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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Local News

Smith campaign releases finance report (05/23/13)
Republican Jason Smith's campaign for Congress raised $200,310 between April 1 and May 15, pushing his total funds raised to date to more than $500,000. Fundraising and expenditure figures for the April 1 to May 15 period for the June 4 special election in Missouri's 8th Congressional District were due to the Federal Election Commission on Thursday. ...
Schnucks security breach expensive for local banks (05/23/13) 2
A security breach involving Schnucks customers' credit and debit cards could get expensive for some local financial institutions. Schnucks' Cape Girardeau location, 19 S. Kingshighway, was among 79 stores affected by the breach that came to light March 28, company spokesman Paul Simon said...
Local businesses, drivers gear up for Memorial Day travel (05/23/13)
With an estimated 34.8 million Americans expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to AAA Travel, Cape Girardeau businesses and residents say they are preparing for the rush. According to the AAA Memorial Day Travel Forecast, the preferred method of travel for most Missourians will be by automobile. For many motorists, this will mean a trip to the gas station to fill the tank...
Job fair for veterans and spouses coming next week (05/23/13)
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The American Legion will host "Hiring Our Heroes," a free job fair for military members and their spouses from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. The job fair is open to active and former veterans and military spouses of all ranks and levels of experience. ...
100-Mile Yard Sale kicks off today (05/23/13) 3
It's that time of year again, when the stretch of Highway 25 between Jackson and Kennett, Mo., becomes the site of the 100-Mile Yard Sale. The yard sale, now in its 15th year, begins today and continues through Monday, Memorial Day. Browsers and bargain hunters alike will be able to find a variety of merchandise from vendors stationed along both sides of the highway...
Candidates discuss immigration, foreign aid at 8th District forum (05/23/13) 7
The six candidates for the 8th Congressional District on Wednesday night fielded questions regarding illegal immigration, U.S. foreign aid, Obamacare and the recent Internal Revenue Service scandal at a forum sponsored by the Cape County Tea Party at the Cape Girardeau Public Library...
Estimated cost of protecting fish falls within wide range (05/23/13) 3
PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Economists for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have estimated that protecting the grotto sculpin, a small cave-dwelling fish in Perry County, could cost from $140,000 to $4 million during the next 18 years. The actual cost will depend on how existing efforts to protect it are valued, if the species becomes formally classified as endangered and if the area is designated a critical habitat...
Federal appellate court to hear three cases in Cape Girardeau (05/23/13)
The federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau will make history Friday when it hosts a special session of the Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. U.S. Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh said the session, which is being held in conjunction with a continuing legal education program for area attorneys, is the first of its kind in Cape Girardeau...
SEMO Health Network team heading to Oklahoma (05/23/13)
NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Members of the Moore, Okla., community are struggling to find bits of their past in the rubble left by Monday's devastating tornado. On Friday, when the members of the SEMO Health Network's Emergency Response Team arrive, they hope to help survivors to rebuild for their future...
Fire destroys Jackson restaurant (05/23/13) 4
The Jackson Fire Department is investigating a Tuesday night fire that caused extensive damage to a restaurant on West Jackson Boulevard. According to Captain Tyson Medlock, the department received a call at about 10 p.m. for a fire at Cook's Bar-B-Q and Catering. Fire crews arrived and subdued the blaze, which was mainly in the restaurant's kitchen, but smoke damage was prevalent throughout...
St. Louis man seriously hurt in Scott County crash (05/23/13)
A St. Louis man suffered serious injuries in a crash early Wednesday morning on Interstate 55 in Scott County, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported. Andre L. Johnson, 25, was driving a 2005 Volkswagen Jetta south on Interstate 55 just south of mile marker 85 at about 3:50 a.m. when his vehicle struck the rear of a southbound 1999 Chevy Malibu driven by Mary P. Lejeune, 67, of Pass Christian, Miss., before traveling across the centerline and into a cable barrier, the report stated...
Grocery chain pushes to shift venue of breach suit (05/23/13) 8
BELLEVILLE, Ill. -- The suburban St. Louis-based supermarket chain Schnucks Markets wants a federal court to handle an Illinois lawsuit related to a security breach of customer credit and debit cards. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Schnucks filed a motion in Illinois' St. Clair County Circuit Court to move the lawsuit, saying a federal venue would be more appropriate given potential damages...
Tractor-trailer fire causes traffic backup; lane reopened (05/23/13) 1
A broken down tractor-trailer near exit 93 causes traffic to back up in the northbound lane of Interstate 55 on Wednesday morning in Cape Girardeau. The tractor-trailer caught fire in the wheel area and came to rest at mile marker 92.8, causing the right lane of I-55 to be closed while repairs could be made to remove the tractor-trailer...
Road work 5/23/13 (05/23/13)
Bridge deck replacement in Scott County delayed Replacement of the deck of a bridge on Route E in Scott County, between Bland Street and County Road 327, has been delayed. Contractor crews are now scheduled to begin work at 7 a.m. June 3. The road is expected to reopen by 5 p.m. Aug. 8...
Cape Girardeau County Commission agenda 5/23/13 (05/23/13)
1 Barton Square, Jackson 9 a.m. today Open session Communications/reports Public comments Routine business Action items Discussion and possible action item Discussion and possible action Public comments...
Fireworks show price met with casino's donation (05/22/13) 17
Isle Casino Cape Girardeau on Tuesday donated $6,000 to a fund to pay for a Fourth of July fireworks show in Cape Girardeau, pushing the donations to the $12,000 price tag needed to pay for the entire show. A donor, who initially wanted to remain anonymous, already had contributed $6,000 hoping to entice other groups to help cover the bill. That donor was identified Tuesday as Southeast Missourian and Rust Communications chairman Gary Rust...
Cape preservation commission releases list of endangered buildings (05/22/13) 4
The Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission on Tuesday announced its list of the city's most endangered buildings in hopes of raising awareness about the buildings' uncertain futures. There are 11 properties on the list, all in varying degrees of disrepair. According to Bill Eddleman, a member and previous chairman of the preservation commission, the "endangered" title given to these buildings does not mean they are beyond restoration....
Anderson gets 12 years for running down joggers (05/22/13) 4
An Arkansas man was sentenced to 12 years in prison Tuesday for running down a group of joggers last fall in downtown Cape Girardeau. Vincent Anderson, 19, of Little Rock, Ark., last month pleaded guilty to first-degree assault for the Oct. 28 attack, in which he drove a stolen 1994 Ford Thunderbird into a group of joggers at the intersection of Aquamsi and William streets. Three of the joggers suffered minor injuries...
No weapon displayed in Tuesday bank robbery (05/22/13) 6
Cape Girardeau police are looking for a suspect in a Tuesday afternoon bank robbery. A white man wearing a long-sleeved green shirt, jeans, dark shoes and a light-colored ball cap robbed First State Community Bank, 1602 N. Kingshighway, on Tuesday afternoon, said Darin Hickey, public information officer for the Cape Girardeau Police Department...
Oldest home in Stoddard County now considered endangered (05/22/13)
BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Bloomfield landmark received statewide recognition Tuesday. The Henry Miller House, 106 Cape Road, was constructed between 1845 and 1849. Miller, a prominent civic leader and merchant, was involved in the creation and promotion of the Cairo & Fulton Railroad Co. in the 1850s...
Former bank official sentenced to five years for embezzlement (05/22/13)
A former high-ranking official with the Ellington, Mo., branch of the People's Community State Bank was sentenced Monday to nearly five years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution on bank fraud and embezzlement charges...
SEMO District Fair grandstand lineup announced (05/22/13) 2
The grandstand lineup for the 158th SEMO District Fair has been released, and it includes the performances of a legendary classic-rock band, an award-winning country group and a former college football player-turned-musician. The fair, scheduled from Sept. ...
A few ways to help the recovery in Oklahoma (05/22/13)
Several charitable organizations are accepting donations to help with Oklahoma tornado relief. Some ways to contribute to the recovery effort include: n The United Way of Southeast Missouri has a link on its Facebook page to an Oklahoma chapter that's directly helping relief efforts. The United Way of Central Oklahoma can be accessed directly at unitedwayokc.org...
Alexander County courthouse roof damaged by high winds (05/22/13)
CAIRO, Ill. -- About half the roof of the Alexander County Courthouse in Cairo. blew off around 3 a.m. Tuesday because of high winds during overnight storms. John Price, board member for the Alexander County Public Building Commission and secretary/treasurer for Laborers' International Union of North America Local Union 773, said the courthouse is closed for all business as officials work to find a temporary location. ...
Councilman's motion for investigation of Poplar Bluff defeated (05/22/13)
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Councilman Johnny Brannum's motion to have the Missouri attorney general investigate what has been going on in city government for the last five weeks was defeated 5-2 Monday night. "Over the past four or five weeks, there has been progressively one thing or another," Brannum said. "There have been things said. There have been things done. It all started with the mayoral election [on April 19]."...
Road work 5/22/13 (05/22/13)
Route H in Bollinger Co. closed for pipe replacement Route H in Bollinger County, from Route FF to County Road 704, will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a pipe under the roadway. The work will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday...
Law named for Jackson teenager would change sentencing guidelines (05/21/13) 34
A bill providing new guidelines for sentencing juvenile offenders passed the Missouri House and Senate and is awaiting Gov. Jay Nixon's signature. "Jonathan's Law" was 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 that partially paralyzed another teenager...
Council talks renewal of hotel/motel, restaurant taxes (05/21/13) 5
The Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday discussed whether to renew hotel/motel and restaurant taxes, as well as the projects these taxes might fund. Council members discussed asking residents to renew the tax, but to be cognizant of how to present the proposal. Council members agreed a specific plan for the use of the money is necessary, especially with revenue coming from Isle Casino Cape Girardeau...
Local group hopes questions will bring out differences in 8th District candidates (05/21/13) 4
Organizers of an 8th Congressional District forum slated for Wednesday night are hopeful the format of their event will help reveal differences among candidates. Six congressional hopefuls running in a June 4 special election will participate in the Cape Girardeau County Tea Party's forum at the Cape Girardeau Public Library...
Advance board passes new dog ordinance (05/21/13) 3
Weeks after officially repealing its ordinance that limited dog ownership, the Advance Board of Aldermen passed a new ordinance city officials and residents called a "fair compromise." At their regular monthly meeting Monday night, the four aldermen and the mayor unanimously approved the measure, which will take effect after all official paperwork has been filed today, Mayor Carl "Pete" Ritter said...
Mississippi River continues fall; Themis flood gate opened (05/21/13)
The two downtown flood gates at Broadway and Themis Street are open after months 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 falling steadily, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky. ...
Cape school board approves lunch price increase (05/21/13) 12
In their first meeting after the 2012-2013 school year, the Cape Girardeau School Board met Monday night to discuss a light agenda that included breakfast and lunch prices for the 2013-2014 school year. "Our breakfast program is served daily at no charge in all district buildings," said Lisa Elfrink, nutrition coordinator for the district. "Breakfast allows for a great start to the day, particularly during times of testing."...
Three facing felony charges in connection with burglaries (05/21/13) 1
Three men face multiple felony charges after being arrested in connection with a string of burglaries in and around Cape Girardeau, a police spokesman said. Steven Johnson, 27, of Cape Girardeau and Xavier Canada, 23, and Marcus Canada, 31, both of Marked Tree, Ark., have been charged in connection with at least three burglaries in Cape Girardeau, said Darin Hickey, public information officer for the Cape Girardeau Police Department...
Jackson water-flushing program to begin in June (05/21/13)
Jackson public works will begin flushing water distribution and hydrant systems in the east-central area of the city, according to a news release sent by the department. Flushing will be from 8 a.m. to noon June 3 and will continue until the program is complete...
Pedestrian struck by train at crossing in Pemiscot County (05/21/13)
STEELE, Mo. -- A Steele pedestrian was seriously injured after being struck by a train Saturday in Pemiscot County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at 9:10 p.m., 45-year-old Lisa G. Hemphill of Steele was walking on the railroad tracks at the railroad crossing on Gibson Street in Steele and was struck by northbound train operated by Joseph E. Wormington, 28, of Cape Girardeau...
Weather service: Severe storms possible in Southeast Missouri (05/21/13)
Southeast Missouri could see strong thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday, with "brief" tornadoes possible, according to a hazardous weather outlook from the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky. Thunderstorms were possible Monday night, but a greater chance of strong storms comes into play Tuesday and Tuesday night. ...
Most endangered places list to be announced today (05/21/13)
Missouri Preservation will announce the list of Missouri's Most Endangered Historic Places at 1 p.m. today, according to a news release. The announcement will be made at the Henry Miller House, 106 Cape Road in Bloomfield, Mo., with a reception immediately afterward at the Oliver-Leming House, 740 North St. in Cape Girardeau...
Residents can vote to revitalize Main Street in Cape (05/21/13)
Old Town Cape is participating in Benjamin Moore & Co.'s "Main Street Matters" program. Participants can vote for Main Street to be revitalized by visiting paintwhatmatters.com and voting for Cape Girardeau once a day through June 30. If Cape Girardeau is one of the 20 cities selected, Benjamin Moore will commit to the revitalization using local retailers and painting contractors...
Cape Girardeau City Council action 5/20/13 (05/21/13)
Approved May 6 city council regular and closed sessions meeting minutes Approved an ordinance accepting a permanent access and utility easement for 1201 Broadway Approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute a state block grant agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the completion of a wildlife hazard assessment at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport...
Late sheriff's daughter recalls life in county jail (05/20/13) 11
The intoxicated prisoner was concealing something under her blouse. The sheriff suspected it might be a gun. He called his wife in to help supervise as deputies searched to see what the woman was hiding. "The lady pulled it out, and it was a baby rabbit," said Laverne Schwab of Jackson, who lived at the Cape Girardeau County Jail for nearly two and a half years in the late 1940s, when her dad, Herman Sewing, served as sheriff...
City watching for South Sprigg sinkhole growth (05/20/13) 1
A large sinkhole that caused the closure of the southbound lane in the 2300 block of South Sprigg Street earlier this month still could be growing. "We're checking it every day," said Tim Gramling, director of the Cape Girardeau Public Works Department. "We're seeing cracks appearing in the pavement. If the cracks get closer to the centerline, we'll have to shut down that part of the road to traffic."...
Arkansas man charged with bringing marijuana into jail (05/20/13) 5
An Arkansas man faces a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance inside a jail facility after a corrections officer found marijuana in his wallet, the Scott County Sheriff's Department reported. Arron McCrary, 24, of Truman, Ark., was being transferred Friday to the Scott County Jail from a correctional facility in Arkansas when a corrections officer found the marijuana during an inventory of McCrary's property, said Capt. Kenneth Kinder of the Scott County Sheriff's Department...
Cape council to hold hearings on community block grants (05/20/13) 1
The Cape Girardeau City Council will hold two public hearings today regarding new Community Development Block Grant applications. One project would help fund an innovative industry lab on Broadway; the other is intended to build public infrastructure to "assist a new company in locating to the city."...
Three Rivers College to open site in Scott City (05/20/13) 4
Three Rivers College will open an outreach site at Scott City High School, expanding a relationship between the high school and college. Enrollment began with a registration event last week. Scott City public schools have a long-standing relationship with the community college through dual enrollment credit courses for high school students. ...
Morehouse school to reopen as residential care facility (05/20/13)
MOREHOUSE, Mo. -- Two years after Morehouse Elementary closed, the former school building will once again open its doors to serve local children. This time, instead of a public elementary school, the building will serve as a children's residential care facility...
Poplar Bluff bank employee charged with embezzlement (05/20/13)
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The FBI arrested a First Midwest Bank employee Friday on suspicion of embezzling nearly $400,000 from the institution. Bank teller supervisor Leslie Ann Eastwood Kirby, 38, of Poplar Bluff turned herself in to authorities at approximately 8:30 a.m. at the Poplar Bluff Police Department...
Two men arrested on heroin distribution charges in Sikeston (05/20/13)
BENTON, Mo. -- Two local men are behind bars after being arrested on drug charges after a narcotic investigation in Sikeston, Mo. According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, Kermit Gillespie, 37, of Wyatt, Mo., and Lorenzo Robinson, 36, of Sikeston were charged with felony distribution of a controlled substance and misdemeanor unlawful use of drug paraphernalia...
Firefighters fight blaze at mobile home park in Cape (05/20/13)
LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Members of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department respond the scene of a mobile home fire Sunday evening at the Spring Court Mobile Home Park. ...
Steele police, state fire marshal investigate fire (05/20/13)
STEELE, Mo. -- Steele police and the Missouri State Fire Marshall are investigating a Thursday fire as arson. According to Steele police chief Joe Stanfield, at approximately 2:25 a.m., Steele fire and police departments were dispatched to a structure fire at 502 Wright Street...
Cape Girardeau County Commission agenda 5/20/13 (05/20/13)
1 Barton Square, Jackson 9 a.m. today Open session Pertinent address: 1 Barton Square, Jackson, MO...

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