ST. LOUIS -- A Southwest Airlines jet was evacuated just before takeoff from St. Louis Friday after a threatening note was discovered stuffed inside an airline magazine. Flight 821, bound for Orlando, Fla., was boarded and taxiing to the runway when the note was discovered at around 8:15 a.m., a Southwest spokeswoman said. Airport police chief Paul Mason said a passenger found the note stuffed inside a Skymall magazine and alerted a flight attendant. The note, written in cursive, read, "There is a bomb on this plane. You are about to crash and blow up." The plane was carrying 121 passengers, two pilots and three flight attendants. They were bused back to the terminal while the plane was taken to a secure area and searched by bomb-sniffing dogs. Luggage was also removed and searched. Nothing suspicious was found. Airport officials believe the note was a prank.

Background checks slow concealed firearm process

BENTON, Mo. -- After nearly a month of accepting applications for permits to carry concealed firearms, the Scott County Sheriff's Department still has under 100 background checks to conduct. "We've taken 70 applications," said Capt. Jerry Bledsoe said. "We've actually issued no permits." As the longest possible wait for applicants is 45 days, the first permits will be issued on May 15 at the latest. Scott County residents may apply for concealed weapon permits weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 5 p.m. at the sheriff's office in Benton. Permits to purchase or acquire a handgun are also available at the sheriff's office.

Husband of former mayor accused of vandalism

CALDWELL, Mo. -- Ronald O. McMillian, husband of former Mayor LaWanda McMillian, has been arrested in conjunction with property damage to the memorial tree recently planted in honor of deceased Alderwoman Vera Lee Langston. The tree was planted March 23 on the day Mayor David Bishop proclaimed to be Vera Lee Langston Day in Cardwell to honor her memory. A witness told police he saw McMillian causing the vandalism just after 5 a.m. Saturday. McMillian is set to appear in the Cardwell Municipal Court on May 13 for property damage. Langston died Jan. 13 of cancer while serving on the city council. This April would have concluded her first year on the council.

-- From staff, wire reports