Region digest 03/02/05

Diesel leaks into Black River over weekend

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A break in a storage tank near the Black River Saturday caused a spill of 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of diesel into the river, but officials say the leak was quickly contained. Jackson Bostic of the Department of Natural Resources said a line to a large diesel storage tank had developed a hole; the fuel leaked into the groundwater and into a storm drain. "It's enough to cause environmental damage, but we've not seen any type of wildlife damage or aquatic life damage," he said.

Two from Scott County get prison sentences

Two Scott County men were sentenced in U.S. District Court Tuesday. Marcus Starnes, 29, of Sikeston, Mo., was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine base and for using and carrying a firearm during a trafficking crime. He was arrested following a traffic stop on Interstate 55 last June. Bobby B. Klingel, 48, of Vanduser, Mo., was sentenced to 12 months on a count for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On Jan. 4, 2004, Klingel admitted to a Scott County sheriff's deputy he had borrowed a shotgun from another man and shot at a dog in his back yard that day, then returned the gun to the owner.

Legislature approves university name change

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to allow Southwest Missouri State University to become Missouri State University. The 120-35 vote sends the bill to Gov. Matt Blunt, who has pledged to sign it into law. The name change would take effect Aug. 28.

-- From staff, wire reports