Region/state digest 10/22/03

Cape council member files for re-election

Cape Girardeau City Councilman Jay Purcell filed for re-election on Tuesday, the first day candidates could file for the April municipal election.

The Ward 3 alderman was elected in 1998 to fill an unexpired term. He was elected to a four-year term in 2000.

Purcell works for Dana Corporation, an auto parts manufacturing firm, and owns rental property in Cape Girardeau.

Body found in Sikeston home that caught fire

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man died in a fire just before 6 a.m. Tuesday. Firefighters discovered the body in the home at 306 E. Gladys, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was withheld pending identification. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

-- From staff, wire reports