Region briefs 4/18/06

Mayor requests flags to be flown at half-staff

Cape Girardeau citizens and businesses are being asked to fly flags at half-staff in memory of former mayor Howard C. Tooke, who died Sunday. Tooke served as mayor of Cape Girardeau from April 1970 to April 1978 and from April 1981 to April 1986. He also served as a city councilman from December 1968 to April 1986. Mayor Jay Knudtson has asked that flags stay at half-staff from Wednesday morning to dusk Thursday.

Mother accused of burning child

A Cape Girardeau mother accused of burning her 8-month-old daughter with a curling iron was charged with child abuse. Amy L. Siebert, 25, of 126 S. Louisiana Ave., was charged Friday with the class C felony. She is accused of using a curling iron against her daughter for "possible discipline purposes," according to police Sgt. Barry Hovis. The child had burn marks on her forehead, hand and lower legs, he said. She was taken to a local hospital for an examination, but the burns were not life-threatening. The girl's baby-sitter and Siebert's roommate reported the burn marks to the police early Thursday, and Siebert was arrested later that day, Hovis said. Siebert was being held in lieu of a $7,500 bond. If she posts bond, Siebert is to have no contact with the victim and stay more than 500 feet away from where the child is staying, according to court records. Missouri Department of Social Services spokeswoman Debra Scott declined comment.

Cape man sentenced in drug deal

A man who prosecutors said nearly ran over an undercover officer while fleeing from police following a Nov. 9 drug deal in Capaha Park was sentenced Monday to 120 days in prison. Circuit Judge William Syler sentenced Theon Mackins, 21, of 1451 Rose St., to five years in prison on a suspended execution of sentence. Following 120 days in prison, during which Mackins is to undergo drug treatment, Syler may place Mackins on probation. Mackins pled guilty in February to trafficking drugs, resisting arrest and misdemeanor driving with a suspended license.

-- From staff reports