Southbound I-55 lanes close down early this morning after a crash. The crash happened in Scott County near mile marker 84 around 4 this morning. Two people were reportedly taken to the hospital for injuries and several cars and tractor trailers were involved in the incident. The section of roadway opened back up around 8 this morning after cleanup from the crash was complete.

Several local organizations are helping to send aide to Oklahoma tornado victims. Hope International based in Bernie, Missouri is taking donations for relief efforts in Oklahoma. They are currently taking hygiene products such as toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and shampoo. They’re also collecting bottled water and cots that will be sent to tornado victims in Oklahoma. Along with the supplies they will be taking monetary donations at their 601 South Walnut location in Bernie. If you would like to help but cannot make it to Bernie, call (573) 293-HOPE and there are some local churches that will serve as drop off sites. Also, Debi Meeds, American Red Cross, Southern Missouri Regional CEO is leaving for Oklahoma City to support the CEO in the Central and Western Oklahoma Region. To donate to the Red Cross, go to redcross.org.

Fruitland is the site of a head on crash late Tuesday afternoon. Emergency crews were called to the scene of a head-on crash on Highway 61 near Fruitland. Two pickup trucks were driving in the north and southbound lanes of Highway 61, when the driver traveling south crossed the centerline and collided. One driver sustained moderate injuries. The accident happened just north of Fruitland near Marigold Street around the fire station.

The Arkansas men responsible for running down a group of Cape joggers see their sentencing on Tuesday. 19 year old Vincent Anderson, pleaded guilty last month to first-degree assault for the October 28th attack, in which he drove a stolen car into a group of joggers at the intersection of Aquamsi and William streets. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison Tuesday. Three of the joggers suffered minor injuries. Anderson faced up to 15 years on the assault charge. His passenger, 27 year old Marcus Jones, of Cotton Plant, Arkansas, was sentenced to 90 days in jail for two misdemeanors -- vehicle tampering and resisting arrest -- in connection with the case.

Another Cape bank is robbed late Tuesday afternoon. Cape Girardeau police are now searching for a suspect involved in a bank robbery, described as a white male wearing a long-sleeved green shirt, jeans, dark shoes and a light-colored ball cap who robbed First State Community Bank, on North Kingshighway. No one was hurt in the robbery. The suspect entered the bank, handed the teller a note, and demanded money before running out the door and taking off on foot, heading north. The suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery. Police received a call about the robbery just after 2:30. At least seven police vehicles were called to the scene.

It’s official—Cape will now have a fireworks show this year.The Isle Casino Cape Girardeau contributed $6 thousand to match a previous donation and meet the $12 thousand price tag to bring fireworks to Cape. An anonymous donor reportedly gave $6 thousand to the fund in hopes of encouraging other local groups to help out. The decision to help bring the fireworks to Cape Girardeau this year came after hearing about the efforts of a USA Veterans group to raise money. The fireworks show is set for July 4th at 9:15 at the Arena Park.

Cape has several buildings that are endangered. And on Tuesday, the Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission released its list of those buildings that were most endangered to help raise awareness about the buildings' futures. 11 properties are on the list, all in different degrees of disrepair. The "endangered" title given to the buildings simply recognizes that the buildings have been abandoned for many years and have fallen into disrepair, or they may have structural problems. One building that is expected to come off the list is the Fort D Blockhouse, at 920 Fort Street, built in 1936. The building is mainly used for Civil War living history demonstrations. The Cape Girardeau City Council recently approved funding to repair the blockhouse and construct a new roof.

Firefighters are called to the scene of a blaze in Jackson, Tuesday night. A fire reportedly broke out at 1931 West Jackson Boulevard, at Cook’s Barbeque and Catering. The building was a total loss. The fire reportedly started in the stove area of the restaurant and then spread quickly to a shed on the property. No one was injured in the fire.

A Southeast Missouri bank manager is sentenced to nearly five years in prison for bank fraud and embezzlement charges. 43 year old Irvin R. Eddington, Junior of Ellington, was sentenced to 57 months in prison on bank fraud and embezzlement charges, for his fraudulent letters of credit that were issued while he was Vice President and Manager of the Ellington Branch of People’s Community State Bank. In addition to the prison sentence, he was ordered to pay restitution of over $1.19 million dollars. Eddington pleaded guilty in February to one felony count of bank fraud and one felony count of embezzlement by a bank employee. He is accused of issuing more than $1.3 million in fraudulent unsecured irrevocable letters of credit to an associate in the name of PCSB from January 2004 to October 2011.

Ameren Missouri's Emergency Operations Center is open to provide restoration support to communities impacted by Monday night’s severe storm throughout most of our service territory. Currently, over 9 thousand, 8 hundred Ameren Missouri customers are without power. The utility company expects all customers to be restored by the end of the day. Ameren Missouri is currently assessing the damage and has brought in crews to begin the restoration process. The company will bring in additional crews throughout the day to aid restoration efforts. The most important safety rule is to stay clear of downed power lines and always call Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583 or 911 if you see downed lines.

Oran is the site of a house fire early this morning.A fire in Oran destroys a 2-story house. The blaze reportedly broke out just after 4:05 at off of Highway W in town.  The home is a total loss. No one was living there at the time. A family had apparently just moved out and the house was up for sale. The fire is not considered suspicious. The cause of the blaze was found to be electrical.

Severe storms are on their way to Southeast Missouri. The region could see strong thunderstorms today and Wednesday, with some tornadoes possible, according to a hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms were possible Monday night, but greater chances of strong storms are more likely today and tonight. The main threats are large hail and damaging winds. Storms are expected to decrease from west to east early Wednesday. Stay up to date with the changing conditions on KAPE 1550 and 100.3.

It has become tradition in Southeast Missouri—it’s the One-Mile Yard Sale. MoDOT is reminding everyone that visitors and residents will be out in full force along Route 25 Memorial Day weekend in search of bargains at the 100-Mile Yard Sale. The Dexter Chamber of Commerce states the yard sale will stretch from Jackson to Kennett. Some people are already setting up for the event along the stretch of road, but the official event starts this Thursday, May 23^rd and will run through Monday, May 27th. Message boards will be in place along the route to alert drivers of the unusual traffic patterns and promote safe driving. For more information, contact Compas at 573-472-5310 or call MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT. The event website is 25yardsale.com

A recent bill would bring new guidelines for sentencing juvenile offenders. The bill was passed the Missouri House and Senate and is awaiting Gov. Jay Nixon's signature. "Jonathan's Law" is named for 17-year-old Jonathan McClard of Jackson, who hanged himself in prison in 2008 after pleading guilty to first-degree assault in connection with a July 2007 shooting. The law would require judges to consider dual jurisdiction in cases in which minors are convicted as adults and explain their reasoning if they reject it; extend the time for eligibility for dual jurisdiction by six months; and allow youths who are charged and exonerated as adults to remain eligible for juvenile sentencing in future cases. 

The two downtown flood gates at Broadway and Themis Street are open after days of high water. The Cape Girardeau Public Works Department on Monday opened the Themis Street gate and the Broadway gate last week. The Mississippi River is predicted to fall below the 32-foot flood stage on the Cape Girardeau gauge by Wednesday. The Broadway gate closed at about 37.5 feet, and the Themis gate closed at about 35 feet. The river has been above flood stage at Cape since about April 20th. 

Hotel, motel and restaurant taxes could soon make a return to Cape. The Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday discussed whether to renew hotel/motel and restaurant taxes, as well as the projects that the taxes could fund. Council members reportedly discussed asking residents to renew the tax, but carefully examine how to present the proposal. A specific plan for the use of the money was agreed to be necessary, especially with revenue coming from Isle Casino Cape Girardeau. Several options discussed include a new police facility, an indoor sports facility, an amphitheater and a minor league park.

Next year will look a lot different for some students in Sikeston. New technology will use computers, instead of books. Starting with the Fall 2013 semester every Sikeston High School student will use an iPad instead of books—deemed project iLearn. They are working to bring the technology to the entire district by the start of the 2014 school year. The district first applied grant money to fund the iPads. However, when they didn’t get it, the school board stepped in with the funding. A team called the Help Desk will be ready to assist students with extra training for their classmates and teachers.

The local Red Cross in Southern Missouri has sent out a request for Volunteers and will be ready with support with a response as soon as a call for assistance comes in from those in Oklahoma.  Disaster Service Teams currently are monitoring the situation in their 40 counties as severe weather rolls through. The local Red Cross stands prepared to respond as Emergency Managers in our Region are assessing possible damage in areas that have been hit the hardest by the recent storms.

Roadwork continues in Mississippi County today. Southbound I-57 in Mississippi County will be reduced to one lane while MoDOT crews perform pavement repairs. The section of road is from the Mississippi River Bridge to US 60. Weather permitting, work starts today and runs through Wednesday, May 23 from6:30 to 5 daily. Roadwork will also continue on Southbound I-155 in Pemiscot County. Pavement repairs will be made between mile marker 8.5 and the Mississippi River bridge. Weather permitting, work started today 7:30 and will reopen in at 5 Thursday evening.

Cape Fire crews respond to a truck fire Sunday at a gas station on Sprigg Street Cape. A squirrel's nest was reportedly found under the hood of the truck and had caught fire after it was driven. The fire broke out near a gas pump. A gas station worker started to extinguish the fire, and the Cape Fire Department crews came and made sure the fire was extinguished. The engine compartment and hood were damaged by the fire, but no one was hurt. 

A Mississippi County woman is injured in an ATV wreck early Saturday evening. The accident happened around 6:10 on County Road 408, four miles south of Charleston, near Wyatt. 31 year old Amber N. Pigg, was reportedly taking on a hill when her ATV overturned. She received serious injuries. Pigg was airlifted to a Cape Girardeau hospital.

 

Residents in Scott City may soon have college access in their own town. Three Rivers College is planning to open an outreach site at Scott City High School, expanding an agreement between the high school and college. Enrollment began with a registration event last week. Three Rivers approached the Scott City Chamber of Commerce about bringing a site to Scott City. The project has now expanded into a full-service outreach center for all area residents. The Scott City outreach site will offer art, English, college writing, computer literacy, college algebra, psychology and public speaking classes Monday through Thursday, with evening classes also available. The classes will officially start with the fall 2013 semester.

If you’ve driven down South Sprigg lately, you’ve likely noticed a large portion blocked off. A large sinkhole that’s closed the southbound lane in the 2300 block of South Sprigg Street earlier this month could be getting larger. The sinkhole started with the rising and falling of recent floodwater in the area. If the cracks get closer to the centerline, the area will have to be shut down to traffic. Signs are currently in place to warn motorists of the one-lane traffic, and the southbound lane will remain closed until further notice. Sinkholes aren’t a new problem along South Sprigg Street. From April 2011 to April 2012, part of the road was closed and had to be rebuilt due to sinkholes that appeared after the flood of 2011.

Block grants will be a topic of discussion at Cape Girardeau City Council. Two public hearings will be heard today on the new Community Development Block Grant applications. One project would help fund an innovative industry lab on Broadway; and the other is reportedly for building public infrastructure to help a new company locate to the city. The Southeast Missouri University Foundation will provide $300 thousand in matching funds for a $500 thousand grant application to develop a Creative Labs and Industries Incubator at 612 and 616 Broadway. About 25 jobs are expected to be created. Startup businesses with well-tested, innovative products and services with high-skill, high-wage jobs in creative industries are the expected outcome.

The Morehouse Elementary schoolhouse has a new life after its closure. The former school building will once again open its doors to serve local children—with a different purpose. This time around, the building will house a children's residential care facility. Proverb Academy, on Carroll Street in Morehouse, is expected to provide residential treatment for boys and girls ages 6 to 17. The faith-based program will focus on recognizing and encouraging positive behavior and providing individual, group and family therapies. Two of the classrooms will serve as multi-purpose rooms.

 

Over the weekend two Missouri Powerball players got a lot richer. They’re now millionaires after the drawing on Saturday night. One ticket was reportedly sold at Sam's Liquor & Convenience, in St. Louis, and the second ticket was sold at Hartland Pit Stop, off of Route 3, in Doniphan, according to the Missouri Lottery. The winning numbers were:  10-13-14-22-52 and the Powerball number was 11. Players now have until November 14, 2013, to claim their winnings. 

Cape police report 23-year-old Xavier Dee Canada and 27-year-old Steven R Johnson, both of Cape Girardeau, have both been arrested in connection recent burglaries in Cape. Both have been charged with Class C felonies of burglary and stealing, and are both being held on bond at 25-thousand dollars.

The Cape Girardeau County Tea Party will host 6 candidates for the Missouri 8^th District Congressional seat in a debate Wednesday, May 22^nd. Doors will open at 6 at the Cape Public Library, with the debate lasting from 6:30 to 8 pm. Jason Smith, Steve Hodges, Doug Enyart, Bill Slantz, Doctor Robert George, and Tom Brown are scheduled to attend.

The Oran community is coming together today to help a little girl   battling brain cancer. This evening from 4:30 to 7:30 an event will be held to benefit Morgan Hobbs-Kinder. Morgan is five years old, but for the last two years she's been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor. A benefit dinner tonight at the Oran Knights of Columbus Hall will serve fried chicken dinner with all the fixings to raise money for Morgan and her family. The cost is $10 dollars a plate.

Police are still investigating what caused a crowd to attack a man in Downtown Cape that sent him to the hospital with injuries. Cape Girardeau police were called early Friday morning to a brawl that broke out in the area. The fight broke out at the Boardman Pavilion after the bars closed down around 1:30.  A large group of people was reportedly involved in the incident. When one man apparently tried to break up the fight, the crowd reportedly started punching him and beating him with baseball bats. The names of people involved in the fighting aren't being made released, and no arrests have been made. The police department is still interviewing witnesses.

Residents and businesses in the east-central part of Jackson can expect to see the Fire Department flushing fire hydrants in area soon. The procedure is set to start Monday, June 3^rd, and continue daily between 8 to noon until the program is complete. The procedure will begin east of Hope Street, west of Shawnee Boulevard, north of East Jackson Boulevard and South of East Independence Street. The plan is to complete the operation by the end of June. The city recommends opening and running your taps to clear up any sediment in your plumbing after the flushing operation. For more info, log onto the city’s site at jacksonmo.org.

A Doniphan man is facing charges after an alleged shooting incident on Thursday. Darrell Rogers of Doniphan was charged with several felonies including: first degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.  Rogers is accused of shooting Eric McCracken outside the victim's home on Chestnut Street around 8 Thursday night. Rogers was being held in the Doniphan City Jail without bond. A preliminary hearing is now set for Wednesday, May 22nd in Ripley the County Circuit Court.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri exceeds its fundraising goal for this year so far. The United way made the announcement at its annual meeting Thursday that more than a million dollars was raised by its 2012 campaign. Contributions for 2012 totaled $1,002,638. The meeting was held at Drury Lodge. The goal was $950 thousand. The Spirit of Giving Award was presented to Stafford Moore, who passed away earlier this year after a two-year battle with cancer. The Spirit of Community Award was presented to Schnucks. The Spirit of Caring Award went to First Call for Help.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is getting ready for Memorial Day Weekend. Troop E announces that on Friday, May 24, and on Monday, May 27, 2013, Troop E officers will take part in the 20-Mile Trooper project to promote safety and to reduce the number of traffic crashes in the Troop E area. This means Troop E will assign a trooper every 20 miles on Interstates 55 and 57, and on other selected secondary roads. Their aim is to enforce all traffic violations that may contribute to unsafe traveling conditions, and to have troopers close by for motorists who may need assistance during the holiday weekend. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages motorists to buckle up and ensure that child safety seats are properly used.

 

The Senate Minority Caucus held a short news conference shortly after session concluded. Senator Justus was dissappointed in the General Assembly’s rejection of expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. And that concluded the last day of the First Regular Session of the 97^th General Assembly in Missouri.

 

One man lands in the hospital after he tries to break up a fight in Downtown Cape. Cape Girardeau police were called early Friday morning to a brawl that broke out in the area. The fight broke out at the Boardman Pavilion after the bars closed down around 1:30.  A large group of people was reportedly involved in the incident. When one man apparently tried to break up the fight, the crowd reportedly started punching him and beating him with baseball bats. That man was taken to the hospital for his injuries. Police continue to investigate the cause of the fight.

A Bootheel woman is dead after a wreck in Kennett. The crash happenedat the corner of US 412 and South Anthony in front of Barton's. The South Bypass area was reportedly closed down shortly after the accident and police barricades were up at Wal-Mart and Kennett Street. The accident happened around 2:30 Thursday afternoon, when 48 year old Katherine E. Sessums, of Caldwell was driving her truck on US 412 eastbound, and the truck crossed the center line and hit a tractor driven by 49 year old Steven M. Copeland, from Poplar Bluff. The truck overturned and Sessums was pronounced dead at the scene.

The president of the National Right to Work Committee and the National Right to Work Legal Defense Fund Foundation speaks at the Southeast Missouri Pachyderms Club meeting on Thursday night in Cape Girardeau. Mark Mix reportedly spoke about the uphill battle the cause has seen in Missouri this year. Supporters of "right-to-work," state it would create a climate friendly for new businesses and allow workers to decide on whether they would join a union and pay dues. Twenty-four states have passed right-to-work legislation, recently including Michigan and Indiana in 2012. Mix stated his group does not agree with the strategy in Missouri of putting a decision about right-to-work before voters. They would instead like to see the legislature pass a bill, and if vetoed by the governor, then begin the statewide debate.

Quick warning from fast approaching storms is important, especially in small communities. That protection from severe weather with warning sirens will soon be available to 18 communities in Cape Girardeau County. The towns and villages will receive warning sirens for the first time during the next 18 months as long as county commissioners can find a way to provide a 25 percent match to a FEMA grant.  Last week, commissioners approved accepting the grant, which will give the county over $293 thousand toward the siren installation. Commissioners will now have to find over $97 thousand extra to pay for the project.

A lawsuit involving a local deputy is resolved, but at a high cost. The former Bollinger County deputy's lawsuit against the county prosecutor, sheriff's department and former sheriff was reportedly dismissed last month after the defendants agreed to settle out of court for $145 thousand. Barks had first accused McElrath, prosecutor Stephen Gray and the Bollinger County Sheriff's Department of employment discrimination, retaliation and Sunshine Law violations after she was charged with animal abuse for shooting a small dog while responding to a call about a domestic dispute. The county's insurance reportedly covered most of the cost of the settlement.

Poverty is a major concern in Missouri. That’s why two organizations got together to help solve the issue. The United Way of Southeast Missouri and Communication Across Barriers hosted The Prosperity Summit in Cape Girardeau on Thursday. The summit focuses on the needs of the community. It began the United Way's "Opportunity Community Model," a national movement designed to address poverty in the community. The next meeting addresses those in poverty to help them get back a sense of hope. About 18 percent of people in 2011 in Cape Girardeau County lived below the poverty level, considered to be $23,050 for a family of four. 

 

On Thursday, the Senate gave initial approval to Senate Bill 262, sponsored by Democratic Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls. The bill would modify various provisions relating to health insurance. Some of the provisions added to the original bill dealt with telemedicine.  Republican Senator Rob Schaaf, believes that new health insurance guidelines from the state could transform relationships between patients and doctors. SB 262 still needs the House’s approval before heading to the governor’s desk. 

 

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 16, 2013 – Southeast Missouri State University today hosted about 25 returning members of the Missouri National Guard’s 1138th Engineer Company, providing them use of a computer lab as part of a job training workshop.

The soldiers are attending a three-day Department of Labor workshop through May 17 in a Dempster Hall computer lab. The workshop is designed to assist service members returning from deployment to gain job seeking and resume developing skills.

Southeast President Kenneth W. Dobbins also hosted a meal for the unit at Dempster Hall.

“These men and women have served this nation admirably, and we are extraordinarily pleased to assist these deserving service members as they transition back into civilian life,” Dobbins said.

The 1138th Engineering Company recently deployed from Afghanistan where they conducted the critical and dangerous task of route clearance over the past year.

The Department of Labor workshop follows a newly approved law creating statutory requirements for military service members separating from active duty to attend civilian employment courses and briefings. The law impacts Missouri National Guardsmen who are returning from deployment, said Capt. Nicholas Swoboda, State Family Program Director for the Missouri National Guard. He said the Veterans Opportunity to Work Hire Heroes Act mandates pre-separation counseling, a Veterans Administration benefits briefing and a Department of Labor employment workshop for select soldiers in transition from active duty to give them the greatest opportunity for success post-military service.

Missouri Army National Guard Soldiers will have a warm welcome home today. Southeast Missouri State University will host returning members of the Missouri National Guard’s 1138^th Engineer Company, providing them use of a computer lab as part of a job training workshop. The workshop starts at 3 this afternoon in the Computer Lab in Dempster Hall, Room 103. Southeast President Dr. Ken Dobbins will also host a meal for the unit at 4 later this afternoon.

Closed since 2005, the former Plaza Galleria in Cape on Independence will be demolished, with an aim at selling the near 7-acre lot to retailers or any other buyer. Lorimont Place owns the property, and they say prospective buyers have already popped up. Demolition will take place in the next month.

 

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – Today, Jason Smith, the Republican nominee in the June 4^th Special Election in Missouri’s Eight Congressional District, announced the endorsement of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Smith sought out Governor Palin’s endorsement of his common-sense conservative campaign.

 

Governor Palin praised Smith’s humble upbringing and commitment traditional values and fiscal restraint:

 

“Jason has worked tirelessly to build on the foundation of his humble beginnings and is a responsible and respected leader in the Show Me State. In Washington DC, Jason will maintain that innate sense of his community and will bring his commonsense conservatism to the halls of Congress. Jason recognizes that government is the problem, not the solution. He will protect our 2nd Amendment rights and work to promote a culture of life. We must all work together to send Mr. Smith to Washington on June 4th.” - Sarah Palin

 

 Smith said he is honored to have Governor Palin’s endorsement in the June 4^th Special Election:

 

“Governor Palin is a true conservative who is not afraid to stand up against the political establishment. As Governor, Sarah worked to establish fiscal restraint, shrink the size of government and fight corruption. Additionally, Governor Palin is unapologetically pro-life and she is an outspoken advocate for the 2^nd Amendment. I am honored to have Governor Palin’s support in the June 4^th Special Election.”

 

Jason Smith, a seventh-generation Missourian, is the Republican nominee for the June 4^th Special Election in the Eighth Congressional District. Smith has represented the 120^th legislative district in the Missouri General Assembly since 2005. In the General Assembly, Smith serves as Speaker Pro Tem. Smith lives in Salem and manageshis fourth generation family farm. To learn more about Jason Smith, visit his website at www.electjasonsmith.com.

More details emerge on the shooting death of a Puxico man. His wife is charged with murder. 47 year old Victoria Isaac, has now been charged with a Class A felony of first degree murder with no bond set. Victoria Isaac called 911 at around 8:20 Tuesday morning and told the dispatcher she had shot and killed her husband. Chris Isaac was shot six times. According to a probable cause statement, she later told the officer she was "just laying in bed and 'something' told her to get up and 'end him’”. The major case squad has been activated to investigate. A fund has now been set up at any People's Community Bank under the name "Kenneth Isaac" to help pay for funeral costs.

 

The Missouri Department of Revenue document scanning controversy is one step closer to being resolved. On Wednesday, the Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 252, a measure that would, among other provisions, prohibit the Missouri D-O-R from retaining copies of source documents used to obtain driver’s and non-driver’s licenses. Republican Senator Will Kraus, sponsored the measure and also added some new provisions  to the bill. The measure was approved and now moves to the governor’s desk for his approval. 

Marble Hill has a new mayor – Nick Hendricks was appointed by the board of aldermen Monday night. Weeks of discussion preceded the appointment of Hendricks; multiple candidates popped up recently, forcing the aldermen to table the topic for a few weeks. Charles Fisher was also appointed as second ward alderman; it is to be determined when Hendricks and Fisher will be sworn in to their respective positions.

A broken bus window leads to a two-hour lockdown Wednesday morning in the Shawnee Community Unit School District. A bus taking students to Shawnee Elementary North in Grand Tower, was traveling on Illinois State Highway 3 between from 8:15 to 8:20 Wednesday when something reportedly hit a window.  School officials immediately used the district's emergency procedures, which include calling the Union County Sheriff's Department and locking down campuses until deputies give the all clear. No one was hurt and classes resumed about two hours later. The incident was still under investigation.

 

One Southeast Missouri man is dead after he’s shot by his wife on Tuesday afternoon. 48 year old Victoria Isaac of Puxico, the victim's wife, now faces a charge of first-degree murder. The victim was identified as 43-year-old Christopher L. Isaac of Puxico. The case remains under investigation. The Stoddard County Sheriff's Department first received the 911 call around 8:20 on Tuesday morning in response to the incident that took place on Church Street in Puxico. The Major Case Squad in Stoddard County was brought onto the scene to investigate.

One young man loses his life after a traffic crash in Cape. The accident happened on LaSalle Street on Tuesday. The victim was 20-year-old Alex Hodges, who was taken from the scene to a hospital where he later died from injuries in the crash. Another vehicle was also involved in the accident.

 

Cape Girardeau school administrators report a bus driver driving students on a field trip was pulled over on suspicion of a DWI; however, after running tests, the driver came up clean. He admitted his grandmother had recently passed away, and was suffering from a lack of sleep. Administrators say the driver has been put on leave until he recovers.

Four Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department employees receive honors on Tuesday for their outstanding performance. Sheriff John Jordan presented Captain  Clann "Bud" Proffer with the 2012 Timothy J. Ruopp Award for outstanding service. The award, named after the late Ruopp -- a former Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department employee who was killed in the line of duty while working as an officer in California. Jordan also presented three Copeland Excellence Awards, which are annually given to an outstanding employee from each division in the Department.  Officer Cody Windbigler, records and report clerk Linda Tucker, and Tom Davis of the jail operations division received the award.

Police make three arrests in a Caruthersville homicide and crash. 27 year old Frank K. Rogers Junior of Caruthersville, 21 year old Dedrick  F. Tilson, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Kevin T. Tilson, 36, of Caruthersville are all charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action. Rodney Maxwell was found dead slumped over the steering wheel with a gunshot wound Friday night in the 300 block of 7th Street in Caruthersville, in what appeared to be a car accident.

 

Senators returned to the floor Tuesday morning to debate several measures, including House Bill 533. Senator Brian Munzlinger sponsored the bill, and explained more on what the new conceal and carry legislation would mean for employees. The measure would, among other provisions, allow state employees with conceal and carry permits to keep firearms in their vehicle on state property. 

 

Legislation that has been on the minds of farmers also saw some traction in the Senate Tuesday. The Senate gave final approval to House Joint Resolutions 11 & 7. Senator Mike Parson believes this would help protect the right of farmers and ranchers. Senator Paul LeVota, a Democrat from Independence, expressed his concern regarding the overall purpose of the legislation, because he doesn't believe the right to farm is in jeopardy. The measure now heads to the Secretary of State’s office. Voters could see this constitutional amendment on their ballot in the next general election in November or at a special election called by the Governor.

A prison inmate and suspect in the 1980 rape of a Southeast Missouri State student has his case continued. Daryl K. Davis is accused of breaking into the student's basement apartment and raping her at knife point. DNA evidence charged Davis in the 1980 case. He already is serving nine life sentences for a series of sexual assaults in St. Louis County. Davis had been scheduled for arraignment April 22, but his incomprehensible response to routine questions about his legal representation prompted Judge Gary Kamp to continue the case to May 6. The case then was continued to Monday to give Davis time to complete an application for a public defender. It was later determined that he needed a public defender. A preliminary hearing in the case is now set for June 4th.

A Perryville man dies in a mobile home fire Saturday. Functioning smoke detectors could have alerted the Perryville man that was killed Saturday by an early morning kitchen fire that apparently started while he was asleep. 23 year old Phillip Roessler, of Hume Street in Perryville died of extensive heat and smoke inhalation. A friend discovered Roessler's body about 7 Saturday evening. Roessler was alone at the time of the fire, which broke out sometime after 1 early Saturday, and there were no smoke detectors in the mobile home to wake him.

An 8^th District Candidate is endorsed by the NRA. The country's most powerful gun lobby endorsed the Republican candidate for Missouri's 8th Congressional District. The announcement came from the candidate's campaign on Monday. The campaign of state Representative Jason Smith, announced that Smith gained the endorsement of the NRA in the June 4th special election, earning him an "A" rating from the gun lobbying group. Smith has co-sponsored several bills this session prohibiting the use and publication of gun owners’ IDs to create a state-wide or national database of conceal-carry permit holders, with scanned documents.

A local group against the newly proposed Common Core Standards forms Monday night. The new group, Heartland Citizens for Education Awareness gathers for the first timeat the Jackson Public Library. The group aims to educate the public about what it sees as problems with Common Core as its stated goal. The Common Core standards were adopted by the State Board of Education in 2010. The standards will replace grade-level requirements for English/language arts and mathematics from kindergarten through 12th grade, and are aimed at making sure students graduate from high school with the skillset they will need in college and in a career with a focus on critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication skills.

Missouri lawmakers are hoping the third time will be the charm in their quest to reinstate local taxes on cars, trucks and boats purchased from out-of-state dealers or in private transactions. State and local officials have debated tax issue for more than a year while raising fears about lost jobs, business hardships for Missouri vehicle dealers and declining revenue for cities and counties. Lawmakers gave final legislative approval Monday to the most recent effort to allow cities and counties to continue their local taxes. The most recent measure now headed to Nixon would redefine vehicle sales taxes by applying them to the titling of vehicles in Missouri. The newly defined tax would kick in immediately upon Nixon's signature. Between November 2014 and November 2016, local governments would need to give voters the chance to repeal the redefined tax for vehicles bought out of state or from individuals. 

 

Missouri senators give final approval to the state’s Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget. At the end of last week, the Senate passed all 13 of the bills that make up the entire budget for Missouri’s next fiscal year. Senator Kurt Schaefer explains more about House Bill 3. Senator Schaefer chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee. House Bill 3 aims to help fund higher education in Missouri. 

 

The date nears for finding a permanent replacement for Perryville’s Police Chief, and the rules could be changing. Perryville's board of aldermen is appointing a 13-member committee to make recommendations for possible changes to the way the city selects its police chief.  State law would require that Perryville voters elect a city marshal to serve as chief. The city can convert the chief's role to an appointed position rather than an elected office, but voters must first approve that change. The chief's status as an elected official first came up in February, when Tarrillion was accused of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to misuse of funds.

 

Caruthersville police are now investigating a shooting death, after an incident late Friday evening. The shooting happened just before 10 on Friday, and Caruthersville officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 300 block of East Seventh Street. When officers arrived, they found a man unresponsive in the driver's seat with a single gunshot wound. The man was taken by ambulance to Pemiscot Memorial Hospital, where he later died. A homicide investigation is now underway. Anyone with information about the incident can contact the Caruthersville Police Department at 573-333-2121.

 

A Sikeston man is arrested Friday after several drug charges. Information was received about alleged illegal drug activity during a narcotics investigation. Deputies obtained and executed a search warrant late Friday night at the home of 31-year-old Jonathan Schuerenberg. During the search, deputies reportedly seized marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription narcotics and several items of drug paraphernalia. Schuerenberg was charged with five counts of possession of a controlled substance, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia and one count of drug paraphernalia delivery. Schuerenberg was taken to the Scott County Jail and remains there on a $100 thousand dollar bond.

A school administration evaluation bill stirs up controversy. The bill’s defeat saw a divided Missouri House of Representatives, and a divided Republican party. Cape Girardeau's freshman Representative Kathy Swan stands by her support of a bill that would have created evaluations for school administrators. Swan was joined with 75 other House members of both parties to support the bill. However, 82 House members, including 42 House Republicans, voted against it, leading to its defeat early Thursday morning. Other provisions of the bill include eliminating seniority protection for teachers during layoffs and allowing for the firings of a probationary teachers rated ineffective for two years in a row. It would also have the same effect for a tenured teacher rated ineffective for three consecutive years.

A young athlete is remembered over the weekend. The 1st Annual Parker King Memorial Baseball Tournament was held in honor of the 10-year old boy well known in the Cape community. Parker died back in December after an ATV accident. Organizers wanted to keep his name alive and honored him by hosting a tournament for the game he loved. 20 teams joined in for the cause from all over the area and raised $15 thousand dollars in honor of Parker. All of the money raised from the tournament will go back to community.

The Isle of Capri Casino is replacing their current manager. Isle Casino Cape Girardeau general manager Chet Koch was replaced Tuesday with interim senior administrator, Barron Fuller. A brief statement was issued on Thursday by Jill Alexander, senior director of corporate communications for Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. Koch has been the general manager since the casino opened in October. The release stated that they “felt it necessary to make some changes to [their] senior management team in order to strengthen [their] operating results.” However, no complaints to Koch’s performance were received. Barron Fuller currently serves as general manager at Isle of Capri Casino Hotel in Boonville.

Residents will soon have a say in the Scott City interchange project. A proposal for a new Scott City interchange will be heard at a public hearing May 23rd at city hall in Kelso. After MoDOT completed environmental and construction evaluations to find the best location for the construction of an interchange, the agency decided the best option was to use the existing overpass for Route PP. The new route is expected to help ease the traffic congestion in Scott City by redirecting traffic from the city's primary Interstate 55 interchange. Currently, three roads meet at the city's primary interchange -- Interstate 55, U.S. 61 and Main Street.

 

Two men are charged after a business burglary and armed robbery. Prosecutors have filed formal charges against two men in connection to a March burglary at the Bayou Bar and Grill in Pocahontas and a Friday armed robbery of the Amerimart Convenience Store in Old Appleton. Deputies arrested 20-year-old Nicholas Adam Zuccarini of Altenburg, on Monday, on charges of burglary and stealing, and a probation violation. Bond for the burglary was set at $25 thousand dollars. Bond for the probation violation was $25 thousand cash only. On Tuesday, 19-year-old Kellen Michael Johnson, of Oran, was also arrested and charged with burglary and stealing in connection to the break-in at the Bayou. His bond was set at $10 thousand cash. The men were charged with first-degree armed robbery and armed criminal action in connection to the robbery. Bond for each is set at $50 thousand cash for the robbery and armed criminal action.

This weekend, over a thousand students will be honored at Southeast in this year’s Spring Commencement. A total of 1 thousand, three hundred, thirty three students – 1 thousand forty eight undergraduates, 283 graduate and specialist students, and two cooperative doctoral students – will receive degrees at Southeast Missouri State University’s spring commencement at 2, this Saturday, May 11th in the Show Me Center. Gary Downing, Southeast alumnus and chief executive officer of Insight Pharmaceuticals, will deliver the commencement address. An Honors Convocation will be held at 10:30 in the Show Me Center Dr. James Stapleton will present the Honors Convocation address. The Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Sara Edgerton, professor of music, will perform during the commencement ceremony. Singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” will be Leslie Jones, associate professor of music. Nickolas Harris, a general studies major of Leadwood, will sing the “Alma Mater.”

 

The new Missouri budget creates a choice between seniors and kids. Missouri lawmakers passed a nearly $25 billion budget Thursday that could force Governor Jay Nixon to choose between funding for developmentally disabled children and low-income seniors. The spending plan for the next fiscal year won final approval in great controversy after House and Senate budget negotiators made a last-moment switch in the funding source for several popular programs. Their intent was to supposedly pressure Nixon into signing a separate bill that eliminates a tax-credit for low-income home renters. The governor can wait until the budget's July 1st date to decide whether to sign or veto the dozen-plus budget bills. 

Saint Francis Medical Center receives more national recognition – they have earned Quality Respiratory Care Recognition, a program that helps patients and families make decisions about respiratory quality. Approximately 15% of the hospitals in the USA applied for and received the award, which Saint Francis has received since 2004.

For the last two years, postal service discussions have continued in Southeast Missouri. Recently, some mail boxes in Cape Girardeau have shown changes to 1:30 pm pick up times from the normal 5 pm pick-up, but the Cape Girardeau post office says that collection time hasn’t yet changed, but as of this week, the plan is to change the collection time on July 27^th. Mail will be processed and distributed in a plant in St. Louis, forcing the USPS to allot more transportation time.

Marble Hill remains without a mayor after aldermen were unable to agree on a candidate – Multiple members of the board of aldermen supported former Ward 2 Alderman James Sear, but a unanimous vote was not found. Three individuals have shown an interest in the position, forcing the board of aldermen to adjourn the vote until a later meeting. 

Doug Austin of Cape Girardeau was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Senior Service award Wednesday. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder presented the award to 35 recipients; Austin was nominated by Jackson Police Chief James Humphrey and Julia Thompson of the Cape Parks and Rec Department. Austin has served with many organizations, including the Agency on Aging, Service Corps of Retired Executives, Old Town Cape, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Cape Girardeau police are investigating a burglary from Tuesday morning. Officers responded around 6:15 pm Tuesday to a call a burglary had taken place on the two thousand block of West Cape Rock Drive. Officers have determined the subject damaged a door, entered the residence, and took an undisclosed amount of items. A subject wearing a white shirt and athletic shorts was seen in the area around the time of the burglary. Call the Cape Police at 335-6621 if you have any information.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon continues to battle the House and Senate over handling of the concealed carry weapons permit list – the House and Senate agreed to a budget plan contingent on Nixon’s administration discontinuing copying and scanning of personal documents; Governor Nixon said he will resort to laying off workers in the motor vehicle division, calling the partial-year funding plan “irresponsible” and potentially threatening to the state’s financial future.

If you live or have property in Allenville, then you’ll have a say in the town’s future with an ordinance. The Allenville Board of Trustees will hold a meeting to explain its flood plain ordinance at 6, on May 28th at city hall. The board will review the ordinance and hear feedback from the public. The flood plain ordinance was adopted September 1st, 2011, and requires an elevation certificate for new construction of houses or placement of mobile homes. To learn more about the ordinance, or for more information, call 573-794-2368.

 

A Missouri man is facing charges from out of state after credit cards are stolen and used. 31 year old Austin McKinnis, of Nixa, Missouri, was charged with fraudulent use of a credit card by the McCracken County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday. McKinnis was arrested in January by the Benton, Arkansas Police Department on local charges and transferred to McCracken County Jail on May 6th. McKinnis was wanted in McCracken County on an arrest warrant.  In November, a Paducah man reported to police his credit card had been stolen and used at local stores.  He reportedly discovered several unauthorized charges on his card and reported it to the credit card company. The man believed his card had been stolen from his wallet at a local fitness club. He discovered the credit card charges were for gift cards totaling $1000. An investigation showed McKinnis used the gift cards at Wal-Mart, in Marion, Illinois, to purchase tires and service for his vehicle. The ID of McKinnis was discovered through his vehicle registration, video surveillance and information from other law enforcement investigating McKinnis. 

Drivers will be reminded of Stan the Man every time they cross one bridge in Missouri.Missouri lawmakers have voted to name a new Mississippi River bridge for the late St. Louis Cardinals great Stan Musial and part of a highway for construction worker Andy Gammon, who died building the bridge. House members gave the legislation final approval on Monday. It now goes to Governor Jay Nixon. In March, the U.S. Senate in March unanimously approved its own legislation to name the bridge after Musial. The Illinois House favors calling the span over the Mississippi the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The Missouri legislation also would name an existing bridge in St. Louis for former Congressman William L. Clay, who won the first of 16 U.S. House terms in 1968.

A local fire department gets a boost in their budget. The Scott City Fire Department has received a grant for new equipment of around $31 thousand with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant. It will be used to buy personal protective equipment, such as: helmets, boots, gloves, quick hoods, coats and pants. It is a 95 to 5 percent match grant. The nationwide grant was started back in 2000. More than $239 thousand has been awarded to the department since 2002 for equipment and training.

Missouri is now having to compete in one more area—taxes. Missouri senators are set to pass legislation cutting income taxes for individuals and businesses in an effort to counteract recent tax cuts in Kansas. A vote on the legislation is expected to happen today in the Republican-led chamber, after Democrats dropped their opposition at midnight. The legislation would gradually cut the individual income tax by half of a percentage point over the next decade. It also would phase in a 50 percent deduction for business income reported on individual tax returns over the next five years. It would also reduce the corporate income tax rate by 3 percentage points over the next 10 years. It’s different from previous versions though-- the new plan includes no sales tax increase to offset lost revenues. Democratic Governor Jay Nixon has opposed a sales tax hike.

A Missouri House panel is now part of an investigation on the electronic copying of documents by the DOR. Missouri House Speaker Tim Jones is appointing a commission to investigate the state's decision to make electronic copies of people's birth certificates and concealed gun permits when they apply for driver's licenses and identification cards. In an interview with The AP before a formal announcement, Jones stated on Monday that the commission will include a prosecutor, sheriffs and a former Department of Revenue director, among others. He wants the group to produce a report by September 1st that makes recommendations for new laws and details how decisions were made to start the document scanning. The members of the Bipartisan Investigative Committee on Privacy Protection include: Russ Oliver, prosecutor for Stoddard County, Sheriff Stuart Miller of Audrain County, -Mr. Omar Davis, former General Counsel and Director of the DOR, Sheriff Glen Boyer of Jefferson County, Mr. Gary Fuhr, former State Representative and retired FBI agent, and Mike Fusselman, prosecutor for Randolph County. Nixon did order a stop to the copying of concealed gun permits. However, his administration has stated that scanning other documents helps fight fraud. Republicans claim the new licensing procedures are an invasion of privacy.

A local doctor awaits a ruling on fraud charges. TheCape Girardeau doctor indicted on federal fraud charges is now awaiting a judge's ruling on several motions before the case goes to trial. In February, Byron Glenn, a doctor at Cape Urgent Care, pleaded not guilty to felony charges of mail fraud and passing more than $1.7 million dollars in fake money orders and checks between July and December. After several extensions, Glenn then reportedly filed five pretrial motions April 12th dealing with the use of various items of evidence. The fifth motion seeks to use past memos relating to interviews of witnesses and confidential sources, and requires law enforcement authorities to preserve rough notes and drafts. The court has not ruled on the motions, which were reviewed at an April 24th hearing before Judge Lewis M. Blanton.

If you’ve been waiting to get rid of that old electronic device, then Jackson's annual E-cycle Day is your answer. The city will hold their collection from 9 to 2, on June 29th. Residents can bring in old and obsolete electronic equipment, appliances and other items with reusable metal to the Recycling Center at 509 Eastview Court at no charge. Residents will be charged a small fee for dropping off more than one television or computer monitor at the center. Free shredding will also be available from 9 to noon. For more info, call 243-2300.

 

Two local hospitals complete a health needs assessment to better serve the community. Saint Francis Healthcare System, in partnership with SoutheastHEALTH, completed a comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment for four Southeast Missouri counties. The assessments were for Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Scott and Stoddard Counties and are now available to the public through the Saint Francis Medical Center website, www.sfmc.net. The year-long CHNA process gathered information through existing data, individual surveys and focus groups. Individual surveys and focus groups involved the underserved, the underinsured, at-risk populations, families and the elderly. The top priority needs and health behavior needs were found to be cancer and smoking; obesity and diet and exercise, chronic disease with diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It also included chronic respiratory disease from smoking; substance abuse and mental health, and healthcare affordability.

Officials with ExxonMobil have repaired an oil pipeline in southeast Missouri, where a leak was discovered earlier this week. A resident near Doniphan, reportedly found oil leaking in his yard on Tuesday. About one barrel - or 42 gallons of crude oil - leaked from the Pegasus pipeline. The cause of the leak remains under investigation. The repair was completed Friday. The pipeline running from Illinois to Texas already was out of service after a larger scale breach in Arkansas in March. About 5 thousand barrels of oil spilled in March. The cause of that leak is also being investigated. 

Parents and other Cape citizens met Thursday to find out more about the new Common Core State Standards in education.  School administrators and state education officials, were on hand Thursday night at the public meeting at the Career and Technology Center. The meeting was one of eight that was presented in each of Missouri's congressional districts by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Dr. Sherry Copeland, assistant superintendent of the Cape Girardeau School District, reportedly stated that she hoped fears about Common Core would be alleviated. The Common Core Standards were adopted by the State Board of Education in 2010, and will replace grade-level requirements for English/language arts and mathematics from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The tragic death of a teenager prompts her father to file a wrongful death suit and against a furniture company. A Scott City man is suing a furniture company and one of its drivers in connection with the April 5 crash that killed his daughter. 17 year old Amelia Fisher, of Grassy, was riding in an SUV on Highway 34 near Route U in Cape Girardeau County when a Slumberland Furniture truck crossed the centerline and collided with the SUV. Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene. Christian Fisher of Scott City filed a wrongful-death suit against Minnesota-based Slumberland; its local franchisee, Sleepy Hollow Home Center of Cape Girardeau; and the driver of the truck, Bobby Joe Abernathy of Jackson. Abernathy has yet to be charged with any crime in connection with the crash. A case review was scheduled for 9 a.m. Aug. 5 in front of Judge Ben Lewis.

Cape County communities will soon receive some much needed early warning sirens. Small Cape Girardeau County communities will soon be getting early warning sirens through a federal grant. During a commission meeting on Thursday, the contract for a $290 thousand dollar federal grant to buy and install sirens in towns throughout the county was officially announced. Officials are unsure of all the details and requirements of the grant, but expect to receive the contract next week. Communities such as Daisy, Egypt Mills, Friedheim, Fruitland, Oak Ridge, Oriole, New Wells, Randles and others throughout the county are potential locations. Until recently, commissioners had not received approval of the grant. The cost to buy and install sirens would be around $400 thousand, which will reportedly include a 25 percent local match.

One specially-equipped patrol car with the Cape Girardeau police department is using extra technology to solve crimes. For the last seven months, a police car with a group of high-speed cameras attached to its roof has been capturing photographs of nearly every vehicle and its license plate along a traveled route. The photographs appear in an instant on a laptop computer inside the car. Each vehicle's license plate number is then sent into a national database that’s only available to law enforcement, along with the time and location the plate was recorded. The computer system sounds an alarm within seconds if the plate that’s tagged in the database belongs to someone with an active warrant or felony criminal history, if the car or plates are suspected stolen or if the plate number is part of an active investigation or Amber Alert.  So far, Cape police have used the system in more than 15 cases that led to arrests. 

 

A St. Louis supermarket chain is facing a potential class-action lawsuit in Illinois related to a security breach affecting up to 2.4 million credit and debit cards of its customers. St. Louis attorney Jeffrey Millar filed the lawsuit last week in St. Clair County. He reportedly filed it on behalf of a man who shopped at a Schnucks store in Belleville during the period when the company believes that customers' accounts may have been compromised. The Maryland Heights, based Schnucks Markets believe the breach dated to December and came to light in March. Many customers have reported fraudulent charges, some in the thousands of dollars.

Cape Police are searching for a thief of women’s underwear and other items.On Monday around 6:30 p.m. officers responded to the 300 block of North Pacific to a reported burglary. The four women at the residence reportedly told police that three of them had gone out of town on Saturday, and when they returned, several items were reported missing from the home including underwear, electronics and jewelry. There are no suspects in custody at this time. The case is still under investigation.

The local Red Cross is there to help-- all you have to do is ask. A new initiative is underway to get your community ready to handle any disaster from the inside before outside help arrives. Red Cross assessments have reportedly shown that 40 percent of individuals were not prepared. That’s why the SEMO Red Cross decided to launch the initiative where weather has hit the hardest in recent years. Progress is already being made in Pin Hook, Birds Point, Morehouse and parts of Carter County. The grant funded work helps communities become sustainable. If your town isn't covered by the project now, the Red Cross can help you get started with information to prepare your community. For more information on how to get items for disaster kits and find ways to volunteer, you can visit the local Red Cross online at semoredcross.org.

Charges against a Cape man accused of murder have been dropped. Prosecutors have dropped charges against a man accused of murder in connection with a fatal shooting last year at a now closed Cape Girardeau nightclub. Malcolm U. Harris had been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action after the December 16th death of Nicholas Gilbert at The Spot nightclub, on South Sprigg Street. The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney's office on Wednesday dismissed the charges filed December 17th by assistant prosecutor Angel Woodruff, citing insufficient evidence. The prosecutor's office is asking anyone with information about the case to call the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621.

With prom and graduation season here, Missouri law enforcement want to make sure Missouri youth are celebrating safe and sober. The City of Cape Girardeau Police Department will join other Missouri law enforcement agencies to crack down on drunk driving May 2^nd through the 13th. “Driving drunk is simply not worth all the consequences,” stated Interim Police Chief Chief Roger Fields.  “Zero tolerance means zero chances: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Between 2010 and 2012, 77 people were killed and 363 seriously injured in Missouri roadway crashes involving and impaired driver under the age of 21.

Underage youth unfortunately make up a large portion of drunk drivers causing traffic crashes on Missouri roadways. Missouri has a Zero Tolerance Law. If you are under 21, your license will be suspended if you’re caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in your system.

Doniphan is the site of an oil spill. ExxonMobil and Missouri officials are now on site cleaning up an oil spill reported Tuesday near the Arkansas/Missouri state line. So far, about one barrel, or 42 gallons of crude oil has reportedly spilled into a yard at a residence on Highway 21 South in Doniphan, or about 200 miles north of Mayflower, Arkansas. The same Pegasus pipeline spilled thousands of barrels in Arkansas on March 29th.  The investigation of the leak should reveal how long the pipe had been leaking. A spokeswoman from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources stated on Wednesday, that the release happened from the installation of a guide wire for a power line pipe that was installed about 30 years ago. The guide wire was apparently located almost directly on top of the pipeline and had worn down over the years. The line, which can carry more than 90 thousand gallons of crude oil, was shut down shortly after the breach in Mayflower and Exxon has not officially stated when it will reopen.

A flood prone area has a special visit from Missouri Senator Roy Blunt. He toured all three breach points in the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway on Wednesday, which now marks two years after the floodway was activated. His visit was to learn about the progress of completion with the levee restoration and the condition of the land used for farming. Blunt stated that he wants to use the 2011 floods as a learning tool to be better prepared for future decisions if water levels reach record levels again. Blunt also stated that he wants others to realize that the process is lengthy, as well as the losses that need to be considered when activating the floodway.

The two frontrunner candidates for Missouri's 8th Congressional District have gained several endorsements with a month away until the June special election. Democratic state Rep. Steve Hodges' campaign announced his endorsements by three statewide officeholders Wednesday -- Attorney General Chris Koster, Secretary of State Jason Kander and Treasurer Clint Zweifel -- all Democrats. Republican state Representative Jason Smith has gained endorsements from the two Republican statewide officeholders, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and Auditor Tom Schweich, and earned exclusive backing from several large organizations, such as the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Corn Growers Association, the Missouri Cattlemen's Association and Missouri Right to Life.

Five Southeast Missouri State University alumni will receive Young Alumni Merit Awards from the alumni association, according to a release Wednesday. The award is given to alumni younger than 37 years old who have brought distinction to Southeast through professional growth, service and individual character. The colleges and recipients this year are: the College of Health and Human Services, with Eugene Amano of San Diego. The College of Science, Technology and Agriculture with Dr. Kelly Bender of Carbondale, Illinois. The College of Education, with Shana Kight from Marble Hill; the  College of Liberal Arts, with Dr. Emily Machen of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and from the Harrison College of Business: Mogens Madsen of Stockholm, Sweden.

Every year, MoDOT releases its Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, which lists all transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for a five-year period. This year, the draft 2014-2018 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, also known as the “STIP,” is available for public review and comment through May 31, 2013. The draft 2014-2018 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2014 through 2018. The proposed program is available for public review beginning May 1st. If you’re interested in seeing the program or giving input, you can contact MoDOT’s customer service centers at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636). The program is also available online at www.modot.org.

 

Several southern Missouri runners come out to show their support for the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombings. About 200 people ran or walked for Boston in New Madrid Tuesday evening. The 2-mile run kicked off at 6 p.m. at the New Madrid Wellness Center. Organizers reportedly sold about than 400 T-shirts for the event and raised around $3 thousand for the cause. All the proceeds from the race will head to the One Fund Boston organization to help those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. You can still donate by calling the New Madrid Wellness Center at (573) 748-7694.

The City of Cape has announce that all gas stations will go to pre-paid starting May 1st. According to the city's press release, drive-offs had become an issue, forcing city officials and local businesses to discuss solutions. The city says pre-paid gas was the only way those involved could find a solution and prevent people from stealing gas. This will only apply to gas stations located in the Cape City limits, and an ordinance is expected to be presented to the City Council soon.

 

Both Cape hospitals are up for a health needs assessment review. A community coalition will address certain health concerns with smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise after an assessment by Saint Francis Medical Center and Southeast Hospital. From that they’ll compile a list of the top health needs of people living in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott and Stoddard counties.  Hospitals such as Saint Francis and Southeast are required to complete a community health needs assessment every three years and send it to the IRS to maintain their tax-exempt statuses, as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. When the assessment is complete, they are required to develop and adopt a strategy to address the local needs. Failure to do so could result in fines of up to $50,000. Though challenging, both hospitals are confident, that together, they’ll be able to continue to address and meet the region’s needs.

A Chaffee Missouri woman earns a very prestigious award while serving her country overseas. Senior Airman Lauren Everett earned the title of Airman of the Year for U.S. Air Force for the Europe and Africa forces.  Lauren Everett received the airman of the year award from the United States Air Force in Europe and Africa. Everett signed on with the Air Force in 2008 and graduated with honors. She's based in the United Kingdom.

Be careful driving on South Sprigg Street – a sinkhole has formed in the 2300 block on the west side, forcing city government to close one lane in that area. As crews work to fix the issue, the lane will be blocked, and signs will be posted to alert motorists. This is the second sinkhole on South Sprigg Street in 3 years.

The Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Department called for a lockdown of some Jackson schools Tuesday afternoon. Wade Bartels, security coordinator and CFO of the Jackson R-2 School District, announced some schools on the west side of Jackson were briefly locked down; police officers ordered the lockdown, but later allowed the district to open the schools back up. Officials have no released the reason for the lockdown.

 

The spring series of Old Town Cape’s Tunes at Twilight starts Friday, May 17 at 7 p.m. with Donna Herula.

            Herula is a singer-songwriter in the Blues genre. She has been influenced by slide guitar players Johnny Winter, Rory Block and Eric Sardinas. She was a semifinalist in the 2012 Yamaha Six String Theory international guitar competition and placed in the top six of the blues guitarist category among contestants from 58 countries.

            Tunes at Twilight is an award winning outdoor concert series held on Friday nights at the Common Pleas Courthouse Gazebo (Lorimier and Broadway) in Cape Girardeau. Families from all parts of Cape and surrounding communities come downtown every week for the free hour long concert for 6 weeks in the spring and 6 weeks in the fall.  While Old Town Cape and key volunteers plan and organize the event every year, the premier event sponsor is SoutheastHEALTH. Additional sponsors include Cape Air and FOX 23 KBSI and grant assistance is provided through the Missouri Arts Council.

           Future spring performers include Corinne Chapman, Dan Bliss, Dana Cooper, Danny Santos and Stephen Simmons. For a complete line up visit www.oldtowncape.org/events or visit Old Town Cape on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

            “We are really looking forward to this season’s lineup! A lot of the artists are returning to Tunes at Twilight as fan favorites and we’ve got a couple new, very talented musicians as well that are sure to impress,” comments booking manager Casey Zimmerman. She and her husband Bruce volunteer for Old Town Cape to ensure the success of Tunes at Twilight.

            Rozz Ridings, a regular Tunes at Twilight attendee says, “As a long time resident of downtown Cape Girardeau, I love being able to walk down the street and enjoy music in the neighborhood. It creates a sense of connectivity for residents and draws people from all over to downtown.” Ridings believes that Tunes at Twilight is an irreplaceable tradition in the neighborhood and that Old Town Cape has done a fantastic job in continuing this tradition.

            In case of rain, the indoor location will be at Rose Theater on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. For more information about Tunes at Twilight please contact the Old Town Cape office at 334-8085 or visit www.oldtowncape.org/events.

            Old Town Cape is a community driven, nonprofit organization that utilizes the Four-Point Main Street Approach™ to preserve, promote, revitalize and enrich the historic, cultural, and economic landscapes of downtown Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Old Town Is Your Town!

On Monday, one of the biggest roadway projects begins in Cape Girardeau – a roundabout will be installed at Lexington and Route W. Crews aim to have the project finished in October, and there will be minimal hassle – travelling from Lexington to Mount Auburn might take a little longer, and Kingsway street will be closed. The total project has a price tag of 1.5 million dollars.

 

Maybe our slogan should be “Show Me How to Keep My Money” in a still-struggling national economy. Dorothy Bell and Mike O’Brien from the St. Louis Credit Union Association--part of the Missouri Credit Union Association have some basic advice to get – and keep – a handle on your money. Bell says, “Be proactive…Getting a copy of your credit report often, reviewing it [and] making sure everything is ok…” is a habit everyone should develop. Stopping or preventing financial bleeding is one thing but, once that safeguard is in place, many Missourians aren’t proactive about managing their funds. O’Brien says the people who hold on to it for you are a good place to start when it comes to developing a financial plan.

“Don’t be shy about asking questions…a lot of times, they’ll even offer to go over your credit report with you or do some on-the-spot financial counseling.”

That can help you find mistakes in money-management decisions or even spot opportunities to maximize the money you already have deposited.

A few days after Speaker of the House Tim Jones addressed concealed carry permit controversy in Cape, three state senators held a public hearing on the same issue. Wayne Wallingford, Kurt Schaefer, and Doug Libla took questions from an audience of nearly 70 people about the Department of Revenue’s sharing of private information. A main issue was whether or not Governor Jay Nixon had broken any laws, but Senator Schaefer did not know. The three senators are in Saint Charles County today for another public hearing.

The latest round of flooding brings back talk of flood buyouts in some water-logged communities. The Mississippi River is expected to crest about 10 feet above flood stage Thursday at Dutchtown. The 100 or so residents in the southeast Missouri town have reportedly been seeking to have their homes bought out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But FEMA states that Dutchtown has yet to supply an adequate cost-to-benefit analysis. FEMA states that more than $2 billion has been spent since the devastating 1993 flood to purchase flood plain properties. The Illinois River has crested in many communities in Illinois, but like the Mississippi, the drop to below flood stage will likely last into May.

The Missouri House on Wednesday passed legislation that would make it a felony for U.S. authorities to enforce federal firearm laws in Missouri. Many are concerned that the measure likely is unconstitutional. The legislation would make it a felony punishable by up to four years in prison for federal agents who try to enforce any federal laws or regulations relating to firearms and ammunition owned by Missouri residents. Democrats stated that the legislation likely violates the U.S. Constitution, which gives authority to federal laws over state laws. The legislation also states that private gun sales in Missouri involving people who are not licensed dealers will now be exempt from national instant criminal background checks. It would also lower the age to get a concealed-gun permit in Missouri to 19 instead of 21.

A long-time Cape firefighter is honored. Cape Girardeau firefighters at Fire Station No. 1 saluted the funeral procession from St. Mary's Cathedral for retired battalion Chief Steve Niswonger on Wednesday, April 24^th in Cape Girardeau. Niswonger retired in 2010 after serving 32 years with the city of Cape Girardeau. He began as a patrol officer with the police department in 1978 and transferred to the fire department in 1980.

Perryville has a new police chief. The Perryville Board of Alderman voted on Monday night to recommend the appointment of Lieutenant Direk Hunt as the interim police chief. The board voted for Hunt to fill the position through the current term until April 2014. Lieutenant Hunt has been acting as current head of logistics and daily operations since February 14th when former police Chief Keith Tarrillion took his voluntary leave of absence. Tarrillion later resigned as Perryville Police Chief. He also faces accusations of sexual harassment and misuse of city funds which were made in February by a co-worker at the police department.

Republican senators make it clear that there will be no Medicaid expansion in Missouri this time around. The Republican-led Senate voted down a Democratic attempt Monday night to pump $890 million of federal funds into Missouri's budget to expand Medicaid eligibility to an estimated 260 thousand lower-income adults. The vote is the latest in a series of defeats in the Missouri Legislature for the Medicaid expansion backed by Democratic Governor Jay Nixon and called for under President Barack Obama's health care law. This vote also had more power. It ensures that neither the Senate nor the House version of the budget includes the Medicaid expansion. 

A Missouri State Highway Patrol officer receives a well deserved honor. Sergeant Shawn Price, who has been with the patrol since 1997, received the agency's 2012 Valor Award for his actions in a June 13 shooting involving a man accused of trying to kill his wife and several police officers. Lawrence Guthrie is accused of physically assaulting his estranged wife, Angel, and exchanging gunfire with police. Price was responding to a call about an active shooter in Guthrie's Jackson neighborhood when the gunman, hiding behind a line of trees, fired at him several times.

Hundreds of people showed their support of those battling MS in Cape. Many people reportedly showed up to the 25th annual Multiple Sclerosis walk in Cape Girardeau Sunday to support the cause and raise awareness. The goal of 450 participants was met and exceeded. About $40 thousand dollars was raised at the event, will go back into programs and services in southern Illinois and southeast Missouri. Funds raised will help out more than 7 thousand people living with MS in the community. The walk has been going strong since 1988 and has raised more than $10 million dollars to help support people living with MS.

Over 150 runners came out to support Melaina’s Magical Playland by running in the All Play 5K Run/Walk Saturday. Five thousand dollars were raised by the runners and volunteers; all proceeds will help in bringing the first fully accessible playground to Southeast Missouri. Kids of all ability levels will be able to play together on the playground – to find out more, visit magicalplayland.org.

After hearing a case that originated in Cape Girardeau, the United States Supreme Court has determined police must usually try to obtain a search warrant from a judge before making suspects of drunken-driving submit to a blood test. Missouri and President Obama were seeking an endorsement from SCOTUS that would have allowed a blood test without a warrant. The Court ruled alcohol in a person’s blood is not sufficient reason to dismiss a judge’s approval before a blood test.

Jeffrey Dean Shelton, 46, of Poplar Bluff has been charged with and pleaded guilty to three counts of child porn Wednesday. Shelton is charged with using a cell phone in an attempt to coerce a minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct, along with possessing child pornography on his laptop. He is charged with abducting a 10-year-old on October 20, and a 5-year-old just four days later. Shelton has a lengthy history of child sexual assault, having served 20 years in prison after kidnapping and assaulting three children in Texas two decades ago. Shelton will be sentenced on July 15.

Doris Wilkinson of Cape Girardeau lost control of her vehicle today and drove it into the front of the Save-A-Lot grocery store on Sprigg Street in Cape. No injuries were reported in the accident, and she was the only occupant of her vehicle as it careened towards the entrance to the store. The store says they suffered just aesthetic damage to the building and remained open while the accident was cleaned up.

By a 29 to 5 vote, the Missouri Senate has banned scanning personal documents when applying for driver’s licenses. The Department of Revenue  began scanning birth certificates and concealed weapon permits in December; Governor Jay Nixon announce the DOR would discontinue scanning CCW permits, but Republican lawmakers believed privacy was being invaded. Because the DOR can no longer issue concealed weapon permits, that duty now falls to county sheriffs.

Four of the Missouri 8^th District Candidates will be a part of a local debate. The Southeast Missourian will partner with Southeast Missouri State University and KFVS12 to host a debate for candidates for the 8th Congressional District. The event is set for May 28^th at 6:30 p.m., and will be held at the River Campus. The Shuck Recital Hall will hold the event. All four candidates -- Republican state Rep. Jason Smith, Democratic state Rep. Steve Hodges, Constitution Party candidate Doug Enyart and Bill Slantz of the Libertarian Party -- will participate. Southeast professor emeritus Dr. Tom Harte will moderate. 

Jackson residents may soon see their water bills go up. The Jackson Board of Aldermen on Monday night reportedly approved a wastewater rate increase to allow for system improvements required by the state, and aims to keep up with the city's growth. Average water users are expected to see a 56 percent increase in their bills starting in June. Reasons for the proposed rate change included the need to incur new debt to pay for upgrades required to comply with Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations for wastewater permits, operating and maintenance costs, among other reasons. 

Officer Darin Hickey of the Cape Police Department says officers are investigating a rape that allegedly occurred Friday night. A 29-year-old woman notified the police of the rape around 9 am the next day, and stated the suspect was someone she knew. Officer Hickey said the suspect raped her at a Cape Girardeau residence, and was not in custody as of Monday morning.

21-year-old Jordan D. White of Chaffee was arrested Friday morning for sleeping – it just so happens he was sleeping on a couch at Hutson’s Fine Furniture after breaking into the store. Officers say they smelled alcohol on White, and arrested him with two felonies. Officer Darin Hickey says White was being held in Cape County Jail on a 12-thousand dollar bond. 

 

It’s the end of an era for the Jackson Public Library. This year will reportedly be the last for the Jackson Public Library after more than 80 years of operation. The library is expected to close by the end of 2013. The city's board of aldermen and the library board have approved the closure, which is reportedly due to the library's lack of sufficient revenue from its taxing district. Boundaries of the taxing district have reportedly not changed since 1965. The city has been subsidizing about a third of the library's operating expenses for several years, which reportedly requires about $50 thousand per year from the city's general revenue fund. The public library opened back in 1927 and has been at several locations throughout its lifetime.

A month after Lisa McCormick's jury trial was canceled-- a new trial date has been set. McCormick, who’s charged with abandoning a corpse, will now appear in court at 10:30 a.m. May 22nd for a preliminary hearing. She’ll then face a jury trial set for June 14^th at 9 a.m. Both the pre-trial and the jury trial will be heard by Judge Robert N. Mayer at the Dunklin County Courthouse. McCormick was charged on September 22nd after the body of 20 year old Autumn Medley, of Kennett was found on County Road 322 near Gibson, on September 21st. McCormick posted a $25 thousand dollar bond on September 25th. On December 12^th last year, McCormick pleaded not guilty. Medley's death is still under investigation.

More than 525 thousand Missouri residents could soon get subsidies for health insurance. A health care advocacy group recently stated that federal subsidies for health insurance will be available starting in 2014. A report released Thursday by Families USA states that more than half the people eligible for the new subsidies will have incomes of 2 to four times the federal poverty level. The insurance premium tax credits are available for people who purchase coverage through a new online insurance marketplace created by President Barack Obama's health care law. The tax credits are expected to directly offset the cost of the premium. Families USA supports the federal health care law and has issued similar reports informing people of the new tax credits in other states.

 

The City of Cape Girardeau and Withers Broadcasting will hold to two St. Louis Cardinals Game Day Trips this season, the first of which will occur on June 1. The St. Louis Cardinals will host the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants in a rematch of last season’s National League Championship Series. The game will start at 6:15 p.m. Ticket holders can take themselves or ride a charter bus. Tickets are $25 per person, and an additional $20 must be paid by those who plan to ride the bus. The bus leaves the Osage Centre at 3:15 p.m. on game-day. Orders can be placed early since 150 tickets and limited bus space is available. Call the City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department at 573-339-6340 to reserve a spot

About 200 Christians of all denominations met at the Common Pleas Courthouse for Good Friday to participate in the Stations of the Cross walk. Covering two-miles and 14 stations that combined biblical and community themes, different groups of men and women took turns carrying the cross as a reminder of the Good Friday and Easter celebrations. A spokesman for the group said their turnout of 200 was similar to previous years, but that they hope to grow it every year.

The City of Cape Girardeau, Cape County, and the City of Jackson has been approved for an Emergency Solutions Grant from the Missouri Housing Development Commission totaling $194,250. The Safe House for Women received $50,000 for shelter operation, the Community Caring Council was awarded $67,500 for Homeless Prevention and $67,500 will go towards the Rapid Re-Housing. Cape will receive $9,250 for Administration. The funds received are expected to assist in meeting the needs of the homeless and families by transitioning them into permanent housing.

58-year-old Robert Edward Morgan and his son, 24-year-old Robert Keller Morgan, are in the Bollinger County jail on charges they shot 31-year-old Nichole Morgan in the abdomen. The Bollinger County police report a 9-1-1 call was made Tuesday night stating Morgan had been shot by her father-in-law during a dispute with her husband. Both men had left when authorites arrived, but later returned to the residence and were arrested. The elder Morgan faces first-degree assault charges, while his son faces first-degree domestic assault charges. No court date has been set.

The closure of the Cape Girardeau Mail Central Processing Center could be closer than expected. The U. S. Postal Service Richard G. Wilson Processing and Distribution Facility employees were reportedly informed that the process of moving some operations to St. Louis would begin by the end of this summer. The Cape facility is one of about 55 sites moved from the 2014 closure list to a group set to close this year. A timeline is not known for specific moves within the facility.

A dumptruck and an SUV collided on Highway 34 in Cape this morning, and police are now searching for the driver of the SUV who took off on foot after the accident. The Missouri Highway Patrol says the SUV pulled out into the dump truck’s path, causing it to overturn into a ditch. The driver of the dump truck was not injured. If you know any information about the driver of the GMC Yukon, contact the Cape or Jackson police department.

Another person has now put their name in as a candidate for the Missouri 8^th District seat. A Cape Girardeau resident, 79 year old Dr. Robert George, has announced he is running for the 8th Congressional District as an independent write-in candidate. Dr. George has run his own private practice in Cape Girardeau since 1996, and this is George's first time seeking an elected office. Two local forums for the candidates have been scheduled, one set April 25th and the other for May 22nd. 

 

From highway upgrades, such as connecting I-24 to I-57, to simply maintaining the current system, attendees at the recent Poplar Bluff listening session shared a variety of ideas for MoDOT's long-range transportation plan.

The session was held on March 21 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, as part of MoDOT's statewide engagement effort-On the Move.

The meeting's host, Tiffany Jenkins, director of marketing and public relations at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, kicked-off the program by discussing the importance of transportation in Missourians' everyday lives.

Southeast District Engineer Mark Shelton and Listening Session Facilitator Jeff Glenn then provided the audience with an overview of the state's transportation system, as well as specifics about Southeast Missouri.

"We want Missourians to help us build a strong vision for our state's future," said Shelton. "Together, we will create a vision for a safe and reliable system, while fostering economic prosperity."

Attendees participated in roundtable discussions based on various funding scenarios to discuss MoDOT's challenges, opportunities and priorities.

Shelton explained there will be more opportunities for Missourians to provide comments as MoDOT hits-the-streets and visits each of its 114 counties this spring through a series of mobile tours.

In addition, comments may be submitted online at www.missourionthemove.org. Visitors to the site can also learn about Missouri's current transportation system, track what MoDOT is hearing from Missourians and stay updated on the latest On the Move events.

Cape Girardeau Police continue to investigate a bank robbery at The Bank of Missouri on 1622 North Kingshighway this morning. The call from the bank came in around 10 a.m., and within minutes, police were on the scene. According to employees a white male wearing a baseball cap, a  jacket with a hood and several layers of clothing underneath, entered the bank wrote a note demanding money and handed it to the clerk.  No weapon was displayed.  The subject took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled.  No one was injured in the incident.  The case is still under investigation and no one is in custody at this time.

 

Representative Jason Smith will now have more visibility in Cape. He’s the GOP candidate for the Missouri 8^th District and his new campaign office just opened up in Cape on Friday. Representative Smith states that there are several issues that our district is facing, including regulation reform, passing a balanced state budget, and welfare reform. Representative Jason Smith’s new campaign office is at 330 South Silver Springs Road in Cape Girardeau. The special election for the Missouri 8^th District is set for June 4^th.

The Republican candidate for Missouri’s 8^th District Congressional race will soon have more visibility in Cape. Today marks the ribbon cutting for his new campaign office in the city. Representative Jason Smith’s campaign office will be at 330 South Silver Springs Road, and the ribbon cutting ceremony will start at 4 p.m.

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Missouri state flag, which was designed in Cape Girardeau. The three-day showcase began Thursday for the Missouri Flag Centennial Celebration. The flag was designed in 1913 by Marie Watkins Oliver, wife of state Senator R.B. Oliver, at their home at 740 North Street. The home, is now called the Oliver-Leming House. The Flag Centennial Program will be today starting 1:30 and will go through 2:30 p.m. at the Oliver-Leming House. The program is open to the public and will feature speeches and presentations by special guests, including Blunt, Southeast Missouri State University President Kenneth Dobbins, Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and Penny Oliver-Chapell, great-granddaughter of Marie Watkins Oliver. The Regional History Fair will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church.

A major plant in the region is shutting is closings its doors. NORDYNE announced Thursday that it will gradually relocate its split system and furnace manufacturing lines to a new manufacturing site in Saltillo, Mexico.  The move will reportedly affect around 200 employees in the Boonville and around 500 employees at the Poplar Bluff facility. They will continue to manufacture select heating and cooling systems in the company's Dyersburg, Tennessee plant. Impacted employees will receive severance pay, extended health insurance coverage and job placement services. The Mexico facility is expected to be at full capacity by the end of 2015, with the transition starting early next year.

Missouri's population is growing, but very slowly, according to new estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.Missouri's population reportedly grew by about 13 thousand to over 6.021 million in the one-year period ending July 1st. Saint Charles led all Missouri counties with a gain of over 3,600 residents. Estimates also show many rural counties in Southeast Missouri are losing population. While Cape Girardeau County experienced 1.4 percent growth between 2010 and 2012, other area counties grew at a much slower rate or lost population. Many counties in Southeast Missouri -- Bollinger, Mississippi, New Madrid, Stoddard, Saint Genevieve, Wayne and others in the region -- saw more deaths than births.

 

 

Cape will soon see some major changes on Lexington Avenue. The construction of a multilane roundabout a high-traffic Lexington Avenue intersection is start in April. The roundabout will cover Lexington's meeting point with Route W and Kingsway Drive. The addition of a turn lane at the intersection of Kingshighway and Lexington Avenue and widening of Lexington Avenue from Kingshighway and Abbey Lane, is expected to help ease traffic congestion. MoDOT will share the cost of the project with the city of Cape Girardeau. Fronabarger Concreters of Oak Ridge, was awarded the $1.46 million dollar contract on Wednesday.

 

If you’re eligible to receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Veterans Affairs payments, chances are you’ve heard from the government lately. Everyone receiving those benefits was required by law to have signed up by March 1st for electronic direct deposit. People who don't sign on, can expect continued requests to participate from the U.S. Treasury. The Go Direct campaign was started by the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks in 2004. The program is designed to save taxpayers $1 billion in a 10-year period. All federal benefits programs are affected, including payments from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. People who don't arrange direct deposit may be sent a Direct Express Debit MasterCard card, issued by Comerica Bank. There are no sign-up or monthly fees associated with the card.

 

 

Are we a “red” state or a “blue” state? With Republicans dominating both chambers of the state legislature, the parties each holding one U-S Senate seat and Democrats holding most of the statewide executive offices, that’s up for debate. Governor Jay Nixon says that means no guarantees for anyone in office or on the campaign trail.

Republicans hold a six to two majority of U-S House offices from Missouri.

Add one more candidate to the ballot for the Missouri’s 8^th District election. The Constitution Party has nominated a candidate to run in the special election for Missouri's 8th Congressional District seat. Doug Enyart, a U.S. Marine and professional forester from Piedmont, was reportedly chosen to run by the party.  Also on the ballot are Democrat Steve Hodges, Libertarian Bill Slantz, and Republican Jason Smith. The winner of the special election on June 4th will fill the seat vacated by Jo Ann Emerson.

The results are in for the deer survey in Cape. The data was collected by the Missouri Department of Conservation during the past few months. Agents reportedly drove two separate routes in the city limits to spot and count deer. At Monday night's city council meeting, Matt Bowyer presented the findings. The agent reportedly spotted around 136 deer per night. The data reportedly showed a density of about 37 deer per square mile in Cape Girardeau. Agents state the optimal deer density is about 20 deer per square mile, and the social capacity is about 40 deer per square mile.

After arresting Frank L. Snider 4 years ago over flag desecration, a federal judge has ordered Cape Girardeau police officer Matthew Peters to pay 62-thousand dollars in attorney fees from the case. The ACLU represented Snider in 2010 in the case; Snider was arrested for slashing a United States flag in front of his home in Cape. He was awarded 7-grand in December, or 1-thousand dollars for every hour he was in jail. The 62-thousand dollar bill will be split between the State and Peters, but former mayor Al Spradling says insurance will pick up the entire tab. 

Plans are moving forward for new offices for the Cape City Government. On Monday, Cape Girardeau County commissioners selected a Saint Louis firm, Treanor Architects, to conduct an assessment of county facilities and create plans for a consolidated courthouse and other county government offices. The commission sent out a request in the spring and has reportedly been reviewing materials from five firms since June. Discussion of new consolidated facilities for court and other county government offices have been an ongoing discussion, since the county has had to maintain its historic courthouses and faced space challenges as well as accessibilities issues.

 

Southeast Missouri State students will soon see their room and board rates go up. On February 21^st, The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents approved a room and board rate increase for students. Under the new plan, average room rates will increase about 3 percent, and boarding rates will rise about 3.5 percent for fiscal 2014. The board also approved a near $24 million dollar Residence Life budget and an increase in the residence hall technology fee for the 2014 fiscal year. The average board rate changes of 3.5 percent will reportedly cover predicted and actual food inflation prices for 2013-2014, and help fund capital improvements in the dining halls.

The Cape County Industrial Development Authority has approved a bond application for Saint Francis Medical Center. The board of directors reportedly approved the bond for up to about $215 million to help finance the construction and refinance debt at its meeting Friday. Saint Francis broke ground in November on a $127 million expansion and renovation project. The project includes a five-story medical tower with plans for upgrades, and completion of the project is expected in 2016. The new facilities will also offer private rooms for all patients and there 

Two State Representatives are facing off for a seat in Congress. Over the weekend, members of a 67 person committee of Democrats picked Representative Steve Hodges for the 8^th District seat vacated by Jo Ann Emerson. The event took place at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Poplar Bluff on Saturday. Two candidates, Representative Linda Black and Dr. Jack Rushin dropped out of race earlier last week. Representative Steve Hodges was then added later last week. Candidates Todd Mahn, Markel Fitchpatrick and Steve Hodges all reportedly answered questions in front of the panel before the voting started. Representative Hodges will nowface off against Jason Smith in the Republican-heavy district for the special election on June 4^th.

Facing a potential lawsuit, the Scott County Central School District has reversed its policy on banning same-sex couples from attending prom. SCC Superintendent Alvin McFerren told the Associated Press they adopted the policy over a decade ago to prevent students taking advantage of a cheaper couples rate than individual rate, but that they agreed to revise the policy in the handbook. Stacy Dawson, a male student at SCC High School, asked to take his boyfriend to the prom April 20th, and when his request was rebuffed, the Southern Poverty Law Center came to his defense, arguing the policy violated his constitutional rights. The attorney for the SPLC, Alesdair Ittelson, released the following statement: "We welcome the change that has been reported in the media and Superintendent McFerrens remarks that Stacy will be allowed to attend prom with his boyfriend, although we have not yet received written confirmation that the unlawful policy has been permanently rescinded and removed from the student handbook. If it is indeed true that the policy has been permanently changed, it represents a big step forward for LGBT students in a part of the country that frequently lacks community support for students like Stacy. We applaud Stacy's bravery in standing up for his rights."

Little information is known on two wrecks that blocked up Interstate 55 near Scott City Friday night. Police report the accidents occured around 8:00 pm near mile marker 92. Both lanes southbound were blocked, but both have reopened. Police and investigators say no one was injured in either wreck. 

 

The Cape Central Junior High School Tigers have two new state-of-the-art gymnasium scoreboards thanks to the Electrical Connection.  The Electrical Connection, a partnership of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), donated and installed the $15,000 scoreboards.  The scoreboards will be used for wrestling, volleyball and basketball games.

“The Electrical Connection and its members are first class,” said Terry Kitchen, athletic director for Cape Central Junior High School.  “They’ve not only done excellent work for our district, but are dedicated to improving our school community.  We’ve got the best scoreboards in southeast Missouri because of the Electrical Connection’s generosity.” 

Kitchen pointed out that Electrical Connection members not only supplied the new scoreboards, but also donated services to help install the new scoreboards and move some older scoreboards to a smaller gym.

“We look forward to the Central Junior High Tigers lighting up victories on the scoreboards for years to come,” said Jim Curran, executive vice president of the Electrical Connection. “The scoreboards are our way of saying thanks to the Cape Girardeau School District which has relied on our highly skilled and safe contractors and workforce for a number of successful projects in the district.”

Curran also complimented Total Electric’s Danny and Rodney Miller, the electrical contractor, and IBEW Local One Business Representative Lee Asher for excellence and dedication for the installation of the project.

           

The Southern Poverty Law Center has accused the Scott Count Central School District for discrimination after a male student was not allowed to bring his boyfriend to prom on April 20th. An SPLC attorney says the school district's policy against same-sex couples attending prom violates constitutional rights. The SCCSD has not commented on the situation, and the SPLC has not indicated whether or not they will pursue legal action.

Senator Claire McCaskill says she’s not afraid of President Obama’s proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to nine-dollars-an-hour. McCaskill says you only have to look as far as Missouri to see the effects of a minimum wage raise.

“The economy is growing, state revenues are up. And our minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage. So I don’t buy into this notion that if you raise the minimum wage that it’s going to cause an economic Armageddon.”

McCaskill says she would favor setting the minimum wage based on a sliding scale, adjusting to inflation. That’s similar to Missouri’s current law.

Five people were taken to a local hospital following a crash in Jackson late Wednesday morning in the 4500 block of East Jackson Boulevard. The Jackson Fire Department says police are still compiling the crash report, and that more details, including the names of the five in the accident, wouldn’t be released until Thursday. The crash caused a delay on the road after 10 am, but did not close it. 

Bollinger County Sheriff Darin Shell announced on Tuesday that investigators are looking at several "persons of interest" in connection to the shooting death of 35-year-old Jeffrey Scott Robins, which happened last September. Two deputies have reportedly been assigned the task of investigating events that happened on September 6^th. Authorities are searching for someone they believe walked into Robins' unlocked rural home on County Road 834 the afternoon of September 6th and fired one shot into the back of his head as he slept. The sheriff's office is being assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control, although drugs may not have been a factor.

 

The big day has finally come to find out who will run as the GOP  candidate in Missouri 8th District special election. A meeting began earlier today in Van Buren, in front of an 86 person committee. After six rounds of voting, the GOP committee chose Representative Jason Smith as their pick for the upcoming June 4th special election, to fill the seat held by the former U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson. Democrats will meet to choose their candidate on February 16 in Poplar Bluff. Both party meetings are open to the public. Governor Jay Nixon set June 4 as the date for the special election that will determine who will complete Representative Jo Ann Emerson's term. Emerson resigned after 17 years in the U.S. House of Representatives to take a job leading the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

You may get to vote on making Missouri a so-called Right to Work state. Jared Rodriguez, a key figure in the successful drive to make Michigan a Right to Work state says he’s not anti-union.

“Unions should fight for their members, and the key point is...earn their support. If unions are working on behalf of their employees, employees will be happy to contribute.”

But Richard Craighead of the United Steelworkers says you can’t have it both ways inside large workplaces.

“A lot of people want to pay their dues...or pay for what they get. Others, as you know, if they get the opportunity, they will not pay. And that creates (a situation where) people on this side are mad, people on this side are mad.”

The bill, if it passes the legislature, would by-pass Governor Nixon...a Right to Work opponent. The change in state laws would go straight to voters on a November 2013 ballot.

 

Buckner Brewing Company in Cape Girardeau, MO will have its final “last call” on this Sunday, February 3rd.  Owners Phil Brinson and Mark Sprigg have been brewing beer together since 1998 at the banquet center and brewery at the corner of Broadway and Main Street.  The historic downtown building has nearly 23 thousand square feet which have been dedicated to brewing craft beer as well as operating Buckner’s, Ragsdale’s and The River View Room.  According to a news release, Sprigg has been planning to move from the area to be closer to his family and Brinson wants to focus his attention on his other venture in Sikeston.  All employees have been notified and the owners are contacting individuals who have placed deposits on events in The River View Room to arrange full refunds. The building and brewing equipment are now listed for sale with Jennifer Hendrickson with Murphy Business of Cape Girardeau. 

 

A trial date is now set for a man who is one of two who intended to sell another man drugs -- but robbed him at gunpoint instead. 22 year old Rico F. Lucious, of Cape Girardeau is facing life in prison on charges of first-degree robbery, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm. Lucious appeared in court Monday along with his defense lawyer, where Judge Benjamin Lewis set his trial date for June 27th.Lucious has been held at the Cape Girardeau County Jail on $100 thousand dollar bond since his arrest in January 2012. The two suspects in the case found by the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, were Lucious and 32-year-old Michael R. Fitzpatrick of Hannibal. Both were taken into custody at a house in Jackson.

 

A Cape Girardeau company gets a name change in the New Year. Three companies and announced Monday, January 28th they will be merging and taking a single brand name. National Asset Recovery Services, Inc. (NARS), Pinnacle Financial Group, Inc. (PFG) and Integrity Financial Partners, Inc. (IFP) will now become Integrity Solution Services, Inc. NARS reportedly acquired Pinnacle Financial Group, Inc. in 2010, and Integrity Financial Partners, Inc. in 2011. The announcement brings all three corporate entities under one umbrella and is reportedly the end deal of a two year project to re-work personnel, offices, products, and services across the three businesses.

Cardinals fans had a chance to say goodbye to a sports and baseball legend today, even if they weren't able to make it there in person. The Archdiocese of St. Louis streamed Stan Musial's funeral mass which started at 11 a.m. Saturday, on their website at http://archstl.org. The St. Louis Cardinals also streamed the service on their website at http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com.

The House quickly passed HB110 during this week’s session. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Smith (R-Salem), ensures the power to select statewide office holders remains with the people. It makes our law clear that the voice of the people will be heard when filling a vacancy for statewide offices such as lieutenant governor, governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state auditor, state treasurer and US senator. The measure passed with a vote of 115-45.

 

The Republicans had their meeting, now the Democrats have theirs. Committee party members will meet this Sunday in Poplar Bluff, and will choose their nominee to replace Jo Ann Emerson in Congress. The meeting will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church at 4 p.m. The event will not be open to the public. Mike Masterson who is Chairman of Cape Girardeau County Central Democratic Committee reportedly gave his list of potential candidates: -Barry Aycock of Parma Missouri (Endorsed by Cape Girardeau County Democratic Committee). -Todd Mahn of Festus Missouri, and 117^th Missouri House District Representative Linda Black of St Francois County. The candidates will have a question and answer period with committee members on Sunday.

 

Governor Nixon has scheduled a special election in the southeast Missouri district of Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson. Emerson stepped down at one minute before midnight Tuesday. The special election to replace her will take place on June fourth. Emerson is ending more than 16 years in the seat that was previously held by her husband Bill, who passed away in 1996. She will become executive director of the National Electric Cooperative Association. The race is on to replace Emerson in congress. There are more than a dozen Republican candidates. A committee of 86 will choose one of those candidates to be the nominee for the Republican Party at a meeting in Van Buren on February 9th.

A female suspect in Cape brought in on a warrant attempted to escape, says a report from Officer Darin Hickey with the Cape Girardeau Police Department. 33-year-old Rosie L. Jackson was being transported at 3:20 pm Thursday when she took off across a parking lot at the CGPD. She was able to escape to a parking lot across the street on Meriweather, but was captured by police there. Jackson is now held on $5,000 bond. 

Officer Darin Hickey with the Cape Girardeau Police Department reports 22-year-old Charlesman D. Bobo, an inmate at Cape County Jail, is charged with second-degree assault of a corrections officer. Hickey's report says Bobo assaulted the officer while being placed into a cell Thursday around 10 a.m. The officer had serious, but non-life threatening, injures and was taken to a hospital; Bobo is being held on $25,000 bond.

It’s shaping up to be a busy legislative session. Speaker of the House Tim Jones says he’s open to talking about a statewide bond issue to be used for long overdue building and repair projects. Jones says there may be no time like the present.

“We need to look at the fact that money, which is a commodity, is at the lowest borrowing rate in a long time, maybe ever, in our state.”

Jones says there are several ideas floating around the Capitol. He says bond issues have been used successfully in the past to fund large capital projects without raising taxes.

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents elects their new president. On December 14^th, Doyle Privett of Kennett, became the as its new president. His appointment officially begins December 31st. Privett succeeds Donald "Brad” Bedell, whose term on the Board of Regents expires January 1st, 2013. Bedell, is currently the president of Maverick Consulting Group of Sikeston, and was elected president of the Board of Regents in December 2006. James Limbaugh of Cape Girardeau will continue to serve as vice president of the Board.

30-year-old Scott W. Pierce of Cape Girardeau has been in custody since Wednesday on counts of burglary and robbery from two Cape businesses; now, Pierce faces more charges of burglary after revelations he broke into two homes last week and stole items. The new charges show Pierce broke into homes at 207 Kelly Court and 2756 Oakshire Circle. According to online records, Pierce has an initial arraignment scheduled for December 31^st, and is currently held on 25-thousand dollars bond.

The southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents has a new leader – Doyle Privett, a bank executive from Kennett, will take over for Donald Bedell on December 31^st. Privett is CEO for Kennett National Bank, but has been serving on the Board of Regents at SEMO his appointment in 1994. He also knows a little about being a student at SEMO – he received his Bachelor’s in Accounting from the university in 1973.

30-year-old Richard Wayne Johnson of Sikeston has been charged with kidnapping and assault after he took a boyfriend and girlfriend captive and assaulted the boyfriend. The Scott County Sheriff’s office reports it started Friday night at a bar in Oran, when Johnson and the boyfriend engaged in an altercation, which carried outside. Johnson then forced the couple into his vehicle, and ultimately assaulted the boyfriend by the side of the road. Johnson also threatened the girlfriend multiple times; he is now in custody on 150-thousand dollars bond.

4 Scott County teens were taken to a Cape hospital this weekend after suffering injuries while driving in Blodgett. Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 18-year-old Cody Cochran of Benton was behind the wheel of a vehicle when it swerved across the center line and struck a tree. Three others – 17-year-olds Niculi Phelps and Travis Sehlinger, along with 18-year-old Thomas Ratledge, suffered minor to serious injuries. 

With a new legislative session on the horizon, Southeast Missouri officials met in Poplar Bluff last week to discuss economic challenges. Various state senators made their way to join local leaders at Three Rivers College in a roundtable discussion; among the dignitaries were Poplar Bluff Superintendent Chris Hon, Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter, and Three Rivers VP of Student Success Dr. Angela Totty.

Emergency crews in Cape Girardeau shut down Middle Street after a car accident opened a gas leak Saturday night. The accident occurred around 7 pm between Broadway and Themis streets; police report the driver of the car accidentally accelerated in a parking lot and hit a meter, starting the gas leak. The three people in the vehicle all refused medical attention, and crews had the scene cleared and the gas leak fixed in just under 3 hours.

Holding a 3 pm announcement Wednesday at City Hall, Cape officials announced the purchase of land from Southeast Missouri State University for future business development. Over 55 acres were acquired for $6 million at the intersection of LaSalle Avenue and East Main Street. Recent buzz for land to be used for a technological park had risen a decade ago, but ultimately never went anywhere; in the last year or two, business have inquired about a Cape Girardeau location, and city officials searched for a feasible location. The City laid a down payment of $480,000, and will make annual payments of $460,000 over the next 12 years. 

A rash of break-ins hit Cape. Police are now investigating a break-in and attempted break-in at two different businesses. Rhymer's Bar on Plaza Way was burglarized early Wednesday morning. Someone reportedly broke into the bar around 5:40 a.m. and stole cash, a digital camera and a Taser. Someone also reportedly broke into Trish's Lounge on Independence overnight. A window was broken out and several video machines were pried open. The suspect also reportedly tried to get into a safe and the cash register was damaged. The third attempted break-in was at Raben Tire. Police reportedly responded to a call around 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, at Raben Tire in Cape Girardeau where an employee reportedly indicated that an outside door to the building had been damaged.  Nothing was reported as missing.

Fire crews responded to a dangerous fire on Thursday night. They not only had a fire on their hands, but also live ammunition going off in a truck. Firefighters responded to a structure fire around 7 p.m. on Christopher Lane off of Highway Z and Route 25 in Cape Girardeau County. Several fire departments were called to put out the fire that reportedly damaged siding on the home and a truck in the back. A truck that was on fire reportedly had live ammunition going off. Crews reported there was no significant structure damage to the home, but an investigation continues.

A Cape Girardeau brother and sister are now suspects, after prosecutors labeled them as attackers in the July beating and robbery of a 14-year-old boy. Police were reportedly searching on Thursday for 18 year old Sierra L. Irions, and 17 year old Ryan G. Irions. A judge reportedly signed arrest warrants and set dual bonds at $30 thousand dollars each. Each faces single charges of second-degree robbery. The attack reportedly took place at about 11 p.m. July 21, as the 14-year-old and three friends were walking on Perryville Road toward Capaha Park. The boy had reportedly fallen behind in a group as he sent a text message. According to a probably cause statement, a black car then pulled alongside him and four people got out and chased him. When they caught him, they reportedly pulled him to the ground and began "punching and kicking" him. As he was beaten, the boy reportedly later told police, that one of his attackers reached into his pockets and stole two cellphones.  If convicted, the two siblings could face up to 15 years in prison.

The medical plan for Cape County workers is now settled. Commissioners reportedly approved a plan for vision, dental, life and long-term disability insurance through the carrier Guardian, which reportedly came as lowest of four bidders. No increases will be seen in 2013 for premiums on group dental and vision premiums with the carrier, and the rates for life and long-term disability were reportedly reduced.

Four members of the Cape County prosecuting attorney’s office are given unique opportunities, after the Cape Girardeau County commissioners meeting on Thursday. Assistant prosecutors Jack and Julia Koester, along with Julie Hunter and interim prosecuting attorney Angel Woodruff, will reportedly travel to Washington, D.C., in January for a local case that has been accepted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Jack Koester will be presenting and arguing the case, Missouri versus McNeely--in which the court will decide whether law enforcement have to obtain a warrant before a blood test can be taken on an unwilling person suspected of a DWI. The case originated in Cape Girardeau County in 2010 when a blood sample was taken from a Jackson man suspected of driving drunk. Assistant prosecuting attorney Frank Miller will reportedly stay in Cape Girardeau to cover the office during the trip.

A massive blaze strikes in the downtown business district of Dexter. Fire crews in Dexter, Missouri reportedly responded to the fire around 2:30 a.m. this morning and were reportedly on the scene fighting the fire. At least two buildings were on fire at North Walnut and West Stoddard Streets. Fire Crews were reportedly fighting the blaze at the Gregory's Florist Shop, Ink-a tattoo business, and The Loft-a home decorating business.

A Perry County man sees racks up multiple charges in a short amount of time. On Tuesday, the 23-year-old Adam M. Hahn Perryville resident reportedly saw felony charges of burglary and theft filed against him, marking the latest accusations. Tuesday, Hahn was reportedly charged with second-degree burglary and theft, from an alleged October 26th incident. Both Class C felonies carry up to 14 years in prison if convicted. Hahn also reportedly saw charges of possession of a controlled substance from October 1st, adding another C felony and possibly another seven years in prison.

After arrival, local Ameren crews and support personnel hit the ground running. Operations have reportedly begun in New Jersey assisting Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) crews. Employee and public safety remains the highest priority. PSE&G officials have reportedly told the 550 individuals representing Ameren and contractors that full restoration could take seven or more days. According to the Department of Energy website, as of 9 a.m., Wednesday, 51 percent of New Jersey electric customers were still without power. Ameren crews working in Somerset and Lawrenceville, New Jersey, are facing many issues including tree-covered roadways and downed power lines. Ameren is also contributing $50,000 to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army in support of restoration efforts. In addition, Ameren employees will have the opportunity to contribute to the American Red Cross through payroll deduction.

A Jackson woman is killed last month after she is struck by a train in Iowa. 18 year old Jessica Lynn Randolph was reportedly killed on October 19 at Stanton. Police were reportedly called around 5:30 p.m. by a train company reporting a pedestrian accident. She was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.

An accident on I-55 causes traffic delays earlier today. Traffic was reportedly backed up earlier this morning in both southbound lanes of Interstate 55 at the 88.6 mile marker, in Scott County. The cause of the traffic delays were reportedly due to a bad car wreck around 6 a.m. The car reportedly went off the left side of the road into the median, but no injuries were reported in the accident. Both lanes are now clear and open back up to traffic.

What appeared to be just a kidnapping story from Poplar Bluff has evolved into a much more serious incident – 43-year-old Jeffrey Shelton has been charged with burglary first-degree and kidnapping, but according to the probable cause statement, he didn’t simply kidnap 5-year-old Abigail Bertholf. Shelton reportedly beat his girlfriend early Wednesday morning with his fists twice, drawing the attention of neighbors, before grabbing Abigail and taking off. Shelton, a registered sex offender, was captured and arrested around 2 pm; He waived his right to a formal arraignment Thursday. Abigail was rescued safe and sound.

32-year-old Travis Fornkohl of Cape Girardeau admitted to Judge Benjamin Lewis today to causing water damage to the Auburn Park Place building. Fornkohl is charged with first-degree property damage after he turned on a six-inch water line that flooded the building in June. He had been free on $20,000 bond, but will have to wait until November 26th for his sentencing, which could carry a one-year prison sentence.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Oct. 22, 2012 -- The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents Oct. 19 approved the promotion of two University staff members due to the announced retirement of Dr. Dennis Holt, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success and Dean of Students. Holt will officially relinquish his role as vice president effective December 31, 2012, and will serve as Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Research and Assessment until December 31, 2013. According to University President Kenneth W. Dobbins, Holt will continue to report to the president and will work on several special projects including institutional research and assessment, and advising services. Dr. Debbie Below, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success and Director of Admissions, was promoted by the Board of Regents to Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success and Dean of Students, and Dr. Bruce Skinner, Director of Residence Life, was promoted to Associate Vice President for Student Success and Director of Residence Life both effective January 1, 2013. To read the article in its entirety, click the link - http://www.semo.edu/news/archive/44323.htm

Cape firefighters were busy with an unusual fire Thursday - a car burst into flames on North Kingshighway around 1 pm near the Interstate 55 North exit. Traffic was backed up while crews managed to put out the fire, but they had it under control after a short period of time.

The following letter was distributed to students, faculty and staff at Southeast Missouri State University this morning. October 18, 2012 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff, As you may be aware, an international student from Bangladesh was arrested yesterday in New York City and charged with attempting to bomb the New York Federal Reserve Bank Building. This student was at Southeast for only one semester - Spring 2012. During the summer, the student requested that his records be transferred to a Brooklyn, New York, institution. The University complied with his request and notified the Department of Homeland Security through the federal government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student did not enroll at Southeast for the Summer or Fall 2012; consequently, the individual is not a student at Southeast Missouri State University. I have met with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and have been assured that there is no reason to be concerned about safety issues on the Southeast campus. The FBI has indicated that Southeast was never a target of terrorism and the campus community can rest assured that all possible safety and security procedures have been and are continuing to be followed. This is an ongoing FBI investigation under the auspices of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the Public Information Officer at the FBI office in St. Louis. Because of the national attention, we anticipate numerous members of the media may be on campus over the next several days as they continue reporting on this story. Faculty, staff, and students may be asked to comment on this issue or on any aspects of this story. You are not required to speak with members of the media and if you wish, you may certainly refer any media inquiries to Ann Hayes, director of the News Bureau, at (573) 651-2552. Please be advised that if you do talk with the media, you are asked to keep in mind the restrictions of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). While we are very dismayed and concerned that a former Southeast student would be involved in an alleged act of terrorism, we are reassured that Homeland Security, the FBI, the JTTF security and safety policies put in place to safeguard our country are obviously working. More than 720,000 international students attend U.S. colleges and universities on an annual basis, with more than 15,000 enrolled at colleges and universities in the state of Missouri. These students come to our country under the rules and regulations of the federal government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program administered by Homeland Security, and are a great asset to the diversity and culture of our institutions. At Southeast, we embrace the more than 800 enrolled international students as they bring a global perspective to our students, our campus, and the surrounding communities. We are proud that Southeast continues to be recognized as the safest public four-year institution in Missouri by StateUniversity.com. Therefore, I would like to re-emphasize that the FBI has assured us that there is no reason to be concerned about safety issues on our campuses. I hope you have a wonderful homecoming weekend. Kenneth W. Dobbins President

Many changes are in the works during the 2012-2013 school year for teacher evaluations in the Cape Girardeau School District. The Missouri Model Teacher Standards is reportedly set to be gradually worked in throughout the rest of the school year, eventually replacing the Performance Based Teacher Evaluation system, the district has relied upon to evaluate educators. The new system will reportedly involve a scoring of teacher performance based on nine standards: content knowledge; understanding and encouraging student learning; recognition of the importance of curriculum development; usage of a variety of instructional strategies; teacher understanding of individual and group motivation; effective verbal, nonverbal and media communication techniques; use of student assessment data to analyze and modify instruction; assessment of choices and actions on others; and effective working relationships with students, parents and colleagues.

The two major issues on Monday’s Cape Girardeau City Council meeting were scooter safety, and underage drinking. The new scooter safety ordinance reportedly states that anyone riding a motorized bicycle must wear a helmet. The ordinance said scooter drivers were only allowed to drive on roads with 30 miles per hour speed limit or less. The other ordinance involving alcohol reportedly states that no one under 21-years of age, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, can be in an establishment licensed to serve or sell alcohol between 10 PM and 6 am. Both of the ordinances are set for a second and third reading at the next city council meeting.

Companies tied to U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill’s husband have received nearly $40 million in federal subsidies. Her Republican opponent U.S. Rep. Todd Akin recently released a campaign commercial targeting McCaskill’s family for benefiting from housing funds available through the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $40 million is reportedly an accumulation of five years of federal funds — mostly low-income housing subsidies — distributed to businesses with ties to her family. While the Akin campaign and Republicans have questioned the ethical soundness of McCaskill’s family pulling in federal funds while she is a sitting senator, McCaskill said Tuesday that her opponents’ accusation was “terribly unfair and distorted.�

A Cape pharmacy is robbed of prescription pills, after a Saturday night break-in. An alarm was reportedly activated just after 10 p.m. at Medicap Pharmacy, off of North Kingshighway. The store has reportedly seen several burglaries and attempts this year, including the Scott County location. Damages included a broken window in the front of the drugstore, and the suspect reportedly fled before police arrived. The owner of the business is checking inventory. An investigation continues for the incident.

A Marble Hill man finds himself still in trouble after a pit bull was found charred outside his home. 29 year old Levi W. Snider had an initial arraignment set for September 20, but asked for a continuance with no new court date announced by Judge Robert Edward Fulton. Since Bollinger County deputies reportedly found the animals’ charred remains, back on October 24 last year, Snider’s court dates have been rescheduled many times after the change of venue was approved for Madison County. The co-defendant’s case, of 28-year-old Travis Reed, reportedly ended in April after he pleaded guilty to the charge of littering--improperly disposing of the remains by allegedly placing them on someone else’s property. Punishment for this charge carries up to a year in the county jail.

Three Saint Louis people are arrested in Sikeston after a Heroin drug sting operation. 28 year old Thomas Wheeler, 31-year old Ginny Wattler, and Scott McGuire, 32, were charged with distribution of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The three suspects reportedly sold $600 of heroin to undercover agents Friday evening, near Sikeston High School. Sheriff Walter had reportedly first received information Heroin was being transported between St. Louis and Sikeston.

Dexter police are searching for a suspect in an alleged armed robbery. The incident reportedly happened at Hickory House Inn on North Outer Road, when a man from outside of one of the rooms aimed a gun at a guest shortly before 8 p.m. and took a cellphone and keys. The suspect then reportedly fled the scene around the back of the hotel. Police found no trace of the suspect and are assuming he had a car behind the hotel. No shots were reported and there were no injuries. Anyone with any information on the robbery may call the Dexter Police Department at 624-5512.

A fire completely destroys a mobile home Saturday. The blaze reportedly broke out on the 400 block of Estate Drive, around 8:30 p.m. The one woman who lived at home was reportedly not injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Gordonville, Whitewater, Cape Girardeau and Millersville Fire departments reportedly battled the blaze until after midnight, but the home is a complete loss. Fire fighters reported had to return to the scene on Sunday morning around 4 a.m. to put out flames that had reignited in the house.

A federal judge ruled in the case of the KKK leaflet case, and found they will be able to distribute the fliers. Judge John A. Ross granted the preliminary injunction Thursday. Cape Girardeau city leaders denied a request from the Klan to hand out the leaflets saying it violated the city's litter ordinance. The judge's decision prevents the city from enforcing that ordinance and allows Klan members to put the leaflets on cars, something they plan to do today. The current ordinance states that fliers can only be placed on cars if the owners are willing to accept them.

The Southeast Department of Agriculture receives a grant to help with water research. The Department at Southeast Missouri State University has been awarded a two-year $18-thousand dollar grant, according to a news release. The grant will reportedly be used to look at methods of reducing nutrient losses from underground water systems. Southeast is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service to assist in the research of water quality management, which is expected to benefit crops, fish, birds and other animals.

34-year-old Steven Lee Williams of Cape Girardeau, charged in the death of Darcus Purl last week, had his first court appearance Monday morning. He appeared before Judge Gary Kamp on second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges; Williams requested a public defender, and Judge Kamp set a preliminary hearing for October 18th at 1 pm.

The office of Cape Girardeau Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle has filed 2nd-degree murder charges against 34-year-old Steven Lee Williams of Cape in the shooting of 38-year-old Darcus Purl. The probable cause statement shows the incident occurred September 20th around 8:50 pm at 915 S. Ranney and 911 S. Sprigg. Purl and Williams began an altercation, which led to Williams allegedly shooting Purl an unknown amount of times. Williams was also shot in the legs, and both were transported to St. Francis Hospital, where Purl was declared dead. Bond for Williams has been set at $2 million.

Through the Neighborhood Assistance tax credit program, the Southeast Missouri food bank has received a $10,000 grant from The Bank of Missouri. Various community organizations are eligible to participate in the NAP credit program, including banks, farm owners, and insurance companies. Donors receive a 50% Missouri income tax reduction of the value of their donation.

37-year-old Dean Arthur Day of Jackson pleaded guilty Monday to being a previously convicted felon in possession of firearms. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri reports a search of Day’s house in Cape County on December 7th, 2011, found a .38 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber rifle. Day admitted he owned both guns, and now faces a maximum punishment of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is set for December 10, 2012.

Below is the link to the CaringBridge.org page for SEMO Soccer student-athlete Meg Herndon, who was seriously injured when the scooter she was riding on was struck by a truck Sunday. Her mother, Cindy, updated it earlier this (Tuesday) afternoon. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/meghanherndon Click the link to reach her page, then click "Journal" to read the entries which provide updates and encouragement from friends and family.

Official Statement from Mark Alnutt, Director of Athletics, Southeast Missouri State University: "The Southeast Missouri State University campus community was saddened to learn of the serious vehicular accident that occurred Sunday afternoon near the campus. The accident involved Meg Herndon, a Southeast student athlete who is a member of the women’s soccer team. I had the opportunity to visit with the student’s family at the hospital this afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the student and her family at this time, and we wish her a full and complete recovery."

A Cape man remains in jail after a drug trafficking arrest last Friday. 50-year old Jeffrey B. Cronenbold, was charged with a Class A felony in drug trafficking. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Perry County Sheriff's Office and SEMO Drug Task Force made the arrest of Cronenbold after they reportedly found him in possession with a misdemeanor amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, as well as 5.8 ounces of Methamphetamine. The meth on Cronenbold had an estimated street value of around $16 thousand dollars. Cronenbold remains at the Perry County Jail on a $100 thousand dollar cash bond.

More progress has been made in a massive history project at Southeast Missouri State University. That project was to digitize Civil War historic information, which is now slated for completion by next summer. The project started at Kent Library titled "Confluence and Crossroads: The Civil War in the American Heartland." The Southeast Missourian reports that more than 1,600 documents, photographs and artifacts have been collected from nearly 30 counties - 23 in southeast Missouri and five in southern Illinois. The $73 thousand dollar grant from the Missouri State Library will help with the next stage of work - digitizing and cataloging the historic items. The work is expected to be finished by July 15, 2014. When complete, that portion of the project will cost about $153 thousand. The aim is to offer comprehensive digital archives of the region's Civil War items for public access viewing on the internet.

The Show-Me-Center will be welcoming a couple of new staff members. The new director will be Wil Gorman of Omaha, Nebraska, former project manager of the DNC-Sportservice at Scottsdale Stadium in Arizona and in Arlington, Texas at the Rangers Ballpark. His position will starts September 17^th.Shannon Buford of Cape Girardeau, educational director at Metro Business College in Cape Girardeau and former marketing director of the Show Me Center, will now take the roll of business manager, at the Show-Me-Center. He began his new position on August 27^th.

A grant is open for downtown businesses who would like to improve their storefront. Old Town Cape has just released the name of the first success story for their program—Annie Laurie’s Antiques. Old Town Cape offers the program to downtown businesses in the form of low-interest loans. The Facade Loan Program helps with preliminary design assistance to property or business owners who wish to improve their properties, especially in the Broadway area. The program is a partnership with Old Town Cape, the Cape Girardeau Area Community Development Corporation, and the Industrial Development Authority. If you are interested, you can contact Marla Mills, the Executive Director of Old Town Cape, at 573-334-8085 or e-mail at marlamills@oldtowncape.org

Although the rains from this weekend didn't break this summer's drought, state climatologist Pat Guinan says they did make a difference. Guinan says in major areas of Missouri, there has never been a drier May through August in at least 132 years.

Claire McCaskill made a stop in Scott City on Friday to discuss her efforts to save more than 100 of Missouri’s rural post offices from closure. Post offices are a critical lifeline for Missouri’s rural communities she says. Earlier this year, McCaskill attached an amendment to the 21st Century Postal Service Act of 2012 that imposed a one-year extension on closing rural post offices. Beyond the one-year extension, the Amendment put in place strict guidelines for closing post offices. Keeping the post offices open, she says also saves precious jobs in rural communities that have been hit hard by the economic downturn. The measure would also require the Postal Service to reexamine any post office closings made before the bill becomes law.

 

The remnants of Tropical storm Isaac left its mark on Southeast Missouri. Two tornadoes were reported by the Butler County Sheriff’s Department on Saturday, but the only damage was reportedly power lines that caught fire. The Sheriff reported the touchdown of 1 tornado about eleven miles northeast out of Poplar Bluff. The second twister was reportedly seen by spotters, which tore through a five-mile path in the southeastern part of the county. Another tornado tore through Dunklin County which reportedly flattened a farm shop and damaged a house’s roof. 

 

No Police or Fire Department may be situation, that one town in Missouri faces. The Mayor of Canalou, James Taul, reportedly had to let their one police officers go, since he wasn’t keeping his required ten hours a week. The fire department reportedly had a problem with training and bad equipment. They will reportedly be relying on the Matthews fire department for the time being. The Canalou fire and police department will stay closed until a new person and equipment is found.

 

Cape residents make the pledge to live United. Yesterday, United Way of Southeast Missouri Organizers kicked off their annual campaign at Cape West 14 Cine, hoping to inspire people to help them reach to their goal of $950 thousand. Darrick Johnson, family care plant manager at Procter & Gamble will lead the campaign this year, along with Area United Way Director, Kim Voelker. Some local businesses have already agreed to be a part of the campaign, including, The Isle of Capri Casino in Cape, Signature Packaging and Paper in Jackson, The Gibson Recovery Center and VIP Industries, as well as continued supporters—Proctor and Gamble. The yearly goals are reportedly set based on estimates from the United Way's top 20 contributing corporations. More than 100 corporations in Southeast Missouri offer employee donation program for United Way. The United Way also supports more than 50 programs in 36 local agencies, including Read to Succeed, First Call for Help—for abused and neglected women and children, and the Salvation Army’s Meals With Friends. To find out more, check out www.unitedwayofsemo.org.

Cape Central students now have two options for college credit—AP and Dual-credit with Southeast Missouri State University. AP requires the payment of $90 dollars, and transfers to most schools. Dual-credit or dual enrollment classes cost around $500 dollars, and are taught by a high school teacher, typically in the fall semester. AP tests are usually in the spring.

Construction is moving right along, as only 2 months remain before the opening of the Isle of Capri Casino in Cape. So far, the business has reportedly invested around $28 million in the City of Cape, in the $135 million dollar casino project. As of yesterday, the Casino is reportedly about two months ahead of schedule.After it opens on the projected November 1^st date, Isle Cape Girardeau will feature 28 game tables, 1 thousand slot machines, three restaurants, a sky deck lounge with a view of the Mississippi and a 750-seat event center.The local area Chamber of Commerce has reportedly been contacted by various businesses, who are now interested in investing in the City of Cape, including housing, merchants and service industries.

As the Broadway street project nears to a close, business owners are finding they’re coming up short with parking spaces.Hopefully, ongoing parking lot sharing agreements will help ease the burden. A plan with Trinity Lutheran Church is currently in the works with the Cape City Council, which would free up about 60 parking spaces for area businesses. However, before the lot would be usable, a lot of construction would be required.The new 15-foot-wide "promenade" sidewalk reportedly took up over 60 parking spaces on the north side of Broadway, from Water to Pacific Streets. South side parking on the street also shrank some, due to the project’s design, which features large rounded curbs and brick.

An undercover drug sting sends two Perryville residents to jail. The Perry County Sheriff's Department arrests 44-year old Renee D. Wallace and 52-year old and James W. Weigel, Junior on distribution of a controlled substance felony charges. Weigel was charged from an incident on July 25^th, and Wallace was found out in an incident back on June 16^th and both are in the Perry County Jail on $30 thousand dollar bonds.

Bet you got a shock today when you saw gas prices today...Because of Hurricane Issac, prices across Missouri jumped by as much as 15 cents/gallon since yesterday. Mike Right of AAA says gas wholesalers panicked in the face of the approaching storm. He said, "This is an overreaction I think, frankly, to what was going on in the wholesale markets earlier this week in repsonse to the anxieties over what might happen with the storm in the gulf." Right says with Issac, he expects refineries to be back online quickly and prices to hold steady or come down a bit as the weekend approaches...only time will tell.

 

The Cape man who allegedly caused the vandalism to the Auburn Park Place office building has waived his preliminary hearing. Travis H. Fornkohl briefly appeared in court yesterday with Judge Scott Thomsen, for a scheduled preliminary hearing. His lawyer reportedly says his client is not denying the charges. Fornkohl will now face charges of second-degree burglary and first-degree property damage in connection with the vandalism of the Auburn Park Place office building back in June. The man's parents are now requesting to be named as his legal guardian.Fornkohl has been free on bail after his $20,000 bond was met back on July 27.

 

A fire in Cape on Monday was likely arson. That’s what police are now reporting, after the makings of a Molotov cocktail amid the embers were found.Cape firefighters responded to the call to the 400 block of South Benton Street around 8:30 p.m. on Monday. The fire that started on a back-porch couch and inside wall was reportedly put out quickly. Evidence at the scene of the fire suggested the use of a Molotov cocktail, which was believed to have been thrown at the house, although no one was reported to be seen at the time of the incident. The fire is still under investigation.

A Cole County judge says Secretary of State Robin Carnahan’s ballot language is biased against a ballot measure. The challenge from several Republicans pertains to a measure dealing with health insurance exchanges in the state – those are required by the new national health care law. The judge wrote new ballot language. If voters agree, the exchanges will only be established by voter approval or by a vote of the Legislature. Republicans in the state Legislature aren’t done trying to limit the nation’s new health care law in Missouri. House Majority Leader, Tim Jones, tells us they want an override of Governor Nixon’s veto of a conscience protection law for health insurance.Those services include contraception and abortion.

 

Kimberly Mothershead, a leader in the community passed away Monday after a battle with cancer. She was 53. Mothershead served on the Southeast Missouri State University’s board of regents for six years, and was vice president for two. During her time on the board, she helped oversee many building projects, at regional campuses in Sikeston, Perryville and Kennett, and also saw the beginning of the River Campus. During her career, she also taught special needs students in Bloomfield, Sikeston and Kelly school.She donated her volunteer time to many causes in the region, helping to start the Women's Walk for Athletics benefit for the Redhawk Athletics Scholarship Fund, working with the Youth Education Literacy and Learning, serving on the board for the Safe House for Women. She also lent her time to United Way Grace's Reading Program and Read to Succeed. Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. this Thursday, August 30th at First Baptist Church in Jackson, with Reverend Tommy Weems and Pam and Dr. Andy Pratt will officiate--entombment at Cape County Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

 

Tax credits redemptions are at an all-time high and Republican State Senator Jason Crowell of Cape Girardeau wants to do something about it. He has renewed his calls for tax credit reform after release from the Missouri Department of Revenue showing the state posting tax credit redemptions totaling $629 million in the 2012 Fiscal Year. The state has already made deep cuts to its budget, including education funding. Tax credit redemptions have reportedly grown over the last decade, from $143 million in 1999, to more than $629 million last year. The two largest tax credit programs are Low Income Housing and Historic Preservation. In 2012 Missouri reportedly spent $164 million on Low Income Housing tax incentives, more than the budget for the Department of Conservation and the Department of Agriculture combined.

 

A crash off of Interstate 55 near Benton leaves 3 people injured. Missouri Highway Patrol responded to the crash around 10 a.m. yesterday, after a vehicle on northbound on I-55 swerved to miss a bridge guardrail. The driver reportedly lost control, ran off the right side of the road, and overturned, rolling down an embankment, coming to rest at the bottom of some trees. No one in the car was wearing their seatbelt. A section of the interstate was reduced to one lane while EMS crews worked the crash.

A suspect in a Sikeston shooting was found yesterday in Texas. Sikeston Police received a call around 6pm on Sunday after shots were fired at Roberta Rowe Park near Washington and Alabama Streets. A fight broke out into gunfire, when Cortne Beasley allegedly shot a passenger in a vehicle, then fleeing the area.  A vehicle was struck several times--- hitting a 21 year old Sikeston man in the legs as the car drove away.  The victim is expected to recover fully recover from his injuries. 25-year old Cortne Beasley was taken into custody in Killeen, Texas shortly after arrival near a family’s home. He remains in custody on three counts of 1^st degree assault and three counts of Armed Criminal Action and is being held on a $100,000 cash bond. The arrest was made after a coordinated search involving the US Marshall Services in Cape Girardeau and Killeen, Texas. 

 

More road work is scheduled in Stoddard County. MoDOT crews will be doing pavement repairs on Route K. The road will be reduced to one lane starting today and run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, August 30 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

What does the River Campus, hotels, and restaurants all have to do with each other? Well, the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitor's Bureau will continue to rely on an increase in revenue from local hotels and restaurants to help pay off bonds ussed to construct the River Campus--as well as and fund other Cape development projects. Executive Director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Chuck Martin, says it helps the community more attractive for tourism and provide a better quality of life for residents. The economic downturn he says, has had an impact, but things are starting to look up--revenue has increased and almost made up for the years when the resession was at it's worst. Although the River Campus is expected to be paid off soon, the improvements to Cape are continuous. After the tax revenue from hotels and restaurant is tallied for this year, an expected $3.28 million dollars will remain, but reportedly should be paid off in late 2013 or early 2014.

A defiant Todd Akin returns to the campaign trail. The embattled Republican posted a new video to his campaign website thanking hi supporters and sking for donations. Here's what he had to say in his video: "Once again, thanks so very much for your support, and if you can help us with a contribution, we'd very much appreciate that too. God Bless ya, have a great day." A poll over the weekend shows Akin trailing Sen. Claire McCaskill by nine points. Akin says he doesn't care about the polls, and said in an interview that he will continue to portray himself as a Washington outsider.

Assaults to a woman and a police dog land a Sikeston man behind bars.Walter Scott is in the Scott County Jail on charges of first degree assault, second degree robbery, resisting arrest and assault on a police animal. The female victim alleged that on August 22^nd, Scott had lured her into buying some marijuana and smoking it with her, when he suddenly started threatening her choking her, and striking her in the face. Things escalated when he allegedly attempted to break her neck and suffocate her, then demanding $10 dollars. Police were able to locate Scott from a description given. He wasapprehended behind a pile of dirt on the 200 block of Sikes Street. After he reportedly refused arrest, a K9 dog was deployed, which was also assaulted by Scott. The dog then bit him and took him to officers, but Scott was still taped after he reportedly continued to resist. His arraignment is scheduled for August 29^th at the Scott County Courthouse.

Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan today certified the results of the August 7, 2012 primary election at her office in Jefferson City, Missouri. The certified primary results will be now be used to print the official ballot for the November 6, 2012 general election. The certified ballot for the November 6 general election will then be delivered to local election authorities by the end of today.

Senator Claire McCaskill says she’s not going to get dragged into speculation about the future of Todd Akin’s candidacy. She says she is going to run against his record until November. McCaskill says there’s a long list of differences between the Republican nominee and herself. “We have a very different view of how veterans should be taken care of in this country. We have a very different view of something as basic as whether or not feeding kids lunch at school. So, I think it’s one of many areas where I think that we are going to be able to show Missourians that they’ve got a very big choice, and big differences between us.”

McCaskill spent last week campaigning on veterans’ issues. She is discounting polls that show her as much as nine points ahead of her Republican rival.

 

Governor Nixon is warning state legislators: don’t override THAT veto. Nixon says to override his veto on the bill to reinstate local sales taxes on automobiles bought out of state would mean that 122,000 people will face the burden of paying more taxes on vehicles they have already purchased. That’s how many Missourians purchased vehicles out of state since the state Supreme Court threw the tax out in late February. After the court acted, the legislature quickly passed a bill reinstating the taxes--making the tax retroactive. The legislature returns for its annual veto session the middle of next month. 

 

A recent alleged elder abuse charge at a local nursing home leaves a 92-year old resident bruised and a worker without a job. The charges are currently under investigation, and were reported to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services elder-abuse hotline, as required by law. Cape Police received a call Wednesday about the possibility of elder abuse at the Lutheran Home by a staff member in Cape, when visiting family reportedly noticed their relative had bruises on her cheek.

 

 

The fireman, who allegedly set a Fruitland home on fire with residents inside, will now appear in court.23-year old Gordon Schafer, of Jacksonis scheduled to appear in court next month to face a first-degree arson charge. He is free on a $25 thousand dollar bond after it was posted last Wednesday, until the first arraignment on September 19^th.  The charges stem from an incident on August 18 that happened at a home near the Fruitland Fire Department investigation by the department and the Missouri Fire Marshal's Office. No one was injured in the blaze. The fire was seen and reported by two Fruitland-area probationary volunteer firemen, including Schafer.

 

The man, who allegedly beat his live-in girlfriend over 2 days and then took off, has turned himself in. Around 9:30 on Sunday night, a 24-year old Joseph R. Hurtshowed up at the Cape Police to face charges of second-degree assault. Police have reportedly been searching for Hurt, since August 20, when the victim filed the report. Hurt’s arraignment was yesterday in Jackson with Judge Gary Kamp, and is held on a $25 thousand dollar cash bond with the condition of a restraining order from his girlfriend. The victim alleges that she was assaulted by Hurt, starting on a Sunday afternoon through that following Monday. The assaults reportedly happened at an apartment on the 2800 block of Themis.

 

The past two years have been a wake-up call for Missouri’s disaster preparedness. That’s why yesterday the state's committee on disaster preparedness met in Charleston to talk about how they could solve those problems together, with local help. The group formed back in July to help discover how combined resources could tackle such natural disasters as floods, tornadoes, and ice storms. The meeting included local community leaders to discover the response efforts and techniques for disasters. By the end of the year, the committee is expected to file a report with its recommendations.

 

Roadwork continues in Stoddard County. Route F is reduced to one lane today from US 60 to Route J, as MoDOT crews work on the section of pavement. The work will continue through Thursday, August 30 from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

As Hurricane Issac continues to press forward inland, many people are probably wondering if it will have any effect on the drought. Lead forecaster with the Nation Weather Service in Paducah, David Humphrey, believes our chance of a significant amount of rainfall may not be that great. He says that most of the rain lands mostly north and south of our region, but it's still too early to tell what could happen once it makes its way this far in later this week. Regardless, we will likely get some rain and the front could stall once it does arrive, providing a better chance at some relief. Looking ahead to Labor Day weekend, the area will probably see a better chance of rain.

Low River levels are reportedly still causing problems in shipping. Although all of the Southeast Missouri ports are still open along the Mississippi, one farther down the river was completely closed in Greenville, Mississippi earlier last week. On Sunday, the river stage at Cape was around 7 feet late in the evening. The Army Corps of Engineers have already reportedly received more funding for dredging the river this year, as approved by Congress after last years’ historic flood clean-up efforts.

 

The most powerful State Representative in Missouri says jobs and the state’s economy are at the top of his priority list for next session. Representative Tim Jones explains his outlook on the problem and the solution--looking at either the "Fair Tax" or a variation of a flat tax. Republicans have already chosen Jones to be the next Speaker. He’ll be formally elected to the job in January.

 

There’s a deadline looming, and the state’s biking and hiking enthusiasts are pressuring the governor. Governor Nixon has until Saturday to decide whether or not to take funds from the federal government for the state’s hiking and biking trails. Brent Hugh of the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation says he’d like to see the money go in part to an inventory of the state’s trails. Hugh says he’s confident Nixon will agree to accept the federal money which usually amounts to more than a million dollars a year.

 

Kennett High school was the site of welcome and honor for returning members of Missouri National Guard’s 1137th Military Police Company. The unit provided security for military bases and personnel in Qatar. In addition to their military service, soldiers volunteered over 500 hours to the community overseas. Overall, the unit completed over 264 security related missions during their time in Qatar. On Saturday another soldier homecoming celebration took place at Jefferson Barracks in south St. Louis County. Around 140 soldiers were welcomed home by family and friends. The 317th Chemical Company, a chemical/radiological decontamination unit, was part of a year-long base security mission to Qatar. More than 350 soldiers from four units were part of that mission.

 

A motorcyclist was injured in a crash Saturday afternoon shortly after 5 p.m. in Scott County. The crash happened on Route N, four miles south of Scott City, Missouri.  Cody D. McClard, 25, of Cape Girardeau, was reportedly northbound on the road when his motorcycle ran off the road and hit a ditch. He was reportedly wearing a helmet and was air lifted to a Cape Girardeau hospital for serious injuries.

 

Police are still searching for suspect after armed robbery this weekend. A woman was reportedly robbed at gun point on Themis Street around 10:00 Saturday night. The woman was not hurt, but unfortunately the suspect got away with the stolen items and is not yet in custody. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call police.

 

A man goes missing on the Ohio River, with his boat still running. The missing boater was last seen in blue and white swimming shorts.  The Pulaski County Sheriff's Department received a call yesterday after noticing an abandoned boat on the water. The boat was reportedly found around 7:30 last night near the section of river between Olmstead and Mound City. 

 

A group of break-ins sends two to jail, and lands another back in prison. Six homes and businesses from Mississippi County were reportedly the sites of car break-ins and burglaries, from August 2^nd through the 8^th.The first suspect, 19-year old Lance Simmerman, was arrested on August 8th and charged with second-degree burglary on two counts, first-degree burglary, two counts of second-degree property damage, theft, tampering with a motor vehicle, stealing and a parole violation. He was transported back to the Missouri Department of Corrections. 24-year old Brian Burney faces charges of tampering with a motor vehicle and is in the Mississippi County Detention Center on a $25 thousand dollar bond with other pending charges in another county. The final suspect, 34-year old, Susan Elizabeth Wallace Johnson, sees charges of receiving stolen property and tampering with a motor vehicle, and is also in jail with a $50 thousand dollar bond with other charges

 

Not too often does someone get to hear a nationally recognized singer, who’s also running for office in Missouri. Neal E. Boyd is an exception. He’s been invited to sing at the 2012 Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Tuesday. Boyd is the opera singer from Sikeston, who won on the 2008 America's Got Talent show, and is also the Republican running against Democratic Representative Steve Hodges in the 149th House District. Boyd will be joined by other national acts including, Oak Ridge Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Taylor Hicks and 3 Doors Down who will also play at the Convention from August 27^th through the 30^th. The 149th District includes Mississippi, Pemiscot, and New Madrid and Scott counties.

 

Arena Park was the site of some tasty Barbeque on Friday. The kick-off of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees 20th annual Cape BBQ Fest at Arena Park went into full swing Friday night. People reportedly drove in from all over the region and surrounding states for the event. The proceeds from the sales help benefit the Jaycees' annual Christmas Toy Box, and the event is judged by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. 36 teams face off in four categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork and brisket. Cash and trophies are awarded for each category and the Grand Champion will take home a trophy and $2 thousand dollars in cash. Only teams that participate in all four categories are eligible to earn Grand Champion status. The Mike Renick Band put on a show during the event on Friday. Today, teams will face the judges with entries beginning at noon and running every half hour until 1:30. The event concludes at 3pm, when all winners are chosen, including the Grand Champion.

 

After 96 years of business, a family-owned Downtown Cape Business plans to close its doors. Lang Jewelry and Fine Gifts’ owners Roger and Judith Anne Lang announce that their store, which has been open in the same building and in their family since 1916. Lang Jewelry and Fine Gifts will have a series of private final shopping events from September 8^th and 16^th. The doors of the business will be officially closed after all fixtures and merchandise is sold. The owners plan to retire this year.

An appeals court keeps the Federal sentence for Clay Waller. A maximum five-year federal prison sentence was handed down to Clay Waller by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Limbaugh on Friday, for the threats he made over the Internet to Jacque Waller’s sister, Cheryl Brenneke. Waller pleaded guilty to the incident in October of last year to the threat that turned up the Internet site Topix.net. Clay Waller also faces separate charges in Cape County for murder and evidence tampering related to Jacque Waller's disappearance on June 1, 2011. 

 

Ride, Play some poker, and help a Vet. The Amvets Riders Chapter 48 is hosting their annual poker run for Camp Hope today from 10am – 11pm. Bring out your car or bike. Food and a band will be on hand after the poker run for everyone who shows up. The run starts in DeSoto at the Amvets Chapter 48 Post, on Amvets Drive. Camp Hope is a retreat for military Veterans wounded in the War on Terror. Camp hope is on the Chris Neal Farm, a 170-acre sanctuary in right outside of Farmington. William “Mike” White and his wife, Galia, created Camp Hope as a tribute to their son, Christopher, who was killed fighting for our country in Iraq. Camp Hope’s mission honors the fallen by helping the wounded. They also offer combat-wounded Veterans free hunting trips and lodging in ADA-approved, handicapped accessible cabins. For more info, e-mail them at info@camphopeusa.org. For the poker run, contact Natalie Queen at 314-602-9115.

Six friends are celebrating after a surprising group lottery win. The winnings were part of the Mega Millions lottery ticket. The drawing was made August 10^th, after all five numbers were matched for the second-level prize of $250 thousand. Casey's General Store on Potosi Street in Farmington, Missouri was the site. All six winners will each receive $41,666 before taxes. Marilyn Trowbridge, 63, Larry Trowbridge, 72, Jeffrey Vroman, 51, Donald Barnes, 67, Richard Bollinger, 58, and Aron Pratt, 66, all represented Annapolis in the win. Marilyn Trowbridge, the woman who bought tickets, checked the numbers and realized they had won.

A multiple vehicle crash in Cape leaves several cars stranded. North Kingshighway near Kidd’s and Taco John’s was the site of pile-up, early Friday evening. The accident reportedly happened around 6:30 p.m. Officers were still investigating the crash late into Friday evening.

 

The region will now have more resources when it comes to fighting drugs, trafficking and treatment. The National Office of Drug Control Policy will continue to fund two drug free grants in Southeast Missouri. According to U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson for the 8^th District, a $125 thousand dollar grant will be sent to SEMO Prevention in Sikeston. The Youth Substance Abuse Coalition of Southeast Missouri in Cape will receive $150 dollars in grants to help with drug rehabilitation.

 

A 36 year old Dielstadt man lands behind bars after he was charged with sex crimes. 36-year old Charles R. McConkey is charged with first degree sodomy and child molestation, and is in the Scott County Jail on a $100 thousand dollar bond. Evidence showed McConkey had sexual contact with a child under 14 years old. The alleged charges were filed after an investigation by the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, and are suspected to have happened in the man’s home.

Infected cantaloupe from southwest Indiana appear to be behind 12 cases of salmonella reported across Missouri this week. State Health and Senior Services spokesmen could not say if any of the cases required hospitalization. The cantaloupes have been linked to at least 140 cases of salmonella across the country. Two people in Kentucky died from the illness.

The powers that be in the Republican Party say Todd Akin has got to go. Akin says he will not abandon his campaign for U.S. Senate. Missouri State University political science professor George Connor says the party has a real mess on its hands. “The views that are being expressed by other prominent Republicans both nationally and in the state of Missouri, is that congressman Akin does not give the Republican Party the best chance to retake the United States Senate.” Akin says he can still win the election without help from party regulars and their money. A poll taken on Monday night showed Akin still with a slight lead over Claire McCaskill.Late Wednesday, one of Akin’s Missouri colleagues in congress called on the embattled Senate candidate to step away. West central Missouri congresswoman Vicky Hartzler said Akin’s comments on rape and abortion were - quote- baffling, disturbing and misinformed. Hartzler said Akin should heed the advice of current Senator Roy Blunt, and former senators Kit Bond, John Ashcroft, Jack Danforth and Jim Talent who drafted a letter to Akin Tuesday urging his withdrawal from the Senate race.

 

The intersection of William and Kingshighway was the site of a major crash in Cape. A white PT Cruiser traveling southbound on Kingshighway, reportedly ran a red light, collided with a car on westbound William, flipped and rolled. A woman from PT Cruiser was rushed to the hospital, and the other two passenges, a man and baby reportedly did not need emergency treatment. Kingshighway South lanes were shut down temporary to clean the roadway.

 

The much talked about movie, 2016--Obama’s America, will be making its way to the Heartland for a showing at Cape West 14 Cine. According to a recent release, the documentary movie claims to “take audiences on a gripping visual journey into the heart of the world’s most powerful office to reveal the struggle of whether one man’s past will redefine America over the next four years. The film poses the question, “If Obama wins a second term, where will we be in 2016?” The movie is a screen adaptation of the New York Time’s best-selling book by Dinesh D’Souza, the executive producer, along-side Gerald R. Molen, best known for his work in Schindler’s List and Minority Report. 

 

Farmers can gauge the health of their crops just like a doctor diagnoses your health. Gene Stevens, extension professor in plant sciences at the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, will show three tools producers can use to gauge the health of their crops at the T.E. “Jake” Fisher Delta Research Center’s field day, August 31 in Portageville. Farmers have the opportunity to learn how to produce healthier plants, increased yields and the best times for harvest. Another presenter, Chris Evans is set to talk about sweet sorghum harvesting for biofuels. Producers can find out how many gallons of ethanol per acre their fields are capable of when a crop is at its peak. Stevens will also discuss a new study on defoliants for soybean harvesting.

 

If you’ve ever wanted an opportunity to see what it’s like to design a bridge, MODoT is doing just that. The Missouri Department of Transportation is hosting its 9th annual bridge building competition-- open to high school juniors and seniors in the Southeast District. The competition challenges students to design and construct the most efficient model bridge using limited materials-15 pieces of balsa wood, thread and glue. The registration deadline is September 10th. If a school is interested in participating and has not yet received paperwork by August 30th, they can contact MoDOT. Online registration is at modot.org. The bridge kits will be delivered to schools by October 3^rd and 4^th. Completed projects will be picked up from schools on October 31st and November 1^st, and will be tested November 15 at Cape West 14 Cine. MoDOT has also partnered with Arkansas State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, University of Missouri-Columbia and Southern Illinois University to offer seniors interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 in scholarships.

 

A domestic assault report earlier this week, revealed a man who assaulted his live-in girlfriend all weekend long. 24-year old Joseph R. Hurt, reportedly assaulted his girlfriend in the 2800 block of Themis, and was reported after the man left the residence around 8 p.m. Monday. The female victim sustained moderate injuries. The suspect allegedly left town and has not been seen since. A warrant is out for his arrested on chargesof 2^nd degree domestic assault with a $25 thousand dollar bond. If you have any information leading to his arrest, you can call the Cape Police at 335-6621 or Crime stoppers at 339-6312. 

 

A motorcyclist now faces charges after he rear-ended a truck yesterday afternoon, near Kidd’s convenience store. The accident reportedly left the operator with non-life threatening injuries, but he was taken to the hospital. The pick-up driver was also not injured.

 

The bond is cut in half for the Cape teen charged in the attack of a lesbian neighbor last month. The mother also seeks to have her 17 year old daughter, Mercedes Ayers released for Alternative school attendance as well. Associate Circuit Judge Gary Kamp ruled in the case yesterday, and among the bond reduction of $5 thousand dollars, he also placed several restrictions on Ayers, including that Ayers must be placed under the guardianship of her aunt LaTanya Harris ; have regular blood, breath or urine tests; keep away from alcohol or drug use and refrain from contacting the victim in any way. Ayers must be home from school each evening from 4 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. and is only permitted to leave to attend school and court proceedings. She also must stay more than 500 feet away from the victim's residence and place of employment. The preliminary hearing is now set for September 13 in Jackson, where it will be determined if there is sufficient evidence for Ayers to stand trial in the July 24 assault of Jeana Terry.  She still faces charges third-degree assault with discrimination and first-degree burglary for allegedly pulling Terry from her home.

Cape Girardeau and Jackson residents will see changes in their trash schedule over the Labor Day Weekend. Cape's normal trash and recycling route will run on September 4th and 5th--a day later for residents. No special pickups will happen over the holiday weekend. Jackson's residents can expect their trash & recycling pick-ups on Tuesday, September 4th. Also, the recycling center in Jackson will be closed on September 3rd.

The local United Way is looking for a few good people to help boost kid’s reading skills. Read To Succeed will need volunteers to help with the program in the Kindergarten through First Grades at the Cape Public Schools. They’re getting a major boost from Grace’s Women’s Council, and a grant from AmeriCorps, and will soon be in all five elementary schools in Cape. The past two years has brought in over 150 volunteers. Students chosen by teachers will participate in the program and are matched with a volunteer for 30 to 40 minutes, four days a week for 50 sessions. Two training sessions are set up on for Saturday, August 25th from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Cape Public Library and on Saturday, September 15th at the same time, at the Cape Public School Board Office off of Clark Street. You can call Monique Johnson at the United Way of Southeast Missouri for more info at 573-334-9634.

The voting ballot measures approved by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan may see more delays before they are in final form. A Cole County Judge issued a temporary restraining order yesterday, against the secretary of state over the ballot language of the health insurance exchanges. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder claims the wording used by Carnahan may sway voters against the measure. The ballot question seeks to stop the legitimacy of health insurance exchanges unless first approved by the state or hear a vote from Missourians. The Missouri Health Insurance exchanges are part of the nationwide health plan approved up by the Obama administration. The complete hearing on the case is on August 28th.

The state minimum wage and payday loan interest rates could be ballot issues, but only if approved first. In early August Election officials, claimed that supporters did not gather enough signed petitions for the measures to be placed in front of voters. Last week, lawsuits were reportedly filed by supporters under the issue that the signatures were there, just not counted properly. Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem is likely to hear the case from September 5th through the 7th. Court dates will be finalized today after Beetem meets with the lawyers of both parties in the case.

Todd Akin says he will continue his run for U.S. senate, alone if he must. Akin tells talk show host Mike Huckabee he’s bewildered by the response to his comments about rape and abortion have brought about. “We do a lot of talking...and to get a word in the wrong place, that’s not a good thing to do, I don’t want to hurt anybody that way. But it does seem like a little bit of an overreaction.� Akin says he will draw upon the grassroots of Missouri politics to garner the support he needs to run his campaign against incumbent Senator Claire McCaskill. Akin says he will draw upon the grassroots of Missouri politics to garner the support he needs to run his campaign against incumbent Senator Claire McCaskill. Yesterday was the final day that Akin could withdraw from the race without special court permission. As the 5 p.m. deadline came to a close, Republican leaders continues to weigh in on the exit of Akin in the race. Sen. Roy Blunt posted a combined statement yesterday with all of Missouri's living former Republican senators - John Ashcroft, Kit Bond, Jim Talent and John Danforth – stating that "it serves the national interest" for Akin to step aside.

A Jackson man lands in jail again before his murder trial, but this time on drug charges. Ryan Harkey will face his murder trial in September, but a recent drug test showed up positive for marijuana, caused a Franklin County judge to revoke his bond. The original bond of $250 thousand was met back in December of last year, after he allegedly fatally stabbed Jerry "Buddy" Conrad just outside a Cape bar. Earlier this month, Judge Gael Wood revoked Harkey's bond and took him into custody in the Franklin County Jail. The three-day trial is set for September 26th in Union, Missouri on a change of venue. Harkey faces charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action, and could see prison time of 30 years to life without possible parole.

Utility Customers voiced their opinion on the new proposed rate hikes for Ameren Missouri yesterday. Two locations hosted the hearings and information sessions-- the Osage Centre in Cape at Noon and 6 p.m. at the Dexter High School auditorium. A question and answer session with representatives from Ameren Missouri representatives and The Missouri Public Service Commission was offered before the official public hearing. Several figures were revealed during the information session, including the proposed 14 percent increase, equaling to about $14 a month or $168 per year for the average Ameren customer. Ameren stated they need to increase revenues by $376 million to offset the costs of infrastructure improvements, the Energy Efficiency Program over the next 20 years, increased fuel cost of $103 million and renewable energy investments. In all, Ameren Missouri expects customers will see a total benefit of around $500 in the next 20 years. The official case will begin on September 24 in Jefferson City to decide the outcome. The Missouri Public Service Commission is in charge of regulating utility and telecom companies in the state, and will have the final say on the Ameren rate increases.

After the first day of classes at Southeast Missouri State, the enrollment numbers are in. For the 17th consecutive year, the school has seen a 2.4 percent increase in registered students—currently at over 11 thousand one hundred. Enrollment has grown around 2 percent every year for the past 4 years. The freshman class numbers are around 1,800, down 2 percent from this time last year, but the overall undergraduate classes are larger. Southeast also saw an increase in international student enrollment as well, with over 800 students from 51 countries enrolled, up from around 700 last year.

SWT Design hosted two Capaha Park master plan improvement meetings yesterday at the Osage Centre attended by city staff, residents and members of local business, tourism and educational groups to hear input on the designs. The two plans mainly differ in the access points for traffic by eliminating or moving entrance points on Broadway. Some of the improvements include additions to the baseball field, the pond, the park's playground, the band shell, the park's northwest corner, known as Cherry Hill, and the addition of a central pavilion, between a pond overlook and the baseball field plaza.

A deadly car crash took place on Highway 51 around seven miles north of Puxico. Yesterday, Maryann C. Cookson, 53, of Puxico was pronounced dead at the scene around 2 p.m. by the Stoddard County coroner. Cookson was traveling northbound on Highway 51 when she over-corrected her 1987 Ford Bronco and veered off the right side of the road and rolled her vehicle several times.

The Speakers Showcase will kick off its 10th year on August 29th, at the University Center Ballroom, discussing the bond between children and their caregivers. The topic will be led by Jamie Teague, a sophomore majoring in communication disorders with a minor in child studies. It will also address how the bond affects children from infancy throughout their childhood. The Commrades’ Fall 2012 Speakers Showcase, has been held every semester since spring 2002, and is open to the public.

The River Campus welcomes the legendary Oak Ridge Boys this fall. They’re scheduled to hit the stage at 8 p.m. October 12, at the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall. Tickets go on sale starting this Friday, August 25th. Over the course of their 30 year career, The Oak Ridge Boys have had 12 gold, three platinum and one double platinum album, plus one double platinum single, and had more than a dozen national Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits.Members of the group are lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden.

The Cape Teen in the hate-crime case, made her first court appearance yesterday, since the new status of the trial. After yesterday’s proceeding, 17-year-old Mercedes Ayers-- is now being tried as adult in the assault of her 41-year-old lesbian neighbor, and could possibly show up as a free woman next time, out on bond. The next court date will be September 13th. Three of her family members were reportedly present for the arraignment yesterday, heard by Associate Circuit Judge Gary Kamp.Ayer is charged with third-degree assault in a hate-crime and first-degree burglary. Although no plea deal was offered, a motion was filed to reduce the $10 thousand dollar bond.

The Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin’s campaign hangs in the balance, after his miss-speak on a Saint Louis TV show. On yesterday’s Huckabee talk show, Akin did not seem to waver on his decision to stay in the race for U.S. Senate. “The good people of Missouri nominated me, and I’m not a quitter. My belief is that we are going to take this thing forward. And by the grace of God, we’re going to win this race.” Akin stirred up controversy during a St. Louis television interview where he mentioned the term “legitimate rape”...and said pregnancy due to rape was rare. Akin says no political leaders have called him directly to ask him to quit the race for Senate.A later call to talk show host Sean Hannity didn’t go quite so well. Hannity told the Missouri congressman he should step aside.The controversy even reached the White House... President Obama not saying Akin should step aside--Only saying that the Missouri Republican Party needs to sort that out.

A Cape woman was just named as one of 10 finalists in the Ameren Missouri Powers Change grant program. Tammy Hargis is working to win the $10,000 grant for the local charity, New Vision Youth and Family Services. Hargis is recognized for her work with New Vision Youth and Family Services as a caring counselor who works with at-risk teens in the juvenile courts and in local schools. Her full story is on Ameren Missouri’s Facebook page, where fans can vote for her to win the grand prize. All of the 10 finalists receive$250 as a reward of their good work. The grand prize winner will receives $10,000 for their charity, the runner-up will receives $2,500 for a non-profit of their choice, and the eight remaining finalists will win $1,000 for their chosen charity in need. Winners are chosen by votes on Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri from now till Friday, August 31.

St. Francis Medical Center just announces two new additions to their staff. The Business Services role will see Chad Clippard working primarily with companies in Saint Francis’ service area, educating them on the services available at the Medical Center. He will oversee the Occupational Medicine Clinic and Wellness programs.Prior to Saint Francis, Clippard worked as a pharmaceutical rep for 11 years and a comfort consultant for 3 at Dutch Enterprises, and is a Southeast Missouri State University Graduate. Wes Pruett will join the referral services department, and will help in maintaining positive relationships with area referring physicians. Some of those duties will include addressing issues, answering questions and providing up-to-date information about new services and technology available at the Medical Center. Pruett is also a Southeast graduate, and worked with pharmaceutical sales for 20 years.

A Miner business goes up in flames. Several fire departments fought a blaze at Dewitt Tools, which broke out yesterday around 4 p.m. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found a storage building with thick smoke rolling out into the street. The fire had reportedly spread to surrounding grass and trees in the back and side of the building as well. Crews went straight for wooden pallets and other items near the around the business as well, to keep the blaze from spreading. Two blocks of East Malone were closed to traffic for fire crews fighting the fire. Drivers were told to detour from the scene of the fire.

A Perryville man will face 75 years in prison, after he is charged with rape and sodomy. Yesterday, Judge William Syler sentenced Bobby Roberts to three 25-year sentences for one count of rape and forcible sodomy on two counts with an 18-year old girl. He was found guilty earlier in June on all three counts by a Cape County jury, hearing the case on a change of venue. The initial report was made to Perryville police on Aug. 10, 2011, of a sexual assault at the America's Best Value Inn on Liberty Street. The 18-year-old girl was picked up at her home in Belton, Missouri the day before, drove back to Perryville and rented a hotel room. A missing persons report was filed on August 9th, and Roberts was arrested when he tried to return to the hotel on August 11th. The charges now place him under the Dangerous Felon category.

Lots of roadwork is set to start across Missouri in the next few days. Northbound I-55 in Ste. Genevieve County is down to one lane with a 12-foot wide restriction as road crews begin repairs to the pavement, from Route N/J at Ozora to the Jefferson County line. Work started yesterday, and runs through Halloween from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on weekends. Route A from Route 153 in Stoddard County to Route E in New Madrid County will see pavement improvements, and will be reduced to one lane beginning today and running through this Thursday, the 23rd, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The final road closure is Route 51 in Butler County. MODoT will close one lane of traffic as crews perform pavement repairs to the section of roadway between Route B and Route AA. This closure will start today and continue tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Voters could have the choice to decide the fate of payday loans, and other high-interest, short-term loan restrictions this November. A Missouri judge is now hearing a case on whether the measure’s supporters collected too few signatures from voters to place it on the ballot. The issue’s proponent reportedly claimed official did not count some of the petitions that were turned in. Judge Pat Joyce, with the Cole County Circuit Court, scheduled a hearing on the lawsuit yesterday in Jeff City. If passed in the election, the initiative would prevent the annual interest rate from going over 36 percent on some short-term loans.

There's no question he said it...but the now the question is, can his candidacy survive it. Calls for Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin to end his candidacy are beginning to be heard in the wake of comments he made about abortion following rape yesterday on a St. Louis TV interview. Akin late apologized and said he misspoke. Sen. Claire McCaskill released a statement yesterday calling Akin's stand on rape and abortion "ignorant" and "offensive". Akin is keeping a low profile today. A spokesman for his campaign says he has no appearances planned for today. Sources say powerful Republican backers in the state are calling for Akin to end his campaign. One national figure, Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown has tweeted that Akin should "resign his nomination".

Ed Martin wants you to keep an eye on Washington when voting for one of the offices in Jefferson City. Republican nominee for Attorney General, Ed Martin, says our current A-G isn't doing enough against things like the new national health care law. Koster did not join the lawsuit against what critics call "ObamaCare". The law was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A revised city ordinance on rental licensing and inspection will be one of the hot topics at tonight’s City Council Meeting. Reps from the Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors had requested a delayed reading of the new regulations, since not everyone has had a chance to discuss the issues with the new revisions in the ordinance. However, it looks like the reading will continue tonight, despite requests for the delay. Some of the new provisions would include required licenses based on units owned and property maintenance mandates. Also, on topic for tonight’s meeting will be the results of a current citizen survey. The meeting starts at 5pm tonight.

Firemen aren’t supposed to be ones who start fires, but a local fireman was. 23-year old Gordon Schafer of Jackson was charged yesterday with arson, after he allegedly set fire to a home then reported it himself. The home was right next to the Fruitland Fire Department. The fire was quickly put out by the local fire department and sheriff’s deputies also responded to the blaze. The Missouri State Fire Marshall’s office is now investigating the incident. Schaefer remains in custody on a $25 thousand dollar bond in the Cape County Jail.

Grass fires continue to crop up in Scott County, this time on a slightly larger scale. A mile long grass fire reportedly broke out in Blodgett near county road 402. The Scott County Rural Fire Department responded to the blaze and was mostly contained last night. A large commercial building was located near the fire. The cause of the fire was not known.

A car and scooter accident happens for the second time in 3 days. Reportedly one person was injured in another scooter accident a few blocks from Southeast Missouri State University. The accident was reported around the Sprigg and Independence intersection at around 6 p.m. yesterday. Only minor injuries were reported for the accident.

The Cape Girardeau School District sees a rise in graduation rates. Reportedly, the new rates released marked above 80 percent---a definite increase since 2006. On-time graduation rates were also around the same rate—reportedly up from 67.5 last year. Although the rates are lower than surrounding districts in the region, progress is being made through extended orientation for new freshmen, and the addition of a “Preparing for Academic Success” class. In the past year, the local United Way was also a part of the effort in the 2011 to 2012 school year, when they brought on a parent liaison to work in both the Central Junior and Senior High Schools. A credit redemption program was another part of the process, which was placed in the alternative school.

After nearly a 4 year wait, there is closure for the children of a Dexter man. Late last week, a jury of seven in Cape gave a verdict to award the children of the late 23-year-old man, Zachary Snyder, $1 million dollars. He was killed in Cape by an officer with the Department of Corrections. The initial incident happened when Steve R. Julian, a fugitive investigator with the Missouri Department of Corrections, responded to a call back on February 14, 2008, that Snyder was reportedly at an apartment in Cape. Snyder was wanted for parole violation and for not appearing in a case. Julian reportedly came to the parking lot on Themis Street and drew his service gun as he spotted Snyder. Snyder was allegedly compliant at first, and then took off running—that’s when Julian admittedly shot Snyder in the back. Snyder later died from the gunshot wound. Julian was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the incident.

Missouri National Guard soldiers are treated to some comfort before their mission. The 1138th National Guard out of Farmington were deployed on August 17 last week. Before they left, around all 95 of the soldiers were given scarves to help brave the elements for their deployment for Afghanistan from Fort Bliss, Texas. Doris Merritt, of Corning Arkansas reportedly made the scarves this time, and had made around 12,000 to date for other missions. The 1138th Engineering Company has been reportedly been under intense battle drills and weapons training for the past 3 months, before this latest 9 month mission.

The Healthcare Measure in Missouri causes more controversy, possibly blocking the Secretary of State from certifying the November ballot. A court argument was made by Republicans on Friday asking the court to reclaim the duties of the Secretary of State, because of the disagreement with ballot language on the new Health Care Initiative. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder lead the lawsuit claiming the ballot language was unfair and misleading. The scheduled hearing is set for the same day of the November ballot certification—August 28th. The issue is with a ballot measure that would keep Missouri officials from making a health insurance exchange without the consent of voters or legislative approval.

If you’re driving drunk in Missouri...be prepared to be pulled over. That’s the message on a national campaign kicking off in Missouri on Friday. For the next 3 weeks up until Labor Day Weekend, 240 Missouri state and local law enforcement agencies will be deployed for checkpoints and DWI saturation patrols. The goal is to deter substance impaired driving statewide. Last year, the campaign ended with nearly 850 drunk driving arrests.

A serious early morning crash today that could have involved alcohol, leaves an Oran woman dead and sends a Miner woman to the hospital. The crash reportedly happened just before 2 a.m. this morning off of Highway 61, near HH. The injured woman pried out of her car and airlifted to an area hospital. Her injuries were not expected to be life-threatening. The section of roadway near the crash was shut down for several hours, while they tried to piece together what caused the crash. The crash is still under investigation by the Missouri Highway Patrol, with a possible reconstruction of the accident.

The Governor's Emergency Water Well Program is working, but funds for the project are going fast. Governor Nixon originally set aside 7-million dollars to pay for emergency well drilling for drought-ravaged farmers. But the cost of the program has gone past $20 million. Nixon says his administration will find the money. "The bottom line is we will find the resources to meet these obligations. These are small in Missouri that we're going to support. They have a unique problem here." Nixon says the well drilling program is currently helping about 4,600 farmers right now. He says the final total for applications could reach around 6,000.

The American Red Cross hosts a few blood drives this weekend. One from 2 to 7 p.m. today and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Venue near the Town Plaza Shopping Center in Cape, and the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores is also the site of a blood drive this weekend at the same time. Blood supplies are at low levels and donations are in demand. Find out more at semoredcross.org.

The Cape Girardeau School District marked the beginning of the school year yesterday, rolling out the new dress code requirements. Reportedly, there were weren’t too many dress code violations for the opening of the 2012-2013 school year. The regular dress code outfit is a solid-color collar shirt and school-themed t-shirt, and plain jeans or khakis. Students will still be allowed to wear what they have in the past on school spirit days.

Yesterday was the official move-in day for Southeast Missouri State University Students. On move in day, Residence Life showed more than 3 thousand housing contracts for this fall semester. The record enrollment has caused the University to re-evaluate living arrangements for some upper-classmen. Private rooms are no longer available for juniors and seniors, and Southeast has partnered with the Candlewood Suites hotel in Cape to offer additional housing for those who want to take the offer. Plans and building are already underway for a $24.5 million, 262-bed resident hall near the Seabaugh Polytechnic Building and a residence hall near the River Campus. Merick Hall, the newest dorm near Houck Stadium opened back in August 2009.

A Jackson man and former Sikeston High School graduate, becomes the first Missourian to receive the certification of Deer Steward III. Allen Morris is a member of the SEMO Trail of Tears Quality Deer Management Association. The organization represents Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Scott and other southeastern Missouri counties. Morris is now in a group of only 26 in North America to reach the Deer Steward III Certification. Courses are offered through Clemson University and approved by the Society of American Foresters.

An Iraq War Veteran will receive a highway dedication ceremony in honor of his service. The Ceremony will honor Staff Sergeant Norman J. Inman on Friday, September 14th at 2 p.m. in Ironton at the Arcadia Valley High School. The section of roadway that will be named in his honor is a portion of Highway 21 in Iron County from Highway 221 South, to Highway 72. Inman was a graduate of Arcadia Valley High and served in the Missouri Army National Guard 1140th during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and passed away at home on January 5th, 2012. He is survived by Connie, his wife and sons Josh, Justin and Jonathan and mother, Myrtle. He also served in his church and several local civic groups.

The decision to put the City of Cape deer hunting issue on the ballot is one step closer to being official. Keep Cape Safe, the group behind the petitions just turned those signatures in last night. In a Cape City Council meeting in July, bow hunting was made legal in the city limits. Keep Cape Safe started a petition to get a measure on the ballot after City Council did not agree to put the item up for a public vote.

Residents in Millersville experience dangerous lightning which caused a fire. In the midst of all the storms yesterday, lightning reportedly struck a field two different times and caught fire both times. Neighbors luckily were able to quickly contain the fires before they damaged any homes or buildings. The lightning incidents happened right off of state Highway B in Cape County.

Storms swept through the region last night, with high winds and large hail, leaving in its path downed trees and power outages. The Western Kentucky counties of Lyon and Trigg reportedly had downed trees along highways, 810, 295, 819, 128, and 164. The highest winds were reported in Doniphan, Missouri at 68 miles per hour, and Lourdes Hospital in Paducah saw winds up to 70 miles per hour. The largest hail was reported in Gorham in Jackson County, Illinois. Ameren Power had reports of over 1000 customers without electric in Jefferson County and nearly 570 in Randolph. The largest outage in Southeast Missouri was around 92 with around 400 in the Saint Louis Area. Crews were working in all areas to restore power and clear the debris from the roadways in Kentucky.

If you’re planning on hunting duck or geese this year in Missouri, registration will soon be here. You can start applying for your spot starting on September and running through the 18th. Drawing results for each location with the Missouri Conservation Department starting October 1st. This year’s drought may affect the available spots at certain locations, so if you want to hunt at either Eagle Bluff, Grand Pass or Otter Slough, you’ll need to sign up closer to your hunting date. The Quick Draw Reservation System will be used again this year, and you can register at mdc.mo.gov.

The Southeast Division MODoT concludes their bridge improvement plan ‘Safe and Sound’. In all, the project included 116 bridges that either needed complete replacement or just structure improvements. The final bridge project was completed after Route 142 in Butler County opened up on August 15. Road closures have definitely sped up the process, since the statewide completion is near a year ahead of schedule. By the end of the project, 800 of Missouri’s worst bridges will have been either repaired or completely replaced, which was their goal. It looks like that will be completed before the end of this year. More info on the project can be found at modot.mo.gov/safeandsound.

A Missouri husband and wife trucking team were recently convicted of defrauding a boat maker out of nearly $1 million dollars in goods. The couple, James Keith Ivey and his wife Melinda Kay Ivey, was found guilty in a federal case on several counts, including money laundering and fraud. Their Lebanon-based company J and M Trucking, worked with an accomplice, Paul Ray Hunting, to send hundreds of bogus invoices adding around one-hundred fifty-eight miles to each delivery of their Tracker Marine cargo. Hunting has previously pleaded guilty to the scheme.

Missouri will be voting to raise the Cigarette Tax by 73 cents in November. But Missourian's will also be voting to raise money to help smokers quit. 20 percent of the fund generated by the increased tax would go to smoking prevention and cessation program in the state. The American Cancer Society's Misty Snodgrass says the funds are important to the Society's mission. Currently, the state gets no money from the current 17-cents-a-pack tax for any programs designed to help smokers quit.

Republican Candidate for Governor, Dave Spence is critical of the Emergency Well Water Program touted by Governor Nixon. During a campaign stop in Joplin, Spence says he's hearing from farmers who say they can't get help from the State's Soil & Water Conservation Districts. So far the program has approved more than 4,600 projects, with many more waiting for assistance.

Attorney General Chris Koster says he's frustrated by the State Supreme Court's latest delay in carrying out the death penalty. The high court says setting dates for executions is premature until there is a ruling on the new form of execution--death by the use of Propofol. Koster says he's frustrated, but not surprised. Currently 19 death row inmates are appealing their cases, arguing the use of Propofol is cruel and unusual punishment.

More Sikeston R-6 employees are enrolled in an international program that teaches effective, nonviolent strategies to prevent hostile situations. On Tuesday, Cindy Griffin, assistant superintendent for elementary/special services, updated the Sikeston R-6 Board of Education at their monthly meeting, on the nonviolent crisis intervention training taking place throughout the school district.

More headway has taken place on Sikeston’s newest park, Lincoln Park. On Tuesday, city workers were preparing for the annual Return to Sunset event, by adding more power outlets and signs on the bathroom doors. Return to Sunset takes place August 31 through September 2nd.

Party for the Good, an upcoming event will help make an impact with children in need. The Southeast Missouri Food Bank and Retired Senior Volunteer Program are hosting the event. Volunteers will be needed at the Osage Centre in Cape to pack around 12,000 food backpacks from 4 to 7 p.m. on September 7th. Volunteers will be treated with snacks, drinks and entertainment all evening for the help. If you’d like to help, registration is at semofoodbank.org or you can call 335-7555.

The Town Plaza Shopping Center is reportedly 2 years behind on taxes. Cape Girardeau County Collector Diane Diebold has listed the property on the tax sale list. The St. Louis-based Greater Missouri Builders reportedly intends to pay the nearly $137 thousand owed in back taxes, interest and penalties before the sale date of August 27th. The Town Plaza in Cape is thriving, though, with just about every space leased. Property taxes are split up among several local public institutions, including the Cape Girardeau School District.

Missouri business production rose by 6% in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2011. The office of Governor Jay Nixon reports that revenues from exports to other countries totaled around $7.5 billion, January through June, which will set up the state to earn nearly $15 billion for the year. Last year, Missouri’s industry, grossed around $14.1 billion worth of goods sent overseas. Canada, Mexico and China are Missouri’s main export markets, which include the auto, industrial and electronic machinery industries.

In a recent "Kids Count" report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Missouri was listed as 26th in the nation for overall child well-being. Fewer children are in Missouri's preschools, and recently there's been a two-percent decrease in preschool enrollment. The Foundation's report says only about 43-percent of eligible Missouri children are enrolled in a preschool program now.

A Missouri judge has scheduled two hearings this month on a ballot language challenge of a health care measure that will be in November’s elections. Republican Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder and other GOP lawmakers claim the ballot summary is unfair and misleading. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is responsible for the ballot description. Cole County Circuit Judge Dan Green will begin hearings starting this Friday and on August 28th. In response to the federal health care law, the ballot proposal was sent by Republican members of the Legislature. If approved, Missouri officials would not be able to create a health insurance exchange without approval from voters or the Legislature. The measure would also keep state agencies from gaining federal money for insurance companies online.

Yesterday, officials with Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri Army National Guard signed an agreement to launch a SHOW ME GOLD officer training program. The program will begin next fall semester in 2013 at Southeast. Major General Stephen Danner with the Missouri Army National Guard, and Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast Missouri State University, signed an agreement that will provide Missourians the opportunity for professional development to become commissioned officers of the U.S. Army Reserve. Then, they may serve in the Army National Guard. The officer training program will feature course credit hours, leadership labs and physical conditioning. A Missouri Army National Guard officer will have teaching residence at Southeast in the near future to start recruiting students, developing the academic program, and giving instruction to cadets. The SHOW ME GOLD program is expected to have 20 students enrolled by the fall semester next year.

A parked car was hit yesterday in Cape, off of Perry Avenue. Police responded to the accident, after 23-year old Kristina Gartland reportedly hit another vehicle along the side of the street on the 700 block of Perry Avenue, and rolled her car. The driver refused medical treatment and no one was hurt.

A Cape man will serve 10 years in jail after being found guilty for one felony count of possession of a gun by a previously convicted felon. Earlier this week, 27-year old Ricky Mixon appeared in court before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Junior, for sentencing. Ricky Mixon, 27, appeared before U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh, Jr. Oct. 3, 2011, a Cape police officer spotted Mixon hiding a 9 mm pistol in an unused vending machine. The gun was seized and Mixon was then arrested. Mixon was previously convicted on felony charges of burglary and a previous federal charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sikeston Police, have announced they have found a 16-year-old Sikeston teen, who has been missing since last week. The Scott County Juvenile Office and the Sikeston DPS were looking for 16-year-old Preston Jackson since she was last reported as leaving with a person in a grey Dodge pickup truck with Alaska plates. Sikeston Police have not released where Jackson was finally found.

A 37 year old Bonne Terre teacher is accused of several counts of child abuse. James R. Walker Junior, of Saint Francois County reportedly started the abuse back in November 2010. A young child was discovered with markings on his face, buttocks, knees and the back of his legs. He was allegedly kept hidden from other people to avoid suspicion of abuse. Another 2 incidents occurred in May 2011, when Walker reportedly hit the boy in the head, and on a separate occasion dragged him across the floor by his hair. The abuse continued in November 2011, when Walker allegedly hit the boy’s head on the house causing him to throw up, then refusing to let him back inside. The second incident was described to the boy’s mom, in which the boy was given a bath by Walker, when his throat was allegedly hurt by the man. The boy eventually received counseling for the abuse.

One of juveniles responsible for assaulting her 41-year old neighbor back on July 24, is facing a hearing today. The assault was allegedly made by her and 2 other siblings. The girl is the oldest of the three and may face trial as an adult in the court decision. Judge Scott Lipke will rule in the case today at the Common Pleas Courthouse, which started at 8:30 a.m. The juvenile officer responsible for the minor recently filed a motion to asking the judge to transfer her to a regular court for prosecution. The 17-year old suspect will now be prosecuted as an adult in the "hate crime".

Planning for The DREAM Initiative in Jackson continues. The city will host the next public meeting coming up on Tuesday, September 4th at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Community Room, on the 3rd floor of the Jackson City Library. PGAV Planners with the DREAM Initiative will be taking input and suggestion from residents on the upcoming plans for downtown Jackson and proposed building designs.

The City of Cape is looking at potential siren locations and public address options starting tomorrow around 8:30 a.m. People near downtown, the Shawnee Sports Complex, or Arena Park will hear the warning tone testing. An announcement before the test, will notify people of the exercise.

Highway 114 West in Stoddard and on the edge of Scott County will see road repair patching starting today until Wednesday. Work will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end around 4 p.m. both days.

Area farmers will have chance to meet with Eighth District U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson starting later this week. She is set to make her visits on her annual Farm Tour visits to farms, ranches specialty producers and other Ag businesses. The tour begins this Thursday in Farmington and will wraps up in Sikeston, next Tuesday.

More fires break out in Scott County yesterday, keeping fire departments busy throughout the afternoon. Fire departments from Miner, Oran, Rural Scott County, and NBC were on hand to fight an incident that started as a trash fire, off of Highway 61, south of Morley. That fire burned around four acres. Haywood City off of east Highway U was the site of another fire, which burned about two acres of a surrounding field. Both fires were brought under control.

Clay Waller pleads not guilty, in his arraignment yesterday morning in the Cape County Courtroom. Judge Benjamin F. Lewis heard the pretrial for Waller on his arraignment on murder and evidence tampering charges. During the hearing, Waller also waived his right to a formal arraignment. Also during the morning’s hearing, a motion was made for discovery with Judge Lewis, giving Christopher Davis, Waller’s defense, until the October court date to look at all of the evidence in the murder case. The Defense is also planning to file for a change of venue within two days. If a new venue for the case is not decided with the prosecution before-hand, then the judge will make a decision after listening to both recommendations on the next court date, set for October 22nd. With so many variables in the case, a full trial may not happen until next year in the spring or summer.

A 41-year old Sikeston man ends up with severe head injuries, after he was brutally attacked and robbed in a Caruthersville motel around noon on Sunday. He was airlifted to the Elvis Presley Trauma Center in Nashville. Caruthersville Police have identified and arrested both the men in the crime. Dillan Odell Hall is charged with 1st degree robbery and assault, and Richard Lynn McCaig faces charges of 1st degree robbery, burglary, and sexual assault, both of Caruthersville. Hall and McCaig and another man, Steven Levvod Duncan of Caruthersville, are suspected of a second incident involving an attempted robbery in at the same motel on August 9. Duncan will see charges of attempted and 1st degree robbery.

After a meeting yesterday with the Cape County Commission, the $300 million expansion of Procter & Gamble now has the green light. The only thing lacking now is a construction permit. Chapter 100 bonds will help fund the new project with P&G's Cape Girardeau County plant, and is slated to create around 200 construction jobs and 35 full-time positions once all is complete. For the life of the bonds, P&G is eligible for tax abatements, and construction materials will also see a sales tax exemption.

If you are sending your kids back to school in Missouri, look to add one more thing to that list. The Missouri Association of School Nurses is now urging parents to get schedule vaccines for Meningitis. Several other national health groups are also giving the recommendation for the vaccine. A new report lists only about half of Missouri's teens as protected against the disease. Although Meningitis is rare, it can also turn deadly, spreading through common school activities such as sharing drinking items. About Ten percent of those who contract it may die. Health officials recommend those reaching age 11 or 12 to schedule an appointment for the vaccine.

A Missouri House speaker has just announced he's stepping down, several months before the end of his term. Tilley, a Republican from Perryville, made the announcement yesterday, listed his optometry practice, campaigns and more family time as reasons for his early resignation. He was first elected back in 2004 to the Missouri House in 2004 and was reaching his 2-year term limit at the end of this year, and took on the role as House Speaker last year. Governor Jay Nixon received the letter, and Tilley will hand off his duties to House Speaker Pro Tem Shane Schoeller, until a replacement is found for the seat. The Missouri Senate will get back in session starting next month.

The court case is today for Clay Waller, in an arraignment on murder charges, for the death of his wife Jacque Waller, whose body has still not been found. This time he’ll face trial with a different judge, Benjamin F. Lewis, who will rule over the case in the Division 1 and 2 Courtroom, around 9 a.m., in Jackson. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Angel Woodruff filed a motion to remove Judge William Syler from the case back in July, and Judge Gary Camp ruled that Waller’s case be sent to circuit court. Waller is currently in a Louisiana jail, serving a 5 year sentence on charges he threatened Jacque's sister over the internet.

Early yesterday morning, a mobile home was destroyed by fire, in rural Scott Co. Sikeston, Scott Co. Rural, and Miner Firefighters responded to the blaze and were fighting the fire for hours, but furniture and other items were lost. No one was in the trailer at the time of the fire, but six black lab puppies were rescued, and later returned to the owner's family. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

The Jackson Bainbridge Road Improvement Project will see the end of construction, including the widening and culvert improvement project this week. Road closures for the project started on May 14, and were expected to be completed by the end of last month. Lappe Concrete finishing hopes to have the project completed by Thursday this week, when Jackson schools will start back with classes. Currently Bainbridge Road, between South Oak Hill Road and South Old Orchard Road is reduced to local traffic only. Even if work isn't completed by the first day of school, the detour is not expected to cause any major issues for bus routes. The Bainbridge Road construction is the first part of The Veterans Memorial Drive project, which is expected to improve travel between Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

Republican candidate Bob Thrower, a GOP candidate for state house, conceded last week to his opponent, Dennis Fowler of Advance. He listed the desire to keep the Stoddard County Republican Party unified, as the reason not to challenge primary’s results. Thrower was for a recount, since he and Fowler only lacked less than 1 percent of the votes between them. The seat up for re-election in the GOP primary is for the 151st House District. Fowler won by eight votes in the district, which represents Stoddard County and a section of Scott County.

Details were revealed on the suspect of the alleged armed robbery of a Cape car wash on Thursday. One of the suspects is listed as an 11-year old boy, the same who is suspected of assaulting a woman because of her sexual orientation. He and another 15 –year old were both taken into custody last week. They are being detained in the Mississippi County Regional Juvenile Detention Center on initial charges of first-degree robbery, after they were suspected of pulling a gun and stealing a cell phone, during an argument near William and South West End Boulevard. Both are now under supervision of the 32nd Judicial Circuit Court—Juvenile division. The 11-year old was originally released on probation; after he pleaded guilty to the original charges of assault again his neighbor, Jeana Terry.

A section of the Sprigg Street intersection was finished on time, as promised. Saturday night marked the opening of the Sprigg-Broadway intersection to traffic by road crews. West bound lanes of Broadway and Sprigg however, are still closed for construction. This is just part of the ongoing Broadway Corridor Improvements Project

Cape residents may now finally have a say in the ordinance that gave people a right to deer hunt in city limits, but a voting date still lingers for the issue. Over 3000 of the only 2,446 notarized signatures have been reportedly received to make the issue a legal ballot measure, by Keep Cape Safe and Cape Friends of Wildlife. However, to make the voting issue official, the group must hand in the signed petitions, and the City Clerk must certify all of them within 20 days.

A 17 year old Blodgett man is behind bars, after facing charges of sodomy, deviate sex with a minor and child molestation. Matthew T. Fredwell was taken to the Scott County Jail and remains there in custody on a $75 thousand dollar bond.

A hay fire blaze near New Wells, leaves a cattle farmer without feed, after nearly 1 hundred eighty of his bales caught fire around 2 a.m. The blaze was fought by crews overnight on Saturday at a farm off of County Road 525 and Highway CC. Firefighters were not able to do much with the hay bale fire, but were able to keep the fire from spreading into the woods. What caused the fire is still unknown, but is under investigation.

The downtown Broadway street project near Sprigg is nearly complete now, and will see it’s opening, just in time for the return of Southeast Missouri State University students this semester. Crews have been working over-time to prepare for the completion of that block, which sees the most traffic—about 15 thousand to 20 thousand vehicles every day. The completion of Broadway is moving block by block heading west nearly every three weeks. Ellis Street will be the next section that will see construction, after this week. The entire project is expected to be completed by November 5th.

Expect to see more enforcement on Missouri’s major roadways in the heartland, by the time Labor Day rolls around. Missouri Highway Patrol, Troop E has announced that it is preparing to start a 20-mile intensive patrol to hopefully cut down on crashes, starting August 31st, and ending on Monday, September 3rd. The Missouri Highway Patrol troopers will be marking off every 20 miles along I-55 and I-57, as well as other roadways.

Highway 34 in Bollinger County is considered one of the region’s most treacherous stretches of roadway, but will soon see a change. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission just approved over $8 million dollars to be spent on fixing the roadway, awarded to H.R. Quadri Contractors of Van Buren. Among the improvements will be grading, the straightening of many curves, and the resurfacing of the section of highway from eastbound Route DD to westbound Highway 51. Also, in the works for the improvements will be a box culvert install and the addition of shoulders from Route DD east to Route ZZ around Glenallen. Construction will likely begin in September and conclude in the summer of 2014.

The Cape house fire that broke out in the early morning hours yesterday, is still unknown and now considered suspicious. The two-story house fire happened while no one was home, in the 1400 block on William Street. The incident was discovered by a Cape police officer on patrol, who noticed smoke coming out of the first floor. No one was injured in the blaze.

A Jackson man finally has his son’s ashes returned, after they were reportedly lost in the mail. They were originally sent out from the Cape Post Office, but the package containing the young man’s remains were somehow separated from the package between here and their destination, in Texas. The misplaced package eventually turned up in Atlanta at the mail recovery center.

An update from the crash at the Cape County Courthouse emerges, with one man still in the hospital in serious condition. The man who was most seriously hurt, suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns on nearly 60 percent of his body, and was later taken to St. John’s Mercy hospital in St. Louis. The accident happened in Jackson earlier this week, shortly before 1 p.m., after a truck ran into several vehicles, before finally crashing into the Courthouse building, igniting a chain of vehicle fires.

A list of properties to be sold at the Cape County's tax sale on August 27 has just been released from the Cape County Collector’s office. The properties up for sale are for those that have not been paid for the 2010 and 2011 tax years. Property owners do still have time to pay the delinquent taxes though, to keep their property before it is sold off. On August 27th, the remaining properties with unpaid taxes will be sold.

Two juveniles were taken into police custody after an armed robbery. The suspected youth reportedly met the victim around Park and William streets in Cape in the afternoon, when an argument broke out between the three. Later in the scuff, they pulled a gun during the burglary, grabbed some valuables, and then ran away.

A fire broke out early this morning around 3:30 on the 1400 block of Williams Street in Cape. A Cape officer on patrol saw smoke rolling out of the basement of the home. The fire department was then called to the scene. No one was injured and the residents were not at home at the time.

Roadwork continues on the bridge near north and southbound Highway 91 in Scott County. The section is from county road 445 and 413. Both lanes will be closed around the clock until next Wednesday, the 15th.

Around 1 p.m. yesterday, a girl was rescued from sinking mud in New Madrid, near the Mississippi River. The family was reportedly fishing on river bank, near the Observation Deck, when the pre-teen then, somehow began sinking into some mud up to her waist .Firefighters and city crews responded to the emergency, and when they arrived, a rope was used to secure her from sinking any deeper into the mud. A platform was then made for the rescue crew. The area is usually under water, but the drought has exposed the muddy bank, causing potentially dangerous conditions.

The Annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo just marked the start of its 60th year yesterday. Activities run through this Saturday. Yesterday, The Band Perry opened up the entertainment, tonight is Jerrod Niemann, tomorrow features Easton Corbin, and the event concludes with a performance by Justin Moore. This year will feature lower prices in the bleacher seats, and another non-alcoholic section. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday. Also, a celebrity golf tournament will take place Friday. Tonight is Wrangler National Patriot Day. Cancer awareness night is Saturday. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the rodeo action kicks into gear at 7 p.m. every night. Make sure and stop by to see our sister station Hank 97.3 with the Super Roving Radio, broadcasting live all weekend.

Business owners and entrepreneurs will now have an opportunity to get the help they need to move their business forward. The Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce in Marble Hill is hosting a training session at the Senior Nutrition Center at 505 3rd Street. David Meyer is hosting the free training seminar today, starting at Noon, discussing tools, opportunities and ideas to help with business growth. The session is possible through the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

District 148 and 151 has now confirmed the candidates who will show up on November’s Ballot. Bart Ziegenhorn, the Democratic candidate won against Mike Marsh in the primary for District 148, and will now take on Republican Holly Rehder in November. Rehder gained her spot on the Republican ticket by winning against Josh Bill. Ryan William Holder earned the Democratic spot after defeating Gary L. Gaines, in the District 151 race. Holder will now face Republican challenger, Dennis Fowler. Fowler beat Thrower by a very narrow margin in the Republican slot for the 151st District House seat. Thrower is eligible to file for a recount, since he only lost by less than 1 percent.

The Cape Girardeau County Commission is canceling its meeting tonight from lack of attendance. Both Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy and District 1 Commissioner Paul Koeper will not make the event, since they’ll both be attending the Missouri Association of Counties board of directors meeting Thursday. The next meeting will still be at 9 a.m. on Monday in Jackson, at the county administration building.

More details have emerged on the purse nabbing at Wal-Mart. Cape Police have just released the identity of the suspect as 18 year old Michael W. Williams of Oran. He remains in jail on a $15 thousand dollar bond and is charged with a class C felony theft of a credit card. The incident happened earlier this week, as a woman was shopping. Williams allegedly snatched the purse out of a shopping cart, and ran out of the store and across the street, where police later caught up with the man and handcuffed him.

A 29 year old St. Louis man was arrested after he allegedly set fire to a Chevy Monte Carlo near the Perry County Community Lake earlier this week. Federico Hurtado-Melgarejo was charged with burning, forging of an international license, and a fugitive warrant on possession of a controlled substance. Shortly before midnight, Perryville Police responded to the fire at the Perry County Lake, and the Perryville Fire Department was also called to fight the fire. While an officer was responding to the scene, he found the subject in a ditch off of Lake Drive, and two more Hispanic males parked on the Wal-Mart parking lot, waiting for his return. All three men were taken into custody to the Perryville Police Department. The other two men were later released without charge.

The drought disaster relief program designed to provide water for Missouri farmers and livestock producers, has now approved over 3 thousand-7 hundred applications from across the state. On July 23, Governor Nixon authorized the State Soil and Water Districts Commission to create the emergency relief aid program to ease the burden to Missouri's Ag community. As of yesterday, the emergency cost-share program had approved a total of nearly 19 million dollars to help those approved applicants. 90 percent of programs’ cost covers an emergency water project, such as drilling or deepening a well. The applicant takes on the remaining 10 percent. Funding for the farm aid program comes from House Bill 8, which set aside reserve funds provided by the State Soil and Water Districts Commission and state resources approved by Governor Nixon.

No sooner than the new Missouri Constitution amendment on prayer and religious expression was approved for a ballot measure, than a lawsuit was filed to contest it. One of the items protects is public prayer and gives students the option to not do assignments go against their religious beliefs. Yesterday, the ACLU that filed a suit over a section mentioning that the religious rights of inmates are limited to federal law. 2 inmates filed the lawsuit with the help of the Missouri's Corrections Department, which is the defendant in the case.

Decisions are made in the Bollinger County Sheriff's race. Darrin Shell won the Republican primary with 47 percent of the vote. The incumbent candidate, Sheriff Leo McElrath III, gathered 34 percent of the vote. Denny Cato came in with 19 percent of the votes.

Representative Todd Akin came away with a win, from a three-way Missouri Republican primary election yesterday. He will now face Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill, in November’s General Election. He carried 36 percent of the vote this time around. Akin is a former Army officer, engineer and Missouri lawmaker who first won the election to the U.S. House back in 2000 after barely coming out ahead in a five-person Republican primary.

A car drives through the front of Southfork Lighting in Cape yesterday, leaving extensive damage to the front entrance. The driver was coming into the parking lot of the business mid-afternoon, when she put her foot on the brake, then accidentally punched the gas. No one was injured and the driver refused medical treatment. Firefighters placed a steel support under the opening and removed the wreckage before the car was removed.

46 year old Lawrence Anthony Guthrie will face his preliminary hearing for the shootout incident back in June, with police in Jackson. Prosecutors begin the case on August 30 at 1 p.m., in front of Circuit Court Judge Gary Kamp. Bryan Greaser is named as Guthrie's attorney Monday. Guthrie is being held in the Cape Girardeau County Jail on $500,000 bond on three charges of first-degree assault on law enforcement officers, a charge of first-degree domestic assault and a charge of armed criminal action. The Jackson Police Department arrived after a 911 call from Guthrie's wife reporting domestic violence with gunfire at Broadridge Drive shortly before 4 p.m. on June 13th.

Several petitions were collected Tuesday, from the anti-deer hunting group Keep Cape Safe, hoping to make the issue an item on an upcoming ballot. Members of the group set up petition stations outside polling places during yesterday’s primary election. The group is aiming for the 2,446 petition signatures needed to get the measure on the ballot, suspending the ordinance until the next election. The ordinance would allow archery bow hunting on designated plots of land within Cape Girardeau city limits. Last week, the group had reportedly collected 1,500 signatures. Their goal is to put the item on a regular ballot, since having a special election for an item would cost nearly $10 thousand dollars. However, the group cannot put the issue on the ballot in November because of mandatory charter waiting periods.

Incumbent Republican Sheriff Rick Walter defeated his Democratic challenger Paul Johnson, the Morley, Mo., police chief in Tuesday's primary. He will not face any Republican opponents in November, so Walter is set to serve another term in November. Walter is a former Sheriff’s Deputy, who ran against Sheriff Bill Ferrell in 2000, but ultimately lost that year. In 2004, When Ferrell retired Walter ran again, and defeated Jerry Bledsoe, a Democrat that was endorsed by Ferrell. The Scott County Sheriff will have a $2.67 million dollar budget. 2011 spending reached $2.62 million.The Scott County clerk's office reported that a near 27 percent turnout for voters in last night’s election.

A suspected purse snatcher in Wal-Mart was arrested Tuesday afternoon, Allegedly the attempted theft happened after he grabbed the purse out of a woman’s shopping cart, then ran out of the building with someone chasing him. Police later caught up with the suspect at the shopping complex near David's Bridal. Two Cape Police officers were able to wrestle the suspect to the ground and handcuff him. The 18-year old Benton man’s name has not been released and a stealing felony charge is expected. The victim’s property was returned after the incident.

In Cape City government elections, Charlie Herbst will keep the office of Cape Girardeau County District 2 Commissioner after he received over 40 percent of the vote last night, to Maurice Sandfort’s 31 percent, and Jay Purcell’s 24. Charlie Herbst is a former Cape Girardeau City Council member and police officer. The Cape County Assessor position sees the retirement of Jerry Reynolds, and ushers in a new office holder, real estate appraiser Bob Adams, who gained 41 percent of the vote. Adams serves as Cape County Assessor beginning September 1st, after yearly property assessments are complete.

Cape County Primary results resulted in wins for John J. Brunner for U.S. Senator coming in with 4,549 votes, an overwhelming 7606 votes for David Spence in the primary race for Governor. Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder took 67.2 percent of the Republican vote, and an overall total of over 9,000. In other races, Scott Rupp had the most votes for Secretary of State, Cole McNary for Treasurer, Ed Martin for Attorney General, and Ben Lewis for Circuit Court Judge. Republican Jo Ann Emerson had the most votes for U.S Representative in District 8, still pulling out ahead of her challenger Bob Parker. On the state level, for Senator of District 27, Wayne Wallingford had over 9000 votes to Ellen Brandom’s more than 3,600; for the State Rep of District 146 Donna Lichtenegger pulled a win, and as State Rep of District 147, Kathy Swan won the contest. The Missouri Constitutional Amendment 2, or prayer amendment, won with over 91 percent of the votes.

In last night’s primary election, Missouri voters were given the opportunity to put the item of a tobacco and cigarette tax increase on the November ballot. The measure for increasing the minimum wage and limiting payday and other short-term loans –did not make it on the list. Backers of the wage increase plan to file a legal challenge to get the items on the ballot in November. If approved in November, the Missouri cigarette tax would increase by 73 cents with other funds being used for education and smoking prevention and quitting. Taxes on other tobacco products also would be increased. The measure is supported by health organizations including the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association.

Southeast Missouri State University is gearing up for the return of students for the start of the 2012-2013 academic year. 10 days of activities are planned for students, starting August 16 and running through the 25th. Kicking off the activities will be the move-in Bash, an honors program open house, orientation, a welcome back picnic, game night and performance at the River Campus. Also, for the first time in two years, RAW superstars will return to Cape as part of the WWE Raw World Tour at 7:30 p.m. at the Show Me Center. The Steel Cage Match will host John Cena versus the Big Show. The WWE Championship Match will bring CM Punk and Daniel Bryan.

LOCAL: A motorcycle and car crash near Millersville yesterday afternoon, sends one person to the hospital with injuries. Several cars were stopped along Highway 72 near a grass fire, when motorcycle operated by 46 year old, Bradley W. Peel, overtook a hill and hit one of the stopped vehicles. The motorcyclist suffered moderate injuries, and was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center. No passengers in the car were injured.

Today Cape County primary election polling places are open until 7 pm. Just a reminder, Missouri offers an open primary, which does not require voters to associate with any political party when they register; yet, voters must choose a specific party ballot or a non-contested ballot. A non-contested ballot has only the constitutional prayer amendment on it. An elections judge will ask all voters to make their choice of ballot.

Cape Splash will reduce their hours later this month, marking the start of the school year. Beginning August 16, the water park will be open Tuesday and Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. September 3rd, or Labor Day Weekend, will be the season close date for Cape Splash. For more information on hours, you may contact Cape Splash at 339- 6343, or the Osage Centre at 339-6342.

27 year old, Waldenmar O. Martinez, was seriously injured when the car he was riding in crossed into the path of a truck driven by 61 year old Wayne M. Dailey, off of Highway 51, north of County Road 920, near Perryville. A 24 year old man, Lorenzo R. Hernandez, was driving the car at the time of the accident, and was not injured. Martinez was taken by helicopter to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Daily suffered minor injuries, and was taken by ambulance to the Perry County Memorial Hospital. Both were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

Southeast Missouri State University officials will have several different options when they plan the future expansion of the River Campus. The Lawrence Group, is developing multiple plans for the addition of a 150-bed residence hall and academic space near the River Campus, which it will present to the university's board of regents at an October meeting. The University is now looking at an additional location as an option for expansion based on advisement from the firm – on the northeast corner of the River Campus property that presently houses the oldest handball court west of the Mississippi River. Fall 2014 could be the completion date for a new development. An additional project added in the renovations of Academic Hall also received approval from the board. The cost of the project is set at $1 million and will be funded with the remaining bond money from the bids for the renovations, which are expected to fall within budget.

One person was hospitalized with burns after a truck struck multiple vehicles in downtown Jackson early Monday afternoon. The driver of the truck was on southbound US 61 shortly before 1 p.m., when his vehicle hit the back of an SUV. The pickup traveled into another pickup, which was then rammed into a van. The second pickup and van then caught fire. The first pickup continued rolling and struck the county courthouse. The driver of the second truck was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center for treatment for burns, and his condition remains unknown as of yesterday. The driver of the vehicle that started the chain reaction accident was taken to the hospital for a medical exam to determine what might have caused the event. Investigators from the Jackson Police Department, highway patrol and Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department were working at the scene.

Cape Girardeau Central High School held orientation sessions on Monday. Students were asked by school staff to wear clothing that was within the dress code, so advice could be given on how to adjust their wardrobe. This Wednesday, a fashion show displaying dress code compliant clothing is planned to be included in freshman orientation. Sophomores are asked to attend orientation Tuesday. The first day of classes is August 16th. A full list of orientation times and a copy of the district's "Guide to Student Dress" is available online at www.capetigers.com. Students in all grades are expected to comply with the new dress code.

With all of the recent political activity in Missouri’s state elections, a 25 percent turnout is predicted by the office of Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. The prediction comes from a compilation of local turnout estimates from local election authorities. An amendment to the constitution that solidifies an individual’s right of prayer in public, is one of the issues on the ballot. The Republican Ballot will have primaries for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general. The primary for the Democratic ballot will be for lieutenant governor. Polls will open at 6 a.m. this Tuesday, 7th.

The Dexter Community Regional Healthcare Foundation has just announced that it will now be managed by SoutheastHEALTH. The Lease with Dexter Hospital, LLC, owned by SunLink Health Systems has now been terminated in favor of the new transition, which started in August. SoutheastHEALTH is now making plans for a future family medical clinic, with a planned location on the present hospital campus property, providing more health options to the residents of Stoddard County and region. Since 1998, Southeast has maintained a Cardiac Rehabilitation clinic, operating 3 days a week.

The Cape City Council will have a meeting today on various topics, including a public hearing for the proposed property tax rates for the new 2013 fiscal year, a land annexation, and the funding and budget for the Cape Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. The meeting will also host a discussion on an ordinance that will call for a special election in Cape Girardeau, deciding on a repeal to the ordinance which established legal deer hunting in the city limits, and setting a voting date for the issue.

The MODoT crews will be working on the bridge between Route 25 and 74 today, from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. The bridge will be reduced to one lane while crews make bridge repairs. MoDOT says the work zone will be marked with signs. Drivers are urged to slow down while traveling in the area. For more information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org.

Eric Simpson, 45, and Lorie Simpson, 37, are charged with possession and intent to distribute a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia and child welfare endangerment, after they were arrested at their residence in Chaffee by the SEMO Drug Task Force. From a probable cause statement, the arrests were made after officers issued a search warrant in the Simpson's residence Friday morning and allegedly found drugs and items that showed meth use and distribution had been taking place for some time. Their teenage child was placed in protective custody after police allegedly found the drugs in their home.

Southeast Missouri State University recently named Former Cape Girardeau police chief Carl Kinnison, as director of the Law Enforcement Academy. He will take the place of Dr. Michael Brown, recently retired after 25 years. Kinnison will also serve as a professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology at Southeast. He has remained on staff as a part-time instructor of criminal justice courses at the university for more than 15 years, and instructed classes for the SEMO Regional Law Enforcement Academy for more than 20. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale was also a teaching site for Kinnison, where he taught senior level criminal justice management classes.

Big River Broadband have announced that phase one towers for their 4G LTE Broadband Network, are expected to be fully operational today for service. Locations of the service will be available on their website. The multi-phase process of tower deployments will continue until 58 towers are serving Bollinger, Cape, Madison, Perry, Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, and Washington counties.

A 57 year old Jackson woman Beverly L. Glover, was seriously injured when she crashed her car around 10 a.m., near Delta on Sunday morning. Glover was arrested by a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper for a DWI and careless and imprudent driving. The car was eastbound on County Road 244 about three miles north of Delta, when she ran off the road and struck an embankment. Glover suffered serious injuries and was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape. She was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Chick-fil-a restaurants nationwide, including the Cape Girardeau restaurant, was the site of a "kiss-in" by same sex couples which happened Friday night at 7 p.m. This was the latest development of a continued protest in the culture clash involving the food chain. The disagreements all began last month when Chick-fil-a President Dan Cathy made a public statement that the company backed "the biblical definition of a family."

Staint Genevieve County was the site of a crash this weekend that caused a section of 1-55 to be stopped down to a crawl. The Missouri Highway Patrol responded to the crash around 8 a.m. on Saturday, around mile marker 150, near Ozara, Missouri. The incident reportedly involved a semi truck-trailer, and car. The driver of the car was taken to a Jefferson County hospital and is in serious condition.The driver of the semi was taken to a Ste. Genevieve hospital with minor injuries.

U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson recently introduced legislation to add 15 drugs, known as "bath salts," to the list of substances that will serve as probably cause for arrest. Some stores are known to sell the drugs over-the-counter. Federal and local efforts to target these drugs last week resulted in arrests and seizures in nearly 30 states.

36 year old, Robbie W. Meyers of Jackson was charged for the sale of illegal drugs and possession with the intent to distribute. The Perry County Sheriff's Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration issued a search warrant for cabin No. 4 at the Perryville Campground for various drugs and paraphernalia. The search turned up meth, marijuana, synthetic marijuana and other prescription pills and drug paraphernalia. There was a large amount of meth ready for sale. Meyers is being held without bond on a parole violation from former drug convictions.

About 15 businesses still are outstanding on renewal for operating licenses, which expired in January. All businesses received a form for renewal from the city in December that stated renewal must be complete by Jan. 31. A second notice on Feb. 28 was sent to businesses that still had not renewed their license. In May, another warning was issued by the city attorney's office. In order to obtain a business license, all businesses subject to sales tax have to present a copy of their retail sales license to the city.

Cape Girardeau just witnessed one of the hottest July’s on record. University of Missouri records show that July 2012 marks the only the third time that we’ve seen temperatures this warm on average since 1946. The average high for July was near 96, and the average low was around 72. The average temperature was nearly 84 degrees, matching records from 1993 and 1980, for the hottest July on record. Cape Girardeau saw average temps of 5 degrees above normal. Cape tied the record of 12 days with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher this month, with the year 1952. 1954 saw a record of 18 days. Weather stats are available from Southeast Missouri State University, and the National Weather Service station at the Cape Regional Airport.

A local family is facing the loss of a loved one a second time, as a murder victim’s remains, were lost in the mail between Cape Girardeau and Texas. The father, Randy Lindsay first lost his son, 23 year old Joshua, back in February, after he was murdered in North Carolina. Lindsay’s sister reportedly mailed the young man’s ashes on July 5th, from Cape. A few days later, the father received a letter from the Postal Service indicating that the package was found empty with his address on the outside. Although the package was reportedly last tracked at Hazelwood, it’s still unclear as to where the remains could have ended up. The Postal Service is now searching processing centers in Missouri and Iowa, and doing all they can to recover the package.

EMS and law enforcement in rural Cape County and their bases may soon see boosted communications, with the addition of six new radio tower sites. Yesterday, Cape County commissioners just approved a contract with Motorola during meeting, bringing a central receiver tower system to the area. The project is possible through a federal grant and Proposition 1 funds with the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department. Improvements to the system are needed because the rural fire districts and sheriff's deputies often lose radio contact when working on the edge of the county. JCS Wireless of Cape Girardeau is contracted with Motorola to install the system, with help from the company’s engineer. The project should be complete within the next six months.

A Sikeston woman, 30-year-old Christen Blaire Williams was found with more than an ounce of crack cocaine and a misdemeanor amount of marijuana, after detectives with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety received a tip on drug information about a subject near Alabama Street and Compress Road. As authorities approached, Williams was seen hiding a plastic baggy in her pants. After a body search, more drugs were found. Williams was charged with 1st degree drug trafficking, a Class A felony and a misdemeanor possession of marijuana. She is currently in the Scott County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Missouri's annual back-to-school sales tax free weekend began this year at midnight today and ends midnight Sunday. During the weekend state waives the 4.225 percent sales tax charged on certain items such as clothing $100 or less; $50 per purchase of school supplies; computer software of $350 or less; and personal computers and devices costing less than $3,500. Each city and county has a say in whether to waive the taxes they apply to purchases. Though Jackson will waive it’s city sales tax, Cape will keep it’s 2.75 percent tax this year.

In the shooting trial of Joshua Abernathie yesterday, a jury found 32 year old Seth Summers guilty in the August 2011 incident, that left the victim without the use of one eye. Testimonies from the defense began yesterday morning arguing, that Summers was too frail from back surgery, to have an active part in the assault, despite accusations that he seized the victim before the shooting. Text messages between Summers and Bell leading up to the incident and days before were also offered as evidence. After an hour of deliberation by the jury, the verdict for Summers was guilty on charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action.Summers and Jimmy Ray Bell were both charged in the shooting, which occurred after a night of heavy drinking on August 28th.

MODot will have a community briefing from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7 at Scott City Hall, to discuss the construction of an interchange planned to provide access to south of town. A connection from Interstate 55 to Kelso will also be in the works. The project is expected to relieve congestion at the Route 61/I-55 interchange. Land usage rights and funding is still needed before the project moves forward. Currently, three different proposed options are on the table, including a crossing near Route PP.

An open house and back to school picnic will be put on for students and family and on Friday, August 10 by Scott County Central Schools. The event is open to all students, grades kindergarten through 12th along with their parents. The event will offer a relaxed atmosphere, and provide an opportunity for students and parents, the opportunity to talk and get to know each other before the school year gets in full swing. Hot dogs and hamburgers, chips and drinks will be served at the pavilion behind the elementary school starting at 5:30 p.m. with an open house at 6 p.m. Scott County Schools start on Monday, August 13.

Some late morning storms yesterday left behind damage to Bucheit's main building in Biehle. One storage building was destroyed and the roof was ripped off another. A semi trailer also flipped. The severe thunderstorm blew through the area later yesterday morning. No one was hurt and no merchandise was damaged. A power outage was also reported at the Bucheit Store and around the area.

The Neelys Landing shooting case of Joshua Abernathie now moves forward with the trial of Seth Summers, an accomplice in the incident. Summers now faces 2 charges�armed criminal action and first degree assault. The trial began early afternoon yesterday, and a request was made by the prosecution to hear phone conversations made in jail, between the defendant and his father regarding the assault.

In a recent Scott County Commission meeting, approval of the Commerce to Birds Point Levee was discussed. According to the Sikeston-Standard, in a recent letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the local levee was granted accreditation from the agency on the Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map. The Commerce to Birds Point Levee approval process was granted through the Memphis District of the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The approval now assures that in the event of a flood, the local levee will provide the needed protection for it’s residents.

32-year old Shawn Matthew Wenzel and Janel Boland of St. Mary reportedly were part of 4 person drug sting operation by police to catch the two on distributing marijuana, from a probably cause statement. A child was also present at the time of the operation. They were both booked into the Perry County Jail earlier this week on distribution of a controlled substance and 1st degree child endangerment charges. Later, another man, Eric James Baltrush allegedly sold 5 hydrocodone pills outside a Perryville business to another informant, and was charged with controlled substance distribution. A few days later the fourth suspect, 47 year old Jennifer Lynn Priller, sold Xanax pills to the informant and was booked in jail. The other suspects were also booked into jail on $10 thousand bonds.

Today is the deadline to put your cell phone number on Missouri’s Do Not Call List. So far there have been nearly 2 million phones registered to the list. You can register online at the Attorney General’s website at ago.mo.gov or by calling 866-662-2551. The No Call law allows residents to reduce unwanted telemarketing calls to their phone.

Republican candidate for Governor, Bill Randles will be at an open meeting this Friday on noon. The Cape Girardeau County Republican Women will host the candidate at Dexter Barbeque in Cape Girardeau. The Missouri Republican Governor primary will be on August 7th. Randles will is running against David Spence, John D. Weiler, and Fred Sauer.

According to the Sikeston-Standard, the Sikeston Public library will soon be renovating the basement area, which was discussed in a recent City Council meeting. The Library has recently seen an increased growth in many of their children’s programs, including their Summer Reading Program. Plans for the cost of the project, along with the fundraising will be discussed in a later meeting.

Ameren has just announced that it will be hosting an open house tomorrow, for the property owners on the construction of new transmission lines. The new proposed transmission lines are reported to be from Lutesville to Cape, and will need approval from the property owners on the route. According to it’s website, this is part of the Ameren Transmission Company’s project, expanding a system of more than 7,400 circuit miles of high-voltage lines throughout Illinois and Missouri. The meeting will be open to the public who will be affected by the line expansion, and will be held at the Notre Dame Regional High School from 4 to 7 p.m.

Southeast Missouri State’s regional campus in Malden is hosting their fall kickoff on Tuesday, August 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All students are invited to bring their family for food and entertainment. Registered students will also be about to meet Southeast Faculty and purchase items from the Bookstore.

In an update on the Waller case, the prosecutor for the case filed a request for a change of judge for the next court appearance on August 6th. Assistant Cape County prosecutor Angel Woodruff filed the motion yesterday. Until yesterday, Cape County Judge Kamp was set to rule over the case in Circuit Court next week. Waller is accused by authorities of killing his wife, Jacque Waller after her disappearance nearly a year ago.

Temperatures hit near the century mark once again yesterday at the Cape Airport. According to the National Weather Service, heat indices are expected to reach between 100 to 105 throughout the rest of the week. Some severe isolated thunderstorms are predicted to hit the area later this week, which will continue to provide relief from some of the dry conditions in the Cape area.

The Cape Girardeau schools are hosting a clothing distribution today in preparation for the new dress code. Much of the clothes were donated by members of the community, local clothing stores, and national vendors. For more info on approved clothing for the new dress code, you may call 573-335-1867 or log online to capetigers.com. The clothing drive will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow, for parents needing assistance. Cape Central Junior High School Fieldhouse will host the event located at 205 Caruthers.

 

Road work continues on Highway 25 today from Route 77 and Route EE. MODoT crews are continuing shoulder repairs, and the route will be reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A Jackson man, 24 year old Justin T. McCollum, was recently arrested for a DWI, failure to stop at a stop sign, careless and imprudent driving and a park curfew violation. According to the Cape Police Department, authorities saw McCollum rapidly pull out from Capaha Park early in the morning, and then make several turns through city streets, when his truck finally came to a rest in a nearby cemetery, after he ran off the road and struck a tree. He was later released.

 

45-year old Thomas R. Hamilton was arrested and charged with two felonies last week-- distribution and manufacturing of meth and remains in jail on Monday on a $100 thousand dollar bond. According to a release from the Cape Girardeau Police Department and Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, a search warrant was served on his house near Kingsway Drive on Thursday.

 

The trial of James Clay Waller for the alleged murder of his wife, Jacque, moves forward. Cape County Judge Kamp sent the case to circuit court on Monday afternoon, after the initial preliminary hearing last Wednesday. Waller is faced with charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the investigation of Jacque Waller’s disappearance on June 1^st, 2011. Waller’s arraignment is reportedly set for August 6^th at 9  a.m.

 

Although the drought is not officially over, the burn ban is for Cape residents. In a meeting on Monday, The Cape Girardeau County Commission voted to lift the ban, which has been in affect since June. According to the City of Cape Girardeau website, open burn hours will still be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and exclude building material. Storms over the weekend with heavy rain, helped provide relief from extremely dry conditions, triggering the ban for over a month.

 

Sentencing for one of the men in the Neelys Landing shooting of Joshua Abernathie, has now been delivered. On Monday afternoon, Judge William Syler delivered the sentence of 50 years in prison, for Jimmy Ray Bell for his role in the shooting incident back in 2011. The survived victim, Abernathie, testified during the trial. The two 25-year sentences which will be served are for armed criminal action and first degree assault. Seth Summers, the accomplice to the shooting, is still awaiting his sentence, which will be determined in a two day trial starting Wednesday.

Clay Waller will stand trial for the murder of his estranged wife, Jacque Waller. Cape County Judge Gary Kamp made the decision earlier today after reviewing the evidence. Waller had his preliminary hearing last week, which lasted 6 hours and saw 18 witnesses called to the stand. Authorities believe Waller killed Jacque after an argument over their pending divorce. Waller had previously allegedly threatened to kill her if she divorced her. Clay Waller will appear in court August 6th for arraignment at 9 a.m.

 

A Farley, Kentucky man was arrested over the weekend, after suspected drug activity. According to McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, deputies stopped a car with 29 year old passenger Tony Vasquez , after suspicious activity was spotted. After the search, 5 Percocet tablets were found. Vasquez was arrested and charged for a class D Felony to Appear and first degree Possession of a Controlled Substance.

 

A husband and wife team made an emergency airplane landing Sunday, into a cotton field near Bragg City. According to Captain Ryan Holder, the couple was flying the twin engine plane from Texas to Kennett, where they planned to refuel, when one of the engines reportedly failed around 11 a.m. The passengers were not injured and the plane sustained minor damage.

 

The death of 18 year old Vanna Barton is still under investigation by the Iron County Coroners’ office and Ironton Police Department, after the teen was found unresponsive in a motel room at The Shepherd Mountain Inn in Pilot Knob on July 20^th. According to Coroner Tony Cole, Barton was taken to the Iron County Hospital by ambulance and later airlifted to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis. She later died on July 22^nd,  after she had been on life support. Although, several people were reported to have been at the motel room at the time of the incident, only one person so far has been placed in police custody.

 

A bicyclist, Robert Pinar, 71 was struck by a vehicle and killed, off of highway 51 south of Perryville on Friday, around 7 p.m. According to police chief Keith Tarrillion, Pinar was traveling around a stalled car on the shoulder, when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. According to Coronor Herb Miller, the crash is believed to be an accident, but is still under investigation.

 

A 23 year old Charleston man, George Johnson has been charged burglary, first degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and armed criminal action, after an incident on Saturday. The incident reportedly happened around Oak Street, around 11 p.m. according to the Charleston Department of Public Safety. Several suspects allegedly forced entry into the house, assaulted one person and shot someone at the residence many times. The suspect was believed to be planning to rob the residence. The shooting victim was placed in a hospital on Sunday in stable condition. Other residents were not reported to be injured.

 

The Cape Girardeau County Small Business and Technology Center is hosting another “Lunch-n-Learn” opportunity for area small business owners. The University of Missouri-Cape County Extension Center will offer the class starting at noon today, led by John Woodson, the regional specialist for commercialization. The focus of the workshop will be to help qualifying businesses submit proposals for grant funding. For more information, you may call Richard Proffer at 573-243-3581.

 

32 year old John T. Huck, a Sikeston man was taken to a Cape hospital on Saturday, after he jumped from a truck as it was approaching a bridge. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the accident happened around Stoddard County Road 702 around Essex. After jumping from the truck, the vehicle traveled off the left side of the road down an embankment.

According to the Scott County Sherrif’s Department, three Morley residents were arrested after two search warrants were served over the weekend. Warrants were issued after investigators received tips about alleged illegal drugs and stolen goods at the residences. Drug paraphernalia items were also seized in the search. All three men remain in the Scott County Jail, with charges pending.

Northbound I-55 in Perry Co. will be reduced to one lane as MODoT crews continue shoulder repairs. The section of roadway started today July 30 at 6:30 a.m. and continues to 5 p.m. 

 

MODoT is doing shoulder work on Route 25 today, from Route 77 to Route EE. Weather permitting, the section of roadway will be reduced to one lane today and continue throught tomorrow July 31^st, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The work zone will be clearly marked and motorists are asked to use caution when traveling.

 

Rachel R. Green, a Whitewater woman, lands in a ditch after a rollover accident near Gordonville off of Route Z. According to the Highway Patrol, the accident happened around 3 p.m. on Sunday, after Green lost control of her Hyundai Sante Fe, after she skidded off her side of the road, ran into a ditch and rolled the SUV. Green was wearing her seat belt at the time of accident, suffered moderate injuries, and was taken to a Cape hospital for treatment.

 

A crash around the route K and highway 25 intersection, involving two vehicles, held up traffic until about 4 p.m. yesterday. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, a black truck hit a gray truck with a camper as it was stopped on eastbound Route K, waiting to turn. The operator of the black truck was issued a ticket for careless and imprudent driving.

 

The trial continues for 29 year old Jimmy Ray Bell, who will face sentencing around 2 p.m. today, in connection with the Neely’s Landing shooting case, happening back on August 28^th, 2011. Bell has already been convicted by a Cape County Jury of armed criminal action and first-degree assault. Judge William Syler will also rule in the case of his alleged accomplice, Seth Summers, in the shooting of Joshua Abernathie, starting this Wednesday. Both Bell and Summers charges fit within the “dangerous-felony” statutes of Missouri, translating to a minimum of 3 years in prison, if they’re found guilty.

Police Chief Carl Kennison will retire today from the City of Cape, after 35 years of service. Kennison started his career part-time in animal control back in 1977. Two years later he was on the force full-time as an officer and was later promoted to Police Chief in October 2005. The Cape police saw many changes while he was there, including the consolidation of police and fire dispatching and 911 services. After his official retirement today, he will now take on a full-time position as a professor in the Dpartment of Criminal Justice and Sociology at Southeast Missouri State University.

A nationwide drug bust rocked Southeast Missouri to the tune of over 5,000 packets of drugs from local stores. Nationally, more than 90 people were arrested and $36 million dollars were seized as part of the operation called “Log Jam”. The Drug Enforcement Administration says the 5,000 packets seized from Cape County, Doniphan, Poplar Bluff, and Portageville are equal to near 60 pounds of drugs worth $320,000. Though the names of the businesses in Southeast Missouri from which the drugs were taken were not released, charges are expected to be filed.

The case against 23-year-old Robert Reynolds, charged with kidnapping, will move forward. A judge found probable cause to go on with the case against Reynolds, who allegedly attacked a woman at her home and forced her into his van. Police report he threatened to kill the woman, then let her go. Reynolds is scheduled to be arraigned on August 3^rd.

35-year old Chad E. Dixon of Scott City has been charged with multiple counts of statutory rape and sodomy after allegedly sexually assaulting a victim over four years. The Scott County Sheriff’s office reports the victim reported the alleged incidents Monday morning, with the most recent assault reportedly taking place within the past week. Dixon has been charged with 15 counts of statutory rape, 5 counts of sodomy, and 5 of incest. 

Illinois veterans who want to start their own business or currently own one, will now have a chance to learn more about opportunities with the State of Illinois, federal and local governments, and other non-profit agencies. The Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs is hosting a Veteran small business summit in Marion, Illinois at the VFW Heyde-Pillow Post 1301. Mission: Veterans 2 Entrepreneurs Summit will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. For more info check out veterans.illinois.gov.

If you are tired of receiving those annoying marketing and spam calls on your cell phone at all hours, you’ll now have a chance to change that. Missouri residents who wish to put their cell phone on a no call list, can do so on attorney general, Chris Koster’s website. So far a near 200 thousand cell numbers have been added to the database so far since June 14^th. Anyone who signs up by the July 31^st deadline will have their number protected by October 1^st. A second ‘no call’ list period will be from August 1^st through November 1^st.

A swath of late afternoon and evening thunderstorms swept through the Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois on Thursday leaving property and utilities damage. The National Weather service issued several Severe Thunderstorm warnings in many counties throughout the afternoon and evening. Damages were reported to a business in Cape, downed trees and power lines in Harrisburg, Illinois, and downed and uprooted trees, and power lines in Chaffee. Many Ameren customers were also left without power in Cape, Scott, Washington, St. Francis in Missouri, and Williamson and Jefferson counties in Illinois. The Cape Girardeau airport also reported winds of up to 53 miles per hour.

More details emerge on a fight that took place yesterday in Cape, ending with a woman being beaten and kicked by her neighbors, in what was reported to be motivated by her sexual orientation. According to a police report, three juveniles brought Jeana Terry outside of her home, where they allegedly surrounded her, along with six other kids, and began assaulting her. She is reported to have sustained a concussion, many bruises and could possibly now need eye surgery because of a deep cut near her cornea. One of the juveniles is now in custody with authorities.

The Scott County Fire Department and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety responded to a fire earlier this week, near the old Crowder Salvage yard, after tires and other debris reportedly caught fire and burned for over an hour. The dry conditions over the past few months have created a marked problem with easily flammable vegetation and hazardous conditions for quickly spreading fires. Many “no burn” orders are still active for local areas, including Scott County.

The Scott County Emergency Management Agency now has a solution to clean water in a distaster or emergeny. After a meeting earlier this week, Scott county commissioners will now have a portable water water purification system, called the Noah Water Systems Nomad. The system can reportedly be transported easily in any emergency.

A 73 year old Cape woman is sent to the hospital after a crash on Thursday afternoon. The accident reportedly happened around the 1900 block of southbound North Kingshighway. Emergency crews were also called to the scene for a rescue. According to authorities, she landed 500 yards off the roadway, after running over a curb and hitting a parked car. The driver was taken to St. Francis Hospital after experiencing minor injuries

MODoT is set to hold a community meeting discussing a newly planned connection around Scott City and Kelso, for easier access of the U.S. Highway 61 to I-55 entrance and exit. Currently there are about three different proposed options for the new project, according to MODoT, with one including a PP highway intersection. More details on the other routes will be discussed during the public meeting, which will be held August 7^th, from 4 to 6 p.m.

A early Thursday evening crash sends two to the hospital after their car went off the road and struck a tree, near Good Hope Street in Cape. According to the accident report, the car was northbound on West End Boulevard at the time of the crash. While the male passenger was able to get out of his side of the car, the female passenger was pried out of her side after the accident.

 

According to Williamson County Board Chairman in Illinois are looking into the numerous requests they have received lately regarding mineral rights, to have permission for hydraulic fracturing—or fracking. A meeting was held yesterday to discuss the issue. While the material that is used in the process is 99.5 percent water and sand, according to SIU Associate professor Sam Spearing, who holds a doctorate with the Department of Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering-- environmentalists, are concerned with the ½ percent remaining. One opposing group SAFE—Southern Illinoisans against Fracking our Environment-- states that method has caused cancer where it is taking place. With no federal, state or county regulations concerning the issue, Marion and other residents had the chance to voice their opinion at the Pavilion of Marion yesterday to make a decision on whether they should allow companies the right to use the process in their region.

Old Shawnee Town just finished up its Motorcyle Street Rally which ran from July 19^th through the 21^st. According to Illinois State Police, a public information and education booth were on hand, as well as Safety Education Officers, to provide traffic and motorcycle safety tips. Despite the extra bikes on the road that weekend, no traffic crashes were reported.

 

A joint investigation by the Paducah Police Department, the Massac County Sherriff’s Department and Southern Illinois Drug Task Force uncovers a suspected heroin trafficking ring that crossed state lines. 40 year old Bradley W. Dye, 39 year old Mario Cooperwood, and 46 year old Steve D. Knotts were all booked into the McCracken County Jail, after the search of a Paducah hotel room leads to a discovery of marijuana, and 49 packages of heroin totaling around Two thousand-five hundred dollars.

 

After more than 15 years, the death of 49-year old George Conder of Kennett is being re-examined. Conder originally went missing in ’96 and was found a year later near the St. Francis River, bound with rope and wrapped in plastic. According to Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder, many rumors have been circulating recently and new information continues to surface on the case. Authorities are hopeful that people who’ve remained silent on the murder for over a decade, will now be willing to talk.

 

The United Way of Southeast Missouri has just appointed a new chairman for the board of directors. Stan Penn will take over as the new Chairman after a nine year role concluded with Jean Mason—the SEMO Division Manger of Ameren Missouri. Stan has served in the past for 5 years on the Rogue Valley United Way board in Medford, Oregon. He currently serves as the Region President of Southeast Missouri for U.S. Bank, and is active in many different civic and charitable organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Old Town Cape.

 

Temperatures hit a near 30 year record yesterday as Cape residents experienced yet another day in the one-hundreds (100’s). The record for the date was tied back in 1986. Around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the readings at the Cape Regional Airport indicated 100 degrees, which marks the 13^th time temperatures been in the triple digits this summer. An excessive heat warning remains in affect for the area until 7 p.m. this evening.

The city of Sikeston has recently begun posting signs banning the use of tobacco products at youth sports events. Sikeston city council approved the policy back in May of this year, which came from a recommendation voiced by an advisory board which is involved with both coaches and others in youth sports. Because the signs are not representing a city ordinance, no penalties or fines can be issued if violated.

The Jackson Junior High performed the National Anthem at Busch Stadium last night, with a group of nearly 120 students. The seventh and eighth grade auditioned choir has now performed for the Cardinals for the eighth year in a row.

 

The BackPacks for Friday food program with the SEMO Food Bank just received an 8 thousand dollar donation from Montgomery Bank. The donation is expected to help feed nearly 30 Cape School District children at Jefferson Elementary. An estimated nearly 21 thousand children are at risk for hunger in the Food Bank area’s reach, according to a recent study, “Map the Meal Gap: Child Food Insecurity.” The BackPacks for Friday aimes to reduce child hunger during the school year, by sending home a bag of nutritious food every Friday.

 

The preliminary hearing of Clay Waller was held on Wednesday, on the charges of murder of his estranged wife, Jacque Waller. Several witnesses reportedly testified yesterday morning and on into the afternoon, including a divorce lawyer, Jacque’s sister Cheryl Brenneke, her boyfriend, Dr. Gibbs, an eye-witness of Jacque’s abandoned vehicle, and the reporting officer who wrote Clay’s statement. About 20 witnesses in all were called to testify on the 1^st degree murder preliminary trial, which mainly discussed the June 1^st date, when Jacque was reported missing. Later yesterday, a fight reportedly broke out between Clay Waller’s son, James, and a prosecution witness Matt Marshall, outside the courtroom during a hearing recess. Both men were arrested and later released.

Wearing his customary orange jumpsuit and shackles, Clay Waller appeared in court today for preliminary hearing on first-degree murder charges stemming from the disappearance of his estranged wife, Jacque Waller. Multiple witnesses were called to the stand, including Jacque's sister, Cheryl Brenneke, Jacque's former boyfriend, and a woman who saw Jacque's car on the interstate June 1st, 2011, the night she disappeared. The prosecuting attorney is expected to call 20 people to the stand, with the majority of questioning stemming around Jacque's disappearance on that night. Waller is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for internet threats.

 

The Sikeston City Council has approved a tobacco ban at youth sports facilities. The City Council followed a recommendation at their regular meeting May 14th, and nine days later met and approved the Park Board's recommendation to ban all tobacco products. Those products are now allowed only in parking lots at the various areas where youth play soccer, football, baseball, and basketball.

The reconstruction of the Bird's Point Levee is now underway, and should be completed by this December, says Jim Pogue, a U.S. Army Corps of engineers spokesperson. When completed, the levee will be restored to 62 1/2' to protect the area from potential flooding. Corps officials state that the low Mississippi River stages are making work move forward quicker than expected.

An oil tanker explosion, possibly caused by welding work at an oil field near Norris City, Illinois, sends four men to the hospital. The incident leaves one man, John Sullivan of Herald in critical condition and 2 men, Shane Farris of Enfield, and Jason Parr of Norris city in serious condition. The Fourth man, Brandon Hooper of Fairfield was treated and released from Ferrell Hospital in Eldoraado, IL. Officials with the IL State Fire Marshall's Office and Department of Mines and Miners were called to investigate the incident.

A Sikeston man, Mark Lee Jobe is being charged in Scott County with 1st degree assault and involuntary manslaughter, in connection with the July 17th crash in Sikeston at East Malone and Ingram--which later killed passenger car driver Kim Maclin, from sustained injuries. After a crash re-creation, authorities concluded that the truck driven by Jobe traveling east on Malone, struck the passenger car as it crossed the intersection on Ingram Road. The collision then flipped the passenger car, causing the truck to overturn several times and ejecting the driver.

In what seems to be the hottest summer in Missouri history, Governor Jay Nixon has declared an emergency across the state while Missourians fight the drought and heat. The declaration allows state officials and agencies to help local officials respond to the unrelenting heat and dry land. Gov. Nixon says farmers across the Show Me State have suffered and will continue to suffer losses in crops and livestock, and state officials are monitoring water supplies. Health officials across the state have reported 830 heat-related trips to hospitals in the state.

The Southeast Missouri Redhawks linebacker, Blake Peiffer was just recently named the Ohio Valley Conference's Pre-season defensive player of the year. He's also been added to the Sports Network Football Championship subdivision pre-season A-team. With a recent honor to the team, the Redhawks also look to be shaping up for a good season, too. the OVC pre-season poll has listed Southeast Missouri State Redhawks Football at 7 for this year.

St. Francis Medical Center has just named a new administrator--Verlene Luna, who will now oversee all financial, administrative and operational aspects of the network across the region. Her past experience has been with numberous healthcare systems, including her service as administrator and consultant for the Poplar Bluff Internal Medicine Associates of Southeast Missouri. Luna is also a member of the American College of Healthcare executives.

The Lt. Governor Peter Kinder campaign has stated that he has paid a missed tax bill and added penalties on his Cape Girardeau properties. Kinder's Campaign manager said that he took care of the mistake yesterday. The property tax was for one of the three rental properties, one of which as yet to be developed. Reportedly, the bill was never seen because it was sent to a rental addresss instead of a home address.

 

The local recorder of deeds is warning that a suspicious company is selling deed copies with the intent to offer public records at largely inflated prices. The company is reportedly charging up to $87, for what would be a simple $4 document from the local recorder's office. The address on the suspect company has a return address of Fulton, Missouri.

After many month in waiting, the public was presented with more information on Monday, in the Waller case. In a statement by the Cape Girardeau Prosector's Office, theft and harassment charges have now been dropped. On Wednesday, a decision will be made in the murder case, of his missing wife, Jacque Waller. 

The Cape Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Cape Girardeau and the area MAGNET organization, just announced that they've made it on the Forbes list of the "Best Small Places For Business and Careers". Cape came in at 74 of 184 cities, largely in part because of the city's history, healthcare industry quality, as well as being ranked on projected economic growth, job growth, income advancement and education achievement.

Roadwork continues on downtown streets in Cape today, starting around the Broadway and Spanish street block, according to the street department. All downtown businesses will stay open during the street repair. Some lanes will be closed throughout the process and all detours will be clearly marked.

A musician is arrested after refusing to stop playing music. According to
Mursphysboro, Ilinois police, 21-year-old guitarist, Jovanni Veramendi, allegedly was
asked by the bar’s employees to stop playing at Da-Nite Tavern on Saturday around 11
p.m., but refused to leave. He was later arrested for resisting police and tresspassing.

40 year old Bradley Shad, a Perryville resident, is now in jail and facing
armed criminal action, and three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer,
after allegedly attempting to attack paramedics with a knife. Reportedly, police and
EMTs were responding to treat the man for a medical emergency, when he began
charging them with a knife. He was asked to stop and continued to charge toward the
authorities, causing them to tase Shad to stop him. Police and EMTs were not injured in
the incident.

Illinois residents may now get some help after the drought they have been
experiencing. Gov. Pat Quinn has now asked the USDA for disaster designations for just
about all of the state’s 102 counties, in what many are calling one of the worst droughts
recorded. The letter was sent to Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack on Sunday, and
if approved, would allow Illinois farmers access to USDA loans and grant programs to
help with the many losses this year.

23 year old Kade Stringfellow, of Portageville, is now faced with 2nd degree
murder charges for his one-month old child, Karson. According to a probable cause
statement, the one month old was originally taken to the Missouri Delta Medical Center,
where he was being treated for head injuries, and later flown to St. Louis Children’s
Hospital. The Missouri Department of Child Protective Service then alerted police, that
the staff at both Delta Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital were suspicous about
the father’s inconsistent stories about what caused the infant’s injuries, and later death
on Thursday last week. Kade Strinfellow is now being held in the New Madrid County
Jail, and his arraignment is today.

A heated special town hall meeting was held for Gordonville residents on
Friday night to discuss sewer rate increases on their 3-year old, $2.5 million dollar
wastewater treatment plant, which is now in need of repairs and maintenance. The two-
hour meeting was held at Christ Lutheran Church with reportedly around 80 residents
attending, to voice their opinion about a nearly $30 dollar a month rate increase,
brought up by Mayor J.D. King. This rate increase would supposedly cover the debt
for the system, because of a shortfall in revenue.

A crash near Randles in Cape County sends two to a Cape Girardeau hospital
with serious injuries early Saturday morning. According to a report by Missouri State
Highway Patrol, 26 year old Tommy Davis of Bell City and 24 year old Nicole Ward of
Dexter hit a culvert, after running off the road near Route P. Neither the driver or passenger
were wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

If you’ve ever wondered if there is a link between hot temperatures and
sun exposure, then you’d be right. According to the Southeast Missouri Air Quality
Committee, extreme ozone events are increasing all over the country, even in our back
yards. Since temperatures have hit the upper 90’s and triple digits several times this
summer, one monitor site in Perry County, near Farrar, Missouri, has reported nearly
nine. If Perry County continues to see these events and is designated a “non-attainment
area” by the EPA, businesses will then see restrictions on emissions that affect ozone
quality. While the Southeast Missouri Air Quality Committee has developed a plan to
keep these levels in check, they are faced with a budget crunch, which is preventing
them from moving forward. However, they are now set to receive funds from the EPA’s
Ozone Advance Program.

More roadwork in the area for Cape County Residents. MODOT will be working
on Eastbound Route K with pavement repairs, and will be reduced to one lane. The
roadwork is from Silver Spring Road to Edgewood, starting this Tuesday 24 th and
Wednesday 25th from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Motorists are asked
to use caution in the work zone when travelling in the area, this week . For more on
these repairs, and others around Missouri, you can call 1-888-275-6636 or go online to
modot.org.

The Hoops for Life Benefit concert with Rick Springfield,on the River Campus,
Bedell Performance Hall was a success with over 700 people showing up. All the
proceeds from the event benefit the research for pediatric brain tumor research at
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University. The event was in honor of
Sarah “Hoops” Aldrige, who lost her battle with cancer in November 2007. Earlier
Saturday, the annual Hoops for Life 5k run-walk at Kiwanas Park in Cape, saw the same
success with the largest benefit yet, with over 650 people on hand.

Most of the Heartland has been experiencing one of the most devastating summers on record, and it doesn't look like the dry and hot conditions will let up any time soon. Forecasters are now predicting that the "flash drought" is expected to last until into late October, and even reach farther into the Eastern and Northern Midwest. The National Weather Service is now saying most of the MIdwest should expect that August through October will experience out of the average hot temperatures and dryer conditions.

The local Honeywell plant in Metropolis, Illinois has just announced that they will soon be laying off nearly 200 workers. Despite the layoffs, they will keep around 100 employees, with a 2/3 staff cut. According to Honeywell Representatives, the affected employees will continue to be paid up through September 21st to the 30th. This all comes after they were recently inspected by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Heat records were broken yesterday in Cape, with the high temp of 101 around 1 p.m. Thursday, according to readings at the Cape Girardeau Airport just after 1 p.m. The last record on that date was at 100 degrees back in 1986. Earlier in June, Cape experienced nearly 10 days with highs around 100 or more.

U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson and Bob Parker are already well into campaign season, with flyers being distributed on her opponent, Bob Parker. The fliers supposedly attack Parker and infer that he is soft on terrorism and wants to get rid of federal drug laws. Parker believes that it is merely a smear campaign to discredit him in the upcoming race. Apparently, for weeks now, area residents have been receiving a direct mailing from Emerson's campaign staff sent to her constituants in the 8th Congressional District. Parker believes that the fliers were sent because she is worried about her chances in the upcoming race.

Jackson authorites are reporting that an estimated $1200 are missing from the Jackson Hardee's safe. Currently there are no suspects in the incident and police are still investigating the theft.

In a visit to the Cape Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Governor Nixon talked about his plan to help bring jobs back to the region, by provding tax credits to small businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Under the proposed small business jobs bill, employers who hire on new employees at or above the running minimum wage for the county, are eligible for tax-credits from 10 thousand to 20 thousand, depending on whether or not health benfits are offered. Unemployment rates are down to a near record low in nearly 2 years, to around 7 percent in June--still below the national average. 

Adam Wainright delivered a series of solid plays last night, as the Cardinals faced off against the Brewers. Many other players shone in the top of the ninth,when St. Louis loaded the bases with two outs against the Brewers Francisco Rodriguez. Freese then made a walk, which closed the gap in the score for the night. But the game was otherwise riddled with errors from the defense, and the Brewers, took the win for the afternoon, with a score of 4 to 3. 

 

Rib City Shootout returns to the Dexter Bearcat Event center this summer, with an extra weekend of basketball camp for girl’s basketball tomorrow and Saturday. More details at www.ribcityshootout.com

 

The Cape Based Lids Missouri Bulls faced off against Ford and Sons Cape Girardeau Post 63 Senior American Legion Team on Wednesday and took home a 6 to 2 win at Capaha Field. Last nights’ game was the first they’ve had in town all summer.

 

Paducah police are currently looking for a suspect that reportedly broke in and stole around 80 cartons of cigarettes, valued at around 3 thousand dollars from the Murphy Oil Gas station on Irvin Cobb Drive, in Paducah. The Paducah Police are asking anyone with info on the suspect or crime to contact them at Crime Stoppers at 270-444-8550.

Sikeston police have a new facility after nearly a year since the site on South Kingshighway and Trotter was dedicated. The new building will feature a cell on the first floor, and will help meet any needs for officers, such as safety, technology and training. The new building replaces the old Police headquarters, located off of North New Madrid Street, down the street from Municipal Utilities.

An Arkansas father who was has been missing for over a week now, and last seen near Mount Vernon Illinois, was recently spotted near the Sims, Illinois post office by a local postmaster. According to the Sims post master, Randall Super was reportedly driving by the facility slowly in his maroon Ford F-350. with license plates 216-JPE. Randall is known to have diabetes, and his wife Elizabeth believes the extreme heat in the region may be affecting his judgment. Due to his condition, Randall may need treatment at a hospital, and who sees Randall is encouraged to contact police to help get him home safely.

A three vehicle crash sends two Paducah residents to the hospital after a crash on Wednesday, off of Noble and Cairo Roads in McCracken County. According to a McCracken County police report, Joshua J. Caruthers rear-ended Joshua Harris’ 2008 Dodge Pickup, when he was eastbound on Cairo road. This set off another rear-end incident involving a James R. Swain also of Paducah and his 2006 GMC. Harris’ and 8 year old daughter Rena were taken to the hospital for reported minor injuries.

 

Don’t Bug Me was the subject of a kid's workshop today in Cape at the Discovery Playhouse. The event is from 9 a.m. to noon, hosted by the Little Horizons program, where kids will get to learn firsthand what a bug’s life is really all about. The Show-Me-Standards program is also a part of the event, preparing kids in science, geography, math, reading and art.

Proctor and Gamble now has the power to move forward with its project to expand facilities, which may bring nearly 200 new construction jobs to the region and create around 35 full time jobs at the plant. This all came after a special meeting with the Cape Girardeau County Commission, accepting intent to grant industrial bonds at 300 hundred million in an effort to help finance the project.

Heat could have been the cause of a buckle in the pavement near the corner of William and Silver Spring Road, when extreme heat reached the Cape area. MODot crews were reportedly on the site shortly after the incident. Road buckling is often a frequent sight when extreme heat meets humidity and cracks in the pavement. Road buckling can be potentially be dangerous, since it’s usually unpredictable. Motorists are urged to stay alert when traveling these next few days.

 

A few Cape residents near the block of Elm and Benton lost power during a late evening severe thunderstorm, after a tree hit a powerline. The Cape Airport reported wind gusts around 30 miles per hour around the time of the storm. Ameren crews were working restore power and damage in the area late Wednesday evening. 

 

Three Scott City residents were arrested on Wednesday. Angela N. Miller was arrested on a suspected DWI and endangering the welfare of a child, and John R. Miller, for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident. The third, Robert N. Hileman, was arrested on suspected drug paraphernalia possession.

 Extreme heat continues for residents of Cape, Bollinger, and Perry Counties and there doesn’t seem to be much relief in sight. Wednesday, residents experienced actual temperatures around ninety-nine, and combined with humidity, temperatures reached well into the triple digits. Today, an extreme heat warning continues for residents in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, and Perry counties until 10 p.m. This is the one of the hottest summers on record, counting June. According to NOAA, The US has experienced the single warmest 12 months in nearly 120 years. Residents are urged to drink plenty of water and be aware of the signs of heat stroke, and call 9-1-1 immediately if you experience symptoms. Cooling centers have been set up at the Bollinger Health Center in Marble Hill, and Senior centers in Cape, Chaffee, Jackson, Marble Hill and Scott City. 

An early morning crash on Monday, was fatal for three area men, near Dexter. According to Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Heffner, a deputy attempted to pull over one of the drivers for a traffic violation, but the driver lost control of his car, and was airborne near the highway 25 and 60 overpass. The vehicle then, reportedly veered off and landed in the westbound lane of highway 60. Missouri State Trooper Clark Parrot stated that the Deputy was no longer in pursuit of the vehicle as it crashed. Two men were pronounced dead on the scene, and the third was airlifted to Saint Francis Medical Center, and later died. The crash is still under investigation by the Missouri Highway Patrol.

Tamms Illinois residents are concerned about the future of their town and region, after governor Pat Quinn used line-item vetos to cut funding for the Tamms Correctional Center, among many other state run programs. Currently, the facility employs around 300 people. The Tamms Super Max State Prison was originally designed to hold some of the region's most dangerous offenders. According to the Illinois State Corrections Department, The Tamms Prison cost Illinois over $25 million in 2012. August 31st is the set closure date for the Tamms facility, and current employees have been notified, but also offered jobs at other facilities.

Jason Paul Mitchell, a 35-year old Jackson man will be serving prison time for 15 years, after he was convicted on Monday, of embezzling nearly $500,000 from his Sikeston employer, the DeWitt Company. It was all part of a scheme that would give a 4 percent return to a fraudulant bank account of his, from one of DeWitt's suppliers.

Southeast basebal fans will notice some changes in the Redhawks playing field this fall--Southeast Missouri State's Facilities Management Department is teaming up with the Athletics Department, to provide massive improvements to the outfield and give the grounds a new re-sodding, and better drainage, totaling around $67,000, according to the University. This recent update to the 15 year old field for the Redhawks is just one of many in the past months. 

Among the many bridge and road repairs this summer, the rural bridge on Cape County Road 245, part of the Little River Drainage District, will also be the site of much needed culvert work, after major damage was discovered by Scott Bechtold--Cape County Highway administrator. The winning contract bid of around $8 thousand for the improvement was given to Contch Engineered Solutions LLC, from Sikeston. Equipment Improvements for Cape County Parks Department are also being reviewed.

 

Graduation rates seem to be moving in the right direction for the Cape Girardeau school district, according to Superintendent Jim Welker in the minutes of the Cape Girardeau school board meeting, Monday. In the past school year, graduation candidates increasesd by about 2 percent, compared to the 2007-2008 high school classes. Although the district's four year graduation rates were around 68 percent for 2011, changes in the school's education plan and professional learning communities will likely have a positive impact for students in the future.

After a court appearance this week, local man,  Lawrence Anthony Guthrie was present by video confresence from the Cape Girardeau County Jail, after an arraignment on the charges of domestic first-degree assault, armed criminal action and three charges of assault on a police officer on June 13th. Guthrie alledgedly fired at his estranged wife, a state trooper, a Cape Girardeau county Sheriff Deputy and Jackson police. Bond was set by associate court  Judge Kamp.                      

Nearly 85 years of history came to a close on Monday at the old Franklin Elementary in Cape, after a slight sting in the plans for demolation came last Wednesday, when a swarm of honey bees interrupted the demolition process. Students will start their own chapter of history at the new Franklin Elementary in August with a brand new 50 thousand square foot facility.

 

Progress is being made on the new Isle of Capri Casino, as Cape welcomed in the new facility with a dedication ceremony for the street of the location--Paul Keller Way. Paul Keller was best known as the Isle of Capri's Vice president and was a major force in brining the casino company to Cape. The new road and location of Isle of Capri will be near Big Bend Road, also the original historic site of the Roverts, Johnson and Rand shoe company. Completion of the new casino is set to open around November 1st this year.

Local Ameren customers will have a chance to voice their opinion on possible utility rate increases. The Missouri PUblic SErvice Commission will hold two local hearings--one in Cape on August 21st at Noon at the Osage Center, and at the Old Armory in Dexter at 6 p.m. Ameren claims the need for rate increases at an average of $14 per month for each customer, will help cover ongoing expenses such as higher fuel prices, power grid improvements, renewable energy regulations, employee benefits, and evergy efficiency programs.

More major street work continues for the residents of Cape this week, as the Sprigg and Broadway intersection will close this Tuesday, July 17. These reparis and others in Downtown Cape are all part of the Building a Better Broadway Project, which will be from Water to Pacific streets along Broadway. Each block will be closed no more than three weeks at a time.

MODOT starts bridge work repairs on the 34/74 East and Westbound lands today between Cape and Illinois over the Mississippi River. One lane will be open starting at 7:30 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. every day this week dependent on weather. All work zones are clearly marked and all motorists should be alert around repairs. For more info about road work in Missouri, check out MODOT.org/southeast or call 1-888-ASK-MODOT.

Early Saturday morning a stabbing happened at the Pink Pony Gentlemen's Club in East Cape. According to Alexander County Sheriff Tim Brown, two men got into a fight and one of the Pony's bouncers tried to intervene, and in the process was stabbed in the back near a lung. He was later taken to a Cape hospital, where he is reportedly in stable condition. Police took the suspected aggressor, Michael Cox of Springfield, Missouri into custody--with charges pending.

Deer hunting in the city limits of Cape Girardeau could be an isue for a new city ordinance, which would allow Cape residents to bow hunt, under regulations set by the Missouri Department of Conservation. According to Mayor Rediger, he would like the land requirement proposal changed from 1 to 5 acres before it becomes an official ballot item. The issue also has an oppostion group--Cape Friends of Wildlife, and will also likely have discussion from Cape residents before it does make it on the ballot. Despite the ordinance, many claim that the deer population has become a nuisance and still needs to be dealth with somehow.

Update on 07/17/12:

The Cape Giraradeau City Council approves an ordinance that will now allow deer hunting in Cape city limits beginning this fall. Amendments to the new ordinance will likely follow, but will officially be in effect July 26th.

Plans are in the works for a brand-new 5 million dollar community center in Jackson, which will double as a tornado and storm shelter. The project will be funded by the Southeast Missouri Medical Center Incorporated. When complete, the facility will feature over 26 thousand square feet of space, nearly 13 thousand of it will include a shelter to protect about 2 thousand people from an F-5 tornado and provide an emergency Ops base. The planned location is at E. Deerwod Dr. and Greensferry Road in Jackson.

 

A Perryville Teen is in serious condition after fleeing from a Perry County Deputy, off eastbound Route M Near Perrry County Road 906 and was airlifted from the crash. According to Sergeant Larsen, Dylan A. Bohnert was alledgedly escaping a Perry County Deputy and lost control of his '96 Ford on a curve, causing it to run off the road, strike a tree and overturn. The driver was not wearing his seatbelt at the time and was later taken to St. Louis University Hospital for treatment.

Colonies of honey bees have complicated the destruction of Franklin Elementary in Cape this week. The company hired to tear down the school, Premier Demolition, said they encountered the bees yesterday morning, stinging several workers. None were seriously injured, but one worker allergic to bee stings was sent to a hospital to receive a steroid shot. A beekeeper was on hand Wednesday to remove the bees, but work may be delayed a couple of days. Franklin Elementary’s new 50,000 square foot school not far from the old building will usher in a new era after 85-years in August.

Phone scammers are abundant these days, and SEMO Electric Company is warning of a recent trend hitting customers in Cape and surrounding counties. The scam involves a caller telling customers of SEMO Electric that their bill will be paid by a new law passed by President Obama, so long as the customer provides social security, bank routing numbers, and other personal information. SEMO Electric serves 16,000 customers in six Southeast Missouri counties.

Sixteen firefighters were busy putting out a housefire in Cape Girardeau Wednesday. The fire department reports a neighbor next to the house at 1911 Bloomfield called reporting the fire at 4 pm, and when firefighters arrived they found a moderate amount of smoke billowing from the house. No one was home when the fire started, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

28-year old Travis Wade Shavers of Cape Girardeau was charged Wednesday after he fired gunshots near Sprigg Street and Route 74 early in the morning. Just past midnight yesterday, officers were notified of the gunshots, and gathered information on the suspects. Roughly an hour later, the suspects were found in the parking lot at Denny’s and were taken into custody. Shavers is charged with unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

The Southeast Missouri region of the American Red Cross has been in a shortage of blood donations for some time, and they are calling on anyone who is willing to donate to help them replenish their stock. Their donations are about 50,000 fewer than expected at this time of the year, which puts their need in the “emergency level” category. The Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region, which provides blood for Southeast Missouri, needs 800 pints of blood a day to be donated to meet demands. To donate, call the Red Cross or visit redcrossblood.org.

Yesterday we reported Governor Jay Nixon’s proposal that 114 Missouri counties be declared agricultural disaster areas; now the USDA has declared multiple Southern Illinois counties drought disaster areas. Alexander, Franklin, and Jackson are among the 6 counties named by the USDA, which allows all qualified farmers in the counties to apply for low-interest loans to help cover losses.  The loans are expected to be offered at 2 and a quarter percent, and more disaster declarations in Illinois are likely to be made in the near future.

The Tornado Warning Systems in Cape Girardeau County were tested earlier today at Noon, as part of the regular scheduled monthly drill. The tests are normally held on the first Wednesday of the month, but were delayed this month because of the Independence Day Holiday. The test siren blasts last around 3 minutes, and are not held unless weather is clear. During an actual tornado, warning alert signals are sent by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been located on the radar, or seen by a trained weather spotter.

 

According to local fire crews in Southern Illinois, a fire broke out around 5 A.M. this morning, at Egyptian Revival Day Spa in Williamson County off Route 13, Near Herrin and Carterville. Several departments were still on the scene since 7 A.M. this morning. No injuries have been confirmed.

Cape Girardeau police are investigating a very small fire at a house that was started when someone threw a Molotov cocktail at the house. Sergeant Jason Selzer reports police responded to 1425 Cousin around 5:20 am Sunday and the party at the house told police they heard a bang and one of the window curtains caught on fire. Officers found the remains of a bottle with a strong gasoline smell; one person in the house suffered a burn on her hand, but was treated. No arrests have been made.

The city of Jackson held another e-cycling event, and the turnout and results were larger than expected – 75,000 pounds of e-waste was collected. The city hosted the event on June 23^rd, giving citizens from all over a chance to dispose of any unneeded electronic items properly. The city reports over 160 TV’s, 240 computer monitors, 140 personal computers, and many other items were collected. Due to the overwhelming success, Jackson city officials are considering hosting an event once a year before the annual Clean-Up/Fix-Up Week.

The USDA has terrible news for corn farmers – 18 states were considerably hurt by the heat wave and drought that swept across the nation recently. A week ago, 22% of the corn crop nationwide was considered in poor condition; Monday, the number increased to 30%, with Illinois and Indiana being hit extremely hard – 48% of the corn in Illinois is considered very poor, a 15% increase from last week. Only 40% of corn in the country is rated good-to-excellent.

After being on hold for two and a half weeks due to a protest from an Oklahoma company, the Birds Point levee in New Madrid. The Army Corps of Engineers deemed the protest of $20 million awarded to three other companies to fix the levee by an Oklahoma company as “without merit”. The levee was intentionally breached in the flooding of 2011 to relieve pressure on the wall in Cairo, Illinois. The Engineers look to get all the equipment back into place before they re-start work on the levee, which is expected to begin in a few days.

Vandals struck Melaina’s Magical Playground in Cape County Park North, causing enough damage that it may cause the opening to be delayed. Slides, chimes, safety panels, and construction items were all damaged over the weekend, and with the equipment designed to fit the needs of children and adults of all physical abilities, the concern is that getting the equipment repaired or entirely will take some time. The playground will host a golf tournament August 10^th and Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson to help raise funds.

23-year old Kylie D. DeWitt of Sikeston was killed Sunday morning in a one-car crash. Police report around 1 am on County Road 532 three miles north of Minor, DeWitt’s vehicle ran off the road, hit part of a bridge, then a ditch. DeWitt died on the scene.

A late-Sunday morning garbage truck fire kept Cape Girardeau firefighters busy at 900 South Kingshighway. According to Battalion Chief Mark Starnes, the fire broke out on a truck near Cape Tractor Trailer Supply, destroying one truck and damaging two others. There is no word on the cause of the truck fires, and no one was injured.

Various parts of the Heartland were struck with weather-related issues this weekend.  60 mile per hour winds were reported in parts of Southwestern Illinois, including trees down in Carbondale. A tree was reported down on a house in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Nearly 2-inch sized hail was reported in Alexander County, Illinois. Just over 1,000 total power outages were reported in parts of Illinois, and nearly 350 in Stoddard County at 7:15 pm by Ameren.

If someone claiming to be from Ameren Missouri tells you that the Obama administration has a program to give you up to 15-hundred dollars to pay your electric bill...don’t give them any personal information. Scammers are at it again in Missouri and Illinois. A statement from Ameren says as many as 900 Ameren customers have fallen for the scam. This is the second time the same ruse has appeared since mid-May. Ameren says there is no such program. She says victims are being contacted either in person, through email or are being given flyers with the Ameren logo. 

A six-story building at 30-65 William Street was flooded and suffered $500,000 worth of damage, and police believe it was not an accident. Cape Police report vandals entered the building and turned on the main water source, letting water run throughout the building. Drury, the owners of the building, report offices on the bottom two floors of the building were severely damaged. Anyone with information on who committed the crime is encouraged to call the police department.

The attorney for Clay Waller after his wife, Jacque, disappeared in 2011 is in hot water of his own. Scott D. Reynolds had a charge filed against him by the Missouri Office of the Chief Disciplinary Council that said there is probable cause Reynolds was guilty of professional misconduct. Reynolds pleaded guilty in 2010 to misdemeanor domestic assault in the third-degree after he assaulted his fiancé, and spent 28 days in jail. The Council Office would not comment on the case, but the hearing process has been started.

Cape Girardeau Police Chief Carl Kinnison is retiring, according to the department and a confirmation from Officer Darrin Hickey. Kinnison has been with the department for three decades, and has spent the last seven years as chief. He will take a full-time position at SEMO's Criminal Justice and Sociology department where he had been serving in a part-time position. Kinnison's retirement is official August 1st, and city manager Scott Meyer said the city will do an extensive search for the next police chief.

Jackson Police report several juveniles set off fireworks in a subdivision Thursday, setting off a small grass fire. Fire crews responded to the fire at Lonesome Cove Road in the Saddlebrooke Ridge subdivision around 12:45 pm. Fire crews had the fire contained quickly to prevent massive damage. Deputies say no charges will be filed as lighting fireworks is not banned in Cape Girardeau County, but it is still extremely discouraged due to a severe drought in the area.

39-year old Eldon B. Bohnert of Perryville died Thursday after he was hit by a truck that backed up into him. Perryville Police report Bohnert was getting ready to hook up a trailer to the back of his truck when a driver began to back up from his driveway. The driver told police he did not see Bohnert still behind his truck when he hit him shortly after 7 am. Bohnert died at Perry County Memorial Hospital.

A suspect in Poplar Bluff who was arrested for creating a disturbance at a Casey’s General Store died Thursday in police custody. A caller told police the suspect, whose name was not released by the police, was damaging items in the store. The suspect was placed in handcuffs and in the back seat of a patrol car, where he began kicking out car windows. Police realized something was medically wrong with the suspect , and transported him to a hospital, where he died. The Missouri Highway Patrol will handle the investigation.

After Gordonville Fire Chief Randy Morris was let go by the board on June 6^th, many residents want to know why he was let go, but the board isn’t saying anything. About 50 people attended the Gordonville Volunteer Fire Department’s monthly meeting, and many of them were up in arms over the forced departure of Morris. In the wake of the termination, three other firefighters quit, and the newly appointed interim fire chief, Jay Snider, already resigned less than a month after taking the position. The most the board members would offer is to point to the public records of the vote which only disclose who voted to keep Morris, and who did not.

If you’re fishing in Dexter City Lake and notice a pile of fish on one side of the water and nothing biting, it’s not coincidence or a cruel fishing prank. City officials are having to deal with and figure out 1,000’s of dead fish in the lake this week. Officials with the Dexter Parks Department say the constant heat above 100 degrees and warmer-than-average nights have disrupted the oxygen levels in the water, causing fish to die at an abnormally high rate. Right now, there is a no fishing sign posted for the lake, but officials are fixing the problem and hope to soon have fishing back at the lake.

Earlier this week, Governor Jay Nixon signed a bill in Jackson that will provide help for soldiers returning home to find jobs. The Show-Me Heroes Program has been a success so far, helping 1,600 men and women who returned from serving in the military to find jobs. This bill adds on-the-job training, and makes spouses eligible for the program, as well. Governor Nixon said the idea for the bill came from speaking with soldiers who told him one of their biggest fears was finding employment when they returned home.

The Butler County Sheriff’s department is looking for a suspect in an armed robber of a convenience store in Polar Bluff. Police report the robbery took place around 8:15 pm Sunday at the Village Express Store on Highway PP. A white male robbed the store at gunpoint, and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured, and the Butler County Sheriff and Poplar Bluff Sheriff’s departments are investigating.

A drug bust in New Madrid County will send five to prison this holiday week. Early Saturday morning, New Madrid County deputies were sent to a home in Morehouse with a search warrant, and ended up confiscating $16,000 in cash, marijuana, and a meth lab in the house. All five suspects arrested are charged with attempt to manufacture, intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled substance. All five are being held in New Madrid County Jail without bond.

26 cars on a train in Perry County were derailed just after 3 pm Saturday. According to the Perry County Sheriff’s office, it happened just north of Wittenberg, and no hazardous materials were spilled in the accident. No one was injured in the 26-car accident.

Fire crews in Bollinger County were busy fighting a 65 acre fire Sunday afternoon. Around 3 pm, fire crews got the call to respond out near Zalma and Marble Hill where a field fire had broken out, endangering a saw mill and a house that was out there. The fire was able to be contained before damaging either, and a short time later crews got the entire fire under control.

Over 500 acres in Iron County burned this weekend as a wild fire spread quickly in Mark Twin National Forest; as of Sunday night, the fire was 100 contained, but fire crews will stay on the scene for a couple more days to make sure it is put out. A spokesman for the United States Forest Service said there was about 2% soil moisture, which indicates a severe drought similar to what you’d find in Texas or the Southwest. The fire closed Highway 32 for days, but it was re-opened on Saturday; no one was injured in the massive blaze, and the investigation is on-going as to what started it, with arson a possibility.

MoDOT is warning drivers passing through Southeast Missouri that even though the weather is dry, roads can still be affected greatly by “blowing up”. Officials with MoDOT say the extreme heat day after day can cause the asphalt to “blow up” and bubble when moisture seeps into a crack caused by the heat; it will then weaken and bubble or blow up. MoDOT maintenance engineers say it’s impossible to know where it will happen, but that they will fix any dangerous cracks in the road quickly.

After a lengthy manhunt, troopers in Wayne County were able to catch suspect 50-year-old Billy J. Hancock. Trooper Clark Parrott reports Hancock was arrested at a home near Highway 34 around 10 pm Thursday. About 20 troopers, deputies, and other agents surrounded the house, eventually getting Hancock to exit and surrender without resisting. Hancock ran from troopers after a routine traffic stop Wednesday. He was taken into custody, and after police made clear that anyone who was found to be hiding our aided Hancock in his escape would be punished, an investigation will be done into those at the home where he was found. 

A fuel dock at Wappapello Lake damaged a boat and a dock on Thursday. The Army Corps of Engineers got a call shortly after 12:15 pm and arrived to find the dock engulfed in flames. The dock and dock store sustained damage, along with a pontoon boat owned by the owner of the marina. Multiple authorities were on hand to investigate the fire, which has not been determined. No one was injured in the fire.

 

Statement from Wayne Smith, President & CEO of SoutheastHEALTH:

 

SoutheastHEALTH will continue to move forward with our unwavering commitment to providing the best quality healthcare available at the most economical price close to home. Over the past year our focus has been on lowering healthcare costs locally and the Supreme Court ruling does not change that.

The Supreme Court decision is not the final chapter of the Affordable Care Act. This is a highly complex and dynamic issue with multiple stakeholders, and there is an election this fall that could potentially impact the ultimate outcome of the legislation.

We also know the real problem isn’t the Affordable Care Act or the alternatives to it. The problem is what healthcare costs. With imagination and innovation and a willingness to work together, we can reach our goal of lower per capita healthcare costs and improved value.

As the healthcare system continues its transformation, we will continue to do what we’re about – providing excellent patient care every time for every patient.

 

SAINT FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER RESPONDS TO SUPREME COURT RULING ON HEALTHCARE REFORM

 

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – June 28, 2012 –The United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has a significant impact on our healthcare delivery system. Saint Francis recognizes that healthcare is changing with or without the requirements of the Affordable Care Act and remains committed to providing quality and accessible healthcare to Southeast Missouri.

 

“We believe it is important that patients have access to care in the most affordable and appropriate environment,” says Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis Healthcare System.  “All should have coverage and access to healthcare services.”

 

The mission of Saint Francis Medical Center is to provide a ministry of healing and wellness inspired by our Christian philosophy and values. Saint Francis provides care to all patients even if they can't pay. It offers two programs for patients who cannot pay their bills: the Uninsured Patient Program and Charity Care. Both programs are based on specific financial requirements.

 

With the healthcare reform law officially upheld, Americans are now required to purchase health insurance or face a penalty. While this mandate aims to get more Americans covered by insurance, it does little to directly address rising healthcare costs. Saint Francis acknowledges that the healthcare system needs to be fixed, but maintains that it can only truly be fixed by those organizations that understand the system best, such as the American Hospital Association and the American Medical Association.

 

A key component of controlling healthcare costs is the focus on the wellness of the patient. Saint Francis has launched multiple wellness initiatives aimed at curbing these costs. Patients who are active in their own wellness help assure not only that healthcare costs can be contained, but also that their own lives are improved.

 

“Patients will continue to receive the high level of care that Saint Francis has delivered throughout its history,” Bjelich says.  “Our large network of primary care physicians and specialists focuses on preventive care, lifelong wellness and providing expert care for the continuing health needs of the community.” 

 

Saint Francis is a 280-bed facility serving more than 650,000 people throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. Guided by our mission to provide a ministry of healing and wellness inspired by our Christian philosophy and values, we have become a progressive, innovative regional tertiary care referral center. Our major service lines, which have received national recognition, include the Neurosciences Institute; Thomas G. Otto, MD, Orthopedic Institute; Family BirthPlace, featuring the region’s first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Heart Hospital; Gene E. Huckstep Emergency and Trauma Center with Convenient Care; Cancer Institute; and Fitness Plus. Last July, Saint Francis opened its 208,000-square-foot combined Heart Hospital Cancer Institute, where patients have access to advanced treatments and technology – under one convenient roof. Saint Francis is proud to be ranked on Modern Healthcare magazine’s prestigious Best Places to Work in Healthcare list for four years in row (2008-2011).

In a decision that will affect everyone for years and perhaps generations to come, the Supreme Court upheld President Obama's 2010 health care reform law by a vote of 5 to 4. The ruling includes upholding the individual mandate law, which requires every single American to have health insurance. The majority opinion was written by Chief Justice John Roberts, who held that the individual mandate was upheld as it is within the power of Congress and the tax clause rather than the commerce clause. The entire decision was handed down on 110 pages, and Chief Justices Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, and Alito were the dissenting votes.

A Wednesday afternoon fire called multiple Cape Girardeau fire engines to the scene at the Public Works building. Around 4:25 pm, a fire that some employees said started with some kind of pop sound brought multiple trucks to put out the fire in roughly 15 minutes. The cause of the fire is unknown, but an investigation is on-going by the Cape Fire Department.

A vacant house fire kept Poplar Bluff fire crews busy Wednesday evening. Emergency crews report the fire happened around 4:50 pm at 10^th and Vine, and flames were spewing from both levels of the 2-story house. Chief Ralph Stucker reports no electric or gas was turned on at the house. There were no injuries, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Saint Francis Medical Center has been awarded $262,068 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help purchase equipment for the first regional telestroke and teletrauma program in Southeast Missouri. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced funding for 52 distance learning and telemedicine projects that will increase access to healthcare and enhance educational opportunities in 29 states.

 

With the funds, Saint Francis’ Telestroke and Teletrauma Network Project will provide the equipment needed for timely, expert telemedicine consultations to patients at three rural hospitals in Southeast Missouri: Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter, Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital in Hayti and Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville. This service will benefit patients in the Southeast Missouri counties of Bollinger, Butler, Dunklin, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Scott, Stoddard and Wayne who arrive in the emergency room with symptoms of an acute stroke and/or trauma.

 

“It is unfortunate that most rural community hospitals do not have basic patient-assessment capability in place on an around-the-clock basis,” says Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, Saint Francis President and Chief Executive Officer. “This results in the patient either not receiving the best available treatment or being transferred to Saint Francis, losing valuable time between original presentation in the emergency room, and treatment. This program will allow patients to receive lifesaving treatment in a timely manner, thus improving clinical outcomes,” he says.

 

Debby Sprandel, MSN, MBA, BSN, RN, director of Medical Management and Neurosciences, and Robert Grayhek, MBA, BSN, RN, director of Trauma and Disaster Services, will lead the project at Saint Francis, working with physicians to plan, develop and implement telestroke and teletrauma programming in the medically underserved areas of rural Southeast Missouri.   

 

“Our rural communities need access to the latest educational and healthcare services to compete in the 21st Century,” Vilsack says. “The funding … for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program will help ensure that rural citizens receive the same high-level, specialized medical care and educational services enjoyed by their fellow citizens in urban areas.”

 

In all, USDA awarded $14 million for 19 distance-learning projects, 32 telemedicine projects and one combined project, all benefitting rural counties.

 

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $165 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas.

 

Saint Francis Medical Center is a 280-bed facility serving more than 650,000 people throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. Guided by its mission to provide a ministry of healing and wellness inspired by its Christian philosophy and values, the Medical Center has become a progressive, innovative regional tertiary care referral center. Saint Francis’ major service lines, which have received national recognition, include the Neurosciences Institute; Thomas G. Otto, MD, Orthopedic Institute; Family BirthPlace, featuring the region’s first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Heart Hospital; Gene E. Huckstep Emergency and Trauma Center with Convenient Care; Cancer Institute; and Fitness Plus. Last July, Saint Francis opened its 208,000-square-foot combined Heart Hospital Cancer Institute, where patients have access to advanced treatments and technology — under one convenient roof. Saint Francis is proud to be the only employer in Missouri ranked on Modern Healthcare magazine’s prestigious Best Places to Work in Healthcare list for four consecutive years — 2008-2011.

The Isle of Capri Casino will hold three job information sessions Thursday to find prospective employees for its Cape Girardeau opening. Casino management will be on hand to answer questions, but will not accept any applications or resumes. They expect to begin craps dealer’s school in August, and blackjack and poker dealer’s training in September. The Cape Chamber expects the casino to add 450 jobs to the city. If you’d like to work for the casino, fill out an application at any time at islecasinojobs.com.

48-year old Kathy Ellsworth of Dexter has been charged with stealing nearly $500,000 from her boss. Ellsworth worked as a bookkeeper during the two-year period she is alleged to have stolen the money. Authorities are not releasing the name of her employer, but she stole most of the money by forging checks.

46-year old Kurt K. Knuckles of Chaffee was arrested and charged with multiple charges, including second degree burglary and possession of a controlled substance. The Scott County Sheriff’s office reports Knuckles was reportedly involved in a home invasion May 5^th; after an investigation, officers turned up stolen power tools and a gun taken during the burglary. Knuckle was later to be found in possession of Hydrocodone tablets and synthetic drugs. He was released on $500 bond.

Two people in Cape Girardeau were arrested for prostitution Tuesday. 56-year old Paul Brent Henderson, and 29-year old Amanda Marie Campbell, of Cape, were both arrested; Henderson charged with patronizing prostitution, Campbell charged with prostitution. Cape Officer Darin Hickey reports were on a routine drive around Shawnee Park about 5:40 pm when they saw an occupied car at the end of the lot. An investigation turned up Henderson and Campbell had just engaged in a sexual act for pay. Both were released after arrest on summons.

Cape Girardeau fire crews were called to the scene of a shed fire Monday night. Battalion Chief Mark Starnes reports a 24' x 24' storage shed was on fire at 9:21 pm with about 75% of it caught in the blaze. Four engines reported to control the fire, which took roughly 10 minutes, with all crews leaving the scene around 9:44. An investigation found the cause of the fire to be undetermined, and no one was injured.

Poplar Bluff police arrested 33-year old William Fanter after he allegedly stabbed another man in the neck with a box cutter. The police department responded to a call in the 700 block of Cynthia Street on June 22^nd around 11:50 pm; they found 45-year old Timothy Hartwick with a serious stab wound in his neck. Witnesses report Fanter attacked Hartwick after an argument over a disturbance complaint. Hartwick was taken to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center; Fanter was taken to Butler County Jail on $250,000 bond.

Sheriff John Jordan and Jackson Chief of Police James Humphries report a reward will be given for any information that leads to an arrest in relation to recent burglaries and car break-ins. A reward of up to $5,000 will be given to anyone with any information; police say the burglaries have happened in the last few months, most of them occurring in the early morning hours. If you have any information, you are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s office or the Jackson Police.

Recent areas in Southeast Missouri have caught fire, and multiple fire departments in Southeast Missouri want to remind everyone of burn bans in the region. Oran fire chief report there is no burning within the Oran district; The Scott County Rural Fire District recommends no burning in the fire district and only to shoot fireworks if the area is properly wet before; The Cape County commission has issued a restricted burn order. All county residents should postpone burning until the danger subsides.

A Cape Girardeau man was sent to a hospital Sunday morning after a collision on a bridge. The Missouri Highway Patrol reports around 1:25 am, 32-year-old Jordan R. Picker of Cape was heading west 2 miles south of Jackson on County Road 318 when his vehicle collided with an eastbound pickup on a narrow bridge. The accident caused Picker’s vehicle to drive off the side of the bridge and into a creek. The passenger in Picker’s vehicle, 28-year old Matthew Callow of Jackson, was transported to Saint Francis Medical Center with moderate injuries.

A field and trailer fire called multiple fire crews to the scene Sunday just off Highway 77. Scott County fire crews say the fire at 339 Shady Branch began after someone was burning trash and it began to spread. The fire started in the grass and spread to multiple homes and campers, and damaged three cars and tree lines. The fire crews report multiple homes were evacuated, and no injuries were reported at this time.

The Scott County Sheriff’s office report a Cape Girardeau man is in custody after allegedly stealing from multiple places. The sheriff’s office received an early Thursday morning phone call from a victim who confronted the suspect at their residence near Minor. The suspect hid a nearby cornfield, leaving behind a bicycle at the residence. When found by police, the suspect had evidence that potentially linked him to stealing from nearby residences.

A 14-year old Sikeston girl has apparently been missing since June 12^th, and Sikeston Police are now seeking the public’s help in finding her. Angel L. Woods is from Sikeston, and is a white female, 5 foot 3, 120 pounds with brown hair and eyes. Police say she has texted home recently, leading them to believe she went missing voluntarily. Woods has a history of running away, so police are concerned she may be with older men. Sikeston Police ask anyone who knows of her whereabouts or sees her to call them immediately.

A man in Poplar Bluff was getting ready for work Thursday when he encountered a unique situation – another man was standing in his kitchen.  32-year old Jeremy Williams Bailey of Potosi was arrested and charged with one count of burglary first degree after he unlawfully entered a home in the 2800 block of Vaugh Avenue just before 8 am. The homeowner saw Bailey and called 911 while Bailey took off out a back door and into a wooded area. A perimeter was set up by the Poplar Bluff police, and Bailey was eventually arrested and taken to Butler County Jail.

Jimmy Bell of Cape Girardeau was found guilty after his trial Thursday by a Cape Girardeau County jury of shooting a man after drinking in August 2011. Jurors took three hours to come to the guilty verdict, convicting Bell on one count of first-degree assault and one count of armed criminal action. Bell will be sentenced in late-July; another man, Seth Summers, also a suspect in the shooting, goes to trial in August.

A new sodomy charge has been brought against East Prairie pastor Kenneth Allen, over a month after he was charged with first degree statutory sodomy and child pornography. Allen waived his right to a preliminary hearing yesterday, setting his trial date for July 10^th in Mississippi County. The new charge of sodomy will bring Allen back to court a day later on July 11^th.

Multiple Cape Girardeau fire crews responded to an apartment and attic fire Thursday morning. Chief Mark Starnes reports the crews arrived at the 2764 block of apartments at Lynwood Hills Apartments around 9 am with heavy smoke coming from the sides and attic. The blaze took 45 minutes to get under control, and damaged ten units with smoke, fire, and water damage. Starnes says the damage is close to $300,000. No one was injured, and the apartment complex says they have vacant lots to place the tenants until their apartments are fixed.

A pretrial hearing Wednesday in Jackson for former Cape Central High teacher Roman D. Smith confirmed what he and his lawyer already knew – his trial will begin June 29^th at the Cape Girardeau Courthouse in Jackson. Smith, a former physics teacher, is charged with misdemeanor third-degree assault after allegedly choking out a student in a play fight in February. Smith resigned shortly after, but has maintained his innocence.

Due to changes in state and federal funding regulations, those wishing to attend Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff will now need to have obtained a high school diploma or a GED. Students who have attended classes before the end of this month will be grandfathered in, allowing them to still attend without a diploma or GED. The Student Services offices say these changes were put in place last fall as part of changes made to Pell Grant regulations, but won’t take place until July 1^st.

Two Puxico men are held in custody after resisting arrest on Highway 51 just north of Puxico. Brothers 22-year old Brandon Lyn Payne and 24-year old Dustin Thomas Payne, both of Puxico, were in a Jeep that ran off the road. Police were called to the scene, and after asking both men to stop drinking beer, Officer Ryan McLeary escorted Dustin to the back of his patrol car. Brandon became belligerent when asked to stop drinking, and threatened to kill Officer McLeary, who was forced to pepper spray Brandon to subdue him. Brandon’s young son was exposed to the pepper spray, and was treated.

10 months after allegedly shooting a man in the head after drinking, Jimmy Bell of Cape Girardeau begins his trial on charges of first degree assault and armed criminal action. Bell is accused of shooting 23-year old Joshua Abernathie in the left side of the head on County Road 535 in the Neely’s Landing area after drinking; Abernathie survived the shooting. Seth Summers, a second suspect in the shooting, has the same charges against him as Bell, but will stand trial in August.

With the fiscal 2013 year beginning in 10 days, the Southeast Missouri State University board of regents approved an operating budget of $98.3 million dollars at a Wednesday meeting. According to the university, the budget increase includes a faculty base merit salary increase of 1.75 percent; the fiscal 2013 budget is nearly $2 million more than it was for the fiscal year 2012. The board of regents also approved an auxiliary budget of 36.7 million dollars, which includes budgets for the Show Me Center, Residence Life, and other campus-related areas.

(Article courtesy of Southeast Missouri State University. For the full article, visit http://www.semo.edu/news/index_42803.htm) 

 

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., June 19, 2012 -- The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents will consider approving proposed fiscal 2013 University operating budgets for the University and its auxiliary units when it meets June 20 in the University Center Ballroom A.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the first item on the agenda will be consideration of a motion to go into a closed session for appropriate considerations.

The Board will reconvene in University Center Ballroom A and, at 1:15 p.m., will announce action taken during its morning closed session before considering the proposed operating and auxiliary budget items. The Regents also will consider a biennial capital budget request for FY2014 and 2015 to be submitted to the Missouri Department of Higher Education; Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans for Scott and Dunklin counties; and an amendment of a contract with Chartwells, the University’s food service provider, for capital project improvements to campus dining facilities.

According to school district officials, Cape Girardeau teachers will be given a 2.66% raise for the upcoming school year, with an aim at keeping teachers from leaving for higher paying districts. The base teacher salary will increase $500 dollars to an even $30,000 annually; the average pay is just under $39,000, which is $1500 less than neighboring Jackson’s school district. Other Cape school staff members will receive pay increases, with most ranging between 1 and 2 percent.

More information has been released in the case of a Cape Girardeau man who attempted suicide on Interstate 55 in April. Quinton Headrick was under investigation by police for allegedly sexual abusing a girl younger than 14 years old. The probable cause statement reports Headrick engaged the girl in some sexual acts, including putting his hands down her pants. Police say it was during the investigation of this alleged abuse that Headrick attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head and walking into traffic on I-55. He now faces a charge of statutory sodomy.

It was a 4 to 3 margin that the Cape City Council passed the first round of their urban deer hunting ordinance at Monday's meeting. An hour of persuasion from both sides was heard during the meeting, most of it coming from the opposition of the bill that would allow deer hunting in specific areas of the city. A petition with the required amount of signatures would allow this to go to a public vote; until then, the city council's final vote will come as its July 2nd meeting.

The drug-trafficking case of Charles Anthony Robinson in Cape Girardeau took an unusual turn in January when juror Verdist Poindexter committed perjury. The trial ended in a mistrial, and Robinson will now be tried September 7th. As for Poindexter, who swore under oath he did not have a bias against Cape Girardeau police, only to tell other jurors he would vote "not guilty" no matter what due to his bias against the police, he will have a preliminary hearing Wednesday, June 20th, at 1 pm for perjury.

Jason Mitchell of Jackson will stand trial today on charges he was involved in a "kickback" scheme that pocketed more than $500,000 into a fraudulent account for him and a business colleague. Mitchell, a former employee at DeWitt Company, teamed with Rajiv Toprani of Clarksville, Tennessee, between 2007 and 2010 to purchase materials for DeWitt at a price they agreed on. The two would share a percentage of the purchase price and put it into the fraudulent account. DeWitt filed petitions asking Mitchell and Toprani, who has his charges dropped in exchange for testimony against Mitchell, to pay back the $500,000.

Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff will receive $115,000 from the Missouri Division of Fire Safety by July 1^st.  The money will go towards the Public Safety Institute, which provides collegiate degrees and continued education training for law enforcement and other fire and medical services. The college states this round will go towards enhancing training to firefighters as an official, non-profit vendor for Missouri. This grant is the first payment of the 2012 cycle that Three Rivers College will receive.

38-year old Larry J. McCann of Saint Mary, Missouri, is in Perry County Jail on charges of theft and an accident of a motor vehicle. McCann reportedly stole a vehicle from the Glister-Mary Lee parking lott in McBride, then had an accident in the vehicle and left the scene. He is charged with first-degree tampering and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident. McCann is being held on $10,000 bond.

Cape Girardeau City Council is expected to take their first vote on the urban deer hunting ordinance, and the first of what would be three votes on the ordinance is likely to pass by a minimum 4 to 3 vote. Basic steps on the ordinance will be reviewed and voted on, including that hunters would need to complete a training and safety course provided by the conservation center and complete a deer hunting permit application. If the ordinance passes, it will head to a July 2^nd review and vote that would likely finalize the bill. A petition with the required amount of signatures completed within 40 days would put the ordinance to a public vote.

Cape Girardeau police had to subdue a man on the South side of town who jumped through a house window to escape a drug bust. 30-year old Gene Lewis was arrested on violation of his parole after Cape police went to look for Lewis in the 800 block of South Benton. A police canine was sent in after police knocked on the door, and Lewis jumped through a window to escape the canine. Officers seized syringes from Lewis, while another person was arrested for hindering prosecution.

After successfully completing inspection by the Missouri Department of Health Services, Black River Medical Center opens today in Poplar Bluff. Black River is a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital partnered between Poplar Bluff Medical Center and Saint Francis Healthcare. Located off Highways PP and 67 at 217 Physicians Park Drive, the new hospital offers emergency services, laboratory services, and many other medical services.

A Sunday morning crash in Scott County took out multiple median cable posts on Interstate 55. It happened around 6:30 am near mile marker 85; troopers say a 22-year old driver from Benton ran off the left side of the road and hit 17 median posts. The car ended up a total loss, but no one was injured.

A Cape Girardeau woman was injured Thursday morning after an accident involving a bike and a car. Emergency crews responded to the corner of Perry and Broadway streets around 10:40 am. The woman was shaken up with injuries to her left side, including multiple cuts and bruises. EMS crews treated her injuries and loaded her into an ambulance and took her to a Cape hospital. The scene was cleared and traffic returned to normal around 11 am.

More details emerge from the attempted shootings of a wife and police officer in Jackson on Wednesday. The official probable cause statement from Cape Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle says 46-year old Lawrence Anthony Guthrie reportedly beat his wife and then went to retrieve a gun, at which point his wife also retrieved a gun. Guthrie shot at her and left the house; during the standoff outside with police officers, Swingle reports Guthrie shot at multiple police officers as many as 6 times.  Once Guthrie’s injury are fully treated, he will be taken to the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s department for charges; his bond is set at $500,000.

The Scott County Sheriff’s office reports a Sikeston couple is in jail after police busted an active marijuana operation in their home. 38-year old Darin K. Newton and 36-year old Amanda D. Newton are both charged with multiple drug-related charges including possession of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute. The sheriff’s office reports they were given a tip that there was marijuana at the Newton’s home, and after receiving a search warrant, they uncovered roughly 50 marijuana plants and other drug paraphernalia. They’re both in Scott County Jail, with bond set for $50,000 for Darin and $25,000 for Amanda.

A trip to WalMart for a Cape Girardeau mother and daughter turned into a fearful afternoon. Stacey Birk and her 17-year old daughter were shopping and were reportedly followed by a man who took a picture of Birk’s daughter while she looked at perfume. Birk says the man followed them a little more until she finally confronted him. The man denied having taken a picture of her daughter and stopped following them, eventually leaving the store. Surveillance shows the man following the two for a lengthy amount of time. Cape Police report no crime was committed, but that if this ever happens to you to let authorities know immediately.

 

(Article courtesy of Saint Francis press release. For more info, contact Emily Sikes, Marketing and Referrel Services, at 573-331-5327.)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. —Saint Francis Medical Center is proud to announce that three of its physicians and Medical Partners have been credentialed by MD Anderson Physicians Network^® through the Medical Center: Louis P. Caragine Jr., MD, PhD, FAANS, neurosurgeon and endovascular neurosurgeon at Cape Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery; and Bradley K. Bittle, MD, FCCP, D-ABSM, and W. Keith Graham, MD, D-ABSM, pulmonologists/sleep medicine physicians at Cape Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine.

 

This credentialing gives these physicians access to the advanced, evidence-based treatment processes developed by MD Anderson Cancer Center, the nation’s leader in cancer care. Now, Bittle, Caragine and Graham can freely collaborate with 750 MD Anderson peers — sharing insights and gaining the added value of consultations. They join 23 other credentialed physicians and a staff of experts fighting cancer at the Medical Center’s Cancer Institute.

 

“By earning the prestigious Physicians Network credential, our physicians have proven their dedication to conquering cancer,” says Steven C. Bjelich, FACHE-D, President and Chief Executive Officer at Saint Francis. “Dr. Bittle, Dr. Caragine and Dr. Graham should be proud to join the exclusive ranks of Saint Francis physicians who partner with each other and their peers across the nation to defeat this terrible disease.”

 

Saint Francis was approved as an affiliate of Physicians Network because of the comprehensive, cutting-edge care it provides. Saint Francis is one of only a few Physicians Network affiliate hospitals in the nation and the only one in the region.

 

Located in Houston, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer care, research, education and prevention. The renowned center has been ranked first in cancer care in the U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” survey for eight of the past ten years, including 2011. A subsidiary of MD Anderson Cancer Center, MD Anderson Physicians Network provides for affiliations with other oncology providers to promote quality management and best practices in cancer care.

 

Saint Francis Medical Center is a 280-bed facility serving more than 650,000 people throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. Guided by its mission to provide a ministry of healing and wellness inspired by its Christian philosophy and values, the Medical Center has become a progressive, innovative regional tertiary care referral center. Saint Francis’ major service lines, which have received national recognition, include the Neurosciences Institute; Thomas G. Otto, MD, Orthopedic Institute; Family BirthPlace, featuring the region’s first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Heart Hospital; Gene E. Huckstep Emergency and Trauma Center with Convenient Care; Cancer Institute; and Fitness Plus. Last July, Saint Francis opened its 208,000-square-foot combined Heart Hospital Cancer Institute, where patients have access to advanced treatments and technology — under one convenient roof. Saint Francis is proud to be the only employer in Missouri ranked on Modern Healthcare magazine’s prestigious Best Places to Work in Healthcare list for four consecutive years — 2008-2011.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., June 14, 2012 -- Season ticket sales open to the public June 18 for the 2012-2013 season at Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus. The sixth River Campus season will, once again, offer an amazing array of performing arts events by professional touring companies as well as the departments of Music, and Theatre and Dance at Southeast Missouri State University.

to read the full article, visit http://www.semo.edu/news/index_42708.htm

22-year-old Jesse Wayne James of Marble Hill died Friday at the scene of a car accident in Fredericktown. According to the police department, James, his 22-year-old unidentified girlfriend, and two children, were eastbound on Highway 72 in front of a school around 4 pm when he ran off the road. The vehicle struck a culvert, spun out, and rolled over. James was partially ejected from the vehicle, while his girlfriend suffered serious injuries. The two children were injured and were hospitalized along with James' girlfriend for treatment. The police report the truck was upside down when they arrived, but both children were secured in their safety belts.

Jackson Police report 45-year old Lawrence Anthony Guthrie is in custody after reportedly shooting at his wife and a state trooper Wednesday afternoon. Cape Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle charged Guthrie with three first-degree class A felonies of assault of a law enforcement officer, one first-degree class B domestic assault felony, and an unclassified felony of armed criminal action. Police say Guthrie ook a gun into the woods after a domestic dispute with his wife near Primrose Lane and Broadridge Drive in Jackson. Multiple troopers responded to the scene, with multiple being shot at by Guthrie as he tried to escape. He was eventually captured and taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries. Guthrie's wife and a trooper who was shot at are reportedly both ok.

Tom Williams has been named the new Superintendent of the Sikeston School District during an executive session of the school board Tuesday evening. The board recognized former Superintendent Steve Borgmsiller for his 12 years of service as Superintendent; Borgsmiller recently accepted the role as Director of Southeast Missouri State University's Sikeston campus.

The 8th Circuit of Appeals will no longer hear arguments this week in Clay Waller's federal case on internet threats he made in October. Waller's public defender made the appeal for the length of Waller's five-year prison sentence, but the U.S. Assistant Attorney reports they will make this decision based on briefs filed by attorneys for both sides. it is expected the decision on the appeal will be handed down in the next 3 to 6 months. In the meantime, Waller faces first-degree murder charges in the disappearance of his wife, Jacque Waller.

The National Weather Service reports multiple power outages, incredibly strong winds, and downed trees and power lines through the Heartland area. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports widespread power outages in Murray, along with outages in Reidland and trees down in Marshall County. Between 1:15 and 1:25 pm Monday, winds up to 70 mph were reported in Poplr Bluff; as of 4:30 pm Monday, Ameren reported nearly 3000 power outages in Stoddard Co., 30 in Scott Co., and 1600 in Pemiscot Co.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports strong rain Monday caused a three-vehicle wreck on Interstate 55 near mile marker 56. The Highway Patrol reports traffic was stopped on the highway due to the pounding rain and a van hit a tractor-trailer. Another semi hit the van, squeezing it between the two. Officers report there were two kids and a man in the van; the kids were unharmed, but the man was taken to a hospital with a possible broken arm. Two people in the last semi were not harmed, nor was the one person in the first semi.

 

This September, Southeast Missouri State University expects to go under an accreditation review, and they expect to do very well. The Higher Learning Commission will make is way to SEMO's campus this fall as one of about 50 universities that had visits moved up from Fall 2013 to this Fall. During the visit, much of the time will be used to discuss how to better teacher procedures and student learning outcome. Southeast is also a part of the Academic Quality Impovement Program, a program that helps a university maintain its accreditation through alternative processes.

Cape Girardeau Patrolman David Tucker suffered serious injuries when a tire on the motorcycle he was driving near Metropolis blew a tire. Officer Tucker suffered a skull fracture, broken shoulder, broken collarbone, and collapsed lung. Tucker was taken to a Nashville hospital, and is reportedly in good spirits. He has been with the Cape PD for six years.

Saturday, a crash on Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau left one dead and six injured. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, it happened around 7:15 am at mile marker 107. Driving in the southbound lanes, the tire of a van blew out, causing the van to skid across the road and overturn. 49-year old Charles D. Burnes of Fenton was pronounced dead at the scene; six others in the van received treatment for injuries at a Cape hospital.

 

Around 6 pm Thursday, Cape PD were called to the intersection of Mt. Auburn and William for a car-motorcycle accident. Police say the driver of the car ran a red light and hit the motorcyclist, who was turning. The motorcyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, while the motorcycle ended up heavily damaged under the car.

The Isle of Capri has announced their new casino in Cape Girardeau will open November 1st, nearly two months ahead of their original timeframe. Officials also add the cost of the casino has risen to $135 million from an original estimate of $125 milion.

North Cape Girardeau FD crews were called around 1:30 pm Thursday to a field fire just south of Old Appleton. The fire burned about an acre of a wheat field just east of Highway 61, with so much smoke billowing out at one point that it caused such a thick cloud drivers on 61 could not see. no one was injured in the fire.

Southeast Missouri will have two major road upgrade projects this summer, and bids were awarded for both this week. MoDOT announced a $1.5 million contract wa awrded to H.R. Quadri Contractors to work on Route T at Lake Wappapello. Officials say the roadway will be located 650 downstream from the spillway, with a design similar to the existing roadway. MoDOT also reports a $17.4 million contract was awarded to obertson Construction to improve Route 67 in Poplar Bluff. Officials say they will turn Route 67 into a four-lane road from Route 160 to St. Louis, plus enhance the connection between Route 160 and Route 60.

Saturday, June 9, The Family Fun Festival will be held at Jackson City Park to help raise funds for local disaster victims. Opening at 10 am and going til 3 pm, there will be plenty of fun and games to be had, including face painting, a dunking booth, and other carnival games. Candy and small prizes will be available for children; for adults, games include horseshoes, washers, and a rafle for a weather radio. Modern Woodmen of America will match all proceeds up to $5,000.

 

55-year old Charles Daniel Hovis committed suicide in his Bollinger County Prison cell Tuesday morning, but that was not the first time he attempted to kill himself. Bollinger County Sheriff Leo McElrath says Hovis was not under suicide watch after he recently returned from a hospital after an attempted suicide because the wounds he suffered on his legs were not life-threatening. He added psychological evaluators determined Hovis was not suicidal. Hovis cut himself twice under the left elbow, and eventually lost too much blood and died on the way to a hospital.

 

About 125 people attended a candle light vigil in Poplar Bluff to remember 15-year old Victoria Swanson and 17-year old Haley Whitmer, both killed in a Tuesday morning car-train collision. It was shortly after 10 pm Wednesday night when many friends and family began to gather along the railroad tracks at Wilcox Road, the site where the two teenage girls were killed when the car they were in was hit by an Amtrak. A teen that survived, Kacey Ogden, maintains they were not playing “Ghost Train” as was reported by authorities.

 

June 12^th is the anticipated date for 34-year old Andra R. Phillips to appear in circuit court on charges he murdered Gregory Gray in Charleston. Phillips, from Washington, was hired to protect Gray while he sold marijuana. Officers found Gray dead on April 10^th from shots to his abdomen, but Phillips is not believe to be the shooter. Phillips is charged under the felony-murder rule as he is suspected of committing a crime and helping to sell marijuana when a man was killed. Phillips told police Gray paid him $200 to drive his car from Washington state to Charleston to help deliver drugs. 

 

Deputies with the New Madrid County Jail say 50-year old John Wayne Reynolds Jr. of Lilbourn died Tuesday night after being assaulted by other inmates. The New Madrid County Coroner says Reynolds died from blood loss and blunt force trauma to his spleen. Reynolds died in the ambulance taking him to a nearby hospital. The Sheriff’s office, Missouri Highway Patrol, and Coroner’s office are handling the investigation, which is likely to lead to charges as early as this morning.

42-year old Michael McHale was stopped on Interstate 55 Tuesday, and what police found next would be quite the surprise - their drug-sniffing dog led them to 300 pounds of marijuana in the trunk and back passenger seat. McHale was stopped for following too closely and window tint violations, but had a charge of trafficking drugs added to those. He was jailed without bond.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports two Poplar Bluff teens were killed Tuesday morning in a car accident, but how and why the accident happened has come into question. MSHP reports the teens were among a group playing "Ghost Train", a game that involves sitting in a car on traintracks on County Road 554 and waiting for a train that wrecked there many years ago. Late Tuesday night, a teen that survived the crash claimed that's not true and that they had a mechanical failure that prevented the vehicle from moving off the tracks, but they were lured out to the area to play the game. 15-year old Victoria Swanson and 17-year old Haley Whitmer were killed in the accident, while 15-year old Kaitlyn Fowler was injured and is in critical condition.

A man in Bollinger County prison has reportedly killed himself while awaiting trial on multiple felony charges. 55-year old Charles Daniel Hovis was found bleeding profusely in his cell from wounds on his left arm at around 3:15 am Tuesday. An off-duty deputy arrived a few minutes after Hovis was found and administered meical attention before Hovis was transported by ambulance to Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape. Officials say Hovis died from two cuts just under his left elbow, and was able to find a sharp object to wound himself.

Former Cape Central HS teacher Roman D. Smith will have his pretrial hearing moved from today to June 20th at 1:30 pm. Smith, 32, is charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault from a January 21st, 2011, incident with a student in which Smith allegedly choked out the student during a "play fight". Smith resigned from his position as a science teacher in February. His trial is still scheduled for June 29th at the Cape County Courthouse in Jackson.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, 70-year old Loy Miller and his two sons, 50-year old Jasper Miller and 48-year old Randy Miller, were killed when a mobile home was overturned Monday night in severe weather. The National Weather Service reports the incident ocured at 8:45 pm as an EF2 tornado and 115 mph winds were blowing through Diehlstadt, causing officials to shut down Highway 77 leading to Diehlstadt to prevent people from observing the scene. Multiple Heartland areas reported near baseball-sized hail, including Benton. Visitation for the three Millers will be Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at the United Methodist Church in Charleston; the funeral will be Friday at 10 am at the same church.

Clay Waller appeared in court Monday at 11 am at a courthouse in Jackson on charges he murdered his estranged wife, Jacque Waller, on June 1st, 2011. Waller appeared via teleconference in front of Judge Gary Kamp, who presented the charges before Waller, who verbally stated he understood the charges. After being told a public defender would be assigned to him, Waller asked if he could still hire an attorney, a request Judg Kamp allowed. Waller's preliminary hearing is set for July 25th, and it is expected Waller will remain in Cape County until then. Waller was sentenced to five years in prison in Louisiana for making internet threats in October towards Jacque's sister.

According to the Bollinger County Sheriff Department, 29-year-old Robert J. Reynolds attempted to kidnap his girlfriend after assaulting her on Friday and is now in custody. The probable cause statement says Reynolds became angry with his girlfriend in their residence Friday, slammed her head against a wall, beat her, and caused her to pass out from exhaust fumes eminating from his truck's tail pipe. Reynolds then allegedly forced her into his truck, threatened to kill her, and took her to a field where he threatened to bury her and kill himself. He then drove her back to the residence and apologized to the woman. Reynolds is accused of kidnapping and second-degree domestic assault.

 

In a new study from federal health agencies, Missouri ranks among the worst states for mental health. In fact, neighboring states Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas all joined the Show Me State in the top 10 worst states for mental distress. Counselors in southeast Missouri say there are many factors that can trigger depression, from abuse to genetics. But in the Heartland, a lack of job creation and the poor economy plays a part in elevating the mental distress. 

 

Cape Girardeau school district teachers could be looking at a pay raise for the 2012-2013 school year. All that stands between are the school district board members approving a proposal that was presented during a special meeting late this week. The purpose of the pay raise is to better match the base annual salary in similar districts around the area, but those who are hourly workers – maintenance, lunchroom – could also receive pay raises to help reduce turnover in those positions. Currently base pay for a Cape teacher is $29,500.

 

Governor Jay Nixon made his way to Cape Girardeau Thursday to sign a bill that provides dedicated funding for veterans. Signed in a ceremony at the Cape Girardeau Veterans home, the bill provides annual funding of $32 million for ongoing operations for Missouri veterans homes and cemeteries. Governor Nixon said this bill, number 1731, received strong bi-partisan support; with his signature, the bill goes into effect July 1^st.

 

Scott City’s Summerfest begins today at 5 pm at the Scott City Community Park. Tonight’s events include the opening of rides and games and an illusionist at 7 pm. Friday’s events include the children’s pageant, Miss Summer Teen pageant, and the baby contest beginning at 6 pm, an adult karaoke contest, and a washers tournament at 7 pm. Saturday brings a junior talent show at 5, live music at 7, and a fireworks show to close out the festival at 10 pm. Carnival rides are open all three nights, and food and games are available. 

 

In Millersville, Missouri State Highway and Cape Girardeau Police were called to the scene of a tractor and motorcycle crash Wednesday afternoon. According to the police report, the man driving the tractor said the motorcycle driver tried to pass him on a corner on Market Street.  The motorcyclist was taken to a Cape Girardeau hospital for treatment. 

 

51-year old Jim R. Harris of Oran was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges he robbed a Benton convenience store in 2010. On January 28 two years ago, Harris entered the Ameri-mart in Benton wearing a Halloween mask and holding a semi-automatic pistol. Harris ordered the clerk to give him the money in the cash register, fired a shot to the ceiling of the building, and fled with just over $1,500. Harris admitted to the crime during questioning; two witnesses who were in the gas station corroborated the description of Harris. 

 

In Scott County, a farmer lost $100,000 worth of crops due to a field fire Tuesday. Three fire departments responded to the fire that occurred just off County Road 420 near Oran. The fire reportedly started because someone was burning trash nearby, a violation of the burn ban placed by multiple counties in Southeast Missouri and Southwestern Illinois, including Scott County. Fire departments urge you to call your local fire department to make sure burning is allowed before you burn.

 

Thanks, Kevin – We expected it to be near record highs all Memorial Day weekend, and temperatures were not only near the records, but three days in a row they broke records. The National Weather Service in Paducah reports Saturday’s high of 96 broke the 1978 record of 94; Sunday’s high of 95 broke the record of 92 set in 1972; and yesterday’s record high of 96 broke the previous high of 92, also set in 1972. 

 

Cape Girardeau County is under a burn ban due to high temperatures, low humidity, and possibility of strong winds. The County Commission reports all citizens should postpone open outdoor burning until the danger decreases. No field or wood lot fires should be set, and any agricultural work should be done carefully, especially when disposing of smoking materials. Campers and hunters are also encouraged to minimize any fires. 

 

In Cape, 22-year old Jonathan Quenton Fernandez is charged with assault of a law enforcement officer and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia after allegedly pulling a gun on an officer this weekend. According to Cape police, officers were searching for a wanted person believed to be staying at the Town House Inn when they knocked on a door; Cape police report they heard someone inside, and a man then opened the door wielding a gun. Officers took the gun away, and found a dollar bill with a white substance on it. Despite not being the person of interest for the officers, Fernandez was arrested and is held on $3,500 bond. 

 

The Illinois Senate has included $25 million to help keep the Tamms Correctional Facility open through 2013, despite giving pink slips to the nearly 300 employees last week. Representative Brandon Phillips has been fighting to keep the prison open, as it’s the largest employer in Alexander County. The House was expected to work through the weekend to find a way financially to keep the doors of the maximum security prison open. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has opposed keeping the Tamms prison open, citing it’s financial drain on the state’s budget which currently has $8.5 billion in unpaid bills.

 

DNA from a set of handcuffs has resulted in the arrest of 41-year old Kevin D. Stitt stemming from a 2009 robbery of Jayson Jewelers in Cape Girardeau. According to the Cape Girardeau Police Department, Stitt is facing first-degree robbery and armed criminal action charges after they were notified DNA taken from Stitt matched that from handcuffs used in the robbery on September 23^rd, 2009. A female employee reported a man and woman entered the store, followed by another man who was holding a handgun. The employee was handcuffed while the robbers made off with $300 worth of merchandize. Stitt is currently incarcerated in Nashville on an unrelated matter.

 

In Sikeston, an early Sunday morning crash killed 23-year old Ulysses “CC” Neal the fourth and injured three others. According to the Sikeston DPS, the crash occurred around 12:26 am at 105 Jackson, and reportedly the SUV was traveling at a high speed, lost control, and struck a tree. The driver, Derek Hall, received critical injuries; two other passengers, Joseph Brown and Cody Herrion, received critical and moderate injuries and were transported to a hospital. Officials say none of the four were wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

 

In Cape Girardeau, four were injured in a vehicle accident overnight, with two teenagers ending up hospitalized. Investigators say the crash happened just before midnight on Highway 74 between Cape and Dutchtown; 22-year old Ethan O’Connor of Cape was travelling east when his truck ran off the road and flipped. O’Connor and 22-year old Brandon Younger of Cape were both injured but did not require medical attention. Two other passengers – 16-year old Jasmine Pyles of Dexter and 17-year old Amber Brown – were rushed to a hospital; Pyles is in serious condition, Brown suffering moderate injuries.

 

30-year old Glen Weber of Frohna has been charged with driving while intoxicated after his car was struck by a train early this morning. The Perry County Sheriff’s office reports Weber was driving the car and that he was not injured. According to the highway patrol report, Weber’s car traveled off the road into a ditch, partially blocking the northbound tracks; Weber got out of the car minutes before the train struck the vehicle. Weber has been taken into custody by State Highway Patrol officers. 

 

County Commissioners announced that repairs on the Scott County courthouse roof have begun, hoping to replace and repair the top damaged from termite and water issues. The work will include removing all old vents and chimneys, and Commissioner Donnie Kiefer added they will get a better idea of what needs to be fixed one they remove the old roof, but that the 4 to 6 foot edge will absolutely need to be removed. No timetable was set on how long the repairs would take.

 

In April, about two dozen animals were seized from a Millersville-area home; Wednesday, Cape County Judge Scott Lipke determined those animals were only neglected, not abused. Paulette Marie Tidwell, the owner of the animals, and her lawyer waited during a 25-minute disposition hearing for Judge Lipke’s ruling, which also includes that none of the animals would be returned to Tidwell. Tuesday, Cape Prosecutor Morley Swingle filed misdemeanor charges of animal abuse against Tidwell; according to online court records, she is scheduled to be arraigned on those charges June 4^th.