PRIVATE PARTY HELD AT NIGHTCLUB

MCCLURE, Ill. -- A private party was held at the Hush Puppy Too nightclub during the Labor Day holiday.

The nightclub's liquor license was suspended in August for an indefinite period by the Alexander County liquor control commissioner, Louis Maze.

"The club has not reopened," said Jeff Farris, Alexander County state's attorney, following reports that the club was open last week.

An investigation, said Farris, revealed that the building had been leased one night to a private group, and no liquor was sold.

"The liquor license has been suspended indefinitely," said Farris.

The club's license was revoked Aug. 9 in the wake of a second homicide there in six months.

Oscar Burtley, 22, of Carbondale died Sept. 30, at Southeast Missouri Hospital of a single gunshot wound to the head following a confrontation on the parking lot of the Hush Puppy Too. Jewell R. Mathis, 43, an employee of the club, was arrested at the Cape Girardeau Victorian Inn that afternoon. He faces charges of murder and aggravated assault.

On Jan. 29, Stephen Reynolds, 35, of Cape Girardeau was killed at the club. One of the club's bouncers, Kazuya Nakagawa, is awaiting trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Records also show a string of violations at the club, including fights, drinking by minors and topless dancing.