Stories from Thursday, November 10, 2011

North- and southbound Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau and Scott counties will be reduced to one lane today, while the Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. Traffic will be reduced to one lane from Highway 74 at the Dutchtown exit to U.S. 61 at Scott City...

More fake currency was passed at two Cape Girardeau locations Monday and Tuesday, and police are unsure whether the bills are linked to other counterfeit bills that have popped up over and over in the past month. On Monday, a business owner took a suspicious-looking $100 bill to Capaha Bank, 380 N. Kingshighway, to see if it was fake, Cape Girardeau Police spokesman Darin Hickey said. After testing the bill, the bank found it to be fake and alerted the police, Hickey said...

They're hoping to get rich or die buying. A dozen people crowded around as the door of a mini storage unit rolled up, revealing a big-screen TV, a freezer, a jumble of furniture, bags of Christmas decorations and an assortment of boxes. The bidding for unit 425 at U Store & Lock It in Cape Girardeau started at just $50 Wednesday morning, but the price quickly climbed...

An annual celebration of entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University has grown each year to include students in various areas of study as well as the community. Events for Global Entrepreneurship Week begin Friday. This is the fourth year the university has observed the week, which is celebrated around the world and began in Kansas City, Mo., with the Kaufman Foundation...

My daughter Audrey's 1st Halloween Trick or Treating. She stopped by to visit me at the fire station.

Although Gordonville firefighters are eager to move into the department's new station, it is far from finished and no timetable for its completion has been set. Planning for the building has gone on for more than 10 years. The building is structurally complete, but it still needs essential carpentry, electricity and plumbing, said fire chief Randy Morris...

Orchard Drive Elementary PTO in Jackson announced today their Cookie Dough Fundraiser Top Sellers, Caleb Nenninger and Elizabeth Hayes, both Kindergarteners of Orchard. They sold the most cookie dough for the school fundraiser this year. They were both awarded brand new GIANT bicycles purchased from Cape Bicycle Shop and were donated safety helmets by Kathy Roth, Noon Optimist Club of Jackson...

The court filings are still flying. With a new motion Monday, Commander Premier Airport Corp. has filed yet another legal challenge to its eviction last month from a city-owned hangar at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. But city officials have countered with a few filings of their own -- one which has prompted a hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Texas, where a bankruptcy judge will be asked to convert the company's bankruptcy status from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7...

Southeast Missouri District Honor Orchestra. Students from Cape, Sikeston, and Advance rehearsed at the Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Center during the day and presented the concert Friday evening in the Orchestra Room.

One of William Shakespeare's most popular plays, "Hamlet", premiered Wednesday at the Bedell Performance Hall at the Southeast Missouri State River Campus. Audiences have a chance to see the performance through Nov. 13. Director Kenn Stilson said the university has always had Shakespearean plays in its rotation. However, it wasn't until now that they have had the numbers of talented and qualified actors it takes to perform "Hamlet."...

After three parties backed away from bids to buy the former federal building, a second online auction began Wednesday afternoon in an attempt to unload the government-owned property at 339 Broadway.

MINER, Mo. -- Voters in Miner decided during Tuesday's general election not to give a funding boost to the city's fire department. In a 52-34 vote, Miner residents decided against enacting a quarter-cent sales tax for the operation of the municipal fire department...

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- After the Springfield City Council refused to consider any changes to the city's new smoking ban, opponents said they would start a campaign to repeal the ordinance. Council members were expected to discuss several possible amendments to the 6-month-old ban on Tuesday. ...

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County will join other area counties and cities affected by spring flooding in seeking a share of disaster relief grant funding. The Scott County Commission held the required public hearing for a flood recovery Community Development Block Grant application during its regular meeting Tuesday...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The family and neighbors of a man killed by police Tuesday in Charleston criticized officers for their handling of the situation.

Business law professor Mary Moore Johnson of Southeast Missouri State University has been appointed to serve on Missouri's Supreme Court Committee on Civic Education. According to a university news release, Moore Johnson will serve on the 18-member committee as its higher education representative. ...

Today is Thursday, Nov. 10, the 314th day of 2011. There are 51 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Nov. 10, 1961, the satirical war novel "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller was first published by Simon & Schuster. On this date:...

My brief and warm acquaintance with Irvin Garms in these past few years revealed a gentle, humble man -- one not self-impressed with his magnificent global stature. My sadness on his passing is mixed with the twinkle I vividly recall in his eyes whenever we discussed our common passion for general aviation. His lifetime of global project engagements meant he had to be at job sites spread all over the world -- working on tight schedules often beyond the reach of airliners...

Violence, vandalism and assaults on police officers are not beneficial to the Occupy Wall Street movement. We are not yet at the point of having to remove a ruthless dictator. This is not a Third World nation. Violence and chaos are not helpful. We can't just meet on the streets with a generalized dissatisfaction of the system and call for its immediate dismantling. A working plan of replacement needs to be ready to go. Revolution is not the answer; evolution is...

CONTRARY to what you may have heard, Missouri drivers are not the worst in the country. We're No. 2. Sales tax IF Missourians decide to replace the state income tax with a regressive sales tax, our stature as a state would fall below the countries of Cameroon, Somalia and Myanmar...

Central High School faculty: Where would we be without you? As I think back to the great years I spent as a student at Central High School, I am reminded of all the wonderful experiences and friends I made over 30 years ago. I am truly appreciative of the dedicated teachers who spent countless hours preparing me and many other students to become successful adults. ...

The attention paid to the 10th anniversary of 9/11 this fall was well-deserved. Never in U.S. history were so many civilians deliberately killed by our nation's enemies, in this case radical Islamic jihadis dedicated to the destruction of the West. Two wars, more than 6,000 U.S. military casualties and severe changes in the way we travel and see the world are testament to the importance of that cruel event...

O God, may we exhibit strong moral character, bearing witness of your grace. Amen

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Zoo will become a regional tourist attraction now that two counties have approved a tax increase that will provide it with a consistent revenue source for the first time in its 102-year history, the zoo's director said...

Traffic on northbound Interstate 55 slowed for several hours Tuesday night when a tractor-trailer cab caught fire. According to the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, two units each from Cape Girardeau and the East County fire departments and one unit from Jackson were dispatched to mile marker 101 around 7:45 p.m...

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- With Iran defiant about a U.N. report accusing it of developing nuclear weapons, Western powers and allies faced complicated questions Wednesday on how to further tighten pressure on the oil giant without shaking the fragile world economy...

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's president promised to work with the United States to "eradicate" the militant Haqqani network, a pledge made during a meeting with visiting American congressmen, according to one of the lawmakers. But the head of the Homeland Security delegation, Michael McCaul, downplayed the significance of the remarks, saying it was unclear whether President Asif Ali Zardari had the power to make good on his pledge, given the influence of the military in Pakistan...

WASHINGTON -- A town hall meeting with Ben Bernanke and a group of military families discussing family finances wouldn't normally draw much notice. But for this particular event, the Federal Reserve chairman is venturing into Texas. And those who watch the Fed say the visit sends a message to Bernanke's critics: The Fed is independent and won't be intimidated...

JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi voters Tuesday defeated a ballot initiative that would've declared life begins at fertilization, a proposal that supporters sought in the Bible Belt state as a way to prompt a legal challenge to abortion rights nationwide...

**Scholarships -- From staff reports Submitted photo From left: Jeri Spence, Medical Alliance president; Kay Sides, co-chairman of nursing scholarships, Dean Whitlow, assistant director of the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center; Chris Sheets, co-chairman of nursing scholarships; Janet Silliman, Medical Alliance president-elect and Laura Meece, treasurer. ...

"Humans vs. Zombies," not rated @ Cape West 14 Cine "Immortals," rated R @ Cape West 14 Cine "J. Edgar," rated R @ AMC Town Plaza 5 "Jack and Jill," rated PG @ AMC Town Plaza 5 "Assassin's Creed: Revelations" PS3, PC, Xbox 360...

What do a Bulldog and an Indian have in common? In the case of high school seniors Elizabeth Kiblinger and Nathan Fridley, it's academic achievement. As juniors, they scored high enough on the preliminary SAT to be included in a list of 16,000 students nationwide vying for a shot at scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Program. ...

CHICAGO -- Some gravely ill alcoholics who need a liver transplant shouldn't have to prove they can stay sober for six months to get one, doctors say in a study that could intensify the debate over whether those who destroy their organs by drinking deserve new ones...

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama's most populous county filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history Wednesday, years after being plunged more than $4 billion into debt by a corruption-riddled sewer project. Just two months after it seemed Jefferson County could stave off embarrassment by striking a deal with creditors, talks broke down over about $140 million, said Commissioner Jimmie Stephens, who made the motion to file for the protection. ...

NEW YORK -- How can a movement that claims to speak for everyone turn anyone away? Occupy Wall Street is struggling with how to police unwelcome elements as sex arrests, hate speech and activists pushing causes from the Chinese Communist Party to gas drilling threaten to muddle its message...

GAINESVILLE, Ga. -- Four suspected members of a Georgia militia charged with plotting attacks with toxins and explosives against government officials pleaded not guilty at a hearing Wednesday, as prosecutors said for the first time that U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder was one of the officials they talked of targeting...

WASHINGTON -- Voters kept their anger and disillusionment in check in state and local elections this week, generally preferring to keep things the way they are rather than join ideological battles at a time of stubborn joblessness. But the closeness of some contests suggested highly competitive races are in store for 2012, particularly in presidential battleground states...

Cape Girardeau The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Summonses Assault Robbery Burglary Thefts Property damage Miscellaneous...

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- Emma E. Hinton, 91, of Olive Branch passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo, Ill. She was born April 19, 1920, at Miller City, Ill., daughter of Emile and Jenny Hewitt Schlamer. She married Frank Hinton on Aug. 2, 1938. He preceded her in death Jan. 11, 1965...

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Robert Eugene "Bob" Lieb, 78, of Mounds passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo, Ill. He was born April 13, 1933, in Cairo, Ill., son of Henry and Elizabeth W. Farley Lieb Sr. Bob was a retired iron worker and truck driver...

DONGOLA, Ill. -- Elva Ulrich, 91, of Dongola died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at Union County Hospital in Anna, Ill. She was born May 22, 1920, in Dunkirk, Mont., daughter of Gabriel A. and Fern Jackson Burrell. She married Dr. Clarence Ulrich on Sept. 12, 1953. He preceded her in death Feb. 20, 2003...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Theodore "Ted" Peters, 74, of Marble Hill passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at Woodland Hills Nursing Home. He was born May 5, 1937, at Bessville, Mo., son of Charles and Agnes C. Beel Peters. He married Kathleen Hinkebein Aug. 21, 1971, at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Mo...

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Shirley Petzoldt, 81, of Perryville died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at Independence Care Center. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Young and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Matthew Marks officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery...

ST. LOUIS -- Hall of famer Ryne Sandberg and longtime Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo interviewed for St. Louis' managerial opening Wednesday. Both interviews took place in St. Louis. Sandberg interviewed in the morning and Oquendo in the afternoon, a person familiar with the process said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement was made...

MOUND CITY, Ill. -- Pearl C. Butler, 92, of Mound City died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to the time of service Saturday at Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Ill. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Enloe Clemons officiating. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery near Olmsted, Ill...

OLMSTED, Ill. -- Robert Lee Bell Sr., 91, of Olmsted died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, at St. Joseph Hospital in Murphysboro, Ill. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, Ill. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Robert Bell Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Mound City National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Illinois National Guard and area veterans...

Iris "Darlene" Milligan, 79, of Indianapolis, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died. Little and Sons Funeral Home in Indianapolis handled the arrangements. A service will be held at a later date.

Two Jackson High School seniors who verbally committed to the Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team several weeks ago made it official Wednesday. Connor King, a 6-foot-2 forward/center, and 5-8 combo guard Dru Haertling signed letters of intent on the opening day of the NCAA's weeklong early signing period...

A pure point guard who at one time received interest from several Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball programs is headed to Southeast Missouri State. C.J. Reese, rated among the nation's top 100 high school point guards by ESPN, said Wednesday he signed a letter of intent with Southeast on the opening day of the NCAA's weeklong early signing period...

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Rams can't score with or without Sam Bradford behind center. Bradford believes mental letdowns are to blame for puny production, especially in the red zone. He once thought it might have been new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system, but not now...

Notre Dame softball player Summer Burger signed with Southeast Missouri State, while Brianne Sanders plans to sign with Murray State.

Route A in Perry County will be reduced to one lane next week with a 10-foot width restriction while Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform routine bridge maintenance over Indian Creek.

SILVA, Mo. -- Wilber Eugene "Gene" Vandergriff, 79, of Silva died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at his home. He was born Feb. 28, 1932, in Greenville, Mo., son of Wilbur Howell Vandergriff and Grace Ellen French. Vandergriff worked in maintenance for the city of Greenville, and before this he worked 13 years with Missouri Department of Transportation. He was a member of New Hope General Baptist Church...

Southeast Missouri State University is planning to tear down an old hay barn, built with hand-hewn logs and wooden pegs; but Richard Renfrow, whose family donated the property north of the country club to the university for a bird sanctuary, hopes the barn can be saved...

Jackson The Jackson Police Department released the following. Arrests do not imply guilt. Summonses...

WASHINGTON -- Democrats on Congress' supercommittee secretly presented Republicans with a revised deficit-cutting proposal earlier this week that calls for a blend of $1 trillion in spending cuts and $1 trillion in higher tax revenue over the next decade, officials in both parties said Wednesday night, adding that compromise talks remain alive though troubled...

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Janis Marie Payne, 70, of Chaffee died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee is in charge of arrangements.

MOSCOW -- A Russian spacecraft on its way to Mars with 12 tons of toxic fuel is stuck circling the wrong planet: ours. And it could come crashing back to Earth in a couple of weeks if engineers can't coax it back on track. Space experts were hopeful Wednesday the space probe's silent engines can be fired to send it off to Mars. ...

NEW YORK -- Trouble on two fronts in the European debt crisis sent American stocks tumbling Wednesday to their biggest loss since the rocky trading of last summer. The Dow Jones industrial average fell almost 400 points. Stocks were down from the opening bell after borrowing costs in Italy spiked to dangerous levels, a sign that investors are losing faith in Italy's ability to repay its national debt...

A leading historian on the Trail of Tears will speak Friday and Saturday in Cape Girardeau. According to a news release from Southeast Missouri State University, Dr. Duane King will first present "The John Benge Detachment: A Unique Route of the Cherokee Trail of Tears Through Southeast Missouri." It focuses on movement of a detachment of the Cherokee from their crossing of the Mississippi at Columbus, Ky., north along the river to the Cape Girardeau area and then into Arkansas, and eventually Oklahoma. ...

Enjoy a hot, fresh Blue Owl Levee High Caramel Apple Pie, featured as one of Oprah's Top Holiday Gift Picks, in the December issue of O Magazine! With 18 apples in each pie, each apple is hand-peeled and hand-placed in the pie. Link: www.theblueowl.com...

Pecan Pie filling with Butterscotch Morsels topped with Pecans halves and Caramel Butterscotch glaze. Link: www.theblueowl.com 6116 Second Street * Kimmswick, MO * 636.464.3128

3rd Grade: Mackenzy Glueck, Kaleb Gosche, Ty Johnson, Bryce Krapf, Taylor Layton, Gage Phillips, Waylon Shaffer, Drew Smith, Alyssa Spane, Colton Williams. 4th Grade: Kaitlyn Adams, Paige Bradley, Lyndsi Bryant, Heather Gosche, Tyson Loper, Alexxes Phillips, Todd Priggel, Phillip Schaefer, Savannah Elfrink, Kenna Graviett, Allison Green, Bryant Hahn, Taylor Lowes, Kaiden Massey, Carsen Moyers, Jada Tyler, Tristin Schlosser, Leah Urhahn, Caden White, Sonya Whitmore...