Stories from Tuesday, February 12, 2013

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri lawmaker wants to move the primary elections for state and federal offices from August to June. The party primaries for Congress, the Legislature and many statewide offices are now held in even-numbered years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in August...

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The plague of gun violence makes it plain that current firearms restrictions are insufficient and new federal limits are needed, a top Democrat said Tuesday at a Senate hearing on gun control. Parrying that, a Republican said gun rights must be protected, even amid horrors like the mass shooting of school children in Connecticut...

WASHINGTON -- Uncompromising and politically emboldened, President Barack Obama urged a deeply divided Congress on Tuesday night to embrace his plans to use government money to create jobs and strengthen the nation's middle class. He declared Republican ideas for reducing the deficit "even worse" than the unpalatable deals Washington had to stomach during his first term.

GLENALLEN, Mo. -- Bollinger County deputies seized about 200 bottles and containers that contained an assortment of prescription medications while executing a search warrant at a residence near Glenallen, according to a news release. Bollinger County Sheriff Darin Shell said his office served a search warrant Sunday night that was issued by prosecutor Steve Gray. ...

A Cape Girardeau man arrested earlier this month will see if prosecutors can prove probable cause at a preliminary hearing set for next month. Phil Mattingly, 44, had his initial arraignment Monday before Judge Gary Kamp. Mattingly stands charged with first-degree attempted robbery and a weapons charge that carries a possible life sentence. ...

A 19-year-old Cape Girardeau man arrested on burglary charges last week told a judge Monday he plans to plead guilty. Floyd M. Young waived his right to a lawyer and then to a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Gary Kamp on Monday, saying he intends to represent himself and plead guilty in a case in which police said they found his fingerprints at the crime scene...

Republicans and Libertarians on Saturday named their candidates for a June special election for Missouri's 8th Congressional District. This weekend, Democrats are expected to do the same. A three-way contest to take over the U.S. House of Representatives seat vacated in January by Jo Ann Emerson is almost a given -- that is, unless a fourth choice on the ballot were to come in the form of an independent candidate...

A junior high schoolteacher who was facing more than 100 years in prison on charges he sent a 14-year-old student explicit photos of himself last year may be sentenced to probation next month as part of a deal for his guilty plea Monday. Still, Andrew J. Delles, 29, of Jackson likely will see his name erased from the list of those allowed to teach in Missouri, and instead be placed on another list that will publicly label him a sex offender for the rest of his life...

Fewer people came through the doors of Isle Casino Cape Girardeau in January compared to December, but those who visited stayed longer, according to monthly earnings reports by the Missouri Gaming Commission. The gaming commission tracks visitors to casino operations in two categories. ...

The 22-year-old Cape Girardeau man facing double murder charges in shooting deaths last week made his first court appearance Monday, as the families of the victims made final preparations to bury their loved ones. Kenneth D. Bell's arraignment before Judge Gary Kamp, made via teleconference from the Cape Girardeau County Jail, was brief. ...

The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team played a strong game and picked up a much-needed win. The Redhawks were quick to credit by far their biggest home crowd of the season with a major assist. "They were definitely a sixth man," senior guard Bailie Roberts said after Southeast snapped a late tie and slipped past SIU Edwardsville 67-62...

Troop 50336 and Chef Keith were 1 of 4 teams that created desserts using Girl Scout cookies. The girls worked with the chef to decide on a dessert to create. The chef baked the cupcakes, then the girls then decorated them using pastry bags filled with whipped toping and lots of sprinkles. The next evening they served them to the guests at the event...

Take your pick, Boats waiting to be taken out for fishing, Hidden Valley, Cape Girardeau County.

Madison posing with her Daddy's Cardinal hat, she is ready for baseball season to start!

Madison is ready to go for the annual Kids Day Race at the Rec Center.

Nell Holcomb R-IV School District will be holding kindergarten screening and enrollment on Thursday, March 14, 2013. Children must be five years old prior to August 1, 2013 to be eligible for kindergarten. Please call the school at 573-334-3644 to schedule an appointment...

The City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its 16th Annual Osage Invitational Coed Volleyball Tournament on March 3 at the Osage Centre. This tournament is suitable for anyone aged 18 years and up and begins with a team check-in at 10:30 a.m. Pool play begins at 11:00 a.m. with one game and rally scoring to 21 points, however the winner must do so by 2 points. The game will be played to no more than 25 points by a team...

Children ages 3-5 are invited to come learn about colors at the Finger Painting event, hosted by the City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department. The event be held at the 4-H Exhibit Hall, located in Arena Park at 321 Jaycee Drive, from 10-11 a.m. on March 7...

Girls ages 5-13 of any skill range can participate in the the City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department's Girls Youth Softball League. League games begin on May 20 and will take place at the Arena Park softball fields. Mandatory skills testing sessions are scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on April 4, 8 and 10, at Arena Park...

Join softball teams from Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area for competitive softball games in the 2013 Girl's Fastpitch League sponsored by the City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department. League games will begin on June 5 and will be played on every Wednesday. ...

This photo was taken at the SEMO River Campus walking trail along the river one cold winter morning just as the sun was rising. The solitary street lamp was still burning, perhaps acting as a beacon for the folks from Illinois who were crossing the bridge. It went out moments later, its work done for another night...

VATICAN CITY -- With a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict XVI did what no pope has done in more than half a millennium, stunning the world by announcing his resignation Monday and leaving the already troubled Catholic Church to replace the leader of its 1 billion followers by Easter...

A sister was sentenced to probation and her brother pleaded guilty Monday, both in connection to a case that was reported as the robbery of a 14-year-old boy last summer. Sierra L. Irions, now 20, was sentenced to 45 days of shock incarceration and five years of probation by Judge Benjamin Lewis on Monday at the Cape Girardeau Courthouse in Jackson. Irions, who pleaded guilty last month to a reduced stealing charge, was credited time served from her time in jail after her arrest in December...

PADUCAH, Ky.­ -- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on Monday announced the kickoff of a study to consider options for improving or replacing the U.S. 51 Ohio River bridge -- also known as the Cairo bridge -- between Wickliffe, Ky., and Cairo, Ill...

Today is Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 12, the 43rd day of 2013. There are 322 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On Feb. 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born in present-day Larue County, Ky...

Effective midnight, E.C. Younghouse became a county commissioner; he was appointed by Gov. John Ashcroft to succeed J. Ronald Fischer, who became Cape Girardeau's new city manager after nearly 20 years of service at the county post. Despite the Cape Girardeau Board of Education's urging to reconsider, two school administrators -- federal projects coordinator Ray Pensel and director of elementary education Vince Raddle -- are sticking with their decisions to retire...

JACKSON Firefighters responded to the following call Sunday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday:...

CAPE GIRARDEAU Firefighters responded to the following calls Saturday:...

There's nothing like practical experience to help students learn key concepts and skills. Earlier this month that's what more than 70 students gained as they participated in the 20th annual Camp Enterprise at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center...

Ella Louise Woeltje, 91, of Jackson died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at Monticello House. She was born May 9, 1921, daughter of William and Sloma Cook Chapman. She married Paul G. Huffman in 1940 and Dale Woeltje Sr. in 1957. They preceded her in death...

MARSHFIELD, Mo. -- David Herman Umfleet, 67, of Marshfield passed away Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. He was born Nov. 18, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, son of Herman and Jewell Fowler Umfleet. David grew up in Advance, Mo., and graduated high school in 1963. He received a bachelor of science in education from Southwest Missouri State University and began his 25-year teaching career in industrial technology. He retired from the Marshfield School District in 1995...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Wanda Lou Stehlin, 77, passed away Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at her home in Advance. She was born July 27, 1935, at Bell City, Mo., daughter of Henry and Lois Adkins Johnson. She and Wayne Stehlin were married Sept. 4, 1954, in St. Louis. He preceded her in death March 13, 2009...

Ida Louise Ruesler, 98, of Jackson died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson and from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson...

Alan G. Ruesler, 53, of Friedheim passed away Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born Oct. 22, 1959, in Cape Girardeau, son of Marvin "Shorty" and Viola Pohlman Ruesler. He and Sally Broeker were married May 8, 1982...

Edna Ruth Pollard, 92, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at the Lutheran Home. She was born May 27, 1920, in Kentucky, to Arthur and Nellie Combs Case. She and Everett Eugene Pollard were married Feb. 12, 1938, in Danville, Ky. Edna was a member of First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau...

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Wallis H. Moreland, 84, of Mounds, formerly of Cairo, Ill., died Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mike Shearer officiating. Interment will be in Mound City National Cemetery with military honors...

Shannon D. James, 43, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. until time of service Saturday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Teresa Campbell officiating. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery...

Verida Lee Jackson, 66, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Visitation will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Cape Bible Chapel. The funeral will be at 12:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery...

Lawrence Joseph Heisserer, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at Missouri Veterans Home. Lawrence, kind hearted, generous and with a contagious smile, touched many lives and will be missed. He was born March 22, 1923, in Kelso, Mo., to August and Clara Bucher Heisserer. He and Mary Wilmena "Wilma" Beard were married April 19, 1947, at Sedalia, Mo. She preceded him in death May 24, 1997...

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Wanda Lee Garland, 84, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at her home in Marble Hill. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Jimmie Fulbright and Jerry Sander officiating. Burial will be in Pulliam Cemetery near Scopus, Mo...

Misty Dawn Cole, 39, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at her home in Cape Girardeau. She was born June 2, 1973, in Cape Girardeau, to Harold and Julia Martin Pettit. Misty is survived by a son, Kevin Hendershott of Zalma, Mo.; four daughters, Christin Jones, Macey Legrand and Courtney Maddock, all of Cape Girardeau, and Chelsey Jones of Florida; seven grandchildren; her mother, Julia Myers of Scott City; her father, Harold Pettit of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Donetta Slaner and Jenny Hawkins of Cape Girardeau; nieces; and other relatives and friends.. ...

Eddie D. Clardy Jr., 32, of Villa Ridge, Mo., formerly of Jackson, died Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, at his home. Friends may call from 3 p.m. until time of service Friday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ken Strong officiating...

PHILADELPHIA -- Writer Geoff Johns has taken DC Entertainment's Green Lantern and its associated characters through brightest day and blackest night, but after nine years of scripting tales about the galactic police force whose rings are powered by will, he's leaving the series in May with issue No. 20 to focus on the Justice League and its related titles...

WASHINGTON -- Robert Gates, a former defense secretary and spymaster, is backing lawmakers' proposal to form a special court to review President Barack Obama's deadly drone strikes against Americans linked to al-Qaida. Gates, who led the Pentagon for presidents George W. ...

Route C in Cape County to close for pipe replacement Route C in Cape Girardeau County, between Route CC and County Road 513, will be closed Friday morning as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway. Weather permitting, work will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. ...

WASHINGTON -- Reviving his populist re-election message, President Barack Obama will press a politically-divided Congress to approve more tax increases and fewer spending cuts during a State of the Union address focused on stabilizing the middle class and repairing the still-wobbly economy...

CHICAGO -- Shootings and other traumatic events involving children are not rare events, but there's a startling lack of scientific evidence on the best ways to help young survivors and witnesses heal, a government-funded analysis found. School-based counseling treatments showed the most promise, but there's no hard proof that anxiety drugs or other medications work and far more research is needed to provide solid answers, said the authors who reviewed 25 studies. ...

February 14 is Valentine's Day -- a day to celebrate love in its many forms. But did you know that nearly 50 years ago, February was designated as American Heart Month? During this month, we raise awareness about the risks for heart disease, as well as healthy lifestyle changes that can reduce cardiovascular risks and promote healthy hearts...

I am disappointed in the caller who singled out mentally ill persons to do such horrible things. Sometimes it can be angry people who do horrible things. It's more than just mentally ill. In Japan, you have to register a samurai sword. They had six gun deaths in one year. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt...

Son to Jeffrey Wade and Andi Marie Bogenpohl of Oak Ridge, Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville, Mo., 11:14 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. Name, William Dean. Weight, 6 pounds, 4 ounces. Fourth son. Mrs. Bogenpohl is the former Andi Baker, daughter of Sandra Baker of Perryville and Richard Baker of Hudson Falls, N.Y. Bogenpohl is the son of Gary and Janet Bogenpohl of Oak Ridge...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Some Missouri lawmakers already hesitant to expand Medicaid now have a new reason to object: the potential effect on the state's debt. Republican members of the Senate Appropriations Committee raised concerns Monday that an expanded Medicaid health care program could hurt the state's stellar credit rating, making it more expensive for Missouri to issue bonds...

WASHINGTON -- One in four consumers found an error in a credit report issued by a major agency, according to a government study released Monday. The Federal Trade Commission study also said 5 percent of the consumers identified errors in their reports that could lead to them paying more for mortgages, auto loans or other financial products...

The Jackson Police Department is participating in a Missouri youth seat belt enforcement campaign March 15-31, according to a news release from the police department. Jackson police said they will be cracking down on teenagers who are not wearing seat belts while driving. Teenage drivers are required by law to wear a seat belt and can be pulled over for not wearing one. For more information, go online to www.savemolives.com...

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Christie Oestreich and her dog, Bella, look at the Mississippi River on Monday while checking in with her instructor, Fred Burgard, who teaches a Lifestyle Enhancement course at Southeast Missouri State University. ...

A Jackson High School graduate who played the past two seasons in junior college highlights Southeast Missouri State's seven-member women's soccer recruiting class. All seven players, including six current high school seniors, will join the Redhawks for the 2013 season...

ST. LOUIS -- The Los Angeles Kings dialed it back to their Stanley Cup run last spring and put another beating on the St. Louis Blues. Jeff Carter scored twice for the first time since the Game 6 Cup clincher over New Jersey, and the Kings didn't need playoff star Jonathan Quick in goal to shut down St. Louis in a 4-1 victory on Monday night...

Pitchers and catchers will participate in their first official workout today

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter hasn't ruled out pitching again, including this year. If that seems remarkable, remember that it's Carpenter, whose sporadically brilliant career has included several comebacks from injury...

All the local events reported Monday to the Southeast Missourian.

O Lord Jesus, we praise you, the author and perfecter of our faith. Amen.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- It's been lauded as one of the greatest survival stories of all-time. Nearly 100 years later, a group of British and Australian adventurers have discovered why. They re-enacted Ernest Shackleton's journey to save his crew when their ship got stuck and sank in Antarctica's icy waters...

NEW YORK -- The worst of the flu season appears to be over. The number of states reporting intense or widespread illnesses dropped again last week, and in a few states there was very little flu going around, U.S. health officials said Friday. The season started earlier than normal, first in the Southeast and then spreading. ...