-
Vandalized plaque honoring Jackie Robinson to be displayed
(State News ~ 02/01/22)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A plaque honoring baseball legend Jackie Robinson that was vandalized in Georgia is coming to Kansas City's Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to be put on display. The sign was erected in 2001 outside the birthplace of Robinson near Cairo, Georgia. Community members there discovered last year someone had shot the plaque multiple times...
-
Missouri AG Schmitt seeks temporary restraining orders in mask lawsuits
(State News ~ 02/01/22)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is seeking temporary restraining orders to halt mask mandates in three of the 45 mask-requiring school districts he has sued, and his office said additional requests will follow. The motions announced Monday ask judges to halt mask mandates at Columbia Public Schools, St. ...
-
Protesters rally against Missouri's new health director
(State News ~ 02/01/22)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Protesters on Monday pushed Missouri senators to vote down Republican Gov. Mike Parson's new state health director over concerns he's overstepping in his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite his repeated assurances he opposes mandates...
-
Cape Girardeau County decommissioning former communications system
(Local News ~ 02/01/22)
The Cape Girardeau County Commission has voted to pay $9,840 to a Pike County, Missouri, company to finish the job of taking out of service the county's voter receiver program — formerly used for sheriff's office and fire protection district communications...
-
Moore plans run for Cape's Ward 2
(Local News ~ 02/01/22)
Stafford Moore Jr. has noticed substantial advances in Ward 2 in the past eight years. He says he wants to help keep the momentum going. Moore and five other candidates will appear on Feb. 8 primary ballots in the race to represent the City of Cape Girardeau's second ward. Marvin McBride, Tameka Randle, Steve Watkins, Micheal "Crank" Curry, Sommer McCauley and Moore will vie for the Ward 2 seat...
-
SEMO MLK speaker: Solving our problems starts with loving others
(Column ~ 02/01/22)
I have been to several Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinners at Southeast Missouri State University. The one held Jan. 26 was the best I have had the pleasure of attending. Dr. Carlos Vargas gave brief remarks, quoting Dr. King on choosing love and how hate is “too great a burden to bear.” He challenged the audience to seek kindness — in ways big and small. Vargas said groundbreaking actor Sidney Poitier, who died Jan. 6, marched with Dr. King on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 and witnessed the civil rights leader’s iconic speech. “One of the things I admire about Mr. Poitier was the approach he took during the civil rights movement in the 1960s,” Vargas said. “He was criticized by some for not being vocal enough or radical enough. I think the path he chose was very powerful and made an impact that we can still see today. His philosophy is encapsulated in his famous quote, ‘I have chosen to use my work as a reflection of my values.’ And that is exactly what he did. He refused to take the stereotypical roles of Black male actors. Instead, he took on groundbreaking roles in iconic films, like ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ and ‘The Heat of the Night and ‘To Sir, with Love.’ Sydney Poitier understood the power he had with his professional choices. The message he sent through the roles he played reached millions over decades. I really admire and respect that approach.” Vargas encouraged the crowd of several hundred attendees to find ways to make their community better and stronger, considering the example of the great Sidney Poitier and, of course, the namesake of the evening’s dinner Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Another highlight was soloist Peighton Robinson who, accompanied by her mother, Ramona Bailey, on piano, gave a stirring rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.” Other musical performances included the Southeast Jazz Collective and Dr. Jonathan Bibbs — both excellent. The words of prayer offered by the Rev. Calvin Bird were heartfelt and inspiring. The evening’s keynote speaker gave a powerful message, one of hope and inspiration that captured the spirit of the late civil rights leader. Judge Brian S. Miller, a U.S. Navy veteran and federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, spoke about growing up in Helena, Arkansas. His great-grandfather was born a slave in 1851, his grandfather became a doctor, and his father their hometown’s first Black mayor. While his family had great successes through education, they did not escape heartache. In 1919, four of Judge Miller’s great uncles were killed in the Elaine Massacre, where mobs of white-Americans murdered what has been reported to be upward of 200 Blacks. Judge Miller said his grandfather, Robert Miller, who was 13 at the time, was so troubled by the killing that his mother sent him to a boarding school in Boston. Following high school, he went to Howard University and then medical school and then back to his hometown. “Now think about it. In my family, one generation we went from plantation slavery to medical school,” he said, with the horror of the massacre in between. Judge Miller said his grandfather would go on to serve as a doctor for the 1952 Jamaican Olympic team. But despite all his accomplishments, he was never allowed to practice at the helm of the Regional Medical Center or the Helena Hospital because he was Black. Though never attaining great wealth as a physician, he would take care of those who couldn’t afford to pay for care. Judge Miller said growing up the elected officials in his hometown were all white. Today, they are all Black. It’s good equity of opportunity exists regardless of skin color, but many of the problems of poverty and crime have not been solved simply by this change. The poverty rate is 45% in his hometown. While there has been a rise in the Black middle class, he said there’s also been a persistent level of poverty. The challenges in this small Arkansas town do not stand alone. Judge Miller pointed to similar issues around the country. “Just read the newspaper or watch the evening news, and you’ll see that we have more billionaires Black and white, more millionaires Black and white and more diversity in politics than we’ve ever had. And despite this, as we sit here in our nice clothes eating good food and enjoying the company, our public schools are struggling. And many of our state universities appear to have lost their collective minds. Many of our neighborhoods are about as valid as you could ever imagine. A large number of our children are out of control. And in fact, many studies indicate that more children are depressed now than ever before. And y’all, our leadership has no clue what to do.” Judge Miller referenced the 1970 song “Ball Of Confusion” by the Temptations which talks about the problems of the day and politicians who say more taxes will solve the problems. “Here it is 50 years after that song came out, and you tell me what has changed. Is our leadership still telling us the same things? You tell me. Let me ask you this: Is it time for us to stop looking for some leader to solve our problems? Is it time for you, is it time for me to love somebody? Is it time for us to feed the hungry? Isn’t it time for me to clothe and make it myself? And I’m going to tell you something. It’s taken me a lifetime to come around to this point of view. But in doing so, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no grand solution to the world’s problems. But I can personally help in the ways available to me.” The judge said he used to believe the plight of Black children could be improved if we only had more Black people in charge of education. Or if there was some public policy solution. And while he’s been involved with local education and community initiatives, he’s come to some additional conclusions. “First, historic racism has played a role in how we got here. When a community is divided, it’s not pulling together. And the effects are long lasting. At the same time. I do not believe that racism or existing present racism is preventing my community from solving its problems. That’s just not true. Too many of our friends and people I know in my community right here are excelling beyond belief for that to be true. Now many people disagree with me on things. And I think that’s OK. We all come to our conclusions based on our experiences. And if we’re ever going to make progress on these issues, we have to be able to honestly and forthrightly discuss these issues with each other and not call each other names and we have to talk about it and work through.” His second conclusion offered a very practical take-home message. What is the individual doing to love others? Judge Miller visits the individuals who he has put behind bars, checking up on them to make sure they are doing what needs to be done so they can be productive members of society when they get out of prison. “Every person I put in prison deserves to be there. I don’t put anybody in prison unless I know they deserve to be there. But that does not mean that I should send them there and throw them away.” Additionally, he purchases low-income housing for the working poor and hires individuals who need a hand-up in society to fix the property. These are individuals who have had alcohol or drug dependency issues or been in prison. For some of the individuals, it’s started them on a path where they can own their own rental property. He shared several smaller ways he tries to help his community and asked the audience to find their own opportunities to serve in ways big or small. It was a sobering and yet unifying message, one of historic pain, hope and equality of opportunity. Thank you to Dr. Vargas and all those at the university who organized this year’s event, an inspiring and unifying evening that celebrated and honored the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. May we all choose kindness and seek opportunities to help others individually. That’s the best way we can honor King’s life, even in the face of difficulties. Lucas Presson is assistant publisher of the Southeast Missourian.
-
Possible Perry County Memorial Hospital partnership subject of meeting today
(Local News ~ 02/01/22)
A potential partnership between Perry County Memorial Hospital and another health care organization will be the subject of a meeting this morning in Perryville, Missouri, organized by local business leaders. Frank Robinson of Robinson Construction, one of the county's largest employers, will host the meeting at 10:30 a.m. at the company's events center, 2411 Walters Lane in Perryville...
-
Kinder leads in fundraising for Cape Girardeau mayor's race; primary next week
(Local News ~ 02/01/22)
Stacy Kinder, who is challenging Cape Girardeau Mayor Bob Fox's bid for a second term in office, has outraised Fox and a third opponent so far, and has more cash on hand, according to a financial disclosure report filed last month with the Missouri Ethics Commission...
-
New Cape Girardeau City Hall dedicated Monday
(Local News ~ 02/01/22)
For the first time in 44 years, the City of Cape Girardeau has new headquarters. On Monday, city officials hosted a dedication and open house for Cape Girardeau's new City Hall on North Lorimier Street. Over the past two years, the city developed the former Common Pleas Courthouse and Carnegie Library buildings into a state-of-the-art facility...
-
What pro-life really means
(Column ~ 02/01/22)
"All life is worthy of dignity and respect." Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Sisters of Life, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and others prayed for the protection of all human life. It was the 49th anniversary of the Supreme Court's grave Roe v. Wade decision, which ushered in a regime of "unfettered access to abortion," Cardinal Dolan said. ...
-
Perry County residents have been kept in dark about hospital future
(Letter to the Editor ~ 02/01/22)
We have an unfortunate situation that has developed with our Perry County Memorial Hospital (PCMH). There are two boards of directors for our hospital -- The elected board of directors and the private board of directors. The private board of directors are responsible for nearly all major decisions and these board members have signed confidentiality agreements and are often directed by their legal advisors that they should not discuss important matters...
-
Prayer 2-1-22
(Prayer ~ 02/01/22)
Lord God, we declare your praises, for you have called us into your wonderful light. Amen.
-
Area Police report 2/1/22
(Police/Fire Report ~ 02/01/22)
CAPE GIRARDEAU Cape Girardeau Police Department responded to the following calls. Assaults n Second-degree assault was reported on Jefferson Avenue. n Assault was reported on North Main Street. n Assault was reported on Amblewood Drive. n Assault was reported on Lacey Street...
-
Cape Girardeau Fire report 2/1/22
(Police/Fire Report ~ 02/01/22)
CAPE GIRARDEAU Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to the following calls. Jan. 30 n Medical assists were made at 11:05 a.m. on Gordonville Road; 5:05 p.m. on Siemers Drive; 5:31 p.m. on South Lorimier Street; 6:33 p.m. on Perryville Road; 10:13 p.m. on Ozark Street...
-
Allen Wilke
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
Allen Scott Wilke, 58, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau.
-
Gloria Steger
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
Gloria Jean Steger, 79, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Chaffee (Missouri) Nursing Center. She was born May 28, 1942, in Arbor to James Leroy and Opal Griffith Hurt. She and LeRoy R. Steger were married July 22, 1960, in Cape Girardeau. He preceded her in death Oct. 10, 2021...
-
Ruthie Smith
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
Ruthie Bernice Smith, 84, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, at her home. A full obituary will follow. Ford and Sons Funeral Home--Mount Auburn is in charge of arrangements.
-
James Newbern
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
James T. Newbern, 70, was born May 11, 1951, in Brownsville, Tennessee, to the proud parents William Roscoe and Mintry V. Sullivan Newbern Sr. James was surrounded by his family at Life Care Center, when he transitioned from earth to glory Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at 8:25 a.m...
-
Kenneth Livingston
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
Kenneth Britton Livingston, 69, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, at his home. He was born March 21, 1952, in Waco, Texas, to the late Calvin and Donna Phelps Livingston. Kenneth's family moved from Waco to Cape Girardeau when he was young. He attended Cape Girardeau Central High School. He worked at Cape Manufacturing as a welder for 10 years before starting his pest control company, Kenco...
-
George James
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
George H. James, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Funeral servics will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home...
-
Novella Howell
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
Novella Howell, daughter of the late David Guy and Ollie Slinkard, was born May 2, 1924, in Allenville and stepped into the presence of her Lord and Savior Thursday, Jan. 26, 2022, at the Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau at the age of 97 years. Novella enjoyed playing rummy with her best friend, Margaret Cahill; attending and singing at church, with Pastor Dan Chaney giving her a ride every Sunday; playing bingo; and enjoying family gatherings at the old Borneman homestead...
-
Willard Fulbright
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Willard Fulbright, 87, of Marble Hill died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home. Visitation will be from noon until service time at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Hurricane Fork General Baptist Church with the Rev. Junior Davis and Jason Fulbright officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery...
-
Larry Cope
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
BENTON, Mo. -- Larry Cope, 54, son of Sherley Russell Kelley of Sikeston, Missouri, and the late Vernon Ray Cope, was born June 11, 1967, in St. Louis and departed his life Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, at the Saint Francis Medical Center Emergency Room in Cape Girardeau...
-
Emma Cannon
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
It is with great sadness that the family of Emma Mae Cannon announces her passing Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, after a prolonged illness. Emma passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones at Southeast Hospital. She was born Oct. 8, 1944, in Daisy to Roy and Edna Hahn Barks. ...
-
Tom Blevins
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
HECKER, Ill. -- James T. "Tom" Blevins II, 49, of Hecker died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in Belleville, Illinois. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, Illinois, and from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church at 4355 Butler Hill Road in St. Louis...
-
Lynn Ainsworth
(Obituary ~ 02/01/22)
Lynn Paul Ainsworth, 73, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Feb. 26 at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery...
-
Out of the past: Feb. 1
(Out of the Past ~ 02/01/22)
Paul Ebaugh has joined a small, prestigious group; Ebaugh, retired consulting construction contractor and bank president, was named recipient of the Rush H. Limbaugh Award last night; the award was presented by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce during the chamber's annual dinner-dance held at the Show Me Center; also honored were Horizon Screen Printing and Promotional Products, which received the Small Business of the Year Award, and Cathy Schlosser, who received the Go-Getter Award; Schlosser's award was for her outstanding work with the chamber's membership committee.. ...
-
VOLKERDING FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MONTH
(Submitted Story ~ 02/01/22)
For release immediately, with photo February 1, 2022 VOLKERDING FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MONTH Ken Volkerding of Jackson, a financial reprenstative with Modern Woodmen of America, was financial representative of the month in the Missouri East Region for the month of January...
Stories from Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Browse other days