Stories from Sunday, May 17, 1998

The world is a fast moving place these days. I bet those words could be said about almost any age, including today. One need only read the newspapers, watch television, or just be in conversation with co-workers or friends to know that things happen quickly...

25 years ago: 1973 Anita Kay Seabaugh is valedictorian and Thomas Robert Kirchner is salutatorian of Oak Ridge High School's 1973 senior class; they will be recognized at commencement ceremony Friday night in school gymnasium, at which 30 seniors will receive diplomas; 25 eighth grade pupils also will be graduated at program; guest speaker will be U.S. Rep. James W. Symington, D-St. Louis...

There are two pump stations for the 20 diffusers located throughout the lake. This year the department of conservation hopes to only use one pump per station to keep the lake from stratifying during the summer. The other pumps will remain idle, unless they are needed as a backup...

The Jackson U.S.A. Signal's series on the Civil War in Missouri as told by participants continues this week with a report from a Union officer. The report details Union actions in southern Missouri. Bernard Schaper of Jackson acquired these letters from the estate of Raymond McNeely who received them from State Rep. Lewis Simpson in the 1960s. Simpson had done research at the state archives in Jefferson City...

The Old Fair Grounds was a mile south of the Jackson courthouse. August Voshage was a Union soldier for Company D of the 12th MO Calvary. He related his side of the story of the battle in a letter to the editor in the Missouri Cash Book in 1906. The battle referred to in the letter occurred in Jackson April 9, 1862 at the old fairgrounds, that is where Russell Heights Cemetery is located...

To the editor: After Christmas, you may have read a letter from me thanking the community for supporting a program we, along with this newspaper, conducts each year for elderly people. I talked about a dear friend who had influenced not only me, but the community we live in: Dr. John Crowe. Today, without a holiday to prompt it, I am compelled to write another letter for as many to read as possible...

With today's pathetic campaign slogans and lackluster ideas that are prevalent in the political ads in the media, I've decided I'm going to run for office. Why have I decided this? Maybe it's because I'm tired of politicians telling me things like "I'm for families," or "vote for me because I rode around the state in the front seat of my dad's old car."...

Growing up in California, Al Robertson hated geography. "The worst class I had in high school was geography," he said. But years later, he changed his mind. He took a liking to geography so much so that he became a geography professor. Now 62 years old, Robertson is retiring after teaching for 36 years at Southeast Missouri State University...

Monday, May 18 7:30 p.m. Study session 5 p.m. Appearances -- Presentation of Proclamation for Public Works Week Consent ordinances -- An ordinance amending the City Code relating to qualifications of the Municipal Judge. -- An ordinance establishing the effective date of the recently approved amendments to the hotel-motel-restaurant license tax...

7:30 p.m. Monday City Hall Power and Light Committee -- Consider motion approving pay request # 2 to American Power Services Inc. in the amount of $71,900 for #8 engine radiator under the power plant water cooler repair and retubing contract. -- Consider a bill proposing an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign a depository agreement with the Bank of Missouri...

To the editor: The Riverfest Association was surprised to read Jeffrey Jackson's article regarding police costs going up for special events. It appears that Mr. Jackson left out some important comments, and we would like to add some of our own thoughts...

Missouri's state auditor, Margaret Kelly, has consistently fought to make sure taxpayers received every dime of refunds promised by the voter-approved Hancock Amendment, which caps the growth in state revenue. Kelly has filed lawsuits to obtain the legal opinions of the state's highest courts to guide the refund process. All the while, the attorney general's office has sided against the auditor's office, making for an interesting conflict between two elected state officeholders...

The decision to close the AmeriCorps office in Cape Girardeau may be, all by itself, the strongest indication that the program should never have been started in the first place. AmeriCorps is the brainchild of the Clinton administration. The program was touted as a way of instilling the values of volunteerism along with the opportunity to earn credit for college tuition. ...

SPEAKING OF Random Acts of Kindness, I would like to thank the lady who ran me down in the aisle at Kmart to tell me I had left my purse in the rest room. I really did appreciate that. I WOULD like to thank the music department of Jackson High School for a wonderful pops concert. ...

As anyone who can still remember when our state government in Jefferson City spent less than $1 billion a year, or when a more recent national recession forced agency budgets to be reduced and hospital beds eliminated, there is never-ceasing wonder at today's multibillion-dollar expenditures for important services provided to Missourians...

To the editor: Congratulations to Kansas Gov. Bill Graves for signing into law a bill that not only bans most late-term abortions and partial-birth abortions, but also abortions of viable unborn children with severe abnormalities. The governor said the issue was too serious to be driven by politics...

Frank Hollis, Tacuma Smith, Jerome Carr and Kourtney Wiggins made a pledge after they traveled to Washington D.C. in 1995 to attend the Million Man March. The four men pledged to dedicate themselves to improving the black community where they live in Cairo, Ill. They made plans to take on more responsibilities, clean up their neighborhoods, and help others improve their lifestyles...

It was standing room only at the Show Me Center Saturday as degrees were conferred on 921 graduates of Southeast Missouri State University. Friends and family of the graduates filled every available seat. Some found seats on the steps and in the aisles...

Joy Thornberry is holding out for "just the right job." Candace Hart has a number of employment offers, but she's still "holding out." Christine Herman isn't in the job market yet. She's headed to law school. Thornberry, Hart and Herman were among the more than 900 Southeast Missouri State University graduates who crowded into the Show Me Center Saturday for commencement exercises...

For Southeast Missouri's Republican lawmakers, the just-ended legislative session was a mixed bag. But for Democrats like Rep. Larry Thomason of Kennett, the session was a good one. "I am really, really ecstatic about this session," said Thomason, who is retiring after 10 years in the House...

FRUITLAND -- When Ashley Mirly arrived early for school a few weeks ago, the fourth-grader decided to do something nice for teacher Pat McClard. "I was helping out in the classroom for Mrs. McClard, dusting the shelves and stuff," Ashley explained. She got caught. Her name was written on a paper star and placed in the Star Jar at North Elementary School...

I have a college degree. I've talked to governors and even a spark-plug collector. But nothing could have prepared me for Play Day '98. If you're a student at Alma Schrader Elementary School, nothing compares to Play Day. Play Day has all the feel of a carnival but without the cotton candy...

JACKSON -- Cape Central's boys and girls track teams were both shooting for their fifth consecutive Class 4A, District 1 titles Saturday under a sunny sky at Jackson's Junior High track. The Lady Tigers left little doubt about who would claim the girls title, totaling 137 points to easily outscore runner-up Poplar Bluff with 99 points...

The performance of Southeast Missouri State University's Indians this spring no doubt has allowed area fans to catch some baseball fever. Which should make for a smooth transition later this week when yet another high-flying local baseball team takes to the Capaha Field diamond...

Kyle Yount and Charlie Marino have been two of Southeast Missouri State University's best and most consistent baseball players this season. So it was perhaps only fitting that they shared MVP honors of the NCAA play-in series held Friday and Saturday at Capaha Field...

Southern put up a strong challenge, but there was simply no denying Southeast Missouri State University's baseball Indians in their quest to pull off a feat that no other men's athletic team in school history had ever accomplished. Breaking open a close game over the final three innings, the Indians knocked off the Jaguars 10-3 Saturday afternoon in front of more than 1,000 fans on another summer-like day at Capaha Field...

BENTON -- Kelly High's track and field program enjoyed a stellar day Saturday as the school hosted the Class 2A, District 1 Meet. The Kelly girls and boys both captured district titles, with the girls qualifying 11 competitors for the state meet and the boys qualifying seven for state...

The 1998 University of Missouri Tiger Caravan will be in Cape Girardeau June 4 at the Drury Lodge. Head football coach Larry Smith will lead a Mizzou delegation that will include interim athletic director Gene McArtor and alumni association executive director Todd Coleman. Mike Kelly, the radio voice of MU sports, will be the master of ceremonies for the evening...

The Southeast Missouri State University's Alumni Association of Business Professionals will hold its 6th Annual Four-Person Scramble June 5 at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson. A lunch will precede the 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Entry fee is $60 per person and includes green fees, cart and lunch. The entry fee is $30 for students currently enrolled as a College of Business Student at Southeast...

The First Annual Parks Development Foundation Men's Individual Tournament will be held July 18-19 at Cape Jaycees Municipal Golf Course. The 36-hole event will be pre-flighted. Entry fee is $60. Cash prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 334-2031...

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department will host its 8th Annual Junior Outdoor Tennis Tournament June 20 at Arena Park's and Cape Central's courts. Participants should be at the Arena Park courts at 8 a.m. and play will begin shortly after that. The tournament is open for youths ages 10-18. There will be singles and doubles play...

The 1998 Scott City Running' Ram Basketball Camp will be held May 26-29. A session for boys entering grades 3-6 will be held from 8-10 a.m. daily while a session for boys entering grades 7-9 will be held from 10 a.m.-noon daily. Campers will receive instructions from the Scott City coaching staff and players. There will be a variety of drills as well as five-on-five play each day...

The Chaffee Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the third annual Tywappity Trails 5K Run and Fitness Walk at 9 a.m. June 6. Proceeds from the event will go toward a scholarship to be awarded to a Chaffee High School graduate. The event will be staged by the Cape Girardeau Road Runners Club...

The sixth annual Jim Belknap/Friends of St. Francis Junior Golf Classic will be held June 8-9 at Bent Creek Golf Club in Jackson. Boys and girls ages 10-12 will play nine holes each day while boys and girls ages 13-18 will play 18 holes each day. Entry blanks for the event are available at the Bent Creek pro shop; First Community Banks in Poplar Bluff, Malden, Bernie and Campbell; the West Park Mall office; and the foundation office at Saint Francis Medical Center...

The American Heart Association will hold a four-person scramble golf tournament June 12 at Bent Creek Golf Club in Jackson. There will be a shotgun start at 1 p.m. and the entry fee is $75. For more information, call the American Heart Association office at 335-3240 or Rob Janet at 243-3193...

Cape Jaycees Municipal Golf Course will host its Sixth Annual Four-Person Scramble June 20. The tournament will begin with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Entry fee is $120 per team. Cash prizes will be awarded. For more information, call 334-2031.

What do you think of when someone mentions the Mississippi River? Do you think of a wide, pristine, shallow river, with numerous side channels, oxbows, and islands that support an abundant, diverse fish community? Probably not. How about a large channelized, heavily polluted river with only a few hardy fish? Hopefully not...

Last season, the Kelly Hawks came out of nowhere to claim the Class 2A, District 2 baseball tournament and advance to the state final four. That same scenario could happen again this year with any number of teams in what looks to be the most evenly-matched district field in the area...

Sikeston's baseball team went undefeated in the SEMO Conference this season and will be attempting to continue that string of dominance against most of the same teams as the Bulldogs host the Class 4A, District 1 tournament starting Monday. Sikeston, ranked 10th in the 4A coaches poll with a 15-3 record, received a bye to the semifinals along with second-seed Cape Central and third-seed Poplar Bluff. Monday's only first-round game will pit No. 4 Jackson against No. 5 Farmington at 4 p.m...

DIEHLSTADT -- Dorsey Duncan, 73, of Cedar Hill, formerly of Diehlstadt, died Friday, May 15, 1998, at Cedar Health Care Center. He was born Aug. 21, 1924, in Steele and had lived in Diehlstadt most of his life. He was a self-employed carpenter. On Nov. 20, 1948, he married Lennie Allen. She died Aug. 4, 1992...

Ernest "Butch" Mason Jr., 51, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, May 15, 1998. He was born Nov. 8, 1946, in Cape Girardeau, son of Ernest Vernon and Hattie May Morris Mason. He married Barbara Terry on Nov. 8, 1965, at Jackson. She survives. He was employed as a union carpenter...

ST. MARY -- Nina R. Parres, 74, of St. Mary died Friday, May 15, 1998, at her home. She was born Sept. 6, 1923, in Perry County, daughter of Andrew and Edith Cissell Kohm. She married Fred J. Parres. He died Jan. 11, 1988. She is survived by a son, Robert Parres of Lake St. Louis; a brother, Andrew Kohm Jr. of Jefferson City; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren...

Septa Allie (Crockett) Grugan, 99, of 2525 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, died Friday, May 15, 1998, at Heartland Care Rehab Center. She was born Feb. 6, 1899, in Stoddard County, Mo., daughter of Marion Crocket and Elisabeth Jane Lewis Crocket. She married Milwood J. Grugan. He preceded her in death in October 1946...

JACKSON -- Henry H. Sappington, 72, of Jackson died Friday, May 15, 1998. He was born June 26, 1925, at Detroit, Mich., son of Henry and Blanch Greer Sappington. He married the former Marie Rodery on June 14, 1948. She survives. He was manager of the International Harvester dealership at Poplar Bluff from 1948 to 1955 and moved to Jackson in 1955, where he founded the H & S Equipment Co. ...

GRAND TOWER, Ill. -- Deloris "Dee" Burchyett, 62, of Grand Tower, died Friday, May 15, 1998, at her residence. She was born Feb. 18, 1936, at Thebes, daughter of Marion V. and Senie Morris Craig. She married Don Burchyett Aug. 7, 1953, at McClure. He survives...

ANNA, Ill. -- Dennis Junior Harris, 67, of rural Anna died Friday, May 15, 1998, at Union County Nursing Home in Anna. He was born April 20, 1931, in Union County, Ill., son of Dennis T. and Gladys Jackson Harris. He was married to Loretta Clayton. He was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church of Cobden. ...

ADVANCE -- Imogene West, 64, of Zalma died Friday, May 15, 1998, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born at Gipsy, Jan. 14, 1924, daughter of Herbert R. Rice and Irene Elizabeth Meador Rice. She married Tommy West on Aug. 2, 1952, at Piggott, Ark. He died March 17, 1992...

Daughter to Perry and Rhonda Sheeley of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 2:39 a.m. Monday, May 4, 1998. Name, Megan Lynn. Weight, 5 pounds 15 ounces. First child. Mrs. Sheeley is the former Rhonda Tucker, daughter of Danny and Estelle Barks of Dexter. Mr. and Mrs. Sheeley are employed at Ensign-Bickford. He is the son of Don and Leeada Sheeley of Chaffee...

ST. LOUIS -- Ethel M. Trendle of St. Louis, formerly of the Advance and Zalma area, died Thursday, May 14, 1998, in St. Louis. She married Fred Trendle. He preceded her in death. She is survived by a brother, Earl Fish of Advance, and four sisters, Thelma Morgan, Kathleen Cato, Beulah Younger and Eula Schmidt, all of the Advance and Zalma area...

David Wayne Merritt Jr., 6, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, May 14, 1998, at Southeast Missouri Hospital of injuries sustained in an automobile accident earlier that day. He was born May 28, 1991, in Carbondale, Ill., son of David Wayne Merritt of East Cape Girardeau, Ill., and JoAnn Harrison of Cape Girardeau. He was a first-grade student at a Cape Girardeau elementary school...

With a smile on her face and a mission in her heart, Mary Ann Pensel of Cape Girardeau embraces service. For 30 years, she taught secondary students in Scott City, Jackson, Bloomfield, Perryville and Cape Girardeau. For the last 17 years of her career, she ran the commercial foods program at the Cape Girardeau Area Vocational-Technical School, directing students and the mini-restaurant...

Last week, Carolyn Barks in Cape Girardeau City's planning department has treated her co-workers to homemade treats every day. Barks hopes to say thank you for nine weeks of kindness she received this spring. Barks is recuperating from a serious broken leg. People in her office volunteered assistance every day for the entire nine weeks. "You know, I never would have asked for help," Barks said...

Good neighbors Debbie Feiner of Jackson wants to thank her neighbors, Norman and Doris Birk, for dog sitting when they go out of town. The Birks have been doing this off and on for years. The Feiners say they couldn't have their dog, Cocoa, without the Birks...

When the school day ends for Dusty McDowell, his work is just beginning. McDowell, a student at Central Junior High School, has volunteered hundreds of hours after school and in the summer for the American Red Cross. Since July 1995, he has worked 500 hours of volunteer service...

Jean Bell Mosley's new autobiography, "For Most of the Century," is only available in serialized form in the Southeast Missourian. Return each week for her continuing story. Just as in my high school days when we were more interested in the basketball games than in current worldwide events, so in the 1950s the local happenings, particularly Stephen's basketball games, claimed our immediate attention rather than the world affairs, especially those going on half a world away in Southeast Asia...