Stories from Sunday, June 28, 2009

The search for the next president and chief executive officer of Southeast Missouri Hospital continues, but its board chairman said a deadline has not been set for hiring the James Wente's replacement. "We haven't gone with any time frame but want to hire the best person we can," James Rust said. "Some have interviewed, but we haven't found someone to this date."...

From dawn July 4 to sundown July 5, the Rev. Larry Rice and supporters will occupy Indian Park at the intersection of William and Lorimier streets to demonstrate the need for homeless services in Cape Girardeau. Rice hasn't given up on his plan to convert the federal building at 339 Broadway into a homeless shelter providing emergency assistance and longer-term transitional housing. ...

A Cape Girardeau school administrator publicly announced his candidacy for county auditor Saturday.

Chianna Rodriguez slips off her ice block Saturday during the third annual ice block racing event on a hill at Pellegrino Park in Marble Hill, Mo.

Timothy Krajcir's story has prompted Southeast Missourian reporter Bridget DiCosmo to write her first book, "Serial Murder 101," which debuts nationwide July 7.

Prominent Missouri Republicans at a local event Saturday said the upcoming 2010 election will be the most important in several decades.

snow in my backyard,Would feel good now

Good afternoon all! I was reading about the pigroast that is taking place and I it brings back memories, when going to SEMO State and being a member of the SEMO Vetcorp, and having a pigroast of our own... I wasn't much of a beer drinker, but we had kegs of beer then to drink with roasted pig, when it got done. ...

Aurelia and Neo are best buddies. They are both 4 years old. When Neo was younger he even played hide and seek with Aurelia!!! You wonder what they are thinking in this photo!

I LOVE THE POOL. GRANDMA AND GRANDPA LOVE WHEN I COME SWIMMING IN THEIR POOL. LAYTON FOUR MONTHS OLD.

5 lbs., 13 oz. 18 1/4 inches Mom and baby doing well. Dad, too.

On Sunday, June 28th, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells veterans gathered for worship and an opportunity for the community to say "thank you" for their service to our country.

eating cake and ribs

Jess Bolen doesn't take a whole lot of credit for the success Matt Palmer is having during his rookie season in the major leagues. But Bolen, the longtime Plaza Tire Capahas manager, is proud that he perhaps played a small role in Palmer's development...

Melissa Ann Deja and Christian August Wunderlich were married Aug. 16, 2008, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph, Mich. Parents of the couple are Frank and Deborah Deja of Stevensville, Mich., and Carey and Susan Wunderlich of Jackson. Matron of honor was Amy Van Hoose of Troy, Ill., sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Brianne Shadler of Grand Rapids, Mich., Heidi Duncan of Chicago, Stephanie Trela of Stevensville, and Jessie Castle of Grand Rapids...

Jamie Carrier and Bill Klingel were married June 2, 2009, at Creekside Chapel in Gatlinburg, Tenn. He is employed at Luhr Bros. Inc. The couple is residing in Jackson. ...

John and Cecelia Boos of Cape Girardeau and Ken DeLay of Boulder, Colo., announce the engagement of their daughter, Arkadia Marie DeLay, to Josh Olson. He is the son of Robert "Skip" and Peggy Olson of St. Louis. DeLay is a graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School. ...

Terry and Lydia Lemons of Scott City announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda Ann Lemons, to Christopher Mark Koehler. He is the son of Steven and Mary Koehler of Scott City. Lemons is a 2007 graduate of Scott City High School. She is employed at Cape Family Practice in Cape Girardeau...

Jeff and Debbie Landgraf of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Leigh Birk, to Brian Matthew Randolph. He is the son of Barry and Brenda Randolph of Marshall, Mo. Birk is a 2002 graduate of Jackson High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in physical education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2008. She teaches physical education at Chaffee Elementary School, and coaches basketball and track at Chaffee junior and high schools...

Roy and Barbara Beel of Jackson announce the engagement of their daughter, Robyn Jean Beel, to Shaun Michael Potts, both of Cape Girardeau. He is the son of Michael and Pamela Potts of Troy, Mo. Beel received a bachelor of science degree in public relations from Southeast Missouri State University. She is employed at Elite Travel and Cruise...

Mr. and Mrs. John Burke Marshall of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 20, 2009. The couple renewed their vows at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston, Mo., and presented their children with gold Celtic rings. Later that day they attended Mass and received a blessing at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, followed by a family dinner at Celebrations...

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Golden of Cape Girardeau recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary with a trip to Hawaii. Golden and Teresa Dicus were married April 21, 1979, at St. Eustachius Catholic Church in Portageville, Mo. He is the son of Kathleen Golden of Grafton, Ill., and the late Edward Golden. Mrs. Golden is the daughter of Billy and Jerline Dicus of Cape Girardeau...

The current heat wave can cause problems for those of us who have to be outdoors. The combination of high heat and humidity can cause serious health problems and aggravate other medical conditions. Everyone should be careful and heed common-sense advice...

Army National Guard Pvt. Matthew A. Welker has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. During the nine weeks of training, Welker studied the Army mission and was trained in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat and field maneuvers and tactics. ...

Army National Guard Pvt. Jordon S. Barnhart has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga. During the nine weeks of training, he was trained in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. ...

Army National Guard Pvt. Jennifer E. Boettcher has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, she studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises. ...

I first met Rush Hudson Limbaugh at a Rotary meeting in Cape Girardeau while making up a meeting I missed at my home club in Cairo, Ill. When I signed in, a kind Rotarian seated me with a distinguished man: Rush Limbaugh. He was in his late 90s but bright, knowledgeable and friendly. I liked him. My last visit to the Rotary club in Cape Girardeau was on Limbaugh's 100th birthday...

Use for taxes; Dirty restroom; Ethanol danger; Library computers; Didn't take the bait; TV alarm

Our voices are full of your praise, O God, and we sing of your glory. Amen.

Most of us, when we are children, are told that it is polite to say thank you when someone does something nice to you. The Bible is full of references to thankfulness. In all cases, being thankful is a good thing. And in one case -- Colossians 3:15 -- Paul gives us a direct command that sounds a bit like our mother: "Be thankful," he says...

Ashly Nicole Palmer and Bryan Stacy Leimer were united in marriage June 13, 2009, at Cape County Park South. Jim Matthews performed the ceremony. Vocalists were Nathan Rees of Cape Girardeau and Todd Mills of Jackson. Rees also played the guitar. The bride is the daughter of Russell and Charlynda Palmer of Whitewater. The groom is the son of Robert and Joan Leimer of Jackson...

Melissa Ann Langston and Matthew Lee Stewart exchanged wedding vows May 23, 2009, at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site in Burfordville. Janet Hopkins performed the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Ron and Brenda McBride of Jackson. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stewart of Commerce, Mo., and the late Libby Boone of Cape Girardeau...

Grave marking ceremony held in Jackson The John Guild Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold a grave-marking ceremony to honor Revolutionary War soldier Peter Hartle. Members of the Allen Laws Oliver Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution will also participate in the 2 p.m. ceremony. Hartle Cemetery is on County Road 352 off Highway 72 in Jackson...

River City Players to hold auditions The River City Players will be holding auditions for its next show, "Getting Sara Married," from 2 to 4 p.m. July 19 at Port Cape. The play calls for three males and three females. No preparations are necessary; the auditions will be a cold reading...

Thirty-eight members of the local National Guard unit 1140th Engineer Battalion's Forward Support Co. spent June 13 forming friendships with residents of the Missouri Veterans home in Cape Girardeau. The guardsmen attended a picnic put on by the veteran's home for residents and their families, which will likely become an annual event. Over 500 people were in attendance...

The following students were named to the 2009 spring semester dean's list for University of Missouri in Columbia:Advance: Rebecca Suzanne Cox Altenburg: Scott Joseph Pfeiffer Benton: Stephanie R. Ross Burfordville: Cassandra Kamp Cape Girardeau: Trenton Donald Beckham, Alison K. ...

Dr. and Mrs. John Long of Cape Girardeau celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary May 31, 2009. Long and Alice Jeanne Hyde were married May 31, 1946, in Ferguson, Mo., by the Rev. Bill Myer. Their attendants were Janet Hyde, sister of the bride, and Raymond Long, brother of the groom...

JENA, La. (AP) -- The Jena Six case, which once prompted a massive civil rights demonstration and drew international attention, saw the final chapter played out quietly. Five neatly dressed young men answered "Yes Sir," on Friday as state District Judge Tom Yeager asked them if they accepted the terms of a deal that included pleading no contest to misdemeanor simple battery...

CHICAGO -- When derailed freight train cars carrying ethanol burst into flames just 50 miles from her Chicago suburb, killing a motorist who tried to flee, Barrington Mayor Karen Darch saw her worst fears realized. "This is exactly the kind of thing we've been afraid of," said Darch, who tried but failed to stop a railroad sale that will boost freight traffic through her village. "Any community could find themselves in that situation."...

CHICAGO -- There was no tear gas anywhere, and some of those who showed up for a reunion of Chicago police officers who worked during the 1968 Democratic National Convention hung up their badges a long time ago. The former cops came recalled what the the world didn't see on television along with the images of police wading into crowds of protesters, knocking them down with flailing billy clubs...

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Thousands of Venezuelans held separate protests Saturday to support and condemn an opposition-aligned TV station that President Hugo Chavez's government has threatened with closure. Opposition protesters marched to Venezuela's journalists' association, chanting "Journalism is freedom!" Some waved Venezuelan flags, while others carried signs reading: "They won't shut us up."...

SAO PAULO -- Brazil has ended the search for more bodies from the Air France jet that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean last month, calling the task "impossible," but the search for the jet's flight recorders will go on. Brazilian and French searchers have recovered large chunks of debris and 51 bodies from Air France Flight 447, which disappeared with 228 people on board late May 31...

BAGHDAD -- Iraq's prime minister said Saturday that the full withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from cities and towns was a message that his country was ready to take over its own security, even as he appealed for national unity after a week of attacks left more than 250 people dead...

LONDON -- Northern Ireland achieved another important milestone in peacemaking Saturday as the territory's two major Protestant paramilitary groups announced their first acts of disarmament -- and pledged that their decades of slaughtering Catholic civilians were over for good...

EDITOR'S NOTE: Iranian authorities have barred journalists for international news organizations from reporting on the streets and ordered them to stay in their offices. This report is based on the accounts of witnesses reached in Iran and official statements carried on Iranian media....

LOS ANGELES -- Michael Jackson's family wants an independent autopsy to determine the cause of the King of Pop's death, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said Saturday. The family told Jesse Jackson about its wishes while he spent time with them during the past two days, the reverend said in an interview with The Associated Press...

KENNETT, Mo. -- Authorities are investigating the death of a 49-year-old Kennett resident following the discovery of a body at Jones' Park. According to Craig Crow of the Kennett Police Department's Strategic Response Team, the department received a call from officials at South Elementary School at about 1 p.m. ...

OCEAN CITY, N.J. -- Each year on the boardwalk, thousands of french fries are consumed by beachgoers, snatched by sea gulls or tossed in the trash at the end of the day. But once a year, the lucky ones become art. Entrants in the city's french fry sculpting contest take plates full of deep-fried potatoes and mash them together in previously unimaginable ways to produce oily masterpieces...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon has vetoed money for the Missouri Department of Transportation in retaliation for a publicly financed lobbying effort against a bill relaxing Missouri's motorcycle helmet mandate. The department recently spent about $33,000 on a public-opinion poll showing that a majority of respondents favor an existing state law requiring all motorcycle riders to wear helmets...

25 years ago: June 28, 1984 Construction is set to begin next week on a 1,000-square-foot addition to the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce building; the addition, which will be built on the east side of the building at 601 N. Kingshighway, will house two offices and a conference room...

Plaza Tire Capahas manager Jess Bolen was a bit apprehensive entering a doubleheader against the Crestwood (Ill.) Panthers on Saturday with several of his key position players not available. Much to Bolen's surprise, the Capahas' offense was strong during a 10-5 win in the opener of the twin bill against perennial national power Crestwood. Both contests were scheduled for seven innings...

Former Southeast Missouri State track and field All-American Miles Smith came up short in his bid to earn a spot on the USA team for the IAAF World Championships in August in Berlin, Germany. Smith, who completed his Southeast eligibility in 2008, finished eighth out of eight competitors in Saturday's 400-meter finals at the USA Championships in Eugene, Ore...

Ford & Sons falls to undefeated Festus The Ford & Sons Cape Girardeau Post 63 American Legion baseball team collected seven hits but couldn't push across a run in its championship bracket game Saturday at the Polk Brooks Classic in Paducah, Ky...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Summonses Thefts Property damage Miscellaneous Jackson The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt....

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Friday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Saturday: Jackson Firefighters responded to the following calls Friday: Firefighters responded to the following call Saturday:...

Walter Kluesner CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Walter "Walt" Kluesner, 71, of Chaffee died Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Jan. 30, 1938, in Chaffee, daughter of Frank Bernard and Monica Mary Reischman Kluesner...

Willard Miller Willard Leo Miller, 87, formerly of Jackson, died at 9:50 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2009, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Aug. 18, 1921, at Glen­allen, Mo., son of James Arthur and Nora Alice Gromer Miller. He and Mabel Ellen Moore were married April 4, 1944, in Jonesboro, Ark...

Gavyn Pruitt Our angel, Gavyn Joseph Pruitt, went to heaven June 25, 2009, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was the son of Darren Joseph Pruitt and Anna Quinn Rigdon of Cape Girardeau. Also surviving is a sister, Allysa Quinn Pruitt...

Ethel Cecil PATTON, Mo. -- Ethel Maudalene Cecil, 105, of Patton passed away Friday, June 26, 2009, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born Nov. 10, 1903, in Pekin, Ill., daughter of Milton Vivian and Margaret Bell Gentry Willis. She and John Cecil were married Nov. 24, 1935. He died in 1971...

James Butler James Franklin Butler, 70, of Olmsted, Ill., formerly of Cairo, Ill., died Thursday, June 25, 2009, at his home. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge, Ill. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Sharp officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge...

Charles Allers Charles L. Allers, 71, of Oak Ridge died Friday, June 26, 2009, at his home. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson...

Oltha Fesler Oltha Mae Fesler, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Ford and Sons Mouny Auburn Chapel. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel...

Mary Miller Mary Margaret Miller, 96, of Sylva, N.C., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Morningstar Assisted Living in Sylva. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel. The funeral will be at 10 a.m.Wednesday at the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating...

Iva Lynn CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Iva Jewel Lynn, 85, of Chaffee died Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Feb. 24, 1924, at Mount Pleasant, Texas, daughter of True and Ather Deatherage Whorton. She and Audrey James "Smokey" Lynn were married May 22, 1943, and he preceded her in death Feb. 23, 1992...

The New York Times called it a "Miracle on Grass." Whatever it was, it was beautiful to watch. In case you were not paying attention, the United States men's national soccer team beat Spain 2-0 in the semifinals of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Wednesday. ...

With the picnic days of summer here, people are getting out their grills and coolers and taking outdoor food adventures. With the temperatures up and the sun out, certain precautions need to be taken to ensure the food does not spoil and these events don't end with a trip to the hospital...