Stories from Saturday, June 26, 2004

The Wall Street Journal John Kerry says he wants to raise the minimum wage to $7 an hour from $5.15, and his proposal has us thinking: Why stop there? Why not $10 an hour, or $20, or for that matter whatever a U.S. Senator makes? If Mr. Kerry thinks government is obliged to guarantee Americans a certain level of income, why not simply elevate everyone at least into the middle class? The reason, as Mr. ...

LICK CREEK, Ill. -- Walter Truman "Burr Head" Lence, 91, of Lick Creek died Thursday, June 24, 2004, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion, Ill. He was born Aug. 14, 1912, in Anna, Ill., son of George and Nancy Russell Lence. He and Mary Virginia Manus were married May 8, 1943, in Jackson...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Paul E. Wibbenmeyer, 45, of Lisle, Ill., died Thursday, June 17, 2004, at Mercy Hospital in Chicago. He was born April 15, 1959, in St. Louis, son of Cletus T. "Jim" and Lorena M. Richardet Wibbenmeyer. Wibbenmeyer was a 1977 graduate of St. Vincent High School in Perryville, Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and DePaul University in Chicago...

10 years ago: June 26, 1994 The Rev. Albert F. Nyland is retiring as pastor of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Pocahontas; he officiates at his last worship service in morning, and potluck dinner follows at noon; Nyland has served number of congregations during his 41-year ministry; he came to Pocahontas in 1984...

Help is appreciated Lorie Peats must be an awesome woman. Her hard work and donations are impressive and appreciated. Jackson is a lucky city to have her there, and Cape Girardeau appreciates her donations to the police department and Safe House. You go, Lorie...

Baseball Free agent third baseman Aaron Boone has reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract with the Cleveland Indians, The Associated Press learned Friday. Boone, 31, whose 11th-inning homer in Game 7 of the ALCS last season put the New York Yankees in the World Series, hasn't played since injuring his left knee during a basketball game in January...

Steele medalist in four-club event Leslie Steele was the medalist in the Cape Girardeau Country Club Ladies Day four-club event. Mary Ellen Bean was first, Leslie Steele second and Edna Ruth Fischer third. Dow, Williams tie for top honors Sharon Dow and Linda Williams finished in a tie atop the "A" flight in the J.C. Chip-A-Ways ladies league Tuesday at Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course...

Area children's ministry leaders invited to festival A regional children's ministry workshop, CAPE FEST, is planned for July 24 at the House of Hope, 1000 Ranney in Cape Girardeau. CAPE FEST is an acroynm for Creative Annointed Prayerful Evangelism For Equipping Servants Today. ...

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. -- As Donald Jackson and his scribes worked on a handwritten and "illuminated" Bible, they used an image unavailable to the monks of the Middle Ages: a view of Earth taken from outer space. It's one of the many modern touches in the St. John's Bible, from using computers to lay out pages to using "virtual voice prints" of chanting monks, Buddhists and American Indians in several artworks...

Paul Tipler's attorney has 25 days from June 23 to decide whether to appeal the forgery conviction by a St. Louis County jury. Tipler was cleared this week of seven other felony charges -- another forgery charge, theft, two counts of tampering with physical evidence, distribution of a controlled substance, and two counts of patronizing prostitution -- and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a defaced firearm...

WASHINGTON -- Officials in the State and Defense departments told senators Friday that they know relatively little about the enemy in Iraq but they believe thousands of hidden fighters are more organized than previously thought and are likely to continue deadly attacks in coming weeks and months...

The music department at Southeast Missouri State University already has several bands. Now there is one more to add to that list. Chamber Winds was created in the spring, after university bands director Barry Bernhardt received a call from the president of American School Band Directors Association asking if the university had any ensemble to play at its national convention Thursday in St. Louis...

WASHINGTON -- While it found no operational ties between al-Qaida and Iraq, the commission investigating the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks has concluded that Osama bin Laden's terrorist network had long-running contacts with Iraq's neighbor and historic foe, Iran...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Joe Vee Taylor, 69, of Marble Hill died Friday, June 4, 2004, at his home. He was born Nov. 18, 1934, in Blytheville, Ark., son of Garland Jesse and Ethel Thomas Taylor. He and Jerlene Harris were married Feb. 4, 1956. Taylor was a machinist at Lutesville Pallet Co. in Marble Hill and Afco Steel in Little Rock, Ark...

Irene Virginia Wright, 95, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, June 24, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- The Saudi government beheaded 52 men and one woman last year for crimes including murder, homosexuality, armed robbery and drug trafficking. But Saudis say that while Islam condones the punishment in one context, it condemns militants who decapitated hostages here and in Iraq...

Center to hold event for soldiers' relatives Families of soldiers and sailors deployed overseas will come together for a Soldier for a Day celebration today at the Osage Community Centre in Cape Girardeau. The celebration will feature various games for the children, including camouflage face painting and toy grenade pitching, said John Miller, a civilian employee who manages the family support center at the National Guard Armory in Cape Girardeau. ...

Jackson The following items were released by the Jackson Police department. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Mario D. Hodge, 30, 114 Mary Alice Meadows, Thebes, Ill., was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of driving without a license. Sandra Beasley, 19, 221 S. Georgia St., was arrested Friday on suspicion of receiving and possession of stolen property...

Firefighters responded to the following item on Wednesday: At 11:59 p.m., an emergency medical service at 426 Bellevue St., Apt. 2.Firefighters responded to the following items on Thursday: At 3:23 a.m., an emergency medical service at 2326 Big Bend Road...

The steroids Cody Phillips took to combat a rare bone-marrow disease made his cheeks puff out. Last March, a photograph of that endearing face and a story about his plight prompted readers of the Southeast Missourian to donate $8,500 so that his family, beset with medical bills, would not be evicted from their Morley, Mo., home. The Southeast Missourian Jr. organized an auction that contributed to the donations...

St. John's Bible at a glance Facts about The St. John's Bible: SIZE: A total of seven volumes, each 15 3/4 inches wide by 23 1/2 inches tall when closed. Total number of pages: about 1,150. TOOLS AND MATERIALS: The St. John's Bible is written on calfskin vellum using goose and swan quills. The team of scribes uses natural handmade inks, hand-ground pigments and gold and silver leaf gilding...

To the editor: My 12-year-old daughter, Makala Lopez, wrote a poem, and it really touched my heart because I'm her mom and because I am a veteran. I would like to share it with you. The Flag Here comes the flag, Hail it! Who dares to drag it or trail it....

To the editor: I am appalled at the comments and flagrant disrespect Judge Peter Statler showed in his confrontation with the Trail of Tears walk organizer, Wendy Titelman. He claimed in his statement that the issue of children being placed with accused abusers by courts is not about child abuse...

LaVern Biri, 84, of Jackson died Thursday, June 24, 2004, at St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis. She was born Sept. 1, 1919, in Jackson, daughter of Oscar and Carrie Steimel Mason. LaVern worked 13 years, 1971 to 1984, at the former International Shoe Co. in Jackson. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary and attended Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson...

SILVER LAKE, Mo. -- Madeline M. Cosgrave, 71, of Silvis, Ill., died Thursday, June 24, 2004, while vacationing in the Kentucky Lake area. She was formerly of Silver Lake. Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Beverly Beth Griswold, 67, of Sikeston died Friday, June 25, 2004, at her home. She was formerly of Cape Girardeau. Ford and Sons Funeral Home at Benton, Mo., is in charge of arrangements.

Cora Ann McElrath, 82, of Farmington, Mo., died Saturday, June 12, 2004, at St. Francois Manor. She was born Oct. 8, 1921, in Memphis, Tenn., daughter of Walter Marvin and Lena Gibbs Kirk. She married Ernest McElrath, who preceded her in death. The McElraths lived in the Jackson area a number of years...

WIMBLEDON, England -- In the final set of his wild and crazy career, 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic was preparing to serve when a spectator cried out: "We love you, Goran!" He paused, smiled, then smacked a service winner and pointed toward the admirer. Right before his next serve, a shout came from another section of the stands: "We love you, too, Goran!" He hit a volley winner, then pointed in that supporter's direction...

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- The Border Patrol launched an unmanned drone Friday that uses thermal and night-vision equipment to help agents spot illegal immigrants trying to cross the desert into the United States. The stepped-up surveillance is part of a mission that officials hope will stem the tide of illegal immigrants that has made Arizona the busiest illegal entry point along the 2,000-mile border with Mexico...

Yes, people go to eBay simply to buy and sell stuff to each other. But as the Internet auction site becomes increasingly popular, it's attracting a fast-growing crowd of businesses who want to be part of the process. Global shipper UPS Inc.'s recent decision to link up with a company that helps auction goods on eBay reflects how much money businesses think can be made as middlemen. They see people like Lee Ann Fletcher as a promising customer base...

The Associated Press Mike Tyson will have to fight -- and fight often -- to get out of debt, despite the prospect of a $14 million payment from Don King to settle his claims against the promoter. Tyson will drop his $100 million suit against King in exchange for the payment, but the former heavyweight champion will see none of the money. It will go toward paying some $38.4 million Tyson owes to various creditors, the Internal Revenue Service and his ex-wife, Monica...

NEW YORK -- Pop singer Britney Spears is engaged to her dancer boyfriend, a representative of Spears' record label confirmed Friday. "I can confirm that yes, she is engaged," said Sonia Muckle of Jive Records. Spears, 22, and Kevin Federline, 26, have not yet set a date, Muckle said...

COMPTON, Calif. -- Prosecutors declined to file charges Friday against a suspected car thief who was pummeled with a flashlight by a Los Angeles police officer -- an arrest that has drawn comparisons to the Rodney King beating. The district attorney's office said charges would not be filed for now because there were questions about whether the arresting officers would be able to testify against the suspect. But prosecutors did not rule out possible charges in the future...

POTOMAC, Md. -- Adam Scott shot a 9-under 62 Friday for a course-record 36-hole total of 128 and a two-shot lead at the Booz Allen Classic. Scott, who hit all 18 greens in regulation and had just 28 putts, broke the two-round TPC at Avenel record of 130 set by Fred Funk in 1998...

Three local teachers are soon to be STARRs. No, not the Hollywood kind. The "Select Teachers As Regional Resources" kind. Cape Girardeau's Susan Hekmat and Jackson's Joyce Penland and Tammy Brotherton have been chosen for the two-year professional development program through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education...

WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration said Friday it will permit wider use of an oral test for the AIDS virus that gives results in 20 minutes. The relaxed rules will allow screenings in HIV counseling centers, community health centers and doctors' offices...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Facing Scott Rolen with the bases loaded in the third inning, Zack Greinke was determined not to let a grand slam go sailing over the wall. And he didn't. Instead, the rookie right-hander gave up a three-run double that sent the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-2 victory Friday night over the Kansas City Royals...

PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA's Mars rovers, challenged by tough terrain and age, are still making discoveries, including a new find of a mineral usually formed in water, scientists said Friday. The Spirit rover found hematite in a rock at the Columbia Hills after a trek across the plains of the Gusev Crater region, where it previously had seen geologic evidence of only limited past moisture...

Soon, Jackson's Independence Street might be known as Route Detour. City officials confirmed Friday that a section of Independence Street, also called Route D, will be closed to through traffic for up to a month while construction workers make improvements at and near the intersection with Farmington Road...

Cape Girardeau's American Legion team improved to 1-1 in the Paducah (Ky.) Tournament with a 7-5 win over Festus (Mo.) in eight innings on Friday. Ford & Sons (9-16) picked up three runs in the top of the eighth, with a big blow coming off the bat of Zac Hudson. With runners on first and second, Hudson went up to the plate looking to sacrifice. After seeing the infield charge, Hudson drew back the bunt and smacked a pitch through the infied for the go-ahead RBI...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- If John Kerry picks Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri as his running mate, there is still no guarantee of delivering the battleground state to the Democrats. Gephardt is a national political figure, seasoned and vetted through almost three decades as congressman from St. Louis, one-time House Democratic leader and two-time losing candidate for his party's presidential nomination...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri-Columbia paid more than $136,000 to two basketball coaches who are accused of breaking NCAA rules in exchange for their resignations and pledges never to sue, documents obtained by The Associated Press show...

The Associated Press KABUL, Afghanistan -- Two U.S. Marines were killed and another wounded in an attack in eastern Afghanistan, where troops are hunting Taliban and al-Qaida fighters, the U.S. military said Friday. The deaths brought to at least 92 the number of American troops killed in or around Afghanistan since the start of the campaign that ousted the Taliban in late 2001, and came as insurgents intensify attacks ahead of national elections...

WASHINGTON -- In 1856 a House member from South Carolina took his cane to an abolitionist senator from Massachusetts, bloodying the Senate floor and leaving the man near death. Capitol attacks these days are not as dramatic, but lawmakers from both parties lament what has become another low point in political civility...

The Associated Press WASHINGTON -- The economy, weighed down by a bloated trade deficit, grew at a slower pace in the first quarter of the year. The 3.9 percent rate suggested a still-sturdy recovery but raised questions about its strength in the months ahead...

From wire reports BAGHDAD, Iraq -- U.S. jets targeted terror mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, pounding one of his suspected hideouts Friday in Fallujah in a strike U.S. officials said killed up to 25 people. Iraqi leaders warned of more insurgent attacks after a wave of bloodshed blamed on al-Zarqawi, and said they were considering drastic measures to combat the violence -- including declaring martial law or a state of emergency in some areas...

Proponents of embryonic stem-cell research, exploiting the occasion of President Ronald Reagan's death, suggest that this ethically challenged work should be pursued in his memory. Recent articles on this issue have been misleading and incomplete. Under the right conditions, stem cells - the basic building blocks for cellular development of our bodies - can grow into many different cell types...

President Bush wants to return to the moon and put a man on Mars. But scientist Bradley C. Edwards has an idea that's really out of this world: an elevator that climbs 62,000 miles into space. Edwards thinks an initial version could be operating in 15 years, a year earlier than Bush's 2020 timetable for a return to the moon. He pegs the cost at $10 billion, a pittance compared with other space endeavors...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- During the Missouri Department of Transportation's two-week "Click It Or Ticket" campaign, law enforcement officers issued more than 15,000 traffic tickets around the state. The campaign is an annual effort to increase awareness of state traffic laws, especially those for seat belts and child restraint seats. This year's campaign was conducted from May 24 through June 6...

WASHINGTON -- Missouri Supreme Court Judge Duane Benton said Friday he expects to join the St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in the next few weeks. Benton's nomination to the federal court was confirmed Thursday by the Senate. Benton's family lived in Cape Girardeau from 1970 to 1988. Although he spent time away at school and serving in the military, he called the family house on Cape Rock Drive home during much of that period...

The Associated Press CHICAGO -- Republican Jack Ryan dropped out of the U.S. Senate race Friday, four days after embarrassing sex club allegations in his divorce records became public. Ryan's announcement came amid increasing pressure from party leaders, who had met several times in Washington and by teleconference since the records' release Monday to discuss the damage to the party and whether Ryan's campaign could survive...

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS, Ireland -- Five days before the transfer of power in Baghdad, President Bush opened a European trip Friday with growing confidence that NATO would take a bigger role in Iraq despite reservations from France and Germany. The administration expects NATO, at a summit in Turkey, will pledge military training and equipment, answering an urgent plea from Iyad Allawi, prime minister of Iraq's interim government, for NATO assistance "to defeat the terrorist threat and reduce reliance on foreign forces.". ...

The Associated Press CREVE COEUR, Mo. --The last of the Otten sextuplets born in April is home in Illinois. Jacob was released from St. John's Mercy Medical Center in this St. Louis suburb Thursday, the hospital said in a statement Friday. His grandmother, Linda Otten, said Jacob had remained hospitalized for treatment of acid reflux, but had been cleared to go home...

With blood supplies at an emergency-alert level, area hospitals are receiving less blood from the American Red Cross. Low donation levels in April, May and June have left the Red Cross 1,400 units behind in distribution to 120 hospitals in the Missouri-Illinois blood services region...

Minor league baseball's resurgence has been fueled by people trying to build better mouse traps: fancy new stadiums, zany nicknames and hats, wacky promotions. Memphis Redbirds president and general manager Dave Chase has just one of those three at his disposal -- the 4-year-old AutoZone Park in downtown Memphis...

Two candidates for lieutenant governor in Missouri said Friday that the elected office is a part-time job and one of the candidates said he would be happy to take a pay cut. Libertarian Party candidate Mike Ferguson of Grandview, Mo., told a Southeast Missouri Press Association candidates' forum in Cape Girardeau that the part-time job pays $77,000 a year. ...