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Ferguson gas station tackles fuel leak
(State News ~ 12/18/07)
FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) -- A service station in suburban St. Louis leaked about 20,000 gallons of fuel from a tank pit, and cleanup is underway. Emergency responders from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources were called to the scene Friday at a QuikTrip in Ferguson. Cleanup crews drained thousands of gallons of water and fuel from the tank pit and took steps to keep it out of a nearby sewer...
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Man killed in Jefferson County hunting accident
(State News ~ 12/18/07)
FENTON, Mo. (AP) -- The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department is investigating a hunting accident that led to the death of a 23-year-old man. Police say a 49-year-old man shot and killed the other hunter Dec. 12, when he mistook the victim for a deer in Fenton. They say they have ruled out foul play, but are looking into the matter to see if charges should be filed. The sheriff's department has not released the men's names...
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Eastern Missouri soldier dies of noncombat injuries
(State News ~ 12/18/07)
FORT POLK, La. (AP) -- An eastern Missouri soldier has died of injuries he received in a noncombat incident in Baghdad, the Army reported Monday. Sgt. Austin D. Pratt, 22, of Cadet, Mo., died Saturday. He was an infantryman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division...
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Missouri man handed life sentence in drug case
(State News ~ 12/18/07)
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- A federal judge sentenced a Missouri man to life in prison without parole for conspiring to possess and distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. Devin Lee Melcher, 30, of Joplin, Mo., was sentenced Monday in Tulsa's U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Prosecutors allege Melcher was the ringleader of a major drug ring that distributed methamphetamine and marijuana in Tulsa and Joplin, Mo...
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Blunt backs spending for expanded Medicaid services
(State News ~ 12/18/07)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Governor Matt Blunt is proposing to spend millions of dollars to expand women's health care, dental and optical coverage for people on Mediciad. The dental and optical care were cut in 2005 by Blunt and Republican lawmakers...
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Toybox still needs donations
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
The Toybox isn't full yet. The annual charity that brings toys to needy families in Southeast Missouri during the Christmas season had 397 applicants this year -- that translates to about 1,200 children. Most of the donation locations have stopped accepting toys, but items can still be brought to the Southeast Missourian drop off through Wednesday and monetary donations are welcome so the charity has the money to purchase "staple items" like Barbie dolls and plug-and-plays, said Toybox chairwoman Tracy Haggerty.. ...
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Scott City youth league issue resolved
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
The Scott City Park Board and the not-for-profit Scott City Youth League have agreed on terms of a new contract between the city and the league, with little changes from the previous contract. The contract, which allows the Youth League access to city ball fields for its youth baseball and softball, had become the center of a dispute in October. ...
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Study finds fewer students reading
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
By Lindy Bavolek Southeast Missourian The door to the library is magical: as you pass through it, all your problems disappear, librarian Vickie Howard tells her students at Central Middle School. Books are the key to escape, the passageway to a world where new ideas are exposed and thought-provoking discussions begin. Libraries can be a haven, a place to make connections or discover something about yourself...
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University offices opening late on Wednesday
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
Southeast Missourian Southeast Missouri State University offices will delay opening until 10 a.m. today instead of 8 a.m. The delayed opening will apply to "main campus buildings," according to a news release sent out by the university Tuesday night. The delay is necessary while the university repairs its steam system, as main campus buildings have been without heat this week...
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McCowan resigns, board hires firm to conduct audit
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
Following nearly two weeks of negotiations, Brenda McCowan has resigned and will be paid through March 1. The Cape Girardeau School Board placed the former director of finance on administrative leave Dec. 5. The move came a day after the board was forced to shift funds to cover a $700,000 error in calculating the district's tax levy...
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Killings have some things in common
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The second domestic murder-suicide in the region in three weeks left three dead, one in serious condition, and the entire community shaken in the wake of two of the most violent shootings in local history. Both cases involved men who reacted to their wives leaving them. In both situations, the men involved saw their wives taking action to separate and responded by pulling a .38-caliber handgun, shooting their spouse and then taking their own lives...
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Saying goodbye
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
For 15 days, the Jackson community applauded Katherine Moshiri for the courage she showed in running several blocks to seek help for her children after having been shot multiple times in the head and shoulder by her husband. Monday night, the same community bowed their heads in prayer as Moshiri, 35, said goodbye to her children, Madison Moshiri, 4, and Michael Jeffers, 16...
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50 years ago, a tornado changed Chaffee
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Fifty years ago today, James Stubbs was in his downtown Chaffee jewelry store when a storm he'll never forget ripped through the streets. When the dust cleared, the new home he was building, his store and his new car were totaled -- part of the more than $1 million in damage caused by the F2 tornado...
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Running for office
(Editorial ~ 12/18/07)
This is the time of year when individuals interested in serving their communities think seriously about becoming a candidate for city or school district offices. The official filing period has begun for most towns and districts. Incumbents whose terms are expiring also must consider whether or not they want to seek re-election...
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Proposal might encourage murder
(Letter to the Editor ~ 12/18/07)
To the editor:Anyone who doubts that the very concept of the death penalty absolutely unhinges rightist politicians need only consider Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt's proposal that forcible rape of a child under the age of 12 be henceforth punishable by death...
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Speak Out 12/18/07
(Speak Out ~ 12/18/07)
Move over; Meaningful columns; No need to worry; Lights in the park; Movie not religious; Bring back Scooby Doo; VA is the best; Election impact; No access for G-men; Waiting list; Cost of flying; Different take; Seeking justice; How smart are we?; Water, not juice
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Algae is better than ethanol
(Letter to the Editor ~ 12/18/07)
To the editor:In response to the story "Investors becoming wary of ethanol projects": Diesel cars can achieve 50 miles per gallon. Coal can be converted to fuel. Ethanol is a joke (a bad joke). The conversion of coal produces carbon dioxide, but that could be compressed and shipped to desert areas to grow algae with seawater (piped in). The algae can produce vast amounts of biodiesel, clean drinking water and ethanol. Let's stop being stupid...
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Cairo has a 'can do' vision
(Letter to the Editor ~ 12/18/07)
To the editor:I would like to thank you for your recent positive comments about Cairo's potential for the future. Cairo has struggled for many years with various economic and social issues, and there is no shortage of challenges for the individuals and organizations who attempt to initiate positive changes in Cairo...
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Don't make fun of how we worship
(Letter to the Editor ~ 12/18/07)
To the editor:In a recent column published in your newspaper, Peggy Noonan said, "[Ronald Reagan] was so unused to the normal ways of Christian service that, Mike Deaver once told me, he once happily dipped the bread in the wine as communion was passed."...
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Storm forces students to stay in Cape
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
About four hours into their 12-hour trip home, eight buses of fans, cheerleaders and band members traveling with the Northwest Missouri State University football team wondered where they would spend the night. The group of about 400 people had spent the morning and early afternoon in Florence, Ala., where the Maryville, Mo.-based team lost the NCAA Division II championship to Valdosta State University...
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Oran schools given $600,000 donation
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
Oran schools given $603,000 donation Oran schools received nearly $603,000 from the estate of Bette B. McGinnis this month. McGinnis left the money on behalf of her sister, Anita Barnes, a former teacher and administrator in the district. The district plans to put the money in a fund and use the interest raised for college scholarships...
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Filing period for most elections starts today
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
The filing period for elections in many cities, school districts and boards begins today and continues through Jan. 22. Elections for these offices will be April 8. For more information, contact local election officials.
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Santa cops pull over drivers
(National News ~ 12/18/07)
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. -- Motorists may be in for a surprise if they spot flashing red lights in their rearview mirrors in this Sacramento suburb during the holiday season. Police are stopping law-abiding motorists and rewarding their good driving with $5 Starbucks gift cards...
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Women try to provide for multiple children
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
Grandmother cares for five children "By the Lord's blessing," was how Denise described how she received the stamina to care for five children. Three are her grandchildren whom she cares for full time. She pays for what it takes to meet her three grandchildren's needs with her Social Security check...
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Out of the past 12/18/07
(Out of the Past ~ 12/18/07)
Victims of recent flooding in Southeast and eastern Missouri can apply for help from the federal government, as 11 disaster centers open tomorrow in the region; residents of 15 counties, including Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Carter, Ripley, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Wayne and Iron, may apply for a variety of federal aid...
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Corrections 12/18/07
(Correction ~ 12/18/07)
An item in the Dec. 13 edition of SE Live should have listed the phone numbers for reservations for the New Year's Eve Dance at the American Legion in Jackson as 243-4507 or 243-3630.
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Two more candidates to run for county seat
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
Two more candidates have joined the increasingly crowded race for Cape Girardeau County commissioner for District 1. Pat Wissman, the owner-operator of Wissman Transportation, will compete for the Democratic nomination, the first member of his party to announce plans to seek the job being vacated by incumbent Republican Larry Bock. Thomas Allen, former superintendent of the Delta School District, said Monday that he will join the crowded GOP field...
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Future of railroad tracks in Sikeston unsure
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
SIKESTON, Mo. -- Union Pacific Railroad has placed a legal advertisement in Wednesday's Sikeston Standard Democrat that paves the way for an abandonment of the rail line that runs through Sikeston. The notice includes an amended system diagram map and description of the rail line, which runs from Essex, Mo., through Sikeston to Miner, Mo. ...
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Melvin Wagner
(Obituary ~ 12/18/07)
Melvin Lee Wagner, 90, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, at Jefferson City Manor Care Center. He was born Nov. 18, 1917, in Cape Girardeau, son of William Flay and Clara Katharina Magdalena Koeppel Wagner. He was married June 2, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, to Dorothy Anna Nothdurft, who survives at the home...
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James Morris
(Obituary ~ 12/18/07)
CAIRO, Ill. -- James E. "Seven" Morris, 79, of Cairo died Friday, Dec. 14, 2007, at Daystar Care Center. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Wednesday at First Missionary Baptist Church in Cairo. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Darryl Cox officiating. Burial will be in Mound City National Cemetery with military honors provided by Pulaski County VFW Post 8891...
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Gary Sperling
(Obituary ~ 12/18/07)
Gary Sperling, 58, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Michael Blanchard
(Obituary ~ 12/18/07)
Michael Blanchard, 63, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Dec. 17, 2007, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete with Ford and Sons Funeral Home.
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Albert Bange
(Obituary ~ 12/18/07)
Albert B. "Al" Bange, 92, formerly of Festus, Mo., and Blodgett, Mo., died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007, at Fountainbleau Lodge. He was born Oct. 11, 1915, in St. Louis, son of Henry J. and Caroline Dierker Bange. He and Merideth A. Fowler were married Nov. 17, 1988, in Sikeston, Mo. She died May 6, 1999...
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Marie Rhodes
(Obituary ~ 12/18/07)
NEW HAVEN, Mo. -- Marie Margaret Rhodes, 93, of New Haven died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007, at New Haven Care Center. She was born April 2, 1914, in Glenallen, Mo., daughter of Charles Edgar and Catherine Baker Rhodes. Rhodes was a member of Glenallen Missionary Baptist Church...
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David Bennett
(Obituary ~ 12/18/07)
COBDEN, Ill. -- David L. Bennett, 41, of Cobden died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007, at Union County Hospital in Anna, Ill. He was born June 2, 1966, in Carbondale, Ill., son of Henry E. and Esther E. Hickam Bennett. Bennett graduated from a technical trade school in Oklahoma City in 1986. He was manager of Italian Village in Carbondale more than 10 years and also was an electrician with his father at Bennett Electric in Cobden. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church...
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Cape fire report 12/18/07
(Police/Fire Report ~ 12/18/07)
Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls on Sunday: n At 6 p.m., a box alarm at 2200 Bloomfield Road. n At 9:19 p.m., emergency medical service in the 200 block of North Henderson Street. Firefighters responded to the following calls on Monday:...
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Cape/Jackson police report 12/18/07
(Police/Fire Report ~ 12/18/07)
Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau police department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests n Two subjects are in custody pending filing of formal charges for stealing. n A subject is in custody pending filing of formal charges for stealing...
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Births 12/18/07
(Births ~ 12/18/07)
Jackson; Sauerbrunn; Robertson; Barber; Parker; Jordan
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Cape Girardeau City Council action agenda 12/18/07
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
Consent Ordinances n Approved an ordinance for a sales tax in the amount of one-half of one percent for the purpose of funding for storm water control and local parks to be put on the April 8 ballot. n Approved the record plat of Ashland Court, sixth addition...
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Scott County sets up toll-free crime tip hot line
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
BENTON, Mo. -- There are often times that citizens want to give information regarding a crime. But they don't want to get too involved, either. Anonymous tip lines give people a way to do just that. And last week, the Scott County Sheriff's Department made that easier by establishing a toll-free tip hot line...
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Putin vows to accept post as prime minister
(International News ~ 12/18/07)
MOSCOW -- Vladimir Putin assured his political party Monday that Russia's age of Putin is far from over, pledging to accept an offer of the prime minister's post when he leaves the presidency next year. Putin, whose power still seems ascendant, finally settled on one of his many post-presidential political options, which had ranged from altering the Russian constitution so he could run again to outright retirement...
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King pardons rape victim sentenced to 200 lashes
(International News ~ 12/18/07)
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- A woman sentenced to prison and a public lashing after being gang-raped has been pardoned by the Saudi monarch in a case that sparked an international outcry, including rare criticism from the United States, the kingdom's top ally...
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Making scents of the season
(Community ~ 12/18/07)
For many people, the smells of Christmas time are at least as important as the sights and sounds of the holidays. That's hardly surprising, since scientists say most people can perceive up to 10,000 odors. And genetic researchers say humans have about the same number of genes involving odor detection -- about 1,000 -- as mice. However, unlike the rodents, about half of the human genes have become inactive over the last few million years...
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Natural highs are priceless
(Column ~ 12/18/07)
The best things in life are free, or so the promise goes. It is hard to believe that in this hothouse atmosphere of consumerism that engulfs us this time of year. Like a lot of folks my age, I am trying to simplify my life, get free of "stuff." But even from my new elevated spiritual perch, I am not immune to acquisitive bourgeois appetites. I don't know about you, but I have begun to feel like my life depends upon getting the new iPhone. Who wouldn't want to have the world in his pocket?...
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Health calendar 12/18/07
(Community ~ 12/18/07)
Today n Refresher childbirth class: 6 to 8 p.m. in Meeting Room 108 at Southeast Missouri Hospital. One-session review of labor, delivery, interventions and sibling rivalry issues. Call Generations at 651-5825 or go online at www.southeastmissourihospital.com to register...
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Blood drives 12/18/07
(Community ~ 12/18/07)
Friday n West Park Mall, Cape Girardeau, 2 to 7 p.m. n Perry Park Center, Perryville, Mo., 2 to 7 p.m. n Missouri Delta Medical Center, Sikeston, Mo., 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday n South Scott Ambulance District, Sikeston, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Health news 12/18/07
(Community ~ 12/18/07)
Flu shots still available in Southeast Missouri Though the Cape Girardeau Health Center no longer has flu shots available, other facilities still have a supply. Saint Francis Medical Center, Prompt Care in Jackson and Cross Trails Medical Center and Immediate Healthcare are a few places that still have flu shots for the public. Call your health-care provider to check for availability...
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NBC's late-night shows heading back to work Jan. 2; Letterman could follow
(Entertainment ~ 12/18/07)
NEW YORK -- Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien will return to late-night TV with fresh episodes Jan. 2, two months after the writers' strike sent them into repeats, the network said Monday. The "Tonight" show and "Late Night" will return without writers supplying jokes. NBC said the decision was similar to what happened in 1988, when Johnny Carson brought back the "Tonight" show two months into a writers' strike...
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N.D. bank gives employees money to help people in need
(National News ~ 12/18/07)
FARGO, N.D. -- A bank is giving its full-time employees $1,000 each and part-time employees $500 each. There's one condition -- use it for people in need. State Bank & Trust chief operating officer Michael Solberg said each full-time employee will receive $1,000 and each part-time employee will receive $500, as part of a $502,000 "Pay it Forward" initiative...
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Southeast women begin OVC road stretch
(College Sports ~ 12/18/07)
The toughest stretch of the season for the Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team begins today in Birmingham, Ala. Southeast coach John Ishee hopes the Redhawks can keep their heads above water in order to set themselves up for a strong run at a third straight Ohio Valley Conference title...
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Showcase puts prep hoop talent on display
(High School Sports ~ 12/18/07)
Various players with the potential to become the next Michael Jordan or LeBron James will compete in a 14-team Pepsi Showcase at the Show Me Center on Saturday. That was the message delivered by Show Me Center director David Ross at a news conference Monday to promote the one-day high school shootout event...
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Redhawks end layoff at Samford
(College Sports ~ 12/18/07)
With Samford in its final season in the Ohio Valley Conference, the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team will be facing the Bulldogs in Birmingham, Ala., for the last time, at least in the foreseeable future. The Redhawks would like nothing better than to make their swan song to Birmingham a memorable one, namely by getting a win that keeps them perfect in OVC play...
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Just half bad
(Professional Sports ~ 12/18/07)
ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams' 11th loss was a lot like the other 10. They can play with anybody in the NFL, at least for a while. After trading touchdowns with the Green Bay Packers in the first half of Sunday's 33-14 loss, the Rams (3-11) were undone by critical mistakes, missed opportunities and poor special teams play. It's a bumpy road they've traveled numerous times...
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Vikings stop Bears for fifth straight win
(High School Sports ~ 12/18/07)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson dived into the end zone as Bears defenders Danieal Manning (38), Lance Briggs and Jamar Williams (52) failed to prevent the third-quarter touchdown Monday in Minneapolis.
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MU receiver suspended for Cotton Bowl
(Professional Sports ~ 12/18/07)
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A Missouri reserve receiver has been suspended and will not play in the Tigers' Cotton Bowl game against Arkansas. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel on Monday confirmed the suspension of wide receiver Greg Bracey for disciplinary reasons. Pinkel said Bracey will not play in the bowl game against Arkansas, meaning his playing career at Missouri is over. He declined to elaborate...
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Former Cardinals second baseman Vina admits to using HGH in 2003
(Professional Sports ~ 12/18/07)
NEW YORK -- Former major league infielder Fernando Vina on Monday admitted using human growth hormone in 2003 as he attempted to heal from injuries. Vina, now an ESPN baseball analyst, was named last week in the Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing drugs. The report said he also purchased steroids from ex-New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, but Vina denied those claims...
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Michigan hires Rodriguez away from West Virginia
(Professional Sports ~ 12/18/07)
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan's coaching search may have lasted longer than it wanted and the school might not have landed its top choice, yet college football's winningest program is thrilled to have West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez. And the feeling is mutual...
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Study hints timing may be key for blood pressure pills
(National News ~ 12/18/07)
WASHINGTON -- Taking a blood pressure pill at bedtime instead of in the morning might be healthier for some people. New research suggests that simple switch may normalize patterns of blood pressure in patients at extra risk from the twin epidemics of heart and kidney disease...
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Focus groups look at qualities sought in new Cape superintendent
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
When asked to identify weaknesses of the Cape Girardeau School District, one school board member wrote a warning for an incoming superintendent: "Changes are needed -- immediately be ready for changes." The note is part of a summary of responses of what people are looking for in a new superintendent, released last week by the board...
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Midwest corn boom threatens to expand 'dead zone' in Gulf of Mexico
(National News ~ 12/18/07)
JEFFERSON, Iowa -- Because of rising demand for ethanol, American farmers are growing more corn than at any time since World War II. And sea life in the Gulf of Mexico is paying the price. The nation's corn crop is fertilized with millions of pounds of nitrogen-based fertilizer. ...
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Blunt seeks tougher state laws against illegal immigration; must be approved
(State News ~ 12/18/07)
CHESTERFIELD, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt proposed a series of new state laws Monday that would crack down on illegal immigration. The measures would penalize businesses that employ illegal immigrants or transport them, and would prohibit the creation of so-called "sanctuary cities" that prohibit local police from checking immigration documents...
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Mizzou routs N. Carolina A&T
(College Sports ~ 12/18/07)
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- DeMarre Carroll scored 22 points and Missouri's pressure defense forced 25 turnovers Monday as the Tigers beat North Carolina A&T 94-66. There was some doubt whether Carroll would even play due to an ankle injury that continues to give him trouble. ...
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St. Vincent girls roll past Meadow Heights
(High School Sports ~ 12/18/07)
Lacey Siegmund led the way for St. Vincent, scoring a team-high nine points and grabbing 10 rebounds as the Indians rolled past Meadow Heights 51-30 in a girls basketball game Monday night in Perryville. Brooke Brown (eight points, seven rebounds) and Kelsey Cissell (eights points, eight rebounds) also played well...
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Prized freshman uses his redshirt season to switch positions
(Professional Sports ~ 12/18/07)
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The Missouri football team has devoted much of its first pre-bowl practices to freshmen and non-starters, which means Michael Keck has seen plenty of action the last three days. Keck, the crown jewel in Missouri's 2007 recruiting class, recently moved from outside linebacker to defensive end. ...
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East Main Street, interchange dedicated in pair of ceremonies
(Local News ~ 12/18/07)
He's been out of public office since May, but former Jackson mayor Paul Sander's name was among the most-mentioned at two transportation dedications Monday. Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr said she kept her remarks and thanks brief to give Sander, her predecessor, the stage at the East Main Street ceremony...
Stories from Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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