Region/state briefs 05/07/03

Jackson man sentenced for firearm possession

A Jackson man was sentenced Tuesday in federal court for unlawful possession of a firearm. Mark J. Lampe, 35, received a 46-month prison sentence for being a previously convicted felon in possesion of a firearm.

Lampe was discovered Jan. 6, 2002, holding a 12-gauge, pump-action shotgun by a Scott County deputy responding to a trespassing call. Lampe had been convicted in Scott County in 1987 of felony stealing and in 1989 of second-degree assault.

Former Bootheel police chief faces drug charges

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- A former Missouri Bootheel police chief faces charges for allegedly selling drugs.

Former Howardville Police chief Timothy Collins is charged with sale of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. Two other men -- Christopher Collins and Isaac Graham -- were each charged with sale of a controlled substance. All three live in New Madrid.

They were arraigned Monday and remain free on bond -- $30,000 for Timothy Collins, $25,000 for the other two men.

New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens said more charges are likely.

The men were arrested Saturday night at Jasmine's Sports Club in New Madrid. Timothy Collins owns the club.--From staff, wire reports

Sikeston makes changes to animal ordinance

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Both dogs and cats will soon be required to wear leashes while outside in Sikeston.

The new leash provision is just one of the changes to the city's animal ordinance approved by council members during their meeting Monday.

Tom Bridger, public works director, said most of the amendments' provisions were suggested by the city's animal control officer Ken Fowler. "It gives him more authority to do something with problem animals that he couldn't do anything about before," Bridger said.

Highlighting changes from the bill, Bridger said this version of the amendment no longer lists four dog breeds, but only pit bulls and pit bull mixes, although he added any individual dog can be designated a dangerous animal based on its history. The amendment also has a section prohibiting exotic animals within the city.

House advances ban on forced union role

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Local governments could not require private contractors to employ a certain proportion of union members on public projects, under a bill approved Tuesday by the state House.

The bill, which passed on a 83-68 vote, now goes back to the Senate and potentially to a negotiating committee to work out differences. The Senate's version, approved in March, only addressed surety bonds for governmental entities and did not include the union language.

Some governmental entities, such as cities or school districts, place requirements for union participation in their requests for bids.

Rep. Rob Mayer, who sponsored the House version, said placing such conditions on bidders shuts out contractors who do not employ the required level of union labor.

Former Neosho girl in movie with Tom Hanks

NEOSHO, Mo. -- Chantel Valdivieso left Neosho two years ago to pursue her dreams. And now that she's all of 8 years old, it looks like they're coming true.

When Chantel left for California with her parents, she was a successful small-town model and nationally titled pageant princess. But now she has a part next to two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks in the upcoming animated movie, "Polar Express."

The movie, by Castle Rock Entertainment, directed by Robert Zemeckis, is based on the Caldecott Medal-winning children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. Chantel plays the co-lead role with Hanks.

Auditions for the role were held all over the United States. The movie is an animated, digitally enhanced film slated for release at Christmas 2004.

-- From staff, wire reports