Stories from Thursday, August 29, 2013

The heat index reading at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport hit the century mark before noon Thursday. The National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., reported an air temperature at the airport of 91 degrees with a heat index of 100 degrees just before noon. ...

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A growing season that began unusually wet and cold in the Midwest is finishing hot and dry, renewing worries of drought and its impact on crops. Temperatures soared to records in recent days in parts of the region, reaching nearly 100 degrees in some areas. The heat wave struck many farm states -- from the Dakotas to Wisconsin, down through Missouri -- that have seen too little rain this growing season...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has sided with Gov. Jay Nixon in determining that a vetoed tax cut bill could have applied retroactively. At issue is a provision triggering an automatic one-half of a percent reduction in Missouri's income tax rates if the federal government makes it easier for states to collect taxes on online sales...

BENTON, Mo. -- The fourth suspect in what began as a kidnapping case appeared in court Wednesday on charges of second-degree assault and felonious restraint, waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. Cody McRoy, 19, is accused of physically assaulting a Sikeston, Mo., man who claims he was kidnapped and held against his will...

The cases against three men suspected in a string of burglaries this spring continue to wind their way through Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court. In May, authorities charged Steven Johnson and Xavier Canada of Cape Girardeau and Marcus Canada of Marked Tree, Ark., in connection with at least three burglaries in and around Cape Girardeau...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Dexter man has allegedly confessed to having sexual intercourse with hundreds of men without disclosing a positive HIV test that dates to 2003. David Lee Mangum, 36, of Dexter has been arrested by the Dexter Police Department and charged by Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver with the Class A felony of knowingly infecting with HIV, which causes AIDS. The charge carries the possibility of life in prison...

BENTON, Mo. -- A preliminary hearing was set Wednesday for Tiffany Warner, girlfriend of accused murderer Neil Howland Jr., on charges she helped cover up the murder of Howland's mother, Cynthia Canoy of Scott City. Warner appeared in court Wednesday with her attorney, Stephen Wilson, for a case review on child endangerment charges and arraignment on charges of tampering with evidence. Judge Scott Horman set a preliminary hearing for both cases for 1 p.m. Oct. 23...

ST. LOUIS -- The Cincinnati Reds came out swinging early on Wednesday night. Jay Bruce homered and had five RBIs and the Reds got a dominant effort from Homer Bailey to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-0 and avoid a three-game sweep. "You never want to get swept, especially against these guys," Bailey said. "Who would have guessed we would have put up that many runs on (Adam) Wainwright?"

Southeast Missouri State football coach Tony Samuel said he's always extra curious and excited about the first game of any season. That might be even more the case this year because the Redhawks are so young and have so many first-time starters, along with other players who will be seeing the field for the first time...

Pews were filled at the St. James AME church in Cape Girardeau Wednesday night to celebrate the love, life and legacy of "the drum major of justice," Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration, sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Citywide Celebration Committee, honored the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and King's "I Have a Dream" speech...

It started back in the 1960s, if memory serves me right. My father, a salesman, was in Green Bay, Wis., for a convention. As fate would have it, his name was drawn for a door prize: A brand new, still-in-the box, Wilson NFL football. Dad -- though not a sports fan at all, let alone a football fan -- nonetheless made one of the more astute decisions he ever made in his life, somewhere between selling the family farm and marrying my mom...

The renovation of a downtown building is the strongest signal yet that Cape Girardeau will be a filming location for the 20th Century Fox movie "Gone Girl." The building at 119 Themis St., the former home of Social's Cafe and Catering, is being turned into a bar that could house the filming of several "Gone Girl" scenes...

ROCKVIEW, Mo. -- Friday's opening of the reconstructed Route M overpass in Scott County is the result of a wide-scale "team effort," according to Missouri Department of Transportation officials. Initially, MoDOT set a goal of early September for the bridge opening, but district engineer Mark Shelton said the project's emergency status and the cooperation of departments led to an earlier completion date...

Steve McPheeters has joined MRV Banks team at its Cape Girardeau branch as a Senior Vice-President. MRV Banks President and CEO Doug Watson made the announcement. "Steve brings a unique blend of banking, business and industry experience to our banking team. We are very excited to have him on our team and know he brings a history of a strong customer focus to our bank."...

Week 2: June 19, 2013 It seems we have our first sighting of our Escaped Dinosaur, Kota. It appears Kota is attempting to secure transportation for her journey.

US Bank donated $1750.00 to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation to help fund scholarships for the Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts. Pictured left to right: Carol Horst, Coordinator-Art Academy; Philip Nacy, Chair-Dept. of Theatre and Dance; Rhonda Weller-Stilson, Director- Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts and Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts; Angie Wilson, Director of Development-Southeast Missouri University Foundation; Rebecca Fulgham, Director-Southeast Missouri Music Academy; Steve Green, Market President-US Bank.. ...

Cape Central Junior High School (CJHS) Cheerleaders attended NCA summer camp July 22- 25 and "once again did an amazing job bringing home numerous awards to our school," said Laura Gunn, head cheerleading coach. The awards are almost too numerous to list, and include: the Spirit Stick for all four days of camp; one red excellent and three blue superior ribbons for their cheer and chant performances; 21 of the 22 cheerleaders were nominated for NCA All-American Cheerleader; Kezia Grigsby earned a spot on the NCA All-American Squad for Mascot; the Technical Excellence award for Stunting; a bid to NCA Nationals Cheer Competition; Champion Chant trophy in their division; and the NCA Herkie Team Award for overall excellence and spirit in cheerleading. ...

Four CHS students travelled to the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, CA, and two returned with National awards. From left are Josh Sander, Alex Mehner, Josh Greaser and Aaron Mehner. Sander is a 2013 graduate and the others are current seniors...

Week 8 July 31, 2013 Who knew that triceratops liked soda? Where is Kota? Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse. See all Kota's photos on our facebook page.

Week 8 July 31, 2013 Kota seems to have made a friend. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse. See all Kota's photos on our facebook page.

Week 7 July 24, 2013 It looks like Kota has found some Wildcats this week. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse. See all Kota's photos on our facebook page.

Week 6, July 17, 2013 Hum - maybe Kota has stopped to see if anyone has reported her missing or if there are any other stray dinosaurs around. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse. See all Kota's photos on our facebook page...

Week 7 July 24, 2013 It looks like Kota has found some Wildcats this week. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse. See all Kota's photos on our facebook page.

Week 6, July 17, 2013 Hum - maybe Kota has stopped to see if anyone has reported her missing or if there are any other stray dinosaurs around. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse. See all Kota's photos on our facebook page...

Week 5, July 10, 2013 Looks like Kota is trying to find some friends!!! Not sure if Panthers or rehab wildlife is what she's looking for. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse. (Hint we have 2 locations this week, you only need to record one on your entry forms) See all Kota's photos on our facebook page...

Week 4, July 3, 2013 Maybe Kota is going to be moving things, it looks like she is shopping for a trailer. Where is Kota? See more photos at our facebook page. Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse.

Week 3, June 26,2013 Kota has been spotted acquiring food for her trip and food (fuel) for her transportation.Where is Kota? Enter to win $50.

Week 4, July 3, 2013 Maybe Kota is going to be moving things, it looks like she is shopping for a trailer. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50

Week 5, July 10, 2013 Looks like Kota is trying to find some friends!!! Not sure if Panthers or rehab wildlife is what she's looking for. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50 and tickets to Discovery Playhouse. (Hint we have 2 locations this week, you only need to record one on your entry forms) See all Kota's photos on our facebook page...

Week 3, June 26,2013 Kota has been spotted acquiring food for her trip. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50.

Week 2, June 19, 2013 It seems we have our first sighting of our Escaped Dinosaur, Kota. Kota is attempting to secure transportation for her journey. Where is Kota? Enter to win $50.

By Erin Ragan ~ Southeast Missourian Some people came with questions or suggestions to share, while others came with recommendations during a public meeting Wednesday night on Cape Girardeau's planned efforts to overhaul nuisance rules. About 40 people attended the meeting at the Osage Centre, where they were given handouts detailing a committee's recommendations for the ordinances. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Speeding, passing or intentionally hitting a barrel while in an emergency zone on Missouri highways could lead to new penalties for motorists. The new law took effect Wednesday and allows an additional fine for violations that occur close to where law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel or tow-truck operators are responding to a roadside issue...

BOONVILLE, Mo. -- A Missouri school official has been cleared of wrongdoing in a State Fair rodeo act that mocked President Barack Obama. Albert Watkins, an attorney for Boonville superintendent Mark Ficken, said Wednesday that an investigation by the school district found Ficken was not involved in inappropriate actions or statements...

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Henry Josey doesn't know what to expect when he trots onto Faurot Field on Saturday. There will likely be the familiar feelings of joy and nervousness that typically accompany the start of a new season. But there may also be some tears, though the Missouri running back says he'll do his best to hide them...

ST. LOUIS -- Some are forgotten in the postwar fog, others lost to the passage of time or shifting circumstances. Now, in the age of instant communication, the hope is that military honors earned fighting in foreign lands will wind up where they belong...

Today is Thursday, Aug. 29, the 241st day of 2013. There are 124 days left in the year. Today's Highlight in History: On August 29, 1943, responding to a clampdown by Nazi occupiers during World War II, Denmark managed to scuttle most of its naval ships...

Today the United Way of Southeast Missouri will kick off its annual fundraising appeal, with the organization and many area partners set to unveil the 2013 campaign goal. The theme is local superheroes. Having watched the promotional video, we feel the United Way captured what giving means to many in this community. ...

This is in reply to the person wondering if he or she was speaking for the entire readership of the Southeast Missourian in wishing President Bill Clinton a happy birthday. This does not represent my opinion at all. While I don't wish him ill, I really am not pleased at all with his performance past and present, and that goes double for his lovely wife...

CHICAGO -- Lawyers for hundreds of black financial advisers have reached a $160 million settlement in a lawsuit accusing Wall Street brokerage giant Merrill Lynch of racial discrimination, a plaintiffs' attorney said Wednesday. If approved by a federal judge in Chicago, the payout by Merrill Lynch to about 1,200 plaintiffs would be one of the largest ever in a racial discrimination case, Chicago-based attorney Suzanne E. Bish said...

The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI Arrests Summonses Burglaries Thefts Miscellaneous Southeast Missouri State University The Department of Public Safety at Southeast Missouri State University released the following items...

Cool weather greets students on the first day of school as Cape Girardeau public schools open their doors in the morning; school officials had been concerned about high temperatures returning for the start of classes. BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Citing increased demands of the office, Stoddard County Sheriff Ralph Mouser announces he is withdrawing as a candidate for re-election...

The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests Summonses Assault Thefts Property damage Miscellaneous...

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

Firefighters responded to the following calls Monday: Firefighters responded to the following calls Tuesday:...

FORT HOOD, Texas -- A military jury on Wednesday sentenced Maj. Nidal Hasan to death for the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, delivering the only punishment the Army believed fit for an attack on fellow unarmed soldiers. The sentence also was one Hasan appeared to seek in a self-proclaimed effort to become a martyr...

NEW YORK -- Bob Guillo spent almost $35,000 hoping to learn some of Donald Trump's real estate secrets. Instead, he says, he left the sessions of Trump University poor, with little more than a photo of himself next to a life-size cardboard cutout of the mogul, who never even showed up...

At 10 years old, Karsyn Connell already runs a successful business -- but she's not pocketing any of the profits. Instead, she donates the money to help a few furry friends at the SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance in Lilbourn, Mo., about an hour south of Cape Girardeau in New Madrid County...

Have you ever wanted to make your own lip gloss? You can and all you need are a few materials from around the house. Materials Instructions STEP 1: Mix 1 tablespoon of the Kool-Aid powdered drink mix with 2 tablespoons of Crisco shortening in a microwave safe bowl...

Zeb Chapman, a senior at Oran High School, participated in the American Legion Boys State of Missouri in June at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Chapman was selected for Boys State based on his leadership, citizenship, academics and character during his junior year at Oran High School. Chapman, son of Keith and Lori Chapman, was sponsored at Boys State by the Oran Jaycees...

TODAY NEW MOVIES EVENTS FRIDAY EVENTS SATURDAY EVENTS SUNDAY EVENTS NEXT WEEK NEW RELEASES GAMES DVDs CDs...

ADVANCE, Mo. -- Mary Lou Gramlisch, 56, of Advance passed away Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, at Advance Nursing Center. She was born Sept. 24, 1956, at Chaffee, Mo., daughter of Ray and Lora Jones Gramlisch. Mary Lou had worked at VIP in Marble Hill, Mo. She was a member of Advance Assembly of God Church...

Melvin H. Biester, 84, of Jackson passed away Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau. He was born Nov. 3, 1928, in Tilsit, to Henry W. and Faye B. Philipps. He and Lorene M. Fluegge were married Dec. 10, 1950, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit. They had been married nearly 40 years when Lorene passed away Oct. 3, 1990...

Paul James Esham Jr., 58, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, at his home. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Northside Gospel Church, 2403 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Winferd Wren officiating. Arrangements by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson...

Flora Mae Hamlin, 82, of Jackson died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Ed Sterchi officiating. Burial will be in Brown Chapel Cemetery at Broseley, Mo...

Twin daughters to Travis Graham and Dawnisha Bell of Cape Girardeau, Saint Francis Medical Center, Monday, Aug. 19, 2013. Name, TaNiijah Demoneii was born at 8:10 p.m. and weighed 4 pounds, 11 ounces. NyAsiia DeMya was born at 8:11 p.m. and weighed 5 pounds, 1 ounce...

Dante Vandeven has been playing quarterback much of his life and he anxiously awaited his opportunity last year. But Vandeven said it wasn't difficult showing patience during his first season with Jackson High School's varsity. Vandeven assumed his time would eventually come -- and when it did, he took full advantage...

The Central High School softball team finished last season with a bang, winning the program's first district championship since 2004 and coming within an out of a sectional playoff victory. With most of the key players from that squad returning, expectations are high for the Tigers this year...

Followers of football in Southeast Missouri may not be overly familiar with Chaffee's Charlie Montgomery. And if they happened to see him play varsity football, their image is in need of an update -- either he was much younger or injured. Red Devils coach Charlie Vickery knows Montgomery, and he talks enthusiastically about the football ability of his 6-foot-2, 176-pound senior. His only problem is assigning an exact position on offense, referring to him as both a receiver and running back...

Boys generally grow into offensive tackles. But in the case of Scott City senior Austin Miller, he had to downsize to become one. The 284-pound right tackle has turned back the hand of the scale in his four years at Scott City and earned a starting job on the offensive line for the first time...

To run the football effectively, a nimble halfback is important, but a capable offensive line is essential. Welcome to Cape Central football. "They've been together for awhile," Norman said of his experienced offensive line, which returns five solid starters from last year's team which defied the odds and defeated Sikeston 17-14 in a Class 4 district semifinal last year before falling 28-20 to Hillsboro in a Class 4 district final. "They've been in the wars, so to speak."...

There's a good reason for fans of Perryville football to be optimistic. The Pirates finished the 2012 season 3-7 -- hardly a cause for celebration. But head coach Mike Wotjtczuk was able to unearth a few hidden gems throughout the year that should help the Pirates improve in 2013...

When Alex Winkler heard the pop, he knew immediately what had happened. It was the final regular season game for the St. Vincent Indians, at rival Jefferson High. Shortly after halftime, Winkler, playing tailback for the Indians, took a pitch and headed to his left. Seeing the safety coming up, Winkler planted his leg and tried to cut back to the right when he heard a distinct "pop."...

Sierra Coomer tossed a four-inning no-hitter and went 3 for 4 at the plate, driving in three runs, as Delta ripped visiting East Prairie 17-2 in Wednesday's girls softball season opener for both squads. Delta led 4-0 after one inning and 6-0 after three before coming up with 11 runs in the bottom of the fourth, invoking the mercy rule...

DAMASCUS, Syria -- Fears of a possible U.S. strike against Syria's regime over an alleged chemical weapons attack rippled across the region Wednesday, as about 6,000 Syrians fled to neighboring Lebanon in a 24-hour period and Israelis scrambled for gas masks in case Damascus retaliates against them...

WASHINGTON -- Church bells were ringing out Wednesday at the National Cathedral and nationwide to answer a call from one of the most important civil rights speeches in history to "let freedom ring." Organizers said people at more than 300 sites in nearly every state were ringing their bells to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s Aug. 28, 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech...

Administrative Office Building 1 Barton Square, Jackson 9 a.m. today Open session 1 Barton Square, Jackson, Mo...

WASHINGTON -- Taking stock of progress made and still to come, Americans of all backgrounds and colors massed on the National Mall on Wednesday to hear President Barack Obama and civil rights pioneers commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech on the same spot where he gave unforgettable voice to the struggle for racial equality 50 years earlier...

Route OO in Bollinger County reduced for pavement repairs Route OO in Bollinger County between Highway 51 and County Road 834 will be reduced as Missouri Department of Transportation crews make pavement repairs. The work will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today...

O Father God, thank you that we can come to you in prayer. Amen.