Stories from Thursday, April 3, 2003

April 3, 2003 DC, Snow began falling sideways just as I arrived in Massachusetts. Just like James Taylor sings, the Berkshires were dreamlike, mountainous silhouettes in the whiteness. The drive took 23 hours not counting lunches and made to seem longer by a grinding run side-by-side with semis on the rainy Pennsylvania turnpike...

Growing up in Western Kentucky surrounded by Kentucky Lake and a pond on every farm, it's not hard to grow accustomed to fishing. Michael Wells did. These days Wells not only brings his love for fishing to Cape Girardeau, but he also brings a well-sought desire to help his community...

A drug long used in Germany slows down memory loss and physical decline in advanced Alzheimer's patients, according to a study of what could be the first effective treatment for late stages of the mind-robbing ailment. There is no cure or known prevention for Alzheimer's, which affects about 4 million Americans, and the only medications are approved for earlier stages of the disease...

NEW YORK -- U.S. Technologies CEO C. Gregory Earls pleaded innocent Wednesday to charges he cheated investors out of $15 million and diverted some of the money to a trust for his children. His attorney, Thomas Green, said it was unclear whether Earls could afford a permanent lawyer because the Securities and Exchange Commission froze Earls' assets. A federal judge gave Green and Earls a month to settle the matter...

NEW YORK -- Tyco International filed a $400 million lawsuit against former chief financial officer Mark Swartz, claiming he looted the conglomerate for his personal gain. Swartz already faces criminal charges of theft and fraud filed by government prosecutors, who say he and former CEO L. Dennis Kozlowski stole $600 million from Tyco. They have pleaded innocent...

DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. recalled 341,000 sport utility vehicles Wednesday to replace a driver seat belt buckle assembly. The recall covers model year 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy and Oldsmobile Bravada SUVs. Some 313,000 are in the United States and another 19,000 are in Canada...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Two tobacco companies are suing California, saying the state's anti-smoking TV ads unfairly vilify their industry. The counterattack follows a series of multibillion-dollar jury awards against beleaguered cigarette makers, which are trying to cope with a nationwide sales decline...

Shuttle parts found on Louisiana Army base PICKERING, La. -- The discovery of three engine parts from the space shuttle Columbia could mark the end of the debris search in Louisiana. On Tuesday, workers recovered the debris in two craters at Fort Polk in central Louisiana, ending NASA's search for shuttle debris in the area, said Kelly Humphries, a space agency spokesman...

EL MONTE, Calif. -- On her second trip to the El Monte Comprehensive Health Center, Candy Guerrero spent nearly an hour waiting for an appointment. The first time, she waited in vain for two hours. "I went home crying," said Guerrero, 61, who suffers from diabetes and a heart condition. "I could not make an appointment. I could not see the doctor."...

SAN FRANCISCO -- A 20-year-old Marine reservist seeking to be discharged as a conscientious objector has given himself a second way out -- he's told military leaders he's gay. "I believe that as a gay man, someone who is misunderstood by much of the general population, I have a great deal of experience with hatred and oppression," Lance Cpl. Stephen Funk wrote in his application for a conscientious objector discharge...

PHILADELPHIA -- At age 50, TV Guide is showing signs of maturity. Circulation is down amid competition from newspapers that offer their own listings and TV shows that provide a steady stream of celebrity news. But TV Guide has also adapted to the changes in the media business in recent years, with online listings, an interactive program guide and a television channel that make the most of its recognizable name and logo...

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Israeli tanks backed by attack helicopters invaded a refugee camp near the Gaza-Egypt border late Wednesday, clashing with gunmen and killing four Palestinians, doctors said. Earlier, Israeli troops rounded up hundreds of men in a sweep of the West Bank town of Tulkarem and demolished the home of a jailed Palestinian accused in a string of attacks...

BEIJING -- Under escalating global pressure, China agreed Wednesday to let international health investigators visit the place where the mystery illness apparently began -- the southern province of Guangdong. Officials also updated the nation's death toll by a dozen to 46 as they revealed the illness had spread to other regions and sickened far more than they initially reported...

MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippine president ordered a "total war" on terrorists after a bomb exploded Wednesday near a bustling wharf in the southern port of Davao, killing at least 16 people, including two children. Forty people were injured in the blast, the second in Davao in less than a month. The death toll would have been higher if the nation was not already on high alert for terror acts, officials said...

SPINBOLDAK, Afghanistan -- Two dozen U.S. special forces troops and hundreds of their Afghan allies swooped in on a border village Wednesday to drive out resurgent Taliban fighters in southern Afghanistan. Under fierce attack, the Taliban fled into nearby mountains where they were pummeled by U.S. aircraft...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The passengers on the upper deck of bus No. 4 turned their heads in unison to look at the carnage left by the missile attack on the Bab al-Moazam telephone exchange. Many shook their heads in disbelief, and some stared with their mouths agape. But no one said a word...

ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey agreed Wednesday to let the United States send food, fuel and medicine -- but not weapons -- through its territory to U.S. soldiers fighting in Iraq, another sign of limited cooperation from NATO's only Muslim member. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Turkish leaders also agreed on an "early warning" system to avert friction between Turkey and Iraqi Kurds -- an accord designed to block Turkey from sending its forces into northern Iraq. ...

Rap band Linkin Park's new release at top spot NEW YORK -- Linkin Park's latest release has made a meteoric rise to the top of the album chart, debuting at the No. 1 spot. "Meteora" sold more than 810,000 copies during its first week in stores, according to industry figures released Wednesday...

AUSTIN, Texas -- So much for big, ol' Texas being Football U. The Longhorns just might turn this place into -- gulp -- a hoops hotbed. The men's and women's basketball teams both are in the Final Four, only the fourth time a school has done that. And it's no small feat at a university where the running joke is that there are two sports on campus: football and spring football...

GENEVA It was 2:30 a.m. when Dr. Mike Ryan was awakened by the phone call that catapulted the world's health officials into crisis mode over a deadly flu-like illness striking in Asia. n It was health authorities in Singapore. They had heard that a doctor from their country might be sick with the mysterious Asian bug -- and he could be carrying the new disease around the world on a flight home from New York...

HAVANA -- Cuba is seeking life sentences for at least 10 of the dissidents jailed in the largest crackdown in years aimed at extinguishing all government opposition, the island's best-known rights activist said Wednesday. A total of 78 dissidents have been arrested since March 18, accused of working with U.S. diplomats to subvert Fidel Castro's government and being mercenaries in the pay of Washington...

In a day of advances and losses, U.S. forces fought to within sight of the Baghdad skyline 20 miles away Wednesday, seizing key bridges and shattering two divisions of the vaunted Republican Guard as they thrust north from two directions -- the Army from the southwest, Marines from the southeast...

ABOARD THE USS KITTY HAWK -- The two Americans bailed out of a failing F-14 Tomcat fighter jet in the Iraqi desert, and when rescuers asked if they could walk, they didn't hesitate. "I can run, just point me in the right direction," replied one crew member, a lieutenant commander nicknamed Gordo...

The Associated Press AMMAN, Jordan -- Four journalists detained for a week in Baghdad said Wednesday they feared for their lives "every second" they were in Iraq's most notorious prison. Newsday correspondent Matt McAllester, 33, and photographer Moises Saman, 29, were freed Tuesday after being held for a week in Abu Ghraib prison, along with Molly Bingham, a freelance photographer from Louisville, Ky., and Danish freelance photographer Johan Rydeng Spanner...

NASIRIYAH, Iraq -- An American flag folded across her chest, Pfc. Jessica Lynch left Iraq on a stretcher Wednesday after U.S. commandos, acting on a CIA tip, rescued the prisoner of war. But the operation also brought sad news -- the troops found 11 corpses, some believed to be Americans...

The city of Jackson will be able to move forward with its search for a police chief on Friday after the county sheriff's department hands over its background checks today. It is another step toward filling the position in a process that has been ongoing for nearly six months...

Returning with a unanimous verdict, a Cape Girardeau County jury found an Illinois great-grandmother guilty of conspiracy to commit murder but asked that she not serve any prison time. After more than two hours of deliberation, the jury recommended a five-year prison sentence for Helen A. Severs, 67, of Ullin, Ill., but additionally asked Circuit Judge John Heisserer to suspend the imposition of that sentence and place her on probation...

Americans today count yellow ribbons as a patriotic gesture, but local historian Frank Nickell says the tradition has more to do with an Irish drinking song than a salute to troops. The origins of the yellow-ribbon tradition to remember soldiers in conflict may date back to the Civil War, but there's little solid evidence to support it. Civil War historians say no diaries, letters or photographs of that era could be found documenting the tradition...

Area health-care providers are mixed about whether to ask their employees to be inoculated with the smallpox vaccine after reports surfaced of a possible connection to heart-related problems. St. Francis Medical Center is the most notable local example where the growing list of risks, side effects and questions -- including the death of three health-care workers in other places -- has made an impact. The hospital has decided not administer the shots to employees at this time...

Cape Girardeau can be a trashy place in mid-April with junk piled high along city streets. But city officials don't mind. It's all part of the city's weeklong spring cleanup that gives residents a chance to get rid of all those broken down couches, old appliances, clothes and other junk...

There will be only two races within Cape Girardeau County for Tuesday's election. In Allenville, four candidates are running for three spots on the board of trustees. In Delta, Ward 2, two candidates are running for one position. Ed Williams' name will appear on Allenville's ballot even though he cannot hold the post due to his parole status for a felony conviction for intent to manufacture methamphetamine...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- It would be more difficult for Missouri voters to pass initiative referenda dealing with fish and wildlife issues than tax increases -- or anything else -- under a constitutional amendment proposed by a Southeast Missouri lawmaker...

By Gilbert Degenhardt When it became apparent that addressing growing concerns about the adequacy of the ongoing heath-care delivery system, several basic needs surfaced: simplification, understandability, transportability and all-inclusiveness...

Sikeston's baseball team sent 19 batters to the plate in a 13-run third inning on its way to a five-inning, 20-5 victory over host Central Wednesday afternoon. Sikeston (4-0) received three-run home runs by Blake DeWitt and Jacob Priday. DeWitt finished with six RBIs, and Priday, who went 4-for-4, had five RBIs...

ST. LOUIS -- Woody Williams looked perfectly healthy -- and dominant again at home. Williams, limited to 17 starts last season by a pulled muscle in his left side, pitched two-hit ball into the seventh inning to lead the Cardinals over the Milwaukee Brewers 7-0 Wednesday night...

As U.S. troops moved ever closer to Baghdad on Wednesday, their commanders already had hints from Basra and other cities of what to expect: armed resistance from guerrilla bands, many in civilian garb, staging hit and run attacks and firing small arms from concealed positions, with civilians sometimes trapped in the crossfire...

HAVANA -- Armed hijackers seized a ferry off Cuba's coast Wednesday and threatened to toss passengers overboard if they cannot go to the United States, setting off a negotiating drama on the high seas. The FBI said the ferry was drifting in international waters about 60 miles off Key West and was sending hostage negotiators to the scene by helicopter to rendezvous with a U.S. Coast Guard cutter...

It happens all too often. A municipality promises it won't raise water rates for a few years if its residents will approve a multimillion-dollar bond issue to pay for new projects. Invariably, something goes wrong: project delays, extra costs or other miscalculations. City officials often offer these up as excuses why they have to raise rates...

Today Family care-giving workshop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in St. Claire conference room at St. Francis Conference Center. For information, call 331-5107. Blood pressure screening from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Cape Senior Center, sponsored through Southeast Missouri Hospital...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Through the first four games of the season Notre Dame junior Matt Wulfers was all about offense. On Wednesday, the Bulldogs called on their sweet-swinging outfielder to try to limit the offense of Chaffee in a wind-blown, zany game. Wulfers, who had four home runs and 11 RBIs in the Bulldogs' previous two games, made his varsity pitching debut in relief. ...

Notre Dame's unexpected run to the Class 4 girls basketball state championship game was rewarded with two all-state selections and recognition for its coach in today's release of the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association's Class 4-5 all-state teams...

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southeast Missouri State University's baseball team couldn't have envisioned a better way to enter Ohio Valley Conference play. The Indians extended their winning streak to eight games and continued a recent dominance of regional rival Southern Illinois with a 7-5 victory at Abe Martin Field Wednesday afternoon...

Southeast Missouri State University's softball struggles continued as the Otahkians dropped a pair of 9-0 games to visiting Missouri Wednesday. Southeast (6-17) managed three hits on the day, including being no-hit in the opener. Missouri (21-13) pounded out 27 hits, including three home runs in the opener. Rachael McGinnis went 5-for-7 with a homer and four RBIs for the Tigers...

To the editor: Many changes have been made in the medical field since the early 1900s. There were fewer doctors, and medicine was scarce. Home remedies were often relied upon. Midwives took the place of a doctor in the delivery of a baby. A recent item from 75 years ago in the Southeast Missourian featured Dr. W.C. Patton as Cape Girardeau's finest early doctor and surgeon whose treatment and expertise saved many lives...

Briefly Baseball The House Energy and Commerce Committee sent letters Wednesday to baseball commissioner Bud Selig and union head Donald Fehr, requesting documents about ephedra use in the sport. Congress is investigating dietary supplements containing ephedra, and baseball has come under scrutiny since the death of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler in February. ...

To the editor: As a member of VFW Post 3838, I am honored that the Southeast Missourian takes the time to visit our post home and interview our members. We are fiercely patriotic and willing to offer an opinion when asked. As a group, we are as varied as the community we live in, and our opinions on most subjects show that diversity...

It really works GOV. BOB Holden is apparently taking a position that he is opposed to allowing honest Missourians to defend themselves from criminal attack. This is unfortunate, because if the governor chooses to veto the bill to allow concealed weapons, it is honest Missouri men and women who will pay the penalty. ...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Thrisey Wilkinson McClain, 58, of Sikeston died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at her home. She was born Dec. 18, 1944, in Scott County, daughter of Riley Adam and Elsie Ray Long. She first married Les Wilkinson in 1978 at Benton, Mo. He died June 27, 1995. She and Larry McClain were married Sept. 12, 1997, at Sikeston...

Lana G. Orrell, 54, formerly of Houston, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at her home in Jackson. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Rocky Tallent officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery...

Lillie Wessling, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She was born Jan. 28, 1914, at Neelys Landing, Mo., daughter of Carl J. and Nora Clingingsmith Craft. She and Henry J. Wessling were married May 4, 1932, in St. Louis. He died April 16, 1985...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Janet Maria Thies, 60, of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, March 20, 2003, at St. John's Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Survivors include her son, Michael Thies, of Cape Girardeau. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with burial following at 5 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Poplar Bluff with the Rev. Michael McDevitt officiating...

BREWER, Mo. -- David J. Huber, 85, of Brewer died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at his home. He was born Oct. 31, 1917, in Perry County, son of Otto A. and Emily M. Moranville Huber. He and Norma D. Cambron were married Nov. 20, 1943. Huber retired from Carpenters Union Local 2214 in St. Louis. He was a member of Christ the Savior Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society at Brewer, American Legion Post 133 and VFW Post 4282 in Perryville, Mo...

Demopoulos Daughter to Kostas Nikolaos and Autumn Astraea Demopoulos of Cape Girardeau, St. Francis Medical Center, 3:38 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2003. Name, Astraia Fotini K. Weight, 7 pounds 1 ounce. Second child, first daughter. Mrs. Demopoulos is the former Autumn McSpadden, daughter of Fara McSpadden of Advance, Mo., and Fred Naeter of Cape Girardeau. Mr. and Mrs. Demopoulos own California Juice Club. He is the son of Fotoula Demopoulos and Nikolaos Demopoulos of Cape Girardeau...

Cape Girardeau Thursday, April 3 The following items were released by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI Jeff McCord Meador, 19, of 350 N. Henderson, Apt. 129, Cape Girardeau, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, possession of alcohol by a minor and operating a vehicle on the sidewalk...

Just for a moment, consider this: Your child doesn't come home from school one day and then is listed as missing. Days later, a witness tells police that she was abducted while walking home, pulled into a car by a stranger. The officers don't tell you, but you can see it in their eyes: In all likelihood, she's dead...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The House gave initial approval Wednesday to legislation that would create a new inspector general's position to check up on the Missouri Department of Transportation. The bill does away with MoDOT's internal inspector general, who investigates everything from employee grievances to criminal allegations, and establishes an inspector general who would report to the legislature...

Air Canada files for bankruptcy protection TORONTO -- Air Canada has become the latest major airline to file for bankruptcy protection as it seeks concessions from unions and government assistance amid the long worldwide slump for air travel. Air Canada is the country's largest airline and the only scheduled Canadian carrier with an extensive route network to the United States and other foreign destinations. It employs more than 30,000 people...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Support for measures designating an official state grape and grass has taken root in the Missouri Legislature. The Senate on Wednesday approved and sent to the House legislation designating the Norton/Cynthiana as the official state grape, while the House gave initial approval to a bill naming Big Bluestem as the official state grass...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Slightly more than 20,000 people have applied to participate in the second year of a state-run prescription drug program for senior citizens, state officials said Wednesday. The enrollment for the year that starts July 1 is almost the same as this year's participation, despite a fairly aggressive marketing campaign...

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Alex Rodriguez became the youngest player to hit 300 homers, but the Anaheim Angels beat the Rangers 11-5 Wednesday behind home runs from Troy Glaus, Brad Fullmer and Darin Erstad. Rodriguez, 27 years, 249 days old, hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning off Ramon Ortiz (1-0), his second of the season. The fastest to 300 had been Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx...

WASHINGTON -- The House passed legislation Wednesday to end a Social Security practice that allowed some government workers to receive increased retirement benefits. Texas Democrats claimed the bill was a hardship for their state's teachers. The bill, approved 396-28, also would deny Social Security benefits to fugitive felons and to people who violated probation or parole. Voting against the measure were 25 Democrats and three Republicans...

ATLANTA -- Zach Day and three relievers combined on a three-hitter, and Jose Vidro hit a two-run homer to lead the Montreal Expos over the Atlanta Braves 3-0 Wednesday night. The vagabond Expos, who won't play in Montreal until April 22, have outscored the Braves 13-2 in the first two games at Turner Field. Atlanta is 0-2 for the first time in six years...

WASHINGTON -- Manufacturing is faltering as the weight of uncertainties surrounding the war in Iraq causes businesses and consumers to turn more cautious. Orders to U.S. factories fell 1.5 percent in February, the worst showing in five months, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. Private economists said manufacturers could see orders fall even more in March given the muddled economic climate...

WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that states can pass laws forcing HMOs to open their networks to more health care providers, giving patients broader choices of doctors and hospitals but potentially boosting costs. The unanimous ruling was a setback for the managed care industry, which argued that closed networks lower health care costs because providers agree to accept lower fees in return for a guaranteed stream of patients...

WASHINGTON -- Improvised chemical or biological weapons could be concocted by terrorists using common household items and then might be hidden in food, the FBI warned Wednesday. Using materials available at stores, on the Internet or through mail-order firms, terrorists could make cyanide compounds, grow salmonella bacteria and botulinum toxin, or distill the poison ricin from castor beans, the FBI said in its weekly bulletin...

Chili, stew dinner April 12 at New McKendree An all-you-can-eat chili and stew dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m. April 12 in the Fellowship Hall of New McKendree United Methodist Church, 225 S. High St. in Jackson, one block south of the County Courthouse. The dinner is sponsored by the men of New McKendree United Methodist Church...

'Jonah' the Veggie Tales movie at Grace Bible At 7 p.m. Friday, in cooperation with Big Idea Productions and Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI), Grace Bible Evangelical Free Church is presenting "Jonah" the Veggie Tales movie. This is a family movie for both kids and adults. Admission is free. The church can comfortably seat about 150 adults or children. The front doors to the sanctuary will open at 6:45 p.m...

Cape Girardeau resident Sabina Childers has a special interest in the proclamation signed by Gov. Bob Holden last month declaring April as Autism Awareness Month. Her son, Larry, began exhibiting autistic behavior at about 15 months of age. Just before his third birthday doctors in St. Louis officially diagnosed autism. Larry does not like to stay belted in his car seat, making the trip a challenge...

Name: Jay B. Knudtson Lives in: Cape Girardeau Family: My wife's name is Cindy, son, Gunnar, age 9. Job: Executive vice president of First Missouri State Bank and Mayor of Cape Girardeau...

Daily Statesman DEXTER, Mo. -- The civil lawsuit filed against the city of Dexter, city officials and former police officers has been settled by the city's insurance company. Word was received this week that the lawsuit filed on behalf of the three victims in the case involving former Dexter police officer Robert Kennedy has been settled, with the three victims each monetary compensation...

Cape Girardeau Thursday, April 3 Firefighters responded to the following items Tuesday: At 8:47 p.m., a citizen assist at 600 William. At 9:55 p.m., a good intent in the 800 block of Maple. Firefighters responded to the following items Wednesday: At 8:55 a.m., an emergency medical service at 624 S. Benton...

10 years ago: April 3, 1993 Fire investigators are unsure what caused Thursday's blaze that extensively damages SEMO Heavy Industries, Cape Girardeau manufacturing firm in Town Plaza; but operator of business, Bill Evans, says cause likely was some type of electrical malfunction...