Stories from July 2012

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky. The warning will stay in effect until 6 p.m. Monday. The excessive heat warning means dangerous levels of heat will occur. High temperatures above 100 will occur. Some locations may exceed 105, NWS meteoroligists said...

Several hours of testimony Friday by three students didn't convince a jury that a former Cape Girardeau Central High School science teacher was guilty of assaulting one of his pupils during a January incident in a downtown parking lot.

Local farmers are struggling to keep their cattle fed after record temperatures and severe drought have robbed them of their pastures. Ninety-three percent of Southeast Missouri's pastures are in poor or very poor condition, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's weekly Crop Progress and Conditions report. Hay is in short supply too and with the hot, dry weather expected to continue, many farmers are selling off their herds all together...

NEVADA, Mo. -- Two squads of the second platoon of the Missouri National Guard's 1138th Engineer Sapper Company from Southeast Missouri are among the nearly 100 citizen soldiers from Missouri have been training at Camp Clark in Nevada for several days, honing their route-clearing skills...

A Republican candidate for state attorney general got some help energizing local voters from a former presidential hopeful and an "America's Got Talent" winner at a Cape Girardeau rally Friday. The rally for Ed Martin also featured Texas Governor Rick Perry and winner of the 2008 edition of "America's Got Talent" and candidate for the 149th state House district Neal E. Boyd...

Conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh is endorsing fellow Cape Girardeau native Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder in his bid for re-election. The Kinder campaign posted the radio ad with an image of Limbaugh on its website. In the ad, Limbaugh acknowledges that "I'm doing something here I rarely do" -- making political campaign endorsements, but says Kinder is a lifelong, close friend with true conservative credentials. The two grew up together in Cape Girardeau...

A Cape Girardeau home sustained moderate smoke and fire damage Saturday, according to the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. Firefighters arrived on the scene at 407 S. Louisiana Ave. and found fire showing on one side of the single-story structure. Fire was also reported in the attic...

Autumn doesn't like having the tangles combed out

7 yr old Emily Dockins learning how to drive a team (Snake Lady,Sweetie Pie)on a 10 mile wagon ride in Bollinger County

She used to work two jobs and made good money. Now a health condition keeps her from working full-time. So a 32-year-old Cape Girardeau single mom depends on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, to help her take care of her 3-year-old son...

Nolan caught this 4 1/2 pound bass at his home in the Cape area.

Bryanna Hale caught this 2 1/2-pound crappie at her grandparents pond in Cape

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- It was almost 20 years ago when the Moxleys were first given hope that a family member killed in action during World War II was found. It wasn't until today, however, that he finally made it home. How 1st Lt. Warren G. Moxley died in the last few months of World War II was never a mystery...

GREENVILLE, Mo. -- After allegedly fleeing from officers earlier in the week during a traffic stop, a Wayne County, Mo., man is behind bars today. At about 10 p.m. Thursday, about 20 to 25 members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and its SWAT team, the Wayne County Sheriff's Department and SEMO Drug Task Force arrested Billy J. Hancock, according to Trooper Clark Parrott...

SIKESTON - A 19-year-old Sikeston man is dead after suffering multiple gunshot wounds early Saturday morning. The Sikeston Department of Public Safety responded around 2:15 a.m. Saturday to a report of gunshots in the 800 block of William Street. Upon arrival they found the man, who had been struck numerous times. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to police...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Firefighters were working this weekend to mop up around the perimeter of a partially contained blaze that has burned up to 600 acres of the Mark Twain National Forest in Southeast Missouri. The fire started Thursday morning as "two little spots along the side of the road" and quickly spread throughout Iron County, said Jody Eberly, the fire management officer for the 1.5-million acre forest...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Bobby Joe Roberts, 57, was found guilty Friday of one count of rape and two counts of forcible sodomy in a Cape Girardeau County courtroom. Perryville city police received a report last August of a sexual assault at the Americas Best Value Inn on Liberty Street. ...

About 100 local business owners and concerned citizens attended a Blue Ribbon Citizens Committee on Transportation meeting on Missouri's transportation needs at the Show Me Center Friday. The event allowed citizens to speak about both their concerns for Missouri's transportation system as well as offer solutions to a Missouri Department of Transportation funding crisis...

At about 7:45 a.m. Friday, the Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to a gas leak near the intersection of Boulder Crest Drive and North Kingshighway at Cape County Park South, according to battalion chief Fred Vincel. Vincel said that the gas leak was caused by a contractor accidentally striking a gas line while digging. The leak was small and quickly contained. The Cape Girardeau Fire Department left the scene around 7:50 a.m...

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Rev. Bill Vandergraph, 74, of Alto Pass, Ill., will return to court in July on charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and aggravated criminal sexual abuse for allegedly committing two sexual acts with a 4-year-old girl between January and May 2010.

The boil-water order that was in effect for properties along and around Old Cape Road East in Jackson has been lifted. City crews restored water service to all customers by Thursday afternoon and water quality sampling results received late Friday revealed no contamination. The city's water can now be safely consumed without boiling. The order was due to utility repair work along East Jackson Boulevard...

Today is Sunday, July 1, the 183rd day of 2012. There are 183 days left in the year. This is Canada Day. Today's Highlight in History: On July 1, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the first Pacific Railroad Act "to aid in the construction of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri river to the Pacific ocean."...

Ashley Reinagel and John Litzelfelner were married Sept. 24, 2011, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, Mo. The Revs. John Harth and Oliver Clavin performed the ceremony. Vocalist and guitarist was Angie Kapp of Cape Girardeau; vocalist was Anita Layton, aunt of the bride; pianist was Krista Keesee; and guitarist was Maria Layton, cousin of the bride, all of Kelso...

Casey Nicole Hertenstein and Jason Glennon Crowell were married Oct. 15, 2011, at Centenary United Methodist Church. Brett Cheek and the Rev. Rob Mehner performed the ceremony. Music was provided by organist, Beverly Reece, and Trio Girardeaux. The bride is the daughter of Steve and Debbie Reynolds and Mike and Tammy Hertenstein, all of Mt. Vernon, Ill. The groom is the son of Terry and Terry Crowell of Cape Girardeau...

Brent and Geri Beussink of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren Beussink, to Derek Nelson, both of Chicago. He is the son of Noleen Nelson of Arlington Heights, Ill., and the late Stuart Nelson Jr. Beussink is a 2005 graduate of Notre Dame High School. ...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Ken and Diane Cook of Chaffee announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Marie Cook, to Jared Bannister Sugden of Marthasville, Mo. He is the son of Brent and Teresa Sugden of Argenta, Ill. Cook is a 2005 graduate of Delta High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in animal science from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2009. She is employed in human resources at Rose Acre Farms in Hawk's Point, Mo...

Ben and Jo Tally of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Meredith Leigh Tally, to Brandon Heath Coffman, both of Oak Ridge. He is the son of Mike and Tammy Coffman of Bradyville, Tenn. Tally is a 1995 graduate of Central High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University in 2001. She is employed at the university's Autism Center...

Edwin and Jane Mobley of Doniphan, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Rian Mobley, to Justin Thomas Keen, both of Jackson. He is the son of Bonnie and Mike Bolling and Mike and Carol Keen of Jackson. Mobley received a bachelor of science degree in business management from Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, Mo. She is director of marketing for Bagger Dave's and Buffalo Wild Wings...

Dan and Teri Wilson of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Andrea Kathleen Wilson, to Stuart Andrew Greaser, both of St. Louis. He is the son of Julie Greaser and Kevin and Linda Greaser of Cape Girardeau. Wilson is a 2007 graduate of Central High School. ...

Phillip and Barbara Hutson of Marble Hill, Mo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Sasha Nicole Hutson, to Blake Richard Williams, both of Jackson. He is the son of Duayne and Nancy Williams. Hutson is a 2006 graduate of Woodland High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in business administration (accounting) and a bachelor of arts degree in history from Southeast Missouri State University in 2010. She is an accountant with Beussink, Hey and Roe, PC, in Cape Girardeau...

ORAN, Mo. -- Charles and Alisha Strop of Oran announce the engagement of their daughter, Sierra Nichole Greer, to James Robert-Michael Downing. He is the son of Rodger and Angie Downing of Oran. Greer is a 2010 graduate of Oran High School. She is employed at Walmart in Cape Girardeau...

James and Vicki Frank of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Victoria Lynn Frank of St. Louis, to Craig Feichtinger of Troy, Ill. He is the son of Marilyn Feichtinger of Collinsville, Ill., and the late Frank Feichtinger. Frank received bachelor degrees in marketing and mass communication from Southeast Missouri State University. She is employed by Fox Networks in St. Louis...

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Venable of Jackson celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary May 30, 2012. Venable and Susan La Pierre were married May 30, 1952, at Mac Murray College in Jacksonville, Ill. She graduated June 1. The Venables have lived in Jackson 60 years...

Ray and Betty Craft of Cape Girardeau will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Thursday. The couple was married July 5, 1962, at First Christian Church, by the Rev. Donald Pelsue. The Crafts have three children, Jeretta (Steve) Schaefer of Charlotte, N.C., Pamela Craft of Munford, Tenn., and Gregory (Amanda) Craft of Cape Girardeau. They have three grandchildren, Anneliese Schaefer of Charlotte, Isabelle and Vincent Craft of Cape Girardeau...

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Boudinot of Jackson celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family gathering at their home June 16, 2012. Hosts were their children. Boudinot and Jacqueline Hoffmeister were married June 22, 1952, at First Baptist Church in Jackson, by the Rev. L.A. Greene. It was a double ceremony with Mrs. Boudinot's sister, Pat Baker and husband Don...

On the third Saturday of every month, Sensory Saturdays at Cape West 14 Cine provides those with autism or other disabilities an opportunity to enjoy movies in a comfortable setting. "It is an opportunity for parents to spend more time with their kids in a setting that is accepting and comfortable to them," behavior analyst Leanne Hopper said...

The American bald eagle is a large bird of prey that lives for up to 30 years in the wilds of North America. A male and a female will become mates for life and may nest in the same tree for many years. When a nest is built, the pair will work diligently piling sticks into the strongest limbs of a big tree. When the nest is about five feet across, it will be big enough for the eggs to be laid...

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson will host its vacation Bible school, called "The Amazing Desert Journey," July 8 through 11. On July 8, registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. There will be an ice cream social for everyone at 7:30 p.m. Activities July 9 and 10 will be from 6 to 8 p.m. ...

BSA Troop 16 of Cape Girardeau honors the Screaming Eagle Patrol, all of whom received the rank of Eagle Scout. From left are Matt Jedlinski, Adam Raines, Aaron Arnzen and Cole Howell. Bob and Kathy Holloway received the Bob Miller Award in recognition of service that upheld the name and tradition of the Notre Dame athletic program and Notre Dame Regional High School. ...

Alliance Bank and employees donated $4,644.34 to United Way of Southeast Missouri during the 2011-2012 annual campaign. From left: Shelly Kaiser, Gary Diebold, Laura Payne, Melissa Moore, Peggy Kelley, Karlis Hennrich, Cindy Bertrand, Julie Schlosser, Chelsea Wichern, Kevin Greaser, Lori Fowler, Paula Myers, Cord Polen, Diane Schweer, Theresa Boehme, Monica James and Heidi Duckworth...

If your garden or yard is feeling too small, expand your horizons without buying another square inch of property or doing much work. Just borrow some landscape. "Borrowed landscape" is a technique frequently used in designing Japanese gardens, where it is called shakkei, but it can be employed in any garden style. The idea is to incorporate distant elements of the surrounding landscape into your own, creating the feeling of greater space...

Who doesn't enjoy getting a new cookbook? I know I love getting a new book to read and start trying new recipes from the book. For my birthday, my sister Barb gave me the new "Home Cooking at its Best" cookbook from Christ the Savior Parish of Brewer, Mo. ...

Grace is 1 year old. She is a very sweet medium-sized dog. Grace is available for adoption at The Humane Society 334-5837. ...

Malibu is a 5 year old declawed white kitty. She is extremely sweet. Malibu is very talkative and ready for a lovable home. For more information, contact Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary at 243-9823. ...

NAME: Barney OWNERS: Terry and Linda Burnette ABOUT BARNEY: Barney is a beagle mix. He enjoys playing fetch, wrestling and playing with his toys. ...

Numerous obstacles people face in life are anything but easy. You wonder, "How can I possibly get through this?" Your heart is breaking and you feel that you cannot possibly endure the sadness you feel. "How can you?" One of the most traumatic circumstances someone might experience is the death of a spouse -- particularly if you're a couple who has been close. Many have told me that life is certainly not the same as before. It's like a part of them is gone...

I've recently had the privilege and honor of officiating a funeral for a gentleman who served in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. We are all indebted to his service. A few weeks prior I was able to sit down and talk with a man about his World War II experience. He along with the flight crew he served with survived a crash in the Northern Atlantic. The crew was only trained so that they could survive for about 30 minutes in the frigid waters. The crew survived 12 hours...

MONDAY--Ham sandwich, peas, chips, fruit. TUESDAY--Crispito with cheese sauce, green beans, fruit. WEDNESDAY--No classes. THURSDAY--Chicken alfredo, corn, fruit. FRIDAY--Cheeseburger, potato wedges, fruit...

The regular monthly meeting of the Cape County Wild Horses 4-H Rodeo Club was called to order June 11 at Fruitland Community Church by president Logan Wessel. Pledges were led by Paige Cooper. "Happy Birthday" was sung to Micayla Gray and was led by song leaders Gabe Ruehling and Trenton Beard. Roll call was "What is your favorite season?" and answered by 16 members. There were nine leaders also present...

Each year it's an honor for the Southeast Missourian to recognize people who embody the spirit of America. Whether it's for patriotism and having served in the armed forces or for a number of other reasons, there are many in this part of the state who consistently display a giving and selfless attitude...

NEW YORK -- Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are divorcing, bringing an end to one of Hollywood's most unexpected marriages, one that spawned euphoric couch-jumping on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and endless speculation in the tabloids. After five years of marriage, Holmes filed for divorce from Cruise on Thursday, said Cruise's lawyer Bert Fields...

JOHANNESBURG -- In the six years he's managed a sanctuary for abused and orphaned chimpanzees, South African conservationist Eugene Cussons is from time to time called on to comment when an ape elsewhere in the world attacks a human. Cussons said he could always pinpoint a moment of taunting or perceived aggression that could have set off the quick and powerful animals...

GENEVA -- An international conference Saturday accepted a U.N.-brokered peace plan for Syria, but left open the key question of whether the country's president could be part of a transitional government. The U.S. backed away from insisting that the plan explicitly exclude President Bashar Assad from any role in a new Syrian government, hoping the concession would encourage Russia to put greater pressure on its longtime ally to end the violent crackdown that the opposition says has claimed more than 14,000 lives.. ...

CAIRO -- Islamist Mohammed Morsi promised a "new Egypt" and unwavering support to the powerful military as he took the oath of office Saturday to become the country's first freely elected president, succeeding Hosni Mubarak who was ousted 16 months ago...

ADAM VOGLER ~ avogler@semissourian.com Cheryl Klueppel, left, Dale Humphries, Dannette Miller and Reno Anderson play Hurry, Colum, Leonora and Marie during an "Evening of Murder, Mystery and Chocolate," Friday, June 29, at Buckner Brewing Co. ...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- North Outer Road from One Mile Road to Highway 25 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane Monday and Tuesday as Missouri Department of Transportation crews make pavement repairs. Weather permitting, the work will be done from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. For more information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center at 888-275-6636, or visit www.modot.org/southeast...

LOS ANGELES -- Rodney King was remembered in Los Angeles on Saturday as a forgiving man who bore the scars of his infamous beating with dignity. The Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, said before the funeral that King never showed bitterness to the officers who beat him...

Daughter to Richard Patrick and Jana Lin Smith of Cape Girardeau, Saint Francis Medical Center, 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Name, Avalyn Marie. Weight, 2 pounds, 2 ounces. Third child, second daughter. Mrs. Smith is the former Jana Murdock, daughter of Robert and Linda Murdock of Sikeston, Mo. Smith is the son of Greg and Melody Smith of Baxter, Minn. He is branch manager at One Main Financial...

The final piece of Saint Francis Medical Center's emergency and trauma program is set in place with the addition of an air ambulance service; Gene Huckstep, the chairman of the hospital's board of directors, calls the air service "the icing on the cake."...

A new high temperature record was set Friday with a reading of 107 degrees at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. The reading shattered the old record for the date, 103 degrees, recorded in 1969, according to National Weather Service data. An excessive heat warning remained in effect for most of Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois through 6 p.m. Monday...

Robert Harris is an unpaid servant of the city of Cape Girardeau. He works tirelessly to help maintain the community gardens at various locations in the city. His work began with a dream -- a dream of building a network of gardens to feed those in need, and in turn would reach many youths and organizations who would help make the dream come true...

WASHINGTON -- Millions across the mid-Atlantic region sweltered Saturday in the aftermath of violent storms that pummeled the eastern U.S. with high winds and downed trees, killing at least 13 people and leaving 3 million without power during a heat wave...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Gerald L. Stevens, 72, of Marble Hill, formerly of Cape Girardeau, passed away Friday, June 29, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Gerald was born Dec. 8, 1939, in Cape Girardeau, to Charles M. and Glenda A. Bridges Stevens...

FROHNA, Mo. -- Verna M. Roth, 87, of Frohna died Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born Sept. 11, 1924, in Frohna, daughter of Arthur and Amanda (Hellewege) Vogel. She and Richard Roth were married May 5, 1946. He survives in Frohna...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- J.T. Price, 85, of Perryville died Friday, June 29, 2012, at Perry Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Perryville. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Perryville, with the Rev. Thomas Handrick officiating...

Keith F. Patterson, 49, of Scott City died Friday, June 29, 2012, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born Sept. 19, 1962, in Cape Girardeau to Henry and Judy Patterson. He and Donna Davis were married Dec. 3, 1988. Keith was a route salesman for Sara Lee Bakery...

Gary N. Niswonger, 76, former fire chief for the city of Jackson, passed away Friday, June 29, 2012, at Delmar Gardens on the Green in Chesterfield, Mo. He was born Aug. 24, 1935, in Cape Girardeau to Pink and Ella Welker Niswonger. He and Margaret Clifton were married July 3, 1954. They had been married 52 years when Margaret passed away Sept. 21, 2006. After her passing, Gary moved to St. Louis to be near his family...

Effective immediately, the Missouri Department of Conservation has issued a fire ban for all conservation areas, according to a department news release. The fire ban includes any open fires, including campfires and charcoal grills. The ban does permit the use of contained camp stoves and charcoal cooking fires in concrete or metal fire rings. The use of firewood in cooking fires is prohibited under the fire ban. Fireworks are already prohibited in Missouri conservation areas...

Donald Lee Miller, 51, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Patton, Mo., died Friday, June 29, 2012, at the Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at Liley Funeral Home in Patton. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Thompson Cemetery near Gordonville...

At long last, Melva McEndree, 94, reunited with her beloved C.W. "Mac" McEndree and cherished grandson, Scott McEndree on Friday, June 29, 2012. Her children will hold her in their hearts always -- Maureen and Sam Ottenlips (daughter and son-in-law) and Michael and Diane McEndree (son and daughter-in-law). ...

A Republican candidate for Missouri Secretary of State visited a Cape Girardeau breakfast joint Friday to talk to voters. Bill Stouffer was at Sands Pancake House for a meet-and-greet Friday morning. Stouffer is currently a Republican state senator representing district 21...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Kimberly Ann Fisher, 52, of Advance passed away Friday, June 29, 2012, at her home. She was born Sept. 21, 1959, at Benton Harbor, Mich., the daughter of Charles and July Singleton Williams. Kim was a loving mother and wife. She was a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. She had worked in retail advertising. She believed in the Baptist faith...

Conner Renee Moore, age 7 days, daughter of Joshua Moore and Holly Collins of Jackson, met Jesus on Thursday, June 28, 2012, at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Conner struggled with multiple complications during the brief week of her life. She was born Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau...

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals shook up their bullpen one day after four relievers were tagged for seven runs over four innings of a blowout loss to Pittsburgh. The Cardinals on Saturday optioned right-hander Eduardo Sanchez and rookie left-hander Sam Freeman to Class AAA Memphis and purchased the contract of rookie lefty Barret Browning and recalled right-hander Maikel Cleto from the same club. ...

ST. LOUIS -- Lance Lynn still is trying to figure out how to end his slump. The St. Louis Cardinals right-hander, who gave up a first-inning grand slam to Pedro Alvarez in Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, insists his recent woes are not fatigue-related...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Perhaps the only downer in Missouri's jump to the Southeastern Conference is the indefinite interruption of the feisty border conflict with Kansas. The Jayhawks, who were left behind in the Big 12, were left feeling abandoned, jilted. Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self said several times last season that he couldn't see scheduling the Tigers anytime soon...

The Jackson Senior American Legion baseball team left the bases loaded to end the game in its 11-9 loss to Dunklin County in Saturday's semifinal at the 7-Up Classic in Paragould, Ark. Jackson entered the seventh inning with an 8-6 lead, but Dunklin County rallied...

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Making steady progress Saturday against the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history, crews kept a wary eye on weather that was getting warmer and drier as National Guard troops were deployed to help local police get things back to normal...

It looked like a missed opportunity for the Plaza Tire Capahas. Clayton Gibbons bunted a ball hard at the first baseman in an attempt to move up the runners on first and second. The Belleville, Ill., Rockies first baseman threw to third for the force out, and the third baseman attempted to complete a double play with a throw back to first. But the throw was high, which allowed the Capahas' courtesy runner to score from second base in the bottom of the 10th inning Saturday...

Five more states have been granted relief from key requirements of the Bush-era No Child Left Behind law, bringing the total to 24 states given waivers, the Education Department said Friday. Arkansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Utah and Virginia will be freed from the No Child Left Behind requirement that all students test proficient in math and reading by 2014, a goal the nation remains far from achieving...

Fans of Southeast Missouri State University football may remember Ryan Taloa for his days on the field. These days, however, Taloa, finds himself working in Texas with Campus Outreach. In this week's Ministry Focus, Taloa tells us what led him to work in the ministry and what opportunities he had to share his faith through football at Southeast...

BIXBY, Mo. (AP) -- Arson is the suspected cause of a fire that burned about 620 acres of the Mark Twain National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service said Monday that law enforcement is investigating. The blaze started Thursday morning in southeast Missouri's Iron County...

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Millions of people in a swath of states along the East Coast and farther west went into a third sweltering day without power Monday after a round of summer storms that killed more than a dozen people. The outages left many to contend with stifling homes and spoiled food over the weekend as temperatures approached or exceeded 100 degrees...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Gov. Jay Nixon's administration is seeking federal approval for farmers to graze their cattle on land that has been taken out of crop production. Nixon said Monday he wants the federal Farm Service Agency to approve livestock grazing on land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program because of shortages of hay and precipitation...

Comments sent by the office of Sen. Roy Blunt, R-MO, were mistakenly not included in a story about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the 2012 Farm Bill in Sunday's Southeast Missourian and online at http://www.semissourian.com/story/186595.... The comments follow:...

Six errors led to seven unearned as the Plaza Tire Capahas lost 12-7 to Fairview Heights in the semifinals of the Valmeyer, Ill., tournament Sunday. The Capahas led 7-6 in the bottom of the seventh inning when their defense faltered. Starting pitcher Jason Chavez had retired two of the first three batters he faced, but three ensuing errors resulted in three unearned runs...

No one was injured when a train derailed near Tower Rock on Saturday afternoon, Perry County Sheriff Gary Schaaf said. The northbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway train was carrying iron ore pellets from Alabama about 2:20 p.m., when it ran off the rails along the Mississippi River just south of Wittenberg, Mo., Schaaf said...

Texas Gov. Rick Perry answered a few questions by email after his stop in Cape Girardeau on Friday. Perry was in town campaigning for Missouri attorney general candidate Ed Martin. Q: You jokingly mentioned in your speech Friday that running for President as the front-runner was the most "exhilarating three hours" of your life. But in all seriousness, how did your run for President effect you as an individual and as a governor?...

KENNETT, Mo. -- Former Kennett police chief Barry Tate has been rehired as a patrolman. According to Kennett city attorney Terry McVey, on Wednesday evening during a closed meeting of the Kennett City Council, a motion was made to reinstate Tate, with the understanding that he would not return as police chief but as a department patrolman...

The suspect in a Sikeston, Mo., shooting death was arrested in Cape Girardeau early Sunday. Kevin Recardo King, 29, of Sikeston was found about noon in a Cape Girardeau residence on Landis Drive, according to Sikeston police spokesman Lt. James McMillen...

The city of Jackson updated a number of its construction codes in June and local builders say that compliance with the new guidelines creates safety for customers and contractors. "The codes set standards of materials and workmanship and design to protect the...

Friday's announcement from the White House that five more states will receive waivers from some requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act gave educators in Missouri and elsewhere reason to finally breathe a sigh of relief, but local school officials say accountability for student achievement is still a top priority...

The first-round plan for family apartments didn't pass muster with some city and state officials earlier this year. Now, the company that specializes in low-income housing is hoping state housing officials will take a closer look at a revised plan that calls for building a $7 million apartment complex that exclusively targets seniors in Cape Girardeau...

Southeast Missouri Food Bank and local scrapbookers are teaming up to "Crop For Hunger." Saturday, July 28, at La Croix United Methodist Church, you are invited to sign up for an all-day retreat of classes, cropping, food and fun!Anyone from a casual scrap booker...

Cape Girardeau set a record high temperature for July 1 and the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky on Sunday. The temperature in the city climbed to 103 at about 3 p.m., surpassing the unofficial record of 99, reached in 1980 and 1991...

Councilman Trent Summers' absence at today's Cape Girardeau City Council meeting will likely push back the scheduled final vote on the divisive proposal to allow urban deer hunting in the city limits until July 16. Council members said Sunday that the controversial decision on an archery program that has been in the works for nine months should be made by the full council. Typically, the council does not table decisions when its members are not present...

Enjoyed a visit to the Cape Girardeau river front to see the American Queen paddle wheel boat that travels the Mississippi River. Although it was a very hot day it was great to see such a beautiful historical boat.

With the recent sultry weather one evening we had a beautiful calming sunset to enjoy.

High traffic corridors, where vehicles travel at high rates of speed, can be deadly when drivers lose control. Early the past decade, Missouri began installing high-tension guard cables to prevent out-of-control vehicles from crossing the medians of Interstate 70. ...

4th of July Means Family Fun--Hot dogs, soda, and cheery pie followed by sparklers and sky-high fireworks. All this makes for a fun-filled family holiday. For couples without children, some of the fun is missing, the bright faces, eyes aglow, shouts and screams with each crackle and boom, mustard dripping from the mouth. ...

ST. LOUIS -- Heat is suspected of playing a role in the death of an 80-year-old St. Louis man. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that the man was found Saturday in his home. Deputy Fire Chief Mike Arras said emergency medical technicians reported that the death appeared to be heat-related...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- For the first time in two years, Sikeston School District staff will see an increase in their salaries for the upcoming school year. The district's school board approved funding three steps on the salary schedule for most support and certified staff. On Tuesday, the board adopted the $31.5 million budget for the new fiscal year, which began Sunday...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Columbia police and union officials are looking into claims that topless waitresses participated in a recent union fundraiser. The Columbia Daily Tribune reported that it was among several news outlets to receive a letter claiming inappropriate behavior occurred during the charity fundraiser last month at a golf course. The unsigned letter described female servers clad only in bikini bottoms...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A Kansas City mother admitted withholding food from her daughter years before the now 10-year-old was freed from a closet weighing 32 pounds, court records show. The Kansas City Star reported that the girl was hospitalized as a 4-year-old because she already was underweight at 26 pounds. The mother said then that her reason for withholding food was to keep her daughter from going to the bathroom too often...

Today is Monday, July 2, the 184th day of 2012. There are 182 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 2, 1937, aviator Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to make the first round-the-world flight along the equator...

A person can acquire the herpes zoster virus -- more commonly known as shingles -- after getting chickenpox as a child. Research suggests that about 50 percent of people who live to age 85 will have at least one episode of shingles in their lifetime, says Dr. Cheree Wheeler-Duke, a primary care physician at Southeast Primary Care in Cape Girardeau...

Bill Anderson is a fixture on Southeast Missouri's airwaves. If you don't know his name, you probably know his voice and his famous Cousin Carl character. Anderson has worked in radio since high school, eventually buying his own station: KWKZ 106.1. ...

The causes of obesity in pets are similar to those in humans: Overeating and lack of exercise. Dr. Wanda Pipkin, a veterinarian at Deer Ridge Animal Hospital in Jackson, said according to a study done by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 54 to 56 percent of dogs and cats are overweight or obese. Out of these numbers, 20 percent of dogs are obese and 22 percent of cats are obese...

As summer heats up, air conditioning bills can rapidly rise. As homeowners feel the heat, many are looking for ways to save money and stay cool. "In a home, about 60 percent of your utility bill is for air conditioning," says Chris Janet, division manager of sales and services for Dutch Enterprises...

Not many can say they spent a birthday biking through the mountains of Bhutan, but that's exactly what Judy Cureton did in April, when she turned 74. In fact, the trip to Bhutan completed her goal of biking on every continent not covered by ice. "When I heard about this ride in Bhutan I checked it out and decided that was my Asia tour. ...

Our news columns regularly point out the selfless acts being carried out by local residents. Whether it's building a community garden, helping children learn to read or raising money for impoverished and malnourished children in Haiti or Africa, our readership is saturated with generous and helpful people...

I would like to take a few moments from fighting this war in Afghanistan to thank all of my friends, family and the local businesses who have been kind enough to send my platoon and I such wonderful care packages and heartfelt greetings, especially the gracious folks at Red Lobster. Though most of the men who serve with me are not from the heartland, because of your generosity they now know the warmth and hospitality of the fine folks of Southeast Missouri...

O Lord Jesus, in the midst of life's trials, we keep our trust in you. Amen.

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court has turned down media companies' plea to lift a prohibition on owning both a newspaper and a television station in the same market. The justices Friday denied the companies' appeal without comment. The media outlets say the restrictions no longer make sense in the Internet era...

Jedediah Webster recently began his duties as director of SoutheastHEALTH's Food and Nutrition Services. He joined Sodexo in 2002. Webster has food service experience in both health care and campus services divisions. He developed successful programs in the areas of patient satisfaction, employee engagement and cost-saving initiatives in Bloomfield, Iowa, where he managed Food, Laundry and Environmental Services for Davis County Hospital. ...

Simply Swirled, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop, will open soon in Cape Girardeau. The store will be at 236 S. Mount Auburn Road, directly below McAlister's Deli in the Lormont Place complex. Customers will be able to choose their flavors and then choose from dozens of toppings, such as fresh fruit, cookies, candy, nuts and granola. ...

Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge Stanley A. Grimm has been named to the Missouri Court of Appeals by Gov. John Ashcroft. Old McKendree Chapel, the first Methodist church west of the Mississippi River, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places...

It's been somewhat of a frustrating start to the summer for Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Dickey Nutt, who is not having the easiest of times putting together his 2012-13 schedule or his coaching staff. Nutt is disappointed that several regional schools Southeast has played in the past and sought to play this season did not want to hook up with the Redhawks, including SIU Carbondale and Arkansas State. ...

Pat Patterson has been in the business for 30 years, but his interest in photography started at a young age. Now the owner of Pat Patterson Photography, he takes senior, wedding, family and special event portraits for the Cape Girardeau area. He has created a collection of 60 images of Cape Girardeau, which are available for purchase in various formats. Although the vast majority of his work is digital, he does have the capabilities to produce film photographs...

NEW YORK -- Who knew the calendar could cause so much vacation heartburn? For the first time in five years Independence Day falls on a Wednesday, leaving travelers unsure when to celebrate and worrying those who make a living off tourists. "The midweek holiday seems to have travelers confused," said Anthony Del Gaudio, vice president of hotel sales for Loews Hotels, which isn't seeing the normal July Fourth spike in bookings...

Former Southeast Missouri State baseball standout Trenton Moses has received his fourth All-American accolade for the 2012 season. Moses, a third baseman who completed his eligibility at Southeast this year, recently was named a second-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings...

St. Louis held off Pittsburgh 5-4 in the finale of their series

ST. LOUIS -- Finishing second in the National League All-Star balloting may have a silver lining for Yadier Molina. The St. Louis Cardinals catcher probably won't have to worry about being on the receiving end of R.A. Dickey's elusive knuckleball. The Mets pitcher led the National League with 12 victories to go with a 2.15 ERA and could be named the starting pitcher for the July 10 game in Kansas City...

401 Independence St. Study session, 5 p.m. today Meeting, 7 p.m. today Items for discussion...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Wednesday:...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI...

MOUNDS, Ill. — Paul J. Gibbs, 74, of Mounds died Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge, Ill.

ST. MARY, Mo. -- Dolores C. Clemens, 77, of St. Mary died Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 6:30 to 9 a.m. Friday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. A Catholic wake will be at 7 p.m. Thursday...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Claude R. "Bud" Adams, 84, of Perryville died Saturday, June 30, 2012 at Independence Care Center in Perryville. Bud was born July 16, 1927, at Lithium, Mo., to George H. Adams and Mary Gertrude Valleroy Adams. He married the love of his life, Erika M. Hans, on Aug. 28, 1948, in Berlin. She preceded him in death Oct. 16, 2004...

Life is something we respect, honor and value as a gift. As a Southeast Missourian, I am pleased that Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson has received the endorsement of Missouri Right to Life. Along with the endorsement, it was announced that she is the only candidate suited for the job of protecting life in our district. Her record validates their decision. Jo Ann Emerson is truly the best candidate to protect our unborn in the 8th District...

Veterans are supporting Bob Parker for Congress. Bob believes Congress should declare war according to the Constitution. Our troops go to war, win and come home. To rebuild a nation that is taught to hate us is insane. The recent defense bill Congress passed took rights from terrorists, and American citizens as well. President Obama said he could detain American citizens, but would not do so. Do you believe him? Does Jo Ann Emerson read these bills?...

I want to endorse Ron Andrews for assessor in the Aug. 7 primary election. I have known Ron for more than 30 years as a colleague in the information technology field. Ron has 25 years of experience with the Assessor's (CAMA) Computer-Assisted "MASS" Appraisal and Assessment Administration system...

Wayne Wallingford is my choice for Missouri state senator. Wayne Wallingford knows full well our country was established by godly men on Godly precepts; it is easy to recognize from a visible and measurable commitment of a lifetime of service to God, country and fellow man. Wayne is pro-God, pro-life and pro-country...

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

Recently the White House was set to circumvent Congress and issue an executive order that would make it illegal for any organization, business, school, etc. that does business with the federal government to dismiss or decline to hire or promote any employee due to that person's sexual orientation or gender identity. ...

The Former Southeast women's basketball coach takes reins at the juco level Former Southeast Missouri State women's basketball coach John Ishee is back in the profession. Ishee recently was hired as the women's basketball coach at Ranger Junior College in Ranger, Texas. The community has a population of about 3,000 and is located approximately 100 miles west of Dallas...

JERUSALEM (AP) -- Yitzhak Shamir was a fighter for the Jews long before Israel's creation, an underground leader who led militias against the Arabs and British. He made no apologies and no compromises -- not as an underground fighter, an intelligence agent who hunted Nazis, and as one of Israel's longest-serving prime ministers who refused to bargain for land...

NAME: Scott Schnurbusch AGE: 51 PLACE OF BIRTH: Jackson, MO SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Vickie (Clippard) Schnurbusch Drew Schnurbusch OCCUPATION: Deputy Sheriff Cape Girardeau County EDUCATION: Jackson R-2 Missouri State Highway Patrol Basic Law Enforcement Academy...

NAME: Jo Ann Emerson AGE: 61 years old PLACE OF BIRTH: Washington, DC SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Married to Ron Gladney, children Victoria and Katharine, five step-daughters, one step-son, three beautiful grandchildren EDUCATION: B.A. Political Science, Ohio Wesleyan University...

NAME: Paul A. Johnson AGE: 40 PLACE OF BIRTH: Sikeston Mo SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Camille N. Brooks-Johnson Paul, Nicholas, Trey, Blain, Alexander, and Daniel EDUCATION: Graduated from Scott County Central High School Graduated from Southeast Missouri State University's Law Enforcement Academy...

NAME: Lisa Reitzel AGE: 43 PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau, Mo. SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: My husband Mark and I have been married for almost twenty years and we have one beautiful daughter Lydia who is 14 years old. OCCUPATION: Registered nurse EDUCATION:...

NAME: Phyllis Mayfield AGE: 53 PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: spouse: Kevin Children: Chris, Dustin and Amanda OCCUPATION: Social Services at Heartland Care and Rehab Center EDUCATION: Gaade School: Salem Lutheran School, Farrar, MO...

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a nerve issue in his shoulder that has sidelined him since spring training. The 37-year-old Carpenter wants to continue pitching. He's been told the surgery to relieve compressed nerves in the shoulder could allow him to resume his career, although there are no guarantees...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- A no-burn order has been issued for Mississippi County, Mo., and portions of southern Scott County, Mo., in effect until further notice, according to a news release. Open burning, as well as the use of fireworks, is prohibited under the order...

Prosecutors on Monday filed first-degree robbery charges in a 30-year-old case against a Cape Girardeau man who was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1982. Charles Eugene O'Howell, 50, on Feb. 10, 1982, broke into a Cape Girardeau home and stole $50 from the resident at gunpoint, according to a warrant for his arrest...

B&L Coins and Collectibles was apparently hit by thieves for the third time in less than a year when someone broke in and stole jewelry from the business early Sunday morning. Cape Girardeau Police spokesman Darin Hickey said police responded to the store at 85 S. Plaza Way around 6:15 a.m. Sunday for an alarm sounding and upon arriving found a damaged front door...

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson sent a letter Monday to USDA secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to designate Southern Missouri counties experiencing extreme drought as disaster areas. Emerson in her letter highlighted the toll the drought is having on local farmers...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- When Southeast Missouri residents travel the highways for the Fourth of July, they won't be alone. Today and Sunday, Troop E of the Missouri State Highway Patrol will take part in the 20-Mile Trooper Project. According to Captain George E. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri officials have overstated the economic benefit of the state's main job-incentive program and have been "woefully inadequate" in verifying businesses are following through on what they say they will do, the state auditor said Monday...

A June meeting between U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and law enforcement personnel frightened the lawmaker. The use of bath salts in south central Missouri was becoming an epidemic, Rolla, Mo., Police Chief Mark Kearse, told her. "On the way back, I stopped at a sketchy convenience store," Emerson said. "I went in to find the gum I wanted. There on the left, in this glass case, are bath salts...

The Cape Girardeau County Commission unanimously appointed members of a number of volunteer advisory boards Monday, but attempts to fill spots on the Cape Girardeau Board of Developmental Disabilities raised the suggestion of county manipulation and discussions about conflicts of interest that tabled action until a future meeting...

Did it really need it or did the new Isle of Capri casino prompt it? Both, says assistant city manager Kelly Green. The Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday night authorized a roughly $300,000 contract to resurface Main Street, from Broadway north almost to the front door of the still-under-construction casino...

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County has opened several cooling centers for public use in response to prolonged high temperatures in the area. Locations include: the Chaffee Senior Center at 800 S. Main St., Chaffee; Miner Baptist Church, 416 Route H, Miner; Scott City Senior Center, 104 W. Hickory Drive, Scott City; Sikeston Nutrition Center and Sikeston Senior Center, 305 Cresap St., Sikeston; and the Sikeston Public Library, 121 E. North St., Sikeston...

Visit the USA Veterans 4th of July Celebration at the AC Brase Arena in Cape Girardeau and take a chance to Dunk A Tea Bag! Mad at your local Republican?!? START THROWING!! Had it with the Democrats?!? START THROWING!! Haven't heard of the Libertarian and Constitution Party?!? START THROWING!!...

A photo of 630 North Street this year as owners Steven Williams and John David Perry prepared to host The Vandivort Family 55th 4th of July Family reunion.

The Vandivorts gathering in 1972 for their annual 4th of July Family reunion. This year they were invited to again revisit the home by the new owners: Steven Williams and John David Perry.

The Parthenon atop the acropolis in Athen's, Greece. Amazing constuction for 2500 years ago.

Since Saturday, there's been no water coming through Stanley Moore's taps. "I guess we'll just have to start carrying it in," Moore said Monday, not knowing when the well on his property will again be able to provide water to the house he shares with his son on County Road 244 north of Delta...

Andrew Ralls, D.O. of Cape Girardeau, MO graduated on June 2, 2012 from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, Virginia with the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.). Dr. Ralls received his undergraduate degree in Biology from Southeast Missouri State University in 2007...

Despite drought conditions, the cities of Cape Girardeau and Jackson both plan to go forward with their Fourth of July fireworks displays. Randy Davis, assistant fire chief at the Jackson Fire Department, said the display will continue as normal. A brush truck, as well as two fire engines and Jackson firefighters will be on standby at Jackson City Park...

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- Authorities say a construction worker was killed in an eastern Missouri freeway work zone when a loaded asphalt truck backed over him. The Missouri State Highway Patrol did not immediately identify the man killed at the scene of the accident about 10:45 a.m. Monday on Interstate 55 near Ste. Genevieve...

Butler County authorities are working around the clock to find the man they believe robbed a third convenience store at gunpoint Sunday night, making off with an undetermined amount of money. At 8:16 p.m., a silent alarm went off at Village Express in the 4800 block of West Boulevard, according to Butler County Lt. Brian Evans...

Ongoing Perry County Sheriff's Department narcotics investigations led to charges being filed against seven people last week. Officials charged Donald Wayne Penrose, 28, of Perryville, Mo., with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute after he sold seven Xanax pills to a confidential informant March 20, according to a probable-cause statement. The transaction took place near the Perryville Country Club, the statement said...

BIXBY, Mo. -- Missouri residents were urged anew Monday to resist setting off fireworks in the wake of grass and timber fires raging throughout much of the rain-starved state and a suspicious fire that blackened hundreds of acres of a national forest...

Route D in Perry County will be reduced to one lane today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews make pavement repairs. This section of road is from Route C to County Road 438. Weather permitting, the work will be done from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m...

A Cape Girardeau man was injured in a traffic accident on North Kingshighway early Tuesday afternoon. An Ameren Missouri truck was southbound in the 100 block of North Kingshighway about 2:20 p.m., when a southbound gray Chevrolet Corsica struck the right front of the truck, said Cape Girardeau police officer David Valentine...

Cape Girardeau's Kent Zickfield has been dedicated to helping his community, his country and his fellow citizens nearly his entire life. "You do the things you do for your community because you love your community. It's never for the recognition," Zickfield said...

Today is Tuesday, July 3, the 185th day of 2012. There are 181 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 3, 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle signed an agreement recognizing Algeria as an independent state after 132 years of French rule. (The same day, U.S. President John F. Kennedy sent a congratulatory message to the Algerian people.)...

Nominated by Tom Wilmas My family and I nominate Wayne Wallingford for the Spirit of America Award for 2012 because of his selfless contributions to all Americans and his larger-than-life influence.Wayne's sacrifices to preserve our American heritage began more than 45 years ago in 1970 when he served five tours in Vietnam, where he flew over 300 combat missions and six tours in Desert Storm. ...

After being associated with Pete Poe for a number of years, serving on the Southeast Missouri District Fair Board, I have always found him to be courteous and polite, even under very stressful situations...

If the American spirit is defined as a combination of patriotism, service and faith, then Walt and Norma Wildman are the embodiments of this ideal. As a young man, Walt joined the United States Air Force. ...

Jim Watkins devoted 30 years to making our community better, serving our youth as an educator and public school administrator. His effect on our community was felt and recognized as Jim served in leadership roles through the Missouri State Teachers Association and received honors such as the Outstanding School Administrator Award through the CTA/MSTA in 1985 and the Southeast Missouri Principals Association Award in 1998.

Alice is a registered nurse and has spent most of her career caring for the elderly, helpless and terminally ill patients of our community. She continues to exhibit her love for God's creatures through her tireless work at Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary.

As you can see, Nancy is very busy with her life. You can ask anyone who knows her and they will tell you that she loves her country and community. She serves her community many way. Here are some more that weren't mentioned. ...

Dorothy Lee Dolle Krueger Points attended May Greene elementary school up through eighth grade, College Hill School with the Southeast Missouri State College from ninth to 12th grades and graduated at the age of 16. She attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

After much thought, it is our privilege to nominate Kenneth Haas for the Spirit of America Award. Throughout his 90 years, Kenny has undoubtedly exemplified a true American in several ways.

Kent Zickfield is deserving of the Spirit of America award because of his strong dedication, leadership and determination as he has worked in our community and especially in downtown revitalization efforts.

Tomorrow Americans will gather for parades, barbecues, horseshoes and washers games and, of course, fireworks. But as we celebrate, let us also take time to remember the sacrifice many have and are currently making to keep our country free. We often recite the Pledge of Allegiance, but its words are worth repeating:...

The following Letter to the Editor was sent in response to the story "Cape Girardeau residents mark founder's death":While it was good to see coverage of the Bicentennial Commemorative Celebration of Cape Girardeau's Founders, presented by the Red House Interpretive Center, I'm sorry to say that the article was lacking in the historical value of the ceremony...

On June 15, certain gay and lesbian activists were invited to the White House for a celebration of gay pride. While there, some of the invited guests had their photos taken beneath the presidential portraits of Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. In their pose, they engaged in an embrace and kiss, while raising their fists with the middle finger upright and extended toward the portraits. ...

Daughter to Robert Emil Stueve and Chandra Ranae Miller of Perryville, Mo., Saint Francis Medical Center, 8:28 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2012. Name, Macie Paige. Weight, 8 pounds, 9 ounces. Third child, second daughter. Ms. Miller is the former Chandra Mansfield, daughter of Amelia Mansfield of Cape Girardeau, and the late Garry Mansfield. ...

Bob Hope, one of the world's most widely known and admired celebrities, will perform during the grand opening of the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau; Hope will appear here Aug. 28. A group of unidentified, out-of-town businessmen visit the Cape Girardeau Shopping Centre site, flying in from St. Louis by helicopter; heavy grading work is expected to begin next week on the 67-acre site...

YEAS: Rep. Jo Ann Emerson R-MO (8th), Rep. Sam Graves R-MO (6th), Rep. Vicky Hartzler R-MO (4th), Rep. Billy Long R-MO (7th), Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer R-MO (9th). NAYS: Rep. Russ Carnahan D-MO (3rd), Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay Jr. D-MO (1st), Rep. Emanuel Cleaver D-MO (5th)...

ST. LOUIS -- Allen Craig hit a pair of home runs, Carlos Beltran extended his RBI streak to a major-league high nine games and Kyle Lohse worked into the eighth inning of the St. Louis Cardinals' 9-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night...

Wayne Steffens of Cape Girardeau carded his third career hole-in-one Friday at Kimbeland Country Club. Steffens used a 6-iron to ace No. 12, a par 3 playing 150 yards. Clint Ruppel, Ray Moore and Gene Garrison witnessed the shot. Bob Burnett and Lachelle Cook joined forces to win the SEMO Horseshoe Association's 15-team tournament at the Leopold Knights of Columbus...

ST. LOUIS -- Lance Berkman expects to be back in the St. Louis Cardinals' lineup soon after the All-Star break. Maybe even the first day back. "Yeah, it's possible," Berkman said Monday after joining the team to continue rehab from a right knee injury. "It wouldn't shock me. I'm not banking on it, but at the same time I'm not ruling it out."...

The U.S. attorney's office released the following information Tuesday for defendants who appeared before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. Name: Alejandro Cruz-Guzman Residence: Mexico Charges: Re-entry into the United States without permission of the attorney general...

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

Carolyn Joan Porche, 69, of Jackson passed away Friday, June 29, 2012, at Jackson Manor. She was born Jan. 18, 1943, in Sikeston, Mo., to James David and Saphrey Juanita Pruitt Crawford. Carolyn married Carlton Joseph Porche on June 12, 1965, in Hinesville, Ga...

Lois L. Niswonger, 84, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Grace United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park...

Raymond E. Myers Jr., 64, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Life Care Center. He was born May 6, 1948, in Hannibal, Mo., to Raymond E. and Eugenia Warren Myers. His parents passed away in 2009 and 2010. Ray graduated from Hannibal High School in 1966, and attended Southeast Missouri State University...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Mary E. Meier, 92, of Perryville died Monday, July 2, 2012, at Independence Care Center of Perry County. She was born Oct. 1, 1919, in Perry County, daughter of David Walker and Della Burns Norrington. She and Vallie M. Meier were married Nov. 6, 1937. He preceded her in death Dec. 11, 1989...

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Paul Junior Gibbs, 74, of Mounds, formerly of Jonesboro, Ill., passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Jan. 1, 1938, in Union County, Ill., son of Elmer and Lena Bruner Gibbs. Paul served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1963...

LEOPOLD, Mo. — Gary D. Geringer, 67, of Leopold, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Mo.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Hearings in the dispute between Thomas Kinkade's widow and girlfriend over the late artist's $66 million estate will not be conducted behind closed doors -- at least for now, a judge ruled on Monday. Kinkade's widow, Nanette Kinkade, had sought to keep the matter private, asking Judge Thomas Cain to immediately send the case to an arbitration panel and not open probate court...

BEIJING -- Apple has paid $60 million to settle a dispute in China over ownership of the iPad name, a court announced Monday, removing a potential obstacle to sales of the popular tablet computer in the key Chinese market. Apple's dispute with Shenzhen Proview Technology highlighted the possible pitfalls for global companies in China's infant trademark system. It also posed a challenge for the communist government, which wants to attract technology investors to develop China's economy...

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- With her grandson's terrified screams filling a suburban Detroit courtroom, 74-year-old Sandra Layne sat in a jail jumpsuit Monday as she listened to the teen telling a 911 operator he'd been shot by his grandmother...

Thank you to the volunteers and Saint Francis Medical Center employee that found my car keys recently. Thank you so much. Cemetery upkeep I have lived in Scott City for many years and I have many loved ones who are buried at Lightner Cemetery here in town. ...

As we all prepare to celebrate our Independence Day, we want everyone to have an enjoyable -- but safe -- Fourth of July. Please remember the city of Jackson ordinance that states that "no person under the age of 17 shall possess, discharge, ignite, or explode any article of fireworks unless under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian." Because of the extremely dry conditions, we strongly recommend that people have quick access to water before setting off any fireworks...

CHICAGO -- Even for infants born full-term, a little more time in the womb may matter. The extra time results in more brain development, and a study suggests perhaps better scores on academic tests, too. Full-term is generally between 37 weeks and 41 weeks; newborns born before 37 weeks are called premature and are known to face increased chances for health and developmental problems...

Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can't compensate for it and properly cool you off. Heat exposure can even kill you: It caused 8,015 deaths in the United States from 1979 to 2003. These are the main things affecting your body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather:...

WASHINGTON -- From North Carolina to New Jersey, nearly 1.8 million people still without electricity were asking the same question Monday evening: Why will it take so long to get the lights back on? Nearly three full days after a severe summer storm lashed the East Coast, utilities warned that many neighborhoods could remain in the dark for much of the week, if not beyond...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Highway 51 from County Road 472 to County Road 470 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert pipe under the roadway. Weather permitting, the work will take place from 7 to 11 a.m. today. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling near the area...

O God, today we celebrate freedom; may you continue to bless this nation. Amen.

The Gator Swim Team and coach Steve Franklin have parted ways after an affiliation that lasted nearly nine years. Franklin, who was hired in August 2003, tendered his resignation last week, and the club's board of directors wasted little time taking action...

A shooting on Hanover street late Sunday night sent one man to the hospital. Cape Girardeau Police spokesman Darin Hickey said a 20-year-old man was shot in the leg and had to be taken to a hospital after he became involved in a verbal argument with several people around 11:20 p.m. Sunday...

NAME: Steve Jordan AGE: 54 PLACE OF BIRTH: Marble Hill MO SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Darlene Jordan, spouse of 33 years; son Chris Jordan and daughter Amanda Garner, all of Marble Hill. EDUCATION: Graduated from Woodland HS in 1976 then attended TRCC...

NAME: Linda Clark Nash AGE: 62 PLACE OF BIRTH: Bonne Terre, MO SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Philip H. Nash Lori Mahala Williams Isaac G. Nash OCCUPATION: Executive Director EDUCATION: Graduate of Central High School Southeast Missouri State University BS...

NAME: Nick Hendricks AGE: 25 PLACE OF BIRTH: Belleville, IL; Resident of Bollinger County for 24 years SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Sara Hendricks; Wife Devin Hendricks; Son Kaydence Hendricks; Daughter EDUCATION: Southeast Missouri State University Major: Business Management, In progress...

NAME: Susan Montee AGE: 52 PLACE OF BIRTH: St. Joseph, MO SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Children: Amanda Montee Andy Montee Austin Montee EDUCATION: Graduated from Bishop LeBlond High School Undergraduate degree in Accounting from Drury College Earned CPA license from Drury (1985)...

NAME: Bob Thrower AGE: 48 PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Son-Jim Daughter-Lauren EDUCATION: Master's Degree from Central Michigan University Graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College OCCUPATION: Retired EMPLOYER: None...

NAME: Sharon F. Schuessler AGE: 62 PLACE OF BIRTH: Cape Girardeau, MO. SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Marty Schuessler for 45 years: Daughter Julie Schuessler married to Andrew Peralta; Son Chad Schuessler married to Ashley Bletz and 2 grandchildren Wyatt and Stella Schuessler...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Sue Robey, 60, of Advance passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at her home. She was born Oct. 4, 1951, in Camden, Tenn., daughter of Leroy and Ruby Harden Bell. She and Terry Robey were married Sept. 21, 1968, at Avert, Mo. Sue had worked as a cook at Lorch Oil and Rhodes Gas, both in Advance. She attended Bell City High School...

Lois L. Niswonger, 84, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born July 21, 1927, at Marble Hill, Mo., to Connel Bryan and Mabel Eugenia Luckey Welch. She and Lloyd T. Niswonger were married June 15, 1947, at Grace Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year...

Dora Esther Mantel, 90, of Jackson passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born April 16, 1922, at Morley, Mo., to Ray and Cora Watson Shores. She and C.E. Mantel were married Aug. 22, 1945. He preceded her in death Sept. 19, 1991...

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. -- William E. Fish Jr., 68, of Mount Vernon passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012, in Springfield, Mo. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Assembly of God Church in Chaffee, Mo. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. William E. and Dorothy A. Houseman Fish...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Joyce Day, 70, of Advance passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at her home. She was born Dec. 2, 1941, at Senath, Mo., daughter of Arthur Zeno and Azlee Edwards Davis Green. Joyce was a secretary 22 years at Rhodes Oil Co. in Advance. She was a member of Advance Eagles, and attended the Church of Christ...

ANNA, Ill. -- Authorities in Illinois have confirmed that a Mounds, Ill., man died after being struck by a freight train Sunday in Anna.

LEOPOLD, Mo. -- Gary D. Geringer, 67, of Leopold, formerly of Bloomington, Ind., passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 7, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, son of Sylvester A. and Hannah E. Farmer Geringer. He and Geri Beussink were married April 24, 1971, in Leopold...

Hello! Would you please help us by posting this in your paper and online? We would really appreciate it! Food Drive! The Pocahontas 4H Club is collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations for the Jackson Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry today through Sunday, July 29th. ...

Today is Wednesday, July 4, the 186th day of 2012. There are 180 days left in the year. This is Independence Day. Today's Highlight in History: On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia...

The Avenue of Flags, displayed for the second time today for Independence Day at the County Park, will be expanded before the Veteran's Day display in November. The Mississippi Queen uses a strong finish to beat the smaller Delta Queen across the finish line and keep the Golden Antlers trophy in a Great Steamboat Race highlighting the second day of the St. Louis Veiled Prophet Fair; both boats will dock in Cape Girardeau tomorrow...

A week after Wayne Wallingford supporters called Ellen Brandom's pro-life credentials into question, the Sikeston Republican has fired back at her Missouri Senate race opponent, using an endorsement from a pro-business group to suggest that Wallingford's contributions from labor unions could compromise his ability to properly represent the conservative 27th District...

VAN BUREN, Mo. -- For only the second time in approximately 100 years, there has been a confirmed death in Missouri due to a copperhead snakebite. Terry Brown of Ellsinore, Mo., was camped in the area of the Current River known as the Clubhouse on Saturday, his 50th birthday, when he was bitten on the thumb while trying to remove a young snake from a tent around 10 p.m., according to Carter County Deputy Coroner Eric McSpadden. ...

TAMMS, Ill. -- Southern Illinois lawmakers are fighting back after Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed $57 million in Department of Corrections funding Saturday. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said he's requesting an emergency session of the legislature. Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, is marshaling support to fight Quinn if he tries to use corrections money for other programs, as expected...

After a nine-year hiatus, Fourth of July mud volleyball was back in Jackson on Wednesday. So were cars, motorcycles, crowds, food and beer for the annual Independence Day celebration at Jackson City Park. The best part is getting dirty, said Chase Walker of Jackson, a member of the team called This Mud's for You...

About 50 residents attended the Gordonville Volunteer Fire Protection District's monthly board meeting Tuesday evening, many of whom expressed frustration at the board's refusal to answer why the fire chief was fired. The meeting in the district's incomplete new structure, which has no lights or air conditioning, lasted until dark forced it to end...

Cape Girardeau and much of the Southeast Missouri area finally broke the stranglehold of triple-digit highs on Tuesday, the first day the high temperature failed to reach the century mark since last Thursday. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Neffert, rainfall and cloud cover held temperatures down, breaking the five-day streak. Temperatures reached 103 degrees Fahrenheit last Thursday, 107 degrees Friday, 105 degrees Saturday, 103 degrees Sunday and 101 degrees Monday...

Calling veterans one of Missouri's most important resources, Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation at Missouri Plastics in Jackson on Tuesday to expand employment opportunities for veterans and their spouses. Missouri Plastics is one of 2,118 Missouri businesses taking part in the Show-Me Heroes program, pledging to make hiring veterans a priority...

The pool and spa care professionals at Sunsational Pools are excited to invite the community to their grand opening celebration July 23-28 at 33 North Ellis Street in Cape Girardeau. Formerly Solar Pools, the store is now under the ownership of long-time employee Clayton Bryant. ...

Marley is 2 years old. He is available for adoption at The Humane Society 573-334-5837. See more pets available at www.semopets.org.

This picture was taken at Arena Park.

One firework flows out of another

Fireworks at Jackson Park

This is a photo my wife caught on 7/3/12 on Old Sprigg St in North Cape. It's from a phone at a distance, so it's not super-detailed, but you can clearly see this albino turkey. She had seen it previously, I didn't believe her. I am now scratching this off my list...

Kate Kirk, 14-month old granddaughter of Kay Kirk (who submitted the photo) celebrating the Fourth of July waving the flag.

The Cape Girardeau County Republican Women will host Republican candidate for Missouri governor Dave Spence on Friday. Spence, a businessman who until recently was the president of Alpha Packaging, is running for the chance to face incumbent Democrat Gov. Jay Nixon in November. Spence faces John D. Weiler, Bill Randles and Fred Sauer in the Aug. 7 primary...

BENTON, Mo. -- A Morley, Mo., man is in custody on drug charges, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter. Robert L. Mosbey, 37, has been charged with distribution of a controlled substance near a public school, attempting to distribute a controlled substance and endangering the welfare of a child...

Despite extreme heat over the past week, the Southeast Missouri area has had relatively few incidences of road buckling compared to previous years, according to Keith Gentry, maintenance superintendent of MoDOT's Southeast Missouri District. "It's been so dry, there hasn't been much humidity under the pavement," Gentry said...

BENTON, Mo. -- An area couple have been charged with stealing a motor vehicle. Stacy A. Reid, 38, of Jackson and William R. Crass, 30, of Frohna, Mo., are being held in the Scott County Jail on $2,000 cash bonds. Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said his office received a report of a stolen motor vehicle from the Dollar Store in Benton, Mo., late Monday afternoon. ...

ANNA, Ill. -- Authorities in Illinois have confirmed that a Mounds man died after being struck by a freight train late Sunday night in Anna. Jeffrey W. Kelley, 49, died at 2:15 a.m. Monday after being flown to a St. Louis hospital for treatment of critical injuries, according to the Illinois State Police...

BIXBY, Mo. (AP) -- Federal officials say two fires in southern Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest have been contained, but new ones have broken out. The Forest Service said Tuesday that mop-up operations are under way at the 622-acre East End Fire near the Iron County town of Bixby. Arson is suspect in that blaze, which broke out last Thursday...

The chairman of Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Agriculture has been named president of the Missouri Academy of Science. Dr. Michael Aide was previously nominated by the academy's executive committee as vice president and then president-elect, according to a university news release...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Supporters of ballot measures dealing with health insurance and the selection of appellate judges are unhappy with how the Missouri secretary of state's office summarized the issues for voters. Missouri's Republican-controlled legislature passed both proposals and referred them to the November ballot. ...

Today is Thursday, July 5, the 187th day of 2012. There are 179 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 5, 1687, Isaac Newton first published his Principia Mathematica, a three-volume work setting out his mathematical principles of natural philosophy...

It's our honor every July to recognize one deserving individual, among those nominated by you, our readers, as the recipient of the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award. Before last night's demolition derby and fireworks at Arena Park sponsored by USA Veterans, we recognized this year's recipient, Kent Zickfield...

If you run for the House of Representatives you need X million dollars. You have fundraisers and entertain special interest groups who "give" you money. Therefore, you will be closely watched to see if you are voting to further the fortunes of those special interests...

Once again, out-of-state extreme environmental groups are attempting to interfere in how Missourians manage the natural resources in our state. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a crown jewel of our natural resources, enjoyed by more than a million visitors. ...

I read with interest the different reactions and opinions to the Supreme Courts ruling printed in the Southeast Missourian paper on June 29, 2012. I was particularly interested in Bekki Cook's comments about her husband's recently scheduled colonoscopy procedure. Mrs. Cook explained that because of the Supreme Courts decision on Obamacare it will save her husband $2,000. I would like to know exactly how she came up with this great savings...

The caller who suggested no liberals write for the paper obviously has never heard of Gene Lyons, which is no surprise. Not many people do read that man's column. I see that our dictator in chief, President Obama, is going to bypass Congress and initiate amnesty for the children of illegal immigrants. What else is he going to do without Congress' consent? Maybe someone ought to get him in front of the Supreme Court for all the illegal stuff he does...

O Lord Jesus, please protect those traveling from harm. Amen.

FRIDAY "Katy Perry," PG @ Cape West 14 Cine "Savages," rated R @ Cape West 14 Cine SATURDAY Sunday NEXT WEEK "NCAA Football 13" X360 PS3 "The Sims 3: Diesel Stuff Pack" PC MAC "American Reunion" R "The Last Ride" PG-13...

Son to Christopher Marc and Lauren Patricia Snider of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Hospital, 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Name, Matthew Lee. Weight, 6 pounds, 15 ounces. Second son. Mrs. Snider is the former Lauren Mosley, daughter of Peggy Matthews of Sikeston, Mo., and Steve and Viney Mosley of Cape Girardeau. ...

The New Creations, a choral ensemble from Mid-America Teen Challenge Training Center in Cape Girardeau, gives a concert of gospel music at the Capaha Park band shell in the evening; director of the group is Philip Breithaupt. A line of severe thunderstorms packing strong winds and heavy rain rumbles through the Cape Girardeau area in the afternoon, disrupting Independence Day picnics and outings; the storm blows down large trees, limbs and power lines, disrupting service...

-- From staff reports...

Make homemade ice cream in a bag with a few ingredients and materials from around the house. STEP 1: Place the half-and-half, sugar and vanilla in the sandwich zip-top bag. Seal the sandwich zip-top bag. STEP 2: Place the ice and rock salt in the gallon zip-top bag. Put the sandwich zip-top bag in the gallon zip-top bag. Seal the gallon zip-top bag...

CAIRO -- Three bearded men approached a university student and his girlfriend during a romantic rendezvous in a park and ordered them to separate because they weren't married, according to security officials. An argument broke out, ending with one of the men fatally stabbing the student...

JERUSALEM -- The discovery of traces of a radioactive agent on clothing reportedly worn by Yasser Arafat in his final days reignited a cauldron of conspiracy theories Wednesday about the mysterious death of the longtime Palestinian leader. Arafat's widow, who ordered the tests by a Swiss lab, called for her husband's body to be exhumed, and Arafat's successor gave tentative approval for an autopsy. ...

DENVER -- Rains cooled Colorado's wildfires Wednesday, but more than a dozen wildfires elsewhere in the West continued chewing through bone-dry pine and brush as firefighters working through the holiday kept a nervous eye for fireworks and other hazards...

I want to personally thank the volunteers from Southeast Missouri for coming to our aid after the devastating tornado that came through my district and took 161 of our citizens and literally destroyed everything in sight for miles. Many of you have returned repeatedly over the past year to help us rebuild. From myself and the citizens of Joplin, Mo., and Duquesne, Mo., thank you. Without your prayers and help, we would not be as far along as we are. God bless you all...

Only months after Bob and his wife, Karen, were married, they hoped to start a family. Shortly after, Karen had extensive X-rays for a back injury, later realizing that she was pregnant while having those X-rays. Doctors were concerned that the baby could have very serious health problems, and that abortion could be an option. ...

ST. LOUIS -- Charlotte J. Morgan, 64, of St. Louis died Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. She was born Feb. 8, 1948, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Hugo Boettcher and survived by Corine Palisch Boettcher of Frohna, Mo. Charlotte was owner of Advanced Business Services. She was of the Lutheran faith and was baptized and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna. Her generous spirit and kind heart will always be remembered by those she loved...

Leo D. McClard, 85, of Jackson died Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born May 1, 1927, in Cape Girardeau, to the late Arlis and Mabel Propst McClard. Leo graduated from College High School, served in the U.S. Coast Guard and then the U.S. Navy. Leo graduated with a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master of arts in education from Washington University...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Leonard A. Ehlers, 81, of Perryville died Wednesday, July 4, 2012, at Perry County Memorial Hospital. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 6:30 to 8:15 a.m. Saturday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville. Burial will be in the church cemetery...

Lizzie Nussbaum didn't let anyone tell her something she wanted to do was too much work. That it was too hard. "Don't listen to anyone when they ask why you would want to do that," said Cape Girardeau Central High School's valedictorian of the class of 2012, when asked what advice she would give to others who want to do well academically...

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Andy Griffith, who made homespun Southern wisdom his trademark as the wise sheriff in "The Andy Griffith Show" and the rumpled defense lawyer in "Matlock," died Tuesday. He was 86. Griffith died about 7 a.m. at his coastal home, Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie said in a statement...

The Plaza Tire Cape Girardeau Junior American Legion baseball team pushed across 37 runs in a road sweep of Scott County Junior Legion on Tuesday. Cape scored 10 runs in the seventh inning of the first game to win 24-14, then claimed the second game 13-7...

A familiar face played a key role in the Plaza Tire Capahas' defeat Wednesday. Southeast Missouri State's Derek Gibson, who stared 46 games and batted .338 for the Redhawks this spring, went 4 for 4 with two homers to help lead Valmeyer, Ill., past the Capahas 9-6 in the third-place game at the Valmeyer tournament...

Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Dickey Nutt was looking to add experience when he decided to revamp his staff in early April. Experience is what Nutt got when Jessie Evans joined the Redhawks as their top assistant this week. The university has not announced Evans' hiring because he has not yet signed his contract, but that is said to be a formality. ...

ST. LOUIS -- Adam Wainwright has found the secret to pitching in the heat -- a peanut butter and jelly sandwich between innings. The St. Louis right-hander threw six strong innings in 103 degree temperatures and Matt Holliday had three hits to lead the Cardinals to a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night...

SENATH, Mo. -- The Legacy Equipment Dunklin County American Legion Post 303 baseball team moved back into first place in District 14 with a 7-6 walk-off district win over Jackson on Tuesday. Jackson, which scored six runs in the top of the sixth inning to tie the game at 6-6, never retired a Dunklin County hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning...

ST. LOUIS -- Chris Carpenter was starting to think his career might be over. The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher instead hopes he's just looking at another lengthy interruption. The 2005 NL Cy Young winner will undergo season-ending surgery later this month to repair a nerve issue in his shoulder that has sidelined him since spring training...

DEXTER, Mo. -- Thousands of fish, most of them gizzard shad and small crappie, washed up on the banks of Dexter City Lake over the weekend, the result of what the Missouri Department of Conservation and Dexter Parks director Lawson Metcalf say was a "natural event," primarily due to the recent extreme heat...

LEOPOLD, Mo. -- Gary D. Geringer, 67, of Leopold, formerly of Bloomington, Ind., passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 7, 1944, in Cape Girardeau, son of Sylvester A. and Hannah E. Farmer Geringer. He and Geri Beussink were married April 24, 1971, in Leopold...

Lois L. Niswonger, 84, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, June 30, 2012, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born July 21, 1927, at Marble Hill, Mo., to Connel Bryan and Mabel Eugenia Luckey Welch. She and Lloyd T. Niswonger were married June 15, 1947, at Grace Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Sue Robey, 60, of Advance passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at her home. She was born Oct. 4, 1951, in Camden, Tenn., daughter of Leroy and Ruby Harden Bell. She and Terry Robey were married Sept. 21, 1968, at Avert, Mo. Sue had worked as a cook at Lorch Oil and Rhodes Gas, both in Advance. She attended Bell City High School...

MOUNT VERNON, Mo. -- William E. Fish Jr., 68, of Mount Vernon passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012, in Springfield, Mo. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Assembly of God Church in Chaffee, Mo. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. William E. and Dorothy A. Houseman Fish...

Dora Esther Mantel, 90, of Jackson passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born April 16, 1922, at Morley, Mo., to Ray and Cora Watson Shores. She and C.E. Mantel were married Aug. 22, 1945. He preceded her in death Sept. 19, 1991...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Joyce Day, 70, of Advance passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at her home. She was born Dec. 2, 1941, at Senath, Mo., daughter of Arthur Zeno and Azlee Edwards Davis Green. Joyce was a secretary 22 years at Rhodes Oil Co. in Advance. She was a member of Advance Eagles, and attended the Church of Christ...

NAME: Amy Jones DATE OF BIRTH: June 24, 1969 PLACE OF BIRTH: Perryville, Missouri SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: I have been married to Jackson native Gerry Jones for 16 years. We have four wonderful children: Jed, William, John Henry and Isabel. OCCUPATION:...

NAME: Julie Metzger AGE: 52 PLACE OF BIRTH: Perryville, MO - Parents are Paul and Donna Hoeckele SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: I am married to Mike Metzger; we have 3 children: Mick (Meredith) Metzger, Tyler Metzger and Natalie Metzger. We have one granddaughter, Savannah Metzger...

A Cape Girardeau lawyer was among 28 attorneys listed last week as having cases held before a disciplinary hearing panel. The Missouri Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel filed a disciplinary charge against Scott D. Reynolds in January, saying there was probable cause to believe Reynolds was guilty of professional misconduct...

WASHINGTON -- Despite repeated alerts, tens of thousands of Americans may still lose their Internet service Monday unless they do a quick check of their computers for malware that could have taken over their machines more than a year ago.

In an effort to serve more of Southeast Missouri's hungry, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank has purchased a warehouse facility in Sikeston, Mo. Since 2007, the food bank has operated out of a warehouse on Nash Road in Cape Girardeau, but it has outgrown that space as the number of people needing food assistance continues to increase across the 16 Southeast Missouri counties it serves. ...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Two Poplar Bluff men have admitted to being responsible for the recent alleged armed robberies of three convenience stores, police said. Steven James Ford, 25, and his 29-year-old brother-in-law, Robie Arthur Rogers, were charged with three counts of first-degree robbery and three counts of armed criminal action by Butler County assistant prosecuting attorney Paul Oesterreicher...

MILWAUKEE -- The temperatures in Casimir Brandon's basement bedroom grew so stifling that the exhausted Madison man began riding city buses in the morning, from one end of the line to the other, so he could grab a few hours of air-conditioned sleep.

Extreme temperatures and drought in Southeast Missouri apparently didn't hinder many July 4 celebrations or cause a high number of unsafe situations, but the heat wave isn't over yet. Emergency responders in Cape Girardeau and Jackson say the holiday was fairly tame despite the potential for fireworks-related incidents and heat-related illnesses...

National Asset Recovery Services, NARS, is expanding again by hiring more than 100 new workers. This latest expansion brings will bring the company's workforce to about 700 employees in Cape Girardeau. NARS will be conducting on-site interviews during a job fair from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday...

After more than three decades with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the last seven as chief, Carl Kinnison is stepping down as the city's top cop effective Aug. 1 for a full-time instructor position with Southeast Missouri State University.

Northbound Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau County, from Route AB to Highway 74 West, will be reduced to one lane Saturday, while Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform shoulder repairs. Weather permitting, the work will be done from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m...

The Bank of Missouri, employees and customers recently collected food and paper products to donate to Beacon Health Center. Beacon Health Center serves approximately 600 children per year who are victims of sexual violence. The collected food is given to the kids when they are at the center for care. ...

This was taken from our deck right before a brief thundershower.

this was taken at the Arena park.

Grandson Aiden and Friends (PJ and Abby) preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July

US Bank donates $1750 to Southeast Missouri University Foundation. The money will go towards scholarships for children from underserved populations to attend music, arts, theatre and dance academies offered at SEMO State University's Holland School and Performing Arts. Pictured from left are Stan Penn, Regional President at US Bank, Carol Horst, Director of Art Academy at SEMO, Kenn Stilson, Interim Chair Theatre & Dance Dept. at SEMO, and Jim Ham, Vice President at US Bank...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Perry County Coroner Herb Miller has confirmed a Perryville man was killed Thursday morning when he was struck by a pickup truck. Miller said he could not provide other details about the death of Eldon B. Bohnert, 39, and that he is still investigating the incident...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder's next battles against the law critics call "ObamaCare" has him facing off against another state official. Kinder is accusing Secretary of State Robin Carnahan of abusing her office by writing biased ballot language related to health insurance exchanges. The legislature voted to put the establishment of state-run exchanges on the ballot this year...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State Sen. Brad Lager is calling for a special session of the legislature to deal with any issues brought up by the Affordable Care Act. Lager, a Republican from northwest Missouri, favors opting out of all portions of the health care law wherever possible. And Lager says if the governor won't call the special session, he has sent House Speaker Steven Tilley and Senate President Pro Tem Robert Mayer requests to call the legislature back into session on their own...

"Banking, Business and Regulations" will be the theme of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee today.

Today is Friday, July 6, the 188th day of 2012. There are 178 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 6, 1962, Nobel Prize-winning American author William Faulkner, one of the giants of Southern literature, died in Byhalia, Miss., at age 64...

FIRST FRIDAY RECEPTIONS The River View Room Works by Norman Hann will be on display. 123 N. Main St.; 334-4677 The Artist Studio The studio will showcase watercolors painted by Mauri Foust and Elena Perryman in recent workshops and new paintings by Judy Barks-Westrich. Special prices on select artwork for visitors will be offered. Reception from 5 to 9 p.m...

Shades of Soul, some of the best musicians in the area, will perform tonight at Pink Galleon. This Cape Girardeau band combines the sounds of funk, R&B and hip-hop. The show starts at 9 p.m.

The River City Players have been down. But with the help of a supportive community, they're far from out. Due to two consecutive years of slow ticket sales, the Cape Girardeau theater group is gearing up for its first ever fundraiser, coming in the form of a live auction of donated items July 14 at the Port Cape Yacht Club...

US Bancorp Foundation recently donated $1,750 to the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation to support scholarships for students from underserved populations to attend the university's academies for music, art, and theater and dance. The funds will be distributed equally among the Art Academy, the Theatre and Dance Academy and the Southeast Missouri Music Academy. ...

I read with interest the June 29 article in the Southeast Missourian concerning the comments of local politicians who said the recent Supreme Court decision concerning the Affordable Health Care Act did not address the issue of rising health care costs. Of course this is correct. However, rising health care costs are a political rather than a legal issue...

It appears that the recent Supreme Court decision changed nothing regarding our primary concerns as Catholics. The Affordable Care Act would allow the use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions and for plans that cover such abortions, contradicting long-standing federal policy. ...

I just want to call and let the Southeast Missourian know that I live in a trailer court and I am very appreciative of what the person who delivers my paper does. I can have a hard time getting down the steps. I just want to let him know that I live at Shadybrook and he puts my paper on the porch every morning and that means a lot to me. I have had the Missourian for years, and I just want to tell him thank you and let him know he is doing a fantastic job...

Thank you, O Lord, that wherever your Spirit is, there is freedom. Amen.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- When firefighter Eric Morris shows up at wildfires across the West, locals battling the flames sometimes look at him and wonder who sent him. The answer isn't a public agency. It's an insurance company. Morris is among a group of private firefighters hired in recent years to protect homes with high-end insurance policies. ...

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Using words like "false testimony" and "misled," a judge granted $1 million bail Thursday for neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, but questioned his honesty and suggested he had plotted to leave the country when he was out of jail the first time...

OYSTER BAY, N.Y. -- A yacht that capsized with 27 friends and family aboard on an outing to watch Fourth of July fireworks was severely overcrowded and doomed to tip over, safety experts said Thursday as the skipper blamed the tragedy on a wave that came out of the dark...

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Trolley was packed. Hotel rooms facing the bay were sold out. And local radio was set to simulcast a patriotic score for the Fourth of July show. But instead of 20 minutes of fireworks, the crowd in San Diego got about 20 seconds of giant, deafening booms after a computer mishap sent multiple bulb-shaped explosions over the bay...

BEIRUT -- Iraq asserted Thursday that al-Qaida insurgents are streaming out of the country to carry out attacks in Syria, as the Syrian conflict inflames an already hostile region. Extremists have been making inroads as the 16-month-old uprising against President Bashar Assad grinds on, bringing a dangerous new element to the forces fighting to topple the regime...

FRANKFURT, Germany -- The European Central Bank cut its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point Thursday to a record low 0.75 percent to try to help ease Europe's financial crisis and boost its sagging economy. The action, which was widely expected, is meant to make it cheaper for businesses and consumers to borrow and spend money. But experts said that fear over the economy was so high in Europe that the cut might only have limited effect...

LONDON -- British lawmakers voted Thursday to allow a parliamentary committee to investigate the banking industry in the wake of an interest rate manipulation scandal at Barclays -- rejecting opposition calls for a lengthier external inquiry led by a judge...

TOKYO -- Nuclear power returned to Japan's energy mix for the first time in two months Thursday, hours before a parliamentary panel blamed the government's cozy relations with the industry for the meltdowns that prompted the mass shutdown of the nation's reactors...

WOLFEBORO, N.H. -- Mitt Romney's wife has confirmed a tidbit about the vice presidential search process her husband largely has been keeping secret: He's considering choosing a woman. "We've been looking at that, and I love that option as well," Ann Romney told CBS News in a joint interview with her husband that was broadcast Thursday. "There's a lot of people that Mitt is considering right now."...

WASHINGTON -- Fewer U.S. banks are failing than at any time since the financial crisis erupted in 2008. The healthier banking industry is helping sustain an economy slowed by lackluster hiring, weak manufacturing and Europe's debt crisis. Banks have benefited from low interest rates, higher account fees and more mergers. The recovery from the financial crisis has helped, too. It means more people and businesses can take out and repay loans...

Betty J. Jaco, 78, of Jackson passed away Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born Nov. 29, 1933, in Jackson, daughter of Roscoe and Elsie Mae Brown Clifton. She and Claude "Gene" Jaco were married June 30, 1951...

KELSO, Mo. -- Josephine Mary Messmer, 94, of Kelso died Monday, June 25, 2012, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born June 1, 1918, in Chaffee, Mo., to Joseph Andrew and Bertha Theresa Seyer Himmelsbach. She and Leon Joseph Messmer were married Aug. 23, 1941, in Chaffee. He preceded her in death Oct. 9, 1995...

Carolyn J. Newman Woodruff, 64, of Jackson passed away peacefully Thursday, July 5, 2012, at her home, surrounded by family. She was born March 23, 1948, at Holcomb, Mo., to the late Bud and Earline Mabry Newman. Carolyn was an administrative assistant at Southeast Missouri State University. ...

Richard F. Dippold Sr., 91, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Southeast Hospital. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Paul Short officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park...

Charles Edward Lowe, 66, of Cairo, Ill., died Monday, July 2, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Ill. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel...

MORLEY, Mo. -- Rebeccah Webb Snyder, 39, of Morley died Monday, July 2, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery at Commerce, Mo...

Edna C. Hey, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at the Lutheran Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to service time Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum...

Nearly 700 Masons are expected to attend one of the largest conventions ever held in Cape Girardeau; members of The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the Masons in Missouri will be here Wednesday through Friday. Cheri Sides, a 1987 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School, is the recipient of the Lincoln-John S. Cobb Alumni Scholarship; she plans to attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday:...

Camps Central Junior High camps: The Central Junior High will hold camps during the summer at the school. The wrestling camp will run from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday to July 13. The football camp will run from 9 to 11 a.m. July 23 to 26. Both camps are free. Info on any camp: 651-6246...

Kathy Morris was the day's medalist at the Cape Girardeau Country Club's Women's Golf Association's weekly outing. Janet White took first place in the 18-holes group, while Shirley Moore was second. Wendi Carnes and Irene Thomas tied for third. Pat Strom won the nine-holes group...

ST. LOUIS -- Rookie right-hander Lance Lynn tossed six shutout innings and Matt Holliday and Carlos Beltran drove in a pair of runs apiece to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 6-2 win over the Colorado Rockies on Thursday. St. Louis has won four of its last five and 11 of 14 against Colorado. The Rockies have lost four of five. Colorado has scored 13 runs in its last six games...

CHICAGO -- Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish was hit by a line drive during one All-Star game in Japan. He's hoping to avoid that mishap Tuesday. Darvish and St. Louis Cardinals third baseman David Freese are headed to the Midsummer Classic after fans voted them into next week's showcase in Kansas City...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A former Missouri governor plans to ask for probation when he is sentenced Monday in federal court for misusing money involved in illegal political donations. The Columbia Daily Tribune reported Roger Wilson's attorney has filed a sentencing memo with the request to avoid jail time...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri expects to save about $44 million this year by refinancing some of its debt at lower interest rates. Two separate boards of state officials gave preliminary authorization this week to the bond refinancing. That action had been anticipated for some time. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- No Kansas Jayhawks will be appearing on Show-Me State license plates -- at least unless Missouri lawmakers say it is OK. Gov. Jay Nixon signed into law Thursday a broader higher education measure that would require state lawmakers to approve specialty license plates for colleges and universities. State lawmakers were seeking to impede possible efforts by fans to have the University of Kansas featured on a Missouri license plate...

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

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

From a young age, many are driven to create. Legos, mud sculptures and basic musical patterns are often among one's first artistic endeavors. Some paint, sketch or sculpt their way to notability in the world of art. Gail Crozier found her artistic niche in glasswork...

There's something that sparks the imagination when you see a shoe dangling by its strings from an overhead utility line:How did it get there? Whose shoe is it? Where's the other shoe? What event, or events, occurred in the moments before that shoe was airborne and headed for public exposure, perhaps for weeks or months, dangling from the same wire that carries electricity or TV signals or telephone conversations so private and confidential that you would never want them aired in public...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold an open-house community briefing from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday to discuss an upcoming bridge project on Route Y in Dunklin County. The briefing will be held at Senath City Hall, 301 W. ...

The 500 block of North Main Street in Cape Girardeau will be closed beginning 7 a.m. Monday for storm-line repairs. It will remain closed until July 13 or until repairs are complete. Traffic will be detoured to Spanish Street.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Work to replace the Highway 142 bridge over Main Ditch in Butler County is expected to begin July 16, weather permitting. The bridge is about three miles east of Neelyville, Mo. During construction, the highway will be closed from County Road 351 to County Road 259. ...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Route A in Perry County will be reduced to one lane between County Road 424 and County Road 422 as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform routine bridge maintenance. Weather permitting, the work will be done from 7 a.m. ...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold an open-house community briefing from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday to discuss an upcoming bridge project on Route H in New Madrid County. The briefing will be held at Matthews City Hall, 100 Main St. ...

CHAMAN, Pakistan -- Trucks carrying NATO supplies rolled into Afghanistan for the first time in more than seven months Thursday, ending a chapter in U.S.-Pakistan relations that saw the border closed until Washington apologized for an airstrike that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers...

Cape Girardeau's history runs deep. And when you think local history, one name that comes to mind is Louis Lorimier. Recently about 120 people gathered on a steamy afternoon at Old Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau for the Louis Lorimier bicentennial commemorative celebration. The cemetery, founded by Lorimier about four years before his death, is one focal point of our city's heritage...

LOS ANGELES -- Tom Cruise's personal life may be in upheaval, but it's still business as usual for the studio promoting his next movie. Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Cruise's crime drama "Jack Reacher," which opens Dec. 21. The trailer launched on Cruise's 50th birthday...

MILWAUKEE -- The temperatures in Casimir Brandon's basement bedroom grew so stifling that the exhausted Madison man began riding city buses in the morning, from one end of the line to the other, so he could grab a few hours of air-conditioned sleep...

HONOLULU (AP) -- A $2.2 million expedition is hoping to finally solve one of America's most enduring mysteries: What exactly happened to famed aviator Amelia Earhart when she went missing over the South Pacific 75 years ago? A group of scientists, historians and salvagers think they have a good idea, and they began a trek Tuesday from Honolulu to a remote island in the Pacific nation of Kiribati in hopes of finding wreckage of Earhart's Lockheed Electra plane in nearby waters...

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) -- The 84-year-old baseball has been sitting in Elizabeth Gott's drawer for years, but now she's hoping it will pay off her son's medical school debt. New York Yankees slugger Lou Gehrig smashed the ball into the bleachers for a home run during the 1928 World Series against the St. ...

If one guy were going to take out a whole team of superheroes, you'd have to assume it would be Batman. The gauntlet has been laid, the challenge set. Marvel's superhero spectacular "The Avengers" recently opened to the tune of $200.3 million in the U.S., making it the biggest opening weekend release of all time. ...

Vandals caused more than $500,000 in damage when they opened water lines in a Drury Southwest Inc. property Saturday evening, officials said. The sudden loss of pressure in water lines at the structure caused fire alarms to sound about 8:15 p.m. at 3065 William St., police spokesman Darin Hickey said...

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Missouri businessman John Brunner enthusiastically endorsed Mitt Romney for president Friday night, but his two rival GOP Senate candidates appeared more hesitant to do so as they clashed during the first -- and perhaps last -- televised debate before the August primary election...

Daisy from my garden after watering.

Today is Saturday, July 7, the 189th day of 2012. There are 177 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 7, 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War erupted into full-scale conflict as Imperial Japanese forces attacked the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing. (The end of the fighting coincided with the conclusion of World War II.)...

After months of study and debate, the Cape Girardeau City Council has decided to proceed with a city-owned and -operated transfer station, where trash would be compacted and hauled to a regional landfill. Charley Pride, John Schneider, John Conlee, Holly Dunn and the Forester Sisters will highlight a week of entertainment at the 132nd SEMO District Fair; this year's fair will begin Sept. 14...

One of Dave Spence's most formative memories took place in Jackson nearly three decades ago, when he was forced to lay off 84 people from a plant his family owned. Since then, that memory has been a driving force in his life that has culminated in a run for Missouri governor this year, the Republican candidate said in a stop in Cape Girardeau on Friday...

Three people were hurt in a collision Saturday on Highway 72 in Millersville. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 2005 Hyundai Sonata driven by Joe Schaffer, 39, of Perkins, Mo., pulled into the path of a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Joshua Karn, 16, of Fredericktown, Mo., shortly before 1 p.m...

With a high of 104 degrees recorded in Cape Girardeau on Saturday, the day's high temperature soared past the previous record of 99, set in 1964. The high temperature was recorded at 12:59 p.m. Saturday. Nine of the past 10 days have seen temperatures above 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Tuesday was the only day in the past 10 that temperatures stayed in the 90s...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- State officials are investigating a Poplar Bluff man's death while in police custody. An autopsy was performed on Charles A. Riels, 40, Friday afternoon by Dr. Russell Deidiker at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington, Mo., according to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers...

Cape Girardeau police arrested Friday a man accused of causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to a Cape Girardeau office building. Travis Fornkohl of Cape Girardeau is accused in an act of vandalism at an office building at 3065 Williams St. Fornkohl was arrested Friday morning and has been charged with second-degree burglary and property damage, according to Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle...

Work will resume on the Birds Point levee now that a protest to a construction bid has been deemed "without merit" by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Perryville senior Jake Dobbelare is the 2012 Southeast Missourian baseball player of the year.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon already has voiced reservations about legislation reinstating local taxes on vehicles purchased out of state, but that is not stopping Missouri mayors, city council members, county commissioners and vehicle dealerships from urging the governor to change his mind and sign the bill...

Camryn didn't exactly enjoy the "Poppers" her brother was throwing in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard. Needless to say, that was the extent of her firework experience for the evening.

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FRUITLAND ANNOUNCES VBS WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FRUITLAND WILL HAVE SKY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL JULY 22-26. DINNER WILL BE SERVED AT 6:00 EACH NIGHT FOLLOWED BY VBS FROM 6:30-8:30. KIDS WILL ENJOY GAMES, BIBLE ADVENTURES, CRAFTS, AND MUSIC. KIDS 4 YEARS TO 6TH GRADE ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. WESLEY UMC IS LOCATED AT HWY 177 FRUITLAND 2 MILES E OF HWY 61. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE CHURCH AT 243-5948 OR CHERYL AT 334-1883...

As a permit technician for the city of Cape Girardeau, Dianna Barnes knows what it means to need more room. Tucked away in an office in the top floor of city hall, the tables behind the 18-year city employee's desk are stacked with boxes and boxes full of engineering documents. An area next to where she works has a half-dozen or so rolled-up commercial building plans awaiting storage...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Drug abusers, thieves and other nonviolent felons could shorten their sentences with good behavior under legislation signed Friday by Gov. Jay Nixon that is intended to reserve the state's prisons only for the most dangerous and persistent criminals...

Mikel Welch, 9, floats on his back as he cools off in a fountain Friday in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- House Speaker Steven Tilley says there is no need for a special session to decide whether Missouri should opt out of a Medicaid expansion. Tilley's comments Friday came after at least two state senators called for a special session. ...

Today is Sunday, July 8, the 190th day of 2012. There are 176 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 8, 1962, the United States conducted Starfish Prime, a nuclear test in which a 1.44 megaton warhead was detonated 250 miles above the Pacific Ocean; the resulting electromagnetic pulse caused limited electrical disruptions in parts of Hawaii...

Geneva Allen and Charles Avant Patterson Jr. of Cape Girardeau announce their engagement. She is the daughter of the late Phillip and Margaret Binion of St. Louis. Patterson is the son of the late Charles and Cora Patterson Sr. of Cape Girardeau. Allen is supervisor of Cape Girardeau County Family Support Division...

Joseph and Cynthia Reiminger of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Sarah Jo Reiminger, to Justin Glenn Leadbetter. He is the son of Mary Lincoln and Frank Leadbetter of Jackson. Reiminger is a 2005 graduate of Jackson High School. She is a teller and consumer banker support at Wood and Huston Bank in Jackson...

Kenneth and Kristi Heise of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Nina Christine Heise, to Adam William Kirchhoff. He is the son of Dwayne and Kathy Kirchhoff of Cape Girardeau. Heise is a 2008 graduate of Jackson High School. She is employed at Southeast Health...

Teresa Williams and Steve Williams of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Emily Nicole Williams, to Lance Thomas Young. He is the son of Tom and Carla Young of Cape Girardeau. Williams is a 2007 graduate of Central High School. She graduated with honors in 2011 from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She is a fifth grade teacher at West Lane Elementary in Jackson...

Mr. and Mrs. David E. Wilson of Whitewater celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with a reception June 24, 2012, at Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee, Mo. Hosts were their children. Wilson and Helen R. Maples were married June 25, 1947, in Arkansas...

My photo here shows a female wolf spider with recently hatched babies clinging to her. They will ride on her abdomen for a few days until they become too big to ride. Often a sudden disturbance will cause the babies to all leave their mother at once. When this happens it looks like the surrounding area has just erupted with tiny spiders...

"Beer is proof God loves us," Ben Franklin supposedly said. If so, God must have a special fondness for the people of the Czech Republic. At least that's my conclusion having just returned from Prague. I went there to attend the annual Czech Beer Festival and to make a pilgrimage to nearby Pilsen, where modern lager beer was invented...

The weather is hot and the farmers market is a buzz of excitement as garden fresh produce becomes available. I'm not sure what kind of crop we will end up with as the dry weather trend continues. But for now, while we do have a good crop, take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables that are available...

PET NAME: Maxx OWNER: Shelby Rice ABOUT MAXX: Maxx might be one of the most relaxed cats in all of Southeast Missouri. He looks like a giant marshmallow and acts like one as well. One of Maxx's favorite thing to do is sleep. He does it quite well. He also is an avid mouse hunter and laser chaser. This could be one of the reasons why he sleeps so much. He does scratch the furniture sometimes, but it's hard to stay mad at a cross-eyed, lovable feline...

DEXTER, Mo. -- Approaching 53 years old and weighing in at 304 pounds, Tim Ward knew he was in trouble. In January 2012, his wife, Kendra, came across an article about the local Regional Healthcare Foundation's Fitness Challenge. "Kendra was concerned about my health, and we were in agreement that if I was to be around for my children, I needed to get into shape," he says, looking back this week at the start of a phenomenal weight loss program that spanned nearly five months...

Lately I've been doing a lot of watching of carbs, trying hard to minimize them, or at least eat them mostly in the form of veggies. That was my inspiration for this lower-carb pasta salad. Because in summer I really crave pasta salads. And I crave them bursting with fatty mayo and carb-rich pasta...

High Honor Roll 5th grade: Xavier Bollinger, Chloe Clayton, Hope Crawford, Kaileigh Dirden, Samuel Jordan. 6th rrade: Camryn Daniels, Makayla Job, Gracelyn Kern, Bryan McNeely, Shaun Schwausch. Honor Roll 5th grade: John Auer, Austin Barnhart, Elijah Berry, Paige Cummins, Samuel Elders, Diamond Ham, Bailey James, Natalie James Wyatt, Andrew Johnston, Luke Lange, Mackenzie Menge, Karleigh Payne, Cody Rhyne, Makayla Sadler, Devon Salzmann, Nicholas Schooley, Gregory Schwausch, Dawson Shipman, Charli Simms, Danielle Simms, Celeste Stanton, Rylee Stroup, Mollie Thompson, Sophie Thompson, Rylee Venable,. ...

AP Food Editor Summer is prime time for salads and grilling. So why not bring them together in one delicious dish? One of my favorite warm weather meals involves just that. I pile my dinner plate with the makings of a robust salad -- a mass of greens, sliced carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, often even leftover grilled vegetables from the night before. Then I thinly slice whatever meat I tossed on the grill and use that to top the salad. A sprinkle of vinaigrette and it's good to go...

Finally... A way to enjoy agave without the hangover! That's right, agave nectar -- the current darling of the alternative sweetener world -- is made from the same plant that is used to produce tequila. And it goes down so much easier (squeeze of lime and dash of salt are optional)...

This time of year is one where we celebrate our collective Independence and reflect on the sacrifices that make it possible. Several military individuals and units with local connections have made headlines recently, and we'd like to take this time to recognize them...

O Lord Jesus, we praise you, for your grace is sufficient. Amen.

Tom and Patricia Martin of Cape Girardeau and Curtis Van Nostrand of Lisbon, Ohio, announce the engagement of their daughter, Christina Marie Van Nostrand, to Walter John Kopecky III, both of Lawrence, Kan. He is the son of Dr. Walter and Valerie Kopecky II of Creve Coeur, Mo., and Susan Kopecky of Maryland Heights, Mo...

Dortha Strack was hostess for a pizza and dessert party when the Kage FCE met for their regular monthly at the Cape Girardeau County Extension office. The devotional, "People who make differences," was presented by Strack. Before the meeting, Theresa Meier presented the program for the day, "Making Bread in a Bag."...

Keith and Kathy Holloway received the Bob Miller Award in recognition of service that upheld the name and tradition of the Notre Dame athletic program and Notre Dame Regional High School. They are committed to Notre Dame through their two children. They provided overwhelming time and effort to work the Notre Dame booster club...

Biokyowa Inc. and employees donated $11,049.44 to United Way of Southeast Missouri during the annual campaign. Pictured are Kim Voelker, left, and Toshihiko Hirao. From June 4 to 8, 16 Acteens from First Baptist Church in Jackson traveled back to Wasilla, Alaska, to run a girls camp. ...

Christ Lutheran Church, 248 Albert Lane in Gordonville, will host On Main Street from 6 to 8:15 p.m. today through July 12. On Main Street, children will be drawn into stories Jesus told about everyday people in everyday situations that challenged people to look at themselves and others in new and unexpected ways. For more information, call 243-0978 or 243-6651...

Gianni is 1 year old. He is housebroken. Gianni is available for adoption at the Humane Society, 334-5837.

Wendel is a 10 week old tabby kitten. He loves to be held and petted. Wendel would make a perfect companion for any animal or person. For more information, contact Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary at 243-9823.

Eagle Ridge Christian MONDAY--Popcorn chicken, celery sticks, fruit. TUESDAY--Beef & cheese tacos, peas, fruit. WEDNESDAY--Sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit. THURSDAY--Fish sticks, mac & cheese, fruit. FRIDAY--Mini corn dogs, green beans, fruit...

LOS ANGELES -- Forget the movie. This "Exorcist" is turning heads -- by not turning heads. "We're not going to throw up all over the audience," actor Richard Chamberlain said while on a recent rehearsal break at the Geffen Playhouse in LA's Westwood Village...

Route F from Route T to Route N in Bollinger County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews make pavement repairs. Weather permitting, the work will be done from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Monday through Wednesday. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling near the area...

NEW YORK -- Electronics retailer Best Buy Co. is laying off 600 staffers in its Geek Squad technical support division and 1,800 other store workers as it seeks to restructure operations and improve results. The cuts amount to about 1.4 percent of the company's total staff of 167,000...

WASHINGTON -- The American job machine has jammed. Again. The economy added only 80,000 jobs in June, the government said Friday, showing that the United States is in a summer slump for the third year in a row. "Let's just agree: This number stinks," said Dan Greenhaus, chief global strategist at the investment firm BTIG...

NEW YORK -- For almost three years, no matter what has rattled the financial markets -- a debt crisis in Europe, high gasoline prices, a slower economy -- investors have been soothed by rising corporate profits. The storyline became as predictable as a soap opera's. But when the latest round of corporate earnings starts rolling in next week, look for a twist: Profits are expected to fall...

MEXICO CITY -- Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Mexico's capital Saturday to protest Enrique Pena Nieto's apparent win in the country's presidential election, accusing his long-ruling party of buying votes. The protesters were angered by allegations that Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party gave out bags of groceries, prepaid gift cards and other goods to voters ahead of July 1 national elections...

ISLAMABAD -- As the United States and its allies try to negotiate a peace settlement with the Taliban before all combat troops leave Afghanistan in 2014, a new obstacle has arisen: Insurgent splinter groups opposed to the deal are emerging, complicating U.S. hopes of leaving behind a stable country...

TOKYO -- International donors will pledge $16 billion in aid for Afghanistan over the next four years in hopes of stabilizing the country after most foreign combat troops return home, a U.S. diplomat said Sunday, but the money will come with conditions to ensure it doesn't fall victim to rampant Afghan corruption and mismanagement...

BEIRUT -- Special U.N. envoy Kofi Annan acknowledged in an interview published Saturday that the international community's efforts to find a political solution to the escalating violence in Syria have failed. Annan also said that more attention needed to be paid to the role of longtime Syrian ally Iran, and that countries supporting military actors in the conflict were making the situation worse...

WOLFEBORO, N.H. -- Mitt Romney's large family is at the center of his life and his presidential campaign. His five sons, five daughters-in-law and 18 grandchildren -- "a bevy of Romneys," he's called them -- were front and center on Independence Day as he paraded his family down Main Street in this resort town where the family vacations...

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court's decision to uphold most of President Barack Obama's health care law will come home to roost for most taxpayers in about 2 1/2 years, when they'll have to start providing proof on their tax returns that they have health insurance...

Helen Ruth Wilson, 80, of Whitewater died surrounded by the love of her family Friday, July 6, 2012, at Chaffee Nursing Center. Helen was born May 6, 1932, at Puxico, Mo., to the late James Ervin and Anna Frances Westbrook Maples. She lived in Chaffee for many years until 1970 when she and her husband built a home on their family farm near Whitewater, where she resided until her death. ...

Rebeccah Webb Snyder, 39, of Morley, Mo., died Monday, July 2, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born June 25, 1973, in Sikeston, Mo., to Carla and husband Walter Gordon III. Survivors include her mother, Carla Gordon of Morley; husband, Lynn Snyder of Morley; two sons, Gaige Webb and Khacelee Snyder; five daughters, Kaitlynn Webb, Maddison Webb, Nevaeh Webb, Abigail Webb and Jaiden Webb, all of Morley; three brothers, Robert Webb of Sikeston, Josh Gordon of Madison, Ind., and Walter Gordon of Morley; two sisters, Beverly Gordon of Morley and Dana Kimmel of Butler, Ind.. ...

Marshall Mack Rankin, 84, of Benton, Mo., formerly of Cape Girardeau, beloved husband, father and grandfather went to be with Jesus on Friday, July 6, 2012, at his home, surrounded by family. He was born Sunday, Oct. 30, 1927, at St. Louis, to the late Willis Edgar and Myrtle Clayton Rankin...

William Hughes Davault, 96, of Jackson passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born June 14, 1916, in Shawneetown, son of Dr. Webster and Anna Jenkins Davault. He and Doris Brennecke were married Nov. 20, 1941...

Daughter to Chad and Katy Radcliff of Plainfield, Ill., Edward Hospital in Naperville, Ill., 12:54 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2012. Name, Madelyn Ann. Weight, 4 pounds, 13 ounces. Third child, first daughter. Mrs. Radcliff is the former Katy Tegge, daughter of Tom Tegge of Dixon, Ill., and the late Shirley Tegge. Radcliff is the son of Larry and Bertha Radcliff of Cape Girardeau...

After 131 years, the SEMO District Fair has decided to change its name to SEMO District Fair/Expo; a new logo that incorporates the change has also been developed for the annual event. Developer Jim Drury says he believes the city of Jackson can provide utilities sooner than Cape Girardeau to a 70-acre site east of Interstate 55; the speed with which utilities could be provided to the tract, on the northeast quadrant of the I-55 and U.S. ...

A 4-year-old Utah boy was helping his father by trying to make other children smile for a picture when a 6-foot-tall tombstone that weighed hundreds of pounds fell on the boy and killed him at a historic cemetery, family members and friends said. Carson Dean Cheney was with his family in the resort town of Park City on Thursday evening when the headstone toppled onto him after some metal connecting it to its pedestal broke, his grandmother Geri Gibbs said...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Ray Wiseman, 72, of Advance passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until time of service Sunday at Morgan Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Roger Wooten officiating. Burial will be in Bollinger County Memorial Park in Marble Hill, Mo...

ANNA, Ill. -- Barbara I. Jones, 73, of Anna died Friday, July 6, 2012, at her home. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Roath officiating. Interment will be in Ebenezer Hall Cemetery at Lick Creek, Ill...

WOLF LAKE, Ill. -- William R. "Shorty" Randles, 89, of Wolf Lake passed away Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Anna Rehab and Nursing Center in Anna, Ill., with his children at his side. He was born April 20, 1923, in Jonesboro, Ill., son of James G. and Gladys Wilson Randles. He married Eula Knight on Nov. 29, 1942, and they lovingly shared 59 years of marriage. She preceded him in death Sept. 6, 2002...

Edna C. Hey, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, July 3, 2012, at the Lutheran Home. She was born July 24, 1920, in Coffeyville, Kan., to Bert and Eva Richarz Chaney. She was one of 17 children. She and Lynn LeRoy Hey were married Oct. 22, 1938, in Nowata, Okla. He preceded her in death March 7, 2009...

Richard Fredrick Dippold Sr., 91, of Cape Girardeau left this earth Thursday, July 5, 2012, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He died at Southeast Hospital.

The U.S. attorney's office released the following information Thursday for defendants who appeared before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. sentenced Residence: Cape Girardeau Age: 33 Charges: unlawful possession of a firearm Sentence: 56 months...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI Cape Girardeau County The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Summons...

Police officials this year lobbied for a $7.3 million addition to address needs such as cramped quarters that require a trailer to be used to house 22 of the department's staff of 97. The department's municipal jail is deteriorating and often crowded...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Friday:...

"Save the cheerleader, save the world." This plea, oft-repeated during the inaugural season of NBC's "Heroes," may appear a quirky, even incomprehensible, beginning to a religion column. The reader's patience is therefore requested. Cheerleading has become an expected element in America's sports culture, although it is not universally present. ...

Sometimes I fall into the trap of comparing my life and myself to other people and their lives. Looking to others' lives to find out how mine should be is my misplaced desire to know who I am, to find out if I'm pretty and happy, if my life is adventurous and meaningful. What I'm yearning for is the truth of my Father's affirming love, to abide in him so he can show me who I am and my road to holiness. What I get instead from comparison is distraction, sin and confusion...

The two local teams posted victories in their opening games Saturday at the state Senior Babe Ruth baseball tournament at Hillhouse Park in Charleston, Mo. Chaffee cruised to a 14-1 win over Arch City. Jackson earned a 7-2 win over Charleston, with Ross Moldenhauer earning the win on the mound...

TRIPOLI, Libya -- Jubilant Libyans chose a new parliament Saturday in their first nationwide vote in decades, but violence and protests in the restive east underscored the challenges ahead as the oil-rich North African nation struggles to restore stability after last year's ouster of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi...

ST. LOUIS -- The Miami Marlins have to be happy they've seen the last of Kyle Lohse. The right-hander isn't the hardest thrower in the St. Louis Cardinals' rotation, but he gets the job done by staying ahead of the hitters and keeping the ball down with good movement...

While the Supreme Court's decision to uphold key provisions of the federal health care reform law has dominated the news lately, Craig Overfelt, senior vice president of the Missouri Bankers Association, told business leaders at the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's First Friday Coffee that new banking industry regulations are not getting the attention they deserve...

Gen. Seth McKee, 96, traveled to many countries and states during his time in the United States Air Force, but he still considers Missouri his home. "I am always proud to tell everyone I am from Missouri," McKee said. McKee was raised in Southeast Missouri and graduated from Central High School in 1934. He also attended Southeast Missouri State University from 1934 to 1937. He lives in Phoenix but said he has returned to the area every October since he retired in 1973...

David Barton is nationally recognized as a historian, author and commentator on issues of faith and America's founding. Barton is the former co-chairman of the Republican Party of Texas and founder and president of WallBuilders, a pro-family organization that is faith-based and focuses on American history. The name of the organization, according to its website, is taken from the book of Nehemiah when Israel joined to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem...

No one was injured when a garbage truck caught on fire in south Cape Girardeau late Sunday morning. Firefighters responded about 11:45 a.m. to a call of a vehicle fire in the lot at 900 S. Kingshighway, next to Cape Tractor Trailer Supply, battalion chief Mark Starnes said...

The temperature was hot in Cape Girardeau on Sunday, just not as hot as it had been for several days. National Weather Service meteorological technician Dave Purdy said the temperature reached 96 at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport on Sunday, the first day since Tuesday that it had not topped 100...

Butler County authorities are seeking the rightful owners of property they recovered after the recent arrest of five local residents in connection with a string of burglaries. The seven burglaries, as well as one theft, occurred in and around the Fisk, Mo., and Rombauer, Mo., areas June 27, according to Butler County Lt. Brian Evans...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- It will be weeks before authorities know what caused the death Thursday of a Poplar Bluff man who was in police custody. An autopsy was performed Friday afternoon on Charles A. Riels, 40, by Dr. Russell Deidiker at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington, Mo...

In an effort to encourage development along South Siemers Drive, Drury Southwest is making infrastructure upgrades to its property there. Work is underway on a 22-acre tract between Siemers Drive and Interstate 55, in the area of Fox Lane, to relocate a drainage ditch that runs through the property, said Larry Westrich, vice president of Drury Southwest...

The temperature in Cape Girardeau finally dipped under the 100-degree mark Sunday, but that hardly brought relief at Capaha Field. "The humidity was really up," Plaza Tire Capahas manager Jess Bolen said. "It was very hot." So hot, in fact, that the heat index approached the 110-degree mark when the Capahas and Waterloo (Ill.) Millers squared off...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- On July 17, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety will be officially located at 201 S. Kingshighway. "We're still going to be moving, but our main operations will start to function out of here at 8 a.m. that morning," said DPS director Drew Juden...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Should Missouri residents and small businesses be denied access to affordable health care plans? Most people probably would say no. Yet a question similar to that could appear before voters on the November statewide ballot...

Sunset on the Aegean Sea near Thessaloniki, Greece.

From milk to meatball sub sandwiches and carrot sticks to cookies, children found something delicious to enjoy every day in June, thanks to the free summer food program atPerryCountySchool District32. "The district was able to offer this free food service program through grant funding from the Department of Health and Senior Services," said Assistant Superintendent Russell Leek. ...

American Red Cross Issues Emergency Call for Blood Donors Now Blood and platelet donors of all types needed The American Red Cross blood supply has reached emergency levels with 50,000 fewer donations than expected in June. This shortfall leaves the Red Cross with half the readily available blood products on hand now than this time last year...

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Day Camp that is open to children, ages 6 to 12, at the Osage Centre. Three sessions are available, beginning July 23. Children will go canoeing, fishing and play sports. There will be games, arts and crafts, and many other activities guaranteed to keep the kids entertained...

Keep your heart rate up, build strength and endurance while keeping cool this summer! The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department invites you to take Swimnastics at Central Municipal Pool. The classes are instructed by Pat Grebe, who has taught aquatic fitness classes for 18 years at the pool. ...

Looking to get in shape, but you need the extra push? Cape Girardeau's Parks and Recreation Department offers eight-week Half Marathon Training, starting July 17 through September 6. It will provide an instructor to help keep your spirits high while staying on a specific workout regimen...

A captured video frame from my radio-controlled sailplane shows the burned, empty lot in a subdivision west of Jackson. The fire was reportedly started by bottle rockets or other fireworks. Fortunately the fire was extinguished before reaching homes in the subdivision...

A Cape Girardeau School District plan for reducing the number of students quitting school may include earlier identification of those most at-risk to drop out through the use of surveys. A team of district staff from the administrative office, high school, junior high and middle school has been meeting periodically to develop an "action plan" for dropout reduction in association with the district's participation in grant programming funded by the U.S. ...

Vera Burger of New Hamburg, MO with her three of her sixteen great-grandchildren. Pictured are Jacqueline & Blaise Winder of Jackson, and Cash Rodgers of Cape Girardeau.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A judge upheld the authority of Missouri governors to control state spending and ruled that a common budgeting tactic violates a state constitutional requirement that says specific amounts and purposes must be given for budget items...

A fundraiser next month will help pay for an exhibit at the Discovery Playhouse honoring a Benton, Mo., toddler who died earlier this year. The Summer Cocktail Soiree will run from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Concourse, 429 N. Broadview St. in Cape Girardeau. The event will have live music by the Ivas John Band, a silent auction, gourmet appetizers and surprise entertainment...

Lynwood Hills Apartments owner Mike Smith said the apartments damaged in a June 21 fire should be rebuilt within three months. The apartment complex was declared dangerous and condemned June 21 by the city of Cape Girardeau because of the damage, said Nicolette Brennan, spokeswoman for the city of Cape Girardeau...

Today is Monday, July 9, the 191st day of 2012. There are 175 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 9, 1962, the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles began exhibiting pop artist Andy Warhol's now-famous set of 32 paintings of Campbell's soup cans...

If you attended Cape Girardeau's fireworks display or the demolition derby, or any of the events this July Fourth, we hope you enjoyed the festivities. We'd like to take an opportunity to thank the USA Veterans group that put on the show. The city of Cape Girardeau no longer funds a fireworks display; it was cut in 2009 when the budget was tight. Since then, the USA Veterans group has organized the events and put on the show...

The following letter to the editor was sent in response to the letter "Cook's reaction to court decision":I was asked by the Missourian to comment on the Supreme Court ruling upholding the Affordable Care Act. I mentioned that this ruling saved my husband and me $2,000 for the colonoscopy he has scheduled. ...

By Jackie Schmidt It appears that much of the local media has not studied in detail the provisions of Missouri Senate Bill 749 (SB749), the religious liberty bill presently awaiting Gov. Jay Nixon's signature. This bill ensures that the moral and religious beliefs of consumers are respected in the insurance market. This means protecting the free exercise of the rights of conscience for all individuals, not just official religious institutions...

O Lord God, we praise you, for your words will never pass away. Amen.

WICHITA, Kan. -- Kansas State University student Greg Peterson and some friends were unwinding at a drive-in restaurant when LMFAO's song "Sexy and I Know It" came on the radio. He groaned. But as the chorus went on, the 21-year-old found inspiration. He switched "sexy" to "farming" as he began rapping. Then he started coming up with lyrics. It would be fun, he thought, to do a video parody with his brothers when he returned home to the family farm in central Kansas...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri county has launched a new court that will offer military veterans in the Kansas City area alternatives to jail for some nonviolent offenses. The court is a combined effort of the Jackson County Circuit Court, the prosecutor's office and the U.S. ...

Renovations are underway at the Salvation Army headquarters, 701 Good Hope St.; the brick building has been tuck-pointed and a new heating and cooling system is being installed; a group of volunteers is painting, and a new flat roof will be added. The old Saint Francis Hospital, formerly a residence hall for Southeast Missouri State University, is for sale; the building, on Good Hope Street, is being sold by the university because it is no longer needed as a residence hall...

ST. LOUIS -- Rafael Furcal warmed up for his National League All-Star game start by triggering a home plate celebration. Heath Bell heads into the All-Star break with his job in jeopardy. Furcal capped a three-run ninth-inning rally with a two-run, bases-loaded single off the vulnerable Miami closer that gave the St. Louis Cardinals a 5-4 victory over the Marlins on Sunday and a feeling of exhilaration in the clubhouse...

LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com From bottom left, Randy and Ja'net Sadler, Brittany DeRossett, Aaron DeRossett and Colton Pobst, far right, make way as Matthew Martin jumps back into the kiddie pool in the bed of Sadler's pick-up truck after retrieving a foul ball during the Capahas game Sunday in Cape Girardeau. The group from Chaffee, Mo., were trying to keep cool during the afternoon baseball game. "We will be back with the pool again," said Randy Sadler. Sunday's high reached 96 degrees with a heat index of 106. Cooler temperatures are expected throughout the week.

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

Firefighters responded to the following calls Saturday:...

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

Pro-Life Republican Bob Parker deserves the confidence of all Right to Life voters. He has always been pro-life from conception to natural death with no exceptions. He would never vote for federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research as longtime Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson did. ...

Missouri's 8th District needs a new congressional representative. We need someone with strongly held convictions that the Constitution does matter, is worth keeping, and is even worth fighting for. We need a representative who will go to Washington and not become part of the tide drowning out our freedoms...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. — Roger A. Shell, 57, of Marble Hill died Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Alfred F. King, 70, of Perryville died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at his home. Alfred donated his body to medical research. All services will be private.

FARMINGTON, Mo. — Alice Hitt Henry, 84, of Farmington died Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Presbyterian Manor in Farmington. Arrangements are pending with Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Maxine Fluegge, 83, formerly of Jackson, died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at West County Care Center in Ballwin, Mo. Arrangements are incomplete at the McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

June Jane Johns, 89, of Jackson died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at the Monticello House in Jackson. Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. today at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home.

Virginia Bailey, 95, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, July 8, 2012, at Chateau Girardeau. Arrangements are pending with Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

A Family Dollar store is coming to Jackson at the site of the former El Torero restaurant, according to Tom Kelsey, commercial broker with Lorimont Place Ltd., who handled the recent real estate transaction. Kelsey recently closed the sale of the property at 711 E. Jackson Blvd., across the street from Brennecke Chevrolet...

CAIRO -- Egypt's Islamist president fired the first volley Sunday in his battle with the nation's powerful generals, calling on the Islamist-dominated parliament to reconvene despite a military-backed court ruling that dissolved it. A week into his presidency, the surprise move by Mohammed Morsi threatened to plunge the country into a new bout of instability and violence, nearly 17 months after the ouster of authoritarian leader Hosni Mubarak...

TRIPOLI, Libya -- Libya's first nationwide elections in nearly five decades brought hints Sunday of an Arab Spring precedent: Western-leaning parties making strides over Islamist rivals hoping to follow the same paths to power as in neighbors Egypt and Tunisia...

NEW YORK -- Dynegy Inc. said Friday that it has filed for bankruptcy protection as part of a plan to reorganize after years of wrestling with falling electricity prices. The Houston power company, which operates and sells electricity on the open market, said the Chapter 11 filing won't affect its primary assets. Dynegy's coal and natural gas-fired power plants are owned by separate subsidiaries that aren't part of the bankruptcy filing...

SAN FRANCISCO -- Facebook and Yahoo have agreed to settle a patent dispute. This averts a potentially bitter battle over the technology running two of the Internet's most popular destinations. They have agreed to drop their lawsuits and license each other's patents...

DULUTH, Minn. -- Some Minnesota hunters are upgrading their deer stands, trading the traditional nailed-together hunks of wood for what one official calls "mansions" in trees on public property. St. Louis County officials are seeing deer stands -- platforms perched in trees to help hunters more easily spot deer -- with stairways, decks, shingled roofs, commercial windows, insulation, propane heaters, carpeting, lounge chairs, tables and even the occasional generator, the Duluth News Tribune reported.. ...

MIDDLETON, Idaho -- Robin Gilbert didn't set out to confront gender stereotypes when she split up the boys and girls at her elementary school in rural southwestern Idaho. But that's exactly what happened, with her Middleton Heights Elementary now among dozens of public schools nationwide being targeted by the American Civil Liberties Union in a bitter struggle over whether single-sex learning should be continued. ...

David Grimes, deputy director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission in Perryville, Mo., does a little bit of everything in his job, from transportation planning to environmental issues to homeland security. He loves researching new topics and says his job is the closest thing he can find to school while still getting paid. ...

LOS ANGELES -- He was a tubby tough guy with a pug of a mug, as unlikely a big-screen star or a romantic lead as could be imagined. Yet Ernest Borgnine won a woman's love and an Academy Award in one of the great lonelyhearts roles in "Marty," a highlight in a workhorse career that spanned nearly seven decades and more than 200 film and television parts...

WASHINGTON -- U.S. employers added only 80,000 jobs in June, a third straight month of weak hiring that shows the economy is still struggling three years after the recession ended. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 8.2 percent, the Labor Department said Friday...

People are complaining in Speak Out about the crossover cables on the interstate. Now that the Missouri Department of Transportation is repaving the interstate by the airport, the road surface is going to be even higher, maybe another five inches; and those crossover cables are going to be even lower and more dangerous to us. They really should be put in the center of the median and not right next to the southbound lane...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A judge upheld the authority of Missouri governors to control state spending and ruled that a common budgeting tactic violates a state constitutional requirement that says specific amounts and purposes must be given for budget items...

John Ishee's recent hiring as the women's basketball coach at Ranger (Texas) College means that three fairly recent Southeast Missouri State basketball coaches are now leading junior college hoops programs. Ishee no doubt hopes he experiences the same kind of success in his new position that the other two have...

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In the midst of an all-consuming Civil War that divided the nation 150 years ago, Congress was able to muster the will to pass legislation that would transform higher education. It was this week in 1862 when President Abraham Lincoln signed a law that would establish a network of land-grant universities. ...

Police on Monday were searching for the person who started a house fire, possibly using a Molotov cocktail, at an occupied house early Sunday morning. Police responded about 5:20 a.m. to 1425 Cousin St., where residents reported they found the curtain over their air conditioner burning after they investigated a loud noise in their living room, said Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Jason Selzer. A resident and neighbor were able to put the fire out, Selzer said...

A former Carter County sheriff who admitted stealing firearms that had been seized as evidence will spend the next 10 years in a federal prison, and his former chief deputy will do five years on the same charges after being sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau.

A blog dedicated to covering the U.S. Supreme Court has chosen a Cape Girardeau County case that could go before the court as one that asks a noteworthy question. SCOTUSblog selected the case of Missouri v. McNeely as its petition of the day for Friday...

Missouri House candidate Van Hitt admitted Thursday he has been distributing political materials that incorrectly identify him as a member of the American Legion, a group exclusively reserved for former military personnel who served their country during wartime...

Buchheit recently celebrated Father's Day with a special Register to Win a Drillin', Grillin', Chillin' Giveaway. The winner of the over $800 valued prize of a Char-Griller, ENGLE DeepBlue Cooler, DeWALT Drill, and lounge chair was Vickie Leimbach of Altenburg, MO...

Miesner brings home gold Takes top prize in HVAC-R contest at SkillsUSA national championship Brock Miesner isn't sure who was more excited when he won the gold medal at the 2012 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference -- him or his parents...

Jackson Homecomers will kick off its 104th anniversary July 24 with new attractions alongside tried-and-true draws to historic uptown. The event started in 1908, when people gathered to celebrate the completion of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse and the installation of the memorial for Confederate Army Col. ...

Floyd Petzoldt was initially against spending any money to fix up the old Hanover Lutheran School that is owned by his church. Then he took a drive past the 88-year-old one-room schoolhouse along Perryville Road last week and saw how some of the money had been spent...

Dance Extensions in Jackson MO. competed in Orlando Florida at Starbound National Competition June 29. Front Row left to right Lisanne Holterman and Catie Doven. Back row left to right Sidney Robertson and Meg Smith

Greg Birk (right) handing his green State 4-H Council jacket to his daughter, Rachel Birk. Rachel Birk of Charleston has returned from Columbia, where she was elected to the State 4-H Council as a Southeast Missouri Representative. On May 30-June 1, over 300 Missouri teens atttend the Missouri State 4-H Congress...

Ninty-three Citizen-Soldiers from the 1138th Engineer Company from Farmington and Fredericktown departed for mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas. The unit -- which draws Soldiers from the 1140th Engineer Battalion in Cape Girardeau -- is part of Operation Enduring Freedom operations in Afghanistan, and will be conducting route clearance missions...

The man accused of causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage to a Cape Girardeau office building has been granted a change of judges. Travis H. Fornkohl of Cape Girardeau was scheduled for an arraignment Monday in the vandalism of an office building at 3065 William St, that occurred the night of June 30, but Fornkohl's attorney, Malcolm Montgomery, filed a motion for a change of judges. Judge Gary Kamp granted the motion...