Stories from Sunday, September 21, 1997

To the editor: After Jesse Helms' successful effort to keep the U.S. Senate from voting to either confirm or scotch the nomination -- as the Constitution requires, I might say -- of the president's nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Mexican States, I hope this country will have the decency in future not to tax other nations on the score of totalitarianism...

Dr. Mitchel Gerber, associate professor of political science at Southeast Missouri State University, attended the Institute on the Holocause and Jewish Civilizabion at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., July 6-18. Gerber, who is developing an upper-level interdisciplinary University Studies course about the Holocaust, received a fellowship to attend the Institute.The course is scheduled to begin at Southeast in the spring as an honors section, and then it may be opened up to all eligible students. ...

The Jackson Merchants Association has come up with a way to thank their customers by holding the first ever Jackson Appreciation Day on Sept. 27 in downtown Jackson. "It's our way of saying thank you to city residents and people from the surrounding area," Renee Barks, treasurer of the Jackson Merchants, said...

Emilie LeFebvre stands with children from San Estevan before left for the archaeological site at Laguna de On Island. Emilie LeFebvre standing far left, and the people she traveled with on the Earthwatch expedition. A view of the dig site. A unit trench is being dug for mapping purposes...

25 years ago, 1972 Jackson Retail Merchants Association voted to change store hours on Mondays, remaining open until 8 at night, starting next Monday; businesses will also stay open on Friday nights until 8, but other days of week stores will close as usual...

Developing good "smarketing" plans for 2000 was the focus of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo '97 held this weekend at the Show Me Center. The chamber sponsored the event to allow area businesses to develop smart marketing techniques. ...

Former governor Warren E. Hearnes of Charleston and Cape Girardeau lawyer John P. Bradshaw were honored last week by the Missouri Bar. Hearnes, who recently retired as executive director of Southeast Missouri Legal Services, received the President's Award at a ceremony in St. Louis Wednesday. Bradshaw was honored Thursday as a "senior counselor" at the opening luncheon of the 118th annual meeting of the Missouri Bar in St. Louis...

Southeast Missouri Hospital will host a "Help Your Heart Fair" Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Generations Family Resource Center. Information on recognizing and controlling heart health risks such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as how to live a healthy lifestyle, will be available. A highlight of the fair will be a screening for total cholesterol and glucose. A two-hour fast is required and there is a fee for the screening...

Missouri has been home, in St. Louis and Kansas City, to the two most expensive desegregation cases in America, with billions spent and precious little to show for it. Now everyone is awakening to the fact that the curtain is being rung down on this river of spending, and wondering what comes next. ...

The Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope, will serve Meals with Friends Monday through Friday. People may attend at no cost. Meals are served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 701 Good Hope. The menus are for Monday, goulash, buttered corn, tossed salad, bread and butter, cake; Tuesday, Sloppy Joe on bun or egg salad sandwich, potato chips, cottage cheese, peaches, cake; Wednesday, shepherd's pie, cole slaw, hot rolls, cake; Thursday, turkey and noodles, green beans, applesauce, bread and butter, pie; and Friday, chili with crackers, carrot and celery sticks, Jello with fruit, cake.. ...

WE TRIMMED our tree. We were told we could not burn the limbs. The neighbor across from us cut two trees down, and he burned all the limbs, leaves and wood. We had to pay to have all our limbs removed. I wish you would put in the paper who is right. He had the whole neighborhood so smoked up you couldn't breathe. To me that is polluting the air...

This nation owes much to the religious underpinnings of its founding. Over the years, churches and other religious organizations have found ways to follow the scriptural command to care for the poor and needy. Once upon a time, the bulk of social needs -- from hospitals to orphanages to soup kitchens -- were met by religious groups...

Politics can be a hotbed of the bizarre, but few events in recent days can match the strange quest of William F. Weld, former Republican governor of Massachusetts, to become ambassador to Mexico. Consider the strangeness of President Clinton's nomination of Weld, or the fact that Weld would find the post so attractive that he would give up the top elected post in a key state. ...

To the editor: Many like fried chicken as a special meal. Others prefer steak or pork chops. We have been assured that a healthy diet will help to ensure a long life. Yet we have noted that many friends to the south favor foods picante (peppery hot) and seem to thrive and live to an old age without serious consequences...

To the editor: I am so thankful for the letter to the editor from Dr. John R. Schoenberger. Thank you, Doctor, for speaking out on abortion. If other local doctors would also take their turn on pro-life, I'm sure this terrible crime could be stopped...

Scraping hides, making stone tools and grinding corn might not sound like fun, but once upon a time it was a way of life for Native Americans. About 35 students experienced that way of life for fun as part of Kids Archaeology Day Saturday at Southeast Missouri State University...

Every controversial issue ever presented to a body of elected officials automatically inherits unique features that make its satisfactory resolution very difficult. Most recently the issue of partial-birth abortion procedures presented to members of the Missouri General Assembly in special session provides a perfect example of this observation. ...

The world has been rocked by funerals recently. First, Princess Diana died tragically in an automobile accident in Paris. Then, only a few days later, Mother Teresa left this earthly life. Two figures who has an enormous impact on the world died within a few days of each other. ...

Marshall Shain has gone from practicing before the bar to living behind bars. Shain, 46, a Cape Girardeau County assistant prosecuting attorney in the late 1970s, lost his freedom and law license because of a methamphetamine addiction. He is serving a one-year jail sentence in the Madison County Jail at Fredericktown on a Bollinger County drug conviction...

COMMERCE -- Rodney Holloway is already working on a faster outhouse for next year's Flood Fest. Holloway of Scott City built an outhouse that Terry Hadley of Scott City drove in the Outhouse Race at the first Flood Fest Saturday. Edwin LeDure of Commerce built and drove the other outhouse. Each won a heat. They were the only entrants who braved the rain for the afternoon race...

FREDERICKTOWN -- Former lawyer Marshall Shain battled alcoholism before getting hooked on methamphetamines. "I have always had sort of an addictive personality," said Shain, 46. These days Shain has lots of time to reflect on what went wrong: Last month he began serving a one-year jail sentence in the Madison County Jail...

It isn't easy being Mr. Mom-in-the-morning. It's particularly tough now that Becca is in kindergarten and has to get to school on time. With Joni away on a business trip last Friday, I had to get the kids up and dressed, and make Becca's lunch. Normally, Joni does all that, and gets herself dressed too in the same amount of time it takes me to wake up, take a shower, shave and get dressed...

Fourteen members of the Missouri House and Senate have been appointed to an interim committee to look at ways to improve child custody and child-support laws. The members include state Rep. Mary Kasten, R-Cape Girardeau. Sen. Harold Caskey, D-Butler, and Rep. Pat Dougherty, D-St. Louis, are co-chairing the committee...

There are very few certainties in life, but here's one of them: always count on Southeast Missouri State University's Otahkians to field an exceptional volleyball team. From year to year, no matter what players are lost to graduation and what players are coming back, the Otahkians just keep on motoring along as the scourge of the Ohio Valley Conference...

While Park Hills Central's Lady Rebels skipped around the court screaming and hugging, Cindi Martin held back tears. No, Martin wasn't on the losing end of Central's first SEMO Classic title Saturday night at Southeast Missouri State University's Rec Center. She is the Lady Rebels' veteran volleyball coach, and she was understandably emotional...

MURRAY, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State University's football team finally scored against Murray State Saturday night. But that still couldn't prevent a fifth consecutive loss to the Racers. In a game that featured impressive hard-hitting defensive play by both squads, the Racers' `D' won out in the end as MSU prevailed 17-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams...

HANNIBAL -- It took the Jackson Indian football team about six hours to reach Hannibal for their game against the state-ranked Pirates. Despite the long trip Saturday, the Indians kept moving on offense -- scoring on their first three possessions -- in a 28-14 win...

Friday's football game at Blytheville, Ark., was supposed to be the Cape Central Tigers toughest test of the 1997 season. Give the Tigers an A+ for their 41-6 win over the Chickasaws (1-2). "We were expecting a nail-biter with Blytheville," said Central coach Jerry Dement. "It was just our night. We stayed intense the whole ball game and were in the right place to make plays."...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's women's cross country team finished sixth among a field of 20 teams at a meet hosted by Vanderbilt University Saturday. Southeast's men also competed and finished 14th among 21 squads with 357 points. The Atlanta Track Club won the men's competition with 77 points, followed by Eastern Kentucky with 82...

The way the Jackson girls cross country team performed in the water Saturday during the Cape Girardeau Central Invitational, the high school may want to develop a swim team for the Lady Indians. On a rain-soaked 2.6 mile course, both the varsity and junior varsity Lady Indians won their respective meets. Jackson had five medal winners lead them to the varsity girls victory with 42 points. Cape Central, which took second with 66 points, had four medal winners...

SIKESTON -- W. Dean Righter, 73, of Sikeston died Saturday, Sept. 20, 1997, at his home. He was born Aug. 13, 1924, in Morehouse, son of W.L. and Mary Frances Baker Righter. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He formerly operated Righter Trucking Co. and for the last 14 years he worked for the Canedy Sign Co. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Sikeston and attended Sikeston Community Baptist Church...

The Missouri Department of Conservation is responding to the decline of native plants and animals through a comprehensive Endangered Species Program. the program's strength lies in its Department-wide emphasis. It is integrated into MDC's Forestry, Wildlife, Fisheries and Natural History divisions. ...

Ruby C. Smith, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Sept. 20, 1997, at the Chateau Girardeau Health Center. Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

HOLT SUMMIT -- Grace F. Ancell of Holt Summit, and formerly of Chaffee, died Friday, Sept. 19, 1997, at Capital Regional Hospital in Jefferson City. She was born Oct. 7, 1916, at Bell City, daughter of Ray and Cora Watson Shores. On Sept. 30, 1935, she married W.W. "Bill" Ancell...

SIKESTON -- Betty Sue Buchanan, 69, of rural Sikeston died Friday, Sept. 19, 1997, at Sikeston Health Care Center. She was born March 26, 1928, in Cairo, Ill., daughter of Brian Holly and Ethel Marie Wilson Roberts. She married Joel G. Buchanan Sr. on March 26, 1944...

ESSEX -- Verdene Alberson, 69, of Essex died Friday, Sept. 19, 1997, at Dexter Memorial Hospital. He was born March 12, 1928, at Canalou, the son of George and Ollie Lacey Alberson. On Feb. 22, 1969, he married Jackie Eaton. Alberson was a former resident of Canalou and Charter Oak and had been a resident of Essex for the past 40 years. He was an employee of Media Press at Sikeston and a member of the Dexter Eagles Lodge...

STE. GENEVIEVE -- Donal Charles Wall Sr., 53, of Ste. Genevieve died Thursday, Sept. 18, 1997, at Festus. He was born Aug. 13, 1944, at St. Louis, son of Vincent E. and Agnes Smith Wall. He married Diana Lacey on Nov. 23, 1965. He was a deputy sheriff for Jefferson County and a member of the Masonic Lodge...

ADVANCE -- Iona Elizabeth Hedge of Advance died on Saturday, Sept. 20, 1997, at the Bonds Nursing Center in Marble Hill. She was 89. She was born Sept. 12, 1908, in Bollinger County, daughter of Amos and Alice Davault Ridings. On May 26, 1926, she married Elsie Ridings in Marble Hill. He died in November 1951. She later married Monte Hedge in Mississippi in October 1953. He died in March 1980...

KELSO -- Lawrence "Sonny" Stevens. 62, of Kelso died Saturday, Sept. 20, 1997, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born Jan. 12, 1935, in Allenville, the son of Clarence and Ruby Welker Stevens. On Sept. 11, 1965, he married Judith Ressel in Kelso. She survives...

CHAFFEE -- Milton Eugene Wagle of Chaffee, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, Sept. 20, 1997, at his home. He was 66. He was born April 13, 1931, in Burnett, Indiana, the son of Stacey and Hazel Burton Wagle. He married Stella Hilbert. He later married Juanita Hansford. She died Dec. 1, 1982. He then married Zella Stevens. She survives...

PARIS, Mo. -- Raymond Gene Redfering, 60, of Paris, and formerly of East Prairie, died Thursday, Sept. 18, 1997, at the Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, Mo. He was born June 9, 1937, in New Madrid County, the son of Raymond James and Violet Christine Blyzes. He married Martha Londrie in Clark County, Mo., on Oct. 10, 1978...

Shade E. Taylor, 80, 823 N. Missouri, died Friday, Sept. 19, 1997, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. He was born Dec. 24, 1916, at Williamsville, the son of Ezekiel L. and Sarah Elizabeth Lane Taylor. On Sept. 21, 1942, he married Virginia Mae Bishop at Corvallis, Ore. She died in 1975...

The American Red Cross will sponsor a blood drive at Southeast Missouri State University beginning Monday to replenish low blood supplies in the area. Donations will be taken from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Participants should go to Academic Auditorium on Monday and Tuesday, and the Student Recreation Center on Wednesday and Thursday...

Chuck Rhodes held Cosmo, a 12-week-old boxer, during an exercise to build trust in the dogs. Socialization between dogs at an early age is important. Dog trainer Carla Karr showed how to discourage a puppy from biting. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks, says Bruce Masterson...

Learning to read and having more books available were two of the best things to come out of Loughboro school days. I had a head start, not in the sense of government sponsored Head Start programs at the last of the century, but we had a funny collection of books at home from which Mama read aloud to anyone who wanted to listen...

The City of Cape Girardeau Transfer Station will offer free dumping of residential waste for Cape Girardeau residents Oct. 13 to 18. The station at 2500 S. Sprigg will accept furniture, appliances, general garage and basement cleanup items. Items not accepted include commercial waste, tires, automotive parts, batteries, pesticides, chemicals, motor oil, paint and hazardous waste...

The Cape Girardeau Public Library will hold a program for parents and children in grades three through six about homework. The program will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Hirsch Community Room of the library. Joanie Skinner, a teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, will talk about the purpose of homework, types of assignments and how parents can help...

The Cape Girardeau County Genealogy Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Riverside Regional Library in Jackson. Dr. Bonnie Stepenoff will be the guest speaker on the subject of Thad Snow and development of the Southeast Missouri Bootheel. Members and guests are invited to attend this informative program...