Stories from Thursday, February 3, 2011

The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold an open-house community briefing today to discuss upcoming Safe & Sound bridge improvement projects in Cape Girardeau County. The briefing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Osage Centre. Three of the bridges to be discussed are located on Highway 34. ...

The Jackson-Cape Girardeau Joint Subdivision Advisory Committee will ask the Cape Girardeau County Commission to identify county residents who would be willing to join the committee's effort. The committee is scheduled to make a presentation on its proposed subdivision regulations to the county at 9:30 a.m. Monday...

The people with the power to decide if Al Spradling will be back for a second term on the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents aren't making that decision yet. When asked whether he supports another six-year term for Spradling, Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, said he wouldn't speak to hypotheticals...

On Sunday, Jan. 9, the Saxony Lutheran High School Cheerleaders competed in the NCA St. Louis Classic cheerleading competition at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The squad received the overall grand champion award for the high school squad competition. ...

Years ago, farmers had a simple way of determining which cows to breed. "A farmer would say, 'There's a good-lookin' cow. There's a good-lookin' bull. Let's mate 'em,'" said Dr. Mike Aide, chairman of Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Agriculture...

"Spamalot," the satirical stage show "lovingly ripped off" from the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. March 25 at the Bedell Performance Hall. A snowstorm and harrowing road conditions forced the cancellation of the original performance on Dec. 12...

Contact: Dawn Sperry Allen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Phone: 573-856-4005 9 a.m. CST February 3rd, 2011 muleicorn@windstream.net "CAAW's" 2nd SPRING ART SHOW "CAAW" (The Cultural Arts Alliance, Wayne Ozark Region, Inc.)announces the area's second Art Show. This will take place at The (former) Lantern Restaurant at 1019 North Main Street in Piedmont, MO running for 3 weekends in a row (Friday, Saturday & Sunday), April 1-16...

My Boys had a blast this year at Disney World! I braved motion sickness to get this photo from the spaceship behind them.

It turns out Southeast Missouri State University, like many of its higher education brethren in Missouri, expects to raise tuition, contrary to a statement from a university official. On Wednesday, Southeast president Ken Dobbins confirmed tuition could climb 4 or 5 percent in 2011-2012, although much remains to be decided in the coming weeks -- on campus and in Jefferson City...

Molly keeping warm

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Bloomfield man was arrested Wednesday morning on a warrant charging him with being a convicted sexual offender living too close to a day care facility. Gerald Barker, 38, was arrested just after 9 a.m. at his residence by Bloomfield police chief Cheryl Malone. He was booked at the Stoddard County Jail, where he was being held on $7,500 bond...

Two candidates for the Jackson Board of Aldermen have withdrawn from the April election. Jackson City Clerk Mary Lowry said late last month Ward 1 candidate Jim Shank and Ward 4 candidate Howard Duer withdrew their candidacy. Shank said his decision not to seek election to the position being vacated by Phil Penzel was based on personal reasons...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor who made a presidential run in 2008, will be the featured speaker at Three Rivers Community College's 2011 commencement. "We will be extremely honored to have Mr. Huckabee as our guest in May," said Three Rivers president Devin Stephenson. ...

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- The country's most famous groundhog predicted an early spring Wednesday. Punxsu-tawney Phil emerged just after dawn on Groundhog Day to make his 125th annual weather forecast in front of a smaller-than-usual crowd in rural Pennsylvania who braved muddy, icy conditions to hear his handlers reveal that he had not seen his shadow...

What's happening this weekend

So the budget deficit is to hit $1.5 trillion this year, increasing the public debt to $14.3 trillion plus ("Budget deficit to hit $1.5T," January 27, 2011, page 5A). What should be done? For starters, let's try (1) cutting spending, (2) increasing revenue, (3) rejecting the increase in the debt limit, and (4) enacting a Constitutional amendment to require a balanced federal budget...

With Missouri's unemployment hovering around 9 percent, it's never been more important for the next generation to consider how best to prepare themselves for 21st-century jobs. For many students, this preparation includes a college education. However, the cost of higher education can be prohibitive...

SCHOOL uniforms are not a good idea unless you choose to send your kid to a private school. But in the public school, no. Last I checked, we're not a socialist country. We're not communists, and therefore as a country of free ideas, clothing allows us to express ourselves somewhat...

If I want to flip burgers for a living, I must pass a drug test. I don't have a problem with that. If I run for any government office in which I will be making rules and decisions that could potentially affect the entire nation and the world, I do not...

Feb. 3, 2011 Dear Pat, When I was a kid, Mill Hill was fabled as the place daredevil sled riders went for thrills after a snowfall. Mill Hill is Cape Girardeau's piece of San Francisco. That section of Mill Street drops precipitously like an Olympic ski-jump approach. ...

O Lord, we are comforted that your grace is sufficient. Amen.

PLACERVILLE, Calif. -- A school janitor was arrested Wednesday in the killing of a Northern California elementary school principal who was hailed as a role model for other educators. No children were hurt in the late-morning shooting in the office at Louisiana Schnell Elementary School in Placerville, but one student may have witnessed the shooting, police chief George Nielson said...

The U.S. education system is failing to prepare millions of young adults for successful careers by providing a one-size-fits-all approach, and it should take a cue from its European counterparts by offering greater emphasis on occupational instruction, a Harvard University study published Wednesday concludes...

WASHINGTON -- A Republican drive to repeal the year-old health care law ended in party-line defeat in the Senate on Wednesday, leaving the Supreme Court to render a final verdict on an issue steeped in political and constitutional controversy. The vote was 47-51...

ST. LOUIS -- The monster winter storm lived up to the hype in Missouri. But even as residents began to dig out from up to 2 feet of snow, there was plenty to remain concerned about: treacherous roads, power outages and a fresh blast of cold air coming into the state on the storm's tail end...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- There are hints that astronaut Mark Kelly will blast into space in April, as commander of Endeavour's final voyage. That would mean leaving his wounded wife, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, to continue her rehab without him for at least a few weeks...

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. -- Former president George W. Bush has been scheduled to speak at the College of the Ozarks. The college in Point Lookout in southwest Missouri said Wednesday that Bush will be the featured speaker at an event April 7. The school said Bush will speak on "Leadership and Character."...

Sheldon Richardson heads Missouri's recruiting list for the second time. The Tigers expect the defensive line prospect to stick this time. Tigers coach Gary Pinkel said Wednesday that he expected Richardson to join a program coming off its third 10-win season in four years by the summer. He said the school was "sorting out academic information" with a player who committed in 2009 but failed to qualify academically...

FIRE Firefighters responded to the following call Monday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday: Firefighters responded to the following call Wednesday:...

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Darrell Williams had 15 points and 13 rebounds to lead Oklahoma State to a 76-70 victory over No. 14 Missouri on Wednesday. Jean-Paul Olukemi and Keiton Page both scored 19 points for Oklahoma State (15-7, 3-5 Big 12), which ended a three-game losing streak...

Daughter to Steven Wayne and Leah Dixon Ford of Friedheim, Southeast Hospital, 2:23 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011. Name, Haylee Elizabeth. Weight, 8 pounds, 11 ounces. Mrs. Ford is the former Leah Meyer, daughter of Randy and Lucy Meyer of Oak Ridge. Ford is the son of Larry and Pat Ford of Oak Ridge. He is a line mechanic at Unilever...

All the scores from Wednesday reported to the Southeast Missourian.

Boerboom signed to play at the University of New Mexico

Donald E. Enderle, 76, of Scott City died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City is in charge of arrangements.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Zita M. Gibbar, 93, of Perryville died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at Independence Care Center. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, and from 6:30 to 9:50 a.m. Monday at Miller Family Funeral Home. A parish wake service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, and the rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Monday...

The Perryville boys basketball team never knew what hit it Wednesday night. The Pirates committed five turnovers on their first five possessions, burned three timeouts and didn't attempt a shot until nearly three minutes into the game. Host Central had built a 21-0 lead by the time Bryce Weibrecht's shot fell in at the 2 minute, 30 second mark of the first quarter...

Toyota Gosei Co., a Japanese auto parts maker owned mostly by Japan's largest automaker, Toyota Motor Corp., announces plans to build a plant in Perryville, Mo., by April 1987 to produce parts for U.S. automakers. University High School named Wendy Meyer and Chris Jansen queen and king of its Winter Homecoming recently; they will be the last royalty at the school, which is slated to phase out its secondary program this spring as part of Southeast Missouri State University's new teacher education program.. ...

MALDEN, Mo. -- James M. Krepps, 75, of Malden died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter, Mo. He was born Nov. 18, 1935, in St. Louis, son of Arthur and Mildred Thacker Krepps. He and Darlene Loafman were married Aug. 13, 1960, at Campbell, Mo...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Mary Helen Horrell, 70, of Chaffee died Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born Jan. 18, 1941, daughter of John and Colletta Scherer Ziegler. She and Larry J. Horrell were married Oct. 10, 1959...

WASHINGTON -- An orbiting NASA telescope is finding whole new worlds of possibilities in the search for alien life, spotting more than 50 potential planets that appear to be in the habitable zone. In just a year of peering out at a small slice of the galaxy, the Kepler telescope has discovered 1,235 possible planets outside our solar system. ...

With eight seniors, six of them veterans, the Notre Dame Regional High School varsity cheerleading squad is packed with experience and energy. Coach Tanya Davis said her team of 13 cheerleaders is highly committed, and senior leadership is helping take this spirit squad to new heights...

Joseph "Ben" Rudert, 92, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center. He was born March 27, 1918, in Shawneetown, son of Adolf and Pauline Ladreiter Rudert. He and Wilma Meta Meyr were married May 16, 1948, at Pocahontas. She passed away June 22, 2000...

Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday:...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Summonses Assault Thefts Property damage Miscellaneous Southeast Missouri State University...

Using a few items from around the house you can create a simple circuit that will teach the entire family about electricity. STEP 2: Use the wire cutters to remove the plastic from the ends of the wire. STEP 3: Tape the end of one of the six-inch pieces of wire to the end of the battery and the other end of the wire to the flashlight bulb...

CAIRO -- In their rush, some forgot their bags. The near mayhem at Cairo's airport over the past few days gave way to slightly more organized chaos Wednesday, with between 10,000 to 13,000 passengers making their escape aboard about 95 flights. Miles away, protesters fought supporters of embattled President Hosni Mubarak -- clashes sure to further stoke fears about growing instability in the country...

When it seems students are just settling into their second-semester classes and getting back into their routine of homework and studying, another wrench is thrown into the system: next year's schedule. Recently we were told to fill out an enrollment card with classes we hope to take next year. ...

Scholarships Kohl's Department Stores will award more than $415,000 in scholarships and prizes, ranging from $50 Kohl's gift cards to $10,000 scholarships, honoring young volunteers who had a positive effect on their communities. Nominations for children ages 6 to 18 will be accepted until March 15 at kohlskids.com. ...

Caitlyn Palmer and Gabriela Vieira broke a total of three Gator Swim Team records for girls ages 13 to 14 at the recent Gator Long Course Kick Off Meet. Vieira established new marks in the 400 freestyle (4 minutes, 40.22 seconds) and the 200 individual medley (2:32.84), while Palmer broke the 100 butterfly record (1:11.28)...

Poplar Bluff's Josh Freeman was also among the 22 recruits the Redhawks football program signed Wednesday.

CAIRO -- Supporters of President Hosni Mubarak charged into Cairo's central square on horses and camels brandishing whips while others rained firebombs from rooftops in what appeared to be an orchestrated assault against protesters trying to topple Egypt's leader of 30 years. Three people died and 600 were injured...

CAIRNS, Australia -- The most powerful cyclone to strike northeastern Australia in nearly a century howled inland early Thursday, tearing off roofs, flattening trees and cutting electricity to more than 170,000 people. As the sun rose after a night of furious winds and torrential rain, authorities advised residents to stay indoors until safety could be assessed in the still-dangerous conditions. Police said utility and transportation teams were surveying the extent of damage...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The Perry County Sheriff's Department was still searching Wednesday for a 45-year-old Perryville woman suspected of running a methamphetamine lab in her home. Authorities found the lab Monday at a residence on County Road 830 owned by Bridget M. ...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold an open-house community briefing March 8 to discuss upcoming Safe & Sound Bridge Project improvements in Bollinger, Stoddard and Cape Girardeau counties. The briefing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Woodland School Cafeteria in Marble Hill. Bridges to be discussed include:n Route BB Little River Ditch No. 11 (Bollinger/Stoddard County)...

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Missouri Department of Transportation will begin work this month on the intersection of U.S. 164 and Route NN in Pemiscot County. Improvements will include the installation of transverse rumbles, red flashing signals and stop signs for east- and westbound traffic on U.S. ...

St. Mary Cathedral School A Honor Roll 4th grade: Salma Abuhamda, Dawson Compas, Lilly Edwards, Paige Emmenderfer, Rachel Essner, Sierra Greaser, Melanie Hayden, Kennedy McGhee, Taylor Nelson, William Parsons, Laura Santana, Sarah Smith, A.J. Stroup, Cassidy Swain, Abby Wilson...

Delta Junior & Senior High School A Honor Roll 7th grade: Jamie Hodge, Justin Lawson, Katie Nance, Lydia Reitzel, Kaitlyn Shallow, Austin White. 8th grade: Caleb Amelunke, Ciara Coomer, Taylor Cotton, Jesse Criddle, Danielle Helderman, Daniel Hester, Meagan Parker, Amy Russell...

Cape Christian School A Honor Roll 4th grade: A.J. Branson, Colton Jones, Scott Limbaugh, Molly McNabb, Jordan Powell, Audrie Seabaugh. 5th grade: Andrea Diamond, Laura Harris, Courtney Penzel, Jade Samanta, Bryanna Stevens. 6th grade: Garrott Clark, Jay Green, Calli House, Bailey Janota, Rachael Koehler, Caitlyn Limbaugh, Sarah Pecord, Caroline Rollins, Katelyn Smith...