Region digest 01/07/04

Hillary Clinton apologizes for joke about Gandhi

ST. LOUIS -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton apologized for a joke about Mahatma Gandhi, saying it was "a lame attempt at humor." The New York Democrat made the remark at a fund raiser for Senate candidate Nancy Farmer, Missouri's state treasurer, on Saturday. Clinton introduced a quote from the Indian independence leader by saying, "He ran a gas station down in St. Louis."

Cape fire department receives donations

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department received three donations recently totaling $3,100, city officials said. Coad Chevrolet Inc. donated $2,000, Richard Kennard donated $1,000, and Rosalie Archer donated $100. The money will be used to buy and install a command module in the fire department's command vehicle.

Scott County property assessment lists mailed

BENTON, Mo. -- The 2004 personal property assessment lists have been mailed for Scott County and should be returned by March 1 in order to avoid penalty. Those who have not received an assessment list or need assistance in filling it out may call the assessor's office at (573) 545-3535.

Former rep announces treasurer's campaign

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Former state House member Jason Klumb announced Tuesday he is running for state treasurer. Klumb, a 35-year-old Democrat from Raymore, pledged to "be the watchdog for Missouri taxpayer money." Other Democrats who have announced their candidacy for treasurer include state Rep. Mark Able of Festus and Mark Powell of Arnold. Republican candidates include state Sen. Anita Yeckel of St. Louis; state Sen. Sarah Steelman of Rolla; state Rep. Blaine Luetkmeyer of St. Elizabeth; and St. Louis businessman Tom Klein. Incumbent Nancy Farmer, a Democrat, is forgoing a re-election campaign to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Kit Bond.

Fire destroys southwest Missouri post office

VANZANT, Mo. -- A flue fire destroyed a two-story house that contained the post office in this southwest Missouri town. The fire started about 10:30 p.m. Monday, authorities said. No injuries were reported. Only six pieces of mail were believed lost in the fire, said Norma Claspill, manager of post office operations for the U.S. Postal Service's Mid-America District.

-- From staff, wire reports