Cape Girardeau Superintendent Neyland Clark was hospitalized Saturday morning at St. Francis Medical Center for an irregular heartbeat.

"It's my understanding he got up this morning, went outside and got the newspaper and saw your preview of coming attractions, and developed heart arrhythmia," said Richard Steele, a family friend.

On Saturday, the Southeast Missourian outlined today's stories detailing the school district's use of credit cards. Those stories were discussed in full with Clark on Thursday.

"He didn't have a heart attack. In talking with Mrs. Clark, it's my understanding it was stress-induced," he said.

Clark's wife, Diane, took him to the hospital.

He was originally placed in intensive care, but by afternoon was transferred to a regular room, he said. Steele didn't know when Clark would be released from the hospital.