Stories from Wednesday, August 30, 2000

Each issue of OFF! highlights someone who has achieved success in his/her field. This issue's pick is Patrick Koetting. Stats: Age - 26 Education - mostly experience Home Town - Ste. Genevieve Marital Status - Married happily OFF!- From what part of the family do you think your musical talent came from?...

Shaken ... not stirred It is inevitable ... time marches on. And with it consumer's tastes for popular alcoholic beverages change. When I began my career in the restaurant industry, I was 16 years old and employed as a busser at Cafe de France, a quaint French restaurant located in a suburb on the outskirts of Washington D.C. ...

Ok, so I thought it would be a good idea to write about the latest trend on TV, you know the 'real-life' shows, MTV's "Real World", CBS's "Survivor" and "Big Brother." We have moved full-force into the world of voyeurism television. The reason I thought that this is an interesting topic to explore is that I am finding that I have conflicting feelings about the whole thing. ...

Two roads lay before me To break the path I'm on One dark, sinister, and rocky The other one well-worn One road I am to choose The decision mine to make Yet I sit here in confusion Which road should I take? I sit by the side pondering The decision leaving me torn...

By Steve Sullivan The year 2000 is upon us, and with that has brought a revolution in the music industry, Napster. The ultimate tool for music lovers to find new music. Over 20 million people have downloaded Napster's software with which users can share MP3 files. Within a matter of seconds while online with Napster you can search almost anything, and download it free. These MP3 files have CD quality sound and can be burned on to recordable CD's...

By James Brennan I personally feel that there are a lot of people my age (21-25) out there who have no real clue where the roots of the music that they listen to today lie. Yeah, everybody has a Led Zeppelin CD or two, but does that really constitute a working knowledge? Early in July, two people that have definitely been movers and shakers in the influence department for quite some time treated me to a concert: Bob Dylan and Phil Lesh. ...

"How many hopes and fears, how many ardent wishes and anxious apprehensions are twisted together in the threads that connect the parent with the child" - Samuel Griswold Goodrich Well true believers, we all knew this day would come. No, not Arbor Day.....

Don Haupt: Anti-hero with a harmonica I guess that I should start this by stating that I am a bit of a purist when it comes to music. In my personal opinion, there are entirely too many bands and musicians that are in it more for the money than for the sake of the music itself. The centerpiece of this review, however, does not fall into that group by any stretch of the imagination. I've seen Don play several times, and enjoyed each performance he has put on for a couple of reasons...

By Donna Denson This week's trip: Sam A. Baker State Park I know, I know! I'm not David Jennings, the Day Tripper you have come to love and expect. He's taken a hiatus. Rather than scrap the column, I will fill in temporarily and share some of my favorite places to enjoy the great outdoors.....

By Amber Niswonger Most of us may not know what GMO stands for; it stands for Genetically Modified Organism. Mainly, I am going to tell you about genetically modified food, but there are many other things that are being genetically modified. One very scary instance I will just mention briefly, is the genetic modification of babies. ...

By Coffeeboy Espresso: The Brew that Fuels Community Welcome to the first installment of my new column. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Coffeeboy. I am Manager and Head Barista of The Grace Cafe, a local coffeehouse. My column will, not surprisingly, be about- well- coffee. ...

POTOSI, Mo. -- The state executed Gary Lee Roll by injection at just after 12:01 a.m. today for a 1992 triple homicide in Cape Girardeau. Roll and his attorneys had planned no last-minute court appeals but had requested clemency from Gov. Mel Carnahan. The governor rejected that request late Tuesday...

Financial donations to Southeast Missouri State University dropped by 15 percent over the past fiscal year. The university's fund-raising foundation raised $3.29 million in cash and in-kind gifts in the fiscal year that ended June 30. That was $566,489 less than the previous year. Many of the in-kind gifts involved donations of equipment...

BENTON, Mo. -- A typographical error in the original complaint filed against two men accused of killing Willie Mae Vasquez led Vasquez' daughter, the Scott County Sheriff's Department, the media and even the lawyer representing one of the suspects to think the men had been charged with first-degree instead of second-degree murder, the Scott County prosecutor says...

Southeast Missouri State University hopes to host a gubernatorial debate this fall. Both Democrat Bob Holden and Republican Jim Talent have expressed interest in debating each other at Southeast. University President Dr. Ken Dobbins has extended an invitation to both men to participate in a debate...

A Central High School fund raiser held in conjunction with an employee picnic for the Paducah (Ky.) Gaseous Diffusion Plant next month will not place students near the plant's contaminated areas. The Central High School Band Boosters organization has signed a subcontract with the Fun Company, an Atlanta-based company that provides entertainment and other services for corporate events, to provide labor for carnival games at the plant's annual employee picnic. ...

This summer, especially this month, robberies have increased in a few Southeast Missouri cities, police said. Male suspects with knives, guns and quickness have robbed six Cape Girardeau businesses this month. Two additional robberies occurred, one outside a gas station and another at a residence...

Christ Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau knows that divorce is a reality in today's society and that it can be a painful, heart-wrenching experience for many. The church will again sponsor a ministry program, DivorceCare, that offers support groups and Christian teachings about divorce and healing...

SIKESTON -- It will soon be a new home and a new name for a family-owned business which has been a part of the Sikeston community for about 60 years. The architectural drawings for Riggs Building Supplies and Home Center, which will be located off Murray Lane, immediately behind the River Birch Mall, are in hand. Owner Dolph Riggs is now eagerly awaiting the completion of the engineering final designs so bids can be sought...

A Chaffee, Mo., man faces up to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to manufacturing methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorney's office reported. Edward D. Hargrove, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, said Teresa Bright-Pearson, assistant U.S. attorney...

Rebecca A. Messmer of Benton was named to the chancellor's honor roll at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. Messmer, who maintained a 4.0 grade point average, is the daughter of Walter and Carol Messmer. She is a senior majoring in political science with a minor in military science...

Ernie Craft has seen the problems that unregulated cell phone use can cause at a hospital. Craft, biomedical services director at Southeast Missouri Hospital, recalls watching several years ago as an activated cell phone knocked out the central monitor in a newly constructed surgery recovery area...

Southeast Missouri State University's pursuit of Eastern Kentucky in Ohio Valley Conference women's cross country will continue this season, with coach Joey Haines hopeful that the Otahkians can finally get over the hump. Eastern Kentucky has won the past 18 OVC women's cross country titles. The Otahkians finished second the last three years and have had seven runner-up finishes since joining the league in 1991, but they have never been able to end the Lady Colonels' dynasty...

I know that many of you are wondering why we are playing Marshall in our season opener and in my first game as a head coach. When I came here, we were scheduled to open at home against Truman State, a Division II opponent that we would have a good chance to defeat. That seemed like a good way for me to start my coaching career, with a good probability of victory...

The Cape Girardeau Central High School boys soccer team scored early and often as the Tigers blew the rival Jackson Indians away 8-0 Tuesday night. The contest, played at the Southeast Missouri State University intramural fields at Sprigg and Bertling, was the season opener for both squads...

Notre Dame High will be buzzing with activity Thursday through Saturday as the school hosts its annual soccer and softball tournaments. The eight-team Notre Dame Soccerfest will get under way with four first-round games Thursday, on two fields. The schedule: Cape Central vs. Sikeston, 3:30 p.m.; Hillsboro vs. Carbondale, Ill., 4 p.m.; Jackson vs. Poplar Bluff, 5:30 p.m.; and Notre Dame vs. Farmington, 7:30 p.m...

As expected, former Villanova point guard Bobby Smith has enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University and will join the Indians' basketball program. The 6-foot-2 Smith started 17 games as a sophomore for Villanova last season, averaging 6.3 points, a team-high 4.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game while playing an average of 28.9 minutes a contest...

Buck Hays of Jackson, Mo., recorded his first hole-in-one recently while playing at Kimbeland Country Club. Hays used a 5-iron to ace the 140-yard No. 6 hole. He was playing with Paul Gilbert, Bob Blanchett and Bill Unger.

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Notre Dame and Leopold each began their seasons impressively as the Woodland Invitational high school volleyball tournament got under way Tuesday night. In round-robin action, Notre Dame beat host Woodland 15-10, 15-12 while Leopold downed Bell City 15-9, 15-13, then Notre Dame and Leopold slit a pair of sets, the Lady Bulldogs winning the opener 15-5 and the Lady Wildcats taking the finale 15-10...

BUNCOMBE, Ill. -- Lois Corbit, 84, of Buncombe died Monday, Aug. 28, 2000, at Union County Hospital in Anna, Ill. She was born Oct. 12, 1915, in Union County, Ill., daughter of Everette and Grace Bean Menees. She and Lowell E. Corbit were married Dec. 21, 1946. He died in 1995...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- William E. Turner, 72, of Charleston died Monday, Aug. 28, 2000, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born July 21, 1928, in Chicago, son of Edward and Pearl Grimes Turner. He and Phyllis Clough were married Sept. 1, 1948...

James Earl Burns, 66, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, at Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Services. He was born Oct. 16, 1933, in Chicago, son of Daniel and May MacCallister Burns. He and Marilyn Urhahn were married Jan. 14, 1956. She preceded him in death...

Daughter to Lt. Byron and Marcella Newell of Virginia Beach, Va., Portsmouth Naval Hospital, 12:01 p.m. Friday, July 28, 2000. Name, Bailey Annette. Weight, 8 pounds 8 ounces. First child. Mrs. Newell is the daughter of Paul and Judy Abrisz of Old Appleton, Mo. Newell is the son of Mike and Becki Newell of Lake of the Ozarks, Mo...

Funeral for Juanita Woods of Cape Girardeau will be held at 11 a.m. today at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel. Ruth Wade will officiate. Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery in McClure, Ill. Friends may call at the chapel from 10 a.m. until service time...

Graveside service for Edgar R. Schott of Cape Girardeau will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Denis Catholic Church Cemetery in Benton, Mo. The Rev. Normand Varone will officiate. Friends may call at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Benton from 5-7 p.m. Thursday. A prayer service will be held at 7...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Frank Harris, 65, of Jackson died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

JACKSON, Mo. -- Funeral for Andrew J. McClard of Jackson will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. The Revs. John Rhodes and Daniel Hale will officiate. Burial will be in New Bethel Cemetery at Pocahontas, Mo. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4-8 p.m. today...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Mary Ulene Baker, 80, of Marble Hill died Monday, Aug. 28, 2000, at Elder Care Nursing Home. She was born June 12, 1920, at Schlatitz, Mo., daughter of John and Ethel Shell Collins. She and John W. Baker were married Dec. 22, 1937. He died Nov. 18, 1992...

BENTON, Mo. -- Romana S. Hulshof, 56, of Benton died Aug. 29, 2000, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Arrangements are under the direction of Amick Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton.

GORDONVILLE, Mo. -- Paul Gross, 82, of Gordonville died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at Ford and Sons Funeral Home.

To the editor: On Aug. 18-19, the American Cancer Society hosted Cape Girardeau's fourth annual Relay for Life. The overnight event was held in Capaha Park. There were 27 participating teams, and over 400 people took part in the luminary service. The ceremony was a beautiful way to recognize those who have battled cancer...

To the editor: The Welcome Back Picnic for Southeast Missouri State University students at Capaha Park was a smashing success. This annual event for students, businesses, faculty and administrators is the best example of a town-and-gown relationship...

The Jackson Board of Education is taking a big chance in going back to voters for a third time in hopes of finally winning passage for a school bond proposal. The reason to take the gamble, from the board's perspective, is that the need for additional revenue hasn't disappeared, despite voter rejection of ballot proposals in April and August. ...

Using a faith-based approach, Project HOPE is making a difference in the lives of those moving from welfare to work. Volunteers from Greater Dimension Church and the Evangelical United Church of Christ launched the mentoring program earlier this year. It is funded through the Caring Communities program...

A number of events in Cape Girardeau and Jackson continue to be don't-miss affairs for many of our citizens. The SEMO BOOSTERS BARBECUE last week drew over 1,000 fans who enjoyed the food and were favorably impressed with the video summary of SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY'S success in the OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE. Cape is recognized by the OVC as fielding one of the top all-around conference DIVISION I balanced athletic programs ... for both men and women...

This is in regard to the schools in Jackson. I think all these people moving to Jackson for the children's' education should have to pay double school tax. We people who have lived here for 45 and 50 years built schools for our children and grandchildren and paid for them, and I don't think we should have to pay for others who are coming in just for the education. ...

To the editor: It is refreshing to read Peter Kinder's comments praising Harry Truman. It always pleases me when conservatives grovel at the feet of dead liberals. Kinder reveals that both of his grandfathers were Truman Democrats. They must have been raging liberals...

As the globe becomes increasingly interconnected, it's no longer always necessary to visit the country of origin to taste authentic versions of so-called foreign foods. For example, arguably the best sushi in the world is served in New York City (at Nobu's), not in Japan...

School has started and we are forced to be back into a normal routine, whatever that is. Over the summer months our schedule was fly by the seat of our pants. But now meals, baths, stories, prayers and bedtime all fall according to a schedule that makes all of our lives a little easier. Many of our friends laugh because we are the first to leave any gathering to get the kids to bed by 8 o'clock...