The evolution of a major news story

Many times the Southeast Missourian and other media outlets report breaking news stories, but you may wonder, "how'd they do that?" I felt explaining behind-the-scenes details about the process of writing about Cape Girardeau's Steve & Barry's closure would be a perfect example to clue you in on the evolution of a breaking news item.

A reader e-mailed me Thursday at 8:15 a.m. with a tip that the Cape Girardeau store was in fact closing.

My source provided a link to a business blogger website that included a post with an e-mailed list of the stores Steve & Barry's plans to keep open. The Cape Girardeau store did not make the cut. The post seemed credible enough, but without an exact source I felt uneasy about publishing the information.

I immediately e-mailed the corporate office claiming I had the store closures list.

By 12:59 p.m., I received an e-mailed statement from the corporate headquarters informing me the company had made no made official announcement and that I'd be posted on future developments. True to their word, a company spokesperson called me at 2:30 p.m. with news that the store was closing.

As of Friday morning, no other reports had surfaced about store closures in other parts of the United States. I wonder if news about Cape Girardeau's closure may still be under wraps if I hadn't presented the information to corporate executives.

Knowing that I was among the first people in Cape Girardeau to know that the store was officially closing is what makes journalism such an interesting profession.

* New bar opens on Sprigg: A new bar has opened its doors across from the Towers complex at Southeast Missouri State University, just in time for the start of the fall semester. Located at 820 N. Sprigg St. near a new parking lot behind Pizza Hut, Slingers Night Club & Lounge prides itself on low-priced drinks, flair bartenders, theme nights and cocktail waitresses, according to employee Chris Bode. Open from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, the Vegas-style night club offers industry nights on Mondays, live acoustic performances on Tuesdays, "single? let's mingle," 10,000 watts cranked on the dance floor and no cover charge for women on Wednesdays, "1, 2, 3, Floor!" college nights with no cover charge upon presentation of student ID on Thursdays and live DJ performances on Fridays and Saturdays. Open for those 21 years and older, the club's website is www.myspace.com/slingersnightclub. The club is owned by Shawn Langford and Brian Williams.

* Jeep rated least expensive SUV to own: Reports about gas prices seem to dominate the headlines these days. On a daily basis we Americans seem to hear stories about the high price of gas, though the price per gallon continues to drop.

It's amazing when people are excited when gas costs "only" $3.45 a gallon. Guess it's a sign of the times.

For those who are in the market for a new vehicle with the best gas mileage, the Jeep Patriot could have your answer. Named by Edmunds.com as the least expensive sport utility vehicle to own, the vehicle's sales for 2008 have increased a whopping 119 percent compared to July 2007 year-to-date sales figures.

"In difficult periods like this, it is vital that we continue to evolve our products to exceed customers' needs, and Jeep Patriot does just that," said Chris Auffenberg of Auffenberg Chrysler Dodge Jeep at 611 S. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau.

* Jackson salon changes ownership: Christy Little­page of Audacious Hair has acquired ownership of Select-A-Style, 204 W. Washington St., Suite 1 in Jackson. The salon is now called Audacious Hair at Select-A-Style. Littlepage purchased the business from long-time Select-A-Style owner Emily Collins, who retired in June. The full-service salon offers waxes, manicures, hair styling, coloring and much more. Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, the salon takes appointments and walk-ins.

* Wellness center blends new treatment into spa package: Trisha Wischmann, owner and wholistic health practitioner at TLC Bed & Breakfast and Wellness Center, 203 S. Bellevue St. in Jackson, recently acquired a Bio Electric Field Enhancement unit. The treatment is designed to relieve pain and inflammation in the hips and legs.

A new spa wellness package has been developed and is currently being offered. This includes the foot bath, chair massage, stress-relieving techniques and an overnight stay at the spa's bed and breakfast. But for those looking for a little less, the spa also offers a variety of options designed to relieve stress.

* Cape Girardeau spa expands: Elements Salon & Spa, 2031 Cape LaCroix Road in Cape Girardeau, recently added a new business to their existing space. A 1,600-square-foot addition, the Boutique beauty center offers a plethora of items women may want. The Boutique offers three exclusive skincare lines, two cosmetic brands, candles, spa wear, bath and body products and most recently was given the entire line of SmashBox Cosmetics.

Owner Madra Jones said, "elements Boutique will continue to expand by bringing in coveted beauty products that are not otherwise found in this area."

* Tax firm renews lease: In about eight months, one of America's most dreaded days will arive — the deadline for filing one's tax return. At one time I was excited for that day to arrive, but my last two years in Nebraska turned what was once a celebratory day into a moment of agony.

While I never have used a tax service, millions of Americans elect to go this route each year. For those looking for such a company, many options are available in Southeast Missouri, including Jackson Hewitt which recently extended its lease with Blattner Brothers to five years. Area manager David W. Gantt said the decision was based on its "excellent" facilities and location at 364 S. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau.

When tax season arrives, Gantt said the service expands to the Cape Girardeau and Jackson Wal-Marts. In addition to assistance with tax filing, Jackson Hewitt also offers four-week tax preparation classes in September, October and November for the public.

Business reporter Brian Blackwell can be reached at 335-6611, extension 137, or bblackwell@semissourian.com.