Stories from February 2011

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Senate has given first-round approval to a measure that would outlaw texting for all drivers in the state. The bill would expand the state's current law, which prohibits anyone 21 years or younger from sending a text message on a cell phone while driving...

OZARK, Mo. -- A Jackson man who missed a court date in southwest Missouri on kidnapping charges did so because he was in jail in Cape Girardeau County. Scott A. Pikey is charged in Christian County with two counts of felony kidnapping and one count of violating a protection order. ...

A Southeast Missouri lawmaker wants to tighten up borrowing protocol for Missouri's universities and colleges, a move in large part precipitated by Southeast Missouri State University's biggest bond issues. But one member of the university's board of regents worries the legislation could prove stifling to higher education's quest to improve crumbling infrastructure...

James Lane and T.J. Tisdell dominated Notre Dame inside during the second half. The two Central post players combined to make all 11 of their shots from the field in the second half of the Tigers' 58-48 victory Monday at the Show Me Center. "We just came out with more intensity," Lane said. "Coach was like you can't come out all dead and stuff, so we came out and did what we do."...

In the years before global warming it seems that Cape always had at least one solidly sledable snowfall a year. In those less environmentally and safety conscious days there were a number of championship sled hills. Bertling is frequently recalled, primarily for length. But for steepness of angle, at least two surpassed it...

sniffing for rabbits

The Cape Girardeau City Council perused a scaled-down list of "high priority" capital improvements Monday night, including pleas for a police department annex, a new fire station, an RV park and various other environmental, transportation and recreational projects...

A federal judge in Florida declared the Obama administration's health care overhaul unconstitutional Monday, siding with 26 states that sued to block it, saying that people can't be required to buy health insurance. U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson in Pensacola, Fla., agreed with the states that the new law violates people's rights by forcing them to buy health insurance by 2014 or face penalties. ...

Don't think it doesn't get cold in Florida. We spotted this mailbox sporting a coat on a ride this weekend. Go here to see more unique mailboxes (that aren't covered in snow and ice). http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/hypoluxo-island-mailboxes/...

While folks in the Midwest are fighting ice and snow, it's perfect bike riding weather in Florida. Here's a shot from this weekend when we rode though a neighborhood with unique mailboxes. To see more of them, go to http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/hypoluxo-island-mailboxes/...

KENNETT, Mo. -- A bicyclist was seriously injured after being struck by a Missouri State Highway Patrol car. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the accident occurred at 9:14 p.m. Saturday, on Highway 412, five miles east of Kennett when an eastbound patrol vehicle driven by Craig A. Cook, 25, of Poplar Bluff struck bicyclist Tucker L. Risner, 16, of Kennett...

Jackson is planning to take some steps to prevent abuse of the city's brush and leaf dumping pits.

CAIRO -- Egypt's military promised Monday not to fire on any peaceful protests and recognized "the legitimacy of the people's demands," a sign army support for President Hosni Mubarak may be unraveling. Protesters planned a major escalation, calling for a million people to take to the streets to push Mubarak out of power...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Elfrieda C. Sutterer, 90, of Perryville died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at Perry County Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 6:30 to 9:50 a.m. Saturday at Miller Family Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. Friday...

Carl Loenneke, 89, of Jackson died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Jackson Manor. McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

"Young Adult Night" at Rumors Inc., 26 N. Main St., has become so popular that the management is planning to open a separate and permanent young adult nightclub in Cape Girardeau; although plans are incomplete, it is thought the club will also be located downtown...

Betty Lou Hendershott, 61, of Burfordville died Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at Woodland Hills Nursing Home in Marble Hill, Mo. She was born March 5, 1949, during a snowstorm in rural Bollinger County, daughter of Edna and Willie Reagan, and was the youngest of five children. Over the last two years she battled cancer...

Morris Albert Haman, 86, of Pleasant View, Tenn., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at Sterling House Assisted Living in Goodlettsville, Tenn. He was born Nov. 24, 1924, in Cape Girardeau, to Albert and Kate Bast Haman. He and Marjorie R. Harris were married March 20, 1948, in Cape Girardeau. She died Sept. 30, 2002...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Rella Agnes Glastetter, 83, of Chaffee died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born Feb. 9, 1927, in Chaffee, daughter of George and Caroline Lux Glueck. She and Eugene Leo Glastetter were married March 10, 1945. He died Aug. 30, 2007...

Virginia R. Dohogne, 95, of Jonesboro, Ark., died Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. She was born May 19, 1915, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Ranney. She married Linus E. Dohogne. Virginia lived much of her life in Paragould, Ark., before moving to St. Bernard's Village in Jonesboro 11 years ago...

Katie Elizabeth Driskell, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center. She was born Jan. 18, 1928, in Salem, Ky., to C. Perry and Grace P. McGlothin Mott. She and Isaac H. Driskell were married June 4, 1947, at Arbor, Mo. He preceded her in death April 20, 2010...

Opal Lucille Hahn, 84, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Millersville, died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Feb. 28, 1926, at Millersville to Edgar Hays and Lillian Lucille Howard Smith. Opal and John D. Hahn were married July 8, 1949. He died March 19, 1984...

Wilfrid J. "Bill" Scharenborg, 76, of Jackson died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Aug. 11, 1934, son of John and Frances VanGennip Scharenborg. He and Kay Seibel were married June 1, 1963. She died June 7, 2007...

Theresa Ann Bartling Walker, 60, of Alton, Ill., died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011. She was born in Cape Girardeau, and later moved to Alton and attended Alton public schools before graduating in 1968. Theresa later moved to Florida and worked as a 911 operator for the St. Petersburg Police Department for years. She loved her job. She found it fulfilling and challenging. Theresa was a very talented woman when it came to crafts and was well-known for her intricate cross stitch and quilt work...

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

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

POLICE The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrest Theft Burglary Property damage FIRE Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday: ...

Judith Ann Brittain, 84, of Jackson died Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at her home. She was born Jan. 17, 1927, in Vanduser, Mo., to Clarence and Helen Gist Moore. She married George H. Brittain Oct. 15, 1947. He died May 21, 1991. Brittain was a seamstress by trade and worked many years from her house. She also had Attic Treasures Craft Store in Alabama. She worked for RM Coco in Cape Girardeau until retiring in 2007 at the age of 81...

NEW YORK -- Weeks after the shooting in Tucson, sellers at an Arizona gun show allowed undercover investigators hired by New York City to buy semiautomatic pistols even after they said they probably couldn't pass a background check, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday...

NEW YORK -- British actor Henry Cavill is going up, up and away. Cavill will star as Superman (and, obviously, Clark Kent) in the next installment of the movie franchise, Warner Bros. Pictures has announced. The film is to be directed by "300" director Zack Snyder, who says in a statement Cavill is "the perfect choice to don the cape and 'S' shield."...

WASHINGTON -- Americans spent at the fastest pace in three years in 2010, boosted by a strong finish in December. Consumer spending rose 0.7 percent in December, the sixth straight monthly increase, the Commerce Department reported Monday. Households saw their incomes rise 0.4 percent, the same as November...

Due to impending inclement weather Monday, Southeast Missouri State University said its Perryville Higher Education Center will be closed today.

There are few people who exhibit as much passion about something as Jess Bolen and his wife, Mary, do about Capahas baseball. And Sunday, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame recognized this passion by inducting the longtime baseball manager into its prestigious group...

I do not smoke. I do not even like to be around smoke, but I think if someone chooses to smoke, that is their right. It's not my right to tell them they can't do it. THIS is to the GOP. Where were you guys at from 2001 to 2008? You didn't talk about cutting and saving money. Why not? Because Bush was president...

ORAN, Mo. -- Roy Edward Graviett, 87, of Oran died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at his home. He was born June 23, 1923, in Lepanto, Ark., son of Orval and Margaret Kanauss Graviett. He and Stella "Suggie" Stubenrauch were married Oct. 4, 1945. She died April 22, 2005...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri House member wants individual states to have more power over the national debt. Republican Chuck Gatschenberger, of Lake St. Louis, is sponsoring a resolution urging Congress to a call a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri House has passed a bill allowing drug tests of welfare recipients and applicants if the state suspects they're using illegal drugs. The House bill would deny Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits for one year to suspected drug users if they failed the test given by the Department of Social Services...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Scott County Transit is getting back into the Medicaid transport business. Marilyn Schlosser, executive director for the transit system, said they should get the results of the driver background checks any day now after which they will receive Medical Transportation Management credentials and begin providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services for Medicaid recipients...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Malden, Mo., man who allegedly stole a car from a Dexter, Mo., dealership and fled with his family to New Orleans entered a guilty plea Wednesday and was sentenced to serve five years in prison. Chris Rauscher, 38, pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary and the theft of a 2010 Hyundai Sonata from a local car dealership. As part of the plea agreement, Rauscher will serve a 5-year prison sentence...

O Lord, may we always put on the full armor of God. Amen.

WASHINGTON -- Before there was Dr. Atkins, there was William Banting. He invented the low-carb diet of 1863. Even then Americans were trying out advice that urged fish, mutton or "any meat except pork" for breakfast, lunch and dinner -- hold the potatoes, please...

If you are looking for a way to get your child more active and educated about being healthier, the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau has one. Sesame Street LIVE! returns to the Show Me Center today and Wednesday with "Elmo's Healthy Heroes." This show centers on Super Grover, Sesame Street's resident superhero, who has lost his "superness." Elmo, teaming up with friends from the Sesame Street neighborhood, including Abby Cadabby, teaches children healthy habits regarding exercise, hygiene, proper sleep and nutrition through song and dance. ...

WASHINGTON -- No tricks. Less fine print. Clearer agreements. That's how banks should market products to consumers, said Elizabeth Warren, the Harvard law professor in charge of setting up a new federal agency that will police credit cards, mortgages and other financial services...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A monster winter storm took aim at a third of the nation Monday, threatening to lay a potentially deadly path of heavy snow and ice from the Rockies to New England, followed by a wave of bone-rattling cold that could affect tens of millions of people...

Southeast Missouri State University officials were tight-lipped about a closed-door meeting Monday. The university's board of regents met privately in executive session Monday afternoon. Southeast president Ken Dobbins said he could not comment on discussions and declined to comment on when details from the meeting would be announced...

A couple of important things went right for the Notre Dame girls basketball team in the first minute of the third quarter Monday night. Central star Chelsea Pannier was called for her fourth foul, which forced her to miss the remainder of the period, and by the time Central called a timeout a few seconds later, Notre Dame senior Allyson Bradshaw could see her team's half-court press was going to work on defense...

SOUTHEAst's basketball games tonight against SIU-Edwardsville will not be played due to bad weather

The future of Southeast Missouri State football coach Tony Samuel remained uncertain Monday as his original five-year contract expired. Samuel's original five-year contract paid him $8,000 per month plus an annuity. Even though Samuel's contract expired, he still is scheduled to attend a signing day party Wednesday at Port Cape in which he is scheduled to speak about the Redhawks' new recruits on national signing day...

All the local high school events reported Monday to the Southeast Missourian.

A Sikeston, Mo., teenager is in serious condition following a Sunday night four-wheeler accident. According to the Missouri State Highway, April Griswell, 19, was a passenger on a four-wheeler driven by 23-year-old Tyler D. Emerson of Sikeston when it was rear-ended by a four-wheeler driven by 17-year-old Dakoda S. ...

A Jackson woman received moderate injuries following a two-car accident Sunday afternoon. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 2003 Toyota driven by Linda M. Ronsick, 49, was slowing to make a right turn when it was struck in the rear by the 2001 Chevrolet driven by Mattie J. Wilhite, 19, of Old Appleton. The accident occurred at 4:35 p.m. on U.S. 61, two miles north of Fruitland...

The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing Thursday to discuss converting the Fruitland rest areas to commercial vehicle parking. The meeting will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. It will have an open-house format, so visitors can stop by to talk with a member of the project team at any time. ...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Mary Helen Horrell, 70, of Chaffee died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee is in charge of arrangements.

Normal Avenue in Cape Girardeau is closed today between Pacific and Sprigg Streets, according to an email from the city government. The section of road is closed for a sewer project, and will reopen when the project is completed.

Twenty-nine customers of Black River Electric Cooperative, primarily in Madison and Bollinger counties, were without power around 11 a.m. Wednesday, down from around 100 earlier in the day. Customers of Ameren Missouri and Citizens Electric Corporation who had lost power after Tuesday's winter storm, had their power restored...

Rain and dropping temperatures began to take a toll on Perry County motorists by midafternoon and into the evening Tuesday, when authorities reported tree limbs down and slippery roads in the western half of the county.

"I guess I didn't look at it as relief," Samuel said. "I just figured we're moving on to the next phase of this thing."

The amount of cargo shipped in and out of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port increased for the fourth straight year in 2010.

Debbie Vance, an employee at Rubbermaid, recently found Boyscout Troop 11 was in need of some Gatorade jugs for their outings. Debbie quickly made a request and received two three-gallon jugs from Rubbermaid. Debbie delivered the jugs to Boyscout Troop 11...

MoDOT is considering a plan that would demolish the two Fruitland rest areas on Interstate 55 and convert the space into parking for commercial trucks. Project manager Eric Krapf said county commissions along the interstate have expressed concern over the lack of parking for large trucks, often resulting in truck drivers stopping their rigs on the side of the road...

The Cape Girardeau School Board's budget retreat Tuesday was a lesson in advanced math, and a few members didn't much care for the new algebra of a complicated teachers compensation schedule. For nearly three hours, the board was flooded with numbers as members began work on a 2011-2012 Cape Girardeau School District budget built on plenty of assumptions. ...

Zoey is 8 months old and is already spayed. She is available for adoption at The Humane Society, 573-334-5837. See more pets available at www.semopets.org

The Football Championship Subdivision national coach of the year will continue to call Cape Girardeau home.

The former federal courthouse may soon have a new suitor, with Cape Girardeau officials saying Tuesday they are interested in the building for a variety of possible city uses such as law enforcement, municipal courts or perhaps even a replacement for city hall...

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- The advertisement for Pioneer's brand Y Series soybeans touts it is "ReshapYing the Landscape." Yet, in New Madrid County, it is Pioneer's newest soybean production plant going up along U.S. 61 that is reshaping the landscape. Located on 129 acres of former farm land, the plant site will cover 40 of those acres...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A woman was behind bars Tuesday following an accident Monday on Highway 25 south in Bloomfield. Jessica D. Harms, 27, is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of driving under the influence of drugs. ...

While many can say they've faced some type of trial or difficult circumstance in their life, not all show the kind of faith and strength that Abigail Jensen and her parents have illustrated over the past year. At age 4, Abigail was diagnosed with a rare and inoperable brain tumor. However, Abigail, now 5 years old, says she is "kicking brain tumor butt."...

I don't know what it is going to take to finally slay the dragon of global warming. Alan Journet says there is no serious scientific evidence rejecting that global warming is occurring. He and his ilk are in denial. Under Obama's progressive plan of cap and trade, energy prices may necessarily skyrocket. ...

Recently the Cape Girardeau County Commission held its budget meeting. I could not help but notice that several items budgeted could have been mostly paid for by Commissioner Jay Purcell's frivolous lawsuit of 2010. To refresh everyone's memory, Mr. Purcell incurred legal costs of $26,350 to the county by suing himself and losing three times in state courts. Instead of taking the high moral road and paying the bill himself, he has decided to place this burden on the taxpayers...

It would be a massive understatement to say the United States was caught off-guard by the unrest in Egypt. Just last week, Vice President Biden and Secretary of State Clinton both gave some level of assurance that all was well within the Middle Eastern country...

O God, you are our shield and the horn of our salvation, our stronghold. Amen.

AMMAN, Jordan -- Jordan's King Abdullah II, bowing to public pressure, fired his government Tuesday and tasked a new prime minister with quickly boosting economic opportunities and giving Jordanians a greater say in politics. The country's powerful Muslim opposition, which had demanded the dismissal of Prime Minister Samir Rifai in several nationwide protests inspired by those in Tunisia and Egypt, said the changes didn't go far enough...

CAIRO -- President Hosni Mubarak defied a quarter-million protesters demanding he step down immediately, announcing Tuesday he would serve out the last months of his term and "die on Egyptian soil." He promised not to seek re-election, but that did not calm public fury as clashes erupted between his opponents and supporters...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Former Missouri governor Matt Blunt took over Tuesday as leader of a group that promotes the interests of U.S. automobile manufacturers and pledged to broaden its traditional focus on trade issues to include domestic policies...

Carl F. Loenneke, 89, of Jackson passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home, where he and his wife have lived the past few years. One of five children, Carl was born Feb. 13, 1921, near Tilsit, to Joseph Carl F. and Bertha Aufdenberg Loenneke. He attended the former Cane Creek School and Immanuel Lutheran School. He and Elda I. Lange were married Jan. 23, 1945, by the Rev. H.J. Strickard, at the church parsonage of Immanuel Lutheran Church at Tilsit...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Mary Helen Horrell, 70, of Chaffee died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Jan. 18, 1941, daughter of John and Colletta Scherer Ziegler. She and Larry J. Horrell were married Oct. 10, 1959...

Michael Lynn "Mike" Seiler, 38, of Friedheim, passed away Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at the home of his parents in Friedheim, with his loving family by his side. He had fought a courageous battle with cancer the past two years. He was born July 9, 1972, in Cape Girardeau, son of Lenny and Jeanne Berkbigler Seiler...

Pauline Stevens, 87, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Southeast Hospital. She was born Dec. 2, 1923, in Matthews, Mo., to John Henry and Rosie Brees Bonds. She married Paul Tweedy, who passed away in April 1945. She married Paul Mobley in 1949, who passed away in 1980. Later she married Albert Stevens, who preceded her in 1994...

Geoffery Jean Allen Jabr, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at her home. She was born Dec. 20, 1928, in Wilson, Ark., to Geoffery and Ethel Sutton Allen. Geoffery was a world traveler and historian. She enjoyed painting portraits and reading. She raised five sons...

Joseph "Ben" Rudert, 92, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Nathan Burgell officiating. A military honors service will be held immediately following at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park...

Barry Polston, 63, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Cairo, Ill., died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at Southeast Hospital. Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.

Daughter to Roy Adam VanDeWeghe and Marie Lucille Deckard of Jackson, Southeast Hospital, 8:50 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. Name, Elizabeth Kate. Weight, 6 pounds, 8 1/2 ounces. Ms. Deckard is the daughter of Gale and Carol Deckard of Jackson. She is employed by Capetown Assisted and Independent Living. VanDeWeghe is the son of Melenie VanDeWeghe of Cape Girardeau...

In observance of Baptist Men's Day, Dr. Arthur Mallory, commissioner of education for Missouri, is guest speaker at First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau in the morning; in the evening, the guest speaker is Stanley Riehn. Cape Girardeau County Sheriff Dwight Thomas takes over the investigation of a traffic accident within the city limits of Cape Girardeau involving his chief of operations...

Winter weather surrounding the area has postponed the Jackson Recycling Center's temporary closure. The center will now be open Wednesday, but will close Tuesday. It will reopen Feb. 9 at 8 a.m. The center will be closed as contractors move balers. Pertinent address:...

NAPA, Calif. -- You like red and the love of your life likes white? No need to compromise for love this Valentine's Day. Picking one of the many half-sized bottles of wine available can make everyone happy -- and even make pairing with food easier. It might even save you a few bucks, too...

ST. LOUIS -- Potentially the worst winter storm to hit Missouri in decades delivered freezing rain and more than a foot of snow Tuesday, creating whiteout conditions so severe that state officials closed the entire 252-mile stretch of Interstate 70 linking Kansas City and St. Louis...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday:...

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

NEW YORK -- The Dow Jones industrial average has closed above 12,000 for the first time in 2 1/2 years -- yet another sign the economy is extending its recovery from the recession. Another big stock market index, the Standard & Poor's 500, reached a milestone of its own Tuesday. It closed above 1,300...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- President Barack Obama's selection of this Southern city for the 2012 Democratic convention signals he will try to reassemble his diverse coalition of 2008 supporters and fight for the conservative-leaning states that helped him win the White House...

Southeast hired Mohnsen as defensive coordinator, shifted McGuire to offense

All the local high school events reported Tuesday to the Southeast Missourian.

My aunt Anna Mae Powell, who lives in Lebanon, Ind., sent a new cookbook to my mother recently from her church, Centenary United Methodist. It is a 275-page book celebrating the church's 175th anniversary. I have attended church there on many occasions while visiting family. ...

Super Bowl party food is all about big, comfy flavor, and ease. Because on the day of the big game, you want to spend your time in front of the tube, not the stove. Sliders are great because they can be served as appetizers or entrees. And assembling a buffet of make-it-yourself sliders allows your guests to tailor the sandwiches to their liking...

A Jackson woman received moderate injuries following a two-car accident in Scott County Monday afternoon. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 2006 Toyota driven by Christina A. Steffens, 43, was traveling at a high rate of speed on Interstate 55 northbound when it struck another vehicle in the rear at mile marker 76. The driver of the other car, 40-year-old Regina F. Lambert of Sikeston, Mo., was not injured in the accident...

*** Police The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Theft * A theft was reported in the 300 block of West Adams Street. *** Burglary * A burglary was reported in the 100 block of North Oklahoma Street.

NEW YORK -- Big companies like General Motors file for bankruptcy. Some cities do, too. And last year 1.5 million Americans did it. But U.S. states aren't allowed. Now a few policymakers and pundits are debating whether it's time to give states a court-sanctioned way to shed their debts...

The 6-foot-3 freshman post player played a pivotal role in each of his team's last three games, all wins for the Blue Jays.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Willie Mays Aikens, who went from World Series star to federal prison inmate, has returned to baseball. The 56-year-old Aikens was hired Tuesday as a minor league coach by the Kansas City Royals and will work at their complex in Surprise, Ariz...

St. Vincent and Immanuel Lutheran schools, the Perry County public school system and Southeast Missouri State University's Higher Education Center reported Wednesday closings due to weather.

St. Louis, Mo.--(Feb. 2, 2011) - Randall Wilson of RGL Forensics, an international forensic accounting, consulting and investigation firm, has earned Diplomate status with the American Board of Forensic Accounting by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI)...

Leopold Elementary School 4th grade: Amber Barron, Mackenzy Devenport, Brady Eeftink, Madison Eftink, Mya Eldridge, David Gray, Jessica Hester, Collin James, Grant Koenig, Ryan Lewis, Macy Morehead, Grace Seabaugh, Hannah Thiele, Patience VanderMierden, Hannah Vandeven...

Zalma Junior & Senior High School A Honor Roll 7th grade: Wyatt Lemons, Christopher Lombeida, Megan Puchbauer. 8th grade: Andrew Hovis, Evan Hovis, Nikkita Phillips, Katelynn Wheetley. 10th grade: Kaitlin Northern, Savanah Rogers, Lorie VanGennip, Jennifer Ware...

Zalma Elementary School A Honor Roll 1st grade: Kirsten Burkman, Melena Cato, Catalina Lewis, Adison Little, Ricky Tackett, Jake Wade, Nate Ware 2nd grade: Catherine Davis, Ethan Lemons, Logan Lemons, Jacob Nanney, Jolie Pickett, Tracie VanGennip, Cole Younger...

St. Vincent De Paul Parish School A Honor Roll 4th grade: Bailey Beussink, Julia Callow, Hayden Carrington, Hannah Dodson, Alex Dow, Zach Fehr, Alex Harold, Cole Knight, Nash Lochmann, Tanner Logel, Dylan Lynch, Sydney McClintock, Haley Morris, Eli Oberle, Lily Parker, Carly Pujol, Ethan Spinner, Andrew West...

The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold an open-house community briefing today to discuss upcoming Safe & Sound bridge improvement projects in Cape Girardeau County. The briefing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Osage Centre. Three of the bridges to be discussed are located on Highway 34. ...

The Jackson-Cape Girardeau Joint Subdivision Advisory Committee will ask the Cape Girardeau County Commission to identify county residents who would be willing to join the committee's effort. The committee is scheduled to make a presentation on its proposed subdivision regulations to the county at 9:30 a.m. Monday...

The people with the power to decide if Al Spradling will be back for a second term on the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents aren't making that decision yet. When asked whether he supports another six-year term for Spradling, Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, said he wouldn't speak to hypotheticals...

On Sunday, Jan. 9, the Saxony Lutheran High School Cheerleaders competed in the NCA St. Louis Classic cheerleading competition at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The squad received the overall grand champion award for the high school squad competition. ...

Years ago, farmers had a simple way of determining which cows to breed. "A farmer would say, 'There's a good-lookin' cow. There's a good-lookin' bull. Let's mate 'em,'" said Dr. Mike Aide, chairman of Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Agriculture...

"Spamalot," the satirical stage show "lovingly ripped off" from the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. March 25 at the Bedell Performance Hall. A snowstorm and harrowing road conditions forced the cancellation of the original performance on Dec. 12...

Contact: Dawn Sperry Allen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Phone: 573-856-4005 9 a.m. CST February 3rd, 2011 muleicorn@windstream.net "CAAW's" 2nd SPRING ART SHOW "CAAW" (The Cultural Arts Alliance, Wayne Ozark Region, Inc.)announces the area's second Art Show. This will take place at The (former) Lantern Restaurant at 1019 North Main Street in Piedmont, MO running for 3 weekends in a row (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), April 1-16...

My Boys had a blast this year at Disney World! I braved motion sickness to get this photo from the spaceship behind them.

It turns out Southeast Missouri State University, like many of its higher education brethren in Missouri, expects to raise tuition, contrary to a statement from a university official. On Wednesday, Southeast president Ken Dobbins confirmed tuition could climb 4 or 5 percent in 2011-2012, although much remains to be decided in the coming weeks -- on campus and in Jefferson City...

Molly keeping warm

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Bloomfield man was arrested Wednesday morning on a warrant charging him with being a convicted sexual offender living too close to a day care facility. Gerald Barker, 38, was arrested just after 9 a.m. at his residence by Bloomfield police chief Cheryl Malone. He was booked at the Stoddard County Jail, where he was being held on $7,500 bond...

Two candidates for the Jackson Board of Aldermen have withdrawn from the April election. Jackson City Clerk Mary Lowry said late last month Ward 1 candidate Jim Shank and Ward 4 candidate Howard Duer withdrew their candidacy. Shank said his decision not to seek election to the position being vacated by Phil Penzel was based on personal reasons...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor who made a presidential run in 2008, will be the featured speaker at Three Rivers Community College's 2011 commencement. "We will be extremely honored to have Mr. Huckabee as our guest in May," said Three Rivers president Devin Stephenson. ...

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- The country's most famous groundhog predicted an early spring Wednesday. Punxsu-tawney Phil emerged just after dawn on Groundhog Day to make his 125th annual weather forecast in front of a smaller-than-usual crowd in rural Pennsylvania who braved muddy, icy conditions to hear his handlers reveal that he had not seen his shadow...

What's happening this weekend

With Missouri's unemployment hovering around 9 percent, it's never been more important for the next generation to consider how best to prepare themselves for 21st-century jobs. For many students, this preparation includes a college education. However, the cost of higher education can be prohibitive...

So the budget deficit is to hit $1.5 trillion this year, increasing the public debt to $14.3 trillion plus ("Budget deficit to hit $1.5T," January 27, 2011, page 5A). What should be done? For starters, let's try (1) cutting spending, (2) increasing revenue, (3) rejecting the increase in the debt limit, and (4) enacting a Constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget...

If I want to flip burgers for a living, I must pass a drug test. I don't have a problem with that. If I run for any government office in which I will be making rules and decisions that could potentially affect the entire nation and the world, I do not...

SCHOOL uniforms are not a good idea unless you choose to send your kid to a private school. But in the public school, no. Last I checked, we're not a socialist country. We're not communists, and therefore as a country of free ideas, clothing allows us to express ourselves somewhat...

Feb. 3, 2011 Dear Pat, When I was a kid, Mill Hill was fabled as the place daredevil sled riders went for thrills after a snowfall. Mill Hill is Cape Girardeau's piece of San Francisco. That section of Mill Street drops precipitously like an Olympic ski-jump approach. ...

O Lord, we are comforted that your grace is sufficient. Amen.

PLACERVILLE, Calif. -- A school janitor was arrested Wednesday in the killing of a Northern California elementary school principal who was hailed as a role model for other educators. No children were hurt in the late-morning shooting in the office at Louisiana Schnell Elementary School in Placerville, but one student may have witnessed the shooting, police chief George Nielson said...

The U.S. education system is failing to prepare millions of young adults for successful careers by providing a one-size-fits-all approach, and it should take a cue from its European counterparts by offering greater emphasis on occupational instruction, a Harvard University study published Wednesday concludes...

WASHINGTON -- A Republican drive to repeal the year-old health care law ended in party-line defeat in the Senate on Wednesday, leaving the Supreme Court to render a final verdict on an issue steeped in political and constitutional controversy. The vote was 47-51...

ST. LOUIS -- The monster winter storm lived up to the hype in Missouri. But even as residents began to dig out from up to 2 feet of snow, there was plenty to remain concerned about: treacherous roads, power outages and a fresh blast of cold air coming into the state on the storm's tail end...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- There are hints that astronaut Mark Kelly will blast into space in April, as commander of Endeavour's final voyage. That would mean leaving his wounded wife, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, to continue her rehab without him for at least a few weeks...

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. -- Former president George W. Bush has been scheduled to speak at the College of the Ozarks. The college in Point Lookout in southwest Missouri said Wednesday that Bush will be the featured speaker at an event April 7. The school said Bush will speak on "Leadership and Character."...

Sheldon Richardson heads Missouri's recruiting list for the second time. The Tigers expect the defensive line prospect to stick this time. Tigers coach Gary Pinkel said Wednesday that he expected Richardson to join a program coming off its third 10-win season in four years by the summer. He said the school was "sorting out academic information" with a player who committed in 2009 but failed to qualify academically...

FIRE Firefighters responded to the following call Monday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday: Firefighters responded to the following call Wednesday:...

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Darrell Williams had 15 points and 13 rebounds to lead Oklahoma State to a 76-70 victory over No. 14 Missouri on Wednesday. Jean-Paul Olukemi and Keiton Page both scored 19 points for Oklahoma State (15-7, 3-5 Big 12), which ended a three-game losing streak...

Daughter to Steven Wayne and Leah Dixon Ford of Friedheim, Southeast Hospital, 2:23 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. Name, Haylee Elizabeth. Weight, 8 pounds, 11 ounces. Mrs. Ford is the former Leah Meyer, daughter of Randy and Lucy Meyer of Oak Ridge. Ford is the son of Larry and Pat Ford of Oak Ridge. He is a line mechanic at Unilever...

All the scores from Wednesday reported to the Southeast Missourian.

Boerboom signed to play at the University of New Mexico

Donald E. Enderle, 76, of Scott City died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City is in charge of arrangements.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Zita M. Gibbar, 93, of Perryville died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at Independence Care Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, and from 6:30 to 9:50 a.m. Monday at Miller Family Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, and the rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Monday...

The Perryville boys basketball team never knew what hit it Wednesday night. The Pirates committed five turnovers on their first five possessions, burned three timeouts and didn't attempt a shot until nearly three minutes into the game. Host Central had built a 21-0 lead by the time Bryce Weibrecht's shot fell in at the 2 minute, 30 second mark of the first quarter...

Toyota Gosei Co., a Japanese auto parts maker owned mostly by Japan's largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corp., announces plans to build a plant in Perryville, Mo., by April 1987 to produce parts for U.S. automakers. University High School named Wendy Meyer and Chris Jansen queen and king of its Winter Homecoming recently; they will be the last royalty at the school, which is slated to phase out its secondary program this spring as part of Southeast Missouri State University's new teacher education program.. ...

MALDEN, Mo. -- James M. Krepps, 75, of Malden died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter, Mo. He was born Nov. 18, 1935, in St. Louis, son of Arthur and Mildred Thacker Krepps. He and Darlene Loafman were married Aug. 13, 1960, at Campbell, Mo...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Mary Helen Horrell, 70, of Chaffee died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Jan. 18, 1941, daughter of John and Colletta Scherer Ziegler. She and Larry J. Horrell were married Oct. 10, 1959...

WASHINGTON -- An orbiting NASA telescope is finding whole new worlds of possibilities in the search for alien life, spotting more than 50 potential planets that appear to be in the habitable zone. In just a year of peering out at a small slice of the galaxy, the Kepler telescope has discovered 1,235 possible planets outside our solar system. ...

With eight seniors, six of them veterans, the Notre Dame Regional High School varsity cheerleading squad is packed with experience and energy. Coach Tanya Davis said her team of 13 cheerleaders is highly committed, and senior leadership is helping take this spirit squad to new heights...

Joseph "Ben" Rudert, 92, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center. He was born March 27, 1918, in Shawneetown, son of Adolf and Pauline Ladreiter Rudert. He and Wilma Meta Meyr were married May 16, 1948, at Pocahontas. She passed away June 22, 2000...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday:...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Summonses Assault Thefts Property damage Miscellaneous Southeast Missouri State University...

Using a few items from around the house you can create a simple circuit that will teach the entire family about electricity. STEP 2: Use the wire cutters to remove the plastic from the ends of the wire. STEP 3: Tape the end of one of the six-inch pieces of wire to the end of the battery and the other end of the wire to the flashlight bulb...

CAIRO -- In their rush, some forgot their bags. The near mayhem at Cairo's airport over the past few days gave way to slightly more organized chaos Wednesday, with between 10,000 to 13,000 passengers making their escape aboard about 95 flights. Miles away, protesters fought supporters of embattled President Hosni Mubarak -- clashes sure to further stoke fears about growing instability in the country...

When it seems students are just settling into their second-semester classes and getting back into their routine of homework and studying, another wrench is thrown into the system: next year's schedule. Recently we were told to fill out an enrollment card with classes we hope to take next year. ...

Scholarships Kohl's Department Stores will award more than $415,000 in scholarships and prizes, ranging from $50 Kohl's gift cards to $10,000 scholarships, honoring young volunteers who had a positive effect on their communities. Nominations for children ages 6 to 18 will be accepted until March 15 at kohlskids.com. ...

Caitlyn Palmer and Gabriela Vieira broke a total of three Gator Swim Team records for girls ages 13 to 14 at the recent Gator Long Course Kick Off Meet. Vieira established new marks in the 400 freestyle (4 minutes, 40.22 seconds) and the 200 individual medley (2:32.84), while Palmer broke the 100 butterfly record (1:11.28)...

Poplar Bluff's Josh Freeman was also among the 22 recruits the Redhawks football program signed Wednesday.

CAIRO -- Supporters of President Hosni Mubarak charged into Cairo's central square on horses and camels brandishing whips while others rained firebombs from rooftops in what appeared to be an orchestrated assault against protesters trying to topple Egypt's leader of 30 years. Three people died and 600 were injured...

CAIRNS, Australia -- The most powerful cyclone to strike northeastern Australia in nearly a century howled inland early Thursday, tearing off roofs, flattening trees and cutting electricity to more than 170,000 people. As the sun rose after a night of furious winds and torrential rain, authorities advised residents to stay indoors until safety could be assessed in the still-dangerous conditions. Police said utility and transportation teams were surveying the extent of damage...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The Perry County Sheriff's Department was still searching Wednesday for a 45-year-old Perryville woman suspected of running a methamphetamine lab in her home. Authorities found the lab Monday at a residence on County Road 830 owned by Bridget M. ...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold an open-house community briefing March 8 to discuss upcoming Safe & Sound Bridge Project improvements in Bollinger, Stoddard and Cape Girardeau counties. The briefing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Woodland School Cafeteria in Marble Hill. Bridges to be discussed include:n Route BB Little River Ditch No. 11 (Bollinger/Stoddard County)...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation will begin work this month on the intersection of U.S. 164 and Route NN in Pemiscot County. Improvements will include the installation of transverse rumbles, red flashing signals and stop signs for east- and westbound traffic on U.S. ...

St. Mary Cathedral School A Honor Roll 4th grade: Salma Abuhamda, Dawson Compas, Lilly Edwards, Paige Emmenderfer, Rachel Essner, Sierra Greaser, Melanie Hayden, Kennedy McGhee, Taylor Nelson, William Parsons, Laura Santana, Sarah Smith, A.J. Stroup, Cassidy Swain, Abby Wilson...

Delta Junior & Senior High School A Honor Roll 7th grade: Jamie Hodge, Justin Lawson, Katie Nance, Lydia Reitzel, Kaitlyn Shallow, Austin White. 8th grade: Caleb Amelunke, Ciara Coomer, Taylor Cotton, Jesse Criddle, Danielle Helderman, Daniel Hester, Meagan Parker, Amy Russell...

Cape Christian School A Honor Roll 4th grade: A.J. Branson, Colton Jones, Scott Limbaugh, Molly McNabb, Jordan Powell, Audrie Seabaugh. 5th grade: Andrea Diamond, Laura Harris, Courtney Penzel, Jade Samanta, Bryanna Stevens. 6th grade: Garrott Clark, Jay Green, Calli House, Bailey Janota, Rachael Koehler, Caitlyn Limbaugh, Sarah Pecord, Caroline Rollins, Katelyn Smith...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Three top state officials, all from Southeast Missouri, have asked Attorney General Chris Koster to render his legal opinion on the validity of the federal health care reform law. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, House Speaker Steve Tilley, R-Perryville, and Senate President Pro Tem Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, sent a letter Thursday to Koster asking his opinion on the legal status of the state regarding the health care law, officially known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- U.S. Rep. Sam Graves of northwest Missouri chose a committee chairmanship over a Senate campaign Thursday, removing himself from a potential Republican primary for the right to challenge Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill in 2012...

MIAMI, Okla. -- A sport utility vehicle carrying eight mushroom farm workers veered off a snowy highway bridge Thursday and launched itself off an angled, plowed snowdrift and over the guardrail before plummeting more than 80 feet into a shallow icy river below...

The American Cancer Society has made a $10,000 in-kind contribution to the group battling to ban smoking in Cape Girardeau's bars, restaurants and other workplaces, but both parties are staying tight-lipped about what the nonmonetary donation will pay for...

Conflicting performance dates, not a lack of interest, resulted in the cancellation of the March 15 Willie Nelson concert at the Show Me Center, a venue representative said Thursday.

Jackson and Poplar Bluff have been fierce girls basketball rivals, with most of their meetings over the years seemingly decided in the closing moments. Chalk up another nailbiter between the teams, Thursday night's 44-38 victory by visiting Poplar Bluff...

The first parent charged under Cape Girardeau School District's beefed-up attendance policy is set to be sentenced later this month, and three more parents face charges for failing to get their children to school. Susan G. Hager, 44, 1413 William St., pleaded guilty this week to educational neglect, or violating the compulsory school attendance law. Her sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 28, according to Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle...

Often times we find ourselves so involved with the flurry of activities designed to recognize the efforts our brave veterans and servicemembers, that we occasionally overlook the profound sacrifices made by the organizations supporting them. The majority of these unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes while receiving little--if any--recognition for the labors they put forth in support of a cause they view as greater than themselves...

Call him a victim of inspiration or a legislator simply responding to the concerns of his constituents, freshman state Rep. Paul Fitzwater, R-Potosi, is on a mission to ensure that Vietnam veterans receive the official recognition they have long been denied...

A small group of protesters voiced their displeasure Thursday over the Missouri Department of Transportation's plan to demolish the Fruitland rest areas on Interstate 55 and convert the space to commercial truck parking. One of the three protesters outside MoDOT's public hearing, Kenny Williams of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., said he has spoken with officials and told them the public needs the rest areas...

This is my Macy with her sweet little new friend, Rocco. They are inseparable. Nothing like having a best friend. They are both the most loving pit bulls ever.

For this frigid water sport, swimsuits are optional -- so to speak. You'll find all kinds Saturday afternoon at Lake Boutin in Trail of Tears State Park for the fifth annual Polar Plunge, which raises money for Special Olympics Missouri's Southeast Area...

Tiger Cubs visited the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Pictured, front row from left, Thomas Abernathy, Jackson Rieger, Kyle Wadley, Zander Stewart. Back row from left, Officer Darin Hickey, Dalen Stewart, Misty Stewart-Mims, Claire Abernathy and Officer Jamie Williams...

Navy Seabee Veterans of American Island X5 Commander Mike Morgan presents a check for $5,500 to Shriner Ron Clark for the Shriners Hospital for Children.

My months stay in Cuba via Costa Rica, reminded me how fortunate we are to live in America. These men are salavaging what they can to repair so they might be able to sell something on the streets. Nothing goes to waste if one can think of how to fix it. ...

Big Brothers, Big Sisters receives donated sports balls from Southeast SportsCare, a service of SoutheastHEALTH. SportsCare is a winning combination of education, promotional support and sports medicine for athletes and athletic groups of all ages.

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) -- The former top police officer in Fredericktown has been sentenced to multiple life terms for molesting two young brothers over several years. Judge Ted House on Friday told Kenneth D. Tomlinson II "you're every parent's nightmare."...

The Jackson Art Group will hold its Second Saturday event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 12 at the Steck House Gallery, 210 E. Jackson Blvd., Jackson (next door to the First Presbyterian Church...the one with the red doors and warm hearts)...

You may never meet someone more excited about a budget cut. Kathy Mangels, Southeast Missouri State University's president for finance and administration, knows it could be a lot worse. "I'm thrilled with a 7 percent budget cut," she told the crowd gathered Friday morning for the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee at the Show Me Center...

Storing more than 200 years of court documents, tax and marriage records and wills takes some serious space. As the Cape Girardeau County Archive Center prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary this month, space is something it doesn't have in abundance...

Staff working the Saturday night shift at the Cape Girardeau Police Department had a bit of a shocking experience when a man out of breath and covered in blood entered the lobby.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon released an additional $10 million in transportation aid for public schools Thursday, citing improvements in state revenues since he reduced funding seven months ago. When Missouri's budget year began last July, Nixon cut $70 million of the $153 million lawmakers had allocated for school busing. He said then the cut was needed to keep the budget balanced because tax revenues were likely to fall short of projections...

Malcolm McCrae saw the power art had to keep children out of trouble at a young age. "I have friends that are now spending their lives in prison," he said. "I could have easily been with them if my mind hadn't been focused on my art." McCrae now lives in Sikeston, Mo., and owns an airbrushing studio. ...

History was made this week on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University with the centennial anniversary of the university's newspaper, the Arrow. The Arrow, formerly known as the Capaha Arrow, is one of the oldest student newspapers in the country. ...

On Tuesday evening, President Obama addressed the American people in regards to the political upheaval in Egypt. He said the process to replace Egypt's President Mubarak should include opposition parties. I say that our government in the United States should include opposition parties also...

I don't think school uniforms would change anything. Kids should be allowed to wear what they want as long as it does not go against the dress code. It's their freedom of choice and expression to wear different clothes and express themselves. How could making a child wear a uniform help them learn any differently? I don't see the need for school uniforms...

The Associated Press wire photo showed a woman, wearing a parka and snow boots and oversized mittens, standing in front of an empty grocery-store dairy case. She was talking on a cell phone, relaying to someone on the other end of the call that she was too late. Other shoppers had wiped out the store's entire milk supply. There wasn't even any skim milk or soy milk left. Other shoppers had panicked at the news:A blizzard was on the way...

O Lord, we commit our lives to you and believe you will bless us. Amen.

WASHINGTON -- The red swimsuit that helped make "Charlie's Angels" actress Farrah Fawcett a 1970s icon became part of the Smithsonian's collection Wednesday on what would have been her 64th birthday. Fawcett's longtime companion Ryan O'Neal presented the swimsuit and other items to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington. O'Neal said Fawcett, who died in 2009 after battling anal cancer for several years, always intended to give the suit to the museum...

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- Javier Bardem has his own A-list cheering section. Sean Penn, Julia Roberts, Ryan Gosling and writer-director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu are among the celebrities rooting for him to receive awards recognition for his emotional performance in "Biutiful."...

Arts and entertainment briefs

This month's First Friday gallery openings

Blake Shelton will rock Cape Girardeau in his first solo tour, "All About Tonight." The show will feature songs from his EPs, "Hillbilly Bone" and "All About Tonight", as well as his November album, "Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton." Shelton, who was named CMA's 2010 Male Vocalist of the Year, keeps good company. ...

NEW YORK -- Americans didn't stop splurging after the holidays. They braved snowstorms and shopped in force in January, handing retailers like Costco, Victoria's Secret and Macy's surprisingly strong sales. Along with two encouraging economic reports -- the biggest service sector expansion in five years and a plunge in weekly unemployment claims -- the sales figures offered more evidence Thursday that the economic recovery is picking up speed...

KABUL, Afghanistan -- The reputation of the Afghan police has deteriorated in the south of the country in the past year, according to a U.N. survey released Thursday, despite a campaign by NATO and U.S. troops to strengthen Afghan security forces in a region seen as key to defeating the Taliban insurgency...

TULLY, Australia -- Rain and gusts from a weakening cyclone continued to bluster across northeastern Australia Friday as those caught in the eye of the storm sought to salvage belongings from homes with missing roofs and flooded floors. With the worst of the storm over, airports reopened and airlines resumed their normal timetables. But residents were still reliving the terror of Cyclone Yasi, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in Australia...

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Haitian electoral officials dropped the government-backed candidate from the upcoming presidential runoff Thursday, ending a standoff with the U.S. and other international powers over the results of a first-round of voting that was marred by fraud and disorganization...

LAHORE, Pakistan -- A court on Thursday ordered the detention of an American official suspected in the shooting deaths of two Pakistanis extended by at least eight days, in defiance of U.S. demands the man be released immediately. The United States says the American, identified by Pakistanis as Raymond Allen Davis, has diplomatic immunity. ...

CAIRO -- Protesters and government supporters fought in a second day of rock-throwing battles at a central Cairo square while more lawlessness spread around the city. New looting and arson erupted, and gangs of thugs supporting President Hosni Mubarak attacked reporters, foreigners and rights workers while the army rounded up foreign journalists...

WASHINGTON -- Republicans now controlling the House promised Thursday to slash domestic agencies' budgets by almost 20 percent for the coming year, the first salvo in what's sure to be a bruising battle over their drive to cut spending to where it was before President Barack Obama took office...

WASHINGTON -- Economic growth is gaining momentum, with factories busy and service firms expanding, but one critical area still lags: job creation. The Labor Department will issue its January jobs report today, and economists forecast that it will show only modest hiring. Employers are expected to add a net total of 146,000 new jobs. That's barely enough to keep up with population growth. The unemployment rate is likely to tick up to 9.5 percent from 9.4 percent in December...

Stacy Jo Blankenship, 39, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at her father's home, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born July 19, 1971, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Johnny Gast and Jody Cook. Stacy was a 1989 graduate of Jackson High School. She completed cosmetology school and owned and operated a salon in Scott City. She later worked as a stylist in Junction City, Kan., until moving back to Jackson in 2008...

Donald Ervin Enderle, 76, of Scott City died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born June 10, 1934, in Kelso, Mo., to Michael Jacob and Johanna Bles Enderle. He and Marie Elizabeth McBride were married April 7, 1956, in Oran, Mo...

Bonnie Sievers, 71, of Oak Ridge died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at her home, following a brief illness. Private family service will be held at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jeff Long officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Mary Elizabeth Erdelen Hlavek, 86, of Perryville died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at Independence Care Center. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Miller Family Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. A private family graveside service will be held Monday at Mount Hope Cemetery...

Twin sons to Stephen Matthew and Karrie Lynn Zschille of Jackson, Saint Francis Medical Center, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011. Keagan Matthew was born at 8:17 a.m. and weighed 8 pounds, 5 ounces. Maklain Bryce was born at 8:18 a.m. and weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. ...

LAS VEGAS -- A helmeted bandit who escaped the Bellagio with $1.5 million in chips during a daring gunpoint heist returned to the scene of the crime several times before his luck finally ran out, police said Thursday. "He likes to gamble," Las Vegas police Lt. Ray Steiber said as he described for reporters how Anthony M. Carleo, 29, the son of a Las Vegas judge, was nabbed late Wednesday on the same casino floor at the Bellagio resort...

WASHINGTON -- A Senate report on the Fort Hood shooting is sharply critical of the FBI's failure to recognize warning signs that an Army psychiatrist had become an Islamist extremist and amounted to a "ticking time bomb." The report concluded that both the Defense Department and the FBI had sufficient information to detect that Army Maj. ...

WASHINGTON -- A senator who is a key figure in aviation issues vowed Thursday to fight off an attempt to eliminate a program that subsidizes air service to small airports, often in remote communities. The proposal is shaping up as an early test in the new Congress of conservatives' zeal for shrinking the federal government...

Cape Girardeau's air traffic control tower could be put out of operation because of the inability of the private contractor operating the tower -- Barton Air Traffic Control Inc. of Murfreesboro, Tenn. -- to obtain necessary liability insurance coverage; Barton is required to have $20 million in liability coverage, but currently has only $1 million coverage...

The Cape Girardeau County Commission approved the reappointment of Dick Withers to the county park board. Commissioner Paul Koeper said Withers told him he was very interested in continuing his work on the board. Commissioner Jay Purcell said Withers and his enthusiasm for the position have been an asset to the board...

BENTON, Mo. -- A Marble Hill, Mo., man charged more than a year ago with 18 felonies related to alleged sexual misconduct with young boys had his trial set recently by a Scott County circuit court judge. Tory F. Bowns, 51, was charged in August 2009 after the parent of a 12-year-old boy filed a complaint with authorities that he molested her child and his 10-year-old friend. The court granted a change of venue to Scott County in December 2009...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Theft Jackson Firefighters responded to the following call Wednesday:...

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

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- State and federal fire investigators continue sifting through the rubble at Dale's Motorcycle Center after a Wednesday night fire destroyed the business. A motorist calling 911 at 9:12 p.m. Wednesday reported the fire to the Butler County Sheriff's Department, which forwarded the call to city responders, according to Poplar Bluff fire chief Ralph Stucker...

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- A pursuit of a stolen police vehicle ended peacefully Thursday morning. Hayti police reported receiving a call around 6:30 a.m. from a man reporting he had been threatened with a gun. According to Hayti police chief Paul Sheckell, officers responded to investigate. While police were on the scene, Sheckell said, a man got in the police vehicle and fled the scene...

Interests and hobbies often change. They can be influenced by fads or dropped because people simply lose interest. Lou Varro is not one of those people. Varro has been drawing, painting and taking pictures for nearly 80 years. He just turned 94 and just completed another painting for his February show at the Aartful Rose. Varro displayed several pieces there in December 2009 as well...

The Southeast men's basketball team looks to end six-game losing streak

All the local high school events reported Thursday to the Southeast Missourian.

CHICAGO -- In a city known for punishing mayors for their handling of snowstorms, Mayor Richard Daley was careful not to step in front of the cameras until the main streets were clear. When he finally did Thursday, the mayor swiftly brushed aside any criticism of the city's response to the monstrous blizzard that created a startling spectacle: hundreds of motorists stranded overnight on the city's marquee thoroughfare...

February 3, 2011 - The Missouri law firm of Aaron Sachs and Associates will be running commercials during this week's highly anticipated Superbowl, on February 6th. A new ad campaign will stress this firm's basic philosophy -- that it should be easy for accident victims to get answers and help. There will be multiple fifteen second spots airing during the game in Cape Girardeau, Joplin and Columbia - Jefferson City, Missouri...

Southeast Missouri Stone Co., operated by Delta Companies, wants to open a limestone quarry near Oak Ridge at a site it mined years ago.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The state of Missouri is starting to figure out how much it cost to plow out its highways after this week's winter storm. The storm dumped as much as 20 inches of snow in some parts of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday and freezing rain in other areas. ...

A Sikeston, Mo., woman was seriously injured in a weather-related accident on Intestate 55 in Scott County Saturday morning at 7:58 a.m. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 28-year-old Mychelle M. Sloan lost control of her 2000 Ford on an ice covered bridge, ran off the road, struck a guardrail and overturned several times five miles north of Miner, Mo...

German Shepherd Puppies enjoy frolicking in the fresh fallen snow at Crooked Creek Ranch.

It's mystical how we have such warm remembrances of otherwise brutal tundra-like cold-to-the-bone childhood "snow days." Brrrr, even when freezing, snow days seemed to end on a warm note when Momma Whittle and Aunt Durette Reed would help shed our hats, scarves, gloves and layers of clothing to warm next to the Warm Morning coal-burning stove...

a remnant of a tulip popular bloom

The Young Americans 4-H Club met on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Grace United Methodist Church. Anthony Strack called the meeting to order. Tyler Kirchdoerfer and Gary Schweer led the pledges. Clayton Kirchdoerfer and Haley Ehlers led a song. Ellie Foote led a game. ...

Cape Girardeans narrowed the list of mayoral candidates yesterday, selecting businessman F.E. "Gene" Rhodes to face City Councilman Donald Strohmeyer; city council candidates elected to compete in the general election were David Limbaugh, James Rust, Ken Richardson, Frank Bean, Hugh White and Michael Annis...

COBDEN, Ill. -- The Rev. Albert Moore, 92, of Cobden died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at Union County Hospital in Anna, Ill. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour Monday at the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Joe Aldridge officiating. Interment will be in Cobden Cemetery...

James A. Bauerle, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at his home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Glenn E. Allmon, 80, of Jackson passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Nov. 5, 1930, at Whitewater, Mo., son of Lee and Elsie Blanche Winchester Allmon. He and Avis were united in marriage Dec. 31, 1949...

Maybe it's the tougher attendance policy. Perhaps it's what's happening in the classroom, or a stepped-up effort to reach students and families at risk. It could be a combination of a lot of things. Whatever the motivation, more students in the Cape Girardeau School District went to school last fall compared to same semester in 2009...

Without welfare, Jamie Todd doesn't think she'd make it. Food stamps keep her tiny kitchen stocked. WIC provides her baby's formula. The Missouri Child Care Assistance Program pays for day care. Medicaid foots the doctor bills. And the $234 monthly cash benefit from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, means there's money for rent, cab fare and diapers for 10-month-old Brianna...

Foxy was having a ball rolling in the snow like a puppy!! It must come from the half Alaskan Malamute that she is.

Thought the weeds growing around this window gave it an old neglected look from the past.

Cape Christian School would like to recognize the six students who represented CCS at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) District Spelling Bee in St. Louis, Missouri in January 2011. Pictured with Mrs. Jalon Lies -- CCS Principal are the First Place class winners from each of the upper six grades (Third through Eighth) at Cape Christian School. ...

You may never meet someone more excited about a budget cut. Kathy Mangels, Southeast Missouri State University's president for finance and administration, knows it could be a lot worse. "I'm thrilled with a 7 percent budget cut," she told the crowd gathered early Friday morning at the Show Me Center for the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee...

Rosati-Kain dug itself a large hole to start Saturday's game against host Central. The Cougars trailed 8-0 after the first quarter and were down 18-1 with three minutes to play before halftime. The Tigers never let them back in it, using a strong defensive effort to nab a 48-35 victory...

Leet EyeCare was named Small Business of the Year at the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner Friday at the Show Me Center. The Rush H. Limbaugh Award was presented to Janet Esicar, vice president at First Missouri State Bank.

A storm system that came through the area late Friday night and Saturday morning left 1.6 inches of snow in Cape Girardeau and 2.2 inches in Jackson. Alex Dodd, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., said areas to the north and west of Cape Girardeau and Jackson tended to see a bit more accumulation...

Rick and Debi Chastain of Jackson and Peter Gordon of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Leslie Suzanne Gordon, to Ryan Matthew Corn. He is the son of Lynn and Cheryl Corn of Scott City. Gordon is a 2006 graduate of Jackson High School. She is a 2010 graduate of Hannibal-LaGrange University, where she majored in communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism. She is employed by the Cultural Exchange Network...

Dave and Debbie Fluegge of Antonia, Mo., and Brenda and Barry Hensley of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Leni Rosalind Fluegge, to Matthew Charles Lambdin. He is the son of Randy and Kathy Lambdin of Wolf Lake, Ill. Fluegge is a 2005 graduate of Jackson High School. ...

Angie DePung of Oak Ridge announces the engagement of her daughter, Hailey Rae Ponder, to Nicholas Robert Troncale, both of Springfield, Mo. He is the son of Kendra Troncale and Joseph Troncale of Perryville, Mo. Ponder is also the daughter of the late Ray Ponder...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Miller of Charleston announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Louise Miller, to Daniel Lee Barnes. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Barnes of Charleston. Miller is a 2007 graduate of Charleston High School. She expects to receive a bachelor of music education degree from Southeast Missouri State University in May. She plans to teach in the music field...

Robert and Kay Carron of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Juli Carron, to Kyle Helfer. He is the son of Kim Helfer of Caruthersville, Mo., and the late Jeffery Helfer. Carron is a 2007 graduate of Jackson High School. She expects to graduate in May with an associate degree in nursing from Arkansas Northeastern College...

Steven and Laura Green of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Renae Green, to Jordan Michael Janet. He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth Janet of Cape Girardeau. Green is a 2006 graduate of Central High School. She expects to receive a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Southeast Missouri State University in May. She is employed at Bath and Body Works...

BENTON, Mo. -- Larry and Betty Essner of Benton announce the engagement of their daughter, Janelle Elizabeth Essner, to Timothy Daniel Panosian, both of Nashville, Tenn. He is the son of Dan and Karen Panosian of Elmira, N.Y. Essner is a 2004 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau. ...

Chris and Elizabeth Van Bergen of Pleasant Prairie, Wis., announce the engagement of their daughter, Brittany Van Bergen, to Matt Taylor. He is the son of Allen and Lauralee Taylor of Cape Girardeau. Van Bergen is a 2006 graduate of Tremper High School in Kenosha, Wis. She received a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 2010. She is employed by Citytech Inc. in Chicago...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Larry Cooper of Sikeston will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 13 at Miner Baptist Church. Hosts are their children. Cooper and Gail Beggs were married Feb. 17, 1961, at the home of W.A. and Virginia Beggs, parents of the bride. The Rev. H.M. Andrews performed the ceremony. Their attendants were Brenda Rister Jones and Donald Beggs...

BENTON, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Holland of Benton were honored with a dinner and dance in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. The event was held Dec. 30, 2010, at Plaza Conference Center in Cape Girardeau. Hosts were their children, Denae LeDure of Commerce, Mo., and Dr. Joel Holland of Festus, Mo...

Keeley Raquel Goodman and Curtis Paul Dannenmueller were united in marriage Nov. 27, 2010, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, Mo. The Rev. Oliver Clavin performed the ceremony. Organist was Betty Ressel of Kelso, and vocalists were Megan Moore of Cape Girardeau and Doug Moore of Scott City...

Jenna Leet and Cody Carol Bailey were married Jan. 2, 2010, at North Oxford Baptist Church in Oxford, Miss. Tim Fortner performed the ceremony. Robert Schultze read scriptures. Vocalists were Emily Bolin of Dalton, Ga., and Jerry Studdard of Columbus, Miss. Music was provided by Wedding Festival Quartet of Oxford...

Sarah Jane Wernsman and Colin Andrew Anderson were united in marriage Oct. 16, 2010, at the Jewel Box in Forest Park in St. Louis. The Rev. Judi Davis performed the ceremony. A scripture reading was given by Mark Wilson, uncle of the bride. Music was by Rosewood Ensemble string quartet, and soloist was Elise LaBarge...

BENTON, Mo. -- Randy and Jana Jennings of Bernie, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Haley Annette Jennings, to Allan Drew Silman, both of Benton. He is the son of Mark and Cindy Silman of Benton. Jennings is a 1999 graduate of Bernie High School. She received a degree in business education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2004. She is a teacher with Scott City Schools...

The historian Will Durant, co-writer of the mammoth "The Story of Civilization" series of books in the mid-20th century, pens the following at the beginning of the sixth volume: "Religion is the last thing the human mind begins to understand." Today is Super Bowl Sunday. The late Walter Cronkite, the heralded CBS newsman, once said he was amazed so many people got so excited about this championship game of professional football that -- in the end -- "means absolutely nothing."...

Cape Central High School alumnus Keith Boeller donated $1,000 from Rhodes 101 convenience stores to fund the renovation of the Hall of Fame trophy case at Cape Girardeau Central High School. Boeller made the donation after he heard that Central Junior High athletic director Terry Kitchen was seeking funding for the renovation. "Rhodes 101 is proud to be a supporter of Cape public schools," Boeller said. Pictured from left are Kitchen, Boeller and superintendent Dr. Jim Welker...

Cape Central Middle School students and staff collected and delivered more than 1,400 containers of food for the Salvation Army during the recent holiday season. It was just one of many activities to help less fortunate families throughout the Cape Public School District...

NEW YORK -- Your sweetheart or your pet: Which would you dump if one had to go? Most pet owners said they would hold on to their spouse or significant other (84 percent), but a sizable 14 percent picked their pet, according to an AP-Petside.com poll...

The Missouri National Guard's Field Maintenance Shop in Cape Girardeau recently won second place in the National Guard Bureau Army Award for Maintenance Excellence competition. The Army Award for Maintenance Excellence is a prestigious award highly sought after by Army units and maintenance shops across the country. Awards are given in three categories: small, medium and large. The National Guard Bureau reviewed the shop's accomplishments and the shop won second place in the small category...

PORTLAND, Ore. -- More than 90,000 cat lovers from 112 countries have played with the kittens at the Oregon Humane Society since September -- wiggling and yanking on kitty toys at the shelter's play room. You'd think such a large number of people would be tripping over each other at the shelter. But these visits are by remote, thanks to real-time technology that lets fans of felines use their computers to manipulate the toys, which dangle from robotic arms...

The short-eared owl is a wide-ranging species appearing on five continents, the exceptions being Australia and Antarctica. In North America, the short-eared owl winters across the southern half of the U.S. and almost all of Mexico. It summers and breeds, or lives year-round, throughout the rest of North America, including the far reaches of Alaska...

Scruffy is a 2-year-old terrier mix. He is already neutered. For more information, contact the Humane Society at 334-5837. ...

Helen is a 6-month-old kitten who had a really rough start but is well now. She's a beautiful, affectionate tortoiseshell cat. For more information, contact Safe Harbor at 243-9823. ...

Pet names: Elroy and Linkin Owners: Brent and Regina Merrell Favorite activities: Playing with squeaky toys and getting treats. ...

I want to publicly thank Southeast Missouri State University's men's basketball coach Dickey Nutt and his assistant Matt Williams for allowing 9-year-old Brody Gard of Jackson to be the "honorary coach" at the men's game recently. I also want to thank the entire team and assistant coaches for being so kind and gracious to Brody. ...

WHEN are people going to learn that disliking the president has nothing to do with his skin color but everything to do with his attitudes and policies? I'm so fed up with the attitude that anyone disagreeing with our president is doing so because he is a black American. ...

Editor's note: Today is the centennial of Ronald Reagan's birthday. The late former president is widely considered for his rhetorical genius. The following are a few excerpts from some of the president's most memorable speeches. "You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. ...

O Lord Jesus, how great and most worthy of praise you are. Amen.

MUNICH -- A new U.S.-Russia nuclear arms control treaty went into effect Saturday, securing a key foreign policy goal of President Barack Obama and raising hopes among officials on both sides that it will provide the impetus for Moscow and Washington to negotiate further reductions...

TUNIS, Tunisia -- Police fired at an angry crowd of 1,000 attacking the police station in the northwestern town of Klef on Saturday, killing two people and injuring 17 others, the Interior Ministry said. The official Tunisian news agency said the crowd had turned on police after the police chief "abused" a member of the community. A local journalist said the police chief slapped a woman during a demonstration, triggering the violence between police and citizens...

CAIRO -- The leadership of Egypt's ruling party stepped down Saturday as the military figures spearheading the transition tried to placate protesters without giving them the one resignation they demand, President Hosni Mubarak's. The United States gave key backing to the government's gradual changes, warning of the dangers if Mubarak goes too quickly...

WAPPAPELLO, Mo. -- After five years under a 9-inch minimum length limit on crappie, anglers and officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation are seeing positive results at Wappapello Lake. The lake's crappie are surveyed each October, said Fisheries Management Biologist Dave Knuth, and data shows a "normal distribution of year classes" of crappie...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A 64-year-old homeless man charged in August with the molestation of a then 7-year-old girl rejected a plea offer Wednesday and will now face trial. Nathan Purdom faces three counts of first-degree statutory sodomy stemming from an incident that allegedly took place at a home where he was staying in Dexter...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A Poplar Bluff woman escaped serious injury Thursday afternoon when a teenager suspected of huffing compressed air crashed his truck into her bedroom. The accident happened at about 3:30 p.m. when a 16-year-old driver was operating a westbound 1999 Ford pickup near the 1500 block of Sylvan Drive, according to Poplar Bluff police patrolman Jeff Hovis' accident report...

NEW YORK -- The company that runs the Nasdaq stock market said Saturday that hackers had penetrated a service that handles confidential communications between public companies and their boards. The service run by Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. carries strategic information for about 300 companies. The company said it appears no customer data was compromised...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Snow piled high on docks at the Lake of the Ozarks has taken a toll on piers at the tourist attraction. Officials said the weight of snow had collapsed two major docks at the lake, and others were either damaged or sinking. The Jefferson City News Tribune reported that work crews were clearing snow from the roofs of covered docks to reduce the weight...

WASHINGTON -- The standoff in Egypt and uncertainty about where it will lead is causing global economic jitters. It's already pushing up the price of oil and food, and there's no telling how long the turmoil will last. The big worry is that popular uprisings and revolution will spread to Egypt's rich autocratic neighbors who control much of the world's oil supply...

DEERING, Mo. -- A Pemiscot County man who claimed he murdered his family was arrested on other charges after the claim turned out to be false. A woman called the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department on Thursday afternoon stating a man broke into her family's home and told her husband that he had killed his family at a nearby residence in Deering, according to a news release from Pemiscot County Sheriff Tommy Greenwell...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A December crash that injured a Kansas City police officer whose car was broadsided by a suspected drunken driver has the city's police department confronting the reality that some officers don't buckle up while on duty. Video from officer Serge Grinik's patrol car shows that his head likely slammed into the head of his partner. Neither officer was wearing a seat belt...

Michele Peters of Cape Girardeau stood patiently in line with hundreds of fans waiting to meet country superstar Blake Shelton before his concert Saturday night at the Show Me Center. Holding a sign that read "I survived cancer to get a kiss from Blake" the three-year colon cancer survivor said Shelton and his music helped get her through her illness...

Baseball Golf Volleyball Submit items by mail, fax or e-mail to be included in the calendar as space permits....

Central High School graduate Tommy McGowan was named to the NAIA men's soccer scholar-athlete list. McGowan, a junior at Central Methodist University, plays defense for the Eagles. An athlete must be at least a junior and maintain at least a 3.5 grade-point average...

MONDAY--Chicken nuggets or ham & cheese on bun, au gratin potatoes, mixed fruit cup, rocky road frosty. TUESDAY--Crispito with nacho cheese sauce or turkey & cheese on bun, corn, pears. WEDNESDAY--Breaded pork chop & brown gravy or turkey & cheese on bun, whipped potatoes & gravy, roll, cinnamon applesauce...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A lineup shuffle might have done the trick for No. 14 Missouri. Either that or just being home again. Kim English busted a scoring slump with 21 points in a rare reserve role, and the Tigers rattled Colorado into a season-worst 23 turnovers in an 89-73 victory Saturday night...

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brockmeyer of Scott City celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Jan. 28, 2011. A reception is planned later. Brockmeyer and Sue Kinder were married Jan. 28, 1961, at St. Joseph Church. Their attendants were Rosie Dreyer, Dorothy Bruce, Gerome Brockmeyer and Keith Voges...

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Deneke Sr. of Jackson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a dinner and reception Feb. 5, 2011, at Celebrations Restaurant in Cape Girardeau. Hosts were their children. Deneke and Merle Gossling were married Feb. 11, 1961, at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. He is the son of Elmer and Lillian Deneke of Sikeston, Mo. She is the daughter of Norman and Beulah Gossling of Cape Girardeau...

The Southeast Missouri State football program announced three more signings Friday, two days after the Redhawks landed 22 players on the opening day of the signing period. Friday's additions are junior college transfers. They join Wednesday's batch that featured 13 high school seniors, eight junior college transfers and one Football Bowl Subdivision transfer...

What's in a nickname? Some people have them. Some people want one. Some don't care. Often nicknames arise out of an embarrassing moment. Someone who keeps falling is called Trip. Someone who can't remember anyone's name calls everyone "bub." In the book of Acts we are introduced to a man who is known and will remain known more for the qualities of his nickname than his given name. ...

The Scott City First Family and Youth Worship Center is holding a "Souper" Game Sunday Bash at 5 p.m. today at the Scott City First Family and Youth Worship Center. Admission is free but the worship center is taking donations of one canned good per person to be donated to the Scott City Food Pantry. The event is open to everyone and will include watching the game, eating snacks, games and fellowship...

The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team played defending Ohio Valley Conference regular-season champion Eastern Illinois even for one half. That was the extent of Saturday's good news for the Redhawks, who were outscored by 25 points in the second half as host EIU ran way to a 74-49 victory in Charleston, Ill...

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

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- America is on a "road to ruin" because of misguided policies in Washington and needs to get back in step with the values of Ronald Reagan, Sarah Palin said at an event honoring the former president's legacy. The 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee delivered a stinging critique of Washington during her speech Friday, part of the national celebration marking the centennial of Reagan's birth today...

CHICAGO -- A blizzard that dumped nearly 2 feet of snow has revived a longstanding Chicago tradition: Break out the patio furniture. Or, if none is available, suitcases, garbage cans, strollers, bar stools and milk crates work, too. All these items are frequently used by Chicago residents in a time-honored yet controversial system of preserving parking spots, known as "dibs."...

RALEIGH, N.C. -- On your marks, get set, stuff your face. About 7,500 people were expected to take part in Saturday's annual Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh. The rules are simple: run for two miles, eat a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts and then run back along the same two miles...

HOUSTON -- The astronaut husband of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said Friday his wounded wife would embrace his decision to rocket into space in two months and he expects her to be well enough to be at his launch. Space shuttle commander Mark Kelly refused to say whether the congresswoman took part in his decision and declined to go into details about her condition or whether she can communicate...

WASHINGTON -- Health care fraud once was a faceless crime. Now it has a mug shot, even a smile. Medicare and Medicaid scams cost taxpayers more than $60 billion a year, but bank holdups are more likely to get greater attention. The government wants the public's help in trying to catch more than 170 fugitives wanted for fraud, so it's developed a new health care most-wanted list, with its own website -- www.oig.hhs.gov. Most are dour in the photos; some sport smiles...

WASHINGTON -- Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, an opponent of the recently enacted health care overhaul, said Justice Elena Kagan should not take part in the widely expected Supreme Court consideration of the new law. Hatch's call is part of the broad legal and political maneuvering on both sides for the most favorable conditions surrounding court review of President Barack Obama's signature domestic policy accomplishment...

The Bluejays exacted revenge for an early season loss

MORLEY, Mo. -- As one of the nation's top-50 high school recruits, there's not much more Scott County Central senior Otto Porter can do to impress the masses. He continues to try nonetheless. Porter outscored the New Madrid County Central Eagles by himself when he exited the contest just minutes into the fourth quarter Friday. Porter hit the bench with 38 points while NMCC stood at 35...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Advance unleashed an aggressive, relentless defense against Dexter on Friday night, holding the Bearcats to less than 33 percent shooting and forcing 25 turnovers in a 65-49 victory. But the real defensive hero for the Hornets may have been their unheralded small man. The Hornets are used to fielding smaller lineups -- they top out with 6-foot-1 senior Darren VanGennip -- and they turned to a microscopic sixth man against Dexter...

Jackson The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI Theft Miscellaneous...

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

The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team got off to a strong start Saturday night and never let up. That allowed the Redhawks to break a six-game losing streak with their 70-64 win over host Eastern Illinois. The victory in Charleston, Ill., completed a sweep of the season series with EIU for the first time since the 2004-05 campaign...

The Nancy Hunter Chapter NSDAR met Jan. 26 at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. The guest speaker was Dr. Frank Nickell, director of The Center for Regional History at Southeast Missouri State University. He spoke on the history of the land in the area of the casino coming to Cape Girardeau...

Teams of students from 12 area high schools competed Friday for bragging rights as the most business-savvy CEOs during Camp Enterprise, a daylong business education event at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center sponsored by local Rotary clubs...

Martha Jane Sleigh Stevens, 89, passed away Feb. 4, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Morgan Funeral Chapel in Advance, Mo. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, with the Rev. Gavin Page officiating...

Nick K. Demopoulos, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Jackson Manor in Jackson. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

Vicki Lynn Stroder, 64, of Cape Girardeau died suddenly after suffering a stroke Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at the Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born July 2, 1946, in Cape Girardeau, the daughter of Lynn M. and Bonnie Beatrice Ohning Young. She and Gary Dean Stroder were married Jan. 22, 1967, at Fruitland...

Dorothy "Virginia" Smith, 87, formerly of Jackson, passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, surrounded by her family at Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau. She was born March 27, 1923, in Mound City, Ill., daughter of Marion and Birdie Williamson Monan. She and James W. Smith Sr. were married July 19, 1941. He passed away Feb. 10, 1985...

Today marks the centennial of Ronald Reagan's birthday. The late former president is an icon in American history and to many, a modern-day presidential standard by which future presidents will be compared. A trait of Reagan's that individuals on both sides of the political aisle admire was his mastery of the spoken word. ...

Southeast Missouri State University's plan to construct a utility/pedestrian bridge over New Madrid Street to serve the multipurpose building was approved yesterday by the Cape Girardeau City Council. Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep says he will seek a third consecutive term; Huckstep was first elected to a four-year term in 1978...

Steve and Easy Stilson of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Spring DeCramer, to Michael Cook. He is the son of Ken and Diane Cook of Chaffee, Mo. DeCramer is a graduate of Central High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University in 2003. She is employed by Missouri Children's Division...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls on Thursday: Firefighters responded to the following calls on Friday:...

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

Megan Goncher describes some days in her life as a dream where she can see everything going on around her, but she cannot hear or communicate with anyone. This scenario is what Goncher, a 26-year-old Cape Girardeau resident, said it is like to live the life of a deaf individual...

The ferry that shuttles traffic from Dorena, Mo., to Hickman, Ky., will be closed all day today, according to a news release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Heavy snow in that area has caused limited visibility on the Mississippi River, leading to the closure. The ferry should reopen at the normal time Tuesday morning, according to the news release...

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Missouri lawmakers and their staffs are being targeted by Internet hackers. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that since the legislative session began Jan. 5, three Republican state representatives, one Democratic lawmaker and one Republican staffer have reported their Facebook accounts being hacked...

Wes Kinsey knows a thing or two about cake, whether it's a layered wedding cake or a dense, rich cheesecake. After 35 years in the baking business and thousands of cakes, he's retiring and has sold his interest in well-known Cape Girardeau bakery and restaurant My Daddy's Cheesecake to his partners, Kevin and Susan Stanfield...

Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau president Dale Steffens is no longer an active farmer, but the retired dairy farmer still thinks farming is the best way of life. "You plant the seed. You watch it come up and grow and sprout little leaves," he said. "It matures and grows and you harvest it in the fall. It all started with that little seed."...

Handguns, sporting rifles, hunting accessories, and knives were among the most sought after items this weekend at a three-day gun show at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau, exhibitors said Sunday. About 100 vendors were set up at the SEMO Gun Show, an event held locally for more than 35 years and in the Arena Building for about 20, according to Brad Moore, co-organizer of the event...

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Forget Lombardi on Broadway. Green Bay has the newest Super Bowl hit: Aaron Rodgers. Capping one of the greatest postseasons for any quarterback, Rodgers led the Packers to their first NFL championship in 14 years Sunday, 31-25 over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers reclaimed the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named for their legendary coach who won the first two Super Bowls and is making his own star turn in New York these days in the play named after him...

Old pump at Lake Girardeau waiting for spring fishermen (and women)

Lake Girardeau frozen in time Jan 2011

My 3 yr old Sharpei, Chuy, dancing in the snow

Teekah guarding her ball from my Sharpei Chuy Teekah was 90 when she passed last Tuesday and had brought joy to many in her long life She spent much time with the residents at both Heartland Care and Rehab and at Auburn Creek Assisted Living Her last yrs were spent being the diva of our apt complex, Parking herself at the bottom of the outside stairs so as not to miss a single neighbor My 80 y/o father summed it up upon hearing the sad news He said " She really wasn't just your dog,She was Everyones dog" She was a very wise and dignified lady who could feel others pain and lonliness She made me a better person I learned to see ppl thru her eyes She is sadly missed. ...

I covered Barry Goldwater's 1964 campaign rally in Cairo for The Jackson Pioneer. http://www.capecentralhigh.com/cape-photos/barry-goldwater-campaigns-in-cairo/ Go here to see 50+ photos, including half a dozen or more of Central High School's Class of 1965...

Layla possibly stealing someone's firewood....

All are welcome to New McKendree United Methodist Church's South Campus on Saturday, February 19 for our fried catfish and chicken tenders dinner. The meal also includes cole slaw, baked beans, spiral potatoes, dessert, and a drink. Adults eat for $8,00, kids ages 5-12 $5.00, and kids under 5 eat for free. It will be a great night of food and fellowship. We hope to see everyone there!...

Paint was already peeling off the clapboard siding of most of the homes at the Isle of Capri casino site. Their front porches were already sagging. Their tin roofs already rusty. Sticking out like a sore thumb in this neighborhood is the Charles Youngerman family's dream home, built for them just a year ago on Pearl Street by local Habitat for Humanity volunteers...

Duke the dog came as an added blessing when we bought our new farmhouse. He has become part of our family and loves to get out and play with the kids! He is also very protective, he is watching over the sledding activities in this photo.

Morning surprise

About a dozen of Patricia Wischmann's neighbors showed at a public hearing last month in opposition to the Jackson Board of Aldermen granting her a special-use permit that would allow her to operate an in-home massage business. At the hearing, neighbors voiced concerns that a business on Priest Street would lead to additional traffic, creating problems...

Two Cardinals waiting to eat during heavy snow Monday

5 week old Raylee Paige Mansker is sporting her mommy's pick for the 2011 Super Bowl. Raylee is the daughter of Alexis Mansker and the granddaughter of Sandi Coomer and Vade & Cindy Mansker, all of Jackson.

They might not be household names, but these seniors pack a powerful punch among Missouri lawmakers. Serving as a voice for older Missourians, the Silver Haired Legislature has influenced legislation addressing everything from elder abuse to pharmaceuticals to funding for home-delivered meals...

It's the sort of scenario a TV scriptwriter couldn't come up with. A "girl from Morley, Mo.," as Sue Vogelsanger calls herself, has a connection to Hollywood legend Carol Burnett. Vogelsanger writes a weekly column for The Banner Press called "Just Talkin." In the 1960s when she and her husband Elbert "Sonny" Vogelsanger were living in Cocoa Beach, Fla., Sue wrote a song she called "Just Talkin."...

Dave Hardesty continues a day-by-day account of his Mississippi River kayaking trip, an adventure shared with his friend Danny Rees.

The Cape Girardeau Public Library's adult services coordinator Paula Fetherston recommends you read "Together Alone: A Memoir of Marriage and Place" by Susan Wittig Albert. Susan Albert may be better known for her herbal mysteries featuring China Bayles as the lawyer turned herb shop owner and amateur sleuth, the latest of which is Holly Blues. ...

Light. It's a symbol of hope. Of something greater than ourselves. And two Marble Hill, Mo., ladies have made it their mission to spread this hope to others they believe are in darkness. Carolyn Knight and Sun Stevens lead a ministry called Light in Darkness. And the two ladies do more than talk a good talk. They share a Christian message to women working at nude clubs...

I believe Mr. Journet has turned his belief of man- made global warming into a religion. With religion you don't have to have facts, you deal in faith. His statement that there is a consensus of scientists behind his theory is untrue. There are several scientists on both sides of the issue, and many have formed no concrete opinion...

IF you go out to eat, you should get good service. I waited 45 minutes at a restaurant and never got my food. When I decided to leave, they still made me pay for my soda, and I barely drank any of it. If I am spending my hard-earned money, I should get good service. If you do go out to eat and get good service, you should tip accordingly...

O God, thanks be to you for giving us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

WASHINGTON -- The unrest engulfing Arab streets and threatening authoritarian governments in the Mideast is complicating U.S. counterterrorism efforts, scrambling the volatile battleground against al-Qaida in Yemen and raising concerns about the durability of Egypt's stance against militants...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Just days before the current school year began, President Barack Obama signed a law providing $10 billion to help pay the salaries of staff at the nation's financially strapped public schools. At that same time in Missouri, about four-fifths of the school districts were reducing their staff...

WASHINGTON -- A wealthy Russian lawmaker has fled with his family to the United States, where he said he fears assassination over accusations that some of Russia's richest and most influential people swindled him in a real estate deal. Back home, he's been charged with financial crimes...

401 Independence St. Study session, 5 p.m. today Meeting, 7 p.m. today Study session Meeting Public hearings New ordinances...

ANNA, Ill. — August Benson, 83, of Anna died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Union County Hospital in Anna. Arrangements are incomplete at Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro.

Horace Henson, 51, of Cape Girardeau, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at home. Arrangements are incomplete at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

CHAFFEE, Mo. — Elgin "Bud" Walton, 74, of Chaffee, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

SCOPUS, Mo. -- Shirley Louise Bennett, 88, of Scopus, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at her home. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill, Mo. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday with burial to follow in Stilners' Our Serenity Cemetery near Scopus...

The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, at the request of a out-of-town private developer, is considering the possibility of pushing for development of a 500-unit maximum security state prison here that would employ about 600 people. Former longtime Southeast Missourian employee Judith Ann Crow is presented the Golden Deeds Award at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce dinner; the award is given annually by the Evening Exchange Club to an individual who has made a lengthy significant contribution to the community.. ...

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

Firefighters responded to the following calls Saturday:...

POLICE

Jackson City Hall 101 Court St 7:30 p.m. today

The Southeast Missourian has promoted Matt Sanders and Chris Harris to managing editor positions as part of a restructuring plan aimed at improving the quality of the newspaper. Harris, formerly the features editor, is the managing editor of newsroom operations and features, overseeing most "front-end" news activities such as making story assignments and directing non-breaking news coverage. ...

TUNIS, Tunisia -- Tunisia's interior minister Sunday suspended all activities of the country's former ruling party amid the most serious protests since the country's autocratic president fled into exile less than a month ago. Fahrat Rajhi suspended all meetings of the Democratic Constitutional Rally, known as the RCD, and ordered all party offices or meeting places it owns closed -- ahead of a demand to dissolve the party, a ministry statement said...

CAIRO -- Egypt's vice president met with the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood and other opposition groups for the first time Sunday and offered sweeping concessions, including granting press freedom and rolling back police powers in the government's latest attempt to try to end nearly two weeks of upheaval...

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- A former New Madrid County official was sentenced on three felony counts of stealing from those under her care. Nancy G. Pardon, who served as the New Madrid County public administrator until August 2008, was sentenced Friday to seven years each in the Department of Corrections on a charge of theft/stealing of property valued at more than $25,000 and a separate charge of theft/stealing of property valued at $500 or more but less than $25,000. ...

College recruiting is an inexact science at best, especially outside the major-college level. That especially holds true for recruiting by Football Championship Subdivision programs like Southeast Missouri State. That's why it's hard to get a handle on just what to make of the 25 players Southeast landed last week as the NCAA signing period began...

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Two men angry over a dispute at an Ohio fraternity house party left the gathering and returned early Sunday, spraying bullets into a crowd and killing a Youngstown State University student who was trying to separate two groups, authorities said. Eleven other people were injured, including a 17-year-old with a critical head wound...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Missouri officials are seeking applications from young adults to work in state parks this summer. The state plans to hire 600 to 700 people 17 through 21 years old to temporary jobs to help with maintenance, restoration, interpretation and social media at Missouri parks...

Last week's game was postponed due to bad weather

Jackson High School graduate Rachel Kahle continued her strong indoor season as the Southeast Missouri State track and field teams competed at the Husker Invitational over the weekend. Kahle, a senior, was third in the 60 meters (7.66 seconds) and had the fifth-fastest time in the 200 preliminaries (24.98) during the meet hosted by the University of Nebraska...

Heather Ross has joined the team at BOLD Marketing as account manager. She will be responsible for managing current accounts, business development, customer relations, marketing planning and research, and vendor and media relations. Ross has more than 10 years' experience working at marketing firms in Kansas City and Michigan. ...

St. Joseph School A Honor Roll 5th Grade: Anthony Madalon. 7th Grade: Marisa Hall, Olivia Jordan. 8th Grade: Morgan Campbell. B Honor Roll 5th Grade: Elijah Venable. 6th Grade: Daylon Reed, Ryne Enderle. 7th Grade: Valerie Bahr, Madison Swift. 8th Grade: Brennen Job...

Chaffee Junior & Senior High School 7th grade: Carleigh Burnett, Kiana Cannon, Tanner Chaney, Skylar Chiles, Katie Clover, Brett Estes, Brandon Ivester, Ryan Jobe, Bethany Koch, Noah Orr, Morgan Rutherford, Julia Sutterfield, Jordan Wilburn. 8th grade: Kodi Ballard, Ryan Burton, Megan Chisum, Jessie Evans, Kaitlin McFerron, Dylan Montgomery, Trevor Morehead, Nicholas Palmer, Brody Swinford, Susan Weber, Chelsie Whitlow...

Blanchard Elementary School A Honor Roll 4th grade: Christian Bollinger, Roman Ketcherside, Clayton Seabaugh, Jaelyn Simmons. B Honor Roll 4th grade: David Brown, Dashandreiona Egson, Beta Epps, Victoria Dodd, Alivia Dyke, Na'Coby Edwards, Olivia Lambert, Triston Lineberry, Jordan Long, Zemiah Mackins, Claryssa Martin, Aurora May, Makeda Miles, J'myn Nabors, Trinity Pavon-Roman, Kamdyn Rhodes, Emma Spiller, Hannah Taylor, Payton Walley, Nick Woolly, Alexis Yerkey...

John's Pharmacy is the first independent pharmacy in Cape Girardeau to install an automatic pill dispenser, freeing the pharmacy team to focus on high-quality patient care and service. "It's an investment in the future of our pharmacy, and reflects our commitment to the highest standards of patient health and safety," said pharmacist John McMullin, president/owner...

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. -- Former first lady Nancy Reagan praised her late husband Sunday, laying a wreath on his grave and singing "Happy Birthday" with the Beach Boys as actors, musicians, former advisers and friends paid tribute to Ronald Reagan on the 100th anniversary of his birth...

Mary Klaproth diligently walks five days a week. She's a regular at her aerobics class. And now, for the second year in a row, the 70-year-old Jackson woman is participating in the University of Missouri Extension's Stay Strong, Stay Healthy strength training program...

More than 20 years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitutional to outlaw flag burning, the Cape Girardeau City Council has taken the first steps to follow suit. The council unanimously gave first-round approval Monday to an ordinance that would repeal a city law that prohibits flag desecration. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- On Jan. 21, the following message appeared on Rep. Donna Lichtenegger's Facebook page: "I love lobbyists! All the free food and stuff you get. This job is awesome!" Inappropriate, right? Except she didn't write it. Lichtenegger, R-Jackson, is among several Missouri lawmakers saying they were targeted by Internet hackers who posted messages on their Facebook pages since the start of the legislative session last month...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- State officials canceled a contract with the license office in Marble Hill on Monday, saying the office owner didn't abide by the state's contract. The Missouri Department of Revenue and the state's Office of Administration announced the cancellation of the contract with the office, owned by Richard Vangennip, through a news release. The office, located at 606 Highway 34 West, will be closed until a new agent is named...

The Delta girls basketball team lost a pair of competitive, low-scoring games to Scott City earlier in the season before defeating the Rams 59-41 Monday.

Saint Francis Medical Center will welcome patients into the second phase of its new $12 million emergency and trauma center today. The expansion, designed with staff input, triples the size of the Gene E. Huckstep Emergency and Trauma Center with nearly 30,000 square feet and 32 treatment rooms...

The Heartland Pops Chorus will be appearing with the Immaculate Conception Church Choir and Choristers of Jackson for their annual spring concert. This year's concert will be "Another Old Time Gospel Hour" and will feature the group "Abbey Road" on Sunday, May 15 at 2:00P.M. ...

As the Jackson-Cape Girardeau Joint Committee on Subdivision Regulations made its first formal presentation to the county commission Monday, Commissioner Jay Purcell told the committee he was trying to keep an open mind about the need for the standards...

Cattle on Berry Stock Farm enjoying some hay for breakfast in the snow.

Saxony Lutheran High School will get to make its case against one of two nearby proposed limestone quarries in a formal hearing granted Monday by the Missouri Land Reclamation Commission.

Following opposition at a January public hearing, the Jackson Board of Aldermen on Monday denied a special-use permit for an in-home massage business on Priest Street. The vote was originally scheduled for the Jan. 18 meeting but was tabled after neighbors spoke against the request and aldermen said they needed more time to consider the issue...

Along the Tywappity Trail in Chaffee MO.

With the help of a little overtime, the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau has hit its Christmas fundraising goal, according to the Christian charity. This year's campaign raised $320,333.18, according to Maj. Ben Stillwell of the Salvation Army. He said it took a few extra days to reach the fundraising target...

A little more than a month ago, an infant was taken to an area hospital with a deep, hacking cough. The baby struggled for breath. A pediatrician sent the two-week-old Scott County newborn to a St. Louis hospital by ambulance, where he is still in serious condition and hooked up to a ventilator to help him breathe...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Bedbugs have infested an assisted-living home for the mentally ill in Kansas City and the manager said he's doing all he can to rid the building of the tiny blood-sucking insects. Rockhill Manor is the first assisted-living facility in the state to be cited by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for bedbugs. The owners submitted a plan of correction to the state Friday, after being issued a statement of deficiency from the state Jan. 5...

WASHINGTON -- Does winter weather give you the blues? Or are you the type who gets a little frisky when there's a chill in the air? Either way, you're not alone. Four in 10 Americans say the weather affects their mood, and winter by far is the season most likely to leave them feeling down...

A Southeast Missouri organization that advocates for a ban on state executions is holding a candlelight vigil today for 47-year-old Martin Link, who is set to die Wednesday for the 1991 murder of Elissa Self. The vigil, put on by the Interfaith South East Moratorium on Executions, will also be to honor the victim, Self, her family and Link's family. The event will start at 7 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse in Jackson...

LOS ANGELES -- After years of watching Muslims portrayed as terrorists in mainstream TV and movies, an advocacy group hopes to change that image by grooming a crop of aspiring Muslim screenwriters who can bring their stories -- and perspective -- to Hollywood...

RIO DE JANEIRO -- A fire Monday gutted warehouses holding many of the elaborate, feather-and-sequin costumes and extravagant floats for Rio's Carnival parade, destroying the dreams and hard work of thousands of mostly poor Brazilians who toil year-round to stage one of world's most spectacular celebrations...

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama prodded American businesses to do their share to help the economy, calling on executives to "get in the game" and begin investing nearly $2 trillion accumulating on their balance sheets. The president, in a speech Monday to the U.S. ...

WASHINGTON -- Taxes too high? Actually, as a share of the nation's economy, Uncle Sam's take this year will be the lowest since 1950, when the Korean War was just getting underway. And for the third straight year, American families and businesses will pay less in federal taxes than they did under President George W. Bush, thanks to a weak economy and a growing number of tax breaks for the wealthy and poor alike...

AOL Inc., once the king of dial-up Internet access known for its ubiquitous CDs and "You've got mail" greeting in its inboxes, is stepping up its efforts in news and online advertising with a $315 million deal to buy the Huffington Post. The acquisition announced Monday is among the most aggressive strategic moves engineered by AOL CEO Tim Armstrong in an effort to reshape a fallen Internet icon...

Two Cape Girardeau art teachers were recently recognized by the Missouri Art Education Association for their commitment to art education. Sharon Williams, who has taught art in Cape Girardeau elementary schools for 40 years, was named the Missouri Retired Art Educator of the Year. And Elizabeth Thomas, who has taught art at Cape Girardeau Central High School for nine years as well as at schools in Kansas City, Mo., and Sikeston, Mo., was named the 2011 Art Educator of the Year...

O Lord Jesus, your ways are perfect. In you we take refuge. Amen.

Dennis Harold Slinkard, 86, formerly of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at Quail Creek Skilled Nursing Facility in Springfield, Mo. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 26, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau. Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 26, at the church with the Rev. Karen S. Dumey officiating...

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. — Kenneth Willis, 72, of Olive Branch, died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at Calvin Johnson Care Center in Belleville, Ill. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by the Jones Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill.

PUXICO, Mo. -- The Shepherd family of Puxico, knows what it's like to be on the receiving end of the kindness of others. Keith and Melissa Shepherd's youngest child, Will, was born three years ago with a congenital heart defect. At 10 days old, he underwent open heart surgery at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center in St. Louis. During his recovery, his parents, brother and two sisters stayed at the Ronald McDonald House and received meals prepared by charitable organizations...

Two Wayne County men who helped investigate the 1991 kidnapping, rape and murder of a St. Louis girl will be among the witnesses at her killer's execution Wednesday. The Missouri Supreme Court has denied a request to block Martin Link's execution, which is set for 12:01 a.m. Wednesday for the 1991 death of 11-year-old Elissa Self-Braun. On Monday Gov. Jay Nixon denied a clemency petition...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Four Poplar Bluff teenagers may face arson charges after allegedly imitating a YouTube video on how to make Molotov cocktails and throwing them into a local church early Sunday morning. Robert Benjamin Rushin, 18, of the 700 block of County Road 456, Andrew Storm McClure, 19, of the 2000 block of Tumbleweed, Zachary Surque, 18, of the 100 block of County Road 4703 and Dylan Causbie, 17, of the 200 block of County Road 437 were arrested Sunday on suspicion of second-degree arson in connection with a fire at Fellowship General Baptist Church, 3581 N. ...

Nelda Imogene A. Yallaly, 86, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at Life Care Centers of Cape Girardeau. She was born Jan. 15, 1925 in Cape Girardeau to Dr. George and Genevieve Doll Yallaly. Imogene had worked for Tucker Truck Line for many years and later worked as a clerk for the city of Cape Girardeau, retiring in February 1987...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Barbara A. Schuchart, age 71, passed away at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. She was born April 7, 1939, in Sikeston to the late Wes and Ella Heuiser Schuchart. Ms. Schuchart received her Catholic education at St. ...

Our beloved brother Tommy Lee Heath, 61, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at John Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis. Tom was born Aug. 12, 1949, in Cape Girardeau. He was a graduate of Central High School in Cape Girardeau in 1967. He attended Baily Technical and Diesel Mechanic School in St. Louis and graduated in 1968 as a diesel mechanic...

James A. Bauerle, 82, a native of Cape Girardeau, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at his home. He was born Feb. 26, 1928, to Edward James and Alice Schwepker Bauerle. He married Barbara Louise Pusateri on March 8, 1952. She preceded him in death on May 12, 1996. He later married Marge Loiseau-Bauerle...

Horace "Bo" Henson, 51, of Cape Girardeau, died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at his home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Dec. 7, 1959, in Douglasville, Ga., to Horace and Barbara Gossett Henson. Horace married Lisa Savage on Dec. 5, 1993. He was employed in construction as a steelworker...

Barry Polston, 63, of Cape Girardeau, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born April 19, 1947 in Cairo, Ill., to Frank and Eva Morrison Polston. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea and worked as a corrections officer at the Potosi, Mo., Correctional Center...

Cape Girardeau County commissioners presented two World War II prisoners of war with reimbursement checks for their 2010 real estate property taxes in accordance with Amendment 2, which passed on November's ballot. The amendment, which passed 1,227,297 votes to 639,065 votes last year, exempts POWs with 100 percent service-connected disability from paying taxes on their homestead...

The Jayhawks used a strong second half to post a 103-86 win against the Tigers

All the local high school events reported Monday to the Southeast Missourian.

The Southeast men shot a season-high percentage from the field and won 83-63

Police Miscellaneous Fire...

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

NEW YORK -- For the second year in a row, the Super Bowl has set a new record for American television viewing. The Nielsen Co. said Monday that an estimated 111 million people watched the Green Bay Packers outlast the Pittsburgh Steelers in professional football's ultimate game...

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. labor force has been split into two groups: the relieved and the desperate. If you have a job, you can exhale; you're less likely to lose it than at any point in at least 14 years. If you're unemployed? Good luck. Finding a job remains a struggle 20 months after the recession technically ended. Employers won't likely step up hiring until they feel more confident about the economy...

JUBA, Sudan -- The mud-hut town of Juba has earned a promotion to world capital later this year. Only Southern Sudan needs far more than its own currency and a national anthem: Most of the roads here are dirt and even aid workers live in shipping containers...

Pace Construction Co. of St. Louis was awarded a $4,970,184 contract for road improvements in Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, Scott and Stoddard counties. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract Feb. 4 during a video conference meeting. ...

Thomas Industrial Coatings Inc. of Pevely, Mo., was awarded a $58,000 contract for work on the Bois Brule Creek Bridge on Highway 51 in Perry County. The contract was awarded Feb. 4 during a video conference meeting. The project includes painting the steel beams on the newly repaired bridge. ...

In what may or may not be its first collective letter, the new Jefferson County Council has fired off a request to state Sen. Ryan McKenna asking that he support a Senate bill that would ban red-light cameras in Missouri...

Michael K. Pulliam, 20, a Southeast Missouri State University junior from Kennett, Mo., has been confirmed as the second student to be appointed as acting student representative to the university board of regents. Marking the annual National Boy Scouts Week festivities, the local Scouts council holds a parade through downtown Cape Girardeau...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Senate approved final amendments to a bill revamping the state's workers' compensation programs on Wednesday that could allow for claims to be made for illnesses arising from exposure to secondhand smoke. The bill prohibits workers' comp claims for other prolonged exposure to chemicals or inhalants, but Sen. ...

About two inches of snow fell across the region Wednesday, according to early reports submitted to the Paducah, Ky., office of the National Weather Service. The only report from Southeast Missouri that was available just before 4:30 p.m. was from two miles east of Benton, where two inches of snow had fallen ...

Some exceptional students at West Lane Elementary have a lunch date today with some Jackson High School celebrities.

It will be another affair to remember this weekend for the Jackson R-2 School District Foundation. The Second Annual Red and Black Affair, a fundraiser for educational and community projects, will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau...

It was suggested to Jackson boys basketball coach Darrin Scott that his Indians ran into a buzz saw. Scott didn't disagree after the Indians were dismantled 68-50 by rival Central on Tuesday night at the Show Me Center. "I thought they played very well," Scott said...

The Capaha Park pool was rendered obsolete in part by the opening of the hugely popular Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center last summer. Now, the water park has one more role in the pool's demise: It will pay to tear the old pool down.

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- U.S. reserves of corn have hit their lowest level in more than 15 years, reflecting tighter supplies that will lead to higher food prices in 2011. Increasing demand for corn from the ethanol industry is a major reason for the decline...

Courtney Penzel and snowgirl show off that Innovative Orthodontics smile.

Some of the sixty plus robins in our back yard on February 9, 2011.

Applications for the 2011 Saint Francis Foundation and Auxiliary Healthcare Scholarships are now available. The program awards scholarships of up to $2,000 annually to students pursuing a healthcare-related career. Applicants must have successfully completed one year of an accredited healthcare program and have at least a 3.0 grade point average. ...

Area residents can test their endurance at the sixth annual Fitness Plus Indoor Triathlon on Saturday, March 5, beginning at 9 am. Held in the Saint Francis Health and Wellness Center, 150 S. Mount Auburn Road, the Indoor Triathlon will be a fun and challenging event for individuals of all interest and fitness levels...

Southeast Missouri State University volleyball coach Renata Heard and the Redhawks volleyball team present Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, President and Chief Executive Officer at Saint Francis Medical Center, with a $20,100 check from the Dig for Life campaign to be used for breast cancer detection and awareness. ...

Theodis Maltbia found it painful just to walk to his mailbox. "I couldn't walk as far as the street. I would just be in excruciating pain in my legs and feet," the New Madrid, Mo., man recalls. Maltbia suffered from peripheral vascular disease, a condition of the blood vessels that leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply the legs and feet. "My feet were turning black," he says, recalling the vascular problem...

Tucker is 9 months old. This handsome boy is already housebroken! Tucker is available for adoption at The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, 573-334-5837. See more pets available at www.semopets.org

A federal judge in Illinois tossed out a Chicago-area atheist's lawsuit that requested the Friends of the Bald Knob Cross return a state grant given to help with the restoration of the Southern Illinois landmark, The Associated Press reported Tuesday...

SOUTHEAST MISSOURIAN--"Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." (borrowed from US Postal Service; origin from Herodotus). additional info, as follows, at: http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/50/messages/270.html...

Twenty-year old Kaitlin Haywood, a junior at Southeast Missouri State University, was walking across campus last June when she started feeling ill. She made it inside Parker Hall, where she coaches a children's competitive gymnastics team, before passing out...

American Red Cross Receives $5,000 from Isle of Capri, Inc. Cape Girardeau MO -- The American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter received a $5,000 donation from Isle of Capri, Inc. With this donation, Isle of Capri was recognized as a Hero for the American Red Cross, helping to ensure the Red Cross has the financial resources to help families and meet its commitments to the community...

Five years ago, voters said they wanted Missouri's minimum wage to automatically adjust for cost-of-living increases. Now legislative efforts backed by business interests are underway to stop that. Since voters approved Missouri's minimum wage escalator in a statewide ballot initiative in 2006, the state's business climate has changed, prompting business groups, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Missouri Restaurant Association, to advocate eliminating it...

A beautiful sight, seen from our windows.

Airport Lineman Mark Perry pours Jet A fuel into a Bell 212 Twin Huey as it's crew secures the helicopter's engine and blade covers. Flying out of Canada, the two heavy lift helicopters are being ferried to their new owners in Brazil, and stopped at our airport for fuel and a night's rest...

My kids were so proud of their 8ft tall snowman that I had to share this pic. Jake & Kalli Mayfield 2/7/11

We saw this bald eagle near Patton on Sunday 2/6.

This beautiful Cardinal was nestled in the branches of a tree in our front yard.

The Cape County Board for Developmentally Disabled is in the middle of taking up the case management work currently being handled by the Missouri Department of Mental Health's regional office. Bob Dale, board executive director, said since hiring new case managers in February, the transitioning of workload from the office in Sikeston, Mo., is going well...

A Jackson convenience store clerk is the winner of a $10,000 Missouri Lottery prize after playing "Casino Cash." Andrew Yount, 25, won the prize after buying the ticket at the end of his shift recently at ZX Easy Street on East Jackson Boulevard. The Missouri Lottery announced Yount's win Tuesday in a news release...

As long as you follow the No. 1 rule of garlic and romance -- both of you eat it or neither of you eat it, never just one -- you're safe adding some serious garlic to your Valentine's Day dinner. Best yet, it's such a high-flavor ingredient, it's easy to make a fast dinner with serious wow! factor...

Cupid got off easy this Valentine's Day, but spikes in cocoa bean and sugar prices may have the Easter bunny digging deeper into your pocket for those chocolate eggs and rabbits. Chocolate prices are going up, but Valentine's chocolates are mostly already on shelves with prices set. It's possible high-quality Valentine's products could cost a little more, but by Easter prices likely will rise, possibly by as much as 5 percent, said Marcia Mogelonsky, U.S.-based global food analyst for Mintel...

Our daughter is celebrating her birthday, and we are excited to have a 14-year-old in the house. Lexie is adventurous in the culinary world. She enjoys trying new ingredients and new recipes and does not snack like most teenagers. For snacks she likes what she calls "real food," just in small quantities. Therefore, I need to have cooked items on hand that she can warm up for after-school snacks or a second meal of the evening...

NEW YORK -- The mountains of snow that have covered the Northeastern landscape for the past month and a half are finally melting, revealing oozing lumps of garbage, gaping potholes, bicycles, rat-infested sofas, discarded Christmas trees -- even bodies...

CHICAGO -- Many breast cancer patients can skip aggressive lymph node surgery without increasing their chances of a recurrence or death if their disease shows limited spread, according to a study that has prompted changes in practice. Under current guidelines, the often-debilitating surgery is done if the cancer has spread outside the breast to any lymph nodes...

Nicholas "Dino" Demopoulos, 81, of Cape Girardeau was born March 29, 1929, in Meropi, a small village in southern Greece. He passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. Prior to his marriage to Fotoula Goumas in 1957, Nick served with the 15th Mission of the Greek Expeditionary Force, which was attached to the 15th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. ...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Elgin "Bud" Walton, 74, of Chaffee died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born March 21, 1936, in Illmo, son of B. and Laura Bell Ross Walton. He and Betty Windeknecht were married Jan. 28, 1999...

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- Kenneth Willis, 72, of Olive Branch died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at Calvin Johnson Care Center in Belleville, Ill. He was born Nov. 14, 1938, in Alexander County, son of Carl and Althea Snookie Willis. Kenneth was a retired farmer. ...

Teddy Joyce Ross, 72, of Jackson passed away Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born May 25, 1938, in Cincinnati, daughter of Clarence and Martha Weaver Hughes. She and James Ross were married July 4, 1961. Joyce served in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged March 5, 1959...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Juanita Davis, 60, of Cairo died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at Daystar Care Center. Visitation will be from noon to service time Friday at Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Ill. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Larry Barnett Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Spencer Heights Memorial Park in Mounds...

OLMSTED, Ill. -- Alversie Morris, 90, of Olmsted died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis, Ill. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time Saturday at Caledonia Community Church. The funeral will be at noon Saturday at the church, with Jesse Morris and John Winding officiating. Burial will be in Rhinnie Hill Cemetery in Grand Chain, Ill...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Gloria Jean Thomas, 72, of Cairo died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to service time Thursday at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the church, with Christopher Barnes officiating. Burial will be in Spencer Heights Memorial Park in Mounds, Ill...

Walter E. Rybicki, 74, of Millersville passed away Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Parish prayers will be at 7. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson, with the Rev. John Harth officiating...

Mary G. Schlegel, 70, of Jackson died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson, and from 9:30 a.m. to service time Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson...

Son to Bobby Joseph and Lainey Elizabeth Wells of Leopold, Mo., Southeast Hospital, 11:37 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011. Name, Devin Lane. Weight, 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Third son. Mrs. Wells is the former Lainey Engelen, daughter of Leonard and Barbara Engelen of Leopold. She is employed at Country Mart in Marble Hill, Mo. Wells is the son of Tommy and Brenda Wells of Marble Hill. He is employed by K&F Insulation at Crump...

The business name of Danver's Restaurant, 2123 Broadway, has been changed to Baker's Restaurant; John A. Baker is the managing partner of the business; the Baker name has been associated with restaurants here for two generations; Baker's parents operated Baker's Big Burger in downtown Cape Girardeau for many years...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday:...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Months after Missouri's restrictions on protesting at funerals were declared to be unconstitutional, state House members Tuesday proposed trying again to enact limits for pickets around the ceremonies. Sponsoring Rep. Ward Franz, R-West Plains, said people should be able to mourn without harassment from protesters and that it was disappointing a law was needed...

Last week the Missouri House passed legislation that would allow for drug testing of welfare recipients suspected by the state of using illegal drugs. The bill is now headed to the Senate, where similar legislation is also being debated. The bill, HB 73, would suspend the direct payment of benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program for one year should the recipient test positive for illegal drug use. ...

Since the Civil War, the St. Louis and Kansas City police departments have been controlled by the state of Missouri. However, last November, in a nonbinding resolution, 69 percent of St. Louis voters asked the state to leave and return the department to local control. I agree and here's why...

We bought a home in Scott City a couple of years ago. It is the last house on a dead-end street at the bottom of a hill. The neighbors said the street never gets taken care of during snow or ice conditions. I suffer from a heart condition, and we actually wondered if we had made a mistake buying this house. Since we moved here there have been times when the street was iced over or covered in snow, and the hill would have been impossible to climb in a car or pickup unless the street was plowed...

The article in the Southeast Missourian titled "Free bone marrow donor drive today in Cape Girardeau" does a great job describing the need for more people to join the Be The Match Registry as a potential marrow donor. The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), which operates the Be The Match Registry, does want to clarify, however, that we do not charge $100 for new members to join the Be The Match Registry. ...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI The Southeast Missouri State University Department of Public Safety reported the following item. Theft...

FOR David Limbaugh to say that Obama's "at war with American business and the free market" is preposterous. It's hard to respect a publication when it prints garbage like this, even on the opinion page. RECENTLY, I was behind a young mother with one baby. ...

The Missouri Legislature is struggling with an interesting problem on just how, when or if to spend $189 million in federal funds to help struggling school systems pay their staffs. The funds are part of the Obama administration's attempt to infuse tax dollars into the struggling economy. But as with so many other issues in Washington, the funds come with little direction...

O Lord, may we daily strive to be peacemakers. Amen.

SUNRISE, Fla. -- The St. Louis Blues think they have what it takes to make a run at the playoffs in the second half of the season. Matt D'Agostini scored the tiebreaking goal with 4 minutes left and St. Louis beat the Florida Panthers 2-1 on Tuesday night...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sikeston saw a decent gain in new home construction last year as compared with 2009 but couldn't match the '09 figure for commercial construction. Construction in 2010 totaled just under $6 million in total value with $17,000 paid to the city in building fees, the Sikeston Scanner, a monthly newsletter published by the city government, recently reported in a special year-end edition...

The Jackson girls basketball team debuted a new defense against Central on Tuesday night at the Show Me Center. "We'd been working a little bit on our full-court defense and we talked about rotating better out of it," Jackson coach Shelia Haertling said. "I think that helped us. We came out tonight just focusing on really good defense and playing our game. It just happened to work for us."...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Joel Roth had seen enough at halftime. He was tired of watching his team wilt against bigger-name programs. He witnessed Notre Dame jump out to a 23-5 lead after the first quarter Tuesday. Roth's frustration finally boiled over, but he was hesitant to share his words after Tuesday's loss to Notre Dame...

Missouri's license offices will not process applications for new and renewal driver licenses and permits Feb. 19 and 21 due to an upgrade of an information system, the Missouri Department of Revenue announced Tuesday. The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators has informed all states about the upgrade...

BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Hungary's notorious octogenarian thief is not ready for retirement. The 84-year-old woman, known as "Flying Gizi," whose criminal record goes back to the 1950s, is again in custody for suspected theft, police said Tuesday. Fejer County Police spokeswoman Agnes R. Szabo said the burglar, whose real name is Gizella Bodnar, is suspected of taking the equivalent of $75 from a home in Bicske, a town in central Hungary...

ISLAMABAD -- The United States may scrap upcoming talks with Pakistan about the war in Afghanistan to further pressure Islamabad to free an American who shot dead two Pakistanis, U.S. officials said. Washington insists the detained American has diplomatic immunity and killed the Pakistanis in self-defense as they tried to rob him at gunpoint. It says the man's detention is illegal under international agreements covering diplomatic ties...

MOSCOW -- A website affiliated with Chechen rebels has released a video in which insurgent leader Doku Umarov claims responsibility for last month's deadly suicide bombing at Russia's largest airport and threatens more bloodshed if Russia does not leave the region...

DEXTER, Mo. -- A young Dexter girls basketball team earned its biggest win of the season Tuesday by defeating the No. 2 team in Class 2. The Bearcats knocked off visiting Meadow Heights 58-54. Dexter's team of freshmen and sophomores built a 14-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter...

Southeast placed six players on the preseason all-OVC team

The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team received good news regarding senior guard Anthony Allison. Southeast coach Dickey Nutt said Tuesday night that X-rays on the shoulder Allison injured during Monday's 83-63 win at SIU-Edwardsville were negative...

The Southeast Missouri State women's soccer program recently signed three high school seniors to national letters of intent. Torey Byrd, Julia "Ellie" Hight and Erin Shulman will join the Redhawks for the 2011 season. Byrd, a midfielder from Columbia, Ill., has 28 goals and 18 assists during her first three years of high school. She had 16 goals and 13 assists as a junior last season...

Renata Heard said her recent decision to step down as Southeast Missouri State volleyball coach was not an easy one. But Heard said putting family above her profession was the deciding factor. Heard's husband, Grant, recently was hired as an assistant football coach at Arkansas State University. She will make the move to Jonesboro, Ark., with him and their young child, who was born in April...

All the local high school events reported Tuesday to the Southeast Missourian.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Ten loud explosions that rocked Kandahar one day last week actually signaled good news on the front line of the war against the Taliban. The blasts -- one every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. -- were from Afghan and coalition forces blowing up more than 6,000 pounds of Taliban AK-47s, bomb-making equipment, homemade explosives and rocket-propelled grenades...

NEW YORK -- Elton John recently made an album with his longtime idol, Leon Russell. Now he'll do the induction honors when Russell is ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month. Russell and John are up for a Grammy award for their work on the joint album "The Union."...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- In the seven years Rep. Chris Kelly presided as judge over Boone County's domestic violence docket, one case in particular haunts him. And, he told reporters Tuesday, if legal reforms outlined by Attorney General Chris Koster are adopted as law, other judges may escape his fate...

CAIRO -- A young Google executive who helped ignite Egypt's uprising energized a cheering crowd of hundreds of thousands Tuesday with his first appearance in their midst after being released from 12 days in secret detention. "We won't give up," he promised at one of the biggest protests yet in Cairo's Tahrir Square...

NEW YORK -- Business travel is bouncing back. U.S. companies are forecast to spend 5 percent more on travel in 2011 than they did last year -- a sign of confidence in the economy that is giving a boost to airlines, hotels and rental-car companies. That's double the growth rate from 2010, which followed two years of decline...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A push to make Missouri a "right-to-work" state has started before an overflowing Senate committee room. Senators are considering legislation that would bar workers from being required to pay dues or fees to labor organizations. Local prosecutors and the attorney general's office would be responsible for investigating alleged violations...

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold an open-house community briefing Thursday to discuss upcoming Safe & Sound bridge improvement projects in Stoddard County. The briefing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Bearcat Event Center at Dexter High School. ...

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration's investigation into Toyota safety problems found no electronic flaws to account for reports of sudden, unintentional acceleration and other safety problems. Government investigators said Tuesday the only known cause of the problems are mechanical defects that were fixed in previous recalls...

I know it is early February, but I am thinking spring. Who would have thought that a gardener was thinking spring in the winter? I was recently talking with Dr. Mike Aide, professor of soils at Southeast Missouri State University, about fertilizers. ...

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

Three teenagers received moderate injuries in a Monday afternoon accident at 12:10 p.m. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the 1997 Audi driven by Emilie J. Davis, 16, slid sideways on the road, ran off the road and struck a metal culvert on County Road 335, one-half mile from Jackson...