Region briefs 12/12/06

No injuries from report of shots fired in Cape

Cape Girardeau police responded Sunday to a report of shots being fired in the 200 block of South Hanover Street. At about 7:50 p.m., witnesses called police saying they heard gunshots, said police spokesman Jason Selzer. A police search of a group of men on the street yielded no weapons, although a shell casing was found nearby. No one was injured.

Southbound I-55 goes to one lane near Fruitland

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Southbound Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau County was reduced to one lane beginning Monday, and will remain closed for construction, weather permitting, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. The passing lane will be closed between mile marker 101 to 103 while fiber-optic cable is relocated in the median. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 21, said MoDOT spokeswoman Tonya Wells. The closed lane will be opened up on the weekends until work is completed. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution in the area. For more information, contact MoDOT toll-free at (888) 275-6636.

Thrift shop holds ribbon cutting Thursday

The Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new thrift shop at 1810 E. Plaza Way. The ribbon cutting will be at 10:15 a.m. Thursday. The thrift shop will provide clothing and housewares for Safe House clients. For more information, call 335-7745.

Cape man's evaulation goes to next month

A Cape Girardeau man accused of assaulting a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and property damage had his mental health evaluation continued until Jan. 8. Michael J. McLeary, 52, of 606 S. Silver Springs Road, appeared before Cape Girardeau Circuit Judge Benjamin Lewis Monday where his attorney said the results of McLeary's evaluation were not completed.

Teen pleads not guilty to stealing from bank

A Cape Girardeau teen charged with felony stealing, burglary and property damage pleaded not guilty Monday in Cape Girardeau County circuit court. Kyle W. Madden, 17, of 535 Asher St., was arrested Sept. 1 after police reportedly found him using a pickax on a drive-through teller drawer at Commerce Bank, 1880 Cape La Croix Road. Madden is also accused of stealing a Union Pacific truck, which was found at the scene, Madden previously waived his arraignment and preliminary hearings and entered his plea before Circuit Judge Benjamin Lewis Monday. His next court date is Dec. 19.

-- From staff reports