Stories from Friday, December 18, 1998

To the editor: In response to Jeffrey Jackson's Dec. 14 column, I'd like to share the true meaning of "The 12 Days of Christmas," which just happens to overflow in rich symbolism of Christianity. Yes, our society has secularized much of Christmas, but please take time to absorb the true meaning of a carol calling us to celebrate Christ's true love to each of us...

Mirth and merriment abound as we approach the holiday season. These festivities will include gatherings for celebration, and this often involves many people, food, drink, fancy clothing, candles, lighted decorations and warm crackling fire in the fireplace. ...

The Logitech Marble Mouse has a trackball, developed to respond to finger tracing rather than relying on the dragging movement that accompanies most mousework. Typing may soon become obsolete with computer programs that respond to the spoken word like Dragon Naturally Speaking Standard, which sells for $109.99...

I WOULD like to see the results of a nationwide poll of those newspapers and magazines which had stated an early opinion that either (a) President Clinton should leave office (either by resignation or impeachment) or (b) President Clinton should remain in office. ...

The next time you hear Republicans being blamed for favoring the rich whenever changes are made in the way we pay taxes, just remember a couple of things: -- As the result of the changes that go into effect with 1998 tax returns, some 48 million Americans required to file tax returns -- approximately a third of all U.S. taxpayers -- will pay nothing...

Nothing takes the joy out of the holiday season quite like having our Christmas decorations stolen from our yards or houses. These decorations represent our view of the holiday. Some decorations are plain and sedate. Others are elaborate and riotous. Either way, they express a special feeling about this special season...

To the editor: In response to growing concerns over health and environmental risks posed by hazardous waste, Congress enacted federal laws to deal with the dangers posed by hazardous-waste sites. Congress gave the Environmental Protection Agency the task of protecting this country's people and the environment and returning our lands to productive use...

Proponents of getting Cape Girardeau recognized as an official Main Street Town hope to get organized in January. The Main Street Program, which is administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, is intended to assist communities in downtown revitalization efforts...

With eight days left to Christmas, the Cape Girardeau Salvation Army has asked the public to support its annual Tree of Lights campaign. The campaign has collected $115,000 so far, well under its $200,000 goal. The contributions to the kettles are down by $8,000 this year, Gauthier said...

WARE, Ill. -- It was just another spectacular day across much of the nation -- unseasonably mild, a few showers here and there, barely freezing temperatures in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Memphis and Cape Girardeau. This is not a forecast Canada goose hunters in Southern Illinois and Southeast Missouri want to hear...

Here's the answer: When you reach a certain age, there are still 24 hours in a day. But you forget most of their names. Finally, all the Christmas decorations are up at our house. If I sound a little exasperated, it's because someone my age starts to find simple chores are getting harder...

Cape Girardeau police announced Thursday that sobriety checkpoints will be set up this weekend. December has been designated National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3-D) Prevention Month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Focus of the program is to save lives by eliminating impaired drivers from roadways...

In a matter of just two weeks, Cape Central wrestling coach Drew Lilledahl has gone from fielding his worst wrestling lineup in his three-year tenure, to putting out what he feels is his best. The immediate improvement couldn't have come at a better time, considering the 24th annual Tiger Classic wrestling tournament is slated for today and Saturday. First-round matches will begin at 6 tonight at the Tiger Field House...

It took Cape Central about 26 minutes to finally tie the game, but only eight seconds to lose it. Poplar Bluff senior Emily Wyatt banked in a 12-footer with 3 seconds left as the No. 2 Lady Mules escaped with a 46-44 win over No. 3 Cape Central in a semifinal game of the HealthSouth Holiday Classic at the Show-Me Center...

This sequel was a dud. Jackson High's girls basketball team dropped a cliff-hanger to Notre Dame last season in the HealthSouth Holiday Classic, but Wednesday the Lady Indians were no longer living on the edge. In efficient and unsuspenseful fashion, Jackson blasted Notre Dame 57-34 in a semifinal game...

MARBLE HILL -- Jodi Pfefferkorn netted a game-high 18 points and Kate Nolen added 15 as Chaffee won on the road, a 54-49 triumph over Woodland. The two teams were tied 38-38 entering the fourth quarter and the Lady Red Devils won out with a 16-11 scoring edge over the final eight minutes...

Southeast Missouri State University pitcher Ryan Spille has been named a preseason second-team All-American by Collegiate Baseball. Spille, a 6-foot-6 left-hander, was named to the publication's third team last year after being named the OVC Pitcher of the Year. He finished the 1998 season with an 11-2 record and a 2.72 ERA...

Son to Timothy James and Delena Michele Morrison of Scott City, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 12:48 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1998. Name, Andrew James. Weight, 8 pounds 15 ounces. Second child, first son. Mrs. Morrison is the former Delena Evans, daughter of Dixie Wunderlich of Scott City and Mike Evans of Kennett. Morrison is the son of Sandra Morrison of Cape Girardeau and Jim Morrison of Chino Valley, Ariz. He is employed at Huddle House Restaurant...

WHITEWATER -- Edna Dona Wendel, 87, of Whitewater died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1998, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born Aug. 7, 1911, at Allenville, daughter of Emory D. and Amelia Blumenberg Cook. She and Joseph W. Wendel were married Aug. 11, 1932. He died Oct. 27, 1991...

SIKESTON -- Funeral for Estelee Ward of Sikeston will be held at 2 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home. The Rev. Robert Medlock will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Ward, 79, died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1998, at Missouri Delta Medical Center...

MALDEN -- Funeral for August Freeman Lape of Malden will be held at 2 p.m. today at Bradshaw Funeral Chapel in Malden. The Rev. Dick Murray will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park at Malden. Lape, 85, died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1998, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau...

EAST PRAIRIE -- Mildred Fredonia McCarver, 81, of East Prairie died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1998, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born Nov. 26, 1917, at Big Sandy, Tenn., daughter of Joseph N. and Delia Herrin Bain. She and Paul S. McCarver were married July 14, 1935. He died July 25, 1995...