Stories from Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Tennessee-Martin volleyball team came to Houck Field House riding a nine-match losing streak that featured only four games won during the skid. UTM left Cape Girardeau with its first Ohio Valley Conference victory after Tuesday night's four-game triumph over host Southeast Missouri State...

Jordan Gramling collected two state qualifying times and broke pool records in the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard freestyle.

While Southeast Missouri public school administrators generally support the call to extend the school year, in these days of deep budget cuts they question who will cover the cost. The question becomes even more pronounced given that Missouri school districts were forced to cut summer school budgets late last spring while state funding remained in doubt...

The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested a 42-year-old man Tuesday after he allegedly shoplifted from the Cape Girardeau Walmart and led police officers on a car chase to Mississippi County. The chase began around 5:45 p.m., according to Cpl. Bradley Smith of the Cape Girardeau Police Department...

1ST PLACE IN 10U 2010 MISSOURI GIRLS SOCCER INVITATIONAL FRONT ROW: Abby Wilson, Lynsey Powers, Kristen Tarno, Emma Brune, Megan Heisserer, Paige Cummins, Mackenzie Laurentius BACK ROW: Taylor Nelson, Kirstin Jannin, Cassidee Wunderlich, Emily Hermann, Julia Williams, Clare Fennewald, and Brent Brune...

A casino in Cape Girardeau would generate twice as much tax revenue as one in St. Louis and four times more than one in Kansas City, according to an impact study released Tuesday. The market analysis, updated from one in May, was prepared for Ameristar Casinos, Inc., which operates casinos in St. Charles, Mo., and Kansas City...

Today, Robin Carnahan's campaign launched First Responders for Robin (www.robincarnahan.com/firstresponders) to bring together Missourians who share her commitment to the people who protect us every day. The group is co-chaired by Missouri first responders: Kevin Ahlbrand, President of Missouri Fraternal Order of Police; Tony Kelley, President of Missouri State Council of Firefighters; Jennifer Stuhlman, St. ...

Jess is 9 weeks old and just as sweet as he can be. He is loving and easily handled. Jess is pretty laid back but also enjoys playing with visitors. Won't you come and visit with Jess at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, 2536 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO...

Now that Jackson has been named a DREAM Initiative city by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Mayor Barbara Lohr said the city plans to continue improving and revitalizing the city's historic uptown district. "Now the hard work starts, but we are ready for it," she said...

At 5:30 PM today Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson is scheduled to hold a "Missouri Barbeque" fundraiser at a location registered to a lobbying firm in Washington, DC. The minimum contribution to have barbeque with Congresswoman Emerson is $1,000. The invitation to the fundraiser can be found here: http://politicalpartytime.org/party/23366/#invite...

Arlington National Cemetery

Iris in bloom

Green snake with red tongue.

As Jo Ann Emerson joined supporters last Tuesday in Dexter at the Stoddard County Fair Parade, Variety.com's Wilshire and Washington Blog reports Tommy Sowers was jetting off to raise yet more money from some of his biggest supporters: liberal-elites in Hollywood...

More than 350 people packed into the Saxony Lutheran High School gym to learn more about how a proposed limestone quarry could negatively effect the Fruitland community. The newly formed Community Protection Society, which sponsored the meeting, has set a fundraising goal of $60,000 it says is needed to fight the quarry development planned on 99 acres recently purchased by Strack Excavating...

AUSTIN, Texas -- A student wearing a dark suit and a ski mask opened fire Tuesday with an assault rifle on the University of Texas campus before fleeing into a library and fatally shooting himself. No one else was hurt. The shooting began near a fountain in front of the UT Tower -- the site of one of the nation's deadliest shooting rampages more than four decades ago, when a gunman ascended the clock tower and fired down on dozens of people...

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston woman has been arrested and charged with several counts of statutory rape and sodomy for allegedly being sexually involved with up to four teenage boys, according to the Scott County Sheriff's Department. Jennifer R. Lewis, 35, is charged with three counts of second-degree statutory rape, four counts of second-degree statutory sodomy, three counts of first-degree child endangerment, first-degree statutory sodomy and first-degree statutory rape for incidents allegedly occurring between December and May.. ...

NEW YORK -- A late push gave stock indexes moderate gains Tuesday as investors brushed off news that consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level since February. A big jump in earnings from Walgreen Co. and another corporate acquisition gave investors enough confidence to extend a four-week rally. Stocks were mixed for much of the day but struggled higher at the finish...

WASHINGTON -- The recession seems to be socking Americans in the heart as well as the wallet: Marriages have hit an all-time low while pleas for food stamps have reached a record high and the gap between rich and poor has grown to its widest ever...

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The state that launched Barack Obama toward the White House could deliver a painful rebuke in November by handing Democrats a series of major defeats, thanks to a combination of bad politics and bad luck. Obama friend Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois treasurer, is struggling to capture the president's former Senate seat against a Republican opponent damaged by his false claims about military accomplishments...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Sunday:...

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

Lentice M. "Abe" Abernathy, 81, of Whitewater passed away Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, at his home. He was born Feb. 28, 1929, in Vanduser, Mo., son of Harry J. and Gladys M. Campbell Abernathy. He and Betty Jane Niswonger were married April 27, 1951. Lentice was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, and a former member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chaffee. He was a salesman many years with Mirly Truck Sales, retiring to the family farm in 1983...

Floyd William Wright, 85, of St. Charles, Mo., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010, at the Meadowlands, surrounded by family. Dearest husband of 62 years to Betty Ann Besel Wright; dear son of the late Floyd E. and Isabelle Wright; devoted father of Dr. William B. (Gail) Wright, Robert A. (Kelly) Wright, Bruce L. Wright and Brian S. (Joan) Wright; beloved grandfather of Dr. Amberle, Bradley, Trevor, Katherine and Taylor Wright...

Maxine E. Hitt, 88, of Oak Ridge died Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010, at Jackson Manor in Jackson. Arrangements are incomplete at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson.

Daughter to Denontay Jackson and Alexis Danielle Glaze of Jackson, Saint Francis Medical Center, 10:38 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. Name, Grace Kendra. Weight, 7 pounds, 15 ounces. Ms. Glaze is the daughter of Darla Preslar of Neelyville, Mo. Daughter to Jessica Ladawn Hempstead of Cape Girardeau, Saint Francis Medical Center, 9:37 a.m. ...

Charles "Rick" Bahn Jr., son of Dr. Charles Bahn and the late Betty Bahn, is ordained into Christian ministry at an afternoon ceremony at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Cape Girardeau; he is serving as associate minister of Webster Groves Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Leon Patrick Bisher, 96, of Chaffee died Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, at Chaffee Nursing Center. He was born March 8, 1914, in St. Louis, son of John and Mary Schlosser Bisher. He and Cecelia Elizabeth Gosche were married Oct. 11, 1941. She preceded him in death Aug. 23, 2001...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Dorothy A. "Dot" Burch, 92, of Perryville died Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, at Independence Care Center of Perry County. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. A Catholic wake will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday...

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- Two women are suspects in a robbery of a casino patron. The Sikeston Standard Democrat reported that at 1:50 a.m. Tuesday, Caruthersville police were called to the Casino Inns and Suites. The victim stated he was robbed of $11,000 in cash and casino chips and gave a description of two women and their vehicle...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday:...

LONDON -- Intelligence officials have intercepted a credible terror plot against Britain and France, raising security fears at the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday, but failing to raise the overall threat level in either country. The Eiffel Tower was briefly evacuated Tuesday evening after officials received a bomb threat called in from a telephone booth. It was the second such alert at the monument in two weeks...

SEOUL, South Korea -- The youngest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il was elected to leadership roles in the ruling Workers' Party, state media said early today, bolstering speculation he's being groomed to succeed his father as leader of the nuclear-armed nation...

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Nearly nine months after the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake, more than a million Haitians still live on the streets between piles of rubble. One reason: Not a cent of the $1.15 billion the U.S. promised for rebuilding has arrived...

SHAWNEETOWN, Ill. -- A Southern Illinois county has fired its jailed sheriff, welcoming the news of his marijuana-trafficking and murder-for-hire convictions as the legal justification to finally bounce the law enforcer who steadfastly refused to step down for more than a year...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and other transportation officials on Tuesday questioned an insurance industry study that found crashes increased in three of four states with laws banning texting while driving. "Lives are at stake, and all the reputable research we have says that tough laws, good enforcement and increased public awareness will help put a stop to the deadly epidemic of distracted driving on our roads," LaHood said...

ST. LOUIS -- The odds against winning $1 million in the Lottery: Astronomical. How about doing it twice? It happened to a man from Bonne Terre, Mo., Missouri Lottery officials said Tuesday. Ernest Pullen, 57, won $1 million with a "100 Million Dollar Blockbuster" Scratchers ticket in June. And this month, he won $2 million with a "Mega MONOPOLY" Scratchers ticket...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Consumers wanting to buy certain cold and allergy medicines in Missouri soon will be checked in a statewide database intended to catch people involved in making the illegal drug methamphetamine. State regulations that took effect Tuesday require pharmacists selling pseudoephedrine-based medicines to enter details about the buyers into a real-time electronic database. Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient in meth, a highly addictive and illegal stimulant...

Three Scott City residents were arrested Monday after a search of their residence revealed more than 10 methamphetamine labs, according to a news release from the Scott City Police Department. Deseray A. Squires, Jeffery W. McGee and Ronda A. Talley are charged with the attempt to manufacture a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of methamphetamine precursors. ...

Both of our children are in the Cape Central Marching Tigers Band this year, and it is off to a great start. For the first time, it performed in two competitions in one day, taking home first place in both competitions at Farmington, Mo., and Murphysboro, Ill. We are excited about the great start to their season...

The term chowder usually brings to mind a steaming bowl of thick and chunky soup, often enriched with a generous amount of whole milk, or even cream. It's that last part that can dishearten the diet-conscious diner. Soups and some stews can be a great way to fill up on low-calorie vegetables, proteins and liquid, leaving you satisfied without feeling stuffed. But too much cream, milk or sour cream can take the virtue right out of the meal...

Ben Wenberg was a wealthy sea captain who sailed between Cuba and New York in the late 19th century, taking part in the fruit trade. A gastronome, when ashore he often dined at New York's Delmonico's Restaurant. One evening in 1876 he walked into the restaurant and announced he had learned a new way to cook lobster. Summoning a chafing dish to his table he proceeded to concoct an extravagant preparation of lobster chunks, cream, eggs, butter, sherry and a little cayenne pepper...

Everything I have read lately seems to indicate that the mayor and city council members of Cape Girardeau are pushing to bring the Isle of Capri Casino into Cape Girardeau. It appears they have ignored all the speak out comments and good articles against it and are going full speed ahead, spending all the easy money they envision will be coming...

On Sunday, Sept. 19, the River City Rodders in conjunction with Old Town Cape hosted the 33rd annual Car Show -- now known as the River Tales Classic. This was the fourth year for our show to be in downtown Cape Girardeau, and the feedback that we received from both participants and spectators regarding the downtown location was universally positive. ...

Cape Girardeau recently welcomed hundreds of classic car enthusiasts who attended the annual River Tales Classic Car Show. The show is sponsored by the River City Rodders and Old Town Cape. Two hundred classic cars were judged in 31 classes at this year's show. Trophies were given for best in show as well as first, second and third place...

THOUGH he didn't name him, David Limbaugh recently referred to defeated Republican primary candidate Mike Castle as a "statist." Most people will probably read and accept Limbaugh's characterization of Castle as accurate. Thus, I fear we may be doomed...

By Mark Kneer In 1994, I was informed the Southeast Missourian had hired a new editor named Joe Sullivan. Joe was coming to our organization with a vast amount of credentials and experience both as an editor and publisher. At most newspapers, editors and circulation personnel don't always see eye-to-eye, so at that time I had little reason to be excited...

Thank you, O Lord, for renewing our strength and guiding us along the right paths. Amen.

ST. LOUIS -- Adam Wainwright won his 19th and 20th games while nursing a right forearm strain hurt in a freak accident at home. Now, the team doctor recommends he shut it down for the year. The 20-game winner underwent an MRI exam Monday that revealed a strained muscle in his forearm and inflammation near the elbow, and team physician Dr. George Paletta recommended that Wainwright not pitch again this season...

St. Louis saw its playoff hopes end before the end of Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Pirates

There's a lot of buzz about education this week. Most of it coinciding with a new documentary that explores the failures of the American public education system. But as a classic cynic, I also suspect the education discussion is a well-timed diversion from the economy -- just before the November elections...

The team of Sissy Donahue, Sherre Simmons, Carol Weinrich and Kathy Gaines won the Women on Par to Save Babies four-person scramble golf tournament at the Cape Girardeau Country Club. Carolyn Torbet, Nancy Johns, Susie Ruppert and Oliver Hunter finished second...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Stoddard County commissioners approved the closing of a part of County Road 535 to pave the way for an expansion at the Nestlé Purina Petcare, Inc., facility near Bloomfield at their regular meeting Monday. The Dexter Daily Statesman reported the Nestlé Purina plant is planning a $60 to $70 million dollar expansion, according to Julian Steiner, executive director of the Industrial Development Authority of Stoddard County...

The victim of sexual abuse was the first and only witness to testify Tuesday at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse against the man who allegedly molested her sporadically for three years. The victim, now 19, told the court that Kenneth G. Higgins first molested her when she was 12 and the sexual abuse stopped after she turned 15 years old...