Stories from Thursday, April 11, 2013

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri House Democrats are expressing concerns about a proposal to increase the state sales tax by a penny to boost funding for transportation projects. Senators last month approved a proposed a 1-cent sales tax that would generate nearly $8 billion over a decade to fund state and local transportation projects...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Attorney General Chris Koster says he won't appeal a federal court ruling striking down a Missouri law that exempted moral objectors from an insurance requirement to cover birth control. But Koster does want a judge to revise the ruling, so that religious institutions can receive the same exceptions they currently have under federal law...

The Southeast Missouri State football team lost 23 seniors from last season, many of them among the squad's top players, meaning a host of starting positions figure to be up for grabs not only this spring but during fall practice. But as the Redhawks prepare for their first spring scrimmage, set for noon Saturday at Houck Stadium, no position battle is more intriguing than that of quarterback -- and it has nothing do with any of those 2012 seniors...

Bryan Austin, an assistant baseball coach at Jackson High School the past four seasons, has been named head coach for the Indians beginning next season. Austin, a 2002 graduate of Jackson High School, takes over for Tatum Kitchen, who coached the Indians the past four seasons but recently resigned from his physical education position at Jackson middle School to explore opportunities outside of education...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The head of Missouri's driver's license agency declined Wednesday to stop making copies of applicants' concealed-gun permits while being quizzed by senators concerned the new licensing process may infringe on people's privacy...

A Cape Girardeau man was arrested on charges of financial exploitation and forgery, according to a news release sent Wednesday by Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter. Keith Lars Monia, 52, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of financial exploitation of the elderly and two counts of forgery...

The pushboat Sheila Johnson hit a rock dike "outside of the normal channel" north of Cape Girardeau on March 24, causing three barges carrying coal to partially sink, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Lt. Dan McQuate, public information officer for the U.S. Coast Guard in Paducah, Ky., said whether mechanical or human error caused the vessel to strike the rocks still is under investigation. Further information on the incident was not available Wednesday...

Wayne Estes, a 71-year-old Fruitland man taken to a local hospital Friday after the tractor he was driving rolled into a creek, is back home and in good spirits. "The good Lord had his hand on me during that one," Estes said. According to reports taken from the accident scene, Estes was driving his Allis Chalmers tractor along a creek bank when it rolled into the creek. The tractor trapped him in the shallow creek bed near County Road 601...

After exploring its options, Southeast Missouri State University won't contract out its textbook rental service, the university's board of regents decided Wednesday. The regents awarded Follett Higher Education Group a contract to operate the university bookstore while Southeast retained the right to maintain its textbook-rental program. ...

Nearly 700 people were delighted and entertained Wednesday night at the Show Me Center by Jeff Corwin, an expert on wildlife, ecology and conservation, best known for his Animal Planet television programs "The Jeff Corwin Exprience" and "Corwin's Quest."...

Admissions to Isle Casino Cape Girardeau rose again in March, generating almost $449,000 for the city, a revenue increase of nearly 20 percent compared to February. Visitors reported by Isle Casino Cape Girardeau in March were 123,000, compared to 103,022 in February and 82,723 in January. The casino collected an average of $61.88 from each of those patrons, down from $64.25 in February. In January, the casino won about $58.62 per visitor...

The company that owns the former Royal N'Orleans building at 300 Broadway has invested in making the 15,000 square-foot structure sound and ready for occupancy, but the individuals behind Culinary Arts Specialties LLC, which purchased the building three years ago, remain anonymous...

Robin splashing in back yard birdbath

Welcome to "Home Run Derby," Oran style. Alex Heuring, Kody Moore, Bear Hicks and Dustin Gebhardt each blasted a home run as the host Eagles routed Scott County Central 17-1 in boys baseball action Wednesday afternoon. Chance Tenkhoff was the winning pitcher. He threw two innings and gave up one run on two hits with five strikeouts...

Southeast Missouri State senior sprinter Jerika Lewis was named the Ohio Valley Conference female field athlete of the week on Tuesday. Lewis won the 100 meters and 200 meters with career-best times during Saturday's 32nd annual Joey Haines Invitational hosted by Southeast...

Today is Thursday, April 11, the 101st day of 2013. There are 264 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On April 11, 1913, Postmaster General Albert S. Burleson, during a meeting of President Woodrow Wilson's Cabinet, proposed gradually segregating whites and blacks who worked for the Railway Mail Service, a policy which went into effect and spread to other agencies...

Have you ever cracked open a hard-boiled egg and gotten scrambled eggs? By doing a little science with the egg before you boil it, it could happen. Materials Instructions STEP 1: Place the raw egg inside the non-stretch pant leg. Move the raw egg to the center of the non-stretch pant leg. Hold the raw egg in place by placing a rubber band on each side of the raw egg...

Three cars, stolen from three different locations last night, are discovered near the Mississippi River in South Cape Girardeau early in the morning; the cars were stripped of stereos, tires and other items. The historic May Greene Garden site won't be turned into a parking lot this summer; earlier plans were for the site at Fountain and Themis streets to be paved in July, but since then the city's Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and interested residents have developed a plan to restore the garden.. ...

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

Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday:...

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

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Country Music Hall of Fame recognized pioneers who are responsible for the genre's growing diversity by selecting its new class of Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare and Jack Clement. The trio of trailblazing inductees attended a news conference Wednesday at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to announce the class of 2013...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Senate has advanced a bill outlawing use of electronic welfare benefit cards at casinos, liquor stores or adult-entertainment establishments. The bill also would bar the cards from being used to buy products primarily marketed for adults...

I am writing in response to the letter to the editor dated March 14, "Support ISRS legislation." I couldn't disagree more with the author's position. As an Ameren Missouri consumer, I would like to thank Sen. Wayne Wallingford (R-27) for standing up for consumers in his district and standing with consumer groups in opposition of Senate Bill 207, the utilities surcharge legislation. ...

There will be much singing, dancing and acting this weekend as three local high schools perform popular musicals. Cape Girardeau Central High School will host its first play in the new Richard D. Kinder Performance Hall beginning tonight. The inaugural production is "The Diary of Anne Frank" and will be performed by a 10-member cast...

As you pointed out in your recent editorial, there is renewed interest in the Bible as illustrated by the History Channel's widely watched series on it. In addition, as you pointed out, there are several other Bible-based movies in the works. However, it must be kept in mind that there is but one correct way of interpreting the Bible and that is the literal way. I think David Limbaugh would back me up on this...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A 56-year-old woman is dead after a Wednesday morning house fire in Sikeston. According to a news release from Capt. Jim McMillen of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, at about 5:20 a.m., police responded to a house fire at 224 Hardin St. ...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department is searching for the person or people who drove a cargo van off the lot of Cape Auto World. According to Darin Hickey, department spokesman, at about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday officers responded to Cape Auto World, 1238 Meadowbrook Drive, in regard to the theft of a white 2007 Chevrolet V-8 cargo van. ...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A second case of rabies in as many weeks was reported Friday to the Bollinger County veterinary office by the Bollinger County Health Department. So far this year, six cases of rabies have been reported. The Bollinger County Health Department urges county residents to be aware of wild animals, to seek medical attention immediately if bitten by any wild animal and, most importantly, to vaccinate pets against rabies...

One lane of Interstate 55 northbound and southbound at the 109 mile marker was closed at about 4:45 p.m. after a crash involving a pickup truck and a passenger car. The crash happened about 30 minutes earlier, when the vehicles collided and the truck rolled over. The truck driver had to be extricated and was taken from the scene by ambulance...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Marble Hill's Board of Aldermen might have to consider appointing a new member when it meets April 22. No candidate ran for the Ward 2 seat, and the winner of the write-in vote, with a total of two votes, was Junior Long. Long has not officially accepted the position, and he isn't legally obligated to...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- What started as a warrant arrest turned into the seizure of 96 marijuana plants at a Perryville home, according to the county sheriff. Perry County deputies found the plants and 1/4 pound of processed pot after arriving Monday at 515 Park Ave. to arrest Jason Bartlett, 26, on an outstanding burglary and stealing warrant, Sheriff Gary Schaaf said in a news release...

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will conduct alcohol enforcement projects in April and May, according to a news release from the patrol. Officers will conduct a DWI checkpoint in Butler and Cape Girardeau counties to detect impaired drivers before they contribute to traffic accidents. According to the release, from May 2 through 13, the patrol will participate in Youth Alcohol Mobilization to remove impaired drivers from highways...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department opened an account on the social networking website Twitter, according to a news release sent by the city. The official account of the Cape Girardeau Police Department is www.twitter.com/CapePolice. The account will not be used for direct messages, but for getting important, time sensitive information to the public on situations that may occur in the city, including road closures and the whereabouts of suspects...

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com ABOVE: Michael Fiehler, a volunteer with the Cape Girardeau County Conservation Nature Center, leads a wildflower walk at Twin Trees Park off the trailhead to the Juden Creek Conservation Area on Wednesday in Cape Girardeau. ...

Students of Notre Dame Regional High School will show their acting and footwork skills in the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," while a neighboring school, Saxony Lutheran High School, is preparing for its most elaborate musical yet, "The Wizard of Oz."...

WASHINGTON -- The financially beleaguered Postal Service backpedaled on its plan to end Saturday mail delivery, conceding Wednesday that its gamble to compel congressional approval had failed. With limited options for saving money, the governing board said the agency should reopen negotiations with unions to lower labor costs and consider raising mail prices...

John W. Lorberg, 75, of Gordonville passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 13, 1937, in Gordonville, son of Walter and Edna Sander Lorberg. He and Ellen Birk were married Dec. 9, 1962, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Sikeston, Mo...

McCLURE, Ill. -- Milton E. "Sonny" Johnson, 75, of Dorsey, Ill., passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Alton Memorial Hospital, with his family at his side. He was born June 29, 1937, in McClure, son of Milton Franklin and Helen Irene Burris Johnson. He and Barbara A. Schenk were married May 4, 1958, in Aurora, Ill. She passed away Feb. 23, 2006...

ANNA, Ill. -- Gordon A. Hopp, 67, of Anna died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Union County Hospital in Anna. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Ill. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. ...

ALTENBURG, Mo. -- Charlotte R. Hecht, 69, of Altenburg died Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at her home. She was born Jan. 21, 1944, in Shawneetown, daughter of Elmer "Pete" and Elsie R. Winter Saupe. She and Bob Hecht were married May 11, 1963. Charlotte was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, LWML, hospice volunteer at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Stephen minister volunteer at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau and member of East Perry County Lions Club. ...

Leona A. Friga, 76, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. John Harth officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Steven Donnelly, 63, of Perryville died Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Friends may call from 2 p.m. until time of service Saturday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Gerold McBride will officiate...

1 Barton Square, Jackson 9 a.m. today Open session Public comments Routine business Discussion and possible action items...

BEIRUT -- Tensions emerged Wednesday in a newly-announced alliance between al-Qaida's franchise in Iraq and the most powerful Syrian rebel faction, which said it was not consulted before the Iraqi group announced their merger and heard about it only through the media...

PYONGYANG, North Korea -- As the world braced for a provocative missile launch by North Korea, with newscasts worldwide playing up tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the center of the storm was calm. The focus in Pyongyang on Wednesday was less on preparing for war and more on beautifying the capital before the nation's biggest holiday: the April 15 birthday of the nation's founder, Kim Il Sung. ...

JERUSALEM -- Israeli authorities have proposed establishing a new section at the Western Wall where men and women can pray together, a groundbreaking initiative that would mark a significant victory by liberal streams of Judaism in their long quest for recognition...

HAVANA -- Cuba and the United States may be longtime enemies with a bucket overflowing with grievances, but the fast return of a Florida couple who fled U.S. authorities with their two kidnapped children in tow shows the Cold War enemies are capable of cooperation on many issues...

WASHINGTON -- A majority of Federal Reserve policymakers want to continue extraordinary bond purchases to help boost the U.S. economy at least through the middle of the year, according to minutes from the Fed's last meeting released Wednesday. Many members indicated they want to slow and eventually end the program before the end of the year, as long as the job market and economy show sustained improvement. ...

NEW YORK -- A bold comeback attempt or the height of chutzpah? In what could be the start of one of the most intriguing second acts in American politics, Anthony Weiner, the congressman who tweeted himself out of a job two years ago with a photo of his underwear-clad crotch, is considering jumping into the New York City mayor's race...

WASHINGTON -- Mixing modest curbs on spending with tax increases reviled by Republicans, President Barack Obama proposed a $3.8 trillion budget on Wednesday that would raise taxes on smokers and wealthy Americans and trim Social Security benefits for millions...

SUWANEE, Ga. -- A gunman who was having financial problems held four firefighters for hours in a suburban Atlanta home, demanding his cable and power be turned back on, before being shot dead when SWAT members stormed the house, authorities said on Wednesday. The hostages had cuts and bruises from explosions officers set off to distract the gunman before moving in, but they will be fine, a fire official said...

WASHINGTON -- A bipartisan group of senators finalizing a landmark immigration bill has agreed to require greatly increased surveillance of the border and apprehensions of people trying to cross it, a person familiar with the proposals said on Wednesday...

WASHINGTON -- Conservative senators from both parties announced their support for expanding background checks for gun buyers Wednesday, giving a burst of momentum to advocates of stronger restrictions. But big questions remain about whether President Barack Obama can push significant gun controls through Congress...

Lindsay Shell was named a Beta Scholar by the National Beta Club, which entitles her to a scholarship award of $1,000. Shell was selected for her academic standing and commitment to leadership and service in their school and community. She plans to attend Oakland City University in Oakland City, Ind., in the fall and pursue a career in Christian family counseling. ...

TODAY NEW MOVIES EVENTS FRIDAY EVENTS SATURDAY Sunday Next Week New Movies Games DVDs CDs...

Southeast Missouri State University's annual Dugger History Lecture will address the Civil War. Dr. Earl Hess will present "The Civil War in the West – Why it Mattered" at 8 p.m. today in the University Center ballroom. The event is free and open to the public...

Lord Jesus, we rejoice and trust in your abundant and constant love for us. Amen.

WASHINGTON -- Mixing modest curbs on spending with tax increases reviled by Republicans, President Barack Obama proposed a $3.8 trillion budget on Wednesday that would raise taxes on smokers and wealthy Americans and trim Social Security benefits for millions...

Missou's Pressey will enter NBA draft COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri point guard Phil Pressey is skipping his senior season to enter the NBA draft. The decision was announced in a statement from the school on Wednesday. Players who declare for the draft have until April 16 to withdraw and keep their NCAA eligibility, but Pressey is hiring an agent, essentially sealing his decision...