Stories from Wednesday, March 23, 2011

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The federal government on Wednesday announced the approval of Missouri's request for disaster aid to help state and local agencies cover the cost of digging out from a record-breaking winter storm that covered most of the state during the first week of February. ...

ELLSINORE, Mo. -- The Carter County Coroner's Office is in the process of scheduling an autopsy for an elderly Ellsinore man whose body was found early Wednesday morning in the charred remnants of his home. The victim is identified as Jesse Cates, believed to be about 77 years old, according to Carter County Deputy Coroner Eric McSpadden...

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor, the violet-eyed film goddess whose sultry screen life was often upstaged by her stormy personal life, died Wednesday at age 79. She died of congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where she had been hospitalized for about six weeks, publicist Sally Morrison said...

Lain peeks out from behind some of Paw-Paw Craig's old farm equipment while out enjoying the nice weather last Sunday.

JEFFERSON CITY -- As part of American Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region will hold an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, March 25th at the Red Cross Blood Donation Center. Senator Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, will participate to promote the importance of giving blood and give blood himself...

My grandson Brayden and friend Zachary enjoying the nice weather at Capaha Park Sunday.

The home of Jerry and Dorothy Sanders isn't exactly a shrine to their dead son, but mementos of Mike's life are everywhere. Photos line the walls throughout their small house, tucked away along a back country road in Scopus, Mo. They still keep Mike's black six-string. They have pages and pages of the songs he wrote...

Making students "career and college ready" takes a community of partners. And in the Jackson School District, guidance counselors are intrinsically involving teachers and parents on the student postsecondary path. The Jackson School Board on Tuesday approved the district's guidance program evaluation, following a review of an expanded array of services in higher education and career development. ...

Yuhei Hikasa felt helpless, but he couldn't just stand back and watch while his country cleaned up from one of the worst series of disasters in its history. The Southeast Missouri State University senior and fellow Japanese students have launched a donation drive to help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan earlier this month...

Missouri is missing out on millions of dollars in sales tax, a revenue not collected by out-of-state Internet vendors. A proposal in the Missouri House by Rep. Margo McNeil, D-Florissant, would change Missouri's sales tax laws to make them consistent with laws of 24 other states taking part in a national Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement...

The Cape Girardeau County Tea Party will host a "Program in the Park" at 1 p.m. Saturday at Capaha Park's Shelter 1. The program will be on the proposed smoking ban, with Smoke-Free Cape's Sherri House and Doc Cain of Stand Up Cape, What's Next?, presenting their sides of the issue. Cape Girardeau voters will decide on April 5 whether to implement a smoking ban in all public workplaces, including bars, restaurants, private clubs and casinos. The program is free and open to the public...

A Poplar Bluff, Mo., business owner accused of harboring and transporting illegal aliens working at her restaurant will spend the next year in federal prison and forfeit several pieces of real estate, vehicles and cash to the government. Hua Huang, aka Christina Huang, owner of the then Mongolian Grill China Buffet, was sentenced Monday to one year in prison by U.S. District Judge Stephen Limbaugh Jr., according to the Federal prosecutor's office...

The Southeast Missouri State baseball team lost to Saint Louis University 14-8 at Capaha Field on Tuesday.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador -- President Barack Obama vowed closer cooperation Tuesday with the Central American nations where U.S. policies on crime, immigration and other issues have outsize influence on populations that depend heavily on their giant neighbor to the north and impact U.S. society in turn...

According to the boys at our house, it is the most wonderful time of the year. The NCAA basketball tournament is the highlight of the year for them. There are completed brackets from family members and friends -- and even experimental brackets filled out by flipping a coin and the old "eenie meenie miney mo" method -- all over the family room. ...

CAIRO -- Fire swept the upper floors of Egypt's Interior Ministry building on Tuesday as policemen protested outside to demand higher pay. A security official accused demonstrators of starting the blaze in downtown Cairo. TV footage showed flames climbing the top floors of the building and a huge plume of black smoke filling the sky. Later, firefighters on tall ladders sprayed water to extinguish the fire...

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- An Israeli military strike aimed at Palestinian militants missed its target Tuesday, killing three children and their uncle and wounding 13 other family members as they played soccer in their backyard in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials said...

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo -- At least 19 people were killed when a cargo plane crashed into a densely populated Republic of Congo neighborhood, the country's civil aviation director said. Michel Ambende said many more people were wounded in Monday's crash. He did not say what may have caused the crash, but said authorities were investigating...

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- The United Nations has launched a new plan to teach the Holocaust in Gaza schools, drawing fierce condemnation from Gaza's militant Hamas rulers, school teachers -- and even the body tasked with peace negotiations with Israel...

The flesh of a ripe Hass avocado is so luxuriously buttery and creamy you know from the first bite that it's loaded with fat. The great news is that it nevertheless is good for you. The fat that's in an avocado is mostly the healthier monounsaturated kind, similar to olive and nut oils. Avocados also contain loads of healthful nutrients and antioxidants...

The late author and gardener Ruth Stout once wrote, "I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden." After a grim winter, it's fun to anticipate the first flower buds popping up. But home furnishings stores are already bursting with blossoms. Floral motifs are everywhere -- on furniture, textiles, wall art and accessories. And shelter magazines like Elle Decor are featuring eye-catching florals in their spring editions...

Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday:...

Son to Brian Allen and Sheena Rae Phipps of Scott City, Saint Francis Medical Center, 7:23 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011. Name, Landon Ray. Weight, 5 pounds, 8 ounces. Fourth child, third son. Mrs. Phipps is the former Sheena Wyatt, daughter of John and Karla Wyatt of Scott City. Phipps is the son of Mary Lewis of Scott City. He is employed at Gilster-Mary Lee...

DALLAS -- Already struggling with high fuel prices, the big U.S. airlines now face a drop in demand for flights to Japan, a lucrative route and gateway for travel to Asia. The airlines' response: They're raising fares and eliminating unprofitable flights...

The Roman Catholic and Episcopal church parishes of Cape Girardeau have announced plans for a joint Holy Week service of Tenebrae, an ancient rite common to both traditions; the service of scripture readings and music will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Tuesday evening...

WASHINGTON -- A new home, the dream of many would-be buyers, makes less and less financial sense in many places. A wave of foreclosures has driven down the cost of previously occupied homes and made them even more of a comparative bargain. By contrast, new homes have become more expensive...

McCLURE, Ill. -- Paul D. Miller, 75, of McClure died Monday, March 21, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Aug. 13, 1935, in Elco, Ill., son of Ray C. and Bertha Mae Rhymer Miller. He and Shirley Eudy were married Aug. 27, 1954, in Reynoldsville, Ill...

Mabeth "Betty" McCluer Black, 79, of Arlington, Texas, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2011, embraced by her loving family who thank God for her life of love and service. She was born June 29, 1931, to Ora Aileen Gary and Kenneth P. McCluer. She was married Dec. 20, 1952, to Wendell P. Black. Her beloved husband Wendell preceded her in death in 1988...

Delores Galloway Needham, 72, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, March 21, 2011, at Southeast Hospital. She was born Feb. 27, 1939, in Marble Hill, Mo., to Oscar and Pauline Caby Galloway. She and William H. Needham were married Aug. 15, 1975, in Cape Girardeau...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Mitchell Doyle Wills, 84, of Advance passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at his home. He was born June 17, 1926, at McGee, Mo., son of Earl and Frances McLeary Wills. Mitchell was a lifelong educator, teacher and principal. He had worked at Yokum, Stepp, Zalma and Advance schools. He was a 50-year-plus member of Zalma Masonic Lodge 545 AF&AM. He was also a member of Whitewater and St. Mark's Order of Eastern Star...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Assault...

RICHMOND, Va. -- Taylor Anderson spent more than two years overseas, fulfilling her longtime dream to live in Japan, immerse herself in Asian culture and befriend new people. Anderson's body was found 10 days after an earthquake and tsunami devastated the coastal city where she taught English. The 24-year-old woman was last seen riding her bike away from an elementary school after making sure students were safe following the earthquake...

ASHLAND, Ore. -- Some Oregon firefighters and paramedics are now equipped and trained to give first aid to dogs, cats and other pets. The Daily Tidings reports that Ashland Fire & Rescue firefighters were trained last week to do CPR on dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils and even reptiles that have inhaled smoke. All five department engines now carry oxygen masks for pets...

MADISON, Wis. -- Seeking a way to counter a growing protest movement, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker cited his email, confidently declaring that most people writing his office had urged him to eliminate nearly all union rights for state workers. But an Associated Press analysis of the emails shows that, for close to a week, messages in Walker's inbox were running roughly 2-to-1 against his plans. ...

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Two months before the start of the Civil War, a North Carolina belle named Catherine Ann Devereux Edmondston tapped out a frustrated message about her secession-opposing sibling in a tweet to her followers: "Sister Frances is a terrible Unionist!"...

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A South Carolina father who was repeatedly jailed after insisting he couldn't make child-support payments of about $50 a week is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to end five states' practice of locking up delinquent parents without providing them with a lawyer...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The celebration of Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham's 200th birthday is being marked by the possibility that his body of work could include 10 more paintings -- all unsigned -- that have been discovered in recent years...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri insurance officials are urging homeowners and renters to review coverage of their possessions as the spring storm season approaches. The state insurance department says most homeowner policies cover damage from fire, tornadoes, strong winds and hail. But the agency says extra coverage frequently is required to cover losses from flooding, earthquakes and sewer backups...

Many arguments I've heard against the smoking ban concern individual rights or warn against more "government intervention." What government intervention? We're putting it to a vote. Let the people decide. What about the common good? Heaven forbid we risk any negative, short-term economic effect, which is debatable, to help ensure a healthier environment for all...

DO Cape Girardeau's city council members, city manager or finance director have any common sense? They let a company owe more than $1 million in back rent and do nothing for years. If I miss my water payment they shut it off. Quit worrying about a dog park or sidewalks and fix the roads...

The people of Southeast Missouri should not be misled by anti-tax, anti-public service tea partiers. The original tea partiers in 1773 objected to a tax going to a foreign country. They had no votes or say about anything. Many of the original tea party patriots spent bloody years fighting the British to win our independence...

The greatest way to waste taxpayer money is to call it a stimulus and allow a federal bureaucrat or nanny-state politician to spend it. But then again, you could write an entire book on ways to waste taxpayer money. An appropriate title might just be "The Obama Years."...

O Lord, we're thankful to be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Amen.

Last week 30 Southeast Missouri State University students headed to Washington, D.C., as part of the five-day seminar at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The students attending were nominated during the fall semester by their college dean or the Office of the President. Each college within the university as well as each regional campus was represented on the trip...

Otto Porter completed the three-peat, and he did it in record fashion. The Scott County Central star led the Braves boys basketball team to its third consecutive Class 1 state title Saturday. He broke the state career final four scoring record on his way to the crown...

Baseball Golf Running Softball Submit items by mail, fax or e-mail to be included in the calendar as space permits....

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri coach Mike Anderson's agent says he is negotiating a new contract with the school amid continued reports that Arkansas is trying to lure him away. Jimmy Sexton told Memphis radio station WHBQ-AM on Tuesday morning that, "We've been in discussion with them for several weeks now."...

The Notre Dame baseball team improved to 2-0 this season with an 11-7 win over host Sikeston

Southbound Interstate 55 from Route K to Highway 74 in Cape Girardeau County will be reduced to one lane, while Missouri Department of Transportation crews make pavement repairs. Weather permitting, work will be done from 6:30 p.m. Thursday to at 6:30 a.m. Friday. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center at 888-275-6636...

TOKYO -- Japan's police agency says nearly 9,100 people are dead after an earthquake and tsunami. Almost 13,800 are missing...

PIERRE, S.D. -- Women who want an abortion in South Dakota will face the longest waiting period in the nation -- three days -- and have to undergo counseling at pregnancy help centers that discourage abortions under a measure signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Dennis Daugaard...

FUKUSHIMA, Japan -- Workers at a leaking nuclear plant hooked up power lines to all six of the crippled complex's reactor units Tuesday, but other repercussions from the massive earthquake and tsunami were still rippling across the nation as economic losses mounted at three of Japan's flagship companies...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Route N in Bollinger County will be closed today while Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the road. This section of road is between Route F and County Road 416. Weather permitting, the work will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The work zone will be marked with signs. For additional information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center at 888-275-6636...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Looking for entry-level work was the last thing Rebecca Smith expected to be doing as she approached her 58th birthday, let alone her 59th. But that's what Smith, a local resident, has been doing for the last 69 weeks, after she was laid off. ...

MOSCOW -- Russia's defense minister called for an immediate cease-fire in Libya on Tuesday, telling Defense Secretary Robert Gates that it is the best way to avoid civilian casualties. Speaking after meeting with Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Gates responded that the coalition is already "going to great lengths" to avoid civilian deaths, and he charged that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi is lying about claims of casualties...

SANAA, Yemen -- Yemen's U.S.-backed president, his support crumbling among political allies and the army, warned that the country could slide into a "bloody" civil war Tuesday as the opposition rejected his offer to step down by the end of the year. Tens of thousands protested in the capital demanding his immediate ouster, emboldened by top military commanders who joined their cause...

TRIPOLI, Libya -- Moammar Gadhafi's snipers and tanks are terrorizing civilians in the coastal city of Misrata, a resident said, and the U.S. military warned Tuesday it was "considering all options" in response to dire conditions there that have left people cowering in darkened homes and scrounging for food and rainwater...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A ramp on southbound Interstate 55 in Pemiscot County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction next month, while Missouri Department of Transportation crews make pavement repairs. The ramp is from Route E to Interstate 55 south. ...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI...

Jackson's JoAnn Williams used an 8-iron to ace hole No. 12 at Kimbeland Country Club. The hole was playing 77 yards. It was Williams' fifth career hole-in-one. Sharon McCune and Dorothy Holland witnessed the shot. -- From staff reports...

Since the stories about the crimes of Russell Bucklew began running this week, I've received quite a few calls, emails and messages. Some were complimentary, some critical. Three have stood out. The series has focused almost exclusively on what happened that spring and summer of 1996 and how the family members of the victims have coped over the past 15 years with the powerful loss of losing a loved one...

St. Ambrose School Third Quarter A Honor Roll 4th grade: Thomas Crippen, Joanna Glueck, Grace Knutson, Brittany Wood. 5th grade: Alex Eftink, Katie Glueck, Mary Beth Knutson, Shelby Pobst. 6th grade: Madison Chapman, Hannah Glueck. 7th grade: Hannah Seyer...

Blanchard Elementary School Third Quarter A Honor Roll 4th grade: Christian Bollinger, Beta Epps, Roman Ketcherside, Olivia Lambert, Triston Lineberry, Clayton Seabaugh, Jaelyn Simmons, Emma Spiller. B Honor Roll 4th grade: David Brown, Olivia Courtway-Riebeling, Victoria Dodd, Alivia Dyke, Dashandreiona Egson, Emma Goins, Jordan Long, Zemiah Mackins, Claryssa Martin, Aurora May, Makeda Miles, J'Myn Nabors, Shukria Patterson, Trinity Pavon-Roman, Kamdyn Rhodes, Gabe Robinson, T.J. ...

The nuclear crisis in Japan has laid bare an ever-growing problem for the United States -- the enormous amounts of still-hot radioactive waste accumulating at commercial nuclear reactors in more than 30 states. The U.S. has 71,862 tons of the waste, according to state-by-state numbers obtained by The Associated Press. But the nation has no place to permanently store the material, which stays dangerous for tens of thousands of years...

NAME: Harold M. Miles AGE: 47 PLACE OF BIRTH: Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau SPOUSE, CHILDREN'S NAMES: Wife of 19 years is Paula Miles. One daughter, Grayson Miles, age 15 and one son, Creighton Miles, age 13. OCCUPATION: Community banker EMPLOYER: Bank of Advance...

All the scores from Tuesday that were reported to the Southeast Missourian.