Stories from Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Missouri Department of Transportation released the latest road closings due to flooding. Update 6:00 a.m. SIKESTON - The Missouri Department of Transportation has closed routes in Southeast Missouri due to the recent flooding. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution and plan alternate routes...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A federal judge has scheduled a Thursday hearing on Missouri's lawsuit to prevent the destruction of a levee along the Mississippi River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has not yet decided whether it will punch a large hole in a levee on the Missouri side of the river to protect the Illinois town of Cairo from flooding. Missouri's attorney general sued Tuesday to try to stop the plan...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers this hour is setting up a joint information center in Sikeston, Mo., and has tentatively scheduled a news conference for 1 p.m., according to a corps spokeswoman, although the timing has yet to be confirmed. Officials at the headquarters could not be reached for comment...

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill today will tour areas in Missouri hit hardest by the recent string of natural disasters. McCaskill plans to travel to Poplar Bluff, Mo., to visit areas deeply impacted by the severe flooding, according to a news release. "McCaskill intends to thank volunteers and community members working around the clock to bring people to safety and prevent further damage to the area," the release states...

With waterways throughout Southeast Missouri at or nearing crest levels, more heavy rains are on the way, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky. Lead forecaster David Humphrey said another half-inch to an inch and a half of rain is predicted for the region through this evening...

SIKESTON, Mo. (AP) -- An Army Corps of Engineers spokesman said Wednesday the agency will wait until this weekend to decide whether it is necessary to punch a massive hole in a levee to protect an upstream Illinois town from the rising Mississippi River...

A spokesman for the U.S. Corps of Engineers said Wednesday that levees are holding strong. Many in the affected flood areas have expressed concerns about sand boils, but Jim Pogue, spokesman for the corps, said sand boils are a natural occurrence and actually help the levees by relieving some pressure. He said there are no immediate concerns about the levees' structure. Pogue said corps workers are monitoring the levees 24 hours a day...

The Missouri Department of Transportation has closed more than 100 roads in Southeast Missouri because of water over the roadway. The following is a news release from MoDOT: Flooded Roads in Southeast Missouri update 11 a.m. SIKESTON - The Missouri Department of Transportation has closed routes in Southeast Missouri due to the recent flooding. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution and plan alternate routes...

As the rains continued to pound the area and the floodwaters continue to rise today, another powerful force seemed to grip the residents of Mississippi and New Madrid counties: fear. Gen. Michael Walsh, president of the Mississippi River Commission, presided over a heated town meeting at the Creative School Zone in East Prairie, Mo., where more than 100 area residents expressed their concerns over the U.S. ...

The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's department and Cape Girardeau County Highway Department reported water over several county roads in the area. The following is a list from the county website as of 2:30 p.m. today. While the entirety of these County Roads may not be closed, they have been reported as having significant standing or running water, washed out areas, debris, and other developments along portions of the road. ...

Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore has ordered a mandatory evacuation of the spillway in the area of the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway. The notification was sent via an Nixle.com alert, a messaging service used by more than 4,600 public safety agencies...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon praised the efforts of local law enforcement and the Missouri National Guard in evacuating the residents that would be affected by an intentional breach of the Birds Point levee. In a news release issued Wednesday evening, the governor praise Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore and New Madrid County Sheriff Terry M. Stevens and the cooperation with the National Guard...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The damaged agricultural levee protecting Poplar Bluff failed a federal inspection after a 2008 flood, an official with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Tuesday.

After wrapping up a successful kickoff year, Carolyn Fiedler said the Good Shepherd Outreach Center for Blind and Visually Impaired plans to continue to grow for years to come. Fiedler, coordinator for the outreach program, said the nondenominational program works with visually impaired and blind people in Cape Girardeau and Jackson to share the light of salvation through Jesus Christ. They meet at 11:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month...

As graduation day approaches, Rose Lunnemann can't help feeling a mix of elation and trepidation about her future. The Southeast Missouri State University senior is on track to graduate next month with a degree in psychology. She's vying for a spot in the AmeriCorps program and has a job lined up with an agency serving the homeless in her hometown of St. ...

As trucks dumped gravel on the road in front of his Dutchtown home to build an emergency levee, Mark Easley crammed what he could carry into his van. His home, at 8211 State Highway 74, is trapped between rising floodwaters and the emergency levee now being built. "I can't believe they're doing this to us," Easley said. "We didn't get no warning." He said he wasn't told in advance about the plans to erect the emergency

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and several others challenging the federal health care law. In his ruling Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Rodney Sippel said those bringing the lawsuit did not have standing for many of their claims and that other claims were not ripe for review...

Jackson didn't let Notre Dame breathe. The Indians suffocated the Bulldogs in a total team effort, posting a 5-0 home victory Tuesday night in girls soccer action. "High pressure always makes a team panic," Jackson junior Erin Eakens said. "Even a good team like Notre Dame, as long as you keep good pressure on them, it makes any team panic."...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Cairo residents were curious Tuesday about the state of the city's flood work, some even peering over the city's levee along the Ohio River, which was at 56.87 feet mid-afternoon -- less than three feet from record flood stage...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon visited a drenched Southeast Missouri on Monday to promise rain-weary government and law enforcement officials that he would do everything in his power to keep the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from blowing a levee that would unleash floodwaters on 130,000 acres of farms and homes.

Here im right on top of the levee breach as you can see i was within 2 ft of goin over

Painton Mo Flood

Painton Mo Flood

Painton Mo Flood

this shows all the water behind the breach

this is where all the water washed out to.

SIKESTON, Mo. (AP) -- The flood of 2011 is proving troublesome for virtually every river town in southeast Missouri - and even for dozens of communities situated far from the waterways. More rain fell Wednesday. Some parts of the region have received 15 inches of rain since late last week. Hundreds of homes and businesses are already taking in water or are threatened...

Although several areas in Southeast Missouri have been severely affected by recent weather which has resulted in serious flooding issues, Dunklin County is still in the clear for the most part. According to Larry Kelley, Dunklin County's Emergency Management Agency director, the Bootheel area of Dunklin County doesn't currently have any flooding that is impacting the area...

The Cape County Cowboy Church has a new cookbook its members put together as a fundraising project. The book is a nice spiral-bound book with 122 pages of great recipes. The day I got the book I read it cover to cover, marking several recipes I am going to try. ...

Mother's Day is about 10 days away. I know this is to be a column about gardening, but I can't help but pay tribute to my mom this year. She is a very special lady. Unfortunately today she doesn't know me, but I think she recognizes me as someone familiar. I just pray that she is at peace in her final years...

After Sheila Adkins sends her mother flowers, she always asks for details about the arrangement. It's not only a matter of curiosity for Adkins, a spokeswoman for the Council of Better Business Bureaus. She wants to make sure she got her money's worth...

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- In the mountains of Northern California, a field of radio dishes that look like giant dinner plates waited for years for the first call from intelligent life among the stars. But they're not listening anymore. Cash-strapped governments, it seems, can no longer pay the interstellar phone bill...

BOULDER, Colo. -- A man suspected of leaving a pipe bomb and two propane tanks at a Denver-area shopping mall was arrested Tuesday after being spotted drinking coffee at a supermarket about 30 miles away, authorities said. Earl Albert Moore, 65, was taken into custody by the FBI and was due to make his first court appearance today...

Over the past six years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri has seen marked success through its ABC Education Initiative in helping students in the Cape Girardeau School District. "ABC" -- which stands for Attendance, Behavior and Classroom success in reading and math -- is a pilot program launched in Cape Girardeau now nationally recognized...

I just heard on the news that a state has got their prisoners out to work cleaning up the debris from the storms. Why in the world don't we do that in every state? I'm sure some of those young boys that are in there would love to get out and get fresh air and work...

For the next 18 months, the national political debate will swirl with a discussion on scorecards -- as if a presidential election has some sports comparison. The first scorecard comparison came a few months back during a discussion on unemployment. The buzz centered on an unemployment rate above 9 percent come next November. If the scorecard hit that magic number, then the odds for an Obama re-election would suffer, according to conventional wisdom...

O Lord, you are our refuge, a stronghold in times of trouble. Amen.

WASHINGTON -- For the first time, American women have passed men in gaining advanced college degrees as well as bachelor's degrees, part of a trend that is helping redefine who goes off to work and who stays home with the children. Census figures released Tuesday highlight the latest education milestone for women, who began to exceed men in college enrollment in the early 1980s. The findings come amid record shares of women in the workplace and a steady decline in stay-at-home mothers...

Sophomore Alex Sotak has been difficult to stop for the Jackson girls soccer team most of this season. She's been dishing out assists as well as finding the back of the net herself. That didn't change in the Indians' first home game of the season. Jackson played its first 11 games on the road before hosting Poplar Bluff on Thursday...

KIEV, Ukraine -- Tough new guidelines could help prevent accidents like the massive Chernobyl meltdown, Russia's president insisted Tuesday, defending nuclear energy during solemn ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of the worst nuclear accident in history...

LONDON -- How long will Kate make William wait at the aisle? What color will the queen wear to the wedding? And will Harry be sober enough to deliver the best man's speech? As betting-happy Britons shell out on their favorite royal wedding-themed wagers, the country's bookmakers hope to make a mint...

Vincent Frederick Schwartz, 90, of Jackson died Sunday, April 24, 2011, at his home. He was born Feb. 16, 1921, in St. Louis to Joseph and Elizabeth Schaefer Schwartz. He and Geneva M. Hitt were married June 25, 1942. She died Nov. 30, 1998. Vincent served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in North Africa and France...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Herbert O. Dippold, 81, of Perryville was called home Monday, April 25, 2011. He was born June 12, 1929, in Perryville, son of Walter and Bertha Villhard Dippold. He first married Anna Kay Johnson on April 3, 1953. He then married Margaret Harris on March 9, 1986...

CAMPBELL, Mo. -- Susan Oakes Angle, 79, of Campbell died Monday, April 25, 2011, at her home. She was born March 12, 1932, in Haleyville, Ala., daughter of William and Alice Flannigan Head. She and Walter B. Oakes were married in December 1947. He preceded her in death Aug. 23, 1998...

Carmen W. Bradshaw, 46, of Jackson passed away Sunday, April 24, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born April 23, 1965, in St. Louis, son of the late Lyndell and LaVerne Walker Bradshaw. Carmen was a graduate of Advance High School. He worked his entire life with the family business, Lynn Flexo Supply, which relocated to Jackson in 1996...

PIEDMONT, Mo.-- Lucian L. Calvert, 70, of Piedmont passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born July 30, 1940, in Blytheville, Ark., to Lucian Foster and Minnie Bell Powers Calvert. He and Wanda Atchley were married June 20, 1959. He and Sally Milum Williamson were married Aug. 16, 1980...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Helen Watkins, 98, of Cairo died Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Dr. Larry L. Potts officiating. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens at Villa Ridge, Ill...

Three longtime employees and emeritus medallion recipients from Southeast Missouri State University are honored at a faculty recognition program in the University Center; honored are John A. Behrens, director of admissions emeritus; Billie O'Neal, professor emerita of health, physical education and recreation; Louis Sewell, professor emeritus of mathematics; and Vincent E. Seyer, director of the physical plant with more than 35 years of service...

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- James Hugh Morgan, 90, of Fredericktown, formerly of Advance, Mo., died Sunday, April 24, 2011, at his home. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10 a.m. today at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Fredericktown, with the Rev. Mitch Wilk officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by Missouri National Guard...

ANNA, Ill. -- James E. Hale, 75, of Anna died Monday, April 25, 2011, at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Ill. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Thursday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Geoffery Bond officiating. Burial will be in Anna City Cemetery...

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Not too long ago, Lonny Fried's achievement would have dropped jaws. TV and newspaper reporters would have showed up at her door. She would have been fussed over and given a big party. But turning 100 isn't such a big deal anymore...

Police have issued a warrant for a second man alleged to be involved in the theft and torching of a car owned by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. Department spokesman Darin Hickey said Tuesday afternoon that a warrant for the arrest of Jacob Shepard, 19, of Cape Girardeau has been issued. The spokesman said Shepard is not in custody and that the department is looking for him...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder plans to pay the state more than $50,000 to cover questionable expense reimbursements during his term in office. Kinder campaign attorney Jared Craighead told The Associated Press that the Republican lieutenant governor planned to write the check Tuesday from his personal funds...

Following the state's lead, the Jackson School Board on Tuesday updated its policy on student transportation in private vehicles and common carriers. The changes, stemming from revisions to state law, outline requirements for transportation of students in vehicles designed for transporting more than 10 passengers, including the driver, and vehicles designed to carry 10 passengers or fewer, including the driver...

Since Friday, Cape Girardeau has received 12.58 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky. More is on the way. Today rain is expected to continue with occasional showers and scattered thunderstorms tapering off by the evening, the National Weather Service said. Chance of rain is 100 percent, with locally heavy rainfall possible. Up to two more inches of rain is possible, said Dave Purdy, meteorologist with the National Weather Service...

As the region struggles to hold back surging floodwaters, Southeast Missouri is preparing for an earthquake. Southeast Missouri State University students, faculty, and staff will join schools, businesses and government agencies across the central United States on Thursday morning, all encouraged to "Drop, Cover, and Hold On."...

Unless board members see otherwise, the Cape Girardeau School District will not be building its own bus system anytime soon. The Cape Girardeau School Board holds a special meeting at 5 p.m. today to consider a recommendation to accept a new three-year contract for bus service with longtime transportation service provider First Student Inc...

HOUSTON -- Bill Hall's ninth-inning RBI single gave the Houston Astros a 6-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night. Brian Bogusevic came home on a wild pitch by closer Mitchell Boggs (0-1) earlier in the inning. He singled before advancing to second on a passed ball. Michael Bourn bunted and reached first on an error by Boggs that got Bogusevic to third to set up the score...

St. Louis has the 14th overall pick in Thursday's opening round of the NFL draft

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has approved an upward restructuring of the weight classes for high school wrestling. The results from a vote by the wrestling rules committee earlier this month had been embargoed until after they were approved by the NFHS board of directors...

The Central boys tennis team experienced little resistance in a home sweep Tuesday. The Tigers only dropped two games in their 9-0 victory over Sikeston. Pablo Jaramillo shut out Jacob Alsup 8-0 at No. 1 singles then teamed with Sam Stahly to post an 8-0 win at No. 1 doubles...

The Southeast Missouri State baseball team's offense capitalized on the longball in its 11-4 win over Southern Illinois on Tuesday at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau.

The only thing the Founding Fathers didn't take into account was career politicians. Party doesn't matter, the parasites in Washington, D.C., who live off our taxes do nothing but come up with policies that keep people dependent on government to solidify their re-election...

I use these mailboxes as water markers of the water depth. This is Day 2 April 27. In 1993 these mailboxes disappeared. This is at the city limits (pet cemetery, southern County Road 657). It amazes me that the city, county has not built this short stretch of road up in all this time...

I use these mailboxes as water markers of the water depth. This is Day 1 April 26. In 1993 these mailboxes disappeared. This is at the city limits (pet cemetery, southern County Road 657). It amazes me that the city, county has not built this short stretch of road up in all this time...

This is Day 2 of the water over Highway 177 at the city limits

My son notice the bird nest under the deck, I went on the deck and took a picture thru the crack and what a awesome picture. Can't wait for them to hatch!

Painton Mo Flood

this is the same levee breach at Bell City im about 25 ft from it here

This is the breach in the levee were about 50 ft from it at this point!

This is the spillway that was supposed to releave the preasure behind the levee but there was so much water behind the levee that it couldnt keep up. Then after the levee breached the water started running in reverse at the spillway and started pushing more water into the levee!...

This is a view of what the levee breach did. I was about 2.5 miles from the breach when I took this pic

A picture of the hail that fell Wednesday afternoon in Jackson

The St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway will be hosting three events on Saturday, April 30, an arts and craft show, antique car show and an open house on the train. The Jackson Art Group and the Iron Mountain Railway Volunteers are co-sponsoring the arts and crafts show which will begin at 9 a.m. ...

There will be a shower for Birthright Saturday, May 7, from 1-3 pm at the Osage Centre. Birthright is a non-profit, interdenominational center for women finding themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. New items needed for their layettes are: newborn diapers, baby wipes, Enfamil formula (Premium Infant, ProSobee, Enfacare, AR, or Gentlease), baby wash & lotion, receiving blankets, towels & wash cloths, 8 oz bottles and newborn/0-3 m clothing. ...

The 6th Grade math team at Cape Middle School finished first in Team Competition at the recent Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics Regional Competition for 4 -- 6 graders at Southeast Missouri State University. Pictured above, left to right, are team members Katie Kinder, Levi Strickland, Amy Dai, Brianna Duncan, and Michael Morrison. ...

caney levee breach tues morn

hole getting bigger

heavy equipment trying to save family and friends

trying anything to fix

Cape Central High School Senior Chelsea Pannier recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Mineral Area College in Park Hills, MO. Seated with Chelsea are her parents Darryl and Ellen Pannier. Standing, left to right are CHS basketball coach Sherri Shirrell, Mineral Area College Coach Gary Koch and CHS volleyball coach Charity Huff. ...

This is the funnel cloud spotted this afternoon in the last round of heavy storms to pass through the area, located between Chaffee, MO and Nash Road. It was on it's way back up into the clouds (thank goodness!) by the time I got my camera!