGR as "Lunch With the Boss", will be held at 11 AM, September 22, at the Drury Lodge in Cape. ...

The Heartland Pops is now open to new singers for their annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3:30P.M. at Academic Hall. Rehearsals begin Monday, Sept. 20 at 7:00P.M. in the multi-purpose room at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson. For more information, call 579-6127 or 243-7473. You can also go to www.heartlandpops.com...

Robin Carnahan, Missouri's highest ranking election official, has ignored major voter fraud in Missouri elections to please her political supporters. (I) - For 3 years the US Justice department has pursued a case against Missouri for failing to clean up it's voter rolls. ...

Michaela Cobb has a goal for her senior year. The Scott City High School student plans on working on a number of sculptures all year and presenting them in a solo show in May. Cobb, 17, also plays basketball and works at the Ice Cream Corner in Scott City. She plans on attending Southeast Missouri State University in 2011...

In a time when many issues so quickly become polarized, it was refreshing to hear all of the positive suggestions that were made recently when the Missouri Arts Council visited with area art enthusiasts to get ideas on helping the arts to thrive across the state. The session in Cape Girardeau with the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri was one of eight being held around Missouri...

Jackson Middle School is in the news for the trial separation of boys and girls during lunch to minimize conflict. This trial might turn out to be a successful idea. However, there is one proven method for improving behavior and academic success for all children: more recess...

I had the pleasure to witness an amazing event. About a dozen or so members of the soon-to-start Vantage Point Church were at Ameri-Mart and bought about a thousand dollars of gas for whoever happened to drive up. Many of the free gas recipients were truly in need of the church's generosity, while others were lucky to be at the right place at the right time. ...

Thank you for your editorial, "Council comments," that highlighted the rationale behind changing the comments policy for items not on the agenda and encouraged feedback from others if they felt strongly one way or another. City council study sessions are open to the public and are held at 5 p.m. ...

We are thankful, O God, for mild weather and bright, sunny days. Amen.

What's happening this weekend

NEW YORK -- A 15-year-old boy damaged his eyes while playing with a laser pointer he'd bought over the Internet, say doctors who warn that dangerously high-powered versions are easily available online. One eye expert called it "a legitimate public health menace."...

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine swept northward through Texas and into Oklahoma on Wednesday, forcing dozens of high-water rescues, swamping city neighborhoods and killing at least two people. Dallas commuters endured snarled morning traffic, and the city did shut down one major thoroughfare because of flooding. ...

NEW YORK -- The Florida pastor who plans to burn the Quran on the anniversary of Sept. 11 is rooted in Pentecostal tradition that believes Christians are engaged in a modern-day spiritual battle with evil. For Terry Jones and his Dove World Outreach Center, Islam is that evil, a world view drawn from his politics and theology -- as well as an apparent thirst for publicity for his small independent church...

MOUND CITY, Ill. -- Kenneth Edward "Kenny" Lockard, son of Evelyn Lockard, of Mound City died Monday, Sept. 6, 2010, in St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Louis. He was born on his mother's first wedding anniversary on Sept. 17, 1945, in Cairo, Ill...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Lonnie Carl Brown, 59, of Marble Hill passed away Sept. 6, 2010, at Woodland Hills Nursing Home following an extended illness with multiple sclerosis. He was born May 29, 1951, in Cape Girardeau, the son of Winford C. and V. ...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Annie M. Rambo Stone, 85, of Marble Hill passed away Tuesday Sept. 7, 2010, at Fort Wayne, Ind. She was born March 23, 1925, at Lutesville, Mo., daughter of Munroe and Vina Ramsey Rambo. She and Melvis Stone were married Oct. 25, 1941, and he died Jan. 5, 1988...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Marie Frances Baer of Huntsville, Ala., formerly of Old Appleton, entered her heavenly home Aug. 30, 2010, in Huntsville where she has lived for the past 13 years. She was 99. She was born Feb. 2, 1911, in Old Appleton, daughter of Joseph William and Anna Theresa Schott Buchheit...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- William "Ed" Payne, 57, of Chaffee went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, after a long illness. Ed was born on Sept. 13, 1952, in Sikeston, Mo., son of Oral and Martha Tinsley Payne. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Kilburn, on March 30, 1984. She survives...

BENTON, Mo. -- Rose Anielak, 94, of Benton died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born Rosalia Drozkowska, Jan. 9, 1916, at St. Louis, to John Stanislaus and Rosalia Agnes Skibicka Drozkowska. On Jan. 13, 1938, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in St. Louis, she married Walter Stanley Anielak, who survives at the home...

Alta Marie Johns, 92, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at the Monticello House. She was born Aug. 29, 1918, in Ridgely, Tenn., daughter of William and Florence Ayers Holmes. She and James H. Johns were married Aug. 11, 1936. He passed away Dec. 20, 2002...

Son to Kyle Matthew Creely and Rachel Michelle Binion of Jackson, Saint Francis Medical Center, 1:25 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, 2010. Name, Gabriel Ryker. Weight, 7 pounds, 3 ounces. Fourth child, first son. Creely is the son of John Creely and Barb Creely of Morgan Hill, Calif. He is employed by Exel Logistics...

Sept. 9, 2010 Dear Julie, Our annual Labor Day weekend at the Castor River concluded with the annual visitation by trombiculid mites, better known as chiggers. As parasites go, they're probably less troublesome than many. By the time your ankles are itching the mites are already gone. They just chewed on you awhile...

William M. Bollinger and Berniece Raines have sold Courtesy Cleaners, 1107 Broadway, to an investment group headed by Wayne Turley; the new owners will take over the business Oct. 1. Great weather, great attractions and great crowds make for a great opening for the 130th annual run of the SEMO District Fair; the crowd is estimated at between 15,000 and 16,000 at Arena Park...

This Saturday, as we commemorated the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we are reminded of the sacrifices our troops make. As a veteran, I want someone in Congress who knows firsthand what fighting for our freedoms means. That's why I'm joining countless other veterans to vote for Tommy Sowers, a former Green Beret who served in Iraq...

Last week Missouri Right to Life endorsed Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson in her campaign for re-election. As a pro-life resident of the 8th District, I am proud to support her. Jo Ann is the only candidate who has proved she will stand up to Nancy Pelosi and side in defense of the unborn. ...

Again I chuckle as my competitors claim they're going to "fight" for the 8th District. Do we really want people in leadership who approach problems looking for a fight? Wouldn't it be easier to solve problems by beginning on principle, defining the problem and related limitations, acknowledging the opposing viewpoint and using logic and determination to get a point across?...

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr and other officials are scheduled to speak at the Highway 25 ribbon cutting in front of South Elementary School in Jackson at 1 p.m. Thursday. The construction project got underway in May and was intended to alleviate congestion near the school. Improvements made during the project include turning lanes, a wider parking lot entrance and additional parking spaces. A traffic signal is scheduled to be installed later this month...

WASHINGTON -- Job openings are rising modestly, a sign that employers may step up hiring soon. But rising openings in the past year haven't reduced unemployment, heightening concerns that the unemployed might lack the skills to fill the jobs that are coming available. If companies have openings but can't find qualified workers, that will make it even harder to lower the unemployment rate...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday:...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A state audit released Wednesday chided Missouri officials for poor oversight and inflated estimates of the economic benefits the state receives from a pair of business tax credit programs. The report from Auditor Susan Montee came the same day a commission appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon began a review of Missouri's many tax credits with a goal of recommending the elimination or reduction of some of them...

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee on Wednesday announced its endorsement of Rep. Jo Ann Emerson in her bid for re-election to Congress. "It is with great pleasure that the VFW-PAC announces its endorsement of Jo Ann Emerson in her bid for re-election," said Dewey Riehn, Missouri VFW legislative chairman. ...

The National Federation of Independent Business has endorsed Republican Wayne Wallingford for 158th district state representative. In a news release the federation said Wallingford has a clear understanding of the needs of small business owners and the importance of small business to the state economy. The federation also said Wallingford will work to protect small business rights and fight against unnecessary regulations...

Honors, Achievements -- From staff reports...

STEELE, Mo. -- The Pemiscot County Prosecutor's Office is currently reviewing a case from over the weekend that resulted in a would-be attacker being airlifted to the Elvis Presley Trauma Center at Memphis, Tenn. Steele Police Chief Billy Joe Stanfield told the Daily Dunklin Democrat that at approximately 9:22 p.m. Saturday, officers were dispatched to Elm Street in reference to a severely injured man...

KENNETT, Mo. -- Authorities say a work-related accident took the life of a Kennett man on Tuesday, and resulted in another being flown to Memphis, Tenn., for treatment of serious injuries. The Daily Dunklin Democrat cited Pemiscot County officials, who said deputies there were called to the Oakley Incorporated site at the Pemiscot County Port Authority regarding two male employees who had reportedly fallen from a catwalk inside the plant...

Ever wish you had a portable heater? All you need are a few items from around the house to create one. STEP 2: Add one teaspoon of dry yeast to the bag. STEP 3: Close the bag and mix the ingredients. STEP 4: Touch the sides of the bag. The warmth from the bag is created due to a chemical reaction taking place inside the bag. A chemical reaction that gives off heat is called an exothermic reaction. Discover more hands-on experiments by going to www.hookedonscience.org...

Ken Hosea shot rounds of 69 and 65 to win the senior club championship at Kimbeland Country Club. Hosea posted a 10-shot victory. Terry Hill placed second at 144 with rounds of 70 and 74. Mike Cotner (70-76) and Dennis Drerup (73-73) tied for third at 146...

ST. LOUIS -- After one practice, new St. Louis Rams wide receiver Mark Clayton thought he'd be ready in time for Sunday's opener against Arizona. Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford was optimistic, too, after seeing Clayton in action Wednesday. Bradford said it appeared Clayton already had a "great grasp" of the offense...

MILWAUKEE -- There was uncomfortable silence in the St. Louis Cardinals' clubhouse. Either it was a quiet reflection of a team tired of losing and ready to go on a September run or the settling realism that this season is over. Ryan Braun hit a three-run homer and the Milwaukee Brewers roughed up rookie Jaime Garcia in an 8-1 win Wednesday night that kept the slumping Cardinals from gaining ground in the postseason chase...

A recap of what's happening in the world of Southeast Missouri State athletics.

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

A team-by-team look at the high school volleyball teams in the Southeast Missourian's coverage area.

The Tunes at Twilight lineup has changed for Friday's concert. Amelia White will be the featured performer in the 11th week of the outdoor concert series. The original artist, Craig Carothers, backed out Wednesday due to medical problems. Talent coordinator Larry Underberg said he and others went through a list of possible substitutes and White was at the top. ...

Route U in Bollinger County will be closed today while Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe beneath the road. This section of road is between County Road 452 and Highway 34. Weather permitting, the work will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The work zone will be marked with signs...

Route FF in Cape Girardeau County will be reduced to one lane with a 14-foot width restriction today while Missouri Department of Transportation crews make pavement repairs. This section of road is from U.S. 61 to County Road 439. Weather permitting, the work will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The work zone will be marked with signs...

The installation of new lighting at four interchanges throughout Ste. Genevieve County along Interstate 55 began Wednesday. Weather permitting, work should be completed by Nov. 15. The work will take place from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, but there will be no lane closures as the work is being done along the shoulders. The project includes installing interchange lighting at the following I-55 locations: Route Z (Exit 141, Saint Mary, Mo.); Route O (Exit 154, Ste. ...

NEW ORLEANS -- BP took some of the blame for the Gulf oil disaster in an internal report issued Wednesday, acknowledging among other things that it misinterpreted a key pressure test of the well. But in a possible preview of its legal strategy, it also pointed the finger at its partners on the doomed rig...

PARIS -- A Muslim stonemason who spent nearly four decades helping to restore a Roman Catholic cathedral in France has been immortalized as a winged gargoyle peering out from its facade -- with the inscription "God is great" written in French and Arabic...

The Bulldogs won their eighth straight to open the season

Arrests...