Region briefs 10/5/07

Judge grants new delay in Cooper sentencing

A federal judge granted another delay in former state representative Nathan Cooper's sentencing for two federal counts of immigration fraud, pushing back the date to Nov. 21. On Monday, U.S. District Judge Jean C. Hamilton granted a week's reprieve to Cooper, setting Oct. 26 for his next court appearance. The latest postponement, granted Wednesday, was ordered without additional comment in the court records. Cooper was originally scheduled for an Oct. 19 sentencing on the felony charges. He pleaded guilty Aug. 9 to illegally purchasing temporary worker visas and setting up shell companies to mask that foreign truck drivers were continuing to work in jobs originally designated as temporary, seasonal positions. Cooper faces up to 15 years in prison on the two charges, but federal prosecutors have indicated they expect Cooper to receive 30 to 37 months in federal custody.

Photography featured at Nature Center

The Cape Conservation Campus Nature Center in Cape County Park North is hosting a nature photography show by Chaffee, Mo., artist Aaron Horrell. The show, titled "Countenance/Mother Nature: A SEMO Chorus," contains 41 photos of natural scenes taken within a 35-mile radius of Horrell's Chaffee home. The nature center will also host a discussion and demonstration with artists who gain inspiration from nature 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. Nature Center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 290-5218.

Eagles host Band Jam benefit concert Saturday

The Cape Girardeau Eagles will host a benefit concert from 2 p.m. to midnight Saturday called Band Jam. Seven bands will perform: Nite Shift, Thundertones, Steppin Out, Jeff Hankins, Legacy, Larry Swift and Tracy Bennett. Money raised will benefit a Christmas party for mentally and physically disabled people in the area. For more information, call Pam Boyd at 979-2218 or Sherry Randol at 270-6380.

United Way holds Born Learning program

The United Way will host a Born Learning program from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the outdoor track and old gym of Central Junior High in Cape Girardeau. Free transportation from the House of Hope, 1000 Ranney Ave., will be offered. The Born Learning campaign strives to help parents prepare their children for kindergarten through the phrase "Read, sing, play!" "We know what happens in a child's early years matters for success in life and for school readiness," Nancy Jernigan, executive director of United Way of Southeast Missouri, said in a news release. For more information, call 334-9634 or visit www.bornlearning.org.

State police investigate fatal accident in Illinois

The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal car crash involving a pedestrian that occurred about 1 a.m. Thursday on Sandusky Road in Pulaski, Ill. The victim was Willie Earl Jones, 46, of Pulaski, according to police spokeswoman Trooper Bridget Rice. Police have not released further details pending notification of family members.

-- From staff reports