Stories from Sunday, August 13, 2000

While Joyce Kilmer could not imagine a poem as lovely as a tree, Joe Sherinski cannot imagine anything more frustrating or sad than a tree killed by the process of "topping." Topping is the drastic removal or cutting back of large branches in mature trees, leaving large, open wounds, which subject the tree to disease and decay...

What exactly put the idea in my mind, I'll never know. I just remember the desire to see what it felt like to walk barefoot over the short gravel path behind our home, when I was about 6. Somehow I instinctively knew what my mom's reaction would be, so I very clandestinely slipped off my shoes and socks one day and walked across it. It felt painful, but not to an extent that couldn't be dealt with. It also seemed to bring many senses to life...

August Birk is a skilled artisan with the chainsaw. Instead of a tragedy, Joe Sherinski expects to see the stump of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce's departed pin oak turned into a triumph. The victim of bad pruning, the 70-year-old pin oak, which died during the past year, is being turned into a piece of civic art by renowned chain saw artist August Birk...

The city of Jackson had a request. I had a dilemma. The city of Jackson came to the First Presbyterian Church with a reasonable request. Due to the loss of parking spots in downtown Jackson, the city requested permission to use the parking lot of the church for general public parking through the week during normal business hours...

New Adult titles in the main Jackson facility of the Riverside Regional Library include Tai Chi for Body, Mind & Spirit by Eric Chaline, The Big Book of Cartooning by Bruce Blitz and McNally's Folly by Vincent Lardo. New Audio/Visual items include The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger, The Brethren by John Grisham, PACE: People With Arthritis Can Exercise, 1, 2 and 3, Antiques Roadshow: Best of, Collectible Treasures and Home Furnishings, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, My Dog Skip and The Sixth Sense; Periodical: Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion.. ...

Missouri state Representative David Schwab has received a 100 percent pro-business voting record for 1999 and 2000, as compiled by the Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM) and Missouri Business United. The rating is based on votes on job creation and economic growth. Each year the two organizations analyze votes on important issues in the Missouri General Assembly. These votes are then used to compute a percentage grade for each legislator...

Residents of Jackson made a giant step toward a cure for cancer on Aug. 4-5, when they walked throughout the night during Relay for Life, the signature event of the American Cancer Society. More than 10 teams and 150 people came together during this year's Relay to raise in excess of $15,000. ...

Dr. R.T. Henderson residence: On the corner of Mary and N. High streets, Dr. Robert T. Henderson's fine Queen Anne home has stood regally for over a century. Dr. G.S. Henderson home: This Victorian beauty at the corner of Mary and Missouri streets was home to one-time national chess champion Dr. George S. Henderson. Jackson USA Photo/Mark Evans...

Teachers representing diverse demographic areas, languages, and institutions throughout Missouri received a week of intensive training in Missouri State Foreign Language Standards on the University of Missouri Columbia campus in late July. Donna Ellis, Spanish teacher froom Jackson High School, was shown how the Missouri Foreign Language document aligns with the National Standards for Foreign Language learning and the Missouri Show-Me Standards. ...

There to serve: Student workers had answers to fellow students' questions during student registration last week at JHS. Familiar faces: Office personnel were also on hand to help usher students through the registration process last week. Yearbook photos were also being paid for and taken during the registration process at JHS...

JACKSON, Mo. -- A current trend in urban design is an approach called "walkable communities." It means building and redesigning cities that make it easier for people to walk or bicycle -- in short, making cities more people friendly. In this philosophy, sidewalks are viewed as one key ingredient...

GRAPHCI -- AREA DEMOCRATIC DELEGATES There is a first time for everything, even at the age of 80. Just ask Mary Blackiston of Cape Girardeau. The 80-year-old woman is scheduled to attend her first Democratic National Convention this week in Los Angeles, Calif. The convention begins Monday and runs through Thursday...

A committee of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce wants to see five lanes for traffic on Mount Auburn Road from William Street to North Kingshighway. Although the city has limited improvements in the works, there are no immediate plans to widen the road and add a center turn lane...

Cape Central players Lance West, left, Brad Neels, center, and Justin Wells laughed as their mothers tried to complete a football play during the Moms' Football Clinic at Cape Central High School. The enormous popularity of football clinics for women gives credence to the theory espoused by everyone from high school coaches to National Football League owners: It's time to get women more involved in the game that takes a major chunk of time out of their sons' and husbands' lives...

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents will consider awarding architectural and construction management contracts for the River Campus arts school project when it meets Tuesday. The regents are expected to approve a contract with Sverdrup/CRSS of St. Louis for architectural and engineering services, and a contract with BSI Inc. of St. Louis for construction management services...

There's nothing like do-it-yourself projects. Americans love those fix-up-the-home projects. Our nation was founded on the principle that we could make a lot better tea than the British and make our own home repairs without help from King George III...

Southeast Missouri State University's football team held its annual media day Wednesday. It's a rite of summer for virtually every college grid program -- large or small -- across the country. As is always the case, optimism abounds at these affairs, even for teams coming off bad seasons. The primary reason for this is obvious -- right now, every squad in America is undefeated. And until the reality of some losses sets in, most teams genuinely think they're going to be good...

Southeast Missouri State University women's soccer coach Heather Nelson was not all that concerned about the score of her team's exhibition game Saturday night. Even though the Otahkians suffered a 6-2 loss to the Busch Soccer Club from St. Louis in front of more than 400 fans at Houck Stadium, Nelson figures they'll benefit greatly from the experience...

Blake Esicar of Cape Girardeau recorded his first career hole-in-one Saturday at Kimbeland Country Club. Esicar used a 7-iron to ace No. 6, a 169-yard par 3. Witnesses to the shot were Bill Vickery, Kenny Kirk and Dick Davis.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Cape Girardeau Central High School swimmer Erin Vogt wrapped up her first experience at the United States Olympic Swimming Trials Saturday by failing to advance out of the preliminaries in the 200-meter butterfly. Earlier in the week, Vogt was eliminated in the preliminaries of the 400-meter individual medley and 200-meter individual medley...

Most anglers don't regard the dog days of August as prime fishing time. Day after day of bright sunshine, sky-high temperatures and smothering humidity reduce the enthusiasm of fish and fishers, alike. In fact, serious anglers often resort to late evening and night fishing when fish are often most active. What many do not realize, however, is that good fishing awaits in many Southeast Missouri streams...

The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is investigating an early-morning fire that caused extensive damage to the exterior of a school building Saturday. Police arrived at G Building, which houses adult education classes at Sikeston High School, to find visible flames and heavy smoke coming from the back of the building. ...

Two early-morning accidents that occurred in Southern Illinois Saturday resulted in three deaths and one arrest. The accidents, which occurred in Alexander and Pulaski counties, were handled by the Illinois State Police. Jimmy C. Mims, 22, and Courtney Phillips, 21, both of Olive Branch, Ill., were killed in an accident that occurred on Ill. ...

Mary Valentine Butrum, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at St. Francis Medical Center. She was born Feb. 14, 1919, at Keokuk, Iowa, daughter of Alfred M. and Viola Lee Raft Morris. She was married to Alfred Butrum. He preceded her in death...

DUDLEY, Mo. -- Leslie Lee Minyard, 83, of Dudley died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at Lucy Lee Hospital at Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was born June 11, 1917, at Dyersburg, Tenn., daughter of Homer and Mattie George Dildine. She and John Minyard were married Oct. 23, 1937, at Dell, Ark. He died Dec. 24, 1980...

ANNA, Ill. -- Anne B. Rindo, 73, of Anna died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at Memorial Hospital at Carbondale, Ill. She was born Feb. 24, 1927, at Birmingham, Ala., daughter of Richard W. and Ozella Robertson Bush. She and Stephen J. Rindo were married May 24, 1957, at Ypsilanti, Mich...

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Opal Ann Curl, 98, of Marietta, formerly of Union County, Ill., died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2000, at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. She was born June 16, 1902, in Union County, Ill., daughter of Elzie and Mellie Jane Davis Murphy. She and Fred A. Curl were married March 27, 1937, in Sullivan, Ill. He died Feb. 22, 1983...

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- Courtney Phillips, 21, of Olive Branch died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2000, in an auto accident near Olive Branch. He was born Aug. 22, 1978, at Cape Girardeau, son of Harold Eugene and Rebecca Lynn Jackson Phillips. He worked in construction and enjoyed motorcycling and skateboarding...

CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. -- Billy Martin Collins, 63, of Carolina Beach died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at Barnes Jewish Hospital at St. Louis. He was born July 23, 1937, at Tiptonville, Tenn., son of William "Bill" and Genevieve Godwin Collins. Collins had been raised in the Sikeston, Mo., area. ...

Helen Louise Ishmael Woodard, 74, of Cape Girardeau died at her home Thursday, Aug. 10, 2000, at 4:35 p.m., following a lengthy illness. She was born Jan. 14, 1926, in East Prairie, Mo., daughter of Harry Otho and Chessie Bee Zook Ishmael. She and Edgar L. Woodard were married May 24, 1942, in Jackson, Mo...

A heavily criticized exit contract worth more than $600,000 to former Central Missouri State University president Ed Elliott was voided earlier this month by the school's governing board. The decision came on a 4-3 vote by the board of regents after efforts failed to scale it back and accept a counteroffer from Elliott...

To the editor: On behalf of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Cape Girardeau 2000 program, we would like to express our appreciation to the Southeast Missourian for the outstanding coverage of our monthly programs and leadership projects. Leadership Cape was developed to meet the following goals to help build and integrate Cape Girardeau's emerging leaders into the community's mainstream:...

Gore is at it again. He's declaring the largest crime decline ever recorded in this country. Well, if that is so, why is he proposing to hire 50,000 more police officers and 10,000 more prosecutors? As always, his lies are catching up with him, the Clinton clone...

On President Clinton's desk this summer have been not one, but two tax cut bills passed by the Republican congressional majority. One measure -- the bill enacting relief in the income-tax marriage penalty -- has already met with a presidential veto. (The other is a bill phasing out the death tax over a 10-year period.)...

Once again, the chief law-enforcement officer for Missouri missed a golden opportunity to help Missouri's rural law enforcement. On July 13, Gov. Mel Carnahan vetoed Senate Bill 892, which would have required the state to reimburse county sheriffs for part of the medical expenses incurred while housing state prisoners in county jails. ...

To the editor: I would like to commend and thank the dedicated musicians of the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band who performed this past Wednesday. They were joined by the Jerry Ford Band and singer Pat Blackwell. The music was very enjoyable and well-presented. I loved those oldies...

Random convention notes and observations on spending eight of the dog days in Philadelphia and South Jersey: Want a telling difference between our two national campaigns? Here it is. When GOP nominee Texas Gov. George W. Bush selected former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney for vice president, the Gore campaign reacted with at least three days of frenzied and personal attacks seeking to demonize him. ...

GORDONVILLE, Mo. -- It's the first day of school and Zeiss is excited. Eager to meet all the other students, he bounds into the room to say hello. George is somewhat more reluctant. Smaller and shyer than the other students, she has to be coaxed inside and cries during the first group exercise...

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Dunham of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary July 8, 2000, at A.C. Brase Arena. The Dunhams renewed their vows, with the Rev. David Dissen performing the ceremony. A dinner and dance followed. The event was hosted by their children and spouses, with 357 guests attending...

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Goodwin of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 50th anniversary Aug. 8, 2000. Goodwin and Carol A. Dunn were married Aug. 8, 1950, at a Baptist church in Doniphan, Mo. Goodwin was a coach at Lilbourn, Chaffee, Cape Central, and was coordinator of physical education and athletics at Jackson. Mrs. Goodwin was an elementary teacher. They taught a combined total of 64 years...

Terra Dawn Wright and Roger L. Aufdenberg exchanged vows July 29, 2000, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jackson, Mo. The Rev. Don Reder performed the double ring ceremony. Organist was Wanda Aufdenberg of Gordonville, Mo., soloist was Jane Oehl of Oak Ridge, Mo., and guitarist was David James of Jackson...

Michelle Rae Slinkard and Thomas Paul Crosnoe were married May 24, 2000, in a private ceremony at New Orleans Wedding Chapel in New Orleans, La. Victor Malinda performed the double ring ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Bruce Slinkard of Scott City, Mo., Mary Slinkard of Cape Girardeau, and Linda Slinkard of Advance, Mo. The groom is the son of Paul and Joey Crosnoe of Cape Girardeau...

Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Ogles of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception Aug. 5, 2000, at Red Star Baptist Church Activity Center. Hosts were their children and spouses and grandchildren. Ogles and Wilma Johnston were married Aug. 5, 1950, in Arkansas...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Julie L. Tarr and John P. Smith were married Dec. 11, 1999, at First Baptist Church. Patrick Tankersly performed the double ring ceremony. Organist was Jim Rhodes of Jackson and soloist was Erin Darter of Cape Girardeau. Parents of the bride are Dub and Pam Stovall of Jackson, and the late Robert Tarr. The groom is the son of Connie Smith of Jackson and Van and Mary Kay Smith of Cape Girardeau...

WHITEWATER, Mo. -- Debbie Sue Gilder and Danny Lee Dewrock Jr. were married Oct. 9, 1999, at Abundant Life Church. David Butler performed the double ring ceremony. Pianist was Christy Shinn and soloist was Sarah Vickery. Parents of the couple are Dannie and LaDonna Gilder of Whitewater, and Danny and Ann Dewrock of Cape Girardeau...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Taryn Beth Dunlap and Michael Lloyd Hartenberger were married July 29, 2000, at Cape County Park in Cape Girardeau. The Rev. Naamon D. Eaker performed the double ring ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Wesley and Beverly Dunlap of Jackson. The groom is the son of Paula Prochazka of Crosby, Texas, and Lloyd Hartenberger of Chester, Ill...

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Newell of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Meike Leigh Newell, to Scott Michael Rhodes. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon "Peewee" Rhodes of Cape Girardeau. Newell is a 1992 graduate of Central High School, and 1997 graduate of St. Louis College of Pharmacy. She is a registered pharmacist at West Pine Pharmacy in St. Louis...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Elmer and LaWanda Macke of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Caroline Rose Pickens of Millersville, Mo., to Eric Brian Hoxworth. He is the son of Kenny and Gloria Hoxworth of Marble Hill, Mo. Pickens is a 1989 graduate of Jackson High School. She is employed at Thorngate Ltd. in Cape Girardeau...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Stephen and Pamela Friedrich of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Erin Patricia Friedrich, to Dennis Robert Wilson, both of Kansas City, Mo. He is the son of Robert and Marlene Wilson of Jackson. Friedrich is a 1995 graduate of Jackson High School. She received a bachelor's degree in English and women's studies from the University of Missouri at Columbia. She is an editorial/production assistant at Andrews McMeel Universal Publishing in Kansas City...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. David E. Young of Jackson announce the engagement of their son, Brent Young, to Lisa Gervaise. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Gervaise of Lockport, N.Y., and currently Fresno, Calif. Gervaise is a 1989 graduate of Lockport Senior High School. She received a master's degree in speech pathology from San Jose State University in California. She is employed at Pomerado Hospital in San Diego, Calif...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Mr. and Mrs. Michael Glen Marshall of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Laurie Ann Hobgood, to Jason Eric Bell. He is the son of Roxanna Boley of Morley, Mo., and Terry and Jimmie Lou Bell of Sikeston, Mo. Hobgood is a graduate of Charleston High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in social work from Southeast Missouri State University. She is a TEAM case manager for Portageville School District...

DEXTER, Mo. -- Dwaine and Pamela Lape of Dexter announce the engagement of their daughter, Summer Nicole Lape, to Dennis Paul Riney. He is the son of Larry and Sherry Riney of Perryville, Mo. Lape is a 1995 graduate of Bell City High School, and received a bachelor of science degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. She is employed at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau...

DUTCHTOWN, Mo. -- Doyle and Julie Parmer of Dutchtown announce the engagement of their daughter, Mindy Nichole Parmer, to Ivan Otto Lemons Jr. He is the son of Robert and Marty Ford of Whitewater, Mo., and Ivan and Phyllis Lemons Sr. of Zalma, Mo. Parmer is a 1999 graduate of Delta High School, and is majoring in elementary education at Southeast Missouri State University. She is employed by Cell Net Data Services of St. Louis...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Jerry J. and Linda K. Jansen of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Brandie Michelle Jansen, to Darin James Bryant. He is the son of Carl A. and Lina M. Bryant Jr. of Cape Girardeau. Jansen is a 1997 graduate of Jackson High School, and received an associate degree from Metro Business College in 1999. She is employed at River City Health Clinic in Cape Girardeau...

The smallest action can sometimes change the course of your whole day. On my way to pick up the morning paper I pass my sweet basil patch -- two plants. Usually I just bend down and flutter my hands in the plants' purple foliage which gives them a pleasant fragrance for a couple of hours. ...

Dog rescue work is done primarily by word of mouth. Endless rounds of phone calls and vet bills paid out-of-pocket go into individual efforts to find homes for stray dogs. "It's just one of those things you do from time to time," instructor Larry Stone said...

The brick facad, board and batten house at 1720 Belleridge Pike includes a two-car garage. The swing under the deck presents a panaramic view of the backyard wildflowers. Mother Nature teamed up with the gardener's green thumb to produce a luscious backyard paradise at this Belleridge Pike home. ...