Stories from July 2015

The Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is forecast to rise about a foot higher between now and Friday morning, when the river level could reach 43 1/2 feet. Flood stage at Cape Girardeau is 32 feet. The all-time record crest of the river at Cape Girardeau is 48.49 feet, set Aug. 8, 1993. A river level above 42 feet is considered "major" flood stage by the National Weather Service, and a flood warning continues for the area...

Starting Wednesday, members of the public have an opportunity to shape the future of Cape Girardeau's parks and recreational spaces through an online survey. The Parks and Recreation Department is updating its Parks and Trails Master Plan and requires public input...

Investigations continue over a Cape Girardeau police officer who crashed his vehicle into a Jackson home late Sunday night. About 10 p.m., the officer, a member of the Cape Girardeau Police Department's special-response team, was responding to the 500 block of Nellie Street to assist in a report about a homicide officers later determined was false, said Cape Girardeau Police Sgt. Adam Glueck...

Hazy skies across Missouri and other states in the Midwest are being blamed on smoke moving across the area from forest fires in Canada. Smoke from wildfires burning in Canada's Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces has traveled as far as 1,600 miles south, weather officials have said, pushed by a jet stream dipping into the United States...

Attorneys general from more than a dozen states, including Missouri, have come together to challenge a new federal rule regarding clean water regulations. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced Monday his decision to join in a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the agencies' rule defining "waters of the United States."...

The junior won the 100 meters at the Class 2 Track and Field Championships.

Superintendent Scott Ireland delivered big news to the Board of Education at Monday evening's meeting: The District will "bank" over $600,000 in savings this year, after spending over $725,000 for unbudgeted improvements. "That's a $1.3 million difference," Ireland said. "The largest contributing factor, of course, was the decision for the District to operate its own transportation system instead of contracting for those services."...

Cape Ford and Sons outhit Jackson but dropped a 3-1 decision in the first game of a doubleheader on Wednesday at Capaha Field.

We adopted Lucy from the humane society in Cape. She is a border collie/lab mix. She loves to play frisbee!!!! We are so happy to have her in our family!!

ST. LOUIS -- Police antagonized crowds who gathered to protest in Ferguson after Michael Brown's death last summer, violated free-speech rights and made it difficult to hold officers accountable, according to a Justice Department report that found across-the-board flaws in law enforcement's response...

Today is Wednesday, July 1, the 182nd day of 2015. There are 183 days left in the year. This is Canada Day. Today's Highlight in History: On July 1, 1940, the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington state opened to traffic despite concerns over its tendency to "bounce" in windy conditions, inspiring the nickname "Galloping Gertie" (four months later, the suspension bridge's main section collapsed into Puget Sound)...

Last week provided a sea change in American society, and I suspect someday history will note the significance. I'm still not sure, however, just how history will record the events. The Supreme Court -- quite honestly, not to anyone's great surprise -- ruled in favor of the Affordable Care Act despite clear and specific language that seemed to have undermined a provision of the controversial law...

LIVINGSTON, N.J. -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie opened his 2016 campaign for president Tuesday and, never one to aim small, declared he's "out to change the world." The Republican governor, a onetime GOP favorite who faded and is trying to climb back, told a kickoff rally in the gymnasium of his old high school his last 13 years as a U.S. attorney and governor have been about "fighting for fairness and justice and opportunity," and he wants to do the same for the country...

DENVER -- Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul courted donors from the new marijuana industry Tuesday, making the Kentucky senator the first major-party candidate to seek support publicly from the legal weed business. Paul's fundraiser at the Cannabis Business Summit -- tickets started at $2,700, the maximum donation allowed for the primary contest -- came as the marijuana industry approached its first presidential campaign as a legal enterprise...

WASHINGTON -- Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush has earned nearly $29 million since leaving the Florida governor's mansion and paid an effective federal income tax rate of about 36 percent in the past three decades, according to tax returns released by his campaign Tuesday...

VIENNA -- Pushing past a deadline, world powers and Iran extended negotiations for a comprehensive nuclear agreement by a week Tuesday as the U.N. nuclear agency prepared to announce Tehran had met a key condition -- significantly reducing its stocks of enriched uranium that could be used for atomic weapons...

ATHENS, Greece -- Greece slipped deeper into its financial abyss after the bailout program it has relied on for five years expired at midnight Tuesday, and the country failed to repay a loan due to the International Monetary Fund. With its failure to repay about $1.8 billion to the IMF, Greece became the first developed country to fall into arrears on payments to the fund. The last country to do so was Zimbabwe in 2001...

WASHINGTON -- Some lucky Girl Scouts are getting the ultimate experience in camping: spending the night sleeping in tents pitched on the White House South Lawn. Michelle Obama is hosting Tuesday's campout as part of Let's Move, her initiative against childhood obesity. "Let's Move Outside" promotes taking advantage of the outdoors...

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis shut her blinds at work Tuesday morning to block the view of rainbow-clad protesters outside. They carried flowers and flags and signs saying "You don't own marriage." They chanted, "Do your job." Moments later, she turned away a lesbian couple who walked in and asked for a license, telling them to try another county...

Son to Jesse James Buchanan and Kendra Lee Buchheit of Perryville, Missouri, Saint Francis Medical Center, 7:22 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2015. Name, Lincoln James. Weight, 8 pounds, 7 ounces. Second child, first son. Ms. Buchheit is the daughter of Craig Buchheit, Tammy Buchheit and David Hagan, all of Perryville. She is an accounting clerk at Buchheit Inc. Buchanan is the son of David Buchanan of Aberdeen, Washington, and Dawn Buchanan of Thomasville, Alabama...

After more than two years of in-house study, Cape Girardeau City Hall this year will begin to implement a revised pay plan for its employees; the new plan involves salary adjustments based on a performance evaluation system, the first time such a method has been used in more than a decade...

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A Ten Commandments monument on the Oklahoma Capitol grounds is a religious symbol and must be removed because it violates the state's constitutional ban on using public property to benefit a religion, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled Tuesday...

DALLAS -- Wanda Mobley swerved to avoid something in the remote highway, and seconds later was trapped inside her wrecked car in a ravine in North Texas. The 75-year-old widow couldn't walk, yet pulled herself through the broken windshield and survived the next two days by soaking her T-shirt in a nearby pond to get water...

ALBANY, N.Y. -- The superintendent at the prison where two killers broke out has been placed on leave along with his security chief and 10 other staff members amid an internal investigation into how the inmates pulled it off, a state official said Tuesday...

WASHINGTON -- Brazil pledged Tuesday to restore millions of acres of forests and expand renewable energy use, as the United States and Brazil worked to build momentum toward a budding global climate treaty. Brazil's announcement stopped short of a commitment to bring deforestation down to zero, as many environmentalists had advocated...

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis will meet with homeless people, immigrants and prisoners during his upcoming trip to Cuba and the United States and become the first pope to address the U.S. Congress. He'll also preside over a meeting about religious liberty -- a major issue for U.S. bishops in the wake of the Supreme Court's gay-marriage decision...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri state lawmaker asked a judge to block Gov. Jay Nixon from working on plans to build a new NFL stadium in St. Louis, calling the effort a misuse of taxpayer dollars for an "illegal purpose." Republican Rep. Jay Barnes of Jefferson City represented a group six lawmakers suing Nixon and officials who oversee the current Rams stadium. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld two constitutional amendments guaranteeing the right to farm and the right to bear arms, but also said voters could go to court to challenge the summaries of ballot issues even after they've been approved by voters...

County judge dismisses lawsuit on filming Senate committees KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri judge dismissed Tuesday an advocacy group's lawsuit that challenged restrictions on filming Missouri Senate committee meetings. Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem dismissed the petition brought by Progress Missouri, which claimed decisions by Senate committee chairmen to prohibit filming by the group violates the state's open meetings law. ...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. n Jessica L. Booker, 28, of Jackson was issued summonses for failure to register a motor vehicle, failure to yield to a motor vehicle causing an accident and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license...

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to the following calls. n Medical assist calls were made to: South Sprigg Street at 1:25 a.m.; North Sprigg Street at 1:29 a.m.; East Rodney Drive at 9:48 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.; South Sprigg Street at 1:58 p.m.; Sylvan Lane at 2:15 p.m.; William Street at 3:26 p.m.; South Lorimier Street at 6:15 p.m.; Minute Men Way at 8:12 p.m.; and North Main Street at 9:51 p.m...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n Anthony J. Mackins, 30, 24 S. Hanover St., was arrested on a Cape Girardeau County warrant for assault. n Amber N. Pigg, 23, of Sikeston, Missouri, was arrested on a Cape Girardeau warrant for failure to appear...

SUN CITY, Ariz. -- Carolyn Ingersoll Wright of Sun City passed away peacefully June 21, 2015, attended by caring family members. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, William S. "Bill" Wright, and a younger sister, Esther Jean Duke of Taft, California...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Wayne Ferrel Preston, 74, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, died Monday, June 29, 2015, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. He was formerly of Lithium, Missouri. A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Christ by the Lake Lutheran Church in Bull Shoals, with the Rev. Mike Clark officiating...

Harry Eugene Poe, 84, of Dallas, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Walnut Place in Dallas. He was born Sept. 9, 1930, in St. Louis, to Harry Emil and Etheline Lillian Huey Poe. Harry was reared in Cape Girardeau. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University and Missouri University of Science and Technology. ...

Ronald Earl Monighan, 85, of Jackson passed away Monday, June 29, 2015, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home. He was born Dec. 20, 1929, in Des Moines, Iowa, son of Elwood "E.J." and Edna Baber Monighan. He and his beloved wife, Joan Neujahr, were married Aug. 21, 1958. She preceded him in death Nov. 4, 1986...

McCLURE, Ill. -- Alvin Charles, 68, of Grand Junction, Tennessee, formerly of McClure, died Saturday, June 27, 2015, in Collierville, Tennessee. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau...

Glenn E. Brown, 66, of Jackson died Monday, June 29, 2015, at his home. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. July 9 at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. A Masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m. by Millersville Westview Masonic Lodge 103...

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- Human remains were discovered Monday evening, and they are believed to be those of a Caruthersville man missing for almost a year. A family member of Jerry Lynn Carr, 34, who was reported missing to Caruthersville Police Department on Aug. ...

ST. LOUIS -- Illinois farmers have planted more soybeans and less corn this year, a new federal report showed Tuesday, yet they've been menaced by the wettest June on record. The 10.1 million acres of soybeans planted is up from with 9.8 million last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said, while corn acreage is 11.8 million, down from 11.9 million...

No suspects are in custody after a Cape Girardeau woman was seriously injured during an apparent drive-by shooting Monday. At 2:46 p.m. Monday, the Cape Girardeau Police Department responded to 401 S. Hanover St., said Cape Girardeau police spokesman Sgt. Adam Glueck. The victim was sitting on the porch at the time of the shooting...

An Oran, Missouri, man was arrested and charged with stealing Friday. James K. Aurelio, 38, has been charged with three misdemeanor counts of theft under $500. The Scott County Sheriff's Office received reports last week of thefts from storage units near Oran, with laminate flooring and power tools being the primary items stolen...

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Dwindling membership has led to the closure of a Joplin church that was rebuilt after being destroyed by a 2011 tornado. Pastor Sharon Freeman of the St. James United Methodist Church said that when the church reopened in April 2013, members had believed the area around the church also would be rebuilt. She told The Joplin Globe that hasn't happened, with neighborhoods near the church still undeveloped and a nearby business corridor largely empty...

Chicago's Chris Sale matched a major league record by striking out at least 10 in eight straight starts.

Ty Householder didn't allow a shaky start to ruin his entire evening. The Charleston right-hander was touched for four hits, walked one and hit a batter over the first two innings of Tuesday night's game against Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons Post 63. But he was able to limit the damage to a single run, then settled down and held Post 63 scoreless the rest of the way in a 7-1 victory in the first game of a doubleheader sweep at Capaha Park...

Youth golf Jack Litzelfelner of Jackson shot a two-day total of 5-under-par 139 to claim the boys medalist honor at the Big I National Championship qualifying tournament at Dalhousie Golf Club. Litzelfelner followed up a tournament-low round of 4-under-par 68 with a 71 on Tuesday for a 139 total and four-shot win over Walker Kesterson of Hartsburg, Missouri...

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals lefty Jaime Garcia is a question mark for Thursday's start, still struggling to return from a groin cramp in his last start. Manager Mike Matheny committed to John Lackey starting today against the White Sox but offered no further details on the St. Louis rotation going forward...

He lives in Ohio now, but Southeast Missouri proudly claims Charlie Mantel as one of our own. The Chaffee native's stem-cell research is being hailed as an advance that may save lives and change the face of medicine. Who said those science fairs don't make a difference? That's where it all started for Mantel. It was 1973, and he won first place at the Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair for his research project on fruit-fly genetics...

O God, we praise you, for our help is through you, the creator of heaven and earth.

CAIRO (AP) -- For more than a decade, he was the self-styled Indiana Jones of Egypt, presiding over its antiquities and striding through temples and tombs as the star of TV documentaries that made him an international celebrity. But four years after the uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak and nearly ended his own career, Zahi Hawass can be found in a cramped Cairo office, lamenting the state of the antiquities bureaucracy he once ruled like a pharaoh and dreaming of a new museum whose fate lies in limbo.. ...

Kansas City, Missouri, lawyer Bev Randles, a native of Sikeston, Missouri, announced Wednesday the decision to end her exploratory committee and become a candidate for lieutenant governor. Randles, a Republican, made the announcement online in a YouTube video, where she shared details of her life in Sikeston and her experiences as a student at Scott County Central...

As Carlos Vargas-Aburto neared the end of his first day as Southeast Missouri State University's president on Wednesday, he said each experience so far has reinforced his belief that Southeast is where he should be. Vargas and his wife, Pamela, arrived in Cape Girardeau on Sunday evening. They spent the next two days familiarizing themselves with what the area has to offer, from trying local restaurants to watching barges travel the swollen Mississippi River...

With action taken by the Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday, the Cape Girardeau Police Department will be one step closer to moving to its new home next to Arena Park. Once the council approves acceptance of the deed, the city will begin designing the new station at 2530 Maria Louis Lane...

The Southeast Missourian office, 301 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, will be closed Friday to observe the Independence Day holiday. A newspaper will be published Friday and Sunday, but will not be published Monday. The Southeast Missourian office will be open Monday...

ST. LOUIS -- Some Missouri counties still won't issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite last week's Supreme Court ruling, prompting an advocacy group to threaten legal action Wednesday to force compliance. Katie Stuckenschneider of St. Louis-based PROMO, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, said the organization is working with the American Civil Liberties Union in weighing lawsuits if counties don't comply...

Nelson had an immediate impact on the Indians soccer team after transferring from Notre Dame.

For almost 30 years, Jerry Ford has lobbied in the state capital for the families of people with disabilities, and before that he served two terms as state representative of the 156th District, two terms on the Cape Girardeau School Board, worked as a music instructor, owned and managed a welding manufacturing company, worked for his family business, Ford and Sons Funeral Home, and been a part of a 13-piece orchestra since 1960...

Today is Thursday, July 2, the 183rd day of 2015. There are 182 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution saying that "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States."...

Today the Southeast Missourian announced the winner of the 2015 Spirit of America Award. This year's recipient is Jerry Ford, a longtime member of this community who has served at the Cape River Heritage Museum, in musical performances -- his band, the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band and at military funerals -- and in other ways...

NEW YORK -- There's a difference in parenting between a little back talk and children actually bullying adults. Parent and family therapist Sean Grover writes in a new book, "When Kids Call the Shots," it would have been unthinkable a generation or two ago for children to bully their parents without consequences, yet today everyone knows a parent who is bullied...

BOSTON -- Former Boston crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger had some advice for three high-school girls who wrote to him for a history project: Crime doesn't pay. The 85-year-old sent the handwritten letter, dated Feb. 24, from federal prison in Florida, where he is serving two life sentences, The Boston Globe reported Sunday...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- When Sacramento police arrested black activist Maile Hampton over her role in a Black Lives Matter protest in January, they didn't charge her with obstructing traffic, trespassing or disturbing the peace. They charged her with felony lynching...

About 10 to 15 residents of the Good Hope and Hanover neighborhood have submitted a petition to the police department, expressing concern about the Greyhound bus station on William Street; after the old depot on Frederick Street closed, the new depot opened at the Fill-Up Mart, 1101 William St., in late March; since then, police have had to deal with traffic safety concerns and complaints from neighborhood residents...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- On any given day, their high-pitched cries echo throughout neonatal intensive care units. They are pained, agitated, unable to sleep or eat, nauseated, jittery and screaming. "Inconsolable," said Dr. Melinda Slack, medical director of neonatal at Mercy Children's Hospital in Springfield...

Daughter to Joshua Anthoney and Meranda Lynn Trinkle of Jackson, Southeast Hospital, 8:09 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2015. Name, Gabrielle Jeanette. Weight, 7 pounds. 6 ounces. Second daughter. Mrs. Trinkle is the former Meranda Ghan, daughter of Lynn Ghan of Springfield, Missouri, and Randy Ghan of Clever, Missouri. Trinkle is the son of Greg Trinkle and Peggy Trinkle of Camdenton, Missouri. He is employed by Southeast Regional Brain and Spine...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The Boone County Commission is being urged to overturn a decision to cover a Christian symbol on a monument to Columbia-area soldiers who died in Operation Desert Storm. More than 100 people attended a meeting Tuesday night to discuss the commission's decision last summer to cover the ichthus, often called the "Jesus fish," on a monument near the Boone County Courthouse. ...

Wednesday afternoon the Sikeston Department of Public Safety arrested a second suspect in connection with a June homicide. Kelvin Knight, 22, of St. Louis was arrested after being charged with the murder of Tyrussell Davis. On June 6 at about 11:10 p.m., Sikeston officers responded to Lee and Welter streets in Sikeston in reference to two subjects who had been shot. ...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A federal judge has approved a $350,000 settlement in a lawsuit alleging a teacher repeatedly slapped an autistic boy at a Springfield school. The boy's father said in the lawsuit that teacher Janet Carrie Williams slapped and insulted the boy, now 8, at Greene Valley State school...

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. government is investigating possible collusion among major airlines to limit available seats, which keeps airfares high, according to a document obtained by The Associated Press. The civil antitrust investigation by the Justice Department appears to focus on whether airlines illegally signaled to each other how quickly they would add new flights, routes and extra seats...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- With a handful of Alabama counties still refusing to grant gay marriages even as they issued licenses for straight weddings, a federal judge ruled Wednesday all must abide by court decisions allowing same-sex unions. Opposition withered as some counties complied with the decision, and gay-marriage advocates said they would ask courts to impose penalties on the holdouts that refuse...

GREELEYVILLE, S.C. -- The Rev. John Taylor feared the worst when he learned his church was on fire, only days after a mass shooting at a black church in Charleston prompted Southern leaders to call for removing Confederate flags. The Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church was burned to the ground by the Ku Klux Klan in 1995, one of many arsons at black churches that prompted President Bill Clinton to create a federal task force that led to hundreds of arrests...

WASHINGTON -- After more than a half-century of hostility, the United States and Cuba declared Wednesday they will reopen embassies in each other's capitals this month, marking a historic full restoration of diplomatic relations between the Cold War foes...

EL-ARISH, Egypt -- Islamic State-linked militants struck Egyptian army outposts in the Sinai Peninsula on Wednesday in a coordinated wave of suicide bombings and battles that underlined the government's failure to stem an insurgency despite a two-year crackdown...

SALT LAKE CITY -- Episcopalians have voted to allow religious weddings for same-sex couples, just days after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide. The vote came Wednesday in Salt Lake City at the denomination's national assembly. The measure passed by an overwhelming margin in the House of Deputies, the voting body of clergy and lay people at the meeting. The day before, the House of Bishops had approved the resolution 129-26, with five abstaining...

ATHENS, Greece -- The Greek government vowed Wednesday to go ahead with plans to have the people decide whether they want more austerity measures in exchange for a rescue deal. Greece offered more concessions to its creditors, but was rebuffed -- Eurozone finance ministers refused to negotiate any more aid until the referendum clears up what the country wants...

Nominated by Kelley McGowan, Humane Society of Southeast Missouri America is known as the land of opportunity. Charlotte is known for providing opportunities. She served as executive director of the Cape Girardeau County health department from 1975 to 2012. ...

Nominated by Tom Wilmas When we imagine what character qualities and patriotic service the Spirit of America nominee should embody, Wayne Wallingford comes to many Missourians' minds. Undoubtedly, he represents an ideal role model of selfless service throughout his life, but he is also a blazing torch of hope for all of us in the uncertain days in which we live...

Nominated by Art Wallhausen A self-made man, Ken Dobbins personally epitomizes the spirit of America by rising from his birth to a single mother, growing up in poverty, working his way through college, serving in the military, and finally becoming a distinguished educator and civic leader...

Nominated by Ruth Dockins and Cape Girardeau S.A.L.T. Council The Spirit of America award is for volunteers who make a difference, and Doug Austin's actions will speak much louder than words. Doug's life is a reflection of his two favorite terms: visible and measurable...

Lorenzo Allen fishes for catfish and buffalo fish Wednesday evening from the new extension of the river walk along the Mississippi River near downtown Cape Girardeau. Only a small stretch of the south end of the river walk is not covered with floodwater. The river is expected to crest Friday morning at 43.5 feet. (Laura Simon)...

An online map is available from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to help low-income families find locations where children can receive free meals this summer. The map, which allows users to narrow their search by city, county or ZIP code, pinpoints hundreds of locations across the state where meals will be provided through the state health department's Summer Food Service Program...

Residents of Jackson and Cape Girardeau may notice a change in their trash collection schedules over the next few days. In observance of the Independence Day holiday, many city offices will be closed Friday. Those living in Jackson whose trash is normally collected Friday will instead be scheduled for pickup Monday. The recycling center also will be closed Friday and Saturday...

Law-enforcement officials are asking for the public's help finding two eyewitnesses to the Monday shooting of a woman in the 400 block of Hanover Street in Cape Girardeau. The woman was sitting on the porch of a residence at 401 S. Hanover St. and was shot in the head during an apparent drive-by shooting. She remains in serious condition at a hospital, said Sgt. Adam Glueck of the Cape Girardeau Police Department...

ST. LOUIS -- Jaime Garcia has been pushed back again and won't start today for the St. Louis Cardinals because of what the pitcher calls a mild left groin strain. The left-hander and the team are confident he won't be placed on the 15-day disabled list. Garcia could start early next week in Chicago against the Cubs...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n Mary S. Mylonas, 34, 116 Ash St., was arrested on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. n Mary K. Rinacke, 19, 800 Eastview Court, was arrested on suspicion of stealing...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n A suspect was in custody pending formal charges for possession of drug paraphernalia. n Nicole M. Guth, 35, 1516 Elfrink Drive, was arrested on a Cape Girardeau warrant for failure to appear for violation of court order...

Louise H. Williams, 88, of Jackson died Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at Monticello House in Jackson. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Mount Auburn funeral home, with the Rev. Elijah Allen officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson...

Beatrice Redman Stauffer, 93, of Chateau Girardeau and formerly of Sikeston, Missouri, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2015, in the skilled nursing care center at Chateau. She was born Sept. 7, 1921, in Advance, Missouri. Beatrice was an active and longtime member of First Methodist Church of Sikeston, serving in a multitude of ways over many years. ...

McCLURE, Ill. -- Alvin P. Charles, 68, of Grand Junction, Tennessee, formerly of McClure, died Saturday, June 27, 2015, in Collierville, Tennessee. He was born June 8, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, to Vernon R. "Windy" and Elveta Pratt Charles. Alvin and Peggy Bradshaw were married Nov. 1, 1966, in Cape Girardeau...

Salty Cooler Materials n Salt n Cooler n Ice n Water n Thermometer Instructions STEP 1: Fill the cooler half of the way with ice and cold water. Using the thermometer, determine the temperature of the ice and the cold water. STEP 2: Add one cup of salt and mix. Using the thermometer, determine the temperature of the ice and the cold water...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Missouri tax on medical service providers that helps fund the state Medicaid program has been reauthorized by the governor. Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon on Wednesday signed legislation to continue the tax for another year. The measure extends taxes on medical providers including hospitals, nursing homes and ambulances. The revenue brings in roughly $3.6 billion for health care through the state's Medicaid services, a significant chunk of the program's funding...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Students living on Missouri public college campuses now must be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis. A state law requiring the vaccine for those living in on-campus housing took effect Wednesday. Students can seek a religious or medical exemption to the requirement...

ST. LOUIS -- Though it won't show in the box score, defensive breakdowns were critical in both of the St. Louis Cardinals' losses to the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox got an early boost in Wednesday night's 7-1 victory when first baseman Mark Reynolds bobbled a grounder by Carlos Sanchez and could only get one out instead of a double play. Tyler Flowers advanced to second and scored the tying run on Adam Eaton's single...

JAMESPORT, Mo. -- A man has been charged with more than 35 criminal complaints after police say he stole from more than a dozen grave sites in Daviess County. The St. Joseph News-Press reported 45-year-old Leslie Harrison was charged Tuesday with 16 counts of felony stealing and 16 counts of felony property damage for the theft of 16 bronze headstone markers from the Bethel Cemetery. Harrison also faces drug-related charges...

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis' mayor has scratched plans for a formal panel to decide whether a three-story Confederate memorial should be moved out of Forest Park, instead calling on proposals from people or groups willing to perhaps offer up another public place for the landmark...

WASHINGTON -- Senior Obama administration officials, including the White House chief of staff, knew as early as 2009 Hillary Rodham Clinton was using a private email address for her government correspondence, according to about 3,000 pages of correspondence released by the State Department late Tuesday. ...

Trent Waltz was nominated as a delegate representing Missouri at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders, held June 28 to 30 in Boston. Waltz, 17, was selected to participate because of his academic achievements, leadership potential and desire to contribute to the fields of science and technology...

Editor's note: Saxony Lutheran High School selected six valedictorians for the Class of 2015. We featured four of these distinguished graduates in previous issues. Name: Abigail Louise Breite School: Saxony Lutheran High School Parents' names: Douglas and Christine Breite...

I have written before about the ongoing argument in D.C. about replacing the A-10 Warthog airplane with the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The F-35 is a remarkable aircraft capable of speeds up to 1,200 mph, increased stealth capabilities, and substantial upgrades in electronics...

NEW YORK -- TV Land has dumped "The Dukes of Hazzard." The network is confirming reruns of the 1980s action comedy, with its Confederate flag imagery, have been pulled from the schedule. Warner Bros., which produced the series, last week halted production of toy replicas of the so-called General Lee, the 1969 Dodge Charger stock car driven by rambunctious Southern cousins Luke and Bo. ...

For this great nation, and for all of its citizens, we pray to you, O God. Amen.

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control will investigate a standoff in which a man eventually took his own life. Greg Davis apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a standoff that began about 5:15 p.m. Tuesday...

Dunklin County authorities are investigating the discovery of human remains. Sheriff Bob Holder reported in a news release that a Dunklin County deputy received a call Wednesday night from two people who were frogging on a drainage ditch south of Kennett that runs parallel with County Road 551, commonly called the Johnson Island Road...

A downtown Cape Girardeau theater is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Broadway Theater, 805 Broadway, was placed on the register in June, according to a weekly release sent Thursday by the National Park Service, which oversees the register program...

ST. LOUIS -- Illinois State Police improperly withheld information and must turn over investigative records sought by the father of a 21-year-old Carbondale woman killed in a shooting, the state attorney general's office has determined. Former Southern Illinois University student Molly Marie Young died in March 2012 at the apartment of her ex-boyfriend, Richie Minton, a Carbondale police dispatcher...

Major flooding of the Mississippi River is expected to continue into the weekend, keeping some roads closed and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers monitoring flood control. Authorities are asking recreational swimmers and boaters to be safe on lakes, rivers and streams during the holiday weekend...

After issuing a news release Wednesday, law-enforcement officials have found two eye-witnesses they were searching for in connection with a shooting in Cape Girardeau. However, no arrests had been made by Thursday afternoon. Police were searching for Deion "Lester" Phillips and Devon "Day Day da Kidd" Smith, both of Cape Girardeau, after beliving they witnessed the apparent drive-by shooting earlier in the week...

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals said Thursday they have fired scouting director Chris Correa, the first known fallout from the hacking scandal that has resulted in a federal investigation into whether the team illegally got inside the player personnel database of the Houston Astros...

The River City Players will bring a little mystery to downtown Cape Girardeau with its next production. The theater troupe will present "Sleuth" four times Thursday through July 12 at Port Cape Girardeau, 19 S. Water St. Written by Anthony Schaffer, the play is directed by Paul King, a longtime member of the River City Players who has appeared in many of the company's plays -- he had the title role in last fall's production of "Dracula" -- and previously has served as set designer...

Southeast Missourian Arena Park in Cape Girardeau will be filled with Fourth of July festivities Saturday evening, including patriotic music, a naturalization ceremony, a Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award program and a fireworks display. The Rotary Club of Perryville, Missouri, also has organized a community fireworks display, which will take place at Perryville City Park...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department received an unusual call just after midnight Thursday, when someone found a python on the front porch of a home in the 1500 block of Whitener Street. The python -- about 2 feet long -- first was taken to the police department until it could be transported to the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, said Sgt. Adam Glueck, a spokesman for the police department...

No same-sex couples have been issued a marriage license in several area counties, but two women are making plans to be married by a Butler County, Missouri, judge Monday. "I will have my first one Monday morning. We had to have our software updated," said Debby Lundstrom, Butler County recorder of deeds. "Two women have contacted Judge John Bloodworth about getting married Monday."...

Changes of any kind often are met with resistance, but business owners in Cape Girardeau seem to have few issues with the city's recently changed alcohol ordinance. Some owners even have said they are happy to see new rules on the books that force more accountability on the city's bars...

Five area players are finalists for the Sportsmanship Award.

Ruger resting after a play session with his rubber chicken!

Thirty-three pieces of original artwork grace a Southeast Hospital hallway for the 22nd annual Art for the Health of It exhibition. The exhibit, formally unveiled at a reception Sunday, is jointly sponsored by SoutheastHEALTH and the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri...

Today is Friday, July 3, the 184th day of 2015. There are 181 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 3, 1863, the three-day Civil War Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania ended in a major victory for the North as Confederate troops failed to breach Union positions during an assault known as Pickett's Charge...

It's the eve of Independence Day, and that means area residents are already having fun as they celebrate the annual salute to our nation's birth. That's exactly as it should be. However, we would be remiss if we didn't remind readers to observe basic safety precautions on this, the holiday that causes an average of 230 emergency room visits nationwide in the days just before and after July 4, according to U.S. ...

For this great nation, and for all of its citizens, we pray to you, O God. Amen.

It was a good plan. Really, it was. And you can't say that too often when a cat is involved. As I've mentioned before, my wife and I are planning to move to a different house later this month. We've been trying to plan ahead as much as possible to make the transition bearable. It's not easy for a couple who moved 18 times in the first 32 years of marriage and then stayed put for 18 years in the same house. We have grown accustomed to this place...

NEW ORLEANS -- Trying to close the books on the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, BP agreed Thursday to provide billions of dollars in new money to five Gulf Coast states in a deal the company said would bring its full obligations to an estimated $53.8 billion...

ATHENS, Greece -- The battle for Greek votes entered full swing Thursday ahead of a crucial weekend referendum that could decide whether the country falls out of the euro. For Greeks, particularly the elderly, the daily struggle to get cash ground on in the face of uncertainty...

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia prison Pope Francis plans to visit during his U.S. trip houses a former church official jailed for his handling of priest sexual-abuse complaints. Monsignor William Lynn is serving a minimum three-year sentence after a jury found he endangered children in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia...

A split city council last night voted 4-2 to designate a downtown exit from the planned Mississippi River bridge route that will align with Lorimier Street; the council also voted 5-1 in favor of a Mount Auburn extension to the planned highway, a relocation of Highway 74, that will bypass Northview Subdivision...

Son to Trenton Yorke Horman and Brittany Diane Braggs of Chaffee, Missouri, Saint Francis Medical Center, 7 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2015. Name, Sawyer Yorke. Weight, 8 pounds, 9 ounces. Second son. Ms. Braggs is the daughter of Rick Braggs and Sandra Newsom of Chaffee. She is an EMT/dispatcher with Cape County Private Ambulance. Horman is the son of Mike Horman and Robin Sullivan of Chaffee...

I wonder if Republican candidates for office will now take the low road in hopes of political gain or the high road and come up with ways to improve the now constitutionally upheld Affordable Care Act. You know, I don't really wonder about it. It's just a matter of how low they will go...

William Roberts "Bill" Smirl, 81, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Sunday, June 28, 2015, at his home in North Carolina. He was born April 13, 1934, in Seneca, Kansas. Bill owned Bill's Pharmacy many years as well as the Hobby Hole. He was an avid fly fisherman and spent many years in his retirement in Bozeman, Montana, fishing many of the local fisheries...

ANNA, Ill. -- Bud Richards, 69, of Anna died Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Crain Funeral Home in Anna. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Les Sinks officiating. Burial will be in Cache Chapel Cemetery in Ullin, Illinois...

Terry G. "Cajun" Parrott, 63, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at Ste. Genevieve Memorial Hospital in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Arrangements are incomplete at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson...

A party celebrating the release of Holly Benton's new CD, "Real," will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at The Bayou Bar and Grill in Pocahontas. Benton, along with Kevin Engert and a full band, will perform her original songs from the album. There will be no cover charge, and all ages are welcome. The Bayou is at 6611 County Road 532...

An exhibit of works by members of the Sainte Genevieve Art Guild will be featured. Participating members were asked to submit one or two pieces that represent their personal style. Also on display are 10 photos by Cape Girardeau County 4-H members. The top six will be exhibited at the Missouri State Fair, Aug. 13 to 23 in Sedalia...

Budding artists will get the chance to learn outdoor drawing and composition techniques at a workshop to be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Cape Girardeau Public Library, 711 N. Clark Ave. Local art teacher Brenda Seyer will be the instructor for the class, which is open to children ages 9 to 12. Registration is limited to 15. Participants are urged to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock and insect repellent, if desired. For more information, visit capelibrary.org/CalendarYouth.aspx...

NEW YORK -- "Sesame Street" is about to be less A-OK. Sonia Manzano, who has played the role of Maria on the groundbreaking children's show since 1971, is retiring. Manzano, 65, broke the news earlier this week at the American Library Association Annual Conference. She said she wouldn't be part of PBS' new "Sesame Street" season...

Nick Ervin of Cape Girardeau submitted this photo of his tattoo by artist John Shelton. "Superman, even as an alien, represents the best of humanity. Truth. Justice. The American Way," Ervin said. "He originally had the strength of 10 men, but at many points in his history could move planets. ...

NEW YORK -- Newlyweds Valasia Limnioti and Konstantinos Patronis' long-planned "dream trip" to the U.S. ended in New York City, where their three-week honeymoon quickly turned into a nightmare: Their Greek-issued credit and debit cards were declined, and they were left penniless...

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a preacher's son who withstood a recall election spawned by his fight with public employee unions, is joining the crowded Republican presidential race, aides said Thursday. Having spent the past several months traveling the country, speaking to conservatives, courting voters and scoring well in some early polls, Walker officially will enter the race July 13 with a campaign announcement in the Milwaukee suburb of Waukesha, the aides said...

WASHINGTON -- At the CIA's Counterterrorism Center, it was a cause for celebration: Meticulous intelligence analysis backed by Hellfire missiles had paid off, once again. The CIA launched a drone strike last month on a Yemeni beach at three men it determined were al-Qaida militants. ...

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The last of the victims of the Charleston church shooting to be eulogized was remembered Thursday as a man known by the nickname "Super" who lived his life with a driving force to serve his fellow men and his God. Family members, religious colleagues and school friends packed the pews Thursday at the Bethel AME church in Columbia for the funeral of the 74-year-old Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr...

MARYVILLE, Tenn. -- A local official said smoke quit rising Thursday afternoon from the site where a CSX train car carrying hazardous material derailed and caught fire in eastern Tennessee, forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell said shortly before 6 p.m. he and others had visited the site, and the smoke had stopped...

The Padres' Venable hit a two-out HR in the 11th inning to beat St. Louis 5-3.

The 28-year-old Oshie had spent all seven of his NHL seasons with St. Louis.

We found this fawn resting in our flower bed while it was waiting for its mother to come back from grazing.

Today is Saturday, July 4, the 185th day of 2015. 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...

Thousands of people turn out for area Independence Day festivities, despite dangerously hot weather that sees the heat index climb to a scorching 116 degrees in Cape Girardeau; it marks the first time this year that temperatures at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport hit the 100-degree mark; around 10,000 people attend the Jackson Jaycees Fourth of July celebration in the Jackson City Park, and about 5,000 attend the Knights of Columbus-sponsored Oran (Missouri) Picnic; another 1,100 participate in the first God and Country Celebration at Arena Park.. ...

The mud volleyball tournament, a mainstay of the annual Jackson Fourth of July celebration, was in full force Saturday, with more than 400 participants on 40 teams vying for the title on a cloudy but rain-free holiday at Jackson City Park.

Tim Metheny didn't join the Army for one reason. He says part of it was the sense of patriotic service he learned from seeing his father and grandfather serve in the Navy. Part of it was he was drawn to the work ethic and purpose he saw in Army life...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A group of stakeholders is discussing ways to make future events at Brick's Off Road Park safer and less problematic. Part of the mission of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce is attracting tourists to the Poplar Bluff area, according to a synopsis provided by the chamber at a meeting last week regarding the park...

A new commercial air service provider contract for Cape Air may be a step closer to reality after Monday's Cape Girardeau city council meeting. During a special meeting Wednesday, the city's airport advisory board selected the airline as its first choice to provide commercial flights at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport for the next two years. ...

Twenty-one new American citizens from 14 countries were naturalized during the city of Cape Girardeau's 2015 Great American 4th of July celebration at Arena Park on Saturday evening. Floodwaters had made the initial plans to hold the celebration downtown unfeasible, and although the location was less iconic than the Emerson Bridge, being sworn in surrounded by fairgrounds and Little League ballfields had its own element of Americana...

Will Reynolds hadn't seen his wife, Nikki, or their daughter, Mackenzie, since he was deployed more than three months ago. And, for security purposes, Nikki isn't permitted to know where Will is stationed, which makes it feel as if he is even farther away...

Phil Willmert of Cape Girardeau caught this grass carp on a fly rod on flooded Main Street of Cape Girardeau by Red Star Access on June 5, 2015. The fish measured just over 35 inches. He caught it on a fly he tied that imitates a piece of moss-covered grass. ...

The Cape Girardeau City Council is expected to approve an ordinance Monday accepting transfer documents for a facility that could be the future home of the police department. It also will decide whether to approve a resolution convening a commission for a proposed tax increment finance district in downtown...

Today is Sunday, July 5, the 186th day of 2015. There are 179 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 5, 1865, the Secret Service Division of the U.S. Treasury Department was founded in Washington D.C. with the mission of suppressing counterfeit currency...

Larry and Julie Miinch of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Mindy Sue Ellis, to Travis Gene Dailey, both of Marble Hill, Missouri. She is also the daughter of the late Patrick Ellis of Sedgewickville, Missouri. Travis is the son of the late Roger Dailey and Connie Dailey of Sedgewickville...

Allen and Anita Toole of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Toole, to Patrick Mitsdarfer. He is the son of Bob and Ramona Mitsdarfer of Longview, Illinois. Amanda is a 2006 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School. She received a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is a registered nurse in the surgery department at SoutheastHEALTH...

LOS ANGELES -- For the first time, a Los Angeles shelter's Hero Dog award has gone to a cat. In May 2014, Tara the cat fought off a dog that attacked her 6-year-old owner as he rode his bicycle in the driveway of the family's Bakersfield home. Tara body-slammed Scrappy, a chow-mix that lived next door, when the dog got out of his yard, ran for Jeremy Triantafilo, grabbed his leg and started shaking from side-to-side. Tara chased the dog toward its home. It was later euthanized...

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Lawyers for a Christian ministry building a Noah's ark theme park said last week that Kentucky officials violated First Amendment religious protections when they denied the project a tax incentive worth millions. Answers in Genesis, developer of the 510-foot wooden ark in central Kentucky, is suing to get back into the tourism incentive program, which could be worth around $18 million over 10 years...

MONDAY--Barbecued riblet or chicken filet sandwich, hominy, carrots & peas, lettuce & tomato slice, bun, peaches or cookies. TUESDAY--Ham slice or chicken fettuccini Alfredo, baked sweet potato, steamed cauliflower, garden salad, hot roll, sugar-free fruited gelatin or cooks choice dessert...

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri is hosting a tour of the Rare Book Room of Kent Library at Southeast Missouri State University from noon to 1 p.m. July 10. It is curated by Roxanne Dunn, university instructor and special collections and archives librarian at Kent, and Joni Hand, assistant professor of art at Southeast. Participation is limited, and reservations may be made by calling 573-334-9233. Box lunches will be available...

Jane Elizabeth Morrill and Jacob Clayton Campbell were married April 25, 2015, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, Missouri. The Rev. Oliver Clavin performed the ceremony. Organist was Betty Essner and vocalist was Renee Reinagel, both of Kelso...

We will be harvesting fresh vegetables now, and it is always so wonderful when the table is set with an abundance of them. There just isn't anything like it. Today's recipes represent some suggestions for your bountiful crop. Be creative and enjoy experimenting with different combinations of vegetables and cooking methods; you have all summer to develop your favorites...

At birth, a whitetail deer will weigh about 7 pounds and can fit easily inside a 5-gallon bucket. Within the first hour after birth, the fawn will have stood up and nursed. A 2-week-old fawn can easily outrun a person. The following week, it will be able to outrun almost anything in the Southeast Missouri woods that might chase it, except for maybe a bobcat, coyote or a large dog...

Whether it's playing in the park or snuggling with her favorite stuffed animal in my bed, Cremepuff is my one-of-a-kind superhero. (Submitted by Marissa New)

Daughter to Terry Eugene Moore and Maria Deiermann of Jackson, Saint Francis Medical Center, 4:16 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Name, Emery Clara. Weight, 4 pounds, 15 ounces. Second child, first daughter. Ms. Deiermann is the daughter of Paul and Ellen Deiermann of Cape Girardeau. She is employed by Quiznos. Moore is the son of Lindell Moore and Julie Moore of Fruitland. He is employed by All In One Contracting...

Bollinger County Presiding Commissioner Charles Hahn is leaning toward supporting a November election date on a Cape Girardeau-Bollinger counties lake proposal; earlier, Cape County Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep has indicated he also favors holding a vote in November...

It's bad enough when adults go through difficult times; we feel for them, wish them well and find ways to help. But when children are hurting, our hearts are especially broken. In a perfect world, children would never hurt, never go without, never feel the losses too many of them encounter in our world marred by imperfection. ...

BRENTWOOD, Mo. -- The wettest June on record in St. Louis has caused rivers to rise and saturated farmland. It's also a factor in an unexpected problem -- toppling trees. For trees already suffering from other problems, the extremely wet ground is allowing some, including old and tall trees, to tumble...

The Republic of Turkey is the most powerful nation in the Middle East, with the largest economy, strongest armed forces and a population greater than that of Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel combined. While a member of NATO and host to two U.S. Air Force bases, relations with the U.S. ...

City hall 101 Court St. n Consider changing the date of the board of aldermen regular meeting from Sept. 7 to Sept. 8, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. n Consider motion changing the date of the board of aldermen regular meeting from Sept. 21 to Sept. 28 because of the Missouri Municipal League's annual conference...

City hall 401 Independence St. n No action will be taken during the study session. n Engineering specifications update n Beautiful Business Property of the Month presentation n Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation 2015 n Parks and Recreation update...

Former Southeast Missouri State outfielder Derek Gibson will return to play baseball in his home state. The Bonne Terre, Missouri, native was promoted to the St. Louis Cardinals organization's Double-A affiliate Springfield Cardinals on Friday night. He was walked in his first and only at-bat with Springfield...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A Springfield teacher has been charged with sexually abusing a foster child in her care. The Springfield News-Leader reported the 32-year-old woman was arraigned Thursday in Greene County on charges of statutory sodomy and child endangerment. She was released after posting bond. Her attorney, Roger Jones, declined to comment...

REPUBLIC, Mo. -- Armed robbers have stolen from a church-run fireworks stand in southwest Missouri. KYTV reported authorities were investigating Saturday after three masked robbers entered the tent in front of Republic's Walmart store around midnight. Police didn't immediately release descriptions of the suspects...

The North Stoddard Scott County volleyball club posted its best national finish to date last week. Several area athletes competed in the 2015 USAV Girls Junior National Volleyball Championships held this past week in New Orleans, Louisiana, placing 11th among 48 teams...

ST. LOUIS -- Woman and minorities are failing Missouri exams to enter teaching programs and to gain certification at higher rates, raising concerns about bias. The gender gap is problematic because the tests are cutting off the very people most driven to the profession, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. The racial disparity also is troubling because while classrooms are becoming more diverse, the pool of available teachers is not...

ST. LOUIS -- Rookie outfielder Tommy Pham will never forget his first major league hit. Or his first stolen base and run scored. Pham scampered home with the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by Jhonny Peralta in the eighth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the San Diego Padres 2-1 Saturday to stop their longest losing streak of the season at four games...

Though their voices are louder and more shrill than ever, the haters in America are becoming more and more marginalized. I know it's only a rock 'n' roll church, but I like it. The so-called controversy over taking down the confederate battle flag on public property is in reality more of a consensus among Democrats, Republicans and many others that the time has come to relegate these racist symbols to, say, museums...

The Capahas split a pair of games Friday and Saturday at the Valmeyer tournament in Valmeyer, Illinois, including Friday's 4-3 win over the defending tournament champion St. Louis Spikes.

The Scott City Fire Department responded to the following calls: n Medical assist calls were made to: North Lincoln Street at 12:25 p.m.; U.S. 61 at 3:04 p.m.; and Main Street at 4:34 p.m. n At 11:28 a.m., an alarm on North Lincoln Street. n At 3:05 p.m., a motor vehicle crash on Route N...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n Donail K. Coon, 55, of Sullivan, Illinois, was arrested on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. n Eddie G. Bowen II, 28, 117 E. Park St., No. 1, was arrested on suspicion of endangering the welfare of a child...

* Medical assist calls were made to: Hemlock Court at 8:55 a.m.; North Street at 10:18 a.m.; South Park Avenue at 12:50 p.m.; Albert Street at 7:02 p.m.; and South Henderson Avenue at 7:09 p.m. n At 6:12 a.m., false alarm or call on Saint Francis Drive...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n Jackson C. Sadler, 17, of Oran, Missouri, was arrested on suspicion of being a minor in possession. n Della R. Wallace, 38, of Zalma, Missouri, was arrested on suspicion of stealing at Wal-Mart, 3439 William St...

Dr. Charles Edwin "Ed" Williams, 85, died Thursday, July 2, 2015, at his home in Cape Girardeau from complications related to Parkinson's disease. For many years, Ed was a familiar sight running on the streets of Cape Girardeau. An accomplished ultrarunner, his exploits were recounted in the best-selling book "Born to Run," as well as being featured in the August 1999 edition of Gentlemen's Quarterly...

Louise H. Williams, 88, of Jackson died Tuesday, June 30, 2015, at Monticello House in Jackson. She was born April 17, 1927, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Emil and Mary Denecke Overbeck. Louise was a graduate of Jackson High School. She worked at International Shoe Co. more than 30 years...

Naomi Collier Simmons, 89, of Scott City went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 3, 2015, while surrounded by family. She was born Feb. 5, 1926, in Scott County, Missouri, the eldest daughter to Freeman and Esther Mitchell Collier. She and Joseph Wilson Simmons were united in marriage Feb. 9, 1948. He preceded her in death April 21, 2002...

Terry G. "Cajun" Parrott, 63, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at Ste. Genevieve Memorial Hospital in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. He was born March 11, 1952, in Cairo, Illinois, to Franklin Gerald and Eva Graves Parrott. He and Wilma Amplayo were married April 25, 2009, in Cebu, Philippines...

Betty J. Ogle, 84, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, July 3, 2015, at her home. She was born March 18, 1931, in to William and Rena M. Harris Reinbold. She and William T. Ogle were married July 24, 1948, at East St. Louis, Illinois. She was a devoted homemaker and mother...

George Robert Collier, 92, of Jackson passed away Friday, July 3, 2015, at Jackson Manor. He was born Jan. 15, 1923, in Albie, Kentucky, son of William and Gladys Sturgeon Collier. He and Mary Jane Hodge were married Jan. 1, 1966, in Du Quoin, Illinois. She passed away May 17, 2012...

Beginning Monday, a section of Broadway between Spanish and Main streets in Cape Girardeau will be closed for sanitary sewer repair. Dutch Enterprises will be making repairs to a sanitary sewer pipe at 121 Broadway. Detour signs will be in place, and the city expects the work to last four days, weather permitting. ...

Chaffee, Missouri, residents may see less sediment stirred up in their water than usual after the city's biannual fire hydrant flush. Beginning Monday, the two-day process will remove mineral sediment built up in pipes, improve water quality and maintain valves and hydrants within the city...

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston, Missouri, area man is in jail accused of repeatedly striking his brother with a hammer. Jerry E. Savat, 70, is in custody on charges of second-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action. According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, a deputy went to Savat's residence early Friday morning about an assault...

Four days after a shooting in Cape Girardeau, the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad announced it no longer will investigate the case, leaving it to local authorities. Police responded Monday afternoon to 401 S. Hanover St., where a woman was found shot in the head in an apparent drive-by shooting. She was sitting on the porch at the time of the shooting...

LINCOLN, R.I. -- Police say two friends trying to hand off a rice cooker at a casino caused a brief security scare. The Twin River Casino wasn't evacuated, but the parking lot was closed Saturday. A man told security he saw the cooker next to a car in the parking lot at 9:40 a.m. Police located the woman who left the cooker, who said she was meeting a friend who wanted to borrow it. The friend had gone inside, so they agreed over the phone she would leave the cooker next to her friend's car...

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio -- The fate of six women -- four of them dead, two missing for months -- has people on edge in this small southern Ohio city as relatives seek clues to whatever happened to their loved ones. Grieving family members and nervous residents worry about a serial killer in their midst. ...

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Under an outdoor tent a few blocks from Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sharon Simmons paused while cleaning up from the previous night's revival to ponder the idea of forgiving the white man accused of killing nine of the historic black church's members, including the pastor...

VIENNA -- World powers and Iran have drawn up a draft document on the pace and timing of sanctions relief for the Islamic republic in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear program, advancing on one of the most contentious issues at their negotiations, diplomats said Saturday...

CAIRO -- President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, wearing battle dress for the first time in over a year, said Saturday that Egypt had foiled an attempt by the Islamic State group to seize territory and set up an extremist state with its recent assault on the military in the troubled northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula...

BEIRUT -- A video posted online Saturday purported by The Islamic State group purportedly shows Islamic State fighters killing about 25 Syrian government soldiers in the historic town of Palmyra in central Syria. The video showed the soldiers being taken in pickup trucks from the town's Tadmur prison to the amphitheater. At the theater, they were shot dead by young IS members armed with pistols. Hundreds of people watched the killings...

BAGHDAD -- A series of attacks, mainly car bombs, in Iraq killed at least 19 people and wounded dozens Saturday, authorities said. Police officials said the deadliest attack occurred Saturday night when a car bomb exploded on a commercial street in Baghdad's western neighborhood of Amil, killing nine people and wounding 24 others. Several shops and cars were damaged...

TUNIS, Tunisia -- Tunisia's president declared a state of emergency Saturday in response to a second deadly attack on foreigners in three months, saying the country is "not safe" and risks collapse from further extremist attacks. With a nationwide televised address, President Beji Caid Essebsi officially reintroduced urgent security measures for Tunisia that had been lifted in March 2014. ...

Traffic on Interstate 55 was shut down briefly Friday when one motor vehicle accident led to several others. Minor injuries were reported from some of the accidents, which occurred while motorists were slowing for a wreck that left a truck engulfed in flames...

ATHENS, Greece -- With the crucial austerity referendum a day away, Greeks contemplated Saturday how their vote will shape their future and the effect a "yes" or "no" will have on the country's youth. Opinion polls showed Greeks evenly split on whether to accept creditors' proposals for more austerity in exchange for rescue loans, or reject the deal and send the message they're fed up with years of harsh economic austerity...

MINOT, N.D. -- After almost a week, smoke from Canadian wildfires continued to blanket parts of North Dakota on Saturday, and some residents said they're growing tired of the hazy skies. Smoke from wildfires in northern Saskatchewan has been blowing as far south as Tennessee, with a thick haze extending through much of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, eastern Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri...

PHILADELPHIA -- Gay-rights activists gathered in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on the Fourth of July to mark the progress of their movement and pay tribute to those who launched it a half-century ago -- but made it clear the fight for equality was far from over...

Fill us, O God, with your divine serenity whenever tempers flare. Amen.

When Susannah Mushatt Jones and Emma Morano were born in 1899, there was not yet world war or penicillin, and electricity was still considered a marvel. The women are believed to be the last two in the world with birthdates in the 1800s. The world has multiplied and changed drastically in their lifetimes. ...

We were discussing a photo pinned to the board during one of my college photography classes. It showed the white stripes of a parking space in a Wal-Mart lot. The shadow of a shopping cart fell across them. Having been conditioned from an early age -- probably back on some well-meaning children's television show or in the early grades of school -- to see shadows as gray, I assumed they were, without really questioning it, so what I saw in the picture was gray cement, beneath white lines, beneath gray shadow.. ...

While strolling, I wondered whatever happened to Veronica Wells. We hope everyone is having a safe, fun Fourth of July weekend! Happy birthday to Corliss Meyr, Lori Garland, Clifford Barlow, Jesse Totty, Margorie Johnson, Pam Burks, Mary Boese, Deb Scherer, Doug Dirnberger, Tonya Glency, Georgia Hicks, Eugene McAlister, Joe Mohorc, Marvin Pobst, Pat Schwepker, Jeremy Ruiz, Kathy Garner, Marty Seabaugh, Dan Finley, Eddie Noble, Sue Masters, Charlotte Smith, Germaine Cannon, Bob Smith, Marie Williams, Bobby Burks, Jeremy Chapman, Chris Robinson, Mark Robinson, Gary Kluesner, Claudia Marian, Leonard Kluesner, David Lape III, Eric Cobb, Jack Coomer, Donna Fisher and Larry Goetz.. ...

On July 5, 1776, 239 years ago, the people of the colony of Pennsylvania were abuzz with the prospect of freedom from Great Britain and the creation of a new country in the new world. Word was spreading of the life-changing decisions made in past weeks by representatives of the 13 colonies at Independence Hall in Philadelphia...

Though our weekend celebration of the American Revolution is about over, we're not putting away the fireworks just yet at our house. That's because there's another July revolution we routinely celebrate, and its anniversary will occur next week, on Bastille Day...

When a category F3 tornado tore through Bridge Creek, Oklahoma, on May 6, members at two local United Methodist churches joined forces to help residents there who suffered devastating losses. Two members from New McKendree United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau, and five from La Croix United Methodist Church in Jackson, came together as an emergency response team...

This Fourth of July weekend is a much-welcomed summer breather for Americans. We gather with family and friends and eat food and drink beverages that are anything but low-cal. We sit back on patio chairs, look at kids with inflatables in swimming pools and watch the fireworks. The Fourth is the pause that refreshes...

Employees of Target donated $4,813.10 to United Way of Southeast Missouri's 2015 campaign.

Kenneth Riedinger, who started the Hawks' football program four years ago, submitted his official resignation Thursday and said the decision came about due to "a difference of opinion with the administration" in regards to the direction of the football program.

Alnutt's hiring by Memphis and resignation from Southeast moves him one step closer to his ultimate career goal of being the athletic director of a school in a Power 5 conference.

Today is Monday, July 6, the 187th day of 2015. There are 178 days left in the year. Today's Highlights in History: On July 6, 1945, President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order establishing the Medal of Freedom. Nicaragua became the first nation to ratify the United Nations Charter...

Businesses throughout the Cape Girardeau area are reporting a surge in the sale of American flags, as much as one-third over past years; some say the issue of flag-burning has caused an increased awareness of the flag and patriotism. Faced with scorching temperature, the Salvation Army here has opened its air-condition building at 701 Good Hope St., for those seeking relief from the sweltering heat...

PHILADELPHIA -- Bill Cosby admitted in 2005 he secured Quaaludes with the intent of giving them to young women he wanted to have sex with, and he gave the sedative to at least one woman and "other people," according to documents obtained Monday by The Associated Press...

No one was injured after a barge sank Saturday on the Mississippi River. At 10:20 a.m., a motor vessel struck a concrete pier of the Thebes railroad bridge in Thebes, Illinois. Derek Wilson's restaurant, The Riverhouse, sits near the bridge in Scott County. He said he was there Saturday when the towboat struck the bridge...

A Cape Girardeau-based business startup competition, 1ST50K, has pulled more than 100 hopeful entries from around the world and soon will host finalists for a first-ever Pitch Day. 1ST50K was developed by leaders of co-working community and technology incubator Codefi, capital group Traverse Ventures and other local partners. ...

After a stint with the Redhawks that began in May 2012, Alnutt has accepted the deputy director of athletics job at the University of Memphis and has resigned, effective July 31, from Southeast.

Join us at Mount Auburn Christian Church on Sunday, July 19 - Wednesday, July 22 for our annual Vacation Bible School! This years theme is Everest: Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power. The events kick off on Sunday with a carnival from 5pm-7pm. Free food & games will be provided. The fun continues Monday- Wednesday 5:30pm - 8pm with a free meal, fun, games & wild adventures! Ages Pre-K (3)-12th grade are welcome! Please pre-register with us at...

The Cape Girardeau City Council approved an ordinance Monday accepting transfer documents for a facility that could be the future home of the police department, but members cautioned the process has only just begun. Council also approved resolutions convening a commission for a proposed tax increment finance district downtown...

Scott County R-IV superintendent Fara Jones declined to answer questions but provided a statement Tuesday regarding the resignation of Kelly football coach Kenneth Riedinger.

The Cape Girardeau Road Runners recently made donations to the Cape and Jackson Police K9 units. The funds were raised from the City2City Run & Relay, which is sponsored by the Road Runners. Over $1300 was presented to each K9 unit.

The Cape Girardeau Road Runners recently made donations to the Cape and Jackson Police K9 units. The funds were raised from the City2City Run & Relay, which is sponsored by the Road Runners. Over $1300 was presented to each K9 unit.

UMW met July 6 at 1:00 pm at the church. President, Joyce Brewer led the group in repeating the UMW purpose and asked the members to ponder the question "How do we equip women in leadership?" We had 10 Sick and Shut-in Calls for the month of June and 4 cards to the sick and 6 cards to military personal serving in the states and overseas...

July is Parks and Recreation Month, and Cape Girardeau's Parks and Recreation Department has no shortage of reasons to celebrate. Staff members are optimistic this month will see the completion of some key projects long delayed by weather, they told the Cape Girardeau City Council during a presentation Monday...

The Jackson Board of Aldermen on Monday set a public hearing concerning the voluntary annexation of 10.48 acres of land into the city. Residents will be able to voice concerns or support 7 p.m. Aug. 3 to learn more about the project on Bainbridge Road...

Today is Tuesday, July 7, the 188th day of 2015. There are 177 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 7, 1865, four people were hanged in Washington D.C. for conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln: Lewis Powell (aka Lewis Payne), David Herold, George Atzerodt and Mary Surratt, the first woman to be executed by the U.S. federal government...

We are less than one week away from the Semoball Awards. The second annual event that recognizes the best in high school sports from 57 high schools will be held Saturday at the River Campus in Cape Girardeau. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with heavy hors d'oeuvres, and the awards show begins at 7 p.m...

Stephen Darrel "Stevie" Baker, 42, of Jackson passed away Saturday, July 4, 2015, at his home. He was born Sept. 27, 1972, in Chaffee, Missouri, son of Stephen Lynn and Glenda Joyce Foster Baker. He and Amanda Jean Varney were married April 5, 2014, at Grace Family Fellowship Church in Marble Hill, Missouri...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Austin Kyle Engram, 16, of Advance passed away Sunday, July 5, 2015, near Grassy, Missouri. He was born Oct. 8, 1998, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, son of Shane Engram and Misty Allred. Austin was a student at Advance High School, where he would have been a junior in August...

William Henry "Bill" Flannery, 80, of Jackson passed away Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Aug. 6, 1934, at Crump, son of William Ira and Vercie Mae Riehn Flannery. He and Glenda "Lois" Seiler were married June 29, 1963, at Whitewater Methodist Church, and spent the last 52 years together...

ORAN, Mo. -- Heaven earned another angel, Jimmy C. Abernathy, on Sunday, July 5, 2015. He lived 76 amazing years. He was born April 10, 1939, at Morley, Missouri, to the late Mack Pearl and Jessie Lee Black Abernathy. He met the love of his life, Maxine Randol, in high school. They were married April 4, 1959, at Morley First Baptist Church...

James William "Jamie" Dodd Sr., 58, of Cape Girardeau passed away Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Southeast Hospital. He was born Jan. 5, 1957, in Cape Girardeau, to the late James "Jr" and Bonnie (Flowers) Dodd. Jamie and Sandy Medley were married May 7, 1977, in Cape Girardeau...

ST. LOUIS -- A judge has tossed out a push by activists for an independent investigation of a prosecutor's handling of grand jury proceedings in the Ferguson police shooting of Michael Brown, ruling the effort was "not only logically flawed but contrary to the principles of our criminal justice system."...

Raymond Clois Hood, 95, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, July 4, 2015, at Southeast Hospital. He was born Aug. 12, 1919, in Bloomfield, Missouri, to Ralph and Flora Swinton Hood. He and Myrtle E. Lewis were married March 16, 1940, at Bloomfield. She preceded him in death June 21, 2015...

BENTON, Mo. -- Maria Yvonne "Billie" Ray, 63, of Benton entered Heaven's gate Saturday, July 4, 2015, with her children and loved ones surrounding her. She was born July 24, 1951, at Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was one of two children born to the late Bill and Grace Fitchpatrick...

Doris Pauline Heuer, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, July 5, 2015, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Sept. 7, 1926, in Grand Tower, Illinois, to Jesse L. and Selma Grace Conrad Anderson. Pauline and George R. Heuer were married June 30, 1946, at Old Hanover Lutheran Church. He died Aug. 26, 2001...

Workers with Nip Kelley Construction are clearing away the rubble from what remains of a five-story section of Broadway Park Apartments, 115 N. Fountain, which was gutted by fire a year ago; it has taken five months for workers to jackhammer through the reinforced concrete floors and ceilings of the former Idan-Ha Hotel to bring it down to ground level...

HOLLAND, Mo. -- The body of a Hayti, Missouri, man who apparently was shot several times was discovered early Friday. Larry Wayne Turner, 30, was found lying in the front yard of a house on Highway F west of Holland in Pemiscot County at 6:55 a.m. Friday, according to a news release from the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department...

GRASSY, Mo. -- An Advance, Missouri, teenager died and another seriously injured during an accident late Saturday. Austin K. Engram, 16, was killed in an accident at 11:05 p.m. Saturday on Route Y, five miles southwest of Grassy. Engram was driving north when his utility vehicle ran off the left side of the roadway, striking several mailboxes and several trees, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. ...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department will continue its Neighborhood Roll Call program Thursday. This week's event will be at Butler Street and Henderson Avenue, west of Southeast Missouri State University's greenhouse and track and field complex. The Roll Call will begin at 7 p.m. The program is inteded to encourage residents to interact with officers and be aware of what's happening in their neighborhoods...

One man died after a car crash Sunday in Cape Girardeau. Carl Thomas, 77, of Cairo, Illinois, was killed when the car he was in became involved in an accident at the intersection of Highway 74 and Kingshighway shortly after 2 p.m., said Sgt. Adam Glueck of the Cape Girardeau Police Department...

A Cape Girardeau man is facing charges after being accused of an domestic assault June 21. Charles M. Garmon Jr. has been charged with one count each of first-degree domestic assault and armed criminal action, online court records show. About 11 p.m. June 21, officers responded to a Cape Girardeau home for a report of "shots fired," Sgt. Adam Glueck of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said in an email...

CHICAGO -- Police say a man was critically hurt in a fall at a Grateful Dead concert at Chicago's Soldier Field. Chicago Police Department spokesman Officer Hector Alfaro says police were called about 9 p.m. Sunday after a 41-year-old man fell at least 20 feet from a railing where he was sitting inside the stadium. Police say it appeared to be an accident...

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina Senate voted Monday to pull the Confederate flag off the Capitol grounds, clearing the way for a historic measure that could remove the banner more than five decades after it first was flown above the Statehouse to protest integration...

VIENNA -- As negotiators braced for yet another possible extension of nuclear talks, Iran demanded Monday any deal should include the end to a U.N. arms embargo as well -- a condition backed by Russia but opposed by the United States as it seeks to limit Tehran's Mideast influence...

ATHENS, Greece -- Despite triumphing in a vote against austerity, Greece's leaders Monday faced the need to heal ties with European creditors and reach a financial rescue deal to prevent it from falling out of the euro -- possibly within days. "Time is of the essence," German chancellor Angela Merkel said after discussing the Greek crisis with French president Francois Hollande in Paris. "(Greek) proposals have to be on the table this week."...

GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador -- Pope Francis received a hero's welcome in Ecuador's biggest city Monday as he celebrated the first public Mass of his South American tour, telling hundreds of thousands of faithful their families are the bedrock of society but need to be supported better and strengthened...

Cape Girardeau County Commissioners received an update Monday on local community foundation efforts and were asked to help spread awareness and encourage others to become involved. The Community Foundation of the Ozarks announced in April that it was opening a new office in Cape Girardeau, to be led by retired local banker Maurice "Moe" Sandfort...

A Cape Girardeau man will stand trial in September for his alleged role in a robbery. Jesse Boyer, 34, will appear for a jury trial Sept. 29 before judge Benjamin Lewis. Boyer is charged with once count each of armed criminal action and first-degree robbery in a beating and theft March 31 on North Middle Street in Cape Girardeau...

Molina, Rosenthal and Wacha join Peralta and Holliday on NL squad.

St. Louis won its third straight game by winning the opener of the road series.

Scott City councilors heard from an engineer a wastewater treatment plant improvements would cost from $4.3 million to $6.8 million. Rich Cochran, a senior engineer at Waters Engineering Inc. in Sikeston, Missouri, discussed plans to move forward on the project. Cochran said to proceed, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources needs Scott City to complete an anti-degradation study to test water quality so the city can put a bond issue on the ballot for the next election...

Route P in Cape County closed for repairs Route P in Cape Girardeau County will be closed as railroad crews perform pavement repairs. A Missouri Department of Transportation news release indicates the road will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily...

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. -- A large wave washed out the Fourth of July fireworks show in a Jersey shore community. City officials say a wave ran so far up the shore Saturday night, it soaked all the fireworks set up on the beach. Officials say the fireworks were set up closer to the surf than usual to satisfy state regulations requiring spectators be kept a specific distance away from the fireworks. They say beach erosion has made fulfilling this requirement a challenge...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Amanda Sasseen, 83, of Cairo died Sunday, July 5, 2015, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Hoskins officiating. Burial will be in Spencer Heights Cemetery...

CAPE GIRARDEAU The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests n Kayla Gaines, no age given, was arrested on a Cape Girardeau city warrant for failure to appear. n Patrick Abbott, no age given, was arrested for possession of marijuana...

Jackson The Jackson Fire Department responded to the following calls Saturday: n Emergency personell were summoned to West Washington Street. n Emergency personell were summoned to East Parks Street. n A standby call at Parkview Street. n A standby call at Parkview Street...

JACKSON The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Theft n Theft was reported in the 700 block of Mulberry Street. Miscellaneous n Check the welfare was requested in the 300 block of West Jackson Boulevard...

O Heavenly Father, we're comforted by your promise that your words will not pass away. Amen.

This week I finished my second month as Mayor of Jackson. It has been a busy month with council meetings, the finalization of the plans for the water system improvements and bond issue and contact with many Jackson businesses and citizens. I have completed visits and tours with all the city departments and employees. These visits were very helpful to get a feel for our operations, the challenges our 120 employees face and their suggestions of how to improve our city services...

It will be 72 years this August since Emalyn Fritzler has been a high school student. But she can still tell you the classes she took as a senior, the date of her graduation and what she was thinking throughout her final year. It was 1943, the fourth year of World War II, and Fritzler had decided to join the Cadet Nurse Corps. It was an opportunity for women to become nurses and receive a free nurses' education, along with food, housing and a monthly stipend...

When summer arrives, leaves, flowers and robins aren't the only signs of warm weather to reappear. The season also heralds the return of farmers markets. A trip to the market is a great opportunity to indulge in fresh, healthy produce and expand your horizons by trying new items or preparing them in different ways...

When children are taken from their homes and put into foster care, they become part of a system that is responsible for meeting their needs, but it doesn't necessarily give them a voice in what's happening. The national Court Appointed Special Advocate program was designed to ensure that those children have someone who is there just for them...

Think July is too hot to exercise? Not if you're in the pool! Avoid exercise because it hurts your joints? Again, not if you're in the pool! A variety of pool fitness classes are available in Cape Girardeau, and you don't even have to know how to swim to participate...

During Christmas with her family last year, Pat Boyd announced her plans to learn how to play Christmas carols on the piano by the following year. "It's just something I always wanted to do," Boyd says of learning to play. "I didn't like the piano lessons as a child, and I didn't practice. I'm going to try to do better now -- 70 years later."...

For farmers, it's a way to haul grain to market; for over-the-road truckers, it may represent the shortest distance between two points for their eighteen-wheelers. And, for some, it provides a pleasant perspective on the Mississippi River. The Dorena-Hickman Ferry, about 80 miles south-southeast of Cape Girardeau, crosses the Mississippi River seven days a week, several times a day, and links Dorena, Missouri, and Hickman, Kentucky. It's the only direct connection between the two states...

NEW YORK -- Pete Meegan had every intention of going back to college, but then he got a summer job in the Chicago trading pits and fell in love with the "roar" of the floor, the excitement of "4,000 people yelling, 'Buy! Buy! Buy!"' and decided no more classroom for him...

LITHONIA, Ga. -- When tornadoes and hurricanes topple power lines in the future, flying drones might be the first to pinpoint the damage. Power companies across the United States are testing whether small drones can spot trouble on transmission lines or inspect equipment deep inside hard-to-reach power plant boilers...

PORTLAND, Maine -- The reclusive beekeeper who co-founded Burt's Bees, and whose face and wild beard appeared on labels for the natural cosmetics, died on Sunday. Burt Shavitz was 80. A spokeswoman for Burt's Bees said in an emailed statement Shavtiz died of respiratory complications in Bangor, Maine, surrounded by family and friends...

Online payment service company PayPal this week announced plans to change a section of a user agreement that could have left many people subject to marketing robocalls. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, New York's attorney general and the Federal Communications Commission wrote letters to the company requesting a change in the company's user agreement because of the potential for violating laws covering consumer do-not-call lists...

BEIJING (AP) -- Shares in big state companies soared Monday after promises of government action to halt a slide in Chinese stock prices but many others sank as jittery small investors tried to cut their losses. The market benchmark closed up 2.4 percent but still was down 27 percent from its June 12 peak. ...

Element 74, a marketing agency in Cape Girardeau, recently promoted three employees to newly created positions. The company has been growing over the past several years, a news release stated. Toni Eftink was appointed director of user experience; Austin Bollinger was appointed director of marketing; and Manish Shrestha was appointed director of software development, according to the release. ...

Kudos to Jerry Ford for winning Cape's Spirit of America award. Ford has worked for decades, in an always enthusiastic, upbeat and optimistic manner, to improve the community he loves so much. For those who chose Jerry Ford for this wonderful award, my hat is off to you for understanding what the spirit of volunteerism exhibited by him has meant for our community over so many decades...

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. -- FBI agents and Indiana State Police raided the home of Subway restaurant spokesman Jared Fogle on Tuesday, removing electronics from the property and searching the house with a police dog, two months after the then-executive director of Fogle's foundation was arrested on child pornography charges...

At a Scott City School Board meeting Tuesday, superintendent Brian Lee said the district lost more than $37,000 for its meal program last year -- a difference of nearly $40,000 from the previous fiscal year. In the 2013-2014 school year, the district made about $1,700 on the school meal program, he said. But in the 2014-2015 school year, the district lost $37,377, Lee said...

The Saint Francis Healthcare System this week announced the addition of an executive vice president for its leadership team and the hiring of an Illinois Catholic hospital's CEO. Maryann Reese, CEO of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville, Illinois, since 2011, soon will become Saint Francis' executive vice president and chief operating officer -- a role new to the health system's management structure...

A man from the Marble Hill, Missouri, area shot and killed an intruder on his property Friday night -- but not before the trespassing bobcat killed four domestic kittens. Larry Wiseheart returned home from dinner just after 9 p.m. Friday to find a bobcat had gotten into a small dog run on the back porch where the couple was housing a mother cat and several kittens...

Counties across Southeast Missouri now are issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. A June 26 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, but many counties in Missouri did not begin issuing licenses immediately. Some cited religious objections or the decision to wait out the 25 days until the ruling officially took effect. ...

The parting athletic director believes the ingredients are in place for success.

Four generations of the Hacker Family are represented in this photo taken on the 4th of July. Pictured are Earl and Delores Hacker of Uniontown, MO, Karen Hacker Sutterer of Fruitland, MO, Amanda Sutterer Root and Issac Root of Houston, TX.

My wife's pretty Purple Coneflowers

Today is Wednesday, July 8, the 189th day of 2015. There are 176 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 8, 1776, Col. John Nixon gave the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, outside the State House (now Independence Hall) in Philadelphia...

The ever-increasing field of GOP presidential candidates has either become a laughingstock or a display of the diversity and depth within the Republican ranks. Regardless of your view concerning this rush of GOP candidates, even for die-hards, this early campaign is difficult to follow...

Doing the right thing has trumped partisanship, as Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation that will go a long way in helping Missourians with disabilities. Senate Bill 174 will allow family members of people with special needs to open tax-exempt savings accounts for their loved ones...

The Rev. Barry L. Pfanstiel is installed as associate pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in the afternoon; the sermon for the celebration is preached by the Rev. Roger Leenerts of St. Louis, executive secretary of Home Missions for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod...

DENVER -- A case that tests the boundaries of religious freedom and gay rights came to the Colorado Court of Appeals on Tuesday, with a suburban Denver baker urging judges not to force him to make cakes for same-sex couples because it would violate his beliefs...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In a blow to the right-to-die movement, California lawmakers Tuesday dropped one of the strongest legislative efforts in the U.S. to allow terminally ill patients to legally end their lives. The move came despite pleas involving the case of Brittany Maynard, who moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Oregon, which has a right-to-die law, when she was 29 so she could die on her own terms after a brain cancer diagnosis...

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Arkansas Capitol lawn could soon get crowded: Existing statues that honor Confederate soldiers, fallen firefighters and the nine black children who integrated Little Rock Central High School might be joined shortly by tributes for vegans, a monkey-faced deity and a cloven-hoofed demon...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's tax collection agency soon will need to notify affected businesses when there are changes in sales tax policy once a bill signed Monday by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon takes effect. Bill sponsor and Lee's Summit Republican Sen. Will Kraus, who is running for secretary of state in 2016, said the measure will end what he called notification by audit...

NEW YORK -- Harry Shearer and his many voices are returning to "The Simpsons" after a contentious contract dispute. Dueling tweets in May between Shearer and "Simpsons" executive producer Al Jean suggested Shearer might leave the Fox cartoon series, where he has voiced key characters since it debuted in 1989...

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina Senate gave final approval Tuesday to removing the Confederate flag from the Capitol grounds. But across the hall in the South Carolina House, Republicans quietly sought a way to make a last stand to preserve some kind of symbol honoring Southern ancestors at the Statehouse...

QUITO, Ecuador -- Pope Francis challenged Latin America's youth to take up his environmental protection campaign Tuesday, saying the defense of God's creation isn't just a recommendation, but a requirement. Francis appeal, delivered at Quito's Catholic University, is relevant for Ecuador, a Pacific nation that is home of one of the world's most species-diverse ecosystems in the Galapagos Islands and Amazon rain forest, but is an OPEC country heavily dependent on oil extraction...

MONCKS CORNER, S.C. -- An F-16 fighter jet smashed into a small plane Tuesday over South Carolina, killing two people and raining down plane parts and debris over a wide swath of marshes and rice fields. The two people aboard the smaller Cessna were killed, and the plane was destroyed, National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Peter Knudson said. The pilot of the F-16 ejected and "is apparently uninjured," he said...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri is joining at least one other state in offering a tax exemption for stillbirths, after Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon signed a law allowing it starting this year. The measure will allow a one-time exemption of $1,200 from a parent's income -- the same amount taxpayers can claim for each dependent on tax returns. Arizona appears to be the only other state with a similar tax policy, although that's difficult to track...

BRUSSELS -- Frustrated eurozone leaders fearing for the future of their currency gave Greece's prime minister a last-minute chance Tuesday to come up with a viable proposal on how to save his country from financial ruin. Overcoming their surprise when Alexis Tsipras failed to present a detailed reform blueprint, the leaders reluctantly agreed to a final summit Sunday, saying the days leading to it could give both sides an opportunity to stave off collapse of the struggling but defiant member nation.. ...

Ameren will begin work Thursday installing a gas regulator station just north of the Independence Street and East Rodney Drive intersection in Cape Girardeau. The work is expected to continue for one week, weather permitting, the city announced. During construction, north- and southbound travel lanes will be shifted and narrowed to allow Ameren to work on the east side of East Rodney Drive. ...

Today is the last day to register to vote before the Aug. 4 election. Those who wish to register can do so in person at their local county clerk's office -- the election authority -- or to submit an application via mail. Mail-in applications must be postmarked by today to be accepted...

Trae Bertrand, a representative of the public information committee on the city of Cape Girardeau's Transportation Trust Fund, will give a presentation on proposed transportation projects at July's First Friday Coffee. The monthly meeting is hosted by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce at Isle Casino's event center...

The Scott City Fire Department responded to the following calls: n At 4:17 p.m., a medical assist on East First Street. n At 1:47 a.m., an alarm sounding on East Maple Street. n At 6:54 p.m., a medical assist on Park Avenue. n At 3:34 a.m., a medical assist on Arlington Drive...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. n Anthony L. Sinks, 37, of Cape Girardeau was issued a summons for failure to register a motor vehicle. n Courtney F. Denny, 20, of Park Hills, Missouri, was issued a summons for failure to register a motor vehicle...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n Andrea Danielle Burton, 19, of Thebes, Illinois, was arrested on suspicion of stealing at Wal-Mart, 3439 William St. n Michael Danny William Hardin Jr., 18, 707 Broadway, was arrested on suspicion of stealing at Wal-Mart, 3439 William St...

Hisako O. "Judy" Ryan, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, July 6, 2015, at Southeast Hospital. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum...

Sandra J. McDowell, 72, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, July 6, 2015, at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from noon until service time today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Al Flohr officiating. Burial will be in Kenyon Cemetery at Delta...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Wanda L. "Granny" Keith, 85, of Cairo died Monday, July 6, 2015, at Charleston Manor in Charleston, Missouri. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Larry Potts and Buddy Walls officiating. Burial will be in Beechwood Cemetery in Mounds, Illinois...

Narciso "Cecil" Cuellar Sr., 69, of Jackson died Monday, July 6, 2015, in Champaign, Illinois. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to service time Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau...

Glenn Edward Brown, 66, of Jackson passed away Monday, June 29, 2015, at his home. He was born Nov. 1, 1948, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to Leo and Leona Omega Randel Brown. He and Linda Gail Romine were married Feb. 14, 1987, at Belleview, Missouri...

Ron Baker, 59, of Scott City died Tuesday, July 7, 2015, in Silverthorne, Colorado. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City.

Bucks creep out of the woods to graze in a field off East Cape Rock Drive on Tuesday afternoon in Cape Girardeau. There were no does seen with the group of three bucks. (Laura Simon)

Daughter to Seth and Jenny McDowell of St. Charles, Missouri, Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, 3:42 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Name, Payton Grace. Weight, 9 pounds, 1 ounce. First child. Mrs. McDowell is the former Jenny Aloisio, daughter of Bill and Judy Aloisio of St. Charles. She is a physical therapist at Mercy Children's Hospital in St. Louis. McDowell is the son of Tom and Denise McDowell of Jackson. He is a teacher and coaches boys basketball at Orchard Farm High School...

The new slides at Cape Splash will open to the public at 11 a.m. Thursday, according to announcement by the city of Cape Girardeau. The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department also will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the park opens that day at 9:30 a.m. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon has vetoed a bill that would have allowed Missouri lenders to charge higher fees to consumers while also raising fees finance companies pay to the state. Nixon said in his Tuesday veto message the measure would have caused financial strain on families...

ST. LOUIS -- The 55-year-old mayor of a St. Louis suburb has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for demanding money from two companies in exchange for city business. Federal prosecutors in St. Louis said Monday that Pine Lawn Mayor Sylvester Caldwell has been sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison. He's also been ordered to repay about $5,500. He pleaded guilty in April to one count of attempted extortion and one count of extortion...

Tyler Lyons kept St. Louis in the game before the bullpen faltered in a 7-4 loss to the Cubs.

Even though the Jackson Junior Legion baseball team won district, state and regional championships a year ago, Post 158 coach Shelby Kight knows those achievements carry no weight when his team begins District 14 tournament action today at Capaha Field...

Chicago took advantage of a seventh-inning error and beat St. Louis 5-3.

BEL-NOIR, Mo. -- After a push from community activists, the old Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Convent in Bel-Noir has been saved from demolition. The University of Missouri-St. Louis announced Monday the planned demolition of the convent has been canceled. University spokesman Bob Samples said school chancellor Thomas George decided to cancel the planned summer demolition so a positive relationship with the community could be maintained...

I will praise you, Lord Jesus, and I will bless your holy name forever. Amen.

PUXICO, Mo. -- The Stoddard County Sheriff's Office was contacted late last week about the shooting death of a horse from the Jim Hutchcraft farm on County Road 483, southeast of Puxico. Hutchcraft reportedly returned home from work about 7 p.m. Thursday and found the horse lying dead behind his barn. Four other horses were unharmed...

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in the shooting of a Mounds, Illinois, police officer. About 7 a.m. Wednesday, Mounds officers responded to a report of an armed subject attempting to break into a residence, according to a news release from Illinois State Police...

Transportation expansion projects underway by the Missouri Department of Transportation look to be the last communities will see for quite a while. A huge hit coming for the agency's budget will mean expansion projects such as new bridges and widening of major highways throughout the state won't happen during the next five years...

A man was rescued from the water Wednesday evening on the Mississippi River south of Cape Girardeau. A Cape Girardeau police officer responded about 5 p.m. to a call of a man acting suspiciously behind Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau Police Sgt. Adam Glueck said...

Top 10 Places to Visit For Free In Lyon Lyon is an amazing place to visit in France and be sure to get the proper and authentic French experience. I am lucky enough I have moved in here few months ago and I am loving it! I have never had any experience with French lifestyle and I haven't know anything about Lyon. ...

A barn owl at parent's farm in New Wells.

After more than 40 years of organizing the Capahas benefit auction, owners of local businesses and fans know what it means when Mary Bolen walks in. "It's got to the point where you walk in and they're, 'Oh, is it auction time already?'" Bolen said. "... They'll call if they don't see me because they know it's about that time."...

Just shy of a month since he was drafted by the Houston Astros, the former Redhawks pitcher has made his first move up to the Tri-City ValleyCats, the short-season Class-A affiliate of the Astros.

Today is Thursday, July 9, the 190th day of 2015. There are 175 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 9, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to Gen. George Washington's troops in New York. On this date: In 1540, England's King Henry VIII had his 6-month-old marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, annulled...

Now is the time to make your voice heard. As improvements are in the planning stages for the city's parks and recreational spaces, residents have an opportunity to shape the results. Meetings have already been underway, as the department is updating its parks and trails master plan, but this is a situation of the more, the merrier. ...

The price for upgrades to Scott City's wastewater treatment plant will be determined by voters in a coming election. In March, the city presented a report to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources explaining plans for upgrading the plant, which is necessary to meet the agency's changed rules...

Commercial schools have been around for centuries, providing training in fields such as accounting and construction that loftier educational institutions did not always offer. America's first billionaire, John D. Rockefeller Sr., completed a course at one such school, Folsom's Business College in Cleveland, 1855...

NEW YORK -- For kids of all ages, one big thing helps soften the blow of summer turning into fall: fresh and fun back-to-school gear. Supplies with popular licensed characters from movies, TV shows and books always make a splash among younger children, while older ones contemplate design and functionality for everything from middle-school lockers to dorm rooms...

n Water n Bleach n Green food coloring n Two 18-ounce transparent plastic cups STEP 1: Fill one of the transparent plastic cups half of the way with water. Add two drops of green food coloring to the water and mix. STEP 2: Fill the other transparent plastic cup one-fourth of the way with bleach...

MIAMI -- The FBI has opened an investigation into the fatal 2013 shooting by a sheriff's deputy of a man carrying an air rifle who may not have heard commands to drop it because he was listening to music through earbuds. The FBI's top agent in South Florida told Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel about its investigation into Jermaine McBean's death in a recent letter. The letter was included in a filing Tuesday by the sheriff's office in a civil lawsuit brought by McBean's family...

ALLIANCE, Ohio -- A woman has been arrested after calling 911 to complain about an order of Chinese food. Police say the 44-year-old Alliance woman called the emergency number late Monday afternoon to say the Chinese food she'd ordered from a local restaurant was "not up to par for her liking." After police determined the woman had no real emergency, she was arrested and charged with misuse of 911, a misdemeanor. She's scheduled to appear in court this week...

BOSTON -- In her computer-generated image, she is the picture of innocence: a 4-year-old girl with long brown hair, chubby cheeks and expressive brown eyes. The image has attracted a staggering 45 million views on Facebook as investigators try to identity the child whose remains were found on a Boston Harbor beach nearly two weeks ago...

SPOKANE, Wash. -- A Washington state man was holding a large rock and drew back his arm as if he was going to throw it when police officers opened fire and killed him, one of the officers said in a recording released Wednesday. Pasco police officer Adam Wright said he decided to shoot because he feared officers or members of the public would be injured or killed by the rock wielded by 35-year-old Antonio Zambrano-Montes, a Mexican national...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A new Missouri policy to require increased response to allegations of children sexually assaulting other minors was signed into law Wednesday by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. Once the measure takes effect Aug. 28, the state Children's Division must report claims of sex abuse between two children to a local office, where workers must respond and can provide counseling and other services...

As Mississippi River floodwaters recede in the Cape Girardeau area, most county roads and highways have reopened, but a handful remain closed. Highway 177, just north of Cape Girardeau, reopened this week after being closed for two weeks because of backwater flooding from the Mississippi River, said Matt Seiler, an assistant district engineer with the Missouri Department of Transportation...

To celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month, the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department is inviting the public to join them Friday in a day of fun. Annual Parks and Recreation Day is a free event featuring ice cream, prizes, crafts and games. Those attending can also get a free child admission to Cape Splash from 3 to 7 p.m. with the purchase of an adult admission. The voucher must be presented at the water park for the free admission...

A growing clean-energy movement soon could be expanding to include Cape Girardeau if the city council gives final approval later this month to join and participate. The Missouri Energy Initiative and PACE Equity have requested the city sponsor a new PACE Clean Energy Development District Board, which would help commercial property owners with funding for clean and renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements...

PHILADELPHIA -- Bill Cosby's first accuser asked a judge Wednesday to release the comedian's deposition in her sexual-assault lawsuit, including questions he answered under oath about his use of Quaaludes and other drugs, his alleged use of hush money to silence women, his deal to have an accuser's story spiked and his alleged affairs with other women...

WASHINGTON -- Medicare said Wednesday it plans to pay doctors to counsel patients about end-of-life care -- the same idea that sparked accusations of "death panels" and fanned a political furor around President Barack Obama's health care law six years ago...

A rare orange-brown split-colored lobster recently arrived at the Pine Point Fisherman's Co-Op in Scarborough, Maine. According the Lobster Institute, the chance of finding a split-colored lobster is one in 50 million. Only the albino lobster, one in 100 million, is rarer...

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The South Carolina House opened what could be its final debate over the Confederate flag Wednesday, deliberating a proposal that might remove the banner from the Capitol grounds before the end of the week. There were tears of anger and shared memories of Civil War ancestors as House members debated into the night...

BALTIMORE -- Baltimore's mayor fired the troubled city's police commissioner Wednesday, saying a recent spike in homicides in the weeks after an unarmed black man died of injuries in police custody required a change in leadership. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake thanked Police Commissioner Anthony Batts for his service -- and praised the job he had done -- but said growing criticism of his performance had become a "distraction" that was preventing the city from moving ahead...

LOS ANGELES -- A water district has sued Tom Selleck, claiming the star of the crime shows "Magnum, P.I." and "Blue Bloods" stole truckloads of water from a public hydrant and took it to his ranch in drought-stricken California. The Calleguas Municipal Water District in Ventura County claims a tanker truck filled up at a hydrant more than a dozen times and hauled water to a 60-acre ranch owned by Selleck in Westlake Village...

LAGOS, Nigeria -- Nigeria's Boko Haram extremists are offering to free more than 200 young women and girls kidnapped from a boarding school in the town of Chibok in exchange for the release of militant leaders held by the government, a human-rights activist has said...

ATHENS, Greece -- With a deadline hours away to come up with a detailed economic reform plan, Greece requested a new three-year rescue from its European partners Wednesday as signs grew its economy was sliding toward free-fall without an urgently needed bailout...

LA PAZ, Bolivia -- Pope Francis arrived Wednesday in Bolivia on the second leg of his South American tour and insisted the Catholic Church continue to play an important role in society amid efforts by the government of President Evo Morales to curb its influence...

NEW YORK -- It was a rough day for tech: The nation's biggest airline, its oldest stock exchange and its most prominent business newspaper all suffered technology problems that upended service for parts of the day. Government officials said it did not appear the incidents were related, or the result of sabotage, counter to an endless stream of jokes and conspiracy theories posted on Facebook and Twitter -- and even the suspicions of FBI director James Comey...

For the second time in less than a week, the mercury in Cape Girardeau topped out at 100 degrees yesterday, as a blistering heat-wave returned to the area over the weekend; a chance of thunderstorms Wednesday could bring some much lower temperatures by the end of the week...

Daughter to Adam Paul and Amy Michelle Thomas of Jackson, Southeast Hospital, 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2015. Name, Ava Michelle. Weight, 9 pounds, 9 ounces. Second child, first daughter. Mrs. Thomas is the former Amy Pohlman, daughter of Terry and Bonnie Pohlman of Oak Ridge. She is a branch manager at Commerce Bank. Thomas is the son of Kathy and Chris Gateley of Lathrop, Missouri, and Paul Thomas of Bethany, Missouri. He is grain manager at SEMO Milling...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. n Darrell A. Hinkle, 56, of Fredericktown, Missouri, was issued a summons for failure to stop at a stop sign. n Ashley R. Hedrick, 25, of Jackson was issued a summons for failure to register a motor vehicle...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n A suspect was in custody pending formal charges of possession of a controlled substance, driving while revoked and driving while intoxicated. n Alicia D. Havel, 36, 45 S. West End Blvd., was arrested on a Franklin County warrant for failure to appear for stealing...

Robert Graham "R.G." Wagoner, 96, of Cape Girardeau died peacefully Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at his home, five days before his 97th birthday. Graham was born July 12, 1918, at the home of his parents, Earl and Helen Wagoner, on a 300-acre farm in Johnson County outside Odessa, Missouri...

Truman A. Sigman, 81, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Wayne County, died Saturday, July 4, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until service time today at Ruegg Funeral Home in Greenville, Missouri. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in New Liberty Cemetery near Piedmont, Missouri...

Hisako O. "Judy" Ryan, 83, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, July 6, 2015, at Southeast Hospital. She was born Jan. 24, 1932, in Yokohama, Japan, to Yoshio and Koto Suzuki Oishi. She and Sam Ryan were married Nov. 5, 1957, in Japan. He passed away Sept. 23, 1987...

Narciso "Cecil" Cuellar Sr., 69, of Jackson died unexpectedly Monday, July 6, 2015, in Champaign, Illinois. He was born Sept. 16, 1945, in Brownsville, Texas, to Vicente and Olivia Coronado Landin Cuellar. He and Mae Holland were married Dec. 22, 1992, in Tahoe, California...

ABOVE: Morgan Todd, 8, works on a clay mug Wednesday during Horizons' Once Upon a time ... Storytelling with Clay camp, offered through Southeast Missouri State University's Continuing Education program. BELOW: Ella Shaffar sews a classic strap-over bag Wednesday during Horizons' Launch Your Line! camp. The students learn fashion and merchandising skills in the class, and will have select pieces for sale at Catapult: Creative House in Cape Girardeau.) (Laura Simon)...

1 Barton Square, Jackson 9 a.m. today n Minutes of the July 6 meeting n None at this time n Items listed on agenda n Purchase orders n Payroll change forms n Sheriff's department monthly report for May n Public Service Commission order n Department of Natural Resources -- Missouri Heritage Properties Grant Program...

The Scott City School Board on Tuesday voted to add a first-grade class at the district, bringing the total to four. Beth Cox, president of the school board, said members looked at the number of incoming students and agreed the addition will keep class sizes small. A teacher will be hired to fill the position...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Poplar Bluff City Council voted unanimously Monday to hire Mark Massingham as its city manager. Massingham has worked for the city for almost 25 years, most recently as assistant city manager. He has served as interim city manager since Heath Kaplan was fired in May. Massingham also served as interim city manager for three months after the May 2014 firing of Doug Bagby...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A Butler County woman is lucky to be alive after a neighbor allegedly shot a bullet from a high-powered rifle into her trailer -- missing her head by two feet as she slept. Butler County sheriff's deputies arrested Keith Martin, 31, of Poplar Bluff at 11:17 p.m. Saturday on suspicion of unlawful use of a weapon, a misdemeanor. He was booked at the county jail and released pending a review of the case by the prosecuting attorney's office...

Safe House for Women will host its second annual banquet and awards ceremony in Cape Girardeau today at The Concourse, 420 N. Broadview St. The banquet will recognize the service of Safe House's volunteers, partners, donors and staff, a news release from Safe House said...

CHICAGO -- Jhonny Peralta hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5 Wednesday night. The Cardinals trailed 5-4, and Cubs reliever Pedro Strop (1-4) quickly retired the first two batters in the ninth...

The District 14 Junior Legion baseball tournament is scheduled to begin today at Capaha Field after wet field conditions caused Wednesday's action to be postponed. Top-seeded Jackson Post 158 will take on fourth-seeded Sikeston Ladies Auxiliary Unit 114 at 4 p.m. today, followed by a game between second-seeded Cape Girardeau Plaza Tire Post 63 and No. 3 Advance Armor Seed at 6 p.m. The losing team from both games will play at 8 p.m...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals, bitter cross-state rivals, have forged an unlikely alliance to get their final vote candidates into the All-Star Game. Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas and Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez are among the five candidates for the final spot in their respective leagues. Fan voting will determine who makes the roster...

WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve policymakers last month saw signs the economy was healing after its winter slump but agreed there still were too many uncertainties at home and abroad to raise interest rates. Minutes of the June 16 and 17 discussions released Wednesday showed that while one Fed official was ready to begin hiking rates at the meeting, "most participants" believed conditions were not yet ripe for an interest-rate increase...

General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will be retiring soon, and before his departure he gave a briefing at the Pentagon discussing the first update since 2011 of the National Military Strategy. According to Dempsey, the update was necessary because since the last update, "global disorder has trended upward while some of our comparative advantages have begun to erode."...

Thank you, O Lord Jesus, for the peace that comes through your salvation. Amen.

Parents' names: Jerry and Lori Pech What extracurricular activities were you involved in? Can you tell us a little bit about your experiences? Cross country, track, robotics, various clubs, NHS (National Honor Society), Spanish Honors Society, Peer Helpers, Service Oppurtunities, religious retreat leader. They allowed me to not only forge new friendships but also grow in love and serve the community...

Parents' names: David and Amy Cook What extracurricular activities were you involved in? Can you tell us a little bit about your experiences? Beta Club President, Missouri State Beta Club presidential candidate, Pep Club member, FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) president, publications editor, student council vice president, basketball (All SEMissourian team) and volleyball (All Conference, All District 2nd Team)...

Just over three years ago, Holly Benton was an avid soul, blues and country fan, but not necessarily a musician. "I was simply a shower singer," she said. "That was basically it." Aside from the shower, she sang karaoke sometimes and always sang while doing her carpentry work. One day a client at a winery heard her singing while she worked and confronted her...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City's minimum wage would rise to $13 an hour over eight years under a measure passed Thursday out of a council committee, setting up a possible vote next week. Low-wage workers, with backing from some religious and labor leaders, are demanding more pay, pushing their case with a rolling hunger strike in which participants take turns going 24 hours without eating. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A group of Missouri taxpayers and former lawmakers has sued the state Department of Corrections over lethal-injection protocols used for executions. The lawsuit filed Thursday claims the state illegally obtains the drug pentobarbital that is used to put inmates to death. It also alleges the state receives the drug through an illegal prescription...

In an effort to encourage members to join the Scott City Chamber of Commerce and inform people about what the chamber does for the city, the chamber is hosting a meet-and-greet for interested participants. From 4:30 to 6 p.m. on July 30, everyone is invited to The Bank of Missouri, 315 Crites Ave., for a social hour...

The Missouri Department of Agriculture Bureau of Pesticide Control is investigating after two members of the National Guard and a resident were sickened by spray from a crop duster in northeast Butler County. Because the investigation is ongoing, only limited details on the two separate incidents were available...

The Southeast Regional Professional Development Center will host a daylong technology conference July 21 at the University Center, where area educators and school administrators will learn more about using up-to-date technology in schools. "We had about 120 people who attended last year, so we're hoping this year is even bigger," said Stephanie Kuper, instructional technology specialist for the development center...

ST. LOUIS -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation Thursday limiting cities' ability to profit from traffic tickets and court fines -- the first significant step taken by state lawmakers to address concerns raised after the police shooting of a black, unarmed 18-year-old in Ferguson nearly a year ago...

Another round of storms blew through Southeast Missouri on Thursday evening. By 8 p.m., reports still were being collected, but for the most part, the damage seemed minimal. Thomas Beardslee, the director of Scott County's Emergency Management Agency, said the county was reporting some power outages, but he hadn't heard of anything major...

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and area law-enforcement agencies are encouraging people to protect their automobiles. Nearly half of vehicle thefts in the U.S. can be attributed to driver error, according to transportation.gov. "Here in Jackson, a lot of times what we hear is people simply just leaving the keys in the vehicle," Cpl. Rick Whitaker of the Jackson Police Department said. "Somebody comes along, door's open, they get in, and they go."...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- At least two judges in southern Missouri have opted not to marry any couples, gay or straight, after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to legalize marriages between same-sex couples, which overturned the state's 2004 voter-approved constitutional ban...

The future of a plan to create a more direct route between Cape Girardeau and eastern points such as Paducah, Kentucky, may follow a slightly different path than supporters initially anticipated. The Transamerica Corridor Corp. announced Thursday its support for a decision by the Illinois Department of Transportation to repurpose funds designated for a study to connect Interstate 24 in Paducah with Interstate 55 in Missouri to a new study that will connect Cape Girardeau directly to Interstate 57 in Illinois.. ...

Wet weather has been a factor at nearly every turn in Cape Splash's latest project, so it was fitting the new slide's opening day began with rain. It caused the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department to delay a ribbon cutting scheduled Thursday morning, but the public opening continued as planned...

There's nothing like the love dog owners have for their four-legged family members, and losing them can be heartbreaking. No one knows that better than Elizabeth "Beth" Franks, whose love for her Rottweilers, Elijah and his son, Dingo, inspired her to write a children's book, "Dingo's Pearl."...

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONGRATULATIONS to our 2015 Indian Scout Motorcycle winner, John Craft of St. Louis, sponsored by My Child's Library. There is still time to enter to win a 2015 Chevrolet Sonic sponsored by My Child's Library and Jim Trenary Chevrolet. Just go to mychildslibrary.org and enter for a chance to be our next grand prize winner...

Today is Friday, July 10, the 191st day of 2015. There are 174 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 10, 1940, during World War II, the Battle of Britain began as the Luftwaffe started attacking southern England. (The Royal Air Force was ultimately victorious.)...

Congratulations to Jerry Ford, who won this year's Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award. His remarks were appropriate, charitable and well received. Kudos to the Cape Park and Recreation Department (headed by Julia Thompson), which adapted the best fireworks in years to the Arena, after the river flooding forced the move. Some say 10,000 people viewed the display from the adjacent roads, and park area...

On July 1, the new five-story patient tower at Saint Francis Medical Center opened in Cape Girardeau as part of a sweeping expansion process begun in 2011. At a total cost of $127 million -- $107.5 million for construction, $12 million in capital costs and $7.5 million in financing -- the tower is part of the Building on Excellence campaign that came about as part of the hospital system's most recent strategic plan...

I was recently informed that the treasurer of Missouri was holding property owed to our organization in an unclaimed account from a local vendor. When the treasurer's office was unable to locate the account without a claim number, I contacted your newspaper, which published that information two weeks ago as a public service. ...

Enter through the narrow gate; the gate to destruction is wide. I refuse to believe the majority of Americans are "proud" of the conforming to "fantasies" path the not-so Supreme Court has taken us to. God created in an ordered fashion, all arranged by measure, number and weight. The secular humanist tears down this order and makes disorder out of his own perceived "emotional satisfactions" born in relativism...

I'm not sure what to make of the efforts to increase the minimum wage in such large chunks. $15 an hour seems to be the target for most folks. Why? I could make a case that $15 an hour is no better than the dollar an hour I made when I first started working. I lived on a dollar an hour. A lot of folks today say they can't live on $15 an hour...

WASHINGTON -- Hackers stole Social Security numbers, health histories and other highly sensitive data from more than 21 million people, the Obama administration said Thursday, acknowledging the breach of U.S. government computer systems was far more severe than previously disclosed...

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Saying South Carolina's history has changed forever, Gov. Nikki Haley signed a bill Thursday to relegate the Confederate flag to the state's "relic room," more than 50 years after the rebel banner began flying at the Statehouse to protest the civil-rights movement...

SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia -- Pope Francis denounced the "throwaway" culture of today's society that discards anyone who is unproductive as he celebrated his first public Mass in Bolivia on Thursday, one of the key days of his South American pilgrimage. It was to culminate with a summit of farmers, fishermen and indigenous whose causes have long been championed by history's first Latin American pope...

Wednesday night's thunderstorms forced the District 14 Junior Legion baseball tournament to be postponed with action scheduled to resume today at Capaha Field. Top-seeded Jackson Post 158 will face fourth-seeded Sikeston Ladies Auxiliary Unit 114 at 2 p.m. today, followed by a matchup between second-seeded Cape Girardeau Plaza Tire Post 63 and third-seeded Advance Armor Seed at 4 p.m. The losers from both games will square off at 6 p.m., and the winners will play at 8 p.m...

PITTSBURGH -- Carlos Martinez made his case for inclusion on the National League All-Star team Thursday night by pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-1 in a matchup between the teams with the best records in the major leagues...

BALTIMORE -- Baltimore's next police commissioner will have a daunting to-do list: quell a surge in murders, rebuild trust between officers and the public, win the confidence of a demoralized and alienated department and keep the peace when the explosive Freddie Gray case comes to trial...

NEW YORK -- The New York Stock Exchange said an outage of more than three hours was caused by problems associated with a software upgrade on the exchange's computers. The NYSE said in a statement Thursday the upgrade caused communication problems between its trading software and other systems, causing customers' orders to not go through...

ATHENS, Greece -- Greece finally met a deadline that counted Thursday, delivering a series of sweeping proposals to its creditors before midnight to set off a mad rush toward a weekend deal to stave off a financial collapse of the nation. The package of reforms raised hopes Greece can get a rescue deal that will prevent a catastrophic exit from the euro after key creditors said they were open to discussing how to ease the country's debt load, a longtime sticking point in their talks...

A portable classroom is being installed at Franklin Elementary School to make room for two special-education programs; the double-wide mobile home is the fifth portable classroom pressed into service by Cape Girardeau Public Schools. The Cape Girardeau area sizzled yesterday under a second consecutive day of 100-degree-plus heat, which set a record high for July 9; the 102 reading at the airport broke the old record of 100 degrees set in 1971 and 1986; in an effort to combat the heat, the Salvation Army is opening its doors to those who lack air conditioning in their homes.. ...

The column by Pastor Jeff Long about the Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage was a powerful one. A 5-4 decision reveals how split we are as a nation. The majority decided to rule by fiat. And it chose to base its decision on the argument of "dignity." That is a slippery slope, indeed. ...

Son to Brandon Scott Carroll and Elizabeth Anne Garcia of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Hospital, 10:06 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2015. Name, Kayden Scott. Weight, 6 pounds, 14 ounces. Ms. Garcia is the daughter of Cyndi Garcia of Hazelwood, Missouri, and Hector Garcia of Cape Girardeau. She is employed by BG's Olde Tyme Deli. Carroll is the son of Dawn Moore of Cape Girardeau and Scott Carroll of Benton, Missouri. He is employed by Kenneth Bland Carpentry...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n Becka Leeann Darby, 17, 382 County Road 324, was arrested on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle without a valid license and resisting arrest by a law enforcement officer...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n A suspect was in custody pending formal charges of stealing. n Megan M. Sisk, 18, 906 S. Benton St., was arrested on a Cape Girardeau warrant for probation violation...

Truman A. Sigman, 81, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Wayne County, Missouri, died Saturday, July 4, 2015, at the Saint Francis Medical Center. He was born July 11, 1933, in Desloge, Missouri, the son of the late Harold Edgar and Sarah Statler Sigman. On Nov. 12, 1960, he was united in marriage to Freida Rose, and she preceded him in death July 22, 2014...

Barbara Jean Peetz, 89, of Jackson died Thursday, July 9, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Margaret Meier, 79, of Advance died Thursday, July 9, 2015, at the family home. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, Missouri.

ORAN, Mo. -- General Leon Mason, 78, of Oran passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Feb. 2, 1937, in Dover, Arkansas, to Mart and Hattie Anderson Mason. He and Shirley Wagoner were married Sept. 14, 1954...

Virgil Nick LaBrier, 75, of Jackson, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Jan. 16, 1940, in Poplar Bluff to John Joseph and Mable Lee Ward LaBrier. He and Billie Joyce Moore were married Dec. 20, 1961, in Poplar Bluff...

Reece Brown Jr., 90, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at the Lutheran Home. Arrangements are incomplete at Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

LONEDELL, Mo. -- Lyman L. Barks, 79, of Lonedell, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at Crabapple Village Senior Estates in St. Clair, Missouri. He was born Aug. 16, 1935, in Piedmont, Missouri, son of Louis and Lula Crowell Barks. He and Jane Kenter Thoma were married April 24, 1992, in Chesterfield, Missouri...

Ronald Dean Baker, 59, of Scott City died Tuesday, July 7, 2015, in Silverthorne, Colorado. He was born Feb. 16, 1956, in Artesia, California, to Edward David and Sarah Alice Lee Baker. He married Brenda Louvine Davidson on Sept. 20, 1980, in Scott City...

Consensus, an exhibit featuring the work of four artists, is on display in the Dobbins Center Hallway Gallery at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. Works displayed were created by Emily Booth, Emily Denlinger, Katherine Smith and William Thielen. The four artists participated in peer critiques with one another to form the Peer Crit Club. They have been able to support one another and give feedback, which led them to the opportunity to show their work collectively in the exhibit...

Historic downtown Sikeston will host a car show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Park and Sikeston Depot Museum parking lot. The event will include door prizes and trophies and is free to the public. Car and truck registration is $15, and motorcycle registration is $10. There will be music, concessions and a farmers market. For more information, visit downtownsikeston.org or call 573-380-3801...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Confederate flag was once a familiar symbol in country music, representing the rural South and the renegade spirit of artists such as David Allan Coe and Hank Williams Jr. But the rebel banner that will be removed today from the grounds of the South Carolina Capitol has faded from stage and song, with many country artists quietly distancing themselves from the emblem that used to feature prominently in merchandise, lyrics and concerts...

The fourth annual chamber music recitals presented by the Southeast Chamber Music Institute at Southeast Missouri State University will be July 17 and 18 at the River Campus. A recital by institute faculty will be presented at 7:30 p.m. July 17 at the Shuck Music Hall and will feature music by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvorak and Leoncavallo. ...

Adam Smith of Sikeston, Missouri, submitted this photo of his tattoo by Monster Tattoo Studio. "I decided to get a compass, and the compass tattoo's symbolism dates back many years. The compass tattoo represents your direction in life and to always follow your dreams," Smith said. ...

ARAB, Ala. -- Sheriff's officials in northern Alabama say a burglary suspect was taken into custody after being chased by a bull through a cow pasture. Marshall County Sheriff Scott Walls tells WHNT-TV 26-year-old Brad Lynn Hemby was being sought in connection with a burglary Wednesday morning in Arab when he tried fleeing deputies by running through a cow pasture. ...

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Amen.

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- A Civil War-era Medal of Honor recipient forgotten in an unmarked grave for nearly a century finally got a funeral Thursday when he was given full military honors and reburied at a national cemetery. The Army gave Sgt. Charles Schroeter a rifle salute and a bugler played "Taps" on the cloudy morning at Miramar National Cemetery. ...

Today is Saturday, July 11, the 192nd day of 2015. There are 173 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 11, 1955, the U.S. Air Force Academy swore in its first class of cadets at its temporary quarters at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado...

The weather man is singing the same old tune: Hot temperatures and no rain; for the third consecutive day, the mercury here climbed over the century mark yesterday, setting a new record of 101; lack of rain is hurting farmers, who earlier this wet spring couldn't get into the fields to plant; now, they are watching their fields fry...

Dina Palmer Massage Therapist Cape Girardeau How often do you use the drive- thru for a beverage, snack or meal? Two times a week for food. If you could go back in time, where would you go? Medieval times. I would love to put on one of those huge dresses and be royalty...

CHICAGO -- Police departments across the country that have spent years boasting about plummeting crime numbers now are scrambling to confront something many agencies have not seen in decades: more bloodshed. Houston, St. Louis, New Orleans and Baltimore all have seen significant spikes in the number of homicides this year. The totals are up in other cities, too, including New York and Chicago...

Logging, it seems, runs in the Hovis family. Aaron Hovis, 20, is the fourth generation to be cutting and skidding trees and loading logs for delivery to sawmills. And he plans to start his own logging company. For now, Hovis is making a name for himself in lumberjack athletic competitions and exhibitions, also known as timbersports. ...

It may take a few weeks to see the full effects of Thursday night's flash floods in Scott City. A second day of storms hit the town about 6:30 p.m. Thursday, causing flash flooding in the area and some severe damage to several houses and felling trees...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder plans to announce his candidacy for governor today, joining a burgeoning Republican field for what is shaping up as a wide-open 2016 primary. Kinder's campaign committee scheduled a 4 p.m. event today near the scene of last year's protests in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson it billed as discussion about "his plans for statewide office in 2016."...

More than 150 student-athletes from 57 high schools across the region gathered Saturday for the second annual Semoball Awards presented by SoutheastHEALTH.

This is Buttercup, we adopted her from the Humane Society in Cape Girardeau,MO! She had a horrible life! The Humane Society rescued her! She was used just for breeding! Had no kind of life! But now she does! She's in her furever home!

This is Phoebe, she's loves going places with her mommy! She's her co-pilot!

Olympic gold medalist softball player Jennie Finch stood onstage at the Southeast Missouri State River Campus on Saturday night and recalled in front of hundreds in attendance for the second annual Semoball Awards a time when she was trying to come up with stories to tell for her book, "Throw Like a Girl: How to Dream Big & Believe in Yourself."

Bess was presented with the inaugural Harry Blackwell Family of Dealerships Lifetime Achievement Award, one of many accolades for the nation's all-time winningest men's college basketball coach.

Today is Sunday, July 12, the 193rd day of 2015. There are 172 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 12, 1862, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed a bill authorizing the Army Medal of Honor. On this date: In 1543, England's King Henry VIII married his sixth and last wife, Catherine Parr...

David and Joleda Moyers of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Moyers, to Luke Hilgenbrinck. He is the son of Don and Emy Hilgenbrinck of Quincy, Illinois. Jessica is a 2001 graduate of Jackson High School. She received a bachelor's degree in technical graphics from Southeast Missouri State University in 2006. She is employed in investment services at The Bank of Missouri...

Danny and Jodi Richards of Ellington, Missouri, announce the engagement of their daughter, Stephanie Jo Richards, to Matthew Joe Neal, both of Cape Girardeau. He is the son of Tim and Joyce Neal of Cape Girardeau. Stephanie is a 2007 graduate of Southern Reynolds County High School. ...

Last month, while at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, I was standing on a stream bank casually observing nature as thunder rolled in the distance. Suddenly, the snake shown here came from underwater and slid very quietly and quickly onto shore, carrying a catfish. The fish looked too big for the snake to swallow...

The Lutheran Home Hospice is seeking individuals to help support terminally ill patients and their families. A comprehensive training program in issues surrounding death and dying and the caregiving experience will be provided. Individual volunteer areas of interest and availability are taken into account in the program. More information is available by calling 573-334-1515...

The Amy E. Garrison Endowed Scholarship has been established through the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. Amy Garrison of Maryland Heights, Missouri, made a $5,000 gift, which will be matched with an additional $5,000 through a university matching gift program, part of the Honoring Tradition -- Inspiring Success Comprehensive Campaign. ...

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States announced that William "Bear" Hudson of Cape Girardeau has achieved All American status as a Department commander. Hudson, commander of the Department of Pacific Areas, is one of only 17 VFW department commanders selected worldwide for All American Commander. ...

Cadet Donald George Perry III, son of Don and Sandra Perry of Jackson, graduated in May from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. A 2011 graduate of Jackson High School, Perry concentrated his studies at West Point in management and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army within the Ordnance branch. Perry's grandparents are Valeria Tuschhoff of Jackson and the late Norman Tuschhoff and Don and Sandra Perry of Lake Ozark, Missouri...

Mary "Cindy" Jenks of Fairdealing, Missouri, was elected second vice president of the National Federation of Democratic Women at their national nonvention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Jenks will serve the 2015-2017 term. The federation meets annually to conduct business and attend classes, make new friends and reconnect with old friends. The group's 2016 convention will be held in Charleston, South Carolina...

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. -- Mansions are as synonymous with the Hamptons as cocktail parties, manicured lawns and white sandy beaches. But some in villages on eastern Long Island are looking to slow down, or even stop, a growing trend of building ever-larger homes on small lots in neighborhoods far from the opulent multi-acre estates along the Atlantic Ocean...

Summer is here, and so are the heat and humidity. On a normal day in this area, we have a daytime high in the 90s with a humidity level that starts out in the 90 percent range three days out of four. The humidity level may dip down into the 50 percent range briefly, but it doesn't stay there...

It is grilling season, for sure. The television is full of advertisements for grilling products, Food Network has many programs with grilling as a theme, and the grocery store displays certainly are promoting outdoor cooking. I enjoy grilling, and I am willing to try just about anything that will hold up in the heat...

Morning coffee is a way of life for many people, and some churches serve coffee before services. Cape First Church has taken that a step further by purchasing a food truck and converting it into a rolling coffee shop to connect with the community. The truck can be found around Cape in different areas throughout the workweek...

Nathen came out of his room in a joyful mood. He had just won at playing a computer game with a friend. The boy is definitely not always in a good mood. He can be very grumpy, and even mean, at times. But when something positive occurs that make him happy, he becomes a different child. He may even compliment you, which is very unusual...

I really, really do not like garage sales. It seems as if my wife and I have a garage sale every year, and, every year, people actually pay us for what I am on the verge of throwing away, I still do not them. No matter how successful the sale is, I am still convinced that the difference between a garage sale and garbage is a six-foot table...

Dino is a 9-mond-old labrador/walker hound mix. He needs a forever home with lots of love and a family with a sense of adventure. He is available for adoption at the Humane Society, 334-5837.

The John Guild Chapter National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution met June 17 at the home of Adelaide Parsons, with Mary Meyer co-hosting the luncheon. Each member paid for her lunch with monies going to the state regents project. Morgan Lake is a member and state regent. Marti Strickland, chapter regent, presided over the meeting. The chapter will be in recess during July and August...

Sometimes news and politics play too big of a role in our moods and collective psyche. Perhaps that's a counterproductive thing for a newspaper editor to say. I understand more than most what content interests people. Our online analytics are quite clear on what people like to read. And you like to read about crime, death and, when it comes to politics, controversy...

Carlos Vargas-Aburto officially started as Southeast Missouri State University's president last week. And, boy, did it start off with a bang. Vargas began his tenure, as anyone would expect, by making the rounds of the campus and the city, meeting people and asking questions...

Son to Jonathan Scott and Whitney Nicole Hendrix of Jackson, Saint Francis Medical Center, 1:26 a.m. Saturday, July 4, 2015. Name, Levi Josiah. Weight, 6 pounds, 15 ounces. First child. Mrs. Hendrix is the former Whitney Woodall, daughter of Bill and Tammy Woodall of Cape Girardeau. Hendrix is the son of Jill Hendrix of Chaffee, Missouri, and Scott Hendrix of Dexter, Missouri...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday vetoed legislation that would have blocked cities from raising local wages and restricting use of plastic bags, a move Nixon called a "power grab" by state lawmakers. Nixon joined Democratic lawmakers in opposition to the proposal, who during this year's legislative session criticized Republican backers for what they said was an infringement on local control...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California uses a controversial method to recover contraband from inmates believed to have swallowed it or concealed it in body cavities: "potty watches" where inmates are handcuffed and shackled for days or even weeks while guards watch around-the-clock until nature takes its course...

PHOENIX -- Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump criticized U.S. immigration and trade policies Saturday in speeches that veered from accusing Mexico of deliberately sending criminals across the border to professing respect for the Mexican government and love for its people...

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The Confederate battle flag no longer flies at South Carolina's Statehouse, now relegated to a room filled with other relics of the state's secession. Other vestiges of the Civil War-era South unlikely will vanish so soon. Several states have taken or are considering action to remove the flag and other Confederate symbols and monuments since the massacre of nine people at a Bible study inside a black church; police have charged a man shown in pictures with the flag who they say was motivated by hate. ...

CAACUPE, Paraguay -- Pope Francis lauded the strength and religious fervor of Paraguayan women Saturday while visiting the country's most important pilgrimage site, where thousands of his fellow Argentines joined with hundreds of thousands of local faithful to welcome Latin America's first pope...

SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- A crowd of furious Bosnian Muslims jumped over fences and attacked Serbia's prime minister with stones and water bottles Saturday, marring the 20th-anniversary commemorations of the Srebrenica massacre. Aleksandar Vucic, an ultranationalist during the Balkan wars but who now is a moderate with a pro-Western stance, escaped serious injury. ...

BRUSSELS -- Bailout discussions between the Greek finance minister and his skeptical counterparts in the 19-country eurozone will resume today after breaking up following more than eight hours of talks without any apparent breakthrough that will secure the country's future in the euro...

MONROEVILLE, Ala. -- As an owner of the only secular bookstore in Harper Lee's hometown, Spencer Madrie figured he'd sell hundreds of books -- maybe more -- after the stunning announcement the author was releasing a sequel to her 1960 blockbuster "To Kill a Mockingbird."...

I really appreciate the "In God We Trust" advertisement that Hobby Lobby printed in the newspaper. It underlines how intertwined Christianity has been with what built the United States into the greatest nation in the world. The comments from early Supreme Court justices, foreign observers, founding fathers and so many more indicate that we have been a nation of freedom, based and dependent on Christian values. ...

BOULDER, Colo. -- Wildlife officials tranquilized a 60-pound bear that found a resting spot in a tree on the University of Colorado campus. The 2-year-old bear was spotted Friday and stayed in the tree for about four hours until wildlife officers used a dart gun to tranquilize it. The bear fell about 30 feet, hitting some mats before rolling onto the ground. It briefly popped its head up before falling asleep. Jennifer Churchill of Colorado Parks and Wildlife says the bear will be relocated...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. n Connor Andrew Luebbert, 23, of Cape Girardeau was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. n Keith Lavoy Mackins, 25, of Pulaski, Illinois, was arrested on two Cape Girardeau warrants for contempt of court for failure to pay fines for no operator's license and leaving the scene of an accident...

A warrant was issued Friday for a Scott City man found with more than $400 in quarters in his truck after an alleged burglary. Larry D. Tanner, 27, has been charged with second-degree burglary and theft of property or services valued at more than $500 but less than $25,000, online court records show...

Cape Girardeau city officials and business leaders on Friday encouraged support for renewing a half-cent sales tax for transportation projects. The pay-as-you go, five-year tax that generates revenue for the city's Transportation Trust Fund, or TTF, will go before voters in August...

History buffs soon will have more opportunities to learn about the Cape Girardeau of yesteryear as the Red House Interpretive Center expands its offerings. The Red House, which opened in 2003, provides a living chronicle of the river, Cape Girardeau's settlement and its development over time...

A former Cape Girardeau resident is nearing the end of a 37-year-sentence for second-degree murder and theft. Information from the Missouri Department of Corrections indicates Brian "Andy" Abbott, 51, is scheduled to be released on parole March 3, 2017, with a sentence completion date of March 3, 2018...

After a week full of severe weather, one of Jackson's storm sirens is not functioning. Jackson fire chief Jason Mouser said the malfunction's cause has not been determined and could take more than a week to fix. "[Two weeks] would be the worst-case scenario," he said Friday. "We're hoping [to have it fixed by] the end of next week."...

BENTON, Mo. -- A Benton-area man was arrested after drugs valued at an estimated $23,000 allegedly were found at his residence. Allen R. Basinger Jr., 34, is charged with drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, forgery, receiving stolen property and driving a motor vehicle with a suspended license...

Genevieve Watson, 93, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, July 10, 2015, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Dec. 1, 1921, in Delta, to John C. and Rhoda E. Barker Hunt. She and Paul Watson were married Dec. 14, 1940, in Jackson. Genevieve and Paul lived many years in Chaffee, Missouri, and attended the Assembly of God Church. ...

Mrs. Norma June Smith Walz, 80, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away Friday, July 10, 2015, in Cape Girardeau. Norma was born at the home of her parents in Mexico, Missouri, on Sept. 10, 1934. She was the last of 12 children born to Enos and Lillian Gillmore Smith...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Carl Edward "Johnny" Thomas, 77, of Cairo died Sunday, July 5, 2015. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Potts officiating. Burial will be in Mound City National Cemetery with military honors by area veterans and Illinois National Guard...

Barbara Jean Peetz, 89, of Jackson passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was lovingly known as Barbara Jean, Barb, Aunt Jean, Grandma and Peetzy. She was born Dec. 17, 1925, in Jackson to Otto and Barbarra Stimel Friedrich. She and Marvin Peetz were married May 23, 1951, at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Margaret Meier, 79, of Advance passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015, at the family home in Advance. She was born April 3, 1936, in Biggsville, Illinois, to Eugene and Margaret Stubs Beachum. Margaret married Clois Hicks in December 1954. He preceded her in death Oct. 2, 1976...

Betty Francis Keesee, 80, of Scott City died Friday, July 10, 2015, at Chaffee Nursing Center in Chaffee, Missouri. She was born Sept. 15, 1934, in Oran, Missouri, to William A. and Hazel Marie Smith Menz. She and Glenn Bennett Keesee were married Nov. 21, 1978, in Scott City. He preceded her in death May 16, 1999...

The Cape Girardeau Ford and Sons Post 63 American Legion baseball team posted a pair of road victories Saturday over the Charleston Fighting Squirrels. Josh Morse and Cramer McGarr each had three hits to lead Post 63 to a 7-3 win in the opener, and five players had two hits apiece in a 12-9 win in the nightcap...

The Capahas banged out 22 hits in a 12-3 victory over visiting Fairview Heights on Saturday at Capaha Field. Drew Morecraft went 4 for 6 and was among seven Capahas with multiple hits. Morecraft's hits included a double and a triple as he finished with two RBIs.

PITTSBURGH -- Andrew McCutchen's two-run home run in the 14th inning capped Pittsburgh's third rally of the night and helped the Pirates beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 on Saturday night. McCutchen's homer to center off of Nick Greenwood (0-1) immediately followed Neil Walker's leadoff single and extended his hitting streak to a career-high 18 games. It was his 12th home run of the season...

Andrew J. Hente, 37, of Osseo, Minnesota, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died in a work-related accident Wednesday, July 8, 2015, in Dayton, Minnesota. Survivors include his wife, Erin; children, Selina, 15, Lila, 8, and Austin, 5; mother, Carol Hente; brother, Brian Hente; uncles, David Hente, Dennis Hente and Steven Vaden; aunts, Angel (Danny) Diaz and Shannon Roanhorse...

Dr. Scott R. Gibbs, 58, of Jackson died Friday, July 10, 2015, at his home. Visitiation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. John Harth officiating...

CAIRO -- In "Lawrence of Arabia," Omar Sharif first emerges as a speck in the distance in the shimmering desert sand. He draws closer, a black-robed figure on a trotting camel, until he finally dismounts, pulling aside his scarf to reveal his dark eyes and a disarming smile framed by his thin mustache...

Thank you, O Lord Jesus, for grace that is greater than all our transgressions. Amen.

While strolling, I wondered whatever happened to Oron Dukes. Happy birthday to Carletta Streeter, Jordan Cook, Joann Tatum, Seger Ruiz, Fabian Schott, Gary Bentley, Scott Montgomery, Norman Dudley, Norma Van Gennip, Bev Kinder, Tony Mohorc, Josh Slinkard, Jill Graham, Debbie Schlosser, Justin Holmes, Courtney Teegarden, Diana Knutson, Becky Hanlon, Shellie Seyer, Connor Pobst, Ruby Eichhorn, William Finney, Matt Abernathy, Jordan Smith, Matt Eichhorn, Pat Glenzy, Kari Bickings, Sonny McCabe, Pat Barberis, Mary Adams, Catherine Elfrink, Becky Seyer, Robert Hinkebein, Mandy Moore, Lawrence Badders and Mary Ann Kagle.. ...

Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Bullerdieck of Perry County has given the city of Jackson the green light to hold an election this fall to annex about 450 acres; much of the area to be annexed extends north and south of Bainbridge Road. WASHINGTON -- A study proposal for a new coast-to-coast interstate highway, one passing through Missouri and Kansas, has cleared an initial legislative hurdle and is headed for the House floor for consideration; the House Appropriations Committee has approved $1.5 million in federal funds in the next fiscal year to help pay for a feasibility study of Interstate 66.. ...

VIENNA -- Negotiators at the Iran nuclear talks plan to announce today they've reached a historic deal capping nearly a decade of diplomacy that would curb the country's atomic program in return for sanctions relief, two diplomats told The Associated Press on Sunday...

From someone finding a python on a front porch to a man catching an alligator in his front yard, it's been an unusual month for wildlife reports in the Cape Girardeau area. But the discoveries, while rare, aren't unprecedented. The Missouri Department of Conversation was contacted Thursday when a Cape Girardeau man found an alligator in the front yard of his home on Giboney Street...

It's been 10 years since the Mississippi River Tales mural was completed. During that time, its popularity has seemed to grow. The floodwall mural has become part of Cape Girardeau's identity and went a long way toward gaining the public's approval of the floodwall. A commemoration of the mural's 10th anniversary is set for July 30...

Most of the Missouri Department of Transportation road and bridge work -- estimated to employ hundreds of people every year in Southeast Missouri through contracts -- will disappear during the next few years as the agency turns to a maintenance-only plan for major routes...

Missouri Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder vowed to "return to law and order" in announcing his candidacy for governor Sunday. The announcement occurred at a restaurant in St. Louis, near the border of Ferguson, Missouri, and not far from businesses that were looted and set on fire in November by people upset after a grand jury didn't indict a white Ferguson policeman for the Aug. 9 fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old who had scuffled with the officer...

The Kelly school district announced Lance Powers as the team's new head coach, a decision that was approved by the school board at a meeting on Thursday night.

I had the great pleasure of spending my 61st birthday with my grandson Trenton!

Docents and board members at the Red House Interpretive Center cut the ribbon Monday, July 13, on a new gift shop/trading post. The docents invite the public to check it out during our regular hours on Saturdays, 10 AM to 4 PM. Cutting the ribbon, from left to right, were Debra Baughn, Annita Layton, Debra Kapfer, Boots Jessup, Georgia Segraves, Don Koehler, Anne Hutson...

Pittsburgh rallied with three runs in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Today is Monday, July 13, the 194th day of 2015. There are 171 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On July 13, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Thurgood Marshall to be U.S. Solicitor General; Marshall became the first black jurist appointed to the post. (Two years later, Johnson nominated Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court.)...

Cape Girardeau County Commission 1 Barton Square, Jackson 9 a.m. today Approval of minutes n Minutes of the July 9 meeting Communications/reports -- other elected officials n None at this time Public comments n Items listed on agenda Routine business...

JACKSON The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrest n Thomas A. Slinkard Jr., 29, 412 Broadridge Drive, Apt. 3, was arrested on a Lincoln County, Missouri, warrant for a probation violation and on a Wayne County, Missouri, warrant for a probation violation...