Partly Cloudy ~ 87°F   River stage: 35.41 ft. Rising Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Stories Blogs Comments Photos Events Classifieds Marketplace Real Estate Everything Archive since 1918

Editorials Heat safety (06/19/13) We've had a few warm days this month, but if this year is like previous ones locally, we are likely in store for plenty of hot and humid days yet this summer. Last week the heat index surpassed 100 degrees in Cape Girardeau. Along with the humidity, temperatures were in the low- to mid-90s. This type of weather is wonderful if you're staying cool in the pool. But for those working outdoors or without air-conditioning, it can be dangerous... Dan Cotner (06/18/13) Dr. Dan Cotner and his trombone have been a fixture at the Capaha Park bandshell for longer than most of us have been alive. Last week, Cotner was recognized at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band concert for his record achievement -- 74 years of service to the band... Summer camps (06/17/13) No more morning school bus. Pencils, paper and calculators get a reprieve. Yes, children are celebrating the start of summer vacation. With a break from the classroom, students can now enjoy a couple months of summer fun. While family vacations, trips to the pool and Little League competition will fill some time, the youngsters have plenty of other options... Here's to you, Dad (06/16/13) The following is our annual tribute to fathers. If you are a father and holding this newspaper in your hand, you're probably one of the good guys. Well-informed, educated and responsible. You probably have changed diapers. Coached ballgames. Taken your child or children to church. ... Relay for Life (06/14/13) Relay for Life, a national campaign that raises money for research, treatment and recovery for cancer patients, will hold its annual walk tonight in Arena Park. Festivities kick off at 5:50 p.m., with a survivor dinner set for 6:30 and luminaria ceremony at 9:30. The walk concludes at 3 a.m. Saturday... AJGA in Cape (06/13/13) It's been a special week for the area as Cape Girardeau hosted the American Junior Golf Association Rolex Girls Junior Championship. The tournament, which started Monday and continues through Friday, has featured some of the top young female golfers in the world. In addition to U.S. talent, athletes from China, Japan, Ecuador, Venezuela, Thailand, Argentina, Mexico, South Korea, Canada and Puerto Rico were set to compete... Smoking cessation (06/12/13) We know the dangers. We know the importance of quitting. But for many smokers, kicking the nicotine habit is no small feat. A local smoking cessation class began June 5 and is being offered free to the community. Based on the Freedom From Smoking Program, the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center and Saint Francis Medical Center are offering the program in a group environment geared to help increase the likelihood of long-term success in living a smoke-free life... Helping Moore (06/11/13) Last month a tornado killed 24 people in Moore, Okla., ravaging more than 1,200 homes. The devastation is heartbreaking. But in the weeks since the destruction, we've seen countless examples of generosity. Strangers helping those affected -- donating monetarily and through volunteer efforts... Valedictorians (06/10/13) The big news has been dark news lately in Southeast Missouri. With shootings and discovered bodies grabbing the big headlines, we'd like to pause today and look at some of the good things going on in our communities. Every Thursday during the summer season we profile our area valedictorians. ... The Waller case (06/09/13) Stan and Ruby Rawson held a funeral for their daughter Saturday. We can't begin to imagine what they have been through in the last two years, nevermind the last two weeks. The same goes for Jacque Waller's triplet children, and their half-brother; and Jacque's sister, Cheryl Brenneke, as well... State champions (06/07/13) It's a Hollywood script no one would believe. Season after season, coming close but never winning the big game -- until the coach's very last game. Last month Oran baseball became state champions. The Eagles defeated the Santa Fe Chiefs on May 29 in the Class 1 championship. The final score was 8-4... Stillwells (06/06/13) When you think about people who make a difference in the community, Majors Ben and Beth Stillwell belong in the conversation. The couple has served in the Salvation Army for 28 years, the last six in Cape Girardeau. Later this month they will embark on a new challenge when they transfer to Marshalltown, Iowa... Train wreck (06/05/13) Last month a Union Pacific train struck a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train in Rockview, Mo. The crash led to several derailed rail cars, severe damage to a bridge overpass and seven injuries -- though none was serious. The derailment was the third for the area this year... Election Day (06/04/13) After months of speculation, political jockeying, selection processes and campaigning, today voters will head to the polls to elect a representative for the 8th Congressional District. The vote comes about six months after former U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson announced her resignation. Emerson left the House in January to take a position with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association as CEO... Summer concerts (06/03/13) Summer in the Cape Girardeau area would just not be the same without live music. Friday marked the third week of Tunes at Twilight, a musical tradition that dates back 12 years. Tunes at Twilight is held at 7 p.m. every Friday from mid-May through late June, resuming again in mid-August. ... Air show (06/02/13) It's good to see the air show back in Cape Girardeau. The city announced last month that the Cape Girardeau Air Festival will return after a two-year absence. The event will take place June 28 and 29. Currently on the schedule are the Aerostars Aerobatic Team, a group of planes that perform tricks in a tight formation and perform close pass-bys; Kent Pietsch, a pilot who performs an aerial comedy act and does tricks in a plane sponsored by the Jelly Belly Co.; Bill Leff, a pilot who performs an aerobatic routine and uses pyrotechnics at night in a T-6 Texan; Randy Ball, who performs in a MiG-17F fighter jet; and pilot Mike Rinker, who will fly an aerobatic SU-26 plane. ... Fair entertainment (05/31/13) SEMO District Fair officials recently announced the acts they're bringing to Arena Park this September. The fair will have a truck and tractor pull on opening day, barrel racing Sept. 8, a "freestyle madness" FMX [freestyle motocross] and BMX event Sept. 9, dual-demolition derby Sept. 10 and the 13th annual Heartland Idol on Sept. 11. The musical acts start Sept. 12... Mr. Smith: Our choice for Congress (05/30/13) Editor's note: As editor of the news department, Bob Miller abstained from the decision to endorse. Former U.S. Reps. Bill and Jo Ann Emerson were a fixture in Southeast Missouri politics for 30-plus years. In 1980, Bill Emerson, running in Missouri's 10th District, made history by becoming the first Republican to win the district's congressional seat in more than 50 years. In 1982, after redistricting, he regularly carried the 8th District until his death in 1996... Jackson teachers (05/29/13) This time of the year is usually one for recognizing students: graduations have commenced, students have received their report cards, and now they're looking to find ways to have fun now that school is out. In a general sense, not so much attention is given to teachers this time of year, though they're busier at year's end than any other time. ... Fireworks (05/28/13) The fireworks show is back on in Cape Girardeau. It's been a bit of a roller-coaster ride in the city during the last several years. In 2009, the city stopped funding the show for financial reasons, then the responsibilities were picked up by a veterans group, which announced in February it would not be able to fund fireworks this year... Memorial Day (05/26/13) The following is our annual Memorial Day editorial. When the first ceremonies were held following the Civil War to honor those soldiers who had lost their lives in battle, communities sought to pay proper respect to fallen heroes. Over the years, those observances have been adopted nationwide as Memorial Day. Several special events are planned throughout this holiday weekend, which also traditionally marks the start of summertime activities... Student athletes (05/24/13) Three Southeast Missouri State University athletes were recently recognized at the university's annual scholar-athlete reception. Jared Siemers took home the Jewel Award for the male athlete with the highest grade-point average. Emma Garrett and Margaret O'Neal took home the Trombetta Award, which recognizes the female athlete with the highest grade-point average... Spirit of America (05/23/13) One of the great honors we enjoy at this newspaper is recognizing those who make a difference in our communities. Each summer the Southeast Missourian presents its annual Spirit of America Award, a token of our appreciation for those who give selflessly... Spelling bee (05/22/13) Remember the days of spelling tests? There were flash cards and pop quizzes, and your parents or siblings had their own quizzing methods. While today's tools like auto correct and spell check are useful, the art of spelling shouldn't be overlooked. One local student soon will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C... State of the race (05/21/13) We are two weeks out from the 8th Congressional District special election. There has been one forum and a second, sponsored by the Cape County Tea Party, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Cape Girardeau Public Library. Republican Jason Smith, Democrat Steve Hodges, Libertarian Bill Slantz and the Constitution Party candidate Doug Enyart will all participate, as will two write-in candidates...

Campaign blogging