Stories from Wednesday, May 19, 2004

Paul Hale knows what it takes to win as a high school basketball coach in Southeast Missouri, compiling a 486-219 record in 26 years of coaching. Hale, who retired from coaching after leading Dexter to a 24-4 record in the 2000-2001 season, will try to keep that winning tradition alive at Notre Dame Regional High School. Hale was announced as the new head boys basketball coach and athletic director at a Tuesday morning news conference at Notre Dame...

NEW YORK -- The former World Trade Center director told the Sept. 11 commission Tuesday that he was unaware of the threat posed by Osama bin Laden until the summer before the attacks and was not briefed by the FBI on key terrorism intelligence. Alan Reiss' comments came during an exchange with commission member Bob Kerrey at the start of an emotional two-day hearing about the response to the attacks. The hearings are being held in lower Manhattan about 1 1/2 miles from ground zero...

Rocket launcher found near Atlanta train station ATLANTA -- A military rocket launcher was found Tuesday near a suburban commuter train station, authorities said. The 3-foot shoulder-held launcher was not loaded, authorities said. The FBI and police searched the area. Transit employees discovered the weapon near a station just outside Atlanta, on an embankment next to the tracks, said Gene Wilson, MARTA police chief...

NEW YORK -- The former police and fire chiefs who were lionized after the World Trade Center attack came under harsh criticism Tuesday from the Sept. 11 commission, with one member saying the departments' lack of cooperation was scandalous and "not worthy of the Boy Scouts."...

NEW YORK -- Busy parents have busy children who have busy lives, but the one constant in most families' daily schedules is dinnertime. So, says chef Emeril Lagasse, make the most of it. "There is an anchor to food. It's finally the end of the day, and the reward is the meal. Even when pets -- horses, dogs -- are at the end of the chore they get a treat," he says with a laugh...

A sauce of fresh cilantro, green onions, ginger and garlic stirred into cooked rice gives the rice intense fragrance and flavor. Shiitake mushrooms add a little earthy smokiness. Nothing too difficult about that. It's the idea that makes the difference: The combinations are creative, the results delectable, in this recipe for rice and chicken from "The Best of Cooking Light 4" ($9.95), a special edition of Cooking Light magazine...

NEW YORK -- ABC News on Tuesday appointed Elizabeth Vargas to replace Barbara Walters as co-host of the newsmagazine "20/20," and hired British celebrity interviewer Martin Bashir for the show. Vargas has been a frequent fill-in on various ABC News broadcasts and a reporter for its newsmagazine. She'll be teamed with John Stossel on "20/20," which retained its Friday time slot in the fall schedule announced by the network on Tuesday...

Frasier Crane can always say that he went out on top. The series finale of "Frasier" on NBC was television's most popular show last week, with 25.2 million people watching the psychiatrist make a surprise flight to Chicago in search of love. While it was less than half of the audience for the "Friends" send-off a week earlier, "Frasier" can still say it beat television's No. ...

NEW YORK -- Tony Randall, who served as a fussy foil for Rock Hudson and Doris Day, David Letterman and Johnny Carson and, most famously, Jack Klugman on "The Odd Couple," has died at 84 after a long illness. Randall, who'd been hospitalized since December when he developed pneumonia after heart bypass surgery, died in his sleep Monday night at NYU Medical Center. His wife, Heather Harlan Randall -- who had made him a father for the first time at age 77 -- was by his side...

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq's most respected Shiite cleric urged both U.S. soldiers and a radical cleric's militia Tuesday to withdraw from two Shiite holy cities where fighting has raged near some of Shia Islam's holiest shrines. A statement released in Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Husseini al-Sistani's name urged Iraqis not to travel to Najaf to join protests called by cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. ...

NEW DELHI -- Sonia Gandhi said Tuesday she would "humbly decline" to be the next prime minister of India, a decision that stunned her supporters and followed Hindu nationalist outrage over the prospect of a foreign-born woman leading the nation. Gandhi, an Italian who became an Indian citizen 21 years ago when she married former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, did not say whom she would nominate for the post. ...

BUCHAREST, Romania -- Flushed from his game of hide-and-seek, 4-year-old Vasile munches a brownie as his mother recalls the day he entered her life. It was February 2001, and Emily Wilcox and her husband, Andy, had traveled to Romania to adopt a child...

ST. LOUIS -- A federal appeals court has reinstated a man's death sentence in a 1994 murder for hire, rejecting claims that prosecutors, including a current congressman, encouraged a key witness to lie under oath. Monday's ruling by an 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel reverses a lower court's August 2001 order that Richard Clay be retried because prosecutors failed to disclose details of witness Chuck Sanders' plea deal...

The best seat at a baseball game is behind home plate. The best seat in a theater is often in the balcony. And the best seat in church, judging by parishioner behavior, is a pew in the back. But where's the best seat in a restaurant? That depends on a number of factors, but until recently everyone agreed that it was one far away from the kitchen...

Editor's note: This column was originally published May 6, 1995. Yes, I'm married. Even I don't believe it. Every so often, I look down at my genuine Diamonelle and plain gold band to remind myself of the vows I took a week ago yesterday...

Garrett Broshuis almost certainly won't pitch tonight against his former local team when Southeast Missouri State University visits the University of Missouri for the Indians' final non-conference game of the season. Such is the status of the Tigers' junior right-hander from Advance High School who is having a season that places him among the Big 12 Conference's premier hurlers. He's simply too valuable to use in a non-conference game...

NEW YORK -- The breaks went to the New York Mets this time. They got the broken-bat, two-out hit by Kaz Matsui that tied the score in the ninth inning and the game-winner by Cliff Floyd a moment later. The way Tom Glavine saw it, they were due for the turnaround...

ATLANTA -- Randy Johnson had pretty much done it all -- Cy Young Awards, a no-hitter, strikeout records, a World Series championship. Only one thing was missing in his brilliant career, that rarest of pitching feats. At the ripe ol' age of 40, the Big Unit took care of that, too...

DEXTER, Mo. -- Notre Dame overcame a shaky start in dramatic fashion, scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to nip Doniphan 4-3 in a first-round game in the Class 3 District 1 tournament on Tuesday. Second-seed Notre Dame (17-6), which trailed the seventh-seeded Dons 3-0 after the first inning, will face No. 3 seed and host Dexter (14-6) in a 6 p.m. semifinal today...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A year after vetoing a bill aimed at making criminals help pay for law enforcement expenses, Gov. Bob Holden claimed passage of a similar proposal as one of this year's legislative successes. Southeast Missouri lawmakers have pushed the measure for six years and successfully steered it through the Missouri Legislature three times without it becoming law. Two earlier versions were vetoed, and passage of a third was nullified on a technicality...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Because the Missouri Legislature failed this year to pass a bill extending and revamping the state's prescription drug program, Missouri seniors next year may be signing up for benefits without knowing exactly what they're getting...

WASHINGTON -- The top intelligence official at the Homeland Security Department, worried about an increased risk of attack in coming months, says al-Qaida wants to strike on U.S. soil with something other than a conventional explosive -- perhaps with a chemical or biological weapon...

Five years ago, some civic leaders in Stoddard, Scott and Dunklin counties considered the idea of applying for national scenic byway status along Crowley's Ridge from the Arkansas border all the way to Commerce, Mo. The idea was to improve safety on Highway 25 and other roads included in the byway and stimulate the local economy of the communities with tourism dollars...

After receiving widespread support from Missouri legislators and parents alike, a bill to remove a mercury-containing preservative from vaccines stalled in the Senate during the last week of the legislative session. House Bill 852, which banned the use of thimerosal in childhood inoculations, was passed by a vote of 152-4 in the House in March, and was unanimously approved in a Senate health committee in April, but was not brought before the full Senate until the last two days of the session...

With the ocean of color that has spread across the north end of the Cape Girardeau floodwall over the past few weeks, it has become increasingly difficult for the glancing eye to make out the shape of the artists as their canvas evolves around them. But it is plain to see that over the past month, progress has been made on the floodwall mural project...

Next Tuesday, a host of regional business movers and shakers will converge on Cape Girardeau to discuss the economic climate of the area and explore ways to promote economic development in the region. The National Association of Development Organizations anticipates over 100 economic development practitioners and policymakers will attend the forum, planned for Tuesday in the University Center Ballroom on the Southeast Missouri State University campus. ...

I cannot believe another school year is over; it has simply flown by. Both Ross and Lexie had wonderful years. As we make plans for the summer, camping out and cooking outdoors are on the list. The Girl Scouts of Otahki Council sent in an entire volume of outdoor cooking recipes for you to try this summer...

Sens. Jim Bunning and Blanche Lincoln easily won their parties' nominations in Kentucky and Arkansas primaries Tuesday, as voters in Oregon picked a challenger to run against another popular Senate incumbent, Ron Wyden. In other races, Republicans in Kentucky chose a candidate to take on actor George Clooney's father for a seat in the U.S. House, while Oregon voters considered whether to re-elect two county commissioners who decided in secret meetings to allow gay marriages...

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Democrats led by presidential candidate John Kerry faulted President Bush on Tuesday for failing to tamp down gas prices as the political party out of power sought a summertime issue to ignite the election campaign. Many voters filling their tanks from Concord, N.H., to Miami to Oakland, Calif., said they didn't know who is to blame for an average price of $2.017 per gallon, the first time the national average has exceeded $2 -- the Republicans controlling the White House and Congress, all politicians in Washington or the oil-producing Mideast nations.. ...

Connect with the river MY GOODNESS, yes, the Pilots. What does Cape Girardeau have? It has the Mississippi River, and a nickname should certainly associate with the Mississippi River. Pilots does that. It's a wonderful idea. Or another suggestion might be the Roustabouts, the very roughest of the rough who unloaded steamboats in the old days. Certainly the mascot should tie into the Mississippi River which defines our city...

Sherry Ann Harris, 58, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at home, after a brief illness. She was born Sept. 6, 1945, at Caruthersville, Mo., daughter of J.T. and Gladys Simms. She married Robert E. Harris Dec. 24, 1980, in Cape Girardeau...

Pauline C. Scherrer, 87, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, May 16, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center. She was born Oct. 16, 1916, at Marble Hill, Mo., daughter of Sherman Marion and Emma Cassie Hopkins Caby. She first married Oscar Galloway, who preceded her in death. She and Fred W. Scherrer were married in 1957 in Cape Girardeau. He died in December 1966...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Edwin R. Upchurch, 83, of Pacific, Mo., died Monday, May 17, 2004, at his home. He was born Nov. 7, 1920, at Scopus, Mo., son of Ralph Edgar and Rada Ellen Thomason Upchurch. Upchurch was a former high school principal for St. Clair School District and superintendent with Pacific and Delta school districts...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Ona Kelso, 93, of Advance died Monday, May 17, 2004, at Missouri Southern Health Care Center in Dexter, Mo. She was born Oct. 15, 1910, at Bell City, Mo., daughter of Perry and Bertie Bollinger Hickerson. She married Harvey Thompson, who died July 29, 1961. She and Oral Kelso were married in May 1964. He also preceded her in death...

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Gladys T. Wheeler, 92, of Mounds died Monday, May 17, 2004, at Daystar Nursing Home in Cairo, Ill. She was born Aug. 25, 1911, in Obion, Tenn., daughter of Ross Vincent and Inez Goad Terry. She and Matthew Edward Wheeler were married Jan. 23, 1933...

Robert L. "Bob" Sandvoss, 75, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, May 17, 2004, at his home. He was born May 9, 1929, in Jackson, son of Henry R. and Rosine Schmidt Sandvoss. Sandvoss had worked at U.S. Corps of Engineers, Anheuser Busch in St. Louis and B&B Marine in Jackson. He was a member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Bessie Mae Neal, 57, of Sikeston died Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at Christian Hospital Northeast in St. Louis. She was born Sept. 21, 1946, in Walls, Miss., daughter of Willie Savage Jr. and Mary E. Tate Mitchell. Neal was a member of Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church...

BENTON, Mo. -- Thomas L. Bradham, 66, of Benton died Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at his home. Ford and Sons Funeral Home at Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Johnson Daughter to Patrick Wayne and Emily Ann Johnson of Sedgewickville, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 4:05 a.m. Thursday, May 13, 2004. Name, Addie Elizabeth. Weight, 7 pounds 4 ounces. First child. Mrs. Johnson is the former Emily Johnson, daughter of Johnny Johnson and Beverly of Marble Hill, Mo. She is an elementary teacher with Woodland School District. Johnson is the son of Wayne and Linda Johnson of Sedgewickville. He is self-employed...

Alpha Mu Master The Alpha Mu Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi met at the home of Gwen Nussbaum in Jackson. Linda Metheny was co-hostess. The meeting was conducted by Marsha Parrish, president. Contributions were made to Safe House for Women, Birthright and Relay for Life. ...

10 years ago: May 19, 1994 Citing concerns with timing of payments and overall safety standards, city of Cape Girardeau has elected to send Cape Central Airways Inc., an eviction notice; city is seeking to end 12-year lease with company, which is fixed-base operator for airport...

To the editor: The biggest job in handling city storm-warning sirens is deciding when to push the button. If you push it too soon, people will tend to ignore it. If you don't push it when you should have, people will have the head of the officials in charge...

To the editor: I am a special education teacher and wish to express my appreciation for the weekly newspapers you have provided for my class this past school year. The life skills my students have gained from our weekly newspaper activities have been invaluable...

WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, who has helped steer the economy for 17 years under four presidents, was nominated Tuesday for a fifth term by President Bush, who said he had "great continuing confidence" in Greenspan, echoing the widely held view on Wall Street...

WASHINGTON -- Breaking a long impasse, the White House and Senate Democrats struck a deal Tuesday allowing confirmation of dozens of President Bush's judicial nominations in exchange for an administration promise not to bypass the Senate again this year...

WASHINGTON -- The House voted Tuesday to make employer-friendly changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, including adding two members to a violations review commission, increasing its power, extending deadlines for companies to challenge citations and allowing more of them to recoup lawyers' fees...

Republican state treasurer candidate Sarah Steelman made a campaign stop in Cape Girardeau Tuesday, meeting with local media and government officials in an effort to claim the spot which will be left vacant by Nancy Farmer. Steelman is one of seven Republicans and one of 10 candidates who have filed for the office...

Deadline today to sign up for youth tournament The Deborah McBride Youth Basketball Tournament will be held June 4, 5 and 6 at Indian Park in Cape Girardeau. Participants must register by today. First-, second-, third- and fourth-place trophies will be awarded. Children 5 to 12 are encouraged to sign up. Call 382-4092 or 204-7778 for registration place and time...

Cape Girardeau The following items were released by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Michael C. Adams, 23, 513 S. Ellis, was arrested Monday on suspicion of second-degree assault. Zachary R. Young, 20, 1830 Mulberry, Jackson, was arrested Monday on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following items Monday: At 6:55 p.m., emergency medical service at 224 S. Ellis, No. 2 At 7:38 p.m., shorting electrical wires at 555 N. Spring, No. 24. Firefighters responded to the following items Tuesday:...

Many educators believe that reviewing for a test using a computer instead of a worksheet or visiting a Web site instead of staring at an outdated encyclopedia could mean all the difference when it comes to closing the achievement gap for low-income students...

The favorites rolled into the championship game of the Class 2 District 2 baseball tournament by posting lopsided semifinal victories Tuesday afternoon. Top-seeded Charleston routed fourth-seeded Scott City 14-3 in five innings, and No. 2 Kelly rolled past No. 3 St. Vincent 9-0. Kelly is the host squad, but Tuesday's games were played in Chaffee because of the Hawks' wet field. The final is Thursday at 4 p.m. at Kelly...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Central entered the second day of the Class 4 state tournament in fourth place and just 12 shots out of the lead, but finished 10th Tuesday after turning in a score 23 shots higher than the previous day's at Rivercut Golf Course...

Baseball Cubs ace Kerry Wood (3-3) threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since leaving a game last week with tightness in his triceps and said he felt no pain. A decision on his return probably won't be made until later in the week...

To the editor: In response to the article "More awareness needed about NF": I agree. My husband just died with this disease. We knew he wasn't well his whole life, but we didn't learn that he had the disease until he ruptured 38 blood vessels in his back from his work. ...

BOSTON -- With gays and lesbians now legally wed in Massachusetts, foes of gay marriage vowed Tuesday to campaign hard, in state and national elections, for candidates willing to reverse the tide. "It's very difficult, once a right has been claimed in law, to reverse that right, but we're going to try," said the Rev. Christopher Coyne, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston...