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State officials seek Missouri AG's legal opinion on health care reform law
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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.. ...
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U.S. Rep. Graves won't run for Senate in 2012; Emerson ponders run
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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SUV plunges into Okla. river; three killed
(National News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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American Cancer Society makes $10,000 in-kind contribution to smoking ban group
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Show Me Center cites conflicting dates, contract problems for Willie Nelson cancellation
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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.
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Poplar Bluff edges Jackson girls
(High School Sports ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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More parents charged under Cape Girardeau schools' tougher attendance policy
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Recognizing wounded, ill and dying veterans
(Submitted Story ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Embracing forgotten heroes
(Submitted Story ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Three protest MoDOT's plan for Fruitland rest areas
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Nothing like a best friend....
(Submitted Photo ~ 02/04/11)
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.
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Special Olympics preparing for 5th annual Polar Plunge in Cape Girardeau County
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Tiger Cubs visit Cape Girardeau Police Department
(Submitted Photo ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Navy Seabee present check
(Submitted Photo ~ 02/04/11)
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.
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Life in Cuba
(Submitted Photo ~ 02/04/11)
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. ...
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A Winning Way
(Submitted Photo ~ 02/04/11)
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.
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Former Fredericktown, Mo., police officer gets life in prison for abusing boys
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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."...
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Jackson Art Group holds second Saturday
(Submitted Story ~ 02/04/11)
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)...
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Southeast Missouri State University official expresses optimism about level of state budget cuts
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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County's archives center running out of room as it turns 10
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Bloodied Cape Girardeau delivery driver reports being robbed at gunpoint
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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.
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Mo. Gov. Nixon releases additional $10 million for school transportation
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Airbrush artist Malcolm McCrae hopes to inspire young artists
(Entertainment ~ 02/04/11)
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. ...
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The Arrow
(Editorial ~ 02/04/11)
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. ...
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Proportional representation
(Letter to the Editor ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Speak Out 2/4/11
(Speak Out ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Feeding a storm
(Column ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Prayer 2/4/11
(Prayer ~ 02/04/11)
O Lord, we commit our lives to you and believe you will bless us. Amen.
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Farrah Fawcett's red suit goes to Washington
(Entertainment ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Javier Bardem goes on an emotional journey in 'Biutiful'
(Entertainment ~ 02/04/11)
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."...
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ARTifacts 2/4/11
(Entertainment ~ 02/04/11)
Arts and entertainment briefs
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First Friday receptions 2/4/11
(Entertainment ~ 02/04/11)
This month's First Friday gallery openings
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Best bet: Blake Shelton
(Entertainment ~ 02/04/11)
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. ...
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Consumers shook off snow, went shopping in January, stores say
(National News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Afghan police's reputation worsening in south
(International News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Worst of Australia storm over; no deaths reported
(International News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Gov't-backed candidate out of Haiti's election
(International News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Pakistani judge orders American held 8 more days
(International News ~ 02/04/11)
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. ...
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Violence, chaos spread beyond Cairo square
(International News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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House Republicans move to slash domestic programs
(National News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Jan. jobs report expected to show modest gains
(National News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Stacy Blankenship
(Obituary ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Donald Enderle
(Obituary ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Bonnie Sievers
(Obituary ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Births 2/4/11
(Births ~ 02/04/11)
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. ...
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Mary Hlavek
(Obituary ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Bellagio bandit arrested after returning to casino
(National News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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New Senate report criticizes FBI, Army in Fort Hood shooting
(National News ~ 02/04/11)
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. ...
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Rural air subsidies test resolve to cut spending
(National News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Out of the past 2/4/11
(Out of the Past ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Withers reappointed to Cape Girardeau County park board
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Marble Hill, Mo., molestation case set for three-day trial in May
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Jackson police/fire report 2/4/11
(Police/Fire Report ~ 02/04/11)
The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Theft Jackson Firefighters responded to the following call Wednesday:...
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Cape Girardeau police report 2/4/11
(Police/Fire Report ~ 02/04/11)
The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests...
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Poplar Bluff motorcycle business destroyed by fire
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Police arrest man accused of stealing police cruiser without incident
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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A life of art
(Column ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Redhawks search for win vs. EIU
(College Sports ~ 02/04/11)
The Southeast men's basketball team looks to end six-game losing streak
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High school roundup: Scott City rallies before falling in OT
(High School Sports ~ 02/04/11)
All the local high school events reported Thursday to the Southeast Missourian.
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Few point finger at Mayor Daley for stranded cars
(National News ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Aaron Sachs & Associates Launches Texting Campaign
(Submitted Story ~ 02/04/11)
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...
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Company applies to operate quarry in northern Cape Girardeau County
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
Southeast Missouri Stone Co., operated by Delta Companies, wants to open a limestone quarry near Oak Ridge at a site it mined years ago.
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Missouri puts plowing costs at $5.5 million in first estimate
(Local News ~ 02/04/11)
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. ...
Stories from Friday, February 4, 2011
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