Submitted photo

Southeast Missouri State University's Sundancers attended the National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance summer collegiate camp. Front row, from left: Heather Cook, Jennifer Cox, Kelly Willson, Jessica Dick and Ashley Collem. Back row, from left: Kate Bryan, Chela Rutlin, Lakisha Jackson, Tiffany Wills, Katie Cummings, Jennifer Clarkson, Jessie Ladd and Manda Hill.Cheerleaders return with wins from camp

Southeast Missouri State University's cheerleaders and Sundancers won several events at the National Cheerleaders Association and National Dance Alliance summer collegiate camp.

The competition was held at Southeast from July 30 to Aug. 4.

The Southeast cheerleaders won the "Most Collegiate Squad" award. The squad also won the co-ed division "Fight Song" competition and an automatic bid to the national championship competition in Daytona Beach, Fla.

They accumulated four superior blue ribbons and a spirit stick. Rachel Pointer, a co-captain of this year's squad, was named as the camp's sole All-American cheerleader.

Southeast's Sundancers won the "Best All Around" squad award and an automatic bid to the national dance team championships next spring.

Individually, the Sundancers have three All-Americans, Heather Cook, Manda Hill and Kate Bryan.

The team had three "Top Gun" winners. Cook won for "leaps and turns," Bryan won for "kicks," and Chela Rutlin for "funk."

Branum family gathers for reunion in Benton

The Branum family held its reunion Aug. 25 at the Christian Mission fellowship hall in Benton, Mo. A potluck dinner was served and family pictures taken.

The Branums are descendants of William Harrison and Ruth Underwood Branum of Hornersville, Mo.

Jumping mules entertain Cape rehab patients

Residents of Heartland Care and Rehab Center in Cape Girardeau were recently entertained by jumping mules.

The mules are owned by Ron and Terry Lorenz of Farrar, Mo., and Mike and Brian Frentzel and Jeff Bogenpohl of Uniontown, Mo.

A jumping contest was held for the mules.

Talent, pageant search coming to Cape

Diamond Girls and Boys, a national talent and pageant system, will hold a regional search Sept. 15 at Jefferson Elementary School in Cape Girardeau.

Age categories for the talent search are 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years, 13-15 years and 16 years and older. Winners will receive a trophy, medallion and $50 prize.

A pageant is also being held the same day. Winners in the girls' pageant will receive a crown, flowers and gift. Age categories are 0-18 months, 19-35 months, 3-4 years, 5-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years, 13-15 years and 16 years and older. Contestants will compete in beauty, casual wear and photogenic divisions.

For an application or information about the talent search or pageant, call Lisa Boyer at 332-1718.

Family reunion to be held at park Sept. 15

The Arnold family will gather Sept. 15 for a reunion at Cape Girardeau County Park North, shelter 8.

Family from Texas, Indiana, Illinois and Southeast Missouri are expected to attend. A meal will be served. For details, call Nathan Arnold at 986-7105.

Family reunion planned at county park

The Johns, Revelle and Cox family reunion will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Cape Girardeau County Park North, shelter 8. Bring lawn chairs, old pictures and plenty of food. Call Woodrow Proctor for more information at 334-3270.

Masonic lodge to elect new officers

St. Mark's No. 93 Masonic Lodge will hold its annual officer election at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Masonic Temple on Broadway in Cape Girardeau.

All master masons are encouraged to attend and vote.

Serviceman graduates Army basic training

Blake A. Ackman of Jackson, Mo., has graduated from basic training in the Army National Guard at Ft. Jackson, S.C.

He is now attending Southeast Missouri State University. He is the son of David and Janet Ackman of Jackson. He is a 2000 graduate of Jackson High School.

Cape library sale to be held this weekend

The Cape Girardeau Public Library's annual book sale will be held Friday through Sunday. A special preview will be held from 5-6 p.m. Friday for Friends members only. The sale will open to the public 6-8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

--From staff reports