Stories from Saturday, April 30, 2005

Three Cape Girardeau businessmen have agreed to buy Cape Girardeau's aging public works building and six-acre site on Kingshighway for $1 million, a move that Mayor Jay Knudtson says will help the city recover costs associated with the purchase of a new building for its public works department...

For the first time, Missouri's highway map features a photograph of a Cape Girardeau landmark on its cover. The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, pictured at dusk, graces the cover of the 2005-2006 state highway map. Missouri Department of Transportation officials unveiled the new highway map at a ceremony Friday at the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau...

Jim Trickey did something on Thursday that he's not been able to do in a long time: turn off the water faucet after a shower. Trickey, who has Lou Gehrig's disease, has weak muscles in his arms and legs that make gripping, and sometimes even walking, a hard task. He has trouble feeding himself or even getting dressed in the morning...

Clothing retailer Steve & Barry's University Sportswear plans to open its third Missouri store this summer at Westfield West Park in Cape Girardeau, occupying a spot that has sat vacant since Shopko closed its doors in 2001. The store is scheduled to open at Westfield on July 27 and employ about 100 people, according to Rick Gomes, a spokesman for the New York-based company. The other Missouri stores are in St. Ann and Springfield...

A state grant will help parents learn more about their children's daily activities next year at Central Junior High School. Through a Comprehensive School Reform grant of $74,000, the junior high will implement Parent Link, a computer program that allows parents to check on their child's grades, attendance and lunch money through the Internet...

For those who have faced a life-or-death struggle with cancer, rain and cold can do little to dampen the spirits. That was the message being sent out Friday night by hundreds of local cancer survivors and their supporters at the Cape County Relay for Life at Cape County Park North...

MURRAY, Ky. -- Murray State put its football coach on paid administrative leave Friday and banned a player from campus after the player and a former player were arrested on drug trafficking charges on campus. Ron Lane, a junior running back from Bradenton, Fla.; and Terrence Biggers, a former wide receiver from Mayfield, were charged with trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court officials in Calloway County...

Boston Red Sox ace Curt Schilling was officially placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with a bone bruise on his surgically repaired right ankle. The move was made retroactive to Sunday, the day after Schilling allowed six runs over seven innings in a 6-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Boston announced Wednesday that Schilling would miss at least two weeks...

Amare Stoudemire scored 30 points, and the Phoenix Suns rolled to a road victory over the Memphis Grizzlies for the franchise's first 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series. A victory here Sunday night would give Phoenix a sweep of the opening-round Western Conference series...

Winning the Kentucky Derby is on every horse trainer's list. Exactly where it is depends on the trainer. It's No. 1 on Nick Zito's list. It's also Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5. It's No. 1 on Todd Pletcher's list, but it's not No. 2. "Our whole year doesn't revolve around it, or the Triple Crown," said Pletcher. "We try to manage our stable in a fashion to get the best out of our horses year round ... I wouldn't say the Derby's a driving force."...

WASHINGTON -- Americans' incomes rose by 0.5 percent in March, the best showing in three months, and spending increased by 0.6 percent. The Commerce Department reported Friday that the March income gain followed a 0.4 percent rise in February and a big 2.4 percent drop in January...

WASHINGTON -- U.S. clothing, paper products and sweet corn will soon be more expensive for Europeans. For Canadians, American cigarettes, hogs, oysters and fish will cost more. For the United States, it's all part of a new trade war that will mean lost sales and probably lost jobs...

WASHINGTON -- Type 2 diabetics got a new option to help control their blood sugar Friday, a drug derived from the saliva of the Gila monster -- but one that must be injected twice a day. The Food and Drug Administration approved Byetta, known chemically as exenatide, the first in a new class of medications for Type 2 diabetes -- but for now, it's supposed to be used together with older diabetes drugs, not alone...

WASHINGTON -- House Republicans injected new urgency Friday into their drive to overhaul Social Security, unveiling plans to draft legislation in June and brushing aside Democratic claims they intend to cut benefits for middle-class retirees. "I'm confident we're going to get something done," said President Bush, struggling to build support for the centerpiece of his second-term domestic agenda...

TIMING A day after President Bush went on national television to build support for his Social Security plan, House Republicans said they intended to have legislation before the Ways and Means Committee by June. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to consider legislation by the end of July...

Man guilty of taking bear across state lines; State shifting to taking resumes only online

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Kevin Harvick marked the birthday of the late Dale Earnhardt by winning the pole Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. It was the third Nextel Cup pole for Harvick, who moved into Earnhardt's seat at Richard Childress Racing a week after the seven-time NASCAR champion was killed in the 2001 Daytona 500...

ST. LOUIS -- Alex Barron arrived at the St. Louis Rams' rookie minicamp having already been handed the starting right tackle job. Coach Mike Martz is willing to live with some growing pains from the team's first-round pick, whom he has compared with Rams six-time Pro Bowler Orlando Pace. He's so confident in his decision that he didn't even watch Barron in the first practice of the three-day camp on Friday...

BEIJING -- China lavished hospitality Friday on Taiwan's opposition leader as he met President Hu Jintao in the highest-level contact since the communists and nationalists split amid civil war nearly six decades ago. Hu and Nationalist Party Chairman Lien Chan pledged to promote an end to hostilities and to seek closer economic ties -- a boon to Beijing, which hopes to woo Taiwan's business leaders by touting the payoff from integration into the booming Chinese economy...

METHUEN, Mass. -- They were bouncing between appearances on "Good Morning America" and CNN and fielding nonstop calls from reporters. Tim Crebase and Barry Billcliff's story of finding buried cash in a friend's yard was a media sensation, and they were happy participants...

Danny Rellergert's athletic and academic accomplishments can be measured with some impressive numbers. Three. That's the number of sports Rellergert plays at St. Vincent High School, and there's a good chance it's the same number of state championship events he could be involved in this year...

St. Vincent football coach Keith Winkler recalls even from an early age senior Chris Besand had a passion for football. Besand turned that passion into a solid four-year career at St. Vincent, which ended in the fall with the Indians' first football state title. What makes Besand's journey from football-enthused child to state champion special is that Besand did it all with the use of a prosthetic leg...

After finally winning an Ohio Valley Conference series -- with a sweep, no less -- Southeast Missouri State will try to continue moving up the OVC standings this weekend. The Redhawks (16-23, 7-8) visit Richmond, Ky., for a three-game set with Eastern Kentucky (16-21, 7-7). There will be a noon doubleheader today and a noon contest Sunday...

India's Arjun Atwal overcame Friday's gusting winds to shoot a 4-under 68 and take a one-stroke lead over J.J. Henry after two rounds of the Zurich Classic in Avondale, La. Atwal, looking for his first PGA Tour victory, had six birdies and two bogeys in gusts of up to 25 mph and moved 11-under 133. Henry had a second straight 67 to get to 10 under, and Chris DiMarco, playing in his first event since losing the Masters in a playoff, had a 71 and was tied with Tim Clark (69) at 8 under...

ATLANTA -- When Tim Hudson took the mound in the first inning, he glanced over at the opposing dugout and spotted Mark Mulder. "I kind of had a little chuckle," Hudson said. Considering all they had been through together, it was a natural reaction. But neither pitcher had much to smile about the rest of the night...

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- The mother of a 9-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl who were fatally stabbed more than 200 times each inside their suburban Chicago home was charged Friday with two counts of first-degree murder, authorities said. Tonya Vasilev, 34 -- a heavy bandage covering her left wrist -- appeared in court Friday afternoon and answered the judge's questions in a soft, shaking voice. The judge appointed a public defender to represent her and ordered her held without bail...

TRENTON, N.J. -- The brusque New York chef who was lampooned on "Seinfeld" as the "Soup Nazi" plans to open a chain of takeout soup stands across North America. But don't expect the authentically rude New York treatment. Signs will be posted in each of "The Original Soup Man" franchises bearing chef Al Yeganeh's strict rules for ordering, such as "Have your money ready!" and "Move to the extreme left after ordering!" But a company spokesman said workers will be prohibited from shouting "No soup for you!" at customers who disobey.. ...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Insurgents set off at least 17 bombs in Iraq on Friday, killing at least 50 people, including three U.S. soldiers, in a series of attacks aimed at shaking Iraq's newly formed government. An audiotape by one of America's most-wanted insurgents, Abu-Musab al-Zarqawi, warned President Bush there was more bloodshed to come...

RAMALLAH, West Bank -- Russian President Vladimir Putin promised Friday to provide the new Palestinian leaders with helicopters and other equipment and training to help maintain order after Israel's promised withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank this summer...

JOPPA, Ill. -- Five people were killed in head-on collision Thursday night on Grand Chain Road near Joppa in Southern Illinois, according to the Illinois State Police. The accident occurred when a van driven by Luke Slusher, 21, of Ullin, Ill., failed to properly negotiate a curve, crossed the centerline and struck a car driven by 50-year-old Rhonda J. Wilson, 50, of Grand Chain, Ill. The van continued off the roadway while the car slid down an embankment and burst into flames...

To the editor: As Congress considers postal-reform legislation, the U.S. Postal Service has warned that if legislation is not enacted quickly, postage rates will rise to 39 cents for a first-class letter. But a simple truth is overlooked: If the mailing industry and the USPS get their way, the brunt of the increase will be borne by individual mailers and small businesses. ...

To the editor: It is not even three months post-surgery, and I was able to walk with braces yesterday. My muscles are still quite weak, and we are slowly turning the pump down to regain control and strength in my legs. I said I would be walking in one year. At my current rate of progress, it is not a wish or dream anymore but an obtainable objective. Thanks to all for your support and prayers...

To the editor: When I hear friends, neighbors and Speak Out comments complain about the carpet of gold (dandelions) in the early spring, I think perhaps they need more cold winters so they will appreciate the indestructible dandelion. You can go to any lengths to rid yourself of this weed, but every spring it reappears. Just when we are looking for visible signs of spring, patches of gold appear everywhere...

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Evelyn Yandell, 91, of Mounds died Thursday, April 28, 2005, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo, Ill. She was born Oct. 3, 1913, in McCracken County, Ky., daughter of Albert and Ora Mae Rudd Simpson. She married Paul Yandell, who died in 1978...

To the editor: Liberals gave us the 40-hour week, the eight-hour day, the minimum wage and a safer workplace. Liberals saved millions of older Americans from the street through Social Security. We gave you affordable government-insured home loans and access to higher education, literally creating the middle class...

Leroy Bromley, 90, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, April 29, 2005, at Ratliff Care Center. He was born Jan. 4, 1915, in Alliance, Neb., son of Homer P. and Ada M. Powers Bromley. Bromley was formerly of Springfield, Mo. He was district sales manager for Barco Division of Aeroquip Corp. He was a member of First Calvary Presbyterian Church, Shrine Club, and a 32nd Degree Mason, all in Springfield...

Alice Rose Spillman, 77, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, April 29, 2005, at Monticello House in Jackson. Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Thanks for the effort; Here's a complaint; Tax solution; Preserve these homes; Still a bargain; Looking for music lovers; No fake clock; Making a choice; Riding her coattails; Limits are needed; Smoking decision; Wonderful concert; Different review; Do it the right way; Job instructions; Still responsible; Leading by conviction; Paying for the future

Henrietta "Katie" King, 73, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, April 28, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She was born June 19, 1931, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Grover C. and Bertha Goza Bond. She and John D. King were married Oct. 28, 1950. He passed away Nov. 11, 1990...

Brother Paul H. Loos, C.S.C., 83, died Saturday, April 16, 2005, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in South Bend, Ind. He was born May 5, 1921, in Jackson, son of Henry and Mary Koehler Loos. He attended public schools in Jackson, graduating from high school in 1939. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1943 with a degree in commerce...

ULLIN, Ill. -- Andrew "Dru" Rarrick, 22, of Ullin died Thursday, April 28, 2005, in a vehicle accident near Joppa, Ill. He was born June 4, 1982, in Carbondale, Ill., son of Dale and Eva Curtis Rarrick. Rarrick was a forklift operator. Survivors include his parents of Ullin; a sister, Dala Rarrick of Jonesboro, Ill.; a brother, Dale "Bub" Rarrick Jr. of Ullin; and paternal grandmother, Evelyn Rarrick of Ullin...

Judy Sievers, 61, of Oak Ridge died Friday April 29, 2005, at his home. Arrangements are pending with Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home of Jackson.

Margaret M. Twesten, 82, of Dubuque, Iowa, died Thursday, April 28, 2005, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque. She was born Aug. 13, 1922, in Fort Benton, Mont., daughter of Elliott and Mabel Reichelt Simmons. She and Bernard Twesten were married Feb. 9, 1947, in St. Louis. He died in April 1995...

College...

KELSO, Mo. -- Clarence Anton Staebel, 84, of Kelso died Friday, April 29, 2005, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born March 8, 1921, at Kelso, son of John Simon and Catharina Blattel Staebel. He and Rita Ida Grojean were married Aug. 8, 1944, at New Hamburg, Mo...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items Friday. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests * Jared Nathan Cisco, 28, 121 E. Rodney St., Apt. B1, was arrested on a Cape Girardeau County warrant for insufficient funds...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Thursday: * At 11:40 p.m., emergency medical service at Water and Main streets. * At 11:54 p.m., citizen assist at 1400 S. West End Blvd. Scott City Firefighters responded to the following calls Sunday:...

Jackson's uptown area already has a quaint appeal, boasting a number of buildings over 100 years old. Now some Jackson merchants have begun removing the modern facades from their buildings as work proceeds toward having the city's uptown shopping area declared a historic district...

Have you ever attempted to fill a glass that's already full -- or struggled to fit new clothes or furniture into an already-crammed closet or house? I've striven to accomplish all those tasks, only to find the container must first be emptied before refilling it. Recently I related that same principle to my spiritual life...

For nearly 100 years, organ music has added another dimension to the sermons, Scripture readings and worship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg. On Sunday afternoon, a benefit concert featuring organ selections, vocal pieces performed by guests from St. Andrew Lutheran Church and a brass choir will showcase the sound of the 95-year-old instrument. The concert is also the kickoff event for a fund-raising campaign to benefit both the church and Saxony Lutheran High School near Fruitland...

Timothy Beal's epiphany occurred on a drive from Washington, D.C., to Cleveland. Near Frostburg, Md., a hulking assemblage of reddish girders four stories high suddenly loomed alongside Interstate 68. A bold, blue sign explained: "NOAH'S ARK BEING REBUILT HERE!"...

Engelen; McClenithan; Keys; Casey

Today; Sunday; Tuesday; Wednesday; Thursday

The St. Vincent football program had a good time in St. Louis back on Nov. 27 when the Indians won the Class 1 state football championship. The program will celebrate another big night in St. Louis on Sunday, when the St. Louis chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame honors St. Vincent as one of its programs of the year...

For the past two years, Central junior golfer Blake Driskell walked in the shadows of teammate and best friend Todd Obergoenner. Driskell would not have had it any other way, as he picked the brain of one of the top high school golfers in the state in order to improve his game. Now, with Obergoenner off to play golf at the University of Kentucky, Driskell is left to lead a junior-dominated Tigers squad into the Class 4 District 1 tournament Monday at Quail Creek Golf Course in St. Louis...

For the second straight year, rain has played havoc with the SEMO Conference baseball tournament. Due to the weather, Friday's quarterfinal games were postponed. All four quarterfinal games will be played today, with the semifinals and finals to be played on Monday...

Makenna Maria Stone died Thursday April 28, 2005, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are pending with Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home of Jackson.

WASHINGTON -- One hundred days into his second term, President Bush has lost much of the political muscle he boasted about after winning re-election. Gas prices are rising, his approval ratings are sagging and Americans are unhappy with his handling of the economy and Iraq...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA on Friday pushed back the first post-Columbia space shuttle flight by at least two months, after last-minute analyses suggested that ice falling off the fuel tank could prove as catastrophic as the foam that doomed the last mission two years ago...

Mary Jane Statler and Alecia Fischer spent a recent April weekend in prayer, Bible study and meditation as part of a "Walk to Emmaus." But the two Cape Girardeau women had vastly different experiences. Statler participated as a lay director while Fischer was a pilgrim...

Report calls for increased volcano monitoring WASHINGTON -- While Mount St. Helens and Kilauea generate the most attention, many other volcanoes in the United States have little or no regular monitoring and need to be watched for potential eruptions, a new report warns. ...

ROME -- Italy and the United States said Friday the investigation into the killing of an Italian agent by U.S. forces in Iraq had ended but they failed to fully agree on the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The two governments issued a joint statement into the March 4 death of intelligence agent Nicola Calipari, who was killed after he had secured the release of an Italian hostage. U.S. soldiers mistakenly fired on their vehicle as it approached a U.S. checkpoint near Baghdad's airport...

Southeast Missouri State junior Brooke Woodruff had the top finish in an event final for the Redhawks on Friday at the Drake Relays, placing third in the 800-meter run. Woodruff covered the distance in a time of 2 minutes, 9.14 seconds, less than 2 seconds off the winning time of 2:07.88 posted by Oklahoma Baptist sophomore Kyta Ferrer...

When the United States tries to do good by fighting other people's wars, it is asking for trouble. We are at a disadvantage when fighting for issues that ultimately will have to be resolved by somebody else. We are at a disadvantage, too, fighting on unfamiliar terrain, dealing with people who speak different languages and have values very different from our own. We are likely to misunderstand the political situations of our allies as well as our adversaries....