Author to conduct writing workshops on Monday

Author Jeanette Ingold -- writer of the books "The Big Burn," "Hitch" and "Mountain Solo," a 2006 Mark Twain Award master list nominee -- will conduct writing workshops and book signings at Trinity Lutheran School on Monday. The public is invited to a 9 a.m. seminar in the assembly room at the school, followed by a book signing from 10 to 11 a.m. Ingold will then conduct two workshops with school students. For more information, call 334-1068.

Dunavan Scholarship Benefit being held tonight

The Second Annual Dr. Daniel O. Dunavan Memorial Scholarship Fund Benefit will take place tonight at 8:30 p.m. at the Rude Dog Pub featuring The Intention, Funky Donkey Cheese and a special guest appearance by Prom Night Heroes. Dunavan was a percussion instructor at Southeast Missouri State University for several years, and proceeds will go to a scholarship fund in his name. For more information, call the Rude Dog Pub at 335-4447.

Cape man charged with child molestation

A Cape Girardeau man was charged on Thursday after a 5-year-old girl said that he molested her at his home. Robert L. Payne, 48, was charged with class B felony child molestation and is being held on a $100,000 cash or surety bond. The incident reportedly occurred in January or February 2005. According to the probable cause statement, the victim told her older sister that Payne touched her inappropriately. The Network Against Sexual Violence conducted an interview. Police officers reported that Payne said that the victim initiated a provacative act while her mother was asleep in a different room. He completed a written statment admitting to the act.

Cape man waives hearing for sodomy charges

Christopher L. Pugh, 22, of Cape Girardeau waived his preliminary hearing for statutory sodomy charges on Thursday. Associate Circuit Judge Gary Kamp scheduled an arraignment for Nov. 14. He is being held on a $20,000 cash or surety bond on four counts of felony statutory sodomy. Pugh was charged on Oct. 6 for allegedly sexually abusing two boys on several occasions between January and Aug. 14.

-- From staff reports