Stories from Monday, November 8, 2021

The Cole family, owners of Realty Executives Edge brokerage, has announced the firm is leaving the Realty Executives franchise after 18 years with a formal separation expected in January. "We've been pondering the decision since 2018. We know change is difficult but absolutely necessary," said company co-founder and co-owner Bill Cole, who said the brokerage will be rebranded as Edge Realty...

WAPPAPELLO, Mo. — Missouri Department of Conservation Fisheries Management biologist Dave Knuth wrapped up his annual crappie trap netting survey on Wappapello Lake the last week of October and was generally positive with what he saw. Knuth and fellow biologist Jason Crites used 20 trap nets over the course of several days, set between 5 and 10 feet deep, from the Chaonia Landing area all the way down to Redman Creek...

One City in Cape Girardeau will host its first ever Christmas at the City gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The formal-attire event will take place at the not-for-profit's headquarters at 610 Independence St. Drinks and food will be served while local entertainers perform...

CHAFFEE, Mo. — St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chaffee has been standing in service of the community for a century as of Sunday. The church, at 201 Gray Ave., held a 100th anniversary celebration following the weekly service Sunday. Members enjoyed brunch while reflecting on the church's history with old photos and items, as well as sharing their own experiences in the church over the years...

Cape Girardeau County's jobs report for September, as released by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, revealed 114 unemployment claims were made, yielding a 2.2% jobless rate. These figures represent the lowest data in either category since well before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic...

On the same day President Joe Biden was promising sharp carbon emission cutbacks in the U.S. to attendees at a climate change conference in Glasgow, Scotland, Cape Girardeau City Council greenlighted the development of an electric vehicle (EV) readiness plan for the municipality...

The Conservation Nature Center brought the community together to do their part in helping to keep the Mississippi River clean this past weekend. The center held the Riverfront Cleanup on Saturday afternoon at Riverfront Park in downtown Cape Girardeau...

To keep up with increased need, Southeast Missouri Food Bank has upped its holiday mobile food distributions. SEMO Food Bank will do 36 mobile food distributions this season, with one in November and another in December in each of its 16-counties. Some counties will have more than two mobile food distributions depending on where funding is available, according to Lisa Church, chief advancement officer for SEMO Food Bank...

U.S. military members past and present, along with members of the community, gathered Saturday night to mark the 160th anniversary of Stars and Stripes, the U.S. armed forces newspaper. Speakers at the second annual Spirit of Democracy celebration and banquet ... provided their stories and insight on the newspaper's importance to those who serve the country in the military.. ...

Bob Miller, former editor of the Southeast Missourian, announced a serial podcast and website that digs deep to uncover the details of the 1992 Benton, Missouri, unsolved murder case of Angela Mischelle Lawless. Miller launched a trailer for the new podcast, titled "The Lawless Files," today — the 29th anniversary of the murder. The first full episode will launch Nov. 15...

One of my twins recently got a concussion playing football. We had several days of dark rooms, sunglasses and quiet time. One of his restrictions was no screen time, which is torture to a 15-year-old. We had to search to find other ways to entertain him. ...

This is Part II of a three-part series. Look for Part III in the December 2021 issue of TBY. Maybe it was a ‘60’s phenomenon: the talent show. They used to be held all around the area. They were all much the same. Outside venues in the summer or in the school gym in inclement weather, these were well-attended local variety shows that were mini Ed Sullivans featuring local dignitaries as emcees and home-groan talent. ...

I’ve devoted hours I have no memory of to a hodge-podge group of hobbies and passions — some of which have become somewhat central to my identity throughout the years. I think this happens to everyone: As one aspect of your life gains more and more importance, others have to take a backseat. These changes have been happening slowly and steadily as I’ve gotten older, but recently — especially during the last two years of high school — that shifting has accelerated...

From buying residents’ favorite candy bars to mending their clothes and remembering birthdays before they appear on the calendar, employees at Jackson Manor strive to create a community through little acts of caring. Director of nursing Cheryl Hanners says employees care about their residents as if they’re family, going to great lengths to ensure the happiness and well-being of each resident...

Whether young or simply young at heart, taking care of mental health is more important now than ever. The Southeast Behavioral Hospital, located at 639 Silver Springs Rd. in Cape Girardeau, opened its new, 22-bed geratric unit Oct. 18. Here, Dr. Pavan Palepu, physician and chief medical officer, answers questions regarding mental health and the hospital’s newest addition...

When Megan Malone moved to Ireland from Austin, Texas, and became a professional chauffeur with Leprechaun Limos, she never expected to find herself amidst one murder investigation, let alone three. Yet, here she is again, with a dead client and a murder mystery to solve...

When I was perhaps 8 years old, I remember being sick, and my mother, Cecelia Bender, would sit beside me holding my hand. She was with me when my wisdom teeth were cut out, and when it came time for my appendectomy in junior high, I remember waking up in the hospital with Mom sitting beside my bed. She had stayed all night...

Back in January, a friend recommended “The Year of Living Biblically,” a funny and interesting book by a man who decided to spend an entire year obeying all the commands found in the Bible. When I shared with another fellow book-lover that I’d read and enjoyed that book, she suggested I read Shonda Rhime’s “Year of Yes,” which I also enjoyed...

Three State College Indian football greats were seen as Little All-America prospects in November 1955. Here, they take a last look at their red jerseys and numbers that identified them to thousands of area football fans over a four-year period. On the left is Jim Lohr, a magnificent tackle; center is John Schneider, one of the greatest all-around ends in school history; and right is Larry Yeargain, a quarterback without peer in Missouri. ...

O Lord Jesus, may we seek your will, spending time in prayer with you. Amen.

Well, what do you know. Donald Trump finally did the right thing. He shut up, encouraged his supporters to flood the polls and stayed away from Virginia. By keeping his powerful big political butt out of last week's elections in Virginia, the ex-president actually made a huge and positive contribution to the devastating losses Democrats suffered there on Tuesday night...

New scientific findings in the prestigious Lancet Infectious Diseases journal blow a hole in the argument that workers need to get vaccinated to protect those around them. The findings prove the foolishness of forcing police and other public employees to get jabbed or lose their pay. And President Joe Biden should retract his order to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to compel large employers to mandate vaccines...

Nov. 2 was a boffo night for the Republican Party, and not such a great night for Donald Trump. It's not as though the interests of the two are diametrically opposed, but they are in tension. To the extent that the GOP shows that it can thrive without former President Donald Trump being on the ballot or even at the center of attention, it undermines the idea that he, and only he, knows the secret to Republican success...

Last month, the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner at the Show Me Center following a one-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. What a joy it was to see the hundreds from the business community come together, celebrating the success of a region...

PORTLAND, Maine -- An 83-year-old from Alabama started walking when he retired more than a quarter-century ago -- and never stopped. M.J. "Sunny" Eberhart strode into the record books Sunday as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. Eberhart, known by the trail name Nimblewill Nomad, acknowledged that despite having tens of thousands of miles under his belt, the trail was tough going at his age, leading to quite a few spills on slippery rocks...

Geroid A. Lix, 87, of Jackson passed away Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, in Fruitland. He was born March 29, 1934, in Stoutsville, Missouri, to William Ferdnand and Cecilia Francis Vanderfelt Lix. He and Ella Marie Goetz were married in 1956 in Hernando, Mississippi...

THOMASVILLE, Pa. — Charles "Chuck" William Koehler Jr., 78, of Thomasville, formerly of Jackson, entered into rest Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He was born Feb. 7, 1943, in Jackson to Charles William Sr. and Gusta Wedekind Koehler...

Bettie Kilhafner passed away peacefully, among family, on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at the age of 90 years. She was born Dec. 14, 1930, in Cape Girardeau to the late John J. and Dorothy H. Scott Weimer. Miss Bettie was united in marriage Oct. 2, 1959, to William "Bill" Kilhafner of Oran, Missouri. He proceeded her in death Oct. 21, 1985...

Jacqueline Sue "Jackie" Boudinot, 90, went to join her husband, family, friends and Heavenly Father on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021. She was born in Jackson, the first daughter of Lawrence "Jack" and Lorene "Sweetie" Mabrey Hoffmeister. Jackie was a 1949 graduate of Jackson High School and received an associate of business degree in 1952 from Southwest Baptist College. ...

Southeast Missouri Food Bank announced it will hold special holiday mobile food distributions this week. n 4 p.m. today in Perryville n 4:30 p.m. today in Sikeston n 10 a.m. Saturday in Randles Distributions will feature items families and individuals may use to make a traditional holiday meal with a menu including hams, scalloped or mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, stuffing, fruit and pie. Menus may vary depending on availability...

Commercial building permits were issued to the following by the City of Cape Girardeau's development services office: n Rhodes 101 convenience store, 10 S. West End Blvd., for new building construction and canopy. Boulder Construction is the contractor...

Area chambers of commerce will be holding various events this week. n The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Business After Hours at 5 p.m. today at Southern Bank, 727 W. Main St. n The Perryville Chamber of Commerce will hold Coffee & Connections on Tuesday at the Catalyst Center, 508 N. Main St. The topic will be Perry County Extension and the Local Individual Family Transit Lift. Light breakfast is offered at 7:45 a.m. with program starting at 8 a.m...

The United Way of Southeast Missouri will continue its series of "community conversations" to help guide the not-for-profit's next funding cycle. The local United Way reports new partners for the funding cycle will be identified prior to July 1 when the organization begins its 2022 fiscal year...

Virtual workshops through the Cape Girardeau Small Business and Technology Development Center with support from Regions Bank are being offered without charge. n Creating Your Brand Experience, from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday. Create and implement a brand customers will keep top of mind. Sign up by 3 p.m. today at https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/23218...

The Missouri Job Center will hold its inaugural Fall for Success community resource fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Clinton Community Center, 501 Campanella Drive in Sikeston. The fair is designed to provide resources and support in overcoming barriers to gainful, self-sustaining employment for area individuals, families and community members...

Southeast Missouri State University graduate and U.S. Air Force and Gulf War veteran Jimmy Gockel of Cape Girardeau has announced his painting "Dali" was recently on display with PAKS Gallery International at the Carrousel du Louvre Art Fair in Paris from Oct. 22 through 24...

Modern Woodmen of America has honored two of its Jackson financial representatives for success in the insurance industry. n Kelly Darby was named Life Leader in the Missouri East region for October. Darby joined the company in November 2010...

Lauren Dirnberger has joined The M.A. Bell Group as a Realtor at Realty Executives Edge in Cape Girardeau. Dirnberger, a graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School and Southeast Missouri State University, is president of SoutheastHEALTH Ambassadors...

Dr. Audrey Frenz has joined Bennett Family Dentistry in Cape Girardeau. A Jackson High School and Southeast Missouri State University graduate, Frenz also earned a degree from the Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health at A.T. Still University...

Saint Francis Healthcare System has won 16 Show Me Excellence Awards for health care marketing from the Missouri Association for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing. Saint Francis, in an awards ceremony conducted via video presentation because of COVID-19, took five first-place, six second-place and five third-place honors...

Global supply-chain bottlenecks and backorders have impacted most sectors of the economy and the toy business, according to a study by Parade magazine, is no exception. Popular toys that may be more difficult to find this holiday season include Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Stunt Tire Playset, LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course and Magic Mixies Magical Misting Cauldron...

Michael Moroni, an attorney in private practice in Bloomfield, Missouri, and 1980 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, is a member of the 20-person redistricting commission appointed in July by Gov. Mike Parson to come up with new legislative maps for the Missouri House...

If the interior of the new Belle Ever After Boutique at 407 Broadway in Cape Girardeau looks familiar, it's because the clothing outlet is essentially a replica of a store owned by the same family in St. Genevieve, Missouri. Cape Girardeau's Belle Ever After was opened Saturday by Bill and Linda Holst, and the couple's older daughter, Katessa Dame, a graduate of Scott City High School and Southeast Missouri State University, is store manager...

LAKE SAINT LOUIS, Mo. — Some Missourians may be having a hard time finding dentists and other service providers who are vaccinated because employers have to balance protecting their employees' health information against their customers' need for transparency...

WASHINGTON -- The House has passed a $1 trillion bipartisan plan to rebuild roads and bridges, modernize public works systems and boost broadband internet, among other major improvements to the nation's infrastructure. The legislation now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature...

HOUSTON -- Investigators are expected to examine the design of safety barriers and the use of crowd control in determining what led to a crush of spectators at a Houston music festival that left eight people dead and hundreds more injured. Authorities planned to use videos, witness interviews and a review of concert procedures to figure out what went wrong Friday night during a performance by rapper Travis Scott. ...

City, county and school officials aren't supporting a tax increment financing district anymore, but they still want the improvements it would have provided; the Interstate 55 Corridor TIF Commission met Thursday at the County Administration Building in Jackson; members were to determine whether they wanted to continue work on a TIF district, expected to be established by mid-December; they voted to stop and divert their attention to another financing mechanism...

When veteran Dustin Johnson returned from his service in the Navy, his mother Tina Johnson says her son had difficulty adjusting. “He just found himself kind of lost,” she says. “Not having that kind of structure from the military, it’s very common to not know what to do next.”...

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many areas of society in the past two years, but it hasn’t put an end to scammers trying to contact you through the telephone. If you answer your phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live voice on the other end, it’s a robocall. ...

1st Class Travel, your local travel experts for domestic and international travel arrangements, is proud to announce we have achieved a gratifying milestone: 25 years of making dreams come true in the travel industry. We are thankful to our incomparable team of Expert Travel Consultants, and our wonderful customers who have supported 1st Class Travel throughout the last 25 years...

November 5 brought another exciting afternoon of house games for Guardian Angel students. The children participated in 3 sets of games with a Fall twist. The goblet gobble had 5 students of each group transferring a ping pong ball by holding it between the chin and the neck. Each student had to move a ball from one end of the table to the other end and drop it in a cup...