Mostly Cloudy ~ 59°F   River stage: 33.9 Rising Saturday, November 21, 2009

+Featured Stories ND 'Underdogs' resume state title quest today (11/20/09) One team sticks out after a quick glance at the records of the four teams involved in the Class 2 boys soccer final four. Notre Dame's 12 losses are seven more than St. Dominic and Bolivar and eight more than Helias. But that doesn't mean Notre Dame coach Brad Wittenborn thinks his team will be overmatched... Nutt seeks win No. 1 at Southeast vs. his former team Arkansas State (11/18/09) Human nature might make Dickey Nutt a little emotional tonight as the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team plays its first regular-season home game. Nutt won't guarantee that isn't going to happen when Arkansas State -- where Nutt was employed for more than 20 years -- visits the Show Me Center, but he's not planning on it... Southeast women ambush Southern Mississippi (11/17/09) John Ishee's young, inexperienced Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team is growing up right before his eyes. And quickly. The Redhawks passed their first major test of the season with flying colors Monday night, upsetting visiting Southern Mississippi 73-63... Imperfect Saints reach 9-0 vs. Rams (11/16/09) ST. LOUIS -- Reggie Bush helped the New Orleans Saints overcome another bundle of mistakes to stay unbeaten for the best start in team history. Bush scored twice for the first time in more than a year and Drew Brees compensated for two interceptions with two touchdown passes that allowed the Saints to escape with a 28-23 victory Sunday against the St. Louis Rams... Scott County commission OKs temporary well for Kelly School District (11/16/09) BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County has approved the engineering services and project administrators for construction of an emergency, temporary potable water well to serve the Kelly School District. Elizabeth Long, a civil engineer with Strickland Engineering in Jackson, and Mitzi Dell, a grant writer and administrator with Dell Consulting in Campbell, Mo., will work on the project... University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment taking patients, set to open next month (11/16/09) While the tenants will not move into the Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment for about another month, the center is accepting patients. The center, which is operating out of the university's Innovation Center, started booking appointments last week. It will start operating out of its new facility in January, director Connie Hebert said... Nutt era begins with a loss (11/15/09) ST. LOUIS -- The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team displayed the fight and hustle that first-year coach Dickey Nutt has preached during the preseason. But offensive shortcomings and a lack of inside strength conspired to make sure the Redhawks would not usher in the Nutt era with a victory celebration Saturday night... Late goal sends Notre Dame soccer to fourth final four in a row (11/13/09) FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Jacob Pewitt threw both arms in the air and started to run toward his bench with them extended like airplane wings. The Notre Dame senior wasn't sure what to do after scoring with 4 minutes, 39 seconds left in Thursday's Class 2 state quarterfinal soccer game... Coalition reviews proposed agreement between Southeast Missouri State University, Three Rivers Community College (11/10/09) Officials at Southeast Missouri State University expressed concern about the financial commitment of establishing community college services in Cape Girardeau County on Monday. Entering into an agreement with Three Rivers Community College would cost millions of dollars to sustain, said Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins... Southeast women drop exhibition contest (11/10/09) Southeast Missouri State women's basketball coach John Ishee expects his young, inexperienced team to have its share of growing pains. Hot-shooting Christian Brothers University made Monday night's exhibition game at the Show Me Center a painful proposition for the Redhawks... Cape Girardeau County Commission to discuss holding evening meetings (11/09/09) When the Cape Girardeau County Commission discusses the 2010 budget it could do so in the evening hours. During Monday's commission meeting, District 2 Commissioner Jay Purcell proposed placing on the Nov. 16 agenda the idea of holding meetings at night. Purcel, who has long advocated meetings during the evening hours. said the move would allow for more constituents to attend the budget hearings... Power outage fails to derail senior day (11/09/09) The Southeast Missouri State volleyball team appears to have gotten healthy just in time. Southeast seniors who played their final home match Sunday are especially pleased about it. The Redhawks posted their season-high fourth straight win, 25-16, 19-25, 25-14, 25-22 over Eastern Kentucky, as they solidified their hold on sixth place among 10 Ohio Valley Conference squads... Out of Poverty thru Education, a local not-for-profit, working to build school in Haitian town (11/09/09) In Thomassique, Haiti, there is a small plot of land reserved for a school. The project will start with drilling a well. A school and dormitory will follow as the money becomes available. A local group that draws support from civic and religious organizations is raising money to build a school in Thomassique, a small town about 10 miles west of the border of the Dominican Republic... Southeast Missouri State University will resume classes at noon Monday (11/08/09) Southeast Missouri State University is reporting that classes will be in session beginning at noon Monday on the main campus because of a power outage that began Saturday and continues to affect most of the campus. The university reports the campus community can expect to remain without power until approximately 6 a.m. Monday... University power outage (11/08/09) Classes at Southeast Missouri State University may be canceled Monday and all events are canceled today due a campus wide power outage. The university expects to be without electricity and hot water until approximately 6 a.m. Monday morning and a determination on the ability to hold classes on Monday will be made this afternoon. ... ND wins another district thriller in shootout (11/06/09) FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Jacob Pewitt knew Farmington scouted him during Notre Dame's district semifinal. Pewitt used that to his advantage Thursday in the shootout for the Class 2 District 1 boys soccer championship. "I just looked in the right upper 90," Pewitt said. "I know he was watching [Tuesday] and I went left last night so it was time to switch it up a little bit. I knew exactly what I was going to do."... Rollet plays pivotal role for St. Vincent football team (11/04/09) Kyle Rollet decided he wanted no regrets when he looks back on his senior year at St. Vincent High School. He's leaving the regretting business to others ... such as opposing teams. Rams' offensive spark plugs (11/03/09) The Scott City volleyball team has put on an offensive show nearly every time it's stepped onto the court during its run to a second consecutive final four in Kansas City, Mo. The ball is slammed to the court by no fewer than six different players and the kills come from all along the net and from just over as well as high above the top of it. They attack from the front row and the back... Some churches take precautions to keep congregation healthy (11/02/09) As concerns about the H1N1 flu virus mount, some area churches are examining their practices to help reduce the spread of germs. "We have temporarily suspended the exchange of peace -- the handshake -- until further notice," said Linda Boxdorfer, secretary at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. She said the common communion cup used during the Eucharist is also suspended... Southeast Missouri State University adds degree programs in environmental sciences, agribusiness (11/02/09) Two new programs at Southeast Missouri State University will give more options to students in environmental and agriculture studies. The environmental studies program is establishing a master's degree in environmental science program and the Department of Agriculture will offer agribusiness degrees at the university's Bootheel centers. ... Prized recruit will cheer, rehab (11/02/09) Leon Powell was considered the gem of Southeast Missouri State basketball coach Dickey Nutt's first recruiting class. The Redhawks won't be able to take advantage of Powell's talents this season, but that hasn't diminished Nutt's enthusiasm for the St. Louis native... Jackson defeats Central in battle of 0-9 teams (10/30/09) The Indians scored the game's final 20 points to beat their rivals and avoid a winless season. Top-ranked Rams sweep to title (10/28/09) BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Scott City senior Katie Diebold might have said it best when she described the Rams' play as, "Good pass, good set and just kill it." The Rams did plenty of killing it on their way to a 25-23, 25-15 victory over Bloomfield in the Class 2 District 2 championship match at Bloomfield High School... Tigers upend Knights to arrange showdown with Jackson (10/27/09) The opportunistic Tigers pounced on Farmington's mistakes in Monday's Class 4 District 1 volleyball semifinal. HealthGrades honors Southeast Hospital with 7 five-star ratings (10/26/09) Earlier this month Southeast Missouri Hospital earned national certification from the Joint Commission for Primary Stroke Centers for its stroke program. That program recently was recognized again, along with six others, by HealthGrades, a national independent health care ratings organization. ... Garms receives honor from Washington University (10/26/09) Cape Girardeau resident Irvin H. Garms, 94, recently received the rare designation of "Honorary Alumnus" from Washington University in St. Louis, according to a news release issued by the university. University chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said the award is given on rare occasions where an individual's personal achievements and public contributions exemplify Washington University's highest ideals and mission... Talking Shop with Ric Neubert, president and CEO of Delta Companies (10/26/09) For more than a century Delta Companies has crushed rock, paved roads and mixed concrete for customers throughout the region. President and CEO Ric Neubert recently shared with Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell the ins and outs of the construction business and his life. ... The Rev. Dave Andrus helps the blind find faith with outreach organization (10/26/09) Although he has none, the Rev. Dave Andrus thinks eyesight can be a painful thing because it can draw people into temptation. As the executive director of the Lutheran Mission to the Blind, a national organization that promotes an introduction to Christianity and ministry training for people who are blind, Andrus spoke to the congregation of Good Shepard Lutheran Chapel in Cape Girardeau on Sunday about the mission of his work. ... Investigation uncovers evidence of paranormal activity in Cape Girardeau home (10/26/09) Paranormal investigators said they found evidence that suggests the Sherwood-Minton house has a couple of resident spirits. Rich Newman and Mike Uelsmann of Memphis, Tenn.-based Paranormal Inc. came to the house at 444 Washington on Oct. 17 to conduct an investigation... Notre Dame wins 3-0 to claim first softball title (10/25/09) ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Lauren Reinagel wants her dog. Notre Dame's standout pitcher said her father, Notre Dame assistant coach Ray Reinagel, made a deal during the Jackson Invitational that if the Bulldogs won the state title, she could get a dog... ND downs Leopold in two-game match (10/23/09) The Notre Dame volleyball team knocked off visiting Leopold in two games Thursday night. But the victory didn't come easily. The Wildcats (23-3) made Notre Dame earn every point of its 25-19, 25-21 win. "We knew they were going to be good coming into this," Notre Dame coach Tara Stroup said. "They've only lost two games. With senior night and all the excitement, I wasn't sure how we were going to start to be honest. Our seniors this year have been focused, and that's good."... ND's Glaus stays calm under fire (10/21/09) Notre Dame pitching ace Lauren Reinagel says catcher Alecia Glaus isn't funny. She's all business when she strolls out to the circle for a chat during games. "I try to stay focused for her and the rest of the team," Glaus said. Glaus, who is in her second year as the Bulldogs' starting catcher, laughed about the increased frequency of her visits this season... Three arrested in connection with Chaffee store burglary (10/21/09) CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Three men were charged Monday in connection with a burglary in Chaffee. Jacob A. Hency, 19, of Chaffee was charged with property damage, felony stealing and second-degree burglary. He is being held on a $25,000 bond. Gabriel A. Bentley, 17, of Chaffee and Ryan M. Helper, 21, of Cape Girardeau were charged with receiving stolen property. Truck strikes cow, ends up in pond near Miner (10/21/09) MINER, Mo. -- Traffic was diverted from a portion of Route HH early this morning after a cow was reportedly struck by a truck on the highway. According to reports, the truck left the roadway and entered a pond. The Miner Police Department assisted the Missouri State Highway Patrol with the traffic diversion while the truck was pulled out from the pond. At about 9 a.m., the truck had been completely removed from the pond, enabling authorities to open one lane to traffic in the area. As of press time, authorities indicated there were no injuries in the accident. No further information was available at the time. Two felons arrested after chase through Cape Girardeau (10/21/09) Two convicted felons with outstanding arrest warrants led Cape Girardeau police on a chase on residential streets north of downtown Monday evening. Brandee R. Young, 29, a homeless woman, and Christopher L. Eskew, 22, who gave his address as County Road 324, were arrested after Young overturned her car in the escape attempt, said Cpl. Ike Hammonds, spokesman for the police department. Water to be shut off to Gordonville, Dutchtown area this morning (10/21/09) Customers of Cape Girardeau County Public Water Supply District No. 4 in the Gordonville/Dutchtown area will have their water service shut off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today for repairs. Water district clerk Dixie Davie said water will be shut off from the intersection of Highway 25 and County Road 226 south to and including Dutchtown. The shutoff is necessary while a water line is repaired at Williams Creek... Deer smashes through front door of Dexter business (10/21/09) DEXTER, Mo. -- A four-point buck stopped into LeGrand's Communications on Business U.S. 60 Sunday morning, smashing through the front door glass. The confused creature entered through the front entrance, charging full force through the glass door. The animal apparently entered antlers first, leaving a portion of one of his antlers inside the store... League of Women Voters presents findings of charter government study (10/21/09) The League of Women Voters of Southeast Missouri presented information about a new form of county government Tuesday night. While the group has not taken a position on the issue of whether the county should adopt a charter form of government, leaders presented its study on the issue at the Cape Girardeau Public Library... Farden resigns gymnastics post (10/20/09) Tom Farden stepped down Monday as the Southeast Missouri State women's gymnastics coach after six successful seasons to become an assistant at Arkansas. Farden, 35, begins his duties at Arkansas today. "It was a really hard decision. I want people to understand that," Farden said. "I've really enjoyed my time here. Leaving the students and staff. .. it's tough... Redhawks deposit lone goal against Tech on senior day (10/19/09) The Southeast Missouri State women's soccer team is filled with underclassmen. Those younger players wanted to make sure the squad's only two seniors would be able to celebrate their special day with a victory. "We wanted to win for the seniors," freshman Bobbi Jo Schlick said... Limbaugh already down 1 vote in bid to buy Rams (10/14/09) BOSTON -- Rush Limbaugh's bid to buy the St. Louis Rams ran into opposition within the NFL on Tuesday. Colts owner Jim Irsay vowed to vote against him, and commissioner Roger Goodell said the conservative commentator's "divisive" comments would not be tolerated from any NFL insider... Central's season ends with 12-inning loss to Knights (10/13/09) FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Farmington's Katherine Sitzes chipped a single just over Central second baseman Bailey Kratochvil's outstretched glove to drive in the winning run in the 12th inning during Monday's Class 4 District 1 softball semifinal. Sitzes' single gave the Black Knights the 3-2 victory and ruined a dominant start from Tigers pitcher Emily Myers... Pujols wins HR title despite late drought (10/06/09) ST. LOUIS -- With nearly a month to go in the regular season, Albert Pujols had enough home runs to win his first title. Just enough, as it turned out. It's been 79 at-bats, the longest drought of his storied career, since the St. Louis Cardinals' star went deep for Nos. 46 and 47 at Milwaukee on Sept. 9. Pujols doesn't want to hear about it, and insists he's 100 percent heading into the playoffs... Auto Tire and Parts NAPA celebrates 100th anniversary of family-owned business (10/06/09) Wayne Koenig was just 18 years old when he started working as a delivery driver and sweeper in 1967 at the Auto Tire and Parts storefront in Perryville, Mo. Though he longed to one day follow in his father's footsteps as an employee at an auto body and parts business, Koenig never dreamed he'd be working at the same store for 42 years... 49ers extend Rams' futility with 35-0 rout (10/05/09) SAN FRANCISCO -- Coach Mike Singletary delivered another one of his motivational halftime speeches and the San Francisco 49ers woke up in a hurry. And in all phases, no less. "It was just a matter of reminding them what was at stake," Singletary said... Disability Awareness Week unites Jackson public, private schools (10/05/09) The public and private schools in Jackson will be teaming up next week to raise awareness of people with disabilities. Jackson, Immaculate Conception and Immanuel Lutheran schools will recognize Disability Awareness Week from Oct. 12 to 16 with different activities. Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr, Rep. Scott Lipke and the Cape Girardeau County Commission passed resolutions and proclamations recognizing the event. October is National Disability Awareness Month... Safety assessment points to changes needed on U.S. 51 in Illinois (10/05/09) ULLIN, Ill. -- Increased police presence, foliage control and additional signage were three of the main improvements that will be considered to reduce the potential of fatal crashes on U.S. 51 in Union County, Ill., according to Trooper Bridget Rice, spokeswoman for the Illinois State Police District 22 in Ullin... Scott City spikers sweep Leopold (09/29/09) LEOPOLD, Mo. -- Two years ago the Scott City volleyball team visited Leopold's small and notoriously loud gymnasium for the first time under coach Haley Jennings, so this time around the team came prepared. "It's so much smaller than everywhere else I've ever played," Scott City's Brooke Simpson said. "It echoes a lot, so it's really hard to hear each other out on the court... Southeast soccer settles for tie (09/28/09) The Southeast Missouri State women's soccer team dominated Sunday's Ohio Valley Conference opener with Eastern Illinois. Unfortunately for the Redhawks, they came away with only a 1-1 tie. That's mainly due to the spectacular play of EIU goalkeeper Jenny Williams, who was credited with 13 saves and made at least six that were far from routine... Celebration at Old McKendree marks 200 years of Methodist faith in Southeast Missouri (09/28/09) Riding in on horseback Sunday, the Rev. Cleo Kottwitz, a retired Methodist pastor, invoked memories of the past days of circuit riding missions during Old McKendree Day, a commemoration of the 200 years since the organization of the Old McKendree Chapel in Jackson... Indians blank Tigers (09/23/09) Jackson used Central's aggressiveness against it during Tuesday's soccer game. The Indians deked, danced and dribbled their way around the Tigers' goalies during their 4-0 victory. "It's just the system that they're playing, where he has to come out," Jackson coach Zack Walton said of Central's goalie. "He came out and our kids kept their composure. That's a lot of it. High school kids keep their composure and the goalie comes out, you should score... DeRosa hits two homers in Cardinals' 7-3 win (09/22/09) The Associated Press HOUSTON -- Mark DeRosa hopes he's finally broken out of the slump that's followed his wrist injury. DeRosa homered twice at Minute Maid Park for the second time this season and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Astros 7-3 on Monday night, a few hours after Houston fired manager Cecil Cooper... Attendance down at this year's district fair (09/21/09) This year's SEMO District Fair might have drawn a crowd equal to or bigger than last year had the weather held out on the last day. About 102,000 people attended the eight-day fair, fair spokesman Pete Poe said Sunday, about 1,900 fewer than in 2008... Cape Girardeau man still hoping for casino license (09/21/09) A gambling license is a scarce commodity in Missouri now that voters agreed to limit the number of casinos to 13. But that isn't stopping dreamers, including David Knight of Cape Girardeau, from keeping their hopes alive that they may find a way to secure one of those rare items... Cards' 'victory' vs. Cubs ends up a loss (09/21/09) ST. LOUIS -- Jake Fox homered in the 11th inning and the Chicago Cubs benefited from a wide slide by Matt Holliday, beating St. Louis 6-3 Sunday night and keeping the Cardinals' magic number at four for clinching the NL Central... 'Mad Men,' '30 Rock' take top series Emmys (09/21/09) LOS ANGELES -- "Mad Men" and "30 Rock" led a pack of Emmy winners who successfully defended their titles at Sunday's show, but the snappy ceremony and a star turn by host Neil Patrick Harris made the evening far from a rerun. AMC's glossy 1960s Madison Avenue saga "Mad Men," which last year became the first basic cable show to win a top series award, won the best drama trophy for a second time... Firefighters battle roof fire at Cape apartment building (09/21/09) Firefighters spent more than an hour battling a fire that ravaged an apartment building near the Show Me Center on Sunday night. The Cape Girardeau Fire Department received a report around 9 p.m. Sunday that the roof of a building in the apartment complex in the 1300 block of North Sprigg Street was on fire... Redhawks fall to fumble-prone Eastern Illinois in OVC opener (09/20/09) A barrage of Eastern Illinois turnovers had Southeast Missouri State in position for a rare win over the Panthers. But a dominant second-half performance by EIU ruined Southeast's Ohio Valley Conference opener. EIU erased a 14-7 halftime deficit and beat the Redhawks 23-14 Saturday night in front of an announced Houck Stadium crowd of 9,053 on Family Weekend... Delta's long wait ends vs. Kelly (09/15/09) Delta coach Laura Brown had never beaten the Kelly Hawks in her nine seasons at the helm. Stellar pitching and clutch hitting finally landed her the elusive victory. Delta knocked off Kelly 2-0 Monday night in Delta. "One of the happier wins I've ever had," Brown said. "We always think, 'Let's just play with them.' I felt it, they didn't want to just play with them; they wanted to beat them. I think that today maybe they knew they had it in them."... After three years, Tour of Missouri faces uncertain future (09/14/09) From the cacophony of foreign languages along the 112-mile route to Cape Girardeau to the rapt spectators lining downtown streets, it was clear that big-time international sports had arrived in small-town Missouri. Playing the part of conquering hero: Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, who welcomed the 2009 Tour of Missouri's second-day stage last week in the city his family has called home for six generations... Food bank will receive new refrigerated truck (09/14/09) Southeast Missourian The Southeast Missouri Food Bank will receive a new refrigerated truck for handling perishable foods, thanks to a donation from the Walmart Foundation's Missouri State Giving Program. The truck, to be purchased with a $45,000 grant, will allow the Cape Girardeau-based food bank to distribute more donated food throughout the region, Karen Green, executive director of the food bank, said in a news release announcing the gift... Local ACT scores top state average (09/14/09) Students at most area high schools continue to score higher than state averages on the ACT test. Graduates at Jackson, Notre Dame, Saxony Lutheran and Cape Girardeau Central High School scored higher than the 21.6 state composite score on the test, which measures college preparedness... Redhawks fight off bus lag (09/14/09) Southeast Missouri State soccer coach Heather Nelson found it understandable that the Redhawks came out somewhat sluggish for Sunday afternoon's game. About 30 hours earlier, the Redhawks had returned to Cape Girardeau following a bus ride of nearly 600 miles from Friday night's match at Northwestern (La.) State... Scott City man dies in single-car accident (09/13/09) COMMERCE, Mo. -- A car crash on Route N in Scott County early Saturday evening claimed the life of a Scott City man. Richard E. Lashmet, 35, of Scott City, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred about two miles north of Commerce... Cavendish first to hit finish line in Cape (09/09/09) Mark Cavendish said he'd like his chances to retain the yellow jersey throughout the Tour of Missouri if he was in better shape. That's hard to believe after he zipped past some of the world's best sprinters in the closing meters Tuesday. Or how he's won both stages of the Tour of Missouri... Counseling Center launches program aimed at treating offenders (09/08/09) Jon Huenink believes Missouri's prison system needs reform. Since 1982 the state's population has grown by 24 percent while the prison population has increased by about 400 percent. Coupled with the increase is an annual cost of $16,432 for each of the state's 29,857 prisoners... City seeks to add district to historic registry (09/08/09) The city of Cape Girardeau is seeking to add an eighth neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places' list of historic districts, according to city planning technician Richard Reinhardt. The State Historic Preservation office awarded a grant to the city to prepare a nomination to register the section of Lorimier and South Spanish streets between Themis and Morgan Oak streets as a historic district... Carpenter crafts one-hit shutout (09/08/09) MILWAUKEE -- Chris Carpenter kept throwing strike after strike. Mostly unhittable ones. Carpenter pitched a one-hitter, allowing only a clean double to Jody Gerut in the fifth inning, and struck out 10 as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0 Monday... Jackson drops its second straight home game (09/05/09) Parkway South victimized the Jackson defense with three big plays. The Patriots used two runs and a pass to gain over half of their offensive yards in their 27-3 victory Friday night. "The long runs, that's what killed us," Jackson coach Van Hitt said. ... Benton veteran training dog for disabled (09/04/09) BENTON, Mo. -- Five years ago, before the arrival of a chocolate Lab named L.T., Phillip D. Sturgeon Jr.'s life was very different. In 2004, Sturgeon, originally of Vanduser, Mo., was stationed near Baghdad as a U.S. Army medic with the 458th Engineer Battalion when a rocket-propelled grenade struck the vehicle he was in. ... Redhawks get off to a flying start (09/04/09) The Southeast Missouri State football team could not have scripted a better opening performance. Quincy University felt the Redhawks' wrath Thursday night. Southeast built an improbable 58-0 halftime lead and coasted to a 72-3 victory, a modern-day school record for most points in a game... Tigers pounce on first victory (09/03/09) Brittany Perkins hurled a gem and the Central softball team scored enough to knock off Jackson 3-1 for its first victory of the season. The Tigers took advantage of two hits and three walks in the fifth inning to gain a lead they never relinquished Wednesday at Central High School... Workshop educates public on Sunshine Law (09/01/09) Tom Durkin believes the Sunshine Law is necessary. However, he said, if governmental bodies were to follow the golden rule of treating others how they want to be treated, this piece of legislation passed in 1973 would in most cases be unnecessary. "The Attorney General recognizes that this particular law is democracy at work," Durkin said Monday at a Sunshine Law workshop in Jackson... Southeast Missourian alters its publication cycle (09/01/09) In an effort to manage costs without passing on substantial increases to advertisers and home subscribers, Jon K. Rust, publisher of the Southeast Missourian, announced today that the newspaper will suspend publication of its Saturday print edition, beginning Sept. 12... Drury Hotels donates building to Three Rivers (09/01/09) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Drury Hotel officials passed over the multi-million dollar deed of the former Pear Tree Inn and neighboring restaurant to Three Rivers Community College on Monday. Possibilities for the two North Westwood Boulevard facilities, totaling 76,230 square feet on 1.75 acres, are a work-force solutions center in the hotel portion and a culinary arts program in the restaurant, school officials said... Southeast soccer surpasses '08 win total (08/31/09) It hasn't taken the Southeast Missouri State's soccer team long to put last year's rare down season in the rearview mirror. The Redhawks already have posted more wins than in all of 2008 following Sunday's 1-0 home victory over Northern Illinois. "We're excited," Southeast junior midfielder Vanessa Hart said. "We have high hopes for the season. We're expecting a lot out of ourselves."... Talking Shop with Palmi Henry, owner of Lil' Miss Muffin and Stuff in Jackson (08/31/09) A hot cup of coffee and a warm breakfast sandwich are morning staples for many Americans. Jackson residents will find that and much more when visiting Lil' Miss Muffin and Stuff. Owner Palmi Henry took a few minutes out of her busy schedule to talk with Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell about her personal life, her start in the business and what the future holds for the shop... Chaffee rallies to prolong Grandview's losing streak (08/29/09) CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Sophomore Trevor Cannon snatched the ball after watching it pop into the air. "I came down with it and my first thought was get to the ground," he said. Cannon's interception ensured his Chaffee Red Devils would not be stuck with the dubious distinction of ending Grandview's losing streak... Chaffee rallies to prolong Grandview's losing streak (08/29/09) CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Sophomore Trevor Cannon snatched the ball after watching it pop into the air. "I came down with it and my first thought was get to the ground," he said. Cannon's interception ensured his Chaffee Red Devils would not be stuck with the dubious distinction of ending Grandview's losing streak... Vikings overwhelm Central in opener (08/28/09) Parkway North scored more touchdowns than Central gained yards in the first half. It was that sort of night for the Tigers. Parkway North cruised to a 50-0 victory Thursday in the season opener for both teams at Houck Stadium. "They just kept running the same play over and over again," Central senior Ray Woldtvedt said. "We weren't coming up and tackling the holes. We came out not the same way as we did at the jamboree."... Wainwright mows down Astros (08/26/09) ST. LOUIS -- Adam Wainwright became the National League's first 15-game winner. He also took the team lead, at least for a few days. Wainwright worked eight innings of three-hit ball and Albert Pujols' rare hit off Wandy Rodriguez drove in the lone run in the St. Louis Cardinals' 1-0 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night... Nutt puts finishing touch on first class of recruits (08/25/09) A late push has resulted in first-year Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Dickey Nutt filling all of his available scholarships. Nutt completed his first Southeast recruiting class Monday by announcing the signing of two players and the addition of an invited walk-on... Redhawks encounter first loss (08/24/09) Southeast Missouri State women's soccer coach Heather Nelson was disappointed but not discouraged following her team's first loss of the young season. Despite the Redhawks holding a commanding edge in shots, Evansville escaped with a 1-0 win Sunday night at Houck Stadium... Klocke stays with Redhawks (08/18/09) One of the Ohio Valley Conference's top baseball players will return to Southeast Missouri State for his senior season. Jim Klocke said Monday that he will put a potential professional baseball career on hold. "I'm coming back to Southeast," said Klocke, the all-OVC first-team catcher the past two seasons. "I think it's the best decision for me at this time."... Cards sweep Padres on walk-off HR (08/17/09) ST. LOUIS -- Heath Bell's first appearance in St. Louis since taking the All-Star game loss last month was a lot more excruciating. Colby Rasmus' two-run homer capped a three-run ninth inning off a Padres closer who's nearly perfect outside St. Louis, giving the Cardinals a 7-5 victory and a three-game sweep Sunday... It's play before work for Southeast's James (08/11/09) Matt James feels fortunate. Unlike many college seniors, James is ready to step into a full-time job -- with GMR, a national marketing company -- as soon as he graduates in December. "I've been working with them since I was 18," James said. "I have it all lined up."... Southeast's Harris takes the handoff at RB (08/10/09) Henry Harris didn't get a huge number of carries last year, but he displayed plenty of play-making ability when the football was in his hands. Now Southeast Missouri State's junior tailback hopes to take his game to the next level as the main man in the Redhawks' backfield... Calvin quietly assembles strong career for Redhawks (08/08/09) Eddie Calvin has had an impressive football career at Southeast Missouri State. In fact, Calvin's numbers suggest that he has been among the Ohio Valley Conference's better cornerbacks the past two years. Yet Calvin has never earned any type of postseason OVC recognition, which indicates that the senior just might be among the league's more underrated defensive players... Calvin quietly assembles strong career for Redhawks (08/08/09) Eddie Calvin has had an impressive football career at Southeast Missouri State. In fact, Calvin's numbers suggest that he has been among the Ohio Valley Conference's better cornerbacks the past two years. Yet Calvin has never earned any type of postseason OVC recognition, which indicates that the senior just might be among the league's more underrated defensive players... Regional title slips away in Jackson's first try (08/05/09) CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Jackson and Minnesota have exchanged dramatic one-run victories the past two days at the Senior Babe Ruth Midwest Plains Regional. So perhaps it's only fitting that the squads will square off one more time. On the line at 1 p.m. today will be the Midwest Plains Regional title and a berth in the Senior Babe Ruth World Series set for Aug. 15 through 22 in Moses Lake, Wash... Jackson not concerned about lack of regional credentials (08/01/09) Jackson is the only squad in the Senior Babe Ruth Midwest Plains Regional that did not win a state title. But Jackson is confident of being able to prove it belongs in the eight-team tournament that begins today at Hillhouse Park in Charleston. Jackson plays the Colorado state champion at 1:30 p.m. in the second of four opening-round games... Jackson earns regional berth before loss in state final (07/27/09) The Charleston and Jackson Senior Babe Ruth baseball teams both emerged as winners Sunday. Charleston captured its third consecutive state title with a 10-7 victory over host Jackson. The Fighting Squirrels (27-18) went 4-0 in the six-team, double-elimination state tournament at Legion Field... Jackson needs a win to reach Babe Ruth regional (07/26/09) The Jackson Senior Babe Ruth baseball team is having a sensational season. Things would be going even better if it weren't for Charleston. The Fighting Squirrels again proved to be a thorn in Jackson's side, posting a 12-8 victory in Saturday's winners bracket final of the Senior Babe Ruth state tournament... Cape Legion exits Zone 4 tournament (07/25/09) PERRYVILLE -- A pair of talented and experienced American Legion baseball teams combined to end Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons Post 63's season Friday. After Cape began the Zone 4 tournament with Thursday's 12-5 win over Herbert Hoover, Post 63 went down at the hands of Festus and Eureka at Perryville City Park... Cape Legion wins 12-5 in zone opener (07/24/09) PERRYVILLE -- The Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons Post 63 American Legion baseball team had little trouble in its first zone tournament game since 2003. Cape rolled past outmanned Herbert Hoover from St. Louis 12-5 Thursday as the five-team, double-elimination Zone 4 tournament got under way at Perryville City Park... Cape finds zone (07/21/09) SENATH, Mo. -- Billy Fender could not have picked a better way to return to the Bootheel. Fender -- who lived in Kennett, Mo., until two months ago -- scored the go-ahead run in the top of the fourth inning Monday as the Ford & Sons Cape Girardeau Post 63 Senior American Legion posted a 5-3 win over Dunklin County in the championship game of the District 14 tournament... Rain stops, reign continues (07/13/09) The Plaza Tire Capahas survived spotty weather and the much-improved Pine Bluff (Ark.) Braves to win their fifth straight National Baseball Congress Mid-South Regional title. In a championship-round game that spanned two days, Plaza Tire held off the Braves 5-3 on Sunday afternoon at Capaha Field... Plaza Tire advances in regional (07/11/09) The Plaza Tire Capahas began their quest for a fifth consecutive National Baseball Congress Mid-South Regional title with a victory. They largely can thank Brad LaBruyere for that. LaBruyere pitched a three-hitter as the Capahas beat the stubborn Pine Bluff (Ark.) Braves 4-0 on Friday night in the opening game of the three-team, double-elimination tournament at Capaha Field... Energy savings could cost on Missouri bills (07/06/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Some Missouri residents and businesses soon could see a new charge on their electric bills -- a fee for using less energy. Though it might seem illogical, the new energy efficiency charge has support from utilities, most lawmakers, the governor, environmentalists and even the state's official utility consumer advocate. The charge covers the cost of utilities' efforts to promote energy efficiency and cut power use... Capahas win tight games vs. Riverdogs (06/22/09) The Plaza Tire Capahas continued their domination of the Charleston Riverdogs. But rarely have wins over Charleston been more difficult than what transpired Sunday evening at Capaha Field. Plaza Tire could have lost the opener, and probably should have dropped the nightcap... Caps' LaBruyere fires one-hitter (06/21/09) Brad LaBruyere admitted that a no-hitter would have been nice. But the Plaza Tire Capahas right-hander mainly was excited that he continues to pitch well. LaBruyere allowed one hit Saturday -- an eighth-inning single -- as the Capahas routed the St. Louis Printers 10-0... Cards slam loss on Royals (06/20/09) The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Every team that faces Albert Pujols has a difficult dilemma: Pitch to one of the greatest right-handed hitters of his generation or put him on and hope someone else doesn't hurt you. The Kansas City Royals tried it both ways and failed both times... Southeast hires Honza as SID (06/19/09) Southeast Missouri State has announced the hiring of Jeffrey Honza as the school's sports information director. Honza was the associate director of media services at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale for nearly nine years. Honza is a graduate of Ashland University in Ohio where he earned a degree in communications. Honza and his wife Sarah have a son Benjamin... Leopold volleyball standout opts for Murray State (06/18/09) Former Leopold volleyball player Casey Bucher has accepted a scholarship to play at Murray State of the Ohio Valley Conference this fall. Bucher chose Murray State primarily for academic reasons as the school offers her major -- engineering graphics and design... Hansbrough awaits NBA draft (06/16/09) SALT LAKE CITY -- Tyler Hansbrough has heard the speculation about where he'll go in the NBA draft. He's a little curious himself. The Poplar Bluff native is making a pre-draft tour, working out for NBA teams and trying to validate a resume that includes college player of the year in 2008 and a national championship this season... Decatur wins Kelso Klassic (06/15/09) KELSO -- The combination of a talent-rich tournament favorite and a bone-tired opponent made for a lopsided Kelso Klassic final. The Decatur (Ill.) Pride swept to the championship in the 25th annual men's fastpitch softball event. Decatur went 5-0 in the 14-team tournament, capped by Sunday's 8-0, five-inning run-rule victory over Nokomis (Ill.) Bud Light for the title... Talking Shop with Betty Martin, director of the Cape Girardeau Public Library, 711 N. Clark Ave. (06/15/09) Nearly a month has passed since the new Cape Girardeau Public Library opened at 711 N. Clark Ave. Dedicated on May 16, the $9 million, 39,000-square-foot library includes a genealogy room, computer lab, two study rooms, areas for teenagers and children and two community rooms. ... Notre Dame lives up to top billing in Class 3 (06/07/09) SPRINGFIELD -- Notre Dame turned to one of its players who's been in pressure-packed situations at the state tournament before. As Notre Dame clung to a two-run lead entering the final inning at the Class 3 state baseball championship game Saturday, Ryan Bass offered some motivation... Notre Dame to play for Class 3 championship (06/06/09) SPRINGFIELD -- Seniors Austin Greer and Dylan Drury combined for five hits, reached base eight times and accounted for three RBIs as Notre Dame beat Harrisonville 5-1 in a Class 3 state baseball semifinal Friday at Meador Park. "They both had a phenomenal day," Notre Dame coach Jeff Graviett said... ND seeks spot in Class 3 final (06/05/09) The Notre Dame Bulldogs head to the Class 3 final four this weekend to try to win their first state championship in more than 15 years. The top-ranked Bulldogs (27-1) will take on the Harrisonville Wildcats (23-6) in the state semifinals at 4 p.m. today at Meador Park in Springfield... Top-ranked Bulldogs find maturity behind the plate in Hagedorn (06/03/09) Many players cannot step in and assume the role as starting catcher for the top-ranked team in the state. Notre Dame junior Mark Hagedorn not only accepted the role, he is excelling in it. "I felt I had a little bit of expectations," Hagedorn said. "But I was excited for the opportunity to start."... Cape Legion wins home debut (06/02/09) It's still very early in the American Legion baseball season, but Dustin Crowden of Cape Girardeau Ford & Sons Post 63 said he has been scuffling at the plate. "I've been struggling -- in the cage and everything," Crowden said. "I've had to change my stance up. I'm getting there. My hands are getting faster."... Crash diet: GM getting in shape for Chapter 11 (05/29/09) DETROIT (AP) -- The speed at which General Motors Corp. exits bankruptcy protection would depend a lot on the shape the company is in when it enters. GM has three more days to tidy up. Bankruptcy experts say the more operational, labor and financial concessions the automaker gets lined up in advance of its likely Chapter 11 reorganization, the faster the ailing automaker can emerge a leaner, stronger company -- one that will be nearly three-quarters-owned by taxpayers... Late PK helps end Bulldogs' season (05/29/09) HILLSBORO -- Notre Dame freshman Brianne Sanders didn't say anything to goalie Brianna Ziegler before Notre Dame St. Louis attempted a critical penalty kick in a scoreless tie. "I was praying," Sanders said. "I don't know about anyone else." Sanders' prayers weren't answered... Notre Dame squeaks past Potosi in Class 3 sectional (05/27/09) The Notre Dame High School baseball team has spent much of its one-loss season mauling the opposition with lopsided scores. There was nothing lopsided about Tuesday's Class 3 sectional matchup against visiting Potosi. That mattered not at all to the Bulldogs, the state's top-ranked Class 3 squad which survived a 3-2 nail-biter... Oak Ridge reaches it first state quarterfinal (05/26/09) OAK RIDGE -- The Oak Ridge baseball team made school history Monday. The Blue Jays hope they're not done in that area. "We aren't going to stop," senior shortstop Ethan Sachs said. Oak Ridge defeated visiting Winona 3-1 in a Class 1 state sectional game, advancing the Blue Jays to Wednesday's quarterfinal round and within one more win of the final four... Dannenmueller nips challenger for 400 state title (05/24/09) JEFFERSON CITY -- Whenever senior Collin Dannenmueller runs the 400 meters, his cousin Trenton Horman typically is stationed near the finish line cheering boisterously. Horman certainly was near the finish line Saturday when Dannenmueller became the 400 champion for Class 1 by crossing just ahead of Lone Jack's Kevin Beaubien... Redhawks soar, then plummet (05/23/09) Southeast Missouri State baseball coach Mark Hogan entered the season figuring the only thing that could keep the Redhawks from having a really big year was subpar pitching. Hogan's worst fears were realized as the Redhawks' 6.76 earned-run average was by far the highest in Hogan's 15 seasons at Southeast... Redhawks eliminated from OVC tournament (05/22/09) PADUCAH, Ky. -- The last time Southeast Missouri State had lost its first two Ohio Valley Conference tournament games was 2005. Morehead State eliminated Southeast from the tournament that year, and history repeated itself Thursday. The fourth-seeded Redhawks became the first squad bounced from the six-team event, falling to the third-seeded Eagles 7-5 in 11 innings... Redhawks lose opener in OVC tournament (05/21/09) PADUCAH, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State's free-fall continued Wednesday. It's going to be extremely difficult for the Redhawks to recover from their latest setback. Fourth-seeded Southeast fell into the Ohio Valley Conference tournament losers bracket as fifth-seeded Tennessee Tech held for a 9-5 victory... Dealer group in talks with Chrysler on franchises (05/20/09) NEW YORK -- A group representing Chrysler dealers said Monday it is in talks with the automaker in hopes of getting it to scale back plans to terminate the franchise agreements of about a quarter of its dealers. Bell City ends Advance's season (05/19/09) ORAN -- Bell City's freshman starting pitcher worked his way into a jam in the first inning of Monday's Class 1 District 2 baseball quarterfinal. Josh Overbey hit Advance's Jacob Bond with a pitch then allowed a single to Cory Cooper with one out. The Hornets were licking their chops, eager to get off to a fast start... Brewers pull away from Cards (05/18/09) ST. LOUIS -- The Milwaukee Brewers' four-run cushion had been sliced in half before Prince Fielder's fourth home run in five games gave them plenty of breathing room. Fielder's three-run homer in the seventh inning restored order in the Brewers' 8-2 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. He has four homers and 10 RBIs the last five games after connecting off right-hander Blaine Boyer... Redhawks drop doubleheader to Morehead State (05/16/09) Friday's doubleheader at Capaha Field was important for both Southeast Missouri State and Morehead State. Only Morehead was able to take advantage of the situation. The visiting Eagles clinched a berth in the six-team Ohio Valley Conference tournament with a 12-10, 10-3 sweep... Leopold tops St. Vincent 8-6 in final home game (05/15/09) LEOPOLD -- Senior Clayton Stoverink got the chance to bat after a St. Vincent error prolonged the first inning. Stoverink smashed a fastball over the fence in left field for his first home run this season and in his final home game of his high school career... Perry County recovers from storms (05/14/09) PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The line of storms that hammered Southeast Missouri on Friday left 70 people homeless in Perryville, ripped the steeple from the roof of a 19th-century church in Altenburg, Mo., and damaged numerous trees, power lines and buildings in Perry County, including the new East Perry County Senior Center ... Werner claims medalist at SEMO Conference tournament (05/13/09) Tim Simmons tattooed a 3-wood onto the 18th green, leaving himself with a lengthy but makeable eagle putt Tuesday at Dalhousie Golf Club. Simmons, a senior at Central, stood a shot behind Jackson's Tanner Werner entering the final hole at the SEMO Conference golf tournament and wanted to put some pressure on the sophomore... A Harte Appetite: Tips for the beginning of brunch season (05/13/09) With Mother's Day behind us, brunch season is in full swing. The next big brunching opportunity comes with Father's Day. Then with summer weather on the way, the appeal of a bountiful buffet on the weekend will become downright irresistible. The word brunch is a blend of breakfast and lunch, indicating a meal that combines elements of both... Central takes advantage of Chaffee errors (05/12/09) Any chance the Chaffee baseball team had of upsetting Central on Monday was wiped out by one bad inning. The first inning. Four Chaffee errors in the bottom of the first led to seven unearned runs for the host Tigers, who romped 9-0. "The wheels fell off the bus," said Chaffee coach Brian Horrell, whose team is 9-7... Redhawks close wild series with 11-10 loss (05/11/09) It's hard to imagine a wilder baseball game than what transpired Sunday in Richmond, Ky. Southeast Missouri State coach Mark Hogan and all-Ohio Valley Conference senior first baseman Matt Wagner were ejected in the late innings. When several Southeast fans became unruly in the ninth inning -- according to radio reports, the father of senior left fielder Justin Wheeler ran onto the field before being subdued -- the contest was halted for several minutes until additional security arrived.. ... Last trip to Hubble Space Telescope planned for today (05/11/09) CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- With a forecast of near-perfect weather, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope scientists and managers were pleased as they awaited today's planned launch of shuttle Atlantis on the final trip to the orbiting observatory. The anticipation was all the greater given all the years of mission delays... Talking Shop with John Cai, owner of Beijing Chinese restaurant (05/11/09) Southeast Missourian residents can experience a taste of the Orient close to home at Beijing Chinese restaurant, 1815 E. Jackson Blvd. Owner John Cai has been serving cuisine from his homeland since he moved to Southeast Missouri in 1992. Born in Shoaxing province, Cai worked as an electrician, mechanic and welder before working in a dining room. ... NCAA berth eludes Redhawks (05/10/09) A sensational run for the Southeast Missouri State softball team came to a painful end Saturday in Jacksonville, Ala. The Redhawks, two outs away from winning the Ohio Valley Conference tournament and earning an automatic NCAA tournament berth, instead saw their season end... Tick numbers 'definitely worse than normal' (05/10/09) ST. LOUIS -- A robust army of ticks is prowling the grasslands of Missouri, and residents' love of nature may be responsible. Richard Houseman, professor of entomology at the University of Missouri-Columbia, said, "In terms of the numbers of calls I get, they're definitely worse than normal."... New Boy Scout troop serving south Cape Girardeau (05/10/09) A new Boy Scout troop, No. 4215, meets weekly at the Cape Area Family Resource Center in the underserved area of south Cape Girardeau, according to Bill Crowell, Boy Scout district executive for the local Shawnee district. "I don't really know of any Boy Scout troops that existed in the area before," Crowell said... Redhawks reach championship game of OVC softball tournament (05/09/09) The Southeast Missouri State softball team's storybook season now is just one win away from a berth in the NCAA tournament. Southeast posted its 17th consecutive victory Friday, 7-1 over Tennessee Tech in the winners bracket final of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament in Jacksonville, Ala... Research suggests some children can recover from autism (05/09/09) CHICAGO -- Leo Lytel was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. But by age 9 he had overcome the disorder. His progress is part of a growing body of research that suggests at least 10 percent of children with autism can "recover" from it -- most of them after undergoing years of intensive behavioral therapy... A church of their own: Trinity Grace Chapel members begin services at new home in Jackson (05/09/09) These are exciting times for Troy Truitt, pastor of Trinity Grace Chapel and self-described bivocational preacher. The church has found a new home at 5195 Old Cape Road East in Jackson. The building was the former home of Dayspring Missionary Baptist... Ramirez joins MLB's growing list of dopers (05/08/09) NEW YORK -- Manny Ramirez joined a growing lineup of All-Stars linked to drugs Thursday, with the dreadlocked slugger banished for 50 games by a sport that cannot shake free from scandal. The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder was suspended by Major League Baseball, adding a further stamp to what will forever be known as the Steroids Era... Crusaders turn back Devils (05/08/09) CHAFFEE -- Saxony Lutheran senior Bryant Steffens never overpowered the Chaffee hitters Thursday. He kept the Red Devils off balance, scattering four singles over seven innings to post the 6-0 shutout. "Everything was working for the most part, keeping them off balance with four pitches," Steffens said. "They were off balance all day and I made them put it in play and made our defense work."... Salvation Army recognizes Kevin Greaser for service (05/08/09) FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Maj. Ben Stillwell, right, of the Salvation Army presents Kevin Greaser with a plaque for his service upon retiring as chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board during the annual donor appreciation dinner Thursday night. ... Saudi Arabia holds Miss Beautiful Morals pageant (05/07/09) RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Sukaina al-Zayer is an unlikely beauty queen hopeful. She covers her face and body in black robes and an Islamic veil, so no one can tell what she looks like. She also admits she's a little on the plump side. But at Saudi Arabia's only beauty pageant, the judges don't care about a perfect figure or face. What they're looking for in the quest for "Miss Beautiful Morals" is the contestant who shows the most devotion and respect for her parents... 'Fire Lily,' film made in Southeast Missouri, lights up big screen (05/07/09) "Fire Lily" hits the big screen Saturday, but not everyone is invited to the show. The first screening will serve as a test run for the film with students and faculty from Southeast Missouri State University providing feedback and opinions on the movie written, filmed and produced in Southeast Missouri... Canon fodder: Die-hard 'Star Trek' fans offer glimpse into American mythmaking (05/07/09) It took just a few seconds of footage -- a single trailer -- for the hue and cry to rise on Trekmovie.com, the top fan site for J.J. Abrams' new "Star Trek" movie. By the hundreds they weighed in, a contentious cacophony that would have jammed even Lt. Uhura's comms system... Jackson soccer routs Central 10-0 (05/06/09) Bobbi Jo Schlick saw Jackson teammate Katelyn Myracle wide open in front of the net and kicked a perfect cross about 18 feet in the air to the senior, who scored a header early in the first half Tuesday. That was just one of the many strong plays Schlick and Myracle made on offense as the two players both posted hat tricks to help Jackson crush Central 10-0 at Jackson High School in a game that ended 20 minutes, 23 seconds early because of the mercy rule... Search continues for missing 3-year-old near Arcadia, Mo. (05/06/09) ARCADIA, Mo. -- Frustrated rescue workers and volunteers spent a second day Tuesday searching miles of rugged woods, hills and ponds, still hopeful they'd find a missing 3-year-old boy alive. But as nightfall arrived and rain began to fall, the search for Joshua Childers turned ever more desperate... Health insurance companies offer to cut rates for women (05/06/09) WASHINGTON -- Health insurance companies, facing the threat of a government health plan, offered Tuesday to reduce rates for millions of women and accept close federal regulation of their industry. The higher premiums now affect 5.7 million women, many of them self-employed people who must buy their own coverage... Missouri Foundation for Health promotes two free stop-smoking programs (05/06/09) The Missouri Foundation for Health is promoting two free programs offered to those trying to quit smoking, and it's focusing on Southeast Missouri, according to foundation program officer Matt Kuhlenbeck. "Southeast Missouri has far and away the highest concentration of tobacco use in the state," Kuhlenbeck said... Central holds off Mules to take third (05/05/09) Central ace Josh Meyer struggled with his control as he worked as the closer against Poplar Bluff in the third-place game of the SEMO Conference baseball tournament Monday. Meyer, who normally starts games, was making his first high-pressure relief appearance. He walked three batters and gave up two hits in 1 2/3 innings... Jackson wins SEMO Conference tournament (05/05/09) Pinch-hitter Travis Hurst legged out an infield single with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning. It was just the opening Hurst and his Jackson teammates needed. The Indians capitalized on four hits and two walks to score five runs in the sixth inning to beat Sikeston 6-5 and win the SEMO Conference baseball tournament title Monday at Capaha Field... University farm in full swing with research (05/05/09) Brittni Peck is spending the last semester of her senior year at Southeast Missouri State University collecting and analyzing DNA samples from cattle. She said her animal breeding class comes out the Barton Agriculture Research Center once or twice a week. Peck, who will attend veterinary school at the University of Missouri next year, said working at the farm during her time as an undergraduate gave her an academic boost... Southeast softball stretches streak to 15 games (05/04/09) The Southeast Missouri State softball team waited out a rain delay of nearly three hours to end the regular season with one of the program's longest winning streaks. Southeast slipped past host Tennessee State 8-7 on Sunday to complete a three-game Ohio Valley Conference sweep... Phone fee changes hung up in Mo. Senate (05/04/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Think your telephone bill is too high? Your phone company might agree. For every minute on many long-distance calls you make, your phone company is paying another phone company for your privilege to chat. Some telecommunications companies think they are being charged too much by their rivals... Man offers use of his golf course to seniors (05/04/09) FAIRDEALING, Mo. -- No commute. No tee times. No impatient golfers waiting one hole back. This is what Fairdealing resident Herbert Webb looks forward to every time he steps out his front door and onto his very own course to tee off for nine relaxing holes of golf. And it is something the 74-year-old would like to share with other seniors... Ethanol test for Obama on climate change, science (05/04/09) WASHINGTON -- President Obama's commitment to take on climate change and put science over politics is about to be tested as his administration faces a politically sensitive question about the widespread use of ethanol: Does it help or hurt the fight against global warming?... Local hospitals report area aware, not scared of flu virus (05/04/09) People living in Southeast Missouri appear to be taking reports of a new flu virus in stride. While hospital officials from New York to California say emergency rooms are being swamped by frightened patients, Cape Girardeau's hospitals are not seeing that... Interceptions vault defense past offense (05/03/09) The defense again got the better of the offense Saturday during Southeast Missouri State's spring football game at Houck Stadium. It wasn't as lopsided as last year, but that didn't detract from the delight junior linebacker Patrick Maloney took in retaining bragging rights for the Redhawks' defense... Indians advance to title game (05/03/09) Jackson pitcher Zach McDowell started to settle down in the top of the fourth after he allowed two runs and five baserunners in the first three innings Saturday. The sophomore southpaw struck out the side that inning, getting Central's Andrew Williams and Hide Tanaka swinging and Shawn Prince looking... Head Start honors Cape woman for 40 years of service (05/03/09) According to Leola Twiggs, hugs are one of the best parts of her job. The children at East Missouri Action Agency in Cape Girardeau seek her out when she's not teaching, just to give her a hug. Her positions at Head Start have included site manager, bus driver and teacher. Three generations have passed through her classrooms... Mexico swine flu deaths ebb, but caution still urged (05/03/09) MEXICO CITY -- Mexico said a swine flu epidemic appears to be easing, but urged citizens Saturday not to let their guard down against a virus that has killed 17 people and is spreading across Asia and Europe. Experts warned the virus could mutate and come back with a vengeance... Historic Illinois sites reopen (05/03/09) The Historic Fort de Chartres near Prairie du Rocher, Ill., joins 10 other historic sites in reopening after budget cuts shut them down. Fort de Chartres, the location where the French built three forts during their occupation of the land, will hold its first public event at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 10. ... Outhouses cushion small plane crash in Washington (05/03/09) PUYALLUP, Wash. -- A small airplane dropping from the sky after its engine failed wound up on a cushioning bunch of portable toilets -- and the pilot was able to walk away apparently unhurt. Gary Mayor of the Federal Aviation Administration said the Cessna 182 crashed Friday afternoon in Washington state after taking off from Thun Field, an airfield owned by Pierce County southeast of Tacoma... Illinois farmer discovers deer he shot was an oddity (05/03/09) FULTS, Ill. -- The first day of last year's firearm deer season yielded an oddity for Glenn Voelker. Voelker, a 64-year-old grain farmer from Fults, shot a 10-point buck from a ground blind in Monroe County on Nov. 21. The buck field-dressed at 184 pounds, and the rack was one of the biggest of Voelker's hunting career, which began in 1964... National Day of Prayer to be held Thursday (05/02/09) To some, prayer is a private activity. Thursday it becomes a national act. Area churches and organizations plan to observe the 58th annual National Day of Prayer with group activities throughout the day. "People pray individually all the time, but the National Day of Prayer is a time when individuals come together as a whole and pray for our country," said Debbie Tracy, who helped organize one of the events. "It is a scriptural invitation to prayer and a response to the Pledge of Allegiance."... Mexicans turn to humor, creativity to endure flu (05/02/09) MEXICO CITY -- Televisa is cutting all "nonessential" kisses from its soap operas. A song called the "Influenza Cumbia" is climbing the charts. Cringe-worthy swine flu jokes are spreading faster than the illness ever could. As Mexicans lock themselves inside in fear of the virus, they can't help but have a little fun with it as well... U.S. health officials confirm Mo. swine flu case (05/02/09) KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Missouri now has one confirmed case of swine flu and three probable cases, the latest involving two members of a family who recently traveled to Mexico, the state health department reported Friday night. Earlier Friday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta announced Missouri's first confirmed case -- a 30-year-old woman from Platte County in the Kansas City area who recently returned from Mexico... Tigers reach semifinals of SEMO Conference tournament (05/02/09) Central junior right-hander Josh Meyer leaned on his defense to help him escape trouble. And when Kelly threatened to put together a big inning, Meyer slammed the door with a strikeout. Meyer scattered three hits over seven innings as the Tigers downed the Hawks 6-3 in the opening round of the SEMO Conference baseball tournament Friday... Strong rains lead to pockets of flash flooding (05/02/09) ST. LOUIS -- Several Missouri communities near creeks dealt with flash flooding Friday, with scattered reports of some tense moments, but no injuries or widespread damage. In Stoddard County in Southeast Missouri, two creeks overtopped. The Dexter Creek rose unexpectedly in the city Friday morning, prompting employees at the Riddle & Son lumber yard to sandbag part of the five-acre property. ... Redhawks honored on eve of OVC meet (05/01/09) Southeast Missouri State captured two of the Ohio Valley Conference outdoor track and field postseason awards announced Thursday. Brandon Colbert was named male field athlete of the year and Ashley Brewer was named female field athlete of the year in voting by the league's coaches... Vice President Biden's off-base flu advice needs do-over (05/01/09) WASHINGTON -- Oh, Joe. Vice President Joe Biden -- with a well-deserved reputation as someone who shoots from the lip -- made it through the first 100 days of the Obama administration without any major gaffes. But on Day 101 the vice president took a nosedive when it came to the government's talking points on air travel during the swine flu outbreak... Jackson band students bring awards from Chicago competition (05/01/09) Jackson band students competed against schools from as far away as Utah and Massachusetts during a recent trip to Chicago. "It didn't hit me until we were all in the building," senior Jennie Pitman said. On April 16, about 85 students loaded on to two charter buses and traveled to Chicago to compete in the Heritage Music Festival... Southeast provost to step down in December (05/01/09) Southeast Missouri State University provost Jane Stephens will step down from her position in December. University president Dr. Ken Dobbins announced her retirement in a letter to university employees Tuesday. Stephens was named provost in 2000. She worked for Southeast from 1978 to 1994 as a history professor and in the Office of the Provost. She served as executive vice chancellor at the University of South Carolina-Spartanburg before returning to Southeast... Soap Box Derby set for Saturday (05/01/09) Drivers on North Sprigg Street will be powered by gravity Saturday as The Rotary Club of Cape Girardeau hosts its annual Soap Box Derby. Competing drivers will race 900 feet, ending near Cape Place Apartments. The races will begin at 9 a.m. near Blanchard Elementary School... Sikeston, Mo., man arrested after barricading himself in home (05/01/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Police have arrested a Sikeston man after he barricaded himself inside a residence Wednesday evening. Sgt. Jim McMillen of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety said in a news release that at around 8 p.m. Wednesday Sikeston police received information that a wanted subject, Demetrius Gerome Patterson, 29, was inside a home in the 700 block of Cotton Square Street... ND's offense explodes in 10-1 win over Jackson (04/30/09) Notre Dame senior Ryan Bass admitted he has been struggling some at the plate, but he made a bold prediction to his teammates before a home game against Jackson on Wednesday. "I used to go to Jackson and so I know pretty much the whole team over there," Bass said. "Before the game I was talking and I was like, 'I'm going to hit one out today.'... Women's group in Kenya tells men: Make war? No love (04/30/09) NAIROBI, Kenya -- Thousands of Kenyan women vowed Wednesday to begin a weeklong sex strike to try to protest their country's bickering leadership, which they say threatens to revive the bloody chaos that convulsed the African country last year... CDC: Swine flu now in 11 states (04/30/09) WASHINGTON -- The swine flu outbreak spread to 11 U.S. states Wednesday, closing schools amid confirmation of the first U.S. death. Some 100 schools were closed, and more might need to be shut down temporarily, President Obama said, declaring, "This obviously is a serious situation." The total confirmed cases in the U.S. rose to nearly 100, with many more suspected... Obama visits Missouri for part of 100th day as president (04/30/09) ARNOLD, Mo. -- A crowd of hundreds of Missourians gathered in a school gymnasium where President Obama spent part of his 100th day in office Wednesday. Much of the speech, and many of the questions, focused on the economy. A retired GM worker asked about how the president would protect pensions when American automakers are in trouble; a high school student asked about what young people could expect from Social Security; a school counselor asked about challenges to youth... Advance man pleads guilty to charge of intent to distribute meth (04/30/09) An Advance, Mo., man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Brian Charles Nalley, 42, pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., according to the federal prosecutor's office... Tickets for Neal Boyd, Kenny Rogers concert go on sale Friday (04/30/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for the Kenny Rogers/Neal E. Boyd benefit concert set for June 24 at the Sikeston Field House. All proceeds will go toward the expansion of the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. "There has been a strong buzz around this concert, and the committee and I strongly feel these tickets are going to sell out in May," said Tom Nunnelee, co-chair of the concert committee... Man taken to hospital after car, bike collide in Cape Girardeau (04/30/09) A Cape Girardeau Police Department officer carries a damaged bicycle as the bicyclist Mark Farmer is helped to a stretcher Wednesday evening. Farmer was injured after being struck by a gold Grand Prix in front of the Rhodes 101 at 1126 N. Sprigg St... Drury throws three-hitter, blasts HR in ND's win (04/29/09) A double smashed into left field with one out in the top of the fifth inning ended Notre Dame pitcher Dylan Drury's no-hit bid against Sikeston on Tuesday. That was one of the few mistakes Drury made as the right-hander tossed a three-hit shutout and smashed his fifth home run in the Bulldogs' 5-0 win over SEMO Conference rival Sikeston at Notre Dame Regional High School... Swine flu fear catching fast in weak world economy (04/29/09) NEW YORK -- The swine flu outbreak is unleashing a side effect on the global economy: fear. Travelers are canceling or delaying trips to Mexico, Argentina announced Tuesday a five-day ban on flights arriving from Mexico and Cuba banned all flights to its neighbor. China, Russia and South Korea have banned imports of some North American pork, despite assurances the flu is not spread through meat. Investors just starting to regain their nerve have again caught the jitters... Dr. Grow: Soil needs microorganisms as well as nutrients (04/29/09) I can still remember the first day my soils class met in college. The professor walked into the classroom and said, "If anyone ever uses the term dirt to refer to soils in this class, they will automatically flunk." He didn't even say hi, how are you, my name is , or anything else. He then began to talk about soils... Saint Francis Medical Center Auxiliary celebrates 50th year (04/29/09) Outgoing Saint Francis Medical Center Auxiliary president Jean Ratliff announced a $200,000 donation during the group's 50th anniversary lunch Tuesday. The money is second installment toward a $500,000 rooftop garden for the medical center's future heart hospital and cancer institute building... Recipe Swap: A different take on comfort food (04/29/09) I recently purchased a new cookbook at a book sale but had not had time to sit down and read it from cover to cover. This afternoon I decided to pull it off the shelf and take a look through it and pull out a few recipes to include here today. "Kitchen Comforts, Recipes To Feed Body and Soul" provided great reading, and I found myself reading the book instead of watching the Cardinals game. ... Kennett, Mo., man sentenced to life in prison for 2008 murder (04/29/09) KENNETT, Mo. -- A Kennett man was recently sentenced to life in prison for the April 2008 murder of a local woman. On April 16, Cleveland Pulliam, 69, of Kennett withdrew his not guilty plea in the murder of Jacqueline Kaye Farmer, 47, also of Kennett, and was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder, and to a 10-year consecutive sentence for armed criminal action... Obama to mark first 100 days with stop today in Arnold, Mo. (04/29/09) ST. LOUIS -- President Obama will continue a political tradition when he uses Jefferson County -- a bellwether county in a swing state -- as a venue for national business this week. Obama will mark his first 100 days in office today with a town hall meeting at Fox Senior High School in Arnold, a growing suburb south of St. Louis... Trial opens in Paducah, Ky., for ex-soldier charged with rape, murder in Iraq (04/28/09) PADUCAH, Ky. -- An ex-soldier charged with raping and killing a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and slaying her family set the girl's body ablaze after shooting her several times, prosecutors said Monday during opening statements at his federal trial. Steven Dale Green, 23, of Midland, Texas, faces more than a dozen charges, including sexual assault and four counts of murder, stemming from the March 2006 attack in Iraq's so-called "Triangle of Death." After he shot the girl in the face several times, Green then used kerosene to set fire to her body, said assistant federal prosecutor Brian Skaret. ... Workers in Poland find hidden letter at Auschwitz site (04/28/09) WARSAW, Poland -- The note, written in pencil then rolled up and inserted in a bottle, contains the names of seven young people who probably thought they were doomed to die in Auschwitz death camp. A construction crew renovating a cellar near the Auschwitz site discovered the bottle hidden in a concrete wall, officials said Monday... Affected by autism: Getting all necessary therapy can be a struggle (04/28/09) Between 2003 and 2007, the number of children diagnosed with autism doubled. Early diagnosis and various forms of occupational therapy have been effective in helping minimize the effects of the disorder. But treatment, which includes intensive one-on-one applied behavioral analysis, is expensive and often difficult to get, according to parents, because there aren't enough therapists to meet the need for services. Mo. gambling revenue expected to fall short of projections by at least $70 million (04/28/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- New revenue from a voter-approved casino ballot measure could fall at least $70 million short of projections, the director of the Missouri Gaming Commission said Monday. Voters in November approved a measure repealing Missouri's limit on how much gamblers could lose within two hours and increasing the tax rate on casino revenues. The Gaming Commission had projected the changes would result in $100 million to $130 million in new revenue for the state... Health officials: Raw alfalfa sprouts may carry salmonella risk (04/28/09) WASHINGTON (AP)-- Government health officials are telling people to avoid eating raw alfalfa sprouts because they could be contaminated with a strain of salmonella. Officials have received 31 reports of illness associated with eating raw alfalfa sprouts in Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia. No deaths have been reported... What you need to know about swine flu (04/28/09) WASHINGTON -- A never-before-seen strain of swine flu has turned killer in Mexico and is causing milder illness in the United States and elsewhere. While authorities say it's not time to panic, they are taking steps to stem the spread and also urging people to pay close attention to the latest health warnings and take their own precautions... Chaffee's Dooley silences Meadow Heights (04/28/09) CHAFFEE -- After pitcher Andrew Dooley allowed a leadoff double in the sixth inning, his coaches yelled to him from the dugout to bear down and not allow the runner to score. Dooley did just that. He struck out the next two batters, then got ahead in the count to the fourth hitter before catcher Trevor Cannon picked the runner off second base... Mo. agencies move ahead with using federal economic stimulus money (04/27/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State lawmakers and Gov. Jay Nixon can't agree on how to spend half of Missouri's federal economic stimulus package, but government agencies already are moving to get the other half out the door. Last week, as House Republicans outlined another idea for using the federal money, the Department of Natural Resources was accepting public comments on its proposal to distribute stimulus money for home energy efficiency projects... Archaeologists unveil ancient necropolis south of Cairo (04/27/09) ILLAHUN, Egypt -- Egyptian archaeologists on Sunday unveiled mummies, brightly painted sarcophagi and dozens of ancient tombs carved into a rocky hill in a desert oasis south of Cairo. The 53 tombs -- some as old as 4,000 years -- were discovered recently on a sandy plateau overlooking farming fields in the village Illahun, located in the Fayoum oasis about 50 miles southwest of the Egyptian capital... Star of the Show Me Center: Interview with David Ross (04/27/09) The Show Me Center welcomed its 6 millionth visitor on April 23 during a Southeast Missouri Hospital dinner. The building has hosted a little more than 8,300 events and 225,000 to 275,000 people at its functions each year since it opened Aug. 20, 1987. ... Redhawks extend winning streak to 11 (04/27/09) Things weren't looking good for the Southeast Missouri State softball team Sunday. But when you're as hot as the Redhawks are, the result tends to be positive. So it didn't surprise the Redhawks that they rallied for a 4-3 win over visiting Eastern Kentucky to complete a three-game series sweep and notch their 11th consecutive victory... Kelly's Hall filled role of dominator (04/27/09) One reason Debra Hall enjoyed playing basketball at Kelly is because she said coach Rod McQuerter is so team-orientated that all the pressure never is placed on one player. Still Hall, like all the other Kelly players, was told that she had a specific role. Hers was to be the dominant scorer... World races to contain swine flu outbreak (04/27/09) WASHINGTON -- The world's governments raced to avoid both a pandemic and global hysteria Sunday as more possible swine flu cases surfaced from Canada to New Zealand and the United States declared a public health emergency. "It's not a time to panic," said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs... Missouri Master Gardeners Extension Program helps others learn to grow (04/26/09) Helping others learn to grow is the mission of the Missouri Master Gardeners Extension Program. The work of certified Master Gardeners in the Southeast Region -- which includes Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Madison, Iron, Wayne, Scott, Mississippi, Pemiscot and Butler counties -- is recognizable not only in the community landscapes they create and maintain. Proceeds from their annual plant sale fund scholarships for horticulture students and community betterment through donations... Obama wants ideas on tightening federal belt (04/26/09) WASHINGTON -- Think you can do better than your federal boss? President Obama wants to know how. Obama on Saturday announced a plan for federal workers to propose ways to improve their agencies' and departments' budgets. The president said employees' ideas would be key as his Cabinet officials try to cut millions from the budget and trim the deficit... Economy cutting cost of building roads in Missouri and Illinois (04/26/09) ST. LOUIS -- Here's one bright spot of the troubled economy: It's forcing construction firms to cut costs, helping Missouri and Illinois get more for their road-building dollars. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Saturday that Missouri Department of Transportation figures show the average cost for state highway construction has shrunk about 14 percent since last July. That's saved the state $108 million on 346 jobs... Mexico fights swine flu that has killed up to 81 (04/26/09) MEXICO CITY -- Mexico's president assumed new powers Saturday to isolate people infected with a deadly swine flu strain as authorities struggled to contain an outbreak that world health officials warned could become a global epidemic. Swine flu has killed up to 81 people in Mexico and likely sickened 1,324 since April 13, according to figures updated late Saturday by Mexico's health secretary... Braves' senior guard led team to championship (04/26/09) As Drew Thomas practiced for the state basketball tournament, he thought a lot about how he struggled to score in his team's only two regular-season losses. They were to Memphis (Tenn.) Central and Sikeston. The senior guard averaged 9.5 points per game -- 15 points below his season average -- in those two games... Central pounces on Mules (04/25/09) The Central baseball team was not happy about Wednesday's 8-3 loss at Kelly. So the Tigers took out their frustrations on visiting Poplar Bluff, rolling to a 13-5 victory Friday. Central improved to 9-8 overall and 4-3 in the SEMO Conference. The Mules are 2-10 and 1-6... Men of faith (04/25/09) Men at the Cross, an interdenominational ministry born in Missouri last year, continues its tour through churches and arenas across America to continue its message of leadership, evangelism and discipleship. In addition to the 17 national events the organization has planned this year, Men at the Cross will host a father/son fundraiser event May 9 in Millersville that organizers are calling the "father/son event of the year."... Ameren holds plans for 2nd reactor (04/24/09) ST. LOUIS -- Plans for a second nuclear reactor in mid-Missouri appear to be dead after AmerenUE said Thursday that it has suspended its proposed $6 billion project with no intention to revisit it anytime soon. The utility's announcement came a day after supporters of legislation designed to help it build a second reactor called it increasingly unlikely the bill would pass this year. Now, AmerenUE has asked legislative sponsors to withdraw both the House and Senate bills from consideration... Annual Charles L. Hutson auction set for tonight (04/24/09) About 150 people are expected to attend tonight's 22nd annual Charles L. Hutson Auction in downtown Cape Girardeau. Started by the late Charles Hutson of Hutson's Fine Furniture, the goal of the auction is to raise money for Old Town Cape. Last year an all-time high of $25,000 was raised in the silent and live auctions... Southeast students present foreign, domestic policy ideas to D.C. group (04/24/09) For months, Southeast Missouri State University student Zarah Ahmad monitored English media outlets in India and Pakistan before giving a national policy recommendation to a think tank in Washington, D.C. As part of her research project for a senior seminar class, Ahmad formulated policy concerning terrorism in the disputed Kashmir region of India. It was part of a group effort with four other students... Ex-Tigers swing for Salukis (04/24/09) Two players won't have any trouble finding their way around the Missouri Valley Conference men's golf tournament course -- or Cape Girardeau, for that matter. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale teammates Todd Obergoenner and Blake Driskell will be in familiar territory when they hit town for practice rounds at Dalhousie Golf Club on Saturday and Sunday in preparation for the MVC championships Monday and Tuesday... Blue Jays settle down to dump Leopold 5-1 (04/23/09) LEOPOLD -- Oak Ridge pitcher Ethan Sachs got off to a rocky start against Leopold on Wednesday. He walked the first two batters of the game and allowed four of the first five hitters to reach base. It was not the type of first inning he had envisioned, especially since he was coming off his worst outing this spring, against Saxony Lutheran when he gave up nine runs in the third inning alone Saturday... More than 1,000 expected for this weekend's Cape Comic Con (04/23/09) For collectors and gamers, a comic book convention is a veritable paradise. On Saturday and Sunday, the fourth annual Cape Comic Con will invade the West Park Mall, in the former Steve & Barry's location. It's an event where rare and popular comic books and cards can be traded and sold. Fans can roam freely dressed as Batman or Luke Skywalker. Gifted gamers compete and show their skills in front of an audience of their peers... Many bingo restrictions may be removed if legislation passes Mo. Senate (04/23/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The House has approved legislation loosening regulations on bingo operators. Only charitable and fraternal organizations can run bingo in Missouri. The House voted 86-63 on Wednesday to eliminate the taxes, remove a hard cap on bingo winnings, expand the hours when bingo can be conducted and allow organizers to advertise more... Sikeston native Neal Boyd says he's a fan of Scottish singer Susan Boyle (04/23/09) ST. LOUIS -- Count American singing sensation and Sikeston, Mo., native Neal E. Boyd among the new fans of Susan Boyle. The Scottish performer's unassuming looks left many viewers unprepared for her gorgeous voice on "Britain's Got Talent."... Judge upholds ballot language for Mo. abortion initiative (04/23/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A judge has upheld Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's description of a potential ballot measure barring public funding for abortions and certain kinds of embryonic stem-cell research. Carnahan's official ballot summary had been challenged both by the sponsors and the opponents of the proposed constitutional amendment, which is targeted for the 2010 ballot... Prospects dim for utility bill backed by AmerenUE (04/23/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Supporters of legislation designed to help AmerenUE build a second reactor at its mid-Missouri nuclear power plant said Wednesday it's increasingly unlikely the bill will pass this year. The Senate spent more than 10 hours debating the measure two weeks ago, but negotiations have since been held in closed-door sessions... Dexter teen to stand trial on sex crime charges (04/23/09) BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Dexter, Mo., teenager was ordered to stand trial Monday on 14 sex-related felonies, including forcible sodomy and forcible rape. Zachariah A. Hedrick, 17, of the 16100 block of Country Lane, appeared at three preliminary hearings before Associate Circuit Judge John Spielman of Kennett... Fear of costs looms over climate debate (04/22/09) WASHINGTON -- As Congress begins to debate climate change in earnest, the science is taking a back seat to economics: How much will it cost to slow the Earth's warming because of man-made pollution -- and what's the cost of doing nothing? With a key House committee starting four days of hearings, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., vowed to get a climate bill approved this year. ... Dutch navy under fire for release of captured pirates (04/22/09) THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- Dutch marines board a fishing boat and free two dozen Yemenis from Somali pirates. They seize and destroy AK-47s and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher but then put the nine bandits back in their skiff and set them free... Plan moves forward to generate electricity with turbines in Mississippi River (04/22/09) ST. LOUIS -- A federal agency is holding meetings in seven cities on a plan to harness the flow of the Mississippi River to generate power from St. Louis to New Orleans. Free Flow Power Corp. of Gloucester, Mass., wants to place 180,000 small turbines in the Mississippi River below navigational channels to generate as much as 1,800 megawatts of electricity... Cape doctor picked to lead state medical association (04/22/09) A Cape Girardeau doctor of family medicine who is also on the active staff of both Southeast Missouri Hospital and Saint Francis Medical Center has been elected as president of the Missouri State Medical Association. Dr. Thomas Sparkman was selected for a one-year term April 9 during the association's 151st convention in Kansas City. Sparkman has been an active member of the association since 1997... Going green is in the bag (04/22/09) A lot of folks have moved beyond the "paper vs. plastic" grocery bag debate, having settled on neither. Today, there are so many other bags from which to choose at price points both affordable and astronomical. It appears everyone -- from grocery stores to online sellers -- wants in on this eco-friendly game. Not-for-profits have jumped into the fray, trading sturdy totes for donations... Redhawks trump Aces with wild-card LaBruyere (04/22/09) Evansville's offense was humming Tuesday with four runs and six hits in less than three innings. Brad LaBruyere put a stop to that, paving the way for Southeast Missouri State's fourth consecutive nonleague victory, 9-4 at Capaha Field. The Redhawks are 23-14 -- including a second-place 9-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference -- while the Purple Aces are 18-20, including 6-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference... Review board to look into fatal swing set accident (04/22/09) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A child fatality review board will convene early next week to look into the death of a Fisk kindergartner who was killed when an unfinished, wooden swing set collapsed on him. Cobbie Bond, 7, son of Carl and Lana Bond and a kindergartner at Fisk Elementary School, died Sunday as the result of a head injury, according to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers... Procter & Gamble's influence felt through Southeast Missouri (04/21/09) Standing behind a table of toilet tissue, paper towels and diapers, Procter and Gamble family care plant manager Regina Gray and baby care plant manager Marc Schoch spoke about the important role the facility has played in Southeast Missouri since its first box of Pampers rolled off the manufacturing line in 1969. Former spy for CIA to speak later this week at Cape Church of Christ (04/21/09) E. Ray Cox, a man with an extensive background in espionage with the Central Intelligence Agency, will be speaking Thursday through Sunday this week at the Cape Church of Christ. Cox, 75, will be presenting a seminar called "The Time of Trouble: A Series about Crisis and the Overcoming Christ," drawing on his experiences working intelligence in Moscow in the 1960s... Research: Unhealthy foods hijack overeaters' brains (04/21/09) WASHINGTON -- Food hijacked Dr. David Kessler's brain. Not apples or carrots. The scientist who once led the government's attack on addictive cigarettes can't wander through part of San Francisco without craving a local shop's chocolate-covered pretzels. Stop at one cookie? Rarely... Vets blame toxin for deaths of 21 polo horses (04/21/09) WELLINGTON, Fla. -- The sudden death of 21 polo horses at a championship event in Florida may have been caused by a toxin in the animals' feed, vitamins or supplements, veterinarians said Monday. The horses from the Venezuelan-owned team Lechuza Caracas became ill just before a tournament match Sunday, collapsing and dying on the scene or while being treated at vet clinics or transported, officials said... Supreme Court to hear case of clash between free speech, pit bull tape law (04/21/09) WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court said Monday it will explore a dark corner of Americans' fascination with animals: whether the sale of videos depicting dog fights and violent deaths of small animals is protected by the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech... Coloradans mark 10th anniversary of Columbine (04/21/09) DENVER -- With words of hope and healing, Coloradans on Monday marked the 10th anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings that left 12 students and a teacher dead. Flags flew at half-staff over the school and dozens of mourners lay roses and carnations at a memorial... House panel scraps Nixon plan for job incentives (04/21/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon's newest job-creation plan has been quickly rejected by House budget writers. The Democratic governor had sought to use $200 million from the federal economic stimulus package to create a pair of business incentive funds run by the Department of Economic Development... Sauer returns to coach St. Vincent football (04/21/09) St. Vincent didn't look far for its new football coach. The Indians hope to recapture some of the magic of past seasons as Paul Sauer was named the football coach. "I've been looking at different jobs in the area for the last couple of years," Sauer said. "I decided to get back into it. This opportunity just presented itself and the good Lord put me on the path and I'm right back at St. Vincent."... Looking for The Big Break (04/20/09) It's not every day a community is able to get to know one of its future residents before the person actually moves into the neighborhood. But when 32-year-old Aaron Wright moves to Cape Girardeau on May 1, he may have a look of familiarity -- especially to those who watch the Golf Channel... Blues plunge deeper in hole (04/20/09) The Canucks took a commanding 3-0 series leadwith a 3-2 road victory. By R.B. FALLSTROM The Associated Press ST. LOUIS -- Roberto Luongo carried the Vancouver Canucks for two games. Their special teams helped them take a 3-0 series lead against the St. Louis Blues... Coins, mummies point to Cleopatra's tomb (04/20/09) BURG EL-ARAB, Egypt -- Egypt's top archaeologist made his version of a sales pitch Sunday, presenting 22 coins, 10 mummies, and a fragment of a mask with a cleft chin as evidence that the discovery of the lost tomb of Mark Antony and Cleopatra is at hand... Missouri has $2 billion; 3 weeks to spend it (04/20/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Two billion dollars. One-hundred-sixty ways to spend it. And three weeks to figure it out. Those are the figures facing Missouri legislators as they grapple with how to spend an expected influx of federal money from the economic stimulus package... Packing ice with Glennon Harter, co-owner of Pure Ice Co. (04/20/09) Ice. It cools drinks in the summertime, serves as a playing surface for hockey games and is a vital ingredient in making homemade snow cones. One local company has been providing the community with ice since 1926. Pure Ice Co., at 314 S. Ellis St. in Cape Girardeau, sells ice to large retailers and individual consumers alike. Business editor Brian Blackwell visited with co-owner Glennon Harter to learn more about the company... Columbine students strive to move on 10 years after massacre (04/20/09) LITTLETON, Colo. -- The "boy in the window" who fell bloodied and paralyzed into the arms of rescuers during the Columbine High shooting rampage is doing just fine. Now 27, Patrick Ireland has regained mobility with few lingering effects from gunshot wounds to his head and leg a decade ago. He is married and works in the financial services industry. His mantra: "I choose to be a victor rather than a victim."... Senators begin their work on health-care overhaul (04/20/09) WASHINGTON -- This time it's really going to happen. Or so they claim. Senators get down to work this coming week on turning ideas into legislation to cover some 50 million people without health insurance and contain costs for everyone else. Hopes are high that Democrats and Republicans can find common ground for a bill to emerge by summer... United Way raises money from individuals, groups throughout Southeast Missouri (04/19/09) The United Way of Southeast Missouri serves community needs and works to strengthen families. It sponsors programs that help children succeed in school, help adults learn responsible financial practices and help connect those in need to those who can help... Government seeks hackers to help Uncle Sam (04/19/09) WASHINGTON -- Wanted: Computer hackers. Federal authorities aren't looking to prosecute them, but to pay them to secure the nation's networks. General Dynamics Information Technology put out an ad last month on behalf of the Homeland Security Department seeking someone who could "think like the bad guy." Applicants, it said, must understand hackers' tools and tactics and be able to analyze Internet traffic and identify vulnerabilities in the federal systems... Mo. journalism students take 10-day tour of United States (04/19/09) SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Get off the bus and find a story. Be it Chicago, Cleveland, New York City, Washington, Virginia Beach, Charlotte or Nashville -- go search for real American stories. That was the daily challenge for Hillcrest High School's award-winning broadcast journalism team -- HTV -- as they toured the country over spring break last month... 4-H team places third in animal judging competition (04/19/09) Cape Girardeau County 4-H members finished third in the senior division of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on March 21 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The team included Devon Beard and Emilie Beard of Oak Ridge, Leslie Birk of Gordonville and Micayla Gray of Whitewater. ... Cape student reaches top 10 at state geography bee (04/19/09) Do you know what countries border Tanzania? Or, for that matter, what continent the country lies on? Not many people do, but chances are Joshua Sander, an eighth-grade student at Cape Girardeau Junior High School, does. He won sixth place in the state against 100 other students at the recent Geography Bee at the University of Missouri in Columbia... Epstein infuses energy into Redhawks' defense (04/19/09) Three knee surgeries have not diminished Tyler Epstein's spirit or enthusiasm. Epstein, a transfer from Northern Iowa, hopes to strengthen Southeast Missouri State's defense with his high-energy, hustling, physical style of play. "He's very intense," Southeast coach Tony Samuel said... Soriano's bat trips Cards (04/18/09) CHICAGO -- All Alfonso Soriano needed to see was a pitch to his liking, and that's a pretty broad category. After striking out three times earlier Friday, Soriano golfed Chris Perez's low slider into the left-field bleachers for a two-run, eighth-inning homer to give the Chicago Cubs an 8-7 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals... Wheeler's grand slam powers Redhawks (04/18/09) Southeast Missouri State's offense didn't exactly break out Friday night. But the Redhawks' bats did enough to rally for a 9-5 win over visiting Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. A six-run eighth inning -- capped by senior left fielder Justin Wheeler's tie-breaking grand slam -- allowed Southeast to escape in the opener of a four-game series against future Ohio Valley Conference member SIUE... Captain held by pirates praises SEAL 'superheroes' (04/18/09) UNDERHILL, Vt. -- The unassuming ship captain who escaped the clutches of Somali pirates made a triumphant return home Friday, insisting he's no hero, just an ordinary seaman. Richard Phillips said the U.S. Navy, which pulled off the daring high-seas rescue that ended his five-day captivity, deserves the credit... Ashcroft, Hanaway forming new law firm (04/18/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Federal prosecutor Catherine Hanaway is stepping down to join a law firm with former attorney general John Ashcroft. Hanaway says her last day on the job will be Sunday. She said the law firm will be called Ashcroft Hanaway and will be based in Kansas City... Concerns raised over Scott County 911 calls (04/18/09) BENTON, Mo. -- There will be some changes in the way Scott County and its ambulance districts document emergency calls. On Thursday, commissioners met with representatives of the NBC Fire Protection District and North Scott County Ambulance District during their regular session. The meeting was in response to concerns brought up by Shawna Smith, who works with both agencies... Cape Girardeau County prosecutor awards winners of sixth-grade writing competition at Central Middle School (04/18/09) Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle spent his Friday morning in the classroom rather than the courtroom. Thirteen sixth graders at Cape Girardeau Central Middle School started their day in Margaret Yates' classroom awaiting the results of their writing competition sponsored by Swingle... Cape Girardeau resident celebrates 50 years in ministry on Sunday (04/18/09) The Rev. David V. Dissen will never forget his brush with death during the Cuban revolution. A Lutheran seminary student at the time, Dissen was spending his vicarage in Havana from 1958 to 1959. One afternoon Dissen drove past a movie theater and through a stoplight when he heard an explosion. The walls of the structure collapsed only seconds after Dissen passed by... Central's Simmons claws out share of medalist honors (04/17/09) Central senior Tim Simmons thinks one of the easiest holes to play at Dalhousie Golf Course is No. 6, but it ended up being one of the more difficult ones for him Thursday. "I have to admit coming down the stretch, the last hole on 6, it is one of the easier holes on this course," Simmons said. "I made it look like one of the toughest. I actually bogeyed the last hole and was really kicking myself about that because I figured at that point I had given the tournament away by one shot."... Mystery donors give nearly $45 million to eight universities (04/17/09) DES MOINES, Iowa -- A mystery is unfolding in the world of college fundraising: During the past few weeks, at least eight universities have received gifts totaling nearly $45 million, and the schools had to promise not to try to find out the giver's identity... Jackson's Small Town Boyz to open for nationally touring band at Show Me Center (04/17/09) The members of Small Town Boyz were practicing when they heard the unexpected news: They were in the lineup to open for Ludo, a nationally known touring band. "We all just freaked out," Nik Scarpaci said. "We were bouncing off the walls excited." The band, with seven members ranging in age from 12 to 16, will open for an all-ages concert at 8 p.m. ... U.S. crew tells of showdown with Somali pirates (04/17/09) OXON HILL, Md. -- "If I die, I'm going to take someone else with me," one seaman vowed, grabbing a knife as alarms pierced the Maersk Alabama and pirates with assault weapons clambered aboard. Back home safe with their families Thursday, the cargo ship's crew described a harrowing contest of wits and mismatched weapons for control of the vessel... Al Capone may have had 1 last hit - a musical one (04/17/09) CHICAGO -- He never sang to the feds, but it turns out Al Capone had a song in his heart. All it took was a stint in Alcatraz to bring it out. Now, more than 70 years later, the tender love song that the ruthless crime boss penned while sitting in the pen is being recorded and released on CD. And an inscribed copy of the music and lyrics to "Madonna Mia" is up for sale at $65,000... Health-care overhaul shouldn't be rushed, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson says at Cape Girardeau forum (04/17/09) Overhauling health insurance coverage in a way that can win support from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress is an idea that should not be rushed, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson said Thursday. Speaking at the end of a two-hour forum on health care at Cross Trails Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Emerson noted that President Obama has called on Congress to enact sweeping changes that would cut deeply into the estimated 50 million Americans without health insurance. ... Police officers to play full-contact football game Saturday (04/17/09) The Cape Girardeau County Enforcers will battle the Springfield Guns in a tackle football game Saturday at Houck Stadium. The game, the fourth time the two groups of law enforcement officers have faced one another, begins at 3 p.m., according to Cape Girardeau County Sgt. Shawn Adams... Redhawks land big fish in Powell (04/16/09) Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Dickey Nutt didn't wait long to start replenishing his roster. Nutt announced the signing of four players to national letters of intent during Wednesday's opening of the spring signing period. And Nutt isn't done... Notre Dame rips Central (04/16/09) Breakaway goals doomed the Central girls soccer team against another local rival. The Tigers were beaten by breakaways when they played crosstown rival Notre Dame on Wednesday. They had allowed three breakaway goals in the first half alone during a loss to rival Jackson on March 31... St. Louis band Ludo headlines concert at Show Me Center (04/16/09) From small St. Louis clubs to major music festivals to MTV, members of the band Ludo have committed their career to reaching the national music scene. After three albums and nearly six years of full-time touring, the band retired to the studio in January to work on its fourth record... 'Saturday Night Live' band leader to perform with SEMO students (04/16/09) Leon Pendarvis will bring the instrumental sounds of "Saturday Night Live" to the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus next week. The musical director of the comedy show's band will perform with students during a lecture at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Shuck Music Recital Hall... Cape Girardeau Starbucks locations spared from latest round of closures (04/16/09) Cape Girardeau's two Starbucks have been spared from the latest round of closings by the Seattle-based coffee company. The company announced plans in January to close 200 of its stores, but the list was not released until this week. Dates for the exact closures have not been released... Saint Francis Medical Center implements new wristband policy (04/16/09) Saint Francis Medical Center is the latest hospital in Missouri to adopt a new policy of using colored wristbands to communicate vital patient information. The policy, which goes into effect today, will use three colored wristbands to define a specific medical condition... Charleston readies for Dogwood-Azalea Festival after ice storm (04/16/09) CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Two months ago, Claudia Arington never would have thought the dogwood trees and azaleas in Charleston would look how they do now. "Now, I truly think this year the stars of our Dogwood-Azalea Festival will be the azaleas," said the Charleston Chamber of Commerce director. "On Sunday when the sun was out I drove around town and the ones that are blooming are beautiful. They may be a little misshapen, but they are still pretty."... ND girls reel off six goals (04/15/09) Notre Dame's Meghan Dohogne did not celebrate right away after she scored on a shot that she blooped into the net just over the reach of St. Vincent keeper Anne Steele. Dohogne thought her shot had sailed above the crossbar and gotten tangled in the backside of the net. Her teammates did too, as one yelled, "It's over."... Organization formed to help small businesses obtain financing (04/15/09) Ten area banks have formed an organization to make credit flow easier for small businesses looking to expand their operations throughout Southeast Missouri. Known as the Cape Girardeau Area Community Development Corp., the for-profit organization will provide financing for businesses that need an additional amount to finance a particular project. ... Organizing for America listening tour makes stop in Cape Girardeau (04/15/09) For Matthew Heisserer, Obama's campaign did not end Nov. 4. "I'm continuing to be amazed at how well this campaign continues to be organized," he said. Listening tours for Obama's ongoing grassroots efforts, Organizing for America, kicked off throughout the country Tuesday... A Harte Appetite: Mark your calendar for Calendar Cake (04/15/09) "April is the cruellest month," T.S. Eliot lamented in "The Waste Land." I don't know if he had today's date in mind -- April 15, the deadline for filing your income tax -- but in years past on this date the Academy of American Poets would distribute thousands of copies of "The Waste Land" to post offices around the country for the commiseration of taxpayers rushing to mail their returns... Eight to speak at tax protest in Capaha Park today (04/15/09) A Cape Girardeau tax and anti-big government protest is growing, with at least eight people from various professions and political persuasions scheduled to speak, organizers said Tuesday, The event, scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. today in Capaha Park, is designated as a protest for "preserving our nation for future generations," organizer Tom Young of Jackson said. ... Gas expected to remain relatively cheap this summer (04/15/09) WASHINGTON -- Gasoline prices are expected to be relatively low this summer, so motorists might want to take to the road despite the economy if the federal government projections hold. The Energy Information Administration said regular-grade gasoline is expected to average $2.23 a gallon during the April-through-September driving season, although it will likely fluctuate and could jump to more than $2.30 a gallon during the peak driving period in late summer... Bridge linking Kentucky, Illinois reopens after brief closure (04/15/09) WICKLIFFE, Ky. -- A bridge linking Kentucky and Illinois has reopened to traffic after a barge struck a bridge pier. U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Brad Hannon said the harbor tug Mary Harter was towing a single barge that hit a pier of the bridge that connects Wickliffe, Ky., to Cairo, Ill., at about 5 a.m. Tuesday... Redhawks take break from OVC play (04/14/09) Southeast Missouri State's pitching staff should get a workout this week as the Redhawks play five games. All are at home and all are outside the Ohio Valley Conference, beginning with today's 3 p.m. contest against Southern Illinois-Carbondale. The week was supposed to be even busier for the Redhawks, but Wednesday's home date against Saint Louis University has been cancelled because the Billikens are already on pace for the NCAA maximum of 56 games... Mo. lawmakers opine with 'tweets' on microblogging site Twitter (04/14/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Wondering what your state lawmaker is doing right now? Head to Twitter, where dozens of Missouri legislators are using the micro-blogging website to broadcast an inside scoop about the workings of government. The Missouri House leader alerts Twitter users before he brings a bill up for debate. And during any given debate, numerous lawmakers are typing rapidly on their wireless devices posting short updates about what's going on... Cape Girardeau woman lives a normal life with cerebral palsy (04/14/09) Tameika Morris juggles her roles in life: single mother, graduate student, member of a close-knit Hayti, Mo., family and counselor. Morris, 33, will say, without being asked, that she has "a normal life." She knows people wonder when they see the effects of cerebral palsy on her body. The Cape Girardeau woman alternates between using a walker, a wheelchair and walking to get around, depending on how cooperative her body is on any given day... Car flips into Cape La Croix Creek on Monday night (04/14/09) Master firefighter Randy Morris Jr., foreground, and firefighter Derrick Carlton with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department look for the driver of a Toyota Camry that flipped into Cape La Croix Creek on Monday night near Spruce Street and Boxwood Drive. The unidentified driver was taken into police custody after fleeing the scene. 'Tea party' protesters to gather at Capaha Park on Wednesday (04/14/09) Discontent with the federal government's role in business and other aspects of life will bring a group of "Tea Party" protesters to Capaha Park on Wednesday. Tom Young of Jackson, who is organizing the event, said that while the action is inspired by similar protests elsewhere, he is not affiliating the local protest with any national organization or political party. ... Two weekend ATV accidents reported (04/14/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported two all-terrain vehicle accidents in Southeast Missouri over the weekend. A Steele, Mo., man was seriously injured Saturday while on an ATV. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on private property off Route F in Pemiscot County. Terry A. Robertson, 36, reportedly lost control of the Yamaha he was driving and was thrown... Attempted burglary in Sikeston foiled (04/14/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- An early morning burglary went bust Sunday thanks to a concerned resident, Sikeston police reported. Just after midnight Sunday morning, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety received a call in reference to broken glass outside My Sister's Closet, 417 S. Main St. Officers arrived at the scene and found subjects inside that store and Midwest Music in an adjacent building... Plane fare: Talking with Sandy Ladd of Sandy's Place restaurant (04/13/09) At the age of 15, Jackson native Sandy Ladd began work at an area restaurant. Years later, Ladd still is in the business as the owner of her first restaurant, Sandy's Place. Inside the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport at 860 Rush Limbaugh Memorial Drive, Sandy's Place serves up a heaping helping of down home cooking and a dash of hospitality. ... Obama girls get Portuguese water dog, name new puppy 'Bo' (04/13/09) WASHINGTON -- Bo? It's no jest. The first family has settled on a first pet -- a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog that the Obama girls are naming Bo. The selection was one of the White House's most tightly kept secrets. President Obama's daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, picked a black and white pup, a White House official speaking on the condition of anonymity said Saturday night... St. Louis dad restores car in memory of son (04/13/09) ST. LOUIS -- It was the only thing that came in the mail that day, the day after his son died. Wonel Brown was standing in the back of his repair shop, mourning with friends, when the postal worker walked in. One glance at the envelope, and he knew immediately. It was the title to his son's dream car. Brown tossed the letter onto a hood next to him. He couldn't look at it... Officials: Building a stadium would help create sense of identity for Central High School (04/13/09) When Scott Horrell played high school football at Cape Girardeau Central High School in the 1980s, the team played at Houck Stadium at Southeast Missouri State University. His father also played there and so does his son, who is a sophomore. "You would think somewhere along the way we could have had our own stadium," he said... Emergency response team educators looking for local disaster stories (04/13/09) Jim Watkins wants to hear Cape Girardeau disaster stories. He has planned a two-hour storytelling session from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Cape Girardeau Public Health Center at 1121 Linden St. "We want to hear from people of all ages, but especially from those who experienced the 1949 tornado," said Watkins, community emergency response team educator for the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. ... New Southeast Missourian comic 'Red and Rover' starts today (04/13/09) The Southeast Missourian will continue its quest for the perfect cartoon for its readers. "Red and Rover" starts today on Page 4B and will run through May 11. Send your thoughts -- good or bad -- on our comics to comics@semissourian.com... Campbell, Mo., parents seek more newborn tests after son dies from rare disease (04/12/09) CAMPBELL, Mo. -- Brady Cunningham was once all baby fat and blond curls. But after the cooing, smiles and studying looks of his first months came endless crying, intense pain and unexplained tremors. In the months before his life ended Monday -- at home, in the arms of his parents and days before his first birthday -- Brady's pain was at times so fierce, his father said, that the boy developed six-pack abdominal muscles from the straining... Jefferson City visitors bureau looks at tours of historic Missouri prison (04/12/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- One hundred years before Alcatraz opened, the Missouri State Penitentiary was in operation. When it closed Sept. 15, 2004, it was the oldest operating prison west of the Mississippi River. For 170 years, citizens wondered what was behind "The Walls." And when they had their first opportunity to go inside, more than 20,000 toured in two days... U.S. ship reaches Kenya without kidnapped captain (04/12/09) MOMBASA, Kenya -- Nineteen American sailors reached safe harbor Saturday days after escaping a pirate hijacking off the Horn of Africa, exhilarated by freedom but mourning the absence of the captain they hailed for sacrificing his freedom to save them... FYI 4/12/09 (04/12/09) Library cancels scrapbooking club until June The Cape Girardeau Public Library Scrapbooking Club meetings have been canceled for April and May. The next scheduled meeting is at 10 a.m. June 13. Southeast Missourian continues book series As part of its ongoing book series, "Heartland Heroes to Remember," Concord Publishing is searching for photos, stories and other memorabilia of Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. ... Number of POW benefit claimants exceeds recorded POWs (04/12/09) Prisoners of war suffer in ways most veterans don't, enduring forced marches, torture or other trauma that may haunt them long afterward. In partial recompense, the government extends them special benefits, from free parking and tax breaks to priority in medical treatment... His & Hers: Parenthood is worth the pain (04/12/09) Husband-and-wife journalists Bob Miller and Callie Clark Miller use this space to offer their views on everyday issues. SHE SAID The first time I passed out after a shot in the booty, I was 11. I'd had a recurring case of strep throat for two months, and when my mom took me back to the doctor she warned me that I might need a shot. ... Christian faithful gather for Good Friday in Jerusalem (04/11/09) JERUSALEM -- Thousands of Christian clergymen, worshippers and pilgrims thronged the alleyways of Jerusalem's Old City, chanting hymns and bearing crosses as they marked Good Friday by retracing Jesus' final footsteps. Hundreds attended prayers Friday morning at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Christian tradition says Jesus was crucified and resurrected... Illinois lawmakers look to raise cigarette tax again (04/11/09) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- One of Bill McCloskey's gas stations used to sell 110,000 packs of cigarettes a month before a $2 Cook County sales tax kicked in three years ago. Now it sells 17,000. Then the cost went up again, thanks to a 62-cent federal tobacco tax increase April 1. That's dropped McCloskey's cigarette sales another 12 percent from last April... Easter lilies have special meaning for some (04/11/09) Though it does not hold the same level of celebrity in its holiday use as, say, the Christmas tree, the Easter lily with its white, trumpet-shaped blooms holds a strong association with Easter. Easter lilies often appear in shops and churches this time every year... President says economy showing 'glimmers of hope' (04/11/09) WASHINGTON -- President Obama declared Friday the slumping economy has begun to show "glimmers of hope" but cautioned that it remains severely stressed and will require lots more work to turn it around. Once criticized for talking too pessimistically about the economy, Obama is highlighting the positive... Missouri Senate to try again on tax breaks (04/10/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Compromise has failed. So has a grueling late-night Senate session designed to wait out the opposition. But supporters of a tax-incentive package for Missouri businesses vowed Thursday that they will regroup and return for a sixth attempt at passing the bill before the May 15 end of the legislative session... Second at-bat for Delta softball (04/10/09) Delta coach Laura Brown said she and her players benefit greatly from playing softball during the spring and fall seasons because without a playoff system in the spring, there is not as much pressure, which enables her to be a more flexible coach. "We don't have the intense pressure of making it out of districts and making it through sectionals and quarterfinals to get to a final four," Brown said. ... Missing woman's case still open for Scott County Sheriff's Department officer (04/10/09) BENTON, Mo. -- For nearly 30 years, Lt. Jerry Bledsoe of the Scott County Sheriff's Department has followed up on every possible lead to learn what happened when Cheryl Anne Scherer disappeared April 17, 1979. And he and co-workers will continue working until they find answers... Sikeston's Redneck BBQ filled with fun, competition (04/10/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Whether people enjoy barbecuing their own food or sampling the fare of others, there's something for everyone at this weekend's Redneck BBQ. "We have a really good time," said Darice Sawyer, administrative assistant at the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, the event sponsor. "We get to meet with and talk to the teams, as well as the public that comes out."... CDC: U.S. food poisoning cases held steady during 2008 (04/10/09) ATLANTA -- Americans didn't suffer more food poisoning last year despite outbreaks involving peppers, peanut butter and other foods, according to a government report released Thursday. Rates of food-borne illnesses have been holding steady for five years. They had been declining from the mid-1990s until the beginning of this decade, due mainly to improvements in the meat and poultry industry, some experts say... U.S. warship watches Somali pirates with U.S. hostage (04/10/09) NAIROBI, Kenya -- Somali pirates and their hostage American sea captain were adrift in a lifeboat Thursday off the Horn of Africa, shadowed by a U.S. destroyer with more warships on the way in a U.S. show of force. The U.S. brought in FBI hostage negotiators to work with the military in trying to secure the release of Capt. Richard Phillips of Underhill, Vt. An official said the bandits were in talks with the Navy about resolving the standoff peacefully... Special report: Cape Girardeau PD has high rate of "unfounded" rape cases (04/05/09) Fifty-three women have reported rapes in the last three years to Cape Girardeau police. Police investigators determined that just over half of those rapes were "unfounded" or that they never occurred. That number is six times higher than what is reported across the state, according to the highway patrol... Tone Def All-Stars back together for a good time April 17 at Arena Building (04/09/09) When Tone Def All-Stars perform April 17 at The Show at the Arena Building, they will be playing together for the first time in almost a year. But vocalist Darren Burgfeld said spontaneous performances are something the band has mastered. "With Tone Def, it's kind of a standing agreement that if we ever want to play a show, we can get together and do it," Burgfeld said. "We can do it on a moment's notice if we want."... D.C. vote puts gay marriage in front of Congress (04/09/09) WASHINGTON -- The next battleground over gay marriage could be the U.S. Capitol. A preliminary vote by the District of Columbia city council to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere puts the issue on a path to Congress, which has final say over D.C.'s laws. That may force lawmakers to take up the politically dicey debate after years of letting it play out in the states... Obama looking at cooling air to fight warming (04/09/09) WASHINGTON -- Tinkering with Earth's climate to chill runaway global warming -- a radical idea once dismissed out of hand -- is being discussed by the White House as a potential emergency option, the president's new science adviser said Wednesday... Studies show 'good' fat could work with weight loss pill (04/09/09) Fight fat with fat? The newest obesity theory suggests we may one day be able to do just that. Just like good and bad cholesterol, there apparently are good and bad types of body fat. Scientists until recently believed this good fat, which spurs the body to burn calories to generate body heat, played an important role in keeping infants warm but by adulthood was mostly gone or inactive... Crew retakes U.S. ship from pirates off coast of Somalia (04/09/09) NAIROBI, Kenya -- In a high-seas drama, an unarmed American crew wrested control of their U.S.-flagged cargo ship from Somali pirates Wednesday and sent them fleeing to a lifeboat with the captain as hostage. The destroyer USS Bainbridge, one of a half dozen warships that headed for the area, arrived at the scene this morning a few hours before dawn, said Kevin Speers, a spokesman for the company that owns the Maersk Alabama. ... Showing their art (04/09/09) In true art fashion, a rebellion of sorts took place at the River Campus this weekend. Southeast Missouri State University students exhibited work in the Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition in the River Campus Art Gallery in the Seminary Building with all the regality of a sanctioned, juried art show... Shaped by the real world, not the virtual (04/09/09) April 9, 2009 Dear Julie, Sometimes it feels to me as if all of us connected to the Internet are like individual cells in an Earth-sized brain afflicted with ADHD. I'm not alone. In the latest issue of The Sun magazine, a former senior editor of the Harvard Business Review argues that the Internet may be rewiring our brains to function in new ways, not all of them to our advantage. Nicholas Carr says the Internet may be eroding our ability to contemplate... Mo. House OKs concealed guns on college campuses (04/09/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri House has voted to lift a ban on carrying concealed weapons at state colleges and universities. On a vote of 106-41 Wednesday, the House approved an amendment rolling back the existing prohibition. ... Jackson nips Bulldogs (04/09/09) Notre Dame keeper Katherine Blasiney was not too fond of the prospect of taking part in a shootout against Jackson on Wednesday. Blasiney made that perfectly clear right before the start of the first overtime. While the junior keeper was waiting for the action to begin, she looked back at two Notre Dame junior varsity players standing behind the net and told them that the Bulldogs better score because Jackson players know how to shoot penalty kicks well... Scott City's Simmons pitches no-hitter against Oran (04/08/09) SCOTT CITY -- Ace hurler Shae Simmons rebounded in his past three starts after Jackson pounded him in Scott City's season opener more than two weeks ago. Simmons literally was unhittable against local rival Oran on Tuesday. The senior, who has signed to play baseball at Southeast Missouri State next year, tossed a no-hitter and struck out 11 as the Rams posted a 10-0 five-inning victory... Redhawks tumble to Salukis 7-0 on road (04/08/09) Southeast Missouri State's problems in midweek, nonconference baseball games continued Tuesday. The Redhawks lost their fourth straight midweek contest, falling to regional rival Southern Illinois University 7-0 in Carbondale, Ill. Southeast (18-11) has been outscored 48-6 in its past four midweek contests... ND stays unbeaten with 9-1 win vs. Central (04/08/09) Notre Dame exacted a measure of revenge Tuesday night by beating visiting Central 9-1. The Bulldogs suffered a pair of losses to city rival Central last season despite reaching the Class 3 state baseball semifinals. "It's good to get some payback," Bulldogs junior shortstop Colton Young said... Southeast Missouri groups perform Haydn's Nelson Mass (04/08/09) Workers install new 140-foot tower in Stoddard County for ambulance centers (04/08/09) Work planned on three state highways in Cape Girardeau County (04/08/09) Three state highways in Cape Girardeau County will be closed or be under traffic restrictions today as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform maintenance. Route P will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. between County Road 268 and County Road 272 while crews replace a pipe under the road. ... Gas, electric or push: A look at lawn mower options (04/08/09) Love it or loathe it, mowing season is upon us. And after decades of making lawn mowers bigger, more powerful and easier to push, manufacturers now are touting self-powered mowers and electric models just big enough to get the job done. With the current economic downturn, Peter Sawchuk, lawnmower expert for Consumer Reports magazine, expects more homeowners will be in the market for a mower this spring. ... Drivers: Slow down for work zones (04/07/09) ELIZABETH DODD ~ edoddsemissourian.com The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge displays orange lighting to mark National Work Zone Awareness Week. ... North Carolina wins national title (04/07/09) DETROIT -- For a year, maybe more, North Carolina could feel this national championship coming. It was a calculated march, and behind the unrelenting play of Tyler Hansbrough, Wayne Ellington and Ty Lawson, the Tar Heels stomped out Michigan State's inspirational run Monday night with an 89-72 blowout that wasn't that close... MIAC gets new director Monday after militia report controversy (04/07/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol on Monday replaced the director of an intelligence center that has been under fire after producing a report suggesting militia members often support certain political candidates. The patrol's superintendent, Col. ... Roadwork to close part of Route P today (04/07/09) Route P in Cape Girardeau County will be closed today while Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe underneath the roadway. The section of roadway is located between County Road 266 and 268. Work will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m... Cold reality hits in Cards' opener (04/07/09) ST. LOUIS -- Jack Wilson waited until the Pittsburgh Pirates were down to their last strike before coming through. Wilson's three-run double on an 0-2 fastball capped a four-run ninth inning off hard-throwing Jason Motte, leading Pittsburgh to an opening 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals... Mo. tries to shed reputation as 'puppy mill' capital of U.S. (04/07/09) SENECA, Mo. -- When authorities raided J.B.'s Precious Puppies, they discovered more than 200 dogs standing in their own excrement, crammed three and four to a cage. Some were so sickly they were missing clumps of hair. The skeletal remains of puppies and adult dogs were found inside pet-food bags... Stair trek: Local trainers demonstrate how to incorporate staircase into your workout (04/07/09) The daunting stairs leading up to the historic Common Pleas Courthouse are part of a fitness routine for Liz McCanless of Cape Girardeau. She's dropped 30 pounds since starting the steps workout two years ago, which inspired her to quit smoking recently... North Carolina wins NCAA title (04/07/09) DETROIT -- There was a team of destiny out there, all right. It's the North Carolina Tar Heels, and the final chapter of their story was about as heartwarming as a demolition derby. Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson and North Carolina won a national championship a season or more in the making, stomping out Michigan State's inspirational run Monday night with an 89-72 blowout that wasn't even that close... Missouri delays tax refunds, borrows $325 million to pay bills (04/07/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri has delayed tax refunds and quietly borrowed $325 million from its cash reserves in order to pay employees, public schools, hospitals and other bills. If officials had not acted to keep the state afloat, Missouri would have been $100 million in the hole at the start of April, according to state financial documents obtained by The Associated Press... Bringing the beat: Jackson Percussion Ensemble's performance set for tonight (04/06/09) Typical of the past month's Thursday afternoons, after most students and faculty have gone home for the day, eight Jackson high school percussionists tighten down their choreographed movements like a row of pistons. The students' glow-in-the-dark drumsticks twirl and skip in their hands over snare drums in preparation for tonight's performance... Talking shop with Nancy Jernigan of the local United Way chapter (04/06/09) Southeast Missouri is greatly influenced by numerous not-for-profit agencies in the region. Leading the way is the United Way of Southeast Missouri, which distributes funds to these entities and coordinates programs that benefit the community. Nancy Jernigan has been leading the United Way of Southeast Missouri for nearly 14 years. ... Recession erodes conveniences shoppers got accustomed to (04/06/09) CHICAGO -- First came the housing bust, followed by eroding job security and dwindling retirement accounts. Now, the worst downturn in decades is nibbling away at something so entrenched that people took it for granted: simple, everyday convenience... Carpenter key to Cardinals' chances (04/06/09) ST. LOUIS -- After all those operations on his right arm, Chris Carpenter had work on his left arm this offseason -- a colorful tattoo. The new tattoo spreads over half the arm displaying his family via astrological signs. There's a lion for his daughter, a Leo. A crab for his wife, a Cancer. An arch for his son, a Sagittarius. A bull for himself, a Taurus... Militia report unites ACLU, Republicans (04/06/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Republican Party and the American Civil Liberties Union finally have found common ground. Both are outraged by a recently leaked report by the Missouri Information Analysis Center -- an office that compiles and distributes homeland security information -- that describes the characteristics of potential militia members... Sponsors of St. John's Bayou-New Madrid Floodway Project frustrated by work reversal (04/06/09) CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- Reversing work on the St. John's Bayou-New Madrid Floodway Project is "a shame -- a waste of taxpayer dollars," according to the project's sponsors. Furg Hunter, a supervisor for the St. Johns Levee and Drainage District, the local sponsors for the St. John's Bayou-New Madrid Floodway Project, spoke about efforts to see the project through and expressed frustrations at the waste of reversing work during a public meeting March 30 in Caruthersville... Haydn's Nelson Mass includes performances by three Southeast Missouri State University groups (04/06/09) The Southeast Missouri University Choir, Choral Union and Symphony Orchestra will perform Joseph Haydn's "Nelson Mass" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University. ... Redhawks deal series loss to Gamecocks (04/06/09) Tony Spencer said the Southeast Missouri State baseball team was down after letting a six-run lead slip away Saturday. But the Redhawks were far from out. Southeast punctuated an impressive weekend with Sunday's 7-4 win against perennial Ohio Valley Conference power Jacksonville State... Port Cape Girardeau evacuated after lunchtime fire (04/05/09) About 25 people evacuated Port Cape Girardeau restaurant Saturday afternoon because of a cooking fire. The Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded at about 1 p.m. and extinguished the fire in about 15 minutes, said battalion chief Brad Dillow. He said the damage was contained to the kitchen. Crews cleared smoke from the building for about an hour, he said. There were no injuries... Bollinger County debates festival's future (04/05/09) MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce president Donnia Mayfield is at her wits' end wondering if the community wants to continue the Fall Festival or Bollinger County Fair -- whatever it will be called -- enough to help organize it... Jacksonville St. rallies for split (04/05/09) The Southeast Missouri State baseball team continued the program's best league start in 26 years by winning the opener of Saturday's doubleheader. Southeast lamented the fact its undefeated Ohio Valley Conference record did not last the day. The Redhawks built a 7-1 lead through four innings off Jacksonville State All-American pitcher Ben Tootle, who is projected as a first-round draft pick... What's happening today 4/5/09 (04/05/09) Meet the artist The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center will feature photographer Kevin Ward from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Nature Center. His work has helped catalog rare species believed to be unfamiliar in certain Missouri counties. His line of greeting cards and photographs can be found at "The Gallery" in Marquand, Mo., where he resides... City mouse and country mouse make a home (04/05/09) Husband-and-wife journalists Bob Miller and Callie Clark Miller use this space to offer their views on everyday issues. SHE SAID We're going to my parents' house to celebrate Dawson's first birthday this weekend. That sounds so weird. Normally, I would say we're going home instead of to my parents' house. But last week, that changed. My parents, who have lived in the same house for 26-plus years on the same property that has been in my dad's family since 1884, moved to a new house... Karate takes on Christian twist for Illinois students (04/05/09) DECATUR, Ill. -- Students move in unison doing a front snap kick (Mae Geri) and step back to do a side kick (Yoko Geri). With arms slightly bent in position, they learn to do an upper rise block move (Age Uke). At the same time, Billy Roberts yells out a Bible verse or two for them to remember... Capaha Park becomes Easter egg hunting ground (04/05/09) FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Capaha Park became a hunting ground for Easter eggs Saturday for these children ages 3 and 4. Hunts were also held for age groups 1 to 2 and 5 to 8. The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department hid about 1,000 eggs for each of the three hunts.... Dancing to the sounds of the '50s and '60s at the annual Kiwanis dance (04/05/09) KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.com Long lines weave through the Arena Building as the Decade Band plays "Locomotion" Saturday evening, April 4, 2009, for the annual Kiwanis 50s and 60s Dance.... Noranda helps fund critics of AmerenUE-backed bill (04/04/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Southeast Missouri aluminum smelter has donated nearly $80,000 to fight efforts by AmerenUE to change how customers are billed for construction of electric power plants. State campaign finance records show Noranda Aluminum Inc. on Friday donated $78,570 to Missourians Against Higher Utility Rates. That committee is sponsoring ads critical of AmerenUE... Social Security office in Cape Girardeau to close one day next week, reopen in new site April 13 (04/04/09) Southeast Missourian The Cape Girardeau Social Security office will close for a day Friday and reopen April 13 in new quarters at 2445 Cape Centre Drive. The offices will move from 339 Broadway as part of a general move by federal agencies from the building, once Cape Girardeau's federal courthouse, empty sometime this year. The telephone number will remain the same, 866-931-7077. Office hours at the new location will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday... Nutt appears to have his first assistant (04/04/09) All signs point to Dickey Nutt's first hire as Southeast Missouri State's basketball coach being Jeremy Case. The Lawrence-Journal World reported this week that Case, a former Kansas University player, has landed a job as a Southeast assistant. Nutt, when contacted Friday, would neither confirm nor deny that Case will be joining the Redhawks... Southeast to host OVC baseball power (04/04/09) The Southeast Missouri State baseball team will look to continue the program's best league start in 26 years. Standing in the way will be the Ohio Valley Conference's top squad over the past five years -- Jacksonville State. The squads will have a three-game series at Capaha Field beginning with today's 1 p.m. doubleheader -- Kohlfeld Distributing will provide free food and beverages -- followed by Sunday's 1 p.m. contest... East Prairie man arrested on meth charge after seizure of mobile lab (04/04/09) BENTON, Mo. -- A complaint of a suspicious package Wednesday led to the seizure of an alleged mobile meth lab and the arrest of an East Prairie, Mo., man in Scott County, according to a Scott County Sheriff's Department news release. Deputy Jeremy Perrien responded to Route O on a report of a suspicious package that appeared to be intentionally placed on the side of the road, the news release said. ... Blagojevich indictment alleges new heights of corruption in Illinois (04/04/09) CHICAGO -- Rod Blagojevich's schemes and corruption stretch back beyond trying to sell a Senate seat, beyond handing out jobs to political donors and even beyond his first day in the Illinois governor's office, federal prosecutors say. While he campaigned on a promise to clean up after the scandals of the previous governor, Blagojevich and a handful of political pals already were planning to line their pockets and split the money after Blagojevich left office, according to a 19-count indictment.. ... Way of the Cross (04/04/09) Nearly every Good Friday since 2001, Jan Rigdon has gathered with fellow Christians for a stroll through downtown Cape Girardeau to commemorate Jesus' crucifixion. This Friday will be no different when Rigdon and about 100 other ministers and lay people are expected to participate in the Way of the Cross, a devotional journey sponsored by the Downtown Council of Churches. ... Kiwanis Club puts on annual party tonight at Arena Building in Cape (04/04/09) The Kiwanis Club of Cape Girardeau is hosting its annual '50s and '60s rock and roll dance party from 8 p.m. to midnight today at the Arena Building. "The music from the '50s and '60s was just the most fun," said Fred Horrell, event organizer and Kiwanis member. "The melodies caught you and it had the beat to it. Folks usually stay all night and have a heck of a good time."... Buckner Brewing Co.'s bunny visits over weekend (04/04/09) ELIZABETH DODD ~ edodd@semissourian.com Hops Harvey the Buckner Bunny visits with Tonya Henderson, 8, of Cape Girardeau, Friday at Buckner Brewing Company. ... Jobless in Massachusetts making TV ads pitching themselves for work (04/04/09) CHELMSFORD, Mass. -- Jayna Dinsmore dressed in a sharp pink blouse and black slacks and made the pitch she hoped would end her five months of unemployment: Experienced marketing manager and analyst. Diverse background. Trade show experience. Only she wasn't talking to an interviewer. She was talking to a TV camera... Millersville Fire District board member files complaint over flier (04/03/09) Two rural fire districts hope Tuesday's election will signal the end of a tumultuous chapter for their fire boards, even as a campaign flier has raised new questions and concerns for current board members in one of the districts. On Tuesday, the Millersville Fire District board filed a complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission over a campaign flier included in the monthly bill sent to Public Water Supply District No. 2 customers, said board chairman Jim Roche... Notre Dame senior makes 'Anything Goes' happen behind the scenes (04/03/09) When the curtain goes up on Notre Dame Regional High School's production of "Anything Goes," Samantha Rellergert will be running the show backstage. Rellergert, a senior, has been constructing sets and helping backstage throughout high school. In all, she has worked on eight productions... Forty firefighters completed live fire training this past weekend on ethanol motor fuels. (04/03/09) Firefighters from Jackson, Fruitland, East County, Perryville, Whitewater, Millersville, Black River, Cairo, and North County completed a special 12 hour program this past weekend on extinguishing fires involving the newest motor vehicle fuels that contain ethanol... Central vaulters set high goals (04/03/09) Former Southeast Missouri State pole vaulter Collin Sheridan, who won the Ohio Valley Conference outdoor championship in 2000, enjoys a different challenge these days as coach of the Central vaulters. Among Sheridan's athletes are two of the best local high school vaulters -- sophomore Matt Deisher and junior Ray Woldtvedt... Bar is rising on lowering the risks (04/03/09) Chuck Goodale, who has served as a pole vaulting instructor at high schools including Kelly, Scott City, Central and now Notre Dame, said the athletes who become involved in the technical field event typically are the fearless ones. "To a lot of people, [pole vaulting] looks like fun, but at the same time they would say, 'I wouldn't do that in a million years,'" Goodale said. ... Galileo's telescope on historic visit to Philadelphia (04/03/09) PHILADELPHIA -- Though it looks like a cardboard tube that got left out in the rain, it's a priceless instrument whose owner changed the world. The mottled brown cylinder on display at The Franklin Institute science museum is a 400-year-old telescope used by Galileo Galilei, whose observations of the heavens ultimately changed the face of not only astronomy but all of science... Manufacturing up; Dow briefly passes 8,000 mark (04/03/09) WASHINGTON -- Fresh signs that factories are coming back to life and a bank chief executive officer's encouraging outlook fueled more hopes Thursday that the economy may soon emerge from the cellar, briefly lifting the Dow Jones industrials over 8,000 for the first time in two months... Summiteers OK big loans, no economic rescue stimulus (04/03/09) LONDON -- Anxiously assembled at the most perilous moment for the global economy since the Great Depression, the world's financial powers pledged more than $1 trillion Thursday for emergency loans to contain the contagion. But they rebuffed President Obama's bid for new stimulus spending and made no guarantees of success... Blagojevich indicted on federal corruption charges (04/03/09) CHICAGO -- Ousted Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich was indicted Thursday on charges of trying to auction off President Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat along with new corruption allegations that he tried to extort a congressman. A 19-count federal indictment alleges that Blagojevich discussed with aides the possibility of getting a Cabinet post in the new president's administration, substantial fundraising assistance or a high-paying job in exchange for the Senate seat... Candidates talk to voters through Southeast Missourian website (04/03/09) Candidates in Tuesday's municipal elections are speaking directly to voters through the Southeast Missourian's online election page. The responses to the Southeast Missourian's candidate questionnaire are posted at http://semissourian.com/election. ... Next phase of Independence Street widening in Cape Girardeau begins (04/03/09) KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.com The next phase of a widening project closed Independence Street on Thursday between Kingshighway and Clark Avenue in Cape Girardeau. Contractors estimate that the project will be finished in six weeks. Eastbound traffic will remain open.... Ex-St. Francois Co. commissioner indicted (04/03/09) FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. (AP) -- A former county commissioner from eastern Missouri faces two felony charges for allegedly stealing from the county. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster announced a two-count indictment Thursday against 61-year-old Ronald Varvera of Fredericktown, a former commissioner for St. Francois (pronounced FRAN'-cis) County... Roger Sanford's chalk art featured at Edward Bernard Gallery (04/02/09) According to Jackson-based artist Roger Sanford, "Chalk is unforgiving. A lot of people don't realize how hard it is. You don't get a second chance when you lay it down." Central handles Sikeston (04/02/09) Central defeated the Bulldogs 7-4 in a Jamie Pickel win. Mo. senators endorse health-care plan (04/02/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State senators have endorsed an expansion of government-funded health care for low-income Missourians, embracing the concept -- if not the form -- of a plan put forth by Gov. Jay Nixon. Braves' starting lineup garners all-district honors (04/02/09) The entire Scott County Central starting lineup earned Class 1 all-district honors on the teams picked by a panel of Southeast Missouri sportswriters that was released today. Having fun at Red Star boat access (04/02/09) Speakers hone stories for Cape festival (04/02/09) Starting Friday, downtown Cape Girardeau may be filled with ghosts, lesbian cowgirl folk singers, 85-year-old medical school graduates and female serial killers, among other characters. The tales at the second annual Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival begin at 9 a.m. Friday. Four national and four Midwest storytellers will be featured. Man works to spread awareness of autism through license plate program (04/02/09) Today is World Autism Awareness Day, but Mike Sciortino is aware of autism every day because his 10-year-old grandson Ethan has a form of the disorder. Website undergoes slight changes (04/02/09) Some changes were made on the seMissourian.com website Wednesday. Most of the site has remained the same, with content and organization very similar to what was in place before the change. Major changes include the addition of drop down menus at the top of each page to make navigation easier... Five candidates file for seat on hospital board in Perry County (04/01/09) PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Five people have filed to run for one open position on the Perry County Memorial Hospital board. Incumbent Beth Guth has filed to retain her seat for her third five-year term. She works for the Bank of Missouri as a human resources director. Her challengers include Jo Jo Stuart, Ali Dibooglu, Larry J. Thieret and Direk L. Hunt. Thieret is also running for school board. All the candidates list Perryville addresses... Tigers cut down Indians 2-1 (04/01/09) Central junior Erik Allen talked with his teammates about the potential of Tuesday's baseball game being suspended because of darkness, and decided to do something about it. With the sun sinking lower in the sky and the shadows growing longer, Allen stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth inning. Both Central and Jackson had struggled to score all game, and there wouldn't be many more chances before the game was suspended... Ohio man charged with drunken driving on bar stool (04/01/09) Man charged with bar stool drunken driving NEWARK, Ohio -- Authorities in Ohio say a man has been charged with drunken driving after crashing his motorized bar stool. Police in Newark, 30 miles east of Columbus, say when they responded to a report of a crash with injuries March 4, they found a man who had wrecked a bar stool powered by a deconstructed lawn mower. ... Deadline nearing for municipal election candidates to fill out questionnaires (04/01/09) Tuesday is municipal election day across Missouri, and the Southeast Missourian will be offering voters a new feature coming Thursday with the web publication of candidate questionnaires designed to give greater coverage to the smaller towns and special purpose districts in the area... Recipe Swap: Munchies to go with March madness (04/01/09) My household is absolutely consumed with the NCAA basketball tournament. My husband and son check their brackets after every game and tease each other about wins and losses. My husband, Scott, is also celebrating his birthday right in the middle of all of this madness. The good Lord must have planned it this way, that he would celebrate his birthday during his favorite time of the year. So today you can enjoy all snack food and finger food recipes in honor of basketball games galore... Fargo uses social networks to fight floodwaters (03/27/09) FARGO, N.D. -- When Kevin Tobosa got word Thursday that a friend needed help building a sandbag dike, he immediately posted a status update on his Facebook page: "Heading to 2825 Lilac Lane in North Fargo -- needs to be raised another 2 feet." When city officials needed volunteers at other dikes, Tobosa suggested setting up a Facebook group. By Thursday, it had attracted more than 4,550 members and was constantly picking up new ones... Doctors say kidney stones in children are on the rise (03/27/09) CHICAGO -- Doctors are puzzling over what seems to be an increase in the number of children with kidney stones, a condition some blame on children's love of cheeseburgers, fries and other salty foods. Kidney stones are usually an adult malady, one that is notorious for causing excruciating pain -- pain worse than childbirth. But while the number of affected children isn't huge, children with kidney stones have been turning up in rising numbers at hospitals around the country... Nixon blames 'overzealousness' for highway patrol's militia report (03/27/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday blamed the "overzealousness" of a Missouri State Highway Patrol unit for a report slammed by conservatives because it links various right-wing organizations with the modern militia movement. The Democratic governor faced numerous questions about the report and how the state's police agencies gather intelligence during a news conference... Cape Girardeau's second storytelling festival begins next week (03/27/09) A week from today downtown Cape Girardeau will earn its slogan. Three tents will pop up and people from across the country will travel to the city where the river turns a thousand tales to hear storytellers at the 2009 Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival... Nine healthy habits for 2009 (01/06/09) People often ring in the new year with a promise to bring in better habits -- stop smoking, exercise more, etc. Whatever the promise may be, consider the following nine habits area health officials recommend you implement in 2009. Some of them may seem obvious, but that doesn't negate their importance... Some of Krajcir's victims survived (03/17/08) ST. LOUIS -- An accused serial killer who confessed to killing nine women in four states and about a dozen rapes, murdered some of his victims, but did not try to kill others. Timothy Krajcir, 63, was brought to Cape Girardeau, last week to face 13 charges, including the murders of five women between 1977 and 1982. He has been in prison since 1983, but recently told authorities about more of his attacks... Budget used by Mo. lawmakers as means to make political points (03/17/08) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Republican House members have made a political point by cutting the budget of Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon. But it may be a dull point when it comes to state law. Republicans on the House Budget Committee voted late at night last week to cut $3.3 million and more than 50 employees from the attorney general's office and instead give the money and people to the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations... More testing needed on drugs in drinking water, many say (03/17/08) Test it, study it, figure out how to clean it -- but still drink it. That's the range of reactions raining down from community leaders, utilities, environmental groups and policy-makers in reaction to an Associated Press investigation that documented the presence of pharmaceuticals in major portions of the nation's drinking water supplies... Halle Berry gives birth to a baby girl (03/17/08) The 41-year-old actress had a baby girl Sunday, and "is doing great," her publicist Meredith O'Sullivan told People.com, the Web site of People magazine. It is her first child. The father is 32-year-old model Gabriel Aubry. The two met while shooting a Versace ad in Los Angeles two years ago... Scott City students find pen pals in Iraq (03/17/08) At Scott City Middle School, students have spent months exercising their communication skills in an uncommon way -- as pen pals to soldiers in Iraq. Scott City students in Leanne Grant's eighth- and ninth-grade communication arts class became pen pals with Missouri National Guardsmen of the 35th Engineer Brigade, stationed at Camp Liberty, Iraq, in September. The brigade oversees route clearance and construction projects around Baghdad...