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Can some tragedies be prevented?
(Column ~ 01/07/05)
There is nothing -- nothing -- funny about the loss of hundreds of thousands of human lives in a natural disaster like a tsunami. So don't expect any chuckles today to go along with your corn flakes. Sorry. Like so many of you, I have been astounded by the devastation, death and destitution that one earthquake can cause. And I have been heartened by the response of governments, organizations and individuals who want to help the tsunami victims in southern Asia...
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Setting the stage for selling downtown Cape
(Local News ~ 01/07/05)
When the announcement was made last summer that then- executive director Catherine Dunlap would be leaving Old Town Cape, the redevelopment organization's leaders said they wanted to bring in a director who could recruit more businesses downtown. That person, 29-year-old Tim Arbeiter, has been on the job one month now and thinks the downtown area is an increasingly attractive location both to businesses looking to locate in Cape Girardeau and to existing businesses...
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Suspects in church vandalism, thefts make first court visit
(Local News ~ 01/07/05)
Two Cape Girardeau men accused of vandalizing and stealing from five local churches and a law office made their first court appearance Thursday. Daniel Richard Rainey, 19, of 610 Red Bud Circle, and Erich C. Montgomery, 20, of 3002 Aspen Drive, Apt. C, both pleaded not guilty to 17 counts each, which included burglary, property destruction and theft. They are accused of vandalizing five area churches and a law office...
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Number of jobless claims jump last week
(National News ~ 01/07/05)
The number of new people signing up for jobless benefits shot up last week, highlighting the sometimes uneven nature of the recovery taking place in the labor market. The Labor Department reported Thursday that new applications filed for unemployment insurance jumped by a seasonally adjusted 43,000 to 364,000, the highest level since late September. The over-the-week increase of 43,000 was the most since the end of March 2002...
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Cardinals fill need for second baseman
(Professional Sports ~ 01/07/05)
St. Louis signed free-agent Mark Grudzielanek to a one-year deal. The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free-agent second baseman Mark Grudzielanek to a one-year, $1 million deal, putting in place the final piece of a retooled middle infield for the NL champions...
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Dexter's free throws thwart Rams' rally bid
(High School Sports ~ 01/07/05)
Dexter's accuracy from the free-throw line was too much for Scott City, as the Rams fell 47-38 at home in a girls basketball game Thursday night. Scott City (5-6) trailed 19-5 after the first quarter but cut the deficit to three with less than two minutes left. Dexter made nine of 10 free throws to seal the win and finished 19-for-22 from the line...
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Kelly's graduation policy
(Editorial ~ 01/07/05)
On the gut level, the Kelly School District's policy that keeps some seniors from participating in graduation ceremony seems unduly unfair. After all, students who fulfill both the state's and the district's requirements for graduation should be allowed to walk across a stage and receive a diploma even if they chose not to attend classes the final semester of their senior year, right?...
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Region's farmers praise appointment of Ferrell
(Business ~ 01/07/05)
Local farmers are hopeful that the appointment of Fred Ferrell to the state's top agricultural seat will mean good things and better representation for cattlemen and crop producers across Southeast Missouri. "Fred has been a leader for our area here," said Gerald Bryan, an agronomy specialist with the University of Missouri Extension office in Jackson. ...
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Southeast Missouri well represented at inaugural ball
(Local News ~ 01/07/05)
The Cape Girardeau Police Department has announced that it will conduct a Citizens' Police Academy beginning Feb. 3. The eight-week academy -- held one night per week for two hours -- will cover such topics as patrol, traffic, crime prevention, domestic violence, jail issues and health/nuisance concerns...
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Henson's return halted by illness
(Professional Sports ~ 01/07/05)
LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- New Mexico State coach Lou Henson was hospitalized Thursday with pneumonia, and he won't return to the sideline this weekend in a wheelchair as planned. Henson, 73, stricken in September with viral encephalitis, was scheduled to coach for the first time this season Saturday night against North Texas...
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Graduation is important milestone
(Letter to the Editor ~ 01/07/05)
To the editor: I believe that it is not fair to prevent any student who has earned enough credits to graduate from walking with her friends on graduation night. I would hope that the people who make these decisions will change their minds. Graduation is an important part of everyone's life, and no one should be deprived of that experience as long as she has the earned credits to do so...
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Kelly student obtained her goal too
(Letter to the Editor ~ 01/07/05)
To the editor: I was glad to see the article about the Kelly High School graduates. I could not believe what board president Jim Simmons had to say. Does he even realize what he said? His comment about the ball players is what angered me, saying that senior baseball players who have graduated can still play in the playoffs because "they've done what we expected them to do." It seems to me this young woman has done what was expected by having enough credits to earn a diploma...
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Pioneer cemetery needs attention
(Letter to the Editor ~ 01/07/05)
To the editor: I live in California, but I recently had occasion to visit the Summers Cemetery, or Cemetery No. 22, in Cape Girardeau County near Jackson. It is said that George Lail and others of the Lail family are buried there. George was captured by the Shawnee Indians at the massacre of Ruddles' Fort in Kentucky. ...
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Speak Out 1/7/05
(Speak Out ~ 01/07/05)
There's a way; Volunteer pride; ER is only hope; It would be too wide; Train revelry too noisy; No sale this time; Growth puzzle
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Robert Byers
(Obituary ~ 01/07/05)
Robert Earl Byers, 79, of Chateau Girardeau died Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. He was born March 5, 1925, in Columbia, Mo., son of Earl Dewey and Eula Ruth Buster Byers. He and Lola Shirleen "Shirl" Dossett were married June 12, 1948, in Lakewood, Ohio. She died June 18, 1998...
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Ruby Duncan
(Obituary ~ 01/07/05)
CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Ruby L. Duncan, 88, of Chaffee died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. She was born June 10, 1916, in Russellville, Ark., daughter of James Arthur and Frances Marie Floyd Mason. She and Clyde Duncan were married Dec. 10, 1937. He died May 14, 1997...
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Clarine Crader
(Obituary ~ 01/07/05)
Clarine V. Crader, 87, of Jackson died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at her home. She was born June 4, 1917, at Mineral Point, Mo., daughter of Ernest and Mattie Huskey West. Crader was formerly of Marble Hill, Mo., and a member of Harmony Congregational Methodist Church...
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Manning is unanimous selection for All-Pro
(Professional Sports ~ 01/07/05)
NEW YORK -- Peyton Manning was unstoppable on the field this season, and in the All-Pro voting, too. The record-setting Indianapolis Colts quarterback was a unanimous choice Thursday for The Associated Press 2004 NFL All-Pro Team. Manning received all 48 first-place votes from a nationwide panel of writers and broadcasts who cover pro football, the only player to sweep the voting this year...
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Jackson ready to assume more of Faulk's duties
(Professional Sports ~ 01/07/05)
ST. LOUIS -- The day the St. Louis Rams make him their feature back can't come soon enough for Steven Jackson. The rookie said Thursday he's shown the last few weeks that he's ready to take over from Marshall Faulk. "I think we're in the stage of passing the torch, that's how I feel," Jackson said. "I think we're in a transitiion of turning the offense over toward me...
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Special migraine
(Professional Sports ~ 01/07/05)
ST. LOUIS -- When Jeff Wilkins is using his shoulder pads, the St. Louis Rams know they're in trouble. Their kicker is supposed to be the last line of defense on returns, but all too often they've needed him to save the day. It illustrates the Rams' glaring weakness on special teams entering Saturday's playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks (9-7)...
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Unbeaten Jackson faces big challenge in Bluff
(High School Sports ~ 01/07/05)
Jackson's boys basketball team is undefeated through 13 games this season and is on pace to make a run at the team's top win total of 26 set in 1992. Despite their success, the Indians enter tonight's game against University of North Carolina recruit Tyler Hansbrough and the defending Class 5 state champion Poplar Bluff Mules as heavy underdogs. This will be the first meeting between the teams since Poplar Bluff defeated Jackson in the district finals last season...
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Southeast breaks spell cast by Govs
(Local News ~ 01/07/05)
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Forgive Southeast Missouri State women's basketball coach B.J. Smith for being a bit overly excited Thursday night. For the first time since Smith took over the program three years ago, Southeast has beaten Austin Peay, courtesy of a thrilling 59-56 road victory in the Ohio Valley Conference opener for both teams...
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Sounding out the future of audio technology
(National News ~ 01/07/05)
LAS VEGAS -- Ten thousand songs in your pocket. Millions of tunes on the Internet at your fingertips. And books on tape -- they're going down the path of vinyl records. Welcome to the new world of digital audio. Though the first portable MP3 player debuted in 1999, most personal music libraries still consist of piles of CDs, and relatively few people listen to digitally recorded radio talk shows and books...
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Mom's convictions in children's drownings tossed out
(National News ~ 01/07/05)
HOUSTON -- Andrea Yates' murder conviction for drowning her children in the bathtub was overturned by an appeals court Thursday because a psychiatrist for the prosecution gave erroneous testimony that suggested the Texas mother got the idea from an episode of "Law & Order."...
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Case of U.S. soldier charged in Iraqi's death goes to jury
(National News ~ 01/07/05)
FORT HOOD, Texas -- An Army platoon sergeant used unlawful military action when he ordered his troops to force two Iraqi cousins into the Tigris River for violating curfew, a prosecutor said Thursday in closing arguments. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Perkins, who is accused in the drowning death of Zaidoun Fadel Hassoun, 19, is being tried on charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, obstruction of justice and making a false statement...
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Army reservist to go on trial today in Abu Ghraib scandal
(National News ~ 01/07/05)
FORT HOOD, Texas -- Barring any last-minute plea bargain, an Army reservist pictured in some of the notorious photographs of Iraqi inmates being sexually humiliated at the Abu Ghraib prison will today become the first soldier tried in the scandal. Spc. Charles Graner, 36, is accused of being the ringleader of the abuse. He could get up to 24 1/2 years in a military prison on charges that include conspiracy, assault and committing indecent acts...
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Cold War super agent video game stylish and cinematic
(Entertainment ~ 01/07/05)
Don't let a funny title like "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" fool you -- this latest PlayStation 2 offering from Japanese video game guru Hideo Kojima is serious fun. Whether I was wading through the squishy muck of an alligator-infested swamp or breathlessly lunging through a forest to dodge arrows from an invisible enemy, "Snake Eater" is a varied, addictive game that's equal parts Rambo action and James Bond gadgetry...
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Father of Chicano music still rockin' in California
(Entertainment ~ 01/07/05)
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. -- He's a bit hunched over these days, his gait slowed somewhat by his 88 years, most of them spent traveling from one gig to another. But when Lalo Guerrero picks up a guitar and begins to sing -- first in Spanish and then in English -- there's no doubt one is in the presence of the father of Chicano music...
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U.S. military suffers nine fatalities in separate incidents
(International News ~ 01/07/05)
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A roadside bomb killed seven U.S. soldiers in northwest Baghdad and two Marines were killed in western Iraq on Thursday, the deadliest day for American forces since a suicide attack on a U.S. base last month. The bombing came as Iraq extended a state of emergency by 30 days to battle militants whose attacks have surged ahead of this month's elections. The prime minister warned the number of assaults would only rise as voting day draws closer...
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St. Louis teachers planning to strike Jan. 19
(State News ~ 01/07/05)
ST. LOUIS -- Barring resolution of a contract dispute, St. Louis teachers plan to go on strike Jan. 19, ignoring a state law forbidding a walkout, the teachers' union said Thursday. Negotiators for St. Louis Teachers and School Related Personnel Union Local 420 will continue to meet with school district representatives in an effort to avert the walkout, which would be the fourth in the state's largest school district since 1973...
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Jacob leaves labor commission for job with labor union
(State News ~ 01/07/05)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Former senator Ken Jacob, whose appointment to the state labor commission created a political firestorm, has left government to become executive director of one of the largest labor unions for state employees. Jacob said Thursday that he resigned as chairman of the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission because Republican governor-elect Matt Blunt had pledged during the campaign to remove Jacob from the position...
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Maxine Powless
(Obituary ~ 01/07/05)
TAMMS, Ill. -- Maxine Powless, 86, of Tamms died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo, Ill. She was born March 30, 1918, in Mulkeytown, Ill., daughter of James and Rosie Harris Fite. She and Gerald Powless were married June 27, 1942. He died Feb. 7, 1991...
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Marie Best
(Obituary ~ 01/07/05)
Marie A. Best, 84, of Jackson died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.
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Marvin Meyr
(Obituary ~ 01/07/05)
Marvin H. Meyr, 83, of Gordonville died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at his home. McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.
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Man with severe burns puts off hospital visit
(Local News ~ 01/07/05)
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- During a party on Monday night, a man says a methamphetimine lab exploded at the back of a modular home near Poplar Bluff, catching his shirt on fire and leaving severe burns on his head, face, chest and arms. Ernie L. Adams, 29, of Rombauer waited until Wednesday to seek medical attention because the home's owner told him not to go to the emergency room, according to police reports. ...
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State briefs 1/7/05
(Local News ~ 01/07/05)
Thousands without power after ice storm; Ex-investigator sentenced for role in drug ring
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Nominee Gonzales defends terror advice in confirmation hearing
(National News ~ 01/07/05)
WASHINGTON -- Attorney General-nominee Alberto Gonzales, under scorching criticism from senators, condemned torture as an interrogation tactic Thursday and promised to prosecute abusers of terror suspects. He also disclosed the White House was looking at trying to change the Geneva Conventions that protect prisoner rights...
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Microsoft offers free virus-removal, anti-spyware program
(National News ~ 01/07/05)
WASHINGTON -- Microsoft Corp., whose popular Windows software is a frequent target for Internet viruses, is offering a free security program to remove the most dangerous infections from computers. The program, with monthly updates, is a step toward plans by Microsoft to sell full-blown antivirus software later this year...
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Small ball - Undersized Eckstein promises a giant effort
(Professional Sports ~ 01/07/05)
ST. LOUIS -- For years, David Eckstein has dismissed the chatter by those questioning his range as a 5-foot-7, 165-pound shortstop. Little wonder that fielding questions Wednesday about how he'll fit in as Edgar Renteria's successor in baseball-crazy St. Louis didn't faze him a bit...
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World leaders push for faster tsunami relief
(International News ~ 01/07/05)
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- With health officials warning that the death toll of more than 140,000 from last month's tsunami could jump sharply without a continual supply of aid, world leaders struggled Thursday to figure out the best way to help victims -- and to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again...
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China greets its 1.3 billionth citizen
(International News ~ 01/07/05)
BEIJING -- Greeted by national television coverage of his first bath, a boy born Thursday was declared China's 1.3 billionth citizen in a blaze of publicity to promote the government's controversial "one child" birth limits. The 8-pound infant was presented with a certificate of his status following his birth at 12:02 a.m. ...
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Southeast Missouri well represented at inaugural ball
(State News ~ 01/07/05)
As Jefferson City gears up for the inaugural activities on Monday, a slate of individuals and groups with ties to Southeast Missouri are readying themselves to take part in the ceremonies. Among the locals who will help usher in the new state government are the Cape Central High School marching band, the Jerry Ford Orchestra, Southeast Missouri State University alumnus and Sikeston native Neal Boyd and the Dexter High School choir...
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Freshman senator Crowell named committee chair
(State News ~ 01/07/05)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State Sen. Jason Crowell was named chairman of the Senate Pensions, Veterans Affairs and General Laws Committee on Thursday, making him the only freshman member of the upper chamber to head a legislative panel this year. Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, spent the last two years as House majority floor leader, the No. 3 leadership post in the lower chamber. That experience may have helped secure him a chairmanship as a rookie senator...
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Area farmer picked as ag director
(State News ~ 01/07/05)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Fred Ferrell, a Charleston, Mo., farmer who multiplied a few cattle into a sprawling and diversified agriculture business, was named the next state agriculture director by governor-elect Matt Blunt on Thursday. Ferrell becomes the second Bootheel resident Blunt has picked to lead a state department. The first was Michael Keathley of Bernie, Mo., whom Blunt tabbed last month as commissioner of the Office of Administration...
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Court upholds ruling by former Cape judge
(Local News ~ 01/07/05)
A Missouri appellate court has upheld a ruling by former judge John P. Heisserer limiting search and seizure procedures. Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle, who appealed Heisserer's ruling from last year, said Thursday that he has not yet read the appellate court's order. But Swingle said he will pursue a further ruling...
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Into the tar pits - Dinosaurs either evolve or die
(Column ~ 01/07/05)
There was a time when the political lines about foreign policy were well drawn. Those on the left felt that American democracy and global capitalism did not necessarily offer the rest of the world a much better alternative than either Soviet-sponsored Communism or third-world thuggery. ...
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Cape police report 1/7/05
(Police/Fire Report ~ 01/07/05)
Cape Girardeau The following items were released Thursday by the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Arrests do not imply guilt. Arrests * David M. Howlett, 52, 210 Mitchell, Marston, Mo., was arrested on a Mississippi County, Ark., warrant for possession of pseudoephedrine with intent...
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Cape/Jackson fire reports 1/7/05
(Police/Fire Report ~ 01/07/05)
Cape Girardeau Firefighters responded to the following item on Wednesday: * At 8:15 p.m., smoke smell at 210 S. Silver Springs Road. Firefighters responded to the following items on Thursday: * At 1:11 a.m., emergency medical service in the 2700 block of Janet Drive...
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Southeast drops OVC opener 60-50
(Local News ~ 01/07/05)
Austin Peay defeated Southeast for the 11th straight time CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- All it apparently took to cure Austin Peay's woes was the presence of Southeast Missouri State University. The Governors, who lost four starters from last year's team that won its second straight Ohio Valley Conference regular-season title, limped into Thursday's league opener with a 2-10 record, albeit against a rugged schedule...
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Wilene Smith
(Obituary ~ 01/07/05)
SIKESTON, Mo. -- Wilene Smith, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005 at her home. She was born Aug. 27, 1927, in Crossville, Tenn., daughter of Franklyn Kelly and Laura Bell Bilbrey Neal. In 1942 she married Guy Wright Smith. He died in January 1991. Survivors include two sons, Ron Smith of Sikeston and Guy Smith of Los Angeles; two daughters, Donna Montoya of Los Angeles and Lorraine Bernal of Sikeston; four sisters, Maggie Weatherford, Cassie Bobo and Kelsey Brown, all of Jackson, Tenn., Opal Hayes of Tennessee; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. ...
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Thomas Stoops
(Obituary ~ 01/07/05)
Thomas Haywood Stoops, 88, of Scott City died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. He was born March 26, 1916, in Carrsville, Ky., son of Merit and Verda May Stoops. He and Della Graden were married in 1941 in Cape Girardeau...
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Out of the past 1/7/05
(Out of the Past ~ 01/07/05)
25 years ago: Jan. 7, 1980 LUTESVILLE, Mo. -- Broken combustion chambers in two suspended space heaters at the International Hat Co. here last week resulted in carbon monoxide gas leaks in the factory, causing headaches and eye irritations to some company employees...
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European visions of America
(Entertainment ~ 01/07/05)
The Statue of Liberty stands tall on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking over the great rift as a lush waterfall in the foreground tumbles into the depths. In another scene, a space shuttle blasts off through the eye of a great desert arch. These aren't snapshots from some surreal dimension -- they're part of the photographic works of Bulgarian artist Victor Kantchev (now of Cape Girardeau), whose works will be on display along with those of Armenian sculptor and painter Sergaey Martirosyan (now of Glendale, Calif.) at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri galleries at 32 N. ...
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Cooperative sells art to help tsunami victims
(Entertainment ~ 01/07/05)
The Visual Arts Cooperative is mobilizing to help with relief efforts in Asia as they hold a special "Save the Children" art sale throughout the month. Several small works and miniatures -- including watercolors, acrylics and digitals -- in a variety of styles will be on sale with all proceeds beyond cost of materials going to tsunami disaster relief efforts. In addition, at least one large painting valued at $175 to $200 will be on sale...
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Artifacts 1/7/05
(Entertainment ~ 01/07/05)
Elvis Presley birthday celebration tonight; Cache River Basin winery presents murder mystery; Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Thunder in Carbondale; Arts Council, Southeast Hospital seeking entries; Paducah Symphony performing Jan. 15; Burnin' Daylight to play at Sidewalk Sandwich Co.; Cantrells to appear at Underberg House Concert; V-Day Cape Girardeau to hold auditions Jan. 22
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Coming to theaters 1/7/05
(Entertainment ~ 01/07/05)
'White Noise'...
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Everybody's a critic - 'Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou'
(Entertainment ~ 01/07/05)
Three stars (out of four) An oceanographer with fading star quality sets off on a voyage to film what may be his last epic documentary. This unconventional plot serves as the basis for a curiously delightful film. The movie is enjoyable but not easily explained or categorized. ...
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Poplar Bluff couple charged after child dies
(State News ~ 01/07/05)
Daily American Republic Charges of first-degree child abuse and felony murder have been levied against the parents of a 2-week-old boy in connection with his death. The baby, Jacob Issac Conk, was born Dec. 12. He died at St. Louis Children's Hospital about 2:45 p.m. Monday...
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Births 1/7/05
(Births ~ 01/07/05)
Mahoney...
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Sports briefs 1/7/05
(Other Sports ~ 01/07/05)
Colleges...
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Cardinal Caravan to visit
(Other Sports ~ 01/07/05)
The Cardinals Caravan, featuring Cardinals players and staff, will visit the Osage Community Centre on Jan. 16. Cardinals scheduled for the visit are newcomer David Eckstein, Bo Hart, Carmen Cali and Mike Lincoln. Tickets go on sale today at A.C. Brase Arena. Tickets are $3, and children 2 and under free...
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Freestyle is Ford's idea of 'crossover' vehicle
(Column ~ 01/07/05)
Freestyle is Ford's idea of a "crossover" vehicle Nothing can be more daunting than planning and executing the annual family road trip adventure, and few things are more important to its success than your choice of vehicle. Have you noticed that lots of vehicles have plenty of room for the family, but no room for their luggage?...
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Springfield man -- Guardsman and former Marine -- killed in Iraq
(State News ~ 01/07/05)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A Springfield man who had moved to Arkansas to join the National Guard was killed this week in Iraq, Rep. Roy Blunt said Thursday. Jeremy W. McHalffey, 28, was one of three Arkansas National Guardsmen killed Tuesday when their humvee was hit by a roadside bomb in the al-Shaab district of Baghdad. They were with the 2nd Platoon of Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion of Arkansas' 39th Infantry Brigade. They had been roommates at the company's base at Camp Gunslinger...
Stories from Friday, January 7, 2005
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