Stories from Tuesday, September 12, 2000

What started out as a limited-time offer has turned into a fabulous fund-raising effort for the YELL Foundation. Nearly $10,000 was raised last year for the YELL Foundation through weekly front-page banners published in the Southeast Missourian. The banner, which feature employees of a business or members of an organization holding a large banner that says "Southeast Missourian," is used as the newspaper's front-page banner on Saturday mornings...

Getting to class isn't just a walk across campus for Thomas Haupt. The rural Jackson man is one of thousands of students who commute to Southeast Missouri State University. The 19-year-old sophomore is starting his second year at Southeast. Haupt said commuters often spend little time on campus, leaving as soon as they're done with classes...

THE STORY SO FAR: It is Christmas morning. The previous night, on Christmas Eve, Melissa, Brian and Amy all did their part to light the way for the 1858 escape planned by John -- who stepped back in time -- and his family. Brian saw John's memorial stone disappear, which meant he survived the river journey, but one question remains: Did the family make it to freedom?...

Applying for a YELL literacy grant is as simple as ABC. This year's application deadline is Sept. 15. Anyone interested in picking up a grant application should call Nancy Jernigan at the Areawide United Way: 334-9634. "We recommend that people do that pretty soon because grants are due back to us soon," said YELL board member Julia Jorgensen, who also serves on the YELL Foundation's allocations committee...

Well, the stink over digital music files traded over the Internet is far from over. And it looks as if the Internet music sites are losing ground. Last week, a federal judge ruled against MP3.com, saying the company infringed on copyrights belonging to Universal Music Group. The ruling could cost the company anywhere from $118 million to $250 million...

Jeanine Dobbins, coordinator of the Missouri Statewide Early Literacy Intervention Program at Southeast Missouri State University, and Cathy Evans, assistant superintendent over elementary schools in the Cape Girardeau School District, are the two newest members of the 15-member YELL Foundation board of directors...

It makes sense to establish a comprehensive plan for regulating planning and zoning in Cape Girardeau County, say officials in Cape Girardeau and Jackson. Voters will be asked Nov. 7 to consider establishment of countywide planning to address growth issues in Cape Girardeau County. Voters in both the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the county will decide the matter...

Nancy Anthony of Advance, Mo., arrived early and parked her pickup truck in a parking spot that backed up to Independence Street just so she could have a good view of the SEMO District Fair. Anthony said she arrived about 3:45 p.m., well ahead of the 5:30 p.m. start of the parade that officially kicked off the start of the 145th SEMO District Fair...

The Missouri Republican Party Monday accused state Sen. Jerry T. Howard of Dexter, Mo., of criminal financial wrongdoing and called for a state investigation of the Democrat's alleged activities. Howard blasted the allegations as an election-year smear tactic. He planned to hold a press conference in Dexter today and provide documentation that he said will prove there were no improprieties...

Today Grandstand: 7:30 p.m., Mini Car Figure 8 Derby. Astro Amusements, $14 bands, 5-11 p.m. Judging: 8:30 a.m., FCE booths; 8:30 a.m., guinea pigs, pigeons and 4-H calves; 9 a.m., field crops, fine arts, crafts and hobbies, floriculture, home ec, horticulture, FFA fruits and vegetables, 4-H poultry, poultry; 1 p.m., FFA field crops; 2 p.m., rabbits, 4-H rabbits; 6 p.m., livestock arrival...

The following winners were chosen during a pageant Sunday afternoon at the SEMO District Fair: MaKinley Powers, Tiny Miss SEMO Fair; Hannah Noe, Little Miss SEMO Fair; Mary Bauer, Young Miss SEMO Fair; Whitney Ulrich, Preteen Miss SEMO Fair; Ashley Depron, Teen Miss SEMO Fair; and Amy McBryde, Miss SEMO Fair...

Today's road closings: The signals at Independence and West End Boulevard will not function this morning. The signals at Broadway and Pacific will not function Wednesday and Thursday morning. Ongoing projects:...

The volunteers swarming the streets early this morning to sell copies of the YELL edition are keeping up a tradition that started in 1991, when Marvel Comics' superhero Spiderman made an appearance and all 9,000 of the YELL newspapers printed were sold...

Missouri gubernatorial candidates Bob Holden and Jim Talent will square off in a debate at Southeast Missouri State University's Academic Hall Auditorium on Sept. 25. University President Dr. Ken Dobbins said Southeast had lobbied hard to land the debate...

Two Kennett, Mo., women were injured when their vehicle overturned Monday afternoon on Route TT near Hornersville, Mo. Angela Eauclaire, 28, and Sherry Matheney, 36, were taken to Twin Rivers Medical Center for treatment. Eauclaire was driving the vehicle when she ran off the right side of the road and overcorrected, crossed the left lane, hit a ditch and overturned...

Some 20 agencies will tour school and family-service agencies today to see how activities of the Community Caring Council and its member agencies touch the lives of Cape Girardeau children and families. Community Caring Council Director Shirley Ramsey said today's meeting marks the first time a monthly meeting for Community Partnerships agencies has met outside of St. Louis and Jefferson City, Mo...

JACKSON, Mo. -- For the second time in three months, 20-year-old Darius Nicholson is on trial for murder. A new trial for Nicholson, of Columbia, Mo., began Monday after his first trial in June resulted in a hung jury. Nicholson is charged with first-degree murder in the 1998 shooting death of a gas station attendant in Sikeston, Mo., during a robbery. He is also charged with felonies of robbery and armed criminal action...

Lily Martin has enjoyed completing word-search puzzles for more than 15 years. Now she can read the words she's hunting for instead of only recognizing the shapes. "I can read some of the words now. I can read them and find them," said Martin, 42, with a smile. The Cape Girardeau resident grew up in foster care. Although attended a state school in her youth, she was never taught to read or write...

JACKSON, Mo. -- The Cape Girardeau County Commission lowered the road and bridge tax levy by a penny Monday, setting the tax rate at 22 cents per $100 assessed valuation. As in past years, the commission didn't levy a property tax for the county government's general revenue fund. The county's sales tax brings in enough revenue to eliminate the need for a property tax levy for the general fund...

JACKSON, Mo. -- The Cape Girardeau County Commission isn't ready to spend money for a transit director. Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said Monday the county's transit authority needs to first do its homework and explore possible sources of funding for hiring a transit director...

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment in support of the community's quest for literacy: YELL Foundation Board of Directors - Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City Public Schools - Schnucks - VIP Industries - Cape Girardeau Public Library Research Department - Firstar Bank - Cities of Cape, Jackson, Scott City - Business & Service Clubs Yelling & Selling - YELL Sponsors - Dr. ...

After 10 years of having newspapers delivered to area schools, teachers still can't get enough copies for their classes, said Cape Girardeau Central High School's librarian, Julia Jorgenson, who also serves on the board of the YELL Foundation. "There is a far greater demand for newspapers through the Newspapers in Education program than can be paid for by the YELL grant," Jorgenson said...

Win two nights in St. Louis at the Cheshire Inn. All you have to do is write your name, address, telephone number and the answers to the following four questions from information found in this YELL Edition on a post card and mail to: YELL Bonus, Southeast Missourian P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702-0699...

The Southeast Missouri Jr. is a newspaper written by kids for kids. The newspapers is published monthly in the regular Southeast Missourian on the last Tuesday of each month. The next issue is Sept. 26. The goal of the new Junior newspaper is to promote reading and creativity and give children a place to see their work published. All children who have their work printed in the Junior earn a newshound T-shirt...

YELL grants recipients, from left, the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer, YELL board member; Marge King, Immaculate Conception; Connie Bergerson, North Elementary; Charlotte Knaup, North Elementary; Howard Lewis, Orchard Drive elementary; and Diane E. Gregg, West Lane Elementary...

Exciting mystery, detective, spy, espionage and intrigue authors: Margery Allingham Anthony Berkeley William F. Buckely, Jr. John Dickson Carr Raymond Chandler Agatha Christie Richard Condon Joseph Conrad Len Deignton Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Ian Fleming...

The University of Missouri volleyball team has had seven straight losing seasons and the Tigers went just 10-21 last year. But the Tigers are a new-look outfit this year -- as Southeast Missouri State University learned up close and personal Monday night...

Southeast Missouri State University's stunning 34-33 win at Southern Illinois Saturday -- after the Indians trailed 31-0 in the second quarter -- did not set any kind of record for biggest college football comebacks. But it wasn't very far off. The Indians' rally from a 31-point deficit ties them for third place on the NCAA Division I-AA all-time list for biggest comeback victories, trailing only a 35-point deficit faced by Nevada against Weber State in 1991 and a 32-point deficit faced by Morehead State against Wichita State in 1986.. ...

Former Westminster College football star Scott Pingel has returned to the scene of his heroics, joining the team's staff as an assistant coach and recruiter. Pingel, a native of Perryville, Mo., played wide receiver at Westminster from 1996-99 and is the owner of 17 NCAA records. He was a three-time All-American and the 1999 recipient of the Melberger Award, which is given to the most outstanding player in Division III football...

Readers will proceed at their own risk when reading these authors: Isaac Asimov Ambrose Bierce Algernon Blackwood William Blatty Robert Block Anthony Boher Ray Bradbury Joseph Payne Brennan Ramsey Campbell John Dickson Carr John Collier Basil Copper...

Match the characters to their deeds 1. Bobby Shafto 2. Billy Boy 3. Georgie Porgie 4. Jack 5. Knave of Hearts 6. Little Bo Peep 7. Little Boy Blue 8. Little Jack Horner 9. Little Miss Muffet 10. Little Polly Flanders 11. Little Robin Redbreast 12. Mary...

JONESBORO, Ark. -- Southeast Missouri State University's women's soccer team unloaded a second-half scoring barrage on Arkansas State, netting all five of its goals after intermission in a 5-0 road victory Monday. Nichole Thiele broke the scoreless tie two minutes into the second half and added a second goal 10 minutes later. ...

Murray State holds a commanding lead after Monday's opening 36 holes in the 11-team Drury Invitational golf tournament being hosted by Southeast Missouri State University. The Racers had a team total of 612 at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson, Mo. Wright State is second at 624 heading into today's final 18 holes...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Notre Dame's Ramona Blankenship was almost perfect as she hurled a no-hitter to lead the Lady Bulldogs softball team past Sikeston 11-0 Monday. Blankenship faced one over the minimum in the five-inning game. Only two Sikeston hitters reached base, one by a walk and the other was hit by a pitch. The hit batsman was erased on a steal attempt. Blankenship struck out two...

(Survey by Reading is Fundamental network) Charlotte's Web (E. B. White) Superfudge (Judy Blume) Where the Red Fern Grows (Wilson Rawls) Tales of A Fourth Grade Nothing (Judy Blume) Honey I Shrunk the Kids (Hiller and Faucher) Indian in the Cupboard (Lynne Banks)...

African Queen - C.S. Forester Alice's' Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll Amos Fortune: Free Man - Elizabeth Yates A Bell for Adano - John Hersey The Big Sky - A. B. Guthrie The Bridge Over the River Kwai - Pierre Boulle The Bridges at Toko-Ri - James Michener...

Match the fairies with their tales: 1. Adventures of a Brownie 2. Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp 3. Beauty and the Beast 4. Cinderella 5. Emperor's New Clothes 6. Goldilocks and the Three Bears 7. Hansel and Gretel 8. Henny Penny 9. Jack and the Beanstalk...

CAIRO, Ill. -- Aaron W. Grigsby, 92, of Cairo died Monday, Sept. 11, 2000, at his home. He was born July 11, 1908, in Helena, Ark., son of Aaron H. and Lou Ola Higgins Grigsby. Grigsby was a retired painting contractor. He was a member and deacon of First Southern Baptist Church...

Charles Henry Schwepker, 63, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Sept. 11, 2000, at his home. Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

JACKSON, Mo. -- Wilma Hulda Hoyer, 90, died Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2000, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born Jan. 28,1910, in Jackson, daughter of William John and Lena Kasten Bingenheimer. She and Hermann E. Hoyer were married Nov. 26, 1931, in Cape Girardeau...

Margaret Mize, 79, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She was born Sept. 7, 1921, at Vanduser, Mo., daughter of Henry and Eva Woodward Utnage. She and Forrest Mize were married Sept. 7, 1945. He died Feb. 13, 1979...

ANNA, Ill. -- Funeral for Grace Penninger of Anna will be held at 1 p.m. today at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna. The Rev. Robert Goins will officiate. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery. Penninger, 84, died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, at Jonesboro Health Care Center in Jonesboro, Ill...

MILLERSVILLE, Mo. -- Josephine F. O'Dell, 84, of Millersville died Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, at the home of a daughter in Millersville. She was born Dec. 30, 1915, in Coal City, Ind., daughter of Zachariah and Mary Belle Reynolds Fiscus. She and Manuel O'Dell were married June 22, 1940. He died Feb. 8, 1975...

These famous authors hail from Missouri: Clemens, Samuel Langhorne (Mark Twain) - was born in Florida, Missouri. He grew up in Hannibal. Although he traveled the world, he drew heavily on Missouri scenes for the locale of books that made him one of American's greatest writers, who wrote " "Tom Sawyer."...

These famous people wrote about their own lives. You can find their autobiographies by using their own name as an author: Aaron, Hank Adams, Henry Angelou, Maya Armstrong, Karen Baker, Russell Bergen, Candice Braden, Tom Buchan, John Carson, Kit Carter, Rosalynn...

AURORA, Colo. -- Esther J. Langmeier, 91, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000, in Aurora. She was born June 20, 1909, in St. Louis, daughter of John August and Selma Larson Palmer. She and Adrian Harmon were married in 1928. He preceded her in death. She and William L. Palmer were married in 1954. He died in 1962. She and William F. Langmeier were married in 1964. He died in 1971...

Daughter to Joseph Eric and Jamie Lynn Wiseman of Chaffee, Mo., Southeast Missouri Hospital, 7:56 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2000. Name, Bailey Marie. Weight, 8 pounds 6 ounces. Third child, second daughter. Mrs. Wiseman is the former Jamie Eichhorn, daughter of Mike and Emily Eichhorn of Chaffee. She is employed at Chaffee Nursing Center. Wiseman is the son of J.E. and Evelyn Wiseman. He is employed at Blattner Steel...

To the editor: Sunday was National Pet Memorial Day. Humane societies and animal lovers mourned the loss of millions of innocent lives as a result of pet overpopulation. The number of animals born in our country per year far exceeds the number of humans born. It is difficult for people to hear about the euthanasia of healthy, innocent animals. That is exactly why it's so difficult: because they are healthy and innocent. They are born so they can die...

To the editor: There are so many reasons not to vote for Al Gore. There are so many reasons to believe that a Gore presidency would be bad for the nation. The Democratic Party and their allies in the media are trying to convince the voting public that Gore is a mainstream moderate, a strong family man and someone who can, as president, use the power of the federal government to solve every social ill and appease every interest group. ...

State school officials are out with test results. It appears about two-thirds of Missouri's public-school students aren't up to par for their grade level in math, science, communications and social studies, according to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education figures. But, said DESE, the students have made "substantial improvement over 1999 in many of the Missouri Assessment Program testing areas, including reading."...

It isn't often that any football team falls behind by a score of 31-0 and goes on to win the game. Yet that is the amazing feat accomplished by Tim Billings' Southeast Missouri State University Indians on Saturday in Carbondale, Ill., against SIU, a team that had beaten the Indians in nine of the last 11 encounters...

An interesting trend during the 1990s, both nationwide and locally, is the growth of thriving Christian schools. This positive movement continues, gathering force in Missouri and across the country, as more and more parents choose what the public schools can't provide: a God-centered educational curriculum featuring Judeo-Christian principles...

I CAN'T believe a union would go on strike when the people they work for are in such a bad way at the tire company. They need to wait a long while until this is solved. IF PEOPLE want planning and zoning for their property, they should live in a city not out in the country. People move to the country because they want to live the way they want to live...

Match these famous characters with their literature: 1. Ahab, Captain 2. Bumppo. Natty 3. Butler, Rhett 4. Cat, Cheshire 5. Christian 6. Cordelia 7. Crane, Ichabod 8. Cratchit, Bob 9. D'Artagnan 10. Dorothy 11. Happy 12. Fagin 13. Falstaff 14. Figaro...

These books are a good read at any age: Aesop's Fables - animals as characters teach us important lessons Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - young girl has adventures in rabbit hole The Blind Men and The Elephant - six blind men describe elephant differently...