Stories from Wednesday, May 28, 1997

A single door stands between the imagination of a child and the world where unicorns fly, dinosaurs roam prehistoric lands and princes and princesses live happily ever after. The key that unlocks the door is a book. "Open Doors to Fun, Facts and Fantasy" is the theme for this year's summer reading program at Jackson Riverside Regional Library...

A committee at Southeast Missouri State University has embraced a foolproof politically correct mascot: the sun in the sky. If the committee's recommendation is adopted, gone will be the war-beat pep song. Gone will be any caricatures of Indians on T-shirts or mugs. And heaven forbid any war paint or tomahawk chops at the games...

The MID-AMERICA TEEN CHALLENGE TRAINING CENTER is impressive not because of its facilities ... but because of its people ... and their attitude. If one wanted to see what a Christian oasis would be like, this would be one of the places to visit. I visited the facility last weekend during the annual strawberry festival. ...

Millions of Americans are laboring under the impression their state and federal governments are engaged in massive reform programs that will produce such amazing results as (a) lower taxes, (b) less bureaucracy and (c) improved services to targeted groups of citizens...

Between the 1980 and 1990 censuses, the population of Cape Girardeau barely changed, rising by only 114 people. Since then, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and local officials, its population has grown significantly. In 1990, the Census Bureau listed Cape Girardeau's population as 34,475. The Census Bureau's last published estimate of Cape Girardeau's population came out in December 1995...

When, if ever, should the city of Cape Girardeau allow mobile homes outside of mobile home parks? The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a special study session on that subject at 5 p.m. today in the city council chambers. Two weeks ago the commission voted against allowing George and Lora Lee Eaker to put a double-wide mobile home on land they own on Vincent Park Drive. Last year the city council turned down an application for a mobile home on Cape Rock Drive...

According to a Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce-sponsored report, there are several positives but few trends in the quality of public education in the city. The Quality of Life (QOL) Indicators for Progress report explores trends from 1990-1995 in eight different aspects of life in Cape Girardeau. The QOL committee examined indicators in the areas of education, economics, public safety, natural environment, health, social environment, government and politics, and culture and recreation...

Winds that reached near-tornado speed Monday ripped through a section of Stoddard County, downing power lines and trees and damaging roofs. Initial reports indicated a tornado moved through around 3:30 p.m. when the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the area. But Bill Pippins, Stoddard County Emergency Management director, said the damage was not consistent with a tornado...

JACKSON -- There are no beaches or waves, but a new city web site makes it easy to surf to Jackson on the Internet. On Sunday, city officials will officially anounce the completon of the www.Jacksonmo.com web site. The site has been in use since April 30 and is nearing 100 pages of information on the city from government to social organizations. In fact the site has already recorded more than 650 internet visitors...

JACKSON -- Union Planters bank at 101 W. Main in Jackson was closed Tuesday. "But, we hope to be open again Wednesday afternoon," said Brenda Proffer, branch manager. The bank has been without power since Sunday, when "something happened to the circuit breaker," said Proffer...

The Southeast Missourian asked students at North Elementary School about leaving school for the summer. Danny Bono: "I won't be able to talk to my friends all summer, because I live far from them. I'll go swimming a lot and play baseball and soccer."...

JACKSON -- Jackson public school administrators may find recruitment and retainment easier next fall, thanks to a new salary schedule approved by the Board of Education Tuesday. Board members voted to increase the base salary for teachers with a bachelor's degree and one year of experience in the district from $20,665 to $22,000 and to increase other salaries proportionately based upon a set formula. ...

The Cape Girardeau Salvation Army invites anyone to enjoy a hot, nutritious meal in a cool, friendly atmosphere at no cost every month. And most don't refuse the Army's Meals with Friends program, which has given food and friendship for over 10 years...

Construction of new sewers will disrupt traffic on Broadway for about three weeks. Since Tuesday at 4 p.m., the eastbound lane of Broadway from Henderson to Harmony has been closed. Traffic is being diverted south on Henderson to Harmony and east on Harmony to Broadway, said Cpl. David Sanders of the Cape Girardeau Polic Department...

SCOTT CITY -- Lee A. "Joe" Nabors has been installed as postmaster at the Scott City Post Office. Nabors, of Sikeston, was sworn in Tuesday by Frank King of Poplar Bluff, district manager of Post Office operations for zip codes 636, 637, 638, 639, which cover a number of Southeast Missouri areas, including Farmington, Cape Girardeau, Scott City and Poplar Bluff...

The search for a new head men's basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State University is apparently moving fast -- just like school officials had originally promised. Southeast released a statement Tuesday indicating that the field of candidates will be narrowed to several finalists by early next week...

Although the opponents had already pretty much been set, Southeast Missouri State University officially released its 1997 football schedule Tuesday. The slate will feature seven home games, with the Indians hitting the road only four times. Non-conference home opponents will be NAIA foe Lambuth and Gateway Conference teams Illinois State and Southern Illinois...

Led by Laura Lukens and several other impressive athletes, Cape Girardeau Central High's girls track team hopes to make quite an impact during this weekend's Class 4A State Championships in Jefferson City. Central's boys also will be looking for their share of success while Jackson will have two entries in the girls division when competition is held Friday and Saturday at Lincoln University's Dwight T. Reed Stadium...

Cape Girardeau will be the site of three baseball camps starting in the next several days. --A Player-Parent-Coach Hitting Seminar (ages 9-18), set for Sunday at Cape Central High, will feature former major-league player and manager Jim Lefebvre. Cost is $15...

Gayle Gorham of Jackson shot a hole-in-one during a recent mixed scramble tournament at the Caruthersville Country Club. Gorham, playing with her husband Pat, aced the No. 6, par 3 hole that covers 133 yards.

SIKESTON -- Charley Bridger, 90, of Sikeston died Monday, May 26, 1997, at his home. He was born Sept. 1, 1906, in Bells, Tenn., son of Hardy and Callie Acuff Bridger. He and Gladys Cutter were married Jan. 31, 1928. Bridger was a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife; two sons, William Bridger of Fresno, Calif., Vernon Bridger of New man, Calif.; two daughters, Alma Chism of Deming, N.M., Marjorie Trammel of Fresno; a brother, Ack Bridger of North Branch, Mich.; 19 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.. ...

SIKESTON -- A.B. "Sarge" Ledbetter, 67, of Sikeston died Monday, May 26, 1997, at his home. He was born Oct. 22, 1929, in Pulaski, Ill., son of Revis and Mary Doane Ledbetter. He and Shannen Miller were married Sept. 10, 1949. Ledbetter was retired from the U.S. Army, and pastor at Salcedo Baptist Church. He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans...

PARMA -- Funeral service for John Marvin Morley of Parma will be held at 10 a.m. today at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Parma, with the Rev. Darren Baker officiating. Burial will be in Bernie Cemetery at Bernie. Morley, 82, died Sunday, May 25, 1997, at Dexter Memorial Hospital in Dexter...

Funeral service for Oscar Burette "Cookie" Cook, 717 N. Sprigg, will be held at 2:30 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel. The Revs. Mark Anderson and S.S. Borum will officiate, with burial in Lorimier Cemetery. Cook, 93, died Monday, May 26, 1997, at Ratliff Care Center...

SIKESTON -- Graveside service for DeLonny Jo Graham of Sikeston was held Tuesday at Essex Cemetery in Essex. Watkins and Sons Funeral Home at Dexter was in charge of arrangements. Graham, 28, died Friday, May 23, 1997, near Morehouse. She was born Sept. 23, 1968, in Woodstock, Ill., daughter of Lonnie and Rickie Nicholas Goodman. She and Tom Graham were married Sept. 23, 1985...

Patsy Ressel, 72, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday May 27, 1997, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Funeral arrangements are incomplete with Ford & Sons Funeral Home Mount Auburn Chapel.

Ollie Mae "Mrs. Sweet" Lee, 87, of 304 Mill St., died Sunday, May 25, 1997, at St. Frances Medical Center. She was born Jan. 10, 1910, in Marianna, Ark., to Sam and Viola Hensley. She was a domestic worker. She belonged to St. James A.M.E. Church where she was a member of the usher board. She also was a member of the Golden Age Senior Citizens Club...

SIKESTON -- Funeral service for Rose Marie Johnson, Sikeston Route 3, will be held at 2 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Larry Davis will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Johnson, 50, died Monday, May 26, 1997, at her home...

JACKSON -- Robert J. Morton, 63, of Jackson died Sunday, May 25, 1997, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born July 10, 1933, at Fruitland, son of Clarence P. and Dorothy Webb Morton. He and Mary Ella McDowell were married Aug. 6, 1954...

Son to Kent Adam and Staci Lynn Noyes, 342 Hillview, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 10:46 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 1997. Name, Brendon Wade. Weight, 8 pounds 14 ounces. Second son. Mrs. Noyes is the former Staci Pulley, daughter of Terry and Becki Pulley of St. Louis. Noyes is the son of Robert and Carlene Noyes of Bloomfield. He is manager of Computer Support Services and is employed at Health Services Corp. of America...

SIKESTON -- Sgt. George W.C. Harris, 51, of Sikeston died Sunday, May 25, 1997, at his home, following an extended illness. He was born July 24, 1945, at Charleston, son of A.J. and Josie M. Keys Harris. He and Carolyn Griffin were married in 1977. Harris was a 1964 graduate of Lincoln High School in Charleston, and served in the U.S. Navy...

CHICAGO -- Josie M. Harris, 84, of Chicago, formerly of Charleston, died Monday, May 26, 1997, at Jackson Park Hospital in Chicago. She was born Oct. 8, 1912 in Brookhaven, Miss., the daughter of Harry and Amanda Keys. She was a member of Mercy Seat Baptist Church in Charleston, where she served on the Mother's Board and the choir...

Funeral service for Kathryn "Kat" Strain of Gilbertsville, Ky., will be held at 10 a.m. today at Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel. Dr. Larry Gallamore will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park. Friends may call at the chapel from 8 a.m. to service time...

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Russell Brown, 70, of Jonesboro died Monday, May 26, 1997, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He was born Dec. 18, 1926, in Jonesboro, son of Oscar Ernest and Augusta Dora Grabow Brown. Brown was a retired farmer. He was a member of Ware United Methodist Church and Farm Bureau. He was a veteran of World War II...

ANNA, Ill. -- Lucille Turkington, 81, of Indianapolis, Ind., died Monday, May 26, 1997, at Robin Run Retirement Center in Indianapolis. She was born Aug. 20, 1915, in Anna, daughter of Robert and Hattie Edwards Boyd. She married Ray Turkington, who died Sept. 9, 1967...

Joan Baez, Mimi Farina, Tim Hardin and Taj Mahal were among the performers who emerged from the Boston-Cambridge folk music scene in the '50s and '60s, names that even non-aficionados know through the popularity of their music. But to aficionados, the name Bill Staines belongs right in the middle of that list...

Although "Roseville Fair" has been associated with the Minneapolis suburb of Roseville because of the Garrison Keillor connection, the name simply came to songwriter Bill Staines while he was writing the song in 1977. "I was in Minneapolis but the song evolved in many ways," he says...

An information booth for the american Cancer Society's Relay for Life event will be set up at West Park Mall 1-4 p.m. Sunday to inform the public of the activities planned for this event which will be held Saturday, June 28, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Show Me Center's Recreation Center and is a celebration against cancer...

If you were asked to name the quintessential dish of Italy, you'd probably reply "pasta," and you wouldn't be wrong. But you wouldn't be completely right either, for in Northern Italy the classic rice dish, risotto, dominates. Risotto is made with Italian short-grain rice, known as arborio rice, which, because it has a high starch content and is good at soaking up flavors and liquid, produces a wonderfully creamy dish sometimes referred to by Italians as the "porridge of the gods."...

Starting salaries for teachers in Cape Girardeau public schools make recruitment and retention difficult for district administrators. The average salary for Cape Girardeau public school teachers in 1995-96 was $27,986, more than $4,300 below the state average and nearly $9,900 below the national average. School administrators said these numbers make it difficult to recruit and retain quality teachers...

The 1990s have been filled with educational highs and lows in Cape Girardeau, and more movement is in the forecast for the future. The Quality of Life Indicators for Progress report explored trends in the Cape Girardeau public school and university systems from 1990-1995 in educational areas such as enrollment, graduation rates, expenditures per student, standardized test scores, teachers' salaries and continued education...