Stories from Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Content: Dear Sam: I am seeking a job as an Accounting/Operations Manager. Half of my experience (aside from education) comes from running a family-owned (i.e., my husband is the President) business. ...

A Jackson man was injured in a crash that occurred at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. 61 about four miles north of Fruitland. A 2000 Ford driven by Terry L. Price, 36, ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected and veered into a tree off the left side, according to the highway patrol...

DURHAM, N.C. -- For more than a decade, the federal government has spent millions of dollars pumping elevated levels of carbon dioxide into small groups of trees to test how forests will respond to global warming in the next 50 years. Some scientists believe they are on the cusp of receiving key results from the time-consuming experiments...

Cape Girardeau spa expands Elements Salon & Spa, 2031 Cape LaCroix Road in Cape Girardeau, recently added a new business to its existing space. A 1,600-square-foot addition, the Boutique Beauty Center offers a plethora of items for women. The boutique offers three exclusive skincare lines, two cosmetic brands, candles, spa wear, bath and body products and most recently added the entire line of SmashBox Cosmetics...

AMES, Iowa -- If anyone could have seen Chase Daniel coming, it was Iowa State. Long before the Missouri quarterback established himself as one of the nation's best, the Cyclones got a glimpse of his talents. It happened in Columbia, Mo., back in 2005, when Daniel, then a freshman, came off the bench in the fourth quarter to rally Missouri to a 27-24 overtime victory over Iowa State...

ROLLA, Mo. -- The Missouri University of Science and Technology has designed a new networking site to help middle school students in the state communicate with a NASA astronaut in space. Through Spacebook, students from across the state are chatting with Sandra Magnus, a graduate of the university in Rolla...

Lillie L. Bridges, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, at Ratliff Care Center. She was born Dec. 4, 1925, in Neelyville, Mo., daughter of George and Marie Walker Turner. She and Doyle Bridges were married in Blytheville, Ark. He preceded her in death...

Veterans packed the auditorium at Jackson High School for its annual Veterans Day program Tuesday. Across town schools held ceremonies, the VFW raised flags, and bands marched in parades to honor those who served. "Many people may wonder why one would subject himself to the danger of the military. ...

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Next month, it'll be the famous New Year's Eve ball. Next year, it could be the Great Pumpkin. A bigger, brighter Waterford crystal ball will usher in 2009 above Times Square, then remain in place all year to celebrate other holidays including Valentine's Day, the Fourth of July and Halloween, organizers said Monday...

SAQQARA, Egypt -- Archaeologists have discovered a previously unknown pyramid under the sands of Saqqara, an ancient burial site that has yielded a string of pyramids in recent years but remains largely unexplored. The 4,300-year-old monument most likely belonged to the queen mother of the founder of Egypt's 6th Dynasty, and was built several hundred years after the famed Great Pyramids of Giza, antiquities chief Zahi Hawass said while announcing the find Tuesday...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A trial judge has tossed out a Missouri law that capped how much the Department of Revenue can charge for driver's license and motor vehicle records. Lawmakers added the price cap to property tax legislation earlier this year after the Department of Revenue began charging $7 per record in May -- up from a fraction of a cent for bulk purchases...

Those employed in veteran services are searching for ways to fulfill the needs of younger soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan but also get them involved in Veterans Day ceremonies. Those who have served recent terms overseas may not necessarily know of Veterans Day ceremonies available in their area, said Kevin Ellis, 42, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., who served in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 1993...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday: n At 4:47 p.m., an illegal burn in the 1900 block of Sherwood Drive. n At 5 p.m., an alarm sounding in the 3200 block of William Street. n At 9:51 p.m., citizen assist in the 700 block of Perry Avenue...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Local service agencies and churches will participate in number of activities next week to increase awareness about homelessness and hunger. National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week is scheduled for Nov. 17 to 22 this year, according to Jane Pfefferkorn, executive director at Mission Missouri...

The NFL has always known how violence is inherent and celebrated in its sport -- from the once-famous "Jacked Up" segments on ESPN, to the still-famous "Hit Stick" on the "Madden NFL '09" video game and the dozens of "greatest hits" videos...

NEW YORK -- Tim Lincecum won the National League Cy Young Award by a comfortable margin Tuesday, taking home pitching's highest honor in his second major league season. The slender kid with the whirling windup joined Mike McCormick (1967) as the only San Francisco Giants pitchers to win a Cy Young...

Last week after Christmas Cantata practice at church, my neighbor Ruth Moreland pulled some recipes out of her folder and asked me if I would like to have them to share with all of you. Of course I did; that is exactly what this column is all about -- sharing recipes with each other. Thanks, Ruth, for passing these recipes along to us...

Parade patrol I AGREE with previous comments that the Southeast Missouri State University Homecoming parade was well organized. My children thoroughly enjoyed all of the floats and, of course, the candy. I do believe there could have been better patrolling of the crowd. ...

Think your cookies take the cake? The Southeast Missourian and its special publications are teaming up for a holiday baking blowout. Enter your favorite cookie recipe in our Holiday Best contest by e-mailing the recipe to she@semissourian.com. The best recipes will be selected by a panel of Southeast Missourian staffers and local food experts, with winners invited to bake and enter their cookies in the final stage of the contest. ...

Life Care Center welcomes new directors Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau, 2852 Independence St., a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, has hired Executive Director Nick Owens of Cape Girardeau and Admissions and Marketing Director Christy Leimer of Jackson...

Poplar Bluff souvenirs now available POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce has announced an exciting new way to promote Poplar Bluff just in time for the busy holiday traveling season. The chamber is now offerering Poplar Bluff souvenir items for sale at their office, located on 1111 W. Pine St...

Determining the extent of air pollution in Missouri's rural counties is not an exact science. Currently, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has one testing device for ozone pollution in four counties: Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger and Ste. Genevieve. That testing device is at Farrar in Perry County -- between Perryville and the Mississippi River and several miles north of Cape Girardeau County...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Shirley Ann Ainsworth, 77, of Sikeston died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, following complications from emergency surgery. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was born June 30, 1931, at Paragould, Ark., daughter of the late Roy Lee Garland and Mona Irene Ainsworth...

WASHINGTON -- Heading to the capital city to be part of history Jan. 20? Good luck finding a room. You might be able to ante up $40,000 for a four-night stay at a fancy hotel, or you can crash on someone's couch or floor. Anything in between is just about gone for Barack Obama's Inauguration Day...

Rose Anna Ransburgh, 90, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. She was born June 11, 1918, at Lilbourn, Mo., daughter of Lillie Ida Nelson and Samuel George Camp Sr. Ransburgh was a member of the New Madrid Methodist Church and a member of the Bridge Club...

On Monday, Cape Girardeau County commissioners approved plans to rebuild Shelter 21 at Cape County Park South. The 36-by-42-foot shelter was destroyed by a fire Aug. 6. Insurance paid $54,788 to cover the damage. A plan submitted to the county commission by county public works director Don McQuay would require a 44-by-64-foot concrete slab, metal posts and beams, wiring, lighting, picnic tables made of metal pedestals and wood tops. McQuay estimated the new shelter would cost $42,121...

I have received two phone calls in the last month asking about damage to bark on trees planted within the last two years. Both situations have similar characteristics, so I thought this might be a problem common to a lot of newly planted trees in the area...

Jimmie Johnson's dominance may have taken some of the sizzle out of the Sprint Cup Chase for the championship, but that doesn't mean NASCAR chairman Brian France thinks Johnson's last major steps toward a third straight points title had to be relegated to cable TV...

Gadberry promoted to teller supervisor SIKESTON, Mo. — FOCUS Bank has announced the promotion of Mindy Gadberry of the Sikeston branch facility to teller supervisor. Gadberry joined FOCUS Bank in August 2004 as a teller. She is an active member of the Sikeston community and proudly supports many clubs and organizations...

WASHINGTON -- Once again, the government has offered another plan to help troubled homeżowners. Once again, critics say it doesn't go far enough. The plan announced Tuesday by federal officials and mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sounds sweeping in its approach: Borrowers would get reduced interest rates or longer loan terms to make their payments more affordable...

Thorngate Ltd. will eliminate its cutting department in early January, Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson said Tuesday. The layoffs will affect about 60 workers at the Cape Girardeau facility, which manufactures high-end men's clothing. Knudtson said given the slowing economy, news of the layoffs didn't come as a surprise...

NEW ORLEANS -- Obese children as young as 10 had the arteries of 45-year-olds and other heart abnormalities that greatly raise their risk of heart disease, doctors who used ultrasound tests said. "This is a wake-up call," said Dr. Geetha Raghuveer of Children's Hospital in Kansas City, who led one of the studies...

An unidentified boy was hit by a car shortly after the Jackson Veterans Day parade, according to Capt. Greg Hecht of the Jackson Fire Department. The accident happened around 4:30 p.m. as the boy stepped onto Missouri Street near Madison Street, which was crowded with post-parade foot traffic, cars and buses waiting for band students, Hecht said...

Virginia B. Harris, 84, of Fairfield, Ohio, formerly of Cape Girardeau, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Fairfield. She was born July 4, 1924, in Cape Girardeau, to William and Olive Opal Jones Kimbel. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Cecil C. Turner Sr...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- As strong as the veteran presence has been for Missouri (8-2, 4-2), the influx of first- and second-year players has been just as impressive. Through 10 games, the Tigers have put 11 true or redshirt freshmen on the field; three of them started games this season...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A 19-year-old Dexter, Mo., man is facing charges this week in connection with a drug-related death over the weekend. Tyler R. Hardin is being housed in the Stoddard County Jail and faces charges of felony distribution of a controlled substance (fentanyl), possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor unlawful use of drug paraphernalia...

Bankruptcies filed through September for the Southeastern Division of the Eastern District of Missouri's U.S. Bankruptcy Court are listed below with their corresponding case number. The Southeast Division includes the counties of Bollinger, Butler, Carter, Dunklin, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Wayne. Court is held in Cape Girardeau...

Bo's Barbecue has Business Spirit SIKESTON, Mo. — Bo's Barbecue & Grill has earned the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce Business Spirit Award. The restaurant, owned by Randy Bohannon, is located at 1609 E. Malone. New gift store in Jackson...

25 years ago: Nov. 12, 1983 Cape Girardeau residents see the first sign of winter in the form of brief but heavy flurries; with temperatures in the low 40s, the snow doesn't stick. R.P. Smith, an attorney who practiced law in Cape Girardeau for more than 50 years, served three stints as city attorney and was involved in one of the most celebrated cases in city history, died yesterday at age 81; his most famous case was called the "Post Office Case," which he won for the city; the litigation involved a trade of the old post office and the Common Pleas Courthouse.. ...

Business licenses issued in Cape Girardeau during the month of September include the following: Aardvark Mini Storage, 2958 Boutin Drive Beef 'O' Brady's, 1812 Carondelet Ave. 101 Beef 'O' Brady's (liquor license), 1812 Carondelet Ave. 101 Bob's Dry-Tech Services, 1305 Ashland Hills Drive...

NEW YORK -- Wall Street got another dose of reality Tuesday and sent stocks diving as it became clearer few industries are safe from the consumer spending slump -- whether they're building homes, making cars or selling coffee. The Dow Jones industrial average lifted off its lows of the day, but still closed down nearly 180 points...

At the end of the day and with all due respect, I personally -- and absolutely -- believe our language is fairly unique. At this moment in time, in some ways, it's a nightmare. But it's not rocket science. I believe that 24/7. Congratulate me. In the above paragraph, I have used each of the 10 most irritating phrases in the English language as compiled this week by researchers at Oxford University...

Overy Daughter to Christopher Daniel Overy and Annie Dawn Tucker of Millersville, Southeast Missouri Hospital, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008. Name, Mackenzie Jean. Weight, 5 pounds, 5 ounces. Ms. Tucker is the daughter of Ken and Paula Tucker of Jackson. Overy is the son of Dennis and Liz Overy of Oak Ridge. He is employed by Busy Bee Construction...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Ethanol might reign as the king of biofuels, but several companies are betting a close cousin may overcome some of its shortcomings. Butanol has traditionally been used as paint thinner, cleaner and adhesive, but as a fuel additive it contains more energy than ethanol and could be blended into existing cars at higher percentages...

Floyd Gene Wiseman, 44, of 627 Benton St., was arrested Monday and charged with drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm after Cape Girardeau police received information that he might have crack cocaine in his possession. According to a probable-cause statement, detectives were familiar with Wiseman and knew him to be a felon, so when they heard from a source that he had a firearm in his possession, they conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Wiseman was riding in Monday...

To the editor: I agree with Cal Thomas that Christians cannot rely on government to transform the culture. However, if he is advocating a total retreat from the public square of people of faith, I must respectfully disagree. One's faith must shape one's actions in both our private and public (political) lives. ...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests n Jason C. Potter, 31, 2759 Hawthorne St., was arrested on a Madison County warrant for contempt of court. n Yashica L. Nicholson, 34, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., was arrested on a Cape Girardeau warrant for failure to appear...

Kenneth Wagner, 93, of Jackson passed away Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Sept. 12, 1915, in Jackson, son of Harry and Florentine Wolgast Wagner. He and Theresa Meinz were married April 19, 1941. She passed away May 23, 1989. He then married Dorothy Pohlmann Meyer...

There could be a resolution soon in the criminal case against a Perry County couple charged with manslaughter in the 2005 death of 4-year-old Ethan Patrick Williams, defense attorney Allen Moss said Tuesday. Emily Altom, Ethan's mother, and Michael Altom, his stepfather, are scheduled for separate hearings next month in Rolla, Mo., to determine whether the criminal charges against them should be dismissed. ...

NEW YORK -- President Bush saluted the nation's veterans Tuesday as he prepares to hand two ongoing wars over to his successor, saying he'll "miss being the commander in chief of such a fabulous group." Bush marked his last Veterans Day as president at a New York pier, speaking to a crowd of thousands bundled against the windy November chill for the rededication ceremony of the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum...

As early as 1915, the American Telephone & Telegraph Company — now AT&T — discussed developing a wireless phone. According to the company's internal memos, the plan was scrapped out of fear the technology would undermine its monopoly on landline telephones in the U.S. Nearly 100 years later, their prediction may be coming true...

It's a fairly sound sales technique: Go where the consumers are. The ability to shop, bank, talk, rent movies, order a pizza and take college classes with the click of a mouse has local businesses from car dealerships to real estate agencies focusing their efforts online...

Stoddard County Tax liens and lien discharges recorded at the office of Kay Asbell, recorder of deeds, during the month of September are filed by the Missouri Department of Revenue, except as indicated by IRS designation. For more information, contact the recorder's office at (573) 568-3444...

Sunlight over a soybean field.

MINER -- Scott County commissioners are hoping for the support of Miner's Board of Aldermen in their campaign for a county sales tax. Presiding Commissioner Jamie Burger and Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn met with Miner's board members during the regular monthly Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday to discuss the proposed tax. ...

The Cape Girardeau Parks Development Foundation is holding its Spaghetti Day today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at A.C. Brase Arena, 410 Kiwanis Dr. The menu features mostaccoli, spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, drinks and dessert. Tickets are available at the door and cost $5 for adults, $3 for ages five to 12 and free for children four and younger...

Look at those ears! Annie is a 9 month-old Schnauzer/terrier mix. She is housebroken and has lived with children. Annie is available for adoption at The Humane Society of SEMO, 573-334-5837.

By Kenneth Turan The Associated Press HOLLYWOOD -- Beyond its title, "Quantum of Solace" offers little solace for fans of the venerable James Bond franchise. All dressed up with no particular place to go, this 22nd Bond film tries hard but ends up an underachiever...

This was taken at Montauk State Park during Trout Season.

By FRAZIER MOORE Associated Press NEW YORK -- Lots of talent will be present for NBC's annual "Christmas in Rockefeller Center" telecast. Hosted by Al Roker, this 76th formal tree lighting ceremony will feature Beyonce, Tony Bennett, the Jonas Brothers, Harry Connick Jr., David Cook and Rosie O'Donnell, the network said Wednesday...

The Southeast Missourian wants to know how child care costs are affecting families. One report recently suggested it cost more to send an infant today care than it does to send a child to a public university. If you have a child or children in day care, we'd like to know how you're managing your work and expenses. ...

DEXTER, Mo. -- A local family has lost a son and a brother and for the third time in less than two years due to the misuse of prescription drugs. Now, Bryan Maslinski's family wants to warn young people about the dangers of taking the route that last weekend cost their young son his life." "If Bryan's death can save one life, then he will not have died in vain," said Bryan Maslinski's grieving mother, Karen Maslinski, on Monday. ...

A 21-year-old Dexter, Mo., man was looking for some fun after three straight weeks of working, and what he found cost him his life.Bryan Maslinski took two patches of the powerful painkiller Fentanyl, leading to a fatal overdose. ...

John Gustavson, president of Gustavson Operating Company in Boulder, Colo., announced today that uranium water sampling will start around Dec. 1 in Mississippi County. Gustavson's uranium exploration company will soon contact farmers already participating to arrange access to the selected water wells. More information can be found later in the afternoon at semissourian.com and in tomorrow's print edition of the Southeast Missourian...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Two people were injured in a two-car collision early Tuesday morning in New Madrid County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at 7:20 a.m. one-half mile south of Sikeston. Derek L. McKown, 26, of Sikeston was northbound on U.S. 61 when he crossed the centerline, striking the southbound vehicle driven by Grant A. Atchley, 26, of New Madrid...

A three-car accident occurred around 3:10 p.m. near North Kingshighway and Lexington Avenue. Officers are en route to the scene. More information will be available later at semissourian.com and in Thursday's edition of the Southeast Missourian.

Alyssa kissing a snowman