Fair ~ 50°F   River stage: 33.98 Falling Saturday, November 21, 2009

++Lead stories Optimist Clubs receive Christmas tree shipment (11/21/09) Hundreds of Christmas trees were unloaded Saturday at the Cape Girardeau and Jackson Optimist Club lots, continuing a holiday tradition that started more than 50 years ago. The Cape Girardeau club received 225 trees were unloaded at the Cape Girardeau lot. Jackson received 250 trees... Plea deal reached in Heather Ellis case (11/20/09) KENNETT, Mo. (AP) -- A black school teacher who claimed white police officers abused and assaulted her agreed Friday to a plea deal convicting her of resisting arrest and disturbing the peace. Service agencies help disabled students transition from school (11/20/09) With a sign language translator just over her shoulder, Susan Hekmat went over the basics of a job interview. "If they say your appointment is at 4, it's not at 4:01 or 4:30. It's at 4," said Hekmat, a special education consultant at the Southeast Regional Professional Development Center... Makeover of uptown Jackson almost done (11/20/09) Just a few weeks remain until one part of uptown Jackson completes a makeover just in time for the holiday shopping season. Since Sept. 8, crews have worked on streetscape improvements on a section of High Street between Main and Adams streets. Improvements include historic lighting, cobblestone sidewalk pavers, benches, bike racks and trash receptacles... Capaha Bank in Cape Girardeau robbed, police seek suspect (11/20/09) A man wearing a hooded sweat shirt and a bandanna masking his face robbed a Cape Girardeau bank Thursday morning. Jury selected, opening statements made, witnesses questioned in Heather Ellis trial (11/19/09) KENNETT, Mo. -- The jury was selected and the prosecution and defense gave opening arguments in the trial against Heather Ellis Wednesday. Ellis is charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest and disturbing the peace in a case that has garnered national media attention. Ellis' supporters have alleged the charges are racially motivated... Police seek suspect in Sikeston armed robbery (11/19/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sikeston police are seeking a suspect in a reported armed robbery that happened early Wednesday afternoon at Check Into Cash, 1305 S. Main St. An employee of the store said a man came in around 1:20 p.m. and pulled out a black handgun, demanding cash, according to a news release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. ... Area food pantry volunteer expanding mission to include pets (11/19/09) When a girl in June asked food pantry volunteer Steve Vitale for unfrosted cereal, he was a little puzzled but also dismayed that he was unable to honor the request. But since the girl and her mother were regular clients, he paid for the unfrosted cereal out of his own pocket and waited for her to ask again. When they returned in August, he was ready, both with the cereal and a question... Perryville teen dance to raise funds for Orman family funeral expenses (11/18/09) Teens in Perryville will have the opportunity let loose and dance weeks after coping with the death of a peer. "We're planning on letting them express their feelings and have a good time," Kelly Yates said. Yates is holding a teen dance fundraiser in honor of her sister, Jamie Orman, and nephew, Derrick Orman, who was a student at Perryville High School... Mo. Supreme Court to hear Cape Girardeau County Sunshine Law case (11/18/09) Jay Purcell is getting another day in court. The Missouri Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to hear the Cape Girardeau County's 2nd District commissioner's lawsuit against the county commission for a Sunshine Law violation. Purcell originally filed suit in May 2008, but he and his attorney, J.P. Clubb, could not convince circuit or appellate court judges to rule in their favor... Sidewalks a growing part of Cape's TTF projects (11/18/09) When Cape Girardeau embarked on the first five-year road plan financed by a half-cent sales tax in 1995, sidewalks weren't a big item in the $22.9 million program. That's changed with each new five-year program, as the money dedicated to sidewalk repair and construction has increased from $397,544, or 1.6 percent of the first plan's total spending, to $1.3 million, or 6.1 percent of the money expected if voters approve a tax extension in 2010... Harry Rediger to run for Cape mayor; field of candidates now at 3 (11/17/09) Standing in front of the J.C. Penney store where he was manager for 20 years, retired businessman Harry Rediger on Monday announced he will run for mayor of Cape Girardeau. With more than 50 supporters nearby, including many prominent business leaders, Rediger said he's ready for a challenge after years of involvement in city and civic causes. ... Area leaders approve agreement between Southeast, Three Rivers (11/17/09) Officials took a step toward providing community college access in Cape Girardeau County Monday. A group of business and education leaders unanimously approved an agreement to start offering courses at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center... About 100 rally in Kennett to support defendant in Walmart case (11/17/09) KENNETT, Mo. -- A crowd of people gathered at a rally for Heather Ellis chanted, "No justice. No peace," in Kennett on Monday, claiming that the allegations against the black woman accused of assault on police are false. Approximately 100 protesters gathered at the Kennett Walmart at around 11 a.m., including members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). ... Local woman makes top five in Victoria's Secret competition; next round of voting starts (11/16/09) Ali Turner likes to wear jeans and T-shirts while working and riding horses in Cape Girardeau, but the 5 foot 11 former runway model has been donning sexier outfits during the Victoria's Secret Angel Boot Camp model competition. Turner, who goes by Allison in the competition, recently advanced to the top five in the contest, which started with 10 women chosen from across America. Turner auditioned in Chicago in October and received word shortly after that she had earned a spot... 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... Complete Jackson comprehensive plan to be discussed during planning and zoning meeting (11/16/09) Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr doesn't have a crystal ball, but she thinks a plan that has been a year in the making could offer a glimpse into where the city hopes to be by 2019. The Jackson comprehensive plan includes ideas for a plethora of improvements, such as a second fire station, increased business activity, expansion of the city's trail system and easement of traffic-flow problems. ... A day at the races at Cape's Arena Building (11/15/09) Cassie Essner starts a Hot Wheels race on Saturday during Hot Wheels Zoom Day sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department at the Arena Building. ... Fire destroys house in Bollinger County (11/13/09) Firefighters from Sedgewickville, Millersville, North Bollinger and Marble Hill fire districts responded to a fire at the home of Paula Bright just after 7 a.m. Friday, about four miles east of Sedgewickville, Mo. on Bollinger County Road 224. The fire apparently started in the utility room, according to her son, Steven H. ... Local girl reaches top 5 in Victoria's Secret competition (11/13/09) Hometown hottie Ali Turner made the cut in Victoria's Secret Angel Boot Camp. The next round of voting, which will eliminate three more girls, starts Monday at 2 p.m. with videos of the next model challenge and opportunities to vote. Turner, who grew up in Cape Girardeau and modeled in her teen years, was chosen to be in the competition with nine other girls from around the country. ... Eighth-graders explore career options at Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center (11/13/09) As a mangled hand flashed up on the screen, a roomful of eighth-grade students at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center recoiled. As the room adjusted to the image, a student in the front row piped up. "If you guys watched 'Saw,' that's not that bad," she said, referring to a series of horror movies... New Life Evangelistic Center to open free store, homeless outreach center in Cape (11/13/09) The New Life Evangelistic Center isn't waiting for the outcome of a lawsuit over the Cape Girardeau federal building to plant itself on Broadway. With the help of Cape Girardeau chaplain Terry Wildman, a free store and homeless outreach center will be opening soon. ... U.S. cigarette smoking rates rise slightly (11/12/09) ATLANTA (AP) -- Cigarette smoking rose slightly for the first time among Americans in almost 15 years, dashing health officials' hopes that the U.S. smoking rate had moved permanently below 20 percent. A little under 21 percent of U.S. adults said they smoked, according to a 2008 national survey by the U.S. ... Police search rural property where family members accused in sex crimes once lived (11/12/09) LEXINGTON, Missouri (AP) -- Five family members charged in a child sex abuse case in western Missouri made their first court appearance Thursday while crews resumed scouring property where some of the abuse allegedly occurred years ago. The five men, wearing orange jumpsuits and shackled at their wrists, waists and ankles, appeared downcast as Associate Circuit Judge John Frerking of the Lafayette County court read the charges against them, including forcible sodomy, rape with a child younger than 12 and use of a child in a sexual performance.. ... Federal ruling unlikely to derail Cape DREAM plan (11/12/09) A federal court ruling that raised constitutional issues about community improvement districts will help guide, but likely not derail, plans for implementing Cape Girardeau's DREAM Initiative Master Plan, Old Town Cape executive director Marla Mills said Wednesday... Two fires in less than 24 hours at Juden Creek Conservation Area; burn ban in effect (11/12/09) Just before noon Wednesday, fire crews responded to a second brush fire in less than 24 hours at Juden Creek Conservation Area. Both fires are suspicious in nature, said Mark Hasheider, assistant fire chief for the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. Because they were a quarter- to half-mile apart, there was little chance the second fire was caused by remnants of the first, he said. Area salutes those who served on Veterans Day (11/12/09) Joe Don Randol still remembers the moment he saw the Berlin Wall fall in 1989. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Randol said the event signified the importance of freedom that he and others have fought to protect. D.C.-area sniper John Allen Muhammad executed; victims included former Bollinger County man (11/11/09) JARRATT, Va. -- John Allen Muhammad, the mastermind of the sniper attacks that terrorized the nation's capital region for three weeks in October 2002, was executed Tuesday. Muhammad died by injection at 8:11 p.m. at Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, prison spokesman Larry Traylor said... Former Jackson wedding planner pleads guilty to fraud (11/11/09) STEELVILLE, Mo. -- Prosecutors will push for a prison sentence rather than probation for Michael J. Erzfeld, the Jackson wedding planner who pleaded guilty Tuesday to using customer credit cards to purchase expensive wine, home furnishings and art. Museum in Bloomfield chronicles Stars and Stripes' 148-year history (11/11/09) BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- From Germany to Japan, American soldiers read the Stars and Stripes newspaper. What most don't know is that the publication got its start in Bloomfield. On Nov. 9, 1861, soldiers of the Illinois 11th, 18th and 29th regiments, after forcing the Confederates south, set up camp in Bloomfield. ... Cape Girardeau County Commission to discuss holding budget meetings at night (11/10/09) 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. Purcell, who has long advocated meetings during the evening hours, said the move would allow more constituents to attend the budget hearings... More med, nursing schools teaching alternative remedies (11/10/09) Future doctors and nurses are learning about acupuncture and herbs along with anatomy and physiology at a growing number of medical schools. It's another example of how alternative medicine has become mainstream. And it's often done with Uncle Sam's help... Rolling again: Willow Grove Roller Rink on verge of reopening in new location (11/10/09) CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Mother Nature, meet Mother Grojean. Roberta Grojean is proving that her strength of will exceeds the power of the January ice storm that flattened her family business, Willow Grove Roller Rink. Within weeks, perhaps by the end of the month, Willow Grove will be back, housed in the old Dollar General store building barely 100 yards from where the old roller rink stood for several decades... Cape Girardeau native Ali Turner featured in Victoria's Secret model search competition (11/09/09) When Ali Turner started modeling at age 15, she only did it so she could make money to buy horses, a pickup and a ranch. At 23, Turner has three horses and a pickup, and she's headed back to the runway for the ranch. Turner started modeling for the Ford Agency, the biggest name in modeling, and spent three years doing shows for Tommy Hilfiger, "Marie Claire" and other household fashion names. ... More than 100 meals served at year's first Empty Bowls Project dinner (11/09/09) Man hours put into preparing for the annual Empty Bowls Project charity dinner began as early as February, and until late Saturday all went as planned. However, as organizers and volunteer university students found, serving the masses can quickly turn unpredictable... Cape Air flies four passengers on first day of service between Cape Girardeau, St. Louis (11/09/09) Paul Phan, a Las Vegas resident coming to Cape Girardeau to begin work, expected to be greeted by his friends and future co-workers when his Cape Air flight arrived Sunday at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. But what Phan didn't expect was to find himself the center of attention of local media, represented by a television crew and a reporter and photographer from the newspaper... Some predict commercial property fallout nationally; locals optimistic (11/08/09) With the housing market hitting rock bottom in parts of the country, some analysts predict the commercial real estate sector could be next. However, those familiar with the local commercial market are optimistic Southeast Missouri won't suffer the same fate... Late harvest costing corn farmers in crop quality, dollars (11/08/09) Area farmers are working furiously to complete fall corn harvests before the predicted return of wet weather around the middle of November. Cents and sensibility: Personal finance classes becoming bigger part of high school, college education (11/06/09) When Natalie King decided to major in communication disorders at Southeast Missouri State University, she considered the prospects for jobs after graduation. King, a sophomore, said more of her peers are thinking more about majoring in a subject that will produce a job, an effect of the economic downturn... Cape Girardeau man appeals death sentence based on mental disability (11/06/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Cape Girardeau man on death row for a 1992 triple homicide is mentally disabled and should not be executed, his attorney told the Missouri Supreme Court. Andrew A. Lyons, 52, was sentenced to two death sentences in 1996 for the shooting deaths of Evelyn Sparks and Bridgette Harris, an ex-girlfriend. He also received a seven-year sentence for the shooting death of his 11-month old son Dontay Harris... Trash and recycling pickup days won't change for Cape residents (11/06/09) With the Cape Girardeau City Council's decision to move ahead with automated trash and recycling pickup, the publicity campaign to educate residents about the change is underway. On Monday evening, the council approved spending $2.3 million to buy six trucks and 22,000 new trash bins for distribution to residents. The switch won't require a rate increase to pay the bonds that will finance the program... No injuries reported in Cape Girardeau County barn fire (11/05/09) A Cape Girardeau County couple lost a barn to fire this afternoon, and their nearby mobile home was damaged by the heat from the blaze. The fire happened in a barn on property owned by Jay and Tammy Maloney on County Road 335. The barn was near their mobile home, and the heat of the fire melted some of the skirting on the home... Emergency responders find capsized boat on Diversion Channel (11/05/09) Area emergency responders grouped at the Highway 25 bridge over the Diversion Channel this afternoon after a call of a capsized boat in the water, but found no sign that a human was actually in the boat when it overturned. Suspect sought in Thebes double shooting (11/05/09) Officers with the Illinois State Police are seeking a suspect involved in a double shooting in Thebes, Ill., Tuesday night. Dion L. Meadows, 24, of Carbondale allegedly shot two people in the parking lot of Mary Alice Meadows Public Housing at about 9 p.m. The Alexander County State's Attorney issued a warrant for aggravated battery with a firearm... Construction of Cape hospitals' new treatment centers on schedule (11/05/09) Construction on new multimillion-dollar facilities to fight deadly diseases remains on schedule for Cape Girardeau's two largest health care providers. Once complete, patients seeking care no longer will have to travel far from home to receive the same level of treatment, hospital officials said... Southeast Missouri State, TRCC work out detailed plan (11/04/09) Even though community leaders did not meet as scheduled to move forward with community college options in Cape Girardeau County, officials from participating schools met to create a more detailed plan. Leaders from Three Rivers Community College and Southeast Missouri State University met Tuesday in Cape Girardeau. They combined feedback from meetings with their governing bodies concerning a recently established partnership plan to offer joint classes... John Lawrence hopes wife, others arrested in last week's killings pay dearly (11/04/09) John Lawrence wants his wife, Michelle R. Lawrence, to pay dearly for allegedly urging her boyfriend, Ryan Patterson, to murder him. The attack at his home last week that killed his fiancee, Jamie Lynn Orman, 30, her unborn child and her 15-year-old son, Derrick Orman, occurred because Michelle Lawrence wouldn't accept that their marriage was over, he said Tuesday... Dierks Bentley to play Poplar Bluff on Thursday (11/04/09) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Wrapping up a successful year touring off the strength of a Billboard No. 1 country album, Dierks Bentley said he plans to "give it all (he's) got" in Poplar Bluff. "We're coming there to blow this thing up one more time," Bentley said during a recent interview with the Daily American Republic... Cape Girardeau City Council approves $2.36 million for automated trash collection (11/03/09) Automated trash collection is on the way, the Cape Girardeau City Council decided Monday night. The council approved spending $2.36 million from the sale of bonds to purchase six new garbage trucks, 22,000 new trash and recycling bins and a public education campaign to promote the switch. Public works director Tim Gramling said he expects the service switch to be made sometime in the spring, perhaps as early as the first weeks of May... Soon to be demolished, Washington School remains in students', teachers' memories (11/03/09) When teachers and students said goodbye to Washington School in 1999, they did not know what would happen to the building that served the Cape Girardeau School District for 85 years. Students, staff and alumni held a closing ceremony and set their sights on the district's newest addition, Blanchard Elementary School, which opened in 2000... Suspected accomplice in Cape Girardeau homicide asks for time to hire lawyer (11/03/09) Samuel R. "Ray Ray" Hughes asked for and was granted more time to find a defense lawyer in his initial appearance in a Cape Girardeau County courtroom Monday on three counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree burglary and one count of attempted arson in the shooting death of Jamie Lynn Orman, her 15-year-old son Derrick and her unborn child. Family, friends gather for joint funeral for Jamie and Derrick Orman (11/02/09) PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Many whose lives intertwined with those of Jamie Orman and her son Derrick came to say their final goodbyes Sunday afternoon at Miller Family Funeral Home in Perryville. Jamie Orman, 30, and Derrick Orman, 15, were shot to death in the early morning Tuesday in the home she shared with her fiance John Lawrence at 1224 N. Missouri Ave. Three suspects are in custody and face charges... 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. ... Perseverance and faith: First Baptist Church celebrates 175th anniversary (11/02/09) Since he joined First Baptist Church of Cape Girardeau in 1965, Robert Hamblin has seen the congregation experience its ups and downs. Even with such changes as a move to its present location and the controversial ordination of women deacons, the church's willingness to show the love of Christ for Cape Girardeau has remained constant, Hamblin said... Limbaugh, Obama adviser trade barbs on Sunday morning talk shows (11/01/09) WASHINGTON -- From his home and on a friendly network, Rush Limbaugh lobbed pot shots across the airwaves Sunday at President Barack Obama -- "immature, inexperienced, in over his head," offering the country "radical leadership" and laying siege to the economy... Challenges loom for Jay Knudtson's successor as Cape mayor (11/01/09) When Cape Girardeau selects its 44th person to serve as mayor in April, he or she will find a city doing better financially than many in the region but with pressing issues requiring action over the four-year term. So far, two candidates -- former councilman Matt Hopkins and two-time candidate Walter White -- have said they want the job and filed petitions with the 50 required signatures needed to be on the ballot. ... Scott County treasurer expresses concerns about funds for Lawless case DNA work (10/30/09) BENTON, Mo. -- Family and friends of Angela Mischelle Lawless have turned over close to $7,000 to the Scott County treasurer's office to help pay for lab work to solve the 1992 murder case. But Glenda Enderle, Scott County treasurer, said she hasn't yet been able to disperse any of the funds... Flooding closes some schools, roads; Mississippi River expected to crest well above flood stage (11/01/09) Suspects face additional charges in Cape Girardeau murder (11/01/09) The two men accused of murder in the Cape Girardeau deaths of a woman and her son early Tuesday will also face attempted arson charges, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said today. Ryan T. Patterson, 28, and Samuel R. "Ray Ray" Hughes, 25, will be charged with felony attempted arson for bringing a full can of gasoline with them when they went to 1224 N. ... Third suspect in Missouri Avenue killings arrested; prosecutor says all involved now in custody (10/30/09) A man persuaded to go to 1224 N. Missouri Ave. to take part in a burglary today became the third suspect facing a long prison term after a woman, her son and her unborn child were murdered Tuesday. Authorities allege estranged husband was target in Missouri Avenue shootings (10/29/09) Jamie Lynn Orman and her 15-year-old son died Tuesday morning when a murder conspiracy aimed at Jamie Orman's boyfriend went wrong, documents filed with murder charges revealed. Ryan Patterson, 28, entered the home that John Lawrence shared with Jamie Orman at 1224 N. Missouri Ave., in the predawn hours Tuesday and shot a .44 caliber bullet through a comforter into Orman's head, Scott Eakers of the Jackson Police Department wrote in a sworn statement detailing the investigation by the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad. Police: 15-year-old in Cape Girardeau shooting reached brothers before dying (10/28/09) A 15-year-old boy shot in his mother's residence before dawn Tuesday reached his two younger brothers, one of whom called 911, before he died of his injuries, Cape Girardeau Police Department spokesman Sgt. Jason Selzer said. Dairy, crop farmers both facing a difficult time (10/27/09) Dairy and crop farmers are dealing with a tough fall but for different reasons: prices and demand for the former, weather for the latter. Facing a 35 percent decline in profits compared to October 2008, Oak Ridge Dairy producer John Schoen said he's hoping the situation turns around soon... Baby boom?: Winter ice storm might be causing uptick in births in coming weeks (10/27/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- It's been nine months since ice storms crippled Southeast Missouri, leaving many without electricity for days. But things were apparently still heating up in some homes, as local hospitals are expecting an increase in births over the next few weeks... 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. ... 'Greatest of All Days' when President Taft visited Cape Girardeau in 1909 (10/26/09) At 4 a.m. on the morning of Oct. 26, 1909, every telephone in Cape Girardeau started ringing. It was the signal that President William Howard Taft was nearing the city at the head of a massive Mississippi River flotilla for the first -- and so far only -- visit to the city by a sitting president for purely official business... Cuts in bridge funding likely to delay Southeast Missouri projects (10/25/09) Cuts in federal transportation funding could place hundreds of state bridge improvements on hold. More than half of the $202 million in funding was rescinded from future projects to repair or replace bridges, some which are deemed unsafe. Other cuts include improvements to landscaping, pedestrian facilities and basic maintenance to roadways. Nationwide $8.7 billion was cut... Co-founder of SEMO NASV wins Zonta Club's Women of Achievement Award (10/25/09) Kathy Blevins grabbed her husband's hand just before her name was announced Friday at the Zonta Women of Achievement Luncheon. "I am grateful for the women who allowed me to share in the personal moments of their life," said Sarah Francis as she read from an essay written by Blevins. Francis read a portion of the essay before attaching a name to the words, but Blevins and her husband of 40 years, Jim, braced themselves for the announcement... Three Rivers looking to expand Sikeston campus (10/25/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Three Rivers Community College is looking to expand its Sikeston center -- but first it needs to find a new, bigger location. Evolution of a department: Cape police mark 150th at River Campus event (10/23/09) During the 1930s the Cape Girardeau Police Department purchased a riot car equipped with guns. During the 1950s, the 25-man force had three cars and two motorcycles. Historian Dr. Frank Nickell recited the evolution of the department from its creation in 1859 to the current 75-member force... Cape Air wins bid for passenger flights at Cape Giradeau Regional Airport (10/23/09) Southeast Missouri residents can expect a big publicity and advertising campaign when Cape Girardeau's newest provider of subsidized commercial passenger service, Cape Air of Hyannis, Mass., begins flying here Nov. 8, airport and airline officials said Thursday. Domestic disturbance starts car chase in Cape Girardeau (10/22/09) A domestic disturbance sparked a car chase through downtown Cape Girardeau Thursday afternoon. A 19-year-old Cape Girardeau woman led the chase after police tried to arrest her, said Cpl. Adam Gleuck, spokesman for the police department... Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center giving H1N1 vaccine in schools (10/22/09) Armed with stickers and suckers, four nurses waited as first-graders lined up for their vaccines in the nurses office at Delta Elementary School. "She's going to squirt just a little bit up your nose," said Linda Doerge, as the first student stepped up. Royal N'Orleans owner charged with felonies for sales tax, bad checks (10/22/09) The owner of the now-closed Royal N'Orleans restaurant in Cape Girardeau faces felony charges for failing to pay sales tax and passing bad checks. Derek S. Miller, 24, of Jackson, waived a preliminary hearing in two criminal cases Wednesday during an appearance before Associate Circuit Judge Gary Kamp. ... 2009 a bad year for Bootheel cotton farming (10/21/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Many Missouri farmers are seeing bumper crop yields this year but area cotton farmers would be happy just to be able to get their crops out of the field. Frequent rains -- and now, cool temperatures -- have delayed the cotton harvest by weeks... 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... Haunted Hall of Horror packs Arena Building with frights and scares (10/21/09) Savannah Sides didn't want to be scared. At first. With more than a dozen people in front of her in line at the Arena Building for the annual Haunted Hall of Horror, the 7-year-old said "not really" when asked if she liked being scared. But as Savannah waited alongside her cousin, River Smith, 6, and her aunt and River's mother DeAnna Sides and her companion Aric Kutz, she warmed up to the idea. "I wanna be scared," she said as the line shortened... Cape police department turning 150 (10/20/09) The Cape Girardeau Police Department will turn 150 years old this week, and there will be events recognizing the department's milestone starting Thursday. Events will kick off with an anniversary celebration Wednesday at Bedell Performance Hall. The Cape River Heritage Museum will also have a celebration Saturday... Council gives nod to automated trash collection (10/20/09) Cape Girardeau will move ahead with plans to automate trash collection, the city council decided Monday evening. By the end of April, if everything goes as planned, the city will distribute almost 11,000 new 64-gallon trash cans and 11,000 96-gallon recycling bins to every resident using city garbage service. The council voted to move ahead with preparing for the switch, including new ordinances that would be needed to direct the program... Country singer Josh Turner coming to Show Me Center (10/19/09) Country singer Josh Turner will perform at the Show Me Center on Dec. 5, according to a Show Me Center news release. Turner broke through with a Grand Ole Opry performance in 2001, and is best known for hits from his double-platinum sophomore album released in 2006 called "Your Man", including the title track and the song "Would You Go With Me", and his latest effort, "Everything is Fine", which was released in 2007 and includes hits like "Firecracker" and "Another Try", as well as the title track.. ... Ballerina selects local dancers for 'Nutcracker' performance at River Campus (10/19/09) When the Moscow Ballet's presentation of "The Great Russian Nutcracker" hits the stage at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus on Dec. 14, 43 young area girls will help entertain the audience as backup dancers. A Jackson dance company, Dance Extensions, hosted auditions for dancers ages 7 to 16 for the traveling company for the third consecutive year... Businesses optimistic despite prediction holiday sales may fall (10/19/09) Despite predictions that this Christmas may be less than merry for retailers, area businesses are hoping for the best. The National Retail Federation earlier this month predicted Christmas holiday sales will drop for the second consecutive year. The Washington, D.C.-based trade association said sales in November and December will drop by 1 percent to $437.6 billion. Holiday sales in 2008 declined by 3.4 percent compared to 2007... Area's agritourism offering low-cost option for entertainment (10/18/09) The clouds over Pioneer Orchards on a cool October morning don't bother owner Stan Beggs. The busloads of schoolchildren that soon arrive bring a smile to Beggs. He enjoys watching youngsters' faces light up as they take part in his hayride, drink a cup of apple cider or eat one of the apples grown on his orchard... Federal official says Mississippi River ripe for tourism revenue (10/16/09) The Mississippi River has always been a corridor of commerce. That has been true whether American Indians or European settlers lived along its banks. But for most of U.S. history, commercial exploitation of the valley focused on its ability to move goods or trying to keep the river off adjoining land during floods. ... Jackson students experience disabilities as part of awareness week's activities (10/16/09) When the lights came on in Julie Brandmeyer's classroom at West Lane Elementary School, waves of shock and amusement spread throughout the students. Attempts at drawing objects like a jet, rainbow and lake had turned into a page full of meandering lines and scribbles for some students... Cape Girardeau police arrest teenager in connection with Tuesday burglary (10/16/09) Cape Girardeau police have arrested the man being sought in connection with a burglary on Woodlawn Avenue. Crash in Jackson injures three (10/15/09) A two-car accident this afternoon in Jackson sent three people to the hospital. According to Jackson Police Department Lt. Rodney Barnes the accident occurred at High Street around 12:54 p.m. A Chevrolet Cavalier was traveling southbound on the roadway as a Ford Focus was pulling onto the roadway from the Knights of Columbus parking lot at 3305 High St. ... Employers prepare to deal with employee absences because of swine flu (10/15/09) Hospitals, schools and other businesses say they're prepared for a virus that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says could infect up to 40 percent of the population. The region's largest manufacturing employer, Procter & Gamble in Cape Girardeau County, employs more than 1,200 workers. Plant officials said it's taken such precautions against swine flu as placing hand sanitizer in bathrooms throughout the facility... Limbaugh dropped from group seeking to buy Rams (10/15/09) ST. LOUIS -- Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has been dropped from a group seeking to buy the St. Louis Rams. Limbaugh was to be a limited partner in a bid led by St. Louis Blues chairman Dave Checketts, but Checketts said in a statement Wednesday that Limbaugh's participation had complicated the effort. The group will move forward without him... Traffic up at renovated Cape library (10/15/09) On Wednesday afternoon, there were nearly 100 cars parked at the Cape Girardeau Public Library and room for as many more. Inside, parents were sitting with children doing homework after school, a dozen youngsters listened to a story at the beginning of the Art Starts class that introduces them to how artists create their work and several adults using the periodicals and books section settled themselves into quiet spots to read... Emerson challenger reports strong fundraising (10/14/09) With 13 months to go before the 2010 election, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson already faces her best-funded opponent since 1998. Former U.S. Army Maj. Tommy Sowers reported raising $204,510 since creating his campaign committee about a month ago. That's more than Emerson's last five Democratic challengers combined raised for their campaigns and the most since then-Circuit Judge Tony Heckemeyer raised $375,689 for his campaign in 1998. Aron Ralston shares his survival story with audience at Southeast Missouri State University (10/14/09) When Aron Ralston became trapped by a boulder during a rockslide he encountered while climbing the canyons in the remote Utah desert in April 2003, essentially pinned in one place for days without sufficient food or water, he didn't have many options... Three Rivers president Dr. Devin Stephenson, Jackson city leaders discuss community college options (10/14/09) Three Rivers Community College president Dr. Devin Stephenson described Jackson as a charming and thriving community that is right for a community college. Jackson city and school officials greeted Stephenson during a community reception at city hall Tuesday night... Gov. Nixon calls for changing DWI laws by spring (10/13/09) ST. LOUIS -- Gov. Jay Nixon has called for reforming Missouri's DWI laws in response to news accounts exposing deals that allow drunken drivers to avoid conviction. Nixon said he will ask legislative leaders this week to change the state's laws on DWI by spring, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Monday... Japanese film crew to capture area Neal Boyd performance on video (10/13/09) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- When opera singer Neal E. Boyd agreed to perform at Rodgers Theatre, he reportedly was looking for a venue close to home so his mother Esther, whom he says keeps him grounded, could attend. As it turns out, there will not only be an intimate audience watching locally, but the concert will be transmitted to viewers on the other side of the globe... Public restrooms, extension of River Walk in downtown Cape nearly complete (10/13/09) Within a few weeks, if the weather cooperates, two additions to the downtown Cape Girardeau landscape should be ready for use. Employees of Mike Light Concrete Finishing have almost completed their work on the River Walk extension, a $453,000 project that extends the current biking and walking path along the Mississippi River to Sloan Creek north of downtown. ... Sharpton, Jackson seek to block Limbaugh's bid for Rams (10/13/09) ST. LOUIS -- The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson attacked the bid by Rush Limbaugh to buy the St. Louis Rams on Monday, saying the conservative radio host's track record on race should exclude him from owning an NFL team. Sharpton sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, arguing that Limbaugh has been divisive and "anti-NFL" in some of his comments. Jackson said in a telephone interview that Limbaugh had made his wealth "appealing to the fears of whites" with an unending line of insults against blacks and other minorities. 12 teams compete in backyard wiffleball tournament in Cape (10/12/09) Cape Girardeau native Jeff Augustine prefers the relaxed, backyard vibe of wiffleball to other organized sports like softball. For a backyard game, Augustine's Sherwood Yards at his parents' Cape Girardeau home drew a crowd of contestants over the weekend at the 13th annual Wiffleball World Series... 16 ballot petitions ready for circulation in Missouri (10/11/09) Voters beware: Over the next seven months, people with clipboards will be asking for your signature. It may be for a simple idea, such as limiting statewide officials to two terms in office. Or it may be complex, with major consequences, such as eliminating the taxing power of cities and school districts, taking away the power of local governments to condemn private property for redevelopment or scrapping a method of choosing judges that for 64 years has been a model for the nation... Homecoming sets stage for Southeast alumni 50-year reunion (10/11/09) The Southeast Missouri State University Department of Alumni Services hosted a luncheon to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of alumni during homecoming. The event was held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Vogel Wehking Alumni Center at 926 Broadway in what was previously the First Baptist Church. Southeast Missouri State University regents agree to demolition of Washington School (10/09/09) The maple and oak trees will stay but the building that was once Washington School must come down, the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents decided Thursday morning. Task force members discuss flu response in Cape Girardeau County (10/09/09) Minutes after receiving the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine Thursday afternoon, Dr. Ed LaValle voiced little concern about his dosage. Expansion of Cape sports program to seventh grade providing motivational boost (10/09/09) After an enthusiastic introduction from junior high school athletic director Terry Kitchen, two seventh-grade football players approached the podium at a recent Cape Girardeau School Board meeting. At the same podium where parents dispute school policies, staff members defend positions and administrators recognize student achievements, the young athletes thanked the board for approving a plan in January to expand competitive sports to seventh grade... Honors program marks milestone during SEMO Homecoming events (10/08/09) In a weekend full of reminiscing, dinners and activities, honors students and alumni will be marking a new phase of their program. During Southeast Missouri State University's Homecoming festivities, the university honors program will celebrate its new facilities. The program will move into a house previously occupied by university relations at 603 N. Henderson Ave... Missouri launches campaign to increase lagging state park attendance (10/08/09) Sitting on a park bench Wednesday afternoon, Ann Tolbert of Sikeston, Mo., looked across the waterfall at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. "I love to just sit under the trees and look across this beautiful part of nature," Tolbert said. "And in this economy we're in, it's hard to beat the price, which is free."... Jackson School District provides flu shots for staff, students, parents (10/07/09) The Jackson School District will offer flu shots for staff, students and parents during two clinics next week. Shots will be available for $25 for anyone older than 4. Associate superintendent Dr. Beth Emmendorfer said the district usually offers flu shots for district staff... Staying warm will cost less this winter (10/07/09) WASHINGTON -- Staying warm won't be quite as expensive this winter. People who heat with natural gas should do especially well, seeing their lowest bills in five years. But no matter what fuel is used, heating costs are expected to take less of a bite out of household budgets in the coming months -- from $20 to as much as $280 lower than last winter depending on what fuel is used, the government said... First shipment of H1N1 vaccine arrives in Cape Girardeau County (10/07/09) The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center has received its first doses of the H1N1 vaccine but had yet to administer any Tuesday afternoon. Health center assistant director Jane Wernsman said the center had received 400 doses late Monday. Wernsman said her department is working with local health care providers to determine which area health care workers and emergency personnel will receive the nasal spray vaccine... Proposed Cape Girardeau road projects could cost $21 million if tax is extended, city council told (10/06/09) A city committee is moving closer to having a final list of road projects ready for voters in 2010, the Cape Girardeau City Council was told Monday evening. Harry Rediger, a member of the city Planning & Zoning Commission and chairman of the Total Transportation Fund subcommittee, said during the council work session that the plan anticipates having $21.6 million to spend over five years if voters extend the current half-cent sales tax for road work... 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... Alexander County pays off debt to Tri-County Jail, but budget problems persist (10/06/09) ULLIN, Ill. -- Even as Alexander County's financial troubles continue to mount, the sheriff's department will be able to continue housing inmates in the Tri-County Detention Facility in Ullin, authorities said Monday. The $86,000 in back payments the county owed to house prisoners in the jail has now been paid in full, excluding costs for the month of September, which haven't been submitted yet, said Alexander County Treasurer Frances Lee... Regional Professional Development Center, school districts pool resources to meet costs of teacher development (10/05/09) There is a dry-erase calendar in the office of the Southeast Missouri State University Regional Professional Development Center. The board is full of workshops and training sessions for teachers managed by the center's 23-member staff of consultants and education experts... After layoffs and plant closings, area business leaders now have calmer outlook on economy (10/04/09) The national economy showing signs of renewed growth may mean the deepest recession in 26 years officially ended in July. Locally, business and economic development leaders report companies more confident about surviving, even if thriving seems uncertain... Rose Bed Inn owners debut Aartful Rose, an art gallery and banquet hall (10/02/09) Along the west side of an entire block of South Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau, a transformation has taken place since James Coley's arrival 10 years ago. The block now holds five historic renovated homes that have been transformed into the award-winning Rose Bed Inn Hospitality Center. ... Proposed Highway 25 changes should be ready next school year (10/02/09) Jackson city and school officials said Thursday they are pleased with the plans to relieve traffic congestion along Highway 25 at South Elementary School. In 25 years since Cape's first open heart surgery, doctors have performed thousands of such operations (10/02/09) Cape Girardeau's first open heart surgery was routine for one physician in the operating room. "At the time it seemed like any other heart operation," said Dr. Darryl Ramsey, who assisted Dr. Robert W. Ruess during the double-bypass procedure 25 years ago. "I had been doing heart surgery for a little over four years at the time, so it pretty well went like another day. It was fairly routine, though for some of the other people there it was more of a milestone."... 'Little Shop of Horrors' biggest star brought to life by two Southeast Missouri State University students (10/02/09) Two relatively unseen actors bow at the close of the final act of "Little Shop of Horrors" and should arguably bring the most applause. Blake Hardin and Bradford Rolen play Audrey II, the bloodthirsty plant in the Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Theatre and Dance musical, which started Wednesday and continues through Sunday... Study: Tour of Mo. spectators spent $38.1M (10/02/09) The Tour of Missouri drew more people from outside Missouri and, on average, they stayed longer while spending about 14 percent less than out-of-state spectators for the 2008 race, according to a preliminary report on the race's economic impact. Steeple knocked off by May storm returned to top of Altenburg church (10/01/09) ALTENBURG, Mo. -- The newly repaired steeple that was placed atop the historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg on Wednesday afternoon has most of its original features but with one major difference. A steel beam has replaced the centerpiece made of the timber used in the construction of the church in 1867. The wood centerpiece cracked when the steeple was ripped from the roof of the building during a violent thunderstorm in May... 'Little Shop of Horrors': University production of off-Broadway musical shines (10/01/09) Phil Newman is a complete dork. He's only playing, of course. As Seymour in the Southeast Missouri State University production of "Little Shop of Horrors," he fumbles with flower pots, trips over nothing and even has the ultimate nerd accessory: thick black-framed glasses taped together with white tape. Noranda Aluminum returns to full capacity (10/01/09) MARSTON, Mo. -- Noranda Aluminum, one of the largest employers in Southeast Missouri, is returning to full production, Gov. Jay Nixon said at a ceremony Wednesday. CDC: No overall shortage of flu vaccines (09/30/09) While the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center has no flu vaccine to give out, the problem isn't an overall shortage of vaccine, a spokesman for the Centers for Disease Control said Tuesday. The health department canceled last week canceled four flu shot clinics, including one set for today in Delta. The clinics were canceled after the department used all 1,700 doses of flu vaccine it has received out of an order of 4,000 doses, said Charlotte Craig, director of the department... Nature Center, Marble Hill conservation office face cuts (09/30/09) The Conservation Campus Nature Center in Cape Girardeau County Park North will operate on shorter hours and the Marble Hill field office of the Missouri Department of Conservation will close due to cost-cutting measures. The cuts, part of a statewide effort to reduce department spending by $7.5 million annually, will not take place immediately, said Joe Jerek, a spokesman for the conservation agency. ... Florida sheriff donates police patrol cars to Alexander County (09/30/09) CAIRO, Ill. -- Alexander County Sheriff David Barkett may have lost 75 percent of his staff in the past year and a half, but at least the five remaining deputies will have something to drive, thanks to a sheriff in Florida. Two suspects arrested in two Cape Girardeau burglaries (09/29/09) Two suspects were arrested over the weekend in connection with several burglaries committed in Cape Girardeau, authorities said. Supporters of playground on county land pitch idea to commission (09/29/09) Supporters of an all-accessible playground in Cape Girardeau County made their case for using park land during the county commission's meeting Monday. Andrea Cunningham, who has been a driving force behind the project, said she has yet to find such a playground closer than Zachary's Playground in St. Louis, which would be the model for the local playground... Jackson School District renting church for expanded preschool program (09/29/09) When South Elementary opened in 1998 two rooms were designated for early childhood education. "We thought that was it," said associate superintendent Dr. Beth Emmendorfer. "It was our vision." As waiting lists grew, so did the program, which serves the entire Jackson School District. This year the district expanded its preschool program to include 80 more students. Space limitations within buildings prompted the district to look across from the school on Highway 25... Alexander County's budget problems get 'worse and worse' (09/28/09) CAIRO, Ill. -- Financial woes that recently caused the sheriff's department in Alexander County to lose three-fourths of its personnel to layoffs have also created an outstanding debt the county owes to a Missouri hospital, according to Alexander County Coroner Willie Bingham... As 2010 U.S. Census nears, Jackson counting on population growth, increase in development (09/28/09) Nearly five decades ago Barbara Lohr and her late husband, Bob, were pondering job offers in several communities, including Jackson and Sikeston, Mo. For Lohr -- now Jackson's mayor -- the reputation the city had at the time sealed their decision... Celebration marks 200th years of Methodist faith in Southeast Missouri (09/27/09) 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... Cape committee plans campaign to encourage people to fill out census forms next year (09/27/09) After decades of commercial expansion but little growth of population, Cape Girardeau appears to be adding people -- and the city plans a big push to make sure next year's census counts reflect the surge. Since 1970, when Cape Girardeau's population was 63.4 percent of all Cape Girardeau County residents, population growth in the city has lagged behind the county. ... Cape County runs out of flu shots; several clinics canceled (09/25/09) The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center ran out of flu vaccines and is canceling its upcoming clinics, said Charlotte Craig, the center's executive director. The center started giving flu shots at the Osage Centre on Sept. 18 and immunized 1,100 people during the clinic, Craig said... Old-time luxury cars pass through Jackson as classic car club makes weeklong tour (09/27/09) Impeccable paint jobs shone and bright chrome glinted under Friday's sun as more than 50 restored cars lined up for a parking lot party in Jackson. "These are elegant cars," John Johannes said of the vehicles taking part in the tour organized by the Spirit of St. Louis Region of the Classic Car Club, a national automotive organization. Johannes, along with his wife, Joann, and their team at Premium Mechanical and Automation in Jackson, provided a parking lot party for the owners of 56 painstakingly restored automobiles from the 1920s, '30s and '40s. Cape Girardeau band Surtsey makes its River City Music Festival debut (09/25/09) Among the 30-plus acts slated for this year's River City Music Festival is Surtsey, a newly formed trio of young musicians who have established a name for themselves in the music scene locally and across the Midwest. Surtsey is a volcanic island off the southern coast of Iceland. But in Cape Girardeau, Surtsey is Joseph Bassa, Drew Koeppel and Aaron Essner... DOT: Decision on airline for Cape airport to come soon (09/25/09) The deadline has passed, and all the recommendations are in. Now the waiting game begins for Cape Girardeau and five other cities eager to learn which airline will provide subsidized commercial passenger service for their communities. The U.S. Department of Transportation intends to act quickly to award contracts for Essential Air Service providers that will fly from six cities in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa, said Bill Mosley, spokesman for the department. ... Special team will honor Cape police's fallen officers at Oct. 22 ceremony (09/25/09) For Cape Girardeau officer Darin Hickey, the invitation to join the police department's honor guard team and participate in an October ceremony honoring the lives of the five officers killed in the line of duty over the years was something that hit close to home... Kit Bond to be SEMO parade marshal (09/24/09) In a nonelection year there tend to be fewer entries in the Southeast Missouri State University Homecoming parade because politicians aren't campaigning. This year, however, a politician leaving office will be taking center stage during the event. Sen. Kit Bond, who will retire after his fourth Senate term in 2010, will be the grand marshal of the Oct. 10 parade... Sen. McCaskill renews push against earmarks (09/24/09) The earmark mentality in Washington, D.C. destroys the chance for fair competition in many federal grant programs, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said today after attempting to block earmarks in a $20 million program. McCaskill made her remarks in a conference call with Missouri reporters that also touched on the war in Afghanistan and the ongoing debate on health insurance legislation. ... Tax credit for first-time buyers boosting home sales in Cape area (09/24/09) Brittany Zyduck had always dreamed of purchasing a home, but the timing never was quite right. When she learned of a tax credit that gives first-time homebuyers up to $8,000, she knew it was time to act. Two months after viewing the home during an open house, Zyduck and her husband, John, were owners of a Scott City home. Without the tax credit, Zyduck said, it may have been difficult to purchase the home... Democrats urge Nixon to fund Tour of Missouri (09/23/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Democratic leaders in the Missouri Legislature are urging Gov. Jay Nixon to continue state funding for the Tour of Missouri. Senate Minority Leader Victor Callahan, House Minority Leader Paul LeVota and several other Democrats sent a letter Tuesday to Nixon. They said the state's $1.5 million annual subsidy of the race is a wise tourism investment... Feds propose protecting two sturgeon species to save one (09/23/09) The harvest of shovelnose sturgeon, one of the more lucrative sources of income for commercial fishermen on the Mississippi River, should be ended to protect the endangered pallid sturgeon, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed Tuesday. The problem is that the two fish are similar in appearance, resulting in the illegal taking of pallid sturgeon, the wildlife agency said in a news release. ... Bank repossesses Alexander County patrol cars (09/23/09) CAIRO, Ill. -- Five patrol cars for the Alexander County, Ill. Sheriff's Department were repossessed today because the county defaulted on payments, Sheriff David Barkett said in a news release. Mike Caldwell, chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, received notice of the default Friday from First National Bank and the cars were turned over to the bank today... Pilot program at Cape junior high to bring more volunteers into schools (09/23/09) Something as simple as a smiling face is enough to turn around a student's perspective on school, according to local educators and officials at United Way. Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School is piloting a program to bring more volunteers into schools... Cape church receives 200-year-old pulpit for bicentennial celebration (09/22/09) In 1809, William Williams organized the first Methodist class west of the Mississippi after moving to Southeast Missouri from Kentucky. The first meeting was held in the location now known as Old McKendree Chapel near Jackson. Around the same time in a woodshop in England, a carpenter crafted oak slats and boards into a pulpit... Nixon creates partnership for faith-based groups and community for disaster recovery (09/22/09) Gov. Jay Nixon signed an executive order Monday that creates a partnership for faith-based and community efforts during disaster recovery. 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... Car enthusiasts crowd downtown for River Tales Classic car show (09/21/09) Threatening weather may have held down the number of entries to Sunday's River Tales Classic Car Show, but it didn't dampen the enthusiasm for those who turned out for the downtown Cape Girardeau event. There were 125 entries in 36 classes for the 32nd annual event, sponsored by the River City Rodders and Old Town Cape. The forecast rain never materialized, and bright sunshine peeked through the high clouds most of the afternoon... Homeschooling group makes time for student socialization (09/20/09) Traditionally, socialization has been a point of controversy for parents who homeschool their children, said Misty Arthur, a member of the Southeast Missouri Homeschoolers Association. "When people homeschool, people are harassing them constantly about socialization," she said... Commission approves public works director overseeing county highway department (09/18/09) The Cape Girardeau County Commission voted 2-1 during its Thursday meeting for the public works director to oversee the county highway department. SEMO president worried about university's budget (09/18/09) Days before moving to Cape Girardeau in 1991, Dr. Ken Dobbins received a phone call from the president's assistant at Southeast Missouri State University. The president had canceled her vacation, and university staff members were addressing recent budget cuts... Cape city workers go to Senior Center to sell residents on trash pickup plan (09/18/09) Tim Gramling worked hard Thursday to make a sale. Gramling, Cape Girardeau's Public Works Department director, set out to convince one of the toughest audiences in town that it is time to automate the city's trash pickup: Gramling went to the Cape Girardeau Senior Center... Jackson's Ressel wastes little time making an impact (09/17/09) COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri is 2-0 heading into Saturday's game against Furman, thanks in no small part to the Tigers' kicking game. New kicker Grant Ressel and punter Jake Harry IV were solid in the opener against Illinois and played pivotal roles in the 27-20 come-from-behind win over Bowling Green last Saturday... Totem pole honors Dexter Scout's memory (09/17/09) DEXTER, Mo. -- A group of individuals who worked closely with a Dexter native in his youth through Scouting has erected a totem pole his memory. Andrew Trammell was 25 years old when he lost his life in an auto accident in May 2003. Bruce Plummer, a local woodworker and craftsman, has volunteered as assistant leader of the troop for years and knew well Trammell's enthusiasm as a Boy Scout in Troop 200... Cape Girardeau County commissioner's proposal calls for public works director to oversee highway department (09/17/09) The Cape Girardeau County public works director could soon oversee the daily operations of the county highway department. A proposal that 1st District Commissioner Paul Koeper plans to present during today's county commission meeting calls for public works director Don McQuay to take on those duties in addition to maintaining buildings, grounds and occasionally parks... Trail of Tears State Park seeks way to reopen Boutin Lake beach (09/17/09) State parks authorities say they want to find a way to reopen the swimming beach at Trail of Tears State Park, which closed due to unsafe conditions in 2008, before next Memorial Day. "We're in the process of trying to figure out a way to restore water access for the next swimming season," said Greg Combs, field operations supervisor for the Eastern Parks Division of Missouri Department of Natural Resources... Cape Girardeau City Council accepts airport board's recommendation of Massachusetts carrier (09/16/09) Cape Air, the Massachusetts-based airline that is promising $50 fares and four flights daily to St. Louis, is the preferred carrier to operate from Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, the city council decided Tuesday. In a special meeting called in order to have a recommendation ready by a federal deadline, the council accepted the selection of the Airport Advisory Board without dissent. ... Sister of '79 Cape murder victim says case now behind her (09/16/09) Today marks the 30th anniversary of the day Deborah L. Martin was found murdered in her residence and place of business, the Mother Earth Plant Store at 605 Broadway. For the first time since Sept. 16, 1979, Elizabeth Martin, of Boise, Ida., Deborah's older sister, said she knows the identity of her sister's killer... Cape Girardeau man faces arson charges in fire on Big Bend Road (09/15/09) A Cape Girardeau man faces arson charges in connection with a fire that occurred early Friday morning. Demarquis M. Gill, 25, was charged with first-degree arson after the woman who had been living at 1863 Big Bend Road said they'd had a recent altercation, said Cape Girardeau police spokesman Sgt. Jason Selzer... U.S. Department of Transportation pushes back deadline for airline recommendations (09/15/09) Cape Girardeau must wait a little longer than expected to find out which company will be the new airline offering subsidized commercial passenger service at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. Fewer wines in fair's competition this year; judges say quality is up (09/15/09) Swirl, smell, sip and spit are all part of the method the judges at this year's SEMO District Fair wine competition used Monday to pick a grand champion from 89 wines entered in the annual contest. The judges' favorite was a fruit sweet variety by Mark Nagel of Jackson called "Kiwi Pear Wine," made in May. A petite Shiraz from Mike Meyer of Scott City took the honor of reserve grand champion... Cape Girardeau police charge man with arson relating to Friday's fire that damaged two homes (09/14/09) Demarquis M. Gill, 25, of Cape Girardeau, faces arson charges in connection with a fire that occurred during early morning hours on Friday. Gill was charged with first-degree arson after the woman who had been living at 1863 Big Bend Road said they'd had a recent altercation, said Cape Girardeau police spokesman Sgt. Jason Selzer... 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... Working the fair, from concession stands to midway games (09/14/09) In his time traveling with the Lowery Carnival Inc. this summer, Dawie Jordaan, a South Africa native, has worked at fairs in more than 20 U.S. cities, but he said the SEMO District Fair has been his favorite. "The people are really different, friendlier," said Jordaan, who takes tickets at the giant slide on the midway... Review of road tax program show almost all promises have been kept or are on track to be (09/13/09) When Cape Girardeau County voters in 2006 were being asked to approve a new sales tax to improve county roads and raise salaries in the sheriff's department, quite a few promises were made. The biggest promise was that almost 55 miles of roads would be paved by the end of 2012. Another promise was that the turnover rate among deputies would be dramatically reduced and more deputies would patrol rural areas... Commander Premier deal closer to completion (09/11/09) By incremental steps, the deal that would bring Commander Premier Aircraft Corp. into new ownership and relieve Cape Girardeau of a major debt headache is moving ahead. Canadian financier Ronald Strauss announced in July plans to buy Commander Premier and the building at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport that houses the company. ... SEMO District Fair expecting higher turnout this year (09/11/09) The 154th SEMO District Fair kicks off Saturday, and organizers are expecting an even better turnout than last year, which had the highest attendance in five years, fair spokesman Pete Poe said Thursday. Poe recently returned from the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Mo., and said it experienced a "phenomenal" increase in attendance, particularly on the last day... Cape woman thoroughly recovered from 2008 gunshot wound to head (09/11/09) As she traced her fingers along the top of her head, Kristina Bosco felt where her skull fit back into place after surgery. For Bosco, 31, the hardest part about recovering from a gunshot wound to the head was having patience. She wanted to continue her life as soon as possible, she said... Publication names Cape Girardeau 24th best retirement community (09/10/09) Cape Girardeau has joined the likes of Philadelphia, Pa., Palm Springs, Calif., Louisville, Ky., Roanoke, Va., and Providence, R.I. Money magazine ranked the Southeast Missouri town as the 24th best community in which to retire. The publication cited its downtown district, cultural opportunities with the Show Me Center and Crisp Museum, health care options and activities one can find at Southeast Missouri State University... College teacher to challenge Jo Ann Emerson in 8th District (09/10/09) An Iraq war veteran and college teacher will attempt to win the Eighth Congressional District for Democrats in 2010. Tommy Sowers of Rolla, Mo., an 11-year veteran of the U.S. Army, announced he would seek the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, a Cape Girardeau Republican. ... Cape airport board recommends Massachusetts carrier (09/10/09) Cape Air, the Hyannis, Mass., carrier that built its business ferrying passengers to off-shore islands with small, reliable airplanes will likely get a chance to see if it can rebuild air service in Cape Girardeau. The Airport Advisory Board voted 8-0 Wednesday evening to recommend Cape Air to the Cape Girardeau City Council to replace Great Lakes Airlines as the Essential Air Service program airline. ... Cape merchants report mixed results from Tour of Missouri stop (09/10/09) Reaction by area merchants was mixed following the Tour of Missouri's second stage finish in Cape Girardeau. But even those who reported little effect on their sales from the cycling event voiced optimism about the exposure the event brought Cape Girardeau... Cape Girardeau officials celebrate opening of LaSalle Avenue (09/10/09) In something of a timeline manner, Cape Girardeau city officials celebrated the past and future cooperation, planning and execution of the LaSalle Avenue/East Main Street interchange late Wednesday morning. Nearly 300 use shuttle service to see Tour of Missouri in downtown Cape Girardeau (09/09/09) Nearly 300 people took advantage of shuttle service from sites at West Park Mall and the Show Me Center Tuesday afternoon to view the Tour of Missouri in downtown Cape Girardeau. During the first two hours of operation - about the time when the race began - a handful of passengers took advantage of the service. But by 1 p.m. both sites reported more passengers riding on the shuttles... Charges filed against man who led police on high-speed chase, escaped from hospital (09/09/09) Charges were filed Tuesday against the man who was arrested after a car chase Friday and later escaped authorities while under care at Saint Francis Medical Center... Tour of Missouri stage finish draws crowds to downtown Cape Girardeau (09/09/09) The Tour of Missouri on Tuesday breezed through Cape Girardeau, drawing families and biking enthusiasts downtown as top rider Mark Cavendish of England chalked his second stage win in as many days. A crowd estimated by police at about 5,000 was on hand when Cavendish, of Team Columbia HTC, crossed the finish line in front of Hutson's Fine Furniture. ... Tour of Missouri Stage 2 concludes in Cape Girardeau (09/08/09) The Tour of Missouri's trip to Cape Girardeau has now concluded. The finish of Stage 2, which began around 11 a.m. in Ste. Genevieve, came at around 3:30 p.m., when the first riders crossed the finish line on Main Street in downtown Cape Girardeau... Stake out spot early to watch finish of Stage 2 downtown (09/08/09) The countless hours of preparation and planning come to fruition today when the Tour of Missouri's second stage ends in downtown Cape Girardeau. But John Dodd, who has attended professional cycling races, said the race's conclusion will last seconds... In speech, Obama exhorts kids to pay attention in school (09/08/09) WASHINGTON -- In a speech that drew fire even before he delivered it, President Barack Obama is telling the nation's schoolchildren he "expects great things from each of you." "At the end of the day, we can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world," Obama said. "And none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities."... Riding the route: Cape Girardeau bicycle group previews Tour of Missouri Stage 2 route (09/08/09) Stephanie Fridley usually bikes from her house in Jackson to get a workout. Sunday, her husband dropped her off at the East Perry County Fairgrounds so she could ride 42 miles of the Tour of Missouri route. A cyclist for six years, she said the route is similar to her typical rides, but included new scenery... Talking Shop with James Stapleton, director, Southeast Missouri State University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (09/08/09) James Stapleton's path to success began on a Kansas farm and eventually led to a decade-long entrepreneurial career that has resulted in his current role as director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University. Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell last week learned more of what shaped Stapleton and his views on the importance of entrepreneurship... Airport board to vote on proposals Wednesday (09/06/09) Five airlines plus five different aircraft plus at least four destination choices add up to one challenging decision for the Cape Girardeau Airport Advisory Board. The choice is tougher when considerations such as attitudes toward customer service, opportunities to add jobs or sell significant amounts of fuel -- a key revenue source for the airport -- are taken into account... Cape Girardeau is ready for the race (09/06/09) Volunteer assignments made. Money raised. Street plan ready. Shuttles hired. The checklist for the Tour of Missouri Local Organizing Committee is complete. Beginning Monday afternoon, the plans will become action as the city parking lot at Independence and Main streets is invaded by a brigade of paid crew and volunteers who will set up the awards stage, giant TV monitor, health fair and vendor areas... Cape Girardeau police still searching for wanted man after false alarm (09/05/09) Police spent nearly an hour in a standoff Friday at a Cape Girardeau residence, guns drawn, believing that fugitive Zatrun R. Twiggs may have been hiding inside, only to find a vacant apartment. Alleged assault with screwdriver leads to high-speed chase into Illinois (09/05/09) A high-speed car chase that began Friday morning in Jackson and ended on Route 3 in Illinois started when a man attempted to assault a Jackson resident with a screwdriver, said Jackson police chief James Humphreys. 61 Mile, Scott City yard sales taking place this weekend (09/04/09) Today marks the first day of the 61 Mile Yard Sale and for the first time Jackson is at the terminus of the sale route. Similar to the 100-Mile Yard Sale that runs from Jackson to Kennett, Mo., this weekend's sale offers bargain hunters the chance to find collectibles, clothing, toys and much more... 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. ... Southeast to charge admission to hear some speakers in series (09/03/09) Southeast Missouri State University will welcome a couple of high-profile politicians and television personalities to campus, but there will be a charge for some speaking events this year. Dr. Dennis Holt, vice president of enrollment management and student success, said the university decided to start charging admission to the public for selected events. The proceeds will go to the university foundation to provide financial assistance for students, he said... Health reform will pass, but climate bill will only generate debate, Emerson predicts (09/03/09) Congress is more likely than not to pass some form of health care legislation after it returns to work next week, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson said Wednesday. But a climate control bill attacked as a penalty on coal-dependent Midwestern states and a federal deficit expected to pile up $9 trillion in debt over the next 10 years are issues that will generate a lot of debate but no resolutions, Emerson predicted... No stimulus money to fund police hires in Cape, Jackson, Marble Hill, Scott County (09/03/09) Two local police departments that applied for a federal grant designed to aid law enforcement agencies fill staff positions lost to layoffs or hiring freezes will not receive any of the $19.6 million stimulus package dispersed among 14 agencies in Missouri... Locair offering Cape passengers flights to KC, Cincinnati initially (09/02/09) The former marketing director for RegionsAir, the last air carrier to show strong long-term passenger numbers at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, wants the city to take a chance on something different. Nate Vallier, general manager of Locair, told the Cape Girardeau Airport Advisory Board on Tuesday that his company will offer a variety of destinations, including roundtrip service to Branson, Mo., if it is chosen to handle the local Essential Air Service contract... LaSalle Avenue in Cape close to opening (09/02/09) By the end of this week, LaSalle Avenue could -- with the emphasis on could -- be open to traffic, Cape Girardeau city engineer Kelly Green said Tuesday. With final cleanup work underway, the breakdown of a road striping machine delayed one of the final, vital touches -- marking the lanes for motorists. Once that is completed -- Green said she has been told it should begin Thursday -- the road will be opened and a formal ribbon cutting will be scheduled... Airport board to hear four more proposals for local service (09/01/09) The Cape Girardeau Airport Advisory Board will be busy this week as four airlines make their pitches for the city's commercial passenger business. Gulfstream International Airlines, a Florida-based company expanding into other parts of the country, presented its case last week. The series of meetings begins at 11:30 a.m. today when Nate Vallier, general manager of Locair Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., visits with the board... President: Three Rivers will be part of higher education center (09/01/09) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- As he stood next to a Poplar Bluff hotel he plans to turn into a worker retraining center Monday, Three Rivers Community College president Devin Stephenson said he will not give up on plans to also establish new facilities in Cape Girardeau County... Family Resource Center provides place for people in South Cape to gather for meals, seek assistance (08/31/09) Pat King watches more than 100 people come to the Cape Area Family Resource Center at 1202 S. Sprigg St. each week. Because many of those coming to the center are regulars, she has gotten to know them and knows how their lives are affected by the programs the center offers... 4,000 come out to help Procter & Gamble celebrate 40th anniversary (08/31/09) Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder was a seventh-grader when Procter & Gamble's facility in Cape Girardeau County produced its first box of Pampers diapers in 1969. On Saturday, Kinder and others reminisced about the company's presence in the area during the plant's 40th anniversary celebration... 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... Coalition to choose from two community college proposals (08/31/09) The coalition that has been working to bring a community college to the Cape Girardeau area will make a final recommendation next month. The group will meet Sept. 24 and is expected to come to a consensus, said John Mehner president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce. The group has faced decisions about location and which institution will head the project... Tough cases to crack: Dogfighting common, but it's hard for investigators to break wall of silence, police say (08/30/09) Earlier this month, someone dropped a 2-year-old pit bull called Cowgirl off at the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, saying they had found her a few days ago. Her lip had been ripped at one point during her life and stitched back together, and there was a tear in her left ear. ... Chrysler dealership coming to former Saturn site (08/29/09) A Southeast Missouri auto group plans to open a Chrysler dealership inside the former Cape Girardeau Saturn facility at 374 Siemers Drive this fall. Morlan Chrysler will offer between 125 and 150 new and 100 used vehicles when it opens in early October. ... Second suspect in stun gun abuse case arrested (08/29/09) KENNETT, Mo. -- The second individual involved in allegedly using a stun gun on minor children was arrested Thursday while making a court appearance over a separate issue. Two men charged with using stun gun on children (08/28/09) CAMPBELL, Mo. -- Two men have been charged with child abuse and assault after allegedly using a Taser on a minor, the Daily Dunklin Democrat reports. Clarence Lee Riddell, 48, of Campbell, and James Steven Riddell, 22, of Texas, were recently arrested following an investigation by Campbell police officer David Dillard, the Dunkin County Juvenile Office, and the Division of Family Services in reference to a report of child abuse in which a Taser was used... Grammer's school: Former Jefferson Elementary teacher opens Prodigy Leadership Academy (08/28/09) Russell Grammer led his students outside and into the courtyard at True Vine Ministries in Cape Girardeau. He asked them to think of two ways to improve the space and what type of tools they would need. "We're always out to improve and make a place better," he said... United Way stresses volunteerism at kickoff luncheon (08/28/09) The United Way of Southeast Missouri announced a fundraising goal of $1.2 million for the 2009 campaign Thursday afternoon. The announcement came during the organization's annual kickoff luncheon at the Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau. The event was attended by about 120 representatives of businesses and United Way sponsored agencies... Benton residents holding fundraiser for Lawless DNA testing (08/27/09) BENTON, Mo. -- Residents are taking part in a weekend of fundraising efforts in support of the Scott County Sheriff's Department's investigation into the unsolved 1992 murder of Mischelle Lawless. Southeast Missouri State University sees modest growth in first-day enrollment (08/27/09) Students returned to a more secure Southeast Missouri State University campus in bigger numbers this week. New Bourbon Port expected to stimulate economy of Perry, Ste. Genevieve counties (08/27/09) STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- A port nearly 30 years in the making took one step closer to becoming reality with Wednesday's groundbreaking of the New Bourbon Port. Located on 72 acres 3.5 miles south of Ste. Genevieve, the port will include a harbor and berthing and maintenance area for a ferry that will travel from Modoc, Ill., to Ste. Genevieve. Officials in Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties think the port will stimulate significant expansion of the local economy... Coroner: Suspect in 1979 Cape murder died from natural causes (08/27/09) Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton closed the investigation into the death of Max Ellison on Wednesday. Jackson School Board OKs bid to start second phase at high school (08/26/09) With the first phase of construction complete, the Jackson School District is preparing to break ground again at the high school. Kennedy dead at 77 (08/26/09) BOSTON -- Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, the last surviving brother in a political dynasty and one of the most influential senators in history, died Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod after a year-long struggle with brain cancer. He was 77... Cape city manager wants to explore nighttime road construction (08/26/09) Lengthy delays in construction zones like those endured Tuesday by motorists using Mount Auburn Road could be relieved in the future by pushing road work into nighttime hours, Cape Girardeau city manager Scott Meyer said. Meyer, a former district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation's Southeast District, mentioned that he wanted to explore the idea during a recent city council meeting. ... Proposals for Cape Girardeau passenger air service give city 'leverage,' airport board member says (08/26/09) The proposals to provide subsidized commercial passenger service at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport provide a good variety of aircraft, destinations and schedules, Airport Advisory Board member Rick Hetzel said Tuesday. Shake-and-bake meth production method avoids anti-drug laws (08/25/09) Drug users are making their own meth in small batches using a faster, cheaper and much simpler method with ingredients that can be carried in a knapsack and mixed on the run. Ellison's death ends probe into 1979 Martin killing (08/25/09) The death of Max A. Ellison over the weekend signals the end of the investigation into the 1979 murder of Deborah L. Martin, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said Monday. Suspect in Cape Girardeau murder to stand trial in St. Louis (08/25/09) Tambra Turner, a Sikeston woman charged with a February 2008 Cape Girardeau murder, will be tried in St. Louis County starting on April 12, 2010, according to Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle. The case against Turner is set for a three-day jury trial, Swingle said... Rare twin jennets beat the odds near Delta (08/24/09) On a farm near Delta, twin jennet foals toddle after their mother. They're old enough now to frolic around the field with each other. Several area private schools see decline in student populations; others hold steady or even growing (08/24/09) Private school enrollment is higher for some institutions, while others are struggling to keep their numbers up. Talking Shop with Marc Schoch, plant manager, P&G Baby Care (08/24/09) This article originally appeared in its entirety in a special section Sunday. This is an abridged version of the interview. Procter & Gamble has been a major part of Marc Schoch's life. Schoch been with the company for 30 years, including the last two years in Cape Girardeau as the Brian Blackwell sat down to talk with Schoch and learn more about his life, start in Procter & Gamble and the affect the plant has had on the area in its 40 years here... Officials agree juvenile detention center is outdated, say no plans to replace it have been made since 2003 (08/23/09) When the 32nd Judicial Circuit Juvenile Division submitted its proposed budget for the 2009 fiscal year, as with most years, it recommended the circuit judges and Cape Girardeau County Commission address the issue of replacing the 40-year-old juvenile detention facility... Near-capacity crowd in Charleston pays respects to former governor Warren Hearnes (08/22/09) CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Former Missouri governor Warren Hearnes was remembered for his dedication to education and the mentally ill during a funeral Friday morning. SEMO students spend the day moving in (08/21/09) Molly Bell, Kortney Hunn and their parents shuffled around dressers and desks in room 325B trying to find the right fit. "We've changed it like eight times already," said Bell, a freshman at Southeast Missouri State University. Bell, 18, moved to campus Thursday from St. Louis. Her roommate, Hunn, 18, also moved from St. Louis to her new home in New Hall... Former Joplin hospital CEO becomes head of Southeast Missouri Hospital (08/21/09) Independent hospitals have more flexibility to respond to both the community and a changing national health-care scene, the new president and CEO of Southeast Missouri Hospital said Thursday. Sikeston School District tries out mini salad bar in elementary school (08/21/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Students at Lee Hunter Elementary were the first Wednesday to sample the new mini salad bars that will be at all of the district's elementary schools by the school year's end. Community support helps keep area Chevrolet dealership open (08/20/09) MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Employees of Crown Chevrolet in Marble Hill knew that the decision to remain open or to close permanently would come Monday. Office manager Barbara Kidd said the employees were on pins and needles waiting for the word to come, and just after 1 p.m., the news came that their jobs were safe... Both Southeast, Three Rivers propose higher education centers in Cape (08/20/09) Two ways to meet community college needs in the area were presented at a coalition meeting Wednesday. A group of 11 business and education leaders has been meeting since 2007 to address higher education needs in the Cape Girardeau area. It commissioned a $70,000 study last year, the results of which were released in April... Home improvement businesses, secondhand stores doing well during recession (08/20/09) Randy Mulvaney hasn't had much downtime lately, but the owner of Heartland Home Repair in Cape Girardeau isn't complaining. Mulvaney said his employees have done many remodeling jobs and additions to homes from Cape Girardeau to Sikeston, Mo. The company is booked into September... Large crowd packs Cape Girardeau riverfront for American Wind Symphony's final concert (08/19/09) Tuesday evening's farewell performance of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra in Cape Girardeau marked the end of an era for conductor Robert Austin Boudreau and his troupe. The orchestra performed for a crowd that Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Chuck Martin estimated to be around 2,500. The audience filled the amphitheater seating between the floating stage and the floodwall and extended well beyond the floodgates at Themis Street and Broadway... Five carriers bid for Cape Girardeau air service (08/19/09) The companies vying for Cape Girardeau's subsidized commercial passenger service believe there is a large untapped market here. General Motors to boost output due to clunkers incentives (08/18/09) DETROIT -- Higher sales from the government's Cash for Clunkers program have prompted General Motors Co. to boost production at several of its factories, according to company and union officials. The increases include an extra day of work at the Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant and increased hours at a factory in Orion Township, Michigan, said the union officials, who asked not to be identified because the announcement, expected Tuesday afternoon, had not been made... Details of Hearnes state funeral at Capitol, service in Charleston released (08/18/09) CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The late Warren E. Hearnes, 46th governor of Missouri from 1965 to 1973, will be honored in a state funeral Wednesday at the Missouri State Capitol and return for the final time to Southeast Missouri for a Friday funeral. New food service area at Jackson High School provides students with more space, faster service and wider selection (08/18/09) On their first day back, students took advantage of the school's new dining facilities, which include dining stations with different meal options such as homestyle food, deli sandwiches, pizza, grilled food and a soup and salad bar. New food service area at Jackson High School provides students with more space, faster service and wider selection (08/18/09) On their first day back, students took advantage of the school's new dining facilities, which include dining stations with different meal options such as homestyle food, deli sandwiches, pizza, grilled food and a soup and salad bar. Cape Girardeau police issuing fewer tickets each year (08/17/09) The number of municipal tickets written by Cape Girardeau officers has dropped steadily over the past four years, and police personnel point to fewer officers on the street as a possible reason for the decline. Talking Shop with Jennifer Hendrickson of Hendrickson Business Advisors (08/17/09) Hendrickson Business Advisors is a Southeast Missouri business success story. Started in 2007 by Jennifer Hendrickson, the business has grown from her home to an office at 1729 William St. in Cape Girardeau. Cape Girardeau City Council agenda (08/16/09) Single Barrel wins first place at Midwest Regional Futurity Jubilee Horse Show (08/16/09) Jason Bachert, of Wildwood, Mo., watches his horse Single Barrel inspect his three-year-old son Bennett Saturday afternoon, August 15, 2009, during the Midwest Regional Futurity Jubilee Horse Show and Silent Auction at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson. ... Salvage yards see little effect yet from Cash for Clunkers (08/15/09) A boom in sales for new automobile dealerships from the Cash for Clunkers program has yet to trickle down to area salvage yards, and the program hasn't yet affected the business of used-car dealerships nationwide. Donna Schuette, co-owner of Johannes Auto Sales in Jackson, said, "We've gotten 20 to 30 here but haven't started crushing the cars we've received yet, and we're waiting on about 30 more. Edgar maintains innocence after committee's report (08/14/09) Former Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Scott Edgar continued to profess his innocence Thursday even after the NCAA deemed that he knowingly committed major rules violations. 'So many bad ideas' in D.C., Kit Bond tells Rotary Club (08/14/09) The Democratic agenda being pushed by President Barack Obama and the Congressional leadership is a target-rich environment for Republicans, U.S. Sen Kit Bond said to area Rotarians Thursday. Health-care changes, energy legislation known as cap-and-trade, spending programs that will balloon the federal debt and questionable spending of stimulus dollars just scratch the surface, Bond said... NCAA takes 11 wins from SEMO men's basketball team (08/14/09) The NCAA stripped the Southeast Missouri State University men's basketball team of 11 wins when the Division I Committee on Infractions announced its report Thursday. The vacation of wins highlighted the penalties imposed on the Redhawks program for major and secondary violations in the men's basketball program. The program also saw a reduction in scholarships and recruiting visits... Attorneys taking depositions, preparing witnesses in Wilfong case (08/13/09) A trial has not yet been scheduled in the case of 18-year-old Patton, Mo., man accused of killing his guardian last New Year's holiday, but attorneys in the case have begun taking depositions and preparing witnesses, said Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Gray. Cape Girardeau sales tax revenue slightly up, Jackson down (08/13/09) Cape Girardeau is reporting a slight increase in general sales tax revenue while other local governments are seeing declines from 2 to 11 percent. Cape Girardeau School District must keep eye on revenue, cutting expenses, superintendent says (08/13/09) Behind the conference table in Dr. Jim Welker's office, several poster-sized sheets of paper are dotted with Post-it notes. "It's kind of hard to miss," said Welker, who today begins his second school year as the superintendent of the Cape Girardeau School District... Lance Armstrong won't be in Tour of Missouri, organizer says (08/12/09) The biggest name in professional cycling won't cruise the streets of Cape Girardeau during the Tour of Missouri. Lance Armstrong, the Texan who overcame testicular cancer to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles, has another commitment and won't compete in the seven-stage Tour of Missouri... New upscale rehab center in Cape Girardeau County targets professional clients (08/12/09) An increase in demand from professionals has led to the opening this week of HillCrest Pointe, an upscale addiction treatment center in Cape Girardeau County. The Gibson Recovery Center has in recent months seen a dramatic increase in calls from those in the banking and investment industries, according to the center's executive director... McCaskill holds forum on health-care reform in Poplar Bluff (08/11/09) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The government is not going to take over the health-care system, and it will not tell the elderly what treatment they can receive, benefit illegal aliens or pay for abortions, Sen. Claire McCaskill said Monday. Joshua Kezer files lawsuit against Scott County, former sheriff, former deputy (08/12/09) In a civil rights lawsuit filed Monday against Scott County and former members of county law enforcement, including a former sheriff, attorneys for Joshua C. Kezer are seeking both compensation and punitive damages associated with his wrongful arrest and 1994 conviction in the murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless. Emerson Farm Tour wraps up final day with visit to area (08/11/09) U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson ended the final day of her annual farm tour Monday with visits to an organic farm, a livestock auction barn, and a corn, cotton and soybean operation in the area. Speakers at Emerson picnic in Cape concerned about cap-and-trade bill (08/10/09) Speakers at U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's annual picnic Saturday voiced concern about the cap-and-trade carbon emissions bill before Congress. Public transportation still important 75 years after trolleys shut down (08/10/09) Seventy-five years ago today, the trolley system owned by Missouri Utilities Co. made its final run through Cape Girardeau. Group of Chinese scientists visits Cape Girardeau to study Mississippi River Basin (08/10/09) Chinese call the nearly 4,000-mile Yangtze River the "golden waterway" or "river of mother," and Americans have dubbed the Mississippi River "Old Man River," but the roles the two large waterways play in the economy and development of their respective nations are similar. Talking Shop with Rich Payne, director of Career & Technology Center (08/10/09) This week marks the beginning of school for students in Cape Girardeau. Among the Business Today reporter Robyn Gautschy recently sat down with Rich Payne, director of the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center. The interview originally appeared in the July edition of Business Today, which can be ordered by calling 388-2781... Relatives of Benton murder victim raise money to help pay for DNA testing (08/10/09) BENTON, Mo. -- Members of the Benton community showed their support Saturday for a fundraising effort to help the Scott County Sheriff's Department afford costly DNA testing in the unsolved 1992 murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless. Shoppers head to Jackson for sales tax holiday (08/08/09) Since the state sales tax holiday was established in 2005, Ravyn Reed of Jackson had always included Cape Girardeau in her shopping for the savings. Proposals for commercial air service open Wednesday (08/07/09) Cape Girardeau Regional Airport manager Bruce Loy expects plenty of competition for subsidized commercial passenger service when proposals are opened Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Loy said Thursday he's been contacted by five or six airlines seeking information about the airport, which has seen passenger numbers dwindle from a high of almost 8,000 in 2006 to just 404 from Jan. 1 through July 31... Historical association sells Cape's Reynolds House (08/07/09) After struggling to determine the fate of the Reynolds House, the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau sold the 152-year-old building Thursday to a limited liability company with the understanding that it be preserved, said the association's new president, Tom Grantham... 2009 receipts for Cape hotel, restaurant taxes still rise over previous year (08/07/09) After a two-month drop off in reservations at the Rose Bed Inn, business at the bed and breakfast is booming once again. "For a few months it was getting slim, and then, all of a sudden, that unfamiliar tone of the phone started ringing again with people booking reservations," chef James Coley said. "We always knew from when we opened in 2001 that if you turn the nearly blank reservation page and things look bleak, if you provide quality goods and services they will come... Country man: Luke Bryan promises high-energy show at Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo (08/06/09) Luke Bryan can try to sing rock songs, but with his Georgia accent they end up sounding country anyway. "It's safe to say I'm country, and that's kind of just the way it is," Bryan said in a phone interview from somewhere in upstate Michigan. Bryan and his bus will travel south to play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, where fans can expect "a fun up-tempo show" without a lot of ballads, he said. "We just get up there and have fun."... New distribution center in Sikeston begins shipping orders (08/06/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- A year after it broke ground, Orgill's Mid-America SuperCenter in Sikeston began shipping goods. Fire rises through walls, guts Jackson home (08/06/09) One of the most intense fires recently witnessed by Jackson firefighters gutted a home Wednesday morning. Altenburg students send photos of Perry County to Altenburg, Germany (08/06/09) ALTENBURG, Mo. -- Photographs of landscapes, farm animals and flowers started their journey to Germany on Wednesday to open the lines of communication between the old and new Altenburg. Students from Altenburg's public and private schools attended a photography workshop in May 2008 with Dr. ... Area escapes Tuesday storms with minor damage (08/05/09) Emergency management and city officials are counting their blessings after Tuesday's thunderstorm that passed through the area produced only minor damage... Blake Shelton to replace Billy Currington at Sikeston rodeo (08/05/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston Jaycees have switched entertainers for Thursday night after scheduled performer Billy Currington and his bassist were injured during a Saturday performance in Canada. Postal service only considering closing branch offices; none in Southeast Missouri (08/05/09) A plan to consolidate U.S. Postal Service operations by possibly closing 677 locations nationwide includes no post offices in Southeast Missouri. In fact, the plan doesn't contemplate closing any location where there is a postmaster in charge. The plan, which is described by postal service spokesman Richard Watkins as a blueprint for studying how to save money, targets what are known as branch offices or postal stations and all are in the urban or suburban areas of large metropolitan regions... Storms dump four inches on Cape Girardeau area (08/05/09) Jackson and the southern part of Cape Girardeau bore the brunt of the three bouts of thunderstorms that hit Cape Girardeau County Tuesday night, causing power outages, flash flooding and numerous fallen trees and power lines. Early estimates of the rainfall were nearly four inches by 8 p.m., but exact totals were not available due to a lightning strike that damaged the weather-measuring equipment at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, meteorologist Robin Smith said... USDA: Raising a child costs a middle-income family nearly a quarter of a million dollars (08/04/09) ST. LOUIS (AP) -- It's no secret that raising children can be expensive, but how about a quarter of a million dollars expensive? A government report released Tuesday says a middle-income family with a child born last year will spend about $221,000 raising that child through age 17... Photo gallery provides face for children up for adoption in state (08/04/09) Nearly 250 foster children awaiting adoption are featured in 188 photographs at the Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery, which started Monday inside West Park Mall. Shot by professional photographers, the gallery will be in place through Sunday. Marble Hill woman injured in Highway 34 accident (08/04/09) MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- An 18-year-old woman from Marble Hill was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center Monday after her car collided with a box truck on Highway 34. Jessica R. Spencer was traveling eastbound when her Pontiac Grand Am crossed the center line and struck the truck, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website... Marble Hill woman injured in Highway 34 accident (08/04/09) Southeast Missourian MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- An 18-year-old woman from Marble Hill was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center Monday after her car collided with a box truck on Highway 34. Jessica R. Spencer was traveling eastbound when her Pontiac Grand Am crossed the center line and struck the truck, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol website... NASA confirms amateur's assertion that UFO seen in Southeast Missouri was space station (08/04/09) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Unidentified orange lights sighted last month in the evening sky over Southeast Missouri gave a Poplar Bluff man an opportunity to put his self-taught astronomy expertise to use. Obama officials cite program's popularity in appeal for cash for clunkers money (08/03/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration appealed to the Senate on Monday to bail out the cash for clunkers car purchase program, arguing it has already made striking gains in fuel efficiency and is a "wildly popular" economic boost. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood ducked when asked if the program will be suspended if the Senate does not vote to replenish coffers before lawmakers go on vacation later this week. Instead, he said "I believe the Senate will pass it this week."... Obama officials: taxes may rise to pay health care (08/03/09) WASHINGTON -- Two of President Barack Obama's economic heavyweights said middle-class taxes might have to go up to pare budget deficits or to pay for the proposed overhaul of the nation's health care system. The tough talk from Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers on Sunday capped a week that brought rare good news for the economy: The worst recession in the United States since World War II could be on the verge of ending. ... Dust reduction tests may start soon on gravel roads in Cape Girardeau County (08/03/09) It has been three years since Cape Girardeau County voters approved a sales tax to pave roads and support law enforcement. The money has purchased asphalt, supplied raises to sheriff's deputies and provided relief from property taxes that previously paid for county road work. Talking shop with Laura Younghouse, owner of Midwest Energy (08/03/09) Cape Girardeau native Laura Younghouse is the owner of Midwest Energy, which has 11 Amerimarts under the Sinclair and BP brands. Region stands to reap the benefits of alfalfa research (08/03/09) Agronomist Gerald Bryan thinks alfalfa research at Southeast Missouri State University's research farm could aid dairy farmers, cattlemen and the local economy. Skydiving group gathers at Cairo airport every weekend (08/02/09) CAIRO, Ill. -- Every weekend about 15 volunteers spend their time helping people overcome their boredom by jumping out of airplanes. SEMO Skydiving has existed in some form or fashion for 25 years, according to its members. Don Dorris and Ralph Bailey used to borrow a plane in the early 1980s to skydive. ... Sen. Bond working to fund area projects (08/01/09) Cape Girardeau's Riverwalk could be in line for another extension thanks to U.S. Sen. Kit Bond. There's money in the federal budget for other communities as well, Bond announced this week, including $1 million to move ahead with plans for a new Scott City interchange on Interstate 55 and $1.15 million for improvements to Highway 34 in Bollinger County... Cape Girardeau parks department holds week of day camp (08/01/09) FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Canoeists Lexi Smith, left, and Cassie Essner paddle on Capaha Park lagoon Friday with three youngsters, from left, Emily Kirby, Lexi Jansen and Christopher Krewson, during a weeklong day camp sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department. ... Cyclist with diabetes teaches children about managing the condition (07/31/09) Where most cyclists carry radios and energy gel in every pocket of their jersey, Matt Brooks devotes one of the pockets on his purple and green jersey to diabetes management devices. Brooks, a cyclist with Team Type 1, made a stop at HealthPoint Jackson Thursday to talk to 22 children at Camp DAY Break, a two-day camp where children with diabetes and their friends learn more about managing the disease and living a full life... Commission votes to pursue application of federal courthouse (07/31/09) The Cape Girardeau County Commission voted unanimously today to apply for the purchase of the old federal courthouse building. After a 45 minute closed session the commission announced their decision to vote 3-0 on the matter. The commission will now send its application and a down payment to the General Services Administration via overnight mail. Route announced: Tour stage to finish in downtown Cape Girardeau (07/31/09) Residents along East Cape Rock Drive and North Main Street will have the best view of bicycle racers arriving Sept. 8 in Cape Girardeau for the finish of Stage 2 of the Tour of Missouri bicycle race. Organizers of the cross-state race this morning announced the detailed routes each stage of the seven-stage race. Cape Girardeau will host the finish of the second stage and the first day of over-the-road racing... Cape Girardeau County Commission to decide on federal building purchase today (07/30/09) The Cape Girardeau County Commission will decide in a meeting this morning whether or not the county will purchase the old federal building located at 339 Broadway. The deadline for the decision is July 31, set by the federal General Services Administration, which is the current owner of the property... AC systems in Cape County Jail to be replaced (07/30/09) After spending much of the last 10 years trying to fix problems with the heating and cooling system at the Cape Girardeau County Jail, the time has come to replace it, Sheriff John Jordan said. The county is advertising for bids to replace chillers in the air-conditioning system, create a way for fresh air to be brought into the jail from outside and put controllers on the system to save energy. ... Obama takes health care pitch to people - again (07/29/09) WASHINGTON -- His health care vision and political clout on the line, President Barack Obama is using virtually every tool available in a publicity campaign to pressure Congress for swift legislative approval and to rally a public wary of the ongoing Washington tussle over his top domestic priority... Cape veterans home receives funding for backup generator (07/29/09) The Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau will receive funding for an emergency backup generator, Gov. Jay Nixon announced Tuesday. Scheduled to be complete by April 2010, the $800,000 project consists of an emergency generator that will provide full power to the veterans home, fire hydrants, exterior lighting and a fire lane. Work on the project should begin in the next few weeks. Zoellner Construction of Perryville, Mo., is the project contractor... Volunteer shortage affecting Habitat project (07/29/09) On March 25, a good part of east Cape Girardeau was abuzz with activity as workers divided a four-bedroom home into two sections and transported it from a parking lot on Broadway to a destination at 1640 N. Main St. The house, built by Southeast Missouri State University students and other volunteers, was constructed under the direction of the Cape Area Habitat for Humanity program during a two-week period in March. ... AP sources: Senators near bipartisan health deal (07/28/09) WASHINGTON -- A bipartisan group of senators is closing in on a health care compromise that omits key Democratic priorities but seeks to hold down costs, as lawmakers on both sides of the Capitol struggled Tuesday to deliver sweeping health legislation to President Barack Obama... Cape Girardeau employees drafting trash plan, looking for community input (07/28/09) City officials said they see the more than $2 million switch to an automated trash pickup system as a more sustainable investment in Cape Girardeau's future. Cash for Clunkers brings hope, skepticism from local car dealers (07/28/09) Congress approved the Car Allowance Rebate System, known as Cash for Clunkers, last month to boost automobile sales and help retire inefficient vehicles. Incentives are worth between $3,500 and $4,500 for cars and trucks that meet certain criteria. National Guard expects to finish work in Jackson's Brookside Park soon (07/27/09) National Guard work at Brookside Park in Jackson will include preliminary grading for an expansion of the veterans memorial. Max Ellison's trial date may be selected Tuesday (07/27/09) Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said he hopes the next hearing in the state's case against Max Ellison for the 1979 murder of Debbie Martin will result in a trial date. Talking Shop with Dan Woods, general manager of radio station KRCU (07/27/09) Southeast Missouri has its fair share of radio stations, one of which is KRCU, a National Public Radio station on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. General manager Dan Woods, born in Neelyville, Mo., in the Bootheel, grew up with a keen interest in communications and learning. ... Australians join annual antique tractor ride in Perry County (07/26/09) PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- In seven years, the River Hills Antique Tractor Club Adventure Ride has become an attraction for enthusiasts from near and far. This year's ride, which took place Saturday, drew 115 participants, some coming from as far away as Indiana, Arkansas and Louisiana... Kicking the limits: Instructor uses martial arts to help students with disabilities (07/25/09) Alexis Johnson, 9, started wearing leg braces when she was 18 months old after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy. For about an hour she takes off the braces and wears a tae kwon do uniform to practice martial arts with her instructor, Alan Williams, part of her treatment... Jackson schools, city, MoDOT reach agreement on South Elementary traffic issues (07/24/09) The city of Jackson, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Jackson School District have entered into an agreement to relieve traffic congestion at South Elementary School. Sahara Aldridge's father keeps fit with 'Sahara Shape' routine (07/24/09) In May 2006, Shannon Aldridge and his 12-year-old daughter Sahara were watching "Celebrity Fit Club" on television at their home in Cape Girardeau. When Shannon got up and caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror, he didn't like what he saw. "I thought, 'My God, what happened to me? I'm fat,'" Aldridge said. "And that was it."... Most at public opinion meeting support Cape Girardeau County buying federal building (07/24/09) Supporters outnumbered dissenters Thursday during the Cape Girardeau County Commission's public opinion session on the old federal building. About 15 people attended the meeting, many of them leaders from Cape Girardeau. Chamber of Commerce president John Mehner said the commissioners' combined experience in engineering, business and real estate makes them qualified to decide whether to buy the building. ... No rain means food, fun gets started at Jackson Homecomers (07/23/09) Wednesday night marked the effective start of the 101st annual Homecomers city reunion celebration, as Tuesday's events were mostly rained out. Illinois Highway 146 to be widened to junction with Highway 3 (07/23/09) Within the next few weeks, work crews from the Illinois Department of Transportation will break ground on a project to widen a 2.6-mile section of Illinois Highway 146 to four lanes between East Cape Girardeau, Ill., and the Highway 3 junction. The two-phase project, with an estimated cost of $7.5 million to $7.9 million, will probably take until 2011 to complete, said Carrie Nelson, program development engineer for IDOT's District 9... Cape children's museum needs $70,000 to finish renovation of new home (07/23/09) The Southeast Missouri Children's Museum board of directors is close to realizing its dream for a museum in downtown Cape Girardeau, but just how close depends on money. Board president Martha Brown said the organization has raised about $220,000 in donations for the Discovery Playhouse. Another $70,000, she said, is needed to finish renovating the first floor of the old Walther's building at 502 Broadway... William Street in Cape to be resurfaced from Kingshighway to Siemers Drive (07/22/09) Crews will work nighttime shifts on William Street in Cape Girardeau in another MoDOT project funded by the federal stimulus package. Construction on the 1.65-mile stretch of William Street between Siemers Drive and Kingshighway is set to begin Friday. The project includes overlaying the concrete roadway with three-quarter-inches of asphalt and adding two turn lanes between the ramps of Interstate 55. The total cost is $556,000, MoDOT resident engineer Darius Dowdy said... Rainy weather delays events at Homecomers (07/22/09) The steady rain that fell Tuesday afternoon and evening squelched most of the events planned to kick off Jackson Homecomers, the city's annual reunion festival, but city officials and event coordinators said they don't expect the rest of the week's schedule to be affected by the changes... Purcell loses appeal of Cape County Sunshine Law suit (07/22/09) Jay Purcell has lost his appeal in a lawsuit against the Cape Girardeau County Commission for Sunshine Law violations. The Missouri Eastern District Court of Appeals ruled that the county commission cannot be sued. "Because the Commission as a stand-alone entity is not a proper party to this action, we find that the trial court erred when it allowed the action to proceed against the Commission without the individual commission members named as defendants in their official capacity," wrote Eastern District Court Judge Kurt Odenwald in the court's opinion.. ... Rainfall cancels some Jackson Homecomers events (07/21/09) The steady rain falling this afternoon will postpone or cancel some of the events scheduled for the 101st Annual Jackson Homecomers and relocate others, said Homecomers entertainment director Linda Penzel. The welcome speech by Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr, slated for 6:15 p.m., has been moved to Wednesday, and the performance by the Jackson Municipal Band is canceled, Penzel said... Updated: Appeals court rules that Purcell can't sue Cape Girardeau County commission (07/21/09) The Missouri Eastern District Court of Appeals ruled today that Cape Girardeau County Commissioner Jay Purcell's lawsuit against the Cape Girardeau County Commission, on appeal from the Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court, is not valid because Purcell can't legally sue the commission as an entity... After a year, Independence Street work to be completed this week (07/21/09) A little more than a year after it began, the road project to rebuild Independence Street will be finished this week, city engineer Kelly Green told the Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday night. The work, which included replacing the roadway and sidewalks from Pacific Street to Kingshighway, will not be entirely complete -- two side streets still need some intersection work -- but motorists will be able to travel the entire length without detours, she said... Coming from a land down under: Australian tractor heads to Perryville, Mo. (07/21/09) An antique Australian tractor crosses the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge on Monday on its way to Perryville, Mo., to participate in Saturday's seventh annual River Hills Antique Tractor Club Adventure Ride. Kinder to fight federal union measure (07/21/09) Employers must fight back against attempts to extend union representation, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder said Monday as he brought state business lobbyists to Cape Girardeau to organize against the Employee Free Choice Act. Kinder is taking a lead role in the effort to amend Missouri's constitution to require secret ballots in all elections, including those that decide whether a group of employees will be represented by a union. ... Cape Girardeau County officials ready to move from Common Pleas Courthouse (07/21/09) Cape Girardeau County officials voiced concerns to county commissioners Monday over the possibility of remaining in the Common Pleas Courthouse and Courthouse Annex, while members of the public will have an opportunity to express their views Thursday. Police: Eyewitness to February 2008 killing arrested at Sikeston residence (07/20/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Fugitive Lloyd Gilmore was arrested Sunday at his residence in Sikeston according to a news release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. Gov. Jay Nixon meets with troops from Missouri during visit to Iraq (07/20/09) Missourians stationed in Iraq are turning their thoughts more and more toward home and lives after deployment, Gov. Jay Nixon said Sunday while on a trip to the Middle East. Storm-water projects stretch funding set aside by Cape Girardeau (07/20/09) B.J. and Christa Miller live on Dorothy Street next to a small stream that runs through a pipe under the road. They have lived in the home with their 4-year-old daughter Annabeth and a cat named Pookie since 2004. Picnic in New Hamburg all about fun, family (07/19/09) NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Six turtles sat inside a circle on the Kelso School baseball diamond Saturday afternoon moments before the start of their final race. Once the referee shouted go, the owners released their turtles, who were cheered on by about 50 spectators... Employers face rise in minimum wage Thursday (07/18/09) Missouri workers at the bottom of the pay scale will get their second raise of the year Thursday, and they may get another raise Jan. 1. The federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 an hour, up from the current level of $6.55 an hour. In Missouri, the increase will be 20 cents an hour because the state minimum wage increased to $7.05 an hour Jan. ... Jackson makes Money magazine's list of best places to live (07/18/09) Many Jackson residents say recognition by a national publication that their city is one of best places to live in America is overdue. Money magazine named Jackson as one of the 100 Best Places to Live in its 2009 ranking of small towns. Jackson was ranked number 59 in the list... Summer math program in Cape teaches respect and teamwork (07/18/09) In a small room at the Cape Girardeau courthouse annex, nine boys worked on math worksheets while the summer sun shone outside. The teachers joked that it smelled like a locker room, part of the laid-back atmosphere of a different kind of classroom... Veterans at Southeast Missouri State University wary of new GI Bill (07/17/09) Veterans at Southeast Missouri State University are taking a cautious approach to the new post-Sept. 11 GI Bill, which goes into effect Aug. 1. "Several students are waiting to get more information to really see how it's going to work," said assistant registrar Debbie Howey, who handles veterans affairs... Police still searching for estranged husband of Cape Girardeau murder suspect (07/17/09) Law enforcement agencies in Southeast Missouri have at least four reasons for wanting Lloyd D. Gilmore, a 27-year-old Sikeston, Mo., man with a history of drug convictions, in custody. Cape Girardeau Police Department gets bulletproof facelift (07/17/09) The lobby and records offices at the Cape Girardeau Police Department are getting a facelift -- a bulletproof one. Using money generated by the city's public safety tax, the currently cramped records office will become 17 feet longer, said Capt. Jack Wimp of the Cape Girardeau Police Department... Judge rules that charges stand in 2008 Cape Girardeau killing (07/16/09) Cape Girardeau County Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp ruled to uphold felony charges Wednesday afternoon against Tambra Turner, transferring the case to circuit court. Turner, 30, of Sikeston, Mo., appeared at a preliminary hearing last week in which Kamp ruled that a property damage charge against her would stand but that he would hear further arguments from each side and take the charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and burglary under advisement... Cape Girardeau theater packed for latest Harry Potter film (07/16/09) The latest installment of the Harry Potter movies drew people to Cape Girardeau from throughout the region. Kim Milbach drove up from Sikeston, Mo., with her mother Wednesday to watch "Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince" at the Town Plaza Cinema. She said they had to wait for a later showtime because the 6:45 p.m. movie sold out... Cape policy is to work with businesses that have liquor license issues (07/16/09) Once a business has a license to sell liquor in Cape Girardeau, whether at a bar by the drink or in the original package at a retailer, the city is reluctant to take it away. Every year, licensees face renewal before July 1. Each location that has a license must go through a review of police calls, timeliness of tax payments, fire safety inspections and other scrutiny. ... Commander Premier sold to Canadian company (07/15/09) The man who wants to revive the fortunes of Commander Premier Aircraft Corp. said Tuesday he not only wants the building housing the business but has his eye on additional land at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. Increased value of home sales gives encouragement to local market (07/15/09) While new home construction in Cape Girardeau County was down through the first six months of 2009, an increase in the value of homes being sold is a sign the local market may be turning the corner. According to the Cape County Multiple Listing Service, 102 residential listings closed from June 1 to Tuesday in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, totaling $17,204,000... Man gets only scratches after Cape Girardeau heavy equipment accident (07/15/09) A city worker survived with cuts and scrapes after the machinery he was operating fell into La Croix Creek Tuesday. Price of old federal building should be public, Purcell says (07/14/09) As the Cape Girardeau County Commission considers whether to purchase the old federal building in Cape Girardeau, one commissioner is raising objections to federal rules that require secrecy about the price. Contractors say poor weather to blame for LaSalle Avenue delay (07/14/09) LaSalle Avenue has been a long time coming, but motorists anxious for a shortcut from northeast Jackson to Cape Girardeau will have to wait just a little bit longer, city engineer Kelly Green said Monday. Seminarian from Mexico celebrates Independence Day as U.S. citizen (07/13/09) Alex Ascencio spent the Fourth of July alongside fellow Americans at Arena Park last weekend. Unlike most of the people there, he was celebrating his first Independence Day as a U.S. citizen. Joshua Kezer adjusting to life out of prison, reuniting with family (07/13/09) For years, Hadley James said a specific prayer at each family gathering, asking that he would one day get the chance to have all five of his grandchildren together at dinner again. Talking shop with Wendell Miller (07/13/09) Pizza remains a staple food of many Americans, and there's nothing like the convenience of having it delivered to your door. One friendly face greeting customers of Domino's Pizza is Wendell Miller, who was recently named the company's delivery expert of the year. He works at Credit Bureau Services in Cape Girardeau and part time at Domino's. Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell visited with Miller last week to learn more about his secret to success... New exective director begins work at Arts Council of Southeast Missouri (07/13/09) Melissa Miller took over as executive director of the arts council last week, where she will oversee council events and programming such as the art academy. Deal on airport facility could be reached by end of August (07/12/09) The long struggle to make manufacturing pay at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport could be over by the end of August. Ceremony marks official completion of Highway 34/72 project (07/10/09) After five years filled with challenges, the Missouri Department of Transportation project on Highway 34/72 in Jackson has come to an end. MoDOT officials gathered with area politicians for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning at the intersection of highways 34 and 72, known as the Starlight intersection... Tourism chief says Nixon cant block Tour of Missouri funding (07/10/09) The decision of whether to fund the Tour of Missouri bicycle race rests with the Missouri Tourism Commission, not Gov. Jay Nixon, R.B. "Bob" Smith III, the interim director of tourism said today. Raids in 6 states show dogfighting is widespread (07/10/09) ST. LOUIS -- The arrests this week of a Little League coach, a registered nurse and a teacher during the largest coordinated raids on dogfighting in U.S. history confirm the shadowy blood sport is alive and well despite tough laws across the country... Nixon considers cutting state money for Tour of Missouri (07/10/09) The Tour of Missouri, a statewide bicycle race scheduled for early September, will be canceled if the state withdraws its support, the managing partner in the company organizing the event said Thursday. Universities reaching critical point in finding new income, says president of University of Missouri system (07/10/09) As state support for higher education decreases, the president of the University of Missouri system is advocating public institutions work together to share resources. Gary Forsee shared his perspective on higher education in Missouri during a luncheon Thursday for the Cape West Rotary Club. He said universities are reaching a critical juncture in the next three to five years as they look for new ways to cut costs and fund capital projects... Judge postpones ruling on whether murder suspect will stand trial (07/10/09) Family members and friends of 20-year-old Chabreshea Egson, shot to death more than 16 months ago, will have to wait a few more days to hear whether murder charges against her accused killer will stand. Governor signs bill expanding DNA testing in Missouri (07/09/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri police will soon start taking DNA samples along with booking photos and fingerprints when they make arrests. Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation Thursday requiring DNA be taken from people age 17 and older who are arrested on suspicion of violent felonies, sex offenses or burglary. The DNA samples will be discarded within 30 days if charges aren't filed or are dropped, or if the suspect is acquitted at trial... Humane Society seeks help in caring for dogs seized in raids (07/09/09) ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The Humane Society of Missouri says it would welcome help as it shelters about 300 dogs that were seized in raids of dogfighting operations in Missouri and Illinois. The dogs were among 350 mostly American Pit Bull Terrier dogs seized during raids in five states Wednesday... Federal plan to recruit more tugboat pilots may have backfired (07/09/09) NEW ORLEANS -- A federal program to recruit more tugboat pilots may have backfired by allowing thousands of novice captains to take the helm and contributing to a 25 percent increase in the number of accidents on the nation's rivers. An Associated Press review of Coast Guard records indicates that the U.S. tugboat fleet is increasingly piloted by captains who have spent as little as one year in the wheelhouse... Missouri auditor hopeful visits Cape Girardeau as part of introduction tour (07/09/09) A former federal official touting his resume as a top corruption fighter at the United Nations and in Afghanistan said Wednesday that he wants to be the next Missouri State Auditor. Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary nears completion of expansion (07/09/09) A no-kill animal shelter in Jackson is nearing completion of an expansion that will hold up to 250 displaced cats. The board members and volunteers of Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary said it's a necessity. Debbie Johnson calls it a miracle. "We knew our lease wasn't going to be renewed and needed a place for all of our cats to go," said Johnson, former director of the Sundog Cat Sanctuary in Bloomfield, Mo. "The way it's come together in just six months has been unbelievable."... Jackson votes to ban fireworks sales, use (07/08/09) The Jackson Board of Aldermen voted to ban the sale and use of fireworks, but the Monday evening decision on a verbal motion won't be the final word. The board was wrapping up its regular meeting Monday when Mayor Barbara Lohr asked for comments from members. Ward 3 Alderman Larry Cunningham called for the vote to ban fireworks, which passed 4-2 ... SEMO NASV director to stay on to train replacement (07/08/09) Tammy Gwaltney's departure from the director's position at the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, slated to have occurred at the beginning of this month, will be pushed back a few years. After six months of searching for a replacement, sifting through a handful of applicants from around the country and conducting interviews, Gwaltney said she was unable to find anyone who met the qualifications... Community gardens fulfill one dream of Cape Girardeau bus driver (07/08/09) Robert Harris keeps a journal full of dreams. Some of them have already been realized. "You just have so many dreams, and you just hope that one day you can pull them off," he said. Harris, 55, is a bus driver for the Cape Girardeau School District, but during the summer he volunteers in two community gardens. ... AJGA will return to Dalhousie (07/07/09) Dalhousie Golf Club, which was awarded AJGA's tournament of the year in 2007 and 2008 and hosted the Rolex Tournament of Champions last week, will host another "major" AJGA event in 2011, according to club owner Cord Dombrowski. "We definitely will have an event here in 2011," Dombrowski said after the conclusion of Saturday's tournament. ... Cape Girardeau is first city to finish DREAM Initiative planning (07/07/09) Cape Girardeau now officially has a DREAM and, next year, an aquatic center will open. On Monday, the Cape Girardeau City Council approved the strategic plan developed for the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development for Missouri, or DREAM Initiative, capping a planning process that took almost three years. Current ownership closes doors on Royal N'Orleans (07/07/09) The Royal N'Orleans has been closed since June 30, and its future remains uncertain. The fine-dining restaurant has not passed a city fire code inspection, violating the conditions set when the Cape Girardeau City Council on June 15 approved a six-month conditional liquor license, said Heather Brooks, assistant to city manager Scott Meyer. Local churches offer services in Spanish to help bring together faith communitis separated by language (07/07/09) An unfamiliar language can isolate immigrants in the United States, but several churches in Cape Girardeau are working to break down the language barrier. At least seven places of worship in the area offer opportunities to worship in Spanish. Reports: Fireworks sales up, violations down in Cape Girardeau (07/06/09) This July 4 weekend capped off a strong season for fireworks sales, though police reported fewer violations than they normally see over the holiday. "It was great, one of our best years ever in one location," said Mary Ann Hoffman, co-owner of Hoffman Family Fireworks... Trail of Tears' Lake Boutin will not reopen this summer (07/06/09) An overgrowth of vegetation masks the areas of the Lake Boutin dam worn away by erosion, but officials at Trail of Tears State Park say the damage caused by 2008 rains is significant enough to cause serious concerns about its structural integrity. The lake has remained closed to swimmers for more than a year, and park staff get constant complaints and questions about when it will reopen, said assistant park superintendent Jim Griggs... Stimulus program pays for student internships (07/06/09) The Next-Generation Jobs Team, a Missouri summer internship program funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, pays for students to work for companies. The program gives students job experience and helps budget-strapped businesses. Talking Shop with Gerry Jones (07/06/09) Gerry Jones may be known for his experience in the real estate business, but he also dabbles in the farm business. Jones, 42, has spent much of his life near Fruitland. He graduated from Jackson High School and holds degrees from University of Missouri and the University of Missouri School of Law... Expressions of freedom: Activities on the Fourth of July in Cape range from historic re-enactments to protests (07/06/09) During a break from the roar of overworked engines and the crunch of smashing cars, Greg Priest had a few things to say about what Independence Day means to him and his family. With four of his children -- Aaron and Josh, both 9, Bonnie, 5, and Jeremy, 7 -- and a 13-year-old nephew named Josh, Priest was taking in the demolition derby that was the daytime highlight of Cape Girardeau's July 4 celebration. ... Organizers want big turnout for July 4 event at Arena Park (07/03/09) The future of the Joint Veterans Council's Independence Day celebration will be decided by the people of Cape Girardeau, organizer Rodger Brown said as he surveyed sparsely filled Arena Park grandstands prior Friday evening's truck and tractor pull event... Harry Rediger wins Southeast Missourian's Spirit of America Award (07/03/09) When Harry Rediger was a boy growing up in a small Nebraska town, he spent a lot of time in his father's hardware shop. There's no doubt he learned all about tools and how to build things. When Rediger became a young man, he decided against going into the hardware business. ... AAA: Fewer people expected to travel for July Fourth weekend (07/02/09) Despite lower gas prices this year, fewer Missourians are expected to travel during the July Fourth holiday weekend. Ladies choice: Feminine Perspective show returns to Black Door Gallery (07/02/09) Patrons can glimpse the perspectives of local and national female artists at the Black Door Gallery's annual all-women art show "The Feminine Perspective," which has its opening reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at the gallery on Spanish Street. "It's about women, just to celebrate what women do," said Beth Thomas, whose husband Craig owns the gallery... Cape police's newest canine starts work next week (07/02/09) Cape Girardeau's newest police department hire will patrol the streets in about a week when Reno, a 16-month-old German shepherd, replaces Bolo as the canine partner of officer Roy Rahn. Bolo finished a seven-year career with the police department in May when, on his final day of service, he assisted in the capture of a man accused of forcible sodomy and second-degree robbery. Since then, Bolo has resided with Rahn and his family, where he will remain, Rahn said... Cape officials discussing new plant to treat waste water (07/01/09) Aging equipment, a lack of space and sinkholes near Cape Girardeau's waste-water treatment plant have prompted city officials to begin talking about building a new plant. Interim city manager Ken Eftink said money in this year's city budget will pay for hiring a consulting engineer to study what the facility has now and what the city would need to do in order to come into compliance with state and federal regulations, as well as to determine how a new plant can meet the growing needs of the community.. ... Founder of Buchheit company dies at 96 (07/01/09) BIEHLE, Mo. -- The Buchheit company is mourning the passing of its founder. Rudy Buchheit, who died Monday at age 96, opened his first store Feb. 2, 1934. Seventy-five years later, the company has expanded to agricultural and trucking operations in Illinois, Missouri and Pennsylvania. Teeing it up with the top junior players (07/01/09) Several members of the community got a chance to play alongside some of the best junior golfers in the country Tuesday, competing in the American Junior Golf Association's Junior-Am tournament at Dalhousie Golf Club. "They are impressive to watch," Dalhousie member Tim Coad said. "They hit the ball a long way and they have incredible touch around the greens and the rough."... Attendance for area summer programs lags behind previous years (07/01/09) Cindy Davis snapped a photo with her cell phone as her 3-year-old daughter Gracie rolled by in a padded cylinder. About six other children somersaulted and climbed their way through an obstacle course during a tumbling class at the Osage Community Centre on Tuesday... Area vendors: Fireworks sales strong despite poor economy (06/30/09) Despite the economic slump, fireworks season is in full swing for vendors in Cape Girardeau and Jackson. Unlicensed dog breeders targeted by Missouri initiative (06/30/09) On Monday, the Missouri Attorney General's Office and the Missouri Department of Agriculture unveiled the second part of a statewide initiative to crack down on unlicensed dog breeders. Going for the green: Golf tournament seen as economic opportunity (06/30/09) When the field of more than 140 of the top junior golfers descends on Dalhousie Golf Club this week, each player will try to add his or her name to the illustrious list of Rolex Tournament of Champions winners. Many choosing less expensive summer trips to cope in poor economy (06/29/09) People planning to downsize their vacations because of the struggling economy may actually be boosting camping and other summer recreational pursuits in Cape Girardeau. Shorter trips where people don't venture very far from home have become more common, and the popularity of the trend has led to more interest in outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, backpacking and birdwatching, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation... Talking shop with Tom Kelsey, commercial property broker (06/29/09) Real estate never interested Tom Kelsey as a young man. But today the Scott City native is broker at Lorimont Place Ltd., a Cape Girardeau firm that handles mostly commercial property throughout the region. Business reporter Brian Blackwell sat down with Kelsey last week to discuss his life and the ins and outs of the commercial real estate business... Dozens take part in annual downtown Cape Girardeau golf outing (06/29/09) Downtown Cape Girardeau and the River Campus came alive with the thwacking sound of steel on plastic Sunday as golfers of all ages and skill levels competed in the First-Ever Fourth Annual Louis J. Lorimier Memorial World-Famous Downtown Golf Tournament and All-You-Can-Eat Catfish Buffet. Cape Girardeau teacher meets family of teen who provided her new heart (06/29/09) Colin Osterberg wrote poetry and short stories, and when he died last November at 16 he was writing a novel about a young man finding his way in the world. "I understand the light and the dark/I say what life is and what is expected/I dream of the wonders that are here," he wrote in a poem titled "I Am Who is Watched and Watches."... Cape autism center aims to speed diagnosis of children; parents want more services (06/27/09) The Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, expected to open in December, is getting mixed reactions from parents of children with autism. While the parents are excited that new services are coming to the region, some are wary of expecting too much from the new center... Writers gather at Cape Girardeau library to talk about their work (06/26/09) When short-story author and television writer Paul Guyot first arrived in Hollywood, Calif., he and a college friend had aspirations of peddling their spiral-bound notebooks full of screenplays to big-name producers. "It was like a bad movie," Guyot, now of St. Louis, said Thursday... Pavement buckles, causes delays on U.S. 61 between Cape Girardeau, Jackson (06/26/09) The heat wave gripping Southeast Missouri buckled the pavement across both northbound lanes of U.S. 61 near Cape County Park North, snarling traffic during one of the busiest times on the road between Jackson and Cape Girardeau. Michigan finally gets some good news with small car plant (06/26/09) ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Michigan has snatched back a few of its fast-disappearing auto jobs, winning a high-stakes competition with two other states to build General Motors Corp.'s next-generation subcompact car. The news is a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy Michigan economy that has seen unemployment hit a nation-leading 14.1 percent, lots of housing foreclosures, unpaid furlough days for state workers and uncertainty for thousands of others worried about whether they'll still be getting a paycheck in the months ahead.. ... Economy cutting into profits of timber industry (06/26/09) The timber industry has struggled before but never like in today's economy, said Natalie Sprink of East Perry Lumber Co. "It's been a rough year," said Sprink, whose grandfather, Marvin F. Petzoldt, founded the company in 1945. "There have been sawmills across the country that have shut down, but we haven't done so yet. We've had to learn to adjust and try to be flexible."... Over 2,500 tickets sold to Wednesday Kenny Rogers, Neal E. Boyd concert in Sikeston (06/25/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- For many Southeast Missouri children and their families, the Kenny Rogers Children's Center is a special place. It's where special needs children can go to receive free therapy. The Center's namesake also considers it to be a special place... Roy Blunt, Peter Kinder to appear at Cape Girardeau GOP event Saturday (06/25/09) U.S. Senate candidate and congressman Roy Blunt will make an appearance at Saturday's GOP Pig Roast in Cape Girardeau. Southeast Missouri State University using stimulus dollars to start accelerated nursing program (06/25/09) With the aid of federal stimulus dollars, Southeast Missouri State University is starting an accelerated nursing program to increase the number of health-care professionals in the region. Public colleges and universities throughout the state are using the funds to expand, revamp and start health-care programs. University presidents agreed to use the money to further the Caring for Missourians Initiative, advocated by Gov. Jay Nixon to increase the number of medical professionals statewide... Obama not closing door on possible health care tax (06/25/09) WASHINGTON -- With lawmakers trying to crunch the numbers on a $1 trillion health care overhaul, President Barack Obama is leaving the door open to a new tax on employer-provided health care benefits. Senior senators said Wednesday the benefits tax could be essential for the complex plan to be fully financed... Area continues to deal with sweltering heat (06/25/09) Southeast Missourians can expect to deal with more temperatures in the 90s. Wednesday was the eighth day in a row that Cape Girardeau has seen temperatures in the 90s. National Weather Service meteorologist Alex Dodd said that may not end anytime soon. Twin-engine plane makes emergency landing at Cape Girardeau airport on one engine (06/24/09) A small, twin-engine plane was forced to make an emergency landing Tuesday afternoon at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport after losing power to one engine, said fire department battalion chief Steve Niswonger. The plane, a Beechcraft C90, was making its way from New Madrid, Mo., to Jefferson City, Mo., when the right engine failed, said pilot Collin Little of Springfield, Mo. Year-round design: Hollies make a good foundation for landscapes (06/24/09) One of the first questions I ask when consulting with a landscape client is "Do you want to have evergreens as the foundation for your landscape?" The response is usually quite comical. Analysts see relief from rising gas prices (06/24/09) Tuesday afternoon Jon Lunceford filled up his GMC truck at $2.57 per gallon, a bargain for the resident of Carbondale, Ill., where gas prices are 25 cents higher than Cape Girardeau. Power restored to all but a few AmerenUE customers in Cape Girardeau County (06/23/09) AmerenUE had restored power to all but six customers by 3:10 p.m. today following a Monday night storm that left hundreds of the utility's customers in Cape Giradeau County in the dark. The late night thunderstorm downed numerous trees and power lines. Morning vehicle rollover on Good Hope Street leads to minor injuries (06/24/09) A rollover accident on Good Hope Street sent one to the hosptial for minor injuries Tuesday morning, police said. Davis A. Williams, driving a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, struck the passenger side of a Dodge Dakota driven by Robert L. Meyers Insurance industry lays down marker on health care (06/23/09) WASHINGTON -- The insurance industry Tuesday laid down a marker on health care, warning in stark terms that a proposed government insurance plan would dismantle the employer coverage Americans have relied on for a half century and overtake the system... Dean, Gingrich to debate health care at the Show Me Center in October (06/23/09) Politicians from opposite ends of the political spectrum will debate health care at Southeast Missouri State University this fall. Sikeston utility employee helps police catch alleged purse snatcher (06/23/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- The actions of a Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities employee led to the quick arrest of a robbery suspect Friday afternoon. Talking Shop with Dan Overbey, director of Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority (06/22/09) In 2006 the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority celebrated its 25th anniversary. Several businesses call the port home, including Consolidated Grain and Barge, SE Team Tracks, Girardeau Stevedores, First Missouri Terminals, Old Dock and Tower Rock Stone. ... Local skateboarders use holiday to discuss idea of new skate park in Cape Girardeau (06/22/09) Kash Mouser, who has been skateboarding since the age of 4, likes catching air. Now 8, Kash and his father, Andy Mouser of McClure, Ill., were among about 30 skateboarders who braved 93-degree heat Sunday and rolled through Cape Girardeau's streets in a skateboard parade. Cape open to airport partnership or taxing authority to help defer costs (06/21/09) Operating Cape Girardeau Regional Airport requires $500,000 or more a year from the city general fund, an expense that can be seen either as the cost of having a prime economic development tool or as a perpetual drain on an already stretched budget... Neal Boyd speaks about his new CD and singing with Kenny Rogers (06/20/09) Kenny Rogers will be joined by Neal Boyd when he returns for a fourth concert on Wednesday in Sikeston, Mo., to benefit a fund that will expand the facilities of the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. Boyd's debut album will be released Tuesday. Boyd said the album release date was perfect timing to return home to Southeast Missouri. A Southeast Missourian reporter spoke with the busy singer recently, and Boyd took the time to answer a few questions... Crews demolish partially collapsed wall at 621-623 Broadway (06/20/09) Crews demolished the partially collapsed wall of a building at 621-623 Broadway earlier this morning. Tuesday evening the Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to a call that the outer wall of the building had collapsed, taking out part of an apartment in the back of the structure. ... Heat advisory issued for Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois (06/19/09) The highest temperatures so far in 2009 hit the area this week, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for the Cape Girardeau area and much of the region from noon to 7 p.m. today. Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southwest Indiana are in the advisory area. Escaped Cape Girardeau prisoner turns himself in (06/19/09) A Cape Girardeau jail inmate escaped from police custody while on work release this afternoon and was still on the run late Thursday afternoon. Sulfuric acid spill injures two at Gordonville Grill (06/18/09) Two people were injured Wednesday when a one-gallon container of drain cleaner holding concentrated sulfuric acid spilled in the parking lot of the Gordonville Grill. One person was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center by private vehicle before emergency crews reached the spill, treated and released. The other injured person was treated at the scene by the Gordonville Fire Protection District and refused hospital transport... SEMO regents take on budget at meeting Friday (06/18/09) Southeast Missouri State University had to fill a $1.1 million hole in its budget for next year, but the shortfall was less than expected, said Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins. Faculty and staff did not receive raises and divisions within the university trimmed expenses to balance the budget. The university's board of regents will meet Friday to consider the university and auxiliary operating budgets... Fate of partially collapsed Broadway building could be determined by next week (06/18/09) The fate of the building at 621-623 Broadway that had a wall partially collapse Tuesday evening could be determined by the end of the week. If the owner determines the damages are too great or costly to repair, the structure could possibly face demolition, a step Cape Girardeau interim city manager Ken Eftink hopes does not have to be taken... Car crashes into Chaffee convenience store (06/18/09) CHAFFEE, Mo. -- A car crashed into a convenience store in Chaffee -- the Chaffee One Stop -- this morning. No details are available at this time, but the Southeast Missourian is seeking more information. Check back soon for details. Pertinent address:... Park service seeks input on plan for Ozark National Scenic Riverways (06/17/09) National Park Service officials will hold five meetings next week to allow people to assess the options for a new 20-year plan that will affect development along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. Based on several hundred responses from meetings held in 2006 to gauge public opinion, the National Park Service developed four alternatives for a new general management plan for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways... Scott Meyer prepares for shift from SEMO to city (06/17/09) When Scott Meyer wraps up his four-year tenure as the director of facilities management at Southeast Missouri State University, he will leave a campus that has an increased presence along Broadway. Where the city meets the university along Broadway, Southeast is putting in parking lots and landscaping... Next set of renovations to begin at Perry County hospital (06/17/09) PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- An architectural firm and contractor have been selected and a groundbreaking date set for the largest phase of construction in Perry County Memorial Hospital's 58-year history. The $17.3 million project will replace the hospital's surgical unit and patient care wing and renovate its community waiting room. Almost half the area of the new construction will be the replacement of a wing built in the 1970s that houses its patient care and surgical care unit... Midwest storms cause flooding, spawn 2 tornadoes (06/16/09) DREXEL, Mo. (AP) -- Storms that spread across the central U.S. brought heavy rains, wind and at least two tornadoes, renewing flooding concerns in already soggy areas and leaving thousands of people without power. No injuries were reported from the two storm systems that hit the central part of the U.S. on Monday and early Tuesday... Lake Boutin swimming beach, Sheppard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park still closed (06/16/09) More than a year after flooding and heavy rainstorms damaged two of the major attractions for visitors to Trail of Tears State Park, they both remain closed, and park officials say they don't know when they will be re-opened. May housing construction jumps by 17.2 percent (06/16/09) WASHINGTON -- Construction of new homes jumped in May by the largest amount in three months, an encouraging sign that the nation's deep housing recession was beginning to bottom out. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that construction of new homes and apartments jumped 17.2 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 532,000 units. That was better than the 500,000-unit pace that economists had expected and came after construction fell in April to a record low of 454,000 units... Southeast tearing down several buildings along Broadway to create parking space (06/16/09) Dave Howard said he has no regrets about moving out of the building that housed his family's business for more than 60 years. Extra unemployment benefits may cost laid off workers food stamps (06/15/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- When President Barack Obama increased unemployment benefits as part of his economic stimulus, he also made some Americans ineligible for hundreds of dollars a month in food stamps. Under the economic recovery plan, laid-off workers have seen a $25 weekly bump in their unemployment checks as part of a broad expansion of benefits for the poor. But the law did not raise the income cap for food stamp eligibility, so the extra money has pushed some people over the limit... Cape River Heritage Museum ready for summer visitors (06/15/09) Delilah Tayloe of Whitewater, Mo., listed off facts as she rummaged through stacks of maps detailing the geological history of Missouri. One of Tayloe's interests as administrator of the Cape River Heritage Museum is the natural history of Missouri. She provided a lecture Sunday to share her passion for the subject with museum visitors. New downtown crosswalks to replace those recently removed (06/15/09) Cape Girardeau's engineering department is working to update downtown crosswalks while improving the surface of a main route to downtown. The brick and cement crosswalks at the intersections of Independence Street with Spanish and Main streets were recently removed by the public works department. Asphalt was used to temporarily fill the spaces in preparation for a larger project that will begin on Independence Street in August... Southeast expects to finish new dorm by July 1 (06/15/09) With large windows looking onto the field at Houck Stadium, Southeast Missouri State University students will be able to watch games and practices while doing laundry, studying or hanging out in the student lounge of the new residence hall. Lawyer from firm that helped free Joshua Kezer takes on case of man convicted of 2000 Sikeston murder (06/14/09) The same month that a St. Louis law firm won an actual-innocence motion in a Missouri court exonerating Joshua C. Kezer of a Benton, Mo., homicide, another lawyer at the firm began examining another Scott County murder case. David Robinson, now 41, was convicted in September 2001 for the shooting death of 36-year-old Sheila Box in Sikeston, Mo... Friday morning fire destroys Kelso, Mo., home (06/13/09) Tambra Turner appears in Cook County court (06/13/09) After almost 16 months on the run for a Cape Girardeau killing, Tambra T. Turner gave up without resistance when she was approached by Chicago police, a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department said Friday. Arrested Thursday outside a home in the Calumet section of Chicago by officers of police District 5, Turner appeared Friday morning in Cook County, Ill., Circuit Court in front of Judge Israel Desierto and waived extradition, said Branch 98 clerk Betty Williams... Turner waives extradition in 2008 Cape Girardeau murder case (06/12/09) Fugitive murder suspect Tambra Turner waived extradition today during an appearance before a Chicago judge. Turner, wanted for the February 2008 killing of Chabreasha Egson in Cape Girardeau, did not contest her arrest when she went before Judge Israel Desierto, Branch 98 clerk Betty Williams said... Almost finished: Expansion of Highway 34/72 Jackson weeks away from completion (06/12/09) The third and final phase of the Missouri Department of Transportation project on Highway 34/72 in Jackson could be completed within several weeks. The work of adding two more lanes and a raised median to the stretch of road running from Hope Street to the Highway 34/72 intersection began in 2003. The first two phases, which cost more than $14 million, were completed by fall 2007. Construction on the third phase, contracted for slightly more than $4.4 million, began in spring 2008... Woman wanted for February 2008 Cape Girardeau shooting arrested in Chicago, police say (06/12/09) Murder suspect Tambra Turner, who has been on the run from Cape Girardeau authorities since February 2008, was arrested Thursday afternoon in Chicago, said Sgt. Jason Selzer, spokesman for the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Neal Boyd makes appearance in Sikeston to promote benefit concert (06/11/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Neal E. Boyd says that since winning "America's Got Talent" last summer and seeing his singing career launch, he's living his dream. But the tenor says he's also trying to help others' dreams come true, too. Sales tax receipts slump for Southeast Missouri governments; some sectors of economy weathering recession better than others (06/11/09) A poor showing for retailers in the past two months is showing up in the checks local governments receive for sales taxes. A mainstay of revenue for cities and counties, sales taxes are more volatile than property taxes. Shoppers put off big purchases when they are worried about the future... Police say Jackson woman tried to use fake 911 calls to discredit husband (06/11/09) A Jackson woman faces six counts of making false reports to police, the result of an alleged scheme to prove her estranged husband was an unfit father ... Motive for Perry County shooting 'anybody's guess,' sheriff says (06/10/09) PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Figuring out what happened Monday when John A. Shuffit turned his rifle on his estranged wife, Stephanie L. Shuffit, before killing himself wasn't too difficult, Perry County Sheriff Gary Schaaf said Tuesday. It is the why that puzzles him ... Economy forces 2009 grads to dump dream colleges (06/09/09) The wretched economy has taught many of the nation's college-bound seniors a hard lesson: You can't always get what you want. In a survey to be released Tuesday, 71 percent of high schools reported that more of their students are forgoing their "dream schools" this year than in previous years. And there is little doubt money is a big reason... Two dead in Perry County after apparent murder/suicide, sheriff says (06/09/09) PERRY COUNTY, Mo -- A Scott City man shot his estranged wife Monday evening outside her rural Perry County home, Sheriff Gary Schaaf said. Terminated Chrysler franchise agreements end today, leaving owners frustrated (06/09/09) Dennis Smith feels betrayed by Chrysler. After 2 1/2 years in operation, his Lucas-Smith Automotive dealership in Potosi, Mo., closed its doors Friday, nearly a month after learning Chrysler would terminate its agreement with his dealership by today. It was one of 789 dealerships the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based auto manufacturer intends to close as part of an agreement in bankruptcy court... Man rowing 3,700 miles to bring attention to helping veterans (06/09/09) On Monday afternoon, a small boat docked at Cape Girardeau's riverfront. The man rowing it came with a message to raise awareness of veterans' issues. Dan Cook, a former energies trader, is the founder of Rivers of Recovery, a not-for-profit organization begun in February 2008. Based in Park City, Utah, the organization offers recreational rehabilitation opportunities for combat veterans by guiding them and their families during three days of fly fishing on the Green River... Supply in demand: When summer heats up, the number of blood donors slows down (06/09/09) People manage to make time for several activities in the summer, but it's the thing they stop doing this time of year that has the American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri a little nervous. New phase of trail construction is underway in Cape Girardeau (06/08/09) The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department has started a new phase of construction to add two sections of trail as part of the Cape Girardeau Comprehensive Plan adopted in December 2007. Commander Premier on last chance, Cape Girardeau leaders say (06/08/09) Cape Girardeau officials remain hopeful that sometime soon -- perhaps by the time the city's new fiscal year begins July 1 -- they will get good news from Commander Premier Aircraft Co. about past-due rent. Emergency personnel, Oran community still struggling to cope with accident that killed two teens (06/07/09) ORAN, Mo. -- A week after a wreck killed two Oran teens and left four others injured, emergency personnel and the community are still struggling to cope with the loss. Many of the firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers who responded to the crash knew at least some of the victims, something that is unavoidable in a town of about 1,200... Area farmers find rain has delayed planting crops (06/06/09) In a normal year, farmer Mike Bell of Bloomfield, Mo., would have already planted 2,000 acres of corn on his farmland. But this isn't an average planting season for the Stoddard County farmer, who farms with his son, Jeffrey. Because of wet spring, he has 1,100 acres of corn planted. Bell expects he'll face a harvesting date nearly a month late -- late November to early December -- compared to the preferred late October... Two and a calf: Longtime team roping duo competing in Perry County's rodeo (06/05/09) Partnerships play a big role in Mark Berry's life. Twenty years in competitive team roping have taught Berry the importance of having a horse that knows the game and a roping partner capable of setting you up for the best shot at winning. "You got to have a good horse," Berry said... Guard unit flattening part of Jackson's Brookside Park (06/05/09) Teresa Brown said she knew the work at Brookside Park in Jackson had started when she woke up to the sounds of military trucks backing up earlier this week. Brown, who has lived near the park for 12 years, said she has gone over to the park to watch about 30 Missouri National Guardsmen shift the land behind the veterans memorial. Several large military vehicles are scraping, bulldozing and compacting dirt to create a flat area to be developed by the city... New Life leader says application to make Cape federal building a homeless shelter was misunderstood (06/05/09) The New Life Evangelistic Center on Thursday issued a nine-page response to the letter denying its application to use the Broadway federal building in Cape Girardeau as a homeless shelter. In its response, released by New Life founder the Rev. Larry Rice, the ministry claims that its application was misunderstood and that the conclusions drawn were insufficient to deny it the building. ... Bulldogs boast regional flavor (06/04/09) Coaches say Notre Dame's facilities, recent success are attracting the best athletes from around the region. Rehabilitating Cape Girardeau: Historians, city officials offer views on most visible vacant buildings (06/04/09) Downtown Cape Girardeau includes newly renovated buildings and thriving businesses. But the city also has its share of run-down, deteriorating buildings, some of which have been vacant for years. Historic preservationists and city leaders recently supplied the Southeast Missourian with a list of Cape Girardeau's most visible vacant buildings. Most are in the downtown area... US pork industry baffled by bans in China, Russia (06/04/09) DES MOINES, Iowa -- Continued bans on U.S. pork imports by China, Russia and more than a dozen other counties have baffled government and industry officials, leading some to speculate that the issue is more about market share than health concerns. The bans, instituted in the wake of the swine flu outbreak, cost the U.S. ... On heels of Kezer exoneration, another Hulshof murder prosecution challenged (06/04/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The courtroom conduct of former representative Kenny Hulshof, a 2008 Republican nominee for governor, is again under scrutiny in a new appeal of a murder conviction obtained by the one-time special state prosecutor. Dale Helmig, convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 1996 for the Osage County murder of his mother three years earlier, filed a petition with the Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday seeking a new trial. ... National D-Day Memorial in financial trouble (06/03/09) BEDFORD, Va. -- On the eve of the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the foundation that runs the National D-Day Memorial is facing financial trouble. Donations are down in the poor economy. The primary base of support -- World War II veterans -- is dying off. And the privately funded memorial is struggling to draw visitors because it's hundreds of miles from a major city... The Community College Option, Part 6: Area coalition looks at Greene County's success with community college, university (06/03/09) After Ozarks Technical Community College opened in Springfield, Mo., in 1991, its enrollment and facilities soon started expanding. Voters around Springfield opted to convert the Graff Area Vocational Technical Center into a community college in 1990. Ozarks, which started with three buildings in Springfield, now has two campuses and education centers in Waynesville, Lebanon and Branson ... Discounts, not efficiency, drive US auto sales up (06/03/09) DETROIT -- Americans bought more cars in May than in any other month this year, drawn by fire sale prices that pushed General Motors and Chrysler's sales above expectations despite their forays into bankruptcy protection. Overall sales were still 34 percent lower than a year ago... GSA prepares for negotiations to sell old federal building in Cape Girardeau (06/03/09) The General Services Administration is preparing to try to sell the Broadway federal building in Cape Girardeau to any interested public entity, a spokesman said Tuesday. And Cape Girardeau County is definitely interested. The Department of Health and Human Services decision that denied the New Life Evangelistic Center's application to operate a homeless shelter in the building at 339 Broadway was announced Monday. ... Judge gives Perry County couple suspended sentence in child endangerment case (06/02/09) ROLLA, Mo. -- A Perry County couple found living in filth with their family after a son was hospitalized for a severe staph infection will be on probation for the next five years. Application to use old Cape Girardeau federal building failed to meet four of five criteria (06/02/09) The Rev. Larry Rice on Monday renewed his threat to use the courts to force the federal government to turn over the Broadway federal building in Cape Girardeau for use by the homeless, a use that was rejected for failing four of five major standards. Packing on too many or too few pounds during pregnancy can cause problems (06/02/09) WASHINGTON -- Eating for two? New guidelines are setting how much weight women should gain during pregnancy -- which is little if they're already overweight. The most important message: Get to a healthy weight before you conceive, says the Institute of Medicine in the first national recommendations on pregnancy weight since 1990. ... Community gathers to remember teenage crash victims (06/02/09) ORAN, Mo. -- The parking lot at Oran High School remained full of cars and people throughout the afternoon Monday as friends, faculty and members of the rural northern Scott County community gathered in memory of two teens killed in a weekend car wreck and support their families... Richard Proffer: Lessons on starting a business (06/01/09) Small businesses are, in a sense, the heartbeat of Southeast Missouri. Southeast Missouri Business Today reporter Robyn Gautschy recently visited with Richard Proffer, business development specialist with the University of Missouri Extension and Small Business Development Center in Jackson. ... Area police departments look at making improvements to facilities (06/01/09) As the Perryville, Mo., Police Department nears the six-month mark in its new $1.5 million headquarters, other police agencies in Southeast Missouri are looking at expansions, repairs or general facelifts to existing facilities. Defining the Rev. Larry Rice: Different takes from supporters, opponents (05/31/09) ST. LOUIS -- The methods, message and means the Rev. Larry Rice uses to sustain his ministry to the homeless defines him as a disciple to some and a demon to others. Familiar to many in Missouri, his personality is being introduced to Cape Girardeau. City leaders have aligned politicians, church leaders, community groups and veterans organizations in opposition to his plan to use the Broadway federal building to aid the homeless. ... Crews making progress on new Delta Elementary School (05/30/09) A layer of gravel and pipes jutting out of the ground marks the progress at the construction site of Delta School District's new elementary school. A wet spring delayed the project, but school officials said they hope to make advancements during the summer... UAW members approve General Motors concessions (05/29/09) DETROIT -- The United Auto Workers union has ratified a package of concessions designed to reduce General Motors Corp.'s labor costs. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said at a news conference Friday that 74 percent of GM's 54,000 U.S. production and skilled-trade workers voted in favor of the deal... Oil hits new six-month high above $65 (05/29/09) LONDON -- Oil extended gains above $65 a barrel Friday to reach a fresh six-month high after the U.S. reported a fall in oil inventories and further signs of economic improvement. Benchmark crude for July delivery was up 67 cents to $65.75 a barrel by late morning in Europe in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Thursday, the contract rose $1.63 to settle at $65.08, a six-month high and almost double the lows reached in March, when it fell below $35 a barrel... Old Town Cape group endorses DREAM plan (05/29/09) The DREAM Initiative master plan that proposes a Mississippi River aquarium and a university village of shops near Southeast Missouri State University, among other ideas, is one step closer to becoming official city policy. The Old Town Cape Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse the plan, which targets three areas in central Cape Girardeau for investment and potential redevelopment. ... Cape picks Scott Meyer to be new city manager (05/29/09) After conducting a nationwide search spanning five months, Cape Girardeau city officials named a new city manager Thursday. Scott Meyer, who has been the director of facilities management at Southeast Missouri State University since 2005, will fill position July 1. Meyer was also the district engineer for the Southeast District of the Missouri Department of Transportation for nine years before working at the university... Cape Girardeau County pet cemetery special to animal lovers (05/28/09) Like other cemeteries, stone angels, marble grave markers and wooden crosses dot the lawn at Cedar Hills Pet Cemetery. At some of the grave sites, loved ones have left behind elaborate floral arrangements; other sites are surrounded by brick cobblestones or wrought iron fences ... Jackson restaurant Stooges uses local musical talent for its first festival (05/28/09) Ted Clark loves music. He has slowly fattened the entertainment options at Stooges, his diner in Jackson, and has now planned a music festival for Saturday. Stooges will hold its first music festival, Stoogefest 2009, beginning at noon Saturday. Eight local acts will be featured during the all-day outdoor festival that covers punk, pop, country, alternative and indie rock, said Jeff Stevens, who co-owns Stooges with Clark, his father... North Korea threatens to attack US, S. Korean warships (05/27/09) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- North Korea threatened military action Wednesday against U.S. and South Korean warships plying the waters near the Koreas' disputed maritime border, raising the specter of a naval clash just days after the regime's underground nuclear test... Record of Obama's Supreme Court nominee similar to exiting justice's (05/27/09) WASHINGTON -- In more than 16 years as a federal judge, Sonia Sotomayor has often sided with people claiming discrimination in education and employment. She's backed police and prosecutors over defendants. She's upheld assertions of free speech and religion... The Community College Option, Part 5: Getting technical training is a maze that needs to be simplified, students and coalition members say (05/27/09) Editor's note: This is the fifth in a series on higher education needs in the Cape Girardeau area. Lee Hudson made a couple of attempts to expand her education while working as a certified nurse. She took one semester at Shawnee Community College in Illinois in 1999... Global milk glut squeezes Mo. dairy farmers, consumers (05/26/09) BARNHART, Mo. -- A collapse in milk prices has wiped away the profits of dairy farmers, driving many out of business while forcing others to slaughter their herds or dump milk on the ground in protest. But nine months after prices began tumbling on the farm, consumers aren't seeing the full benefits of the crash at the checkout counter... Consumer confidence rises in May (05/26/09) NEW YORK (AP) -- Consumer confidence extended its rebound in May, soaring to the highest level since last September as more shoppers are feeling the worst of the recession is behind them. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index, which had dramatically increased in April, zoomed past economists' expectations to 54.9 from a revised 40.8 in April. ... Cape, Jackson bands begin seasons with Memorial Day concerts (05/26/09) The Cape Girardeau and Jackson municipal bands began their seasons by giving tribute to veterans on Monday, with each band opening its respective city's Memorial Day ceremony. At the Jackson ceremony, Sen. Kit Bond, one of the first to speak, said honoring those who serve in battle became more personal for him when his only son, Sam, joined the U.S. Marine Corps and spent two tours of duty in Iraq... Shady Grove project works to restore neglected cemetery (05/26/09) An all-but-forgotten part of the area's black history lies beyond a stand of maple trees and beneath the knee-high weeds and periwinkle vines that carpet Shady Grove Cemetery. Toppled headstones and simple makeshift markers are the silent reminders of members of rural black community who lived, worshipped and died near Dutchtown, Mo... Wife at St. Louis homeless shelter while husband looks for work in Cape (05/24/09) For much of the almost three years Toni Polford-Eskew and her husband, Christopher Eskew, have been married, they have been separated. Until about three weeks ago, it was because Christopher Eskew violated his probation in September 2007 and was sent to prison... Memorial Day events in the Cape Girardeau-Jackson area on Monday (05/24/09) * The Joint Veterans Group in Cape Girardeau will host a Memorial Day program at the Osage Community Centre from 11 a.m. to noon... Clients tell their stories at Teen Challenge's Strawberry Festival north of Cape (05/24/09) Robert Van Winkle's 8-year-old son Logan had a question Saturday morning after watching a Christian television show. "How do you turn bad people into good people?" Logan asked. Later that day, they attended the annual Teen Challenge Strawberry Festival, where Logan got a chance to pick a few berries, pet a mule and learn a little about the answer to his question... Rising river delays crop planting for some farmers (05/23/09) With the Mississippi River expected to crest at or near 39 feet today, a flood warning issued by the National Weather Service for Cape Girardeau remains in effect until further notice. The river was at 38.8 feet, which is 6.8 feet above flood stage, as of Friday morning, having caused moderate flooding in the region over the past several weeks, inundating farmers' fields and wreaking havoc with planting schedules... Homeowners turn to online home trading sites (05/22/09) MIAMI -- Diane Peek needed to move from Georgia to central Florida, but for six months no one even showed interest in the house she and her husband built outside Atlanta. In suburban Orlando, Andrew Bou needed to sell his family home to move to Atlanta, but also no luck. ... Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrates local achievements (05/22/09) Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Girardeau celebrated its new office on North Kingshighway on Thursday as the Cape Girardeau School District received an award from the parent organization. "We have grown from serving one child on the first day to 350 children from the community," said Becky James-Hatter, president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, at Thursday's open house... Businesses expecting sales boost from 100-Mile Yard Sale (05/22/09) The opening day of the 100-Mile Yard Sale couldn't have come soon enough for Sam's Restaurant in Advance, Mo. The event marks the busiest time of the year for the restaurant, whose business increases by as much as 60 percent. "We're excited whenever the yard sale comes to town," said night shift manager Glenda Smith. "People enjoy it because everything is so cheap. Last year we noticed things were a little slower because of higher gas prices, but we're expecting increased sales this year."... Survivors recall deadly 1949 tornado that struck Cape Girardeau (05/21/09) For Doc Ford, the evening of May 21, 1949, was supposed to be a fun night spent with friends at Broadway Theatre. Instead, the evening's events claimed the lives of 22 people, injured many more and etched painful memories in the minds of residents who survived the tornado that touched down in Cape Girardeau... Buff in Baghdad: Iraqis don't jog or bike, but fitness clubs are the latest craze (05/20/09) BAGHDAD -- Across a mirrored room from stationary bikes and an occasional treadmill, men in tank tops knock back protein shakes and pump iron to loud hip hop. It's a common scene in America -- and the latest craze in Baghdad. In a city of few diversions and long cut off from the outside world, the boom in health clubs represents another sign that Iraq is slowly emerging from decades of dictatorship and war... Evening fire destroys home off Farmington Road (05/20/09) Jackson firefighters spent more than three hours Tuesday night battling a blaze off Farmington Road that destroyed the home of John and Barbara Lewis. The house fire, which occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, was a total loss. By 8:15 p.m., the flames engulfing the house could be seen from Lexington and Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau... 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. The Community College Option, Part 4: Three Rivers says establishing center in Cape a matter of finding a place (05/20/09) Editor's note: This is the fourth part of a series about higher education needs in the Cape Girardeau area. By Alaina Busch Southeast Missourian First it was a racquetball court, then a preschool. Now, the building Three Rivers Community College renovated to house its Sikeston center provides education for almost 300 students per semester... Obama touts plan for cleaner, more efficient cars (05/19/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is asking consumers to put their money -- up to $1,300 per new vehicle by 2016 -- behind his plan for higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks and tougher rules on their greenhouse gas emissions. In return, Obama said Tuesday in unveiling the plan, drivers would make up the higher cost of more fuel-efficient, cleaner vehicles by buying less gas at the pump. ... Driver in Monday Cape Girardeau police chase faces string of felonies (05/20/09) A Missouri man has been charged with a string of felony offenses related to a Monday morning police pursuit over a stolen car. Poll shows sink or swim for college grads (05/19/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- School's out, surf's up, summer beckons. Time for college students to see if they can stay afloat in the worst economy their generation has known. Young people are carrying a load heavier than they normally bear as they scatter from campuses, judging from an AP-mtvU poll that finds students anxious about their finances, job prospects after graduation and the pressures facing their folks back home... McCaskill weighs in against New Life in federal courthouse debate (05/19/09) U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill jumped into the debate over using the old Cape Girardeau federal building as a homeless shelter, urging rejection of the application from New Life Evangelistic Center. Cape Girardeau police chase ends at Town Plaza (05/19/09) Two people were arrested Monday morning after a car chase that wound down several city streets, but never reached high speeds. And police received help in the effort from a former Marine. Study: Cape Girardeau students involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters showed gains in attendance and academics (05/18/09) Kristen Pender knows the effect mentoring can have on youth. For more than three years, Pender has worked as a school-based manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and her experiences with the Cape Girardeau School District demonstrate how the program can transform a child's life... Pony rides a hit at this year's ArtsCape (05/17/09) As Claire Hadler climbed on top of a pony that she could easily walk under, her mother looked at her smiling green face and hoped the paint would wash off. "They said sometimes it stains," Jill Hadler said. She had taken Claire to the face painting tent at ArtsCape 2009 before coming to the pony rides. The 7-year-old opted for a light green mask covering her face and hearts of different colors and sizes on her cheeks, forehead and nose... Fallen police officers remembered at Cape Girardeau ceremony (05/16/09) Attending the annual Seniors and Lawmen Together law enforcement memorial ceremony each year since he discovered it has been difficult for Chuck Galemore, now of Tennessee. Galemore's brother, Gordon, a deputy with the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department, was killed in the line of duty Feb. 28, 1979. Motorcycle rider injured on County Road 621 (05/15/09) A Cape Girardeau man was injured when his motorcycle left the road on County Road 621 near Cape Girardeau just before noon today. Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Grant Williams identified the motorcycle driver as 57-year-old Neal Day ... Area dealers appear to have survived GM cuts (05/16/09) NEW YORK -- A day after Chrysler LLC said it was cutting 800 dealerships, General Motors Corp. on Friday told about 1,100 of its U.S. dealers their franchises will be terminated late next year. Chrysler plans to close Cape, Cairo dealerships (05/15/09) Chrysler wants to eliminate roughly a quarter of its 3,200 U.S. dealerships by early next month, saying in a bankruptcy court filing Thursday that the network is antiquated and has too many stores competing with each other. Among the 789 U.S. dealerships on Chrysler's list are Auffenberg Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Cape Girardeau, Lucas-Smith Automotive in Potosi, Mo., and Guetterman Motors of Cairo, Ill... Tornadoes kill 3 people in Missouri (05/14/09) KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (AP) -- Violent storms tore through four Midwestern states, killing three people in northern Missouri, damaging hundreds of homes and leaving thousands without power. Authorities reported at least two tornadoes touching down in Adair County, the first hitting Novinger just before 6 p.m. CST Wednesday. The second twister touched down minutes later just north of Kirksville, a regional agricultural and manufacturing hub that is also home to Truman State University... Cape Girardeau breaks ground on $1.3 million Arena Building project (05/14/09) As Cape Girardeau begins a $20 million program of park facilities work, city leaders decided the most fitting place to start a summer of construction was the A.C. Brase Arena Building. The oldest of 10 major parks buildings, the Arena Building was built in 1939 as the largest Works Projects Administration effort of its type and the largest architectural concrete building in the Midwest. ... 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 ... DED approves tax credit for expansion (05/13/09) The Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced that Enhanced Enterprise Zone state tax credits totaling $996,165 have been approved for an expansion at the Nestle Purina PetCare Company in Stoddard County. The Nestle Purina plant is located on Highway Y north of Bloomfield and manufactures a variety of pet care products, including cat litter which is marketed under the name Tidy Cat. Fox den in Sikeston creates mixed feelings (05/13/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- A fox den in the middle of Sikeston has created a mixed reaction among the city's residents. While many find it fun to watch the two adults and six pups playing together, others living near the den located in a sandy field bordered by Salcedo, North Kingshighway and North Main streets don't find the family so cute and cuddly... Group seeking Cape federal building has gone through same process in Springfield, St. Louis (05/13/09) The application for the federal building in Cape Girardeau isn't the Rev. Larry Rice and the New Life Evangelistic Center's first run through the federal bureaucracy. New Life made two previous attempts to obtain surplus federal buildings in Missouri. One attempt, to obtain a 400,000-square-foot building on Market Street in St. Louis, was rejected by the Department of Health and Human Services. The other application, for a former Social Security Administration office in Springfield, was granted... Senators weigh tax hikes to pay for health care plan (05/12/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate's top tax writer said Tuesday he is considering limits on the tax-free status of job-based health insurance to help pay for President Barack Obama's plan to cover all Americans. Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., described his idea as senators began to grapple with how to pay for the costs of the plan, which independent experts put at about $1.5 trillion over 10 years. There are no easy options... Man accused in 1979 murder case pleads not guilty (05/12/09) Max Ellison Jr. pleaded not guilty Monday morning to charges of robbery and first-degree murder in connection with the death of Deborah L. Martin in 1979. Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge Benjamin Lewis set the next court date for May 26. Ellison is represented by district defender Christopher Davis, and assistant prosecuting attorney Angel Woodruff appeared for the state... Storm destroys Bollinger County animal shelter, thousands still without power (05/12/09) SEDGEWICKVILLE, Mo. -- When Friday's barrage of storms that left thousands without power in Southeast Missouri first hit, Vanessa Murry grabbed her pets and huddled with them in the bathroom of her recently built house in Bollinger County. Scott County investigators 'chipping away' at Lawless killing (05/11/09) As a private lab in the Netherlands prepares to perform DNA analysis on evidence in the 1992 murder of Angela Mischelle Lawless, investigators say a recently discovered witness may provide new leads in the 16-year-old case. Cape Girardeau's historic attractions gear up for a busy summer season (05/11/09) Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau has drawn visitors for more than 200 years. This summer, four local historic sites will continue the celebration of the city's history and heritage by offering visitors extended hours, private tours and special events... High school roundup: Scott City's Essner advances to sectional in three events (05/10/09) Scott City's Stephanie Essner was a double individual winner to highlight local entries in Saturday's Class 2 District 1 track and field meet at Southeast Missouri State's Abe Stuber Complex. Essner captured the 200 meters and 400 meters. The junior is the defending Class 2 state champion in the 400 and was second in the 200... Agencies criticize how they were portrayed in Cape homeless shelter application (05/10/09) In its application to acquire the Cape Girardeau federal building, the New Life Evangelistic Center described current homeless services in the area and reported what agency directors said about local needs. In addition, many agency leaders were quoted as saying they welcome New Life and would eagerly join it in a partnership to provide counseling, treatment and other services as part of its program of transitional housing... Thousands still without power after Friday storm (05/10/09) Residents of the Midwest cleared away wreckage Saturday following a wave of storms that splintered homes and knocked out power to thousands. Hundreds of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed Friday in Kansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri and 150,000 Missouri utility customers lost power... City of Cape Girardeau's overtime is over budget (05/09/09) Ice storms, wind storms, holidays and on-the-job training. Those are the reasons Cape Girardeau city officials give, at least in part, for employee overtime that exceeds budgeted amounts in 15 of 28 payroll accounts. Overall, the city spent $617,000 on overtime in the first nine months of the fiscal year while budgeting only $522,000 for the full year... Winds from Friday's storm wreaked havoc in area (05/09/09) SEDGEWICKVILLE, Mo. -- Bud Sharrock drove around his property in northern Bollinger County on Friday assessing the damage to his fences, tractors and three barns. "I've got to start by keeping my cattle in," he said. "From then on, it's everything else."... Friday morning storm causes heavy storm damage, fatalities in Southeast Missouri (05/08/09) Winds in excess of 70 mph and heavy rainfall this morning are to blame for severe damage in Fredericktown, Patton and Meadow Heights School and two deaths in Poplar Bluff, Sgt. Dale Moreland of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said. Tornado Watch issued (05/08/09) A Tornado Watch has been issued for all of Southeast Missouri until 4 PM as a massive area of thunderstorms approach from the west. $800 million university bond plan falters in Missouri Senate (05/08/09) An $800 million bond issue aimed mostly at public university construction projects could stall after meeting opposition from Missouri senators, including Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau. The plan, which passed with bipartisan support in the Missouri House of Representatives, would still need voter approval. House Majority Leader Steven Tilley, R-Perryville, who co-sponsored the plan, said lawmakers blocked the measure before a final vote Tuesday in the Senate... Cape city leaders hope Miners game is next step toward landing professional baseball team (05/08/09) Cape Girardeau city leaders hope Saturday's exhibition game between the Southern Illinois Miners and Florence Freedom is another step toward bringing minor-league baseball to Cape Girardeau. The two teams from the independent Frontier League will square off at 7 p.m. at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau. It will be the first time the city has hosted the Miners... Child recovering after 52-hour trek in woods (05/07/09) CRYSTAL CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A 3-year-old boy was recuperating Thursday after spending 52 hours in the rugged terrain of Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. Joshua Childers was found in remarkably good condition by a volunteer searcher Wednesday afternoon three miles from his home. A hospital in Crystal City where he is recuperating lists him in fair condition... Parents, teachers coordinate costume work for Central Junior High School's 'Cinderella' (05/07/09) Despite months of involvement in Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School's production of "Cinderella," Pat Renard had not seen any of the musical by Wednesday's dress rehearsal. "I have been either cutting or sewing practically every waking hour except when I'm at church," said Renard, who is in charge of costumes... Missing Arcadia boy, 3, found alive in woods (05/07/09) ARCADIA, Mo. -- A 3-year-old Southeast Missouri boy missing for more than two days was found alive Wednesday afternoon three miles from his rural home. A volunteer found Joshua Childers in the rugged terrain of the Mark Twain National Forest, Madison County Sheriff David Lewis said. The boy had slipped out of his house more than 50 hours earlier, wearing a T-shirt, sneakers and a pull-up diaper... Monday gas leak caused by line severed as resident dug new basement (05/06/09) A severed gas line that forced evacuation Monday of two blocks of North Fountain Street was cut as Alfred Farrar and his brother were trying to gauge how deep to dig the basement for his new home. The Community College Option, Part 2: Enrollment is increasing in state program to cover junior college tuition (05/06/09) Editor's note: This is the second part of a series addressing community college needs in the Cape Girardeau area. By Alaina Busch Southeast Missourian Vanessa Ayers, a senior at Cape Girardeau Central High School, travels to Clippard Elementary School every day to work as a classroom aide for Christine Lacy's kindergarten class... Medical construction remains strong despite economic downturn (05/05/09) While the number of building permits issued in Cape Girardeau and Jackson has seen a 50 percent decline so far in 2009, construction of area medical facilities remains strong. Cape Girardeau's two largest health-care providers are moving forward with plans to build new multimillion-dollar facilities... Application filed to use old federal building for homeless (05/05/09) A prominent Missouri preacher with an extensive network of homeless shelters, free stores and broadcast stations wants to use the the old federal building in Cape Girardeau as a shelter. The Rev. Larry Rice, who has his headquarters in St. Louis, said Monday he had made a formal application to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to get the building at 339 Broadway ... Two blocks of Fountain Street evacuated for gas line rupture (05/05/09) A two-block area of North Fountain Street was evacuated for nearly three hours Monday night after a gas line ruptured. A call of a natural gas odor came in at 7:35 p.m., according to Steve Niswonger, battalion chief with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. ... Ellison ordered to stand trial in 30-year-old Cape Girardeau murder (05/04/09) Cape Girardeau County Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp upheld first-degree murder charges against Max Ellison Jr. for the 1979 murder of Deborah Martin following a preliminary hearing Monday morning. Kamp ordered Ellison to stand trial for the 30-year-old homicide after listening to nearly three hours of testimony from law enforcement and former friends and acquaintances of Martin... Contact DNA test next step Mischelle Lawless investigation (05/04/09) Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter hopes contact DNA analysis will help to narrow the field in the search for killer in the Mischelle Lawless case, after DNA testing on blood evidence and other DNA material in the case has failed to pinpoint any one individual. St. Vincent de Paul ceremony honors Mary in May (05/04/09) PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Rain shortened the annual May Procession of St. Vincent de Paul School students, but it didn't shrink the ceremony. The Rev. Henry Grodecki said the intent of the Perryville tradition did not change once it moved to St. Vincent de Paul from The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal... The Community College Option, Part 1: Students not ready for 4-year college have limited options in furthering their education (05/03/09) Editor's note: This series will address community college needs in the Cape Girardeau area. Part one will look at underserved students. On subsequent Wednesdays the series will analyze issues with employers and other education providers.... Capaha Park pool faces uncertain future (05/02/09) This summer could be the swan song for the pool at Capaha Park. Plagued by repeated breakdowns in recent years and the possibility of lower attendance when the new aquatic park opens near the Osage Community Centre in 2010, city officials are uncertain whether the 52-year-old pool will operate through the summer or even open at all... 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... Cape Girardeau Fire Department to celebrate 100 years Saturday (05/01/09) A Saturday celebration marks the 100th anniversary of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department's first firehouse. The party, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cape River Heritage Museum, 538 Independence St., will include a host of firetrucks, games for children and refreshments... Students get ready to debut projects during Student Film Festival at Southeast Missouri State University (04/30/09) Chris Shank knows what it's like to lose a younger sibling. He knows the pain the unexpected death of a loved one can bring, including the painful memories of those last days together. "You never really forget the last time you see your brother alive or hear his voice. It's something that sticks with you," Shank said... Aircraft firm thousands of dollars behind on lease payments to Cape Girardeau (04/30/09) In 2005, Cape Girardeau was stuck with a multimillion-dollar problem -- the city had borrowed $2.8 million to build an aircraft manufacturing facility at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport but the tenant, Renaissance Aircraft, had closed. Then what appeared to be a blessing arrived. ... Tickets for Neal Boyd, Kenny Rogers Sikeston concert 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... 1st 'probable' flu case in Missouri (04/29/09) Gov. Nixon announces possible case in Platte County Local dealers differ on GM plan, future (04/29/09) News that General Motors will cut jobs and phase out the Pontiac brand by the end of 2010 is drawing mixed reactions among area dealerships that sell the company's cars. "They're struggling and doing everything they can to make it," said Jeff Williams, general manager of Autry Morlan Pontiac Buick in Sikeston, Mo. The Pontiac brand makes up about 10 percent of his dealership's sales... Handgun ammunition in short supply, Cape and Sikeston gun dealers say (04/29/09) Area gun distributors and sporting goods stores have struggled in recent months to keep their stores stocked with ammunition for handguns, as sales of those types of firearms continue to spike. "We get very little supply in right now and too much demand," said Joe Gooch, owner of Southern Rod & Gun in Sikeston, Mo... Elderly driver avoids injury after crashing car into Jackson City Hall (04/28/09) Jackson City Hall suffered minor damage Monday morning when an elderly driver lost control of her vehicle and struck the building near a door, said Lt. Rodney Barnes, spokesman for the Jackson Police Department. The car appeared to jump the curb and collided with the building, causing damage to the door and cracking the wall in one spot, Barnes said... Morley, Mo., company manufactures dump bodies, snow and ice removal equipment (04/28/09) MORLEY, Mo. -- When many of Southeast Missouri's roadways were nearly impassible or shut down during January's ice, sleet and snow storm, general manager Steve Rider and a handful of other employees of Viking-Cives Midwest were doing their part to help ensure a speedy recovery... Health experts: Prepare for spread of swine flu, but don't panic (04/28/09) Wash, wash, wash your hands. Don't panic about the swine flu. And don't rub your eyes. A host of health officials, from federal to county, are repeating those messages, reacting to a growing number of swine influenza cases. Of the 82 documented cases confirmed Monday, 48 are in the U.S., 28 of them in New York City. None have been reported in Missouri. Canada has recorded six cases; Scotland has two and Spain has one... New Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School program intended to lower dropout rate (04/27/09) Efforts to combat dropout rates will target younger students with a new program at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School, set to begin next year. Teachers formulated the Academic Course Enhancement Program, or ACE, to help prepare at-risk students for high school by working on character building, time management and study skills... No local swine flu, but Cape health officials aware and prepared (04/27/09) No swine flu cases in Missouri Obama: Swine flu 'not cause for alarm' (04/27/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama declared Monday that spreading swine flu infections were a concern but "not a cause for alarm," while customs agents began checking people coming into the United States by land and air. The World Health Organization said there were 40 confirmed cases in the U.S. but no deaths... Annual scenic drive draws thousands to Southeast Missouri (04/27/09) If Linda Penzel is right, the 19th annual Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive was a hit. She sat on the front porch Sunday and counted at least 3,000 visitors to Pinecrest Azalea Gardens, started by her in-laws in 1963. "One family came Saturday and spent four hours here," she said. Sunday's visitors came from as far west as Springfield, Mo., and as far east as Indiana... Saxony Lutheran High School's growing student population prompts expansion (04/27/09) Throughout nine years as a math teacher at Saxony Lutheran High School, Becky Wichern watched the school's enrollment balloon from 7 to 176. "We didn't assume we were going to be this big," Wichern said. Class was held in the activities center at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau before the current school opened in 2004, she said. Now even that facility is cramped, and the school is working on an expansion... Cape Girardeau's budget plan: Raise utility rates, freeze employee salaries (04/25/09) Larger water, sewer and trash bills could be the biggest changes Cape Girardeau residents would see as city officials look for ways to balance the budget for the coming year. When the Cape Girardeau City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at city hall for a budget work session, members will hear that the city can survive the economic slowdown cutting into tax receipts without layoffs, interim city manager Ken Eftink said. ... Conservation department looking at buying Marquette Island (04/25/09) Marquette Island is 835 acres of cottonwoods, willow and sand just south of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. The island was formed from the deposition of silt as the Mississippi River was reined in for navigation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Its sands are nesting grounds for the endangered least tern. Cape Bend Chute, which runs on the east side of the island, provides slackwater shelter for endangered fish such as the pallid sturgeon... Gov. Nixon, Sen. Crowell, press to mandate insurance coverage for austim (04/24/09) Gov. Jay Nixon pressed for passage of autism-related insurance legislation today in Cape Girardeau. The legislation would require health insurance providers to cover treatments and therapies for Missourians with autism. He toured the Judevine Center for Autism with state Sen. Jason Crowell (R-Cape Girardeau), who earlier this year convinced Nixon to reinstate $2.4 million for construction of a new autism treatment facility planned for the campus of the Southeast Missouri State University... Scenic drive gives Southeast Missouri's small towns a chance to make a big impression (04/24/09) Residents of small Southeast Missouri communities such as Commerce, Brazeau and Pocahontas want the rest of the region to know that bigger is not always better. These towns and others will have their charm, flora, food and history on display this weekend as they host the 19th annual Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive. The self-guided driving tour Saturday and Sunday features 27 stops at area communities as locals roll out the red carpet for visitors... Area churches offer hope during the recession (04/24/09) Best-selling author, talk-show host and economist Dave Ramsey believes fear has gripped the American people during the recession and it needs to stop. "Fear is false evidence appearing real and that's what we're trying to combat tonight," Ramsey said during a live 'Town Hall for Hope' nationwide simulcast Thursday. "Does that make it any easier if you're hurting? No. But we've got to stop this hysteria that's making everything worse."... Bees swarm at Franklin Elementary School in Cape Girardeau (04/24/09) A live science lesson is underway at Franklin Elementary School in Cape Girardeau. Principal Rhonda Dunham said a series of honey bee swarms has formed on trees near the school. "You cannot call an exterminator because honeybees are federally protected," she said. "So we called a beekeeper."... Report of pedestrian down false alarm (04/24/09) Scanner traffic reporting a pedestrian down on Interstate 55 turned out to be two Missouri Department of Transportation workers fixing the lights near the 96 mile marker, according to the Cape Girardeau Police Department. A driver noticed the two workers lying down near the ditch and phone in the report because they were alarmed... 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... Show Me Center to hit 6 million attendance tonight (04/23/09) The Show Me Center is expected to welcome the 6 millionth visitor tonight. Director David Ross said 5,999,498 people have passed through the doors of the facility located at 1333 N. Sprigg St. A crowd of more than 800 is expected to attend a Southeast Missouri Hospital dinner tonight... New data on jobs, housing signal no recovery near (04/23/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- Worse-than-expected news on unemployment and home sales Thursday dampened optimism that a broad economic recovery might be near. The Labor Department said initial claims for unemployment compensation rose to a seasonally adjusted 640,000, up from a revised 613,000 the previous week. That was slightly more than analysts' expectations of 635,000... AP Poll: Americans high on Obama, direction of US (04/23/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- For the first time in years, more Americans than not say the country is headed in the right direction, a sign that Barack Obama has used the first 100 days of his presidency to lift the public's mood and inspire hopes for a brighter future... Annual Kow Pasture Klassic golf event set for Saturday (04/23/09) NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- Tennis balls and something resembling a golf club are the only equipment required for golfers to play the nine-hole course of the 24th annual Kow Pasture Klassic from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ... Former Marshall University coach talks to students, business executives (04/23/09) Jack Lengyel remembers the evening of Nov. 14, 1970, well. The head coach of the College of Wooster football team at the time, Lengyel watched as news came in that a plane carrying most of Marshall University's football team and coaching staff crashed just short of its destination... 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... SEMO Fair announces entertainment (04/22/09) Country music dominates this year's SEMO District Fair grandstand entertainment lineup. The fair announced its lineup to the public today, with Little Big Town performing Sept. 17, Joe Nichols Sept. 18 and John Michael Montgomery Sept. 19. Little Big Town was formed in 1998, according to CMT.com. The band made its public debut on the Grand Ole Opry in 1999, and the group's second album, "The Road to Here," was certified gold in 2006 on the strength of the hit "Boondocks."... Jackson police match burglary suspect with car using surveillance image (04/22/09) Last week, Jackson police used a composite sketch to a put a face to a supect who may be behind a string of burglaries that have baffled local law enforcement for the past several months. The sketch, drawn from a description given by a witness who surprised the burlgar in his home, represented the first solid lead in the case, alerting citizen's to what the man looks like, Jackson chief James Humpreys said last week... Area businesses, individuals put more focus on going green (04/22/09) For a long time, the motto of the environmental movement has been "Think Globally, Act Locally." In the past two years, a combination of high fuel prices, recession and growing concern about a warming planet have spurred businesses and individuals to take a harder look at how they use resources and how to avoid waste... Judge nixes Blagojevich's request to tape reality show in Costa Rica (04/21/09) CHICAGO (AP) -- A federal judge dashed indicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's reality TV dream Tuesday, refusing to give the ousted Democrat permission to travel to Costa Rica to tape a show in the jungle. U.S. District Judge James Zagel refused to modify terms of Blagojevich's bail to allow him to leave the United States, saying he needs to remain in the country to help his attorneys formulate a strategy for his defense... Speech sparks walkout at U.N. (04/21/09) GENEVA -- Dozens of Western diplomats walked out of a U.N. conference and a pair of rainbow-wigged protesters threw clown noses at Iran's president Monday when the hard-line leader called Israel the "most cruel and repressive racist regime." The United States decried the remarks by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as hateful -- reinjecting tension into a relationship that had been warming after President Obama sought to engage Iran in talks on its nuclear program and other issues... Report: Auto companies to get $5.5 billion more in federal loans this month (04/21/09) DETROIT (AP) -- A federal report says the U.S. government will loan General Motors Corp. up to $5 billion more to make it through June 1, and Chrysler LLC could get up to $500 million more by April 30. The report on the bank bailout program released Tuesday by a special inspector general says the money will be made available for working capital as both companies try to meet government restructuring demands... Dealing with diabetes: Lifestyle change, insulin manage disease, as Cape Girardeau man shows (04/21/09) In one year, Bob Stephens's health changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. But he didn't let it sidetrack his approach to life. Flags lowered on 10th anniversary of Columbine (04/20/09) DENVER (AP) -- 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 nearby memorial... Hundreds take part in Multiple Sclerosis Walk in Capaha Park (04/20/09) Tim Fowler's toes are numb, but they also hurt. "Doesn't make sense, does it," he said, describing how multiple sclerosis affects his life. Minutes later, about 350 people, including Fowler, started a two-mile trek around Capaha Park during Sunday afternoon's Multiple Sclerosis Walk... 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... New art facilties at Jackson High School open up possibilities for students, teachers (04/20/09) With natural light pouring in through a wall of windows at Jackson High School, Luke LeGrand's Art I students sketched and painted a still-life display in the center of the room. After settling into the new art facilities, LeGrand said the space is a far cry from the cramped basement classroom he had before... Law enforcement football teams from Cape Girardeau County, Springfield face off to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters (04/19/09) The 4th annual Battle of the Badges law enforcement charity football game, held Saturday afternoon at Houck Stadium, raised $2,442 to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. Overcast skies and occasional light rain didn't seem to have much affect on attendance for the game, which sold about 600 tickets, according to stadium staff... 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... Memorial service held for Scott County woman who disappeared 30 years ago (04/18/09) BENTON, Mo. -- More than 200 friends, family members and law enforcement officers filled the pews at St. Denis Church in Benton Friday night to observe the 30-year-old mystery of Cheryl Ann Scherer's disappearence. Scherer, a 19-year-old whose family lived on a farm in old Illmo, Mo., was abducted 30 years ago Friday during an apparent robbery of the Rhodes Pump-Ur-Own-Service station where she worked on Main Street in Scott City... Preliminary hearing set for suspect in 1979 Cape Girardeau murder (04/17/09) A preliminary hearing has been set for a man charged in connection with a murder that occurred in Cape Girardeau nearly 30 years ago. Max Ellison, 61, formerly of Sikeston, Mo., had an initial appearance at 11 a.m. Thursday before Cape Girardeau County Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp, according to Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle... Biden focuses on affordable higher education (04/17/09) ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Vice President Joe Biden on Friday pledged to close gaps between family incomes and college costs to make higher education a reality for more American students. Biden said he will ask the Treasury Department to look into how to make family college-savings plans more effective and reliable. ... 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. ... 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... 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."... Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra to perform in China next month (04/17/09) Members of the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra will leave the Mississippi River behind when they travel to the Far East next month, but they will bring along music inspired by the river. "It's kind of like we're taking our river and sharing it with China," said Dr. Sara Edgerton, the orchestra's artistic director... Suspect in 1979 murder arrives at Cape Girardeau County Jail (04/16/09) A former Sikeston, Mo., man was transported to Cape Girardeau County Jail on Wednesday to stand trial in the murder of Deborah Martin, a 24-year-old business owner killed nearly 30 years ago in Cape Girardeau. Max Allen Ellison Jr., 61, was charged last week with first-degree murder and robbery in connection with Martin's death... Stove fire sends man to hospital (04/16/09) An early morning stove fire inside a Cape Girardeau apartment sent one man to a local hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation. At around 2:45 a.m. today the Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded to 1826 Dunklin St. Apt. 4, where they discovered a cooking pot burning on the stove. The resident was already outside his apartment when firefighters arrived on the scene. The apartment sustained smoke damage... 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... Ambitious ideas for Cape draw positive responses at DREAM meeting (04/15/09) There are a lot of things to like in the strategic plan developed as part of Cape Girardeau's participation in the DREAM Initiative, a group of about 100 people who took part in an open house Tuesday decided. Ambitious ideas like a 100-room hotel on Broadway, an amphitheater and river aquarium near the Mississippi River and an artists village along the extended Fountain Street received a lot of attention. ... Neal Boyd album release slated for June 23 (04/15/09) Sikeston, Mo., native Neal E. Boyd's debut CD will be available in stores this summer, according to the Decca Records website. The CD will be called "My American Dream" and will be available to the public on June 23, the company's website reports. Boyd, an opera singer won last year's "America's Got Talent" TV show and a $1 million prize... 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... SEMO's Dance-Apalooza to end as fans know it to make more room for students' work (04/15/09) Change is inevitable. After this weekend's performances, Dance-Apalooza will cease to exist as fans know it. The dance showcase from Southeast Missouri State University, as well as the previous spring faculty shows of different names, have used pieces choreographed solely by faculty and staff at Southeast... Wreck slows access to William from I-55 (04/15/09) Man accused in 1979 murder to be transported to Cape Girardeau County this week (04/14/09) Max Allen Ellison Jr., the man accused the 1979 killing of downtown Cape Girardeau businesswoman Deborah L. Martin, will be transported to Cape Girardeau County this week. Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said Tuesday the date and time of the move will not be made public, for security reasons. His bond was set at $10 million; a Thursday hearing is scheduled before Cape Girardeau County Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp... Cape Girardeau County's request for use of old federal building hits snag (04/14/09) Cape Girardeau County's bid for the old federal building at 339 Broadway has run into a problem. On Monday, county commissioners learned their request for sponsorship to get the building has been rejected by the the U.S. Justice Department. The county had applied to get the building transferred to its stewardship, with a law enforcement sponsorship from the Department of Justice... 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... Unemployed seek training for 'green collar' jobs (04/14/09) SAN JOSE, Calif. -- As the economy sheds jobs, community colleges across the country are reporting a surge of unemployed workers enrolling in courses that offer training for "green-collar" jobs. Students are learning how to install solar panels, repair wind turbines, produce biofuels and do other work related to renewable energy... 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. Obamas host first White House egg roll (04/13/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama welcomed thousands of children and families to the White House Easter Egg Roll Monday, calling it "one of the greatest White House traditions." Obama and his wife, Michelle, appeared with on a balcony overlooking the South Lawn where thousands of children and families took a break from participating in the festivities to listen and cheer enthusiastically for the first family. ... U.S. sea captain freed in swift firefight (04/13/09) MOMBASA, Kenya -- U.S. Navy snipers opened fire and killed three pirates holding an American captain at gunpoint, delivering the skipper unharmed and ending a five-day standoff Easter Sunday. Capt. Richard Phillips was in "imminent danger" of being killed before snipers shot the pirates in an operation authorized by President Obama, Vice Adm. Bill Gortney said... 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... Nell Holcomb bus driver finished afternoon route following head-on collision Wednesday morning (04/12/09) A school bus driver involved in a crash last week that left 13 injured made her afternoon rounds the same day as the wreck, school and public safety officials said. All of the Nell Holcomb students treated after the accident suffered relatively minor injuries and were released from the hospital by noon that day, said East County Fire Protection District chief Dwayne Kirchhoff... Soggy conditions move egg hunt to Osage Centre again (04/12/09) For the second year in a row, the 16th annual Schnuck's Easter Egg Hunt was held indoors at the Osage Community Centre in Cape Girardeau because of soggy conditions. Beginning at 9 a.m. with children ages 2 to 3 -- and with a little bit of help from parents -- the floor was picked clean of a variety of treats within a few minutes... Nell Holcomb bus driver finished afternoon route following head-on collision Wednesday morning (04/11/09) A school bus driver involved in a crash last week that left 13 injured made her afternoon rounds the same day as the wreck, school and public safety officials said. All of the children, students at Nell Holcomb, treated after the accident suffered relatively minor injuries and were released from the hospital by noon the same day as the accident, said East County Fire Protection District chief Dwayne Kirchhoff... LaCroix Cross gets new home at old church (04/11/09) The Good Friday relocation of the Cape LaCroix Cross brought the landmark to what church members hope will be its final home at Old St. Vincent's Church. A crew from Boulder Construction Co., a division of the Rhodes Group, finished moving the concrete cross from its original location on North Kingshighway on Friday morning. The cross now resides at the southeast corner of the church property at the intersection of William and Main streets... Ex-deputy charged in 1979 Cape homicide (04/11/09) For the past 20 years, Cape Girardeau police felt they had a good idea who was responsible for the 1979 unsolved murder of Deborah L. Martin but lacked sufficient evidence to make an arrest in the case. That changed late Friday afternoon when Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle announced that Max Allen Ellison Jr., 61, had been arrested at his Nixa, Mo., home on charges of first-degree murder and robbery... Stolen plane suspect to have mental evaluation (04/11/09) ST. LOUIS -- A federal judge on Friday ordered a psychiatric evaluation for the man accused of stealing a plane in Canada and flying over several states before landing along a southern Missouri highway. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Mummert ordered the evaluation of Adam Dylan Leon, 31, during a brief court hearing in St. Louis... After sports injury, Central student focuses on her art (04/10/09) With a little water and some copper wiring, Natalie Metzger and her classmates turned reeds into insects during Robert Friedrich's art class at Cape Girardeau Central High School. Metzger, a senior, formed the thin strips into the leg of a katydid Wednesday afternoon... Participation in Junior Achievement mentoring program doubles in one year (04/10/09) TV. Scooter. Cat. Food. Drink. Which are needs and which are wants? First-graders at Jefferson Elementary School got the answers right during Dr. James Stapleton 30-minute Junior Achievement lesson earlier this week. The students were among about 6,000 students particpating in the program this school year, more than double the previous year... Cross moved to Old St. Vincent's Church (04/10/09) Jim Boyd, left, checks a level while positioning the Cape LaCroix Creek cross into its new location at Old St. Vincent's Church Friday morning, April 10, 2009, in Cape Girardeau. The 12,000 pound concrete cross had been along North Kingshighway since 1947. Census Bureau verifying Cape addresses ahead of 2010 count (04/10/09) As the U.S. Census Bureau prepares for next year's national headcount, it is putting a new twist on an old job. Workers assigned to the task of verifying every address in the United States will be in Cape Girardeau this week, checking addresses and using hand-held GPS devices to verify the bureau's database. The project started Monday using part-time employees hired from within the community, said Hortencia Wilcox, manager of the Census Bureau office in Springfield... Feds want wayward Canadian pilot jailed until his case is resolved (04/10/09) ST. LOUIS -- Federal prosecutors will seek a grand jury indictment against the man accused of stealing a plane in Canada and landing more than seven hours later along a Missouri highway, and they want him jailed until his case is resolved. Adam Dylan Leon, 31, faces two federal charges for allegedly stealing a single-engine Cessna 172 on Monday from his Ontario flight school, flying erratically over seven states while being tailed by F-16s, then landing along a desolate southern Missouri highway near the town of Ellsinore.. ... Jury convicts Pocahontas man who shot ex-wife with bow, arrow (04/09/09) A Cape Girardeau County man was convicted Wednesday of domestic assault and first-degree assault for shooting his ex-wife with a bow and arrow last year. The five-man, seven-woman jury deliberated an hour and 55 minutes on the charges against Merriel E. Housman Jr. The decision rested on whether jurors believed he acted in defense of his son when he shot his ex-wife in the back Sept. 1 at their shared Pocahontas residence... $2.4 million to help those laid off from Noranda, Thorngate, Rapco, others (04/09/09) Workers who lost their jobs at Noranda Aluminum Inc., Thorngate Ltd. and Rapco/Major Custom Cable Inc. are now eligible for extra help to find training and maintain unemployment benefits, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Wednesday. The department released $2.4 million for Missouri to aid 815 workers affected by mass layoffs or plant closings at those three companies and at eight others in Southeast Missouri, the Ozarks and south-central Missouri areas... Five acts unite for all-ages concert at Arena Building (04/09/09) The Arena Building in Cape Girardeau has long been the site for the SEMO District Fair, gun and knife shows, craft fairs and the occasional concert. But Darren Burgfeld of Tone Def All-Stars said he's bringing something different April 17 with The Show, an all-ages concert featuring five bands in one night... Agencies burn 1,300 acres in Trail of Tears State Park (04/09/09) For decades, forest management policy across the United States dictated that any fire, anywhere in the woodlands, should be snuffed out. Those practices have been abandoned in favor of modern ideas that view fire as a natural, and generally beneficial, part of a forest system. ... Illinois man hospitalized after school bus crash (04/09/09) An Illinois man was hospitalized and 12 students were treated for minor injuries after a Wednesday morning crash involving a school bus. Randall Hunerkock, 40, of Metropolis, Ill., was in serious condition at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dale Moreland... Pending April sales show bright spot for local housing market (04/08/09) While new home sales for the first quarter of 2009 have lagged somewhat behind those for the same period a year ago, April may be brighter for Cape Girardeau County. Through March, 172 residential units sold for about $21 million, compared to 205 units sold at $28.5 million during the same time period in 2008, according to the Cape County Multiple Listing Service... FBI: No terrorism in plane suspect's background (04/08/09) ELLSINORE, Mo. -- A flight student suspected of stealing a plane in Canada and flying erratically across several states was trying to commit suicide, hoping to get shot down by military fighter planes, a state trooper said Tuesday. Adam Dylan Leon, 31, was arrested at a convenience store in Ellsinore, shortly after landing the single-engine, four-seat Cessna on a rural Missouri road Monday night, police said... Polls closed, election results posted soon (04/07/09) Polls closed at 7 p.m. and votes are now being tallied. Canadian flight student who landed in Southeast Missouri charged with piloting plane into US (04/07/09) ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Federal prosecutors have charged a Canadian flight student with piloting a stolen plane into the U.S. in what they say was a suicide attempt. Thirty-one-year-old Adam Dylan Leon was charged Tuesday with transportation of stolen property and illegal entry... Passion for hunting spawns business for Frohna duo (04/07/09) FROHNA, Mo. -- Seven years ago, Mike Ponder and Stuart Ruehling were frustrated with choke tubes they used on their frequent hunts and decided they needed to create a better one. Through testing countless choke tubes -- devices that are attached to the muzzle end of the gun's barrel to control fired pellets -- Ponder and Ruehling developed a choke tube in 2005 that helped win awards and was the catalyst for the creation of their business, Indian Creek Shooting Systems... Allegedly stolen plane flown by Canadian man makes landing in Ellsinore (04/07/09) A plane allegedly stolen by a Canadian man made a safe landing in Ellsinore Monday evening. Adam Dylan Leon, 31, was arrested at a convenience store in the rural Missouri town shortly after landing the single-engine, four-seat Cessna on a rural road in Ellsinore Monday night, ending a six-hour flight, Missouri State Highway Patrol said. ... Emerson's earmark requests (04/07/09) U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson requested $92 million for 49 specific earmarked appropriations in the upcoming federal budget. Under new budget rules, all members of Congress must publish their requests at the beginning of the budget cycle on their Congressional website... Emerson seeks funds for projects in Southeast Missouri (04/07/09) Shut out of federal stimulus funds, Jackson may yet obtain federal help to relieve traffic congestion near South Elementary School. U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, is asking to include $750,000 in the next federal budget for an environmental study and design work to relieve congestion on Highway 25 from Jackson Trail to the city limits. The request was one of 49 earmarked projects, totaling $92 million, submitted by Emerson last week... 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... Missouri tries to shed reputation as 'puppy mill' (04/07/09) SENECA, Mo. (AP) -- 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... Money for Highway 25 in Jackson included in Emerson's requested earmarks (04/06/09) Shut out of federal stimulus funds, Jackson may yet obtain federal help to relieve traffic congestion near South Elementary School. U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, is asking to include $750,000 in the next federal budget for an environmental study and design work to relieve congestion on Highway 25 from Jackson Trail to the city limits. The request was one of 49 earmarked projects, totaling $92 million, submitted by Emerson last week... Mo. delays tax refunds, borrows cash (04/06/09) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri has delayed tax refunds and quietly borrowed $325 million from its cash reserves to keep the state afloat. State financial documents obtained by The Associated Press show the state borrowed $175 million from its reserves in February and an additional $150 million in March. But Gov. Jay Nixon's administration never publicized the borrowing... Storytellers Festival attendance breaks 3,000 in event's second year (04/06/09) Sunday's severe thunderstorm warning caused Chuck Martin a lot of anxiety, but the headliners for Cape Girardeau's second Storytellers Festival merely incorporated the weather into their flights of fancy. Nearly 200 people arrived for Sunday's final session. ... Bringing the beat: Jackson Percussion Ensemble's performance features well-known pieces but no brass, wind or string instruments (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... Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival draws people from nine states (04/05/09) Storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin entertained the crowd at the Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival for 45 minutes Saturday without music, props, bells or whistles. He simply spoke about Aunt Marguerite, an 85-year-old Southern woman trying to keep her driver's license, adjusting to using a debit card and dealing with the loss of friends... Parents hope workshop in Cape helps children with storm phobias (04/05/09) Ever since a tornado tore through Jackson on May 6, 2003, 10-year-old Lydia Pensel has had a phobia of storms. Even though the twister missed the Pensel family home, thunderstorms and the prospect of bad weather cause Lydia to be what she describes as "very anxious."... Port Cape bar to be open tonight following lunchtime fire (04/04/09) The bar at Port Cape Girardeau will be open tonight after firefighters extinguished a lunchtime cooking fire, said owner Doc Cain. About 25 people evacuated the downtown restaurant around 1 p.m. today. The Cape Girardeau Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire in about 15 minutes, battalion chief Brad Dillow said... Stoddard County woman rescued from fallen shed (04/04/09) DEXTER, Mo. -- An Essex woman remained hospitalized this morning after the building in which she was working collapsed, trapping her under the rubble. Sixty-four-year-old Laura Heppe and her husband, Earl, had been working to dismantle a backyard shed this week; and while Earl Heppe was gone on an errand to Dexter, his wife proceeded by herself to remove more boards from the partially dismantled shed. ... Legends and lessons: History comes to life during opening day of Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival (04/04/09) More than 2,500 grade-school students got a new view of history Friday afternoon at the second annual Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival. Storytellers from around the country enlightened students from Missouri and Illinois on such topics as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's travels in the United States and Missouri native Bertha Gifford, America's first female serial killer... History comes to life during opening day of Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival (04/04/09) History came alive for more than 2,500 grade school students Friday afternoon at the second Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival. Storytellers from around the country enlightened students from Missouri and Illinois on such issues as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's travels in the United States and Missouri native Bertha Gifford, America's first female serial killer... Stoddard County woman rescued from fallen shed (04/04/09) DEXTER, Mo. -- An Essex woman remained hospitalized this morning after the building in which she was working collapsed, trapping her under the rubble. Sixty-four-year-old Laura Heppe and her husband, Earl, had been working to dismantle a backyard shed this week; and while Earl Heppe was gone on an errand to Dexter, his wife proceeded by herself to remove more boards from the partially dismantled shed. ... Sikeston man to be charged with murder following infant's death (04/03/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Jamieon Q. Mosby, an 8-month-old child from Sikeston, died Wednesday night at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Now Kevin Dixon, was to be charged with abuse and assault in the March 24 incident that led to the child's death, might be charged with murder, according to a Sikeston Department of Public Safety news release... Man charged in Bank of Missouri robberies (04/03/09) Two robberies of the same bank about three weeks apart were the work of a single bandit, federal prosecutors alleged Thursday. George R. Chesnut, 46, of Alton, Ill., was indicted on four felony counts tied to the Oct. 6 and Oct. 30 robberies at the Bank of Missouri branch at 372 N. Kingshighway, federal prosecutor Catherine Hanaway announced. In each of the robberies, the thief showed a weapon to tellers as he demanded cash... Springfield developers buy Cape's Marquette (04/03/09) The Marquette Tower and Marquette Centre in downtown Cape Girardeau has changed hands again. On March 20, a Springfield, Mo.-based development company bought the two buildings and adjoining parking lot for "between $3 million and $4 million," said Trevor Gregg of G&S Holdings LLC... Coalition's study finds a need for more higher ed opportunities in Southeast Missouri (04/03/09) There is a need to make higher education more available locally, according to a study released today by a coalition of 11 business and education leaders. The 238-page report concluded that there are educational gaps in the Cape Girardeau area for nontraditional students who do not pursue a four-year degree... Former AIG chief criticizes successors and bailout (04/03/09) WASHINGTON -- The man who built insurance giant American International Group Inc. from a startup to a global behemoth said he didn't mismanage the company -- but the government did. Following weeks of public and congressional outrage over largest corporate failure in U.S. history, Maurice "Hank" Greenberg, AIG's chief executive until March 2005, said taxpayers got a raw deal in the largest bailout of the financial crisis... Illinois man indicted in October Bank of Missouri robberies (04/03/09) Two robberies of the same bank about three weeks apart were the work of a single bandit, federal prosecutors alleged Thursday. George R. Chesnut, 46, of Alton, Ill., was indicted on four felony counts tied to the Oct. 6, 2008, and Oct. 30, 2008, robberies at the Bank of Missouri branch at 372 N. Kingshighway, Federal prosecutor Catherine Hanaway announced. In each of the robberies, the thief showed a weapon to tellers as he demanded cash... New jobless claims jump, factory orders up (04/03/09) WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of people filing new jobless claims jumped unexpectedly last week, while those continuing to receive benefits hit a 10th straight record-high. Both figures show the labor market remains weak and is unlikely to recover anytime soon, despite some signs the economy's decline is moderating... Marquette buildings sold to Springfield, Mo., for unspecified price (04/02/09) The Marquette Tower and Marquette Centre in downtown Cape Girardeau has changed hands again. On March 20, a Springfield, Mo.,-based development company bought the two buildings and adjoining parking lot for "between $3 million and $4 million," said Trevor Gregg of G&S Holdings, LLC... Sikeston child abuse incident leads to murder charges after infant's death (04/02/09) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Jamieon Q. Mosby, an 8-month-old child from Sikeston, died Wednesday night at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Now Kevin Dixon, once charged with abuse and assault in the March 24 incident that led to the child's death, might be charged with murder, according to a Sikeston Department of Public Safety news release... 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. Fargo officials resisted FEMA's evacuation recommendation (04/02/09) Good records best defense against Internal Revenue Service audit (04/02/09) Cape Girardeau narrowing city manager search from field of 56 applicants (04/02/09) National Weather Service trains spotters in Jackson (04/01/09) Until Tuesday night, Linda Doerge of Patton, Mo., was sure she'd experienced a tornado while living in Cape Girardeau during the 1980s. After attending a National Weather Service class on spotting hazardous weather, she knows how to tell the difference between tornadoes and the straight-line winds she experienced... Steele police chief charged with distributing Xanax, hydrocodone (04/01/09) Steele, Mo., police chief Michael "Strawberry" Tomlinson Sr., was arrested and brought before a federal judge Tuesday on prescription drug charges following a lengthy narcotics investigation. The federal complaint alleges that Tomlinson, 43, possessed both hydrocodone and Xanax pills March 5 and March 9 and distributed them March 13... Cape Girardeau City Manager search draws 56 applicants (04/01/09) Missouri Army National Guard armory in Cape Girardeau getting $1.5 million makeover (03/31/09) Like many renovations, a kitchen update blossomed into an overall facelift. In the case of the Missouri Army National Guard armory at 2626 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau, the work being done includes new paving for parking spaces, doubling the size of the kitchen and updating the building's 32 offices... Royal N'Orleans restaurant in Cape Girardeau to reopen today (03/31/09) After a three-day closure, the Royal N'Orleans restaurant will reopen for business today, owner Derek Miller said. The restaurant had been closed since Thursday, when Miller said he learned the building that houses the restaurant at 300 Broadway had a sign advertising it is for sale. He said he informed most of his employees of the news that day. The sign has since been removed, though the building is still for sale... Pep rally held to help Alma Schrader students get ready for MAP tests (03/31/09) Students at Alma Schrader Elementary get one chance each year to run through the halls of their school. On Monday, that day came. With 10 Southeast Missouri State University football players lined up, the third- and fourth-graders ran though the halls slapping hands and clapping. The run capped off an hour-long pep rally to build excitement for the Missouri Assessment Program testing, which starts for most areas schools today... Fruitland manufacturer supplies cables to Fortune 500 companies (03/31/09) Major Custom Cable president Scott Wachter understands the role his company plays in broadband technology. As a manufacturer of data and communication cables for Fortune 500 companies such as AT&T, as well as government agencies including NASA and the Department of Defense, the Fruitland-based business ships between 5,000 and 7,000 cables each day. Many of those fiber optic cables are used to provide high-speed Internet and data network access for businesses... Suit over Bald Knob Cross of Peace settled (12/26/08) ALTO PASS, Ill. -- Those concerned with the future of Bald Knob Cross of Peace received a gift just in time for Christmas. Settlement of two years of litigation involving board members of the cross foundation was announced shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday. The court document was filed in the Union County circuit clerk's office Wednesday...